BLEACH: Listen To Your Heart
Written By: FlexRhysode1
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter is finishing the night, and I'm sorry it's gone so long, but I have good reason! So, please enjoy this chapter! There is an, uh, Adult Situation kinda thing at the end of the chappy, so if you guys don't want to read it, stop before reading: 'XXXXXXXX' for a page break, okay? It's not too graphic, I don't think. Enjoy the chappy, dear readers!
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Bleach, or the Characters within it, or the song 'Listen To Your Heart' by DHT. All rights go to their respective owners, namely DHT, and Tite Kubo.
CHAPTER 7: Revelations and Dangerous Plans
Previously:
Then, the slowest, Ichigo felt it. A Spiritual pressure higher than a Menos…and Ichigo remembered how strong a Menos was. And the feel, smell, and texture of the spiritual aura was definitely Hollow. He looked at Shinji. "I'm going to take care of this. Rukia…let's go!" He yelled, and Rukia nodded. She sprang forward, headed towards Karakura Business District, sword in one hand and Soul Pager in the other. Ichigo sprang after her, following close, and glanced over his shoulder. Shinji grinned and waved farewell, and murmured, "Ichigo Kurosaki…you are indeed an interesting boy. I meant what I said back in class: I hope we can be friends."
Continuation:
Kon had tied Chappy up. He had done it most gladly. Chappy had talked, and talked, and talked…and every sentence ended with 'Hop'. Kon almost killed her, before he remembered it was Rukia's body. So, he tied Chappy up, put a gag on her, and put her in the closet. He clapped his hands together happily, thankful for the peace and quiet.
Kon was planning a night full of mischief, seeing as he hadn't been out in Ichigo's body in a while. He longed to do naughty things, such as peeking up girls' skirts and hitting on single women around town. He used to do it…but not anymore, because Ichigo never let him run around in his body.
Kon exited Ichigo's room via the window, and jumped out. He landed on the ground easily, thanks to his enhanced legs, and sighed. It felt so good to be back in Ichigo's body. Ichigo was strong, muscular…and most of the girls he hit on thought he was handsome. Hehehe…now time for some mischief.
Kon headed out to a more populated section of Karakura, where teenagers hung out and partied, so he could enjoy his freedom. He was halfway there, when something exploded behind him with enough force to send him face-first into the pavement. He rolled onto his back, groaning in pain. "What the hell is going…on?" He asked, his voice dwindling as he saw a large shape emerge from the smoke.
He recognized the person, or thing rather, even though he had only seen it once. But this time…it was different. "Grand Fisher?!" He cried. Grand Fisher, humanoid yet still Hollow, stood above Kon. He still had the thick brown fur body, but he also had feet, and hands…and his mask was half-off. He was a giant, with hands as big as Kon was. He shivered, and scrambled to his feet.
"Ichigo Kurosaki! I've come to kill you!" He boomed, and Kon felt the massive spiritual pressure radiating from him. He shivered, and forced himself to turn and run.
He bolted, going as fast as his enhanced legs could carry him…which was considerably fast. Grand Fisher immediately gave chase, and each step he took shook the ground so hard it was like a miniature earthquake. 'Aw crap! Come on! Why do these things always happen to me!?' He whined.
"Come Ichigo Kurosaki, turn into a Soul Reaper! Let us finish our fight!" Roared Grand Fisher. Kon nearly pissed himself he was so scared. Grand fisher was close, and even with his enhanced leg's, Kon could tell he wouldn't be able to outdistance the Hollow. But maybe…just maybe he could lead the Grand Fisher to Rukia and Ichigo so they could take care of him. Though from the monstrous spiritual pressure he felt…he honestly doubted if they could take care of it.
He leapt to the top of a three-story business building, landing lightly, and then sprang from it. A second later, Grand Fisher crashed carelessly through it and pursued Kon into the air. Kon wailed, "COME ON!!"
Grand Fisher growled as he chased Kon for several more minutes. "I grow tired of this, boy!" He roared, and smashed through yet another building. Kon gritted his teeth, and ran in the direction of Ichigo's house. Ichigo and Rukia would be there. A Hollow wouldn't be a match for them, so they would most likely be at the house now.
"Very well…if you won't change into your Shinigami form, then I'll just kill you while you're still human!" Grand Fisher roared from behind Kon, and then suddenly Kon saw next to him. Grand Fisher was there, having seemingly appeared out of thin air, and he grabbed Kon with a bone-crushing grip. Kon cried out as the massive fingers wrapped around his chest and cracked several bones, and then gasped in surprised as Grand Fisher threw him to the ground and followed Kon's descent with a fist. He would be crushed between asphalt and a fist. Right then a pun flew into his head and he laughed hysterically in his mind. He was between a rock, the asphalt, and a hard place, Grand Fisher's fist.
He slammed into the pavement hard, cracking the asphalt with the impact, and coughed up blood. Immediately following his impact, Grand Fisher's monstrous fist slammed into his legs. He heard a sickening crack, but was too dazed to feel the pain. All he knew…was that he couldn't feel his legs now.
"If you refuse to fight me in Shinigami form…I'll grind your pathetic human bones into dust! Now…DIE!" Grand Fisher screamed, spittle flying from his lips as he raised his right fist once more, and plunged it towards Kon.
'So this is it?' He thought dimly, and looked at the hazy shape of Grand Fisher's fist rushing at him. Suddenly, everything was lit by an intense white light, and Kon frowned. He was a mod-soul…could he go to Soul Society? Was he in Soul Society?
But then, he heard footsteps behind him and a gruff and familiar voice call out, "Sorry…but Ichigo's not here. So…how about you play with me instead?"
Kon whipped his head around, and his heart nearly stopped in shock. Standing less than two feet behind him, was Isshin Kurosaki, garbed in a Soul Reaper Shihakusho with a metal armband on his left shoulder that held a white captain's cloak in place. Kon may not have known too much…but it was obvious Isshin was a former captain, just from his garb. Kon muttered, "Holy crap."
--
Ichigo froze in midair, stopping as he sensed a new spiritual presence. It was huge. Equal to or more powerful than the Hollow's reiatsu, he couldn't tell. Rukia stopped beside him, and she whispered, "Who is this? It's definitely a Soul Reaper presence…but I don't recognize the reiatsu!" She said fiercely, and Ichigo looked in the direction.
"I don't know who it is…but whoever it is, they're about to take on a huge Hollow." Ichigo said grimly. "We need to give him backup, just in case…" he said, and Rukia nodded. They sprang forward, running on the air, going as fast as possible. They were only a few minutes away…
--
Kon snapped his head back in Grand Fisher's direction, as he spoke slowly. "Who…are you?" He asked, and the bright white light vanished. A small object fell to the ground in front of Kon, smoking. Kon recognized it as the charm that Isshin had sown on to Ichigo's school uniform. Isshin stepped forward, ignoring Grand Fisher for the moment, and grabbed the talisman. He tossed it to Kon, and said, "I told him to keep it with him at all times. But, oh well, it was made for you originally, Kon."
Kon froze. "You know my name? How long have you known?" He asked, and Isshin gave him a small smile. He moved his right hand to rest casually on his Zanpakuto hilt, and answered Kon.
"I've known from the first day I saw you inside Ichigo's body, that day at the cemetery. The day Ichigo fought Grand Fisher, here." Isshin said, jerking his thumb at the hulking menace. "Didn't you notice? I never once called you Ichigo when you were in his body."
Kon's eyes widened, and he murmured, "No way…"
Then, Isshin turned to Grand Fisher. "Eh…sorry about my manners. You wanted to know my name, right? Well, my name is Kurosaki…Isshin Kurosaki." He said, and Grand Fisher hissed.
"So you're…" He growled out, and Isshin nodded and scratched the back of his head.
"Heh…yeah. I'm Ichigo's old man." He said, and Grand Fisher muttered, "So he's a pure-blood! That would be why I lost to him!" He said, more to himself than to Isshin. "You, being his father, must know where he is! Tell me!" Grand Fisher demanded, returning his full attention to Isshin. Isshin blinked in surprise.
"You expect me to know where he is? Ichigo's not a baby anymore…and I don't keep strict attention to where he is. I've always been pretty loose with that." Isshin said, planting his hands on his hips.
Kon gave Isshin a look that said, 'Uh-huh, whatever, liar.' And said, "Liar. You're strict with Yuzu and Karin."
Isshin turned his head to look at Kon and glared. "It's not the same thing! They're special! What you're saying, it's like comparing night and day!" He said, using dramatic hand motions to emphasize what he was saying.
"Anyway, Mr. Hollow…Ichigo's not available so why don't you fight me?" Isshin asked calmly, facing the Hulking Brute.
"I have no interest in you! I came this night to kill Ichigo Kurosaki…no one else!" Grand Fisher spat in disdain, and Isshin's eyes narrowed, but he never lost the slight smile on his lips.
"Well, you see, I came here tonight to kill you. Interested now?" Isshin said, and Grand Fisher cackled.
"You want to fight me!? Do you have any idea what I am? I'm no ordinary Hollow! BEHOLD MY POWER FORM!" He roared, and suddenly his mask broke off his face, shattering, and he grew even larger. His face deformed, with his forehead protruding and his jaw sticking out so he had a severe under-bite. And he had two horns sticking out of the side of his head that stretched all the way down to his stomach, and Kon measured Grand Fisher's fists to be twice as big as Kon now. He was massive, and his spiritual pressure increased twofold, pressing hard on Kon.
"What is he? Is he one of those Menos Grande?" Kon gasped out.
Grand Fisher heard him, his voice booming as he roared, "I am no measly Menos! I…am an Arrancar!"
Isshin spoke loudly, so the hulking Grand Fisher could hear him easily. "You're Hollows who remove your masks in order to gain Soul Reaper powers, am I right?" He crossed his arms over his chest as if it were no big deal.
Grand Fisher's eyes widened as he raised his right hand over his shoulder and grabbed something. "If you know that much, then you must know about this!" He said, and brought the object he had grabbed into view. "A Zanpakuto!?" Kon cried. "It's massive!" It was indeed massive. It was at least as big as one of the buildings Grand Fisher stood above.
"Right! The Size of one's Zanpakuto mirrors one's spiritual power! You don't have a chance wielding such a small blade, child!" He roared at Isshin, who stood calmly.
"Is that so?" Isshin asked airily, and then assumed a ready stance. He bent his legs and slid them apart, his right foot slightly in front of his body, and gripped his sheath with his left hand and the hilt of his own Zanpakuto in his right. "Why don't we find out?" He asked cheerily, grinning as if it were a game.
Grand Fisher looked surprised, but then shifted his gaze from surprise to disdain. "You may think you know a few things…but you're a fool. You are ignorant of the most basic Soul Reaper Lore…but so be it!" He lifted his Zanpakuto above his head, and glared down at Isshin. Isshin stared calmly back, and then with a burst of spiritual energy and a gust of wind, Grand Fisher and Isshin swung their blades.
Kon stared in shock, unable to move, as was one of the combatants. "You want to talk about the basics? Captain-class Soul Reapers keep their Zanpakuto at a manageable size on purpose. Otherwise, they'd have to swing swords as big as buildings…like you. Never judge the strength of your opponent by the size of their sword. Until you learn that, don't talk to me about basics, child." Isshin said, sheathing his Zanpakuto with an air of finality.
Grand Fisher stood still, his sword buried deep into the asphalt where Isshin had been standing. But Isshin stood behind the mammoth, having dodged the swing easily while slashing his own Zanpakuto. Grand Fisher grunted, and then blood exploded from Grand Fisher's body, starting at his left shoulder going down through the hole in his chest and then stopping once it reached his abdomen.
"Im-Impossible!" Grand Fisher groaned, and then fell forward. He twisted so he landed on his left side, and then…he dissolved into nothingness. Purified, Grand Fisher was no longer a threat. And, Isshin had avenged his wife's death.
--
Ichigo stopped once more. "Damn…it's gone." He cursed, and Rukia nodded. "That spiritual pressure was intense…I wonder what happened to make the Hollow stronger." Rukia murmured.
Ichigo closed his eyes and reached out with his senses. "The Soul Reaper is still there. We can reach him in a minute. You ready, Rukia?" He asked, opening his eyes and turning to her. She nodded, and put away her soul pager and sword. Ichigo holstered Zangetsu, and then darted forward once more.
Rukia didn't look at Ichigo while she ran next to him. She just said, "Ichigo…let me finish what I was going to say back before we got interrupted in your bedroom." Ichigo didn't glance at her, but nodded to show her he was listening.
She sighed. "Ichigo…I'm sorry. I really, truly am. Can you forgive me? I'm just…concerned for you. You know I love you, and I just want you to be able to open up to me so I can help you through this." She said softly, and Ichigo tried not to jerk in surprise with her apology. He had expected her to chew him out for not talking to her, for ignoring her…or just for the heck of it. If she had humbled herself enough to ask for his forgiveness, and to apologize…he wouldn't be made out to be an ungrateful punk. He stopped, and Rukia stopped at the same time.
He turned to her, and dropped his barriers. He looked down at her, and he could see her relief at being able to see what he was thinking and feeling again. "Rukia…I…" He sighed, unable to put into words what he needed to. He ran a hand through his hair. "Dammit." He muttered.
He couldn't think of how to tell her how he felt, so he showed her instead. He reached out, wrapped his arms around her petite waist, and drew her to him. He bent his head down, and kissed her gently on her lips. He felt her shudder in his arms, and she kissed him back just as slowly and gently.
She knew what he was saying. He still loved her…he always would, and he was sorry for acting like he had. He was going through something stressful, difficult, and extremely overwhelming. He pulled from their kiss, and whispered, "Please…just have a little patience with me."
She nodded, opening her eyes and smiling softly up at Ichigo. "Of course…" She whispered back, and then she removed herself from his embrace. She grabbed one of his hands and pulled him with her as she started to run once more in the direction of the Soul Reaper spiritual presence. Ichigo grinned and ran with her, keeping stride with her, but not letting go of her hand. Everything wasn't exactly back to normal…but it was at least good enough between the two of them. Now, they just had to deal with this new presence.
--
Isshin finished healing Kon's legs, and helped the mod-soul stand. Kon grunted as he stood, and winced slightly. His legs were healed, but the rest of his body was still a little sore from Ichigo's fight earlier. Isshin frowned. "Sorry…but I can't heal those. I can't let Ichigo know who and what I really am." He apologized, and Kon waved it off.
"I know. Thanks for healing my legs though. Or rather, Ichigo's legs." Kon said, and Isshin smiled and nodded. Then, a familiar sound reached Kon's ears. It sounded like wooden clogs.
"So, how does it feel to be a Shinigami again after twenty years?" Came an airy and even more familiar voice. Kon whipped his head around, looking down the street, and was surprised to see who was walking towards them.
Isshin crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Urahara. "So you came too?"
Urahara smiled. "Well, I couldn't have you blame me for your shriveled up reiatsu, could I? Just in case you needed some help…which I see you didn't."
Isshin nodded. "Well, it feels fine." He said, answering Urahara's first question. Kon gaped. "W-w-what? TWENTY YEARS!?"
Urahara and Isshin ignored him. "So…do you feel better now that you've avenged her death?" He asked, and Isshin looked away.
"Not really. I never really held a grudge against the stupid Hollow in the first place. The only thing that I regretted was that I didn't have the power to save her in the first place. But…still. I was proud that she saved Ichigo, nonetheless." Isshin said gruffly, and Urahara smiled.
"You and Ichigo are both so much alike…it's quite eerie." Urahara laughed, and Isshin glared at the Shop Owner.
"Nuh-uh! We are nothing alike!" Isshin growled. Urahara laughed again, "Are too." Isshin yelled, "I said we aren't, and that's the end of the discussion!" He 'humphed' and crossed his arms over his chest again.
Urahara nodded. "As you wish. Speaking of your son…he came to see me about his problem. And have you noticed about them?" He asked.
Isshin sighed. "Yeah…I felt one of their Reiatsu just a little while ago. So the Vaizard have contacted him already…"
Urahara nodded. "I'm not too worried…except for the fact that no one knows what their goals are. No one knows their headquarters, their intents…but I take comfort in one thing about it. It seems they're gearing up for war, and seeing as Aizen will be a threat to them…I hope they might assist us in the war."
Isshin contemplated this for a moment. "True…they seem to be only on their own side. Not for us, not for Aizen, and not for the humans. They only look for their own survival and well-being. I do see how Aizen would want to eliminate, or experiment on them. So…maybe if they incorporate Ichigo, he could help sway them." He said softly, and Urahara shrugged.
"We shall see." He said simply, and looked up in the sky.
"Speaking of your son…he's coming. We'd better get going." Urahara said, turning. Isshin nodded, and turned to Kon.
"Kon…I'm going to ask that you refrain from mentioning any of this to Ichigo, especially about me being a Soul Reaper. I don't want things to get awkward, and stressful, around the house. I'll tell him about it when he's ready, but not until then." Isshin said gruffly, and Kon nodded.
"S-sure." He said, and Isshin nodded. "Okay then. Let's go."
Kon was about to ask where, when Isshin grabbed him, and then with a blur of motion…he flash-stepped Kon to Ichigo's bedroom. He then let go of Kon, who fell face-first due to his surprise, and walked out of Ichigo's bedroom. He went down the hall, and then a moment later he walked past Ichigo's bedroom once more in his body. He walked downstairs, shutting Ichigo's bedroom door on his way down, and Kon sighed. Dang. So much for a night of fun.
Ichigo and Rukia sprang down from a business building, and landed lightly on the street where the Reiatsu had been located moments earlier. Ichigo looked around wildly, and Rukia reached out to try to sense for the presence. "Dang it…where are they?" Ichigo growled.
"They left already." Rukia sighed, opening her eyes. She looked at Ichigo as he muttered under his breath. "Sorry." She said, apologizing for holding them up when they had stopped and talked minutes earlier.
Ichigo waved off her apology. "It's not that important. I just wanted to see who they were…especially if they beat such a high-level Hollow. Their Reiatsu was powerful…and I thought it seemed slightly familiar." He said, and then cast another glance around. He frowned, and sighed. "Damn."
Rukia frowned. "Look…a crater." She said, and pointed to the middle of the asphalt road. Ichigo squinted, and then saw it. He ran over to it and knelt next to it. Rukia walked over to him. Then, Hichigo decided to play around with Ichigo.
'Hehehe…so you really think I'll let you get help from those 'Vaizard' people? I'll take over before they have a chance.' Hichigo said, and Ichigo flinched away from the crater. His hand flew to his sword hilt as he felt Hichigo's presence soar, and he looked around wildly to see if Hichigo was really there. Rukia's hand flew to the hilt of her Zanpakuto as she cast a suspicious glance around.
"What is it Ichigo?" She asked warily. Ichigo grimaced.
"It's Hichigo." He said tersely, and Rukia's eyes widened. "He's messing with me again, damnit." Ichigo growled.
'Ooohhh…I'm so scared! You told your girlfriend on me!' Hichigo cackled madly, and Ichigo's lip curled.
'Shut the hell up! If you don't stop, I'll come in there right now and kick your ass!' Ichigo hissed, and Hichigo seemed to pause to consider his words. If he wasn't careful…Ichigo could come in and do some real damage to him before he was ready. But, he couldn't have Ichigo realize the full extent of power he had over Hichigo at the moment.
'Oh, relax. It's not like I'm actually there. Lighten up.' Hichigo whined, and Ichigo snarled aloud, "Shut up!" Rukia, who had drawn close to Ichigo, stepped back in surprise. Apologetically, Ichigo said, "Sorry, Rukia."
She nodded unsurely, "It's okay…"
Hichigo seemed to take the hint, and backed off, leaving only a small tingle of his presence remain in the back of Ichigo's head. Ichigo shook his head, and then sighed. "He's gone."
Rukia walked up to Ichigo and leaned against his chest, sighing. He finally let his hand drop from his Zangetsu's hilt, and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry…I've been really inconsiderate. Especially with how you have to deal with a Hollow," He felt her shudder at the word, "Inside of you, threatening to take over." She whispered.
He lowered his head so his chin rested gently on the top of her head. "I forgive you. If you were going through this instead of me…I'd probably react the same way, if not more severe." He said, and she buried her face deeper into his chest. She breathed in the scent that was Ichigo: untamed, intoxicating, pure male. He held her gently yet firmly, and looked up at the sky, in the moon.
He was going to have to make a hard choice. He would have to cut ties with Soul Society…with Rukia even, if he hoped to control his Hollow. To protect Rukia, he would have to leave her. He wasn't sure he could handle that.
Rukia seemed to be able to tell what he was thinking, feeling, without even looking into his eyes. He felt her sob, and he looked down at her in alarm. He was about to ask what was the matter, when she choked out, "Ichigo…don't leave me."
Ichigo, surprised, pressed her tightly to him in a hug. She hugged him back fiercely, and sniffled into his Shihakusho. "Rukia…" He murmured. Just like that, his resolve was weakened. One phrase from her…and he didn't want to go.
"I know that your best chance is with the Vaizard, Ichigo. I want you to be able to defeat your Hollow…but it means I'll lose you. I don't know how hard it will be for me to live without you now that I realize how much I love you…but I don't think I could survive it." She whispered, and he was surprised. Rukia Kuchiki was admitting weakness to him, admitting her dependence on him.
"Hold on." Ichigo whispered. He closed his eyes in concentration, and he felt Rukia hold tight onto him, obviously wondering what he planned to do. He flash-stepped, carrying Rukia a startling distance with one step, but he didn't stop there. He flash-stepped again, hurtling through Karakura town. On the second Shunpo, flash step, he loosened his grip on Rukia once they reached their destination.
Rukia felt soft grass underneath her shoes, and cast a quick glance around. They were in one of the parks, no…they were in the park. The park where Rukia had come to, where Ichigo had battled his Hollow, and where she and Ichigo first admitted they held deep feelings for each other. Rukia let go of Ichigo, and looked up at him with slight confusion.
"Rukia…I haven't decided if I will or not. But…it's more than likely I'll go with them." Ichigo admitted, and Rukia looked away. He could see the tear roll down her cheek, a rare display of emotion from her. She brought a hand up to her face and hastily wiped the tear away, but then he reached out and gently grabbed her wrist.
His voice broke as he spoke. "Rukia…I don't want to leave you. I don't. It was hard enough for me to be without you after we left Soul Society…" He said, and she looked at him. Her chin was quivering slightly, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She could see the truth of his words, and listened as he continued.
"But if I want to protect you from myself, from Hichigo, I have to go." He said, and Rukia nodded and looked away again. He saw her bite her bottom lip, in an attempt to reign in her emotions and stop the tears from flowing. Then, tears rolled down her cheeks.
"I'm not going to pretend to be all self-sacrificing…" He murmured, and brought her into a tight hug, and she sobbed into his chest. "But I will say this is for the best, at least for now. But I promise you, Rukia, that I will come back. I won't be able to be with you all the time, I won't be able to see anyone…until I can control my Hollow. Once I do control him, I'll come back as often as I can. Even if Soul Society hunts me down, and if I have to fight through every Captain they throw my way…I will be here for you." He said, and she looked up at him.
"You fool…" She said fondly, trying to smile past her tears. "Don't be stupid." He smiled at her, and laughed softly, "You can't expect me to not be stupid. I'm only human." He joked, and she laughed half-heartedly. He reached down gently and wiped away her tears, and whispered, "If you'll wait for me…I won't let you down."
She hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest. His smile faltered slightly. "Promise me something, Rukia." He murmured softly. She nodded into his chest, and he looked up at the sky. A pained expression crossed his face. "Protect my family for me, please." He whispered, and Rukia nodded.
"Of course." She whispered back, still buried in his chest. He bent down slightly, picking her up bridal-style, earning a slight squeak of surprise. He used Shunpo, flashing into his room through his window he had left open. Kon jumped in surprise, as he had been lying on the bed. Chappy was tied up, sitting in a corner and humming happily.
Ichigo and Rukia gave Kon and Chappy matching looks of disbelief, and Kon shrugged. "She wouldn't shut up." He whined, and Ichigo tried not to laugh as he set Rukia down. Wordlessly, he and Rukia removed the mod-souls from the bodies. Kon didn't protest, for once, and Ichigo tossed the little green pill (and Kon's plush body) into the closet and shut it. Rukia wordlessly synchronized back into her body, and then Ichigo did as well.
Then, they stood silently in his room. "Rukia…" He murmured, and she looked at him. He gave her a cocky smile. "Don't worry." He said, and they both switched into their familiar teasing banter.
"Who said I was worried about you?" She snorted, and Ichigo gave her a playful frown. "Whatever, midget." He growled, and then gave her a smile. He went to his bedroom door, and opened it. "Let's go get dinner. It's most likely done now."
She nodded, and together, they walked downstairs. When they sat down with the family for dinner, Karin seemed relieved that they seemed to have patched things up. They all ate happily, and Isshin was making several comments about his 'beautiful children' and a 'loving family dinner'. But then, Ichigo stiffened.
Rukia gave him a look, as did everyone else. His chopsticks, which had been an inch from his mouth, dropped. He whipped his head around, staring at Isshin. Isshin was at the head of the table to the right, next to Karin, and he gave Ichigo a curious look. "What's wrong, son?" He asked, and Ichigo just stared with an open mouth. Ichigo's mouth opened and closed several times, but then managed to gather his wits about him.
"Uh…nothing. Sorry. Just feeling a little strange." He mumbled, and hastily picked up his chopsticks. Ichigo shakily started to eat, and Rukia watched him carefully. She was sitting across from him at the table, and she ate slowly.
Ichigo was startled. He had just reached out, wanting to feel the comfortable aura of Rukia's spiritual presence, and felt another startling low presence that was familiar. Familiar, because he had chased it down just a few minutes ago. It was low, as if being hidden, but Ichigo felt it for a brief moment. It had come from Isshin.
The rest of dinner passed quickly, and when Yuzu and Isshin went to clean the dishes, Ichigo did something surprising. He told Yuzu and Karin to go get ready for bed, so he could do the dishes for a change. He sent Rukia a look that said clearly, 'Stay here.'
So Rukia stood in the living room, as Ichigo and Isshin gathered the dishes and took them to the kitchen. Ichigo was silent until he was sure Karin and Yuzu were upstairs. Then, he set his dishes on the counter next to the sink and waited for Isshin to set down his dishes. Once his father set his dishes in the sink, Ichigo viciously grabbed his father by the front of his tee shirt. He pressed his father against the counter, earning a surprised grunt of pain from Isshin. Rukia stepped forward, crying, "Ichigo!"
"Who the hell are you?!" Ichigo growled, and Isshin and Rukia both froze in confusion. Isshin slowly raised his hands to Ichigo's wrists and carefully asked, "Son…Ichigo, what are you talking about?"
"Your reiatsu…" Ichigo hissed, and then closed his eyes. He summoned the Spirit Ribbon's, and instantly Rukia's eyes widened. The room filled with white ribbons…but then three red ribbons floated in the room. One from Ichigo, one from her…and one from Isshin. "You're the one who beat the Hollow earlier!" Ichigo hissed, letting go of Isshin's shirt with his right hand and grabbing Isshin's red spirit ribbon.
Rukia stared, dumbfounded, as she realized that Isshin had a low-level spirit energy that was indeed familiar. It felt like the one that had battled the Hollow, but it was weaker. "You…you're a Soul Reaper?" She asked, and Isshin sighed and lowered his head.
"This is exactly what I wanted to avoid." He muttered, and Ichigo let go of his father. The spirit ribbons disappeared, and the three Shinigami stood silently. Isshin straightened his shirt, and glared at Ichigo.
"You know, Ichigo, you could have just asked nicely." He accused, and Ichigo took a step back. He seemed unsure now. His father was a Shinigami, a soul reaper, and from his reiatsu from earlier…he was at least at a Lieutenant level.
Rukia stepped slowly next to Ichigo, and asked again, "You're a Shinigami?"
Isshin nodded wearily. "I suppose that I can explain it to you…seeing as you have to stay awake for 24 hours. But first…let's do the dishes." He said, and turned to the sink. Ichigo nodded tersely, and quickly started to help. Rukia sat at the kitchen table, running through possibilities of Isshin being a Shinigami. They did the dishes in fifteen minutes, and then Yuzu and Karin came down to the kitchen, hugged everyone, and said goodnight. Ichigo smiled and wished them goodnight, and as soon as they were gone, dropped his smile. Isshin held up his hands in front of him to calm Ichigo. "Let's get some tea. This is going to be a lengthy story."
Ichigo frowned, but then went about making tea for Rukia and Isshin. He didn't want any. It was another ten minutes before they were all situated and sitting at the table. Isshin sat at the head of the table, and Ichigo and Rukia sat on opposite sides, right where they had sat for dinner. Rukia and Isshin sipped their teas for a minute, before Ichigo lost patience.
"C'mon already!" He snapped, and Isshin raised his eyebrow at his son.
"Watch your tone." He chided gently. "I know you're impatient…but relax. I'm not avoiding it. And…I'm still your father."
Ichigo's frown deepened. "Fine." He said curtly, and Rukia shook her head. Ichigo wasn't very patient with this new development. Ichigo waited, and then Isshin nodded.
"Okay…I'm not exactly sure where to begin." Isshin admitted, and ran a hand through his spiky black hair. He sighed, and looked fondly at the poster on the living room wall. It was his 'Masaki Forever' poster.
"Why don't you start with who you were in Soul Society, and then go from there." Rukia suggested softly, and Isshin nodded. "That sounds good." Ichigo agreed.
"All right." Isshin said, and sipped his tea. "You have to understand that no matter what, I am still who you've always known me to be, Ichigo. This is just a side that I gave up…" He forewarned, and Ichigo nodded. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair.
"Back in Soul Society, twenty or so years ago…I was a captain." He said, and Rukia squinted as she tried to remember where she had been twenty years ago.
"I was an academy student then…so I wouldn't know who you were." She concluded aloud, and Isshin nodded in agreement.
"I was captain of the third Company, before Ichimaru Gin." He stated, and Ichigo's eyebrows shot up. "So that would explain his reaction once he heard my name in Soul Society. That's why he didn't kill me." He said, and Isshin shrugged.
"Ichimaru recognized your name, that's for sure. He probably realized you were my kid…and didn't kill you because he knew I'd come after him." Isshin laughed softly, and Ichigo nodded. That made sense.
"But anyway, I was on a mission to combat a Menos here in Karakura. One of them had popped up, and we didn't know why. So, I came here with my Lieutenant to fight it. There was…a complication." Isshin said softly, and his eyes glazed over as he relived the past.
"There were two Menos Grande. The second one came out after we attacked the first. It caught my Lieutenant by surprise and killed him." Isshin said. "I was in the middle of fighting a Menos, when a young girl ran by me, screaming. Apparently…she could see me and the Menos."
"It was mom." Ichigo whispered softly. Isshin nodded. "Yes…it was Masaki. I just saw her, and I knew that I had to protect her. I ended up being foolish and leaving myself open. I was wounded, but I managed to destroy the Menos. She didn't know how to help me, but the Urahara happened along."
Ichigo sat up straight at his words. "Urahara?" He asked, and Isshin nodded. "Yes. He had been exiled nearly 80 years before that. I had no choice, seeing as I was almost dead. Urahara took Masaki and me to his shop and nursed me back to health. He was going to modify Masaki's memory…but I refused. I was in love with her, and I refused to let Urahara touch her. Masaki stayed by my side while I recovered, which wasn't that long thankfully, and we got to know each other. I told her everything about Soul Society, who I was…and she in turn told me all about her life."
Isshin smiled fondly. "We fell for each other…hard." He laughed. "I was so smitten, that I decided to leave Soul Society for her. There was something about her that made me want to give up everything for her…and I did. I had Urahara make a Gigai that resembled me, and we made it look as if I was killed with my Lieutenant, but I managed to kill the Menos with my last breaths. Masaki didn't like it, but I told her I was through with Soul Society…because I wanted to be with her."
"Urahara made me a Gigai, and I lived with Masaki. I became a doctor, as you can see, and within a year of us being together…we married. Then, you came along, and then Karin and then Yuzu. The years flew by so fast..." He murmured.
"If you're a Captain level Soul Reaper…why weren't you able to save mom?" Ichigo whispered, and tears filled his eyes. Isshin's eyes watered as he looked at Masaki's poster. "I…I was too slow. By the time I got there, it was all over." He whispered hoarsely. "It had been many years since I hadn't used my Soul Reaper powers, and I failed her."
Ichigo gritted his teeth and murmured, "So…you knew about Grand Fisher." Isshin nodded. "Yes. I killed him tonight, by the way." Ichigo's head snapped up and his eyes glared at Isshin.
"What?" Ichigo asked, and Isshin gave him a small smile. "He came to kill you, and found Kon. I interfered and kill him. I know you wanted to avenge your mother, but I felt that seeing as I failed the first time…I could make up for it in this."
Rukia stared in surprise. "But…Grand Fisher wasn't that powerful when Ichigo faced him the first time."
Isshin nodded. "I know. He became an Arrancar. That is, a Hollow that removes its mask to gain Soul Reaper powers. He got cocky, and it cost him." He stated flatly, and sipped his tea.
Ichigo nodded. "So…you and Urahara talk, then?" He asked.
"Not too often. Just when there are interesting things happening in Soul Society. He keeps me updated." Isshin replied, and Rukia nodded. "That makes sense as well. But I have to ask…why didn't you fight back the first night Ichigo became a Soul Reaper? Why didn't you kill the Hollow?" She asked.
Isshin stroked his beard. "Well…to be honest, it's the same reason you didn't sense the Hollow. Ichigo had so much unbridled spirit energy, I didn't even sense the Hollow until it crashed through the wall. Then, I didn't have enough time to change into my Soul Reaper form. Even then, I was weakened. My Reiatsu has dwindled…and I'm much weaker than I used to be. But then I sensed you, and…well, things happened from there."
Ichigo shook his head. "Why didn't you ever tell me?" He asked, and Isshin gave him an apologetic smile.
"Because, Ichigo…I haven't been a Soul Reaper in twenty years. As far as I was concerned, I was stuck being a doctor and father, and I had no place to interfere with you and Rukia." Isshin said, and Ichigo ran a hand wearily through his hair.
"So…you knew everything that happened to me? In Soul Society, with Urahara, and with my Hollow?" Ichigo asked, and Isshin affirmed it with a nod.
"Of course. Urahara let me know everything…and Yoruichi filled me in about your Bankai. I have to admit, by the way, that I'm impressed you reached Bankai in the time you did. I'm proud of you." Isshin said gruffly, and then drank his tea.
Ichigo smirked. "So I guess I've got my old man's skills."
Isshin smirked back. "Of course."
Rukia smiled and shook her head. "You two…" She laughed, and they boys looked at her, just daring her to say they were alike. They glared, and she laughed at their childishness.
Then, Ichigo spoke. "Dad…" He said, and Isshin looked at him with mild amusement. "Yeah, Ichigo?"
"I've been contacted by the Vaizard." He said, and Isshin nodded. "I know. I felt it." He stated, and Ichigo shrugged. "I figured. But still…they want me to cut ties with Soul Society and join them. They'll teach me to control my Hollow…and I don't have much time."
Isshin nodded. "So you want to know what to do? Choose Soul Society, or the Vaizard, right?" He asked, and Ichigo nodded. Rukia looked down at the table, trying not to interfere. She wanted to yell for Ichigo to stay, but at the same time she wanted to urge him to go.
"Well, Ichigo…consider this: Soul Society doesn't know about your Inner Hollow except for Byakuya. He's the only one. But, I don't think he'll tell the others. But, if word gets out…you'll be hunted down. I'm sure you've made friends with the Captains…but it will still be ruled you're to be killed and hunted down. No matter what. It's only a matter of time until they find out…and you've got to get strong enough to hold your own against them so they don't kill you. If push comes to shove…I'll fight with you, but you need to control your Hollow. It's a threat that needs to be take care of…before it takes care of you." He stated, and Ichigo nodded.
"But…will I really become strong enough to stand against the captains? And against Aizen, even? Last time…" Ichigo trailed off, remembering how Aizen had stopped him with one finger.
Isshin smirked. "The Captains…won't be able to win against the Vaizard. The Vaizard protect their own, trust me on that one. I had the misfortune to fight one, and when I almost won…the rest rescued him and I was so outclassed I might as well have been an academy student again. As for Aizen…if you get strong enough, even Aizen's strength won't mean a thing."
Ichigo nodded. "In that case…I'll have to tell Shinji tomorrow I accept. But, how will I explain my absence?"
Isshin scratched his beard. "Well…that's tricky. I can modify your friend's memories…but I'm sure you wouldn't like that. We can do several things: say you went on an exchange trip, say you transferred, or stage your death." He stated, and Ichigo made a face.
"Stage my death? That sounds horrible…" Ichigo said, and Isshin shrugged. "You've got to protect your friends, Ichigo. The only way you can do that is by severing your ties and protecting them without them knowing it." He said, and Ichigo nodded.
Rukia finally spoke up. She had been quiet, listening and contemplating. "If you stage your death, Ichigo, especially by the hands of a Hollow...Soul Society would never know. You wouldn't have to worry about them looking for you, and you could go around practically undetected." She didn't like the idea, especially since it would hurt Ichigo's friends, but it was the easiest and most convincing one.
Ichigo frowned. "But what about Inoue, and Chad, and Uryu? What about Keigo, and Mizuiro, and Tatsuki?" He asked, and Rukia saw the pain in his eyes.
"Inoue and Chad and Uryu could know…but Tatsuki and Keigo and Mizuiro would have to think you're dead." Isshin said softly. Ichigo grimaced. "But…what if I explained everything to them?" He asked, and Isshin shook his head.
"No, Ichigo. They would think you're crazy, and it wouldn't do any good. It may hurt…I know. I left a lot of friends back in Soul Society. But…it's for the best." Isshin said sadly.
Ichigo bolted to his feet, tears in his eyes, "But what about Yuzu and Karin?" He asked, and Rukia and Isshin exchanged looks. "I've felt Karin's spiritual power…and it's increasing. She might be able to see Hollows, and in turn, Shinigami. We might be able to tell her, but I'm not sure about Yuzu. She says she can't see them at all…but you could visit us. I would have to explain everything to the girls…but I'm sure they'd understand." Isshin relented, and Ichigo smiled thankfully.
"At least they'd know the truth." He whispered, and Rukia gave him a small smile. That was Ichigo…looking out for his family and friends, thinking about what might happen to them over what might happen to him.
"Very well. How long do you have, Ichigo?" Isshin asked gruffly. Ichigo considered his words carefully.
"My Hollow is strong right now, almost ready to take over. I have maybe a few more days. But, I'll tell Shinji tomorrow, and tomorrow I'll say my goodbye's. Then we can explain everything to Yuzu and Karin the day after…and then stage my death." Ichigo said. He flinched when he said 'stage my death'.
Isshin nodded. "Good. I'll call Urahara, and have him get to work on a Gigai that looks like you've been killed by a Hollow. We'll incorporate your friends, Ichigo, so we can make it authentic. They'll 'see' you die, and they'll kill the Hollow. You and I can draw the Hollow here with our spiritual pressure, and Rukia will kill it after it 'kills' you. We'll have to be careful though. Soul Society will most likely be watching, so we'll have to stage a distraction so their attention is drawn away from you. I think that Rukia's Shikai should do it." He said, and Ichigo nodded. Then, he realized something.
"Uh…dad…can I ask you a favor?" He asked suddenly, and Isshin nodded. "Of course, Ichigo." He said, smiling proudly. Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Can you teach Rukia Bankai while I'm gone? I promised her that I'd teach her…and Yoruichi is getting me one of those doll things that makes your Zanpakuto come to life this weekend."
Isshin thought for a moment, and then shrugged. "Sure. I could probably use the practice anyhow. I haven't used Bankai in over forty to fifty years." Ichigo grinned. "Great!"
Rukia stood and bowed thankfully to Isshin. "Thank you, Mr. Kurosaki. I'm extremely grateful." Isshin waved her off, laughing. "I told you to call me Isshin. And it's not a problem, Rukia. You helped Ichigo, so it's only fair I help you."
"I'm going to call Urahara, and fill him in." Isshin said, and stood and went to the phone. Ichigo and Rukia understood the unspoken, 'Go spend as much time together as possible.'
Rukia and Ichigo both walked away from the table, hesitant now. They slowly walked up the stairs to his room, silent. When they made it to his room, he shut the door behind them and walked to his bed. Rukia sat next to him on his bed, graceful and beautiful as ever.
They sat silent, side by side, until Ichigo spoke. "Do you really think that everyone would try to kill me?" He asked, and Rukia understood when he said 'everyone' he meant everyone in Soul Society.
Rukia spoke carefully, and slowly, making sure that she thought everything through. "To be honest…I don't know. I know that if Byakuya hasn't so far, then he won't if the secret somehow got out. General Yamamoto would, without a doubt, as would Kurotsuchi. Komamura would most likely fight you, because he's a staunch supporter of Yamamoto. But I'm not sure about the rest. Unohana seemed to like you, so I would really say she would without hearing you out first. Kenpachi wouldn't…he would only fight you because he wanted to, and Ikkaku and Yumichika and Yachiru would support you, I'm sure. My captain, Ukitake, would support you, and Kyouraku would support you in turn. Toshiro and Rangiku might fight you…but only if they were forced to. Overall, there would be more of us for saving you than for fighting you. And of course, Soi Fon might protect you because she supports Yoruichi. Yoruichi would protect you, along with Urahara." Rukia said, and Ichigo smiled.
"I wonder if Renji would be for saving me…" He murmured, and Rukia smiled as well.
"He would. Believe it or not, he might be gruff…but he likes you. You're his rival…but his friend at the same time." She said softly, and Ichigo grinned.
"Good. I'd hate to have to beat him again." Ichigo laughed, and Rukia laughed softly with him. Her laugh faded, however…and she turned to Ichigo. "Ichigo…what we're planning is dangerous. It could backfire and you'd be hunted down by Soul Society regardless. I doubt they'd find you…but they'd watch me like a hawk because I'm close to you. If you visited me…they'd see and then we'd both get caught."
Ichigo's grin faded as well, and in its place was a look of dead seriousness. "I would kill them before I let them catch you. I could take you with me if that happened, and you and I could hide with the Vaizard. I don't care if Renji and Byakuya came to capture us…I wouldn't let anyone take you." He said fiercely, and she believed him.
She turned to him and pushed him playfully, sending him sprawling onto his back in the middle of his bed. Surprised, he laughed, and she smirked. His smile froze on his lips when she crawled up to him, seductive smirk on her face, and she straddled him and sat on his hips. She bent down, putting her face millimeters from Ichigo's, and whispered, "If this is going to be our last night together for a while…I'm going to give you a reason to come back to me as soon as you can."
He blushed at her words, and she leaned down and kissed him passionately. It was a lot like their first kiss: hot, forceful, and excited. She kissed him with all she had, and she felt him respond just as eagerly. He grabbed her by the hips, and quickly flipped her over onto her back so he was on top. She gasped in surprise, but then Ichigo's mouth was on hers.
For her being his first experience like this, he was surprisingly good. His hands roamed her body, his right hand going to the small of her back and his left arm holding himself above her so he didn't crush her with his body. She moaned into his mouth as his kisses set her blood on fire. His right hand slipped under her long sleeved silk purple pajama top and touched the bare skin of her lower back, and she shivered and arched her back.
She couldn't think…she could hardly breathe. Her hands explored his body, feeling his hard and muscular frame, and messed up his hair as she passionately kissed him. Their kisses became more frantic, as they both felt fire fill their veins. Ichigo moved his kisses to her neck, and she gasped at the contact. He sucked gently, and she felt her mind go blank. She moaned, and then she felt his hand that was at the small of her back move its way to her stomach. His touch sent her mind reeling again, and she lay there, holding tight to him. He was her anchor, solid and holding her in the tempest of emotions and feelings that rolled over her.
She whimpered as he nibbled her neck gently, and she clamped her eyes shut. He moved his hand up her toned stomach, up to her ribs, and her eyes snapped open. "I-Ichigo!" She gasped, and he stopped his attentions on her neck. He looked up, and regretfully asked, "I'm sorry…am I going too far?"
She shook her head. "Hold on." She whispered, and he gave her a puzzled look. His look of puzzlement changed to embarrassment as she moved her hands to the buttons on her Pajama shirt. She unbuttoned them from the bottom, slowly. She watched as his gaze followed her progress, and she felt nervous about what she was doing. It wasn't that she didn't want to do it…it was that she was self-conscious of her body. She knew that she wasn't as curvy as Orihime, or even most of the other girls, and she was worried what Ichigo would think.
For once, he could tell what she was thinking. She finished unbuttoning her top, but held it shut, and she looked hesitantly up at him. He gave her a small smile. "Rukia…you're the most beautiful and perfect girl I know. You don't have to do this. If you're uncomfortable with it, don't do it. I'm happy doing anything with you, even if it's just restricted to holding hands and hugging and kissing. I won't pressure you into anything…just stop if you want to. I won't be angry." He reassured her, and she blushed.
"No…it's just…I'm not like the other girls…" She mumbled, and Ichigo's smile widened. "I know you're not like them. It's because you're better than them." He said, and she smiled gratefully at him.
"Ichigo…" She murmured, and then let go of her top and reached up and brought his head down to hers so they kissed. Ichigo focused on her soft lips, the feel of her hands on his body…not wanting to seem like all he was after was getting her out of her clothes. He wasn't like that.
He was surprised when she grabbed his right hand between both of hers as she was kissing him, and she moved his hand to her now uncovered chest. The only thing shielding her chest from his hand was small black bra, but she placed his hand on her, and she groaned into their kiss at the contact.
He was hesitant, unsure of what to do, and she smiled into their kiss. She broke their kiss, gasping for breath, and whispered, "It's okay. Just go with your instincts." She said, and then he blushed and nodded. Then…he went back to her kisses, and she was surprised at the feeling he put into the kiss. It was so amazing…it made her toes curl. She responded in kind…and then they lost themselves to their passion.
XXXXXXXX
"Rukia…" He murmured. He was lying on his back, with her laying on his chest. Her head rested on his shoulder, and her usually neat hair was messy. It spilled down onto his bare shoulder, and he could smell the scent of her lavender shampoo. He smiled.
"Yes, Ichigo?" She asked softly. She smiled contentedly, feeling quite satisfied and pleased with the outcome of the night so far. She lay on his bare chest, her form fitting together with his under the blankets.
"Thank you." He said softly, and absent-mindedly stroked her soft, bare, back. Her skin was so soft…
She smiled. "You're welcome. But…thank you, too. You surprised me." She laughed softly, shivering slightly under his caress. She noted with a slight embarrassment, that their clothing somehow had ended up all the way across the floor and near Ichigo's closet door.
"I just did like you said and went with my instincts." He said truthfully, and she smiled and hugged him. "Well, your instincts are amazing." She laughed. He grinned. "Thanks."
She smirked as she felt his hand wander over her bare body, and his body respond to her. "Ichigo…your stamina's quite impressive." She giggled softly. He smirked in response. It wasn't often she giggled without using her fake voice, but when she did…it was actually quite appealing.
She threw back the covers, getting out of bed. He blushed as his bedroom light revealed her form: petite and beautiful beyond his wildest imagination. She noticed his gaze, and smiled seductively.
"We can't have you sleeping, remember? Doctor's orders." She laughed, and he raised an eyebrow. "Well…if you insist, I'm not going to argue." He said. She stretched languorously, and he smiled. She smiled back, and then climbed atop him.
"This time…I get top." She said, smirking and then arching an eyebrow when he crossed his hands behind his head. "Well, okay…if it's doctor's orders." He laughed. His laugh was interrupted by a passionate kiss from Rukia, and he smiled. Maybe, just maybe, things would turn out just fine.
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Hey guys. Thanks for reading 'LISTEN TO YOUR HEART' so far! I realize it may have been kinda soon for that /\ kinda thing…but I couldn't help it. I wasn't going to separate them and leave Ichigo with nothing, lol. I'm kinda embarrassed about writing that…but oh well. I just hope I wasn't too graphic so as to disturb or offend you guys.
Review and let me know what you thought! The next few chapters are going to be awesome to write, and I hope you guys will forgive me for separating Ichigo and Rukia so soon after getting them together again, but that was my plot to begin with. There is going to be a bit of a time So, here's to hoping you guys approve of another chapter!
Oh, and I know that Isshin is a Soul Reper, but I do NOT know which squad he was a Captain of, and I haven't been able to find it out anywhere. So, I made up Isshin's story with what I think it might be, just through speculation. I know it's kinda lame, but if any of you know what really happened and what squad Isshin used to be Captain of, let me know in a Review or a PM! Thanks!
JA NE!
