Disclaimer insert here: No I do not own Bleach or Sekirei much to my disappointment.

All characters belong to their rightful owners, except any OC's that I include, which will only hopefully be one or two minor characters. An M rating is for future violence, dismemberments, gore, language, very foul language, and of course maybe or maybe not adult situations. Do not ask for them that will be decided later.

For those still confused why I am using certain family terms please Google Japanese Family Terms, you should see this beginning web address first: Japanese dot about dot com. : If you see that you got the right page, it will help you understand why I use the honorifics I use. Thanks.

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Response to Reviews Corner:

Vampire King: First review is ? Not sure what you meant but I guess you will tell me next time. Second part is you have to wait and see. Hint: It will really screw with a few of you.

DarkPirateKing69: Glad you like that about Ichigo, as the story progresses you will see him hold back for obvious reasons. However as I said before he does kick ass when needed.

Payokumbuah: When it happens it will happen. They don't go into this blind. They will both know what the consequences will be if they do.

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'Ichigo, I guess you and I are much more alike than I had thought. We both have blood on our hands.'

Asama Miya

XXXX

His internal clock woke him up sometime around four a.m. He lay there staring at the ceiling as he contemplates his next course of action. It had been five days since he sent the Fourth Sekirei back to her handlers with his message. Not expecting them to honor his request he waited for someone to show up and test him on his declaration but surprising no one dare encroach on his 'territory'. Today then was going to be his first day looking for work. Miya and Kagari had given him a list of the city's emergency responders' centers. He figured with his experience he was a sure in for a job.

But first he had a duel to fight. Smirking as he got up, he grabs both his bokken and gives them a good visual inspection. She had been aggressive ever since he agreed to these early morning sparring sessions. The other thing was that she was getting stronger and faster each time they crossed blades. It wouldn't be long before he had to bring out Zangetsu for his early morning training. The downside to that was he had to make sure he set up a barrier to keep his reiatsu from attracting hollows. He felt one two nights ago, not knowing if it was him or the Sekirei that brought the newbie to Shinto Teito to hunt. Not wasting time he sonido behind the hollow and blasted its head with a bala, he figured if any others were around they would think a stronger hollow had claimed the area for its hunting grounds.

It had felt good to be in his Vizard form after so many years of hiding from his past. He actually yearned to find more hollows to fight but it seemed as soon as he purified the first one, the rest took off. When he was sure that no more were around, he shunpoed around the city, taking in different places he had felt other Sekirei were living or hiding. Keeping his reiatsu completely hidden, he found only two out and about the streets. Neither noticing him, as he air walked over their heads. They seemed to be hunting as well but after an hour or so they gave up. He followed them to the shabby apartment they were living in; a scruffy man greeted the two with a pinch to their asses. He almost lost it when they both punched the shit out of him, before giving the man a kiss on his cheeks each.

The rest of the night was a lost cause after that, nothing moved about the outer districts of the city, respectable people were already in their homes, and the less respectable were roaming the streets. As long as they left the inn alone or stayed out his sight he let them be. A necessary evil he hated, he was only one person, the city had him outnumbered by millions. He soon found an abandoned water tower on top of a crumbling factory building to watch the sun rise that day. As he watched it crest the horizon, he couldn't help the feeling of loss that always comes as he remembers that morning after the funerals. It too was a beautiful sunrise that day, as the first rays touched his face; he wiped away the tears from the memory before he headed home.

Home. He had come to call the Izumo Inn home after only a week because it sort of felt good to have somewhere to return to, filled with people waiting for him to come back. The others made sure that he was part of what ever was going on in the inn. Uzume was the flirtatious younger imouto, each morning he watched as the young woman got chased back to her room for 'forgetting' proper attire. She was outgoing, a tease at times, but he knew she also had a young but sick Ashikabi that she loved. She went to the hospital at least every other day if she could; she only worked part time to pay the rent with non-MBI money. The rest of course she splurged on Chiho. That was what else he had planned for today, to go with Uzume so he could get a copy of her medical records. He knew he couldn't do anything with it, but he did know someone who might be able to help save the young girl, but it had been years since he saw him. Hopefully he would be granted admittance when he saw that person.

Kagari was very laid back, or just worn out from all the women he seems to be sleeping with. Being a host or whatever he was called was not the choice of work for himself. He had only been with one woman and that was over ten years ago. One night to forget the war, one night to let themselves go. He never regretted that night, just that soon after he was alone in the world. Kagari had offered him an application if he ever changed his mind, but Ichigo knew he would only piss off the clients with his scowl and his emotionless demeanor. Other than that he and Kagari did share a sense of right and wrong. The Sekirei wanted him to go out with him one night soon so he could see first hand the winging of a Sekirei with their destined mate. It had made him curious as to what happens because he wanted to know what Miya was going to experience whenever her Ashikabi decided to wing her.

This makes his mind drift to the either very shy or very damn cautious Second Sekirei known at Matsu. Ichigo would never have guessed that she was that powerful among the race of beings. Her intelligence would make even Kisuke sit up and take notice of the ingenuity she shows. The only time he even catches a glimpse of the woman was when he was either up late or just getting out of the bath. Other than those first two nights at the inn he spoke very rarely to her. Every now and then he did find a set of questions waiting for him at his spot around the dinner table. He would answer them as best he could and leave it for her to get when he went to bed. Still knowing she was keeping an eye on MBI was going to prove beneficial if he decided he had to step in and really shake things up, hopefully whatever they did wouldn't attract the attention of Soul Society. Fat chance of that.

The final piece of his new life now revolves around his growing relationship with his landlady Miya. He couldn't understand why he wanted to be near the woman as much as he could be; all he knew was that it was normal feeling. At first he figured she reminded him of Unohana Taichou and her smile, of course Unohana's smile had also brought dread to him when ever he and Renji got caught fighting in the recovery room while they were being healed. Other times she reminded him of Rangiku, her laughter was infectious to him, just like the fukutaichou's was during the lulls in the war. Her strenght and swordsmanship very nearly equaled… but she was somehow getting stronger each and every day they sparred. He didn't know if was because every time they touched a small portion of his reiatsu was being absorbed by her. If it continued he was afraid he was going to have to call…Kisuke.

He also found himself staring at her when ever she wasn't looking, something he hadn't done since he was engaged to Rukia. It was odd how different she was from her, but he found her beauty getting to him everyday they shared any space. She was the opposite of Rukia in almost every facet physically, but mentally they were almost alike. The most glaring similarity was the fact they both hit hard when ever he screwed up, foot or spoon, it didn't seem to matter. For an alien she was almost perfect in his eyes, something he now found himself at ease with. He had friends who were human, shinigami, Quincy and even the former Espada was counted among those he cherished. The purple haired Miko just made him feel at ease, even when they sat at the kitchen table for an hour or two in complete silence.

The daily morning spars had been the biggest factor in their growing relationship. Each came with the mindset that this was not simple katas or exercise, but a serious need to prepare for what may happen in the very near future. Ichigo sigh as he felt that twinge of guilt creep up, he did after all pound the shit out of MBI's top enforcers. Not really his fault, he didn't know that the first two were part of the Disciplinary Squad until after the fact. Still what he did to Karasuba was a little overboard even for him, but still 'a fucking monkey' really. Even Hichigo never said that to him, asshole, pussy, and a few other descriptive adjectives sure, but never that. Oh well, best get downstairs, she is likely going to be feisty today after her lucky takedown during yesterday's match. He could have sworn that black cat was all too familiar in its actions, but when he got up from getting his legs swept, the cat was gone.

Passing the hidden room that Matsu used, he made a quick turn and went down the stairs two at a time. Sliding a small distance when he reaches the bottom he turns to the kitchen, and to the smell of fresh coffee. A smile grew as he knew in a few seconds he was going to be in the same room as her. Sure enough the person who held his thoughts more and more each day was sitting at the table; cup in hand, bokken at her side. She gave a very Unohanaish smile as she watches him enter the kitchen and pours his own cup. Sitting at his place to her right, he sits there watching each time she took a sip from her cup.

'Is he watching me?' Miya was both surprised and pleased by the thought of Ichigo watching her. Over the last week since he defeated the Forth Sekirei, he had been spending an unusual amount of time around her. Not that she minded, but it was becoming harder not to reach out, grab him and end it. She struggled a few times during their spars not to lock her lips to his, but he wasn't ready and neither was she, bus she was close. Her body on the other hand was more than ready, even with the growing strenght she found herself with. Before she knew how powerful she was and could be once she was rid of those damnable restrictions from MBI.

What she wasn't ready for was her tama was actively seeking out his leaking reiatsu and absorbing it. Each time it happened she felt a slight jump in her tama's overall strenght and levels. If it continues she was going to have to ask Ichigo about what was going on, hopefully it was ok because so far he hadn't said a word to her about it. Maybe it was normal for shinigami to share their reiatsu with one another.

She watches out of the corner of her eye as he slyly flickers his gaze at her each time she took a sip of her coffee. His drink had become her drink, she still had tea with her meals but the morning now began with a cup of the strong black liquid. In the beginning he told her sugar and cream could be used, but he never used it, 'takes away from the taste' he said when questioned why. This was the time of peace before they each changed for the next forty-five to sixty minutes. Each would be actively seeking to hurt the other, not kill but enough to draw blood and leave bruises. She didn't mind the bruises because as soon as her resident shinigami saw them, his hands instinctively sought them out to be healed with his strange kidō.

"You ready Miya?"

Taking the last sip to empty her cup, she set it down and grabs her bokken in answer. She knew he let her go first for a reason. She had caught his reflection in one of the window's checking her ass out as she led the way to the backyard. Ever since she added a little sway to her walk when ever she knew he was behind her, a little flirting never hurt either. Right now however was her time to let loose and be herself, he never allowed her to hold back even if he had too. Maybe today would be the day she finally got him to fight outside of his body. One could only wish.

'She's doing it again.' Ichigo had never really admitted it to anyone, not even to Rukia but a nice butt was always the most pleasing part of a woman's body for him. He knew from Keigo and Mizuiro that they had preferred other parts but he had always admired the fine features of a woman's hips and tush. Rukia had a very refined one; he used to use hers to gain leverage when lifting her up for a kiss. Thankfully neither Byakuya nor Yoruichi ever caught him doing so, if they did he either get cut to shit or made to hear shit about it all during training with his obasan. He stops his memories to concentrate on the moments of now, that being the very enticing movements before him now. What ever caused this, he was thanking Kami each time she did it. Soon those hips stop and turn to face him when the attached body reaches the middle of the impromptu training grounds.

"So Ichigo, what does a lady have to do to make you 'pop'?" She loves seeing his face as he reacts to her double innuendos.

Choking as he tries to recover the breath that got caught when she said those words. "Dammit Miya! You could give my obasan a run for her money with how you talk to me. Crazy, they are all crazy somehow, someway." Ichigo mutters the last part to himself.

Her laughter however brings him out of his thoughts. "Come Ichigo. Don't tell me you never had a woman ask you that before? You used to have to 'pop' when you fought those things called hollows, right?"

"You're enjoying yourself aren't you Miya?"

"I don't know what ever you mean Ichigo."

His scowl comes back with a vengeance now. Lifting the longer of his bokken and placing the shorter one behind his back, he places his feet right forward and his left slightly behind and outside of his body's center of gravity. He watches as she grips her bokken in a formal two-handed stance, she however is facing him face first, feet pointing directly at him. He knows this is her favorite starting position; she uses it now to charge forward with her increased speed. He usually has only two choices at that moment. Stand and take it, or try and side step her. The latter option was becoming more useful as her swings were definitely getting heavier and the blows come quicker.

Both the warriors stood apart, each waiting for the other to make the first move. Ichigo knew that Miya had the mind of a tactician if ever he knew one. While he was swing and beat you down with brute force, she was fight, parry, and then she hit you when you less expected it. A vicious smirk grew on his face as he charges first today, coming directly at her he began with a horizontal swing of his bokken at her midsection. Instantly she blocks it, but instead of retreating, she stands her ground and then pushes forward. Surprise on his face, it wasn't until she grabs his tight-fitting shirt he realizes what she planning. It was almost comical to watch her face break out in a grin as he suddenly finds his center of gravity completely off. She drives her none wielding shoulder into his chest and swivels in place. Taking most of his weight easily, she bends, twists and then flips him easily over her shoulder and back. He gulps air in quickly to replace that which was forced out just moments ago; he opens his eyes to find her blade at his throat.

"Well Ichigo?"

Closing his eyes he has to concede the first round to her. "You get your wish Miya, but first I have to add extra barriers around us. It wouldn't be good for hollows to show up unexpectedly during our spars."

She takes his offered hand and pulls him up to his feet, but in doing so they both pull the other in close.

'Kami she is beautiful.'

'I can't take much more of this.'

They both reluctantly separate as Ichigo takes his Soul Badge from his pocket. The little piece of wood was able to withstand the incredible amounts of abuse from him all these years. He walks over to the porch and sits down before he presses the badge against his chest.

Miya watches in awe as she did that first night as Ichigo becomes two separate beings once again. His shinigami form is in short, breathtaking to her. She can't help the blush that forms instantly as she takes in his divine form once again. From the black shihakushō and overcoat, to his longer hair, and finally to his eyes that represent both of his former inner inhabitants. It was during one the late night talks that she learns of the inner world, that all shinigami have a place that houses the spirit of their zanpakutō. Ichigo had two spirits, Zangetsu who was his haha's Quincy manifestation, and Hichigo who represented the shinigami from his chichi's side of the kazoku. Both spirits now gone when Ichigo learn the truth of his kazoku's history revealed to him during the early days of the Thousand Year War. The war that took almost everyone from him that he cherished.

Miya felt the rush of her tama once again as Ichigo began to perform the kidō needed for the barriers, and as usual any reiatsu left free was again being absorbed by her body. It was quite exhilarating for her, to feel the rush of his power as it seeps into her body. The tingling that always accompanied the intrusion was not lost on her; it was closely akin to when she would have…

"Ok Miya. I think we are just about ready. I want to give you fair warning though. If you don't land a hit on me, don't feel bad or slighted. Not many can when I am in this form."

"Oh why's that Ichigo?"

All she saw was the smile on his face before she knew what had happened. He was still in front of her but at the same time she most definitely felt his breath as he whispers into her ear. "Oh I don't know… Miya."

She swung with her full might as she swept her bokken with both her hands to catch the shinigami behind her. However it was the lack of resistance that had her unnerved as her swing meet nothing but air. As she came back to face the spot that Ichigo had started in, she found herself face to face with said person, now only inches from her body. Her eyes grew wide as he lifted on hand and spoke the words she would come to dread later when they would spar; today it would have a far different outcome.

"Bakudō number one Sai."

She watches in horror as her bokken drops from her hands and her arms are forcibly pulled behind her back. She looks over her shoulder to see what is going on to see nothing holding her. She tries to pull her arms apart but finds that she can't. She suddenly finds herself helpless. The same helpless feeling that came again instantly, as it had felt that day. Helpless when she was given the most horrible news of her life. Helpless that she was alone, that he wasn't there to help her through her pain. Panic starts to creep into her face as she quickly looks at Ichigo. Whatever he saw on her face makes his face go from amusement to instant horror and regret as he dismisses the kidō from her.

Miya suddenly finds herself being hugged by the now shaken shinigami. His warmth is overwhelming to her, even if she is still panicking from what just occurred a few moments before. Before she realizes it, her body starts trembling uncontrollably as she wraps her own arms around the man in front of her.

"Kami. I…dammit Miya. I am so, so, so sorry. I didn't mean to freak you out by that. I'm sorry Miya. Kami I'm sorry." He is unable to hide his emotions, his own terror.

She can hear the regret and desperation in his voice as he apologizes to her. It only makes her cling to him tighter as she buries her face into his chest. She hasn't been that scared since the day Takehito passed away. In that brief moment that she wasn't able to move her arms, the memories of her late otto's death had force themselves back to the surface. Miya can't help the tears as they form and begin to fall. She has never let her emotions show, even when Takehito died, she kept those feelings hidden even from Matsu. She has always had to appear strong for the others, to see her as the pillar of their existence. She can't afford to let her emotions command her intellect, she has to make sure as many Sekirei survive until the day that all the Jinki are finally reunited, to free them of the tyrant that rules MBI and Shinto Teito. But she now finds herself in the arms of someone stronger than her, and he has suffered even worse than she has, yet he still stands.

She finally lets years of suppressed human emotion spill out. Asama Miya finally let's herself cry.

He had only meant it to be a joke, but when he saw the look on her face, he instantly remembers the look on Orihime's face the day she faced him in his Resurrección form, the same look Matsu had as well. The panic was clearly there and the smell of her fear overwhelms him. That was one of the drawbacks to being part hollow, your sense of smell increased exponentially, to allow you to hunt your prey easier. He grabs her before even realizing what he is doing; he doesn't want her to run or to be afraid of him. Not sure why, but he needs to feel her and to reassure her that everything is okay. As he tells her how sorry he is, her reaction is not what he expects. Her grip on him tightens, and then he hears the sobs as they start. He curses himself for being so stupid. She was not ready for that yet. She keeps hers face buried in his chest for the next twenty minutes, the soft sounds of her crying die out slowly until she is finally quite.

"Miya."

"…."

"Miya?"

"Ehtiga."

'What?'

"Miya? Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you."

"I am okay now Ichigo."

Slowly he tilts her head back and the pain in his heart increases. The tear-stained face doesn't belong on her, nor does the slight hint of despair suite her either. He can only stare into her eyes as he looks for a sign that she isn't lying to him.

"Are you sure Miya? I mean it. I didn't know you would react like that." Ichigo voice is pleading in his confession to her.

She places her hand on his face; she can only look into his eyes to see he is telling her the truth. She finally allows a sad smile to form as she takes a step back from him. Her hands never leave his arms though as she looks down for a few moments to recompose herself. When she is ready she looks back up at him.

"It's okay Ichigo. You did nothing wrong. It was something I haven't allowed myself faced in along time."

Frowning as she spoke, he didn't want to believe her at first but she never hesitated when she told him.

"Miya if I scared you, tell me okay. I don't want to do that to you ever again."

"Sit with me Ichigo and let me explain what happened just now to you. I want you to put your mind at ease, not feel guilty for just now." Tiredly she takes hold of his hand and points to the back porch.

With that Ichigo lead Miya back to the porch where they both sit on the middle step. He just sat there waiting for her to collect herself. Ichigo watches her out the corner of his eyes as she sits there gathering herself, putting that vestige she wears again as she becomes the Hannya of the North once again. Soon she begins to speak.

"Ichigo you remember I told you that night that I would tell you about how Takehito regretted what we had become someday?" Seeing his head nod once she continued. "During the early part of our awakening the island we called home was under the threat of invasion by outside forces. In order to prove our worth Takehito sent us, The First Disciplinary Squad, out to show the world's leaders we weren't to be trifled with. It was a massacre Ichigo. I…I didn't even give them the chance to defend themselves. When their ships came close enough, I sent many to the bottom of the sea by destroying them with Totsuga No Tsurugi. All those lives gone because I did as I was ordered without question. To this day I wonder if I had disobeyed would it have turned out different. But that is neither here nor there Ichigo. All that matters is shortly after that Takehito took a much stronger interest in me and before I knew it I found myself in love."

"Love, me a Sekirei was in love with a human. I had no use for such emotions back then Ichigo but as I spent each day and soon nights with him, I realized what I was. I was a killer and I didn't want to be that anymore because of him. He allowed me to see the world he came from and soon I found myself wanting to be a part of his world, this world Ichigo. In time I allowed myself to become his wife and he got me away from the island. It wasn't too long after that he was killed and that was the day I shut down emotionally on the outside. Until now. Today because of you and your unintentional mistake, I could for the first time cry for his death. So you now know what I was Ichigo, a murderer. I only pray you won't back away from your promises now."

She can't help the feeling of rejection as he let's go of her hands and walks away a few feet. Never turning to face her he speaks distantly, grief slowly entering his voice. "The blood on your hands doesn't compare to mine Miya. The souls you released upon their deaths have a chance to be born again. The souls I took in the final battle will never be so fortunate."

As he stood there he slowly allows the weapons of the past to form in the palms of his hands. He turned to look at the stunned Miya as she watches the balls of pure white energy form. Slowly he brings them both up to eye level and for a few seconds she can see the absolute emptiness in his eyes.

"It's time I told you Miya what I did after Rukia died. What I did in rage to the surviving Quincies and their army. Why there are no more Quincies now. You told me your greatest sin, now I will tell you mine Miya, the event that even I can be forgiven for."

XXXX

"Black and white net. Twenty-two bridges, sixty-six crowns and belts. Footprints, distant thunder, sharp peak, engulfing land, hidden in the night, sea of clouds, blue line. Form a circle and fly though the heavens. Bakudou # 77 Tenteikura." He waited as his spell took effect before he spoke again. "To any Stern Ritter or Vandenreich that still stand, I am Kurosaki Ichigo; I am the one who just killed Yhwach. I now give you just five minutes to flee if you can. Then I am coming for each and everyone one of you. Just as I did to Yhwach, I am going to destroy your souls."

With that he waited. At first nothing happens for the first minute or so but then he feels the fighting begin once again. He will give them the time as he stated but then they will suffer for their arrogance. As time slowly expires he judges the five-minute deadline. He begins to speak once again.

"You fail to understand what you will now suffer. Let me enlighten you all to what Yhwach has unleashed upon you all. Time for the Quincy to die."

With that the once calm and sane looking transcendent begins to change. He allows a shape that hasn't been seen in over two years form for the horrible retribution he is now about to unleash on his enemies. The bone white material spews out of his mouth as he tilts his head back. Soon the liquid covers his entire body and it begins to shape the human body into that of a monstrosity. The claws form for both his hands and feet, the tail grows from his spine and trails lazily behind him. But it was the mask that is truly frightening to behold. Two horns once again mark the beast's formation, the once black tribal markings have grown more intricate and change colors as they fade from black at the top to blood-red towards the neck. His teeth have become much sharper and two elongated canine become prominent. Once the transformation is complete, he lets out a roar that covers all of the Seritei.

"How the greatest shinigami born can be laid so low by his own instincts. You have become the beast his Majesty believed you to be Kurosaki. Worry not I wil…." That is as far as Haschwalth got before the hollow disappeared and then reappeared behind him. His body exploding into a fine mist before it disappeared forever as hollow Ichigo let the power of the Quincy flow through both of his now screaming zanpakutō.

In the terrifying double tremble that marked his former inner self, Ichigo spoke again. "You see now what awaits you Quincy. The power to destroy souls now in my hands and I will make each and every one of you will pay for taking her away. No more time, no more forgiveness left in me, time to die."

Pay they did. In a display of speed that only one other could track, the hollowfied vestige of Ichigo appeared almost instantaneously across the battlefield. Each moment that the paused blur his body took, a Stern Ritter, Vandenreich, or a Soldat fell to his blades. No mercy was given, nor was any to be expected at this point. Those that could slip back into the shadows to escape the rampaging shinigami only for the brief moment that it allowed them. As the very last invader in the Seritei fell to those blades, Ichigo found what he was looking for, the way to the shadow world of the Vandenreich. He followed bringing death.

Three hours later Urahara found himself looking around the destroyed stronghold of the Quincy. Nothing moved, nothing living at least. He wasn't afraid of the enemy, he was afraid for the state of mind his greatest pupil might be in. He knew the war was over the moment his hollow had taken form. He didn't know what had caused it until he found Orihime and Tier holding vigil over three bodies. Three bodies covered by the haori's of the Forth and Eleventh Squad Taichous. He didn't even have to see the bodies to know who it was; he could feel the residual reiatsu still lingering in the bodies. His eyes slowly teared up as he moved towards the now stilled forms of the Kuchiki siblings and the boy he watched grow along side Ichigo. Each of the boys had suffered at the hands of both shinigami and Quincy, now one had paid the final price of those wrongs from so long ago.

Kisuke made his way around until he found him sitting on the steep stairway leading to the presumed throne room of Yhwach. He paused only a moment before Ichigo's voice broke out.

"I am still in control Geta-Boshi."

"I'm sorry Ichigo." It was all he could say at this point to the young transcendent before him.

Slowly the hollowfied form of Ichigo began to melt away, the bone like material evaporating back into his body as he made his way to his feet. Climbing down the stairs slowly until he was abreast of his sensei, placing one hand on Urahara's shoulder he spoke again.

"I have become death Kisuke. Instead of using my power to protect, I used it to kill today."

He placed his own hand on top of his kohai's, patting it gently as he stood there in silence. Both knew it would be different from here on in. Ichigo had knowingly killed. He took life where he always tried to save it. The two stood silently there before a voice behind them broke them out of their joined sorrow.

"Kurosaki Ichigo. Urahara Kisuke."

Both men turned to the voice to find themselves face to face with…

XXXX

Miya watches the tears run down Ichigo's face as he stood there looking at his hands. The same gently hands that healed Uzume's legs that first day, the same hands that healed her bruises after each of their morning spars. She knew what he was thinking; these hands are the hands of a murderer. She was wrapping her arms around him just as he done for her earlier. She held onto him as if her life, his life depended on it, letting his grief wet her hair as he stood there crying silently as he slowly wraps his own arms around her.

"We share blood on our hands Ichigo. We have both done terrible things to protect what was precious to us. I won't tell you it will get easier, because I don't know how to lie to you. I still see those young men's faces from time to time Ichigo, in my dreams I can see them screaming as the fires rage around them, being pulled under by the suction of the ships I sank drag them down. Those that did make it ashore didn't live long, cut down as they begged for mercy. If it wasn't me it was the others of the Squad. All I can do for you now is to give you a place to let your sorrow out. I can only give you myself to lean against when you feel the need to grieve again. One day soon Ichigo we will be able to put it behind us, until then we only have each other to hang on to."

They stood there holding each other in a quiet embrace just as the sun slowly made it ways over the horizon. The two finally broke apart, not because they wanted too but because they weren't ready for the others to see them as they were. However it had already been seen by one.

As she watched the two air their greatest secrets to one another, Matsu was torn by what she had witnessed. She knew Miya's past, she had lived it with her after all, but to hear Ichigo's was painful. She found her own tears falling as she watched him look at his hands, to see the warrior cry was the final heartbreak for her. She silently vowed never to let anyone know what she had heard. She rewound the surveillance video back until just before the spar began. Cutting both the start and end, she waited before the computer issues the conformation for her actions.

'Delete all.'

Not even thinking she hit the enter button, watching as the file disappear from her hard drives. Unlike most computers, she had added a few lines that not only erased files but formatted the space they held until it was reallocated for other uses. In a few seconds their secrets were once again safe from the world. Matsu got up and crawled into her bed, each morning she had watched the two of them duel but today would be the last day she would ever do so.

XXXX

Uzume woke up to the smell of something that was not normal. Eyebrows furrowing she put on a pair of panties and a long t-shirt before she made her way to the dining room. What she saw was not normal. Instead of Ichigo sitting and waiting for breakfast, it was Miya at the head of the table. And the smell was something she had almost forgotten. Not since she was at MBI did she ever think she would smell them again. Grinning as she quickly made her way to the table, pouring her self some tea as she waited. Soon two others had come around as the smell wafts throughout the house.

"Miya-san what is he cooking?" Kagari asked.

Uzume squeals in happiness. "He's making waffles. Kami I love waffles."

"What are waffles?" Matsu asks as she keeps from looking at anyone.

"It's a sweet type of dough that you put syrup or fruit on. It has these indentations to hold the stuff in place so it doesn't go all over when you cut into it with your fork." Uzume said as her eyes got distant.

Chuckling softly Kagari turns to Miya. "So why is Ichigo making us breakfast Miya-san?"

"We had a very good spar this morning. I actually got him to leave his body."

"WHHHAAATTT!" Uzume and Kagari cry at the same time; however Miya didn't miss seeing that Matsu hadn't even flinch.

'She knows.' Miya quietly took a sip from her cup. She watches Matsu do her best not to react upon hearing the news of Ichigo's release.

"Matsu you are going to have to show us the video after breakfast." Uzume has wanted to see that form again ever since that night. The power he had was intoxicating even if she was already winged; she couldn't help the physical response her body felt.

"The camera was damaged. I already checked the video, there is nothing but snow. Sorry guys but it looks like Kurosaki-san's release damaged the recording."

'Good girl Matsu.'

"AWWW. I want to see him in that form again." Uzume was pouting as she said that.

"What form?" Everyone turns to the voice of the male. Standing in the doorway still in his shinigami form was Ichigo, sans Zangetsu. Every one of the females blushes deeply as they took in his body. Miya could only hide her amusement at the stripping that was now obvious with Uzume and Matsu. Kagari only shook his head at the shinigami wondering what the hell Ichigo thinking was.

"You might want to put your body back on Kurosaki, before these two die of blood loss." The landlady spoke.

Grunting in affirmation, he walks back into the kitchen; the power of his soul form greatly diminishes soon after. Two voices quietly objecting, but not loud enough to be heard by the male. Loud clanking of plates was soon heard as Ichigo reappears in the doorway, balancing with precision on both his arms are five plates stacked high with waffles. Miya rose from her seat and grabs a plate each as he makes his way around the table. Each of the Sekirei look down at their plates to see golden flaky waffles undressed. He went back into the kitchen only to return with a large serving tray covered with butter, syrup and at least five types of fruit.

As was custom now, no one did anything until the Miko and shinigami said the now familiar words. "Itadakimasu." Each resident follows with their own thanks.

"So Ichigo." Uzume started. "How did she do it? How did Miya force you out of your body?"

Smiling as he finishes swallowing his first bite, he points the fork at Uzume. "She has gotten a lot stronger and faster than before. Plus she flipped me as easy as any judo expert ever has. If you got your lazy as...Ehmm sorry got your lazy butt up, you could get the same treatment Uzume."

"No way Ichigo. Not that I don't appreciate the offer but sleep sounds so much better to me when the moon is still high in the sky. You and Miya-san can do all that stuff to your heart's content. Me I rather stay with the sandman those extra hours."

"What about you Matsu, you interested in getting some training in?" Ichigo never looked at her, so he misses the pained look in her eyes.

The Second Sekirei also begs off. "Sorry Ichigo, I am a lover not a fighter. I will use my intellect for the upcoming struggle. Besides with you and Miya as the spear point what do we have to fear?"

Only Miya noticed his slight pause at Matsu's comment. "Ichigo?"

"I want each of you to know I mean it. I will protect each and every one of you. If it means I have to free all the Sekirei I will. I promise I will not flee when it gets hard, I won't abandon you ever."

At the end when they look upon his face, they watch his eyes slowly bleeding black and crimson in each sclera.

'I am his.'

XXXX

Ichigo found himself sitting on a bench two hours later, still staring at the paper in his hand. It was only blind luck that the first place he had went to reveal the reach of MBI's influence. He sighs as he looks up at the sky and wonders now if he should even bother looking for a job at all now. What was Miya going to say when he tells her? What were any of them going to say?

"Ichigo don't worry about lunch, just eat somewhere nice." Miya said as she straightened his tie.

Unable to help himself as his landlady fussed over him like a mother hen. "Yes Dear."

Slapping him lightly as she finished, she gives him a very familiar grin. "You are almost there Ichigo. Soon you will be a proper otto and Sararīman."

Gawking at her in stupor he finds himself being turned around by her firm hands. "Get going now otto; bring back the bacon for your kazoku."

He is halfway to his first destination when Miya's words finally sink in. Otto and Sararīman. What he would have been if he and Rukia had gotten married and live in the World of the Living. No tears came to him though as he thought about what those words meant. He smiles instead as he replays her words to him. It was almost normal to hear those words coming from her. He shakes his head to brush off the stray thought. 'She couldn't possibly feel that way towards me, she has an Ashikabi waiting for her.'

As he approaches the EMT station with a smile as he recalls his days with the Legion. Seeing the building with the familiar looking ambulances parked in the driveways, he almost sees the oyajii running out with Yuzu behind him, yelling for Karin to hurry her ass up. He waves to the men and women sitting out front, only to see them turn away or just out right ignore him. Keeping his scowl off his face he ignores them at this point, no sense in pissing them off if he is going to be working along side them. He walks through the main entrance and straight up to the dispatch desk, where a young woman wearing a headset waves for him to wait.

As he waits patiently for the woman to finish her call, he takes the opportunity to look around. It's a typical room, a few couches for visitors, and a water fountain. Some old magazines scattered across the old coffee tables. Sort of like chichi's waiting room he thinks to himself. Soon he finds that the woman is finishing her call and waving him over.

"Can I help you sir?" The woman asked; her voice obviously tired sounding.

Smiling once again he begins his introduction. "Yes, hopefully you can. I am looking for part-time work and I was hoping that I could find out the schedule for the next exam. I have recently relocated back to Tokyo after being overseas for the last ten years as a medic. So anything that could help me would be appreciated."

She was about to say something before her eyes went to something on her desk. He watches her eyes look down then up more than once before she begins to speak again. "Ah, I'm sorry sir, but if you could give me a minute or two, I have to get that information from my chief. I am sorry for the inconvenience, I will be right back."

Still smiling as politely as he can, he waves her off. "Sure take your time, I can wait."

Watching as she disappears through a side hallway, Ichigo quickly looks over the partition and sees what she what she was staring at so intently. It's a picture of him followed by a brief description of his basic body weight and color of his hair and eyes. Scanning the room and seeing no cameras, he takes the page and quickly runs off a copy on the all in one printer behind the desk. Hearing approaching footsteps he quickly puts the picture back in its place and gets back behind the counter. His smile is once again back in place as the woman comes backs and sits down.

Handing him an application she begins to inform him what he has to do. "Sir if you can, we need you to fill out these forms so we can send them in. All portions have to be filled out to accurately place you for the next exam rotation and to ensure you are properly placed should you be accepted."

Ichigo begins to flip through the forms almost haphazardly but he notices questions that don't seem to be normal to him. Keeping on his false façade he begins to thank her. "Thanks I will take this home and fill them out there."

"Ah sir, we rather you fill them out here if you don't mind."

Now he drops the smile and replaces it with his infamous scowl. "Sorry miss but I have a rather busy day ahead of me. So if you want me to fill this out correctly, it will have to be when I get home and have time to go through this. Some of the information wanted are of things I don't have on hand right now. I will bring it back the day after tomorrow or is that a problem?"

She wilts under his intense gaze and bows to him. "I am sorry sir, it just standard procedure that's all. If…If you really need to take them home please do so. Again I am sorry."

He can't stay angry at her but he can't be seen as easy either. "Thank you then. When I am done I will be back."

With that Ichigo places the papers into the bag he has his resume in. It was Matsu who suggested that he take the bag and the resume they created for his interviews, just in case. Now it holds the damnable 'wanted' profile of him, and the application that he is sure asks questions about him that MBI can't figure out. Score one for the Geta-Boshi and his erasure of most of Ichigo's early life. Other than a graduation year and school, almost his entire childhood is simply gone to keep his secrets. The only other things still public knowledge is the obituaries' of his friends and kazoku.

Walking away as quickly as he can, he needs to get back soon and talk to Matsu. If they are going to these lengths he is going to need his own inside 'Sekirei' to keep a closer eye on them. Now though he has to find a place to think.

His eyes are only closed for a minute before a voice brings him back to reality. "Excuse me my son, but are you troubled?"

Not feeling like talking to anyone, Ichigo is about to give the person a quick blow off, but freezes as he looks at the man standing in front of him. He is not what Ichigo was expecting. The first thing that stands out is he is a Westerner and not just anyone, but a priest. He is wearing the classic black cassock of the Catholic Church with the recognizable white-collar, lastly a pair of black polished dress shoes sticking out.

Not one to piss of any religious figure, he stands up and gives the priest a small but respectful bow. "I am sorry Father, I was just thinking to myself."

The priest smiles at his answer. "For such a thought, it must be pretty big. I noticed you sitting here not moving for over twenty minutes, so I grew concerned. I hope I didn't intrude or anything my son."

The easy going way got to him and before Ichigo knew he sat down and waved the Priest to sit. "Sorry Father, my name is Kurosaki Ichigo."

"Father Patrick O'Malley." The man of the Cloth introduces himself as he sticks his hand out.

Shaking his hand, Ichigo again apologizes. "I'm sorry if I worried you Father. I sort of got bad news just over an hour ago and I am trying to figure out a way to tell my kazoku."

"If you don't mind me asking but maybe I can help you?"

Closing his eyes, he doesn't want to scare the man off but he does need someone to talk to right now and if he remembers correctly, Priest generally don't expose secrets. Taking a chance he tells the priest what just transpired at the EMT station and how it might affect his living conditions for his kazoku. He told them it would be easy for him to get a job because of his years overseas as a medic, but if he was already blacklisted the only thing available would be grunge work or illegal.

When he finishes his tale he watches the Priest as he looks at the building across from them. For a few moments the Father is silent before he stands up and looks at Ichigo. "Why don't you come with me Ichigo, I think we could use your services."

"What?" He asked incredulously.

Placing his hands behind his back, Father Patrick begins to walk away but keeps talking. "I run a local charity with some of the other Faiths Ichigo. We find ourselves in dire need of someone with at least basic first aid knowledge and with your experience from what you told me, you will fit in nicely. The pay doesn't come from MBI stockholders if that is what you are worried about, but from donation from across the globe. MBI has pushed many to the brink, so we do what we can for the poor in the city."

He quickly gets up from the bench and in a few strides he is walking along side the Father. He also notes that his hair was not grey as he assumed but a shade of white mixed with black. His eyes are a soft blue and his face reminds him of the American actor James Woods. Ichigo smiles at that thought, that actor as a priest; now that would be a funny movie.

"So Ichigo you said you served overseas. Do you mind me asking where?"

"Not really but if it's easier I do have a résumé for you and your fellow…I am sorry Father Patrick but what do I call you?"

"You can call me Father or Patrick-san which ever is easier for you Ichigo. You don't mind me calling you Ichigo do you?"

"Nah. To be honest, I do get a little tired of all the honorifics. Something my…Something my obasan said would get me in trouble if I didn't start learning to use when I am home."

"Home? Shinto Teito is not your home?"

"No, Tokyo is not my home Father. My home was a town to the west, Karakura Town. A small but nice area compared to the cities."

The priest gives Ichigo a smile. "I see you don't like the new name much do you Ichigo? Can't blame you there, I have lived here almost thirty-five years and I still have a hard time saying it too."

"Another thing in common then Father. I don't believe that corporations should have the power to rename an ancient and historically proud city like Tokyo. If somehow I could change it back, I would do so."

Before Ichigo knew it the building the priest had been looking at earlier was their destination. Walking up the few stairs, Father Patrick open the door and the quiet world Ichigo knew suddenly became very loud. Loud as in the multitude of screaming children he could see and hear running before his scared eyes.

'Holy Shit!"

"Yes Ichigo this is partially what we need you for. I hope you are not afraid of…children."

Still in shock as he follows the priest into the building, he finds himself in the center of a world gone mad. At first it looks like that but he starts to notice that there are adults standing around holding up cards with kanji written on them. Soon he gets it, a scavenger hunt. He watches as the children look at the card and then race around trying to find a particular item. One card had a red toy car written on it, the next one…

'ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? CHAPPY!'

Unable to help himself, he face palms as he looks at that card, looking out the side of his hands Father Patrick is giving him an odd look.

"Long story short. I used to argue with someone long ago about Chappy the Rabbit. I never understood the fascination with that da…with the bunny."

"That makes two of us Ichigo." The priest waves him to follow and soon enough they come to a stairway that leads to the next floor. Here he finds that the atmosphere is somber. He quickly sees the rooms are sterile environments, a hospice maybe. He also notices that despite how loud the children where, the sound didn't carry upstairs. As he passes each room, he can see the occupants are a mixed group. Some elderly, some young, even some whom look to be on death's doorstep. Soon Father Patrick leads him to an office with the name of Furukawa Ushio. Knocking gently, they both wait until a young woman's voice tells them to enter.

Ichigo is led in first, followed by Father Patrick. Sitting behind a sturdy wooden desk reading a file, Ichigo finds himself looking at a very serious but extremely young woman. She couldn't be more than twenty-five or twenty-six if he had to guess.

"Good morning Furukawa-sensei."

"Good morning to you Patrick-san. How can I be of help to you today?"

Smiling at the still reading woman, the Priest looks over at Ichigo and gives him a wink. "It's not me who needs help but if I recall a certain conversation yesterday, you did berate me for over an hour about needing more qualified personal."

Ichigo almost laughs at a sight he knows all to well. The ticking of an irate eyebrow, the violent movement has no other meaning.

The head leaves the page she is reading to look at the person who just reminded her of bad taste. Just as she was about to say something, she see finally notices the other person standing next to her boss. He is a tall man with bright orange hair and deep brown eyes. His body is very fit looking if the shape of his clothes truly didn't hide the dimensions she was seeing. The other thing she notices right away is the upward curl of his lips. The twitching gets even more violent.

"I said qualified. Not someone you found off the street Patrick-san. Now if you will excuse me I have a few more resumes to go over and then hopefully I can pick one suitable enough."

Before he can even say anything in his own defense, Father Patrick walks up to the desk and drops Ichigo's resume on top of the one she is now reading. Her own scowl forms full force but she opens the folder containing his resume anyway and begins to read. Both men watch as her frown begins to lessen and soon a look of bewilderment takes shape. As she flips the last page over ten minutes later she looks at the young man standing next to the Father.

"You…You are a member of Doctors without Borders?" Her voice cracks slightly.

"Former member Furukawa-sensei. We unofficially disbanded the African branch a few months ago. I think you may have heard about it?"

"But why are you here? Your resume guarantees a sure spot in any of the local Trauma Units as a triage or even…"

"I had a run in with a MBI bigwig, seems I got blacklisted. Also to be honest I don't really feel like working for a company that would go out of their way to keep a person from working honestly." He didn't mention that he didn't take into account that MBI ran all the local municipal services either, one small fact he forgot about.

The woman stands up and as she walks towards him, Ichigo gets his first real look at her. She stands about one point seven meters tall, she has brown hair that doesn't reach past her shoulders and surrounds her brown eyes. She has a very petite build and the lab coat covers a modest chest. He jumps for joy internally that he is standing before a normal woman for once. As she finally stands before him, he jumps slightly as she bows before him.

"An honor to have someone of your experience working with us Kurosaki-sama."

"Hey! Don't do that. I am just a glorified medic, that's all. Don't go doing that Furukawa-sensei, you are the real Doctor here not me."

Her eyes go wide at his sudden volume, squeaking she is about to apologize before he cuts her off. "Look I am just looking for part-time work Furukawa-sensei. I only do patch jobs before sending patients off to real hospitals, in some cases I can and have done minor surgeries, but only in an extreme emergency, and always with a qualified doctor with me. So before you go blowing things out of proportions because of my work history, let's get things straight now. You are the Doctor, I am your assistant. I can and will do grunt work around here because I am trained to do so. But I won't overstep your boundaries, okay?"

She stares at Ichigo in disbelief after his little speech. Soon a smile forms on her face and again she gives a smaller bow to him. "Welcome aboard Kurosaki-san."

"Well now that's taken care of Ushio-chan, I leave Ichigo in your capable hands." Father Patrick grins at the two. Turning away he gives one last bit advice. "Ichigo, bit of warning, she has a mean hook if you aren't careful. Ask any of the local thugs if you doubt me."

Looking at his new boss, Ichigo sees a blush forming on her face as she turns away. 'Oh this is interesting.'

"Thugs?"

Still facing away from him, she waves him off. "Nothing to be concerned about Kurosaki-san, just some locals thought they could mug me one night. One problem was they didn't know I was a former champion."

"Former champion in what exactly, Ushio-san?" Now this is going to be good.

"I placed first in my age group for karate when I was still in high school about twelve years ago."

"Twelve years ago?" Ichigo tries to find a chair to sit in. 'It can't be. It can't.'

He finds enough spit to wet his throat before he asks. "You didn't happen to beat Arisawa Tatsuki did you?"

She whips around and looks at him, shock on her face and maybe longing. "You know her?"

His reaction is not what she was expecting however. She watches as he covers his face with his hands and begins to rock slowly in the chair he is sitting in. She can hear him saying something softly over and over. "It can't be. It can't be. It can't be." Growing worried at her new employee she kneels in front of the orange haired man and gently shakes him. "Ichigo are you okay? What can't be?"

'I can't be. It can't be. It can't be coincidence. Of all the people in the country, of all the people from my past. She is the one who beat Tatsuki that year. He is out to get me. Kami is out to get me, I know it.' He is pulled out of his mantra by two firm hands holding his arms and a worried face is before him. Her eyes are wide with questions and more importantly she is scared for him.

"I am sorry Ushio-san. Tatsuki the girl you beat was one of my best friends during high school. She never told us the name of the girl who beat her that year, we just never got around to asking her either. So I am sort of out of it because out of any one I would ever meet, it would be you."

Puzzled by that Ushio asked. "Why would that bring about such a reaction Kurosaki-san? Really just because I beat your..."

"Not that Ushio-san, it's because...it's because she died just before our graduation. Tatsuki had a birth defect in her brain; she died when that blood vessel in her head ruptured. The...The doctors' said she didn't even feel it most likely." He couldn't tell her the truth that she died in a battle not even of this world but it was the story given to her parents when her body died in her 'sleep'. He looked at the woman still watching him worriedly; he gave a small smile as he found his composure again.

"She died Ichigo-san? I had always wondered what happened to her. We didn't meet again because I got injured my junior year. Then my senior year I missed qualifying because I was studying for my University exams."

"She always wanted to fight you again. Oh Kami she drove us crazy for a year you know. You were greatest rival that we never met and all she ever looked forward to that year was her rematch with you. It's funny now that I think about it, after that she never mention it again when she won. I guess she felt unfulfilled."

Ushio sat down next to him and placed a hand on his. See could see his eyes were distance, a reaction when someone is recalling a memory from their past. Soon she saw the makings of a smirk, whatever it was he was thinking was bringing him back. "A good memory Ichigo-san?"

"Yeah, a good memory." He answers quietly.

"Well if you're up to it I will give a basic tour; go over what duties you will perform and then we can discuss a schedule that works for you. Also we can discuss a salary at that time."

"Ah I was wondering if fifty thousand to seventy thousand yen a month is out of the question." He says casually.

She sputters at the amount. "Are you sure Ichigo? That doesn't seem like a lot for what we are going to be asking you to do."

Waving her off, he gives his reason. "I just need to pay Miya in anything not related to MBI. So if you are agreeable to seventy then we have a deal Furukawa-sensei."

"Why Kurosaki-san I thought we had already gone past the formal, but if you insist."

"NO. No Ushio-san, I sort of just forgot then. But if you don't mind in private if I just call you Ushio-san then."

"Just Ushio is fine in private Ichigo. But in public and with patients I think we should keep up proper appearances."

"Sounds good to me then Ushio. So do we have an agreement on seventy?"

Shaking her head at the paltry amount. "No Ichigo, seventy won't do. The position pays about ninety a month to start, and ninety a month is what we will pay you."

"Deal."

"Deal. But who is Miya if you don't mind me asking Ichigo." She saw the instantaneous change in his face.

'Oh looks like she is someone important.'

"My landlady Ushio. She is also my morning sparring partner as well." He spoke with a smile however.

She didn't believe that at all. No man gives that kind of look for a 'landlady'. Giggling slightly. "Sure she is Ichigo, sure she is. But if she is just your landlady why not bring her here tonight."

Looking at his new boss, he raises one eyebrow. "Bring her here tonight. Why?"

Ushio stops before a window, pointing to an open area. What he sees are booths, stalls, even a few rides in a huge open area that exists in the middle of the compound. It was a fair or maybe a festival for something. It had been years since he had been to one of these; he thought it might be fun for the others as well, well maybe Uzume and Kagari. Matsu would have to settle for whatever they brought home. It would also be nice way to meet his fellow employees as well.

"Sounds like fun Ushio. Will I meet the others as well tonight?"

"Most will be here tonight, I am not sure of the volunteers though. Many have regular shifts at their hospitals or clinics, but a few might be around."

"Well come along Ichigo. The sooner we get you settled the sooner you can get home to your 'landlady'." He didn't see the grin on his new boss's face as she had already started to walk away.

XXXX

Miya felt Ichigo long before he actually got into the genkan. Her perception of the man who is her destiny was growing more acute with each passing day. She knew it had to do with him being her Ashikabi but also with the reiatsu she had been absorbing everyday. It was getting to the point that she could even gauge his emotions when he was in a different part of the inn. Like right now he was a mix of happy and tense. Something had happened but not enough to warrant his need to take action about it. So she waits to greet him as he comes through the door.

"Welcome home Ichigo. Did your search go well?" The purple haired miko asked.

"Yeah, but not the way I thought Miya. I think I pissed them off pretty good." As he passes her, he puts the paper in her hands and walks to the stairs.

"MATSU! MATSU! I need you down here."

Miya just glances at him, the paper in her hands tell her that he did indeed garner the wrong attention.

'If this man appears looking for employment you are to give him the CST Five GT Eight form to fill out. Male is approximately twenty-six to thirty-two years in age. Stands slightly over two meters and weights between ninety and a hundred kilograms. His hair is the most distinguishable feature of an orange/red color that is not dyed. No eye color is available but if anyone fits this general description please note any and all features and contact MBI security at.'

The rest was the usual listing of numbers and contacts. The picture of him is taken from a high angle, maybe a surveillance camera in the city. The fact that MBI had a picture meant that 'he' spent days looking for Ichigo and backtracked his whereabouts before he fought and defeated the Disciplinary Squad. Miya knew the man would dog his every move now and sooner or later he would approach Ichigo. It would was going to happen, no question about it. Except one. What would Ichigo do?

"MAT..."

"DAMN IT BERRY I HEARD YOU THE FIRST DAMN TIME!" The slamming of a door is followed by stamping feet and a backpedaling Ichigo announcing Matsu's arrival.

"What?"

Not saying a word he hands her a thick stack of papers. Matsu glares at him a moment and then starts looking at the pages. Soon she releases a gasp as she realizes what she has.

"Ichigo, this is basically asking for a roadmap of your life. It is well disguised by who ever wrote this, most likely Sahashi-san. She is brilliant after all. How did you know?"

Grunting before he answered. "I didn't know, but I had a feeling. Miya is holding the clue why."

Miya held up the page with Ichigo's picture and the notation written at the bottom. Matsu's took the page and read it as well before she looks at Ichigo.

"Well it would explain the form at least. I tried to dig into your past the first night you were here and I must say; who ever erased your past did a thorough job of it."

"My past is just that, the past Matsu. Soul Society erased everything not necessary for me to live in the World of the Living. All I have on record before I joined the Legion is a graduation certificate and birth record. All other information was sanitized by Geta-Boshi to keep my secrets and the secrets of my friends. I figured as much when I scan through the form that someone wanted answers they couldn't find."

Still looking at the form, Matsu agreed. "You ain't kidding Ichigo. Before your records with the French Foreign Legion you are basically a ghost. I couldn't even find your kazoku's records other than birth and death certificates. I have to admit for someone who thrives on information, your ability to hide in plain sight scares the shit out of me." Matsu takes the light tap without complaint.

"The two of you had best watch your language, or else I will resort to more conducive measurements."

Both shinigami and Sekirei gulp at the implications of the threat. Seeing that her point has gotten across, she turns back to the young man. "Now Ichigo, you said it went well in your search for employment."

"I will tell you over tea Miya."

Walking to the dining room table, he sat in usual spot waiting for the Sekirei to sit with him. As they sit, he begins to pour tea for each of them. Taking a sip he begins to tell them of his day from the time he left until the time he got home. Then he turns to Miya and does something he has done in a very long time.

"Ah Miya. I was wondering since my new job is having a festival if you wouldn't mind going with me. I mean the others can come as well, but I'm guessing you haven't been out in awhile...that maybe you want to go?"

Miya's hands freeze. She slowly looks to see he is staring into his own cup; the face is not of a battle hardened soldier but that of a shy teen. She keeps her face from going dark red as she answers. "I would love to go with you Ichigo. I am sure that the others may as well."

"So I guess it's a date then."

"Yes, I suppose it is."

Neither notice the smirking Second as she keeps pretending to read the forms.

XXXX

Uzume is sound asleep when a very excited Matsu jumps on her futon. Just barely missing the energized Sekirei with a right hook, she drops back into her warm futon; however the new edition under her blankets won't let her sleep.

"You won't believe what Ichigo just did Uzume!" Matsu whispers loudly into her ear.

"What?"

"He asked Miya out. Out on a DATE!"

That brought the sleeping Tenth out of her slumber quicker than a bat outta hell. "HE WHAT!?"

"HE. ASKED. MIYA. OUT." Matsu's eye shin bright with excitement.

"Did she say yes?" Uzume and Matsu were now holding hands like a two school girls finding out the best piece of gossip.

"YES!" Matsu squeals out. "She said yes. Do you know what this means Uzume?"

"NO. I don't know."

"It means we get to dress Miya up for A. DATE!"

Uzume's eyes get glassy at the thought. Miya. Kimono. Ichigo. Kimono. "Holy Shit! Matsu get Kagari up and get him in here. We have some serious planning to do. I have to get that lazy ass to go shopping for us."

Seeing the odd look on Matsu's face. "Did you forget already? I'm taking Ichigo to see Chiho today. He wants her records to take to his friend."

"Oh right. Sorry Uzume. Stay here. I will be right back."

'So they are going on a date.' Uzume couldn't help the grin on her face. She has been watching the two ever since that first day that they met. Each day she watches two celestial bodies known as Miya and Ichigo circle closer and closer to each other both physically and emotionally. He is still in the dark about his eventual role as Miya's Ashikabi but it couldn't stay that for long. Sooner or later Miya is going to break and have to tell him. The First Sekirei keeps amazing her though by her actions around Ichigo. How she can stay so close to him and do nothing is beyond Uzume's comprehension.

When she first found Chiho, it took only few hours before she let the little girl wing her. When her own wings had appeared it was the most single amazing feeling she had ever felt. She hasn't felt that joy in so long because of how sick her Ashikabi is, but hopefully after today it will change. Today Ichigo will keep his promise and see if there is anything that can cure Chiho. Each time she sees Chiho stuck in that damn hospital, it's another nail in her coffin, both of theirs. Her disease was slowly winning and the treatments were getting more expensive, soon the estate that pays for them was going to run out of money, then what? She wants to take Chiho somewhere far away from Shinto Teito, Hiyamakai Hospital, from that fucking manipulator Higa and his damn dog Kakizaki. If for only a day, a week, a month anything to be free from all this bullshit, so she and Chiho can live in peace.

"Uzume are you okay?" As she looks up both Kagari and Matsu are looking at her worriedly.

Wiping her tears, she waves them in. "I'm okay guys. Just things. So Kagari are you in or what?"

Yawning and waving his hand in front of his mouth. He looks at her through lids that just closed two hours ago. Even wearing the same stained and alcohol drenched clothes from the night before, the other hint was the lipstick impression on his collar. "What am I in for?"

"You didn't tell him?"

"No I figure that since it's your plan, you could tell him."

Now the new person in the plan is getting really cranky. First he was up very late between the lonely fiftyish wife of a MBI vice president and then he had to keep a newly release Sekirei from getting winged by a douche bag not her destined one. Now he has to sit here and listen to these two go on about some damn plan and he was getting no sleep in the mean time.

Whistling loudly, he shuts the two up. "What plan? And why do I have to be part of it?"

The two female Sekirei both turn towards him and he instinctually backs away. In stereo they tell him. "Ichigo asked Miya out on a date and she said yes."

Short circuit, attempting to reboot, brain begins to load OS. "Huh?"

Matsu gets right in front of him. "He asked her out. She is going out with Ichigo tonight."

"Huh?"

Uzume sees that the alcohol must still rule the higher functions, so she flashes him.

"Gagh! Uzume dammit! Don't show them so early in the morning!" He holds his head in both his hands. He is still trying mightily to get the first shock through his system. The sight of her breasts doesn't help worth a shit except make his headache pound worse. Miya date. Ichigo asked. Then why do they have to be involved? He knows this is going to hurt but he has to find out how badly.

"So what does that have to do with me? More importantly what does this have to do with you two?"

It's going to hurt as soon as the females smile innocently at him. OH Kami it's going to hurt bad. "We need you to shop for us. Ichigo needs a formal kimono and Miya needs one as well. You are going to get them for us."

"NO!"

"Kagari." Innocent Uzume speaks.

"No." Less than thrilled Kagari.

"Oh Kagari." Now her voice is sweeter and a hint of blackmail.

"no."

"Uh uh. You owe me for saving that Sekirei three weeks ago. You said if I distracted the shock whores you would owe me. I did get my ass zapped once or twice remember?"

"yes."

A shark like smile forms. "Good. Now here is what we want you to do."

'Oh my death can't come quick enough.' Kagari's migraine grew with each passing moment. He hated shopping.

XXXX

Sitting in his room, Ichigo is dumping his duffle bag out finally. Uzume asked if he a large bag she could borrow for her custom. Another thing she did for her Ashikabi was to dress up as popular manga or anime characters. It seems Chiho was a closet shoujo and shōnen fan. He remembers Yuzu's collection of shoujo, how he wanted to puke. Rukia's taste was even worse, he shuttered when he found that one that featured two young males in love. He left it in Renji's barracks room the day that it was to be cleaned by those on punishment duty. A laugh escapes him as he remembers the rumors wouldn't stop for weeks, it wasn't until Rukia got a hold of the damn thing that it all went to hell, but it was so worth it.

As he dumps the last of the contents out, a heavy thump is made. Curious he moves the bag out-of-the-way to see something he never remembers seeing before. A brown lump. Picking it up, he sees that it is some sort of shipping paper secured by heavy twine. Scooting on his rear until his back is against the wall, he slowly unties the thread until the paper begins to unwrap itself. As he moves the first of the flaps out-of-the-way, a blank piece of paper falls. Soon as he picks it up, he feels a reiatsu signature he hasn't felt in ten years. Yoruichi. He channels a minute bit of his own into the paper and sure enough a message appears.

Ichigo,

We all agreed that you should have these just in case you stay in the World of the Living until your natural death. You said you want your space and no interference but you are also nobility and as such you do have your own wealth. These bank books will allow you access to your funds should you ever run into a problem or need them for anything. Don't worry, Kisuke is keeping his promise, we just want you safe. I know we had a few ups and downs lately Ichigo, but you are still my goddoson and I want you to come home some day.

Yoruichi.

As he stares at the date on the note, a lone tear escapes him. Even then she was looking out for him, ten years and a lifetime of travel, she is still watching over him. He pulls his knees in as he reads the note a second time just to see her handwriting. Closing his eyes, he bangs his head twice on the wall, before turning his eyes back to the bank books. He opens the first one and almost drops it when he saw the amount written in it. Okay she was insane as well. Really Yoruichi. Fuck he could...he could just about do anything he wants and not worry for at least a decade. And he had nine more. Before he could do anything more a soft knock comes from his door.

"Ichigo are you dressed." His landlady asks.

"Ah yeah, come in Miya."

He keeps his eyes on the miko as she opens the shoji and steps into his room, her eyes scanning the room and taking note of his living habits. He smirks as she gives a slight frown at his still unmade futon, but she loses it quickly because the rest of his space is very clean. She sees him sitting against the wall and makes her way to him. Being a gentleman he starts to stand but she halts him with a raised hand before she sits before him. Unable to look anywhere else he has no choice but to stare at the face that has slowly been invading his thoughts and as of last night his dreams. Nothing perverse but still her presence was definite in them. Folding her hands into her lap, she just looks down slightly before she begins to speak.

"Ichigo." She pauses before taking a deep breath. "I would like you to forgive me if I embarrass you tonight. It has been a very long time since I have socially engaged myself with the outside world. I have maintained a distance as to keep myself and the others safe from scrutiny from our neighbors. However I will do my best to be seen as your partner for tonight and will ensure your standings will not suffer."

"What?"

"I want..."

Placing a finger on her lips, he silences her, when he is sure she won't speak he does. "Miya, I don't give a damn about social standings. I have been an outcast all my life, even in Soul Society I am considered uncouth as chichi and obasan says. But I am never embarrassed of myself or of my friends. If anyone seeks to make you feel less, I will personally handle it. I am proud that I have you and the others as people I consider my friends. So don't ever apologize for being yourself when you are with me, I would be worried more if you weren't." Now he can't help it but the blush develops anyway. "I am honored to have you as my date tonight, anyone as beautiful as you will more than likely keep them from looking to hard at me. I should make sure I don't embarrass you Miya."

She keeps her face serene but she is screaming inside, she wants to grab him, she wants him. She has to wait. He has only know her a week at best, but he still has things to work out, but they are making progress in her eyes. She needs to leave but as she looks for an excuse to leave, she sees the books in his hands. They look like bank books, so she asks if they are. "Ichigo did you need to go to a bank?"

"Huh. Oh no Miya. Not really I think. It's just I found these at the bottom of my duffle bag. They were stuck in a pouch and I just found them. I had always thought the duffle was weighted, but it was always these. My kazoku put them in there; I think when I returned to World of the Living after I left Soul Society for my self-imposed exile I guess you could call it. Obasan and the Shiba Clan are still watching over me it seems." His voice is soft at this point.

"May I look Ichigo?"

He hands one to her without hesitation. She opens the book and she gives a gasp as she sees the amount that is printed inside. Looking at him she asks in a whispered tone. "Ichigo, you didn't know you were walking around with this kind of wealth?"

"It's worse Miya."

"How could it..." She stops as Ichigo holds the rest out, so that all nine could be seen at once.

"oh my Ichigo."

"I know. I should see if they are still good, but I have to go with Uzume now and I really am curious." He sits across from her and then it dawns on him. "Hey Miya can you have Matsu check these out while I am Uzume?"

"You want us to look into your private accounts Ichigo? I don't know if that is a wise idea?"

"Why not? I trust you and Matsu, besides she can do it in a way that doesn't expose to MBI surveillance. So please Miya, could you?"

"If you are sure Ichigo, then yes we will look them over for you. Do you have any kind of password or anything?"

She sees him looking at a blank piece of paper for a second before his reiatsu flows into it. After looking over both sides, he pauses as he reads something. A small tick appears as he writes something down and hands it to Miya.

This time she can't stop the laugh in time as she reads it. "I am so, so sorry Ichigo. I didn't mean it."

Still the twitching continues. "Now you see a small reason why I left. They are all crazy nut jobs who take great pain in torturing me no matter where I am."

"I am sorry still Ichigo, I shouldn't have but Berry-Taichou was unexpected." She is trying but failing to keep the smile off her face. "Your kazoku have an unusual sense of humor. Is there a reason why they chose this?"

He shakes his head as he stands up and reaches down for her. Easily and with agility he lifts Miya to her feet and they are inches apart, the forces flare once again on their own, each seeking the other. By now they are both used to it, so much so Ichigo watches fascinated by how her tama now absorbs his reiatsu while it swirling through it. His instincts kick in suddenly, his body begins to close the gap even more. Slowly their faces get closer, they can feel the breath of the other and just as the moment comes, Miya pulls away.

"Ah shit Miya. I'm...Damn I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me." He steps away quickly from her as he realizes what he was just about to do. He is expecting her to start yelling or screaming but she doesn't either. Instead she stands there, head down, hands clenched at her sides. Her breathing is harsh; her body is shaking almost uncontrollably, and her tama is now agitated unlike anything he has seen it before.

"Miya?"

"It's okay Ichigo. Please don't worry about this, I...I am not sure what happened either. I think you should get ready to go, I'm sure Uzume is ready by now. I will get Matsu to look over your accounts and then we will see you tonight."

Ichigo stands there looking at her. He almost kissed her, she who already has a destined mate according to her. And he almost did something wrong to her. Nodding slowly he steps out of the room, pausing without looking at her for a moment. He is gone.

'I am sorry Ichigo. Just not yet. You haven't let go completely.'

XXXX

AN: Well I guess that is part one. So I guess I am going to have to wait to see how you all react to this. I like it though. Yes Ushio and Father Patrick play their parts through the story, no Ushio is not a love interest, let's kill that question right now. As far as Father Patrick, see him as a sort of guide for Ichigo later on. Now as far as the flashback/memory I intentionally wrote it quick and short on purpose. This is a story about the Sekirei not the 1000 Year War, that's why I left it that short. Yes Miya and Ichigo have finally spilled their big secrets, Ichigo's I think is the worse of the two, the eradication of an entire race usually is.