Universe: Bleach

Parings: None!

Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Adventure

Disclaimer: Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo

Warnings: Some Spoilers for Fade to Black, Mild swearing and violence.

Author's Note:

Yes I have re-written this piece of writing, I just didn't like it and now my writing style has changed I thought it was best to just re-write the whole thing.

So now there is more of a plot line and hopefully my writing is a lot better.

Anyway I hope you guys like this re-written version, if you do please give me feedback ^_^

Fade to Black Scripts: Protector of the Strong Shine

Part I

"Ichii!" A familiar voice cried out as Ichigo's back hit the ground harshly; he coughed as he pushed himself up.

Why is this happening?

"No! Stay away from them!" Ichigo shouted out as he jumped in front of the Shinigami and pushed him backwards; the 2 children behind him cried out in concern but stayed put.

Why, after everything calmed down, that I once again find myself fighting?

Ichigo gasped as calloused hands wrapped around his neck and held him above the ground; he clawed desperately as he tried to breathe.

Why do I find myself loosing after everything I've done?

The Shinigami suddenly cursed and Ichigo fell to his knees, coughing, as his slowly gained his breath back; in the Shinigami's leg was his own Zanpakuto.

"You stay away from, Ichigo!" One of the children shouted before she was harshly backhanded to the ground.

"You little brats!" The Shinigami growled as he pulled his Zanpakuto out of his leg and raised it high; the child's eyes widened in horror as it was brought down.

"Onee-Chan!" The other child shouted as he dived on his older sister, Ichigo's eyes widened in horror as he tried to stand to his feet.

"No!"

Why is it that I find myself unable to protect them?

The Shinigami laughed as he brought his Zanpakuto down as Ichigo screamed; everything fell silent as blood stained the fresh grass red.

Ichigo fell down to the ground as he fought to stay awake; he watched as the children faded away in Spiritual Particles before he finally fell unconscious.

Why is my memory of you fading into black?

1 week earlier: Soul Society- Seireitei, 4th Division

"Now slowly move your arms out in front of you. Slowly Kurosaki-San." Restu Unohona instructed as she kept her hands on Ichigo's hips; Ichigo Kurosaki hissed in pain but he managed to do as he was told.

"Well done. Now I want you to move them to your side but keep them outstretched." Restu stated as she moved in front of Ichigo and placed her hands on his shoulder.

Restu was impressed on how much progress Ichigo had gotten through, he had somehow recovered from almost being cut in half and having serious spinal damage.

She was impressed with his recovery progress and also Orihime Inoue's healing power; she was sure that without her help, Seireitei would all still be wounded and unable to move for at least a month.

"I have to say I'm impressed Kurosaki-San. I have never seen someone recover so quickly with injuries like yours; in fact I'm surprised you survived after losing all that blood." Restu stated as she stepped back and allowed Ichigo to catch his breath.

"Well back at home I always get into fights because of my hair, I didn't like missing too much school because my teachers would ask question, so I had to recover quickly if I had serious injuries." Ichigo explained as he tried to get used to the brace against his spin.

"I see. Now how about you try walking, it's going to be a bit difficult for you because you usually walk with a slouch but I'm sure you'll be alright." Restu stated simply as Ichigo held his hand out to the side again and Restu took one of them in her own again.

Together the 2 of them worked on Ichigo's therapy until the sun was setting in Seireitei; Ichigo realised that Restu was right about finding it hard to walk with his back straight, his back kept trying to bend slightly and that sent pain down his spine.

By the end of the day Ichigo had managed to complete his therapy Restu smiled as she helped him back into his bunk.

"Now even though you've completed your treatment, you still need to heal. I want you take it easy this week and avoid using Shunpo. Try and stay off your feet as much as you can and if you plan of leaving the 4th Division please use a wheel chair." Restu stated and Ichigo looked at her in shock.

"What? Unohona-San I can't use a-"He cut off as Restu smiled and opened her eyes; Ichigo shivered in fear and his protests died in his throat.

"O-Okay. I understand, Unohana-San." Ichigo muttered and Restu smiled but this time without the scary edge.

"Thank you for cooperating, Kurosaki-San. Now get some rest." Restu stated and Ichigo nodded as the 4th Squad Captain walked out the room.

"And here I was coming to see if you were causing trouble for Captain Unohona. But I find you actually listening to her." Rukia Kuchiki smirked as she leaned against the door wearing the same white yukata as Ichigo.

"Oh shut up, Rukia. I couldn't just ignore Unohona-San, she's scary." Ichigo muttered as he shivered and Rukia laughed quietly as he she walked into the room.

"I won't deny that. So how's it going then, Ichigo?" Rukia asked as she sat down at the end of his bunk; Ichigo grinned as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Great actually. I finished my therapy today but now I'm just going to let my back heal up." Ichigo explained and Rukia nodded in understanding.

"I never had a chance to properly thank you." Ichigo commented and Rukia blinked at him in confusion; Ichigo smiled as he placed his hand over her smaller one.

"Thank you, Rukia. I don't know what I would have done if I continued to go on living without this power. I wouldn't have last, I know that. So thank you, you made the rain stop inside of me." Ichigo stated simply and Rukia sniffed as tears filled her eyes.

"Idiot. You're not meant to thank me for that." Rukia muttered as she rubbed her eyes but she smiled as she gripped Ichigo's hand with both of hers.

"Thank you, Ichigo for everything." Rukia whispered and Ichigo smiled back and squeezed her hand softly in her own.

The 2 of them suddenly blushed and took their hands away, both avoiding looking at each other in the eye.

"Uh...anyway Ichigo, you better get better soon. You don't want to worry everyone." Rukia coughed as she jumped back to her feet and walked to the door.

"Hey Rukia?" Ichigo called out and Rukia looked back at him silently.

"Thanks for coming to see me." Ichigo stated with a smile and Rukia gladly returned it.

"I'll see you later, Ichigo." Rukia stated before she closed the door softly behind her; Ichigo sighed as he fell back against his bunk and looked out of the window next to him.

'It seems like it might rain again...' Ichigo thought to himself as he saw the cloud gathering in the red sky before he allowed himself to sleep.

Just like Ichigo predicted, as the sun set black clouds covered the night sky and it wasn't long before the whole of Soul Society was drenched in rain.

But as night turned into early morning the rain became harsher and it wasn't long before a loud crash sounded through the paths.

Ichigo's eyes snapped open as another loud boom rang through the night; he forced himself not to jump as the sky flashed white before fading.

"Damn it..." Ichigo muttered and he forced himself to sit up, flinching as the thunder crashed once again.

With a sigh he pushed back his covers and allowed his feet to hang over the edge of his bunk, he closed his eyes and listened to the rain beating against the 4th Division roof before he slowly allowed his socked feet to touch the floor.

Ichigo winced as he jarred his back but still walked forward and grabbed his black kimono from the side of his bed; slowly he slipped his arms through the sleeves and tied the strings before reaching for his hakama.

Thunder once again crashed through the sky and lighting flashed, lighting the dark room for a second, Ichigo took a shuddering breath as he easily slipped into his hakama and tied his obi around his waist.

He couldn't stay here, not with the storm going on outside; he needed to go for a walk and clear his mind.

Some people would have called Ichigo insane for wanting to go in this weather but this was perfect for him to clear his head; even though he didn't want to go against Restu's orders, he can't deny himself what his heart truly wants.

Ichigo slowly walked towards the other window and pushed it open, he easily ignored the rain that entered the room and he pulled himself up on the window seal.

"Sorry Zangetsu-Ossan. I'll be back later." Ichigo whispered to himself before he jumped away into the wet night.

Standing in the doorway stood a black cat, its golden eyes glowed in the darkness and it realised a breath similar to a sigh before walking away.

Leaving the room empty.

South Rukongai

Ichigo sighed as he walked around the empty streets of Rukongai. His normally spiky orange hair was now flat against his head.

His Shihakusho was soaked through and he himself was shivering, the storm had stopped but it was still pouring it down with rain.

He knew it was strange but being outside with the rain was helping him stay calm, he knew he was going to regret it later but for now he felt at peace.

"Onee-Chan! Onee-Chan, wake up!"

Ichigo stopped as he heard someone shout out; everyone was inside because of the rain; so where did that shout come from?

"Wake up! You can't rest here!" The voice shouted out again, Ichigo looked to his right to see a dark alleyway.

"Hello?" Ichigo called out, he heard someone gasp in shock.

"H-Help! My sister collapsed!" The voice shouted out, Ichigo quickly ran down the alleyway and his eyes widened at what he say.

There were two small children at the end of the alleyway, one was crouched over the other; shaking her shoulders. Both of them were drenched like Ichigo himself.

"S-Shinigami!" The crouched child suddenly whispered in fear as Ichigo came into view.

Ichigo saw that the first child was a boy with dark blue purple hair; it came down to the boy's ears and his eyes were a mix between pink and violet, he also wore a sleeveless grey kimono with a green obi.

"I won't hurt you; I'm not like other Shinigami!" Ichigo said simply as he whipped his hand over his dripping forehead.

Ichigo crouched down next to the boy and looked down at the second child.

This one was a girl and he could tell she was older than the boy. Her hair was blonde and because it was wet her eyes were covered.

She wore a light brown kimono with long sleeves; she also had a light green obi around her waist.

"I'm not going to hurt you." Ichigo said simply to both of the children, even though the girl looked unconscious.

Ichigo pushed the girls hear back and placed his hand on her forehead, his brown eyes narrowed slightly as the rain became harder.

"She's got a very high fever. Do you have any shelter? I can take care of your sister properly then?" Ichigo asked the little boy, he hesitated as he fiddled with the mud between his fingers.

"Y-Yes we do. B-But it's all the way in District 78 South Rukongai." The boy said, Ichigo furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"What's the name of the District?" Ichigo asked and the boy bit his lip again as he fiddled with the end of his kimono.

"I-Inuzuri..." He finally whispered and Ichigo nodded as he crouched down.

"Can you show me the way? We'll get there in no time with my speed." Ichigo said with a grin, the boy hesitated once again as he looked at his sister.

"I've got her. Get on my back." Ichigo said as he picked the girl up in his arms, the little boy didn't hesitate to do so.

"Which way?" Ichigo asked as the rain started to lighten up, the boy pointed to the right.

"Go that way." He said and Ichigo nodded as he crouched down.

"Okay, hold on." Ichigo said before he disappeared with Shunpo.

District 78; Inuzuri

Rain was pouring all over Rukongai; as the rain poured a small flame light lit in a small hut.

Ichigo sighed as he placed a wet cloth on the sister's forehead to try and bring her fever down.

"Onee-Chan..." The brother whispered as he wrapped himself tighter in the blanket.

Ichigo let out a cough before he handed some warm soup over to the little brother.

"Can't have you getting sick too, don't worry your sister will be fine." Ichigo said simply, the boy smiled slightly as he accepted the soup.

"Do you two have names then?" Ichigo asked as he wrapped himself tighter in his own blanket and blew on the hot soup.

"No...We don't have any..." A weak voice said, Ichigo looked down to the sister blinking up at him with hazy green eyes.

"You don't have any? Well how about I give you one?" Ichigo asked, the boy perked up and the sister pushed herself up slightly.

"Y-you'll give us a name?" The boy asked and the girl coughed slightly.

"Why? Why are you helping us?" The sister asked as Ichigo handed her his own cup of soup.

"Because I want to. It wouldn't be right for you not to have a name, ne?" Ichigo asked; the sister and the brother slowly started to smile.

"What's your name?" The brother asked and Ichigo smiled slightly.

"I'm Ichigo. Ichigo Kurosaki." Ichigo said, the brother blinked at him in confusion.

"He...who protects...what a lovely name." The sister whispered before she coughed, Ichigo smiled as he damped the cloth on her forehead again.

"I'm surprised you worked that out, most people confuse it with Strawberry." Ichigo said and the sister smiled.

"It wouldn't suit you. Do you know what to call us?" The sister asked; Ichigo nodded as he smiled.

"I've already thought of one." Ichigo said simply, the brother suddenly cheered as he started jumping up and down.

"Yeah! A name! A name!" The brother shouted, the sister clamped her hands in excitement; being too weak to get up because of the fever.

"Hey, calm down." Ichigo ordered but he was smiling; the brother jumped at him and hugged him around the chest and Ichigo couldn't help but laugh slightly.

"Yes, I think you two would be perfect for these names. You are Shizuku." Ichigo said as he tapped the brother's nose lightly.

"And you are Homura. Back to back you two can shine brightly." Ichigo said as he placed his hand on Homura's damp blond hair.

"Thank you!" Shizuku cried out in joy, Homura suddenly started coughing causing Ichigo to sigh.

"You still have a fever, Homura. Don't push yourself." Ichigo said sternly, Homura's fever cheeks darkened as she nodded.

"O-Okay, Ichii." Homura said as she shortened Ichigo's name and he smiled and pushed her to lay down.

"Sleep. I'll protect you too, even when I don't have my sword." Ichigo said simply, Homura nodded and fell asleep.

"Ichii-San?" Shizuku asked nervously, Ichigo smiled slightly as he picked the young boy up and rested his back against the wall.

"What is it?" Ichigo asked as Shizuku yawned and gripped Ichigo's Kimono in his fingers.

"Will you stay with us? Forever?" Shizuku asked; Ichigo frowned sadly and sighed.

"I can't promise that. I don't belong in this world; I'll have to go back eventually." Ichigo said, Shizuku looked down at Ichigo's chest.

"Oh..." He whispered sadly, Ichigo smiled slightly and placed a hand on Shizuku's back.

"But I'll stay as long as I can, 'Kay?" Ichigo said, Shizuku nodded as he fell asleep.

"Thank you, Ichii-San..." Shizuku whispered before he fell into the land of dreams, Ichigo smiled as looked up at the open window behind him.

"Idiot. You have nothing to thank me for." Ichigo whispered as he watched the rain fall over Rukongai.