It isn't much. But it is something. I have the entire ending planned out and I think it is pretty unique. But for now I'd like bring some (much needed) character interaction.

Soul Society has changed.

When the Wandenreich first invaded, it was a complete disaster for the Gotei 13. Even with the suspicious events observed by the Twelfth Division and the sudden infiltration and murder of the 1st Division Vice-Captain, Chojiro Sasakibe, the Shinigami were still caught off guard.

Following this came a mess of confusion, hysteria, and shock. And many poor soul reapers died because of it.

When the death of the first-captain reached the Royal Guard, they knew it was time to act. But this type of situation was very unique. Never before since the founding of the Gotei 13 have they been called to support the status quo central 46 government. These two-thousand years of peace have allowed Squad Zero to invest heavily into the trust and faith they have in the strength of these soul reapers. So, when they arrived to deliver resources, anyone could image the shock on their faces when they saw how destroyed the once grand Soul Society was. Facing such dire circumstances, it was apparent that simply giving aid was just not enough.

So, they could only think of one other thing.

But this was complicated. Having all the members of Squad Zero present. No one was defending or watching the Royal Palace. However, Ichibei, the leader of this division knew that no one can enter the Royal Palace without getting through Soul Society first.

But who ordered this?

Ichibei Hyosube, the leader of Squad Zero, was in charge of this operation. He was also head of the armed forces and had supreme authority over everyone besides the Soul King itself. But a decision like this isn't something he would do.

The Soul King rarely spoke, and had very little power. But when it did want communicate, it was with absolute authority. It could give title's to individual's and approve their ascension into Squad Zero. Which explains why it is so exclusive. It must have been very confusing for Ichibei to hear that the King wanted Squad Zero to remain down here. But he complied, since in order to get to the Royal Palace, they need to get through Soul Society.

Ichibei was in charge of design, supreme leadership, and coordination of battle. He was also the strongest member and the one most likely who would fight Yhwach head on. His status alone gave many soul reapers morale, which was desperately needed. The monk held an infinite supply of wisdom which was just as durable as the strength in his arms. There wasn't a better replacement for Yamamoto Genryusai. The monk felt honored to replace his old friend in this situation. To defend what Yamamoto spent his life protecting and creating.

Oetsu Nimaiya felt overwhelmed. His job in the barracks of the former 13th Division was only to train as many high-ranking soul reapers as possible. Captains, Vice-Captains, and lower seats were ordered to report to him at all times. Unless of course they were injured or had specific duties for construction or other logistical missions. He was imperative. If the Shinigami couldn't beat them the first time, how the hell would they beat them the second time? Needless to say, many had to be trained.

Senjumaru Shutara was exhausted. Her personal Soul Palace guards were highly valuable due to their use in building and free labor. She however was in no relaxed mood. Her job ever since arriving was to weave, weave, do more weaving. Every Soul Reaper was planned to wear a coat of exquisite, Oken-Clothed armor. The defensive capabilities from this attire were immense. There was no doubt it could endure the rupturing power of the Wandenreich. Depending on your rank, the more or less clothed you were. Lower-tier Shinigami were only given fragments for vital areas. While the Captains could be wearing it all over there body. It was tiresom, but she took pride in her weaving and wouldn't fail in this moment.

Tenjiro Kirinji had the important objective of assisting the 4th Division. His plan was to create a medical bunker underground and in the center of the Soul Society. He was also in coordination with the Royal Guard engineers. Roads were being constructed specifically for dragging the wounded whether in combat or in peace time. Tenjiro was unique in his method to heal people on masse. His Zanpakuto allows the infamous hot spring treatment for one to quickly gather their strength back. The Shinigami of the Gotei 13 endured heavy casualties during the first invasion and desperately needed a man of his profession.

Speaking off loss of life, each faction held considerable damage so far in the war.

To calculate the sheer size of the losses of the Gotei 13, one must be given numbers. Before the war, each division had 13-Captains, 13 Vice-Captains and 200 lower-ranking members. Also, one has to factor in the Shinigami who aren't aligned with the Soul Society. This is mainly for Urahara Kisuke's group and the remaining Vizard who did not wish to return to the Gotei 13. All of this including reserves and members on leave add about to 3,000 members.

This was quite an army. In comparison, the Wandenreich had 30 Sternritter, who's strength varies compared to Captains, and had around 1,600 in total. Now, these were stats before the war began so obviously things have gone down for both sides.

Lastly in this bunch were the Arrancar. Who had taken a diplomatic stance since the war against the Shinigami. Their political position now was in a non-aggression pact with the Gotei 13 and since the invasion, it's fair to say they are even closer from this ordeal.

These are the casualties from all sides:

Dead Shinigami: Yamamoto Genyrusai, Retsu Unohana, Kensei, Rose, and Love.

Wounded/Incapacitated Shinigami: Zaraki Kenpachi, Yumichika, Shinji, Hiyori, Lisa, and Ikkaku.

Dead Arrancar: Zommari, Aaroneiro, Szayelaporro, Abirama, Aisslenger

Dead Quincy: BG9, PePe, Royd Lloyd, and Quilge Opie.

Not to mention the number of low-ranking fighters from all sides.

These deaths were only from the first battles of fighting. The main show has yet to start.

The Shinigami found fortune in the fact that the Quincy Empire were taking their time preparing for an invasion rather than pushing their advantage in hopes of an easy soul reaper break. Soul reapers had the advantage now at least. They had morale, home territory, and the fortification defenses which the Royal Guard are providing. It was amazing to see how fast things had shifted. If you look at the Gotei 13 from above, one would mistake it for medieval styled fortress. There were five giant pillars, four on each corner, and one in the center. They had windows, and were chain-linked to one another. Lower-tier Shinigami were all garrisoned at the top for scouting and maintaining many custom-built defensive weapons of war. The walls of the Gotei 13 were also being rebuilt. They were going to be doubled in height and in width. This was done mainly from the massive man pool they had from the local Rukongai. Since they fear their own lives as well.

It was comparable to Las Noches. Smaller and more centralized, but still being quite a marvelous sight.

"Hmm. Perhaps the third division can be here, and the seventh can be used as support." Ichibei observed the layout of the new grand Soul Society with hesitation. Placement of troops would be coordinated in a much more professional way than having all of them in their on respective compounds, "The boy Juha will want to fight me. But I will be occupied… who can take my place?" The monk sighed and put the clipboard down.

"Sir," said a deep voice. Ichibei turned around and smiled, "We have boughten the individuals you have requested." The Shinigami standing before the Monk all bore the 6th Division insignia. There were six of them, and in between their placement were two notable soul reapers who were not aligned with the Gotei 13.

"Very good, you may leave."

Ichibei smiled, which left a long awkward moment of silence.

"I have not broken your voice," The older man added, "At least, not yet." This one came with a suspicious laugh, "Do not be intimidated. I've received word of a pardon for all of your crimes." The two were shocked, stunned, even in disbelief. But the monk was a very honest man. He had nothing to lie about. His strength had no limits, "So speak, Tsukabishi Tessai, and Urahara Kisuke,"

A sigh, an exhaust of air, a release of a centuries worth of stress. Urahara leaned forward and placed his hands on his knees. Never in his life did he manage to hear those words. To have his crimes pardoned like this. People tend to forget that the reason he left the Gotei 13 was to go on the run. Urahara was too smart, his experiments were too deadly, and his inventions could be considered as weapons off mass destruction. And hear he was, at the grace of the leader of the Royal Guard say those words. Kisuke was blamed for many things, and some were his own fault. The creation of the Hogyoku, while innocent at first, ultimately led to Aizen's ascension into rebellion. But the one thing which made him a threat was not creativity and intellect, it was the information he gathered on one particular being. He knows what the Soul King is. Along with Aizen and Ichibe, these were the only soul reapers who knew. And this knowledge was dangerous. It cannot even be discussed now. Perhaps for a better time.

Tessai was always his assistant. The man didn't know anything about the Soul King, but he was still involved with Urahara to the point that he needed to be removed as well.

"Of course, I'll need your full assistance in this matter." He added with a smirk.

Urahara finally looked up and replied, "I had no intention of allowing Yhwach to do as he did. I don't know if you're aware, but that man sent a garrison to Hueco Mundo with the intention of occupying it. Many Shinigami and Arrancar are dead, but we've managed to recover Kenpachi and others."

Ichibei interrupted with, "Yes, Yes, I don't care about that. I wanted you two for one reason. I'm asking you to expel the Wandenreich from our shadows." The look on their face left them confused, "I have reason to believe that the reason we have not found this "Invisible Empire" is because they've been in a world much closer than we've had reason to believe. In fact, when I mean close, I mean directly below us."

!

?

"Their plan was to use the abundant Reishi that was only to be found in the Soul Society as the source of their power, so they hid and waited in the shadows for 1,000 years while gathering their power."

"I…" Urahara tried speaking.

"Do not ask," Ichibei replied, "I know this from one source. And I am not wrong. When the Wandenreich attack, it will be from within. I need you two, and Mayuri-san, to formulate a plan to prevent this world from being breached." One might question as to how the monk had knowledge of this, and for how long, "I've just recently learned this. Keep it quiet and do as I say. When we win this war, I'll have it personally seen to your pardon. "

Urahara knew Tessai would follow him no matter what. But the shop owner was hesitant. His friends were missing, they didn't know where he was. Yoruichi, Inoue, and Chad were all in Hueco Mundo, looking for Ichigo. Ichigo… his thoughts on that boy's situation ranged from dead to captive to outright fighting for the Wandenreich. If he's captive, he's with them, if it's fighting for them, well obviously he's with them. If he's dead… he's still with them. There would be nothing of value in Hueco Mundo.

"Did it tell you for this to happen?"

Ichibei grinned and happily replied, "Well of course. Only it could plan all of this."

The "Omega".

It was not the "O"-mega.

It was the Ω-mega.

But what did that mean? Why did he have a Greek insignia rather than the standard English variant? It was no doubt for a specific reason. A reason Ichigo had only real clue for. His only knowledge of what the word means in a more spiritual sense was that it is sometimes referred to as the "The End". But this made him feel uneasy. The End? The end of what? His life? The Wandenreich? The world? No, none of that, he shouldn't be thinking of that.

This was good, making these decisions, they were good. He had to keep a positive mind at all costs. There was a reason he was here. A reason which goes beyond a level of emotion. One might say why would he fight for a man who is responsible for his mother's passing? And that is no doubt a reasonable thing to ask. It no doubt takes an open mind to understand. Ichigo was not thinking of emotion, of anger, he was thinking of the future and what could happen.

'Your mother's death was not an attack on you. Do not take it personally.'

What kind of a response is that? Whatever, Ichigo does not see himself as a subordinate and servant of Yhwach. Sure, he was fighting under his banner, but from what information he has been given he feels it's a bit better to have the safety net that is the Wandenreich.

If Ichigo was going to be betrayed, why not now? Why would Yhwach give so much into him? Sure, he had skill. Sure, the teen was desperate and powerless at the time Bambietta had brought him to Silbern. But Yhwach does know that Ichigo will not blindly kill his friends, he won't. Fight them? Sure, he's done it before. This was all for purpose, this was all for reason.

But why trust his word?

Well, numerous circumstances have added to a point where Ichigo can say he is willing to trust Yhwach… for now. Not to mention he's built an identity here.

One of these circumstances was sitting right next to him in fact.

"Open," said the light, feminine voice of Meninas McAllon. Ichigo did so, in fear of retaliation, and accepted the offering she was giving. A sweet, perhaps breading with blueberry frosting. Stolen, most likely from the café or Liltotto, "Do you like it?"

He gulped, "I do." His words were toneless, empty, no passion whatsoever.

"Hm," The "P" said in frustration, "The chef said you'd like it. Perhaps I should have him flogged, slashed, drawn and quartered for lying to me."

Ichigo was horrified, he grabbed her hand and said, "Please, don't do that. I liked it. Thank you…" Her smile and nod convinced him that the discussion was over. At least, he hoped it was over.

"You know," She replied while lifting her legs up over his lap, "We have some time before the others wake up." Her arms wrap around his neck. The tension from her strength was too difficult to resist. Meninas leaned in and grabbed his head, "It'd be a great time…" His cheeks became inflated. The color darkening to red. Ichigo tried pulling her arms off of him. But she was strong, really strong. His heart began to beat at an alarming rate and his mind went blank. It seemed so suspenseful and tense. He was becoming stressed and filled with anxiety.

And then it happened.

And all his worries went away.

Her exotic perfume filled his nose. Her warm body heated the cold surrounding. But most significant of all, she was soft. Her soft lips pressed against his own had complete erased whatever was on his mind. To Meninas this was just an ordinary kiss. He wasn't really good at kissing, but it was something she had wanted to do for a while. Ichigo has only kissed Bambietta before, and that was a roller coaster itself. It was an exhilarating feeling, but he pulled back and said, "Minnie… you can't just grab me like that…"

Her mouth opened in surprise, "Oh, well, it just seemed so easy…"

Ichigo sighed and pushed her legs off of him. This was just too much. He isn't used to being infatuated like this. Casual teasing from Yoruichi or Rangiku while tempting, was not nearly as bad as it is now. Force kissing, force nudity, force confrontation, it was all so new and well, forceful. He doesn't really like it but he isn't going to just tell them to leave him alone. He knows he needs as many friends as he can have. Albeit, he did tell Bambietta to leave him alone and she had no issue doing that it seems. She wasn't the one doing all this stuff either. it was mainly Meninas, Giselle, and Candice.

"I should go apologize."

"Why?" Meninas asked, "She doesn't want or need one. You don't understand her well." The "Power" was unable to convince Ichigo. He's never lashed out her before, or any other women in his life. Either way, it's not like doing so would be bad.

"How long have you been here?" He asked. The teen knew absolutely nothing about some of the other Sternritter. Bambietta was probably the only one he had some details about. But those could have been lies. She looked at him, then up at the sky. Her finger placed on her lip, her response at first a long "hmmmm".

Minnie shrugged, "I don't know. Since I was a kid at least." Ichigo frowned. At that age she was conscripted. That's insane. What was he doing as a kid? Playing sports? Karate? Going to the park? Perhaps these aren't "normal" people because they never grew up in a "normal" environment. It explains why everyone is so damn cynical. The teen sighed and took in a moment of Silence. She didn't seem to mind, since her hobby of blatantly eyeing him at any range was something she could do for hours.

"Oof! Hiding all the way back here!" Meninas sighed while Ichigo looked curiously for the high-pitched voice. Giselle skipped over to the two with a warm smile on her face. Which quickly ruined into a vicious grin when he looked away. The "Power" was already annoyed with her friend's appearance. So annoyed in fact she simply walked up and left before she even got there. He tried stopping her, for his own safety, but she wouldn't have it. Just seeing the other Quincy unsettled her. Which was odd, they never had type off issue in the past it seemed.

"Gigi," he finally said with a smile, "How are you?"

"Better." He answered, "Did you need something?"

She played with her thumbs and avoided eye contact. "Maaaaybeeee…" There was something cute and funny about her innocent appearance. She was shorter than the other three and was overall a different type of person than Candice or Bambietta, "I have an order aaaaaand, I'm kind of scared to go do it."

Ichigo was confused, "You? Scared?"

"GET ME OUTTA HERE!" The rupturing pressure of a man slamming the palm of his hands against the wall rang through the echoes of the nearby area.

This area of Silbern was remote, cold, and unforgiving. Its design was to be one of the most extreme forms of torture imaginable. It was essentially a giant pit with a gated reishi roof which would disintegrate anything that crosses it. Not to mention the walls were specially designed to circulate a form of reishi which could naturally regenerate itself if destroyed.

The individuals captured in this giant pit were not Shinigami prisoners of war, but rather Arrancar captives.

Nnoitra Gilga, Tesla, Findorr Calius, Menoly Mallia, Loly Aivrirne, Gantenbainne Mosquda, and Ggio Vega all reside. They were standing on one portion of the wall while another group consisting of Apacci, Mila Rose, Sung-Sun, and Yammy.

This was quite a mass of powerful Arrancar. The powers ranging from lower-class all the way to Captain level.

"Now!"

The call triggered every Hollow to release a powerful Cero. They figured if everyone released enough power all at once they might have a chance of breaking the entire thing. Those at Silbern looked over in confusion. A bright light was able to pierce the sky and almost make an impression on the white clouds. It was unfortunate for them. While it seemed as if their combined attack made an impression on there imprisonment, the walls were able to close in just as they were able to spread out. Yammy tried placing his large body in between the barrier but was shocked to see that the wall was merely wrapping around him. He had to withdraw, otherwise his entire body would have been stuck.

"Hold on," Tesla said loud, "Something is coming… no, someone is coming…" This was expected. They had hoped they could break out before a guard came to check in.

"It's…you…"

Going back to the founding of the Arrancar race, things were not a smooth transition. Hollow did not simply bow down to Aizen Sosuke at an instance notice. They were beastly creatures, they fought for survival. That created a culture of fighting, of proving yourself, of being the strongest of the strong. It fed into egoism, narcissism, and overall countered the idea of Hollow unity. Very rarely could you find one Hollow who was so strong that others would submit. This was usually a King of Hollows, which was a title claimed by many but never solidified as a permanent title. Aizen was the one to change that. He expanded the almost nothing Las Noches into a grand fortress which its biggest weakness being too large. It was a monumental effort and it was one of the reasons why the Hollows could put some faith into the Shinigami.

But those Hollow who ventured to Aizen to seek power were skeptical. Some of them died, some of them got exactly what they wanted. But one thing many of them had was that instinct to be as strong as possible. And that clashed with their mentality to refuse servitude to another being. It was down to two sides. Either submit to Aizen and grow strong. Or oppose Aizen and die. Although many Arrancar submitted to Sosuke, they swore to never that infused with the man. Killing him would always be in the back of their minds. And they wouldn't hesitate if they knew they could challenge him.

But there was one issue.

Aizen was scary. Not scary like a child watching a horror movie. Scary like if he raised his reiatsu just a little, even for a few seconds, it could cripple majority of the Arrancar in the vicinity. The man also had no issue in ordering anyone to be killed if they were deemed unworthy. And the sad thing is, it would be other Hollow doing the killing. Three Shinigami were able to control this entire fortress and manipulate the greed and envy each hollow had. He played them all like a game and in the end, they were all cut down. So, by knowing this it is fair to assume that the Arrancar saw Aizen as someone who had the power of a demigod. Strong, brought fear to everyone, and no one understood him. A mystery man, fear by his subordinates.

And then he was defeated.

Amazement. What kind of person could beat Aizen Sosuke in a fight? Who in this universe? God? Well, their long-awaited question was right in front of them. The human defender, the substitute Shinigami, the infiltrator, the enemy of Arrancar.

Kurosaki Ichigo.

The teen looked down with his eyes wide open. He didn't expect the Wandenreich to have captured them. Although, he supposes it is a better alternative than to just outright killing them. Giselle watched with an eerie smirk as the Hollow stared at her companion with such…fear. Yes, that is right, most of these Hollow were afraid of Ichigo. Yammy and Nnoitra? More thrilled than feared, but still amazed.

They've always wanted to know him, to know his power. Who could defeat the monstrosity known as Aizen?

Ichigo broke the silence by saying, "Sup…"

Should they hate him?

Or praise him?

"Well!" Loly yelled, "He's wearing one of their fucking uniforms, so it looks like he's against us, again!" Her words reached everyone else's ears. They understood that he was not here to rescue them in any fashion.

Ichigo didn't hate the Arrancar. In fact, he's never really "hated" any enemy besides Ginjou up until this point. In fact, he befriended a few of them, and they were crucial in his role to survive. Invading Hueco Mundo was no easy task. It was unfortunate this was the situation. Even though many of these Hollows were following Aizen, they don't anymore. The teen wishes he could help them. But he isn't going to risk it all to save them. Nnoitra spat, "Well, well, well! The living corpse is fucking back. Tell me kid, what was more satisfying? Killing Ulquiorra or beating the shit out of Aizen? I know I couldn't make up my mind on that one!" Yammy rolled his eyes while the other lower ranking arrancar remained silent.

'What are they doing here?' Ichigo asked himself. This was a very awkward situation. Giselle had asked him to come here. That she had some assignment or something. Speaking of the "Zombie". He looked down to avoid the Hollow's gaze but was completely taken off guard.

Giselle! His eyes nearly exploded out of there socket. The girl was limping next to him, blood was everywhere it was like a sight from a meat factory, or a slasher movie. What the hell just happened?! His mind begins going in circles and the first thing he does is wraps an arm around her back and holds the female close. There was so much blood, her body was essentially desecrated. He's never seen so much blood in his life. It's a horrific scene and he's terrified. He looked down to see an arrow on the ground. Meaning, it wasn't the Hollow, but a Quincy who did this. Even when he died, he couldn't see this much gore. His head shakes, but his eyes trail down. The wound was from her shoulder down to her stomach. This has never happened before in his life. Someone bleeding to death in his arms.

"Ichi…go…" a faint voice said. The teen with his mind still stagnant used his shaking hand to lift her cheek up. Her beautiful face was tainted with blood covering the left half, "I'm dying… I need… a kiss…" His eyes twitched with shock and confusion, 'It won't help now… but at least I'll die happy…" Oh god, he still didn't know what just happened. She kissed him. His eyes closed and he agreed for this happen. Giselle, while supposedly dying, went all in for this. Her lips completely dominating his own. She then leaned back, grinned and lowered her eyes, "Now… choke me."

"W-What?"

The girl swiftly got up and raised her arms in the air, "Now you're all mine, you worthless animals!" The Hollows could feel the red liquid which was her blood reign down on them. Giselle looked to the ground and pulled the arrow which she used to slash open her own body. It only took a few drops of blood for everyone in this pit to come under her control.

"Sorry berry-chan," Giselle said with a smile, "I had to get them to stop blowing things up. Would have made it a lot harder. But thanks for helping me out." She said this while still bleeding and having her body torn up.

Ichigo looked at his hands, "You're…insane…"

She laughed and walked over to him. Giselle leaned down and whispered, "Well… then I guess you like insane. You don't even know, you're as hard as a rock. You're a bit of a weirdo yourself, berry-chan."

The teen sat there on the ground. His eyes still wide and his mind still dazed.

Hirenkyaku.

Ichigo was unarmed. He was not allowed to defend himself in any conventional fashion. Instead, he was working on his flexibility and agility. The teen would slide across the room, or in a close call, use Hirenkyaku. The speed method was the variant similar to Shunpo or Sonido. It wasn't hard for him to learn it at all. He was already a Shunpo master and had some "unconscious" experience using Sonido. Having the foundation of speed would make up for the lack of defense his human body can endure. It wasn't like being in a Soul body where it had not only much more strength, but had immense durability.

Gerard Valkyrie slashed outward. Ichigo simply jumped back and avoided the decapitation attempt. As soon as his feat touched the ground, Lille Barro aimed his rifle and pulled the trigger. The teen didn't even need to see it to know where to dodge.

The "X-Axis" complimented, "Very good." He then jumped down and approached the teen, "Are you all right? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Ichigo muttered, "…You're not going to believe what happened to me this morning."

"Tell it at break. For now, I've been given orders to awaken what you have been given." Lille's words made his eyes light up, "The "Omega" … there was a time where I thought I'd never meet you." His cryptic words were meant with Ichigo's silence. He wouldn't have answered his inevitable question anyways.

What kind of wicked powers was Ichigo entitled to now?

Lille leaned in and whispered, "You need to keep this type of training to yourself. You see, people like you and I, we're different. We actually have purpose here. The rest of them, you know, the plebeians, they can't know what we are and what we can do."

Ichigo looked him in the eye and said, "What can we do?"

Gerard laughed, and Lille wanted to join in but didn't feel it was appropriate, "You'll see in time. Either way, we have a higher calling. Now stand back."

The teen relaxed himself looked at his comrade.

"Close your eyes," Lille instructed," In order to learn your schrift you must fight. Consider it like growing. You don't necessarily feel it but you will notice the difference in time." Ichigo's spiritual pressure began to rise. Instinctively, a dark black and blue reishi bow formed in his right hand. His uniform began to even change. Multiple black markings began appearing all over his white clothes. Mainly, on his chest. At first nothing else came. But as Lille and Gerard watched, they became confused. The ground around them in this training arenea began to shake. Objects which were placed onto the ground suddenly broke off and we're ascending throughout the area. A circulation of wind made it difficult for them to hold their ground. Rieshi was began ripped from the walls and sent into this magnetic field that Ichigo had been creating. The power Lille is witnessing, it is not just a single type of a power. But a broad spectrum of reishi supremacy, negation, overruling.

His power was only beginning to blossom and mold.