AN: Second chapter for today, don't know what's up with me! Seriously, i just flooded over with ideas for this story! Hope it stays like this. As i promised, more of Kisuke in this chapter, i hope you enjoy it!


Chapter 8 Sadness

They sat silently at a small table, drinking tea. Ichigo spaced out a lot, probably conversing with his Zanpakuto, so Kisuke decided to leave him be. Talking had to wait, but they had more than enough time for that.

Kiskuke took a good look at the orange haired man in front of him. He was well built, with lean but strong muscles, but he looked like he was way too thin, and pale. It was something Kisuke failed to notice during the war, since they had other worries. The man definitely looked like he lives through a hell of a time. Sure, he looked different than from his memories, and Kisuke had not the slightest idea why, but he didn't dare to ask. Even though he kind of liked his new look, not like he'd openly admit that to anyone. Ichigo looked sad all of sudden, and his eyes seemed dull. He hated it, when Ichigo looked like that, he'd personally murder anybody who caused that look on the young man's face. Suddenly he remembered something he had almost forgotten.

Flashback

Kisuke was fighting some faceless Arrancar. He didn't remember him anymore, because he was unimportant. All of sudden, there was a clash of Reiatsu, and I had a bad feeling in my stomach. I felt an all too familiar Reiatsu dropped dangerously, along with several other ones. Without any second thought he cut off the head of the Arrancar, and turned towards the direction where the explosion came from. He was shocked.

On the ground was a bloodied Ichigo, crawling towards his love, Rukia. She stood there, being in the same bad condition as him. Kisuke feared for both of them for what to come. No matter what, Kisuke wouldn't be fast enough to do anything about it, since Aizen was already charging the killing blow for the young lovers. Kisuke suddenly heard Ichigo let loose a ear spitting cry, as Aizen fired a white energy at them.

Rukia took the hit. Kisuke felt her Reiatsu dying, while Ichigo's stayed on one level, before spiking up to unbelievable hights.

At that moment Kisuke feared for all their lives. He was one of the few that knew about Ichigos Hollow issues, but he hadn't seen him really kick into action, but he heard of it, and he had to stop him before he'd destroy all his allies.

A hollow roar was hear throughout the entire battlefield, and all the fights seemed to pause, in order to see what caused such ruckus, before a pitch black, heavy, wave of Reiatsu crashed on all of them, forcing them to their knees, knocking even some Shinigami and lower Hollows out.

As the dust cleared, it revealed a monster at all definitions. Ichigos hair had grown out and reached his waist, while his body was covered by white Hierro, and a huge black hole was centered in his chest. The worst about it were the mask and the eyes. Mimicking a human skull, with a crazy grin and two huge horns decorating the head, it was just horrible. Even his eyes were a blood red color, framed by a pitch black.

His hands and feet were claws, and his body was decorated with wounds from previous battle. Overall he looked ready to kill anyone that crossed his path. A mindless killermachine.

Even Aizen seemed terrified, and didn't resist drawing his sword, releasing his Shikai with an instant, as said monster rushed towards him, a black Tensa Zangetsu in his claw. He clashed his sword forcefully against that of the traitor, and the force knocked everyone several feet back. It was horrible to watch this fight. It seemed impossible to stop Ichigo, and some of the conscious Shinigami were full of hope, that the mindless monster was able to kill Aizen finally.

Kisuke only feared for his friend, if someone wouldn't stop him, he would surely loose his mind, and never become sane again.

Just as Ichigo charged an enormous black Cero between his horns, probably the killing blow to Aizen, who was buried under some ruins of a destroyed building, Kisuke rushed in, and cut of one of Ichigos horns. The Cero exploded with an instant, and would have almost killed Kisuke, if he didn't use is Blood Mist Shield. He struggled to stay on his feet, as he watched Ichigos mask crumble away, to reveal a pale, crying Ichigo underneath the mask. As the rest of the armor disappeared into Reishi particles, Ichigo clutched his head and screamed again. Kisuke didn't know what happened, but he ignored his injuries, grabbed Ichigo and shunpoed to their base, his shop.

Ichigo was crying and sobbing, while his body wrecked with tremors. His body was a bloody puddle of misery, curled up on the dirty floor. Kisuke didn't know what to do, if he should try to talk with his former student, as Isshin and Yoruichi burst through the door, apparently they got sight of what happened.

In an instant Isshin tried to comfort his son, running to his side, but he didn't make it far.

Furious red eyes glared at Isshin as Ichigo yelled:

"No! Don't touch me. Don't you dare to tough me, you filthy bastard. You didn't help her, all of you! You let her die, you… I let her die… Rukia.." the rest just subsided into low sobs and moans.

It hurt everyone to see Ichigo like this, but no one could do a thing. He wouldn't let anyone touch him, to comfort him, or heal him. Not even Orihime.

Kisuke watched him all the time. Even if Ichigo didn't want that, he watched. He felt guilty, because he was the simple cause why Ichigo even had the issues with his inner Hollow. It took weeks just for Ichigo to talk again, and luck was on our side, that we had some days without any attacks, since Ichigo managed to beat Aizen into a bloody pulp.

Kisuke swore to himself, that anybody, who made Ichigo sad again, would die a painful death.

End Flashback

Kisuke stared at the floor, thinking over the memory, just as Ichigo said:

"Hey, what's with that depressing look? We got a second chance, don't we?" a small smile littered his face, as he seemed to reach Kiskukes thoughts.

"Yes, you're right, hm. But how should we go on now? I'm only patrolling here for a few more weeks before I have to go back to Soul Society.." Kisuke mused, as he suddenly hit an idea which made him smile like a madman. He tried to hide his smile behind his usual fan, but he knew that Ichigo had already seen through that cheep act.

"Okay, I know what that smile means, and I'm not going to like it, do i?"

"Exactly, Ichi-gooo~" Kisuke cheered, while Ichigo sweat dropped.

"Alright. You're the smart one of us, so I'll consider it at least… Tell me, what do you have in mind, you perverted shop keeper."

"Well, listen, Ichigo. Have you heard of Shino Academy?.."

"… Are you serious?... wait no. ARE YOU FREAKING NUTS?"


Aaaaand, that's it! I hope you liked it, i think that one is okay.

Hihi, i'm not sure if i really make Ichigo go to Academy, but i seriously consider it!

Leave a nice review!

Love, mspauly.