Hey, me agian.

Hope you guys like this chapter. I wasn't too sure about it. If it sucks though, I can just edit :P

Anyway, please enjoy!


Hichigo watched silently as she marched ahead of him. He knew what she was doing. She was attempting to trace Ichigo's reiatsu, in the hopes of finding him faster. It was pointless. They were in Ichigo. His mind at least. His reiatsu was everywhere.

But, for some reason, he didn't want to be the one to explain that to her.

So they continued, silently.

'Ichigo you fool! Why did you have to get me dragged into this?!'

Rukia sighed heavily. She was developing a headache from her constant search for Ichigo's spirit pressure, she was feeling dizzier every step she took, and not having someone to yell at was beginning to take it's tole on the raven-haired girl.

"Rukia," Hichigo called. She stopped, turning to face him, but he was still walking on, "You may not know... but this place is where Ichigo keeps his 'various' memories..."

It took Rukia a moment to realise what he was talking about, she stared after him apprehensively, "These memories... could they include... Hollows?"

He looked back at her with a sinister smirk, "My, my... you caught on faster than I expected."

Rukia cursed under her breath, quickening her pace to catch up with Hichigo. They seemed to be walking in a continuous line, until their surroundings began to change. The white void slowly faded, replaced by...

"Karakura!" Rukia gasped.

Hichigo grimaced, and Rukia suspected he knew more about this than he was letting on.

"Rukia..."

She glanced over to him, "What?"

"Do you remember... ever having a dream like this?"

His voice wasn't as powerful anymore, almost fearful. She shook her head slowly, "Can't say I've ever dreamt of here, no."

At this the Ichigo copy clenched his eyes shut. Just then, rain fell. It was suddenly pouring from the sky. Rukia stood still, stunned by the massive change in weather. To her right, the river was now almost overflowing with water. Hichigo heaved a sigh, "No matter what happens next..." he called out over the sound of rain splashing the ground, "No matter how much you want to. Do not help Ichigo!"

Rukia looked at him curiously. Then, she could hear footsteps coming from behind. She spun round to see the young Ichigo from before. He wore his yellow rain coat, and a goofy grin. Holding his hand was, "Masaki?!" Rukia breathed heavily, 'She's about to die!'

They stood still as both Kurosaki mother and son walked by, oblivious to both Rukia and Hichigo. Once they passed, Hollow Ichigo began a steady pace behind them. Rukia was about to follow, but he spoke, "Unless you're sure you won't interfere... it would be wise not to come until it's over."

She scowled, "I know not to mess around with people's minds!" she hissed, continuing her steady pace after him, "That's exactly what got Ichigo into this mess in the first place."

He sighed, "I think you'll find it's not as easy as you think."

Rukia glared at the Ichigo copy, about to snap at him when, "Ichigo!" Masaki cried.

Rukia looked to see the young Ichigo jumping over the fence, running towards the river. There a young girl stood dangerously close to the edge. She knew this story, and what was about to happen. Masaki was running after her son now.Young Ichigo lunged out to stop the girl, and Rukia could see his shock as she suddenly disappeared. Ichigo fell flat on his face. Masaki was but feet away, when she froze. She was eyeing something. Something, it seemed, only she could see. Then Rukia saw it, 'Grand fisher.'

Masaki glanced from the Hollow, to her son who lay unconscious on the ground. She made a dive toward Ichigo. She wrapped her arms around him, "Stay away!" she cried, as Grand Fisher came closer.

"No!" Rukia made to run towards the two, but a strong hand grabbed her arm, pulling her back. She glared angrily at Hichigo, "Let me go!"

"I can't."

She turned back to the scene. Grand Fisher took his first lash at Masaki. Then again, and again. But she never let go of her son. Rukia struggled against Hichigo's grasp, "We have to help them!"

He pulled her back further, "We can't!"

She looked up at him, frantic, "But..."

Masaki's pained cries could be heard behind her. Hichigo's eyes remained focused on the scene but Rukia could not look. She heard a sickening crack behind her. She was about to turn to see, despite everything. But he didn't let her.

The Hollow Ichigo held her in place, facing his chest. She looked up. His eyes. They looked... sad.

She heard the sound of Masaki finally falling to the ground. Hichigoalmost flinched. Their surroundings changed once more. The white began to return. The last sounds heard were the constant rain...

... and a traumatized child, "MOMMY!"

She clenched her eyes shut. The tears were threatening to fall. She was clutching on Hichigo's robes , refusing to open her eyes. Just incase...

"Rukia..."

Reluctantly, she opened her eyes. The Ichigo copy was looking down at her with his usual scowl, "It's Ok. It's gone." Rukia nodded.

She rubbed her eyes, letting out a shakey breath. She released him, turning away, "Where do we go now?"

Hichigo began walking, "This way." he mumbled. She followed silently.


Inoue's cries could be heard throughout Urahara Shouten. She had come on simple business, and to see Jinta and Ururu. Tessai had answered the door and, not knowing the situation, had assumed that the young girl had been called to see to Ichigo's injuries. He led her through the shop without a word. When she lay eyes on Ichigo, there was no way of preventing her from tears.

He was lying on the futon, shaking violently. His face held an expression of utter fear and he was as pale as a ghost. Kisuke had ran in to see what the commotion was, quickly followed by Yoruichi. Both scowled at the situation. Yoruichi had since then been attempting to calm the young girl down, while Kisuke tended to the two unconscious Shinigami.

"What's happened?" she asked weakly.

Kiskue explained the fight, and it's outcome. This proved to only make Inoue worse. Ichigo began to mumble something, catching everyone's attention. Kisuke watched him, studying the orange-haired man, "Still at stage one..." he said quietly, but Yoruichi had heard it.

"There are more stages?" her voice rose a little.

Kisuke grimaced at the question. He faced both women, nodding, "Five..."

Yoruichi glared at him furiously, "You told Kuchiki-san there was only one!"

He lowered his head, "I did that only so she would hurry. We can't afford any time to be wasted!"

The woman sighed, "What other stages are there?" she asked eventually.

Kisuke gestured them to sit. Inoue kept her eyes on Ichigo as the shopkeeper spoke, "They get progressively worse as you go along. The first, the one I explained to Kuchiki-san, is where the victim witnesses the pain and sacrifice of others for him..."

"And..." Inoue pressed.

Kisuke lifted his hat and ran a hand through his blonde hair, "The second... is a measure taken to make the victim believe the trap is more than just that. It will cause the victim to start thinking his dreams are more of a reality. It's difficult to explain..." he sighed, "They awake in a world quite like the one they left... with some minor differences. Once they feel even a little comfortable... their world, will come apart."

"And when do you think this stage will begin?" Yoruichi asked, a little frightened by what she had just heard.

Kisuke was ready to answer when Ichigo mumbled something, grasping everyone's attention.

"Rukia...?"

He shook his head in despondency, "It already has..."


Her eyes had never looked more warm, "Rukia?" he coughed. He lay on a futon in Urahara Shouten.

She gave him a soft smile, "How do you feel?"

He winked, "Never better." He knew she wouldn't believe it, but it had made her laugh... just a little. He leaned up, but Rukia held him down on the futon, "You can't, your wounds haven't healed enough yet."

He sighed, "Fine."

There was a pause. "Rukia?"

"Hmm?" she hummed with an act of happiness.

"Are you Ok?" he was worried.

She looked stunned by his question at first. Then she buried her face in her hands, sobbing. He went to reach her, but in the process opened one of his many wounds. He hissed in pain, causing her immediate attention, "Ichigo!" she placed her hand on his chest, applying pressure to the wound, slowly stopping the bleeding.

He watched her for a few minutes, "You didn't answer my question." he stated stubbornly.

She let out a shaky breath, "You... you scared me Ichigo," her tear-filled eyes met his, "I thought you were..." she trialled off, looking away.

Ichigo cursed his own stupidity. He lay his head back on the pillow, remembering the attack, "What happened?"

Rukia bowed her head, remembering he incident, "You collapsed..." she muttered, "Just about to fall into Goldtooth's curse when..."

"When?"

She gave him a weak smile, "Kisuke arrived. Saved us both."

His eyes widened, "Seriously?"

She nodded, her faint smile fading fast, "Ichigo..."

He perked up, "Yeah?"

She clenched her hands at her side, avoiding his gaze, "Please..." her voice was lower than a whisper, "don't scare me like that again."

A wave of guilt hit him. He caught her eye, and gestured her to come closer. He pulled her to him, in what he hoped would be a comforting embrace. She lay her head on his chest, and he bared the twinge of pain it caused. He ran his hand through her silky hair, "I'm sorry, Rukia."

When his wounds had healed better, and he could stand again, Ichigo decided to head home. Rukia walked closed beside him, her mood lifted again.

'So... that vision, of my mom... of Inoue... it was just a dream... a dream I had while I was unconscious." he mused. Once the house was in view, Rukia picked up the pace, "Come on, Ichigo!"

She began to run, and he followed pursuit, "Wait up, Midget!"

She laughed at his comment, now at the front door, "your mom won't like you calling me a Midget!" she teased.

He froze, "What?!"

At that the door opened, "Hello, kids." Kurosaki Masaki stood in the doorway, smiling warmly at them both.

Rukia bowed her head, "Hello Kurosaki-san."

Masaki laughed at her greeting, "Rukia... by now you should know to just call me Masaki!"

Rukia flushed, "Oh, right... sorry... I keep forgetting."

Masaki patted her shoulder, "Think nothing of it Rukia-chan," her gaze fell to Ichigo, "Ichigo! Glad to see your feeling better."

He watched her in utter shock, "Wh- who are you?" he asked, his voice panicked.

She gave him a worried look, as did Rukia, "Ichigo?" Rukia began, "That's your mom..."

Ichigo looked at the raven-haired girl as if she was nuts, "What?! Rukia, my mom is dead!"

"Ichigo!" Masaki gasped.

He did not look at the woman. His eyes focused on a confused Rukia, "Ichigo, your mom's fine... but I'm not too sure about you..."

Masaki gave a weak smile, "Rukia-chan, it's alright. Kisuke told me to watch out for this. Ichigo came vary close to falling under the curse. Side-affects were expected." Rukia nodded, but Ichigo could tell she remained weary.

That whole day Ichigo had watched his mother suspiciously, but she never seemed out of place. She acted just as he knew her to act, spoke just the way he would expect, and she adored Rukia. Ichigo watched his sisters following their mom around the house, just admiring her really. It all seemed so... real.

Was it?

Maybe he did suffer some effects of the curse. What if his memory was affected? What if his mom...

really was still alive?

That night had come along quickly, "Look at the time," Isshin gawked at his watch, "It's gotten far too late. Head on up to bed now you lot, go on!"

All nodded and they quietly marched upstairs. Ichigo expected Rukia to head off in the direction of Karin and Yuzu's room when they reached the second floor, but instead she continued following after him. He was curious, but didn't ask any questions.

Until he saw two beds in his room, "What the..." he watched Rukia pull down the sheets of the second bed and quickly hop in, "What's up Ichigo?"

"Since when do you sleep in my room?" he could feel the heat on his cheeks.

She watched him with a worried expression, "Ichigo... I've been sleeping here for like ever." she hopped back out of the bed, walking towards him. She placed her hand on his forehead, "Are you sure you're feeling Ok?"

Ichigo sighed. He was going nuts. He forgot something as simple as where Rukia was sleeping. He thought his mother was dead! He nodded slowly, "Yeah... I guess I'm just exhausted. Sorry."

She smiled faintly, "Don't worry about it." she returned to her bed. Ichigowalked over to his own. He let out a relieved sigh as he lay down, "Night, Rukia." He fell asleep before his head had even hit the pillow.

He was back in his own bed.

He was home.


"Look out!" Hichigo had called, blocking the strike that had been aimed at Rukia.

She panted, regaining her balance, "Thanks."

He rolled his eyes in frustration, turning back to their enemies. Out of ten, four remained. Both had sustained a few hits, but neither had given up fighting yet. They had become surrounded by these Hollows not too long after they had set off walking again. Rukia remembered many of them. Ichigo had defeated all of them before.

She charged at another one, taking a fast swing at the hollow's mask. It hadn't a chance to retaliate and Rukia cut through it. She looked back. She could have sworn that Hichigo wore a faint smile at the sight, but she didn't have enough time to notice, "Watch it!"

Hichigo turned back to see all three remaining enemies leap up in a joint attack. He hadn't enough time.

"Second dance," Rukia spoke calmly, "Hakuren." A wave of ice burst from her zanpakuto. Hichigo just missed it as it froze all three Hollows mid-jump.

He grunted, "Thanks..." as he gasped for breath.

Rukia nodded, "Let's go."

"Yeah."

They walked a while more, still in silence. Then, she was taken aback. When Hichigo spoke, "Do you have Bankai?" he asked gruffly.

She shook her head, "Sorry..."

He threw him eyes upward, "Don't be sorry, idiot. It just might've come in helpful."

He walked on without another word.

"How are you joined to Ichigo?"

He stopped walking, turning to face Rukia, his brow raised, "What kinda stupid question is that?"

She didn't phase by his remark. He sighed, "You're the one who went to Shinigami University... you tell me."

They continued walking. Rukia thought about it, "We were taught that every Shinigami has an evil side. An... inner Hollow."

Hichigo nodded, not showing much interest, "Yeah..."

She eyed him curiously, "If that's the case... then why are you able to come out so easy, and not... not..."

"Not your inner Hollow?" he questioned.

She looked stunned for a moment, but nodded.

Hichigo sighed, "Ichigo wanted to become more powerful, by any means," he looked away from the raven-haired girl, "I guess you could call me 'any means'."

"When..." she trailed off, trying to phrase her question correctly.

He exhaled harshly, frustration obvious, "Look, kid," he began, "Ichigo wanted more power so he could save you. Back when you were in trouble he did everything to help you. He even pulled me out. Though... he didn't really know exactly what he was doing at the time. I am nothing like Ichigo."

Rukia looked at the guy, wide-eyed, "Ichigo... He did it to save... me?"

The Hollow slapped his forehead, spinning round to continue walking.

She shook her head, persuading herself to hold back her guilt until after Ichigo was safe. She caught up with Hichigo. A deafening roar was suddenly heard. Hichigo reacted, drawing his blade. A white version of Zangetsu. He scanned their surroundings. A mist creeped up around them. Rukia immediately lost sight of the Hollow Ichigo, "Rukia!" he called.

She went to reply, but an enemy creeped up behind her. She spun round, blocking the attack that had been aimed at her head. In the distance she could hear Hichigo meeting blades with another enemy.

She parried again, this time taking a swing at the hollow after. She slit across it's leg, causing it to scream out in pain. It took an angry shot at Rukia, knocking her to the ground. Dazed, she looked around. The Hollow took another swipe for her. She rolled along the ground. The Hollow's blade crashed into the hard floor, just where her head had been.

She jumped back to her feet, preparing for another attack. The Hollow lunged at her, she blocked, feigning a jump-kick. As the hollow went to dodge the false attack, Rukia rammed her blade through it's mask. It vanished with an earpiercing scream.

Just as Rukia was about to breath a sigh of relief, Hichigo roared out in pain. She spun towards the sound, faintly seeing two figures through the mist. Hichigo was on the ground, panting heavily, "Hichigo!" she ran towards him, but he ordered her to stop.

"Stay back! Let me handle this," he rose to his feet, grasping his blade his weak hands. Rukia furrowed her brow at the sight, 'Not like Ichigo, my ass!'

He dodged an attack, jumping away and landing on, what Rukia noted, was his injured leg. It gave way, causing him to fall. The Hollow wasted no time in striking. It brought the blade down on Hichigo. He howled as it cut a gash into his right arm.

His blood was black.

Rukia gritted her teeth. She wasn't going to stand for this. She needed a distraction, "Under the celestial ruby, shall my voice roar like a thunder. Hadou #2, Beniikazuchi." A bolt of red lightening shot from her index finger at the enemy. It didn't have any long lasting damages, but the loud noise was enough to break his concentration for a second, 'Yes!'

She swiped at the Hollow's mask with her blade, cutting right through it. It let out a shrill scream, but she didn't bother to watch it dematerialize, "Hichigo..."

The Hollow looked away, shame on his face, "Get lost, I can heal myself."

Rukia scoffed, "Yeah right! All you gotta do is shut up and let me help you, got that?"

He looked at her, a little stunned, "Fine." he muttered.

Rukia studied his wounds, "Nothing too serious..." she mused out loud, causing Hichigo to throw her an angry glare. He clasped her hands together, "Reihei #3, Hanagami Sousei."

Her hands glowed a pale green as she held them up to his wounds. He closed his eyes, frustrated by the wave of pure reiatsu flowing into him. He knew she was only doing this because...

'Why was she doing this?' he pondered.

After a few moments he no longer felt pain in his wounds as the injuries he sustained healed up, "Thanks..." he muttered under his breath, not looking at Rukia.

She gave a faint smile, "No problem."

He sighed, looking over at her. Inspecting her for wounds, "You don't look so bad. You got it easy."

She scoffed, rolling her eyes.

Definitely like Ichigo.


"ICHIGOOOOOO!" a familiar sound as Ishinn Kurosaki came barging through the door. Ichigo was not surprised. Just as his father went to jump kick him, Ichigo jumped from the bed, giving the old man an uppercut to the jaw.

Isshin howled, his lip bleeding, "I bith ma thong..." he groaned. Ichigo raised his brow as his father stuck out his now swollen tongue, weeping.

Rukia scrapped herself from the bed, "Morning," she yawned, standing up and walking towards the door. She passed the two, ignoring their morning routine.

Ichigo threw a glare to his father before exiting the room after the raven-haired girl.

After breakfast Ichigo and Rukia sat in the living room watching T.V. when Masaki walked in, "Oh good, you're here! Ichigo I was about to walk down to the store and I was wondering if you two would like to join me."

Rukia grinned, nodding, "Of course." she jumped to her feet, pulling Ichigo up. He groaned, shaking his head. She tugged harder on his sleeve, "Ichigo! Come on!"

He sighed, "Fine."

As they walked down by the riven bank Ichigo watched his mother talking to Rukia just ahead. He smiled, 'They really do get along...'

"Ichigo?"

He perked up at the call, "Ye..." he trailed off. He couldn't remember the last time he had used this phrase. 'Damn, I was hit hard!' "Yeah, mom?"

Masaki gestured him to come over. He picked up the pace, "What's up?"

She pulled a camera out of her bag, "Ichigo, could you take a photo of me and Rukia by the river? It's just so beautiful here."

Ichigo nodded, taking the camera from her hand, "Ok..." he held it up to focus, "Smile."

Everything seemed to freeze as Masaki suddenly grabbed Rukia by the throat. She held up the raven-haired girl by the neck. "Mom!" he gasped.

Rukia looked terrified as she tightened her grasp, cutting off her air, "Ichigo! Help me!"

"Rukia!" he looked frantic, "Mom! Let her go!"

Masaki turned her head towards him. But she wasn't Masaki anymore. He could feel it, "Who would you choose, Ichigo?" she sneered, tightening her grasp further, causing Rukia to exclaim, "Ichigo!"

"Rukia!" he looked to his mother in horror, "Mom! Stop!"

At that Masaki threw Rukia to the ground, smacking her head off the side of a rock. The girl groaned, trying to regain her composure. Masaki grinned evilly at her son, "Ichigo, surely you love your mother enough to help her."

Rukia held a look of terror as she gazed from Kurosaki mother to son, "Ichigo... please!"

"Shut up, Rukia!" he looked her in the eye, "I'm not going to allow you come to harm!"

She watched him, stunned, "Ichigo..."

Masaki glared at him, "You are no son of mine!" she hissed, approaching Ichigo menacingly. She held a dagger loosely in her hand.

Ichigo shook his head slowly, disbelief written on his features, "No... mom no..."

She jabbed the blade into his stomach. He gasped, unable to move. Masaki pulled out the blade roughly. He fell to his knees, "Why?" he breathed.

"You have to make a choice," she spoke simply, "Who is the most important person in your life?"

Ichigo couldn't answer, "I..."

"Just choose, Ichigo..." Rukia said gently, "The sooner you do, the sooner this will all be over."

He shook his head, looking at Rukia disbelievingly, "I can't!"

Masaki sighed, "Then I guess we have no choice." Rukia nodded, and both drew swords, "But to fight..."

Ichigo gasped, "No!"

But they began. Masaki immediately took the upper hand, slashing Rukia's leg almost immediately. Staggering, Rukia had trouble delivering blows, and found dodging even more difficult.

After only a few horrific moments, Rukia was on her knees. She spluttered, coughing up blood. Ichigo's breath quickened, "Rukia, no!"

He jumped across, pushing his mother out of the way. Masaki growled, her focus turning to him, "You..." she growled. Masaki spun round, about to strike her own son. Ichigo closed his eyes. There was the sound of a blade cutting flesh, but it was not his.

He opened his eyes.

"Rukia!"

The raven-haired girl stood between them, pierced by the blade that had been meant for Ichigo. She collapsed to the ground, "No!"

He kneeled down at her side. Her weak eyes met his, "I'm sorry..."

"Don't say that, idiot." he gave her a ghost of a smile. 'Don't die!'

She never said goodbye. She just... stopped breathing. Ichigo shook her, "Rukia? Rukia!"

No response.

He looked around for his mother, but she had vanished.

He was all alone.

Again.

No!

The scene vanished, and Ichigo returned to the blank abyss.

"Get me out of here!" he roared, "LET ME OUT!" he fell to his knees, panting, panic overwhelming him, "I want to go..."

'Home...'


Hope you liked it!