Hey guys! I feel like apologizing a million times for not updating this in so long! I deserve all of the imaginary things thrown at me. This was my first story and then I moved onto other things. I could go on and on about excuses but I've wasted enough of your time making you wait.

THANK YOU SO MUCH SHIROHICHI891! I would've never updated if it wasn't for her! This is her late late late late late late LATE birthday present! She also beta'd for me! You rock girl!

Disclaimer: YES I OWN BLEACH! *looks at angry lawyers* Ok ok, jeez chill out. I was joking! No I don't own Bleach! You happy? Good, cause I'm not. *pouts*

Enjoy!

When Ichigo stepped out of the Senkaimon, he was greeted by the familiar surroundings of the Soul Society. In the Serietei, the white walls and buildings, constructed like a maze, were still intact. Each Shinigami looked extremely busy from patrolling, to filling out paperwork, to training and sparring with each other. Beyond the Serietei there was the Rukon district. Ichigo could see the peaceful and lawful order of district one to the slums starting at district fifty.

Rukia and Renji found this completely normal and ignored it. They led him through the twist and turns of the streets in the Serietei. Ichigo didn't bother mapping it out in his head since it only got more confusing every time they turned a corner.

When they were passing through the eleven barracks, Ichigo became more alert. He knew that Kenpachi or Ikkaku felt his spiritual pressure and would, without a doubt, show up and demand a fight. Renji and Rukia smirked at this.

"Calm down, Ichigo, we checked. Ikkaku and Yumachika are sparring and Captain Zaraki is doing paperwork," stated Rukia.

"Fine," he said, "Where are we going anyways?"

"Idiot, we're going to the Head Captain's office," said Renji, who was purposely trying to get on the substitute Shinigami's bad side.

Ichigo was about to respond to the 'idiot' comment when out of the corner of his eye, he saw a black figure trailing them on the roof. Ichigo stopped walking and spun around, his hand on his zanpakuto. Renji and Rukia noticed this and stopped as well.

"Is everything okay, Ichigo?" asked Rukia, who was very confused by her friend's behavior.

But Ichigo didn't respond. Instead he just kept starring at the roof where he spotted the figure.

"Calm down Ichigo," said Renji, "We've already told you Captain Zaraki and Ikkaku aren't going to bother you."

Ichigo shook his head. "It's not that. I thought I saw….." but he trailed off.

Rukia gave a puzzled look. "Saw what?" She was getting a bit annoyed with Ichigo dazing off, but also a bit worried.

"It's nothing, let's just keep moving." And on that note Ichigo resumed walking.

Rukia and Renji were not satisfied on how the conversation ended. They shared a worried glance towards each other before running ahead of Ichigo to show him the rest of the way.

Once they got closer to the Head Captain's office, Rukia and Renji tried to look presentable by dusting off their clothes and fixing their swords so that the weapons were properly hanging from their waist.

Ichigo didn't do anything. He was never one to respect his elders. He was also looking out for that figure from before. He would not believe that he imagined it. Even though it was only for a second, he saw something. Before he knew it, they were standing in front of the doors leading to the Head Captain.

Two Guards were at the door. When they say the three Shinigami, they straightened out.

"State your name, squad, and reason for being here," one said

Renji started, "Renji Abarai, vice-captain of squad six."

Rukia followed suit, "Rukia Kuchiki of squad thirteen. We are to bring the substitute Shinigami, Ichigo Kurosaki, to the Head Captain."

They looked them over, "Very well. You may go in." The guards stepped aside and the double doors opened. One guard went in with them while the other stayed behind.

Inside, the Head Captain was sitting at his desk. The guard with them immediately kneeled in front of him, while Rukia and Renji made Ichigo respectively stand back.

"Head Captain, Rukia Kuchiki and Renji Abarai along with Ichigo Kurosaki are here to see you."

"Thank you, you are dismissed," the guard nodded and left. Rukia and Renji immediately filled in the space where the guard once knelt. Ichigo stood standing in between the two.

Renji started the report,"Head Captain Yamamoto, we have successfully retrieved the substitute Shinigami, Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Good, thank you. Kurosaki, I assume Abarai and Kuchiki have told you of our predicament."

Ichigo nodded, "Yeah, someone's stealing stuff from Research and Development. What do you need me to do, Old Man?"

The pair kneeling on the floor face-palmed and glared daggers at Ichigo for his lack of respect. The Head Captain, however, was not fazed and kept going.

"You are to help with guarding the afore mentioned area. Ms. Kuchiki and Abarai will show you your position. Someone will switch with you when your shift is over. You will be staying with squad thirteen. Are you clear with these orders?"

The group nodded followed by some quick "Yes sirs."

"You're dismissed."

Renji and Rukia, once again, dragged Ichigo through the maze. They dropped him off outside of Research Development department. Rukia said that she and Renji would come back when his shift was over. Then they turned around and went back to their own squads.

Ichigo stood in that same spot for two whole freakin' hours. And. He. Was. Bored. Nothing was happening. He didn't see anything strange. It was his job to guard the entire east side of the building by himself.

He was currently sitting down, arms crossed over his chest and his usual scowl on his face. He gave up walking back and forth a long time ago. Ichigo let out a long sigh. He was about to lean back against the wall, but a large 'THUMP' noise stopped him.

Quickly getting up to his feet, Ichigo looked around. Nothing stood out, but he had a feeling of uneasiness that wouldn't go away.

"Stop hiding and show yourself!" he shouted while grabbing the hilt of Zangetsu.

He stood there in his battle ready position for awhile. He was about to relax his stance and give into the thought that he imagined it, but before he could he felt a new presence behind him.

Ichigo spun around so fast he was surprised he didn't have whiplash. With his hands still on his sword, he was about to strike. Before he could something cold and metallic linked itself on his neck.

He didn't have time to comprehend what happened when a surge of electricity coursed through his body. He screamed out in agony. Smoke swirled in the air and his head was buzzing. When he thought it would never end his body finally collapsed. Sparks of electricity were still bouncing of his nerves in strong waves.

Ichigo looked up one last time and saw a dark figure dragging him away. Then, his vision was surrounded by darkness.

Please review, favorite, and/or alert! You are the people keeping this story alive from now on! I hope you liked it and stick around for the next chapter!

*whispers* A lot of people do this signature thing at the end. I'm gonna try it!

~GGC

Does it work? I'll probably forget about it anyways. Ok see you next chapter! XD