Dearest Readers,

I do not own Bleach. This includes characters and any related material.

Warmest wishes and happy reading,

Ms. Suvarian

A/N: Ichigo is female for this story. If Rule 63 isn't your thing, I'd suggest another story.

Background: Ichigo never met back up with Soul Society after the battle with Aizen was decided. Instead, she started working towards her future after losing her powers. The story doesn't follow the plot after she loses her power.

Summary: Rule 63, Gender-bender, Fem Ichigo Fic. Having lost all spiritual power, Ichigo focuses on her future as a normal human. Telling herself she'll never go back to her old life, Ichigo studies and travels to further herself. But what happens when a dangerous group from Soul Society comes for the ones she loves? Will she go back, or find another way?

PROLOGUE

A soft light pierced through the frost coating the small window. The light fractured off a mosaic vase into many colorful rays. The dancing shimmers brought a gentle sigh from frowning lips. Though the display was beautiful, the orange-haired beauty sitting at the desk couldn't be distracted from the reason the vase was in her room to begin with.

It had been on December 2nd that the once was substitute shinigami was given the vase by her friends. Inoue had been doing her best not to cry as she handed the beautiful vase to her. A card signed by many members of the Gotei Thirteen had been with it. The letter explained the vase was crafted with shards of glass etched with the thirteen flowers that acted as symbols for each of the squads. The card spoke of thanks and well wishes.

Idiots. Thanks isn't what I want.

As beautiful as it was, Ichigo was always tempted to break the vase. Maybe then everyone would stop looking at her like a poor puppy. Even Chad had until Ichigo knocked some sense into him. Powers or no powers, Kurosaki Ichigo wanted to help people. There were other ways to protect people. Just being human was enough. Being a Shinigami wasn't what she wanted. Protecting people was everything.

"Ichi-nee, it's dinner time!" Ichigo jolted at the sound of her sister's voice. The stack of papers she had been going through tipped when her knee smacked into the desk. A string of curses accompanied by a gentle comply told Yuzu her beloved sister heard her.

The eldest Kurosaki made her way downstairs after one last glance to the papers on the floor. It wasn't until she was on the last set of steps that she noticed her usually energetic family was oddly silent. Turning into the cozy kitchen, she soon discovered why.

"Kurosaki-san! Lovely as always!" Ichigo blinked at the grinning face of Urahara sitting next to Yoruichi who wore a searching gaze.

"Ah, Ichigo-chan! We've been waiting for you." Ichigo offered a light nod towards the cat woman at her words.

"What are you two doing here? Everything alright at the shop?" Taking a seat at the head of the table between Yuzu and Urahara, Ichigo nodded her approval of the company to her dad who looked ready to throw them out.

"Of course!" Though Ichigo had her eyes fixed on the bowl Yuzu held out to her, she could feel sandal-hat look her up and down.

Always making sure poor little Ichigo isn't falling apart without her powers. Fuck this. This is exactly why I haven't been going over there to see them.

Forcing down her anger, Ichigo looked back at her old mentor with a touch of confusion in her expression. The expression said it all. Urahara knew her well enough to know exactly what she was asking. A tired sigh told her he would answer seriously for once.

"Forgive us for showing up like this, but Inoue-chan showed up with Ishida-kun a few days ago. Sado-kun came as well, but only to ask the opposite of what they wanted."

"Oh? And what did they want? Something to do with Ichi-nee?"

Karin's gaze hadn't left Urahara since he arrived. It had been annoying with how many shinigami came by to ask about her sister. Dropping in at all hours as long as Ichigo wasn't home. None of them had enough courage to show up while Ichigo was around. They wouldn't be able to face the fact that Ichigo wouldn't be able to see them. As far as Karin was concerned, Urahara was no different. He had just admitted to only coming over because Ichigo's friends asked her to. No one had bothered to come and have a single one-on-one meeting with her sister. No one thought about Ichigo's feelings. Not a single one of them.

"Something like that," Yoruchi said evenly. She could sense the growing agitation in the Kurosaki family. Oddly enough, none of that came from Ichigo. The vast majority flared off of Yuzu. The smile on her face couldn't hide the anger raging through her spirit. "They were concerned for Ichigo-chan."

A small sigh escaped Ichigo as she leaned back against her chair. Taking a sip of her tea, she lowered it just barely from her lips and stared at the ceiling. She wanted to laugh in frustration and punch something, but that wouldn't help her case at all.

"Let me guess. They think I am depressed and have become isolated. Sound about right?"

Urahara laughed dryly at the tone Ichigo used. A glance at her relaxed posture and the amused look on Isshin's face told him that what they had all feared Ichigo would go through after losing her powers may not be what was actually going on.

"Inoue-chan and Ishida-kun both think you're cutting them out because you don't want to be around when they go deal with...threats."

Ichigo snorted at Urahara's pause. "You can say hollows, Urahara-san. I'm not going to fall over into a ball on the floor. I'm not depressed. I haven't been pushing them away. They just won't listen to what I'm saying. If Chad showed up, he would have told you as much. Which means you decided for yourself that I should be depressed, withdrawn, and emotional enough that you have to watch your wording."

"Well, I..." Urahara cut off with a sigh. The murderous gazes he was getting from the twins in front of him were making him just as nervous as Ichigo's waiting expression. "You haven't been over in awhile. You don't even come near the shop. None of us even see you while we're out on a patrol. You're always locked in your room, or the library at school. We have every right to be concerned."

"Hold on right-" Karin's angry shout was stopped by a raise of Ichigo's hand.

"Since you've obviously been keeping track of me, tell me. Where else have I gone recently?"

"I wouldn't call it keeping track of you. More like just noticing where you are and aren't," Urahara said with a wide grin. He decided to jump right back on topic when a deadly glare formed in Yuzu's eyes. "Hmm. If I recall, I did sense you in a building to the south a lot. Inoue-chan said you get your mail there. Ishida-kun noticed you've been spending a lot of time at libraries recently. I've also felt you leave the area a few times. I usually sense you near-" Urahara cut himself off with a look of shock. He looked at Ichigo with a gaping expression. "Kurosaki-san, I'm sorry. I hadn't-"

"It's fine. I told you. Orihime and Ishida won't listen. They think I'm running away. Chad knows me best. He's always been by my side. So, he knows this is what I've wanted for a long time. Even before becoming a Substitute Shinigami. I'm human, Urahara-san. I have human dreams."

My, my. Even without her powers, Kurosaki-san is still quicker than me. She may praise my wit, but I can never figure out what she'll do until she's already in the middle of it.

Urahara shook his head at his own stupidity. The smirk on Ichigo's face told him she was just fine. And with the knowledge of what was keeping her so locked up in her room, he now understood. She wasn't really avoiding her friends. She was just preparing for the future.

"Hmm. It's great that you understand," Yoruichi began, "but I'd like to know what's going on, too."

"I've been taking tests, doing research, and visiting schools," Ichigo explained with a look of determination that showed the consuming fire of her strong will in her eyes. "I'm going to a university after graduation. I'm leaving this area."

Time-skip: One week after high school graduation.

Hmm. Well, I think that is everything.

Ichigo checked the time on her cell as Chad tossed the last bag over the many boxes in the vehicle. The two had spent the early morning hours at his house loading his possessions. The later hours were to finish up goodbyes after gathering her own belongings into the back.

Time to get this over with.

The orange-haired beauty sighed as she moved to her waiting family. Yuzu's face was a mess of tears, but it was nothing compared to the train-wreck that was her father's face. Isshin had been howling at the portrait of her mother on and off for the last week. It was especially worse now that it was time to say goodbye.

Ichigo was suddenly very happy everyone agreed to come to Inoue's place last night for farewells. Though it was originally supposed to be at Chad's place, neither Ichigo or him wanted anyone crashing with the two. Knowing that there would be plenty of tears and attempts at delaying their departure, it was decided Inoue's place would be safest. The guys could safely walk home afterwards, the girls would crash at Inoue's, and Chad and Ichigo could go see their favorite spots before returning to his house.

Thinking of the night before, a small frown formed on Ichigo's lips. It had been a mess. Everyone was wishing them well, but they all voiced how they had options in town. Though no one meant to offend, Ichigo sensed what no one was saying.

Everyone thinks I'm running away. Tch. And that's not even the worst part.

"Ichi-nee? Everything alright?"

Karin's questioning gaze tried to stay focused on her sister, but ever so often it would flicker like a hungry flame to the roof. Ichigo had noticed this. She also noticed Chad's tension when he parked outside her house. Isshin's slightly drawn in brow confirmed any doubt she had.

So some shinigami came to see me off. Hnn. Unless they appear before me, there is nothing I can do.

Taking one last glance to her dad, Ichigo smirked. His expression said it all. He'd fight anyone who tried to interrupt the family parting. Especially if the uninvited guests tried to get Karin to talk for them. Had they put effort in to do it themselves, he'd have allowed them near. There was no doubt in Ichigo's mind on the matter.

It just shows no one believes me. One giant pity party for poor, depressed, powerless Ichigo.

"It's nothing. Was just thinking of last night."

Karin nodded in understanding. Though she wanted to comment more, the younger sister didn't want to ask too many questions with so many eavesdroppers hanging on the roof. Though she doubted they'd hear her over the noise the yelling going on between the group made.

"You're really leaving? Right now? Why so early?" Yuzu's tears doubled as she launched herself at Ichigo.

"You know she has to get settled in. Sado-kun and Ichi-nee already signed the lease for their place. It would be money to the wind if they didn't stay there."

"It's too early!" Yuzu ignored her twin's explanation and cuddled closer to the sister she was already beginning to miss.

"Yuzu, stop it. You're crying too much," Karin said dully. She really didn't want any emotional scenes with so many eyes watching. Yuzu, who couldn't see the unwanted guests, was far too open in front of them as far as she was concerned.

"Too much?!" Yuzu whipped her head around. Her flushed face wet with tears burned redder in frustration. "Even if you don't care, I do. I'll miss Ichi-nee. I don't want her to leave. Not yet. I'm not ready. You're just too cold!"

"Oi, that's enough." Ichigo tapped Yuzu's head as the girl sank heavily into her side. "Karin is very mature. She's the one who will be taking care of things while I'm away. Isn't that right?" Ichigo smirked at the black-haired twin. The warmth in her eyes said she understood. Karin was protecting her pride in front of people she couldn't forgive so easily.

"Right. Besides, we'll see you-" Karin cut off with a cry when Ichigo caught her raised hand mid shrug. "Ichi-nee!"

Ichigo laughed when both twins were huddled against her chest. One looked content and one looked embarrassed. One showed emotions clearly and one hid them strictly. The twins were so opposite all the time, but the love for Ichigo was the same between the two. Both were just as upset as the other about the farewell.

"It's fine," Ichigo said clearly. She lowered her head as she ruffled both light and dark hair. Her voice was but a whisper when she spoke again. "Don't worry about a thing. No one can see what's on a face that's hidden."

Karin's eye prickled with tears as she buried her face into Ichigo's side. To anyone who was watching, it looked like Ichigo was forcing the twins into a group hug to tease them. The twins and their father new the truth, though. Ichigo, as always, was protecting them from all that she could. Even the nosy eyes of the shinigami she was no longer able to see.

"MY LOVELY DAUGHTERS," Isshin bellowed as he rushed the three.

"Hell no!" Ichigo was quick to kick her dad away as she spun the twins behind her. Her strong back hiding them fully from anyone looking to give Karin time to collect herself. "We don't need to be molested by you. Just stay over there, goat-face."

A mock wail sounded from the father who had been mercilessly kicked across the lawn and into the side of the house. Ignoring his tears and prayers to her mother, Ichigo glanced at Chad who had called her name.

"It's time to leave," he said with a tap to his wristwatch. "The office will be closed if we don't leave now."

"Ah, yeah." Ichigo's eyes moved to the twins with a grin. "Time to go. You two take care. If anything happens, let me know. I'll be sure to call after we grab our apartment keys at the main office."

Both girls gave a nod as Ichigo hugged them. A word of love and a warm smile hidden from all others was given before she pulled away. Waving over her shoulder, the girl jogged to the car as Chad started it up.

"TOOOOO SLOOOOW!"

"WHAAA!"

Ichigo flailed her arms out wildly in attempt to knock her blubbering father who had tackled her without warning away. With little effort he had her shorter stature pulled from the ground. Locked in his arms in an unwanted hug, the eldest daughter sent a glare into wet eyes.

"You'll have to be quicker, Ichigo. No one is allowed to sneak attack you. No one can jump you. Others may only approach with your say."

Though said in a teasing tone, Ichigo could clearly hear the protective undertone swimming with seriousness. Spoken loudly and clearly, the statement was meant for everyone. It was a thinly veiled threat to the shinigami on the roof. They weren't allowed to follow her. They weren't allowed to keep track of her anymore. If they continued, the whole of the shinigami world would have to answer to him.

Before a retort could be made, Isshin hugged his daughter as if he would never see her again. With whispered words of encouragement and a kiss atop the orangettte's head, he gently pushed her to the car. Without turning, Ichigo waved goodbye before climbing in the passenger seat.

They were out of sight in minutes and Ichigo said nothing until Chad's posture relaxed nearly 30 miles from the Kurosaki household.

"Heh," she snorted with a slight frown. "They really did follow us to the edge of town, huh?"

Chad nodded. "Your father kept the shinigami from Seireitei who wanted to talk to you from following. A captain came and ordered them back."

"Oh?"

"Well, that's what it looked like," he answered with a shrug. "They weren't allowed to cross the town's border. The special permission to visit had strict limitations."

"I can believe it." Ichigo laughed with a shake of her head. Relaxing back into her seat, she took in Chad's face with calculating eyes. "There's something else, right?"

"Your sister stopped Inoue and Ishida from following. They were around the corner. I told them last night not to interfere with seeing your family off."

"Tch." Scratching her head with an agitated hiss, Ichigo sighed tiredly. "Thanks for trying."

Noticing the bite of sadness in her voice, Chad frowned. His grip tightened on the steering wheel. It angered him that everyone treated Ichigo this way. He had been worried for her at one point, but that worry proved to be unwarranted. She was fine. She moved on without looking back. It was her nature. He should have never doubted her.

"Ichigo." The seriousness of his tone made his voice rougher than usual. Ichigo stared at her closest friend patiently as he gathered his thoughts. "About what everyone was thinking at the party. It's not true. About why I'm coming with you."

"I know, Chad. You don't have to say it."

"Yes, but I want to," he explained quietly. "I'm not coming along as a bodyguard. I know you can protect yourself. I'm not coming with you out of pity. Though our backs are protected by each other, it's not why I'm tagging along. It's not why we're getting a place together.

"We're heading in the same direction. Your school is within walking distance from the apartment. The job I've been recruited for is just as close. It's cheaper for both of us to live together. It's also safer than living alone in a new city.

"I wanted to take classes, but I'm still not sure if a degree is what I want. With my job, I can take up to six classes at the university for free a year. It's a job with great pay and benefits. It's what I want. What I was looking for.

"By chance you picked the same university. After catching a train out there to look around, we both knew living together was much cheaper. It's an expensive neighborhood with little available housing. Staying together really is for the best.

"Even though we've explained this, only your family believes us. Everyone else thinks differently. I just want you to believe I, for not even a moment, thought of coming with you to look out for you, stop you from going off, or to bring you back."

Chad glanced at his companion when a much smaller hand than his own covered his knuckles over the wheel. His eyes widened slightly at the unexpected expression on Ichigo's face. No smirk or scowl was in sight. With a relaxed brow and a gentle smile, Ichigo looked warmly to her friend.

It's been awhile since she's been able to smile freely like that, he thought with a quick nod of understanding.

"It's fine, Chad." Ichigo had waited to speak until his eyes were firmly set on the road once more. "We know each other best. Orihime knows my habits, Ishida knows my thinking, Rukia knows my actions, but you know me. I never doubted you. We'll look out for each other as we always have, but that's not why we're sticking together this time. I'm sorry everyone is acting this way. I knew what they were saying to you in private last night. They all think you're stuck with me. That you're unable to leave my side out of pity and fear for my safety. I get it, but that's not right. Until they come around, all I can do is ignore them. I've answered them a hundred times. I can't put that kind of time in it now."

Chad nodded in agreement. "You need to focus on your studies."

"And look for work before classes start. It's why we're moving in two months beforehand."

"Weren't you getting a campus job?"

"Once school starts, yes. It's part of my scholarship agreement," she explained. "But even with scholarships and grants covering my school expenses, I'd like a job outside of school to make more income."

"Want me to ask the boss about any open positions?"

Ichigo laughed with a cheeky grin. "Best not, but I'm looking at a membership. Wanna be my training partner?"

A look of amusement softened Chad's features as he nodded. Though he said nothing, he was thinking no one else would be able to handle Ichigo for a session if he refused.

"I actually put in a few applications when we took the train in last time. I walked around town while you were doing your interview. I only went to a few places around the hotel we stayed at, but the locals said jobs opened up just after school let out from workers going home for break. I'll look at those, too."

Settling back into her seat with a tired yawn, Ichigo closed her eyes in thought. What Chad had said was true. Everyone believed he was going with her out of pity. They all thought he picked the job based off her school choice. In truth, neither knew they picked the same location after graduation until just a month ago.

It was after Ichigo finished the last of her tests and received her approval letter. Chad was the first one she told. Both had been surprised when they swapped letters. Ichigo's told of her entrance into the university. Chad's told of his acceptance at a job he had been scouted for. Both letters had the same town listed as the location.

It wasn't planned, but I'm glad. If I have to live with someone, I'd only want Chad.

Just as Ichigo thought this, a strong profile drifted into her mind. It came suddenly and unexpectedly. Just as quickly as it appeared, the image vanished as if the thought never passed. Though, with the creeping blush and quickened heartbeat, Ichigo couldn't deny the thought crossed her mind.

OK! Get over that. Just a crush. Never anything more. Wouldn't ever be even if you were still a shinigami.

"Like he'd ever even look at me," Ichigo mumbled under her breath with a frown. Seeing that Chad was glancing her way, she hurriedly ducked her head to hide her blush. Only one person knew of her secret crush, and Ichigo knew he'd never tell anyone.

Well, it doesn't matter anymore. I no longer have anything to do with that world. I'll never go back there in this lifetime.

Time-skip: Two years later.

Stretched out across the spacious lounger, Chad focused his gaze on the book in hand. Though his eyes took in the letters on the page, he couldn't make words from them. His attention was elsewhere. His ears had been centered on the tapping feet that rushed back and forth for the last hour. The growls and grunts erupting every few minutes from his housemate distracting him from the book.

"Damn." A small curse escaped Ichigo after knocking over one of the stacks of books on the counter in her rush to grab the bag beside it.

Chad turned his head just as she ducked to pick each heavy volume from the floor. An amused grin touched his face at her flustered expression.

The two had been living together for just over two years. Chad's job was going well. Ichigo had enrolled in a fast-paced, highly competitive, and exceedingly challenging two-year study program that she completed just last week with exemplary remarks.

The program suited her well in Chad's opinion. It gave her something to throw herself at with all her might. If she hadn't been committed, there was no way she would have succeeded in such a program.

It was what came at the end of the program that Ichigo had her eyes on. The girl wanted to travel. She had a thirst for it that couldn't be quenched by simply bouncing between cities. She had confessed as much to Chad after a strenuous week of tests and studying during her first year. She admitted it had always intrigued her, but it was after being able to travel to Soul Society that the intrigue became a passion. She experienced something new and amazing. She wanted to see what her eyes could never imagine in her world.

With the completion of the course, she had that chance. Ichigo was given three options. First, she could continue her studies at the university with regular paced classes to further the level of degree. Second, she could being working after one last test to confirm full comprehension of her field. Third, she could enter a work study program that would allow her to travel to any of the places on a provided list for a year. After the year was up, she had to return to the university for the final phase of completion for this path in order to earn her degree.

Ichigo chose the third option without hesitation.

Though Chad knew exactly what her choice would be before the final test, he was afraid to admit to himself that he didn't want her to leave. Before moving to the city, the two were the closest of friends. Now, with hardly any time spent with any other person but the other, they had become a synced entity.

There were no secrets or walls between the two. Personal space didn't exist between the two. There was no shyness or hesitation. The two were simply one.

They had grown together, learned together, and experienced a whole new life together. When they took something new on, it was together. Always and without fail. There couldn't exist anything but full trust and understanding between the duo.

It was hard to imagine one without the other in any situation. If you thought of one, the other was pictured as well. That's how close to two were. Inseparable even in thought.

But this time Ichigo was going on ahead without him. Chad could come if he wanted to. He had enough money. His job paid very well. He could easily follow her.

With much internal struggle, Chad refused to follow. He wanted her to face her own path. She was looking ahead with certainty. A powerful gaze was set on the future. He wanted her to succeed in her path without any other concerns. She only needed to look ahead. He didn't want her to have to turn back in concern for him.

"Why are all our books so heavy?" Ichigo's puff of annoyance as she placed the books back on the counter brought a rumbling chuckle from the man across the room.

"Heavy? Maybe you're out of shape," Chad offered. A scathing glare was all he got as a reply. "Break?"

"Hmm. Yeah. I think I should rest a minute," Ichigo said after a moment.

Even before Chad sat his book down the young woman was bouncing over to him. As usual, Chad had to force away a smirk at the sight of her. Though he told her repeatedly she needed to be more aware of herself, Ichigo just didn't seem to understand that her body had matured just as much as her mind.

She was considered a pretty girl as a teenager. In high school together their classmates referred to her as a "natural beauty". If they saw her now, Chad could only imagine what they'd say about her.

"What are you thinking about?" Chad grunted as Ichigo plopped down over him without hesitation. She had done so since they met. It was a habit. He never minded. It was Ichigo, after all.

"High school," he answered simply.

"Ahh. Missing everyone? It's been two years, but no one has come to visit besides my family."

"They still think you're running." Though it had been difficult at one point for Chad to openly talk to Ichigo about how everyone she was once close to treated her after she lost her abilities, there was no hesitation anymore. After awhile he became just as tired of their behavior as she had. It really did seem ignoring them was the best way to handle it. They both could only hope they'd all come around one day.

"Yep," she agreed readily. "Karin said they check with her once a week to see if they've heard from me. The shinigami who visit town all ask Ishida and Orihime if I've returned, though."

"Only after your sister threatened them."

"Couldn't be helped. She needed the space. They hadn't even given her enough of it to forgive them. They shouldn't have kept bringing me up with her."

"They'll come around," Chad said softly after noting the brush of sadness in her tone. "We just don't know when."

Ichigo nodded with a tired sigh. She did miss everyone, but she couldn't stop her life just because they couldn't accept her reasons. If anything, they made her want to leave the area more than anything. It wasn't losing her powers that bothered her. It was the people she lost when they left that had hurt.

"Maybe after they find out I'm traveling so far away. It'll be too late to talk to me, though. Not like I'll have good reception."

Chad grinned down at Ichigo in amusement. He felt a pain in his heart at hearing her say she'd be far away, but he had to let her go. Unless she asked him to stay with her, he wouldn't. He didn't want to travel like she did. He didn't want to come along for a fun trip. He would only go if she needed him.

And she didn't. She was fine on her own.

It's for the best.

Though Chad tried to convince himself, he couldn't help but feel disheartened as she bounced off him to continue packing. He was going to be lonely without her, but he'd be fine. He just wished the black clouds in his mind would go away. That dark worry was bad for his heart.

She'll be safe. She promised to contact me every other week when she goes into town for supplies. Everything will be fine.

Though Chad tried desperately to convince himself, the fear and worry had set in. Even as he pushed it from his mind, it whipped around in his heart like an ominous wind.

Time-skip: Two months later.

Tossing and turning in the quiet home, Chad looked to the clock on the nightstand as the sound of thunder echoed outside. He still had three hours before his usual shift at five in the morning began. He had gone to bed early. Did the same nightly routine as usual. but he just couldn't stay asleep.

As another echo of thunder shook the home, Chad thought of Ichigo. Nights like this when the power went and the temperature dropped, he would count the seconds until he heard her clumsily open his door to climb into bed. It always amused him that such a strong woman couldn't stand the slightest chill. She had hated being cold and would jump right into his bed for warmth. It was funny now that he was thinking about it. She came to him to stay warm, but now that she wasn't there with him during the storm he felt so very cold.

She's late.

The thought drifted into Chad's mind just as easily as it had the last few days. He hadn't heard from Ichigo in three weeks. It had been a week since she was supposed to contact him, but the call never came. He could do nothing but wait.

The sound of a phone buzzing on the dresser caught his attention. Looking to the lit screen in confusion, he answered the unknown number that matched the area code Ichigo was in.

"Sado," he greeted simply.

There was a pause before an unknown woman's voice responded. She sounded older. Much older than Ichigo and himself.

"Are you Chad, too?"

The question got the massive man sitting upright in bed as if a bolt of lightning came through the window to wake him. His heart began pounding with fear. It was an emotion he hadn't felt since Ichigo had fallen on the battlefield with a world shattering scream when her powers started to fade away.

"How did you know that?"

"The young woman here asked me to call. I'm afraid she's in a dire situation."

"What do you mean," Chad demanded. His hand nearly crushed the phone in anticipation. He wanted his answer immediately, but a small voice in the background and the sound of the phone being shuffled stilled him. His heart pounded painfully when a familiar sigh rang clear from the receiver.

"Hey, Chad. Sorry. I know it's the middle of the night for you."

Chad's heart stopped. It was Ichigo, but he knew her to well to miss it. Something was terribly wrong. Her voice was strained. It was heavy with tiredness. But, true to Ichigo's heart, he could hear the bell of determination ringing loud and clear under the weight of desperation.

"You know that doesn't matter," he said without pause. He was already standing. She hadn't said it, but he could feel it. His whole body was moving without his mind knowing why. "What's wrong?"

A pause. A tired intake of breath. She was uncertain. He could sense her worry.

"Ichigo." It wasn't a question. It was a statement. Chad was demanding her answer.

"There was...an accident. I'm living, but...well, I'm in bad shape."

"Ichigo," he called worriedly. He could hear her breathing become harsher. As if talking alone was a strenuous activity.

"Chad...I...I need you, Chad. Please. Please, come to me."

It was desperate. He could hear it loud and clear. She wasn't hiding it. Nor was she trying to hide the fear in her voice. She let those raw emotions out so he could hear. There was no question about it. Whatever had happened, Ichigo was in a terrible state. He didn't need to know more.

"I'm already on my way."