Chapter 34: Lelouch Story Mode: End

(A/N: Ok folks, big news. Friday I go back to Pennsylvania and classes start on August 29th. This means I will not have unlimited time to update Soul Chess, but I will try to get in updates as often as I can. Thank you and have a nice day).

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Code Geass

3rd Person pov

Lelouch's plan began with everything going very smoothly. Hitsugaya was sent to the world of the living at Isshin's request and Lelouch formed the wristband he needed for the white haired prodigy. Hitsugaya's time in Karakura Town was just about up and Lelouch was waiting in the Urahara Shop for the shopkeeper to finish finalizing the one wristband. While Lelouch waited he looked at a newspaper. From the date he knew it was about 25 years before he was ever born. More importantly he figured C.C had to be hanging around with his mother right about now so the Soul Society probably wouldn't be bothering her for a while.

With his mind thinking about the green haired witch, he wondered if there would come a time, after his death, if they would cross paths. The things he would ask her, like if she remembered their first meeting, and knew about it the entire time they were accomplices.

Lelouch's thoughts were interrupted by Urahara coming into the living room. "Your service is complete." He said handing the platinum colored wristband to Lelouch, which the century old Soul Reaper pocketed. Lelouch paid Urahara the service fee.

"Thanks again for this Urahara-san." Lelouch said.

"Hey, no problem," Urahara tipped his hat, "Right now you've got the best chance at stopping Aizen so I'm willing to help out any way I can. By the way, are you sure about this plan of yours?"

"On the off chance that the Central Forty Six or the Head Captain actually does decide to pull an investigation on me and take Zero at face value, I already took the liberty of giving the incriminating materials to Kukaku and replacing them with harmless replicas." Lelouch responded.

"And by doing so you make the phantoms look like they didn't know what they were doing." Urahara stated.

"On the contrary, the phantoms either take contracts on certain individuals or we respond based on the information we hear. We aren't perfectionists. We aren't saints and saviors either. We are sinners that eliminate the truly sinful. Already the Gotei has seen the good deeds Zero has done and taken matters into their own hands on several occasions. The ulterior motive of course is to keep the phantoms and Zero from getting there first, but of course the civilians don't see it that way. They are grateful to anyone who is charitable and generous. Given another twenty seven years the Gotei may not even need our presence anymore. The Soul Reapers will soon take their own incentive to do the right thing instead of filling their wallets or acting in self-interest. If I can ever obtain captaincy the process will be sped up even quicker. It's only a matter of time." Lelouch stated. "The only reason we are truly needed now is to show the Gotei the biggest sinner of all."

"Aizen Sosuke." Urahara responded. Lelouch nodded. "Well, good luck to you Lelouch." Lelouch nodded again and headed out the door to go and fetch Hitsugaya. He found the 9th seat practicing at a construction site for a new neighborhood.

"Hey, ready to go?" he asked Hitsugaya. The white haired Soul Reaper gave a glance over to Lelouch. "I was sent to pick you up."

"I don't need to be babysat. I'm not a little kid you know." Hitsugaya returned.

Lelouch was very unappreciative of Hitsugaya's blatant disrespect, but understood where it was coming from. "It's nothing of the sort. Even I had an escort on my first mission. In fact on my first mission my escorts actually came with me so count yourself lucky."

"Whatever, let's go then." Hitsugaya said. Lelouch unsheathed his Zanpakuto and created a Senkaimon for both Hitsugaya and him to go back to the Soul Society.

Lelouch and Hitsugaya exited out of the Senkaimon just outside the Seireitei's eastern gate. "Wait, why are we all the way out in Rukongai?" Lelouch acted.

In an instant, Shisato, Rukia, and Renji appeared before Lelouch and Hitsugaya in their phantom uniforms, as phantoms Blue, White and Red respectively, as planned. "Halt, evildoer!" Rukia shouted. "Lamperouge Lelouch we are taking you in!"

"Oh really, what have I done that's so horrible?" Lelouch asked.

"Manipulation of subordinates in a conspiracy to overthrow the order of the Soul Society!" Rukia proclaimed. "By order of our master Zero, we purveyors of justice cannot allow you to do as you please."

"I knew it! You were manipulating Momo all this time!" Hitsugaya grabbed his Zanpakuto.

"If you want to apprehend me, don't think I'm going to come quietly." Lelouch reached for his Zanpakuto. "Rally and Motivate, Eien—"

Before he could release his Zanpakuto, Shisato was at Lelouch's back and drove him into the ground, sword at throat. "You're reflexes are too slow. We are taking you in."

Lelouch looked over to Hitsugaya with a menacing glare. "This serves you right. If I had the choice, for harming Momo, I would've killed you myself, had I the choice."

Rukia stood between the fallen Lelouch and Hitsugaya. "You should go back to your business Soul Reaper, we have no quarrel with you, unless of course you'd like to try and bring us in for questioning." Rukia brandished her blade at Hitsugaya.

"No," Hitsugaya responded.

"The captain will certainly hear about this. You are a traitor to the Gotei." Lelouch scowled.

"I thought you were approving of the phantoms, or did you think that your dark dealings would escape their notice?"

"Take him to the hideout." Rukia instructed and then looked back at Hitsugaya. "Our master will come find you later tonight. Be ready with your window open."

Hitsugaya gave a silent nod and then returned to the Seireitei. He began filling out his report when Rangiku came bursting into the room. Lelouch had instructed her to provide a distraction. "Oh, Hitsugaya-kun, you're back. Let's go get something to eat in celebration of your first successful mission."

That's weird. Why isn't she concerned about Lelouch? Hitsugaya wondered. Well, a little sake should fix that…no best leave that to Zero. "Maybe later."

"Aw, c'mon. It'll be fun." Rangiku insisted.

"For you maybe." Hitsugaya responded.

"Don't make me give you a direct order." Rangiku chimed. Hitsugaya growled and grudgingly followed the blonde to the mess hall for some lunch.

That Evening

As Hitsugaya's crummy luck would have it, Rangiku made him spend the entire day with her doing errands and the like. It was times like these that Hitsugaya found being a 9th seat repulsive. When he got back to his room he saw the unfinished report on his desk.

"Our master will come find you later tonight. Be ready with your window open."

Remembering Fantomu Howaito's words, Hitsugaya opened his window and sat down to continue work on his report. Of course, from all of the things Rangiku had him doing all day he felt a little tired and wound up collapsing and falling asleep at his desk.

When Hitsugaya woke up the moon was shining into his room and there was a light breeze blowing into it from the open window. As Hitsugaya's eyes slowly opened he noticed that someone was in his room. He bolted right awake and gasped as to who he saw.

"Zero." He whispered.

"HItsugaya, Toshiro, correct?" Zero asked him.

"What are you doing here? You can't be in here, people will see you!" Hitsugaya shouted.

"Relax, the only Soul Reapers up this late at night are you lieutenant and your 3rd seat. You know where the former is and the latter isn't always here. Now then, as for the reason I am here. We have finished interrogating your vice-captain, if you wish to learn his reasons, follow me." Zero stated.

Hitsugaya was intrigued to hear what Lelouch had been up to. Rangiku had made it so he hadn't been able to blab all across the Seireitei about what happened. He and Lelouch had been at a clearing with very few people around. The Head Captain might not believe the reported sightings of a few potentially traumatized Rukongai civilians. If he could get a confessional out of Lelouch and bring him to the Central Forty Six, he'd be golden. "Very well, lead the way."

Phantom Hideout

Lelouch had the lights turned way down inside the hideout for dramatic effect. As Zero, he led Hitsugaya to the central area of the underground hideout. "There, this is perfect."

"All right, where's Lelouch? I don't see anyone besides the two of us." Hitsugaya responded.

Zero turned around and put his hands on his helmet. "You know for a child prodigy, you're not that bright if you can't see through a plan of such moderate complexity as this one." Removing his helmet and pulling down his faceguard, Lelouch revealed himself to the 9th seat.

"Lelouch! But…how? No…no this is some kind of trick!" Hitsugaya shook his head furiously.

"This is no trick. I am Zero. I always have been, I always will be." Lelouch stated.

As Rangiku predicted earlier, Hitsugaya did in fact attack Lelouch with his Zanpakuto. He was in denial that Zero and Lelouch could be the same person. Lelouch, taking such a prediction into consideration, used this as Momo's cue for her to jump in, dressed as Fantomu Baioretto.

"Put the blade away Hitsugaya Toshiro." Momo said, forcing herself to refer to Hitsugaya by his full name rather than Shiro-chan or Hitsugaya-kun.

"Baio…retto?" Hitsugaya was surprised to see his effeminate idol, blocking his attack for Zero aka Lelouch. "Did you know about this? Do you know the identity of the man you follow?" Hitsugaya shouted.

"Of course we know, we all know. This was Zero's plan from the start." Momo told Hitsugaya.

"Baioretto, I've always looked up to you. If you know, tell me, where is Momo?" Hitsugaya asked.

Momo put away her sword and put her hands on her helmet and removed it. "I'm right here, Shiro-chan."

"Mo…mo?" Hitsugaya didn't know how to respond to this. Of all people, Momo was in the Fantomu no Jasutisu, and not just any of the phantoms, the phantom he revered the most.

"Hitsugaya Toshiro," Lelouch spoke to him, "I brought you here with the idea of offering you a spot in the Fantomu no Jasutisu. Now that you know the truth, is there any reason we cannot work together?" Lelouch extended his arm out to Hitsugaya.

"But then…Momo…all those people…everything that Fantomu Baioretto did…"

"Was me, Shiro-chan. I know what you're thinking, but…somewhere along the line I stopped caring. She clenched her fist. "I believe in sensei. I'm a stronger person thanks to him."

"I see…so that's how it is. Just who else do I know is on this?" Hitsugaya asked.

Momo was about to speak, but Lelouch stopped her and stepped forward. "If you want to know our comrades you must join us in our cause. You've always been approving of my methods, as Zero, now that you know that Momo is not only safe, but that I am not your enemy shall we work together? Is there a reason for your grudge against me?"

"No." Hitsugaya responded. "Not anymore. You have made your point Lelouch. It seems I still have much to learn."

"Yes you do and I will be the one to teach you. So, do I see this as a formal acceptance to join?"

"Affirmative." Hitsugaya responded. Lelouch acknowledged Hitsugaya's statement. "From this moment forward you are a phantom of justice. Why don't you give this a test run?"

Hitsugaya nodded and Lelouch explained how the wristband worked. He prepared himself to enter into his costume. "Watashi wa, Hitsugaya Toshiro. Fantomu Purachina!" (Platinum)

The lights came on in response to Hitsugaya's declaration. The sleek, shiny uniform accented Hitsugaya rather well. "Not bad, Urahara Kisuke certainly hasn't lost his touch."

"Urahara…Kisuke?" Hitsugaya was confused.

"Ah, right, I suppose you wouldn't know. Allow me to explain the truth that has been hidden away from all Soul Reapers for so many years…

5 years later

Hitsugaya accepted Lelouch's explanation at face value. Like many others, Hitsugaya wasn't exactly sure that Aizen was truly capable of such misdeeds as what happened with Urahara Kisuke, but Hitsugaya was willing to trust Lelouch's word, if Momo could, until evidence from the opposition suggested otherwise. For five years, a new phantom showed his face across the Rukongai. In those five years, Lelouch was able to lock the complete approval of all the Rukongai districts from thirty four to eighty.

Today, Lelouch's ultimate plan was to be put in action. Today, he would expose Aizen for the slime bag he was. He had it all set up and figured out. He and the troop were stationed outside the Seireitei, ready to leap into a tunnel Lelouch had dug deep through the underground of the Seireitei over the last fifteen years. The phantoms would emerge from the tunnel and make their declaration for Aizen Sosuke to be brought before them, to which Lelouch would corner the man, recording device at the ready to be echoed to the four corners of the Seireitei.

Yes, everything was going according to plan, but Lelouch's plan was not as firm as some of his others and this was the gateway to which Aizen would make his whole plan crumble like a house of cards.

BOOOOOM!

The explosion was heard throughout the entire Seireitei and felt by Lelouch and his companions as they travelled deep underground. With special dynamite and fuses the Maggot's nest exploded, allowing its inhabitants to escape into the Seireitei. Squad two's detention unit was mobilized to detain these individuals immediately and the Head Captain called an emergency captain's meeting. To the surprise of many, Tosen and Isshin were running later than Shunsui.

"Where are captains Tosen and Kurosaki?" Yamamoto thundered, annoyed.

"I will take it upon myself to inform them about the situation, should they miss the meeting. We do not have time to waste, Head Captain." Aizen stated.

"Sosuke's got a point Yama-jii, we should probably do something whilst we can." Shunsui added.

"Very well, does anyone know what exactly happened?" Yamamoto asked.

"It was Zero, sir." Aizen stated. "I passed by the maggot's nest on the way here. There were remnants of special explosives and fuses that are very hard to come by. In fact such items can only be purchased in a specific market located in the alley ways of North Rukongai 37."

"But what reason would Zero have to destroy the maggot's nest?" Ukitake asked.

"I believe he is looking for followers of those that have been wronged by the Soul Society and where can he find such individuals other than in a unit where such individuals are hidden away." Aizen stated.

"Regardless of his reasoning, while I have been tolerant of Zero's actions up until now, I simply cannot condone the destruction of Seireitei property and the release of dangerous criminals. This is a terroristic assault and will be treated as such. I am ordering that all senior officers, captains and vice-captains included, be deployed to dispose of the Fantomu no Jasutisu!"

The alarms went off and from deep underground Lelouch could hear the stomping of feet and the chaos going on up above. This can't be good. He thought to himself.

"Zero to G-1, what the hell is going on up there?" Lelouch demanded.

Nemu responded over the radio. "Zero, it's Aizen, he's framed us with a terroristic attack, the Maggot's nest was just destroyed and the detention unit was deployed to roundup the released convicts. The phantoms have been asked to be shot down on sight."

Lelouch froze. "Company halt!" He declared.

"Hey, what's the holdup?" Shisato asked as Lelouch turned to address the phantoms.

"Everyone listen to me carefully. According to G-1, Aizen has made a move against us. The maggot's nest has been destroyed and the Head Captain has ordered our complete annihilation, but I will not let this stop us. We're going to go out there and show that we have been wronged. When we emerge from the tunnel I want everyone breaking off into singles or pairs and helping to round up the escaped convicts." Lelouch declared and then radioed Kaien and Nemu. "G-1, G-2, meet me towards the center of the Seireitei."

"Zero, are you sure about that?" Kaien asked.

"The Head Captain will want to take me head on. I need you two to engage me first. I have a plan to try and keep us from becoming wiped out." Lelouch declared.

"I hope you know what you're doing Zero. Let's go G-1!" Kaien shouted.

Lelouch looked back at his team. "Try and avoid conflict if you can help it. Do not engage the Gotei unless they cast the first stone. If you need to escape, use Bakudo Kido or just enough force to temporarily disable you enemy if you must strike first. Is that understood?"

"Yes sir!" Lelouch's group announced simultaneously.

"Very well then, Fantomu no Jasutisu, move out!" Lelouch declared.

The phantoms burst out of the ground like Soul Reaper undead and immediately each individual used Shunpo to start looking around for escaped convicts. They'd stick out like sore thumbs. Soul Reapers wore black. The maggots nest convicts all wore white.

As phantoms Green and White traveled together their trail was suddenly cut off by a voice shouting. "Hado 33, Sokatsui!" the following explosion tore through the roof Rukia and Hisana were just about to cross. The identical looking sisters found themselves face to face with the last person they'd ever want to face off against, Hisana more so: Captain Kuchiki Byakuya.

Rukia and Hisana were tempted to call Byakuya by the informal ways they referred to him, but each kept the other from doing so with a simple tug on the other's cape. "Kuchiki Byakuya, listen to me. The phantoms have been framed. We are not the enemy here."

"Do you think I will take the word of a criminal seriously?" Byakuya asked. "No matter your reasons or what you say, the soutaicho has ordered your annihilation. I will carry out that order." Byakuya drew out his Zanpakuto. "Scatter, Senbonzakura!"

"Run White!" Hisana shouted.

Rukia ran to dodge out of the way and narrowly escaped the attack. Hisana also narrowly also managed to avoid being injured. Both sisters managed to distance themselves from their opponent.

"Nee-san, I don't want to fight nii-sama." Rukia said, troubled.

"I don't like it either Rukia, but we don't have a choice." Hisana said and then wrapped her arms around Rukia and gave her a big hug. "Whatever happens, I just want you to know that I love you…baby sister."

"Nee-san."

Byakuya soon interrupted the touching moment with a Sokatsui blast ripping through the area. With Rukia still clutched to her body, Hisana used Shunpo to dodge. Both sisters faced off against Byakuya and prepared to return fire. Forgive me, Byakuya-sama. "Hado number 73!"

"Hado number 33!" Rukia shouted.

"Soren!" Hisana began.

"Sokatsui!" Both sisters fired their different leveled kido so that the blasts converged into each other and creating one big blast and slammed towards Byakuya.

The attack showed to have no effect, as Byakuya had a Bakudo 81 set up for blocking. "I do hope none of you underestimate the power of a captain." The battle entered its second round.

While this fight was going on, Rangiku was doing her own dash around the Seireitei only to nearly be skewered by an incoming strike. Rangiku saw the blade land in the roof and pierce the shingles right through. She looked over to where her assailant was.

"Fantomu Pinku, I must have quite de bit of luck ta be going up against the team proclaimed 'most elegant member of the phantoms'."

"Ichimaru, Gin." Rangiku stared at her childhood friend dressed proudly in his captain's haori.

"Yer going ta be cursing yer fate to have run inta me. I might not have anything personal against ya, but orders are orders. Sorry bout this, but you gotta go." Gin said and sent Shinso out again. Rangiku dodged to the side and drew out her blade and went after Gin up close. Old friend or not, she knew Gin didn't know who she was and so Rangiku would have to play into her character. She had no other choice.

Friends were one thing, but family was entirely another. Yes, Hisana and Rukia were related to Byakuya, but only through affinity. Bonds by consanguinity were even worse.

As Isane made her way through the Seireitei she was almost struck down by an incoming Shakkaho blast. It was Kiyone who had attacked her. Her captain was in bed sick and Kaien was off elsewhere so she and Sentaro made a bet that whoever could defeat the most phantoms was Ukitake's better 3rd seat. "Fantomu Gure, I, Kotetsu Kiyone, do hereby place you under arrest for destruction of Seireitei property, release of dangerous criminals and protocol violation in accordance with Soul Society procedure."

Isane was frozen unsure how to Kiyone. Something inside her just wanted to rip off her helmet and show herself to Kiyone, but she just couldn't do it. She was Fantomu Gure right now. Kotetsu Isane didn't exist at the moment. Besides, something inside Isane just wanted a spar with her sister.

"You won't take me without a fight!" Isane shouted.

As the fights continued to increase in amount: Fantomu Indigo VS Sasakibe Chojiro, Fantomu Birijian VS Kostsubaki Sentaro, Fantomu Reddo VS Iba Tetsuzaemon and Fantomu Kurisutaru VS Samakura Yosei, Fantomu Buru, aka Aloman Shisato, ran through the streets of her own division, since she knew the area well, looking for escaped convicts. However what she ran into instead, was just a fight. The eleventh division was battle crazy and since they heard that the phantoms were now legitimate targets many were scrambling around looking for an opponent. It was Madarame Ikkaku that found Shisato. His initial assault, Shikai already released, was stopped by a roundhouse kick to his gut.

Ikkaku recovered rather quickly and leapt to his feet where Shisato met him head on. Ikkaku wiped the blood from the side of his jaw where he had scraped himself from his landing. "Not bad," Ikkaku commented on Shisato's kick, "I've always wanted to go up against one of you phantoms. You guys are supposed to be some protectors of the people or something like that, but it seems the old geezer doesn't want to tolerate you guys any longer."

"Are you going to talk me to death or are we going to fight?" Shisato declared. "I was under the impression that this division was full of fighters not lecturers."

Ikkaku laughed, delighted by his opponent's attitude. "Sure," Ikkaku said, "Judging by your outfit I'd say you're Fantomu Buru."

"What does that matter to you, my name?" Shisato asked. She knew the answer, but she had to pretend she didn't.

"It's my philosophy that I always want to know my opponent's name just as I want them to know mine. I think it's only fair for warriors of honor to give their names to each other. Or is honor something that you phantoms don't have?" Ikkaku asked.

"We have as much honor as some of the captains in the Gotei!" Shisato declared. "What is your name Soul Reaper?"

"I am the 3rd seat of the Eleventh Division, Madarame Ikkaku!" Ikkaku launched another attack at Shisato.

While the bitter rivalry between the 3rd and 4th seat continued for the umpteenth time, another old rivalry was about to enter it's uncountable round.

As Keshiba Ryou ran through the streets of the Seireitei, he was stopped by Ikkanza Jirobo. The fearsome 'Kamaitachi' and the undyingly loyal orange caped crusader had clashed as officers of the Gotei numerous times in friendly matches for entertainment for the junior officers and unseated members and for practice for getting stronger. However, this time Jirobo had the advantage in that he was the only one that could release his Zanpakuto. If Keshiba released his, it would give him away.

Soon Keshiba had taken several clean hits, unable to stop Jirobo's fast moving Shikai.

"What's wrong little man?" Jirobo taunted. "Aren't you going to release your Zanpakuto, or are you unable to for some reason?"

Damn, if I use Yaban Tsuyo-sa he'll know who I am, but if I don't I just might die. (Yaban Tsuyo-sa = Savage Strength)

Would I ever let you die? Keshiba's Zanpakuto asked him.

Keshiba smirked, No, I suppose not. He gripped his blade tighter than before. "Let's go, big guy!" Keshiba leapt high into the air. "For the honor of Zero, I will not lose!" With power and speed beyond anything the likes of which Jirobo had seen, Keshiba Ryou came slamming down upon him. He seemed to deflect his blades with his reiatsu alone. Jirobo took a nasty gash along his right shoulder. Keshiba then took a kick to the stomach and was sent flying. Keshiba tapped his hand to the ground, backflipped and landed on his feet, panting

"You are a tenacious little cockroach!" Jirobo sneered. "I will take great pride in wiping you off the face of the Soul Society."

"I am not a cockroach." Keshiba glared. "I am Orange!" Keshiba flared his spiritual power. The resulting waves were distorted and changed by the reiatsu concealing cloak, throwing off his identity.

The flare of spiritual power trickled to Susanna's location as she ran through the Seireitei. She had already apprehended one maggot's nest individual with a combination of Bakudos 1, 4 and 30. She had yet to come across any Soul Reapers, but of course that was about to change when a Raikoho blast came screaming her way. Susanna blocked with Enkosen and got out of the way before the blast hit.

Shunsui's lieutenant, Ise Nanao, appeared to stop her. "Fantomu Iero, by order of the Head Captain you are hereby placed under arrest as a criminal of the Gotei. If you resist capture we have orders to eliminate you."

"We have done nothing wrong!" Susanna shouted. "The Fantomu no Jasutisu has been framed by one of your own."

"Silence criminal!" Nanao charged.

"Hado 32, Okasen!" Susanna fired off the blast of energy.

"Bakudo 39, Enkosen!" Nanao guarded herself, but Susanna got behind her and prepared to strike at Nanao's back to cripple her. Despite what Zero had said about not using excessive first, Susanna was fiercely loyal to him, emphasis on fierce. If she had to maim a fukutaicho to get the job done then that was what she would do.

Quick enough though, Nanao managed to stop Susanna's strike with the wakizashi she kept concealed in her blade.

"For someone who proclaims innocence that was certainly a serious strike." Nanao stated.

"The Gotei ordered our annihilation. It's a survival tactic." Susanna replied. The two women pushed away from each other.

"You wanna fight, you found one." Nanao declared. The two women engaged in battle.

Tosen charged through the Seireitei, often using his Zanpakuto's initial ability, without calling it out in order to avoid being spotted. However, his tactic did nothing to prevent a very large blade from slamming down towards him. Tosen was now face to face with his old friend, Komamura Sajin.

"I will be honest," Sajin stated. "I thought that perhaps there could come a time where the phantoms and the Gotei could live together in harmony, but it seems Zero never intended for that did he?" Tosen did not answer Sajin's question. "Fantomu Buraun, I captain of squad 7, Komamura Sajin, challenge you to an honorable duel."

"I accept." Tosen replied.

Although neither could use their Zanpakuto, Yoruichi and Soifon were having the easiest time out of all of their allies. It was Shunko that kept them high ahead of the curve. The two women had worked together to perfect the technique over the years and had just used it to deliver a sound beating to the captain and lieutenant of the Onmitsukido before either could release their Shikai. Yoruichi's title as the 'Goddess of Flash' and Soifon's lightning quick reflexes made the women superior to their predecessors.

Because of the technique's effect of destroying the fabric on the arms and back of the user, Urahara Kisuke modified the suit's composure to disperse and reform after the technique's initial activation.

The former corps and executive commander were rounding up the convicts that hadn't made it very far outside the maggot's nest, but the drop of Stefan and Kendra's reiatsus brought on an order of seek and destroy had been sent out in that direction.

Crushing spiritual pressure was felt by both Yoruichi and Soifon as a body mass seemed to launch towards them like a cannonball. The gilded phantoms leapt out of the way as a crater formed where the individual had landed. A haori sporting the number 11 was seen on the individual's back. "I got a direct order to say that a captain and lieutenant pair had been defeated." Zaraki Kenpachi had been deployed by the Head Captain to take out the enemy that had disabled Lusca Stefan and Otamachi Kendra. "So let's have a good time shall we?"

This is not going to be so easy. Yoruichi thought to herself. She had heard the story from Lelouch: Zaraki Kenpachi had defeated the previous captain in a single strike after his Bankai snapped off on his shoulder. The man could've only gotten stronger since then and a decade after the man had been captain he asked the Department of Research and Development to create an eyepatch that sucks the spirit energy of whoever wears it because he had become so strong that his fights were over in seconds. The man had no Bankai and his sword was always released, despite the fact that the man did not know its name.

"What's the matter? Afraid? You should be. You see, Stefan's a very competent and powerful captain. He and I once went a round, at his request no less, for the entertainment of our squads. He lost, but it was the best fight anyone had ever given me. So if you two can beat him," Kenpachi reached for his eyepatch and ripped it off. The result was catastrophic and crushing on the exiled pair, "I will use every last ounce of my spirit energy to kill you. It's that simple."

If Yoruichi and Soifon thought they had it bad, then Isshin had it doubly bad. The disguised captain had come face to face with the last person he, or any of the phantoms needed to, Aizen Sosuke.

"Is this how you get your sick kicks, framing us?" Isshin asked Aizen. Isshin was one of the few phantoms that believed Lelouch when he talked about Aizen's treachery. When you have a cousin like Kukaku and she tells you how things are, you tend to listen and agree.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Aizen played innocent.

"Go ahead and play dumb if you want," Isshin drew out his sword, "But if I beat you down, our necessity drops considerably." Isshin stated.

"I know another way, your necessity could drop." Aizen drew out his own sword. "And that's if I kill you, Zero, and all of the other phantoms."

"Bring it you four-eyed scumbag." Isshin taunted.

With Isshin going head to head with the evil chessmaster himself, Lelouch, as Zero, ran straight for the center of the Seireitei where he planned to meet up with Kaien and Nemu. The trio had just enough time to exchange 'pleasantries' and draw their swords before a mighty reiatsu overcame all three of them. Lelouch was less afflicted with his reiatsu concealing cape. He had made alterations to his costume to not only conceal his own reiatsu, but also to reduce the amount of reiatsu directed at him. So while Kaien and Nemu were each dropping to one knee, Lelouch was merely getting a headache that was slowly evolving into a migraine.

"Zero, at last we meet." The elderly captain declared.

"Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Shigekuni Genryusai, I must say I am flattered that you would seek me out yourself." Lelouch responded.

"I'd watch your mouth if I were you. Give me probable cause and I shall burn you to smoldering crater on the spot. I always believed your organization was for the betterment of the Soul Society. I tolerated your existence and your lawlessness merely for the benefits you were bringing to this world." Yamamoto responded.

"If that's the case why all the Cat and Mouse with Lusca Stefan and Otamachi Kendra." Lelouch replied.

"Because even if your intentions were noble, you were still breaking the laws of the Gotei. I cannot tell you how many times a tortured noble was brought to my office and if you think I have forgotten your two solo acts including breaking Urahara Kisuke out of the Central Forty Six's chambers I have not. You, Zero, are an enemy to the Gotei. Although your actions have helped many, we have silently seen what you have been trying to show us."

"But you refuse to open your eyes to those who hurt others from the safety of the shadows. It's one thing to apprehend an obvious criminal. It is entirely another to be so blinded as to let an enemy make himself seem to be an ally." Lelouch said and pointed his index finger directly at Yamamoto. "Until the phantom's number one enemy has fallen we will not just up and disappear."

"If that is the case, then I am afraid that this is the end for you. Before when you were simply concocting good relations with the Rukongai civilians, it made me think that perhaps there are other ways of operation, but the destruction of the maggot's nest to prove a point, now that is another story entirely." Yamamoto stated.

"The maggot's nest was not our doing." Lelouch responded. "My plan was to come here and expose our true enemy, but he acted first and has framed us thusly. Therefore my goal is now to clear mine and my team's name as well as the good name of Urahara Kisuke."

"What are you talking about?" Yamamoto scowled.

"Urahara Kisuke was framed and he was framed by the same person that is now framing the phantoms. I will not allow such a coward to continue his unjust actions while I still draw breath!" Lelouch said, clenching his fist.

"Do you really expect me to believe any of that? You are a criminal and so is Urahara Kisuke. Conspiracy is the language of one who refuses to admit the truth and therefore must soil the names of others to satisfy their own minds." Yamamoto thundered.

"I gave my team an order to assist in the apprehension of the criminals that escaped the maggot's nest. The Gotei cut my men off while leaving the entire matter to the detention unit." Lelouch stated.

"You are the greater threat. Therefore our resources must be focused upon you and the phantoms. This discussion is a waste of time. Draw your sword and we will end this conflict between your organization and the Gotei 13 once and for all." Yamamoto stated.

"And I'd love nothing more than to end our conflict, but I must first make sure that the one who framed my organization is brought to justice!" Lelouch declared.

Yamamoto opened his eyes slightly to look at the masked individual. His stance was rigid and he spoke so articulately that Yamamoto couldn't find it in him to believe that such lines had been rehearsed. Still, he could not openly condone that Zero might not be lying. "How do I know this is not simply a ruse to escape capture or death?"

"Have Shiba and Kurotsuchi-fukutaicho follow me. If I act the slightest bit suspicious you may give them the order to cut me down." Lelouch declared.

Since Yamamoto had no idea that the masked vigilante before him had the vice-captains around him in his pocket, he was intrigued by Zero's bold request. He was willing to allow two vice-captains to follow him around while he made good on his word that he wished to right the wrong he had been dealt.

"Very well. I will give you a chance to prove that you speak honestly." Yamamoto then looked at Nemu and Kaien. "Do not let him out of your sights for even an instant."

The three individuals took off keeping up the same pace. Yamamoto watched them tear down the Seireitei.

"I'm getting far too old for this kind of crap." The soutaicho muttered to himself.

As Lelouch, Nemu, and Kaien ran off together they were given a radio message from Hitsugaya and Momo. "Zero, this is Violet, things are bad."

"Give me the four-one-one, Violet!" Lelouch radioed.

"It's not looking good Zero," Hitsugaya returned, "There's fighting all throughout the Seireitei. Most of the convicts have been rounded up, but our forces are starting to wear down. If we don't end this soon we're screwed."

Lelouch could only assume Hitsugaya was tracking everything with Bakudo 58. He'd have to be. There was no other way to tell the status of individuals with concealed reiatsu. Zero opened a communications channel to his entire team. "This is a message to all phantoms. I am ordering a retreat. Repeat I am ordering a retreat. Double back to the entry way and leave."

"But what about you?" Susanna asked Zero.

"I'll be fine, the head captain has granted me passage through the Seireitei so long as I'm escorted. I want a complete and utter fall back! Now!" Zero yelled.

Many of the phantoms did what they could to get out of the battles they had entered into. Many of their enemies pursued.

"Zero, it's no good. I can't shake this guy!" Isshin shouted.

"Don't give in Black, keep pushing." Zero declared.

"Sir, it's been an honor serving at your side." Isshin stated.

Lelouch stopped moving and addressed Isshin directly. "Black, what the hell are you doing?"

"Sir, allow me to take one for the team. Our main goal is to stop Aizen right?" Isshin asked. Lelouch was silent. "You'll do fine without me sir."

"Dammit Black, this is not up for debate! I am ordering you to fall back!" Lelouch shouted.

"Don't ever give up Zero." Isshin stated.

"Black!"

At his battle with Aizen, Isshin was prepared to pay a hefty penalty. The phantoms have to survive. Engetsu old pal, let's show Aizen we mean business. Casually, and on purpose, Isshin removed his helmet. Aizen froze when he saw his opponent's true form. "Captain…Kurosaki?"

"Aizen…today is your victory. The phantoms have lost, but we will rise again. Your plan will not succeed."

"And just how does you revealing your true nature accomplish anything. Once it gets out that the captain of the tenth division is working with the phantoms…"

"It'll never get out." Isshin swung his sword down, "Because from this moment forward I will no longer have the capability to lead the tenth division. Saigo no…GETSUGA TENSHO!"

All anyone saw after that was a large white and blue energy blast that seemed to encompass Aizen and Isshin's entire battlefield. The phantoms all made it underground and the members of the maggot's nest were rounded up. Sixty five and a half seconds later Kurosaki Isshin, captain of the tenth division lost all of his spiritual power. Medics were called the situation died down and what should've been the day of the phantom's greatest triumph, ended with their greatest defeat.

Lelouch would later find no casualties amongst his team. Heavy injuries yes, but no casualties. Thanks to Isshin, all attention was drawn to him and the rest of the phantoms survived.

1 month later

Central 46 Chambers

"So you, Kurosaki Isshin, admit to framing Urahara Kisuke, blowing up the maggot's nest and orchestrating the phantoms, going so far as to switch yourself with your commander on the day of your biggest move. You admit to performing illegal hollowfication research, breaking and entering our chambers, burning the Atrumier family to the ground, torturing nobles—"

"I admit whatever the hell is on that crummy piece of paper." Isshin spoke. "I did it all and I'd do it all again if I have to." He let out a laugh as if he were pretending to be a cliché villain.

"Do not talk out of turn. There will be divine punishment for this. You will be stripped of your rank as captain of the tenth division and banished to the world of the living."

"Do I have the option of taking a few things and giving some heartfelt goodbyes?" Isshin asked.

"Absolutely not! You—"

"Councilor, Kurosaki Isshin is a noble connected with the mighty Shiba family, a last request should be in order, lest we invoke the anger of the nobles. Kurosaki Isshin has lost all spiritual power. He is no danger to anyone anymore." A council member stated.

"Bah, very well, five hours. If you are not back here by then the Onmitsukido will be given the order to hunt down and kill you."

"Thank you, councilor." Isshin stated. As he left council chambers he found Lelouch waiting for him across the moat.

"I cannot believe you did that." Lelouch said to his former captain.

"Something had to be done. You and the others needed to survive. Don't let Aizen have his way." Isshin stated.

"Speaking of Aizen, it seems you shocked him when you revealed who you really were. He's still recovering under Unohana's care." Lelouch chuckled.

"Why not just finish the job in his sleep then?" Isshin asked.

"And invoke the wrath of the most powerful woman in the Gotei 13? Thanks, but I'll pass." Lelouch said. Isshin laughed.

"See you around, I guess?" Isshin asked.

"What will you do from now on?" Lelouch asked.

Isshin shrugged. "I don't know, open a med clinic and raise a family maybe." Lelouch smirked. "What? Something funny about that?"

Lelouch cleared his throat and mimicked something Isshin had once said to him, doing a very good imitation of the man. "Settling down is for chumps. This here ladies' man is staying single all the way!"

"Your memory is scary Lelouch." Isshin replied.

Lelouch just laughed, but then became serious. "I formally disbanded the phantoms. If we do anymore actions it'll only cause trouble. The Seireitei has taken a hint as to what we were trying to show them. There's not much left for us to do."

"So, the only thing left is Aizen and a few scumbags huh? So then I guess you'll be working from within the system again?" Isshin asked. Lelouch nodded. "Well, do your best."

"How long before you're sent away?" Lelouch asked.

"I've got five hours. I figured I might go and say goodbye to my family and then schlep out." Isshin stated.

"Kukaku's going to give you hell." Lelouch stated.

"Yeah, I know. Don't remind me." Isshin said. Lelouch nodded. He and Isshin embraced into a manly hug, patting a fist to the other person's back before letting go. "Be seeing you Lelouch." Isshin said and then walked on by.

You know what must be done now. Eien Tamashi stated.

I know. Lelouch responded.

5 years later

Captain's assembly hall

The phantoms had completely disappeared from the face of the Soul Society. Many of their supporters were disappointed, but Soul Reaper and Rukongai civilian relations had spiked in the last five years. It seemed that Yamamoto had taken Zero's words and desires to heart; of course he would never admit such a thing. He knew that Kurosaki Isshin had merely set himself up as a martyr. He knew that the real Zero was out there somewhere, as were the rest of the phantoms. He wasn't about to invite them for sake and sushi though if they showed up. The phantoms were still wanted outlaws, despite their good deeds.

Currently though none of that mattered. The Gotei had once again lost a captain and once again the lost captain had come from the tenth division. Therefore, a new captain was needed to take Kurosaki Isshin's place. Finally such an individual had been approved at the last captain's meeting when Tosen Kaname, Ukitake Jushiro, Kyoraku Shunsui, Kuchiki Byakuya, Kurotsuchi Mayuri and Lusca Stefan all recommended the same individual of which Unohana Retsu, Komamura Sajin and the Head Captain himself all approved to become captain. The individual in question agreed to becoming a captain and now the induction ceremony would begin.

"With the banishment of Kurosaki Isshin, the Gotei has lost another good captain. And I say this despite his despicable actions. He was a good leader and captain with the ways he acted, despite his hidden felonious behavior. The other day though we found a suitable replacement for him and once again the Gotei will be at the pinnacle of its strength." Yamamoto looked to the door. "You may enter!"

The large double doors opened as a thin, tall and young man with black hair and violet eyes, wearing the number 10 haori, stepped through. He acknowledged the captains around him and stood before the head captain before getting down on one knee in salute. He then turned around and addressed the other captains.

"My fellow captains, I, Lamperouge Lelouch, do hereby accept the responsibilities and privilege of being a captain of the Gotei. So long as I wear this haori I am the captain of the tenth division! Effective Immediately!"

End of Chapter 34

(A/N: End of chapter 34 and also end of what would be considered in a videogame 'Lelouch's Story mode'. Next chapter focus will shift away from the Seireitei, we will be jumping ahead to that fateful day. Yes folks, next time on Soul Chess, Ichigo Kurosaki makes his Soul Chess debut! And also this is the 'very bad thing' that was going to happen. Lelouch not only lost another captain while serving under said captain as an officer of the tenth division, almost believing said captain to have gone suicidal, but he also was forced to disband the phantoms and go back to working within the system. Major, major setback. But anyway, that's all for now. I have to get prepared for my big move back to PA. Later folks.)