(UPDATE: 6/24/13):Normally I don't put updates on the top b/c I don't like to distract from the story...BUT, this is rather important. This chapter was beta read (if that's a word) by DawnieWrites! So thank you! :)

The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution at which has to start with each one of us?

~Dorothy Day

Chapter One

"I don't understand," Ichigo was sitting on the floor of his brother's office, playing with a set of toys. Sosuke yawned, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes, turning his head down at Ichigo.

"What do you not understand?" he asked.

"How come I'm the only human in the soul society?"

"What kind of question is that to ask at this hour," Sosuke almost laughed. His day had been exhausting, filled with the chaos of having to solve several disputes within the division, assigning a dozen new missions and teaching a nearly full class at the Shino Academy. All the while having to take his little brother, Ichigo, with him wherever he went added another stress to his busy schedule. He would like to find a suitable babysitter for the boy but he was not one to disobey the Captain-Commander, who was very paranoid about Ichigo's safety.

"Well, that's because everyone else is either born here or died in the mortal world, and are now in their afterlife," he explained.

Ichigo furrowed his eyebrows, "I know that, Sosuke. I'm six now. But why aren't there any other humans here?"

"Because Ichigo, you came here under very special circumstances."

"What do you mean?"

Sosuke frowned, "Ichigo, is this about something else?"

"Um, well…," Ichigo looked downcast and he hunched his shoulders.

"What are you trying to ask me?"

"I…If I'm the only human here, how did I get here?"

Sosuke had not been expecting this. He sighed, turning in his seat and giving Ichigo an almost sympathetic look.

"Ichigo, I am afraid that question will have to be answered fully when you are a little older. But to satisfy your curiosity, I will tell you this. Your mother and father were very brave people and unfortunately, they gave their lives for you. You ended up here because of that reason. You are a very special little boy."

"Special?"

"Yes and you must be protected until you grow up. And when that happens , I will tell you everything you want to know."

Ichigo nodded not fully registering what he was told in his young, muddled mind. He went back to playing, occasionally glancing up at Sosuke, whose full attention had gone back to his work. His entire world changed after that moment. Ichigo was not just an ordinary boy. He was special—different, precious, fragile. These words molded his character and how others treated him. He was forced to grow up in a world where he was told what to do, when to do it and who he was supposed to be.

And Ichigo would grow to resent it.

Ichigo sat down on one of the benches scattered around the sixth division training grounds. It was supposed to be a pretty place, with blooming flowers and cherry blossom trees that lined the edges of six large dirt patches. Stone pathways were carved into the grass and led to the entrances of the captain's office, the indoor dojo and the common area. He placed his hands behind his head and leaned back on the wall behind him.

He never understood why his captain had been bothered to make this area so decorative. Ichigo remembered visiting the 11th division and saw that their training area was just a one large open field. That was much more practical when you were practicing with a sword. But here in the sixth division, the captain must have thought people were sight-seeing! The reality was that no one ever bothered to look at plants-all they did was rot away in the sun.

Ichigo thought that it had something to do with how arrogant Byakuya Kuchiki was. He was a noble, who was so used to being surrounded by extravagance that he had a subconscious need to reflect his obvious ego. From the way he spoke to his subordinates with short, curt replies, to the way that he ate his food with extreme delicacy, to the way he elegantly strode about the division, proved to Ichigo that he was right. It was weird he alone was the only one who noticed the captain's obvious superiority complex. Everyone else just thought he was aloof. Ichigo grumbled. He hated the stupid captain almost as much as he hated those stupid plants.

Ichigo took in a deep breath, plucking a few cherry leaves that had fallen onto the bench and throwing them into the air. He watched with little interest as a slight breeze came rolling over him and the leaves swirled around in circular patterns.

He yawned. Damn, he was bored.

He felt his eyelids starting to droop when, quite suddenly, the sound of two large doors slamming open caught awoke him. He heard two male voices coming from the dojo. He lifted himself to the edge of the bench, leaning forward as if he were a bird about to take flight. He saw the vice-captain, Renji, walking with another shinigami who Ichigo did not know. He watched them walk down the stone pathway, heading towards the common area, when Renji spotted Ichigo and beckoned to him.

"Ichigo, get up. I got work for you."

Curious, Ichigo got up and made his way toward them. "Work for me? Wow, I thought my brother banned me from doing anything that would 'overexert myself'.

Renji rolled his eyes, "Your brother isn't here to make any judgment on that."

Ichigo huffed, looking at the pair before him. Abarai Renji was a tall, muscular man with long red hair pulled back into a pony tail. He had a rough look about him that most people within his division did not possess. The other was a boy who was quite the opposite of Renji; he was stalky, short with a lean frame. Black hair shaped his round face and he looked at Ichigo in both awe and fear.

"Well, what do you want," Ichigo said.

"This is Jun, he's a new member of the squad," Renji replied. "He shows a lot of promise but I think his sword skills aren't up to par with the rest of the new members."

Ichigo raised his eyebrows, "How did he become a shinigami if he sucks at something so basic?"

"Uh, I was…the top…um…" the boy mumbled under his breath.

Ichigo raised his eyebrows at the kid. He was not surprised by the boy's reaction. In the month since he had been transferred to the squad, Ichigo had never tried to become friendly with anyone. He had deduced within the first week of his arrival that he could hardly stand them. Most of the sixth division members seemed to be from the wealthier sections of the soul society, where life was much easier. This carefree nature carried over with them into the academy. Each of them possessed? had? an innocent demeanor and seemed to think being a shinigami was all fun and games. He wouldn't be surprised if some of them still twitched at the sight of blood.

"Okay, so what you want me to fight him or something?" Ichigo asked.

"Actually, yes, I do. I know you are very good with the sword and I think if Jun fights someone like you, he can improve," Renji handed Ichigo one of the wooden swords.

Ichigo was surprised, but felt excitement swelling up inside of him. He was actually going to get to fight? His normal routine consisted of just lounging around the division waiting for someone to give him some busy work. Getting to practice with his sword was only done under the watchful eyes of his brother. For a single second, Ichigo thought he should mention this to Renji, but the thought was quickly shoved away.

"Yeah, okay," he gripped the sword and pulled it away quickly, as if worried Renji would change his mind.

Renji gave the other one to Jun, who looked horrified that he was going to actually fight him. Ichigo tried not to pay attention to his reaction as he situated himself on the nearest dirt patch. The boy had probably heard about all the rumors surrounding Ichigo's horrible reputation within the soul society.

"Jun, you need to pace yourself. You have really clumsy with your footwork," he grimaced. "And Ichigo, do me a favor and try not to be so hot-headed?"

Ichigo ignored his comment and took his stance, his attention on the kid. Jun gripped the end of his sword as Ichigo lowered his own.

Renji watched the duel unfold between him, his focus more on Ichigo than Jun. He was trying to get Ichigo to become more involved in the squad, but his attempts at friendship were all for naught. He had heard Ichigo had transferred from three different divisions due to disciplinary issues, and before Ichigo had arrived, he had been warned of his hot-headed and aggressive nature. Now that he had been here for quite some time, Renji was unsure just how true these rumors were. The first week or so, Ichigo had displayed some signs of anger but he mostly kept to himself.

Ichigo blocked a rather clumsy swing from Jun and easily parried another blow. He looked bored by the fight, but underneath his low lidded eyes, Renji thought he could see a spark. His footwork and hand motions with the sword were flawless. He thought Ichigo was having more fun than he had in a long time.

"Abarai, what is he doing?" Renji turned around to see his captain joining him. A tall man with long black hair, blue eyes and a long, thin face, Captain Kuchiki was considered the object of many girls' affection in the Soul Society.

"Helping the kid improve his swordwork," he explained.

"I am not talking about the new recruit. Why are you allowing Aizen to fight him?"

"He was sitting around doing nothing. I thought I would put him to work."

"I hope it's nothing too laborious for him, Captain Aizen will be displeased if his brother returns to him in anything less than perfect shape," Renji noted the slight sarcasm in the captain's voice.

"Nah, I think—"

There was a loud thud and Ichigo shouted, "If I were a hollow, do you honestly think I am going to pat your head and let you go on merry little way! God damn kid, grow a backbone!" Frustrated, Ichigo threw the wooden sword to the ground.

"Ichigo, that's quite enough," Ichigo grimaced and turned his head, catching sight of the captain standing with the vice-captain.

"What are you doing here?"

"I had to make sure nothing happened to your precious head," he replied. "You know I am going to have to report this to your brother."

"Why bother? He probably already knows," Ichigo grumbled.

"I think you've had enough for one day, go home and come back with a better attitude."

"Whatever," he grumbled. "It was a stupid fight anyway."

Sosuke Aizen had a very productive day. His whole morning had been devoted to welcoming several new members of the fifth division squad; after meeting them and concluding that none of them were especially interesting, he put up his kind front and had them sign some paper work. After they had gone, he went to complete even more paperwork, when he noticed a hell butterfly fluttering in through the window. Sosuke held out his hand, allowing it to land on the back of his fingers. He could feel the little creature's bristles touch his skin as it relayed its message to him.

He tried not to sigh and called out for his vice-captain.

She poked her head inside. "Captain Aizen?"

"Captain Kuchiki needs to see me. Ichigo has been sent home today. Would you see to it he gets home safely?"

"Of course, I'll go now," she replied.

"Thank you and please tell the third seat that he'll be in charge while you and I are gone."

"O-of course, Captain Aizen," she smiled widely.

Sosuke beamed at her.

Ichigo had pounded through the Soul Society so many times that his feet subconsciously took him to his favorite pathways. He was supposed to be heading home, but it was rare that he ever got to be by himself. He knew the seiretei better than most people, having spent the better part of his childhood exploring every nook and cranny the place had to offer. Well, any place he was allowed to go under the watchful eye of his brother. Ever since he could remember, Ichigo had always been shielded and sheltered by his older sibling, who took such care not to allow him to do activities that he perceived to be strenuous, and to limit his mobility around the Soul Society. Ichigo supposed that at some point, he must have been grateful that Sosuke was such an influential man and was so protective of him.

He was just wandering through a side street when he saw his brother's vice-captain, Momo Hinamori, waiting at the other end. She was a petite woman with black hair and brown eyes and the very sound of her simpering voice made Ichigo want to throw something. She didn't look to pleased to see him either, as she greeted him with a curt hello.

"Shouldn't you be back at the fifth division?" he asked.

"Your brother wanted me escort you back home. I followed your spiritual pressure here."

Ichigo clicked his tongue, "What, I can't walk myself back anymore?"

"He just wants to make sure you're safe."

"Oh yes, we wouldn't want me to dilly-dally and get eaten by a hollow," he scowled. They walked together through the Seireitei in silence. Ichigo thought that he would have made it home much faster had Momo not come - she had chosen to take the long way back.

"You could have cut through that building you know," Ichigo pointed out.

"I could have. Do you want to go that way?" She asked, "you pick, the faster we get back, the sooner I can get back to my duties."

Without question, Ichigo took the lead, forcing Momo to follow his quickening pace. She stayed as close to him as possible, her head turning left to right, forwards and back, a hand on the hilt of her sword. Ichigo never understood why his babysitters kept a look out for danger. Ichigo was strong, even if he was not allowed to show it, and would probably fare much better in a fight than Momo. He frowned, forcing his mind to think about something else.

"I apologize for his behavior, he can get easily frustrated," Sosuke said. He was sitting in the Byakuya's office, who had just relayed to him the events that had taken place. The office was a large, airy and open room with a wooden desk in the center and large windows that let in natural light.

"For someone who was transferred from three different squads, he's doing surprisingly well here. This is the first time he's ever lashed out at anyone," Byakuya replied, leaning back in his chair.

"I think he's finally learning to mellow out a little."

Byakuya stared at him, "Captain Aizen, it's not my place to say anything but I think we are approaching the situation all wrong. I think if you and the Captain-Commander, actually let Ichigo breathe, he wouldn't be such an issue on the rest of us."

Sosuke blinked, surprised by Byakuya's statement, "That's something for the Captain-Commander to decide."

"Yes, but if he did, he might be of actual use to the squads. As far as I am concerned, he is worthnothing, and wasting my time as he is now. He can't go out on missions or even train with the younger students. You should put him in your division if he has to be so protected."

"Those were my initial thoughts but the Commander thought it is was best for him to step out of his comfort zone."

"Comfort zone? Since when did he have anything remotely less than a comfort zone? You put him into a cocoon."

"You should know that until Ichigo turns sixteen, his safety is of top priority. Until then, we'll just have to follow what the Captain-Commander's wishes are for my brother. Thank you for relaying to me what happened this afternoon," Sosuke stood and left, mulling over Byakuya's statement.

Ichigo was a burden to the rest of the captains, he knew that. What he didn't understand was why they tried to focus the problem on Sosuke and the Commander-Captain. Most of them, maybe reluctantly, treated his brother they exact way he did. What was more pressing for Sosuke however, was not the fact Byakuya was tired of babysitting him, it was how Ichigo still reacted to the situations he was placed in. He still overreacted and become easily frustrated when, by this point in his life, he should be calmer. He can't leave the Soul Society like this...

Yamamoto's office was nowhere near as glamorous as one might expect from the Head of the Gotei 13 to be. It was a plain, simple room with a desk in the middle, several bookshelves against one wall, and two chairs against the other, and the white walls matched the tone of the bare wood floors. Sosuke didn't really care much for Yamamoto's taste. If there was something he did appreciate, it was the tea kettle placed on the table in between the two chairs.

For such a bright, sunny afternoon, Yamamoto seemed to be in a rather depressing mood, his old wrinkled face lined in worry as he stared absent-mindedly out of his window. Sosuke did not do anything to disturb the sage, and waited for his presence to be made known. It was acknowledged moments later, when Yamamoto said to his subordinate, "Captain Aizen, I was not expecting you to want to see me. What do you wish to speak to about?"

"It's about Ichigo."

"Isn't it always?" he gestured for Sosuke to join the seat next to him.

He graciously sat down and took the tea offered to him. "I don't think Captain Kuchiki is very happy with the way we are treating him."

Yamamoto furrowed his eyebrows, "Is he now? What makes you think such a thing?"

"I spoke to him earlier. He told me that if we removed some of the restrictions placed upon him, he wouldn't be so much trouble. I am wondering if we are doing the right thing by being so protective of him?"

"Strange you should be questioning this after so long. The boy will be sixteen soon, correct?"

"Two weeks the day after tomorrow."

He nodded in satisfaction. "Then, all we have to do is wait, especially now more than ever. If something were to happen to him…"

"Yes, you're correct," Sosuke replied. "But he still doesn't seem ready."

"Sosuke, Ichigo was never going to be the calm, diligent, detached young man, they were hoping for. He's too much like his father. Even if we changed our methods, the result would have been no different."

"I suppose so. I just want him to leave this world happily and not fill with so much angry. That won't be good for anyone."

"He'll be fine as long as he stays safe," Yamamoto said. "What that boy was born to be, it still amazes me, even fifteen years later. I didn't think I would see this happen in my lifetime…but…soon, the boy will understand his role in the world. "

Sosuke listened but did not reply. Yes, it was an amazing feat and something he had not been expecting. If it had not been for this, Sosuke would have never have taken up the role of Ichigo's guardian. He sipped his tea, wondering vaguely as he had done many times before, how his brother's role would affect his own plans.

Sosuke returned home late that night, surprised to find the house was spotless. His immediate thought was that Ichigo must have had company over, for he never cleaned up after dinner. He shut the door and called out to his brother and received a grunt coming from the patio. Ichigo and he lived in a small two bedroom apartment, which was modest considering Sosuke's high ranking. The bedrooms were situated on opposite ends, with Ichigo's room next to the kitchen and his own by the combined dining and living room. There wasn't much for decoration but a small blue flower vase on top of the bookshelf. Most days it was unfilled, but today there were a few simple white flowers.

"Rukia was here," it was not a question.

"Yeah, she brought us flowers. She says we should try to fill up more often."

"I am assuming she stayed for dinner?" Sosuke leaned against the doorframe. Ichigo was lounging on the cushions, his head propped up by his hand. He looked tired and no longer seemed interested in the book that was open in front of him.

"Yeah, she did. I made tea, it should still be warm if you want some," Ichigo yawned.

"Hm, maybe later, after we discussed what happened with your little duel today."

Ichigo rolled his eyes, "Oh what a surprise, you know I misbehaved today. Well, just get to it, what's my punishment? Sit in the house all day?"

"I don't want to do that Ichigo. I just thought I asked you not to overexert yourself, especially when it comes to fighting. Your power—"

"Comes out in rapid bursts and if I do anything I am not ready for it might harm me," Ichigo finished the sentence for him. "I didn't think sword play counted."

"Yes, and your anger does not allow you to think clearly. Ichigo, I am just trying to protect you. You know that."

"Yes, keeping me confined to the house, making sure I'm always being escorted place to place, training at a snail's pace…you are more than just protecting me."

"Ichigo, we've had this discussion before."

Ichigo flipped onto his back, "Yeah, I know. I'm tired. I was going to go to bed soon. So, let's just discuss this and get it over with."

"I am not going to do anything, Ichigo. You should know how to conduct yourself in public now."

Ichigo was giving his brother a strange look. He stood up, knitting his eyebrows together. He clamped a hand on Sosuke's forehead. "Are you sick?"

"Ichigo," Sosuke raised his eyebrows.

"Did you get a fever or something, bro," Ichigo voice was full of fake concern.

Sosuke laughed, pulling Ichigo's hand away. "No, Ichigo. You're past the age where time outs would have any effect on you."

"What are you talking about? I was punished just last month, remember? You transferred me."

"Perhaps but that was for different reasons."

"Oh yeah? Like what kind?"

"We have also talked about this before Ichigo, remember?"

"Yup, sure do. I think I threw something."

"Yes, you reacted just like a child."

"Well, considering I'm treated like one—"

"Let me correct myself. You reacted like a little kid. But you still need to be looked after."

"Hmph."

"I think you should go to bed now. It is late."

The finality in Sosuke's voice told him this was not a suggestion. Ichigo rolled his eyes and got up, stretching. "There's some rice left too, should be on stove. We didn't save any meat though. Rukia and I were pretty hungry today. Good night."

Sosuke didn't reply, gazing down at the street below. He heard Ichigo shut his bedroom door. Getting up, he prepared his dinner with tea and the leftover rice. He went back to the patio and ate. He didn't know if he did the right thing, letting Ichigo go free without any consequences for his actions. It just seemed so trivial now to do anything about it. In two weeks, the boy would be gone from his life.

Author's Note:

This is my old story called Systematic Crossing that was published under the Pen Name, Presidential Coin. And if you are wondering why I didn't simply use that account…I don't remember which email I used for the account. T_T? (UPDATE:*I actually did recover it but I am going to stick with account still). Anyway, so I am rewriting/reediting the story and publishing it under this name. If want to read the very badly written original, go ahead! This story is going to expand on the ideas I had there. ANY CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM IS WELCOMED. I am still getting back into writing…so I suck right now. I never consider my work to be done, so u might see I'll add stuff too this or fix mistakes I find. Good? Okay, Good. :) Cho