(AN): I apologize ahead of time if my updates are not as regular as they usually are. The rest of May and June are going to be super busy for me! Thank you for being patient with me! I hope you enjoy the new chapter! You'll get to see some of your favorites! :D

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Chapter 7

The dark, ominous sky overhead held many of Ichigo's secrets, but tonight it held one of his deepest. Ichigo paced the ramparts as he was trying to figure out what to do with Rukia. Their bonding moment was cut short when she just had to get sliced by a careless mistake. Granted, he was going faster than usual to 'mimic' a demon, but they were just about to take a break then that happened. Disappointment flooded his body because he was had decided to tell Rukia about his family when the incident occurred.

When he smelled her blood, he lost all control. Dracul took the reins, like he had many times in the past, but this time was different. He tore part of his shirt and wrapped Rukia's arm. Kami knows why Dracul didn't try to rip out her throat, like he threatened to many times in the past, but one thing remained the same - his level of interest in Rukia increased daily. Granted, the man had to agree with all the darkness' points. Not only was Rukia beautiful, but she was also strong willed, resilient, and caring for those people who even hated her. You hardly found those traits in humans anymore, especially after they experience dark times, and this was one of Rukia's darkest. She was all alone in a forest full of demons along with him, her greatest threat. Yet, she offered to cook for him and asked his opinions on Dracul's famous battles as well as trained till she couldn't stand.

Who was this woman really? What drove her? Why did she call to his darkness? Was in the understanding that monsters were needed in the world, or was it rather that she didn't view him as a monster but rather a hero according to her dream. If so, what made her think like that?

"You look perplexed, old man." A voice called out from the woods. Ichigo hid his smirk as he jumped off the ramparts of the castle to greet his old friend.

"It took you long enough to respawn, Grimmjow." Ichigo commented.

"Bastard…" Grimmjow growled as he clasped his old friend on the back, who did nothing but laugh.

"I missed your endless challenges. It's been dull without someone always wanting to spar." Grimmjow was one of the only demons who could stand a heavy sparring session with Ichigo and still walk away – most of the time.

A light breeze graced the warriors with its refreshing presence. "It's a cool night." The blue haired bakeneko said in shock. The area had been without any time of winter or fall for a long time.

"Yes, lots of things have changed of late." A blue eyebrow arched at Ichigo's statement. He wondered how could things change in less than 2 weeks.

Another breeze fluttered through the trees, but this time, Grimmjow caught a faint scent of something shocking. "The human is still alive?" He asked with intrigue.

"What of it? You know she is my PET." Ichigo said, darling the man in front of him to raise a challenge about Rukia.

"But you kept her alive all this time?" Grimmjow asked shocked, sniffing the air once again, "Without injury, or much of one?" Sure, Ichigo kept his food alive for a week time to time, but never past that. He never let any non-human to see his castle and live.

"She's different." Ichigo growled darkly causing Grimmjow to burst out in laughter.

"Has the famous Dark Lord fell in love with a human?" The blue haired bakeneko asked.

"Grim, she isn't fully human, at least I don't think so." This caught Grimmjow's attention.

"Then what the hell is she?" He asked surprised that Dracul would keep her alive over something so small.

"I honestly don't know." Ichigo said shaking his head. Out of everything the universe could give, he received an annoying, petite, beautiful puzzle. "I am hoping Uryuu can tell us when we go to town tomorrow."

A blue eyebrow arched at him. "You're going to let the Alp go near her? You know what they do to women."

Ichigo scowled. "What's wrong with Uryuu looking her over? She's under my protection, so he won't do anything unless I approve it."

Grimmjow didn't say anything, but he knew the Alp would come across some interesting dreams if he dared. "Kami, you are going to be in a world of hurt when she finds out the truth."

"Honestly, I'd be more worried if I was you. My butterfly isn't as effected by my mind control as she once was. She's remembering things…"

"Really? Are you sure that you're doing it right?" Grimmjow arrogantly smirked.

"You know, I really should kill you again know…" Dracul commented as he took a swipe at Grimmjow.

"Whatever! It wasn't the first time and won't be the last. One day I am going to beat you!" Grimmjow exclaimed as turned to walk away from his friend and king. "Before I go, you should know something. When I was in hell, there were rumors about a man searching for the Dark Lord Dracul."

"Demons from my past?" Ichigo asked amused that someone was coming after him. Generally, it was the other way around, unless you count Rukia.

"Someone named the Jail. He bears the cross of heaven. A few demons said that he was the commissioned by God herself to find all that in unholy while others whisper of a personal vendetta. Either way, you should be warned, especially if you want to keep you pet safe. He'll becoming after you at some point."

"Let him. I'll rip out his heart fast enough for him to see it beating in my hands seconds before he dies." Dracul growled. The thought of ending this angel of demonic death made him grin.

"Hard words for a man who has someone else to worry about." Grimmjow looked up at the shinning stars. "You know, she won't reform in hell if he kills her."

"She will if I change her." Ichigo supplied confidently.

"We both know you're not going to do that unless you have too. You never change any of your victims, Dracul. Why start with her?"

Ichigo remained silent as Grimmjow continued. "You like her now. Hell, you may even love her if demons can love, but what makes you think that she will be different? Can you handle her blood lust, better yet, can you handle her change from a young human woman to a bloody killer?"

Ichigo remained silent as he thought about Grimmjow's words. They may not always see eye to eye, but Ichigo know Grimmjow's words were from the heart. The blue haired bakeneko was one of the few understood Dracul's backstory. Besides, there was always a price into falling in love.

At the blue haired demon's departure, the forest became silent once again. Silent, until a female scream pierced the air.

Rukia's heart was pounded as she ran through the forest. The demons were after her again, and Ichigo was nowhere in sight. Hordes of demons followed her every twist and turn she took; yet, she could not shake them.

Running into a dead end, Rukia turned to fight hoping against hope that Ichigo would magically appear. A large demon with a hollow mask was the first one to step forward. He was as tall as a two-story house. His slimy, green trunk arms swung at her. The demon thought it was funny that he caught a rabbit.

A musical laughter filled the area as Rukia dodge another attack. Suddenly, a new demon decided to approach and blood splattered everywhere she sliced him in half with her sword. Next, the large hollow like demon attempted to charge her, but Rukia easily dodged it. Her small frame was an invaluable assist tonight.

But her over confidence was nearly her undoing as until a demon with fire in his eyes was quickly ended with a sword. The black-haired woman turned thinking that Ichigo joined her, "It too you long enough…" But her words trailed off as she as realized that she didn't know who the newcomer was.

"Why are you always getting yourself in trouble?" He asked in a huff. Quickly sensing the confusion, the horde decided to attack, but they were all frozen in their spot. Then, her hero turned his teal eyes towards her.

"I've been searching for you. Where have you been?" He asked as his teal eyes glowed.

"Who are you?" Rukia asked defensively as she pointed her sword at him. Who cares if he froze an entire horde of demons. Rukia didn't like or trust strangers.

Sadness filled the man's beautiful eyes. "You don't remember me?"

"You're not a Kuchiki." Rukia stated with a forced laugh as she eyed the new comer.

"Right. I am much more than those peasants, and so are you, Rukia" The white-haired man said with a smirk.

"The Kuchikis are from the noblest of clans! How can you call them peasants?" She asked in shock.

"You need to remember. It's important." The man told her, but confusion flooded Rukia's face.

"I don't know what you are talking about! I was once a Kuchiki noble. Now, I am just a girl, who lives in the woods. I am nothing more or less." Rukia told him with pride.

The white-haired man could not hold back his laugh. "You are much more than you appear, my dear."

"You seem so familiar with me. How do you know so much about me when I know nothing of you?" Fire began to burn in her amethyst eyes. She wanted to know the truth.

"That's not true. You know I have white hair, teal eyes, and ice powers."

"Anyone can see that!" Rukia scoffed at his high-handed comment. "Tell me who you are." She demanded only to have him flash before her. He pulled her forehead to him and kissed it.

"Don't blame me for bringing your memories back. They would not be happy if they knew." He said cryptically.

Just as his lips left her forehead, Rukia saw a blur of blue and white engulf the area, but a pulse began to flow deep in her. The pulse became hotter and hotter. No… Freezing. Burning her to the core.

Suddenly an image appeared in Rukia's mind of her young self and this man. He was a year or two older, but they were followed around by the white-haired lady and warrior from her previous dream. What were they?

Now, Rukia knew one thing. This man was Toshiro Hitsugaya, and he was somehow important to her.

Ichigo ran to the tower only to find it locked. He quickly forced the door open to see Rukia alone, twitching and yelling on the bed. He ran over to her trying to shake her awake to no avail.

Frustrated, Ichigo placed his hands on her head trying to force his consciousness into her dream, but he was automatically pushed back. Shocked, he tried once again only to be wrapped up in a cold chill.

"What the hell was that?" He asked out. 'Did she develop some way counter act my powers, or was that her body's way of defending whatever she is fighting in her mind... I wonder if she can defeat a power she's not used to and one who specializes in this.'

Quickly summoning a bird, Ichigo gave it instructions to find the nearest alp, which he hoped was Uryuu. The man was a pain in the ass, but he knew what he was doing when it came to women's nightmares and dreams.

Ten minutes later, a form pushed open Rukia's door. "You rang?" Uryuu asked with a smirk, knowing that the situation must be bad if Dracul reached out for help.

"Help her." Ichigo commanded as he gestured to Rukia's prone figure on the bed. She was still tossing and turning, but her screaming had turned silent, which worried the warrior even more.

Uryuu walked over to the bed and gave Rukia a once over. "What did you do to her, Dracul?" Uryuu asked the warrior, who was steadily emitting an ominous, black aura.

"What I did? I found her like this!" Ichigo growled.

Uryuu extended his hands and allowed them to hover over Rukia's body. "She's human?" He asked in shock. Why would the great Dark Lord want her healed?

"Yes. Why else do you think I called you?" The carrot top snapped as wave of dark power washed over Uryuu.

Not fully understanding the situation, Uryuu inquired, "Why can't you help her? You have the powers to enter people's minds."

"She kicked me out." Ichigo told the alp with a straight face.

"Excuse me? The young woman in that bed kicked you out of her mind? Is this some bad joke?" Uryuu turned to leave, but Ichigo's next words stopped him.

"She's a human with powers, Uryuu. Powers that can remember elements when I wipe her mind or change something. She's impressed me, so that tells you how unusual she is."

Uryuu scratched his chin at their predicament. "I don't understand what you want me to do then, Dracul. Do you want me to give her another nightmare? That may would wake her up, but I don't know the condition that she will be in."

"If you can't just enter her dream, then do what you must. I just need you to wake her up, Alp. She's been like that for too long." Ichigo commanded as he turned away.

Sighing heavily, the black-haired man walked over to the bed and placed both of his hands on either side. "Forgive me for the intrusion, but this isn't my choice." He whispered to Rukia as he forced himself past her barriers.

Uryuu was impressed by the force of coldness engulfing him, but he could see a young woman on her knees clutching her head in a field of frozen hollows. He slowly walked up to her. "Hello?" He called out, but she screamed loudly.

The force of Rukia's scream almost brought him to his knees. The sheer amount of pain was something he never encountered in any of his victims. "Rukia, you need to wake up." Uryuu commanded. Nothing happened yet again.

In a blink of an eye, the alp was greeted by Toshiro. "You're not supposed to be here."

"I was sent after her." Uryuu replied watching his opponent.

"He has to wait. She's not ready for that yet."

"If you know who sent me, then why didn't you let him in?"

"It wasn't me, but Rukia. Dracul has some power that her body recognizes, and she didn't want to bring him into this torment subconsciously."

"Does she know who he is then?"

"No. She doesn't even recognize her own brother." Toshiro replied sadly.

"Brother?" Uryuu asked curiously. Dracul was right about Rukia not being normal if she half of the power of the man in front of him.

"Time for you to go, Alp. Tell Dracul she will be with him shortly." Toshiro stated as he pointed his sword at the black-haired man.

Suddenly, Uryuu opened his eyes and Ichigo was standing right in front of him with his hand wrapped around the other man's throat. "Where is SHE?" He growled.

"She's coming soon…" Uryuu forced out as his throat was steadily being crushed.

Satisfied, Ichigo dropped a coughing Uryuu to the floor. "How do you know she will be awakening soon? Did you talk to her?"

"No. A white haired and teal eyed man claiming to be her brother told me. He basically warned me to tell you to be prepared."

Ichigo faced paled. 'No. He died. It couldn't be him. Toshiro Hitsugaya died with his parents… unless everything was a lie. The Gods of Winter are alive, or at least they were.'

The carrot top retreated from his thoughts. He had a lot of research to do soon, and Rukia was in no state to travel after her time in the dream world. "Uryuu, thank you for your assistance."

Uryuu humped out of the room knowing that he had been dismissed. But for both their sakes, Uryuu hoped Rukia woke up soon, or his head would be on a platter. He took a chance trusting the man in her dream.

A few hours later, Ichigo was still watching over Rukia. She was tossing and turning. Her forehead and clothes covered by layers of sweat. He thought her screams would haunt him till the end of his days. It was like reliving part of his history all over again.

After a mournful scream, Ichigo had enough. He sat on the bed and called out to Rukia. "Come back to me… Come back!" He plead as his only shred of sanity was fleeing. If she died, he doubted there would be any Ichigo left, and Dracul would go on a murdering rampage to Hell itself. For who had the right to take someone else's prey?

In her head, Rukia could hear a voice beaconing her forward, past the pain and pools of jumbled memories. She felt cool hands on the sides of her face, then they trailed down her body attempting to shake her awake. Long, strong fingers dug into her shoulders.

Opening her eyes, Rukia was welcomed by the orange hair she came so well to know. It was like her body called for his. Instantly, she wrapped him in a hug just to see if he was real or if he was another dream.

"Welcome back, midget." He told her fondly, but he did not let any of his other emotions flow into his voice.

Thank y'all for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting!

Bleach Power: Thanks for the review, my friend :) Ah, yes! I thought it was only fitting to bring in her "dances" into her sword fighting, so that's what she looked like, plus more from her powers later on. Yep, we'll Ichigo learned not to mess with Rukia's mind anymore. It doesn't end well for him. But there is more to the story :) Good luck with classes, like always. Have a great week!

Light Desired: Yes! It's nice getting to slowly show that he's attracted to her brains, skills, and looks :)