Author's Note: Yes, I know it's been just over a month since I've updated...I'M SORRY. With it being down to the wire and mostly action...well, action is just harder for me to write. And this chapter is basically ALL action...but after this, it'll start to wind down as the story comes to a close. With that being said, I hope you enjoy this!

Chapter 37: World So Wrong

Recommended Song: "Dance with the Devil" by Breaking Benjamin

Marise continued to run through the city, looking left and right. She furrowed her brow, growing slightly frustrated at the fact that she hadn't seen Rimen yet…knowing the anime inside and out, Mari was sure she would be able to spot anyone who resembled Lupin from a mile away, but so far…there was no sight of him.

In LaLa Land, spiritual pressures couldn't be detected, which was both a blessing and a curse. Mari was glad that Rimen wouldn't be able to track her down, but if she had the ability to sense where he was…that would help quite a bit. Unfortunately, there was no such luck for her.

She pulled her cap further down her eyes. A few of her blonde curls were beginning to escape from beneath her cap, making it appear as though she had short hair. As she flew through the city, her long trench coat flapped in the wind behind her, appearing as a cape.

"Wait a second," she murmured to herself, stopping in front of a mini-mart. She looked around, her blue eyes darkening, sensing that something wasn't quite right. The town was completely void of any other beings, though Mari could have sworn she heard faint breathing.

Pulling her cap over her eyes, Mari said, "I hear you, Rimen."

There was a dark chuckle, the sound of rustling clothes, and of feet landing on the ground. Mari didn't even have to lift her head, knowing that Rimen was standing a few yards to her left.

"Ya know at first appearance," he began, "Ya just come off as bein' a dumb blonde bitch. But seein' ya act so serious like this…it's pretty damn sexy. Tell ya what…I'm feelin' pretty fuckin' generous, so if ya wanna give this up right now, ya can, and ya can be my woman. Ya don't die and I'll fuck ya every night. It sounds like a win-win situation ta me."

Marise clenched her teeth, though managed to remain her composure. "And what of Shinji? And my mother? And everyone in Karakura Town?" She looked up at him with steely eyes. "Losing them doesn't sound like a win…it'll just be another loss, and I can't lose anyone else…not if I can help it."

She finally got a chance to look at him, and while he was dressed similarly to Lupin III, the colors of the character's normal outfit were inverted, to suit Rimen. He wore a green blazer, with a gold collared shirt underneath and black slacks.

Rimen twisted his mouth into a snarl of disgust, contempt in his eyes. "Have it yer fuckin' way then," he growled. "Why don't 'cha at least tell me why I'm in this douchebag getup? And who tha fuck are ya 'spose ta be anyway?"

"This is my Fullbring," Mari explained. "I choose the story, and my Fullbring makes the fantasy come alive. I'm Inspector Zenigata and you're Lupin III, master thief. It's my job," she finished, pulling out handcuffs. "to arrest you."

Rimen's eyebrows went up in slight surprise. "Oh, I see now…so ya think ya can catch me? Ya ain't even twenty years old…I'm over a hundred, bitch. We'll see who catches who."

"Then why don't you start running?" Mari asked quietly.

"Fine," Rimen muttered. Though instead of running away from her, Rimen made a full sprint toward her, coming at her at a lightning-fast speed.

Marise quickly pulled up her gunblade, hurling it forward to block his attack.

Rimen growled and flew back, the soles of his shoes skidding across the sidewalk.

Mari took a deep, shaky breath, holding up her blade again, in preparation for another one of his attacks. She was completely terrified of having to fight Shinji's Inner Hollow.

If he has even a quarter of the strength Shinji does… Mari thought, biting her lower lip nervously. I'm dead.

"Why ya lookin' unsure now, Blondie?" Rimen cackled, pulling out his Zanpakutō. "Show me that serious side of yers again. It really turns me on…!"

Mari frowned. The only lust he had right now was bloodlust…

She then remembered that she had more than just her gunblade to fight with. Opening her jacket, Mari pulled out a grenade. She placed the end of it in her mouth, pulling out the small part before hurling it in Rimen's direction.

An enormous explosion immediately went off, even sending Mari flying against a brick building.

I…didn't think it would be that powerful… Mari coughed, sitting up. Her eyes went wide as she scanned the area for Rimen, but there was too much smoke.

She sensed him coming from behind, though she was too slow to move out of the way. "GAAH!" she screeched, as he pulled her up by the hair, her cap falling to the ground.

"Is that all ya fuckin' got?" Rimen chuckled, his tongue slipping out to glide against her cheek.

"Of…course…not," Mari seethed. In the next moment she held up her gunblade and began to focus her spiritual pressure into it, firing Reiatsu bullets.

"Shit!" Rimen cursed, as one of the bullets hit his hand, burning it. He dropped Mari and held his hand, the pink fire of her Reiatsu licking at his skin. "Damn her…" he muttered, narrowing his eyes at the small woman. Enough was enough…he had to get serious.

Using Sonido, Rimen quickly moved and struck his blade against her back, sending her flying onto face first onto the hard pavement. Mari let out a cry of pain, feeling many scrapes and bruises as her clothing ripped in various places, though recovered quickly from the attack, and pulled out two guns from her jacket. Despite the pain, she managed to move to quickly fire off more bullets.

Despite the bullets coming out at lightning speed and producing numerous shots, Rimen was still far faster than the attacks and easily dodged all of them.

Running out of ammo, Marise dropped her guns and pulled out her gunblade again, bringing it up against Rimen's own sword. They went at it for the new few minutes. Mari was giving it everything she had, and it showed from how much her body was beginning to tire, sweat forming at her brow, her breaths coming out labored.

Rimen, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying himself and looked as though he could go at it for days.

Fiddlesticks! Mari cursed in her mind, furrowing her brows in frustration. This was nearly impossible…! How would she be able to capture him…? He was too strong…!

Realizing that she needed to take another plan of action, Marise pulled her blade away. She turned around and began to run.

This created an uproar of laughter from Rimen. "Ain't I 'spose ta be tha one who runs? Look who's chasin' who now, babe!" With a maniacal grin, Rimen went after her. He was having too much fun with this little blonde…it was unfortunate that he had to kill her, but he might as well enjoy this time while he could.

Mari clenched her teeth, continuing to run so that she could buy more time to think of her next move… Her arsenal was dwindling, though she still had her numerous handcuffs. Marise pulled two of them out, holding one in each hand, and looked down at them. There had to be more two these pieces of metal than just for restraining someone…

Turning around, Mari let out a cry as she thrust her arms forward. To Rimen's shock and Mari's delight, the handcuffs began to lengthen quickly, appearing as whips.

FUCK! Rimen through angrily. He managed to dodge one of the handcuffs, though Marise quickly aimed the other one straight at his head. The hit landed and Rimen stumbled backwards, muttering numerous curses under his breath.

Thinking she now had an advantage, Mari continued to use the handcuffs as whips, swinging them left and right.

Rimen grit his teeth, though his frown soon turned into a wide grin as he grabbed hold onto one of the cuffs.

Mari's eyes widened, her breath caught in her throat as she gasped. No! Mari tried to pull the chain back, though Rimen had a tight grip. Trying to quickly recuperate, Marise attempted to swing the other chain at him, though he grabbed a hold of that one too.

"Well, lookee here…" Rimen chuckled. "Seems like I got tha best of ya, babe."

Marise gasped as he yanked hard on the chains, pulling her toward him. She let go of the chains in hopes of making an escape, though Rimen had already pulled her close enough to where he was able to reach her.

She never felt more paralyzed with fear than when she saw the Hollow open his mouth, a red cero forming in his mouth. She opened her mouth to scream, though no sound came out as the wide beam hit her directly.

Her vision was lost for a second as she became blinded by the light. Her mouth was open in a silent scream as her entire body felt the full force of the attack, as though flames were licking at her open wounds.

When the cero dissipated, Marise fell onto her knees. Her clothing was ripped in multiple places, revealing burns, scars and bruises. Her hair felt into a crumpled heap around her shoulders, her blue eyes were now dull, the life sucked out of them, and her lips parted as she let out small pants.

This was it…all Mari could feel was the pain that filled her entire body, a feeling so strong, that it almost had a numbing effect…almost.

Her entire body felt heavy all of a sudden, and she braced herself from falling on her face by placing her hands onto the pavement. Marise watched as her own sweat, tears, and blood began to fall onto the ground, running together, creating a twisted work of art. Her breathing became more and more shallow, and while she tried her hardest to get back on her feet…her body just wouldn't listen.

The severity of her situation was finally beginning to sink in, as a range of emotions flooded through her. Marise's bottom lip began to quiver, and she bit it hard, willing herself to not shed tears…but how could that be possible? She was an emotional person, overly-so, and it was impossible for her not to express everything she felt.

And what she felt right now was…despair, hopeless, terrified… Tears began to stream down her cheeks and she let out a choked sob, finally allowing her body to rest as she turned to lie on her back. Her body began to tremble as her sobs racked through her, and she suddenly felt so cold…cold and alone.

How could she have lost…? She was so close, and had tried so hard. "No…" she whispered, trying to wipe the tears away, though they continued to stream down her cheeks. "No, no, no, no, no…NO!" she then shrieked, rage coursing through her. She was so angry at herself! Why couldn't she be stronger!? Why, why, WHY?!

Everything hurt…even the sun above, which represented purity and light, was beginning to hurt her eyes. With much pain Mari lifted her arm and tried to shield her eyes from the burning light, though the appendage felt like it weighed a ton, and she allowed it to fall back onto the ground.

The sun was soon blocked, though Mari wished it wasn't, as she saw Rimen loom over her, a twisted grin on his face.

He knelt down beside her, and grabbed her face roughly in one hand. Mari whimpered slightly, as pain quickly shot through her body, though she forced herself to remain quiet. She was about to die, but she was not going to give this monster the satisfaction of hearing her cry.

She wanted to spit at him as he leaned down, his nose just skimming hers. Mari at first thought that he was going to kiss her, though he merely smirked, searching her eyes. He was delighted at what he saw…acceptance that she had lost, though she still hated him. He enjoyed that too. Her pain, her hatred, her despair…it all caused him so much pleasure…he couldn't get enough of torturing this blonde woman.

"Well, Goldie," he murmured wickedly. "Ya put up quite tha fight…I didn't think ya'd have that much strength in ya, ta be honest… But ya and I both know this is tha end of the road for ya." His smile then turned into a frown. "If ya had just been cooperative, I could've satisfied ya better than Shinji ever could have."

Despite enjoying seeing the woman in pain, Rimen still couldn't help but feel some sort of pull toward her…a part of him wanted to rip her apart piece by piece and have her blood stain her clothing, but the other part of him…wanted to keep her and take her to his bed…have her scream out his name in ecstasy, have her look at him the way she looked at the bastard Shinji…with love and acceptance in her eyes.

But he hated this woman for making him feel these unknown emotions. It confused him, and made him question things…he couldn't have that. Therefore, it was best that she be eliminated before he changed his mind and decided to keep her.

"No…" Mari then whispered, tears forming at her eyes once more.

"What?" Rimen seethed, clenching his teeth hard.

She shook her head and croaked, "Shinji…he's the greatest lover I'll ever have. I'm so thankful that I was able to spend the time I had with him." She then looked at Rimen with such contempt in her eyes, a rotten feeling sunk in the pit of his stomach. "It's so unfair," she whispered bitterly, "That you're taking the life of such a wonderful man. I would be more than happy to die right now if it meant Shinji could come back."

Rimen's eyes widened slightly, taken aback by her words. He obviously didn't deserve to have this life, after what he had done, but did that mean he didn't want it? Who was this bitch to tell him all of this, what he did and didn't deserve? Fuck her…!

Disgusted, Rimen opened his mouth wide, preparing to fire another cero to finally finish the annoying woman off.

Mari closed her eyes, sniffling a little as she waited for her end to arrive. However, when nothing happened and she heard a choking sound, she opened her eyes to find Rimen's entire body convulsing. Her eyes widened in seeing that his own eyes were beginning to roll in the back of his head.

"What's…going on?" she whispered, watching the sight with horror.

She then realized that Shinji was beginning to break through, and hope filled her. "SHINJI!" she cried, sitting up, despite the tremendous amount of pain it caused her. But she didn't care…she knew he was there, and that he had heard her… "Shinji, I'm right here!"

"No…" Rimen grunted. He pulled away from Mari as he began thrashing about. His hands went to his head as he tried desperately to keep his other half inside. "I'm not gonna fuckin' lose to ya…!" he screamed.

Unfortunately for Rimen, Shinji was stronger in him in that he had something to actually fight for. He had a family, the Visored, and friends, Ichigo and those in Soul Society, and someone to love…Mari. The most important person in his life, the person he would risk everything for just to protect her, just to see her smile.

"GAAAAAAAAH!" he shrieked, as he slowly began to lose control.

Mari was able to sit up fully and her hands went over her mouth, tears of joy now falling as she saw Rimen beginning to disappear. The white skin was turning to a normal color, she saw familiar, laughing brown eyes, and…oh! How she missed that perverted, goofy grin!

Sh-Shinji… she thought, hiccupping a sob.

"Ah…fuck…" Shinji groaned his hands on his back as he stretched his sore muscles. "That was one fuckin' ride…" His clothes had also changed to the normal attire Lupin III wore…red blazer, navy blue shirt, khaki pants…and one of the crazy ties Mari had gotten him.

He looked over and saw Marise sitting on the ground. His eyes widened in seeing how beaten she was and he quickly went over to her. "Mari…!" he cried, pulling her up into her arms so that she was standing. "Goddamn it, look at ya… How could ya take on that bastard all by yerself?" he chided.

Despite the pain, Marise looked up at him, and beamed, her eyes swimming with tears. She shook her head, too overcome with emotion to even form words.

Shinji's expression softened and he leaned forward, kissing her forehead lightly. He pulled away from her a little, though Mari's eyes widened and she held onto him again, afraid to let go.

Shinji chuckled. "Mari, as happy I am at havin' ya touch me…ya need ta put an end to this story."

Marise pulled away, slightly confused, but looked down to see that he had put his hands out in front of him. Finally understanding, she pulled out the handcuffs, securing them onto him.

It was all over now…her goal was to capture Lupin III, and she had done just that.

In order to officially leave LaLa land, however, Mari had to somehow voice that there was a "happily ever after." But she was still so distraught and without a voice, that she could only hiccup sobs.

Shinji placed his hands on each of her cheeks and rested his forehead against hers, murmuring, "So…they lived happily ever after?"

Mari sniffled and just nodded. This was enough to end her Fullbring. Their surroundings began to whirl around them, everything becoming a swirling mix of colors as they were transported back to his room in the warehouse.

The moment they were back, Marise immediately jumped into Shinji's arms, hugging him tightly. "Sh-Shinji…!" she whimpered, burying her face in his chest. "You're back…! You're really back!"

Shinji wrapped his arms around her frame, holding her just as tightly. However, he loosened his hold in feeling her whimper slightly, feeling incredibly guilty.

"N-No, I'm okay…" Mari said quickly, looking up at him.

"No, yer not okay," Shinji replied, his eyes hardening. "Ya've got serious injuries." He ran a hand through his hair, guilt in his eyes. "And it's all my fuckin' fault…"

Mari shook her head. "No, don't say that, Shinji! This wasn't your fault at all! I-I'm just…so happy that you're back. If you were to be gone forever…" Mari placed her hands against her face, the tears falling once more. "I-I couldn't live…"

"Mari…" Shinji whispered, his heart aching. He pulled her to him once more, though held her gently this time, and smoothed her hair back. What would have happened had Shinji not been able to break through? Mari would have surely died at the hands of his Inner Hollow, and Shinji would once more spiral into depression. He realized that even living away from her was difficult, but living without her completely…was merely impossible.

His Goldilocks yanked on his tie, pulling his face down to hers, and pressed her lips against his in a ferociously passionate kiss, which was very unusual for her. However, these were rare circumstances, and Mari never wanted to feel like everything she loved was slipping away from her…

Shinji kissed her back just as hard, his fingers tangling into her curls to angle her head and deepen the kiss.

Mari moaned at the familiar, wonderful sensation that went through her in feeling his lips, his tongue, his hands all over her again…she loved him so much…

They pulled away, just to catch their breaths. Mari of course wanted more, but now was not the time, and while Shinji would have gladly continued to hold his beloved, he knew that he had to treat her injuries first.

"Sit," he ordered, gently guiding her to sit on the bed.

"But…Shinji…!" Mari protested.

"And here," Shinji said, holding out a tissue for her to wipe her eyes and nose.

Marise twisted her lips into a dissatisfied pout, and just to annoy him, grabbed his tie, using it as a tissue.

"MARI!" he cried.

"Don't yell at me…!" she whimpered. "Or I just might cry again!"

Shinji chuckled and began to treat her injuries. Marise blushed as she felt his Reiatsu along with the Kidō spell against her skin…how could she be feeling aroused at a time like this…? She bit her lower lip to suppress a moan, and instead pouted, "Shinji, y-you're…you're doing it like that on purpose!"

He looked up and grinned at the blonde. "Who, me? Naw, this is just how ya use the healin' Kidō…feels like sex, doesn't it?"

"H-How can you say such an embarrassing thing out loud?!" Mari cried, covering her blushing face with her hands.

Shinji removed her hands and kissed both of them, looking up at her with his deep brown eyes. "I promise to make all of this up ta ya, Mari."

Mari's blush deepened as she averted her eyes, feeling naked under his intense gaze. "Y-You Yanki pervert…" she muttered. "You don't have to do that. Are you done yet?" she then asked impatiently, puffing out her cheeks.

"Yeah…" Shinji sighed tiredly. "That's tha best I can do for now."

"Okay, then let's go!"

"What?" he scoffed. "Where?" Wasn't that it? Rimen had been defeated, so everything should have gone back to normal…right?

Marise turned to him with wide eyes. He didn't know…? Oh, of course he didn't…Rimen had been out while all of this had been going on. "Shinji," she said, urgency clear in her voice. "We have to move quickly." Her breath caught in her throat, and she nearly broke down again.

"Mari, what's wrong?" Shinji asked quickly, grabbing her arms and shaking her lightly.

"Rimen…" she whispered, looking up at him with frantic eyes. "He broke into Soul Society and released Aizen…"

"WHAT?"

"A-And…Aizen is here…he…he took Mama and is turning all the Visored into Vasto Lorde to make a new army!"

For a second, it was as if time had stood still. Shinji's grip on Mari loosened and he pulled away. He grit his teeth, seething with fury, "That fuckin' bastard…!"

"They're not here anymore!" Mari gasped, looking outside his room. She turned to Shinji, panicked. "They…must have already transformed! Aizen, Mama…they're all gone!"

Shinji looked out to see that she was right. He was beginning to return to his normal, calm self, but that was only because he knew he had to go through this with a clear mind. "Aizen probably figured out that ya would set me free," he muttered. "So he must be in Karakura Town to collect his one thousand souls."

Mari knit her brows in confusion. "What?" she asked, perplexed. "What do you mean?"

"Aizen's ultimate goal is ta sacrifice all of tha souls in Karakura Town to attain the Royal Key. Once he has that, he has control of all of fuckin' Soul Society, which he can use to take control of the Human World too…if he does that…we're all fuckin' done for."

Mari's jaw dropped, appalled. "We…We have to stop them!" she cried.

"Ya read my mind, Goldie," Shinji muttered, already out the door. "Come on, let's go."

He was going to put an end to this madness, once and for all.

Shinji and Mari quickly ran out of the Visored warehouse. Both of them knew in which direction to run, as there was no point in anyone trying to conceal their spiritual pressure now…Aizen wanted everyone to know just how much power he had in his arsenal, and wanted to see how much fear he could instill in his soon-to-be-victims.

Marise was trembling as she ran; worry clear on her face as they neared the area where Aizen and the others were. Shinji, however, remained calm and quiet. He planned on saving all of his anger for one man.

"P-Papa!" Mari gasped, when she saw her father gasped in Shinigami robes. That wasn't all that surprised her, but all along him he was strapped with heavy artillery. Mari pulled out her own weapon, where her gun had transformed back into its normal state. It now felt much lighter compared to thinking about all of the weapons her father currently possessed…they were much more elaborate and menacing.

Soichiro lifted his head and looked straight at his daughter, sorrow in his coffee-colored eyes. "Marise…I'm sorry," he said faintly. "I'll explain all of this later." Relief instantly struck him when he heard her voice, glad to see that she was all right…

The two had arrived not long after Aizen made his own appearance, his army of Hollowfied Visored behind him. He also still held Lucille captive, her neck bound to chains that went around her wrist, a rope leading from the middle, where it rested in Aizen's hand.

Marise ran to stand beside her father, with Shinji right behind her. She looked in surprise to see that Ryu was also standing there.

"I'm…glad you're okay," Ryu mumbled, looking down at the ground.

"Ryu…" Mari began, worried. "You shouldn't be here! It's not safe!"

He looked up at her with hard, cold blue eyes. "She's my mother too…" he whispered.

Mari stared at him for a few moments before nodding. She grabbed his hand and gave it a light squeeze. "Then let's save her together," she said back, a small smile on her face.

She noticed that her brother's skin was tainted green, and around his feet grew some vegetation…it was small, but only because Ryu was using his spiritual pressure to keep it to the ground…he was trying hard to keep his emotions in check (which he was usually so good at), but seeing his mother bound like that had his blood boiling… It took all of his willpower not to charge at the bastard…

Mari licked her dry lips, watching her brother in awe. So he had abilities as well…she should have figured as much. She probably had known about it all along, though when she lived in her fantasy, Marise had tried to deny nearly everything in her life…his powers was one of them.

"Shinji…?" Mari began, turning to her lover. She saw that he was looking in the direction of Aizen, but more specifically, to all of the Vasto Lorde standing behind him.

Even though Marise had told him what Aizen had planned to do, Shinji was still shocked… His brown eyes were wide as saucers, mouth slightly agape in seeing his family having turned into monsters… Their eyes were lifeless, and they were shrieking and howling like animals, crazed for blood and power…

Shinji clenched his teeth, trying to hold in his anger, but it was difficult. His attention was averted when he looked down to see that Mari had taken his hand, squeezing it gently. He looked into her watery blue eyes, and gave her a reassuring smile, though Mari still felt sad.

That…could have happened to Shinji… Mari thought, trying to will the oncoming tears away. She only wished she could have saved the others as well…

But Aizen Sōsuke was a powerful man.

They were all gathered in an area that was free of Human beings…it was quite an open area too, so as not to destroy any buildings around them. This was pointless to Aizen, however, as Karakura Town would end up in ruins anyway, but he would humor the little heroes.

"AIZEN!" Ichigo roared, pulling out his large sword. "Enough is enough!" He pointed his blade up at the man. "This ends today."

"I agree, Kurosaki Ichigo," Aizen murmured softly. "My plan has been put off for far too long." He looked toward Marise and Shinji, his smile fading a little. "So I see you've escaped your Inner Hollow, Hirako-taichō."

Shinji curled his upper lip at him in disgust. "Ya know there was no way I could be outta the picture before I saw ya dead."

"Hmm. So it seems."

Shinji looked at Mari, shocked as he saw her pull out her gun, ready for battle. "Whaddya think yer doin'?" he asked incredulously.

Marise looked up at him as though he were dense. "Um…hello! There's going to be a huge fight, in case you didn't know."

Shinji shook his head. "Un-unh. No way, Mari."

"What?" she replied, irritated.

"There's no fuckin' way I'm lettin' ya do this. Stay outta this battle."

She turned up to him, narrowing her eyes. "Why?"

"Mari, I gave ya basic care back at tha warehouse for yer injuries, but ya still need time ta heal. At least let Orihime-chan finish healin' ya."

Orihime popped up from Ichigo's side and came over. Her hands flew to her mouth in shock as she saw Mari's injuries. "Oh yes, please Mari-chan!" she begged, taking the blonde girl's hand. "Let's go to the side and I can heal you in a jiffy!"

But Marise pulled her arm away from the auburn-haired girl. "No!" she cried. "I'll never get stronger if I let everyone else fight my battles for me…! That is my mother up there!" she shouted, pointing to where Lucille was. "And I'm going to save her!"

Mari… Lucille thought, as she watched her daughter. She shook her head, proud tears streaming down her cheeks. She had always been afraid that her daughter would grow up to be selfish, only caring for herself, but it turned out…she had really matured for good.

And despite the situation she was currently in…all of the chaos going on around them…it shaped her to be a better person.

"Enough of this," Aizen muttered, his smile now completely gone. "I'm through wasting time." With a snap of his fingers, the Visored-turned-Vasto Lorde immediately flew forward to attack.

After Aizen had escaped, Yamamoto had sent a select group of Captains and Lieutenants to defend Karakura Town and defeate Aizen.

"Wait!" Kira Izuru cried, his blue eyes frantic. "We're supposed to…fight them?" He didn't know how he felt about attacking his captain…even if he was Hollowfied.

Izuru didn't have much of a say, however, as his captain came straight at him, bringing his sword down against Kira's.

"Ōtoribashi-taichō!" he cried. "Please, it's me!"

"It's no use," Shinji muttered to him, watching a Hollowfied Hiyori. "They probably can't hear ya, after what that fuckin' bastard did… That's it," he growled. "I'm goin' Bankai."

"I would advise you against that, Shinji-san!" Urahara shouted from his post, where he and Yoruichi were fighting off a Hollowfied Lisa and Love. "It's been too short of a time since Rimen has been silenced. If you release that much energy that quickly, you take the risk of him taking control again."

Shinji clenched his teeth, realizing that his old friend was right. He also felt slightly guilty when he caught Mari looking at him, worry plainly seen in her clear blue eyes. "Don't worry, love," he said gently to her, skimming his fingers along her cheek. "I won't lose control again."

She bit her lower lip, and asked, "Promise?"

He held out his finger to her. "Pinky promise."

Mari couldn't help but smile (despite the situation they were in), and entwined her pinky around his. They had made a promise two years ago, and that was over Shinji not standing her up on their first "date." But now…that promise held so much more meaning.

"LOOK OUT!" Shinji cried, pushing his lover out of the way. Mari let out a small cry, but realized that Shinji had just protected her from a Hollowfied Hiyori.

Mari landed on the ground and looked up with frantic eyes. Even when normal, Hiyori was a frightening girl, but here…she didn't even look Human. Marise looked around her and felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach… The Visored…the carefree, laughing bunch she had been around were now…monsters.

They were completely Hollowfied, not only wearing their mask, but having the rest of their bodies match that appearance…

Kensei, who was currently fighting Shunsui, had grown to quite a menacing size, hunched over as he thrust one punch after another at the man clad in the pink kimono. Shunsui had already pulled out his twin blades, Katen Kyokotsu.

"Damn it, Hiyori," Shinji muttered. He didn't want to hurt her…but she wasn't letting up one bit. She took every single opportunity to pounce on him and land an attack.

The other Shinigami weren't faring much better. Ichigo had his hands full with a Hollowfied Mashiro running rampant all throughout the town, now playing the super villain, though in a much more twisted and terrifying way.

"I liked it better when she called me a fuckin' berry!" Ichigo cried, pulling his own mask down to increase his spiritual pressure. He brought his large blade up and slammed it against her to push her back. Ichigo couldn't help but wince as he heard her shriek, hoping that he hadn't caused the Mashiro underneath the mask that much pain.

"We can't keep fighing them like this!" he finally shouted. "There's got to be some other way!"

"It's pointless, Kurosaki Ichigo," Aizen smirked, staring down at them from his high post. Every time one of them tried to attack him, he would send one of the Vasto Lorde Visored to attack and prevent any of them from getting too close. "The only way you can survive is to kill your friends…and you are incapable of doing something like that, correct? So you see…I've already won."

"YOU BASTARD!" Ichigo screamed. He was pitting friends against friends…forcing them to kill off the Visored…how much sicker could this man get?

Mari had managed to avoid a fight with any of the Visored, as they were already preoccupied fighting the others. She looked to see Shinji fighting Hiyori, the frail blonde man fighting Rose, Urahara and Yoruichi against Love and Lisa, Shunsui versus Kensei, Ichigo fighting Mashiro, and…her eyes widened in seeing her younger brother assisting the small pink-haired Shinigami (who gave Mari an annoying nickname), fighting Hachi.

"Good work, Veggie-head!" Yachiru giggled.

Ryu was beginning to control roots and had just blocked a Kidō spell from Hachi before it hit Yachiru.

"Ah…thanks," he mumbled. He turned to see Mari, and nodded his head over. Mari looked in that direction and saw her mother standing by a building, instead of being in the air next to Aizen. This was her chance…she could free her mother!

Not wasting any time, Mari quickly began to move, dodging left and right to avoid interrupting any fights or garnering any unwanted attention. She was only a few yards away from Lucille, though unfortunately, this didn't escape Hiyori's eyes.

Shinji raised a brow in confusion as Hiyori let out a roar, beginning to leap away. Why did she suddenly leave the fight…? He looked to where she was going. "Shit…! MARI!" he cried, hoping to warn her in time.

Marise was about to turn around to see what he wanted, though she let out a terrified gasp as Hiyori jumped in front of her, blocking the path to her mother. No, I was so close! Mari thought.

Knowing that she would have to defend herself, Mari quickly pulled out her gun, releasing the long blade from it. "Hiyori…" she began. "I don't want to hurt you…!"

But Hiyori wasn't in there. The part of her that represented reason or rationality was no longer there. All that was left was a black hole, and a desire for blood and revenge.

Mari wanted to cover her ears as Hiyori let out a glass-shattering howl, before lunging at Mari for an attack. With wide, frantic eyes, Marise quickly held up her blade, trying hard to keep Hiyori at bay, but her feet began to slide backwards against the pavement.

She's…too…strong… Mari thought, grunting as she tried her hardest to push her back. Unfortunately, Marise couldn't and let out a cry as Hiyori kicked her in the gut, sending her flying backwards.

Shinji, who was helping Kira against Rose, looked to see Marise skid against the ground. He wanted to go help her, though unfortunately, Rose was keeping him plenty busy…he also knew that Mari wouldn't like it if he stepped in, remembering how she said she wanted to fight her own battles.

She really has matured quite a bit… Shinji thought, remembering when he had first met her, she had run away when he saved her from a Hollow. But here she was, going into a battle head-on.

Mari grunted as she got up, wiping some blood from her mouth with the back of her hand. She began to fire the pink Reiatsu bullets at an accelerating rate, though Hiyori's sonido was incredible. She easily dodged them, running onto the side of the building before pouncing off, lunging herself at the curly blonde-haired woman once more.

Mari wasn't much an offensive fighter, especially when it relied on physical strength. However, she knew she would have to use force with her blade to get anywhere, and so using her Bringer Light, she flew toward Hiyori, heaving her blade over her head as she prepared for an attack.

"HAAAAAA!" Mari screamed, slamming her blade against Hiyori's face. The force of the impact sent Hiyori straight into the ground. Smoke and debris began to fly all over the place, and as Mari landed back on the ground, she began to grow worried.

What if she had hurt her badly…? She bit her lower lip as she waited for Hiyori to emerge, and when she appeared out of the hole, Mari's eyes widened in seeing that some of her mask had chipped off, revealing a brown eye.

It suddenly dawned on Marise. "That's it…" she whispered. That's how to free them…!

Quickly, Marise turned around and shouted to everyone, "GUYS! We can set them all free by breaking off their masks!"

"What?" Yoruichi questioned, turning to Kisuke. "Would that really work?"

"Hmm…" Urahara mused, blocking off another one of Love's attacks. "It makes sense…" He turned to the Shinigami and ordered, "PERFORM KONSO ON ALL OF THE VISORED!"

"Eh?" Mari asked, quirking her head to the side. "B-But I can't do that!" she sputtered, flailing her arms. She squeaked in seeing Hiyori lunge at her again, though Shinji stepped in front of her.

"Let's hope yer right, Goldie," he murmured, and when Hiyori was near enough, he struck the middle of her mask with the hilt of his blade. A bright white light exploded from the cracks created in the mask, and soon the entire mask shattered off of her face.

"What the fuck…?" Hiyori groaned, feeling lightheaded. She would have fallen flat on her face had Shinji not caught her.

He looked down at her with a wry smile. "Welcome back."

"Hiyo-chan, you're okay!" Mari cried, tears coming to her eyes.

"What the hell are ya crying for, dumbass?" Hiyori shouted, though quieted when her head began to hurt. "Geez…"

Mari and Shinji turned to watch as the Shinigami began to free the rest of the Visored using the same method.

Kira Izuru had just performed konso on his captain, and he let out a sigh of relief in seeing calm violet eyes and his captain's long blonde hair. "Ōtoribashi-taichō!" he exclaimed.

Rose placed a hand on his lieutenant's shoulder. "Thanks…my muse."

Urahara and Yoruichi had already set Lisa and Love free, and the four were now watching as they watched a normal Mashiro chasing Ichigo around.

"C'mon, Berry, play heroes and villains with me!" Mashiro squeaked.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" Ichigo cried.

"Yare, yare, you put up quite a fight, Kensei-kun," Shunsui laughed, slapping the gray-haired man on the back.

"Ouch! Hey, watch it!" Kensei shouted. "I'm still sore there! Geez, for a man who looks all friendly, you're not one to take it easy in a fight."

"Thank you both for freeing me," Hachigen said softly, looking down at Ryu and Yachiru.

"No problem, Big Man!" Yachiru giggled.

Ryu shrugged. "I didn't really do anything…" He looked over to see Marise beckoning him, and went over to her.

"No…" Aizen whispered, his hands going to his head. "No, NO, NO!"

"Quick, Ryu!" Mari said urgently. "He's distracted…we can free Mama!"

Ryu nodded and the two siblings ran over to where there mother was.

"What are you guys doing?" Lucille hissed. "Haven't you put yourselves in enough danger?"

Mari placed her hands on her hips and puffed out her cheeks. "And you think we did all that just to not save you? You're crazy, Mama!"

Ryu pulled some large leaves off a nearby tree and threw them. They immediately turned into sharp blades, effectively cutting off the ropes that held Lucille, freeing her.

"Oh…my babies," Lucille croaked, hugging her two children tightly.

Mari felt tears prick at her eyes, though this time, she was able to hold them back. "Come on, it's not safe here!" The three quickly ran back to the group, however, Aizen had noticed their escape.

Now he didn't have anyone hostage…! His plan was falling apart…!

"You may have defeated my army…" he seethed, his body beginning to tremble as rage overtook him. "Though I will still carry out my plan."

"Give it up," Soichiro stated calmly. "I no longer have to hold back against you, Aizen." He looked over at his wife, who gave him a small smile, and his heart instantly soared…he knew he had been forgiven. "I'm going to rip you apart," he said menacingly.

Lucille watched in awe as her husband pulled out two large machine guns, and began to fire at the man above. She had never seen Soichiro when he wore his Shinigami attire, and to see him like this…it was incredible.

Aizen merely smirked and took the bullets head on, earning surprised gasps from everyone.

"What…?" Soichiro whispered, to see that the man was still standing after he had fired several hundred bullets. "But how…?"

Aizen grinned manically. "Blame yourselves for binding me with the most indestructible tools in Soul Society…! Though I have a few injuries on the inside, it's nothing compared to how this is all going to end. I can take a few hits in order for this plan to be carried out. Is that all you've got, Asahina Soichiro?"

"Damn you!" Soichiro cursed, glaring at him. He dropped his machine guns and pulled out a rifle that had a long, thin blade at the end, similar to Mari's weapon. "Then I'm just going to keep shooting until all of your inner organs start to fail…until that thing you call a heart is no longer beating…!"

Aizen was tired of teasing the poor fool and finally pulled out his Zanpakutō, activating his Shikai.

"Kyōka Suigetsu," he murmured, smiling deviously.

"NO!" Shinji shouted.

"We can't let him use it on everybody!" Urahara cried.

Isshin, Ichigo, Soichiro and Urahara ran forward to corner Aizen, each of them going at the man with everything they had.

However, Aizen lifted his hand and murmured a forbidden Kidō spell. The four were bound by an invisible barrier, and the all let out screams of pain as a searing jolt was sent through each of them. It continued to drain them of their energy until they collapsed onto the ground, barely breathing.

The others watched in horror as Aizen looked up at them.

"GAH!" Mari cried, her hands going to her head. Everything felt so…hazy and heavy…like she was suffocating…was this Aizen's Shikai…? Was he also creating some awful fantasy…?

Aizen walked over to where Soichiro laid nearly limp on the ground. His smile turning into a deep frown, Aizen kicked the man in the head.

"No, STOP!" Lucille shriek, running to her husband. Marise pulled her mother back and they both sank to the ground, growing weaker under the effects of Aizen's Shikai.

Everyone was now lying on the ground, nearly out of power. Aizen was also greatly weakened, though not so much as the others.

He threw his head back and began to laugh hysterically. "Yes…YES…!" he shouted. "Now I can finally attain the Royal—"

His speech was cut short, however, when a long blade pierced straight through his chest from behind.

"Kill, Kamishini no Yari."

To Be Continued

: : : MY THANKS TO : : :

Page-Mistress: Haha, yep, you were an inspiration alright! :D

MaryxKat36: His ass definitely got handed to him by both Mari AND Shinji! Take that, Rimen! (But I still think you're sexy. XD)

Savlator-HeartBreaker: We all get kinda crazy when talking to people, Mari more so than others, but...I'm happy you could relate to her. ^^

Forgetful Insanity: This fic has a lot of humor in it. :D And I love Lucille, lol.

Chocoholic123: Umm...alright? XDDD

And also a huge thank you to anyone that added this to their favorites or are following it!

Author's Note: DUN, DUN, DUNNN...! HO. LY. HELL. Shit just got serious. Bet you all didn't see that coming. 8D (But it had to happen...in my Bleach world, this is what SHOULD happen...along with Ulquiorra coming back and him and Orihime getting together, lol.)

I gotta say, Mari was pretty badass in this chapter...and then she turns into her whiny, crybaby, dramatic self...oh Shinji, you need to learn that you no longer wear a tie, but Mari's "snot/tears tissue." This isn't a new thing, yet you still act surprised when she does it.

Kinda disapppointed that I only got two reviews for the last chapter... DO YOU GUYS REALIZE THIS FIC IS ALMOST OVER? Just three more chapters left!