Disclaimer insert here: I don't own or have ever owned Bleach or Rosario Vampire. Please buy their stuff however to support them poor bastards. Thanks.

All characters belong to their rightful owners, any OC I create are purely for entertainment use only. As usual an M rating is for future violence, dismemberments, gore, language, very foul language, and of course mature scenes will be in, but don't expect a ton of them. Again enjoy your time here.

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Edited and translation guide by regfurby.

Updated: March 17, 2018

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Welcome new or returning readers. For those you who know my style you can ignore this but for those you who are new to my stories please understand my following statement. I will not respond to PM or reviews that complain about me using Japanese terms in any capacity. It is my personal preference to use them. If this bothers you, I'm sorry but again my choice. I do hope you find a way to enjoy this regardless, if not….

Liam

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"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Shiro/Hollow Ichigo/Shōgetsu"

"Zangetsu"

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Kurosaki Ichigo sits watching the world slowly pass through his vision as the strange bus drives onwards towards their destination. He is beginning the next chapter of his life at a new school, in a new environment, and with a new path for his life. Going forward with only one of his friends, Arisawa Tatsuki, the rest staying behind to watch over their town and his sisters, and to help the newest additions of Karakura assimilate into their new lives, all but one whose betrayal made his decision easier to leave them behind. The next biggest change stemmed from all the women that he had suddenly found revolving around him in his life, a problem that was compounded by the surprising decision made by one of them.

She is a very beautiful and extremely powerful woman who decided to stay with him despite who she once was, a fact he no longer cared about. He had never really explored his relationships with the opposite gender, least of all any kind of relationship that was romantic. This has been especially true since his mother's death, but now with peace finally achieved that problem came rushing to the forefront. It had taken only one person and one very ugly incident to force the issue to a head. That argument was all he needed to accept Kisuke's offer for him and the others to leave Karakura town for a school year to help out an old friend of the former Twelfth Squad Captain.

Thankfully, they left knowing that besides Chad and Shihōin Yoruichi, her Fracción would also be there to protect his twin sisters, Karin and Yuzu, each of them growing spiritually aware due to his Reiatsu. Not that Goat-chin couldn't protect them by himself but still it makes Ichigo feel relief anyway to know that they were helping. Which is why he and they were now on this weird bus going to their new life with the untold promises of new troubles awaiting them. For some reason Ichigo isn't fazed by this fact, after all that he been through last year, he is actually looking forward to this new challenge. He smiles to himself as he gazes down at the sleeping form that was using his body for her personal pillow, looking at her face outlined by her braided blonde hair, he thanks Kami for how blessed he is that she was all his. Closing his own eyes he slowly drifts into a deep sleep remembering how his life turned one hundred and eighty degrees right after the end of his and Aizen's final climactic battle...

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Several months earlier…..

The last blow had been delivered; the false demigod was slowly being encased by a Kidō spell while the black-haired youth that defeated him laid crumpled on the ground watching. As Ichigo's vision started to fade, he watched as a small orb materialized from his opponent's chest and floated towards him just before he finally blacked out. Moments later Urahara Kisuke arrived to find a sealed Aizen and his favorite substitute Shinigami unconscious, his body slowly reverting to its former orange-haired self. What the former Captain was not expecting was how stable and calm Ichigo's Reiatsu seemed to be, Kisuke had originally assumed that the young Shinigami's Reiatsu would be in turmoil and wild.

The Final Getsuga was supposed to end Ichigo's time as a Shinigami and make him a mere human soul again with no spiritual powers. Yet if Kisuke was correct, the young warrior had even more Reiryoku than before and it was slowly being masked by something. He walked up to the sealed form of Aizen Sōsuke and placed his hand upon the man, chanting a quick Kidō spell he scanned for that troublesome orb, the Hōgyoku and found nothing. He spun around and looked directly at Ichigo's fallen form, slowly a smile developed as he realized who the master of the Hōgyoku was now. Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by the approaching voices of some very familiar people. Kisuke had to quickly walk to intercept Ichigo's friends to keep them from Aizen's sealed prison and to keep them some distance from Ichigo for the time being.

"What the hell Hat and Clogs!?" yelled Kuchiki Rukia, the petite but very violent Shinigami, who was obviously pissed that she was being kept from the young man whose life she cherished.

"Is Kurosaki-kun okay Urahara-san?" a very distraught Inoue Orihime cried trying to get past the eccentric shouten owner.

"My dear Orihime-chan and Rukia-chan, Kurosaki-kun is just exhausted from his battle with Aizen, and he has only passed out. We do need to get him back to the Shouten as soon as possible however. Besides, I also have need of your skills Inoue-chan for some others that have serious wounds that need to be looked after." Kisuke said as he pulled out his iconic fan hiding his face from the god-like healer.

"What?" yelled Rukia, "How the hell can you just take Ichigo like that Urahara? He needs to go to the Fourth Squad barracks to be healed by Unohana Taichō. All due respect to Orihime-chan but he shouldn't be moved so soon."

"He needs to be home Kuchiki-san, and he needs to be in his body before his Reiatsu spikes uncontrollably and something unfortunate happens while he is outside of his body. You and Abarai Fukutaichō also need to report to the Fourth Squad barracks to treat your own wounds before you each report to your own Taichō. I am sure Kuchiki Taichō wants to see his Imouto and his Fukutaichō now that he has returned from Hueco Mundo with Zaraki Taichō. As for the rest of you, we should immediately return to the World of the Living to get Ichigo back into his body and allow him to get some rest before he has to recount his actions against Aizen." Kisuke said.

"Why the rush Urahara-san?" asked the Quincy, Ishida Uryū, as he pushed his glasses up his nose.

"My dear Ishida-kun, Ichigo-kun needs all the rest he can get and I am sure you and the others would also like to restore your own strengths as well. You will each have to recount your own adventures to the Sōtaichō. He and the other Taichō I am sure will want to hear the accounts of how each of you played a part in the defeat of the Espada and Arrancar in Hueco Mundo."

Uryū just looked at the shouten owner with narrowed eyes, as he did so, that was when everyone else began to realize that something was not right with the situation and with Ichigo as well. Uryū walked up to Urahara and bluntly asked in the calmest voice ever, "What is happening to Ichigo?"

With a flick of his hand Urahara's fan closed, and his gray eyes stared straight into the Quincy's own blue, then he finally exhaled. "Ichigo used the Final Getsuga. As a consequence of that technique, he will start to lose all of his Shinigami powers and will be rendered powerless soon. So it is imperative that we get him home and into his body before that happens Ishida-kun."

"NO!" Rukia cried as she started screaming and trying to push past Renji as he grabbed her. Renji looked at Chad as he held back Orihime as she too was trying to get to the unconscious Shinigami. Chad looked back at Renji, questions in his eyes for the red-headed Shinigami. Unable to return the gentle giant's stare, Renji slowly looked down at Rukia as she collapsed into her oldest friend's arms while sobbing.

"...When Ichigo loses his powers, no one from Soul Society will be allowed to interact or make contact with Ichigo again. We will be forbidden to see or talk to him, as it is the law that no Shinigami are to have contact with normal humans. Anyone from the Gotei Thirteen who is caught could be severely punished by Central Forty-Six." Renji said in a heavy voice.

He looked towards the orange-haired man and realized as did Rukia that it may be decades before they would ever see him again. In less than a year, Renji figured out that Rukia loved Ichigo and that he would never be more than her best friend, a fact that he had made peace with. He had found and lost his own friend in such a short time as well, even if every time they got together they argued or fought. However, they had always brought out the best in each other, and when it came to Rukia they were always at their absolute best. Now looking at the Strawberry, he felt only absolute sadness and guilt at the predicament that Rukia now faced.

Rukia knew the young man was now out of her reach until either he found a way to regain his powers or he passed on to Soul Society. But if he died a human death, he could lose his memories, and there was no telling where he would end up in the vast districts that made up the Rukongai or even if they would find him in time before he rejoined the Cycle of Life.

"Even if Ichigo-kun regains his powers like his Otou-san it may not be until decades from now, and by then who knows what will happen in the World of the Living and in Soul Society. He may even decide not to be a Shinigami again; he may do something with his life that does not involve the life-and-death situations that he has faced over the past year. Ichigo deserves a long holiday after everything he has done for all of us, and I for one intend to see that he gets the rewards he deserves." Urahara stated to every one of Ichigo's friends, his face resolute in his declaration.

After a while, both Orihime and Rukia calmed down enough that their sobs lessened to the point where Kisuke decided it was time to get them all home. Turning towards Renji, he nodded to him and gently indicated for him to take Rukia. As he unsheathed Benihime, he expertly gathered the others while waiting for Chad. Chad used the time they talked to quietly slip away and pick up Ichigo's unconscious body while the others were listening to Renji and Kisuke. When Uryū, helping a stunned Orihime to her feet, and then Chad finally gathered around him, Kisuke stabbed the air to open a Senkaimon. As the young people passed by him they each looked back at the fading silhouettes of Renji and Rukia, who was walking in a state of utter defeat as she hung on to Renji's arm with what remained of her waning willpower. Just as Chad was about to walk by Kisuke, he stopped and looked at the shouten owner and nodded towards the remains of Aizen then down at Ichigo.

"I will summon a Hell Butterfly and inform Suì-Fēng Taichō and the Onmitsukidō as to where to come and collect him. As far as how he died, that I will leave up to Soul Society to figure out Sado-kun. I know you have a clue, but believe me when I say it is best that we keep that between me and you for the time being okay?" With a last look around the battlefield, Chad nodded his agreement and walked into the Senkaimon.

When Chad was out of sight, Kisuke lifted his hand and a black butterfly softly landed. He spoke quietly to the little flyer, leaving both the location of Aizen's body and asking that they give Ichigo and his friends a few days before coming to see them as well. The Senkaimon closed leaving only a devastated wasteland and the body of the former Fifth Squad Captain as the only reminders that a god had died and a new home had been decided on by one of the greatest powers to exist in all of the dimensions.

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Black was all she could see as Tia Harribel floated in her own mind.

'Sacrifice'

She had sacrificed everything for Aizen and his mad scheme. Her own Fracción dead, Starrk and Lilynette dead, everyone who had battled over Karakura Town was dead. Cut down by Aizen himself as she battled that white-haired child Captain and those two bastardized hybrids. She felt the pain of betrayal yet again, this time it had cost her everything and she could not stop it from happening. She shed tears as she slowly realized that everyone else's Reiatsu could no longer be sensed. Watching as the battle unfolded above her, she saw Aizen and the two other traitors fight against the remaining Shinigami, a moment of happiness came as she felt Tōsen's Reiatsu disappear. Then the Garganta opened and some of the Shinigami from Hueco Mundo came through, a familiar Reiatsu among them.

It belonged to the orange-haired Shinigami that had invaded Hueco Mundo to rescue the Inoue girl. She watched as he fought Gin and lost his fight in an unexpected way. Tia then had to watch as Aizen and Gin made their way through a Senkaimon to finish the Ōken in Soul Society. Now she was all alone. She was going to die alone, no one to mourn her, no one to say any last words to her, no one at all. She was alone and dying and feeling the bitter taste of defeat, not by the Shinigami she had fought, but by the one she had sworn to follow. As blackness started creeping into her vision she heard voices coming nearer. The last thing she heard were the shouts of two young children standing above her and yelling that they had found her.

Now she was floating in a sea of black waiting for death. She wanted to die so she could go to Soul Society and hopefully end her pain, unlike when she had died and became a Hollow all those years ago. Then the blackness began to feel warm against her skin and sounds in the distance could be heard once again. She wondered if this was normal, if her spirit was making its journey to the other side at last. She had heard the tales that she would lose her memories when she died and was sent to Soul Society. Those memories had helped her in her fights of survival in Hueco Mundo during those early years, but this time around she wanted them gone for good. She wanted a fresh start, maybe a quick transition back to the World of the Living if she got lucky. Soon she noticed that something odd was happening around her, the black sea was becoming brighter, and shapes started to appear. At first she was confused by this, and then curiosity got to her.

'What is going on?' The Tercera asked herself.

"Tia Harribel, do you wish to die?" a voice asked.

"What?"

The voice asked again, "Do you wish to die?"

"Yes, I want to die. What is there to live for? All I know is gone, Aizen will become Kami and I will be left all alone in his new world. There is no life for me now other than the hope of a new start in the World of the Living with no memories of now." Tia responded in her usual monotonous voice, but with a slight sadness evident.

"What if that is not the case Tia Harribel? What if there is hope for you to prove that all you have sacrificed actually meant something? What if I offer you a second chance, will you take it or will you die the lonely death you envision? Do you want their sacrifice to be in vain because you think you are weak? Do you want your precious girls to think their mistress is weak, not worthy of their loyalty?"

Anger suddenly raged through Tia's mind. "HOW DARE YOU! YOU KNOW NOTHING OF ME OR MY FRACCIÓN. YOU MOCK ME WHEN YOU HIDE IN THE SHADOWS, WHEN I AM WEAK YOU INSULT ME. SHOW YOURSELF AND I WILL KILL YOU WITH THE LAST BIT OF MY STRENGTH!"

"Much better Tia-chan, I had hoped you would rather fight than die like a dog. But fighting me will not make you feel better; instead I will prove to you that your sacrifice was not in vain. As for how I know about you, your Fracción and of your past, I have been looking into your memories as you lie next to me recovering." The voice spoke with compassion.

"My memories? You can see my memories?" Tia asked in horror.

"Yes."

"How? How can you do that?"

A friendly chuckle answered her question followed by a few seconds of silence. Just as Tia was about to ask again, she felt a presence near her. Then the world became instantly brighter and Tia Harribel found herself standing on the side of a severely decrepit building. She almost panicked at first when she found that the world was sideways and that there was more than one building. Slowly turning in place, she found that she was perfectly balanced, she was not going to fall and that the rules of this place defied logic. However, as Tia looked around she was faced with utter destruction as far as she could see. The world seemed ruined, the buildings either collapsed or dilapidated, the sky dark and ominous, and water seemed to flood the entirety of the place.

"Interesting world we are a part of, don't you agree Tia-chan?" The voice asked coming from Tia's blind side.

Tia turned in the direction of the voice, and what she saw was another beautiful woman standing next to her, looking over the scene before them. Dressed in a black kimono with silver crescent moons spaced about the background, her obi was dark red and her feet were covered by a pair of white zōri. Her midnight blue hair ran down the center of her back in a loose braid, her eyes shone a bright blue, and her lips were a shade of blush pink. Her skin was a porcelain white that bore no imperfections that Tia could see. In one word she was beautiful by any standard. But one thing that had Tia on edge was the underlying feeling of immense power that this woman had surrounding her. This was not the first time Tia knew she was not going to win in a fight, so she did the only thing she could; she simply answered the question and hoped that it was the right answer.

"It is an interesting place. But is this normal?" Tia gestured to the apocalyptic view before her.

"No, this is not normal Tia-chan, it is the result of Kurosaki Ichigo using his final technique, Saigo no Getsuga Tenshō, and he did this in order to defeat Aizen Sōsuke. The Final Getsuga is the most destructive form of Ichigo-kun's Getsuga attack. He basically transforms his entire being into his Zanpakutō attack form. However, that technique demands only one sacrifice; he must give up all of his Reiryoku. So do you know where we are now Tia-chan? Why this place can even exist?" The kimono-clad woman asked without taking her eyes off of the horrid scene before them.

Stunned was all Tia could feel at that moment. Aizen defeated by a boy, no, a human boy, incredible was all she could mentally say. Tia turned to face the woman again and shook her head negatively in response to the question posed to her.

Smiling, the kimono-clad woman lifted one of her arms and swept it before her in a slow arc. "This is what's left of Kurosaki Ichigo's inner world Tia-chan. This is the place where his Zanpakutō spirit resides. This is also my new home from now on. I will be the one who helps Zangetsu and Ichigo make their greatest wish come true, I will give them that power. Do you wish to know what Ichigo's greatest desire is Tia-chan?"

Tia nodded her head affirmatively this time.

"To protect those he loves and cares for. To gain power to defend, not to destroy or kill. Does that sound familiar to you Tia-chan?" Pausing briefly before starting again, "He thought he gave up everything to gain the power necessary to defeat Aizen Sōsuke. I have saved them because they proved that they were indeed truly worthy of me. I will help them rebuild their world Tia-chan so that they can continue doing what Ichigo does best."

Tia stared at the woman; her simple statement embodied all that she herself wanted to do for her three girls, what she had done for her sisters when she was alive. The very thing she failed to do for them. Yet now she stood inside the mind of the very person who did just that by coming to Hueco Mundo and fighting some of the strongest Arrancars just to rescue one person. She had seen how he first stood up against Yammy during that first encounter; it was her first glimpse of his strength.

Ulquiorra's assessment had been wrong about the young Shinigami, but she had kept that to herself. She had seen the determination in his eyes just before something interfered and caused him to lose in his fight with Yammy. When she next heard of him, it was when he had successfully made it to Hueco Mundo, she found herself giving him quiet respect for coming in the first place. As he and his group infiltrated further and further until they at last made it inside Los Noches, she felt that his resolve would never fail him. His battle with Grimmjow only solidified her opinion of him, but she left with the others before she could find out the true outcome of what truly happened.

"How did he defeat Aizen? How did he gain the power needed to defeat someone of his obvious strength?" Tia asked the woman. She genuinely wanted to know how the young Shinigami did it, how he managed to beat Grimmjow and then Aizen.

This time the woman turned towards Tia and motioned her to stand next to her. With Tia standing next to her, the woman spoke, "Show yourselves now, Tensa Zangetsu, Shiro... I know you are there, now come out."

As soon as she was done speaking, two figures began to materialize before the woman and Tia. The first was a young-looking male with flowing black hair and blue eyes. His clothes were a ragged-looking black overcoat with a white lined hood, a pair of black pants and low-heeled boots completing the outfit.

The other however looked strikingly different from his partner. He was completely white except for his eyes with their black sclera and golden irises, and his grin showing his black teeth. His clothes were that of a standard Shihakushō except that they were also completely white with black trimmings.

Both figures however looked ragged and emaciated, the look of near-death evident with them. They also each carried a standard-length Zanpakutō, which had a small chain hanging from the base of the Tsuka and a Manji for the Tsuba. Tia was extremely impressed by how beautiful both blades looked in their respective owner's hands. The black and white blades were definitely worthy weapons to behold.

"Who da fuck are you two? And does the King know you're here in his inner world?" snarled the white version of Ichigo.

"I do have to agree with my hollow counterpart on these particular issue ladies. Who are you and what are you doing here?" Asked the young-looking Zanpakutō spirit, but at least politely both women noticed.

Tia looked straight at the white version of Ichigo, finally understanding why his Reiatsu sometimes had a Hollow feel to it. "Kurosaki-san is a Vizard is he not?" she asked. "I fought two of them when we invaded the World of the Living."

Both males looked at her after finally noticing who and what she was. Shiro took on a feral look; Zangetsu however remained passive and neutral as he looked over Tia. Without warning Shiro launched himself at Tia while bringing his sword in for a high overhead strike. He was so quick that Tia did not even have time to react as she watched her death approach at high-speed; she also didn't see the hand that simply grabbed and halted the white blade in front of her face. Shiro's eyes grew wide when he saw his blade stopped by just the bare hand of the woman in the black kimono, then his jaw dropped as she looked at him and whispered, "Bakudō Sixty-One: Rikujōkōrō."

The Hollowfied version of Ichigo was stunned as six golden bars slammed into him and entrapped him. Looking at the woman who spoke the spell, any sanity he had was gone in an instant. "I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU, YOU BITCH! AS SOON AS I GET OUT YOU AND ME ARE GONNA HAVE SOME FUN, I'M GONNA TEAR YOUR HEART OUT AND MAKE YOU WATCH AS I CRUSH IT IN MY HANDS, THEN I'M GONNA PULL YOUR ARMS AND LEGS OFF ONE BY ONE AND THROW THEM WHERE NOT EVEN I WILL FIND THEM, THEN I'LL DANCE ON YOUR BONES TIL THEY ARE NOTHING BUT DUST! BITCH YA BETTER LET ME LOOSE RIGHT NOW, COZ IF YA DON'T I'LL MAKE SURE THAT YOU DIE SLOWLY AND PAINFULLY!" Shiro's insane eyes glared holes in the woman who had captured him so easily, his ragged breathing fast paced to match the shaking of his hands as he struggled against the binding Kidō.

Turning to face Tensa Zangetsu, the woman waited patiently for him to make his own attack.

"I am not as quick to rush into a battle when I can clearly see I am outmatched. I have not yet met anyone who could beat my hollow friend except Ichigo so that makes you very strong, and your use of Bakudō without incantation also means you are at least an expert in Kidō. You also did not kill him, which you could have easily done if you made a serious attempt. So for that I will stay my hand unless I believe you are a threat to Ichigo. But I must ask again: who are you, and what do you wish of Ichigo?" Tensa asked while staring at the woman who defeated Shiro so easily.

"At least you are not a fool Tensa, and I do appreciate your manners so I will tell you who I am. I am the Hōgyoku. I am the one who saved both you and your ingrate of a Hollow. I am also responsible for keeping Ichigo's inner world from completely collapsing. However, Hōgyoku is not a name I wish to be called by any longer so I think I will take the name...Shōgetsu." A smile formed on her lips as she spoke her new name for the first time.

Quickly recovering from the shocking admission, Tensa Zangetsu raised an eyebrow at the woman who called herself Shōgetsu; then he bowed to her respectfully. When he straightened up he turned to Tia and looked her over very carefully, then motioned for her to speak as well.

Tia looked at the Zanpakutō spirit and bowed to him as well. "I am the Ter… forgive me, I am the former Tercera Espada Tia Harribel. I am here because of the… Shōgetsu. She brought me here to offer me a chance to redeem myself. What she wants me to learn from Ichigo I do not know yet, but she offered me a choice and I accepted it, but on one condition: I want to know how he did it. How did this boy defeat Grimmjow and Aizen in such a short amount of time? From what I understand, he only gained his power less than six or seven months ago. So tell me how he did it and I will accept your offer Shōgetsu."

Smiling, Shōgetsu pointed at Tensa Zangetsu. "He will show you all of Ichigo's memories from the time he first met the Shinigami Kuchiki Rukia, up to the point of Aizen's defeat. While he does that, I will take the opportune time to have a nice long talk with Shiro and explain the new rules to him." Shiro's eyes went wide at that statement and sent a snarled warning to Shōgetsu.

"Come near me bitch and I'll kill ya! Ya think this will hold me forever? Think again! I'M the King's instincts and MY instincts are telling me right now that I will KILL you SLOWLY. You got lucky the first time but as soon as I am free I'm gonna make you regret ever showing up here in the King's world, OUR world."

Shōgetsu's smile was anything but friendly towards Shiro, it promised nothing but pain and humiliation. Slowly walking up to the trapped Hollow, she started to clap at his bravado, all the while her smile never lessened.

"You poor deluded soul Shiro. I don't think that you truly understand what I can do to you. I promise you this, however, you will obey me unconditionally, and with my every order you will snap to and follow without question. I will not risk Ichigo's soul being taken over by you, or even risk a chance when he has to use your true form. I will not deny that you are a part of his soul Shiro, and you have saved him during his darkest moments, but now you must yield to Ichigo completely. You will allow him full access to your power and you will never again try to take control." Shōgetsu was now fully in Shiro's face and grabbing him by his chin, forcing him to look into her eyes.

"Why should I give the King everything and get nothing in return? What can you offer me that will satisfy my urges, eh Shōgetsu?" Sneered Shiro at the woman who gripped him tightly.

"I saved you Shiro so show some gratitude to your savior. Plus, I separated you from Zangetsu so that you could be your own entity once again. Also I will see that you are allowed out to play once in a while in Hueco Mundo. Now do you agree to my terms, or do I have to convince you?" Shōgetsu asked with her own feral grin.

Staring hard at the very being that could destroy him without a second thought, Shiro knew he had very little choice in his decision. First, even he had to admit she had a legitimate argument that she did indeed save his and Zangetsu's collective asses. Secondly, he liked the thought of tearing through Hueco Mundo from time to time, killing and possibly eating other Hollows to get stronger, besides, King could always use the extra boost to his powers as he evolved. Finally, as with all other Hollows he understood the pecking order, for those who were stronger and more powerful always ruled over those who were weaker. But as he evolved he would become stronger than any other being because of the woman he now had to share his world with. So it's a win-win situation no matter what.

Smiling sadistically, Shiro gave his approval, "Yeah, he can be the King. But why is that other Hollow here?"

"She is here because I have need of her. Tia-chan wants the same things that Ichigo-kun wants." Shōgetsu snapped her fingers and released the Kidō that was binding Shiro.

"And what is that?" Shiro asked as he rubbed his arms when the Kidō was let loose from him.

"What does Ichigo-kun fight for Shiro?"

"The King always shouts about how he is gonna save everyone and other bullshit like that all da time."

"She too gained power so she can fight to protect what is hers. That reason alone is why I choose Ichigo to become my new home; he wanted the power to defeat his enemy so that he can protect his loved ones. His own desire to fight for his family and friends overpowered Aizen's desire to become a transcendent being. Kurosaki Ichigo at sixteen is the most driven and single-minded human hybrid that has ever been born. He is exactly what I want in a host. Tia-chan and Ichigo-kun are so alike; they both want the same thing, the power to protect. And now I will give not only Ichigo-kun that power, but I will also help Tia-chan realize that she is more than just a heartless Hollow."

"What is so special about her Shōgetsu? Why is she so important to you besides her own wish to protect? There is more to her than you are telling either me or Zangetsu, isn't there?"

Shōgetsu could only smile to herself as she looked at the reverse Ichigo. For a Hollow, he was truly different from any other Hollow that Aizen had ever been in contact with. She knew the real reason why Aizen was so fascinated with the human Shinigami in the first place. He was the first-born of a Captain who gave up his own powers to save a human female; one that Sōsuke had indirect contact with all those years ago. Internally giggling to herself, she found the whole thing so humorous that the very experiment as he called Ichigo-kun turned out to be the very being that defeated him in the end. The proof of that was standing before her now, a Hollow that was natural-born, a Hollow that was born by a human mother, a true Arrancar. Now all she had to do was bring about his final evolution to make him a true pureblood along with Ichigo and the one who called himself Zangetsu. This was the one thought that Aizen had failed to realize, the true creation of a new spiritual being.

"Shiro you are correct in your suspicions of Tia-chan. She is special to me, and I have need of her for your sake. I need her to help you teach Ichigo how to use his Vasto Lorde form, and I have a feeling that something very beautiful can come from this relationship with her. I need you to put your trust in not only me, but also in Tia-chan and Ichigo-kun as well, I know it is hard for you but it is also necessary for all of us that you do so. Okay?"

Looking at Shōgetsu, Shiro was surprised that she even took the time to tell him anything, let alone that the reason for what she was doing was for his own advantage. Even though he hated the thought of being the horse forever more, he had to grudgingly give the King the respect he had earned since becoming a Vizard. King had fought many opponents that by all rights should have killed him, but he always found the resolve to keep living and more importantly to keep fighting those stronger than him. Even the few times he nearly died and Shiro was forced to take over, King always found a way or someone to help him regain control of his Hollow form.

The last duel with Ulquiorra had awakened Shiro's Vasto Lorde form, but only at the cost of Ichigo literally getting a hole blasted through his chest. The overwhelming power of that form was intoxicating to Shiro and he wanted that feeling again and again, but the only way to regain that feeing was to give in to the demands of the woman standing before him and let Ichigo use his fully evolved Vasto Lorde form. Shiro decided that he had nothing to lose and everything to gain at that point, hell he figured when King lets loose as a Vasto Lorde, he would be unstoppable.

"I agree to your terms Shōgetsu, the King can stay on his throne and as long as I get to play as you promised, I will give him my power." Shiro said with a grin.

"Good choice Shiro. Now that we have an agreement, shall we join the others so that you and Zangetsu can tell Tia-chan about Ichigo-kun's history?"

"Yeah, yeah...we might as well tell Tia-chan all about the great and wonderful King known as Kurosaki Ichigo. Ha-ha I bet even she will be surprised by how powerful he was even before you saved us. But one thing Shōgetsu, what did you mean by a beautiful relationship? Do you intend on making her Ichigo's mate?"

"I will not force her into being anything Shiro. Even if Ichigo-kun is part hollow and will have those instinctual urges, I will not force her into being anything but what she chooses to be. If something does happen between the two of them it will be by their own devices. We both know that Ichigo-kun has deep feelings for someone already, but he has never acted upon them and to be honest I do believe from his own memories I have seen, he is pretty dense when it comes to romance." Shōgetsu sighed as she looked over at the blonde beauty standing next to Tensa Zangetsu.

"Dense? Not even close Shōgetsu, the King is just plain hopeless to those aspects of life, hell I know that Zanny has pulled his hair out once or twice at him. It's pretty bad to think that even two spirits know more about who loves him when all we do is see from inside his thick ass skull."

"Shiro, you do realize that when you are calm and have time to think, you speak very articulated, almost like a poet?"

"Ehh, blame it on his love of Shakespeare. The one good thing other than fighting is that the King is a very serious student; he does not rot his brain with the idiot box and does read normal things other than manga all day."

Shōgetsu could only stare at Ichigo's reversed spirit and wonder if the other Vizards had inner Hollow's that were the same or whether they were completely suppressed by their hosts. It was something she would have to bring up later with Ichigo and Shiro. She had to wonder if all Inner-Hollows were capable of evolving beyond their own instincts or whether Ichigo and Shiro were the exception to nature, another plan started to form in her mind as she and Shiro walked over to join the other two.

Seeing Shōgetsu and Shiro walking towards them, Zangetsu wondered what sort of deal had they made. Eyeing his other half as he walked towards him, he quirked his eyebrow slightly at his hollow brother, only to receive a slight nod in response to the unspoken question. Seeing as the explanation would have to wait, Zangetsu turned to look at the former Espada as she stood looking at the decaying world around her. Zangetsu noticed that even though she looked as beaten as he and Shiro did, she carried herself with a sense of grace and beauty that not many could possess in the current situation. She had waited patiently for him to explain the enigma that was Kurosaki Ichigo, now was the time to show her what lengths his partner would go to in order to protect those he cherished.

Smiling to himself, he was relieved beyond words that he and Shiro would not be sent to the abyss that was in Ichigo's mind, and with time they would be able to rebuild his inner-world to its former state. Feeling stronger now than he was even a few minutes ago, Zangetsu cleared his throat to gain the attention of their guest. Tia's half lidded eyes turned to face the spirit of Ichigo's Zanpakutō, smiling inwardly to himself he could only imagine Ichigo's reaction when he finally saw the woman standing before him, a fountain of blood from his nose was a certainty. Before he could say anything he found himself encased in a Kidō spell, surprised at first he made to grab his Zanpakutō but quickly held back as he noticed the other two were also behind the spell.

"Do not worry yourselves; I am healing each of you before we begin. I need all of you at your full strength because it will be a long and arduous journey for Ichigo-kun and Tia-chan. They will both have to learn about each other for you all to gain your new strengths. Yes, even you Tia-chan; you are strong, but if you intend to truly protect those you love, you must become even stronger and the only way now is through Ichigo-kun. Zangetsu and Shiro, you were both close to being driven into the deepest recesses of Ichigo-kun's soul which you can obviously tell by the state you are in. I have to restore the three of you fully before we can wake up Ichigo-kun and start your training." Shōgetsu explained as she maintained the Kidō barriers that were currently healing them.

Tia's surprised face only made Shōgetsu laugh loudly as she saw the expression of the former Espada. "Yes Tia-chan you will gain from me, but I will only do so if you agree to certain terms in return."

"What do you mean Shōgetsu by 'certain terms'?" asked the now annoyed looking blonde arrancar.

"I will tell you privately Tia-chan, and before you get worked up over nothing I will only ask you for a simple task. But, before I do, I want you to see how Ichigo-kun became my worthy vassal, to see why he alone can be the one to wield me."

Tia looked over at Zangetsu and Shiro to see that both of them were quickly regaining a healthy appearance once again. Both no longer looked like walking skeletons, their clothes were repaired, and finally they both had the looks of mighty warriors once again. Shiro's grin as he looked at himself reminded Tia too much of Grimmjow's before a fight, while Zangetsu simply looked distinguished in his appearance. How the hell did the two of them get along Tia could only wonder, but if they could it was well worth the risk to find out how the young Shinigami became so powerful, and better yet how she could increase her own power.

Finally inspecting her own body, Tia was relieved that she had no more wounds, but what was even more fascinating was that she had no more scars, even the scars she had from her days as a Vasto Lorde seemed to have disappeared. Looking at the Hōgyoku spirit suspiciously, she saw a brief but knowing smile coming from the woman when she felt Tia's stare. As such, Shōgetsu walked over to her and whispered to her in a low voice.

"Tia-chan I know you are an Arrancar and those scars have proven your worth over the years, but you are now a new woman and as such I am giving you a completely new beginning. In your human life you were beautiful in both body and spirit; it is only natural that I give you that back again. Your past, as tragic as it was, is in the past. It will only keep you from going forward; until you face your demons completely as will Ichigo-kun you will both be unable to fully grasp your true strengths. I do know that you and Ichigo-kun have both suffered from a life-changing event that has come to define the way you have each lived your lives, together I hope you will find in each other the will to finally heal."

Staring at Shōgetsu in disbelief, Tia could feel the memories starting to come back to the surface of her soul in full force. After being buried for so long Tia was not sure if she could face them once again, not so soon after losing her Fracción in the battle against the Gotei 13. She started shaking uncontrollably and felt her body getting weak again as she remember those terrible months just before her murder. Before it got worse however, she felt Shōgetsu's hand on her shoulder and being turned around to face away from the two spirits of Ichigo's. Just before she found herself being engulfed into a hug from Shōgetsu, she saw the unshed tears being held back by her savior.

"Now is not the time for that Tia-chan, you will have plenty of time in here for you to work out all of your emotions and find your peace. You and Ichi-kun have more in common than most people do, his tragedy when you find out is worse than you can imagine but it is also the point that changes him to the man he is today." Shōgetsu quietly spoke into Tia's ear as she held the Arrancar tightly to her body.

Shōgetsu's foray into Tia's memories had yielded an abundance of information on her life, both living and as a Hollow. Amazement that the woman now in her arms survived what she did was one of the reasons Shōgetsu felt that she had chosen wisely; anyone who lived through what Tia did was worth the effort to save. She could only hope that during the time she was inside Ichigo's inner world, it would be enough for both of them to fight and overcome that one last obstacle that held each other back. One could only hope.

Tia focused all of her emotions into herself to keep from breaking down, like she always did before in her life both living and dead. But now she knew someone else shared in her secrets, a history she did not even share with her three girls, she was expecting the worst from Shōgetsu but instead she found herself been tightly held onto, to help her through the panic that was coursing through her body. Keeping her eyes closed she wrapped her arms around the being that was formerly Aizen's trump card in his failed war against Soul Society, staying there until the her memories were once again buried, but not as deeply as before. When she was sure she could continue, she slowly released her arms from around Shōgetsu and quietly thanked her. A smile greeted her and a hand slowly traced her tears away from her cheeks.

"Tia-chan if you wish we can do this tomorrow? I control the flow of time in here now so we don't have to rush this if you are not ready, do you understand?"

"No Shōgetsu, I wish to continue. I want to see why this Shinigami was able to win his battles and defeat that bastard who betrayed me and my comrades. I want to know how he succeeded where I failed. Please, I can do this. I am ready." Tia sounded stronger at the end.

"Zangetsu what do you think is wrong with that arrancar chick? Her spiritual pressure was all over the place and you could almost taste the grief and anger that laced it."

"I am not sure Shiro, but it would be best if we leave it alone for now. When she decides to tell Ichigo, if ever we will deal with it then." The younger version of Ichigo's Zanpakutō answered the Hollow.

Shōgetsu looked the Arrancar over for a few moments before turning back to Zangetsu and Shiro. She was pleased that the two of them had not asked any questions and kept silent as she dealt with the emotional outburst from Tia. Nodding her head in thanks, she walked with Tia up to the other two spirits who were now waiting to begin.

"Zangetsu you may begin your account of Ichigo-kun's life beginning from the night that Kuchiki-chan first stepped foot inside his home. Tia-chan if you have questions do not hesitate to ask, it is important for you to understand everything you see, this young man is your future if you decide to take the chance. But before we begin, I give you this one last chance to back out, if you do I will take you back to your own body and you can go home to Hueco Mundo."

"No, I want to see it all Shōgetsu." Tia replied without hesitation.

"Then begin your tale Zangetsu and Shiro. Show Tia-chan why your partner is one of the greatest warriors in all the known dimensions."

XXXX

AN: Ok I know that some of you are following me with Destiny's Path. I did say I was already at 14000 words but as I was writing it got out of hand. So I decided to break it up into smaller chapters and will post until the first few chapters are done. I had originally wanted to do the first 2 chapters, but I think it might be 3 to 4 before I get back to my other story. Anyway a few things you should take note of in the upcoming chapters. Some of you will recognize certain elements and I will give proper credit for my influences because they are were great ideas. Too bad I didn't write them first, oh well. So you all know what to do when you read. Give good feedback and even critiques are welcomed as always. So see you hopefully Monday for the next chapter. Can't promise as somehow I got roped into watching my demon seed nephews for the weekend.

Liam

Translations List

Honorifics

-san (さん) : Used to address people with a generic level of respect (equivalent to Mr/Mrs/Ms)

-sama (様) : Used to address people with a higher level of respect (equivalent to Master/Madam)

-chan (ちゃん) : Used to address people with familiarity (usually females)

-kun (君) : Used to address people with familiarity (usually males)

-dono (どの): Used to address people with great respect (equivalent to Lord/Lady)

-ue (上) : Used to address one's parents with great respect

Addressing people by their family name without honorifics can be seen as disrespectful.

Addressing people by their given name without honorifics implies a high degree of familiarity.

People may not always use the same honorific when addressing the same person; it depends on the situation and what they are feeling at the moment.

Special

-tachi (たち) : Used as a suffix to refer to a group

Family Titles

Chichi (父) / Otō (お父) : Father, usually addressed as Chichi-ue or Otō-san/sama (also written as Otou)

Haha (母) / Okā (お母) : Mother, usually addressed as Haha-ue or Okā-san/sama (also written as Okaa)

Ani (兄) / Onī (お兄) : Older Brother, usually addressed as Aniki or Onī-san/sama (also written as Onii)

Ane (姉) / Onē (お姉) : Older Sister, usually addressed as Aneki or Onē-san/sama (also written as Onee)

Otōto (弟) : Younger Brother, usually addressed as Otōto-san/chan (also written as Otouto)

Imōto (妹) : Younger Sister, usually addressed as Imōto-chan (also written as Imouto)

Sofu (祖父) / Ojī (お爺) : Grandfather, usually addressed as Ojī-san/sama (also written as Ojii)

Sobo (祖母) / Obā (お婆) : Grandmother, usually addressed as Obā-san/sama (also written as Obaa)

Oji (叔父) : Uncle, usually addressed as Oji-san (not to be mistaken with Grandfather/Ojī-san)

Oba (叔母): Aunt, usually addressed as Oba-san (not to be mistaken with Grandmother/Obā-san)

Itoko (いとこ) : Cousin (can be written with different Kanji depending on age, gender and which side of the family they come from)

Oi (甥) : Nephew

Mei (姪) : Niece

Kyōfu (教父) : Godfather, usually addressed as Kyōfu-san/sama

Kyōbo (教母) : Godmother, usually addressed as Kyōbo-san/sama

Ōoji (大叔父) : Great-Uncle, usually addressed as Ōoji-san

Ōoba (大叔母) : Great-Aunt, usually addressed as Ōoba-san

Sōsofu (曽祖父) : Great-Grandfather, usually addressed as Sōsofu-sama

Sōsobo (曽祖母) : Great-Grandmother, usually addressed as Sōsobo-sama

Relations

Otto (夫) / Goshujin (ご主人) : Husband, usually addressed as Goshujin-san/sama

Tsuma (妻) / Oku (奥) : Wife, usually addressed as Oku-san

Musuko (息子) : Son, usually addressed as Musuko-san

Musume (娘) : Daughter, usually addressed as Musume-san

Magomusuko (孫息子) : Grandson

Magomusume (孫娘) : Granddaughter

Sofubo (祖父母) : Grandparents

Ryōshin (両親) : Parents (also written as Ryoushin)

Fūfu (夫婦) : Married Couple

Kyōdai (兄弟) : Brothers (can also refer to Siblings in general)

Shimai (姉妹) : Sisters

Itoko (いとこ) : Cousins

Kodomo (子供) : Children

Mago (孫) : Grandchildren

Kazoku (家族) : Family

Shinseki (親戚) : Relatives

Nakama (仲間) : Comrades

Tomodachi (友達) : Friends

Senpai (先輩) : Senior (also written as Sempai, can be used as a suffix '-senpai')

Kōhai (後輩) : Junior (also written as Kouhai, can be used as a suffix '-kouhai')

Sensei (先生) : Teacher, Doctor, Respected Person

Deshi (弟子) : Student, Apprentice

Informal

Tō-chan (父ちゃん) : Dad (also written as Tou-chan)

Kā-chan (父ちゃん) : Mom (also written as Kaa-chan)

Nī-chan (父ちゃん) : Big Bro (also written as Nii-chan)

Nē-chan (父ちゃん) : Big Sis (also written as Nee-chan)

Jī-chan (父ちゃん) : Gramps (also written as Jii-chan)

Bā-chan (父ちゃん) : Granny (also written as Baa-chan)

Disrespectful

Oyaji (親父) : Old Man

Jiji (爺) : Old Geezer

Baba (婆) : Old Crone

Bō (ぼう) / Bōzu (ぼうず) : Boy (also written as 'bou/bouzu', can be used as a suffix '-bou/bouzu')

Boya (ボヤ) : Boy (literal translation, used as a suffix '-boya')

Insulting

Teme (てめ) : Jerk, Bastard etc. (can be used as a suffix '-teme')

Dobe (どべ) : Dumbass, Moron etc. (lit. Dead Last)

Baka (バカ) : Stupid

Hentai (変態) : Pervert

Chibi (チビ) : Midget, Runt

Gaki (ガキ) : Brat (can be used as a suffix '-gaki')

Speech

Yare Yare (やれやれ) : My my (exasperation)

Ara Ara (あらあら) : My my (surprise)

Maa Maa (まあまあ) : There there (comforting / calming down)

Moshi Moshi (もしもし) : Hello (greeting over a phone)

Hai (はい) : Yes

Ano (あの) : Umm...

Are (あれ) : Huh?

Yosh (よし) : Alright! (excited)

Yosh yosh (よしよし) : Good good (approval)

Itadakimasu (いただきます) : Let's eat (appreciative)

Gochisousama deshita (御馳走様でした) : Thank you for the feast (appreciative)

Arigatō Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) : Thank you very much

Dōitashimashite (どういたしまして) : You're welcome

Ohayō (お早う) : Good morning

Konnichiwa (今日は) : Hello/Good day

Konbanwa (こんばんは) : Good evening

Nicknames

Geta-Bōshi (ゲタ帽子) : Hat-and-Clogs (refers to Kisuke's choice of clothing)

Yagi-Ago (山羊顎) : Goat-chin (refers to Isshin's scruffy beard)

Ichigo (苺) : Strawberry (a play on Ichigo's given name)

Ichi (一) : Shortform for Ichigo (一護)

Tats (竜) : Shortform for Tatsuki (also written as Tatsu)

Suki (好き) : Shortform for Tatsuki (also means to Like)

Hime (姫) : Shortform for Orihime (also means Princess)

Yori (ヨリ) : Shortform for Yoruichi

Nicknames

Bōgu (防具) / Kendōgu (剣道具) : Kendo Armor/Equipment

Men (面) : Face Mask and Shoulder Protectors

Kote (小手) : Hand and Forearm Protectors

Do (胴) : Torso Protector

Tare (垂れ) : Groin and Leg Protectors

Sune-ate (脛当て) : Shin Protectors

Bokken (木剣) / Bokutō (木刀) : Wooden Sword

Shinai (竹刀) : Bamboo Sword

Keikogi (稽古着) : Upper garments

Hakama (袴) : Lower garments

Soul Society

Sōtaichō (総隊長) : Head Captain (also written as Soutaichou)

Taichō (隊長) : Captain (also written as Taichou)

Fuku-Taichō (副隊長) : Vice-Captain / Lieutenant (also written as Fukutaichou)

Kidō (鬼道) : Way of the Demon, the Shinigami Spiritual Arts (also written as Kidou)

Hadō (破道) : Way of Destruction, Spiritual Arts focusing on attack (also written as Hadou)

Bakudō (縛道) : Way of Binding, Spiritual Arts focusing on capture (also written as Bakudou)

Kaidō (回道) : Way of Returning, Spiritual Arts focusing on healing (also written as Kaidou)

Locations

Seireitei (瀞霊廷) : Court of Pure Souls, the Inner District of Soul Society

Rukongai (流魂街) : Wandering Soul City, the Outer Districts of Soul Society

Dangai (断界) : Precipice World, a Dimensional Corridor linking Soul Society to the Human World

Daireishokairō (大霊書回廊) : Great Spirit Book Gallery, the Repository containing all the Knowledge and History of Soul Society

Shinōreijutsuin (真央霊術院) : Spiritual Arts Academy

Urahara Shouten (蒲原商店) : Urahara's Shop, owned by Urahara Kisuke

Rosario Vampire

Yōkai (妖怪) : Monsters (also written as Youkai)

Daiyōkai (大妖怪) : Greater Monsters (also written as Daiyoukai)

Yōki (妖気) : Demonic Energy (also written as Youki)

Yōkai Gakuen (妖怪学園) / (陽海学園) : Monster Academy (also written under the fake name of Living Sea Academy)