July 22, 2013- Monday

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. Bleach is the property of TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Viz Media, and Studio Pierrot. All Original Characters belong to their respectful owners.

A/N: Finally, I have all the OCs in! Now the real fun can begin.

I was going to load this chapter Friday, but I finished early.

After reading this chapter, you might want to check out my other Bleach story, Bleach: Burning Soul Arc.

I want to thank you guys for all the reviews, favorites, and followers this story as gotten so far. I hope this chapter gets me even more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. For maximum enjoyment, watch a Bleach opening of your choosing before reading.

Unedited Version

Chapter 3: I'm Where Now?

"I swear, I'm not a burglar!"

Ichigo began sweating bullets, as the girl from the counter slowly walked towards him.

She was a tall girl, a couple of inches shorter than Ichigo. She had midnight black hair that was kept in a low pony tail, an hour-glass figure, and deep violet eyes. The sleeveless blue kimono she wore fit her like a coat of paint. Now for the strange part, even higher than Ichigo's normal strange. Rising out from the top her head were two silver furred fox ears, and behind her, Ichigo noticed a silver furred tailed wagging slowly from side to side. Yeah, something was defiantly odd about this.

The girl finally reached Ichigo, and stood in front of the teen, before looked down at him. "I believe you."

"It was just dark outside and I saw your...wait? Did you just say you believed me?"

The girl nodded and a small smile spread across her lips. "I sensed you the moment you appeared in the district. Besides, I know when someone is lying to me." She waved her hand at a tea-pot sitting on the counter. "Would you like some tea?"

Ichigo, who was dumbstruck to say the least, simply nodded and slowly rose to his feet.

Ichigo slowly sipped the warm tea that fox eared girl had poured him. His eyes never left her, even as she poured herself a cup and sat down across the table from him. She watched him to with a strange glint in her violet eyes, that made Ichigo nervous. 'Who is this girl and more importantly, what is she?'

The black-haired girl took a small sip of her tea before setting it down, and looked straight at Ichigo. "I should introduce myself, it would be rude if I didn't. My name is Azuna Yume, but my customers call me Mistress Yume. Now what might your name be?" Her small smile never left her lips.

Ichigo cleared his throat and scratched the back of head. "I'm Ichigo Kurosaki. If you don't mind me asking, but what the hell are?" Straight forward and to the point.

Azuna ran her fingers down her fur covered ear. "You really must be new to Tokyo. You've never seen a Kitsune before?"

Kitsune? Ichigo had heard that word before. Fox creatures from Japanese myths. Foxes that could take human form. They were just a myth...right. But then again, the past two years of Ichigo's life had been full of stuff that would be considered "myths". If Soul Reapers were real, why couldn't Kitsunes. Seriously, the three men from the alley had fangs and said they were Vampires. This girl had fox ears and a tail and said she was a Kitsune.

"Are you alright?" Azuna asked.

Ichigo snapped out of his daze and nodded. "Sorry, I was sorta got lost in thought. I might have heard you wrong, but did you say you were a Kitsune?"

The ears on top of Azuna's head wiggled. "Why do find that strange?" Her smiled as if she found the orange haired boy amusing. "I'd think a human would know fully well that he was in the Kitsune District."

"Kitsune District? What's.." He paused and ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "I'm sorry, but I just got here and all this stuff about Vampires and Kitsunes is really confusing and freaking me out." Ichigo closed his eyes and rested his forehead on his palm. "I'm not even sure this is really even Tokyo."

"Oh this is Tokyo. You're in East Tokyo be exact." The Kitsune picked up the teapot and refilled Ichigo's cup. "Where are you from?"

Ichigo lifted his head off his palm. "Karakura Town."

"Karakura Town?" Azuna frowned. "Never heard of it, must be far away. How did you get to Tokyo?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

She smiled. "Try me."

Ichigo shook his head and sighed. She was going to think he was crazy, but he started anyway. "I started when I agreed to help my friend, Kisuke Urahara, test out his new teleporter."

"Wait," she stopped him. "Did you say Kisuke Urahara?"

The substitute nodded. "Yeah, why? Do you know him?"

"Oh course, he's a very close friend and a fellow shop keeper. He owns a candy store over in West Tokyo."

"When was the last time you spoke with him?"

"Not very long ago, a couple of days ago I believe. Time isn't very important to me, so I have a hard time judging it." She refilled her tea-cup. "Please continue with your story please."

Ichigo had several new questions he wanted to ask, but pushed them aside. "Well Kisuke strapped the teleporter to my arm and told me I would reappear on the other side of the room. Instead that thing sent me to a dark alley not very from here." He paused and took a slip of his tea.

"That explains why I sensed your presence so strangely. I can sense everyone within the Kitsune District and you just appear out of no where, like a lightbulb being turned on."

Ichigo just stared down at his cup of tea, that was slowly getting cold. "You mind if I ask you some questions now Azuna?"

"Sure, ask away."

Ichigo scratched the side of his head. "You keep mentioning things like East Tokyo, West Tokyo, and the Kitsune District. Mind telling what that all means?"

"Not at all, though I'm surprised you don't already know. It's very strange for some, especially a human, to not know about this city. Especially about us Kitsunes. West Tokyo is where to humans live, while East Tokyo where the "monsters" live." She said monsters as if she found the word distasteful. "You're currently in the Kitsune District, one of the four districts in East Tokyo."

"Wait wait." Ichigo stopped her. "How long has the East and West Tokyo thing been going on, and what's these four districts you keep talking about."

"Well, twenty years ago, the four races revealed themselves to the humans. After that, the monster races were segregated from the humans and Tokyo was split in two. Humans and monsters can enter each other's sides, but they can't live there. As for the districts, East Tokyo is split into four districts. The Kitsune, Succubus, Werewolf, and Vampire Districts."

"Werewolves and," Ichigo gulped. "Succubus?"

The Kitsune smiled as Ichigo's reaction when he heard about Succubus. "Yes, they are the four races that live along side humans in Tokyo." She gave a small laugh. "It's very strange that you've never heard of any of this. Have you been living under a rock?" she teased.

Ichigo turned red with embarrassment and his scowl deepened. 'I'm going to kill Kisuke for this. I'll teach him what happens when you send me to God knows where. I'm pretty sure this isn't the Tokyoo I've heard of."

"No need to be embarrassed," Azuna ushered him, which only made his blush more. "You're a very...different person I believe. Every since I first picked up your presence, I knew you were different." She took a slip of her tea before continuing. "I should probably give you some info on the four monster races.

Firstly there are the Vampires. They are the hierarchs of the monsters and the most powerful species in East Tokyo. They are led by Count Cezar. After the Vampires, there is the Werewolves, which are the second most powerful monster race. As you would expect, being in second place, they have a deep rivalry with the Vampires. The leader of the Werewolves is Pack Leader Daniel. The last two races are us Kitsunes and the Succubus. We don't draw as much attention to ourselves like the Vampires and Werewolves, but that doesn't mean we don't have any power. The Kitsunes are led by several noble families, the Arumias being the strongest." Ichigo couldn't help but notice that seemed uncomfortable saying the name Arumia. What could that mean? "The Succubus aren't very organized in turns of ranking. The mostly do their own thing and mingle with the humans more than the rest of us. The closest thing to a leader is Queen Kokoa. She's the oldest and most beautiful of the Succubus." Azuna tapped her chin with her index, as if she was trying to remember something. "I believe that's all you should need to know about Tokyo."

Ichigo sat there and looked down at his now cold tea. It was a lot to soak in at once. Monsters. East and West Tokyo. Strange didn't even come close to all this.

The substitute ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Azuna, thanks for all you've done for me. The info and everything."

She smiled. "It was nothing. You're a very interesting person to say the least."

"There is one more thing I need from you Azuna."

"What is it?"

"Could you give me the address of Kisuke's shop? You said is was some where over in West Tokyo."

"That's an easy request." The Kitsune walked over to the counter and scribbled something on a piece of paper, before returning to the table. She had the piece of paper to Ichigo. "That will be one thousand and two yin please."

Ichigo sweatdropped. "Say what?"

The Kitsune simply smiled and nodded. "For all the info I've given you, plus the tea, you owe me one thousand and two yin. Didn't I mention that this store is a medicine shop, as well as an information provider." That glint in her eye that made Ichigo uneasy brightened. "If you can't pay, well...I'm sure I can find something for you to do." She winked.

Ichigo turned a deep shade of red and quickly fished his pocket for the money. 'Seriously. Most expensive tea I've ever paid for, but I guess I do owe her.' He placed the yins on the table. "There, we good?"

She laughed as she picked up the money. "I was joking about that last part. If you couldn't have payed, it would have been fine." Azuna placed the money in a pouch on her hip. "Now, I think you should get so rest. I have a share bedroom you can use, no charge of course."

She laughed and Ichigo's eye twitched. If he didn't know better, he'd say she was a girl Kitsune version of Kisuke Urahara. Kind and generous, but always having a secret motive.

"You should sleep here tonight before going to Kisuke's tomorrow," She continued. "I'm sure Kisuke is closed by now."

Ichigo glanced at the grand father clock in the corner of the room. Fifteen minutes till midnight. It had only been Noon when he was testing out the teleporter at Urahara's Shop. Why wasn't anything adding up? But for some reason he did feel tired and worn out. 'Damn, all this stress must be getting to me.'

"Thank you Azuna. I think I'll take you up on your offer."

The Kitsune nodded and lead Ichigo towards a wooden door. She opened the door and Ichigo walked inside a medium-sized bedroom. The bed was made up and a small night standing layed next to it.

"Sorry, but there's no mint on the pillow."

Ichigo gave her one of his rare smiles. "That's alright. I near stranger to you, and you're giving me place to spend the night. I couldn't expect anymore from you."

Azuna nodded and gave Ichigo a small bow. "I hope you sleep well, goodnight." She turned and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Ichigo scratched his head and thought for a moment, before pulling his shirt off and began undressing.

Azuna locked the front door of the shop. Hopefully at this hour there wouldn't be anymore customers wandering into her shop, humans or monsters.

After locking the door, she walked over to the closet at the end of the room and knocked on the door. "You can come out now."

The Kitsune stepped back as the closet the door opened and out walked a young girl. She was short girl, much shorter than Ichigo and Azuna. Her hair was light brow and was held up in a bun. Her skin was ivory toned which seemed to suit her wu ell. With her cute face, most people would have thought she was just an innocent fourteen year old girl. Azuna knew better.

"I hope you didn't get to uncomfortable in there Lunette," Azuna said with an amused smile.

The girl, Lunette, frowned. "I don't see why I had to hide in there. He's just a worthless human."

Azuna just smiled. "Human or not, you are a Vampire of the noble LeBlanc family. I don't want you to get in to trouble for being here so late."

Lunette's face softened and she nodded. "I understand, but come on. He's just a human. Let me finish him off and be done with it. He's obviously crazy and I haven't eaten since this morning. One less human to worry about."

"You can't do that Lunette, he hasn't done anything wrong and he seems like a nice boy. A little too serious, but still very nice."

The Vampire just rolled her eyes. Azuna may not have a problem with humans, but she did. "Whatever, I'm going home." She walked over to the front door and undid the lock, before opening. "I will admit one thing though," she said, with her back to Azuna.

"Oh, and what that might be?"

"The human boy, Ichigo Kurosaki, he was a very...different scent to him. Like a human and a Soul Reaper, but it isn't either. Like a two-way blend with something else."

"You were smelling him?" Azuna hid her grin with the sleeve of her kimono.

A small blush appeared on the Vampires face, but she kept her back to Azuna. "I can't help it," she said defensively. "You know we Vampires have a good sense of smell." She looked down the dark streets and found them empty. She couldn't smell, hear, or see anyone. "See you later Azuna." Then she was gone.

The Kitsune simply smiled as she closed the door and relocked it. It was time for her to get some rest too.

Ichigo opened his eyes and the strange world. Tall skyscrapers rose up from the ground far below, and clouds floated silently in the light blue sky. Ichigo's Inner World.

"Well king, looks like you got yourself into another mess." an amused voice said.

Ichigo covered his face with his hands and groaned. Great, it was him.

"What are you talking about?" Ichigo asked his inner Hollow.

Hollow Ichigo's grin widened and he gave a small chuckle. "You must be getting even more dense that I thought. I'm talking about that guy Kisuke sending us here. I know you're wondering where you are and why nothing is making sense." He raised an eyebrow. "Am I wrong?"

The substitute Soul Reaper sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Nothing that's happened in the last few hours hasn't made any sense. Kitsunes, Vampires, monsters. All those things are supposed to be made believe." He sighed his fists in frustration. Just what the hell was going on?

"Ichigo." Out of nowhere, Zangestu slowly walked up from behind Hollow Ichigo. The old man with a black coat, had his usual blank expression.

"Zangestu," Ichigo turned to look at his Zanpakuto. "What do you think I should do?"

"Go with your plan," the Zanpakuto spirit replied. "When you wake up, go on and find Kisuke Urahara. He can probably give you all the answers you seek."

"Yeah," the inner Hollow added. "I'd like to know where the hell we are exactly too. Maybe you should let me do the interrogating."

"No thanks," Ichigo replied. He wasn't in the mood for Hollow Ichigo's ego. "I just hope that Azuna was talking about the right guy. I'm pretty sure Kisuke doesn't have a store in Tokyo. If he did, why hasn't he told us?"

"How many people do you know named Kisuke Urahara and own a candy store?" Hollow Ichigo asked mockingly.

The orange haired teen held back a growl. "No one asked you, now did they?"

The inner Hollow snickered, while Zangestu just remained silent. One in the same? Ichigo didn't see how.

"Ichigo, you shouldn't be arguing." Zangestu finally stated. "Your mind should be at peace. I fear that you will be facing trouble soon."

"Trouble? What kind of trouble?"

"I do not know. This whole situation seems...odd."

Ichigo's sweatdropped. "Odd? That's the best word you could come up with?"

Zangestu ignored his remark and continued. "There is much spirit energy in this place Ichigo. Powerful...and dark."

"Those Vampires we fought in the alley had dark spiritual pressure," Hollow Ichigo remarked. "But they were so weak, they couldn't even withstand one Getsuga Tensho. Talk about a waste of my time."

"You know what," Ichigo said, changing the subject. "You would probably be best friends with Zenpachi Zaraki. You two are a lot alike"

"Oh I'd have fun with him. If you let me in control of your body, I'd have a good fight with him."

"Enough." Zangestu said, catching Ichigo and Hollow Ichigo's attention. "You need your rest Ichigo." He waved his hand in front of Ichigo's face, and Ichigo's mind went dark.

A/N: Sorry guys, but not a lot of action in this chapter. I'm going to get the setting and introduce the OC's before any real fights.

OC are closed for now, but I may open them up again later in the story. More OC WILL be introduced next chapter. Poll is still open at the top of my profile.

I'd really like it if you leave a review this chapter, and follow/favorite this story if you like it.