Gone. They were all gone. The Arrancar war was over, long over and the world was safe, but the people in it or at least the people who mattered most to him had all left him behind. He was tired. After all, it wasn't many 25-year-olds who could say they saved the world numerous times, seen the things he'd seen, and still had the energy to go about getting a job and continuing life.

He now roamed the empty sands of Hueco Mundo; even hollows wouldn't approach him for fear of the enormous reiatsu he broadcasted. He didn't even try to hide his power anymore; there was no point really, save to keep the more volatile hollows off his tail. Sighing he sat down, all of sudden in the middle of the endless desert, wondering what to do next. His zankpakto and his dark half were quiet (for once), leaving him to his thoughts.

Out of nowhere a black-robed figure stood before him; the suddenness of its appearance almost made him jump into a battle stance but his apathy toward the world and toward life in general, had caused him to be less cautious and less wary. Standing at his leisure, he stood up and half-glared at the black-robed figure, a hood covering its features.

"Who are you?" he asked.

Ichigo Kurosaki, you sure have come down, haven't you? It said, echoing in Ichigo's very soul. Ichigo raised an eyebrow. Would you still rise to save the world once more, even when you feel that you have nothing to protect, even when you have gained nothing but suffering and heartache?

Closing his eyes, Ichigo pondered the question, and looked deep into his soul to find the answer. When he opened them again, his amber eyes held a fiery determination that he had once thought lost. "I will always rise when the world needs me." The figure in black seemed to look at him or rather through him, before nodding.

Good answer. You are an interesting one, Ichigo, and perhaps one of my favorites. I am sorry for the hand Lady Fate has dealt you; in a way, she is much more ruthless than I. However, for the sacrifices you have given for this world and the attitude with which you dealt with it, I will offer you a deal.

Ichigo's ears perked up at that. "What kind of deal?"

I offer you a second chance at your life, starting at where all your troubles began. However, when you finally die, hopefully in many years from now, you will not join your friends and family in Soul Society. Instead, you will be my successor.

"Say what?" Ichigo said, his eyebrows going up in shock. The black-robed figure sighed, a skeleton hand appearing from beneath his robes and in that hand, a scythe of enormous size.

I am the First Shinigami, the true Death God, and I have been at this job for years, watching over and guarding the careful balance of souls and humans. However, I have grown tired and need my rest, therefore I will leave you to handle it, after your death of course. Ichigo could not believe his ears.

"If you are the First Death God, does that mean you are the Spirit King as well?" He asked, curious.

Yes.

Wow. Ichigo thought over the deal carefully, realizing this was completely reckless, and, after conversing with his zankpakto and other half (both of whom would have killed him if he had made such a decision without consulting them first) he nodded his agreement.

Very well then, this will be interesting. You will retain all of your memories from this life and all of your powers. The robed skeleton raised the scythe, grinning madly. However, I advise you not to affect the timeline too much, it tends to mess with the mind. And with that the skeleton brought the scythe down upon Ichigo who stood, glaring defiantly.

I'll get them back, all of them and I will protect them with every ounce of my life. He thought as the scythe came down, and then cold numbing darkness overwhelmed him . . .

A/N: I'm not one to be very diligent with updating, but if you like the idea let me know and i'll be sure to update faster : )