BLEACH: Until the Day I Die Chapter 3, a bleach fanfic

BLEACH: UNTIL THE DAY I DIE

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thanks for your patience, readers. :) Don't worry, the story will never be abandoned! I LOVES IT TOO MUCH! On a side note…COLLEGE IS OUT UNTIL FALL THANK GOD! Lol! XD Though I still work full time…I'll hopefully have a bit more time. Of course, I'm writing a chapter per story and I have a lot of stories (a lot for me, that is) to keep up on. The cycle I write in will go like this: LOST IN THE GREEN SEAS, PALE MOON'S LOVE, BLEACH: UNTIL THE DAY I DIE, BLEACH: THE UNDERWORLD, and I'm working on a few other stories to put out soon. I'm still in the process of fleshing it all out. There's a Yoruichi and Ichigo story I'm working on, there's a Star Wars Fan Fic I'm working on…and I have a lot of other stuffs! Lol. A lot of it is in development. But thanks so much for your patience. Just remember my cycle, and if you have Author Alert on, you can keep track of and anticipate when the next chapter for each story will come out so you can know why THIS story's chapters will be worked on next. So…much thanks again, I am deeply indebted! Thanks!

Chapter 3: Face Off Panic Mix

"Until the Day I die (Until the day I die)

I'll spill my heart for you

Until the day I die (Until the day I die)

I'll spill my heart for you.

Yeah I'd spill my heart!!!

Yeah I'd Spill my heart for YOU!!!

My hands are at your throat

And I think I hate you

We made the same mistakes

Mistakes like friends do

My hands are at your throat

And I think I hate you

We made the same mistakes

Made the Same mistakes."

-Until the Day I Die

by Story of the Year

PREVIOUSLY:

He almost didn't register Rukia's hand caressing his arm soothingly, but then he became aware of Rukia trembling. He felt her reiatsu flicker, and he snapped his head to the side to look at her. She looked pale, sick…and she swayed on her feet. She buckled, and he grabbed her before she hit the floor.

"Shinji!" He barked, and Shinji spun, eyes wide in surprise.

"Get Hachi, now!" Ichigo yelled, as Rukia's eyes rolled into the back of her head, and blood trickled from her nose. He picked her up into his arms, as Shinji flash stepped out of the room. He Shunpo'd as well, ignoring Isshin's yell from the television, and appeared in his room. He laid Rukia down gently on the middle of his bed.

"C'mon, Rukia…stay with me." He choked, and held her hand…and prayed.

CONTINUATION:

Rukia wasn't sure what was wrong with her. She was perfectly aware, perfectly able to hear and smell and taste and feel…but she couldn't see. She felt weak, so unbearably weak. And cold. She had never felt so cold before…not even when she had fought her Zanpakuto's spirit to achieve Bankai. Her fingertips felt numb, her legs and arms were in pain because the cold was so intense, and she was shivering. She felt a hot trail of blood escape from her nose, and trickle down the side of her face.

She heard Ichigo pleading with her to stay with him, and she wished she could say, "I am, you fool." But she couldn't. Her mouth wasn't working, though it was opening and closing in her attempts.

"Hachi! Dammit! GET IN HERE!" Ichigo roared at the top of his lungs, hurting her ears. Rukia felt Ichigo's hot fingertips wipe away the blood from her nose and off her cheek, and then his hands clasped hers. The cold receded slightly, but only enough so her fingers weren't numb…now they were just painfully cold.

She felt several of the Vaizard's reiatsu appear next to her, and she heard Hachi's soft voice ask, "What's wrong?"

"She just suddenly collapsed, and her eyes rolled into the back of her head…her nose won't stop bleeding." Ichigo said, and on cue, more blood trailed from her nose. Ichigo hastily wiped it with the sleeve of his Shihakusho, and she heard him growl in frustration.

She felt a warm glow cover her entire body. She heard Ichigo start to speak…but it was faint. "So? What's wrong?" Ichigo demanded.

She couldn't hear Hachi's words, only his soft murmuring voice. Ichigo's words were lost, as well, though she could tell that he was yelling…but it sounded like he was yelling from a long distance. Then…silence washed over her.

She heard nothing…could see nothing. She panicked, and her heartbeat increased. The warmth around her body vanished, and she felt Ichigo's strong hands grab her shoulders firmly. She felt the icy claw that was fear, clamp around her heart. Was she deaf? Why couldn't she see or hear? What was happening?

She felt Ichigo's hands betray his panic, as they roamed her body, attempting to find something, and she assumed it was wounds. But, she knew she was perfectly unscathed. Yammy hadn't touched her…

Then she realized what this could be. Yammy had never touched her…physically. Her mind replayed the event, the startlingly easy fight that she had been victorious in, and she relived the fight with the Espada.

(Flashback)

Rukia stood at Yumichika's side, wishing she could be closer to Ichigo before the imminent battle with the Espada Arrancar. Her hand was on her Zanpakuto hilt, but she hadn't drawn it yet. Sweat coated her hand, due to her nervousness.

"Ichigo…I'd heard you were still alive." Ikkaku said nonchalantly, and Rukia glance over at him. He was keeping his eyes on the Arrancar...not even looking at Ichigo. But, his face was emotionless…almost casual.

"I have to say…what happened in Soul Society was really rather ugly. Completely not Beautiful." Yumichika murmured, tossing his hair, and Rukia rolled her eyes at him. He had always frustrated her, especially with his constant obsession with beauty.

"What we're trying to say is, we're sorry…Ichigo." Matsumoto said, and Rukia looked at the redhead. The buxom Shinigami's gaze was serious…and sincere. She locked eyes with Rukia, and said, "You too, Rukia."

Rukia and Ichigo glanced at their friends, and smiled. "No problem. I'm alive and fighting…that's all that matters right now." Ichigo said casually. Rukia smiled softly at how obvious it was that Ichigo was relieved to have his friends back on his side.

"We don't blame any of you. It's the Captain-General's fault…not yours." Rukia said, and she saw grave agreement in Ichigo's eyes. He didn't voice it…but she knew he wanted to.

"Enough talk!" Grimmjow Jeagerjacques snarled, and his right hand darted to his sword handle. Rukia flinched, crouching slightly into a ready position. Grimmjow's outburst had startled her.

"I've got one of the Sixes." Ichigo said, and Rukia swallowed nervously. Could he really handle an Espada with such a high number? Sure it was in the lower half…but the Espada were dangerous…the strongest of the strong.

"I'll get the ugly man-girl." Ikkaku called, and Rukia shook her head. Why was he deliberately provoking the Espada?

"Then I get Grimmjow." Ichigo called, and Rukia shivered. She remembered how strong Grimmjow was, from last time she had seen him as he defeated Isshin and Lisa. He was an unstoppable juggernaut, one who took blows but never stopped…too alike Kenpachi for Rukia's comfort.

"I call dibs on the pretty little one." Yammy laughed. Rukia turned her attention to the Tenth Espada, and drew her sword from her sheath. The Arrancar was massive…and she wondered if he was slow due to his size. She remembered how fast he was from last time, though, and frowned. She had been seriously injured, underestimating this Arrancar…and she wouldn't do it again.

"I suppose I'll get the weird one." Yumichika said airily, drawing his Zanpakuto as well.

"I don't get to fight?" Matsumoto whined, sticking out her lower lip.

"If it gets too much for Ikkaku, you can jump in with him." Ichigo said wearily, and Rukia almost laughed at how irritated Ichigo was already, though Matsumoto had spoken hardly at all.

"What? Why do I get stuck with her?" Ikkaku protested, looking at Ichigo slightly. Rukia wanted to tell them to be silent, but bit her tongue and kept her eyes on the large Espada who was her opponent.

Ichigo sighed. "Because I can't deal with her."

"Now…you guys ready to go, or what?" Yammy asked, grinning. He cracked his massive knuckles, and Rukia tensed and brought her sword up in a passive guard stance.

She heard her lover's determination in his voice as he called, "Let's go!"

Ichigo dashed in first, using Shunpo to dash in at Grimmjow. Rukia lost track of him, however, and decided to get away from Ichigo a bit. She couldn't risk distracting him…she wouldn't let herself be responsible for causing any injuries on his part.

She did the opposite of Ichigo, and sprang backwards. Yammy saw her plan, and grinned. His bronze skin stretched at the size of his vicious smile, and Rukia flew backwards while facing Yammy. The Espada Diez disappeared with a deep thrum, and Rukia recognized it as Sonido. She stopped her flight, content that she was a good enough distance away, and raised her guard.

Yammy appeared at her backside, his massive fist cocked back, just as Rukia expected. "Dance…Sode no Shirayuki." Rukia intoned, twirling her blade. She used Shunpo, landing on Yammy's arm as he punched at her. Sode No Shirayuki's white ribbon trailed behind Rukia gracefully, and Yammy's eyes widened in shock at the petite Shinigami resting lightly on his forearm.

She slashed at Yammy's face, and Yammy ducked, and Rukia sprang backwards through the air. She heard Ichigo roar "Getsuga Tenshou!", and she cast a glance behind her. Ichigo had just blasted Grimmjow away, getting further away…and Rukia realized he was trying to take his fight elsewhere so no one got hurt. She smiled faintly, but turned her attention to Yammy.

"EAT THIS!" He roared, and opened his mouth wide. In front of his mouth, a ball of red energy coalesced, and Rukia blanched for a moment. But then, she remembered her training with Lisa. Rukia raised her right hand.

"Path of Destruction Four: Byakurai, White Lightning!" She called, aiming her fingertips directly at Yammy's head. Yammy was stuck pulling his Cero, not able to dodge or defhect, as Lisa had told her a Hollow would be. Even Vaizard had that issue…and that was the Cero's weakness.

Her lightning bolt flew at Yammy, and with an explosion of smoke, hit his face. Rukia brought up her sword, and continued her assault. "Second Dance…" She intoned, and stabbed the air at her feet in four places. Four plumes of white energy appeared, and she aimed at the dust cloud. "Hakuren (White Wave)!" She called.

A blast of Ice flew at the dissipating cloud of smoke, revealing a dazed Yammy with scorch marks on his upper torso. He blinked, and threw himself aside, just barely missing Hakuren, and he rolled through the air and got back on his feet in a smooth motion.

Rukia glanced away for a moment, and saw Ikkaku fighting Luppi, the new Sexta Espada. Eight Tentacles lashed out at Ikkaku, knocking him around, and Rukia pursed her lips. She would have to end this quickly. Ikkaku couldn't stand alone against an Espada. She glanced at Yammy, whose hand darted to his Zanpakuto.

'He's going to release his Ressureccion Form!' Rukia thought, and acted quickly. She raised her arm high into the sky, and Yammy froze as he opened his mouth to shout his power form release.

"Ban…Kai." Rukia intoned, and Yammy's hands dropped to his side in a loose guard.

Rukia felt her energy travel up her arm, into her blade…and with a flash of white her Bankai activated. Power flooded through her body, through her blade, and she felt the warm day suddenly turn into a frigid night. She opened her eyes and spoke the name of her Bankai. "Tsumetaishiro Sode no Shirayuki! (White Snow on Sleeves' Cold Moon)"

Black night surrounded her and Yammy, but the air underneath her had solidified into a giant glowing ice circle in the air for her to stand on. She glanced down at the uneven, choppy, ice surface that looked like a cratered moon, and she prepared herself.

Rukia brought her arm down and brandished her blade. Her blade was different. It was still pure white, but it was different in every other way. It was no longer a standard blade…it was a long sword. Pure white, with a jewel encrusted guard. The four jewels were in the shapes of snowflakes, and they glowed with the same brightness of the circle beneath her.

"This is your Bankai?" Yammy called, and his breath came out in a white puff of smoke. Rukia narrowed her eyes, wiping her face clear of emotion.

"Yes. This is my Bankai. You should feel honored." Rukia said, taking a page from her older brother's book. "You are the first to see my Bankai in combat."

Yammy sneered, "Really? Too bad you won't get to really use it!" Rukia's eyes widened as he punched at the air with both of his hands, and she saw a faint red energy pulse from his hands.

Yammy watched as the explosion of his Bala kicked up dust and shot tiny shards of ice around him. He paused, watching as the smoke faded, and sneered. The laugh he had been about to release died in his throat, as he saw a surprising sight. A transparent ice wall, revealing a completely stoic Rukia behind it, stood undamaged and shimmering. There was no trace of a Bala ever hitting it.

It shimmered for an instant, before it seemed to sink down into the ice floor. "What?" Yammy asked, frowning.

"My Bankai allows me to control the ice in the dome. Anything I will…shall be done." Rukia explained. Yammy frowned.

"Then all I have to do…is leave the dome!" He laughed, and with a deep thrum of Sonido, he vanished.

Rukia allowed a faint smirk to appear on her lips when she heard the solid sound of Yammy hitting the black dome without breaking through. She turned, and saw Yammy holding his face, surprised at the fact he couldn't pass through the dome.

"The Dome will not allow anyone but me to pass through…unless you kill me." Rukia said, emotionlessly. Yammy glared at her, turning to her and stomping heavily on the ice floor.

"Then that's just what I'll do! I'll kill you, just like I almost did the first time we met!" Yammy roared. He charged her, reaching his hand for his Zanpakuto. His red hair billowed out behind him, like a flag, and she narrowed her eyes.

"Destroy, Ir-" He started to yell, but suddenly he stopped.

His face looked almost comical as it contorted and he jerked to a stop. "Huh?" He asked, and looked down. Everything below his neck was encased in ice, stopping his actions. Rukia raised her right hand, pointing her delicate blade at Yammy.

"This is the end…Arrancar." She said softly, and Yammy glared at her, panic clear in his eyes.

"No!" He roared, and struggled futilely against the thick ice that encased his body like an ice-sculpture.

"Shirayuki Hyoushin (White Snow Ice-Death)." Rukia intoned.

However, Yammy opened his mouth and emitted an ear-splitting screech. The sound wave slammed into her, causing her to stagger backwards and cry out in pain. However, her attack had activated. The sound wave cut off suddenly, and Rukia ground her teeth as the ringing in her ears slowly faded. She opened her eyes, and looked at Yammy.

Large Ice Spikes protruded through him in every direction, encasing him completely in one large Ice spiked-ball. Yammy stood there, his thick red blood staining the inside of the ice, frozen and dead inside of Rukia's newest attack.

Rukia winced, blinking at a strange flinch in her eye, and shook her head. She raised her blade, and deactivated her Bankai with a flourish of her blade. The black dome dissipated, and the ice exploded everywhere behind her as she walked away. It cast reflections from the sun's intense light, but Rukia ignored the pieces as they rained down behind her. Her Shikai's ribbon fluttered behind her majestically.

She faced Ikkaku and his attacker, ready to intervene now. Ikkaku seemed cocky, as he had his Shikai Houzukimaru, and he was glaring at the Sixth Espada. The eight-limbed Espada's Ressurreccion form was down to four limbs, and Luppi had a nasty cut on his chest. He looked pissed. But then, with a blaze of yellow…Luppi was encased in a Negaccion. Rukia pursed her lips, and watched as Rangiku and Ikkaku lowered their blades.

They had survived…they had managed to live through a fight with Espada. And, they had managed to kill one Espada. That was one less Arrancar for Soul Society to worry about. 'I did it.' Rukia thought slowly, watching as Luppi and the other Arrancar ascended into the sky. 'I actually killed one of the strongest Arrancar! I'm strong enough that Ichigo no longer has to worry about me!' She thought. She was no longer a burden. She could finally start to keep pace with Ichigo, to not slow him down. She smiled faintly, and waited for the love of her life to return to her.

(End Flashback)

'The Sound Wave.' Rukia thought. 'Yammy's sound wave hit me, and now it's caused me to be blind! To be Deaf!' She panicked.

'But you aren't alone.' A soft, tinkling voice murmured.

Rukia froze, surprised. 'Sode no Shirayuki?'She asked mentally.

'I'm not alone, either.' Shirayuki confirmed.

'You're never alone. Can you feel us…Rukia?' A deep voice asked her. Rukia knew, just from instinct, who it was. It seemed…right.

'Zangetsu?' Rukia asked, surprise causing her mental voice to come out as no more than a whisper.

'Yes, Rukia.' Zangetsu said.

'You're never alone.' Shirayuki finished. Almost to emphasize the two Zanpakuto Spirit's words…a hot hand clasped hers. Ichigo's hot, throbbing, comforting reiatsu seemed to coat her hand and work its way up her arm…warming her up.

'What's wrong with me?' Rukia asked fearfully. Was she blind and deaf now? Would she never see Ichigo's familiar frown, his loving and tender gaze? Would she never hear his comforting voice, his desire-inducing husky tone? She shuddered at the thought.

'Yammy's attack, they've deduced, is a reiatsu-based attack that coats then penetrates your body and slowly attacks your senses…to incapacitate you in a fight.' Zangetsu's hard voice said. Rukia felt fear clutch at her throat, and she forgot how to breathe. Could it be reversed?

'The Vaizard believe Hachigen can fix it, or we can call on Orihime Inoue.' Zangetsu reported, and then he paused. 'They also suggested that Ichigo could let his reiatsu flood into your body, seeing as you two are bonded, and his reiatsu would overrun Yammy's. They don't believe theirs would help, because their hollow-half reiatsu would probably enhance Yammy's because they aren't bonded with you. Ichigo's on the other hand…' Zangetsu trailed off, and Rukia understood. Ichigo's reiatsu, an extension of his will, wouldn't do anything to hurt her thanks to their relationship and connection.

'Can you tell them to let Ichigo try?' Rukia asked.

'I will.' Zangetsu promised.

Rukia felt Ichigo's hand tighten on hers for a moment, and she knew Zangetsu had communicated to him. She felt vibrations from Ichigo's arm, and she knew Ichigo was speaking and his voice was sending the vibrations from his chest through the rest of his body. She could also smell Ichigo's dominating and masculine scent close to her…and she focused on her remaining senses for a moment.

But, her concentration was scattered when Ichigo's reiatsu suddenly surged. It roiled straight from his hand and washed over her body with an intense, but pleasurable, heat. It filled her, washed over her, and it felt like she was in a heated pool that Ichigo had taken her to once before. Her muscles went lax, and she felt extremely lazy and content. She felt that even if she could move her limbs…she didn't want to at the moment. She was covered, filled, and submerged within Ichigo's presence. She didn't want to leave it. She felt…at home.

Then, she heard breathing around her. No other sound but the steady and gentle inhaling and exhaling around her. The closest sound to her was Ichigo's breathing, deep and steady and familiar. Then…Ichigo's reiatsu slowly pulled away from her, back down to the hand that was clasping Ichigo's. Rukia almost wanted to moan and tell him to keep doing it, but she managed not to.

"Rukia?" Ichigo murmured, and she felt her heart beat at the sudden sound of his voice. The beautiful texture of it was breathtaking. She didn't know how long she had been without sound now, probably on a few minutes, but that silence in which she didn't hear his voice had been torture. She loved his voice…even when he was yelling. "Can you hear me?" Ichigo asked softly, and she heard his breathing draw close…and then felt his warm breath on her cheek.

"Yes." She whispered, but then she frowned.

"What?" Ichigo asked, and immediately she could tell he was concerned.

"I'm…still blind…" Rukia whispered. She expected an angry outburst, yelling or quiet threats from Ichigo…but not what came next.

Ichigo laughed. It was loud and hurt her ears because he was so close, but that didn't hurt nearly as much as the fact he was laughing at her. What was so funny about her being blind? What was it that he found so damn funny about her being unable to see anymore? She was about to reach out and start punching and slapping at him, when he said something that made her feel stupid.

"Rukia…your eyes are closed." Ichigo said, and Rukia felt a burning blush light up her face. She opened her eyes, and looking down at her was a smirking Ichigo. Around him the other Vaizard were surrounding her and looking down at her with amused smiles or smirks as well. Ichigo's warm brown eyes seemed to be alive with mischief and love all at the same time, and he surprised her when he swooped down and crushed his mouth against hers in a kiss.

He pulled back after a moment, grinning and looking down at her, and said, "Don't scare me like that …or you'll never get a kiss again." He teased. But, behind his bravado and joking…she saw his relief and genuine concern for her.

She reached up and grabbed a fistful of his hair in both of her hands, and said to the other people in the room, "Get out."

Then, she pulled Ichigo's head back down to hers for another kiss. "I didn't get enough." She murmured, and then their lips moved against each other. Rukia smirked and brought him down on top of her, and she felt the Vaizard reiatsu vanish from the room…all of them knowing that Ichigo would murder them if they stayed. When he pulled back from the kiss, she hungrily re-memorized every inch of his face…anxious to remember it even if she were to go blind someday. He disrobed, and she memorized every muscle, every shape of his body, and she allowed him to do the same with her. They made love, their eyes roving every inch of each other and memorizing every feature and reaction. They didn't stop for a long time.

********************************

Rukia opened her eyes, feeling sated and content after a long and steamy session with Ichigo and then a nice sleep. She cast a glance around the pitch-black room, and the red digital alarm clock letters beside the bed caught her attention. '5:45 a.m.' She read, and blinked. She realized suddenly why she was awake, right then.

Ichigo wasn't in the bed with her. She reached over, and felt his empty spot on their bed. It was slightly warm…which meant Ichigo had gotten up long enough to have gone to the bathroom and been back. So that meant he was up for good, or at least suffering from nightmares. He suffered from a few occasionally, mainly dealing with the death of his friends at the hands of his Hollow while he was stuck watching on the inside. Or…even dying by the hands of Arrancar or Aizen…or being unable to protect Rukia.

Rukia threw aside the covers that had covered her, and rose and slid off the bed. She navigated around the large bed she and Ichigo shared, and walked to the door. It was left open a crack, she assumed Ichigo wanted to be able to come back in without waking her up by rattling the door handle, and she opened it.

Her eyes adjusted almost immediately, and she cast a glance around the darkened hallway and to her right towards a faint light. A few dozen feet to her right, the hallway opened to a large sitting area that was currently lit by a single lamp in the middle of the room. She walked towards it, padding silently down the carpeted corridor.

She saw Ichigo sitting in a black leather armchair that was facing one of the few un-blocked windows…his back to her. She felt his reiatsu, warm and comforting, and she quietly walked up to him. He must have sensed her, because he spoke.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't sleep." He said, his voice soft and sincere. But, he didn't turn around and face her.

She walked to his side, and looked down and to the right at him. He was wearing dark red pajama pants and a black tee shirt for his pajamas, and he looked quite handsome…especially with bed/sex hair. She almost commented on it…but then she saw his eyes. They held the look she had come to recognize as Ichigo contemplating something extremely serious and important.

He looked over and up at her, and allowed a faint smile to appear. "You should go back to bed." He murmured. Rukia rolled her eyes in response. He always tried to get her do get enough sleep, eat enough, etc. He was such an overprotective, but sweet at the same time, pain in the butt.

"You know I won't." She replied easily, and crossed her arms over her chest as she looked down at him. "What are you thinking about?" She asked. Ichigo frowned slightly, turning to look out the single window that wasn't boarded or blocked in any way. It faced the middle of Karakura…allowing him to watch the sunrise.

"The attack." Ichigo said, and Rukia pursed her lips and looked away for a moment.

He was feeling responsible. She could tell he felt responsible, and that he was wondering who all of their friends died…who all of their friends had been killed thanks to Ichigo not being there to protect them. He had a 'Savior Complex', where he thought it was his duty to save and protect any and every person he encountered and counted to be a friend. She thought it was noble. Ridiculously stupid and unrealistic…but noble. She hadn't been able to figure out a way to convince him he wasn't responsible, and it wasn't his duty…and she had a feeling she never would. He was a born 'protector'…someone who would always feel the need to protect those precious or weaker than him.

"And?" Rukia prodded, knowing there was more.

"How to help Soul Society…like Hitsugaya asked." Ichigo murmured, and he looked down at his hands that he clasped in his lap.

Rukia closed her eyes. She should have known. Ichigo was all bark, hardly any bite. He acted tough, and bluffed a lot. He had said he wouldn't help Hitsugaya, but she knew how much he wanted to. He wanted to help, he wanted to save lives and protect people from pain. It was a part of who he was.

"Then help him." Rukia said softly.

"Not like he wants…I can't." Ichigo murmured, glaring down at his hands. "Yamamoto would challenge me himself if I went straight to the frontlines. That fight wouldn't help our side at all. It'd just give Aizen an opening to hit two of the strongest opponents against him..."

"So continue helping from the sidelines like you have been." Rukia suggested.

"No…that's too subtle. They'd never know I was helping them...and they'd think I was ignoring them and leaving them helpless." Ichigo growled, and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Then what do you plan to do? You can't go on the frontlines and you can't bear to stay on the sidelines and hidden!" Rukia asked, exasperated.

"I don't know, Rukia!" Ichigo said hoarsely, and he looked up at her. She could see how tortured he was over this…how unsure and confused it was making him.

"You don't have to decide anything right now." Rukia murmured, and leaned onto the arm of the chair, and then leaned over and hugged him. He hugged her back fiercely, and she whished she could help him. "It's not like you'd even be able to let them know you're going to help…" She murmured.

Ichigo tensed in his chair. "That's it." He whispered.

She looked down at him, confused. He pursed his lips and looked at her, and she saw hesitancy in his gaze. "What?" She asked. She let go of him, and just sat on the arm of the chair.

"Rukia…you're not going to like it." He murmured, and looked away.

Rukia glared down at him. "Tell me what it is before you decide that for yourself." She snapped.

Ichigo looked back up at her, and frowned. "Get out of your Gigai…you're coming with me."

He separated from his body, and Rukia saw his Substitute Shinigami badge in his limp body's hands. He emerged from his body, Shihakusho fluttering slightly. "We're going to Soul Society." Ichigo said, and Rukia's eyes widened.

A voice behind them surprised them both. "Let me guess…you're going to need me to teach you Garganta?"

Ichigo turned, and saw Shinji and Rose and Kensei all standing in a tight group. Shinji had spoken, and he looked neither angry or concerned. Ichigo nodded. "Yes…I'd like for you to teach me." He said.

"Before you leave for Soul Society then…you're going to have to beat me, Ichigo." Kensei said, glaring. "And none of this holding back crap. Fight me like you'd fight Ulquiorra, or like you'd fight Yamamoto if he challenges you in Soul Society."

Ichigo nodded, and Shinji pursed his lips. "If you beat Kensei with no problem, Rose will jump in. He'll test your capability. Remember…no holding back. Not even Kensei will hold back. Fight for your life, Ichigo." Shinji said, and Kensei grabbed his combat knife Zanpakuto.

Kensei was suddenly in front of Ichigo, having Shunpo'd faster than Rukia could follow. Rukia sprang to the side, out of the way, as Kensei swung his knife at Ichigo's face. Rukia kept an eye on Ichigo as time seemed to slow…and his eyes blazed blue with his intent to cut and kill. He blurred away, and Kensei followed.

"They're headed to the training room. Let's go, Rukia." Shinji said, and Rukia nodded. She popped her mod soul pill into her mouth, and separated from her body. She shunpo'd with Shinji and Rose, blurring through the corridors and hallways and stairwells all the way to the basement. Even before she reached the basement, she heard Ichigo roaring the command of Bankai.

She stopped on the steps, with Shinji and Rose, but she almost immediately fell to her knees under Ichigo's spiritual pressure fully uncloaked. Rose supported her, right as Kensei unleashed his own, and a wild wind blasted around the room and kicked up dust.

Kensei and Ichigo were hardly visible, both using flash step so much and using it so fast that they were nothing but blurs amid the dust. Rukia had to strain to catch glimpses of either of them. Kensei didn't even have his Bankai out, and she assumed Ichigo had used his Bankai early to keep Kensei from being able to use his.

She saw a flash of red, a spray of blood, in the dust cloud, and she heard Shinji murmur under his breath. "First cut goes to Ichigo."

"It's deep." Rose murmured back, and Rukia felt the pressure of Ichigo's and Kensei's reiatsu disappear as Rose normalized the air around Rukia by pushing his reiatsu out a bit.

"Getsuga…" She heard, and she shook her head. She couldn't see anything, which meant the battle was pure melee. Ichigo couldn't pull off a Getsuga Tenshou in close combat without getting sliced…she knew it. "Tenshou!"

The dust cleared for a split second, and she saw Kensei in the middle of the room, confused and looking around. Ichigo was straight above him, blasting his Black Getsuga at Kensei. Kensei moved at the last minute, and the resulting explosion blinded everyone as debris flew everywhere.

She heard the clash of steel ringing around her, and she felt the air blast past her as one of the combatants flew around them. She heard high-pitched sounds around her, and looked. The rest of the Vaizard, looking groggy from just waking, were there with their swords drawn. Hiyori, wearing pink silk pajama's, looked pissed.

"What the hell is going on?!" She roared.

"Why's my Kensei all bloody?" Mashiro trilled fearfully, until Shinji shushed them all.

"Shut up! It's hard to see this and concentrate on the fight when you're all being loud!" Shinji yelled, though the constant clash and ringing of steel, roars, and the constant rumble from the power rolling off the two combatants was much louder than any of the other Vaizard.

"Why are they fighting?" Mashiro asked, tearfully looking around for the signs of 'Her Kensei'.

"Shinji…Kensei won't last. Ichigo doesn't even have his mask on." Rose said, and took a step forward. He pushed Rukia gently to Shinji's side.

The Vaizard Leader wrapped his arm around Rukia and kept the reiatsu blasting off the combatants from affecting her. "Kensei hasn't put his mask on either." Shinji said, but Rose shook his head.

"Ichigo's too fast. Kensei can't find time to rip it on. Ichigo's being so aggressive…Kensei won't have time without being cut apart. It's clear Ichigo will win." Rose said, and with a metallic ring, he drew his sword. He flung his sheath aside, and sprang into the fray.

Rukia shrieked in surprise when almost instantly, Kensei was thrown to the ground right at her feet. She sprang aside, as Mashiro knelt at Kensei's side. Hachigen knelt as well, and set up a healing dome around Kensei. Rukia noticed both Hachigen and Mashiro wore matching green silk pajamas.

Kensei coughed, "He's an animal! I never knew he was holding back so much!" Rukia looked in shock at Kensei. He had at least four deep cuts in his chest, and numerous smaller cuts all over him. He was no match for Ichigo.

Shinji looked down at Kensei, and shook his head. "Kensei…what do you think?"

Kensei sat up, watching as his wounds slowly closed and stopped bleeding. He winced, and shook his head. "I think that our goal is definitely achievable." He muttered. "Ichigo's strong. Insanely strong…and he didn't even put on his mask."

Shinji nodded, and looked back into the growing dust cloud. Suddenly, there was a cry of pain that Rukia instantly recognized as Ichigo's. Ichigo skidded out of the dust cloud, his back facing them, and Rukia looked past him. Rose was standing there elegantly, and he intoned, "Kire inji dzuki, Miyabita Hakuchou (Slice him to Shreds, Graceful Swan)."

His sword glowed, and extended from a simple Katana to a jeweled fencing saber. It gleamed for a moment, as everyone stared. "This is the first time I've seen it in at least half a century…" Shinji breathed.

Rose inclined his head, and brought his sword up in front of him in a single-handed salute. "Ichigo…I will not use my Hollow Powers. I will test you as if you were facing the Shinigami…which means I will use all of my prowess. I'm very adept at Kido, I have to warn you." Rose said, his calm face betraying no thoughts he might be having.

Then, Rose was gone. He appeared in front of Ichigo, slashing his blade so quickly that Rukia couldn't see his arm. All she could see was glinting steel as Ichigo blocked the furious assault, getting his clothing and skin sliced lightly from the attacks he didn't manage to block completely. Then, they resumed a furious Shunpo battle.

Rukia glanced back over to Kensei, and saw he was fully healed. He was grudgingly hugging Mashiro, who was blabbering about how happy she was he was okay. Lisa, Hiyori, Love, and Hachi were all watching and looking around…able to keep track of the battle.

"Deep wound!" Love called, as a spray of red flew towards them. It landed at Rukia's feet, and she cast an anxious glance around for Ichigo.

There was no sound as dust drifted away, revealing a panting Ichigo and a calm Rose. Rose's frilly shirt was sliced in numerous places like Ichigo's Bankai coat, but he was unharmed. Blood spilled from a wound in Ichigo's chest, and Rukia fought the urge to run forward. Rose and Ichigo faced each other, with their spectators on the side, neither making a sound.

"What Kido was that? It hurt." Ichigo finally asked, and Rukia glanced at Rose.

"A high-level Kido that was supposed to cut you in half." Rose said calmly, and Rukia paled. "Whether or not it was consciously done or not…your reiatsu flared and acted as a shield. It lessened the damage considerably."

Ichigo grinned, panting and sweating. "Wanna know a secret, Rose?" He rasped.

Rukia instantly knew what was about to happen. "Ichigo, don't!" She yelled, but Ichigo had already acted. He threw his sword at Rose, who shook his head and dodged it easily. He darted towards Ichigo, his blade prepared to run Ichigo through.

Ichigo ripped his mask into existence in a split second, and raised his right hand. "Getsuga…" He intoned, and the Vaizard behind Rukia all made surprised noises. He had no sword…so how could he hope to perform Getsuga? Rukia pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. Ichigo had just recently created the move, with the assistance of Zangetsu, but they still didn't know how it would affect him.

Rose Shunpo'd, stabbing his blade at Ichigo. Ichigo moved slightly, and allowed the blade to pierce him through his left shoulder. Rose's eyes widened as Ichigo grabbed the blade in his left hand firmly and held it in his shoulder. "Getsuga Cero (Moon-Fang Cero)!" He roared, and slashed his right hand like a sword. A beam of solid red energy arced with Ichigo's hand, a Cero arcing in the shape of a Getsuga, and struck Rose solidly in the chest. It blasted forward like a Cero, blasting Rose across the basement, and then exploded a good distance away. Everyone threw their arms up to shield themselves as the whole area shook from the force of the explosion, and dust and debris reached them even with the extreme distance between them.

The smoke took a while to dissipate, but when it did…they stared in shock. Rose was standing, but bleeding profusely from a large horizontal burn across his chest. "A…chest wound…for a…chest wound…eh?" Rose panted, leaning over slightly but keeping his Saber pointed at Ichigo.

Ichigo stood proudly, Tensa Zangetsu gleaming in his hand now, and regarded Rose with his blazing yellow eyes. "This is the end of it, Rose." Ichigo said. He brought his sword up and pulled at it in two different directions. Rose's eyes widened and he darted forward. His Shunpo was slower though, and Rukia knew his wounds had slowed him enough for Ichigo to use his attack. Another explosion of dust obscured Ichigo, but Rose darted into it and attacked.

A brief clang of steel reached their ears, and they stared as the dust cleared. Ichigo had his two-sword stance in place. His white blade rested on his left forearm, facing Rose. It blocked Rose's Saber, leaving his black Tensa Zangetsu free to attack in a regular sword position. "Futago Tensa Zangetsu! (Twin Heavenly Chains of Zangetsu!)" He intoned.

"It's over." Kensei said emotionlessly, but Rukia saw admiration in his eyes.

Rose attempted to Shunpo backwards, to gain distance away from Ichigo so he could gain time to think, but Ichigo spun in a circle. "Getsuga Tenshou Kaiten (Moon-Fang Piercer of the Heavens Rotation)!" Black and white energy spun around Ichigo, expanding in radius until he stopped. He flung his arms out to the sides, and spinning Getsuga energy blasted out in all directions.

"Hachi! SHIELD!" Shinji yelled, and instantly a golden box surrounded all of the Vaizard and Rukia. The Getsuga energy blasted against the barrier, blinding them all and Rukia heard Hiyori curse loudly as the power of the attack rocked the entire basement.

The golden box cracked, and then shattered into thousands of shining fragments, and Rukia coughed as dust choked her. She heard no sound, except for Shinji's sudden heavy breathing. She opened her eyes, coughed once more, and looked around. The dust and smoke was slow in dissipating, and she waited. She heard a wavering, distorted, breathing from inside the smoke and dust…and knew it was Ichigo.

Finally…the smoke cleared. Ichigo was on one knee, his mask shattering and cracking. He had pulled so much power he had overwhelmed himself and he had lost the balance needed to keep his mask on his face. He was leaning heavily on his blades, which were sunk deep into the ground.

On the other side of the area, was Rose. He was standing still…with pale skin and wide eyes. "You win." Rose said, and his voice echoed around the basement.

Rukia ran to Ichigo's side instantly, and skidded on her knees as she threw herself at him. She almost tackled him, but Ichigo grunted and managed to stay upright. "Rukia." He murmured, as the last mask fragment fell away.

"Rose…why'd you concede?" Shinji called, as Rose walked towards them slowly.

"I had to pull on my mask for a moment, and blast a Cero with equal strength to negate the Getsuga an inch away from me. I could have died right then…I was lucky." Rose said. "Very lucky." Rose amended, casting a glance at Ichigo.

Rukia helped Ichigo to his feet, and Ichigo grunted and yanked his swords from the ground and sheathed them. He leaned slightly on Rukia as he looked over at Rose. "He's strong enough now, Shinji." Rose said. "We can't teach him anything more…and he's beaten everyone now but you."

Ichigo grinned, as the Vaizard regarded him solemnly. He straightened, ignoring Rukia's concerned look for a moment, and panted out, "So I'm the second strongest now?"

Shinji looked at Ichigo, smirked, and said one word. "Yeah."

Ichigo laughed suddenly, startling them all. "I'm doing it!" He laughed, and Rukia gave him a confused look.

"Doing what?" She asked. What was he going on about?

"I'm getting strong enough to defend everyone…and to be able to do what I need to do." He said, and if she could tell her was so exhilarated he was about to explode.

"Ichigo…" Shinji said, getting the boy's attention.

Ichigo looked at the Vaizard leader, serious now. "Yeah?"

"Listen closely. I'm going to teach you Garganta...but before you actually use it and go to Soul Society you need to replenish your spiritual energy. So, once you're done, before you leave...see Hachi." Shinji commanded, and Ichigo nodded.

Shinji knelt in the dirt, and stared up at Ichigo with a serious look. "Now…this is the secret to opening holes to dimensions. Listen closely, because it's a dangerous power, Ichigo."

***************************

Rukia stepped out of the gaping hole that Ichigo had created. She didn't look around, but looked to her left. Ichigo stood there, wearing his Second Bankai Phase outfit with his twin swords sheathed at his hips. He was standing in the air, his trench coat fluttering majestically behind him as he took a single step out of the grey void. It closed behind him and Rukia, and he looked down at her. Her heart was in her throat, not just from his look, but from the thought of where she was.

She looked down, and saw the Seireitei beneath their feet. The sprawling Soul Reaper Compound was impressive, but they could see the damage at the walls that the Hollow attack had caused.

"Are you ready…Rukia?" Ichigo asked her, and she pursed her lips. She could hear his concern, his hesitancy at actually bringing her, and at the same time his determination to protect her if they had to fight.

"Yes." She answered, and she was proud that her voice didn't even waver slightly. She looked down at the Seireitei, and braced herself. This was it…the moment where she saw everyone once more, and learned of Ichigo's plan. He had told her she would find out when he told the Shinigami, and no sooner. She fought to swallow, but her throat was dry.

Ichigo let loose his reiatsu, just enough to set off alarms. As soon as his reiatsu trickled out, the alarm was sounded. The clacking of a hammer beating a wooden sign echoed across the Seireitei…and Rukia put her hand on the handle of Sode no Shirayuki.

Ichigo stayed relaxed even as members of the Secret Mobile Division and Punishment force had them surrounded almost instantly. The sound of multiple people using Shunpo reached their ears, and Ichigo casually cast a glance around. Every Captain, along with their lieutenants, surrounded them as well. Rukia counted the Captain's off in her head. 'Yamamoto, Soi Fon, the new Captain Soto, Unohana, the other new Captain Haruko, Byakuya, Komamura, Kyouraku, another new Captain, Hitsugaya, Zaraki, Mayuri and Ukitake. They aren't hiding their surprise…or their hostility.' She noted.

Each Captain, had their hands on their swords. All, that was, except for the new captain Soto, Captain Hitsugaya, Captain Ukitake, Byakuya, and Zaraki. The rest had their hands on the handles of their Zanpakuto. Most of the Lieutenants didn't have their hands on their swords…but that was because they were better acquainted with Rukia and Ichigo than anyone else. Rukia idly noted that two of the Captains had Lieutenants she didn't recognize (the captain of Third had a female Lieutenant, and the Captain of 5th had another female), and Hinamori was now Hitsugaya's Lieutenant.

"Have you come to face your death?" Yamamoto growled to them.

Ichigo raised both his hands slightly, showing they were away from his blades. Though, Rukia knew he could have them in his hands in an instant. "I came to help." Ichigo said, glaring at Yamamoto.

Several of the Captain's made surprised noises, and Rukia narrowed her eyes as Komamura's hand twitched at the hilt of his sword. She kept an eye on the forces around them, making sure to yell to Ichigo if anything happened.

"I know I said I wouldn't help…but I realized that Aizen is a threat to both you and us." Ichigo said.

"Us? As in you and the Vaizard?" The new Captain, a man with long brown hair covering his right eye and a torn sleeveless Captain's coat like Zaraki's.

Ichigo eyed him, and the Captain blinked sleepily. "Oh…my name's Draken Shin, Captain of Ninth." The Captain said, and Ichigo inclined his head slightly. Draken turned to Soto. "Guess you were right. Dang…now I owe you a bottle of sake…"

Soto only smirked, but kept his piercing blue eyes on Ichigo. Ichigo turned to Yamamoto. "Before you try, and I stress try, to kill me…I ask you hear me out."

Rukia wanted to hit him due to his idiocy of provoking their 'enemies'. His words would just make the Shinigami intent on cutting him to pieces even more. She locked gazes with Byakuya, who allowed the tiniest of smiles to play at the corner of his lips. He took a step forward, surprising them all.

"I would like to hear him out. I motion for us staying our blades and listening…for the time being." Byakuya said, almost sounding bored.

"I agree." Soto said quickly, taking a single step forward as well.

"I agree." Hitsugaya said, and took a step.

"I am for it as well." Ukitake said, stepping forward.

"I'm more for cutting…but I'll go for it." Zaraki rasped, grinning and stepping forward. Yachiru giggled from her perch on Kenpachi's shoulder.

"I agree with the motion." Haruko said calmly, brushing a strand of his dark hair away from his lone visible eye, and stepped forward.

"I agree." Draken said. "I'm not stupid enough to go against Soto twice." He chuckled, and stepped forward.

"I agree as well." Unohana said softly, smiling ever so gently as she took a single step.

"Why not?" Kyouraku drawled, and smirked lazily as he stepped forward once.

"I will agree." Soi Fon said curtly, and stepped forward. Rukia blinked in surprise, but nodded gratefully at Soi Fon. Soi Fon only stared resolutely forward.

The three remaining Captain's stood silent, until Yamamoto growled, "This is treason!"

"No…this is being smart." Ichigo retorted, earning a growl from Komamura.

"Captain General, I apologize…but we will not attack until we decide if Ichigo is a threat to us." Soto said, acting as spokesperson. He bowed deeply, but then turned to Ichigo. "Please…say what you must." He said, and then stepped back slightly.

Ichigo kept a careful eye on the three non-consenting Captains, but spoke. Rukia slid slightly closer to his side…just in case. "I plan on lending you assistance against Aizen." Ichigo said matter-of-factly.

There was silence, and Ichigo continued. "I won't join your frontlines, however, and I won't keep going from the sidelines like I have been."

"Have been?" Mayuri scoffed.

Ichigo glared at him. "Yes. I've been making small-scale hit and runs with the Vaizard in Las Noches. We've been thinning the Arrancar ranks for you…and you're welcome." Ichigo said, and he missed the smirk Soto gave the Captain of Twelfth Division.

"Why won't you join the frontlines? We need you!" Hitsugaya said, stepping forward and frowning.

Ichigo shook his head. "I can't risk that your subordinates or your…superiors, wouldn't kill me…or Rukia." He cast a glance down at Rukia, who met it briefly with a smile and then she returned to scanning the crowd.

There was silence, until Soi Fon barked, "Then how do you plan to assist us?"

Ichigo frowned deeply, and Rukia waited with baited breath. Here it was: his plan.

"I plan on going behind enemy lines." Ichigo announced. Everyone blinked, not quite getting it. "I have an alias that they haven't exposed yet: Hichigo." Ichigo elaborated, and Rukia's eyes widened.

"No!" She gasped, as several of the Captain's made surprised noises.

"Aizen extended an invitation to join his ranks, back when I first appeared as 'Hichigo'. I think it's time I took him up on his offer. Once I do that…I can get close enough to kill Aizen and Gin and Tousen. That will leave the Espada all to you…and, if I can convince them to join you, the Vaizard."" Ichigo announced, and Rukia felt numb. This was his plan? Going away from her, going into enemy territory so deep that she couldn't help him? Abandoning her? She looked up at him in shock.

"Why should we risk allowing you to leave here and join him if you could join against us?" Yamamoto growled.

Ichigo protectively wrapped his arm around Rukia and glared out at Yamamoto. "You wouldn't allow anything. I'm telling you how I'm going to help you…and you can accept that help or not. I'll be there, no matter your decision. I'll kill the Captain's with your help, or without your help. But, if any of you draw your blades against me…I'll kill you. I'm your ally, but only so far. I learned the consequences last time, of not killing when I should have." Ichigo said, glaring around at the Punishment Division forces.

"You believe you can escape if we decided to detain you?" Komamura laughed. Ichigo turned his glare on Komamura.

"I know I can. I got here without being detected until I wanted to be…didn't I?" Ichigo asked. Then he narrowed his eyes even more. "If you're smart…you'll accept my help. If you try to detain me, you won't survive the attempt."

Rukia glanced at her brother, and saw he was hiding behind his emotionless façade so he could think without fear of anyone knowing just what he was thinking. Renji was easy to read, however. She knew he would help Ichigo in a moments notice, and she could tell that several other Lieutenants would as well.

"Enough with the hostility!" Soto said, stepping forward with his arms raised slightly. "Honestly! Most of us are friends here, so let's be civil!"

Ichigo raised an eyebrow, but then looked at Byakuya. "When you come to your decision…contact me using this." Ichigo tossed something at Byakuya, who snapped his hand up and caught the object easily. Rukia looked at it, and blinked. It was a Soul Pager. "It has only one number. Call that."

Rukia was turned around with Ichigo, he guided her firmly, and he presented his back to Yamamoto. Rukia cast a glance back, and saw the shocked glances of all the assembled Shinigami. "And where do you think you're going?" Komamura roared.

Ichigo raised his right hand, and touched the air. It ripped open, like a giant mouth opening, and the Shinigami gasped. "Garganta!"

Ichigo cast one final glance backwards. "I'm going to bed." He said dismissively, and then stepped into the grey void and pulled Rukia along with him.

Rukia kept her eyes behind them, and gasped as she saw Komamura make a move. Ichigo spun, letting go of her shoulder, and caught the Captain's blade easily in his left hand. Komamura strained against him, and Ichigo didn't move a single muscles in response. Rukia jerked Sode no Shirayuki out of its sheath and activated its Shikai without verbal command, as those who mastered Bankai could do.

"FREEZE!" Soi Fon yelled, and the black-clad forces froze as they had been about to leap at Ichigo. No one moved as Komamura strained visibly against Ichigo's bare hand. The Captains were staring apprehensively, waiting for Ichigo's move. Ichigo glared into Komamura's eyes, and Rukia watched Iba as he strained against Shuhei's restrictive grasp.

"You're a fool, Komamura." Ichigo finally said, without any emotion. Then, he let go of Komamura's sword. The sword flew forward, and hit Ichigo's chest. It stayed there, and everyone gaped, even Rukia. Komamura's sword didn't cut into Ichigo's chest at all, but Komamura's hands bled.

Zaraki suddenly roared with laughter. "Well whaddaya know? Brings back memories, doesn't it, Ichigo?" He laughed.

Ichigo smirked slightly, as Komamura jumped backwards, eyes wide with fright. "The weaker of two clashing spiritual energies absorbs the difference of the damage. You're lucky I'm pulling my reiatsu, Komamura."

"I'm not weaker! Beware! Ban-!" Komamura roared, and Ichigo pushed Rukia backwards into the grey void of Garganta protectively. But, Ichigo didn't need to worry.

Rukia watched as the blond Captain, Soto, dashed forward and knocked Komamura's Zanpakuto out of its owner's hands with the flat of his palm. It spun into the air, and the female lieutenant of third company Shunpo'd up and caught it. She sheathed it in the white sash at her waist, and brushed her mid-back length brown hair out of her face casually. She didn't seem phased at all by her Captain's move.

"Komamura!" Soto barked, earning a growl and a glare from the animalistic Captain. "You're out of line!"

Ichigo stepped backwards into the void of Garganta…keeping a careful eye on the Shinigami who were watching him just as warily. He kept his right hand on the hilt of his white sword that was on his left hip.

"All forces…stay your hands. Ichigo Kurosaki is not to be harmed." Yamamoto said wearily, and Rukia looked at the old Captain with surprise. He looked weary…saddened even.

"Thank you." Ichigo said stiffly, and then looked at the assembled Captains. "I'll wait for your decision…" he said, and then Rukia lost sight of them as the Garganta closed around them. It opened a split second later, and Rukia found herself in the Vaizard Training Basement.

The Vaizard were there, waiting and holding their swords and sheaths…just in case someone had tried to get through the Garganta. As soon as Rukia stepped out of Garganta with Ichigo…she turned and kicked him in the shins. He yelped in pain, and when he was stooping to hold his shin, she punched him in the chin. He squawked in surprise and fell onto his back, more surprised than hurt…but she was sure he got the point.

"What the hell?" Ichigo yelled, staring up at her.

Unbidden, tears welled up in Rukia's eyes. She glared angrily down at him. "That's your plan?! To leave me behind?! To abandon me?" She yelled, but her voice faded to a whisper. "To…to be in a place I can't follow?"

Ichigo stared up at her in surprise, and slowly got back onto his feet. Rukia wiped a lone tear that escaped her eyes, and choked, "That's your big plan? How stupid can you be?"

Ichigo took a step towards her, but she stepped back and shook her head. His voice was soft, pleading. "Rukia…"

"No. Just leave, if that's your plan!" She yelled, angry. She didn't care if he hurt. She was hurt, and she didn't care if she was just lashing out at him. He deserved it! He was planning on leaving her, and she didn't even get a say in it!

Ichigo flinched as if she had hit him, and she saw the wounded look in his eyes. He hid it behind an impassive face, but she saw it. It just made her even angrier, the fact that he was trying to hide he was hurt, because at the moment she really did want to hurt him! She spun and stormed off, and ascended the stairs. She reached the top, when she heard several of the Vaizard gasp. That was the only warning she had, when a wave of Reiatsu hit her. She stumbled forward and fell to her knees as the strength of the spiritual pressure overwhelmed her. Ichigo's powerful reiatsu made it hard for her to breath, hard for her to stay on her knees. She fell forward and just managed to catch herself with her hands, though her face was centimeters away from the hard floor.

She felt the pressure morph, and it became saturated with the dark energy of a Hollow. She knew he had pulled on his Vaizard mask then, and she felt a hand touch her back at the same time. The pressure on her body lifted, and she panted and looked down. She had been sweating so bad there was a puddle on the floor…and then she looked back over her shoulder. Hiyori, looking angry but shaken at the force of Ichigo's spiritual pressure, was kneeling next to her and equalizing the pressure around Rukia. Rukia raised herself onto her knees and looked down at the basement floor.

Dust and dirt was kicked up everywhere, blowing backwards and away from Ichigo at the epicenter, and the Vaizard were all shielding themselves and had their arms thrown up. They each stood there, battling the fierce winds. Ichigo had both of his blades out of their sheaths, and a blazing Getsuga aura formed around each sword: a white aura for the white sword, and a black aura for the black sword. He whipped them around him, in a wild frenzy, and the swords trailed energy behind them. Rukia stared, unable to comprehend what Ichigo was doing.

"Rrrrraaaauuuggghhh!" Ichigo screamed, and he raised both swords above his head. Energy writhed around the swords and flickered wildly, and she heard the swords start to ring and screech. The angry desire to cut, to battle, to shed blood could be heard clearly. Then, he slashed the blades downward and unleashed his energy that he had been building.

A black Getsuga roared into existence beside a white Getsuga, and they blasted across the training room. Debris and smoke blasted everywhere, and blinding light caused everyone to shield their eyes. The room, probably even the entire building, shook with the force. But, where Rukia had expected it to only be a quick unleashed attack…there was no end. Ichigo poured his energy out in a continual wave, and Rukia felt heat wash over her from the attack. The earth shook, and she could hear cries of surprise from the Vaizard in front of her.

"Damn him!" Hiyori yelled, as she braced Rukia and herself from the power that blasted at them.

Then…it stopped. The silence was so sudden after the roar of the Getsuga's, that it seemed like they had gone deaf. Blinding energy stopped shining, and the earth stopped shaking and the wind suddenly ceased. The sound of rocks clacking against each other as they rained from the sky reached her ears, and she heard panting around her. She lowered her arms, and was surprised when Hiyori helped her to her feet. Rukia stared into the roiling smoke, and took a step forward. She had never seen him so angry, never seen him lash out in his anger…and this astounded her. The power of his rage was…frightening.

At the command of Shinji, Hachigen somehow summoned up a wind…probably from varying a Kido. The smoke and dust cleared faster, and it revealed a hunched over Ichigo. He had his swords buried in the ground and he was leaning over them while still standing…breathing heavily. Rukia was about to walk back to Ichigo…to see if he was okay, but then Shinji looked back at her. He shook his head and frowned, clearly telling her to stay put. She stood there as Shinji, Hachi, Lisa, Love, Rose, and Kensei all went up to Ichigo silently. She couldn't hear what they said, only the small murmuring. Shinji put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder, but Ichigo shrugged it off forcefully.

Everyone stood around him, silent, and Ichigo jerked his black Tensa Zangetsu from the ground. He sheathed it, and then swayed in obvious fatigue. Rukia tried to run forward, but Hiyori grabbed her arm and held her firmly. Rukia was about to yell at her, but stopped when Shinji wordlessly grabbed Ichigo and supported him by looping Ichigo's arm over his shoulders. She heard cracking, and saw white fragments falling from Ichigo's face. So his mask had broken…

Rose grabbed Ichigo's white Tensa Zangetsu, and sheathed it in the right sheath at Ichigo's hip. Then, he supported Ichigo under his other arm, so Ichigo was held up by both of the strongest Vaizard.

"Don't…" Hiyori murmured, as Rukia tried to go forward to Ichigo again.

Shinji and Rose helped Ichigo along, turning him towards the direction of the stairs leading up to the building. Ichigo's eyes were dull, glazed…and she recognized how fatigued he suddenly was.

(Flashback)

"Ichigo…using Garganta is a difficult move. It's dangerous, and as long as you maintain it, it draws on your life force. I wouldn't recommend using it for more than a few seconds at a time at your level." Shinji said.

Ichigo looked at him, surprised. "You mean it'll actually kill me if I leave it open too long?"

Shinji nodded. "At your level, leaving it open for more than a few seconds is dangerous. That's why when you try to leave Soul Society, don't hold it open longer than necessary. Don't bother covering your backs. Get you and Rukia in…and we'll take care of anyone that comes through."

At that, all of the Vaizard pulled their blades from their sheaths, metallic ringing echoing around the basement training room. The sight of all of the Vaizard, even Hachigen, with swords out and ready…sent shivers down Rukia's spine.

*********************

Ichigo raised his right hand, and touched the air. It ripped open, like a giant mouth opening, and the Shinigami gasped. "Garganta!"

Ichigo cast one final glance backwards. "I'm going to bed." He said dismissively, and then stepped into the grey void and pulled Rukia along with him.

Zaraki suddenly roared with laughter. "Well whaddaya know? Brings back memories, doesn't it, Ichigo?" He laughed.

"I'm not weaker! Beware! Ban-!" Komamura roared, and Ichigo pushed Rukia backwards into the grey void of Garganta protectively. But, Ichigo didn't need to worry.

"Komamura!" Soto barked, earning a growl and a glare from the animalistic Captain. "You're out of line!"

"All forces…stay your hands. Ichigo Kurosaki is not to be harmed." Yamamoto said wearily, and Rukia looked at the old Captain with surprise. He looked weary…saddened even.

(End Flashback)

'Ichigo had Garganta opened for a few minutes while we tried to leave…' Rukia thought, and noticed how pale Ichigo was. 'And on top of that he just expended a lot of his spirit energy in those Getsuga's. Just one of those normally would have fatigued him a lot, but two of them while his second Bankai Phase was active…'

"Ichi…go…" Rukia murmured, as he was half-dragged towards her.

Ichigo didn't even respond. He stared blankly ahead, as if he could see right through her. Rukia bowed her head as Shinji and Rose walked past her, and then Shunpo'd Ichigo to his room. The other Vaizard and Rukia stood there, silent.

Hiyori finally let go of Rukia, and then walked over to the other Vaizard. "I don't know about any of you…but I've never seen him that angry." Hiyori said casually. She sauntered towards the others, as if nothing had just happened, and as if the training basement wasn't literally half demolished.

Rukia looked away, and instinctively crossed her arms across her chest and hugged herself. Now she felt horrible. She never should have lost her temper…never should have pushed him over the edge.

'What's wrong with me?' She thought, and bit her lip. She jerked when a hand touched her shoulder. She looked up and to her left, and saw Lisa staring down at her with a sympathetic look.

"Come on…we can watch over him. He won't be responsive for a while. Hachi will probably put him under, and we can wait for Soul Society to contact him." Lisa offered.

Rukia nodded slightly, and followed Lisa as the dark-haired Vaizard walked away. Once again, it seemed all she could do…was wait.

___________________________________________________________

And that's the end! :) 23 pages worth, via Microsoft word in arial 12 point font! Lol. Hope you guys liked it. I decided to try to do a 'Tite Kubo' like chapter, how he names a lot of his chappies like songs. This one was inspired by all the face off's Ichigo had so fast. Against Kensei, Rose, Komamura, etc. And of course, Panic Mix is referring to how fast they were. Should I try this trend? Review, lemme know…and I have to get this off my chest:

I have several readers who obviously prefer to stay anonymous. You're saying 'Rukia's not lieutenant, never was, blah blah blah. State you made the change or it's not a decent change, blah blah blah, some kinda crap like that'. I KNEW THIS ALREADY. I don't even know why I put it like that, but I prefer her as a lieutenant anyways, so bite me! If you don't like it, don't read my story! IT'S NOT LIKE SHE'S LIEUTENANT RIGHT NOW ANYWAYS! ~ SHEESH! And on top of that, the reader who criticized my call for Kira's Wabisuke Zanpakuto waaay back in the Arrancar attack on Karakura: I TOOK IT FROM THE MANGA, NOT THE ANIME! Look it up! The first revealing of Wabisuke in the Manga did not have any fancy pantsy, 'Raise your head', only 'Reveal yourself!' I prefer the manga to the anime, so that's where most of my stuff is based off of, though the anime fight scenes kick butt! If any of you have problems, please leave a signed review so I can properly explain myself in a message! That way I don't have to do this rant again. It's been eating and eating at me, and I had to mention it. Geeze. Anyways… I'm adding a bonus chapter, that takes place prior to this chapter in chronological order. Find out more about it when you read it! Till then, JA NE!