A/N: Hey! This is my first story, so I'm a little unsure of myself. Please tell me what you think. Constructive critisism/advise welcome!

It was a hot summer day in Karakura Town. The sun poured down, super heating the streets. Already in a bad mood caused by the hot noon day heat, Ichigo scanned the face his opponent as he wiped the sweat off his brow, trying to get an indication of what may happen next. "No good. There's nothing in those eyes that would lead me to believe anything, let alone trust it." Ichigo once again examined his battlefield, his men down to his left and right. "I don't know how I'm going to get out of this…" His amber orbs shot wide as he realized his adversary had just made an opening. "King, I'm warning you, don't make that move. You'll surely lose." Ichigo mentally lashed out at his inner hollow. "Shut up! I don't need your fucking help! You're the horse anyway! Who are you to advise the King?!" "I'm merely stating, King, once you change positions there is no turning back." Ichigo quickly played over the situation in his mind, convincing himself this was the only way. He jumped twice over his opposition, only to realize how wrong he was… "Ichigo, you fool!" yelled Rukia as she simply hopped her piece safely to the other side as she claimed another of his red checker pieces. "King me." "Damn it all! AHH! How could I not see that coming?!!" "You're too impatient, Ichigo." snickered Rukia. "I told you, Ki-" "Don't you even, you bastard Hollow!!" Ichigo retired from his game of checkers with Rukia, collapsing on his bed. "So… you wanna play again?" "ARGH!!...I'm supposed to be the king.."