((Author's note: Once again, I thank Alohaburnout for his help on developing this recent chapter and getting my dusty brain going again. Kubo-kudos to you^^. Also, a reminder that I have a forum link for this fic in my profile. I want to get some votes on some ideas and I think that'd be a good way to do things if anyone is interested. If not, you can just send me emails, comments, or pms for ideas. If things are confusing, don't worry asking for clarification. I'm more than happy to rant =D cheers.))

Chapter 7—A Dark Omen

Kami stood before her father Reiu Ishida once more. His usual atmosphere of solemn integrity had vanished in the midst of recent developments. He was furious. Not at her, though it became increasingly difficult to tell with his angry gestures in her direction. Her report that she so carefully composed was crumbled in his fist.

"Damn those Shinigami! They set a trap to lure your forces, is that what I'm to believe?" he said as he shook her papers at her.

Kami nodded. "I had received an anonymous call stating that there would be a large amount of hollow entering the area. The exact dimensions given were the same as the barrier the shinigami used to conceal their spiritual presence. Once we were within the barrier, we had difficulty leaving without notice."

She stood her ground. "However, we were fortunate that some hollow did indeed appear. This were stronger than the average Hollow and attacked Shinigami. That gave us some time to tear a hole in their barrier and escape."

"And what of this particular Shinigami you battled?"

Kami refused to flinch. She did not say much about her encounter with Keichi. She didn't quite understand it herself. A part of her wanted to pretend it had all just been a dream.

"It is just as I said. Though he had seemed to be a weaker level shinigami, his power exploded and he attacked my squad. Had it not been for his inexperience with that power, I would have needed to exercise a drastic level of defense."

Reiu finally sat down in his chair, but he was still seething. "To think you were put on the defensive by a shinigami is shameful. However, I am willing to over look this offense considering the more pressing question. The identity of the caller? No one other than Quincy can access our network."

Kami had been worried about this as well. The anonymous caller must have indeed been a Quincy. Whoever it was could be a traitor to the cause working with shinigami.

"I will look into this right away sir," Kami saluted.

"No," Reiu's gazed past her. "You are to continue your original duties so as not to arouse suspicion. I will have Takashi look into this."

"Yes sir," Kami bowed and left, but not without feeling a little burned. Reiu was relying on Takashi increasingly. The two of them also kept her in the dark on more and more issues. She knew it was Takashi's right to take over the family tradition of leading the Quincy, but why couldn't her father at least see her as a second in command?

Kami sighed when she was clear of his oppressive air. She didn't need to go far before she ran into her brother.

"Ah. Father wants to see you," she mumbled.

Takashi grimaced. "Was it that bad Kam-kam?" he asked, referring to her meeting with Reiu.

"No. I'm just tired."

Takashi placed a hand on her shoulder. "You should definitely get some rest. I know you've been up all nights worrying about your squad. Fortunately none of them were killed. You're also very lucky not to have gotten hurt."

Kami shook her head but said nothing. It wasn't luck. Keichi was going to attack her, that she could tell. However, he seemed to resist something and stopped. What disturbed her even more was that she couldn't remember his face quickly. His appearance hadn't changed much. His hair was a little longer and darker, but other than that he was the same.

"Taka? You won't forget about me will you?" she mumbled.

Her brother burst into an incredulous laugh that shook her from her misery. "What are you talking about? Did dad say something to you? Is this about me being so busy lately? Look I'll start carrying a baby picture of you in wallet if you're so worried," he teased with a wink.

Kami shook her head. "It's just…I don't know. My mind's been so foggy lately."

Takashi looked into her eyes seriously. "Kami. There is only one thing you need to remember, and that's I'm here for you. Ok?"

Kami nodded. Satisfied, he withdrew and she immediately went to her room.

The young Ishida was doing some of her own private investigation. Her encounter with Keichi, whether she wished to believe it or not, had shaken her. Since then, she began to deeply research her former classmate. She went through the files of all registered citizens of Karakura city under the name of Kurosaki. There were several, but other than Keichi's parents, none were related.

Kami's research had taken several days to compile and went back for decades. She was looking for something odd that could link to Keichi. Finally, she found something dated 200 years ago. There had been a boy with the same last name as Keichi who was around the same age. He had mysteriously disappeared and a body was never found. The court ruled him dead 3 years later.

Kami pulled up the boy's latest high school photo. Had she been drinking something, she would have choked. That face! It was the same. She rushed to bring up a photo of Keichi and compared the two. This could not be a coincidence. Was he an ancestor then?

Thankfully the city had kept very accurate profiles back then. She looked into this Ichigo's family profile. Mother Masaki registered deceased when he was only 9. His father owned a small clinic and never remarried. Ichigo only had two younger sisters. Kami leaned back. Then their line must have ended there right? There would be no way Keichi could have been biologically related to Ichigo. Dead end.

Kami leaned back and rubbed her temples. Like her brother said, she had been going without sleep for awhile. But this before her was the main cause. There had to be an explanation.

Kami looked again. Ichigo's father ran a small clinic that eventually became affiliated with the Karakura General Hospital. It had been directed by Ryuken Ishida, her ancestor. Kami's eyes widened. Those were the days where Quincy were practically extinct. Somehow, the Kurosaki family and the Ishida family had known each other. If that was the case, perhaps there was more information on them in her father's personal records.

Kami's heart sank. He'd never let her browse through personal medical files. Only the successor would be able to do so. Then an idea dawned on her. Takashi! He would be in charge of find the mole. Naturally, he would have access to these files.

She lay back on her bed with a smile. Although Takashi could be a little overbearing, he always helped her out. She finally began to drift to sleep, comforted by the thought that this mystery surround the Kurosaki's would finally end. In her sleep, however, she was stirred by cold eyes with murderous intent gazing directly at her.

The night air was filled with the thick sweet scent of summer. This part of Rukongai looked starkly different from the rest of Soul Society, at least from what Keichi had seen. It looked like a newly built section complete with modern tall buildings and several neon-lit signs. It was like walking into a small scale version of Roppongi, Tokyo.

Renji turned to the corner to a large lit up two story building. The martini sign on the front sparkled Rukon Club. Keichi could hear the thumping of music vibrating within. Spot lights circled overhead. A bouncer, or what Keichi figured was the Soul Society equivalent of one, stood outside checking people before they entered.

When Renji, Rikichi, and Keichi approached, the man stepped aside without a glance. Keichi wondered at this for a moment, noticing that Renji was not dressed as a captain and therefore showed no sign as an authority figure. Perhaps it was because they were shinigami?

Inside, it was dark, lit only by glowing signs and floor lights around the dance floor that was already filled with people. There were some colored lights, but most of them pointed to a currently empty stage. The music seemed to come from unseen speakers. Voices droned in one inaudible monotonous buzz as people laughed and shouted to be heard over the music. The fresh breeze from outside gave way to a choking heavy cloud of smoke and alcohol.

Keichi coughed several times when he entered. His eyes were already stinging. Renji was ahead of him and Rikichi not far behind.

"Hey Rikichi, am I even old enough to be in here?" he tried to ask. But the young man didn't seem to hear.

Renji spotted two men sitting at a booth near the back. One had medium length blonde hair and nursing a large cup of dark liquid. The other had short black hair and a tattoo of a 69 on his left cheek. They looked about the same age as Renji, but Keichi couldn't tell. Both also were dressed similar to Renji: black hakama with the top open and draped over their backs and black sunglasses.

When they sat, the black haired man slapped Renji on the back. He was clearly drunk.

"Abarai-kun you're late as usual. Oh, Rikichi you should be stricter with your captain ok? If he acts up just hit him on the head," he laughed easily.

"Renji-kun? Zat you?" the blonde managed to lift his head and peak out beneath his long bangs. "S'ry we start'd without chu, hic."

Renji pointed an accusatory finger. "I'm sure you got something as soon as you sat down."

The tattooed man eyed Keichi for a moment, "So this must be your famous recruit you've been bragging about?"

Renji almost looked sheepish, but it was too dark for Keichi to tell. "Yeah. Keichi just got placed today."

He turned to Keichi. "These are Izuru Kira and Shuuhei Hisagi-sempai," Renji pointed to the blonde and the brunette respectively.

"Congrajoolations Kei-kun," Kira leaned in for a tearful hug. His breath reeked of osake "We're all friends here. All good good friends."

Keichi backed up instinctively. To which the other three men laughed. "Sorry, Kira-kun gets emotional like this when he's drunk, right Hisagi-sempai?" Renji

"Renji? When are you going to stop addressing me as sempai? We're both captains," Hisagi groaned.

"C-captains?" Keichi blurt. Neither of them seemed much like captains draped over the bench drunk.

Rikichi laughed, "Kira-taicho is of the 3rd division while Hisagi-taicho is of the 9th. I can't blame your reaction. I was shocked when I first saw them like this as well."

"Oy! Watch it kiddo. I may be drunk but I ain't deaf," Hisagi challenged, shaking and spilling his drink in Rikichi's direction.

Renji signaled a waitress.

Kira had regained some composure and directed a question to Keichi, "You drink before?"

Keichi shook his head. He had tried some osake at a temple a long time ago, but the strong sour taste had turned him away from ever desiring a second sip.

"Lemme order for you then. I can always tell what someone'll like, hic."

Keichi decided to let the man do as he pleased. It was better than having him try to hug him. Soon the waitress had their orders and disappeared into the crowd.

"I know what you're thinkin' Renji. You wanna know if Rukia's here yet?" Hisagi leaned in conspiratorially. It was difficult to tell his expression behind the shades.

"Captain Kuchiki is coming?" Keichi and Rikichi voiced simultaneously.

Renji sat silent for a moment, color rising to his cheeks. "S-so what if I am? Is she here yet?"

Hisagi leaned back, satisfied. "No but she should be here soon. She's picking up some friends."

Keichi thought for a moment. He hadn't seen Rukia since before he started the Academy. From the reports, it seemed she spent a lot of time in Rukongai.

Just then, a loud smack followed by Rukia's angry voice came not to far away. "Grab her butt again and you'll be sorry!"

The group looked over to see Rukia and a busty red-head fend off a clearly drunk soul who still didn't realize what had hit him.

"Hey, Rukia-chan. It's alright," Orihime chuckled nervously held her friend's hand steady in case the short captain decided to go for another slap.

She bowed and apologized to the man who still held his cheek dumbfounded. "Don't apologize to him Orihime, he's not worth it," Rukia huffed and marched over to Renji's table.

She slammed her hand onto table. "And you guys. You're the worst bringing him here to celebrate. There are far more wholesome places to go in Rukongai."

Renji argued back, "Yeah? Well there was no way we were going to approve your choice. I mean Chappy Lounge? That frilly place founded by your women's association? You don't want to embarrass him do you?"

The two stared each other down for a moment before Keichi finally broke in. "Rukia, it's been awhile hasn't it? Who's your friend?"

Orihime had been staring hard at Keichi since she spotted him. When he looked her way, she disguised her reaction into a gentle smile and waved.

Rukia congratulated him as well before introducing Orihime. She tried to judge was going on behind Orihime's smile after seeing that face. Did she feel the same thing Rukia had?

"Nice to meet you Keichi, Rukia told me a little about you," Orihime offered her hand.

"Uh…hi," Keichi said shyly and shook her hand. Orihime was beautiful by any definition and for a young boy like Keichi who had very few encounters with older beautiful women; he was feeling a little awkward.

The name rang a bell in the back of Keichi's mind as well. Where had he heard it from? Was it that time Rukia and Renji told him why people were reacting weird to his face? Ah, so she was one of Ichigo's friends as well?

Before he could say more, the waitress arrived with a tray full of beverages. Rukia, to the three older guys' scorn, ordered a strawberry milkshake."

"Ah 'subout time," Kira cheered. "So Rukia chan, Hime chan, you're joining us right?"

"I am," Rukia said, "But Orihime said she could only come for a short time. She has to get back to Inuzuri."

"That's too bad," Renji said sincerely. "Is everything alright?"

Orihime laughed her characteristically good natured laugh, "Oh yeah. It's just gotten busy on the borders."

"I see…Tell Chad I said hello then," Renji said. His brow furrowed in concern. He could tell that Rukia and Orihime were hiding something, but now wasn't the time to bring that up.

"It was very nice to meet you Keichi. I hope we can have a chance to talk later," Orihime bowed a goodbye.

Keichi wondered. Did she come all the way up here just to see him? Why?

After she left, Rukia turned to Keichi, "Tell us everything about your time in the Academy?"

Keichi came to. "Hm? Oh um, ok. I mean, there's not much to tell so…"

As the drinks circled, they chatted easily and shared stories about their own adventures. Keichi quickly forgot he was a 16-year-old sitting in a bar around a bunch of captains.

"Well you wouldn't have felt uncomfortable at Chappy Lounge," Rukia slurred a little. No one understood why when all she had drunk were 3 milkshakes.

"Again with that?" Renji grumbled. "No man would be caught dead in a place like that."

"I'll have you know onii-sama has visited us on several occasions. Plus we get tons of customers. Who doesn't want to be surrounded by cute animals and cute girls? Are you saying men only want to be surrounded by sweaty men?"

Hisagi and Kira slumped in their seats. She had a point. The men's club had tried to start a nightclub called the Gai Bar, but it failed miserably. It was only thanks to some helpful advice from Captain Kyoraku that they were able to turn things around. Thus, the bar was completely renovated to Rukon Club. But because Kyoraku wasn't a part of the men's association, the group had loss all claim. This technicality was likely planned not by Kyoraku but by his lieutenant and vice president of the women's association Nanao Ise.

"So the Captain Commander started this place?" Keichi was a little surprised that such a lazy looking guy could put something successful together.

"Rukia! I didn't know you would be here!" a cheerfully drunk woman's voice approached.

Hisagi choked on his drink. "M-matsumoto-san?"

"Oh and Shuuhei and Kira and Renji and little Rikichi are here too?" Rangiku's bosom spilled over her dark clothes as she hugged each one of them.

She looked at Keichi for a moment with bleary eyes. "Oh you must be new. I'm Matsumoto, but you can call me Ran-chan cutie," she said blowing Keichi a kiss.

"You wanna dance?"

Keichi stuttered and blushed furiously. Thankfully, Renji came to the rescue. "Matsumoto-san? Don't you have a lot of work to do?"

She chuckled mischievously with a glint in her eye. "No worries. I have that all under control. I left it up to my lieutenant. It's important to have fun right?"

"And what about Rukia? She leaves all her work to poor Ashido-kun," Rangiku pouted.

Rukia downplayed her comment. "It's not much really. Besides, Ashido-san doesn't like crowded places."

Years trapped in Hueco Mundo would likely drive anyone insane. Kano Ashido had escaped such fate by adapting to live like a hollow. Some old habits died hard. He had altered his room to be cave like and rarely spoke. Some feared his strange habits and thought he was too brooding, but Rangiku insisted he was just shy and needed to get out more.

"Oh speaking of Lieutenant Sora, Orihime was here awhile ago," Rukia said.

"No? I missed Hime-chan?" Rangiku hugged Rukia tightly and whined. "It's been so long since we all got together. How's she doing?"

Keichi leaned in to Renji and Rikichi, "Are you trying to tell me this woman is a captain too?"

Renji chuckled. "8th Division. Don't let her fool you. She's sharper than she looks."

"What about my looks? Renji-kun?" Renji turned to find himself smothered in between two large canyons.

"Ah Matsumoto-san careful with those things," Kira burst out laughing as Renji almost fell out of his seat.

Rangiku laughed with Kira. "Kira-kun come on let's dance. You too Hisagi-kun, Riki-chin, Kurosaki-kun."

She dragged the first two out of their seats. Rikichi glanced at Renji who had recovered from his shock and nodded.

"See what I mean?" Renji grumbled as he tried to scrub his face with his sleeve.

Keichi didn't see. But he didn't comment either. "I think I'm going to get some air. Excuse me."

He left the club and rounded a corner to a shadowy ally. It took him a moment to realize it but, Matsumoto had called him by his last name without him ever being introduced.

"Guess word spreads fast around here…" he muttered.

He gazed up at the sky, half expecting to see the starry sky he had become so accustomed to in the past weeks. However, this area was too well lit. Just like in the heart of Karakura City, he couldn't see the stars.

Keichi heard voices near the end of the ally. Curious, he made his way there and looked around the corner. He saw a familiar pink haired woman surrounded by five guys with knives. Really? Thugs in this part of town?

"Come on sweet heart, give us your money and we won't hurt your pretty little face," the leader said.

"Hmph. You're not worth my time," Yachiru said with a bored look.

"Oh? You Shinigami think you're hot stuff don't you? Well look around. You're outnumbered honey," the leader inched closer with an insidious grin. "If you don't got money, I suppose there's other things you got that can satisfy, hehe."

Just then, Yachiru spotted Keichi. Her face beamed. "Kei-chan! Kei-chan! I've been looking for you. You promised to play remember?"

The men turned around and glared at Keichi. "What is it boy? You got a problem? Gonna help try to help your partner?"

Keichi came completely into sight, his hand on his sword. "Look guys. You shouldn't gang up on women, it's lame."

Yachiru smiled calmly. Keichi's comment angered the men enough for them to forget her momentarily.

"Oh so you want some? Let's go boys, teach this brat a lesson!" The leader and his men moved to charge.

Suddenly, a bright pink flame of reiatsu out from Yachiru. Once cute and calm features turned angular. Her pupils narrowed and when she spoke, her cheerful lilt was a growl.

"Bastards. First you block my path now you try to steal my fun?" she hissed. "Die."

Her spiritual pressure sky rocketed forcing the men, and Keichi, to their knees.

"W-we're sorry ma'am," they begged as Yachiru approached, her hand resting on her zanpakuto.

She placed her foot on the leader's hand as he lay prostrate on the floor and crushed it. He cried out in pain. "Will walking away with your life satisfy you?" she taunted.

The man nodded as he bit down against his tears.

Her pressure evaporated almost as quickly as it had come. "Fine…it'd rust my sword to kill weaklings anyway," she said, back to normal once more.

The men scampered away with their tails between their legs.

"Hm…guess I over did it Kei-chan?" she said smiling happily. "We should get out of here too. Some curious people might show up. Then we'll never get to play."

"Um…I'm sorry. I'm kind of busy right now," Keichi tried to back away innocently.

A glare from Yachiru froze him in place. "F-fine. Just tell me first, are you a Captain?"

Yachiru's face suddenly looked older, solemn. "Technically. But that's only temporary."

"Temporary? What do you mean?"

Yachiru perked up. "I'll tell you aaaaall about it if you fight me."

Keichi sighed. Somehow he had a feeling it would come to this. He was still a little tired from his fight with Renji, but he couldn't hide from this girl forever.

"Follow me," she said and fled over the rooftops.

Keichi shrugged and sent a mental apology to Renji.

Out on the mountainous borders of the 80th North District of Rukongai, a shrill scream sliced through the thin night air. It cut off suddenly, chocked on its own blood.

Chad ran as hard as he could in the direction of the sound. He couldn't sense anything, no reiatsu, nothing. He could only smell blood in the air. Fresh blood. It surrounded him. His breaths came heavy up in the thin mountain air as he sprinted forward.

Fortunately the trees were sparse the further up. There would be no place for an enemy to hide.

Another scream echoed. This one was deep and fierce. It was also close, very close.

Chad prepared his fist. It would not escape this time. He knew it was foolish to rush into battle without knowing what you were up against, but now was not the time for tactics. He had been hunting this soul killer, or these soul killers, for years. He could never sense them, but one time he did get a glimpse. What he had seen, he could not believe. It haunted him like a nightmare.

It was a shadowy creature at first, with birdlike wings and thin angular features. It's face had no mouth and the eyes were pure black, animal-like. It began to glow with an inner light revealing pale skin and pure white armor. It reached out its hand to a soul and then, that hand eased into the soul's chest. Blood had squirted forth and stained the armor. Golden flames licked at the blood until it disintegrated.

The soul cried in pain, clutching its empty chest.

The winged creature mumbled something. Then, before Chad could react, both creature and the soul disappeared in golden flames. He was ashamed to admit that he had been frozen in fear. Although the creature offered no sign of its presence, Chad felt a terrible sense of dread at the sight of it. Ever since that night, Chad vowed never to let one get away again.

Finally, Chad broke through the tree line and into an open rocky field.

There! A winged creature stood silently as it stared at a sword that had run through its stomach. Several men were panting furiously. They had been fighting this thing? At a glance, Chad could tell the creature had already killed more than half of the group.

Bodies lay twisted, their faces distorted in pain. Gold flames licked at the bodies as if waiting for permission to engulf their prey.

"W-what are you? Answer me you bastard!" a swordless man shouted. His voice quivered in fear.

The creature still stared at the sword in its body, right beneath its armor. With its hands, it slowly pulled it free. The blade glinted in the night, clean of blood. The creature tossed it aside.

"Run!" Chad shouted to the men still frozen in place. He charged forth, right arm sheathed in black and red spiritual armor and fist raised for an El Directo.

The creature turned, slowly so it seemed.

Now! Chad moved to punch the creature. But his fist connected with nothing. His eyes widened and he spun around to come face to face with those bottomless black eyes that shinned like beetles.

Chad back peddled as fast as he could, narrowly missing the creature's hand reach forth for his chest.

The other's had already disappeared.

Good…Chad thought. He couldn't risk them getting caught up in his next attack.

Chad focused on his enemy's movements. It stood there as if it was waiting for him. Watching…for what?

"You want to see it?" Chad said, suddenly understanding something.

He raised his left arm which became white as death.

"Brazo Izquierda del Diablo." Chad clenched his fist. He moved forward, faster than any normal shinigami could manage, powered by the sheer force behind his coming blow.

"La Muerte," he said.

For the second before his attack hit, he saw the creature's eyes widen. It seemed to smile for a second before the skull like crack spread through its body and to the rock behind it. It shattered.

Gold flames licked at it until it disappeared. Chad sighed.

He turned around, feeling he could relax if just for a second. Then he saw it. The bodies that had been slain began to wiggle morph. The sudden oppressive wait of hollow like power surrounded Chad on all sides. The souls! They were undergoing hollowfication?

Chad positioned himself into a fighting stance as the semi-formed hollow looked at him blankly. Then, the gold flames that had licked at their feet finally engulfed them as well. Chad stood there for what seemed an eternity. What was going on? He had a very bad feeling about this. He needed to tell Orihime and report this to the Gotei 13 immediately.