Paradise Regained

The Captain-Commander stood silent. His face showed nothing but disappointment and sorrow. Not just for the destruction that now totaled over what the Quincy's had done, but because someone HAD to for this misguided monster. Someone had to put aside the hatred, the bias, the unforgiving attitude and even in Kyoraku's case, previous friendship. And then he fell backwards, to the ground behind him.

"Kageoni"

He fell into his own shadow, only to emerge from Yoko's. But of course the Captain-Commander knew better than to use the same technique twice in a row. He used the falling from the shadows to provide an extra boost in momentum to launch himself high above Sonzai. A small smile came over him.

"Oh, come on Yoko. You know me, did you really think I'd change much?"

And then the sorrowful disappointment came back.

"Ya .... Yamamoto gave his life defending us all during the Quincy invasion. I was sure he'd promote Jushiro to Captain-Commander even with his Tuberculosis. Now I stand as Captain of the 1st Division. Few and far between does anyone from our time still live. I'm sorry you had to discover this."

When Sonzai spoke the words of home and misplaced hatred, a tear ran down his only eye.

"Soul Society can never forgive you, you know.
Takaoni"

He dropped at a speed faster than terminal velocity, one blade spear heading the charge while the other he kept to his defense. Only a flesh wound. Shunsui launched himself back into the air.

"But I can. Being banished for so long .... no Shinigami is meant to exist outside of the Seireitei for such an extended period. You developed your god complex long ago, before your punishment. But existing as a Soul Reaper with no boundaries .... it's no wonder that very complex drove you mad. You're the prime example of why Shinigami must lose their abilities when banished. But for all the destruction and death you've caused, the old Central 46's choice of judgement upon you is the true heinous crime. That, is why I must forgive you. It's not your fault, Yokoshima. It's not your fault."

----

Every single one of the gotei 13 opponents took advantage of of the pause in Sudu's movements. For most of them, this opening would be the first attack they could land against her. And, for most of them, it would more than likely be their last. Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi charged the queen of agility in a full frontal assault, invisibly protected by Captain Soi-Fon and defended by her ever watchful Kenpachi. But this was only a feign of capturing her attention. Captain vizored Love Aikawa dealt the first blow, swinging Tengumaru upward then down toward her.

"Fire-Blowing Gavel!"

Following the 5-burst fireballs heading toward Sudu, her equally matched rival Yoruichi was in and out of the danger zone faster than ever, dishing a few key blows all over. Not a moment spared, Captain Zaraki got directly inbetween 2 of the miniature suns and maintained the strongest spiritual pressure over the area, just long enough to pin Sudu for a moment to allow Lieutenant Izuru Kira to come in with Wabisuke. He swung the blade and pulled back at her left heel to make it heavier before getting out of the way with Kenpachi for the star formed burst to hit. But it wasn't over.

"Sonata Number Eleven - Sixteen Day-Old Moon Rose"

Captain Vizored Rose Otoribashi strumed Kinshara as the rose petal tip was aimed at Sudu's location, releasing the shockwave as the fireballs landed. And to make sure the ground was covered aside from the massive fire and shock, Renji's Zabimaru worked with Shuhei Hisagi's Kazeshini to cover extra ground. Toshiro utilized Hyonimaru's Guncho Tsurara to send ice shards everywhere within.
But sure enough, a recognized voice was heard after all of this. A voice that hadn't been heard in Soul Society for over a hundred years....

----

Shi was stupid to not immediately give his stupidly high offensive capabilities as his defense to keep Zechs' zanpaktou at bay. Though Captain Vizored Kotsu would give him credit for attempting to research first. But pummel after pummel of the blades would hurt more and more, not because the attacks were worse, but Fang was waking up. Sure enough, the vials at the top of each staff end confirmed this.

"You're in for a very fun treat, monster.
Spin, Fang"

He hopped a few feet backwards and cracked the staff against his leg, and without hesitating for any more than a thousandth of a second, slammed the ends into the ground. The large 27x27 foot dome of acidic web began to build and entrench Shi's spot,
And then the voice of a kido master spoke a forbidden spell ....

It had almost been to long for Yoko to remember the rules of Shunsui's little games. They always did bother Yoko when they were training at the academy; and thanks to those days, he knew how to keep up with his opponent. He was ready to play, but as soon as his stood for battle, Shunsui's blade made it's first strike, cutting Yoko's cheek. Not an easy task with his hollowfied skin.

"Tsk..."

He spat out at the stinging pain.

"Hmm. Oh well.. Eijisai had his time coming."

Inside, he pushed back the mix of emotions that flooded his thoughts and the reawakened memories of his former master. Now was not the time to be blinded by rage or any other blinding fuel. Now was the time for a test of grown skill between former partners.

"I'm not looking for forgiveness you little brat. I never wanted it forgiveness from those who fear what they don't understand!"

Yoko held his blade up towards Shunsui, readying himself for a long fight.

"Anathema is your judgement, move like the storm to bring your exile. The divine sword of fire shall sing of jubilation! Show true wrath- Cameal!"(OOC: His shikai's activation phrase.)

With a mighty incantation, his dual bladed zanpakto, split into two: One blade, big and mighty, showing true strength and the other, small for precise attacks and a strong defense. Now his reistu, a flood, pushed against his opponent. It was like old times when they trained to become captains. This fight was not going to be one to the death, but one in memory of their master and father. At least that's how Yoko saw it.

Quickly, he shot up past Shunsui and let loose and barrage of attacks at him. Winning his little game of height. Some attacks, slow but strong, enough to break any mere zanpakto, while others were so fast, they couldn't be seen, by most.

"It's a shame Jushiru couldn't be here! Then it would truly be a reunion."

With a final push, he soared far above Shunsui. Stabng his sword in the air, creating a large green kido circle. As soon as it fully materialized it began shooting bolts of unstable and crackling energy at shunsui.

"Gaki REKKO!"

-----

Slowly the army guarding the caged hollow moved to the Seireitei, taking advantage of the distraction given to them by Sudu and Shi. Thankfully Yoko and Shunsui's fight was producing so much excess reitsu that the protective membrane couldn't absorb anymore and became unstable. Letting the army pass through, making their way to Yoko. Their last push was through the maze of their lost home.

Curiously though, a small regiment stayed behind. Keeping their distance from the battle, they waited for their chance to pounce.

"You never learn."

A growl came from Sudu as she caught two of the miniature suns hurling towards her, absorbing it's massive energy output. She took a calculated risk, letting Zaraki pin her down, and even more so letting the emo blonde pull her foot from beneath her; but she saw an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

In the dust of the explosion created by Aikawa, a small gold rose peddle sped towards Sudu. Instinctively she caught it and her Shikai began it's absorption.It failed as the metallic peddle exploded in her hand.

"GAAAAAAAAH"

She scream out, barely able to absorb any of that explosion.

"Damn you all. Alone... none of you can beat me. So you cower together and try to fight me. I have no time for this!"

And with that, she held her damaged gauntlet up. That last explosion damaged her shikai and it's quickly depleting energy. Then she fired. Shooting open Zech's little web dome. Opening it up for Shi to escape. Just as Ice shards started to rain down on her. Though they were easy to dodge, no clear aim in the dust cloud.

Once the ice finished raining down, she quickly made her way out of the dust cloud, towards Zechs.

-----

"Looks like our time up baldy."

He let loose a cheeky smile, holding his sword over his shoulders. Only he saw Sudu slip in and prepare her onslaught on Zechs, but everyone was stopped in their tracks when the forbidden kido incantation was uttered...

"What is that?...."

"Nor do you deserve forgiveness, Yoko. You began this macabre path on your fellow brothers and sisters of the Seireitei, then transferred it outward onto Soul Society residents. And in your banishment, onto humans and even more than enough hollows didn't deserve the fate you gave them. Your punishment was just, but the extents were not. I forgive you not only because Seireitei knew they should've stripped your Soul Reaper abilities, but because I'm one of the few that can and will."

He spoke on behalf of the few individuals that knew of what he became. Ukitake, Tessai, Urahara, Yoruichi, hell even Shinji knew enough to forgive, but more-so forget. The other Vizored however, either blamed him for starting this all and causing what they became, or were more apathetic toward the situation. Losing himself in his thoughts, Sonzai quickly gained the upper-hand in Takaoni and managed a few nicks. But the Captain-Commander was one of the 4 left alive that knew of his zanpaktou's abilities already. He would dodge the heavier attacks and every other faster bladed attempt.

"Yoko yoko yoko, you gotta...."

And then the rain of green kido began it's bombardment. His opponent really wasn't wasting any time, yet Shunsui knew this was merely warm-up for him. So acting accordingly, he threw up a barrier.

"Bakudo #81, Danku"

Most of the projectile slammed into the wall with enough force to shatter it, had it not been created by a Captain.

"Answer me this, what is your goal here? Your army is nearly wiped out, your subordinates are beginning to fall back onto their final tactics, as are mine, so the end game is approaching. What is it?"

----

"Jikanteishi"

A Time-Lock occurred as Sudu began her target shifting retreat, but it wasn't limited to just her. Shi and Zechs, all of Sudu's combatants were halted too. Every Captain and Lieutenant was frozen on the battlefield, save one exiled Kidou Captain, and the current Kidou Captain .... and the true goddess of speed Ms. Shihoin. There was finally the moment of peace in this battle that was much needed. Everything frozen in action, almost serene.

"You're sure about this, old friend?"

Kidkou Captain Haji looked over while still wearing his hollow mask and only received a stern stare from his mentor Tessai. That served as confirmation enough.

"Even with your inner hollow's help to boost our mastery, Kisuke was very specific in what needed to happen. For what's to come, your mask will only be able to help do this one more time. And that's only to be done if absolutely necessary, or else Squad Zero would rain from the Soul King's behalf to lock us away and simultaneously kill Yokoshima, .... and all vizored to be absolutely sure events like this will never transpire again. We both know exactly why this spell is forbidden."

"Then not a moment to spare.
Kukanten'i"

Everyone's places shifted. Sudu and Shi were now kilometer's apart, and the opponents exchanged. They gave Sudu her wish to engage a madman, and placed the Gotei 13 all around Shi. Urahara knew they had it right the first time, Shi could be overloaded, at a calculated risk. But there weren't enough combatants last time. And there still weren't this time, but they quickly arrived at the thought.

"Hmph. 2 forbidden kido spells? Captain-Commander is lucky he has a way with words. Central 46 will still demand punishment."

Captain Byakuya Kuchiki arrived along side his sister, Lieutenant to Love Aikawa's 13th Division.

"And how come she wasn't affected by the spell?!"

Vizored-Captain Hirako arrived along with Lieutenant Momo and ex-Lieutenant Hiyori, who dragged along fellow vizored Lisa Yadomaru.

"Kisuke doesn't like to reveal ALL of his secrets, you know that Hiyori."

Immediately followed by Captain Kensei Muguruma and his Lieutenant. Rangiku Matsumoto shunpo'd into the group, bringing Tetsuaemon Iba. Sajin Komamura, new Captain Ikkaku Madarame and 3rd seat Yumichika_Ayasegawa arrived on opposite sides of the 2 Kidou specialists. Every one of the newest battle participants was healed and ready. Hachigen removed his mask and as it disappated, so did the kidou spell. The new comers would explain to their fellow division members what happened while the kidou experts left with Yoruichi in tow. They would be needed elsewhere.

Yoko increased the intensity of his kido. Each bolt of the Gaki rekko grew stronger and more unstable as he began to prepare his other spell. Orbs of White reistu started to surround Yoko, growing more and more in size, obtaining a dark red aura around them.

"What my plan is....."

It took a second for him to think of the best way to put it. This plan only took days to  form, but a millenia to put together. TO harvest enough strength and man power to accomplish such a task.

"Conquest."

The orbs that were growing in size around Yoko finally launched into a volley, shooting directly to Shunsui. Yoko followed suite, braving the exceedingly devastating explosion they produced to confront Shunsui head on.

"Conquest of the Soul Society, of the human world, of even hell itself! All shall be mine!"

A bold and not easily backed up claim, but coming from Sonzai, it seemed entirely possible. Clash after Clash, Yoko became more and more committed to the fight. Even where Sudu and Shi were, this fight was visible. The area was crumbling jsut under Yoko's spiritual pressure alone as it keeps spiking, attack after attack.

Under him, he saw his coming army guarding furiously, a cage, rumbling with life. Yoko's attention quickly changed from Shunsui, to his new gift. quickly, he stopped his attack.

"Shall we continue this elsewhere?"

He asked, face to face with Shunsui. With out an answer he dropped down to his army as they bowed and pushed the cage forward. Offering him the tendril beast inside, Yoko saw the fear as it was crushed beneath Yoko's spiritual pressure. With out hesitation, he stabbed it, killing it for one purpose.

"Open, the fucking gates."

The cut Yoko had obtained earlier at the start of the fight started to bleed again, this time in a torrent. Pulling away from his face, floating and drifting like Cerberus Agent after pull, it hit the now appearing doors of hell.

-----

Time had stopped and positions have switched, but it was too late for the crowd of Shinigami both Sudu and Shi fought. Once time had returned to normal, both the exiled shinigami had come to realize that their master's plan had come to fruition. The gates have appeared and their time in this fight has finally ended.

"You fools."

Sudu scorned zechs with a playful, taunting laugh. Surely, their distraction had worked. She sealed her zanpakto and lowered her guard. From under her robes she pulled out an ornate ribbon and began spinning it around her.

"Hmphh, I was kinda looking forward to fighting you."

Quickly engulfed by the ever expanding ribbon, she disappeared in a blinding light. Living the battlefield to appeared at Yoko's side. As soon as she appeared, she bowed to her superior, gasping in awe at the Gates of everyone's demise. It had been centuries since she saw it's magnificence.

"Sudu.... good to see you."

"and you Master."

She stood up after he acknowledged her presence and espied her old play thing coming down from the sky.

"Kyoraku.... You've grown."

Just as Sudu had arrived, Shi arrived in the same manor. Battle worn and bloodied and just in time to see the sacrificed lamb, gauged by the reaper's blade. Finally it was time for the main phase of their plan to come into action. For the first scourge of the Soul Society to return and spread his chaos for his mighty conquest.

"I have stepped foot into my lost kingdom once again, leaving my trail of destruction and hallowed magic. Shunsui... I give to you rapture."

Swarming like locusts, divine circles imprinting on the ground, each second growing closer to Sonzai and his trumpet blowing subordinates.

"I have touched this sacred. tainting it for my design. It will serve me well for when I conquer my actual home."

Slowly making their way of the Gates of hell, the circles continue to imprint themselves. Weaving a web for the most macabre of kido. The blood on Yoko's cheek began running yet again, forming a small droplet to hit the center of this circles. Flooding it to make crimson inscriptions on the ground.

"I shall rid you of the this new found burden, old friend."

He spoke of the Shunsui's new rank as the entire Seireitei began to glow underneath them. The gates of hell swung open to it's fullest, breaking it's holy chains, to reveal a figure of death standing at it's threshold.

"Sonzai..... about time."

The figure spoke with grandeur. Though the words meant nothing as the seireitei was transported into the infernal abyss. Mass of flames were present on the horizon and the ever maniacal laughter of Yoko was ringing in the air.

"I have wondered between worlds for an eternity and have learned so far beyond the powers of shinigami! And now, I bring the end of everything!"

While the enemy forces took a step back, now was the ample time for the Gotei 13 to do the same. Captain-Commander Kyoraku tried to speak but his words fell deaf, quite literally. Seireitei was enveloped in a surreal light, it's brightness rivaled by how dark this forbidden kidou was. It occurred to everyone but Zaraki and a handful of lieutenants right at that moment that this was a spell reserved for only Squad Zero and the Spirit King. Shunsui smiled at this thought. While everyone else was overcome with grief from realizing Yokoshima Sonzai's might was on par with Squad Zero, the Captain-Commander knew what this meant. Now that the game has been changed by the opponent, it would soon be changed by the Soul Reapers as well. The Royal Guard was on their way. Once the dust settled, everyone's reiatsu felt far different, signaling Hell was the location.

"Hello everyone, I hope you're enjoying the new playground!"

Kisuke Urahara addressed the Shinigami, but how? After a quick look around, everyone's eyes focused on Captain Zechs Kotsu's marks that he left on himself from his earlier transmission of Yokoshima's plans.

"I'm actually quite surprised at the signal down there! Baahhh!"

A knock at the back of his head told him to hurry up.

"I'm getting there Ururu! Alright Captains, you were addressed to the next phase of the plan from here by Shunsui. Commander, any words you'd like to say from here?"

"Captains, inform your lieutenants if you haven't already, as well as the 3rd seats. Anyone of a lower level should not remain. They all know the kidou spell required to return to Soul Society, not Seireitei. That area must remain barren until the landscape is remolded."

"Speaking of that, using the 12th Division's computers as well as my own, analyzations of Yoko's alchemy have been completed, and the Transmutation towers can now be used at maximum efficiency .... are you ready Kotsu?"

Zechs had already disappeared into tower #4 of his SRDI making the final preparations.

"If you're going to call me that, at least include "Captain" before it, otherwise just use my first name. Bastard."

He played a string of various chords on the organ pipes in front of him that would have made Rose envious, had it not been for the grotesque design. Followed immediately shunpo'ing out of the tower, Seireitei's scenery around them began to explode, but in molten bubbles that contained it. One by one, the buildings phased out of hell's dimension and would begin completely reconstructing itself from the ground up to the set point before the damage began.

"Oh come on, you used to have a great sense of humour!"

Zechs eyeballed a pool of napalm left over by one of the 10th Division's building, and dipped his arm into it. Urahara's communication line was severed now.

"My my, Zechs, must you always be so drastic?"

"This coming from the Captain of the 3rd Squad."

The pain threshold of a being once the plaything of Mayuri was impressive, they had to admit. Zechs showed not a wince of pain, but didn't hesitate to express annoyment at having to lose another arm and then the agony of regrowing one. Good ol Hojiku-Zai. And now that most of the foot-soldier army had gone back to Soul Society, everyone was ready to proceed. It would be 25 against 4, with a bit of hell's forces to worry about on the side. But with how far Seireitei has come, through 2000 years of foes with mostly misplaced hatred and askew goals, would all lead up to a trip to hell. No picnic, but as long as they could do away with Sonzai's subordinates, Gotei 13 would stand triumphant with the Royal Guard.

"We came prepared, knowing Hell was the destination. True Vizoreds, you've trained for hundreds of years to retain control of your hollow. Don't let Central 46 down in their decision to overturn your banishment. Shinigami, remember that during the Quincy invasion, Kisuke Urahara sent us those hollowfying pills. If any of you begin experiencing symptoms of hollowfication, keep it under control. Sheer force wont do it. Now, defenses ready."

It wasn't often that the Captain-Commander would fight at the front-lines with the others. But when he did, it only bolstered their resolve for the battle. Every soldier now boasted twice their normal reiatsu, each with clearer minds and Shunsui at the head.

"You are in my Court now, Shunsui."

Both Yoko and Sudu laughed, while looked up, witnessing the torture and damnation of many lost souls. MAny of which he and his band brought here themselves. The screams of pain and the heat of molten gold filled the Seireitei as the smell of burned flesh and brimstone assaulted the nose. Even Hell's own army began to try and force themselves through the weakened membrane, their haunting howls matching the tortured screams.

"I have done the impossible. I have not only infiltrated hell, but I made a Dis for myse......"

A cold sweat broke out and a visible strain grew on Yoko's face. Even with the inner struggle a smile grew. Yoko's mask started to form in thin air. The white plaster forming the materials in the air, forming a mask.

Sudu quickly realized the situation as quickly back away, dragging Shi with her. Quickly she could feel the massive influx in reistu, changing into a hallow. The Figure that met them hell, just stood and watched, fearing nothing.

Yoko fought the change, collapsing and bucking over. He monstrous screams drowning out the noise of suffering filling Hell. He fought in vain, wings popping out of his back, signifying the massive change. His metamorphosis was complete, for now his body was no longer his. Even the dual fanged blade changed, splitting itself into two beams of fire, wielded by the now standing Vasto Lorde.

AS Sudu witnessed from afar in awe, Even her mask started to form, but unlike her master, she could fight the little bit of hallow that fights for control.

An audible laugh came the winged monstrosity as it examined it's own body. It suddenly changed it's attention to Shunsui as another deep haunting laugh came from the beast. With in milliseconds, it fired a White Cero blast. Roaring in victory, it began a rush, only changing direction at the last moment, appearing above it's opponent placing it's clawed hand into Shunsui, slamming his head into the ground. Immobile, the beast began clawing, punching, doing what ever it could to the immobilized Shunsui. Only jumping up away to fire yet another Cero wave, this one bigger than before.

A massive Roar, showing it's power was sent out signaling it's supremacy, scarring away the lesser demons that patrol Hell. The roar sent shivers down Sudu's Spine. The Sheer power behind the blood curdling clamor. Her Master, for now, was lost, but the plan was still in place. Gather more forces to fight the shinigami and eventually, Squad Zero. Her only Hope was that Shinda, their new comrade, will be able to calm down their Master

Everyone looked on with shock and concern at their Captain-Commander as the final Cero launched at him, if only to add to the illusion. But the tattered body laying in the hole in the ground attempted to reach for his Zanpaktou, fruitlessly. The moment Shunsui's arm dropped to the ground, the entire body blew up like a balloon.

"I'm not above using cheap tricks, Sonzai.
Irooni, White"

Both of Kyoraku's blows were strong enough to cause bloody lacerations on the beast's palm and cheek. With his mind gone at this moment, Irooni should prove enough to win this fight since the monster no longer possessed the ability to reason. And with blood drawn, the rest of the soul reapers knew their parts and split up accordingly. The majority of the forces went in Shi's direction, while a handful went after Sudu and only few remained with Shunsui. Whether they were strong enough, fast enough, smart enough, or brave enough for their targets, the Gotei 13 would remain steadfast for Squad Zero and by extension their King.

A small slit cut into the beasts and a small laceration on his palm was nothing to him, but an amplifier to his chaotic kidou. A mighty roar bellowed from him, sending fright into the canyons of hell. With a mighty pulse of his wings, he created a gust of wind, creating a cloud of dust. between each floating particulate, a crackle of energy turning the sand into glass. The air sparkled with the flood of glass, making it deadly to breath.

Another roar marked the firing of a Cero wave. Fusing the hanging glass together into red hot globs, cooling in the air and shattering as they hit the ground. After firing at Shunsui, the hallow rushes forward to it's opponent with speed never seen before. He came face to face with Shunsui, giving a haunting chuckle, right before giving it's ultimate surprise.

"Black!"

A monstrous tone came from beneath the hallow mask. One with sentient thought. Yoko was in control, even his most dire of enemies, himself, couldn't stop him. It was shock to even Shinda, who quickly made his way from the battle seeing his master stronger than ever before.

Yoko, began an assault, slashing Shunsui with his blades of flame, toying with his old friend. Stopping only to see Shunsui's scarred body.

"Even I thought I was going be a damned beast. Mindless and wrathful, but I retain control!"

He held his hands up, showing his Zanpakto. It began to return to it's sealed state. The duel fang sword's sheath appeared and he sheathed his sword. He began to chuckle, fallowed by a roar and a cero at Shunsui.

Move after move, show off after show off, the hellspawn did nothing that the Captain-Commander couldn't out-do. He would purposefully dodge the first Cero, learned right after he should've taken the hit. The monster showed it's first inkling of intelligence by setting that trap, knowing Shunsui would move and get right where Sonzai wanted. Then it spoke, surprising everyone and stirring enough confusion to make it's mark on Kyoraku's body. Each new slice released a torrent of blood, but immediately after each blow a scar formed sealing the wound. But by utilizing a flame based attack while playing Irooni, the heat seared the cloth where wounds were, thus dealing equal amounts of damage back onto Yokoshima since the game wasn't being played properly. But the overall attack was nothing more than a show of force, which now grew bothersome to the lady killer.

"You retain control, but for how long now? Come, I -"

This hybrid was just plain rude now. The Captain-Commander tried to express his disinterest in the fight at it's current rate, but since Yoko never moved back after the onslaught, a Cero at point blank range would only serve to teach him a lesson. The very second Shunsui noticed his mouth open, he grabbed the corner of his captain's hayori and threw it forward, deflecting the Cero back at him.

"Our hayori's are made from the same material as Zechs' y'know. Specially extracted from the various Vizored's hollow masks."

He glanced over at his comrades in arms that stayed, and worried how the rest would be doing.