Review Time:

Linkonpark100 - :)

ZZZ-Boy999 - Hehehehe...well, just keep reading.

XXinsidemymindXX - Thanks for reading! And yes, there will be a lot of pairings...some your usual Bleach fandom flair, and the others ones I personally like. Hope you enjoy what's to come.

RG - I had the feeling the chapter would disappoint you...some of your more recent reviews have been hinting/hoping for a massive overhaul of how things function in Bleach, and I certainly don't blame you. The current system has its flaws and Kubo has long since bothered to even touch upon it. But I think the issue is...it's not that I or any other author would be unable to write the overhaul you described, but in the context of this story, the larger issue of how SS has its flaws wasn't a major theme of the fic. Did I focus on the idea of change? Did I showcase the problems? Why yes! But it wasn't inherently there from the beginning nor did I think I would start writing about it back in November.

And that's the idea when you have characters with godly power - you can make them do ANYTHING if you wanted to, but there's always the problem of balancing major feats with just being Sue-ish. That being said, Orihime did cause something to happen, and you'll find out what. It's not what you're hoping for, per se, but it's an alternative I thought of and liked.

And actually, the beginning momentum of this fic's plot was inspired by me wanting to address other narrative problems Kubo neglected, so you're not alone in the idea of using fanfiction as a platform to take on what the original author did not. More on this in the final notes.

Hope you can enjoy the epilogue. I still have to thank you for always giving your detailed opinion and reviewing very often.

Epilogue – Crossroads

The sun was shining brightly in the skies of Soul Society, with not a cloud in sight. The day that the war was finished, everyone involved in the conflict had breathed a sigh of relief.

All of the bloodshed, the pain, the chaos…..had ceased. And this special day – one that everyone knew was coming – meant a lot for all.

"Hmm…"

Jushiro Ukitake sat down on the grass. He had seen much strife in his day, but he was one to always appreciate any peacetime that came his way. A boring day was at least a safe day.

"Hey….you're on time."

He looked up, just as Shunsui Kyoraku sat down next to him with a bottle of sake. He passed a cup to his best friend and poured himself a glass.

"Me? Shunsui, you were always the late one when we were in the academy."

The kimono captain chuckled and poured his fellow captain a glass.

"Just making sure you're sharp as ever, buddy. It's been…..how long since we fought?"

"It feels like it was yesterday." Jushiro sipped his cup and looked to the structure in front of him. It was a large wall erected to honor the fallen of the War of the Worlds. Considering that it had been impossible to claim any dead bodies…..this had to do.

The wall had the names of every member of the Gotei 13 – including some special names – that had perished in the war.

In the center – with the largest font – were the words Genryusai-Shigekuni Yamamoto, Head-Captain.

"That's the problem." Shunsui said, eying the same name. "It…..it's going to be a long time before any of us can put this behind us."

"I don't think we can. Some of my soldiers….still have nightmares about the Segunda's mist. Some of them break down in tears when someone accidently starts a fire. Some of the horrors….will haunt us forever."

Another line was Sajin Komamura, Captain of the 7th Division.

"Hmm…." Shunsui refilled his cup. "Another chapter in the life of the Gotei 13."

"We've got a lot of work to do, Shunsui…..it's a greater undertaking than anything Genryusai-dono ever attempted."

"Yep. But it's not like it'll just be me and you, buddy."

Jushiro eyed the line that read Shuuhei Hisagi, Vice-Captain of the 9th Division.

"You're right. We've lost so many allies, friends, and loved ones…..and at the same time….we've made new ones. It makes me a little nervous to see what the future of Soul Society will be."

"Yep."

Shunsui took another sip and glanced at Love Aikawa, Captain of the 7th Division and Rojuro Otoribashi, Captain of the 3rd Division.

"Y'know….Ichigo-kun and his friends are what started all of this, right? They're the ones that kinda opened our eyes to our faults. Maybe it was fate."

"Was it? Or was it a long time coming?"

A middle line read Tessai Tsukabishi, Kido Corps Captain.

"Maybe both."

Under that line was Hachigen Ushoda, Kido Corps Vice-Captain.

"I feel so guilty, Shunsui. All that's happened…..it had to take one of our own defecting and nearly bringing everything to ruin – murdering many on the way – just to start all of this."

"That's why we don't forget." Shunsui swished his cup around and eyed Chojiro Sasakibe, Vice-Captain of the 1st Division. "But as long as we can see the future…..we'll be okay."

Jushiro smiled, the wind blowing through his long white hair.

"Well…..I do believe I should be get going. I have another meeting, and then there's the preparations to be had when the others arrive….."

Despite not being affiliated, Ryuken Ishida, Quincy was another line. The race was technically no more, but there would always be a place in history for their kind.

"Isn't there some prisoners to check today?" Shunsui asked, looking at the line that read Kaname Tousen, Captain of the 9th Division.

"Aaah…..yes, there are. I'll have to contact the 2nd immediately."

As Jushiro put the cup down and began to walk away, his friend grinned and finished the last of the bottle.

"Sure thing….Head-Captain."

A certain vice-captain entered the bottom floor of the Maggot's Nest, carrying a lantern for light. The prison still stood, but after the war, new trials were to be established for those inside. After all, nobody wanted to risk another Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

Some would even get a second chance….but the process would take some time.

"Man…..I'm so bored."

Some quicker than others.

"Well, at least they finally gave you a razor."

Gin Ichimaru stood up in his cell, smiling when he saw the familiar face of one Rangiku Matsumoto.

"Hey! Boy, am I glad to see you, Ran!"

"Me too." She said, taking his hand from behind the bars. "You'll just to have to wait a little while longer, okay? Today's the day."

"Oh yeah…..shouldn't you be there, seeing her off?"

"I am! But I wanted to say hello to you first." She purred.

Of all of the members of the SWA, she was the one that had to wait the longest for that special one. And she certainly wasn't going to let him out of her sight!

"Awww…..thanks. So when I get out-"

"Tuh tuh. You do realize all of the clans and delegates and stuff will be hearing what you have to say, right?"

"What? But I have Ukitake and the others. I'll be fine! He didn't even want to jail me in the first place. And then there's Hime-chan's testimony….."

Rangiku's smile faded.

"You'd be even more fine if you didn't do it in the first place."

"Rangiku…I'm sorry."

"You've been saying that for over 2 years now! You had your reasons…..but I only wished you could've kept me by your side. I...hope you understand that."

"I do, you can believe me."

But her trust for Gin would take some time to be fully mended. "If you say so. Anyways, I'll see you later. I've got to get ready!"

"Wait! What are we gonna do when I'm finally out?" He asked.

"Let's see….."

Rangiku caressed his face and lowered her eyelids ever so slightly to activate her "seduce subordinates to avoid work" mode.

"How about we have some alone time with me…..you…..and….the twins."

Gin looked down at said "twins".

"Can't I go out now?"

"Noooope~! And by the way, this will only happen if you've been a good boy. So wait for Mama, okay?"

"Aw, don't start talking dirty to me, I'll never make it!"

"Ciao!"

Rangiku waved and left. But it didn't take long for Gin's next visitor to show up.

"Hello, Ichimaru-san."

"Izuru! Am I glad to see you…..did you…..get them?"

Kira scratched his head.

"I'm sorry….but Lady Shiba destroyed the photos that were under your desk."

Gin sighed.

"Well….I guess my imagination can do for now. I don't suppose you can imitate Rangiku's voice while I get to it, huh?"

"Sir….I do have a lot of work to do, you know."

"Oh right! Today IS the day….."

"Man…today's so damn hot!"

Ikkaku and Yumichika, accompanied by some of their division members, were digging troves through some fields.

"And I feel filthy! This is torture, Ikkaku…"

"Aw shut up. We told the Captain we could get this done. How much is left?"

Yumichika pulled out a map of the Soul Society and pointed to their current location.

"Well we're here…..and we have all of this ground to cover before nightfall."

"…..fuck."

It would also take a little while for Kenpachi Zaraki to forgive his third and fifth seat for their deception. But at least Yachiru held no ill will.

"Hey Third Seat Madarame, can we take a break?"

"No, you shitheads! Don't make me tell the Vice-Captain you've been slacking off!"

The rest of the 11th whimpered and dug faster.

"Goodness…." Yumichika wiped his head with a rag. "Aren't you excited, at least? I wonder how many of them are going to join us?"

"Our division? Dunno, but we need some new recruits, stat. Too bad the academy's latest batch still ignored us…."

Yumichika made a sound of disgust when Ikkaku shoveled some dirt onto his foot.

"These are new shoes, Ikkaku."

"Yumi, I'm pretty sure I have a sunburn now. Top that."

The fifth seat picked up his shovel again, only to hear a familiar voice.

"Do you guys need some help?" Hanataro Yamada was walking by with a large cart of medical equipment. "I have some time."

"Ha! You're from the 4th, you can barely lift paper clips!" Someone mocked.

"Maybe you can get us drinks instead, you wimp!"

"OI." Ikkaku spun around and grabbed his zanpakutou. "That's Yamada, you punk. You want me to tell Captain Zaraki you dumbasses have been picking on him?!"

Now the division was crying (and digging faster!)

"We'll be fine, Hanataro." Yumichika said, wiping some dirt out of his fingernails. "I'm sure you have a lot to do as well."

"Oh yes!"

"Say…." Ikkaku stopped to spit. "How about we get a drink to celebrate all of this, huh? I'll buy!"

"No thank you, Madarame-san."

Hanataro smiled and wheeled his cart onward.

"I have a date tonight."

Silence.

"A what?"

"Well this is depressing."

"I know, Yumichika, how the hell did he get a girl?!"

"No! This dirt ISN'T COMING OUT!"

"So this is the address…."

Elsewhere, the three former members of the Vandenreich that had survived – Candice, Liltotto, and Meninas – were looking at the place of their childhood.

"It looks so….different."

The Regenbogen Tage, once a worn down hovel of gray and dirt, looked white and clean, as if it wasn't the source of abuse for many children in the past.

"…maybe we should go home."

"Candice, this is our last day, remember?" Liltotto said, glancing at the mark on her hand. "And we said we would visit it."

"But….you girls think Hans is still here?"

Meninas and Liltotto didn't answer, instead looking nervous.

"Whatever! I guess we have to find out."

For the first time in a very long time in their lives, each girl was dressed in *normal* clothing. No uniforms to signify an empire, and nothing ratty to signify they were ever part of this orphanage.

Candice walked up to the door and ringed the doorbell.

"I don't see any cars…."

"I wonder what happened to the *real* inspector." Meninas said. "Ro….The Natural never told us."

"Death, probably." Liltotto said.

"Can you two shut up for a minute? Don't start talking about them!" Candice snapped. When she turned back to the door, she saw a middle aged woman with short brown hair.

"You….."

"You….recognize us, lady? We just wanted to finish this place since uh….we grew up here."

The woman rubbed her eyes. "Catnipp….Lamperd….McAllon….don't you recognize me?"

Angela had become the new orphanage director.

XXXX

"Here you are."

The three took the mugs of tea from the tray, and Angela sat down across from them. They were in a small kitchen area with a wooden table, and they had noticed the children playing outside from the window.

The happy children.

"I…..oh god, I don't even remember how long it's been…..you all look so young!"

Living in Silbern, in the space between dimensions….also meant they had aged slower than they normally would.

"Well…..we uh….know a couple of professionals." Candice said. "What the hell happened to this place?"

Angela shook her head.

"The last day any of us saw you girls….Basterbine killed Olaf, right? We were terrified and told Hans….but when he saw that you five had run away…..it only made things worse for us."

"What? B-But we ate gruel and didn't wear shoes….how did it get worse?" The pinkette asked.

Angela lifted up her shirt to show several painful-looking scars. Some pieces of her skin were black.

"At that point….Hans just lost it. He was obsessed with trying to find you girls, but….all of us were getting sick of it. When you girls did what you did…..it showed us that we shouldn't take it anymore."

Liltotto took a cookie from the plate and bit it.

"Did Hans die or something?"

"We…..managed to contact someone." Angela whispered. "…the police arrested him."

"Ha! So that bastard finally got what he deserved!"

"After that, the government stepped in….and reformed this place. We get so much funding, and inspections are done every week, from different people. I…..just wanted to give back."

"I'm surprised Ida's not helping you." Candice said.

"….Ida died a long time ago, Catnipp."

The three girls shared a look.

"….How?"

Angela smiled sadly. "…..hung herself one day. Hans….was a very violent man."

"….sorry." Liltotto mumbled.

"No! None of you should be apologizing! Not after the way we all treated you all." Angela said, wiping her eyes with a tissue. Ida was her best friend, after all.

"You don't need to, Angela." Meninas took another sip of her mug.

"Yes, I do. After the day Adolf died, we all treated you like you were murderers….and when Gewelle came…we just made it worse. The awful things we said about her…..what happened to her and Basterbine, anyway?"

"They're both dead." Candice said bluntly.

"Ohh…I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. When we left…we weren't really thinking about you guys." Liltotto explained. "After a while….we just learned to block it out."

"But….what made you want to come back?"

"Ha…..just felt like it, I guess." Candice said. "And it looks like it changed for the better."

"It has…..the children are always smiling. I make sure of it. I…..never want them to be in the same nightmare that we were in."

"Angela…"

"Um…..the cane….." Meninas looked towards the foyer. "…..you got rid of it, right?"

"That was the first thing the police took." Angela said. "…..Hans never washed your blood off it."

The three winced, but they suddenly had a new idea.

"Hey….mind if we take a look upstairs?"

XXXXX

"Wow….they even painted the walls…."

The girls were looking around at the beds, and each one stopped at the ones that used to be theirs. Liltotto lifted up her old matress.

"Awww….they threw my cookies away."

"Hey!" Meninas had lifted hers up and found a nice surprise. "Rocky!"

"You're not keeping that, Meninas!"

"It's funny…." Liltotto put the mattress down. "This place was horrible….but we only became friends because we all were sent here. If we didn't….."

"…we probably would be alone." Candice whispered.

"….."

"…..I'm glad."

The other two looked at Meninas, who had put Rocky back to be a charm for someone else.

"I'm glad we all met each other. All of the bad times we had…..we endured them together. And all of the good times….felt all the more special."

"…yeah." Candice smiled, and Liltotto did the same. "And I'd do it all over if it meant being with you girls."

"….should we make a marker for….Bambi and Gigi?"

"Nah."

Candice stepped over to the window and looked at the ground below, the same spot where the five had jumped out to avoid the police and Hans' wrath.

"This place was our home….but it's changed. So have we. It's only fair we decide where to honor Giselle and Bambietta."

"…the wall." Liltotto whispered. "You told Ukitake to…."

Candice nodded.

"I mean…..if we're going to be there for the rest of our time….might as well have them nearby, no?"

"Ha…..you okay, Captain?"

Deep in the lowest floor of Muken, three Gotei officers had been chosen to break in the former Arrancar to the cause. Luckily for them – thanks to Orihime Inoue – losing their souls turned them into a Plus, but they still had the reiatsu and general composition to potentially climb the ranks fast.

No need for the academy for Aizen's former minions.

"I'm fine…." Toshiro Hitsugaya panted and flexed the ice of his Bankai. "It's time I get stronger anyway."

"Yeah." Renji Abarai wiped the blood from his forehead. "Same here."

The two looked to the center of the chamber, who looked the worst and was dueling them all at once. He laughed manically and ripped his eyepatch off.

"HAHAHAHA! COME ON, IS THAT IT?!"

Kenpachi blocked slashes from Neliel, Harribel, Stark, and Grimmjow. Each fraccion also aimed for his head, but he knocked them back.

"None of you are gonna be Vasto Lordes anymore! No resurreccion to help ya!"

The Tres Bestias all stabbed his torso, but Kenpachi swatted them away.

"Why does he have to be so reckless…." Toshiro sighed.

"Well, Captain Zaraki wants to get stronger too, right? Can you believe he has Shikai now? Imagine….when he gets Bankai….."

"I'M CHALLENGING ICHIGO!" He shouted.

"NOT BEFORE ME!" Grimmjow roared, and he hacked at the large captain.

Kenpachi already knew he was going to join his division.

"Captain, Vice-Captain, are you ready to get back into things?" Harribel asked. "Head-Captain Ukitake and the others requested we become top Shinigami as soon as possible."

Toshiro stiffened, and Renji clutched his broken ribs.

"Sure thing…."

Elsewhere, the members of the 12th were surveying a local village.

"Hmm…..that completes this sector….."

Akon wrote down a few notes, and began to crunch some more numbers.

"Ah, Third Seat Akon?"

Iemura and some of his division had arrived as well, albeit for a different reason.

"Yasochika…..I guess Captain Unohana had a special mission for you guys?"

"Yes…..it's been a very difficult process, but we're trying to give medical care to any person that needs it. Luckily we didn't lose too many of our own in the war, but..."

Akon didn't look amused.

"….I'm sorry. W-What is your division doing?"

"Simple stuff, really." Akon pressed a few keys on his device – a black box with a white monitor – and wrote down the signals displayed. "Mapping out Rukongai, doing a census….and seeing which areas are rich in spirit energy."

"And?"

Akon smirked.

"All of them, at this rate.….we're going to receive a large number of Shinigami. Some….have already enrolled in the academy. Some might skip years. "

"Wow…..it's like a miracle, wouldn't you say?"

"Nah."

Akon wrote down more notes.

"Miracles are those who believe in the divine, the unknown, the mystical. Orihime-chan very much intended to do this. She knew we had to restore our ranks….and hopefully prevent more Arrancar."

"It might be too much for the Gotei to handle."

"Maybe. But everyone's gonna do their part now, no matter what division they're from. Should be interesting to see what happens…"

Akon checked his watch.

"Ahh. I'd better finish up my report before Captain comes back. I haven't even cracked the top of the district list."

"Oh that's right…..today's the-"

"Yep." The third-seat finished. "Captain Kusamiya left not too long ago."

Meanwhile, Kukaku was watching her servants clean the interior of the once-abandoned Shiba Manor. Now that her clan had jumped back to its prestige….it had be carried in a certain way.

"Oi! You bastards better make sure my cousins will have clean rooms when they arrive!"

"YES MA'AM!" Hoganehiko and Shiroganehiko both shouted. Ganju soon entered the building and sat down.

"Man! I'm tired…."

"How goes the lessons, Ganju?"

"Ah, Kukaku…..pretty hard, but I'm managing." He replied, removed his new zanpakutou from his waist. His sister would make sure he got a worthy position in the Gotei.

"Good."

She smirked.

"It feels….pretty good to have our clan back in the spotlight, Ganju. I've got some big plans in store for us!"

"Makin' fireworks?"

"You're thinking too small! Now help me set up…..Uncle Isshin and his kids will be here later today! We….can have a big family dinner to celebrate."

The two looked at the portraits of Kaien and Miyako on the wall, framed with gold and hanging above a fireplace.

"It'd be great….right, Kaien? Miyako-chan?"

What was this day, you ask? A very special day, and it was only fitting Karakura Town looked as sunny and clear as the Soul Society did. The springtime air blossomed the flowers and the trees, and the birds chirped as they flew across the sky.

Kisuke Urahara was hammering up his closed down shop. It had served him well – a new home, a base of operations….a way to rebuild his new life after exile.

"Everything cleaned out?" Yoruichi asked behind him. Jinta and Ururu were standing next to her.

"Yep. It's all gone. Someone else can make a wonderful sexy shop here." Kisuke smiled.

"I'm gonna miss this place….how about you guys?"

"Yeah…." Jinta muttered.

"Mm-hmm…." Ururu murmured.

"Yeah, we've had some great times here! So many customers, and so many interesting guests….Kurosaki-san in particular probably has some fond memories."

Kisuke put his hat back on and finished the last nail.

"Kisuke…."

"We should get going, everyone. I promised Isshin we'd be on time! Can't be late for our friends' ceremony, can we?"

"Let's go." Yoruichi took the hands of both children and began to walk off, taking one last look at the Urahara Shop.

The former owner looked at the space where the sign once hung.

"Well….I guess this is goodbye. We made sure we cleaned the place proper before doing this, Tessai. I know how much you appreciated a clean shop! Hehehe…."

He put his hand on the door, and laughed again.

"Karakura's been in great shape, old friend. You and Hachi….did a good job protecting it."

He laughed some more, but his eyes were starting to water again.

"I feel so bad, Tessai. Without you….who will keep an eccentric shopkeeper like me in check? I guess we have to see."

Kisuke turned and began to walk away from his store….for the final time in his life.

"By the way…..did you know they offered me your old position?"

"Man…..they didn't change anything."

Tatsuki Arisawa watched her parents shuffle around the house to begin their day. Their only child had perished over two years ago, and while the household was calm….the pain would never disappear.

And worst of all, she was unable to talk to them.

"Hey Suki-chan!"

Tatsuki turned her head, only to get a big hug from her president, vice-captain…and friend.

"…..Yachiru."

The SWA president smiled up at her and sat down in the air next to her, her uniform matching that of the black-haired girl.

"Watchin' your parents?"

"…..yeah. Usually we'd be eating breakfast and talking about the day…but they're not even talking to each other."

"Ohhh….."

"They actually left my room the way it is."

Yachiru floated up and looked inside.

"Wow….they did!"

"I'm gonna miss them. I mean…..I have since….that day, but now…..it still hurts. And according to Ichigo's dad, they really don't have any reiatsu. I don't think they'll be seeing spirits."

Yachiru descended.

"It's okay, Suki-chan…..if you want, I could deliver a message to them…somehow…."

"Nah. As long as I can come to Karakura, and just take a look around every now and then…..I'll be fine. Mom and Dad were never ones to believe in the supernatural anyway."

"…."

"C'mon, Yachiru. We should get to the school. The others will be there, right?"

"Of course! I told all of them to get a specific gift! Hime-chan will be so happy to see us!"

"Ichi-nii will be so happy to see us!"

Karin and Yuzu were standing outside the clinic, both dressed formally. Today was the day of their brother's graduation from high school, and them themselves graduated from middle school not too long ago. Today would be their last day in Karakura.

"You ready to go, girls?"

Isshin stepped outside and locked the door one last time, Kon on his shoulder.

"So you're really leaving this place?"

"Yeah, Kon. We're all going to Soul Society to be with Ichigo, to begin the newest chapter of our family's life. In fact….everyone's packing up and moving. Time to reign it in."

"Man…." Karin looked down the street. "That's where Rukia-nee gave him us powers. Where it all began…."

"Daddy….." Yuzu looked at the clinic, sign long removed. "What….happens to Mommy's grave when we're gone?"

"Oh don't worry about that. We can visit Karakura every now and then, and I've got someone in mind. Let's get going, girls."

The twins took one last look at their home, and both of them smiled. They both bowed, muttered a final tribute to their mother, and began to walk away.

Isshin, on the hand….waited by the door for that "someone".

"Hey. Glad you could make it!"

Don Kanonji, local spirit hunter and popular TV host, flashed a toothy smile and looked at the clinic.

"But of course! My disciple and his friends….have done so much for this wonderful town, right? It's only fair I repay the favor! Without them, the bad spirits would've taken over the planet!"

"You're fine with staying here?"

"Bwahahahaha yes! Someone should be there….to always protect this town!"

"The Gotei will be around if you need help, Kanonji." Isshin began, walking off himself. "You got the guide Urahara sent you?"

Don Kanonji twirled around and raised his staff, smiling wider.

"Spirits be with all of us!"

Where was everyone going, you might ask? As per the Soul King's order, Ichigo Kurosaki and company would at least be allowed to spend their remaining time in Karakura until their high school journey was complete.

By the cars and commotion around Karakura High this morning, that day could only mean one thing – their graduation ceremony.

Rukia Kuchiki, now the Vice-Captain of the 13th Division, stood on top of the roof, scanning the crowd approaching.

"Wow…so many people. I think I see Ichigo's family somewhere…."

"Ruki-Ruki!"

Yachiru and Tatsuki appeared next to her.

"Is everything ready? You all remembered to get what I asked for?"

"Yes, President!" Rukia said, saluting. "But I don't think the students have seated themselves yet." Tatsuki took the opportunity to look at the stage.

"Suki-chan…..are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine!"

She looked across the field at the memorial for her by the dirt track. Even now, the picture and candles were maintained very carefully.

"We just need for Blondie to the give the signal….."

The three saw the flashing of light from a nearby window.

"Ah, Kotetsu's doing morse code?"

"Perfect timing!" Rukia pointed to the stage. "The students are filing out, and the principal is about to speak…."

XXXXX

"Man…..I didn't think we would get this far….."

Ichigo and company were walking to their seats, all dressed in their uniforms and all some combination of eager and scared to finish it all.

"Today….is the last day." Uryu said softly. "We've all this time for a send off, and yet….it feels like we didn't have enough time."

"Yeah…."

Orihime, having a close surname, took the seat next to the ex-Quincy.

"Can you believe it….Ishida-kun?"

"Not particularly." He said, smiling. Both of them leaned over slightly and saw Ichigo waving at them from his seat.

"Hey…..guys! Can you see me?!" Keigo called out, turning head around. Being "A" meant he was the furthest from the group.

"Yes we can." Ryo said dryly. She was sitting right next to Ichigo. "Kurosaki, you said Urahara-san and his shopgoers were going to attend as well?"

"Yeah. Knowing him, he'd probably have some ridiculous entrance, just like my da-"

"HEY ICHIGO! WAVE TO YOUR FATHER!"

Ichigo facepalmed. That could only be his father shouting from the backrow, and he was certainly sure Kisuke Urahara was sitting next to him. The airhorn sounds were a dead giveaway.

As well as a giveaway for-

"Hi everyone!"

The spiritual aware teenagers – Ichigo, Orihime, Chad, Uryu, Chizuru, Michiru, Mahana, Ryo, Keigo, and Mizuiro – all looked up at the same time to see Yachiru floating in the air in front of them.

"Yachiru-chan…." Orihime smiled. The vice-captain jumped down to hug her.

"You look so pretty today! All of you do!"

"Where's Tatsuki-chan?" She whispered.

"Don't worry, you'll see her. All of you will! We'll be watching the ceremony!"

The girl looked puzzled when every student stood up.

"What's going on?"

Ichigo yanked her by her ear.

"It's the national anthem, Yachiru. You'd better get back to the back with Dad and the others. You…"

Everyone was staring at him. He blushed and released Yachiru, looking forward. Some students (coughKeigocough) were definitely snickering at his apparent ramblings.

"Okay Ichi!"

Yachiru took the easiest route – stepping on his head – to get to the back. The rest of the group took a peek back to see the Shinigami group, but they hadn't appeared quite yet.

"Oh that's a shame." Mizuiro said mildly. "I wanted to see Matsumoto-san again."

"HEY GUYS! I CAN'T SEE?! DID THEY SHOW UP YET?!"

Ichigo took off his shoe and threw it directly at Keigo's face.

"Time yet?"

Nemu Kusamiya, now the Captain of the 12th Division, turned to Kiyone Kotetsu, who was now the Vice-Captain of the 1st Division.

"Yachiru told us to wait until Orihime-san takes the stage…..alone."

"You think she will? I haven't been reading too much on the customs here…."

"She will." The Captain of the 2nd Division replied. "I've scanned this entire area. The principal is bound to dedicate a moment to Arisawa."

Soi didn't flinch when Yoruichi appeared behind her.

"Well well, you're all on time!"

"Yoruichi-sama." She greeted with a smile.

"Goody!"

Yachiru appeared and looked to her members: Nanao, Kiyone, Isane, Retsu, Rangiku, Momo, Soi, Nemu, Rukia, Yoruichi, and Tatsuki.

"You're all here! Let's get ready!" She said, rummaging through her supplies. "It's only too bad we couldn't get everyone here to cheer Hime-chan on…."

"The Gotei has more work to do than ever, President. Besides…" Nanao pushed her glasses up. "You're going to hold the party when they arrive in Soul Society, correct?"

"That's all ready to go! Thanks for the new meeting room, Boobies!"

Yoruichi smirked. The spacious Shihouin Manor would serve them well more than their old clubroom, given the fact that they (technically) had over 20 members now.

"Oh, I hope Orihime-chan won't get nervous if she sees us." Retsu said. "There seems to be a lot of people here today…"

"Yeah!" Kiyone lifted up her binoculars. "I see Lady Shiba's family in the back….!"

"You said you had plans for Yuzu and Karin, right President?" Momo asked.

Yachiru grinned.

"They're gonna be the new rookies, of course! We can tell Rainbow and the others to ditch the headbands. But now…they're going to be SUPER rookies!"

Rukia and the others gasped.

"Well our club has g-gotten bigger." Isane said.

"Look!" Tatsuki pointed. "The principal's speaking! I think this is the moment…."

"And now, before I begin with the diploma distribution…..I'd like to dedicate this moment….to a student that tragically lost her life over 2 years ago." The principal of Karakura High began, clearing his throat. "Her name….was Tatsuki Arisawa."

The crowd all lowered their heads in respect.

"She excelled in P.E and sports, and will be fondly remembered by all of her friends….including, Orihime Inoue."

Orihime stood.

"She was Tatsuki's best friend….between that and the fact that she has the highest grades of her year….it is only reasonable she give a speech to all of us. Inoue-san?"

Orihime nodded and walked from her seat to the stage, and everyone clapped. When she reached the podium, the principal stepped to the side to let to speak.

"Hello….classmates, parents, teachers….and friends. I….I'm still a little surprised a klutz like me got to the top of the class! Heh…heh…."

The crowd chuckled.

"Tatsuki was always making sure I did all of my homework, and we would always help each other study. I….first met her in middle school, when she saved me from some bullies."

Ichigo watched her carefully, smiling at her to give her confidence.

"From that day on, I knew we would be best friends. She would probably be scolding me right now for looking down at my speech and not at the rest of you!"

"You bet I would!"

Orihime looked up, eyes wide. When she saw it…..she smiled and continued, throwing the paper to the ground.

"Tatsuki-chan was more than a friend, actually. She was like a sister. If it wasn't for her….well, I wouldn't be who I am today."

At the back of the crowd, the members of the SWA were all standing and holding up a large banter reading Congratulations, Orihime! You're the best! You did it! Kiyone had taken the time to draw every member of their pack all hugging the auburn-haired girl.

Each member had their bandanna tied around their necks, with matching face-painted lines on their faces. Momo, Kiyone, and Isane were waving flags.

"She taught me how to stand up for myself, and without her….I wouldn't have found the man I love. Ichigo Kurosaki."

Ichigo blushed again when he felt the whole crowd staring at him. (Karin had to punch Isshin to stop the onslaught of "THAT'S MY SON, EVERYONE!")

"She helped make me into a better person…..and while she….isn't with us anymore….I know she'll always be there….watching over me."

"H-Hime…."

"HIME-CHAN!" Yachiru was standing on Nemu's shoulders, blowing her air horn. "WE'RE ALL HERE TO SUPPORT YOU!"

Orihime smiled wider.

"So when we think about Tatsuki-chan, we shouldn't be sad."

Chizuru smiled.

"We should be happy. All of the great times we've had with her…"

Ryo smiled.

"All of the wonderful memories...they'll still be there."

Michiru smiled.

"All of her friends and family…..won't forget her. That's not she would want! She would want us to laugh! She would want us to cheer!"

Mahana smiled.

"Because…." Orihime put a hand to her stomach. "She'll always be in our hearts. Right….Tatsuki-chan?"

The members of the SWA all looked over at Tatsuki, who was starting to cry like a newborn infant. Nemu passed her a tissue.

"O-Orihime….!"

"So we should celebrate this happy day! We're all going to move up in the world….and find our own destiny."

Orihime looked to the sky.

"And the memories we've made here, in school…..will guide us through the unknown."

Ichigo, Uryu, and Chad all shared a look at each other, and smiled in turn.

"Because if there's one thing I learned….." The savior of the Soul Society put a hand to her temple, feeling the spot where her pins used to hang. "….you don't walk on the road alone. You walk with the people you love….the people you treasure….."

Now each member of the SWA was shouting their cheers.

"YAY ORIHIME!"

"GO HIME-CHAN!"

This caught the ear of Isshin, Kisuke, Jinta, Ururu, Karin, and Yuzu, but they merely began to shout their own cheers.

"…the people you care about! You always have someone with you! And….for me, my friends will guide me!"

Ryo, Chizuru, Michiru, and Mahana began to cheer as well.

"Inoue-san…that was a touching speech." The principal clapped, and the audience followed suit. "Tatsuki would be glad if she was here."

"Oh don't worry about that, sir. She's closer than you think." Orihime turned to the crowd, bowed, and winked at Tatsuki, who winked right back.

She gave a wave to everyone cheering her as she walked back to her seat, including the SWA.

"Hime-chan…..!" Yachiru giggled. "I'm so happy, Nemu-chan. She'll be able to spend ALL of her time with us!"

"Yes. It is a wonderful thing." Nemu replied. "But…..there is a catch."

Yachiru looked to Orihime's four human friends.

Finally, when the ceremony had concluded, every graduating student was going off with parents, siblings, and relatives to celebrate.

"Orihime?"

Orihime was looking at the front entrance of the school when Tatsuki's parents walked to her, both smiling.

"That….was a beautiful speech you made."

"Oh….are you sure? I wasn't so confident when I started speaking…."

"Are you sure?" Tatsuki's father put a hand on her shoulder. "You brightened up when you got rid of the paper. I guess speaking from the heart was better, hmm?"

"I guess so." Orihime smiled.

"Orihime…..we have to thank you for doing so much for our daughter. You two really did carry on as sisters, and I'm touched on how much you care – you set up the memorial at the school, you made posters-"

"I didn't go to the funeral." She said quietly. "Arisawa-san…..er, and Arisawa-san….can you two forgive me?"

"Nonsense, Orihime. You made our Suki very happy, and there's no price in the world for that."

"I only wish she could've saw all of us one last time…." Tatsuki's mother took out a tissue from her purse and wiped her eyes. What she didn't see – as her husband – was her daughter standing right next to her. "Every day…..feels so hard to get through."

Orihime hugged both of her friend's parents, as did Tatsuki…even if the latter phased right through them.

"So you really won a scholarship to study overseas, Orihime? Good for you. Your aunt will certainly miss you."

"She….will."

"What about Ichigo-kun? A long-distance relationship seems tricky…."

At that, Orihime's expression brightened again.

"Don't worry, we can make it work!" She winked at Tatsuki when the two parents looked at each other.

"If you insist. Remember Orihime….if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call us. Tatsuki would be upset if we didn't try to stay in touch!" Her father said.

"Yes, thank you."

"Take good care of yourself, Orihime-chan."

Both of Tatsuki's parents hugged her before walking off.

"Man…..they really haven't changed."

"Tatsuki-chan…..we can always watch them. I don't think the Head-Captain would mind, right?"

"Nope!" Yachiru said. The SWA were now standing in front of her.

"Excellent speech, Orihime-san." Nanao said. "If you wish, I can release the transcribed version to the other members of the Gotei….many of them wanted to come to cheer you on."

"Oh….thanks…."

"Don't worry. The plan is to have you and your friends simply spend a week or so getting used to everything. The Gotei has been doing a lot in this time." Retsu said.

"Nemu-san….they made you a Captain?"

"Yes. Akon and the others insisted I take the position after the war. Many agreed, including the nobles. It seems….they technically trusted me more than they did-"

"Inoue-san! That was wonderful!"

Kisuke Urahara and the others (Isshin, Ichigo, Uryu, Chad, etc.) were on the scene was well.

"Urahara-san…."

"Yes. But even he wanted me to take the position."

"That I did, Nemu-san! After all, I can have someone who's my rival! Maybe we can out-invent each other?"

"You realize you're technically on probation for the Hogyoku incident, right Urahara?" Soi asked.

Kisuke just fanned himself.

"Orihime….we're going to go pay one last visit to Mom's grave before we have to go. What are you going to do?" Ichigo asked.

"Well….."

"HIME!" Chizuru had hugged her from behind, stopping before the breast zone when she caught Tatsuki's glare. "That was a-ma-zing!"

"You looked so nervous….." Mahana said. "Are you okay?"

"Now? I'm fine, girls!"

"Come on, let's break this up." Isshin laughed. "There's no need to suffocate Orihime with so much attention! You want to be with your friends, right?"

Orihime looked from her Shinigami friends….to her human friends.

"Yeah. Yachiru-chan, it's okay if you girls wait for me, right?"

"Of course! But before you do, we have to give you some things!"

Yachiru sped down the path.

"Things?" Orihime gasped when the girl came back and put a 10-meter tall teddy bear into her hands.

"That's from Ukki! And this is from Shun-Shun, Nel-chan, Shiro-chan, all of us, Sunglasses, Pineapple Head, Baldy, Feathers-"

As the girl rattled off the names of more and more Shinigami, the amount of gifts (stuffed animals, flowers, candy, kimonos, perfume, more candy, etc.) being thrusted into her hands was starting to make Orihime lose her balance.

"Ahhh…how much more stuff is there?"

Nemu took out a piece of paper from her pocket.

"The current roster of the Gotei 13 stands at-"

Everyone sweatdropped when Orihime fell down at the 19th bear thrown on top of her.

Later, the members of the Kurosaki family (with Uryu and Chad) arrived at Masaki's grave. Only this time, a marker for Ryuken had been planted close to her.

"Well…..this is the day, Masaki. We're all going to leave…..to be in Soul Society."

Isshin gestured, and his kids all put a flower on the stone.

"Mom…..when you show up as a new soul….." Ichigo traced her name with his finger. "I promise….we're all going to find you. We'll keep you safe….like a family is supposed to."

"Don't worry about us, Mom. We have Ichi-nii, Dad….heck, the whole Gotei watching over us now. Did you know the old goat was super popular back in the heyday?" Karin did the same tracing.

When it was Yuzu's turn, she fought the urge to cry.

"W….We'll visit your stone all of the time, even when we become Shinigami! Because we're family! And family always sticks together!"

But she did anyway. Karin hugged her.

"Ishida?" Isshin gestured for the ex-Quincy to go next. But his father wasn't the only name on the stone….it read:

Ryuken Ishida

Kanae Katagiri

Soken Ishida

Proud members of the Quincy race

With the last sentence written in German.

Uryu placed three flowers on the stone.

"Mother….Father….Grandfather….never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen. Me…going to live in Soul Society. Such is fate, as they say."

Uryu took off his glasses.

"The Quincy name doesn't mean anything now….but it will always mean something to me. My thoughts will always be with the three of you. You…..do not have the luxury of reincarnating like Masaki Kurosaki….but that doesn't matter."

Ichigo and Chad both put a comforting hand on each of Uryu's shoulders.

"….I will never forget, but I will look to the future. All of you loved me, in your own ways. I intend to pass that love onto my own children some day."

He bowed.

"Wherever you are….please, rest in peace."

His teardrops were beginning to stain the ground.

"Ishida…."

"It's alright, Kurosaki."

Uryu put his glasses back on.

"I'm glad. I am glad I have avenged all three of them…..and that I can spend my days….not alone….but with my friends."

"Ishida…..would you….like a hug?" Chad asked.

Uryu turned around.

"…..I would like that very much, Sado-ku-"

His two friends hugged him before he could finish.

"You're not gonna be alone, Ishida, never. We stick together….until the very end." Ichigo said, putting an arm around Karin and Yuzu.

Ichigo. It means Protector, right Mom?

Elsewhere, Orihime and her friends were lying on a hill, watching the sky.

"So…..this is the last day, hmm?" Ryo asked.

When the worlds had been put back, Orihime wasted no time in explaining the situation, showing them her Soul King symbol, and even Tatsuki arriving to supplement the story. The four of them were stunned, but they were also happy.

Their town had been saved, their friends came back, and there would be a future for all.

"Yeah…..you think we did enough?" Mahana asked.

Orihime made sure to spend all the remaining time she could with her friends, in order to make some lasting memories as a human.

"We're gonna think we didn't when it happens." Chizuru said.

"What are you girls gonna do, anyway?" Tatsuki asked, lying next to Orihime. "School?"

"Yeah. Ryo-chan even got accepted to Tokyo University!" Michiru exclaimed.

"Really?!"

"Heh….you sound like my dad, Tatsuki." Ryo said, closing her eyes. "He even wanted to take me out for a drink…."

"So Tatsuki-chan…you actually joined the 11th?"

"Heh…..I know I know, Captain Zaraki is kinda nutty. But what the hell, everyone enjoys a good fight….plus I can hang out with Yachiru."

"Say, Orihime….maybe one day we can meet the rest of the Gotei 13?" Mahana asked. "They sound so interesting…."

"Heh…..sure. Just because the two of us are going to Soul Society….that doesn't mean we'll never see each other again!"

"But we're not all gonna hang out around Karakura."

"Ryo-chan! Don't say that!" Michiru sat up, as did Mahana.

"It's true." Chizuru said, sitting up as well. "You two are going to Soul Society, and the four of us…..we all got accepted to schools outside the area."

"Oh….but that's okay, girls! We can always use Karakura….to meet up, right?"

Orihime's five friends all nodded.

"Because…..no matter how far we are….we'll always be friends." Tatsuki said.

"And nothing will ever change that." Mahana said.

"Be it life….or be it death." Michiru said.

"Our goals might be different….but if we just always think about each other…..all of us…..can accomplish what we want to." Ryo said.

"That's what all true friendship is all about." Chizuru said.

Orihime looked up, and saw two hands waving at her.

"Oh…..the sun is starting to set…..how long have we been out here?"

"Maybe too long." Tatsuki grinned.

Orihime laughed, and she took one look at each member of the group.

Tatsuki Arisawa.

Chizuru Honsho.

Ryo Kuneida.

Michiru Ogawa.

Mahana Natsui.

"…..come here, girls."

The six all moved closer and interlocked each other in a big hug, with all of them giggling to each other. Their memories of Karakura Town - the residency that had seen despair, chaos, and near destruction - would stand the test of time.

"Ohhh….they look so happy."

Yachiru and Nemu were sitting on the air above them.

"Yes…it reminds me of the mural you made for the clubroom."

"You're right! We should repaint that for the new clubroom!"

"Yachiru…"

"And these girls are DEFINITELY joining the club when they pass on. Hey, maybe they can start an intern club here in the Living World! I think the tall one can be the chairwoman."

"Yachiru."

"You think Hime-chan's gonna join the 4th?"

"Yachiru, I have to say something."

"Hmm?"

Nemu reached over and hugged her best friend.

"….thank you." She whispered in her ear. "Without you….none of this would be possible."

"I can't take all of the credit, Nemu-chan." She whispered back. "I had my friends by my side."

The two embraced each other for a few minutes, before something came to Yachiru's mind. She pulled away and stood up.

"Nemu-chan….I've figured it out! This is going to be a new era for the club, so we need to change something!"

"Like what?"

"The name!"

"What did you have in mind?"

Yachiru looked down at Orihime, who looked up with Tatsuki. Both of them saluted their small president.

"The New Shinigami Woman's Association."

FIN

Final notes: And so...the story has ended.

I still remain shocked and amazed as to how much and how far we've come, everyone. This fic started off focusing on the daily issues of the SWA, and it snowballed into something much, much greater. When I first started it...I didn't think I'd get so far, but I had more and more enjoyment writing it as time pressed on.

I suppose things started off with me trying to correct or address some things Kubo skipped or ignored - Rukia's relationship with Byakuya, Orihime's relationship with Ichigo and her usefulness, the Vizards, Tatsuki being ignored, etc. and I felt like spinning my own tale. The fact of the matter is simple...Kubo's biggest weakness is the amount of characters he's made. He keeps making more and more and seems to squander the potential, Orihime ESPECIALLY. I liked focusing on the characters that you don't see enough of. While I might've winged some stuff towards the end, even characters I don't really like had some scenes here and there.

The truth is it's no secret that I...am just not a fan of current Bleach. Kubo making up explanations on the fly, the grating fight pattern of "own - get owned - reveal new power - explain said power - etc.", some characters being outright ignored, anti-climaxes, and so on. It could've been so much more than it really is. What it could be. What was overlooked. And I guess that's why I read a lot of Bleach fanfiction, to see authors improve what Kubo lacked on.

Anyways, the switch to whole AU was more to cover my bases and give myself a little more freedom, but for the most part, I think I handled everyone pretty well. The only real hiccup is probably Giselle and Bambietta - the former has more spotlight in the manga and technically the latter is the one card out. I suppose I wanted to throw Bambietta a bone and explore some unsavory themes with the other and her zombie powers. And while never explicitly mentioned, yes, I opted to make Giselle transgender. Could've had more on that front, but it'd be egregious on my part if I made it eclipse the character. Such a theme is not something to be thrown out so haphazardly. Still, creative liberties and all that.

Do I wish I could've done better on some of the fights? Yes - I prefer dialogue, but I've learned to add in enough material for descriptions as well. But I don't *think* I've made any fight too BS...right? My personal favorite was Kenpachi vs. Szayel.

As for pairings, my favorite pairing (to write) was...Uryu and Nemu, by far. It's no secret that I also enjoyed writing Nemu in general, and reviewers in the beginning LOVED her relationship with Yachiru. So do I. I somewhat regret that not all members of the SWA had equal screentime (there's a 20 chapter gap between Isane reappearing ffs), but I felt I had more material to work with other members. At this point, I've come to love every single one.

What happens now, you might ask? I'm pleased to announce a sequel fic is in the works! It's not going to be as dark as SWA got at times, and it will focus on the new Soul Society, the SWA's relationship with their beaus, and much more! Yachiru and friends will be the stars, of course. It might even show some manga/anime characters we didn't see here :D

But right now, I plan to do some mass editing to this fic - smooth out some chapters, fix inconsistencies (I read the old chapters constantly for mistakes), touch up dialogue, and pour soap in my eye for every time I used the word "blinked". I won't change any major plotpoints so don't feel pressured to keep checking it. I'll keep the progress up on my profile.

Allow me thank every person who has read, favorited, followed, and reviewed...you've always brought a smile to my face. I'm glad some people enjoyed my (crappy) fanfiction. Special thanks to:

-DhanaRagnarok - for being one of the earliest reviewers/supporters and he made a TVTropes page for this! Go check it out! Thanks again, and I'm curious to hear your final thoughts on the story.

-viceapostle - for being a more critical reviewer (helps me improve) and pointed out some small mistakes I've glossed over. I hope you enjoyed the ride even if I blundered here and there. I hope the jump-to-AU-ship wasn't too daunting?

-Linkonpark1000 - for also being one of the earliest reviewers/supporters and sticking until the very end. You're a bro.

-Tybss - for again, being one of the earliest reviewers/supporters.

-mellow tiger - for sticking around for a while and also reviewing/supporting.

-RG - for writing detailed reviews each time and giving your extended thoughts. He's also been the one that has guessed the most plotpoints and in general, seemed to enjoy the story the most~

And everyone else who's enjoyed the story! Thanks for reading! See you next time! The SWA will be waiting~! :D