"Speech"

'Thought'

"Mindscape/other worldly speech"

Valhalla's War Through Time

Chapter 1: Through the Looking Glass

A desolate land as far as the eye could see, the stench of death lingered in the air devouring the once fresh air. A world once plentiful of love and beauty, now a world of desolation and ashes. Survivors far and few in between, the forces to protect this once great world are now scarce waiting to only be swallowed by the hell that awaits all who fight back.

My name's Shonichi Farukon, I'm one of the few survivors of the Ironshore epidemic. Five years ago, we were attacked ironically enough by our enemy's enemy. The war lasted for four years eventually forcing all nations into war former allies, now sworn enemies.

Former friends, mentors, and family were now a death sentence. However, some of us decided it would be best to stick together and come up with some kind of plan. I think I have one that could quite possibly save us all, but it's risky.

My mom always said what's life without some risks to make it fun… God, I miss her so much. She was so full of life, but suddenly she was taken from us. "Shonichi."

I looked up stopping the tape recorder. "Takashi, what is it?" That's my older brother, Takashi. He was part of the Ironshore Royal Guard before everything went to hell.

His line of sight focused on the device in my hand, "have you seen any of those things lately?"

I shook my head side-to-side. "No, I haven't, however, I've been doing some research on the skin samples you got me and these things they're a lot like us, but their properties of regeneration are slower, yet more precise than our own." I gestured for him to come to my side, "their skin tissue is made of pure calcium, but I'd say it's as hard, if not harder than iron."

He nodded as if he really understood any of it… "good to know, is there any way to cut through?"

"Yeah, but it can take a lot of damage. Depending on which tier we're fighting it could take us hours just to kill one!" My mood severely dropped.

Takashi cracked his neck, grabbing his blades he began to get into his battle gear. "I'll test this theory of yours."

I reached out stopping him at the door. "Takashi, that plan I was talking about it could work. We just need a few more…"

"Forget it, although we're in a time of war as long as the royal home is still intact the law still stands!" His tone held no room for argument, he narrowed his eyes. "You need to realize nothing is going to bring our mother, nor our father back from the grave."

To say I was angry was an understatement. "This is bullshit, I've got it nearly complete it just needs a power source and some calibration. Think about it, we could stop this from ever happening!"

He tensed up, but breathed a sigh refusing to make eye contact with me. "Shonichi, I know how much our mother meant to you, but we can't do that. It would threaten the very fabric of space and time!" Instead of his usual cold look he took his role as my older brother, placing his hand on my shoulder. "Life isn't fair it's going to push you around, and knock you down as many times as it sees fit, but the moment it does you just have to get back up!"

"But it's unfair!" My magic began to manifest lightning licking my body, "Mom and dad died for nothing a war we can't win and you want to talk about the law?!" I threw everything off the desk. "how can you be so insensitive?!"

Takashi's face contorted into anger. "Insensitive? I didn't have to come back for you, but I did. You should do well remembering that!"

"I'm your brother you, idiot! What are you saying that you'd leave me behind otherwise?!" I took a deep breath calming myself reluctantly. "Look, you know as well as I do mom would know how to get rid of these things. So why don't we hunker down and make this thing work?" I outstretched my hand, "we can do this together if you're willing to help Takashi."

With a sigh he shook his head, "you're right she would know what to do, but the law is still the law. This act would be punishable by death! Are you sure you wish to take that risk?"

I nodded determination burned bright in my eyes like a wildfire. "Let me ask you this, wouldn't dad do the same no matter the risks?" I locked eyes with my brother grabbing his hand in a firm grip. "Dad always said that family comes first!"

Takashi smiled for the first time throughout our entire encounter. "You received father's idiocy. It's settled then, we'll set out in the morning."

I pulled him into a hug, "thanks, Takashi, I knew I could count on you."

He shrugged his shoulders. "It's nothing, but we can't let anyone else know not even Chlothar."

I didn't want to keep a secret from our uncle, but I nodded anyway. "Alright, sounds fair enough."

Takashi took a look out. "This is the first night without any activity… unusual." He closed the shutter over the window. "I'm heading out. What are the parts you need?"

I began to list off items. "I need stubborn iron, and an energy vessel of some kind. The other items I need can be bypassed if I have those two, but be careful."

He waved off my worries, "I'll be fine just worry about getting that thing working."

A smile graced my face it's finally happening! "Gotcha, I'll get it working asap."

Most of the nation's fell to a petty war between ally's, sanctuaries rose from the ashes protecting all who came in. However, they let anyone in, their biggest mistake... Most would fall overnight due to inside attacks killing mostly citizens! They lacked warriors not some run of the mill fighter, but a man who has seen the cold eyes of death one too many times. It's how I survived this long was thanks to a village on the outskirts of Ironshore.

Riding horseback I made it to the gates of Ironshore, "here goes nothing." Hopping off my steed I pulled the lever opening the gate. "Again, no activity thus far…"

Mounting my horse once more I rode out into the great fields. Wild life still dominated the lands, however, men, women, and children not seen for miles. "This used to be such a peaceful world, but in some ways, it still is through this chaos."

With the lowered population wildlife once again flourished. The cost of this was dire… The queen was the last to go at the hands of a double agent crippling our army entirely. The last straw to break the camel's back if you will. However, along with these tragedies came hope through the men and women who chose to keep fighting, but it wasn't long before they fell at the hands of that monster as well.

Stopping at a gate as high as the eye could see a man from the top looked down. "Who goes there?"

I gave the Valhallian salute, putting my fist over my heart "I am Takashi Farukon, and I wish for entry into the forbidden city."

He narrowed his eyes. "Farukon? I've heard that name somewhere, but where?" He seemed to ponder on it for some time. "Nope, I don't recognize that name leave now!"

I sweat dropped, "Kaseigan Farukon… my father, ringing any bells?"

His eyes practically shot out of his skull. "The Kaseigan Farukon?! You're his first born, now I remember! Stay there my friend, I'll open the gate."

I nodded to his question, "that would be correct." I gave another salute.

I could hear the soldier fumbling to get to the bottom as fast as possible. The sound of a mechanism was heard, the gates opened slowly revealing the last settlement that was holding its own in a time of war. The soldier gave a low bow of respect, "it is an honor to meet such a decorated warrior."

I waved him off, "drop the formalities, I'm here to meet your chief." The soldier sat there for a moment I rose a brow telling him 'I'm waiting.'

The soldier once again bowed, "right away sir!" He ran off into the village the armor that of the original model the military once used.

It was bulky and your movements carried the discretion of a tank, now days we have a slimmer and more form fitting armor per se. One that was enchanted by a priest to allow for maximum protection without the need of actual armor.

It's meant for a stealthy yet deadly combination and the lack of visible armor often throws enemies off. However, it is a double-edged blade, the enchantments bestowed upon the armor depending on one's magic can affect the user differently.

An example being my magic one that thrives off of my senses the armor is lightly redacted. Damage is always a possibility, but my experience has always been what's saved me. Shonichi's armor is a different story not unbreakable but hell of a lot stronger than my own.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by an elderly man approaching me, "I assume you are the guest?"

I nodded, "your assumption is correct elder, I am here in the need of materials. Shall we discuss this in a more… private setting?" Taking notice of the crowd, I was attracting. 'Not a surprise, they haven't seen an actual Valhallian soldier in so long let alone one who carries the rank of specialist.'

The elder took a look around and sighed nodding his head in the process, "yes, I suppose we should. Follow me my friend."

We made our way to his quarters, "quite the place you have here, elder. You seem to be doing well for yourself." Taking a gander around the room lovely antiques and war memorabilia lined the walls of the quarters.

"Yes, most of these were from your father. I miss that man, if he was still around the hell we're going through would have ended by now." Sorrow was shown through his posture his eyes showing that of a man of loss.

"Yes, my father was a great man, but even I have to doubt having him in the fray would do much good. Much rather we'd need him." A sour taste touched my tongue even referencing that beast in a vessel of flesh. He may be my family, but he is no man I wish to be.

The Elder once again pulled me from my thoughts, "sadly, you are correct once again. Now, what is it I can exactly do for you? Surely, it isn't food. If you needed food you'd have no trouble getting it at all."

I shrugged, "as much as I appreciate the compliment, what I need is raw materials. I'm sure you recall my younger brother? He is working on a device our uncle left unfinished." I jutted my thumb in the general direction of our hideout, "we're working on something that could possibly end this war and in fact stop it from ever happening in the first place."

I could see that peaked his interest, "Shonichi, you say? Hmm… So, the little genius is at work again. Tell me, how old is the lad now?"

I couldn't help, but crack up a bit the elder was the exact same, "he is 12 now, he's growing into quite the man,"

"My, how the years have passed, however, when you're as old as I am a year is merely a day. Now, onto more important subjects. I'm sure you of all people Takashi know the penalty for this?"

I nodded, "yes, altering the past is punishable by death, however, who's to say we'll even be able to come back?" I shrugged my shoulders as if giving the answer, "Shonichi wishes to do this he made a valid point as well."

The elder arched a brow, "and that is?"

"That our father would do the same thing we're about to do."

The elder shook his head, "he has inherited your father's idiocy."

I snorted, "I said the same thing believe it or not."

He gave a hearty laugh "I wouldn't be surprised. However, you yourself have that as well."

I rolled my eyes, "now, onto the materials, what would you need in exchange for them?"

He rose his hand stopping me and shook his head with a smile, "after everything your mother and father have done for this old bag of bones I need nothing from them let alone their offspring. I trust you will do the right thing."

I recoiled in slight surprise, "elder please, there must be something you need?"

He once again smiled and waved me off, "Takashi, I am an old man the only thing I want is peace in this war riddled world of ours. If you even have the slightest chance, then I have full faith in you my boy. Now go let your brother know that we will send the materials as soon as we can."

I nodded reluctantly, "I understand, thank you elder." I bowed before him. I stood to my full height and nodded, "good day elder."

He gave me a bright smile one that had hope behind it. "Your father would be proud Takashi."

I stopped at the doorway, I didn't say a word - although I wanted to 'No he wouldn't be, if he knew what I have become.' -I exited his quarters taking a look around people were still staring at me, "what are you gawking at?!" I spat.

The citizens immediately averted their curious gazes going about their business.

I mounted my steed and nodded to the soldier who pulled the lever opening the gate. I set out for my journey back to Shonichi.

Day three, it's been two days since Takashi set out in search of materials. I'm a little worried, but I'm sure he can handle anything the world throws his way. So far everything is going as planned. However, there has been no activity whatsoever, are they trying to throw us off?

It wouldn't surprise me, but no activity for such a long period of time is unusual. Even for those monsters.

The search of a power source has been found, I've decided to use my magic to power the machine. The downside, there's a huge probability that we won't have enough to make it back. When Chlothar drew up the blueprints for this machine it turned out no matter which route he took it needed more power to fuel it after every use. To be honest, I wouldn't mind not coming back I'll be able to stay with my mom… for good.

The only thing that worries me is how do we tell her, what if she doesn't trust us? She has all the tools at her disposal to kill us both at any moment, me more than Takashi. However, through multiple simulations it has shown that even if things do go south, Takashi has a 49% chance of winning a bout between the two.

The only drawback is her experience overshadows his own. She was as good if not better than our dad and he was a well-oiled machine in combat. That's without factoring in her speed and pure technique. There are a few other problems as well.

We need to get back to 1891, but there is no stability to this little stunt. It could send us 100 years into the past or mess up and send us 100 years into the future.

I guess we'll figure this out as we go along… Shonichi Farukon, April 22nd, 2091.

I stopped the tape recorder and looked at the materials needed, "how the hell is he going to get these? Some of these are as rare as rare can get."

I heard the door open, I quickly grabbed my pistol and aimed at the door, "As always a friendly greeting."

I lowered my weapon, "S-sorry, I'm just a little jumpy."

He raised both of his hands in mock surrender, "it's completely understandable." He got serious all of a sudden, "the materials will be here soon."

My eyes widened, "really, that fast? How did you get them?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "I called in a few favors and I had one hell of a sales pitch."

"When will they arrive?"

He shrugged, "there was no time frame attached, but I have full faith they'll be here within the next week or so." Takashi took off the torso of his suit. "We should get some rest; I know for a fact you haven't slept all week."

I waved him off, "I'll be fine go ahead and get some rest I can do this." I gave my best smile. I'm honestly surprised I could even remember how to smile after everything that's happened throughout our lives.

"Just be sure to get some rest, Shonichi. The last thing we need is for one of us to begin lagging behind especially when so much rides on this." He locked eyes with me as if mentally breaking me down. "Goodnight Shonichi."

I didn't respond, I waved and got back to work. Hours have passed and sleep's cold clutches started to set in. 'I'll just rest my eyes for a bit that won't hurt…' I finally caved giving in my mind drifted to rest…

I awoke on a stretch of land that was the as beautiful as it was green. I was in awe I couldn't pull myself out of it the beauty before me was something that is unheard of today. The only thing we see is once beautiful land reduced to fire and brimstone.

I was forced out of my thoughts by a voice, "I'm gonna get you!" I looked back my heart dropped tears stinging my eyes… 'Mom?'

I ran as fast as I could through the brush jumping over roots and rocks no telling how fast I was going, nor when, or where I'd come to a stop. Tears streamed down my face I knew this was a dream nothing more than a fabrication of my imagination my greatest desires would come true in dreams, but only in this land of facsimiles.

I made it through the brush to see a home if it were at all possible my heart sunk even further as if falling into an abyss of despair, "not this again, NOT THIS AGAIN!" I screamed my mother her gorgeous black hair danced in the wind, a child laughing in her arms.

Her piercing golden irises stared into my very soul. This is a dream or for that matter a nightmare I've been having over and over again. This is the reason for my lack of sleep…

I walked forward and brought my hand out to touch her hair like I would when I was so young. "M-mom…"

She grabbed my wrist, "you shouldn't play with fire, kid." The same as always, she jutted her hand forward, everything went black, but the sound of flesh being torn clean could be heard.

I awoke with a start to find myself in my bed. I grasped my head, "why, why would she do that?" Tears stinging the corners of my eyes.

"It was a dream and nothing more, Shonichi." I looked up Takashi was leaned against my bedroom's door frame.

I jumped up and ran over to him wrapping my arms around his waist. The tears finally found their way out of my eyes my emotions finally boiling over after so long of bottling them up. "Takashi, I don't want to die! I don't want mom to kill me!"

He took a knee and embraced me, "Shonichi, take a breath, you'll be fine." He adjusted me to make eye contact, he smiled, "I'll always be by your side."

I buried my face in his chest and gave a muffled, "thanks, Takashi."

"Anytime." He combed through my hair, 'I don't know what we will face, brother. But, I swear on every fiber of my being I will protect you!' Takashi sat there with his younger brother in his arms for what seemed like an eternity not wanting let the only family they had left go.

The materials arrived a couple of days after and we began work immediately. However, activity over the past two weeks has picked back up. There's been sightings all over Ironshore especially.

After weeks of preparations and tests I finally got it running. "Alright, Takashi, it's ready, but before we go I want you to know that if this doesn't work out… thank you."

He rolled his eyes, "Shonichi this not the time nor place for this they're out there searching for their next fight. I for one need you of all people to be out of here before then!"

I stopped and looked back, "you're not coming?!"

He shook his head, "no, the Elder was right there's not enough heroes here to protect them and I have to make sure you at least make it!" He looked me in my eyes, I could see a man who awaited death not one who wished to protect others.

Tears began to swell up in my eyes, "T-Takashi, you can't… I need you. P-please don't make me go alone."

My emotional turmoil was broken by a crash outside, Takashi drew his blades. "Get the damn thing ready… If I live I'll follow you, but if I die I have full faith you will see this mission through!"

I steeled myself and began to cast a spell, "ek heita yfir hinn fullting brenna!" A ball of lightning manifested in between my palms. I looked back at Takashi one more time… I put my fist to my heart, "frægiligr!"

He nodded and mimicked my action, "frægiligr, gipta fǫðurbróðir mega hinn Vanir vǫrðr yfir þú."

I nodded I walked forward to the machine with my head held low, "Goodbye Takashi…" I jutted my hands forward the machine roaring to life! I unconsciously took a step back. A portal or what could only be one began to form! I closed my eyes and said a small prayer before entering the path to a time so foreign to me. I jumped towards the light!

I watched as the last family I had disappeared into a void I looked back to the door to witness it kicked off its hinges! "Well, well, what do we have here another one of you insects decided to hide out here?" None other than 'illr' entered the fray.

His grin as sadistic as he was short. "Ah, it's the one I've been hearing so much about. I've heard many things indeed from lower to higher ranks that you're quite the pesky fellow in fact the one who killed Yammy? Interesting, well, sadly all that luck ends here when I bring your head back to our Lord."

I paid him no mind instead looking at the machine then back to him. 'He's the Sexta espada…' "so… illr, shows himself? I would have thought you were too much of a coward with you attacking the weak."

He cackled, "the same could be said for you, and I do appreciate the nickname. Might I know what it means?"

I refused to give him the attention he so desperately needed from his victims for I would not be one… My hand tightened around my blade's hilt.

He narrowed his eyes with a smirk, "have you given in already? Have you submitted?" He began to laugh like a madman.

His celebration was cut short, I readied my blade and lobbed off his right arm! "You… You are the one who took everything from that boy… You are the one who killed our friends in a coward's way no less!"

I turned around my own magic manifesting itself my body was engulfed in flames! "You think I would submit to such a coward, such a weakling?! I am Takashi Farukon the first born of Kaseigan Farukon and I will not submit!"

He thrived in pain he cries that of a brat who met their match on the playground. "Y-you'll just die like the rest even if you kill me!"

I smirked, "oh, I'm not going to kill you… you're going to send a message for me." I slowly walked up to illr's fallen form, "you're the perfect one as well... Sexta Espada." I readied my blade but a sound pulled me out of my blind rage, I looked back to see the portal shrinking. Illr saw his opening and drove his foot into my chin knocking me back for his escape.

I growled but turned around and made my way towards the portal when it began to shrink again my walk turned into a full-on sprint I dived into the portal! Light robbing me of my vision.

A light lit up the night a few feet off the ground, a boy with black hair and dark skin fell from the light. He jumped up and looked left and right, "Takashi…?" When he received no answer his head lowered, "please, don't be gone…" He took a gander at his surroundings something was very off about where he was… Skyscrapers and automobiles littering the streets.

He did a double take, "w-when am I?" He ran up to a pedestrian, "hey do you have the date?" They only carried on their conversation, "um… excuse me? Do you have the date, Sir?" When he was once again ignored he walked into their line of sight, "do you have the date?"

He realized… 'they can't see me?' He looked around, "where can I find the date…?" He ran down the street looking for anywhere to find it. "No one can see me so I shouldn't have a problem!" He ran passed a clinic, but abruptly stopped.

"Doctor's office…?" He sat there with his chin in his hand, "it doesn't seem like a bad idea."

"Hey, kid, what are you doing out this late?" He looked to where the voice echoed from and jumped.

"Y-you can see me?!" He asked pointing to himself.

He rose an eyebrow. "Uh… yeah, you lost?"

Shonichi nodded, "y-yeah, can I come in please?" He rubbed his arms.

The elder boy sighed, "I don't see why not."

It didn't seem like a bad idea, what's the worst a kid could do? I walked down stairs to the double doors to the clinic to find the kid gone? I heard some rustling upstairs. Making my way back into my room my eyes caught the same kid sitting on my bed a little mud from his shoes stained bed spread… "Gah, really? Do you know how hard these are to wash?!"

He recoiled at my tone and in the most innocent voice possible, "I-I'm sorry…"

I sighed and ran a tired hand through my orange locks, I couldn't find myself being mad, 'he's just a kid.' Being my first reason to calm down I looked at his chest to see no chain? "Say, where's your chain?"

He rose a brow, "why would I have a chain…?" He cupped his chin, "is that what normal people wear?"

Either he was a master manipulator or he was honestly at a loss either way I waved off the subject. "Well, you're obviously a spirit. Right?" I couldn't help but question it as well. With all that I've seen after meeting Rukia, anything is possible in my book.

He nodded, "yeah…" He looked at the room around him, "you have a really nice room." So, he seems a little uncultured or he's in a foreign setting that much I can tell.

Once again arching a brow, "So, what is it you're doing here?"

He shook his head side to side and puffed out his cheeks. "Mom, told me to never talk to strangers."

I ran my hand over my face 'this kid is too naive…' "You're in my room, but you won't talk to me?"

He tilted his head, "that's a fair point. You're good at this." He looked around the room once again, "do you have a calendar?"

I nodded, "Yeah, why?"

He outstretched his hand, "what's the date today?"

I was a little stumped by the question, "it's… April 22, 2001." I looked back to him to see he was holding his breath he began to turn blue! My eyes widened and I smacked his in the back of the head forcing the breath out of him. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

He began breathing, "sorry, mister, I was panicking a bit."

I rolled my eyes, "don't call me mister, I'm 15 not a relic. My name's Ichigo by the way."

He smiled and gave a wave, "I'm Shonichi, it's nice to meet you Ichigo!"

I sighed, "so, do you want to tell me what you're doing here now?" I stared him down awaiting his answer.

He finally broke, he looked around the room. "Can you keep a secret?"

I tilted my head, but nodded nonetheless.

"I'm not from the human world, I'm from Valhalla. My brother and I came to the human world to right the wrongs of a man who devastated our home with an attack!" He gave me a hopeful look along with cursed puppy dog eyes! "You gotta promise to keep this under wraps, Ichigo." 'Damn those eyes!'

I held my breath momentarily trying my best to resist their power, but alas I caved… Releasing the air in my lungs I gave a sigh. "Fine, I'll keep this secret, but on one condition."

He locked eyes with me, "what?"

I raised my index finger, "you stick with me, and we'll meet some of my friends that can help you on your… escapade." I outstretched my hand, "we gotta deal?"

He looked at my hand then back at me, "how can you help me?"

I shrugged, "well you told me your secret I suppose it's fair to show you mine." I reached for my badge on my desk and pressed it against my chest releasing my soul from my body! "I'm a substitute Shinigami!"

He quickly crawled back, "y-you're a Shinigami?! Wow, so cool!" His eyes practically had stars in them, but he quickly came back to reality and dropped his head. "About your condition I can't do that… If your superiors were to catch wind of me they might kill my brother and I."

I smiled, "who said we're going to tell them?"

He gasped and grinned, "oh we're gonna be sneaky like ninjas?"

I sweat dropped, "yeah… Like ninjas." I pointed to my closet, "there's some beds in there, go ahead and get some sleep. We'll go meet my friends tomorrow. Sound good?"

He nodded and hugged me around my waist, "thanks Ichigo!"

I ruffled his hair, "no problem." It'd be a lie if I were to say I never wanted a little brother, but some part of me feels like I can't trust him and I don't know why.

I looked at him he wasn't even changed just kicked off the shoes and began getting inside the closet covering up as fast as he could. When I turned off the light I began to get ready to fall back to sleep. The bedspread could be cleaned in the morning.

"Hey Ichigo…?"

I looked at the closet, "yeah Shonichi?"

He smiled, "you remind me of my mikill bróðir." He spoke some foreign language I've never heard before.

I rose a brow, "your what?"

From the look on his face he came to the realization whatever he was saying I couldn't understand. "It means big brother, It's Norsik. Were you not taught Norsik by your superiors?"

I shook my head, "no I wasn't, but I appreciate the compliment." I gave him one last smile before I rolled over to sleep, 'who can I trust to watch over him while I'm at school? Hat n' clogs is a no go, I don't even know if Yoruichi likes kids, and Orihime is in class too… well, looks like Yoruichi it is.'

The morning came and my father as always attacked me in my sleep, "Goooooood Morning Ichigo!" I quickly grabbed his wrist and slammed him face first into the floor! "Dammit old man what the hell is wrong with you what kind of father attacks his son?!" The usual morning, I suppose.

While I had him on the ground I looked at the closet notice there wasn't a single sign of him coming out. "You let your guard down!" I received a foot to my forehead!

I grabbed my forehead and punched my father out the window, "dammit old man!" I sighed I began getting ready for school. I looked in the closet to find Shonichi still asleep. "Wow he's definitely a deep sleeper or just tired." I shook him awake, "Shonichi come on I gotta take you to a friend, she'll watch you until I get out of school."

He sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, "but I want to stay with you."

I shook my head, "sorry, but I have school, Shonichi."

He jumped up hitting his head and knelt back down, "I've never seen a school before, can I come. Please…" He slapped his hands together in a pleading position.

I once again shook my head, "no, I can't risk you being seen right now. That's what you wanted right, for this be kept under wraps?"

He deflated but nodded, "yeah…"

I cringed at the sorrow I caused, "but hey I'll be out of class before you know it! You just gotta wait a few hours, alright?"

He looked back up and smiled, "really, you promise?"

I nodded with a chuckle, "yeah, I promise."

He hopped out of the closet and attempted to follow me out my door, "hey, you're gonna have to go through the window, Shonichi." I saw his annoyance, "hey, don't look at me like that you're the one who wanted this not me."

He gave a heavy sigh, "fine…"

He jumped out the window, and I proceeded downstairs grabbing a piece of toast saying my goodbyes. I headed out the door and Shonichi followed close behind me, "where are we going?"

I wolfed down my toast and looked over my shoulder, "we're heading down to a friend's. She's gonna keep an eye on you while I'm gone." We came to a small shop near a construction site.

I looked around and found Tessai, "yo, Tessai!" The giant of a man turned around returning my greeting.

"Hello, Ichigo." He quickly took notice of the other person behind my knee, "and who might this be?"

I stepped out of the way, "this is Shonichi, I was wondering if Yoruichi could keep an eye on him while I'm gone?" I hoped she was here, she could rarely stand still unless she was sleeping.

Tessai nodded, "I see, let me go wake her for you." He walked into the back of the shop.

Rustling was heard from the back, Yoruichi came to the front rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She didn't look too happy about being woke if the glare she gave me was anything to go by. "Ichigo."

Her saying my name in such a low tone frightened me to my very core, with a shaky voice I presented Shonichi, "I need a favor."

Her line of sight went to Shonichi and her glare visibly softened, "and that involves him how?"

"Well, ya see, everyone other than you are kind of busy or too insane to watch over him and I had this crazy thought maybe, just maybe you wouldn't mind?" I looked anywhere else but her eyes the glare she gave me intensified tenfold.

She eventually caved, "fine, but I expect an explanation from you or… what's your name?"

Shonichi came back to reality and gave a wave, "I'm Shonichi!"

She smiled for the first time throughout this entire encounter. "Right, I'll be needing an explanation from you or Shonichi, am I clear?" She brought her line of sight back to me and once again intensified her glare even further.

I nodded frantically, "Y-yes ma'am!"

She began to speak again, "and another thing… Hey!" but out of some twisted form of fate or Shonichi's own doing he grabbed Yoruichi's hand and waved to me, "bye, Ichigo!" He headed inside pulling her in.

I waved back, "seeya."

Shonichi pulled me into the shop and I jerked my hand out of his own. "Didn't your mother ever tell you it's rude to interrupt others?"

He nodded, "Yeah, but she also taught me that a grown man or woman shouldn't act like a child."

He had quite the bark, "hmm… fair point I suppose. Well, do whatever you want." I began to head back to my room. When I closed the door and turned around he was already in front of me! "Uh… I told you to do whatever you want."

He nodded, "I know, but Ichigo said you're supposed to watch me." He walked over to my bed and sat down.

I sighed and scratched the back of my neck, "you're not making this easy… So, since it seems we have the time, how about that explanation now?" I looked up when I received no answer to see he was asleep. "I guess he was all tuckered out." I shrugged and got into the bed as well and began to drift off to sleep not before Shonichi snuggled up to my form.

I looked down to see he was against my stomach curled up like a cat. "That's… new."

I lied my head down, and yawned, "If you can't beat em, join em." I closed my eyes.

Hours have passed since the time Shonichi arrived he sat by my bedroom door like a dog waiting on Ichigo. 'Poor little guy…' I began to think of something we could do, obviously he wasn't normal or Ichigo would've asked his sisters or his father to watch over the kid… So, what makes him so special? "Shonichi?"

He looked back at me, "yeah, Ms. Yoruichi?"

I waved my hand, "drop the formalities it makes me feel old. Why would Ichigo ask me to watch you? I mean, if you were normal he would have asked his father to do so. So, what makes you so special that you need someone like me?" I rested my chin on my hand and arched a brow.

He obviously didn't want to tell if his body language was anything to go by, "no reason he just said that you were someone that'd keep me busy."

I clicked my tongue and nodded, "keep you busy, you say? Hmm… You're a smart boy, you just don't show it. I understand wanting to keep a secret, but to not tell me is kind of a slap in the face to Ichigo. Wouldn't you agree?" I noticed his mood severely deflated, "how about this we'll play a game? Put your hands out flat."

He followed my instructions, "okay, this is called the slap game. For every slap you get on me or avoid from me I have to answer a question, and vice versa. Sound good?"

He nodded, "sounds easy enough." I'd make it easy on him I started slow and he obviously avoided it following it with his question, "are you a Shinigami?"

I nodded, "yes, yes I am." I sped up and caught his right hand, "how old are you?"

He grumbled at his loss, "I'm 12."

I went again hitting the same hand again, "what's your favorite color?"

He began to think about it for some time, "um… red."

I smiled, "that's a nice color." Using small questions such as these and compliments would soften him up.

He avoided the next one which surprised me, "what do you want most in life?"

I did a double take, "well… A son, I want a son." I honestly didn't expect such a deep question from someone so young. I mentally began picking him apart. 'This kid is good… He's trying to make me uncomfortable. What a little manipulator.''

"Hmm… why haven't you had one?"

I laughed it off, "you haven't avoided the next one. Until then you gotta wait." He nodded and I faked him out and struck once again, "who are you?"

He sighed in defeat, "My name's Shonichi Farukon."

I rose a brow, "that's… a different name." We continued he surprised me by avoiding the next slap.

"Why haven't you had a son?" He asked nonchalantly.

I unconsciously glared at him, "I am unable to have one."

With the next round I hit his hand, "why did Ichigo ask me to watch over you?"

He deflated, "I'm from Valhalla. My brother and I came to the human world to find someone and right the wrongs they have done to our nation."

I tilted my head, "where's your brother?"

He shrugged, "I dunno, I haven't seen him since coming here." It seemed he had completely forgotten about the game. He's smart, but his attention span was pathetic.

I gained a look of sorrow, "do you think a hollow got ahold of him?"

He shook his head, "no, Takashi is of a high rank to give you an idea it's kind of like the Seireitei, but a bit different."

"There are four tiers in our culture. Overlord, the overlord class is the most dominant, yet the rarest rank in our culture."

"Master class, the master class isn't as rare. Mind you it's not easy task obtaining the rank, but it isn't impossible either."

He pointed to himself, "Squire class, these are the ones who are still in training. Our training compared to your own is a little different. We send people out on missions from the start with a Master class as a mentor of sorts. My brother is my mentor."

"And lastly, Peasant class, the peasant class handles smaller roles such as guard duty nothing important, but they can rise through the ranks with training. But, most of them are weak." He shrugged.

"I want to become a master class like my brother, but it'll be hard. He's got everything he's one of the most decorated véurrs of his generation!" He took notice of my confusion, "Véurr means protector."

I leaned forward, "What else can you tell me?"

"About my brother you mean?" I nodded, "Takashi is a very successful soldier. He followed in our father's footsteps, eventually earning the title of Hinn Fárbjóðr or in your language 'The Destroyer'." The way he talked about him he seemed to look up to him, it was kind of cute. "One day I'm gonna be just like him, the best of the best!" The look in his eyes was one I was all too familiar with, Determination.

"Your brother is your idol, isn't he?" He blushed, but nodded. I released a giggle and patted him on the head, "that's nothing to be embarrassed about."

He gave me a worried look, "you promise to keep this a secret?"

I smiled and put my pinky out, "pinky promise? No one can break a pinky promise!" unknown to him I had my fingers crossed. 'Sorry kiddo, I don't trust you for even a second you're hiding something. I can't take the chance you're with Aizen.' I smiled and patted him on the head, "how about we go have some fun?" I asked standing, making my way out of the room.

He grew a smile, "Yeah!" He shouted following closely behind me.