How to Hate and Fall: Hell King

by Jayjaytimes10

No one he knew remembers him. Ichigo must find out his way to protect his friends and family with a different power. OOC-ness and Hell Verse happened. Takes place in FullBring Arc.

4. Chapter 4

Thank you for your patience. Also, I would like for everyone to be open-minded about an original character.

Chapter 4

Part 1 : One Room for the Forgotten, Please

Three sharp knocks, followed by a pause, then those three sharp knocks. On the horizon was the ablaze sky, the sun; the burning core of the sky's fire; the clouds; the dark smoke around it. Ichigo was juggling three alcohol bottles with his one hand.

Behind him were two bottles, lying broken on the pavement. Her delicate features were pale as she barricaded the door. Her sweat damp hair pasted on it. Her body was raked with anxiety. She listened to the approaching soft footsteps. His voice was polite. "Ikumi-san, please, open the door. I'm one of your employees."

Ichigo sipped on the tea offered to him, enjoying its aftertaste. He reached for a chocolate-filled biscuit and savored the sweetness of it. Ichigo had been curious if his sense of taste was lacking. It seemed that it wasn't. The tea washed his thirst away. The biscuit took his hunger away. What did he eat this morning? For lunch, he remembered the melon bread he stole from the school canteen. He was engrossed on his thoughts he didn't care about its taste. Ichigo hasn't had this wonderful dinner that taste amazing for a long time. He desperately downed the tea while he hungrily chewed the biscuit. It's fine if it's weird. He haven't been this free before. He'll do this for now. The next time he go out, he'll find chocolates. Kaoru cringed at his weird taste. His mother was pale when she let him in. Like she had seen him rise from the dead. This punk wasn't even introduced to him yet. Is his mother going to keep this punk? Ikumi watched this emotionless boy removed his mask and ate what she offered him. She put her hat down and put her apron on. Her bun fell down to be a ponytail. She had finished surveying her home and outside. She had picked the broken glass bottles on the pavement. No one was around yet. There weren't any captains spying on her. Ikumi turned to her son.

"Kaoru, there has been something going on but you don't have to worry about it." The boy who was sitting on her couch was in her mind all day. A strange attack happened around the mansion and they told her that he was the cause of it. To be the cause of it, what can the boy do? Information was hidden from her before Tsukishima's friend, Ginjou, drove her home. She didn't have to say the direction because, when Ginjou spoke, they were already in front of her shop. All the way to her home, even throughout the day, she wondered about the boy's safety. Then he came to her. Juggling alcoholic drinks, definitely haggard from his trip, while hiding from his captors. Her employee—No, her guest had guts.

"So… him?" Kaoru pointed at his mother's employee. His mouth was agape at his assumption. His bored expression told her he was used to meet this kind of strangers. She was proud her son was mature but he was too mature for his age. She could explain this to him by hiding the truth. She wouldn't be able to tell him the whole truth yet. She didn't have the answers for his questions. "I don't need to worry about him?" Ikumi nodded.

"Mother don't have to tell Kaoru because the issue's small—"

"Ikumi-san, the secret kills the keeper and the discoverer. Keeping him in the dark will make him more curious than he ever was. I suggest you tell him. Or he'll get into trouble." He whispered. Ichigo finished his last biscuit. This is a trap Ichigo wanted her to get in. While he placed his mask on his face, Ikumi worriedly glanced at him. She knows then. She's debating what to say to Kaoru. Ichigo would take the lead. His host was unsure of what to do. She was letting him do it. No resistance would be expected with her. She didn't know what to say and how to say it.

"Why don't we start at the beginning? That way, we can keep track of what happened." And their night was too much to handle. Kaoru found it hard to believe that his books that he borrowed from the library would be useful. He had no idea why he researched for demons but he remembered going after a guy because… That didn't matter right now. His mother was taking in a punk. Worse, with a demon living inside him. It was like taking two demons at the same time. Call him judgemental. That was how he became interested in revealing their true selves. This punk… he introduced himself as Kurosaki Ichigo as a former shinigami-daiko. Things he spouted out of that mouth was too far-fetched. Where did he put his baseball bat? He knew there was one somewhere around their house. In the same situation to Kaoru, Ikumi had a hard time, believing her guest's tale.

It was like something was up on his story. He was her employee but she didn't remember him. When Ikumi told him that, Ichigo smiled as wide as he could but the mask told her it was heartbroken. He told Ikumi that no one did remember him. The principal didn't even know him when he was usually sent in his office because of Kagine-sensei. She checked her employees' files and there he was. His resume was with her. Ichigo Kurosaki is a reliable and independent kid. Good with Arts and Fluent in English. At least that was what his resume said. It wouldn't do any good if she got as curious as Kaoru but there has been something fishy with her memory. There were gaps especially from last week. Then, it was her turn. Kaoru stayed to hear her story. Her son had been fuming about Ichigo's story. Ichigo stopped her.

"Ikumi-san, you are aware about Karakura's huge spiritual activity, am I correct?" She almost stumbled but she remained steady. "Then is it possible that you conclude to find a place for your family in the least active area? How about your relatives?" Ichigo shoved his back to the soft couch. The mask looked to grimly cerebrate. "They might be a little bit aware. Perhaps, they can only feel the souls of the departed but they can't see them." Ichigo's mask was tired. Its eyes slowly blinked as he presented his ideas.

"What?! Mom, are they true? What are all these about? Can anyone tell me what's happening?"

"Please, if possible, tell us. We're waiting for your answer."

Saying us and we to bait her in telling what he needs to know. Three bottles that was presented to her by Ichigo. He might have gotten the least expected gift from him, considering he was underage. She didn't want to judge but delinquents had connections. He was being considerate though. This consideration could be seen as an act. Taking account of his question, she proceeded with her story. She had to make him comfortable. For someone who was possessed for months, of course, she didn't know what made Ichigo to still feel hope. But he was still determined to not to fail. She should at least tell Kaoru her first yet almost encounter with the paranatural world. Kaoru… she knew him. He could be a bit rude sometimes but it takes time to trust someone in his case. His curiosity was a bit of a problem. Once he get curious, he will take extreme measures and research to receive his answers. There was a time she heard about a news that Kaoru stood up to a delinquent with brightly dyed hair. He claimed that the delinquent could be an 'alien or some sort that replaces doomed chosen people'.

"Kaoru, I'm sure you're confused but so am I." Ikumi groomed herself. Starting with her hair to her apron. "You see, Mother will be revealing some secrets to you.

When I was 14, I caught my father what I thought he was speaking with someone on the phone. It was normal at first. Some chit-chat and all but then, he mentioned my grandmother's name. I went inside and he was speaking to no one.

It was Friday and my mother had a late shift. My brother and sisters were out, doing groceries. He saw me and told me that my grandmother said hi to me. He explained to me that one day, I'll be able to see ghost. I started to see ghosts months ago. But they're all blurry. We're from the lineage of Shinto priests so I guess it's not that surprising for me."

That was their night but it was still starting. Kaoru buried his face on the couch's arm he was sitting on. He screamed on it. They didn't stop him because it was a lot to take in. Ichigo would want to request for another bunch of biscuits instead of popcorn. Though the demon was sulking for most of the time, Ichigo could feel their twinge of entertainment. He didn't gave them a second thought. Kaoru's meltdown was amusing to watch. This is the first time he witnessed someone discovered about the spiritual world. Especially with confirmation from someone close to him. His minor meltdown was short lived.

"Wait, if you know about this spiritual world, you understand how it works, right?" Ichigo's expression didn't falter. Shrugging, he tilted his head. His mask changed to even more amused. Kaoru looked at him, admiring that he knew something he don't. There were questions lined up on his head. Some personal, some useless, some important… there was one thing that weighed more than others. "How?"

"Let's say I'm an enigma when I was born. Supernatural had been a part of my life."

"Other than being a demon?" How many times does he have to convince this kid? He is human. Just a special— Just more of a medium. Just less of a container. The demon encouraged his anger. Right, the dark emotions. He was beginning to understand. Anger is a fuel. Despair is a riddle. That's all he knows. His current abilities might be evolving. His fullbring power was still recovering. Unlike his Bringer's light, using his other abilities would strain the recovery. His body was ahead of his mind. Reclaiming his body back for less than 24 hours now, Ichigo watched his body movements turned out to be fluid and refined. He was having a hard time believing that he was currently in HIS OWN body. Ichigo noticed that he was getting off track with his thoughts again.

He simply bobbed his head up and down. Other than being a demon. He is human. Immediately, Kaoru asked for more. Ikumi had to know too. They fired questions left and right. Why are there chains on their chest? Where do they go? What happened to them?

They were too trusting. And Ichigo was like that before? The question aroused the bitter reminder of Kokuto and himself. Before all of these. Trusting others had him in the good path most of the times. That was his flaw. He knew it but he was too preoccupied to find another way. He trusted strangers and it eventually lead to danger. AAAAAAGGGHHH, WHY WON'T YOU SHUT UP?! I told you—trust no one. The raindrops. Don't let them get to you. Shut your mouth, failure. He failed to stop the soft growl he let out. The voices got out again. The world was scratchy again. It still didn't made him lose track of what he would do. He would earn their trust. He would keep his promises. He wouldn't let them experience betrayal. He wasn't that kind of person. Whether he had ulterior motive or not, he would keep his promises. There will never have betrayal. He will lie. He won't offer betrayal.

"You expect me to give it to you for free?" He and these humans need a symbiosis relationship. They had to be more skeptical when he said that. Ichigo needed something from them and they had to oblige. So he baited Ikumi to tell Kaoru, a nosy brat, about what she see that normal people don't. What he wanted was what they had.

"What? You mean, you want 'payment'? Figures, you're a demon," Kaoru crossed his arms. He should have known that this punk would ask for it. They'll only reach for you if they need something. His comment irked the punk.

"I'm human. There's a demon in me. Do you call a ballpen ink because there's ink in it? Also I was possessed. It isn't a great experience." The mask's eye twitched. His hand was clenched in a fist, prepared to drop it on the kid's head.

"Geez, touchy subject, hooman."

"Kaoru!" Ikumi's scolding voice shut her son's mouth temporarily. The nosy brat slipped a rude comment. Unlike before, Ikumi didn't let it slide. She reprimanded her son. Ichigo studied Ikumi. She managed to take on with his trick. She was letting him lead them. Simultaneously, she was preparing for the worst. This was her way to prevent him from unwanted outbursts. She had to keep the smart-mouthed Kaoru in his place. Ichigo had instructed Hellspawn to rewrite the mask to act. This was the first time he met Unagiya Ikumi formally and personally. He was already impressed with her actions. Glass Child whispered to him that it was time to sleep and Ichigo refused to go. He had to finish this before he called it a day. The demon hissed at their Master. Business could wait. His body had to be taken care of. Ichigo would wake up sleep deprived tomorrow. To prove a point, Ichigo glanced at the time. It was still 30 minutes before sunset. He continued to composed himself like he was fit to be part of the royal family. His regal aura made the demon trash less as their argument started to cease completely. Then, perhaps, we will tolerate this for now.

"You have answers. We have what you need. I know what you're thinking. You'll hide the answer in your own way if we asked." She confidently put her hands on the coffee table, moving closer to him. She stopped when there was enough distance for him to hear her quiet yet threatening voice. "I think it'll be this some kind of puzzle we have to piece together. I wouldn't worry about that. I got my kid with me. I also know why you're here…"

He didn't see this coming. His attention was diverted to that Hellspawn. He should have observe more of Ikumi. He shouldn't underestimate people like her. And there are more people like her outside this house. They would be more intimidating than Ikumi. Under the mask, Ichigo's eyes shone for a moment. He learned something.

"Oh, do tell. I'm waiting," He crossed his arms, "Why am I here?" He would continue with his taunts. He had nothing else to do but to mess with her. Ikumi looked confused for a second. Her act didn't work on him. It wouldn't because he knew she would do it. There would be a small chance for her to know his purpose in here. He was confident that she get it wrong. Ichigo signaled her to proceed. She frowned after she realised what he wanted her to do.

"You want a place to hide. I don't know why you picked this place but I'm guessing it's because of our job' nature to act. You can be anyone here with our acting. An employee, relative, family friend…"

"Straight to the point, Ikumi-san," Ichigo clapped to show him being impressed. He didn't even bother acting. It was true. All true. They have a place for him to stay. They can get him out of trouble. She was forgetting something. There was also a place he had in mind. Her house is an option but there can't be a homeless student. Especially he's a minor. His profile implied that he, in a rebellious stage, could be living with a family. He had to warn them about something.

"You're forgetting something. What does a demon do in its free time?"

Lots of scenario played in his host's mind. Surely, Ikumi looked at him, terrified of what he was about to say. She didn't back down. She still held her ground. She had her game face on. He knew what she had on her mind. Too optimistic, this lady was. Always looking at the bright side. He had to break this on her. Wait, no. She had to think realistically. She still hadn't accept him yet. She could kick him out right now. He pitied them if the demon in him played with them.

"What does the demon do in its free time?" We sleep most of the time. We don't need it since we could go for a century by feeding on dark emotions. On other occasion, we study Hell. Hell we lived in is so small yet so vast. We aren't even nearing exploring the half of it. We usually stay near the High Court Royal Square. We're pretty much preparing for the test given to us every 50 years. Don't think like that, we aren't lazy. The preparation metamorphosis is a must for a demon like us to be in a higher class. Well, we failed but we didn't. It was confusing for us too. Glass Child rumble on and on. Ichigo tilted his head. This was new to him. He might be even the first human and outsider to know this about Hell. From what he understood, the High Court Royal Square sounded sophisticated. He knew about the King of Hell matters when he absorbed the kushanada's power. The voices rang in his head. It told him something.

"I don't know. Do you?" Ikumi smiled at him. Why is she smiling? That question is supposed to be an implied warning. She was expecting him to give her a positive answer. Ichigo didn't know but she was just being the adult who tricked kids to saying what they wanted to hear. Ichigo didn't have to overthink it but his response was late. Before that, he cursed, echoing in his inner world.

"I don't know. I'm just a human." Ikumi didn't mind that late response. He was given a room and food. As he was dragged to drowsiness, Ichigo contemplated his day. The painful memories stabbed his heart. If he had a picture of his family and friends, he wouldn't look at them the same way ever again. He would study them. Their words, their actions, their thoughts and opinions. Observe their behaviour. Predict their movements. Keep them all in your sight. Mind your blind spots. Be strategic. He wouldn't look them in the eye again. Karin and Yuzu, he imagined them hurting because of their fake relative. Yuzu, the little sister he saved from Hell, didn't even remember her beloved brother who rescued her. Karin, the girl he knew can be capable, didn't even know the brother she used to share secrets with.

Isshin… he cut his son's leg, the same kid his wife protected…. what would he even think once he knew the truth? The thought froze him to his very core. What would they think once they discovered the replaced truth? They will— What are you thinking? Never trust the black rain. Not even once. It will kill you with no second thoughts. You were saying? Oh, pity—Tomorrow, his plan will start. It might be scary at first but he can do it. We can do it together, Master. Our relationship is passion mixed with lies. In just your first day in this world, Master began an unhealthy diet. Chocolate biscuits, Melon Bread, Alcoholic Drinks… it was fortunate for them that he wasn't deprived enough to get addicted easily. Addiction comes little by little. Until it becomes litre by litre.

The camera stayed in his bag, containing the evidence. He had to mislead everyone. Ichigo bit his lip 'til it drew blood. The pain dulled as he decided. It doesn't matter whatever happened to him. Ryuuken would be the one to save him. Who else? He knew he asked for help from —. He forgot their name. It's all right. The fan in the room served its purpose but it didn't cool the overheating body. Sometimes, his prayers will be answered. Back to the camera, he had to do this.

The evidence must be destroyed.

He picked it up. Turned it on. He watched the video again. What would happen to him if they found out? There would be a huge trust issues. Everyone would doubt everyone. Thoughts raced in his mind. Sleep was the last thing he needed. Ichigo got up for the first time that night. His throat quenched for a glass of water. A ring gradually invaded his sense of hearing. He jumped at the unexpected tap from the inside. Engrossed with his own thoughts, Glass Child got closer to his soul. This was the first time they did it. Their unwelcoming presence gripped on his soul. Ichigo had no idea that it would hurt so much. Black spots formed from the corner of his mind. He told the demon that they had no right to do this to him.

"We're so sorry." Harsh hands caressed his soul before tightening their grip again. "We-" Their voice shook. "We wanted you to take care of your body. Why can't you do that? We gave you your body back so you can learn." Ichigo dropped on the floor. He laid on his side, barely breathing. His eyes wouldn't even brighten up. His heart was constricting. Stop. Stop it. Glass Child, I order you to stop. Glass Child didn't listen. They were too busy listing his lifestyle faults. From the things he felt ashamed of committing to little things. Violent graphic images broke free from the demon's barrier. "We made sure you stay healthy. You drank alcohol. What for? You didn't even eat desirable dinner. You haven't slept for more than 8 hours yet. You have school tomorrow."

Oh~ such a delicacy, this flesh. This human is like a rare exquisite dessert but they are wandering this land everywhere I go. He would have screamed in fright if not of the heart attack. He would have trashed violently. This person, who imitated Ichigo's voice and face, flashed. Red splashed face was furiously chomping a victim's arm, like how Ichigo ate the biscuits two hours ago. He was happily slurping on the red liquid of life, like how Ichigo drank the tea two hours ago. Pathetic yelp escaped his mouth. No, no, no, not the cannibal. Tears fell. He didn't want this. Help me. Help me. Help me. Ichigo chanted those words like a prayer. Ease the pain. Ease it! If you can, please, ease the pain. It was hopeless. Help me. Anyone?

Ichigo took his first desperate breath in that hour. His pleas of help never reached anyone. The pain gradually subsided. The demon calmed down. They muttered apologies, pushing themselves further away. Ichigo ignored it. The boy laid his hand on his chest, feeling his recovering heart. Unsatisfied of the lack of contact, just out of hatred, his nail dug on his chest. This action resulted to him clawing his chest off. He didn't want to lose it again. He didn't want to lose heart. Wah, stop, you idiot. Instead, Ichigo thanked the demon. Master, what for? Ichigo dropped his head on his palm, silently quivering. He learned two lessons. The thirst he no longer paid any attention went away. Two sobs were permitted to escape. This healthy body, he should be thankful to the efforts of Glass Child. Ichigo curled in a ball.

He knew that. He knew that, if he called for help, nothing would go to answer it. He had to relearn it again and again before it was buried deep in his mind. He rose from his pitiful state. Struggling to walk on his two feet, he walked towards the window. It had to do something with the moon. If no one could ease his pain, then he hoped this alternative to watch the moon was enough. Though it didn't happen. Before he could throw the curtains open, Glass Child took over the body. Nothing could stop them from doing it. Ichigo learned from experience. They laid their Master in the decayed prison cell. This place would calm him down even if outside it was raining hard. They remained stationary on the spot before leaving out for a glass of water.

Glass Child? A sense of accomplishment washed over them. Another step of being accepted completely. Their Master's voice echoed across the foggy replicated city of Karakura. I want my body back, please? It was so out of character of Ichigo to be so timid. Not until you calm down. The way they said it, it was dominating the human consciousness. Afraid to be abused, Ichigo didn't say anything else. He had to wait and see for himself of what the demon would do. In his inner world, his body wasn't really in the best shape. What could he do? This is his manifestation of soul. The condition of his body here might be a sign of stress. A worn out face fitting this sorrowful place. Now he really wanted to have a glass of water.

It was late, warm, and silent night. The moon and the street's lights were the only comfort they could find. Master's body was overheating despite the fan's effort. Glass Child walked out of the silently with the purpose of getting water. Their path was blocked by a bag of flesh. It was terrible to be asked if they were okay. They uninterestedly stared at Ikumi before displaying the best Ichigo-like scowl they could muster. The impression threw her off guard. Immediately, she knew how to distinguish who or what is which. Don't hurt her. She's innocent. Not even her son. Don't. The demon thought of another way. Then instilling fear is not hurting.

"You're very calm." Ikumi just felt deceived by its acting. What she's seeing wasn't what she's feeling. Its expression was very humane unlike what she saw from the boy a few hours ago. Her gut screamed for her to not to do something rash. Her guts whispered to her she was in front of a something else entirely. It was very hard to believe her guts. The demon fanned the overheating body with the host's clothes. It huffed. The scowl was still on display. "Unagiya-san, I would like a glass of water." It didn't made her feel better. She was sensing too much malice from Ichigo. Behind that scowl, the demon probably had plans of strangling her to death.

"Then, c-come this way." She stuttered her words. Ikumi turned her back on it. It was a huge mistake on her part. Whatever the demon was doing, it was tormenting her. She sensed its stare like a knife pressing against her nape. Not sheathing itself on her back. Ikumi paled. It was like there were a large group of people behind her sending out the malice and despair. Ikumi wanted to look back. She wanted to tell them nothing would hurt them. Them? There was one person behind her. That was only Ichigo. Behind her, she thought, it was a whimper. She forced herself to look back. She saw Ichigo putting his face on his palm like he was ashamed of himself.

"—I'm different, I know. J-j-just, hush, let me go, Hellspawn. I'm King, remember?" And the expressionless boy was back. Ikumi gave him a glass of water just like what he—was it Ichigo?— wanted. She feared for Ichigo and she didn't know how to help him. She watched the boy walk to his room and closed it. Waiting for a few moments to pass by, she came close with the guest's bedroom. She reluctantly lifted her hand, thinking it might not be important. But she knocked either way. She heard nothing on the other side.

"Ichigo-kun, is there something else you need?" Nothing but she continued, "I and Kaoru will be shopping tomorrow. It'll be after school so it wouldn't be inconvenient to you two. Do you want to come with us? I will pay for your things."

A rush of wind surprised her as the guest's room door swished open. Maybe it was the fear that blinded her before. She didn't see the dark eye bags under those tired void eyes. The blank look failed to hide that. Ichigo looked at her without any hostility. He was still holding the glass of water. She probably let the fear get to her that she didn't notice he was trembling. The silence wasn't awkward. She let him take his time. This poor boy, he was suffering. She doubted he didn't ask for help. She didn't even hear it. She gulped.

"Do you want to come?" She didn't get her answer immediately. She expected it anyway. Though trembling, his body didn't betray his unrelenting tone as he whispered,

"I'll be delighted to go. Also, remove it from my pay. Goodnight." He closed the door. Smiling as she celebrated, Ikumi curled her fingers into a fist.

Ichigo laid on the bed. The window had been opened by Glass Child, allowing the night cold air in. He felt it brush his hair and skin. It wasn't the one that brought him peacefulness. It was the waning moon. He never looked away, even for a small distraction of that beautiful fluttering of the velvet curtains. How could he describe the moon? Poetic, calm, comforting. Three of the thousand words were perfect. He would find -/-/-/- soon. And those depressing thoughts, those were only thoughts. Suck it up. Every night, the moon would be there for you. If only Ichigo could reach the moon, he would find what was his. The pain subsided. Tomorrow, in their shopping, he had plenty of time to get what he needed. The poetic moon felt like it was whispering that things would go better as he fell victim to Death's Brother, Hypnos.

It will be better this time. It'll be quick. Just a few more flesh, you won't be able to feel a thing. You'll be part of something new.

He was indeed part of something new. He wasn't lonely. There were other chosen people too. He met one of them. Tomorrow, that chosen person would deliver a message to him. Glass Child would inform Master tomorrow. Oh, it's going to be exciting. Big things were coming in Ichigo's way. Could he handle it? Of course, he can. Master is Master, after all. Master can be a little emotional sometimes because of them. It was because he was suffering and, once his mission was done, he wouldn't be anymore.

"Guys, you won't believe what I've gathered so far," Kaoru's voice was perceived from three rooms away. His sensitive hearing at night was amplified. Ichigo's eyes snapped open. Slowly, it landed on the door, "It's crazy to think that a punk would know about this."

Immediately, he got up. The demon in him hissed. Ichigo hissed back at the demon. He knew he needed sleep but he couldn't let this go. Someone was leaking information.

"Think of lies, Glass Child. We're going to deal with this one." He took long strides and busted the door open. Ichigo growled, a sign of developing agitation. The voices cheered for him to silencing the boy by stitching his mouth. Even suggesting on killing him and stitching his mouth. His thoughts tried to stay in one place. With a cheering crowd of unseen people and his own thoughts, Ichigo couldn't hear anything from his own mind. How could these two let their guard down when he was around? He told them a demon had been living in him for months. He was a container, a host, or a vessel to put it simply. Why couldn't they not act like he was a dangerous being? Ichigo would tell them not to treat him as an equal.

It would leave him guilty because he had other hidden intentions. Telling them would lessen the chance of getting accepted. The sun hadn't risen yet. He guessed it was three in the morning, the Ungodly Hour. Better yet, known as the Devil's Hour. Or maybe, he just knew. It was instinct. The house held chilling depth of darkness, as a person sleeping in would had suffered from the tremendous pent-up pressure. Ichigo casually walked under it. He reached the room he thought to be as Kaoru's. He knocked on it, not saying a word. Behind his mind, Glass Child encouraged him to excite this brat's fear. To make this brat acknowledge what their Master could do. He heard a soft gasp. Ichigo knocked again.

"I'll call you later."

Part 2: The King and the Peasants' Eerie Meeting

Blanket fluttering, bed creaking, and heart racing behind this door turned Ichigo into a hunter. Primal instinct would consume him if he didn't talk to Kaoru soon.

Hellspawn was still urging him on. The voices supported this idea. Ichigo told them to keep it down. His agitation was definitely showing. Hellspawn and the voices stubbornly refused. They invaded his mind, promising him luscious gifts. That if he abide their wish.

Ichigo banged on the door. The violent resounding noise traveled all the way around the house. Almost without any delay, Ikumi's worrying voice temporarily broke the heavy pressure. Wishing the darkness away, she turned on the lights. When she got out of her room, she saw the teen, forehead touching the Kaoru's door. Ichigo looked towards her. On that cue, the demon grew stronger, cutting the power off. Again, pressure and darkness was back. Ikumi held on something. It dangled on her hand. Ichigo didn't know what it was but he carried on with his purpose. The demon reached out to their surrounding. The door knob gave in to the exerted force. Slowly, it was crushed. The door opened.

"Stop, Ichigo!" The panicked tone at least brought him back. Ikumi ran towards him. Did something happened? Was he in the influence of the demon? What did he do? Ikumi grasped his hand and put something over his head. Whatever that was, it fell to his neck. Ichigo was brought back. Ikumi turned the lights on around the house. He felt the demon's power to be limited. He would laugh to release the burden if he had the mask with him. Hellspawn deserved to be in the time-out corner. He touched the thing around his neck and brought it up to examine it. Glossy beads reflected the light. Its prominent feature was the pattern of cherry red and charcoal black. Two and one until it stopped to the dangling comma.

"What was that all about, Ichigo? Why are you in Kaoru's room?!"

"Get out. I and Kaoru are going to have a chat." He tried to push the woman out of the room. She persisted on standing her ground.

"No, not with that episode of yours," It sounded like a hiss. Ikumi pressed a finger on his chest, "I'm nowhere near you and Kaoru talking to each other alone in the same room."

"Good, then stay here," Ichigo put his hand on her shoulder, never letting himself glance away. She had found the difference between the demon and Ichigo. It was the eyes. Empty eyes never allow for any emotions to show. It wasn't like those hard-boiled senior police. Ikumi flinched as realisation struck her. Ichigo was locked away that his soul didn't connect to his body. But she was there when he started to act that way back then. His back supported by the tree's tough trunk as he performed first aid on himself. She didn't notice Ichigo walked behind her and shut the door. "I have to talk to you anyway."

"Mom," Kaoru tentatively whispered under the safety of his blanket. His face pale as his white pyjamas fell to confusion. He saw and hid under their stares. He steeled his mind and snarled at Ichigo. The teen simply didn't gave him a response. "What's this all about, huh? You planning to make Mom team up with you to scold me?"

Ikumi stiffened. She planned to tell Kaoru that she met the demon in the morning. She didn't think it would be this soon for Ichigo to storm Kaoru's room, demanding for them to talk. She was proud of Kaoru that he could defend himself but this was too much. It wasn't being on defensive anymore. Her little boy's words were mewls of a kitten to a predator, waiting for it to stop its cries so it could savour the strained yells, as it devoured its from flesh to bone. Ikumi's primal need was to rush in but Ichigo's eyes would always stop her in her place.

"You sure talk like one, punk," Ichigo's voice was grave.

"Ichigo, if you're not—" Ichigo peeked at her. Heavy presence fell down on her. She broke into sweat and gulped at the scorching feeling. She could still breathe yet it felt like she shouldn't. Her unprepared body was submerged in a simmering water. Boiling even. Kaoru saw the way his mother froze. Ichigo was just looking at her. At that instant, Kaoru wanted to get away from him. He wanted to look away because, if he did, his fear might subside. He did. He snapped his head to the side. Breaking eye-contact on the teen in front of him, Kaoru yelped at the needle-pricking feeling on him. Brushing over his chin, Ichigo lifted his head. Fear was a knife sliding over his spine, not drawing blood, but the intent was there.

"Shut your mouth, Kaoru. Don't say anything about any information about the spiritual world. Take it for the rest of your life until you die. No regular humans should know about it, Kaoru," Kaoru's breath hitched. He should follow this guy. He was the real deal, "—Better yet, to make sure of you'll keep your mouth shut, I'll stitch your soul's mouth real good. It's okay, Kaoru. I have experience with stitching. After all, I'm a doctor's son and also a punk."

Ichigo hadn't known that instilling fear for his own gain was just… It was… GOOD-GREAT-SATISFYING. It wasn't! When they looked at him like that, it was what he wanted. They shouldn't treat him like he was one of them. He was different. Ichigo calmed down. Words he had to say, this would help him and them. Glass Child cooed at his cruelty. The conflict and the dark emotions flowing inside Ichigo would change his inner world around. Not that they minded it. It was beautiful just the way it was. Why the continuous change? Glass Child had reached his conclusion. They would make Ichigo love what he had. Ichigo's soul trembled in their arms. They took a nibble. The tremendous need to push everyone away while wanting a chance to be normal was just delicious. The contradiction of thoughts and emotions was betraying their plan. And they had to intervene. A slump of flesh and sticks—That's Ikumi— fell and Glass Child had no intention of picking it up

"Please, go away. I won't do it again. I promise." Kaoru thought it was over. It was the end of their bicker. Not 'til the smile that screamed slaughter. It bore in his mind. He didn't know who to be afraid of. Both were unpredictable. That was what he knew. The hand that lifted his head harshly dug its nails in his cheeks. "That's good, Kaoru." Please, don't say my name like that. The pressure had risen as 3:05 had passed. Glass Child, possessing Ichigo's body, threw the boy grimly to his pillow. They ripped the rosary and they watched the beads fall. Ikumi had been long passed out on the ground. At the nagging sensation behind their neck, they let Ichigo regained his control over his body. Glass Child watched through their Master's eyes as Ichigo guiltily picked Ikumi up. Before he could get out, Kaoru called out.

"Just let Mom sleep here." And he actually did as he was told.

"You don't have to forgive me." And that was it. What a night. What a morning. It was simply amazing. Glass Child thought. They were looking forward to the next few hours for their Master's first deal. Three rings then the three taps. Ichigo got up early. He got his school's uniform and other necessity out of his bag. He had done his morning routine at exactly 6. Casually leaning on the kitchen counter, Ichigo stabbed the fork on his maple-laced pancake. His neck tilted to his shoulder. His ear next to a burner phone, neatly placed between. He chewed as he waited, until the person he needed on the line picked up.

"Who's this?" The steel voice of the Hospital Director jolted him alert. The burner phone slid off his shoulder. He pushed the plate on the counter and stretched his hand, catching it. "You better answer quick."

Regaining his composure, Ichigo hissed mildly as he got a pitcher and three glasses, "The number you gave me is the one on your office. I should have known. You were confident to give it to me. I was calling you since yesterday's afternoon."

"Hmph, I have to keep private matters away from work. I assumed you got my private number from a connection. What time-"

"7 in the evening," Ichigo interrupted as he put the pitcher and the glasses on the table. Glass Child was cheering. Ryuuken wasn't amused. "I would prefer quiet places like a library or a place with wide space. You won't know when I'm going to act out."

"Be in the back of the hospital at exactly 7'o clock. I won't let you in if you're tardy." Without saying their parting, Ichigo heard Ryuuken dropped the call. He continued eating his pancake. Once done, he thought of his sister's home cooking. His shoulders slumped defeatedly. He couldn't even have a taste of Yuzu's cooking. He would someday. He would be eating in that same table again once he was done with his plan. A presence silently entered the room. One that Ichigo recognized.

"We missed to have negotiations last time. I think this time is perfect." Ikumi was Well-rested. Ready. Stiff. Sluggish. Hungry. He went over the table and dragged a chair out. "I made some pancakes. Have a seat, Ikumi-san." Seeing the teen leaning on the kitchen counter, Ikumi complied. She unsurely came near the chair and reluctantly sat down. Ichigo silently brought her breakfast. It was still newly cooked. Ikumi shot a look at the teen.

"Negotiations? Are you some kind of kingpin now?"

"I'm nothing less but something important so no," Ikumi flinched at the cryptic reply. With a face like that, that was far from what Ichigo just said. If he was really something more, he shouldn't be entirely human. "From now on, we're going to have a beneficial relationship. That is, if we are going to agree with things around here."

"So it won't happen again," Ikumi muttered, glancing on the other side. Her breath paused for a second as she remembered the pressure on top of her last night. It didn't wish to harm her. She peeked at Ichigo. It felt like him. The warmth was lost on her body that time but the pressure kept her warm. It was heavy like someone put her in a death trap enjoying her being squished to death. Her grip on her fork tightened. Ichigo stopped himself from finishing his breakfast. His emotionless face twitched at her words. Glass Child whispered threats behind his mind. The kitchen's ceiling seemed higher than usual. "I have loose control over my emotions. It got worse when the demon encouraged dark emotions. So far, I'm doing good."

"So far, so good, huh?" Bitter as a night-shift guard.

"Please, you haven't seen my worst." Sarcastic as he always was.

---

He was remorseful about what happened last night. It was why he woke up earlier than his host and made breakfast as an apology. Ichigo couldn't be guilt-stricken merely because he threatened them. Ichigo was still remorseful. Not guilty. No one would stop him in his life's prime. It wasn't pleasure for him. It was a mission. A cause. It was his purpose. He shouldn't fail his mission. As for the Man-in-Charge, Ichigo would come after him soon. "So far, so good, huh?" That almost set him off the edge. He instilled fear. It was Glass Child's suggestion if he didn't want to hurt anybody. And he didn't hurt Ikumi and Kaoru. Ichigo prayed that the pancake he was chewing on was effective in relieving his anger. He swallowed the mush together with his swelling emotion.

"Please, you haven't seen my worst." I would have been hell-bent on murdering you and your son. It would just be an honest mistake on my part. The bellowing laugh of Glass Child was what he hadn't heard in a while. He wouldn't put too much detail but it was demonic as expected. He always heard that when they visited him once in a while. Then the berated silence overcame the stiff conversation. Ikumi must have gotten out first because she didn't want Kaoru to be near Ichigo. Speaking of Kaoru, he was awake ever since Ikumi walked out the room. "We have to talk now or it will happen again. Also," He turned away from Ikumi. "You can come out, Kaoru! I know you're awake. You have to be here for your own good."

Ichigo ignored the light and slow footsteps of his host's son as Kaoru went to join them. Ichigo pointed to a chair next to Ikumi, just opposite the teen. He went to the kitchen counter to get him his breakfast. Glass Child twitched excitedly. Their Master would make his first deal and it was their privilege to guide him. Their Master knew how to handle people before the contract-making. Glass Child huffed in approval. Still, Master had a long way to go. The flow was careful. Just like any other beginner. Ichigo tried to make the people, who would make a deal with him, comfortable. That was a good start though they were not trusting of actions as well as his words. Unagiya Ikumi and Unagiya Kaoru had, unfortunately, no way to escape this ordeal.

If Ichigo and Glass Child were going to live with them under the same roof, there better be some ground rules to follow. Considering they weren't the common kind-of guest. A demon's deal is TEMPTING-GRATIFYING-WHAT? The voices and hallucinations were active. If they were to let the voices get to their Master, then Master would be distracted and couldn't perform a simple deal. They held off the voices mostly. The hallucinations, some flowed right through plate with Kaoru's breakfast had more maple syrup on the pancake. Ichigo murmured a small apology when he recognized the small cuts on Kaoru's face. He sat down, not giving Kaoru a look.

"You heard us, right?" Kaoru reluctantly nodded. Both of them were not looking at each other, "Then we should start," Ichigo finished his breakfast, "Before we start the process, I have to get your consent. You don't have to worry. I won't destroy the world. You're not a part of my bigger plan," I'm going to protect everyone again. No matter what happen to me, I will come back and do it again. Ichigo filled the three glasses of water, "You can say yes for now. You can still back out once you find the deal unfair." The two humans nodded. Their eyes were ready to hear his side. He was ready to hear their side. It was starting. Glass Child pinched themselves. This was really happening. Master, say this with me: This is a contract...

"...made between two humans, Unagiya Ikumi and Unagiya Kaoru, and a-a demon, Glass Child, on XX/XX/XX." Ikumi gasped and fumbled in her seat. She hugged Kaoru, mentally preparing herself to talk with a manipulative demon.

"Glass Child, you will only implement deals that will benefit me. Not you." Oh, Master, since when do we do this for our own gain? We've been making your body stronger. Better than your best. Even if Master is not a whole soul. Also, we've been wondering. You haven't accepted us fully. We could fill that hole in your soul. Are you, perhaps, waiting for them? Knowing that you lost them in the first place. Make your life less complicated and accept us already. "If I lose hope... but seriously, I'm still starting on making my life less complicated! Just to remind you again that the deal will benefit them too."

The demon smiled with Ichigo's face. Master is really their Master after all. He changed a lot but some things never changed in him. Though the deal was terrifying, knowing that they were making a deal with a demon, it went perfectly fine. No harm will be done and no betrayal will be planned. That was the gist of it. A paper was filled out with their treaty. Beside it was a company pen. All it needed were two signatures of the humans that created it and the blood of the demon to take effect. "Before we finish this, do you have a final thing to say? We got one: The deal is good. Both benefiting our Master and you. Except there might be one you have to know about Kaoru." The boy flinched at his mentioned name. Glass Child crossed their arm, Ichigo's body mirroring it. They laughed. It seemed normal enough.

What are you getting at, Hellspawn?

In our standards, nothing. In human's standards, it's their whole life depending on it. What is wrong with Kaoru, Glass Child? "Life-threatening if it's not treated immediately." Kaoru looked confused. His mother got it immediately. Ikumi covered her mouth, tears on the edge of her eyes. She was looking at her son. She pictured him in a bed just like his father. Attached to life-supporting machine. She was beside him, weeping on his hand. Ichigo kept quiet as he felt it. The sadness in her. He lost his mother. He didn't remember her face. He won't probably remember it. It was probably for the best.

"We have a good deal. Your souls are yours. You don't need to sell it. We have information that could save your son. Only if you sign in the contract," Ichigo's body slumped as the dark entity behind Ichigo manifested. It bit its arm, deep enough to draw blood, and stretched it above the paper. The blood dripped on the paper, spreading across the fiber. Repossessing the body, Glass Child slid the paper in front of her, pointing at the space below. "Our consequence of not following the contract is that we will never leave Hell and not use our power until you say so. Again: No harm will be done…"

"And no betrayal will be planned. That goes for the three of us," Ikumi grabbed the pen. Once more, she looked at her son who was also sure to sign the contract, "Our consequence of not following the contract is the good old-fashioned drag-me-to-hell punishment," She signed the paper with her signature above her name. She passed it to her son who did the same thing. Their names shone as it was embedded into their fulfilled contract. Sizzling, the paper burned yet it was unharmed. The heat coming from the paper lit up the whole room. Their eyes hawked in awe, watching how the burning paper change its white plain face to an acceptable contract for a demon. Crawling swirls drew them with highly ornamented and extravagant details on them and the background. Almost Baroque-style if it weren't for the symbolism in a dream-like state. Their faces dazed and happy, contradicting with the real scenario. Determined to help her son, shrugging how unrealistic the contract seemed to be, Ikumi gathered her strength to look at the demon in the eye. "Tell me what's wrong with my son."

"Hmm, come think of it," Glass Child crossed their arm, smiling like they found a plot hole in their deal. Their eyes never left the contract. It was contradicting the reality of making a deal with a demon. Glass Child never knew why they were obligated to make a deal with the humans though they used it to their advantage. Except, this time, for Ichigo, their Master. They are happy to do it for him. "We didn't tell you when so… when we feel like it," Their heart dropped into their stomach. Signing the demon's contract was a bad idea, "Don't look so down. You're puny. You can't ruin our Master's plans. You're lucky. You can have us do something for you."

Glass Child retreated back to Ichigo's inner world. Their job was done. Their relationship probably improved. No one was harmed. Ichigo was back again, regaining the feeling of his body. The muscles moving under his command, he missed this. He didn't feel refresh after the stressful night and morning. He might actually miss the class after lunch again. Another time to waste just for his body to rest. Ichigo remembered he didn't have to rest during his nightmares. If he dies, he will be revived, reliving a person's living hell. Ichigo grabbed his school bag as he glanced at the clock. As he headed out, he put on his mask as his fear of being emotionless resurfaced. He went out of the Unagiya Household. He hadn't had his first step to the outside world when his name was called. A cleaned pan was flying towards him. He didn't bother dodging it. It purposely hit him.

"Ichigo, you freaking moron, you don't have lunch yet!" And the act was starting. Letting Glass Child lead the contract-making was probably a good idea. The tension was almost gone. Glass Child laughed the pain off. Not even yelling in Ichigo's mind about hitting their beloved Master, the contract made them feeling mellow. They used their power to demonstrate their use to him. There was actually huge chance he wouldn't hurt the family. Kaoru slipped back into his mischievous attitude. He was sniggering at his misery. Ikumi stood still, her hands on her hips. She was fiercely glaring at him.

"I'll steal—Oh sorry, I won't steal but I'll make my junior buy me something!" He waved and shouted that he would be back by evening. He jogged on pavement, recalling the way to school and feeling he had accomplished something. He didn't care that their act was fake. It felt like he was part of them. The mask blushed. We will teach you soon about making a contract. There were some amateur mistakes that could be refined with practice. How about… you shut your mouth and be quiet for once. I have things ahead of me and I have to be prepared for it. If that's what you want, Master. It's still too early for school but we like to prepare for it this early.

The boy was a mystery Ryuuken would be willing to solve. He was intelligent enough to keep Ryuuken interested in him. They had a good battle going on. It was almost as exciting as training Uryuu to get his Quincy powers back. This was a little better. He didn't want to admit it but he was fearing for his family friend's life. The boy found two things in him. Ryuuken was a serious man, taking everything in his job granted and done. He had no idea about the other thing that Ichigo found in him. He seemed to be powerful enough to floor Ryuuken with a single swipe. If Ichigo was indeed a member of the Kurosaki family, then he should have a place in their house. He should be in their photographs. They would be mentioning his name. The demon though… it had something to do with the forgotten memories in the past few weeks. Ichigo mentioned the demon tormented him but Ryuuken didn't know how long.

Though occupied with his thoughts, he carefully navigated through the streets with his car until he was on the familiar road. He stopped and parked it on the side. He observed the place, seeing a pair of unruly students going to their school. They were staring at the house clinic as they were passing. Ryuuken thought it was suspicious until they passed the car, telling stories about the crazy doctor in there. An elderly woman was sitting comfortably as she observed some people outside her home. She called the two delinquents sweetly, asking if they were looking for a friend's house since they had been patrolling the street. One of them answered her that they might be in the wrong streets. They replied politely, surprising the old woman. A businessman on his phone passed the clinic. Same as the two delinquents, he was too staring. Ryuuken stepped out of the car, deciding it was enough. As far as he know, the Kurosaki house was the loudest in the morning. And this morning, they were unusually quiet.

He reached the front door. Ryuuken heard some voices coming from the house. He knocked, hoping it would interrupt the conversation going on. The loud thumping on the floor signaled that someone was running to get the door. Two school girls greeted him, confused that he wasn't stating his purpose of visiting. Ryuuken remembered these girls, Karin and Yuzu. He just didn't know which is which. He intimidatingly looked upon them, before glancing up. He saw his old friend with the white coat, partnered by brightly-colored Hawaiian shirt. Upon seeing Ryuuken, Isshin told the girls to finish their breakfast and they would be continuing where they left off. Ryuuken stepped inside. The house was the same since the last time he visited with his wife. Now that he was inside, he should ask them about some strange things happening, especially involving his patient.

"I was just talking to the girls about the spiritual world because of that mansion incident," Isshin scratched his head, laughing at a thought, "It was harder than I thought. I wasn't prepared, really. Well, since you're here, I'm thinking you should help me explain it to them."

As expected, Ryuuken gave him a sour expression. "I'm not here for that. I want to inquire you about what happened around here," Isshin looked at him, interested, "Not just from you but from the girls too. I need information."

His friend laughed. He checked on the girls who were slowly eating their breakfast. Ryuuken followed his gaze. They weren't focused on their breakfast obviously. They seemed to be keener with their conversation. "Okay, that's weird you came here personally, fishing for information. Information about what?"

"About the strange appearances of the demon and what's its relations with Tsukishima."

"That's—" Isshin stopped himself. The dishes clattered onto the sink. The annoying sound of. creaking chairs made Ryuuken paused as well. His friend apologetically smiled. The girls were getting impatient and were dying to know what was happening. "I think it's better if you help me explain it to them. They might not give you details about what they witnessed."

This wasn't in his plan but it was better to have him, waiting in the table, as a guest. It was better than having a teen over with a demon, living inside him. Ryuuken thought back at the hospital yesterday. Kurosaki Ichigo, as what the boy called himself, didn't show anything wrong with his body except for some bruises in his legs. Ryuuken wasn't told about what Ichigo did before he went to his hospital. He wanted to help Ichigo if he was truly saying the truth but Ryuuken needed evidence that he was indeed part of the Kurosaki family. He should prepare his schedule free for this week. The appointments between him and Ichigo would probably be daily. He estimated how much was broken in Ichigo but he seemed to be doing fine. Back when he was speaking with the Director of the Hospital, Ichigo mentioned he might grew attached with the demon.

Ryuuken wasn't sure in what way; emotionally, physically, spiritually, or mentally. All of them had their own bad end. Ryuuken felt the familiar pressure that another human life, potentially a close relative, was handed to him. Much like his wife's condition. He wasn't siding with anyone. There were holes from his memory then something would popped up out of nowhere. He was thinking about his wife's death anniversary and his son's withdrawal to himself then it would go blank. He didn't know what happened next. After the blank was another memory, different from what he wanted to think. It kept on and on until there was the moment Ryuuken found out his memories from the past was getting mixed up. For now, he wouldn't side with anyone until Ichigo or Tsukishima convinced him to go along with whoever. He would take extra measures for the next 2 weeks.

"Sorry about this, Ryuuken. It's just that.. There were secrets that was kept from my family. They were mad at me when I told them that you exposed your son to the spiritual world when he was younger."

"It wasn't me," His glasses glinted dangerously. "It was my reckless father who exposed Uryuu."

"Right," It trailed off. There was silence between them until Isshin asked the girls to sit, "Is it really okay for you to be late for school if our discussion took a lot of time?"

Karin sat beside Yuzu, shrugging, "I don't like math anyway. Carry on."

"Alright," Isshin gestured the girls to Ryuuken, "Ryuuken, these are my girls, Karin and Yuzu. They're currently in middle school," Then Ryuuken to the girls, "This is Ishida Ryuuken. You've heard of him. He's the director of the hospital I'm currently associated with. He is one of the Quincies I'm talking about."

"What are Quincies?"

"What about the pale guy last night?"

The talk, consisting the basic information between the Hollows, the Shinigami, and the Quincy, lasted for an hour and then it was Ryuuken's turn to ask them questions. They had a short break. The spiritually-aware girls had been told that the souls that Karin see and Yuzu felt were part of something big, related to what had happened in the mansion. Ryuuken noticed a long burden was lifted off his friend's shoulder. Uryuu… his son's name was brought up in his mind. And they kept going as water was pushed towards the girls.

"I'll make it straightforward since your detour hindered me from getting what I needed." Karin scowled at him, simple enough to tell him to go on.

"What happened before the strange guy appeared?"

"Which one?" Karin put her hands and laid her head on the table. Yuzu looked confused. She didn't know any other strange guy. She did saw one when they got out of the mansion.

"The guy with bright hair color enough for him to stand out in a crowd." Ryuuken cleared his throat. Yuzu referred back to the mansion. There were less important things they did as they set up the party for someone closed to Tsu-nii. Now that Ishida-san told her about the strange guy with orange hair…

"Oh," Yuzu started, "We were invited to the party Tsu-nii hosted. He told us it was for his friend. I suggested to everyone we should surprised him. Tsu-nii really liked the idea. We did our best to decorate as fast as possible. Well, Tsu-nii's friend came but…"

"Did he really come to the party?" Karin looked back at her memory. Yuzu crossed her arms, thinking about back then. "I heard some of the Xcutioners were calling for someone so I guess he did? I heard them calling for an Ichigo. And then everyone was happy?" Karin sputtered at what she said. It sounded way out of the topic, not sarcasm. Ryuuken was interested in what Karin had just said. His memory tended to be that way too. It was the correct memory but then it was switched to completely nonsense fact from the further past. Karin stopped herself from saying any nonsense. "Wait, that doesn't sound right."

"I think there was a fight upstairs," Thankfully, Yuzu saved her. Karin was relieved to know she got her back. "Everyone was worried and we tried to be there but the stairs was destroyed." Ryuuken frowned at what Yuzu just said. Ichigo was surrounded? Wait, it wasn't Ichigo. To be specific, it was the demon who was still in the possession of Ichigo's body. He asked for the identity of the man who destroyed the stairs. "Um, we didn't check. We thought there was a bomb so we went outside. And I saw someone flew out the window. He was standing in the air. It was amazing!" Yuzu smiled at the admiration she felt when she looked at him but it dropped when she remembered what he said. "I thought I imagined it for a second. He felt off like he was enjoying the whole thing unfold. He started shouting things that was against what he was feeling."

"What are the things he was shouting?" Ryuuken leaned forward.

"He was shouting curse words and I'd rather not say it," Yuzu looked embarrassed. Karin was interested on what she was saying. They were together when they evacuated out of the mansion but she missed the guy who flew out the window? "But he said stealing his friends and family like someone betrayed him. He felt off that I thought it was just a bad guy. He was conflicted but he was enjoying it. He was just acting. He really felt dark," Yuzu touched her chest. "It was so heavy."

Isshin went to her side as her cheerfulness was diminishing. Karin held her hand. She needed to be strong for her younger twin. Yuzu brushed it off by smiling at her sister and father.

"What does he look like, aside from his hair? Does he look-I'm sorry to say this- familiar at all?" This is it. He would know about Ichigo's existence with their words. If Ichigo was really a part of Kurosaki Family, then that would make The question was intended towards to his friend. Isshin was startled at Ryuuken's question and thought at what the teenager looked like. He was probably younger than Uryuu but the way he showed himself seemed like they were on the same level. Not age but the same level. The way he treated himself with what he have when Isshin sliced his leg off. Isshin thought he was shocked.

He was brought back by the physical pain to the real world. He was scowling. Isshin glanced at his daughter, Karin. He sees her frown when she isn't enjoying the attention sometimes. Back to the teen at the mansion, his scowl was a lot like hers yet he didn't do that all the time. He laughed, smiled, and, soon after that, almost all of his emotion was stripped away in a matter of seconds. When —Ichigo— he looked at Isshin, his face brightened up and Isshin sliced his leg. He looked at him like he understood why he did it and forgave him easily.

Part 3: A Demon's Words and Promises

"He looked like a delinquent with that hair and his scowling face. If he's not scowling and one of the living, then a lot of girls will be after him," Ryuuken was looking at him threateningly.

Isshin couldn't pull the goofy father when the spiritual world is involved with Ryuuken was around. To him, it was strictly business. He sighed, recalling what he really looks like. It broke his heart. An enemy wearing someone's face close to him. "He looks a lot like my nephew, Kaien. You don't know him. He's from the other side. That kid is easy-going, cheerful like my Yuzu over here, and brilliant like my Karin over here," He put his arms around them, smiling proudly. Ryuuken didn't want to feel bad for Ichigo, "He's the former lieutenant of 13 Division Squad."

Ryuuken went straight through another question. Isshin was surprised on why he would be interested about the spiritual world at that moment. He expressed it more than once. As they progressed more into Ryuuken's questions, Isshin got even more confused on why was he interested on the guy in the first place. He doesn't normally involved himself in the spiritual world. "Before that day, is there anyone suspicious or just you felt watching you around here?"

"No, there isn't anyone—Actually, there is," Karin took the liberty to answer. She frowned. "It felt like an acquaintance around the block. But watching us? It do felt like it sometimes but it felt like the same person."

"What?! There is one?" Isshin felt still. He should look after them more. Who could that be though? It felt like an acquaintance then who? Who is the pervert stalking his darling babies?!

BUUZZZ! BUUZZZ! In Ryuuken's pocket, it repeatedly buzzed in effort to notify its owner that someone was calling him. Ryuuken muttered an apology as he scrambled to get his phone. He didn't recognize the number and there was only one person he recently gave his number to. Great, he should be careful with them around. If they knew he came contact with Ichigo, Isshin would probably report him to Urahara, the one who will lead the investigation with Kurotsuchi Mayuri, that 12th Division Squad Captain. He should inquire Isshin about the investigation and the people assigned to it. He could outsmart them but he didn't about the two people, Urahara and Kurotsuchi. They were insightful. Ryuuken knew that Ichigo was trying his best to respect him while being insightful like those two in his own way. Ever since the boy told his doubts towards Tsukishima's group, Ichigo, just like Ryuuken, was being subtle in trying to recruit him. Believe it or not, Ryuuken was considering it. Yes, he was interested in Ichigo's case. He didn't care about the close bond Tsukishima and his family have but the memories were too complicated to reference what he did. One minute he was in his wedding, then next he heard he was fighting with his son in Hueco Mundo. Something was terribly wrong in his memories for him to be in the centre of attention, especially in his life.

"Who's this?" He should end this as soon as possible. Thankfully, Isshin was preoccupied with his daughters at the moment. He should be able to tour around the house with their consent. He could use an excuse to do so. Still, with Ichigo... "You better answer quick."

Ryuuken thought he just imagined it but there was a soft hiss on the other line. He almost slipped a small smirk. No, it would get Isshin's attention and bother him, ruining the phone call. There a background clattering of utensils. Ryuuken thanked whoever is in charge of the universe that the kid managed to find a place to hide. He could offer Ichigo his home but Isshin was again a bother. He visited Ryuuken in his shinigami form ever since he got his power back. He listened as Ichigo told him that he should have checked about the number.

"The number you gave me is the one on your office. I should have known. You were confident to give it to me. I was calling you since yesterday."

"Hmph, I have to keep private matters away from work. I assumed you got my private number from your connection. What time-"

"7 in the evening," Ichigo interrupted him. Ryuuken wasn't amused but he was surprised to hear him like an adult. He was a little immature when they first met. Ichigo sounded like he was troubled by something though he maintained to be business-like. Knowing him for a short time, he seemed to be the type of person to be determined to fix it. He did mentioned he wanted the demon gone.

"I would prefer quiet places like a library or a place with wide space. You won't know when I'm going to act out." He frowned. Ryuuken tried to scale Ichigo on how troubled he was. Just as Ichigo said, it could be six or seven out of ten. It would be seven if the hallucinations or delusions were worse than what Ryuuken thought. He didn't know how to deal with the demon though. If he was going to act out, then the space under his hospital would be enough. Urahara better not sneak in there again. He planned a prison break so Uryuu could get out and go with- He went towards his wife's dead body. His hand held out, ready to hold the scalpel. He looked at her cloth-covered face. It didn't change the fact that he would be performing- He ignored that memory. Inaudible, he let out a sigh.

"Be in the back of the hospital at exactly 7'o clock. I won't let you in if you're tardy." Thank heavens, Isshin and the girls were preoccupied with their talk about strangers and stalkers. They would be attentive of his actions once they somehow linked his behaviour to Ichigo. He was relieved.

"Work..." He explained in one word when he hang up. "I'll take the girls to school. I recognized their uniform so it might be the Mashiba Junior High."

"Since you're here, why don't you explore while I fill in some papers? Karin and Yuzu will tour you around!" Karin protested while Yuzu cheered. Ryuuken smiled, not because of the opposite twin thing. He didn't need an excuse to tour around the house. Now, he should look for Ichigo's room. While doing so, he tried to trace a faint leftover reiatsu in the house. Ryuuken tried to recall what Ichigo's reaitsu felt like. It was warm like Yuzu. The similarity in their reiatsu would be hard for Ryuuken to identify which is which. Ichigo's reaitsu was what he could say fierce and resilient. It didn't back down immediately. He could compare the little reaitsu of Yuzu to the one he was looking for. There was one drawback in his plan. Ichigo wasn't present for 20 months. It could be the demon. He was dragged towards the clinic, the same clinic he used to visit one time when he was invited to dinner. Ichigo's room would be in the house. Not in the clinic though. He tolerated their choice of place. Karin told him they usually hang out around in the clinic. There were no traces of his patient's reaitsu in here. There is a stronger barrier inside than outside. He better use this time alone with them. He had questions for them without Isshin around.

"I have to know. Is that Ichigo familiar to you, girls?"

"Ichigo? You mean, Tsu-nii's friend? No, we don't." Karin looked outside the window. "We don't know most of Tsu-nii's friends and, when we got the chance..."

"That happened?" Yuzu nodded when Karin didn't answer.

"We watched him get beaten by Oyaji. I mean, Oyaji came out of nowhere and slice that dude's leg off. And… we were visibly shaken by it to see Oyaji that way." Yuzu remembered the guy got his leg back and tried to attach it with his shirt. He might not have two legs after that.

"Have you talk to him about that? That he scared you two?" The twins kept quiet. They glanced at each other and shook their heads. Ryuuken sighed. They should fix this soon. His estranged relationship with his son was still not mend. Uryuu still have an ongoing issues about his opinion on Quincies.

"You must talk to him about that soon. You will know what he used to be before you're born."

"You made it sound like he is the bad guy here," Yuzu leaded him back to the house. Maybe the hatred towards shinigami's business was still alive in him. He used to care about the future of the Quincy after all. They went through the hallway where Ryuuken picked a different feeling in the wall. Yuzu, walking infront of Ryuuken, was the one leading them while Karin, walking beside him, was following her and commenting on the places they came across too. Ryuuken subtly touched the wall and examined the possible leftover reaitsu. It was more similar to Ichigo than Yuzu's. He grabbed a reiryoku container in his pocket as they walked upstairs. It may not be the same as reaitsu container but it worked. There were also some leftover reaitsu, going to a room that was far from the opposite end, but what he gathered was enough. Ryuuken was curious about the room though. That must be his room. They showed the guest room, their room, and the master's bedroom. Surprisingly, all of the rooms were clean. And the tour was done. The girls looked at him, seriousness flowing from them. They were expecting him to say something.

"Your tour of the house is welcoming. Yuzu, you're quite good at this. Keep it up and you'll be comfortable with speaking to other people. Karin, you should practice more. Communication is needed in a relationship." Karin blushed while Yuzu chuckled at her. Ryuuken didn't expect the girl to react that way.

"That's not it! I mean, like- Yuzu, quit it!" Her younger twin sister couldn't hold back her chuckles. When Karin noticed her, she had to release it. Her face was cherry red. She hadn't seen this face for a long time. She cherished this moment when Ishida-san made Karin feel embarrassment. Once the light-hearted moment passed, the twins continued their serious look towards Ryuuken. The man obviously was startled when they grew quiet and walked towards him.

"You said Quincies are one of the enemies of the Shinigami but Shinigami Captains usually stay in Seireitei," Karin squinted her eyes, going for the glaring effect.

"And Oyaji used to be a captain," Yuzu puffed her chest, trying to intimidate him.

"How did you meet our father?" Maybe it's a twin thing when, together, they asked that question. It might be the close bond Ryuuken shivered at that question. They made it sound like he was in partnership with Isshin. He cringed at that thought. That never crossed his mind and it would haunt him for awhile. And their question, Isshin would tell them the whole picture.

"It's not my place to say but I'll give you a hint. I blamed him for the situation Masaki was put through. It was solved as you can see. Go ask him if you want the full story." The twins grew disheartened at his reply. Ryuuken didn't utter another thing that might increase their curiosity on him. He didn't need to know where their usual hangout spot or the place where the family was the noisiest.

Evidence was what he need. He needed to check Ichigo's existence. Was it a lie or the truth? Ichigo claimed that he was part of the Kurosaki Family. There was no sign of his reiatsu in the clinic. It could be the demon choose not approach the clinic most of the time. The barrier outside must be for notifying the Bakudo-user about an unfamiliar presence entering the grounds. He didn't asked Isshin about the possible strange reaitsu of Ichigo. The barrier inside must for protecting the people inside as well as notifying the unwelcome guest. Knowing this, the demon probably imitated the reaitsu of Ichigo in every way. In the house, there was this room that Yuzu and Karin hadn't covered. What was behind that room? It could be Ichigo's. Ryuuken felt the nervousness and excitement to flourish. Nervous because, Ichigo told the truth and Tsukishima was the enemy. Excited because Ichigo was wrong and Tsukishima was an ally all along. He was just a delusional teenager with the power of dooming everyone in the planet. To test his hypothesis towards the room on the far opposite end, he approached it. It was almost pleasurable, edging toward excitement of learning that Ichigo was in fact delusional.

"How about the room on the far end?" His strides went wider. Ryuuken wanted to smirk or just slipped another small smile. Tsukishima wasn't responsible of the complicated and popping-up memories, "Whose room is it?" The house of the Kurosaki Family was whisked away from his point of view. Only the door was the one he had his eye fixed. He needed to open that door no matter what happened. Jyugo. 15. It sounds familiar. A voice whispered in his ear like it was programed in him. Tsukishima is innocent. Over and over again. "What is in it? Supplies? Maybe clothes?..."

Yuzu and Karin had the strength of a newborn when they saw Ryuuken walked towards that room. They immediately went on panic and grabbed their visitor's arm, pulling him away. He was whispering under his breath. Yuzu picked up a phrase or two. One of them was that he asked them quietly about who owned the room. The other one was that "Tsukishima is innocent.". Yuzu was chilled down to the bone. Tsu-nii, the person who taught her how to cook and who had been there for her whenever she cried, did a terrible thing that made Ishida-san act this way.

"Wait, that room can't-" That room is important not to open. It was before Okaa-san's death that she told everyone not to open that room. Her wish needs to be respected and, since that day, they haven't opened it. (FAKE-FAKE-FAKE-FAKE!) They were nearing towards the door. Ryuuken's hand was reaching for the doorknob.

"Ishida-san," Yuzu called as she pulled. The doctor didn't listen to her. Karin tried as well yet the man didn't show any recognition of their voice. Yuzu tried to look for another way of telling him not to. Sadly, she could only reason with him. She didn't want Ishida-san to be kick out for rude behaviour by their father who seemed to be close with each other.. "That room is not meant to be opened. Okaa-san wished so," That was when he froze. Yuzu could hear him berate himself after forgetting such thing. Forgetting her wish is an insult to her memories and to her family. He composed himself as he cleared his throat. Masaki, it was his shortcoming to forget her wish- Why would he forget one if he didn't even know it? Just now, he was denying everything. The evidence was there. Ichigo's family didn't know him. Ichigo's reaitsu was behind that door. That only meant that someone with the ability to manipulate memories was out there. Ryuuken recalled the programmed thought in his mind. Tsukishima is innocent. That's not the truth. Ichigo, wherever you are, you got an ally. I will assist you in your plans in showing the true self of the person we thought is a trustworthy friend. However, I will thwart your plans if you show any malicious intent to the world. That will only be my one and only deal with you.

He calmed himself down before reassuring the girls, "I'm fine. It's just that- There must be something wrong with me."

"Something wrong with you? Everyone know about this. Hell, even that shady shopkeeper, Urahara, knows about this."

"Karin, who's Urahara? Why call him shady?"

"Right… I don't know it might be because I haven't been here for a long time," That was the only excuse he came up with. Karin and Yuzu seemed to bought this. After all, the way he pulled his act together was better than their father's. He checked his watch, "It's time for me to go."

As they went downstairs, Isshin went to their view. "I heard a commotion upstairs. What happened?"

"I almost opened the door that Masaki said not to," Ryuuken knew that the memory is fake. He should ask Ichigo about the room. He would ask him about the number on the wood plate, hanging on the door, "It must be because I haven't been here for a really long time."

"It's a good thing Yuzu stopped him before he could bust the door open," Ryuuken felt embarrassed when Karin had her revenge on him. He was being rude and behaving oddly.

Isshin's breath hitched. His body tensed. Despite how his body language told Ryuuken that he was in shock, Isshin flashed him a shaky smile. "Well, it's okay. You didn't open it so everything's good."

"Thanks for the tour, Yuzu. If you haven't done it at all, I might have been ignorant of Masaki's wish. Isshin," His friend perked up as Ryuuken strided pass him, "I have to talk about something with you in private."

They went to the front door. Ryuuken dug out his phone and pressed the buttons to send a message to his front desk nurse, talking about her condition. Asking her if she could come to the hospital. After a few seconds, he was the first to say something. "I'm sorry I can't take the girls with me to their school. I'm sure they won't go with me after what happened."

"Nah, Ryuuken, it's fine really," Isshin waved his hand at him, dismissing what happened. "It's an honest mistake really. The girls will forgive you."

Ryuuken's glasses glinted. There's still a lot of time for them to walk to school. "I hope so," He turned around, digging for his keys. He remembered one thing. He once again face Isshin who was shocked to hear him ask something so straightforward. "Before I go, tell me about Ichigo's reaitsu."

"You're being straight to the point today. Oh I know!" Isshin's face brightened. "You eat something, right?" Ryuuken shouldn't tell him but, as long as he kept it vague, Isshin won't even bother him for the next few hours.

"An orphan I knew from a place I once visited went to my office. Threatened me and my hospital. Also, spiked Judo-san's coffee with LSD," Ichigo didn't threatened him. He just wanted help from Ryuuken. It didn't change the fact that he drugged his front desk nurse. Judo-san is a good nurse who keeps peace in the hospital. She is also trained, one of the reasons he employed her.

"I have to deal with the rumours about who the orphan's parents are. Honestly, I think it is interesting."

A demon's words are written on a rock. Ichigo will have a good rest tonight.

His burner phone had been useful so did his ability to know their lie. Making sure he packed the things, he carried on towards the most normal side of his life, the school. On his way, he met the two delinquents he agreed to 'take under his wing'. Ichigo's mask gave them a devious smile.

They knew that smile. The kind of smile that the kingpins use when they have a brilliant idea. When they were told about the plan, they were taken back. Ichigo knocked them to the side, away from the prying eyes. As the three of them went out of view, Ichigo never said any word. The only communication they had to him was the mask that displayed various emotions. It was strange but one of the junior delinquents, Kyo, found this exciting. Ichigo scoffed at him, demanding to show his true self. Kyo's friend, Yagami, gave him a puzzled look and he simply dismissed his idea. Ichigo crossed his arm, waiting.

"You're bound to find out anyway. Did Glass Child told you about us?"

"It- They gave me a hint," Ichigo pulled his hood down. He ruffled his spiky orange hair. It may be winter but he needed his head cool. "Seriously, you could have told me from the beginning."

"I'm sorry, Kurosaki-senpai!" Kyo dropped to his knees and bowed his head. Yagami didn't follow his antic. Kyo had been this way before to his parents. Being a yakuza's son surprisingly made him respectful and loyal to the people he swore to be brothers. He didn't know that Kyo's deep respect would go to Kurosaki Ichigo, their senpai. "We wanted it to be a surprise."

Ichigo removed his mask and Yagami had to avoid his senpai's gaze. He might be exaggerating it but Kurosaki ichigo is handsome. It was all of the sudden. He didn't know. Now that he mentioned it, even though he looked younger than Yagami thought he would be, he was taller than him. That's a score. Yagami blushed. Handsome. Also a score. Cold and c-calculating look. He suddenly grew conscious with what he looked like. He may have an unruly get up but he had a decent way to express it. He shook the thoughts off. Crushing at someone again would lead him to another breakup. To distract himself, he expected his friend's excitedness towards their senpai. Kyo never put up a filter towards Kurosaki-senpai.

"Yagami," Just when he discarded the thought of Kurosaki-senpai, he was called to report, "Did you have something to report about the street I asked you to survey? Specifically the Kurosaki Clinic?"

He remembered the tour they had on that street. It was quiet according to the old woman. Usually, there was the Kurosaki Family making a huge fuss about getting ready and breakfast. "Just the morning people. Like the decent old woman across the clinic."

"Naomi-Obasan, she's good person. Carry on."

"Naomi-san told us that Kurosaki Family is quiet. She had been waiting for the drama to ensue but it didn't happen. She seemed upset because the Kurosaki Family might be having problems. And Kyo," Yagami glared at his friend who was twitching in his place .

He was forced not to sneer at Kyo after reminding himself that he was reporting. Kurosaki-senpai felt like Kyo's father. His aura demanded to be respected and to be treated as regal. Yagami took this opportunity to practice reporting to the head, just in case he was chosen. "I saw the-"

"The director of the Karakura's Hospital came to visit the clinic!" Kyo seemed that he couldn't contain himself anymore, resulting to his loud voice and fast talk. "I heard them talking about revealing the spiritual world to the two schoolgirls."

Ichigo cursed and Yagami scoffed. Kyo shut his mouth when Ichigo dropped his hands on his shoulder before Kyo felt a heavy pressure on his body. Ichigo seemed to know what the code meant. "Spiritual world? A some kind-of code for a plan? C'mon, guys," Yagami sighed. He didn't know they'll pick a cheesy name for the criminal world. He looked at Kyo who was turning pale. Ichigo was still gripping on his shoulders. Yagami frowned, finally picking up at what Kyo had told Kurosaki-senpai. The codename for the criminal world was mentioned in the premise. Could the doctors be related to the blackmarket? This could open a lot of doors for opportunity. They were across the street and outside but Kyo heard the conversation going on inside the house. Kyo reported that it was only an introduction to the spiritual world. Kurosaki-senpai didn't show any emotion since the moment he removed his mask. Their conversation sounds too advanced to understand. Yagami tried to memorise the words he didn't understand. He would do his research soon. It could be connected to a certain event that contributed to Kyo's bizarre strength.

And so, they were running late to school, at least in Glass Child's standard.. Ichigo with his mask on was ahead of them, telling them to meet him soon. He left his two kouhai in his dust.

Hearing the school bell hadn't ring, Glass Child reminded Ichigo to go over the wall. Ichigo remembered the shortcut and followed Glass Child's suggestion. He arrived early and a few students were still hanging outside the class. He quietly stalked the corridor and entered his classroom. Alone. No one was here yet. Not even Uryuu. The demon informed him that no one was around the floor. Taking this opportunity, Ichigo dumped the things he had on his bag. His mask showing how pleased he was. The camera dropped. He would show this to Ishida-sensei later. The letters Glass Child wrote flew around. And a metal clang made the mask smirk. It glinted under the light. It was the first thing in the morning he tried to find without Ikumi seeing him. He grabbed the handle and marvelled on the dull reflection. He tested it before he made the pancakes. He slashed it on his arm. He stabbed himself with its pointed tip. It was sharp even if it was used. If he used his fullbring power in this, it would create a way for him to protect (-himself-) the others. This cleaver just reminds him of them, #!_ . It reminds him of them. He'll find them soon. Remembering the reason he dumped all these in his desk, he called.

"Glass Child..." The demon materialised as they felt the dark emotions flow from Ichigo. Their emaciated chest heaved as their Master found bloodlust. They bowed in respect.

"Kyo, his demon, and Yagami are still small though I appreciate their support. I don't want to be alone in this. It's- Is there a way for me to win them over that-" Ichigo's mask showed into a fierce display of colours, eventually dying down. Glass Child purred at his anguish, tempted to bite their Master. They jumped on the desk and sat there. The demon took the mask off. The emotionless face of Kurosaki Ichigo was for everyone to see. Glass Child stared lovingly upon their Master's eyes. Ichigo held his cleaver, resting on his chest. The demon caressed his face and embraced him on their breast. They made sure their Master would know it was where their heart beats. They glanced at the cleaver. They were supposed to die. Right now, death was off-limits. Ichigo needs them.

"We promise you," Glass Child purred. They lifted Ichigo's head to look at the windows of his soul. Their rough cheeks cuddled with their Master's. "We'll take you there someday. Just ask what you need. We swear on our cruel heart," Ichigo glanced down at their chest where he heard the thumping of the demon's heart. He must have been caught up with himself before for him not to notice it. And so far, the demon haven't made any empty promises, "We'll give it to you."

"Get me allies."

"Anything for you, Master." Glass Child bit his ear lightly. Ichigo misunderstood it as teasing until Glass Child spoke again, growled, "Hide the evidence right away."

The demon disappeared for Ichigo to collect all the letters, the camera, and his cleaver on his own, keeping it on his bag. The demon was right. As he was zipping his bag, he was fast enough to put his mask on. Strangely, he didn't hear the door open but someone was in the same room as him. He feared it was a hallucination. He hadn't seen Genkaku-chan since this morning. There were no curses or degrading comments. He feared it was the kind that watch his misery. Glass Child reached out to him, whispering comforting messages. It was nostalgic. To the point, it became bittersweet. Ichigo let himself get carried away again. He listened to the demon's messages, relaxing. Someone touched him. Ichigo tensed again. The demon in him growled. Just when they are succeeding in… Fearful, Ichigo softly whimpered as he felt the playful pokes of the person behind him. He made himself look small as possible. He recalled that this was a classroom and he was the only person in the room.

"Stop this," The playful touches halted. "I'm tired. There's still time for me to sleep."

Behind him was Tensa Zangetsu who was debating with himself. He left the sleeping human alone. He found a possible spiritually aware human. And it was the guy Keigo mentioned yesterday. Tensa Zangetsu listened to his instincts. The new guy was interesting. All he needs is to confirm if he had reaitsu.

---

No chapters since January. Sorrry! Thank you for the wait. But hey, I made the chapter longer. Well, every chapter is longer than the previous one. That way, I can finish with less chapters. This story might even finish before it reaches 10 chapters.

Oh, Tensa Zangetsu is interested. How is this going to affect Ichigo?

Now, for the explanation... The minor themes for this chapter are Ambition and Forgiveness.

Part 1 : One Room for the Forgotten, Please

Here, Ichigo implied a warning to Ikumi and Kaoru about a demon's free time. Well, you get to find out about Glass Child's test process. In every 50 years, our demon gets to do a test. Before that test, they prepare for it. But that test is what for? What kind? And yes, Glass Child failed the test but they didn't. Confusing? It has something to do with that High Court Royal Square. Sounds sophisticated? It should. ;)

You get to meet the cannibal Ichigo. I tried to make him straightforward because that one minute of fame is important. The cannibal Ichigo is disregarding human life, seeing it as delicacy. And they are everywhere. (Yes, Ichigo drank alcohol offscreen.)

Part 2 : The King and the Peasant's Eerie Deal

In this part, Ikumi with Kaoru made a deal with Glass Child. Oh, also Ikumi found out about Kaoru's condition that he inherited from his father. That's all. But I heard you yell, "But the title—"

Yesss, another mystery... The King and the Peasants' Eerie Meeting. We know that the Peasants' is the Unagiya Family. Question: Who is the King the title is pertaining to? Ichigo or Glass Child?

Also, Ryuuken is investigating. Yey!

Part 3 : A Demon's Words and Promises

Ryuuken's list for the day

Appointment: Check!

Investigation: In Progress

Work: eh... who cares?

Yagami = Im a gay (got it from Death Note)

Erutammi = immature, author is.

Ichigo needs allies and Glass Child promised him that they'll get allies.

And Tensa Zangetsu! Ichigo, I don't know if you're lucky or fucked. He knows you're spiritually aware. We all know how brutal the Hollow part and the Quincy part if they're together.

Listened to: Songs of the Distant Earth, Fight Song (I forgot and lazy to search for the others)