This is a cross-over between InuYasha and Bleach. I don't think there are any/lots of spoilers, but who knows.

Bleach © Tite Kubo

InuYasha © Rumiko Takahashi

Hope you enjoy!

Just you wait, Inuyasha; someday I won't be there to get you out of trouble, Shippo thought as he moped through the woods near Kaede's village. InuYasha was always mean to the little fox demon, and after returning from their latest search for Naraku, Shippo had finally had enough. He made up his mind and left the group, plotting his way back to the fox demon tribe. Shippo felt a little sad at leaving Kagome and Kirara though, they were his friends, and he would miss them greatly. Not to mention Kagome's ninja food. She was the sweetest girl he had ever met, if only she wasn't in love with that stupid dog.

As Shippo continued his way through the forest, he found a clearing. Well, I should probably stop and rest, he thought sitting against a tree and stretching his tiny legs out. The sunshine felt so good; before Shippo knew it he was asleep. Actually it wasn't that hard, given the pace they had been tracking Naraku, and the stress he received from InuYasha. InuYasha…Baka, was the last thought before his mind succumbed to sleep.

Shippo was awakened from his peaceful slumber by a tickle on his nose. Opening his eyes, all he could see was black. Thinking he had been blinded, Shippo screamed and hid behind the tree. Rummaging through his numerous 'weaponry' Shippo cautiously looked around the side of the tree at his opponent. There sitting calmly on the grass was a solid black butterfly. Realizing this was no true danger; Shippo put his spinning top away and slowly closed the distance between himself and the butterfly. Not only was the insect utterly black as night, it also seemed to be calling out to him. As the butterfly took flight, Shippo was so entranced he followed the black flutter to the opposite end of the clearing.

The closer they came to the edge of the forest; Shippo became more curious about where the black butterfly was leading him. Just as he was about to try to communicate with the thing, a set of circular sliding doors appeared out of nowhere, and opened, urging the pair into what lay beyond. It was then Shippo fell out of his trance, and became frightened. What did these doors lead to? Where did they come from? Enough with the questions, I have to be brave. Shippo thought to himself, making up his mind to follow the butterfly wherever it led him.

"Yesh, let's go," he stated, stepping through the gateway into the darkness beyond.

As the sliding doors closed behind them, Shippo was struck with fear again. The butterfly had led him into a pitch-dark tunnel; the walls of which looked to be made of something between clay and stone. There was no light except for a small dot ahead of him, which he assumed was the exit. This is some strange cave, Shippo thought to himself as he urged his little feet to move forward, the exit moving closer and closer.

Finally reaching the end, Shippo stepped into daylight as the doors disappeared into thin air behind him. The strange black butterfly seemed to have vanished leaving him alone once more. Looking around, Shippo realized that he was in a village much like Kaede's. I better see if any of these villagers need help from demons, Shippo thought as he started down the nearest path.

As he walked through the run-down houses, Shippo could hear laughter and talking. He made up his mind, and followed the noises, which led him to a building non-distinguishable from the others he had walked by. Taking a step inside he could hear voices as his eyes adjusted to the dark.

"What happened next, Kon-sama?" a young female voice asked from across the rather crowded room.

"Well, I anticipated his move and decked him a good one. And, that is how I defeated Kurosaki Ichigo!" a male voice answered, a little arrogantly.

This guy must be really strong; maybe he can help me get back at InuYasha! Shippo thought, as he looked around for the male figure. His eyes landed on a group of young women who were crowded tightly around a small table. Expecting to see a powerful warrior in the midst of these entranced women, Shippo urged himself closer. However, when he was skirting the happy group, all he saw was a small yellow lion, which seemed to be a child's toy. This is the powerful warrior? Shippo thought, unsure of if he should confront him now. Then the idea hit him, this must be a powerful form of Demon magic! With that idea, Shippo walked forward and raised his voice.

"I am Shippo, of the fox-demon tribe. I want you, powerful warrior, to help me defeat InuYasha."

"EEEKKK!!! It's a talking raccoon-dog!!" one of the women screamed, running to the other side of the room.

"Kon-sama! Get rid of that thing," another one of the women demanded, pointing a finger at Shippo.

Shippo, realizing that he wouldn't get any help from any of these people ran out the door before anyone could hurt him. Leaning against the side of the house, he tried to come up with another plan. Gradually, Shippo succumbed to sleep again, dreaming of fighting InuYasha and rescuing Kagome.

He was awakened suddenly by the feeling of being watched. Opening his eyes, Shippo saw a girl, about his age with short pink hair and dressed in a black kimono and hakama. Looking closer, he saw she carried a pink-hilted sword on wheels. As she moved away from his face and sat facing him, Shippo was entranced.

"What are you? A raccoon-dog?" the girl asked bluntly, looking Shippo up and down.

"No," Shippo answered sharply, but then feeling bad, "my name is Shippo, I am a fox-demon."

"Oh, have you seen Icchi?"

"Uh, uh, no," Shippo replied not at all knowing who she was talking about.

"Ok, I have to go or Ken-chan will get mad. Bye, teeny fox!"

"B-Bye!" Shippo finally got out.

Shippo was not sure who the pink-haired girl was, but he knew she was the cutest girl he had seen yet on his travels. As he sat there in a stupor over the girl, he was only vaguely aware of the yellow lion approaching his side.

"I have decided to help you, fox-demon."