Actually found the time in my work schedule to put this up so yay! :)

This is a rewrite of the original chapter, I noticed some conflicting reviews and I did some research, dug up what I could between the classifications on hollows. I realized I'd made a mistake with the fight between Ichigo and that hollow. Therefore I've redone the whole fight from the beginning, making it more believable and more engaging and to sate you all till next chapter I added some new details towards the plot and relationships.

Hopefully this time I did it right :)

The first part of the chapter wasn't overly changed just minor tweaks and corrections it's just the middle and end that have had alot of work done.

(Edited: 04/09/14)

Anyway, with that said enjoy the chapter!

The Story of the Protector

Chapter 2: Tatsuki, Anger and First Encounter

Arisawa Tatsuki, a 12 year old, was of average height for her age with black hair and blue eyes, as of now her attire consisted of her schools uniform. Now Tatsuki was a Karate-trainee whom unlike many girls her age who were beginning to worry more about boys and their looks worried more about training at her Karate Dojo, her academic studies and her friends than anything else. She was a tomboy through and through, she was overly protective, especially for her childhood friend, Kurosaki Ichigo, whom she's known since they were 4 years old. During those times she always remembered helping him when he was bullied and was even able to be the very first person to make him cry when they were younger.

She could remember it like it was yesterday, they were 4 and were in their first fight at the dojo and she gave him a good right hook causing him to stumble and fall before crying. Looking back now those were times she was starting fondly miss as her childhood friend and probably her closest friend was completely unlike how he was back than.

Oh yes, as she walked side by side Ichigo she took sneaking glances at him everyone now and then and still she tried to think what caused him to have changed so much from back then. Then turning point of his change, she remembered, was when they were 9 year's old. After the night of his and his mother's incident concerning a drunk driver nearly nailing them had changed her once crybaby childhood friend. It was as if a switch had been flipped and now he carried himself with more courage, and even more confidence.

'And strong too...' she thought with a small smile, after beating him all the time at the dojo in their fights after that incident he took his karate training seriously. It had become incredibly difficult to keep ahead of him up until the point when he was just 10 years old, it was than he beat her for the first time and since than had been the winner of their matches from there onwards. She would admit that after her first defeat she delved deeper into her training, just so she could battle him and win, to reclaim the lead in their unofficial rivalry.

'Although, I think he's turning out to be pretty...cool.' she admitted to herself as she tore her gaze from him again with the slightest pink coloring her cheeks. Ichigo had grown very well since they were 9 years old, she didn't know what kind of training he did before and after the dojo, but for a 12 year old. He was the most fit of their generation, plus his academic studies were nothing to be overlooked. He took his studies as seriously as he did his training the dojo, and that's what made her respect for Ichigo grow more and more. Well that and his growing skill in Karate.

He had changed a lot since that day, but she supposed the biggest parts about him that's changed was the more unique traits that she's come to know about him.

"Oooh! My son and daughter! I am so sorry to have left you alone~'' She and Ichigo heard from their left and she glanced to see a ghost or as Ichigo puts it a soul. It was floating over a house whom she figured had been the very one the ghosts used to live in when it was alive. It had the appearance of a middle-aged man with black hair and a mustache, but the way he died seemed easy to figure out due to its neck being bent at a impossible angle showing it had been broken. However in the center of its chest was a chain of some sort which was connected to the house it was floating over. The building being which shared all it's mortal attachments to the ghost is what kept it chained there until it was ready to pass over.

Tatsuki kept her gaze on it for a moment longer before turning away while Ichigo seemed to shrug it off as something of a norm for him which she knew must be.

That's right, when they were young Tatsuki always heard rumors about Ichigo being able to see spirits of the dearly departed and when she asked him about it. He seemed to hesitate about telling her before just saying that he could. And she believed him to, since due to her close contact with Ichigo, that's what she thought it was anyway, she was starting to see what he has been seeing for as long as he could remember. It started for her when she was 9 and since than the apparitions she saw began to clear up and more define to be the souls that have long since passed and yet still clung to the mortal world.

And to think Ichigo had been able to see this whole new side of the world...

Amazing...

Taking another glance at her childhood friend, she took a moment to admire what he was becoming. It was only for a moment that she allowed her more girly instincts to take over so she could freely look over her male friend with an appreciating gaze.

She began to mentally count all the things she's come to know about him in their time together. 'He's a trainee in Karate like I am, training at the same dojo as I've had since we were 4 years old. Takes his studies at school with equal intensity as he does training. He's been able to see the souls of the dead for as long as he can remember and who knows how much that's changed his perspective on the world around him. He's...growing up more than I would admit. Who would have thought that crybaby momma's boy I used to know would turn out to be like this after three years?'

Arisawa Tatsuki, admired the sight of one Kurosaki Ichigo who had grown nicely since those last 3 years. At 12 year's of age the two had grown up, she had let out her hair grow out a bit and she'd grown to be of average height for her age.

But in her opinion, Ichigo had changed the most since he was 9. He had grown to be 5'0 making him a bit taller than most their age, his complexion hadn't changed the slightest. However their was notable differences to his appearance than to how he was when they were 9.

The first thing was his hair, it was the usual unique shade of fiery orange that he was quickly becoming know for. However he had let it grow out, something he himself felt was natural and was supported by his father and mother. The spikiness was still there, but it became more tame and it soon began to cover his ears and pass his neckline while a few bangs began to shadow his eyes. It was a look that Tatsuki was growing used to and hesitantly agreed that he did look alot better that way because he wasn't so much as a "Carrot-top" now.

Her own mother had even pointed out that he pulled the mullet-style very well.

The second thing that made him stand out was how fit he was, abnormally so for a 12 year old. He was showing signs of a wiry muscular build, similar to people she's heard training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. But from her spars she's never seen him perform that kind of grapples, submission locks or holds that were performed by fighters in that style. Which led her to believe he was training himself in some manner to become that way. She was always suspicious that he was doing some type of secret training, but could never get anything out of him besides a small smirk. He wasn't that defined, but it was showing nonetheless and she was tortured by numerous whispers and giggles by other girls at school about how "cool" and "hot" he looked.

'Still I suppose I should be happy that they can't get anywhere near him. He's not rude to them or any girl otherwise Masaki-san would have his head. Rather, it's that scowl he always wears that keeps them at a distance. The only times he ever breaks that scowl is when he is with his family or training with me.' perhaps she should have put more thought into that last part, but she bypassed it easily.

She remembered when he started scowling, it started a few days after that incident when they were 9, it easily made him quite scary to people that didn't actually "know" Ichigo. She asked him why he was scowling like this and in his own words.

"...I cannot show signs of weakness anymore Tatsuki, I made an oath to never be that helpless crybaby anymore and I intend to keep it. All I care about now is protecting those important to me and to do that...I will remake myself, I will become someone that is not afraid of anything...even if I am attacked because of this."

And that's exactly what happened, due to Karakura Town not only being a vacation hotspot for some tourists, it was also as den for housing some of the most gangs, yakuza, and delinquents in all of Japan. Members of one of those gangs went to their school which led to them finding Ichigo. Because of the unique shade of his hair, his scowling expression and fearless attitude led to them picking on and attacking Ichigo.

Which didn't overly bode well for them when he beat them all down in 5 seconds flat.

And thus was the start of her childhood friends unique reputation which soon spread from the school and all around Karakura Town. But it didn't have the effect she figured would happen, instead of people speaking of a orange haired delinquent, it was of orange haired teenager beating down the unsavory types of Karakura Town. To show them that there was someone out there unafraid and willing to put the pain and fear into them.

You can already imagine what this did to Ichigo's reputation with the students, girls especially...

It was than at that moment Tatsuki was broken from her mental reverie when she heard the shout of girl.

''Ichi-nii!'' once her eyes refocused Tatsuki found her body had went on autopilot and she found herself and Ichigo standing at the gates of his sister's school. She turned to see his two sister's, Karin and Yuzu coming up to them.

Or more like Yuzu running up to her older brother with a bright expression.

''Haha, hey there Yuzu, Karin, how was school?'' he said patting his little sister's heads with a slight smile. If there was one thing in this whole world he cared for more than his very own life, it was of the well being of his family, his sisters more so. Tatsuki had seen it and heard about in on multiple accounts where Ichigo had literally become the definition of an older brother to the two. This was one of the many things he's done, picking them up after school was normal for him.

The other things he's done was taking Karin out for her annual soccer practices, helping out Yuzu with her studies and her hobbies in gardening. Taking them to school while on his way to his own school.

And most importantly was protecting his sisters against the lowest scum of Karakura and those stupid enough to anger Kurosaki Ichigo with threats to endanger the safety of his sister's well being.

'...I still haven't seen someones body bend that way before...' she thought to herself with a sweatdrop, those crazy or stupid enough to do something that taboo were sent to the hospital with a vast assortment of injuries. Shattered limbs, concussions, broken noses, and most of all wounded prides. She'd seen Ichigo reduce full grown men into whimpering babies curled up on the floor.

There was no doubt, that Ichigo could be a very pleasant person to be around something she knew first hand, but when it came to protecting his loved ones.

He becomes incredibly terrifying!

''It was fine Ichi-nii, We even passed out tests see?'' Yuzu said giving her and Karin's papers to Ichigo who took one look at it and smiled a bit more at his young siblings.

''Good job you two, I'm sure the old man and kaa-san will be happy at your grades. How about I take you two out for ice cream on the way home, how does that sound?'' he was met with quick agreement by the two and he looked to Tatsuki with an expectant look.

''Wanna come with us, Tatsuki?'' he asked, and she would have frowned if not for the fact that he knew well, better then she did herself. How? Because he knew her weakness's...

And one of those weakness's was...

''Ichigo...don't...'' she started, but a smirk played across his face.

''I'll buy three scoops of chocolate chip~''

Dammit!

And like that her defenses broke and agreed without a second thought.

All the while watching the interaction between their big brother and Tatsuki who they've come to see as a big sister in a way made the little sister's of Ichigo smile. Happy to see their brother smile with someone that wasn't apart of the family.

Than again if their mother had any say Tatsuki was already apart of their little family.

Later-Kurosaki Clinic

''Kuso! I didn't know it was supposed to rain so hard today! Yuzu, Karin go and get yourselves dried up.'' Ichigo spoke bringing in his sisters from the pouring rain outside. Following behind him Tatsuki came in soaking wet as well.

''Okay nii-chan!'' his sisters went off before he turned to Tatsuki, seeing her soaked he, without a single thought of hesitation, pulled off his jacket and threw it over her shoulders. ''Your soaked to the bone Tatsuki, lets get you dried up as well.'' he said ignoring his own body which was equally dripping wet. His orange hair matted down with all the rain, something Tatsuki noticed.

''You're just as wet as I am Ichigo you'll catch a cold if you're not dried up also. '' she put up a feeble attempt at him, but they both knew this was just apart of him. Worrying more about his family and friends than himself.

''No worries, I'll get too myself later.'' was his quick reply seemingly not caring about getting sick and more worried for her and his sisters. The warmth and care in brown eyes made her glance away stubbornly accepting his help as he went to get her a towel. Her cheeks turning a tad red as she eyed him as he walked away.

'...You baka...'

''I swear that boy really does take up after his namesake.'' Tatsuki turned to see Kurosaki Masaki coming out through the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. Quickly Tatsuki felt a bit of motherly warmth as Masaki came near her and she just nodded her head in agreement.

Honestly, Masaki was probably one of the most beautiful women she's ever have the grace of knowing and one of the nicest to boot. It was no wonder why Ichigo would quickly brighten up when she was around when they were younger. She really was the light in the Kurosaki family and she could only let out a shiver of what would have happened if she had been killed in that incident 3 years ago. How much would it have changed everything? How damaged would this family be? What of Ichigo, how would he have turned out if Masaki was taken from him at 9? The sheer thought made her quiver.

''Are you okay, Tatsuki-chan?'' Masaki spoke worryingly when she saw the 12 year old shiver, but she looked up while clearing her mind of those morbid thoughts. ''Oh I'm fine Masaki-san. By the way where's Isshin-san?'' she said hopefully able to divert her question with another.

Masaki easily caught it, but decided not to dwell on it and spoke. ''Oh, he's in the back clearing up after another patient was pulled in. In fact he should be-''

''MYYYYYYY THHHIIIIIRRDDDD DAAAUUUUGHTTTERR WELLLLLLCOOOOOMMMMEEE HOOOOOMMMMEE!~'' Tatsuki visibly paled while Masaki's sweet expression twitched slightly as Isshin blurred through the back, through the kitchen and was quickly closing in on Tatsuki in a attempt to give her a bear hug.

Only for his face to meet a foot, of none other than his eldest child Ichigo who was coming back down from upper level of the house. In hand was one towel while another was draped over his head which didn't shadow his rather annoyed expression. The power in his kick however was deceptively powerful which sent the blur that was Isshin rocking into wall causing an imprint of the man's face.

''Stop with your weirdness tou-san...'' Ichigo spoke while his father gave a low groan, pulling his head out the slightest bit he gave his son a withering look as if he was pleased with his sons growth.

''I have taught you well...my son...'' and in a melodramatic fashion he fell over "dead".

Mother and son sighed at their husband/fathers antics as Tatsuki watched the scene with the smallest sweatdrop, having grown used to the Ichigo and his father's antics although she did keep her title as third daughter as something to hold dear. Soon Ichigo came up to Tatsuki and handed her a towel and a few clothes. ''Here, You can wear some of my clothes while yours dry.'' he said which she gave a small thanks before she began drying herself. It didn't really bother her to wear his clothes since she's done so many times before. Having slept over at his house and his room she's had incidents of not bringing enough clothes so she wore his from time to time.

And she would never admit it his much bigger shirts were quite comfy in some strange way.

Strange...

Watching the scene with a small smile Masaki placed her hand on her cheek and smiled joyfully. 'Oh there just so adorable together! Tatsuki has really grown closer to sochi these past few years, perhaps Isshin-kun's not too far off the mark about a third daughter...' she thought to herself before going upstairs to make sure her two daughters were cleaned up.

''By the way third daughter of mine, does your parents know where you're at right now?'' Isshin spoke wrenching his skull from the wall which would be repaired in no time at all. That got Tatsuki to snap her head up in attention, oh god! She forgot to call, her mother and father are gonna be worried sick!

''No I kinda forgot to let them know.'' she admitted causing Isshin to nod looking between her and his son with a knowing expression. Ichigo had let him know ahead of time that he was taking his sisters and Tatsuki out for ice cream so she probably forgot. ''Oh alright, I'll go ahead and let them know you're here. And since the storm is getting stronger, I'll see if they will let you stay the night. That okay?''

Tatsuki just nodded, she hadn't spent the night at Ichigo's for awhile seeing as her mother had said since she was getting older spending time at a boys house, even if it was Ichigo's would be coming to a stop soon. It had to do with her body growing up and her mentality with boys would be changing and with Ichigo growing up to, her mother said it would lead to some awkward situations.

She could see the sense in that, but honestly she felt perfectly fine around him sometimes more than in her own home.

''Now while you go and get changed Tatsuki I'll finish up supper for us all.'' Masaki said coming back down from the stairs having helped clean up her daughters who were doing their homework. Tatsuki just gave a nod and quickly took off her shoes at the door and went up to Ichigo's room with him following behind her.

Watching them go Isshin and Masaki shared a look just before the man, former shinigami captain gave a chuckle just as Masaki giggled.

''I swear that boy is so dense it just blows my mind...'' Isshin stated just before Masaki got hold a hold of cheek in a pinch making him wince. ''Ow ow ow ow ow!~ That hurts Masaki!'' he cried but she remained a good grip on his cheek as she stated in a matter of fact tone. ''I seem recall you were the exact same way when we were together, Isshin-kun. Sochi takes after you in many ways, but I've taught him how to treat a lady and in his own nature he'll come to see how Tatsuki feels for him and vice versa.'' she stated in a wise manner and Isshin had to agree, but now he could no longer feel his cheek anymore.

''Of course my beloved wife~'' he mumbled

Indeed everything seemed to be going well for the family at that point...

Of course such happiness cannot last forever...

That Night-Kurosaki Clinic

How could this have happened?

''Shit! Masaki grab me another roll of gauze, Ichigo keep up the pressure!'' Isshin shouted out in urgency as he went up to keep up his latest patient from dying as his son kept the blood from bleeding out any further.

Why was fate this cruel to one so young...so innocent?

''Dammit! We're losing him! Masaki hurry get me the Defibrillator!'' His voice rose a few notches as he and his son did all they could, reaching their very limit at what they could do with their current equipment.

It's not right...if their really is a higher power out there beyond that of the Soul Society...why do you, whatever you are, allow this happen? Is this the cruelty of life that Kisuke-san told me about. If so...I am truly disgusted by it.

''Dammit Sora don't you dare did give up!'' Ichigo shouted

Beeeeeeep

''…..He's gone...'' Isshin's voice seemed to echo from within the clinic part of his home, his voice carrying so much weight it sent a morbid silence to everyone. Even as the arriving sirens of the ambulance drove up to the clinic. Isshin's head drooped low at his failure to keep his patient alive, but it was beyond him now.

''No...no...Onii-chan! Wake up! WAKE UUUUPPP!'' The wail of a girl just around Ichigo and Tatsuki's age followed suit, the girl was dressed in their school uniform, but it like the rest of her body was covered in blood, not hers, but that of her now deceased brothers who now lay motionless on the bed. Her short burnt orange hair was marred with her brothers blood as salty tears welled up in her round brown eyes and fell down her cheeks. Her hands gripped at the side of the bed hoping against all hope that her brother would wake up.

Watching this scene with anguish Tatsuki felt her heart throb painfully as the cries of one Inoue Orihime rang out in the Kurosaki Clinic her wracking sobs made the whole scene all the more heart wrenching. It was only through Masaki who came in and pulled the girl into a motherly embrace to try and ease the poor girls sorrow, but it did little to ease her pain.

Slowly Tatsuki turned to see Isshin helping the ones from the ambulance take her brothers body. Than she cast her gaze to Ichigo and what she saw made her eyes widen in shock for she saw his head held down, the bangs of his hair shadowed his eyes. But his fists were balled up tight, so tight his nails dug into flesh causing blood to pool from his trembling his fists.

She could understand how he felt, both she and Ichigo knew Inoue through school and through her Ichigo made friends with her older brother Sora. A friendship born through understandings between older brothers. She herself, befriended Inoue at school and at times led her back home since it was rather close to her and Ichigo's. But seeing her now, it was both hard for them to take and Tatsuki soon went to Orihime to try and comfort her.

All the while they all missed it, beneath Ichigo's bangs his normally brown orbs began to bleed black and his brown orbs flickering to a sinister shade of gold.

'You...disgusting cretin...I'll find you and kill you for this!'

Unknown to them, Ichigo had noticed it since he was the only one who could feel the abnormal reiatsu clinging to Sora's body. It was one he had grown to recognize during his training with Kisuke and Tessai.

It was the reiatsu of a Hollow...

Later-Ichigo's Room

After that horrific incident, the authorities came by to take Orihime and so they could plan funeral arrangements for her brother and while try to reach any other relatives of Orihime's. After that, everyone had went bed with a rather somber mood, but there was one was one still wide awake. To sleep after seeing that was just impossible, the surge of anger, helplessness, rage and sorrow burned within him like an unquenchable inferno that demanded righteous punishment for the one who caused all this.

One Kurosaki Ichigo sat on his bed, sitting in a Jinzen posture as he let his consciousness escape to his inner world to speak with his Zanpakuto. A daily practice he did to increase his connection with his zanpakuto, Zangetsu. A common practice for shinigami, but for him it was something to help grow closer to his much older and wise zanpakuto spirit. He looked up to Zangetsu as a source of wisdom when he was distraught over his training.

But as of now he was using this deep meditation to try and ease his growing anger, but it was proving to be of no avail.

''Ichigo you must calm yourself, I know how you feel, but blindingly throwing around your anger here and stewing in your rage will solve nothing." came the ever wise words of his Zangetsu and Ichigo took his words into consideration as he snapped his attention at his zanpakuto. Brown orbs alit with fury the likes of which no one in his family or Tatsuki had ever seen. His zanpakuto ignited with feiry azure spiritual power burned at the very ground beneath him as the landscape around him with scarred beyond comprehension.

''Then what the hell am I supposed to do Zangetsu?! How can I just continue to stand here and do nothing as atrocities like these are committed?! The Shinigami that are supposed to watch over this town have done nothing, NOTHING! To quell the number of Hollow incidents and innocent people are being killed due to their own ignorance! Because of their own incompetence Orihime just lost her brother Sora!'' growling in fury again he gnashed his teeth and swung his zanpakuto in pure rage.

''ARGH!'' in a non-described shout he unleashed a giant crescent wave of spiritual power that rocked the landscape as it uprooted the ground and tore the sky asunder.

The backlash caused Zangetsu's hair to blow back, but he remained impassive as ever taking in Ichigo's rightful anger in stride and continued to speak. ''I know that very well Ichigo, and it was bound to happen to one close to you to be affected by their absence in Karakura. But will destroying your inner world like this solve the problem at hand?'' he questioned his wielder who stopped and turned to stare at his partner with a bitter expression.

''Maybe I was deluding myself that it wouldn't happen...but it angers me beyond all reason. Zangetsu, you and I both know we can sense that Hollow is still nearby, it carries the same essence as the reiatsu that was on Sora's body. It's still here...skulking...I have to find it and kill it...To avenge Sora!'' he shouted, his voice raising in octaves which caused his Inner world to flicker in essence from it's creators anger effecting it's very existence.

Zangetsu's gaze however bore directly into Ichigo, his usual empathetic gaze hardened as he stared long and hard into his wielders brown orbs. As if he were testing him, testing his determination, his very resolve. And Ichigo didn't disappoint him as he kept his stare with him evenly which made Zangetsu more and more proud at how good of a man his wielder was becoming.

''You know full well this is going against the wishes of of your father and instructors. For you to never release your spiritual power outside Urahara-san's underground training facility. Will you defy them to sate your vengeance and slaughter this hollow? Will you risk alerting Soul Society of your well hidden existence all to fulfill your desire to avenge your friend? Tell me Ichigo, what will you do?"

And Zangetsu got his answer as Ichigo answered back, his eyes showing a resolve that was unbreakable by any means both mortal or supernatural. A resolve he was growing quickly to respect from his wielder for it was one that spoke of the kind of man Ichigo really was. It spoke of a boy-soon to be man, who would risk everything. Life and Soul, to protect his loved ones and seek out revenge for those he couldn't protect. If that meant breaching the Gates of Hell and tearing the very heavens asunder...

Than by god he would fucking do it!

''Abandon your fear. Look forward. Move forward and never stop. You'll age if you pull back. You'll die if you hesitate. Was this not what you told me when we first met? Zangetsu, I will never hesitate again, I've trained till the breaking point and beyond to achieve this power and I won't let it go to waste now. I'm tired of doing nothing as people are being killed, soon those closest to me are going to be targeted and since Soul Society will do nothing, then I will! Now, will you stand by my side, as a partner and friend in this battle, Zangetsu?'' he said offering his hand to the old man who kept his gaze locked on Ichigo before he took a step off the tallest tree in Ichigo's inner world and floated down to the Kurosaki.

Keeping his gaze locked with him Zangetsu didn't hesitate as he took the boys hand in agreement.

''Always my wielder, now let's go.'' Ichigo said nothing, but calming down and smiled at his much older and wiser companion before he vanished from his inner world. Leaving it to recover from his rampage, the landscape slowly began to turn to normal as mountains in the distance began to assimilate back together.

As he felt Ichigo's presence leave Zangetsu didn't react as a shadowy hole formed beside him and he spared only a glance to see the inverted appearance of Ichigo. The other aspect of Ichigo's power in all his pasty white glory, his expression however was set in one of pride.

''Do you approve of his actions?'' Zangetsu asked to the only other tenant he shared Ichigo's inner world with and the white Ichigo spared a glance to Zangetsu before looking up at he sky. His face stretching into a wide smirk that threatened to split his face.

''Completely, I back his decision whole heartedly otherwise I would have added sulking like a wimp to my list of reasons for beating the ever living shit out of him. Now, he just needs to grow and by extension we grow. Let's continue to test him...and should he prove capable...I will confront him myself.'' turning his golden gaze on Zangetsu his smirked widened to the point it was absolutely inhuman. ''Till then...Zangetsu.'' he ended with a sarcastic tone before he vanished into the shadows. Thus leaving the older man to stare at the location it disappeared with nothing more than a slight frown.

Living World-Ichigo's Room

Now while Ichigo was stuck in his deep meditation, Ichigo never did see Tatsuki cracking open her eyes, she was asleep on his bed since when he had her over he always let her take the bed and he the floor. Something she tried to fight him over, but he won every time stating she was a guest and would take his bed. End. of. Story.

And she wouldn't admit it, but his bed was comfy and it did have a strange scent that made her want to just snuggle deeper into the sheets.

But she was immensely confused, for when she turned to look at Ichigo she saw him sitting in a meditative posture, but what shocked her immensely was the strange giant blade laid across his lap. 'What the hell...where did he get that sword?!'

When she noticed him begin to shift Tatsuki rolled over and closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep. She began to hear shuffling just before she felt Ichigo's bed creak and peaked to see Ichigo stepping over her. His face set in such a determined expression that it left her both awed and speechless at the same course she's seen him show a similar expression before during their spars of a strong visage wherever he went with her. But this was different, just by seeing his face from this point of view with the light of moon coming down on him from his window revealed something else. His expression was harder, stronger, colder than she had ever seen from her dear friend. It actually made shiver from this expression because...

It terrified her...

Than she blinked and all she saw was blur before Ichigo literally disappeared out his window making her eyes shoot open wide before she pulled herself up and looked out to see where Ichigo was. Only she saw nothing but the midnight sky and full moon casting its light across Karakura Town..

''Ichigo, what's happening to you? Where did you go?'' feeling a deep rooted worry for her childhood friend begin to swell up from within her Tatsuki laid down. Thinking all she saw was, but a dream, crazy she knew it was, but she had to think it was all a figment of her imagination. She didn't just see Ichigo holding a sword as tall as he was and literally disappear right before her very eyes.

Seeing ghosts was one thing, but this was just something...else.

But as she closed her eyes shut she hoped against all hope, praying to whatever deity that dared to hear her prayer that Ichigo would come back safe.

'Please...please when I wake up...be right here at my side again, Please Ichigo!'

Outskirts of Karakura

''This is where the trail leads...'' Ichigo muttered to himself as he saw the smallest trail which went deeper into the forestry around Karakura. Feeling the presence of the Hollow ahead of him he narrowed his brown eyes and dressed only in a white muscle shirt and grey sweatpants and white tennis shoes. Ichigo stepped forward and walked in deeper.

Never seeing the slight apparition of a wall impeding his path as he walked right through.

As he walked in deeper, Ichigo readied his right hand. 3 years worth of training with Kisuke and Tessai coming to the forefront of his mind. His muscles tensed and coiled as the slightest intent of hostility he would react accordingly.

''Hehehe, so intriguing...''

Stopping once he was in a clearing, Ichigo remained completely calm as he heard the hollow's deep and gutteral voice. Steeling his resolve, Ichigo stood completely still as he felt the hollow's presence inch closer and closer, creeping along the shadows as it spoke from within the shadows of the forest surrounding him.

''Your scent...is so delightfully delicious~ You...you're not a normal human are you?'' the hollow seemed to notice Ichigo's silence as a means that it could hear it and even sense it. Which normal mortals could not and only spiritually sensitives could.

But Ichigo easily ignored him and spoke ''Were you the one who caused a human earlier today to be hit by a car?'' Ichigo spoke, his voice deceptively cool and calm with a slight icy edge that promised a very painful judgment. He heard the hollow instantly chuckle which rattled his anger, but he kept it in check now.

''Oh so you can hear me? Interesting, but yes I do recall getting a hold on a human today who was with such a sweet and tasty looking child. Would have made for a good appetizer, but that brother of hers was the main dish. Shame I haven't been able to find his soul as of yet...'' it sounded remorseful of not being able to find its food after all that effort of killing Sora.

That's all Ichigo needed to hear, the confirmation that this was the hollow was all he needed before he turned his head to the side as he felt its presence coming and closer. Spiritual power began to build within the palm of his right hand as he felt it coming closer and closer.

Closer...closer...closer...THERE!

''But I can sate my appetite with you first, BOY!'' a humanoid figure erupted from the forests, speeding towards Ichigo's unprotected back in just a white blur.

But Ichigo sensed it coming and in a movement that far surpassed any other mortal limit he spun around, willing Zangetsu in hand from spiritual particles and clashed with the hollow.

Clang!

The ground cratered as Zanpakuto clashed with a bone white weapon that was in the shape of a claw. Ichigo's brown eyes took in the appearance of the hollow all in the span of a second and what he saw defied the descriptions of normal hollows that he had been told about. What he saw resembled something akin to a human or at least something akin to a humanoid. It's body was about 6'0 with a stark white complexion. It's feet were in the form of grieves with its feet resembled something akin to talons. On up it had a signature hollow hole in it's abdomen and it was a tad smaller than most other hollow holes. It's chest was covered by a bone-like chest plate which stretched across its shoulders and further more along its right arm which made the limb into the current weapon Ichigo was clashing against while the other arm had a bone gauntlet with clawed fingers.

He looked up at the hollows mask and saw to his surprise a similar face of a human staring back at him, it had black hair and dark blue eyes which carried a sadistic and slightly surprise gleam as it glared back at him with a more appreciative gaze. The only remnants of its hollow mask was under its jaw which resembled something akin to the jaw of a tiger.

'You...you're not a normal hollow what are you?'' Ichigo said pushing against the hollow who had taken an equal amount of interest in the apparent human boy who was evenly matching him in strength.

''My my~ What a fucking surprise! A human boy able to sense my attack and even block it! FUCKING AMAZING! So interesting, you may prove to be an entertaining fight for me, kid! So I'll tell ya what I am...just before I eat you and gorge on your succulent soul! I am no ordinary Hollow, for I am the highest evolution a Hollow can ever achieve. My name is Ripjaw and I am a VASTO LORDE!'' it screamed in maniac glee just before it surged forth with renewed strength pushing Ichigo back before throwing him back.

Eyes wide momentarily he narrowed his eyes before he backflipped before his feet touched the tree behind him which he kicked off of and dashed back towards the hollow. Zangetsu at the ready Ichigo attacked. ''That's all I needed to know, now you will die!'' that was all Ichigo said as he clashed with the vasto lorde once more resulting the ground to crater beneath them. Determined brown eyes stared back into manic dark blue ones just before the two backed off before they dashed toward one another.

And a dance of steel and bone erupted...

Left, right, duck, jump, parry, block, deflect, right, left, slash, forward strike, left. Repeating the mantra Ichigo followed his instincts and dodged the strikes the hollow was attacking him. As he repeatedly clashed Ripjaw his eyes grew to easily counter, block and doge the hollow's movements with slight difficulty. 3 years of training with Kisuke had forced him into more dangerous and deadly situations and he only came back with ten times the determination.

'This guys strength and speed are no joke, but he's only slightly higher to Kisuke's when he goes Shikai.' confident, but still keeping his guard up be blocked another blow from Ripjaw which caused yet another tree among many to be uprooted due to the backlash of the winds tearing them up from the ground.

''Is being on the defensive all you can do, boy?! Attack me! Or are you just a fucking coward?!'' Ripjaw taunted him, but Ichigo remained calm and waited...

Wait...wait...wait...NOW!

Seeing an opening Ichigo utilized shunpo, catching Ripjaw off-guard at the kids increased speed before he felt immense pain erupt from right arm. Gnashing his teeth the Vasto Lorde stared helplessly as his right arm now fell to the ground becoming nothing more than a bloody pound of flesh. Looking at where his right arm used to be he turned his gaze to glare at Ichigo who held Zangetsu before him. Ripjaw's blood sliding off the sharpened edge of the zanpakuto as it's silver gleam came off it which soon reflected in Ichigo's deadly brown orbs.

''ARRRRRGGGGHHHH YOU LITTLE SHIT!'' roaring out in pain Ripjaw fell to his knee's grabbing as his bloody stump that used to be where his arm was. Seeing this Ichigo held Zangetsu at the ready and inched closer to the weakened hollow, ready to deliver the final blow.

''You deserve nothing more than this, you killed someone I knew and for that. You. Will. Die.'' Ichigo finished resolutely and Ripjaw just growled as Ichigo inched closer to him. Just as he was within arms reach though Ripjaw bowed his head in seemingly defeat and as Ichigo raised Zangetsu to deliver the finishing blow.

He was shocked when Ripjaw's head snapped up with his face set in a wicked grin revealing his vicious fangs.

''Gotcha!''

''What?!'' Too late to react, Ichigo's eyes widened in shock at the bloody stump on Ripjaw's right began to regenerate at a high-speed. Rebuilding his arm/weapon in the time it took to blink. And that blinked caused Ichigo as Ripjaw dashed forward and delivered a diagonal slash across his chest.

Then pain erupted from within him, Ichigo felt a scream tear itself from within his throat, but he kept it down through clenching teeth. Blood pooled out of his chest with his shirt having a large cut across his chest. Falling to a knee he made a mistake taking his eye off his opponent who took that chance to deliver a merciless kick to his wounded chest. The kick was so powerful it caused Ichigo cough up blood as his ribcage cracked from the sheer force. Ichigo couldn't stop his body as he was sent flying slamming through tree's before his body slammed into the unforgiving ground. His body trembled as he stood up but he felt something up in his thorat and he puked up massive amounts of blood as he felt around his chest and abdomen and what he felt made him curse.

'Shit, 3 broken ribs and my stomach feels like it's been ruptured...that's what I get for letting my guard down'

Feeling Ripjaw coming he looked up and ignoring his wounds he pulled up Zangetsu in time as the Vasto Lorde came down on his location with a airborne stab. Jumping away in time the ground where he was exploded by the force of Ripjaw's attack. The earth quakes as the land was torn apart as tree's were uprooted by the sheer destructive force. Skidding back, brown eyes narrowed when he saw a flash of blue orbs pierce through the smoky debris before spun around parrying Ripjaw's attack before riposting. managing to cut off his left arm and right leg Ichigo finished as he spun around slammed his foot into Ripjaw's face sending him tumbling back. Then throwing his free hand he glared at the recovering hollow before shouting.

''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui!'' channeling spiritual power into the center of his palm he grit his teeth as he funneled more and more to the point it was about to explode before letting his loose in one go. Thus erupting from his hand was a giant dark blue spiritual beam that engulfed everything in its path as it hurtled toward the hollow who's eyes widened in shock as it came toward him.

''Shit!''

Boom!

The battlefield trembled as a giant pillar of blue spiritual power exploded upwards, but it did not pierce the sky as it clashed with an almost invisible sphere which flickered as the pillar struggled against ground was reduced to molten rock and tree's were turned to ash from the raw intensity of the attack as all life within the barrier was reduced to nothing. Soon enough the pillar began to lessen before it vanished entirely to reveal the aftermath. A giant crater dotted the landscape which swallowed up where once was immense forestry.

As the smoke began to vanish it revealed a slightly sweating Ichigo who stared at the location where Ripjaw once was for a few moments before letting out a sigh, ''Did...did that do it?'' he spoke to himself, he'd channeled alot of his spiritual power into that attack and knew if not kill him it had to at least severely injured the bastard. But then his eyes widened he felt something come from behind. Using shunpo he vanished in time to dodge Ripjaw's attack, but when he took a good look at the hollow what he saw made him frown in disgust. His kido attack had some effect since Ripjaw's body was mangled beyond all belief, his body was regenerating slower then usual and his upper left side was scorched with third degree burns with his hollow mask being nearly gone from his face. His left arm and right leg were barely regenerated with only the bones being present while the hollow's face was melted away revealed a skeletal visage with bits of muscle tissue and flesh still hanging from parts of its face. The vasto lorde's face was set in a snarling expression it's skeletal eye holes narrowing in a glare.

''How dare you do this me! ME! A Vasto Lorde! You will pay for this you little fucking brat!'' roaring the shock wave its roar sent Ichigo skidding further back as the severely injured hollow raised its hand toward him before it began to channel it's own power into it's palm causing a crimson sphere to form at the center. It's red glow growing in intensity as Ripjaw glared at it's wounded opponent with no sympathy.

''Now die you brat! Cero!'' and like a missile the cero shot off from Ripjaw's hand into the form of a highly concentrated beam which hurled itself toward Ichigo's position.

Eyes widening, realizing the name of the attack Ichigo despite his pain looked up and saw the attack coming. Keeping one hand on his wound and the other on Zangetsu he shunpoed away just in time as the Cero hit the ground causing it and the area beyond to erupt in a brilliant flash of crimson destruction.

''D-dammit...'' appearing a few feet away Ichigo coughed up blood as he fell to a knee before he began using healing kido on his wound. It was healing slowly, but surely, the wounds were severe and he didn't have the control to heal his bones completely, but he could stem the blood loss and start the recovery rate for his bones. Yet he didn't have the time for anything else as Ripjaw turned to him with a menacing grin. His hand stretched out to fire off another cero, willing and ready to destroy more just to eradicate him.

''I'll admit kid, you got me good on that one too bad you didn't know that we Vasto Lorde are capable of High-speed regeneration. You made even mine become slow from that attack of yours. Oh well, you can go over your failure at defeating me as I kill you!'' he said before gathering another charge to fire another Cero one of which was significantly higher and more volatile as it grew in strength.

As Ichigo watched it form he lowered his head, not in defeat but in a strange act of acceptance. Healing his wound to a controllable level, he stood up grasping at Zangetsu with his right hand. Raising his head he glared straight at Rip before raising Zangetsu at the sky.

''No...I won't be the one to die here...'' he silently muttered as his reiatsu began to gather into his zanpakuto. For an attack he rarely ever used unless during spars against his zanpakuto spirit, Zangetsu. An attack he's kept hidden from his instructors for every time he used it caused more destruction than he would have ever wanted. His control over the technique was something he'd yet to bale to grasp completely so using it always drained him. But this was an emergency that called for his strongest ability.

''Hah! One last feeble attempt to kill me? Alright then let's see what you got brat! Take on my full powered CERO!'' and with that shout Ripjaw shot the cero off which in its wake left a sonic boom behind the evolved hollow. It short toward Ichigo with the full force of a nuclear warhead and Ichigo staring at it-through it-glaring directly at Ripjaw, and he acted. Gathering just the right amount of reiatsu Ichigo's eyes soon began to change. Outlining his iris was a circular azure pupil that glowed with all of Ichigo's raw untapped power and potential all in one.

And as the cero came toward Ichigo swung his zanpakuto down with the force that tripled that of the cero itself. Ichigo roared out his attack, his voice echoing amongst the ruined battlefield as his attack literally exploded from the tip of his zanpakuto.

''….Getsuga Tenshō!''

And the battlefield was alit with azure spiritual power which erupted from Ichigo's location as a giant crescent of spiritual power rocked the very battlefield. Easily engulfing the Cero as if it were a flickering ember to a tsunami, such was the power difference in both attacks. It ripped the ground asunder, tearing apart tree's and rock as if it were all wet paper. The attack continued to the shocked and absolutely terrified Ripjaw who remained astonished and...just...petrified as it saw its incoming death.

''W-what is this?! This power! WHAT IS THIS! I WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIIIIIISSSSS AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!'' Ripjaw's scream echoed as the attack him dead on. Swallowing him whole as it destroyed everything in its path. His screams soon went silent as the attack went upwards before dispersing into nothingness. Thus leaving a giant scar upon the land. And amongst the smoky redesigned landscape stood Ichigo who was panting a bit from using that attack. Just to be safe he poured a lot of his power into it and keptwhat control he had on the technique to give the most damage output as possible. Wiping the sweat from his body he looked down at his wound and began to finish healing it as he kept his search for any possible allies in the area.

''It's done...you are...avenged Sora-san.'' he said to himself before he gave a grunt. Willing Zangetsu away he walked off. ''Now, time to get home before anyone notices I'm gone.'' Picking himself up Ichigo shunpoed away. Unknowingly again passing through an invisible wall of sorts that seemed to flicker as he passed through it before it returned to normal.

And watching him go, a black cloaked man walked out from the forest having completely watched the fight from beginning to end and as the man laid his hand on the invisible 'wall' and with a flick of his wrist dispersed him. His face was revealed through the shadows of his hood to be a square spectacled man with scholarly brown hair. His brown eyes seemed to pierce through his glasses as he took a growing interest and fascination in the Kurosaki boy.

Soon a almost excited smirk crossed his features before the man gave a chuckle, 'Experiment Successful, clever of you Urahara Kisuke to try and mask Kurosaki's presence with that necklace of his. You may have fooled Soul Society but I am not one so easy to be eluded by such a simple object and now because of your slight miscalculation. I now have witnessed the strength of your maturing protege and I must say, I am very impressed.'

One Sōsuke Aizen looked up at the midnight sky and as he did he spoke to himself once more as more exciting thrills shook his body.

''Continue to grow Kurosaki Ichigo, continue to surpass my expectations of you. Surpass everyone and when you've reached your full potential maybe than...you can be the one to truly understand me...to stand on the same precipice as I.'' the Shinigami taicho spoke before his ears caught the sound of coughing and churning dirt and he turned his gaze to see at the end of where Ichigo's attack ended was the remnants of Ripjaw's body. Without a single word Aizen moved to it's body idly taking notice that most of its body was gone leaving only the upper half and head and even than his left shoulder was gone and most of his flesh and muscular tissue was gone.

Coming to its body Aizen looked down at the fatally wounded hollow who's eyes twitched open only once it saw Aizen's cloaked and spectacled appearance made what was left of his eyes to widen in shock and yet rekindled hope.

''A-Aizen-sama...f-forgive me-''

''You were defeated, it was to be expected Ripjaw. You let your arrogance in your title as a "Vasto Lorde" blind you to the power the Kurosaki wielded thus ultimately leading to your state now. Sadly, you are yet another failed experiment, but you provided some results from the Kurosaki nonetheless.'' Aizen spoke with a hint of sympathy in his tone as he looked down at his failed creation who couldn't even reach out to him due all his limbs having been turned to ash.

''A-Aizen-sama...I!-'' he tried to speak before Aizen quickly cut in with a cold look in his brown eyes.

''Alas, I have no room for failures and the weak...'' and without another word Aizen materialized his zanpakuto and stabbed Ripjaw through the head thus ending his life completely as his regeneration ceased and his body twitched and convulsed before it slowly began to dissipate into black ashes which vanished into the wind. Leaving only Aizen's cloaked figure alone as he stared up at the full moon, completely unhindered at killing his own subordinate without remorse.

Kurosaki Clinic-Ichigo's Room

Sneaking through the window of his bedroom Ichigo let out a sigh as he felt his bones began to heal leaving him in a more moderate condition, but the remnants of his clothing was torn to shreds so he'd ripped away his shirt and burned it so nothing freaky could track him down by scent. But when he came through his window Ichigo saw Tatsuki asleep in his bed and seeing her sleeping expression as he stepped over her made him smile. He dared to move his hand before parting her bangs behind her ear as he spoke softly to only himself thinking no one could hear him.

''I've avenged Sora...and from now on I will protect you all. He was my failure and my last...I shall protect you all, especially you Tatsuki...'' having said that he let out a sigh before willing Zangetsu to vanish. Getting back into his futon, idly forgetting to put back on his shirt, he closed his eyes and began to let sleep take him.

Unaware that his door was creaked open to reveal his father's solemn expression who quietly closed the door behind him.

Or the fact a few minutes after Icihgo fell asleep Tatsuki's eyes slowly opened before she looked directly beside her to see Ichigo back, safe and asleep in his futon. Truly, Tatsuki could not describe the amount of joy she felt when she saw Ichigo back home and safe. Just seeing him back made her teary eyed but she wiped it away, but didn't not suppress the urge in her to make sure what she saw wasn't an illusion. Quietly, she got out o Ichigo's bed and as silent as she could be slid into Ichigo's futon. Bundling her arms together, Tatsuki just stared at Ichigo's sleeping visage as the image of him jumping out the window with that strange sword in hand or in that strange meditative posture flashed within her mind.

'What was that?...Ichigo...what aren't you telling me? Why are you hiding this from me? Aren't we supposed to be the closest friends? Why...why are you hiding this from me...dammit! Dammit you stupid baka!' fiercely she thought about this, thoughts swirled around in her head as to why Ichigo would keep this from her. Or perhaps this was just her imagination, but she clearly heard him moments ago of what he said. It all confused her and yet she wanted to make sure that he was here with her again. He was keeping secrets from her she was sure now, but...she was more worried for his safety than anything else.

''Don't worry me like that again, you stupid Strawberry...'' she said softly placing her hand on Ichigo's sleeping face before scooting herself closer to him before she herself let sleep take her. This time being asleep with Ichigo with her, just to placate her that he was here with her again. And not out there possibly getting himself in trouble or worse injured.

One thing was for sure though, she was getting answers from him one way or another!

There! Rewrite done!

Most of the stuff at the beginning of the chapter had very little changed bsides minor tweaks, the major changes was at the middle and end points in the chapter. Hopefully this fixes my mistake from the original version. If you are confused still about Ripjaw than let me explain, he wasn't technically a Vasto Lorde, but an experiment of Aizen's who let the title Vasto Lorde get to his head. Vasto Lorde's by natural process are stronger than Seireitei Taicho's and this one was not a true natural Vasto Lorde.

With that said, I admit to have gotten a bit soft with Tatsuki, but I wanted it nonetheless :\

Tell me what you thought about this rewrite in a review would ya kindly? Constructive criticism is always appreciated.

Bye bye!

Getsuga Tenshō: (Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer)