Hey there, Mastergamer here. Here is the last chapter of soul odyssey. I hope I kept Ichigo in character in the story. And as you know after this I'll start to work on Call to Battle: Bleach, I can promise you that this story will be interesting. Also, I've uploaded my One Piece story onto the site, so read it and leave a review. I'll also relay some hints to the sequel of Dissidia at the end of the chapter. So, here is the last chapter in Ichigo's story arc.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dissidia: Final Fantasy or any of the anime/games in the story

Soul Odyssey: The Substitute: Part 3

It has been a few hours since Ichigo started to travel on his own, during which he has battled several manikins. As he battled enemy after enemy, he found himself getting stronger, but he still hasn't found the answer he was looking for. He was currently walking through a ruin arena that hovered over a sea of lava. As he was walking, a familiar voice called out.

"It's been a while, Kurosaki."

Standing on a fallen column in front of Ichigo was the person that met his end at said reaper's hands: Ulquiorra Cifer.

"Ulquiorra!" exclaimed Ichigo.

Said arrancar responded by drawing his sword and stood to attack. Despite this, Ichigo didn't draw Zangetsu and only had a look of indifference on his face.

"Why won't you take up your sword?" inquired Ulquiorra.

"We already settled things back in Hueco Mundo," proclaimed Ichigo, "You may be a warrior of Chaos now, but I don't see the need to fight you at the moment."

The Chaos warrior seemed to recall a memory of a similar situation from before after hearing Ichigo's response.

"Yes, in our second encounter back in Hueco Mundo I recall you stating that you had no reason to fight me, though that was before I told you that I was the one who kidnapped your friend." stated the arrancar, "Then if you had a reason, you would fight anyone?"

"No!" Ichigo proclaimed, "All I want is to find a way to insure the survival of those that are close to me; to protect my precious people." he stated, remembering the words Naruto told him.

Ulquiorra's expression didn't change. Ichigo had a hard grip on his reasoning.

"Hmph…Still talking like trash." stated Ulquiorra.

"What?" inquired Ichigo, who was a bit angered at the arrancar's response.

Ulquiorra lifted his arm in the air with his hand in a fist, "Then let me give you a reason." opening his hand, he reveled what he was holding; a necklace with a broken crystal.

"A dream is easy to crush into dust." he stated, "How pitiful. To live life hanging on to something this fragile…" when he finished speaking, Ulquiorra tossed the necklace at Ichigo's feet. Ichigo was shocked at seeing the necklace now before him.

"Naruto's necklace…!" anger then started to seep into Ichigo as he thought of the implications of this action, "No… What have you done to them!"

The Chaos warrior merely gave the soul reaper a look of indifference.

"So now you have your reason. Come after me."

And in a blink of an eye, Ulquiorra disappeared from Ichigo's sight. Looking around furiously, Ichigo tried, but failed, to detect any trace of Ulquiorra's spiritual pressure. Seeing that the Chaos warrior left him alone, Ichigo slammed his fist on the wall next to him as thoughts of the fates of the other warriors flooded his mind. Looking down at the necklace at his feet, Ichigo's resolve was set in place. After picking up the necklace, Ichigo headed off towards the direction he felt Ulquiorra's spiritual pressure in before it disappeared.

Ichigo was racing down the path he was following to get to Ulquiorra. Further down the path were a large number of manikins. Without stopping, Ichigo drew his sword and swung at the first manikin that he reached. Easily cutting the manikin in half, Ichigo continued to move forward; weaving through and slicing at the manikins in his way. After decapitating two manikins, Ichigo saw ten manikins charging at him. Without missing a beat Ichigo fired his signature attack.

"Getsuga Tensho!"

Swinging his blade, he released an energy wave that utterly destroyed the manikins. More manikins appeared before Ichigo, but he wasn't about to let that stop him.

"Get out of the way!"

After running for what seemed like days, Ichigo finally arrived at his destination. Ichigo found himself in a strange place; floating pillars and large pieces of earth, one of which he was standing on, drifted through an expanse of greenish energy, Ichigo could feel that the energy was somehow alive (Location: Planet's Core. Origin: Final Fantasy VII). His attention was then focused on the figure that stood at the edge of the floating earth, his back facing Ichigo. Ulquiorra turned to face Ichigo as the soul reaper stopped walking.

"I knew you'd come." Ulquiorra stated, "You always do as your told, don't you?"

"What?" asked Ichigo.

"You need a reason because you don't want to be swept into an unnecessary fight…" Ulquiorra claimed, "But all you do is wait for a reason, you do nothing to look for or make one yourself. Your first ventures to Soul Society and Hueco Mundo, would you have done those things if none of your friends were involved?" though the arrancar's face remained expressionless, his voice took on an accusing tone, "Is that why you continue to doubt the crystals? Is that why you look to the reasons of others to locate the crystals? Because you don't have a reason of your own to believe that they'll save your world? Because you believe that your world will end if the crystals turn out to be nothing special?"

Ichigo head was spinning from what he heard; would he have gone to Soul Society if Rukia wasn't taken there? Would he have broken into Hueco Mundo if Orihime wasn't kidnapped? Did he really need a reason handed to him to do all the things he did? He shook those thoughts from his head, deciding to think about them later. Right now he needed to focus on the present.

"What's your point?" he asked.

"Your companions could get hurt, yet they'd still have the will to continue their search, even if they have no reason to believe that the crystals will help them." Ulquiorra stated, "What about you? I needed to give you a reason to come after me. Like I said, you do not come up with your own reasons to fight."

"You're wrong! I just—" Ichigo stopped in mid sentence. But before he could speak, Ulquiorra continued.

"So… I'll continue to provide you with a reason—every time you need one."

"SHUT UP!" yelled Ichigo, "I came here of my own free will, not because of you!"

Ulquiorra wasn't fazed by Ichigo's outburst. Without giving it a second thought, the Chaos warrior drew his sword and pointed at Ichigo.

"All you've ever wanted was to insure the safety of your companions, but that kind of thinking will be your downfall."

Ichigo just growled at Ulquiorra. Taking Zangetsu from his back, Ichigo pointed the sword at the arrancar, his left hand holding onto his right arm and Zangetsu's bandages wrapping around his right arm. His brown eyes were now glowing blue as he started to gather his spirit energy.

"We'll just see about that! BANKAI!"

His sword glowed brightly and released a burst of energy. When the energy dissipated, there stood Ichigo; Now in a long, tattered black coat and Zangetsu was now Tensa Zangetsu, a black long sword. Without any further thought, the two warriors charged at each other and clashed their swords.

Their battle will end differently than before.

Flashes of metal and clangs of swords filled the area as Ichigo and Ulquiorra fought against each other. High in the air, the two warriors fought with the intent to defeat the other. Using flash-step, Ichigo got close to Ulquiorra and swung his sword at the arrancar. Ulquiorra merely caught the blade in his hand and countered by thrusting his own sword at Ichigo's chest. Ichigo leapt back to dodge the attack and landed on the air (ironic?) a few feet away. Before he could charge again, Ichigo saw Ulquiorra charging up a Cero and quickly releasing it. The soul reaper barely got out of the way as the green energy blast soared past and impacted with a piece of earth, completely destroying it. As he turned to face Ulquiorra again, Ichigo saw that he disappeared. He barely had enough time to raise his sword as the arrancar appeared above him and performed a downward slash at the soul reaper. Quickly blocking the attack with his sword, Ichigo leapt above the arrancar and charged up his sword with energy.

"Getsuga Tensho!"

Swinging the blade at the Chaos warrior, Ichigo sent an energy wave at Ulquiorra. Unlike before, the energy wave was now colored black and outlined with red. Ulquiorra merely raised his hand and stopped the attack in its tracks. While the arrancar was preoccupied with holding back the attack, Ichigo flash-stepped behind him and released another Getsuga Tensho. It was futile, however, as Ulquiorra, without even turning around, used his Sonido to disappear. The energy wave that he was holding back and the one from behind impacted with each other, resulting in an explosion, and the force of which sending Ichigo hurtling towards a floating piece of earth. The soul reaper impacted hard with the earth. Lifting his body from the ground, Ichigo was presented with the sight of Ulquiorra firing another Cero at him. Raising Tensa Zangetsu above him, Ichigo blocked the Cero. With a yell and strong swing, Ichigo dispersed the green energy blast. Without missing a beat, Ichigo flew up towards Ulquiorra. Their swords met in midair as they tried to push against the other. Leaping away from each other, Ichigo and Ulquiorra each released an attack, Getsuga Tensho and Cero respectively. The two attacks met in midair, resulting in a large explosion.

Not wasting any time, Ichigo flash-stepped above Ulquiorra and sent another Getsuga Tensho at the arrancar. Like before, Ulquiorra blocked the attack with his hand. Coming up with a plan, Ichigo let loose another Getsuga. The second attack collided and merged with first, putting more pressure on Ulquiorra, who was still holding the attack at bay. Ichigo kept firing Getsugas one after the other, all of them merging and pushing against Ulquiorra. Said arrancar quickly sheathed his sword and was now using both his hands to hold back the now large Getsuga Tensho. The power and force of the attack forced Ulquiorra on one of the pieces of earth, which was starting to crack under the pressure. Ulquiorra's emotionless face hid the strain that he was feeling from holding the attack back. Seeing the arrancar right where he wanted him, Ichigo then charged up one final attack. Charging up his sword with spirit energy, Ichigo unleashed a powerful Getsuga.

"Getsuga Tensho!"

This was the final straw, as the attack merged with the large Getsuga being blocked by Ulquiorra. The large Getsuga became so massive and powerful that Ulquiorra was overwhelmed by it. The attack collided with his body and propelled him downwards; destroying the platform he was on. The Getsuga propelled Ulquiorra through multiple pillars and platforms, until he finally collided with a large floating piece of earth. The Getsuga dissipated and debris from the destroyed platforms fell from the air and buried Ulquiorra.

Ichigo landed on the platform and fell to his knees. All of those Getsugas took a lot out of him. He looked towards the large pile of rubble that had buried the arrancar, whose spiritual pressure seems to have diminished. Picking himself up, Ichigo, thinking that the fight was over, and started to make his way in the opposite direction. He stopped in his tracks, however, as a strong pressure filled the area.

"Enclose…"

Turning towards where Ulquiorra was buried, Ichigo cursed himself for thinking that the arrancar would go down that easily. The debris started to shake as the spiritual pressure skyrocketed.

"…Murciélago (Bat)"

A column of black energy, outlined with green, erupted from the debris. Then, as if like rain, the energy fell down to the ground. Ichigo took up a battle stance as he now glared at the changed Ulquiorra. Ulquiorra's white coat took on a robe-like appearance. His hollow mask centered on his head and now had two horns protruding from it. Finally, two large, black, bat-like wings appeared on his back. The arrancar was now in his true form.

Despite all this, the arrancar's facial expression never changed, keeping his emotionless visage as raised his hand and created a javelin of green energy. Without any warning, Ulquiorra appeared behind Ichigo. Said soul reaper turned around just in time to see the arrancar point a finger at him.

"Cero Oscuras! (Dark Zero)"

From his fingertip, Ulquiorra released a powerful black and green outlined energy blast. Ichigo was quickly and completely consumed by the powerful attack. The attack continued forward and collided with another floating platform. The attack faded and revealed Ichigo, he was worse for wear, half his coat was gone and his body was heavily damaged. He glared up at Ulquiorra who merely gazed at the soul reaper. Not wanting to draw this out any longer than it already has, Ichigo flew straight at Ulquiorra. Ichigo swung his blade at the arrancar, only for it to be blocked by said arrancar's javelin. He was pushed away and Ulquiorra swung his javelin at Ichigo, who blocked it with his sword. The force behind the javelin, however, sent Ichigo flying through the air. Just as Ichigo was able to stop and stand right in the air, Ulquiorra appeared above him. Both swung their weapons at each other. The both of them were locked in a battle of blades; swinging, ducking, dodging, and blocking blows from the other. After leaping away from each other, the soul reaper and arrancar performed their signature attacks. The Getsuga and Cero grinded against each other, trying to overpower the other. Soon, both attacks cancelled each other out. Ulquiorra was about to act, but, from within the dispersed energy from the attacks. Ichigo came flying out. Not having enough time to react, Ulquiorra was hit with a strike to the torso from Ichigo's blade. Ichigo landed on the platform they were fighting above of. Ulquiorra also landed, his hand on his bleeding wound. They both turned to each other after regaining their senses. Ichigo was heavily panting and Ulquiorra's face barely twitched from his wound. Deciding to end this, Ulquiorra raised his hand, which now covered in blood. All of a sudden, the blood on his hand started glowing green. Ichigo tensed at this, knowing what attack the arrancar was about to use. Ulquiorra merely had a look of indifference as he charged his attack.

"Gran Rey Cero (Grand King Zero)"

Just as Ulquiorra's spirit energy and blood mixed to become a powerful energy blast, the energy suddenly faded away. Ichigo was confused as Ulquiorra seems to have stopped his attack. Looking at the arrancar, Ichigo noticed that Ulquiorra was looking towards another direction and if you looked closely, you'd get the impression that the arrancar was listening to something. Ichigo was confused at Ulquiorra's action, but was brought out of his thoughts by said arrancar.

"Very well then…" said Ulquiorra, still staring out towards the vast abyss they were in. it was as if he was talking to someone. Ulquiorra then turned to Ichigo.

"It would seem that we have to end our battle for now, Kurosaki." He declared. Ulquiorra then started to glow. The glow then started to center near his waist. The glow faded and revealed Ulquiorra's Zanpakuto. Ulquiorra himself changed back to his previous form, his wounds were also healed.

Ichigo was confused by what the arrancar said, but before he could do anything, a sudden glow appeared in front of him. The glow faded and revealed a strange object. The object took the form of a small, bluish, glowing, glass sphere and a octagonal glass case surrounded the blue sphere. Ichigo reached his hand out and grabbed the object; it was smaller than the palm of his hand.

"This is it—the crystal." said Ichigo, 'It looks like the Hōgyoku.' he thought.

"It is also the source of your distress." Ichigo's attention turned back to Ulquiorra as the arrancar spoke, "Take it, and you will be doomed to further conflicts and never know why."

Ichigo stared at the crystal in his hand intently before speaking.

"So be it, if that's what I have to do to protect what I care about." proclaimed Ichigo, just holding the crystal made him think that the crystals really were what were needed to win this war, "I live in my reality, not yours."

Ulquiorra mere glanced at the soul reaper, "Hmph… very well."

Ulquiorra started to walk away from Ichigo, but stopped to tell Ichigo one more thing.

"Every time your eyes gaze upon it, remember: you were only able to obtain it because I gave you a reason to find It." he stated, "And I'll always give you a reason to face me." as Ulquiorra finished, he turned to leave before Ichigo called out.

"Why are you here? You also don't do things without a reason. What do you have to gain from siding with Chaos?" the soul reaper asked. Ulquiorra merely stood still without turning to Ichigo. A moment later, Ulquiorra spoke.

"I'm merely repaying the favor to the one who brought me back." the arrancar answered.

"Chaos?" asked Ichigo.

"…No." and before Ichigo could say anything, Ulquiorra used his Sonido to disappear from sight.

Ichigo thought about all that has happened and came to a conclusion.

"I decide my own path."

The soul reaper started to walk away from the area, thoughts entering his head as he did.

'Even if I have my doubts…I have to find my own answer and tell my friends about it like I promised—' he thought with renewed vigor, 'Until then, I'll keep fighting.'

In a system of corridors seemingly made from crystal (Location: Pandaemonium. Origin: Final Fantasy II), two beings spoke of recent events.

"He has lost nothing. Just the opposite." spoke the first figure, revealing to be Xemnas, "He draws nearer to the truth with each step. He has become a threat to your plan."

"There is no truth in this world. Or to put it another way…" spoke the other being, revealing to be Xemnas' other half: Ansem, "The truth is what we make it."

"You're wading through dangerous waters, Ansem." warned Xemnas.

"So be it. I intend to create a legend all my own." replied the darker half.

It would seem that something else is going on within Chaos' ranks.

The light he holds may be small. But the crystal continues to shine brighter with every answer found.

The warrior has vowed to keep fighting—and keep fighting he will, until he can fulfill the promise he made with his companions.

Etched in destiny, his quest for answers continues on…

Now begins the saga of the warriors who seek the crystals… and the saga of those who stand on the side of Chaos.

Within the throne room of the ruins of a castle that also functioned as a shrine (Location: Old Chaos Shrine. Origin: Final Fantasy I), were thirteen dark figures. Each of them had a inhuman appearance. Only one thing can describe this image: a den of monsters.

In the throne room were the Warriors of Chaos in their powerful forms. Against the pillars to the left were Ulquiorra (Segunda Etapa form), Piedmon (Power of Destruction form), Dynasmon (X-Antibody form), Broly (Legendary Super Saiyan form), and Raines (Cie'th form). Against the pillars to the right were Sasuke (Curse Mark: Level 2 form), Lust (Flood of Darkness form), Lucci (Leopard form), Ozai (Final Aeon form), and Sesshomaru (Dog Demon Hybrid form). Standing on either side of the throne were Ansem (Dark Guardian) and Azula (Junction Griever form). And sitting on the throne was none other than Xemnas (No Heart Armor form).

"All shall bear fruit in due time." spoke Azula, "The ultimate mortal conflict—"

"As well as the absolute end of the world." continued Ansem, "Perhaps the only thing that is out of our reach—is the whimsy of the gods."

The Warriors of Chaos were mentally preparing for the battles that were to come in the war. Each with their own motives, they were intent on winning the war.

And thus Ichigo's story comes to an end for now. I hope I did well in adapting Cloud's story to Ichigo. Now I'll be working on Call to Battle: Bleach. After that, Zuko will take the spotlight. As I promised, here is a list of what might appear in the sequel.

Fairy Tail...Kekkaishi (Anime)

Digimon 02...Needless (Anime)

Digimon Savers...Rave Master (Anime)

Devil May Cry...D. Gray-man (Anime)

Monster Hunter Orage

And that is the list of what might appear in the sequel. Also, Ichigo will be one of the characters to have a main role in the sequel. Also try to figure out what Ulquiorra meant about repaying a favor and to whom. I gotta tell you, I almost considered adding some AVP in this story. That would've been something; a predator on the side of Cosmos and an alien on the side of Chaos. Also, be sure to check out my One Piece story. Read and review this chapter. Mastergamer out.