Disclaimer: I do not own the anime Bleach or anything affiliated with it. Anything not from Bleach, rights go to the designated owners. As I've said, I only own the Black Hollow, it's 'abilities' and the OC.

I got the idea when I was walking to school a while back, but I've finally formed a story about it. Hope you enjoy!

Brief: Karakura's had some strange things happen to it before now, but nothing on this scale. How will Ichigo and Rukia defeat the menace when their very allies could be against them?

Warning(s): Swearing and cursing throughout, unsure how frequently.


9: The Way of the Neo-Vizard

Kai and Ichigo sparred for a few minutes, each getting the other ready. Kai smirked.

"Alright, I'm not going to lie to you, this'll be difficult." he said to Ichigo. "You have to reason with your Hollow and get it to agree to speak with mine."

"Why do they have to talk with each other?" Ichigo asked.

"Hey, Rertyan offered me the deal, probably 'cause we both hate fighting pointlessly. Anyway, maybe he can get Hichigo to understand."

"Right. I'm ready."

"Ok." Kai touched his hand to Ichigo's forehead. "Awaken."

Ichigo's eyes widened and the mask formed itself on the teens face. Kai growled to the hollow.

"Come on, then, bring it on!" he yelled, unsheathing Supernova.

Ichigo's Inner World

Ichigo looked up, seeing Old Man Zangetsu and the bleached version of himself stood in talk.

"Ichigo, I wondered when you'd be visiting next." Zangetsu said courteously as he saw the teenager. Hichigo looked over and bared his teeth.

"You come here for another beating, King?" he sneered.

"I didn't come here to fight you, Hichigo." Ichigo replied calmly.

"Then what brings ya here?"

"I have a friend on the outside world-"

"Don't care."

"Just listen, dammit!" Hichigo shut his mouth. "My friend's hollow wants to meet you."

Hichigo's eyes flickered.

"Really? Well, if you can cut me, maybe I'll consider taking you up on that."

Ichigo sighed, unsheathing Zangetsu.

"You always want to fight, huh?" he said.

"Of course!"

"Fine. Getsuga Tenshou!"

Underground Training Area

Ichigo's fast hollowfying body fired Cero after Cero at Kai, who dodged each one, his fast Shunpo exceeding the Cero fire rate. The hollow roared and Rertyan began to stir.

"Let me out." he said to Kai. "Maybe I can knock some sense into him."

"No," Kai insisted, using his Chaos Wave to shatter another Cero. "I need you soon, but not yet. Be patient."

"You always say that."

Kai sighed. The hollow seemed down about this, but if he lost the mask now, it'd be no good for reasoning with Hichigo. Therefore, he had to go it alone.

Ichigo's Inner World

Ichigo missed Hichigo by inches yet again as both slashed with their Shikai Zangetsus. It was infuriating to cut the hollow, yet alone reason with it. Ichigo doubted that he would be swayed by the offer easily. After all, the bastard was very well known to be stubborn and refuse most requests or offers.

"Pay attention, Ichigo, or you won't ever get out!" Hichigo roared.

The hollow was unfortunate enough to leave himself open. Ichigo swung the cleaving blade downward and Hichigo went to block with his white Zangetsu.

CLANG!

The sound of metal crashing into metal rang through the inner world. Hichigo grinned, thinking the blade hadn't touched him, when he felt the warm trickling sensation of blood from a wound. Looking down, the tip of the blade had cut into his white flesh ever so slightly. He looked into Ichigo's eyes with hatred and broke the sword lock, sheathing his blade.

"Alright, I'll meet your friend then." he said, disappointed he had lost.

The hollow vanished and left Ichigo with Zangetsu. The zanpakuto spirit looked to his master.

"What's going on, Ichigo?" he asked.

"Long story, Zangetsu. I'm sure Hichigo will explain later."

"We have time for you to tell me, I believe."

Ichigo sighed, knowing Zangetsu was right.

"Alright then." he said, stabbing his blade into the ground. "Where should I start?"

Underground Training Area

The hollow body of Ichigo stopped abruptly and the outer shell cracked, revealing Ichigo's hollow self, his body white as chalk.

"So, you must be Kai." Hichigo said, looking him over. "Your hollow wants to see me?"

"Yeah," Kai said, sheathing Supernova. "Rertyan, take shape."

The colour drained from Kai's skin, uniform and hair, leaving Supernova and Kai's eyes in their hollowfied colours. The boy smirked at Hichigo.

"The name's Rertyan." he said, walking up to Hichigo. "I've got a proposition for you, Hichigo Shirosaki."

"I'm listenin'."

"What I offer you is power beyond that you already possess. If you accept, you powers will be used in Ichigo through the Neo-Vizard way. You will be stronger than ever before."

"What's the catch? These thing's always have a catch."

"You have to sort out with Ichigo a fair exchange for these powers. I gave them to Kai in exchange for being released three times weekly, without fail, and the odd sparring session."

"Hm." Hichigo smirked. "Alright then, I'd better talk to the King then."

The colour returned to Ichigo as the white retreated into the hollow mask on his face. Kai also returned, hollow mask breaking at his command.

"Good luck, Ichigo." he said, sitting on a nearby rock and waiting.

Ichigo's Inner World

Hichigo returned to Zangetsu's side, looking at Ichigo intently.

"Ok then, King." the hollow spat. "You're friend said you've got an exchange for these powers. So, what do you offer me?"

"Well," Ichigo stood, eyes serious. "What do you want?"

Hichigo was a little confused.

"You serious? You're not just pissin' around with me, are ya?"

"No. What do you want in exchange?"

"Ok then... I wanna be full released at least four times a week and you have to come here to spar each night without fail."

"You really do ask for a lot, you know that, right?"

"'Course. Do we have an accord?"

Ichigo sighed.

"Guess I've got no choice." He shook the Hollow's outstretched hand. "Deal."

A white flash tore through the inner world, and it all vanished from sight.

Underground Training Area

Ichigo's mask shattered abruptly as Ichigo returned to control of his body. Kai looked up.

"You took your time." he said jokily. "Sorted it out?"

"Yeah, seems like it." Ichigo replied, smiling.

"Good. Let's get back to the others."

Urahara Shop Back Room

Orihime focussed persistently on the damage to Rukia's abdomen, most of which had been reversed.

"Thank you for doing this, Orihime." Rukia said, trying to stay still, but she was struggling.

"It's no problem, Rukia." Orihime smiled in her usual cheerful way. There was a brief pause, then; "So, you really like Ichigo, then."

Rukia's cheeks flushed as she remembered how the auburn-haired girl had had a crush on the boy for several years.

"Uh, yeah, I'm really sorry about that, Orihime. It just-"

Orihime chuckled, realising what Rukia was doing.

"No, no, it''s alright, Rukia, you two are perfect for each other."

"You mean you're not..."

"Angry? Upset? Not at all."

Rukia was really confused by this point.

"So, you don't still have a..." Rukia lowered her voice, in case Ichigo was nearby. "A crush on Ichigo?"

"No, I don't. I've found someone."

Rukia breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'm guessing it's the new-guy, isn't it?"

Orihime smiled but blushed at the same time.

"Yes, I, um... I think he's the one."

Rukia smiled for her friend. Although she was confused about the changes in the World of the Living since her death, Rukia still understood the whole 'the one' idea. It was something she had been searching for for much longer than Orihime could have believed, but now it seemed both girls had found that special someone. Orihime leant back, the orange energy field around Rukia subsiding.

"There you go, good as new!" she announced, helping Rukia to her feet. Ichigo and Kai walked into the room.

"What timing." Kai muttered to Ichigo, before turning to Orihime. "You really do have quite a talent for healing."

"Thanks." Orihime said, blushing slightly at the sight of Kai's semi-smile (I should point out that Kai's smiles mostly are just the left side of his mouth being raised in a smile while the right isn't moved at all from neutral.).

Rukia walked uneasily to Ichigo, staggering at the last few steps, but Ichigo caught her and smiled, looking into her violet eyes. The raven-haired girl looked up into his warm brown eyes and smiled her thanks. An moment passed before Renji walked in and the four snapped their attention onto the newcomer.

"Uh, I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" the red-head said awkwardly. When no one answered, he continued. "Urahara wants to see you guys in the main room."

The group moved into the room and sat around the low table, joining Tessai, Yoruichi, Renji, Chad, Uryu and Urahara, the last of whom had a fan and his usual hat covering his face.

"Ah, it's good to see you've joined us at last." Urahara said in a serious-yet-laid back tone. "We've thought of a way to fight this hollow, using the information collected from each fight."

"Go on." Ichigo said.

"According to Rukia and Kai, the Hollow's zanpakuto has a true release form, much like your original Bankai, Ichigo. Also from what Rukia said, the zanpakuto can become stronger by absorbing Pluses with high spirit energy, transforming it into an equal amount of power for the release time. We can assume that this means that multiple absorptions can be done on each release.

"Now, going by what happened the first time, the hollow had no form of true release, but it did after draining something from Ichigo. When it was next seen by Kai, it had a strange gauntlet mounted to the left arm which it would go as far as using a sonido to avoid damaging. Also, the first time you met it, the hollow had access to an ability similar to Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshou and Kai's Chaos Wave. This points to the probability that the hollow has genetic similarities to Ichigo."

"Wait a minute, Urahara," Kai said. "Are you saying that the hollow was made with Ichigo's DNA or something? And what the hell has this got to do with the gauntlet?"

"If you'll let me finish, I'll explain." Urahara said calmly. "The hollow became stronger, faster, more accurate, basically it became better in every way with this gauntlet on. This could me that if the device was damaged or even destroyed, the hollow would weaken again and be unable to release it's true form."

"It's possible." Ichigo said. "But it'll be difficult. If it was defensive about the gauntlet, it'll probably try to protect it from a ranged attack like my Getsuga Tenshou."

"I might have a way around that." Uryu said finally. "If you can keep him busy, I'm sure my Seele Schneider would be able to damage it enough for you to destroy it."

"I can help with the distraction." Chad said. "Also, if it uses another ranged attack like the first time, then my Brazo Derecha de Gigante's will be a useful asset to you."

"Hopefully we'll get enough time to control your new powers, Ichigo." Kai said, smirking. Everyone looked at him.

"Uh, what new powers would that be?" Orihime asked.

"You've been holding out on us, Ichigo." Yoruichi tutted.

"Don't tell me you've actually learnt kido?" Rukia guessed.

The buzz died down when Kai stood and slammed the flat of his fist into the table, cracking the wood slightly.

"Thank you!" he said, agitatedly. He sat down and calmed himself, nodding to Ichigo.

"Well, you see, when I disappeared for a while with Kai, he taught me how to fully use the Vizard powers." Ichigo explained, looking at Kai, who was rubbing his temples. There was a brief silence before Kai was nudged by Ichigo in the ribs.

"Huh?" Kai looked up. "Oh, right. Long story short, I taught him the basic Neo-Vizard ability, but it'll take time to train."

"I see." Urahara mused. "Perhaps we can use this to our advantage."

"Regardless, it's getting late..." Ichigo paused, checking his watch. "Shit, I've gotta go or dad'll kill me."

"Understood." Urahara said, standing. "We should all turn in for the night."

Everyone agreed and returned to their houses. Ichigo and Rukia arrived shortly after curfew, holding the other's hand.

"Dad, we're ho-" Ichigo was cut off by a foot flying into his face. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?"

"You're late, we have rules in this house and no one is above my rules." Isshin growled.

Rukia rubbed her head, having been dragged down with Ichigo, still holding his hand subconsciously.

"Oh, come on!" Ichigo continued to argue. "We're only over the curfew by a few minutes!"

Isshin spied Rukia sat beside Ichigo, her hand in his, and went crazy, as you'd expect.

"Oh, my beautiful wife!" he ranted. "Our son has finally become a man! You two need to get upstairs and make me some grand-babies! Oh, Ichigo, give your father a hug!"

Ichigo responded by standing, pulling Rukia to her feet, and kicking Isshin in the face, punching him in the gut and kneeing him in the balls, leaving him crippled.

"Rukia! Ichigo!" Yuzu said, hugging her brother. "Dinner's almost ready."

"Hey, Yuzu." Ichigo replied, hugging the brown-haired girl. "Where's Karin?"

"She said she was staying with a friend."

"Don't blame her. We'll be down in a little bit."

"Ok."

Unknown Dimension

Hollow 666 sheathed his zanpakuto, the training area in tatters from his battling. He sighed.

"How long until the gateway can unlock again?" he growled to the operator as he left.

"At least 24 hours." the man replied, recalibrating the portal. "It got fried in the electrical disturbances last night. Everything's broken and needs reworking."

The hollow growled aggressively. The master had neglected to tell him about those disturbances. He'd have to be ready when the portal reopened.

River Path, Karakura

Kai sat on the river embankment, staring at the moon. He gazed at the orb in the sky like this most nights, but tonight was different somehow. He didn't know why, but the moon seemed more...

Relaxing, brighter, different? Something unknown by the English teen. He was at peace staring into the bleak abyss of space and the light of the full moon.

"Beautiful night, isn't it?" he said abruptly. The person behind him yelped.

"How did you...?" a girl's voice asked.

"I could feel your energy. You have a very pure aura."

The girl sat down beside him.

"How do you mean?" she asked. Kai still stared at the moon above.

"Some people could see spirits before getting soul reaper powers. I, for some reason, could sense people's aura or even see them if they're close to me."

"What do you see around me?"

Kai turned to the auburn girl and looked for a moment.

"A light turquoise." he replied finally. "Pure, untainted. You're sensitive, a healer."

"Ok, um," Orihime paused. "What about Rukia?"

"Last time I saw her, red. She was with Ichigo, pointing to a powerful, passionate personality."

"What about... Uryu?"

"Weak blue but mostly grey. He's quite peaceful, but also very guarded."

"That's amazing!"

"Was that right?"

"Yes. Can I ask, what about you?"

Kai frowned.

"I've never tried it." he said. He looked at his hand intently for a few moment before looking up, frowning somewhat. "Black, grey, muddied red."

"What does all that mean?" Orihime asked when he didn't elaborate.

Kai hesitated.

"Anger, unforgiving, guarded. I have to say, that is pretty accurate."

Orihime wrapped an arm around the boy.

"I don't believe that's all." she said. "I think you're a wonderful person and you're too hard on yourself."

Kai smiled to the girl and kissed her on the cheek.

"Thanks." he said, hugging her closely.


Yes, another Fanfic is up, for those who haven't seen it yet.

I've jumped ahead to after this story and the Winter War has ended.

Apologies for not posting this sooner, I was on holiday.

My fanfiction posts may become slower with the school term looming over once more.

Hope you're enjoying my Fanfic and 'Bleach After the Winter War'.

Ciao!