TO CLEAR UP CONFUSION FROM LAST CHAPTER! UKITAKE WAS REMEMBERING AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER, NOT FORGETTING.

Side note.. This is now the most chapters I have EVER written and published for a story. Kudos to me. Record breaking story here, people.

Enjoy.

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Chapter 9- Tremulous Waves of Confusion

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Ukitake

It was morn at last, and my long night finally came to an end. Weariness was my unwelcome company and it tried so valiantly to drag my feet. Proper, always proper, I ignored the urge, and took graceful steps. Moving from my study, I travelled the long halls to find my councilmen Rukia and Uryu.

I needed a break, a moment's reprieve from the endless paperwork. I had much on my mind and a walk in the morning air would be a balm to my roiling and confusing thoughts.

Spying them within the main house, writing down in ledgers, I approached silently. Rukia took notice first and stood up before bowing, "My Lord." Uryu quickly turned as well, and rose with a deep bow too. Gently waving them up, I smiled tiredly.

"Please, be at ease." As they once more returned to their previous positions, I gently locked my hands together within the deep sleeves of my robes. "I am weary of this night and am going for a walk this morning. Should anyone come for assistance while I am unavailable, please take care of them at the best of your abilities. I shan't think I will be gone too terribly long, but I want there to be no one unheard should it occur."

"Of course, Lord Ukitake," Rukia agreed as Uryu nodded his ascent as well.

Content, I turned to find my own rooms. My personal attendant was already within the room, kneeling beside my bed awaiting for my coming. Upon seeing me, he stood and bowed deeply. He then approached me as I lifted my arms and he removed my robes from my person. "Shall my liege bathe this morning?"

"No, my good man. I shan't yet. Perhaps tonight. I have much to accomplish this morning."

He said nothing, and simply retrieved a silken cloth from a bowl of warm water, running it along my bare body to clear away the dirt from yesterday. Gingerly lifting the robes and undergarments he had placed upon my bed, he dressed me. Moving to the vanity, I set softly upon my stool, he then brushed my hair, weaving my crown into the strands with care. As soon as he finished, he looked to me through the mirror. "Does my liege require anything more from me this morn?"

Regally shaking my head in the negative, I released him. "No, my friend. Please, enjoy your morning."

He stepped back, bowed deeply, "Of course, my Lord," and exited the room. Once he was gone, I stared at the dark bruising beneath my eyes; I allowed a moment of weakness in my lonesome. Sighing, I gingerly rubbed at them.

"What are you to do with yourself, Ukitake?" When no answer was forthcoming, I pushed away those thoughts and stood to finally begin my tour. I left the main house, and swept my way down the cobbled path. Early morning goers, just beginning their days, turned to me and bowed respectfully as I passed. I nodded to them in return, and continued on my way.

The young sun was pleasing against my cool skin as I almost lazily strolled through. I finally began to consider my confusion last night.

Yamamoto.

Shifting my fingers into a tighter grip with each other in my sleeves, I frowned thoughtfully. I felt as if I had known this name for a long time but had allowed it to slip my mind for a long time. Like an event that happened long ago and was forgotten with the passage of time, only to be partially remembered when the right words were spoken. It was akin to waking up from a strange dream.

I pondered this as I strode down the street, eyes alighting on each house that was still dark with gloom and red lanterns swaying softly in the breeze, dangling from doors and awnings. My heart ached as the scent of incense burning danced on the cold breeze. So many dark houses, so many grieving families that would not return to work for a while still. The usually bright street was like a checkerboard, light then dark spotted.

With each dark house I passed, I bowed my respects, feeling more and more like a failure with each one. It was my job to protect my people… and I was failing. It was completely unacceptable. Their loss was my loss, and I ached for every one of them. Turning to continue down the street, I suddenly wondered whether or not this walk was detrimental or helpful to my mental health.

"I had weird dreams last night."

"Oh? Of what?"

"Of this family I've never seen nor heard of before. They lived at the end of the final block, had a son and two infant daughters. Nice family, sweet, helpful. But the weird thing is, when I woke up… it felt like I knew them from somewhere. But I know I've never seen them before."

"Hm, that is strange. Are you certain?"

"Yes! Well-er… I'm fairly certain. I mean, it felt like it was a long forgotten memory that I suddenly thought of out of nowhere. Like the details were fuzzy, but it still felt like a memory."

"Heh, strange. Something similar happened to me too last night."

"Oh really?"

Listening into the conversation, my eyes immediately sought out the two conversing men, spotting them fixing the siding of one of the houses that… that Hiyori ended up on. Moving towards them, intrigued and more than a little disturbed. Had we all gone through something similar the night before? Perhaps… would these villagers know who Yamamoto was?

The shorter of the two stopped mid-word when he saw me approaching, and stood up straight in surprise. "My Lord!" he cried, and tucked right into a bow, the taller quickly following. Caring less about the formalities and more about their conversation I waved them up.

"Please, I could not help but to overhear you two speaking. I did not mean to interrupt your conversations. Please, continue. What did you dream about last night?"

With shifty eyes, the shorter one glanced to his friend then back to me. "Uhm, well… I dreamt that there was no wall around the village… That the forest was open to the village and the village to the forest… But the wall has always been up… hasn't it?"

Furrowing my brows in confusion, I searched my memories. But it was as if traversing a thick fog. It had been… hadn't it? Before when I was so certain, now I was unsure. Shaking my head in the negative softly, I peered into reflective confused eyes. "I do not know. I am uncertain."

The two men glanced once more to each other then back to me. Tilting my head in deep thought, I shifted my hands within my sleeves. Humming softly in thought too, I returned my gaze to them. "Perhaps you could assist me, my good men."

"Anything, my Lord," the taller of the two proposed eagerly.

Nodding my approval, "Tell me. Does the name Yamamoto mean anything to either of you? It has been haunting my mind since last night. It came to me on a breeze scented of jasmine and pine."

Both pairs of eyes bugged out, frantically glancing to each other before shaking their heads no. The taller of the two spoke once more. "I don't know that name, my liege… but you say you smelled jasmine and pine?" At my affirming nod he collapsed against the wall he was fixing with an ominous creak. "I thought I smelled that when I saw the family in my dream last night. And Hiro here said that when he was lying down for bed that he swore he smelled it too. Perhaps it was something in the air?"

Filled with wonderment, I stared at the ground, temple aching with stress. Hiro scratched at his forehead and spoke after a long lapse in silence. "Well, my liege… If the name is bothering you so much… perhaps it will show in previous citizen rosters? That is… if Yamamoto or whoever lived here."

Without a single once of dignity, my head shot up and I stared amazed into his eyes, his taller friend nodding along behind him. I had not thought of that. Combating the gigantic smile fighting to take over my face, I allowed a small regal one to show. Bowing my head in thanks—causing the two men to sputter in embarrassment—and stood straight. "I thank you, my good men. You have helped to put my anxious mind to rest."

"I-It was nothing, my liege. We are happy to help," the taller of the two stuttered. Bowing in goodbye, I nodded to them and turned with a determined mean to my stride. The old village rosters would be in the archives, which would be in the courthouse basement.

But before I could satisfy my curiosity, my village needed me. I must take to my post and perform my civil duty. As much as I was itching to dig through history itself, my people came first. Always proper, always perfect.

Tonight though, it would appear I'd be paying Yoruichi a visit.

.:.:.:.:.

Ichigo

It was daytime finally, and we had taken refuge by a stream hidden in a thick copse of dead trees. The spirits of the night were settling down finally but the living trees were constantly watching. We had to blend in to the best of our abilities, hide in plain sight as it were. I was exhausted and devastated.

I numbly stared at the ground, my hand probably bruised from how tightly I clenched my mother's chain. The rest of the night through, I couldn't let go. I daren't. It was my last lifeline to my past, to my happiness. I needed it more than I needed air. Vaguely, I knew I was in shock but I couldn't bring myself to care. Thoughts and visions tormented me with a past I had no idea belonged to me until a few hours ago.

Happy. I had once been happy. Smiling faces and laughter had been my existence. A mother, a father. Two sisters and a grandfather who all loved me unconditionally. How could I forget this? How?!

My chest ached in a tight vice, my breaths gasping and heaving as I fought back hopeless tears. My fingers tightened painfully, fighting with all my might. Was I so truly desolate?

I sobbed mercilessly, spilling from my tightly clenched lips like pouring blood from a gaping wound. Once that first one escaped, it was as if a dam burst open and the flood swam forth. It shook me to my core, my shoulders crumpling further with each forceful, painful exhale. Tears dripped like acid from my chin, burning me with shame and despair. I was once more lost, as lost I had once been as a lonely child hiding in a tree with a gaping hole…

Mourning. I was mourning for a family I had completely forgotten and mourning the loss of my happiness so long ago. My family, my entire family left to rot in the gods know where forsaken places they had fallen.

Gentle hands clasped my bloodless fingers wrapped around the chain digging into my neck. They softly pried them free from my lifeline; hushing whispers caressed my deaf ears. I choked and looked up with blurry eyes, soft and sad golden brown eyes in a barely smiling face stared back. Wavy green locks tickled my face as it pulled me into an embrace.

"Ssshh, oh Itsugo. My dear, sweet Itsugo. I'm so sorry. I wish I could take your pain and bear it myself, spare you this anguish. It is so unfair that you should suffer more, you who have suffered so much already. It is too cruel. You're too young, far too young to look this forlorn."

I choked again but threw my arms around her in a desperate attempt at comfort. Be damned my aversion to touch, I needed to be held by someone! Now that I could remember what it once felt like to be held close by those who loved me, the aching void where I had been ignorant before was at the forefront of my scrambled mind.

The scar upon my soul was aching with new tears, dead skin rent open once more. Please! Please stop the pain, Nel! I can't take much more of this! My soul can't take much more desolation!

She yanked me as tightly as she could against her that I could hardly breathe. Harrowing tears spilled onto her shoulder just as I could feel warm wetness on mine. It seemed only a second passed before more arms wrapped around us, one set thin and long. The other short and stubby while a hard wall wrapped around us like a coiled snake. At last, a cold hand danced through the strands of my hair and took rest upon my temple.

I was completely surrounded and it wasn't perfect and it wasn't my blood relatives. No… they could never be replaced. Never. But… I had this lightening feeling in my wretched heart… that this was a part of my family. My destroyed soul screamed at me that I was enveloped in the beloved. And that thought alone began to calm my galloping heart, stem the ceaseless tears in my eyes, regulate the hiccupping sobs wracking my chest.

Lifting my lead like head from her shoulder, I looked into Nel's eyes, before I felt everyone shift to accommodate my new position. Looking slowly around me, I met each and every eye that I could. Pesche's and Dondochakka's tear filled ones; BowaBowa's eyeless frown, Grimm's lifeless gaze, and naught but a few feet away stood Kenpachi, staring with a conflicted frown. His own eye burning on my person in question. Turning back to Nel, I couldn't stop it.

Like a tremulous light after a terrifying storm, just peaking through the stormy, grey clouds, so easily snuffed out, a tired smile grew on my face. I watched as her eyes widened in surprise before she sobbed a laugh herself, a brilliant smile tossed back at me before she crushed me once more in her arms.

"Oh, Ichigo!" She hefted me closer as Pesche and Dondochakka babbled mindlessly about nothing and everything, an attempt for familiarity and comfort. It spilled from me with surprise. It confused me, shocked me once more even those around me froze too.

All eyes in this clump of bodies turned to me in shock as it spilled from my lips again. My eyes were huge with incredulity as it happened again.

I laughed. I was laughing.

.:.:.:.:.

Nel

Ichigo… Ichigo was laughing. It sounded like he didn't know what he was doing and it was halting and almost painful in its broken cadence but.. he was quietly laughing. His eyes were on fire with light, tears spilling slowly with each giggle. The corners of his damning eyes were crinkled with delight as they softened with ease. He wasn't better, no not by a long shot. But I could see it… He was slowly finding himself again.

He was healing.

As he swiped at his wet eyes, chuckles growing louder as he became more confident in himself, our hands slowly slipped from him. I could tell that he could support himself as he rubbed his nose with his arm, hiding his face as his shoulders shook with laughter. His haunted brown eye peeked out from behind his arm; a soft glow riveted my gaze, a half moon shape softening its sharp edges. He lowered his arm, his face ablaze with heat, a mixture of embarrassment and pleasure.

It was in that moment that I realized just how handsome my young friend had become. My eyes widened in pleasant surprise. I fervently wanted to keep that look on his face forever. That scowl should never be present again. And I would everything in my power to keep it gone.

Peeking a glance back at Grimm, I saw his eyes were wide too. He glanced to me and I spotted the heat that lay there.

Yes. I do believe things were going to turn around for the better soon.

.:.:.:.:.

Ichigo

"Ichigo."

I scrubbed one last time at my face, so completely embarrassed at my emotional display and turned to Nel. Her soft smile was soothing to look at; there was no judgment there to be seen. She giggled softly and continued. "We need to change and clean all your wounds and bandages and I need to do a more thorough assessment of your injuries from the fall in the house. Don't think I didn't notice you limping earlier."

Quickly looking at everything but her, she huffed before nudging me towards the stream at the edge of the hidden alcove. "Go on, get. Remove your bandages and clothes and wash in the stream. After we get you all cleaned up, we can all go to sleep and rest."

Shit. Staring at my chest in apprehension, I looked back to her with pleading. Her eyes hardened. "Oh don't give me that kicked puppy look. It's not my fault you are so danger prone. Now strip!"

With an annoyed—but oddly fond—huff, I began removed the pack on my back and then set to removing all of my bandages. The ones wrapped around my fingers and hands were the dirtiest. Honestly, I had forgotten about these. It seemed like the first fight with the sprites had occurred so long ago as to be irrelevant.

Once all bandages were gone from my person, I hesitated. It's not that I was a prude… I just didn't want them to see my scars. There were so many from smelting and smithing. I definitely wasn't a perfect canvas of beauty. Saying hell to it in my mind, I quickly stripped down and hopped into the freezing water.

Gods damn, was it icy! Popping above the water, I hugged my arms tightly around my waist, teeth chattering harshly. Pesche and Dondochakka were pointing and laughing.

"Hahahaha! I think the water almost killed him, Dondo! Hey, Ichi! Did your nuts shrink to little peas?!"

"Oh man, Pesche! Hahahaha, if ya know what I'm sayin'!"

Watching in irritation, I fought a smirk as I watched Nel sneak up behind them before shoving them mercilessly into the chilly depths. They both popped up too with shrill yelps.

"Ah! Nel! How could you?! I'm a delicate flower! I'll wilt in such harsh conditions!"

"Yeah! I'm gonna die, if ya know what I'm sayin'!"

Her hands were on her hips as she smirked viciously down at them from the edge of the stream. "Well you shouldn't make fun if you can't handle it yourselves, you little Crud Munchers!"

"Damn it, Nel!"

I chuckled vindictively as I watched them fight her pushing feet to get back ashore. It was hilarious and oddly familiar before something else caught my attention. Glancing past an irritated Kenpachi leaning against a snoring BowaBowa, I spied an expressionless Grimm stepping into the water. Though his face showed no acknowledgement of the cold water, his skin prickled with bumps as he moved towards me.

Those eyes. They never once looked away as he approached. Once he was before me, he stood there watching. Standing in bemusement, I flinched a bit when his hand finally lifted from the water. His fingers shifted forwards and began running through my hair. Confused and possibly a bit disturbed at having another man so close when I myself was naked, I relaxed slowly as I realized he was helping debris fall from my locks.

It was so achingly familiar that I couldn't stop my shoulders from slumping. Without thought, my forehead rested on his shoulder, allowing him more access to my fiery hair. He stepped closer and lifted his other hand to join the fray. We were so close now that I could feel the water reflecting off his body into mine as it passed around us. Everything else became white noise as I slowly lost myself to his cleaning caresses.

This was almost cathartic in its repetitive simplicity. I'm almost certain that he had me rumbling with pleasure. I felt his arms wrap around my shoulders and slowly pull me closer.

"Ah, Nel! I will not take such abuse any longer! Let me ashore, damn it! I'm gonna turn into a goblin-cicle if you don't!"

"Hahahahaha!"

With revelation, I jumped and remembered we were not alone. I came back to myself and in fright, shoved Grimmjow away harshly. Without expression, he splashed beneath the surface. I waded as fast as I could with burning cheeks to the copse and climbed ashore just as Pesche and Dondochakka themselves did. Hoping to all gods listening that no one had noticed what just occurred, I plopped down on my spread blanket, eyes shiftily turning to the stream.

My eyes grew in horror, my heart racing wildly as Grimmjow slowly rose like a smooth serpent from the water, head first. And still, those unfeeling eyes were burning only on me. He slowly waded through the soft current towards me. Shaking my head, attempting to stop the inevitable, Nel hopped in the way, breaking the terrifying connection.

"Okay! Let's check you out, Itsugo!"

Glancing behind her nervously, I watched as Grimmjow redirected his trajectory to sit beside the shivering goblins. They were complaining about the cold, as he sat. It was as if he could feel my gaze, as those blue eyes suddenly alighted on mine. I choked, jerked back and desperately looked to Nel. My face was on fire, as she babbled, pulling medical supplies from her own pack.

"Let's see here… Ah! Herbs for the open cuts and balm for the really bad bruises." I peeked over her shoulder and spotted Kenpachi's half closed eye observing me. It was narrowed in suspicion, flicking between me and Grimmjow. With mounting horror, I realized that someone had seen the short moment that occurred between us in the stream. Swallowing my trepidation, it was terrified eyes that I looked back at Nel.

She stopped speaking when she spotted the absolute terror on my face. Her brows furrowed in worry. "Itsu? What's wrong? Are you worried that I'm gonna hurt you? Or are you embarrassed? If it makes you feel better, I had to assess several male sprites after battles. You're not the first naked man I've ever seen."

Shaking my head with mounting embarrassment, I lifted my arms making an X with them in horror. Too much information, Nel! Gods! I couldn't take much more of these people today! It has been so much emotional upheaval in too short a time! Too much crazy at once! Furrowing her brows deeper, she glanced at my chest and stopped short. Gentle fingers danced along my ribs.

"… Is it because of these?"

Confused, I glanced down at my own stomach and realized that in all the insanity I had forgotten about my exposed scars. Bowing my head in shame, I shook my head no.

Her eyes took each one in. Every single one; arms, legs, chest and stomach. With a dark look, she stared into my eyes. "… Were these intentionally done by someone?"

With a bemused tilt of my head, I shook my head no. The dark look quickly faded and she slumped with a relieving sigh. "Oh good." And then she was smiling again, completely chipper. "Well! Let's get you all looked at, smeared in medicine, and all bandaged up!"

Fingers poked and prodded with varying degrees of pain. Salve was applied where needed and cuts were bandaged. Once she deemed me fit for bed, I dressed and leaned back against the rumbling worm. It was to the sounds of a bickering Kenpachi and Nel, bandages clasped in her fingers, that I fell asleep. The sight of blue eyes watching me were the last thing I saw.

.:.:.:.:.

Ukitake

"My Lord!" Was called with surprise, the dark skinned woman looking up from her desk. As she rose and bowed, I returned her greeting.

"Yoruichi." Stopping before her, I slipped my hands back into the folds of my robes.

As she rose to proper standing she nodded to me. "How may I help you today, my liege?"

Looking about at the courthouse, I turned back to her. "Something has been brought to my attention today, and I find myself unable to ignore it. I was hoping to peruse the archives below the courthouse tonight."

Glancing out at the evening sun, she turned back to me. "Of course, my liege. Allow me to fetch my keys. You know the way, yes?" At my nod, she smirked. "Then I shall meet you there."

As we parted our ways for the moment I went down the stairs to the large door barring entrance to the village history. At the sound of near silent steps, I watched judge Yoruichi approach me. She jingled the keys in victory, smug smirk still on her face. "Okay, let me pop this open for ya!"

Once the sounds of the door unlocking filled the hallway, she pushed it open and propped it with a rope about the handle to the wall. She bowed once more, and then returned upstairs calling back. "Should you need anything, I will be here until sundown. Afterwards, you shall find me at Urahara's. The foolish man still hasn't left that hell hole…"

Her voice faded in sadness as she paused at the top, before shaking her head clear of whatever haunting thoughts she had and continued on her way. I felt guilt swirl in my chest at the reminder of my failure. With growing determination, I stepped into the archives.

Moving towards the shelves labeled rosters, I hunted for the subsection of village population. Wondering at what year to start, I decided to look further back. Possibly, twenty years ago and move on forwards. Gently removing the corresponding scrolls, I set down at a nearby table.

Shifting the first scroll from its canister, I began the hunt for the name Yamamoto. My eyes devoured the scroll hungrily. So hungrily in fact, I nearly missed it.

Yamamoto, Genryūsai Shigekuni.

Doubling back, I peered closer.

Spouse: Deceased.

Occupation: Former councilman to Lord Ukitake

Eyes opening wide in disbelief, I choked. What?! I nearly ripped the scroll as I pulled it closer. There was no way that it could be true! I wouldn't forget such a thing! It was too integral to my own self to forget! How!? I desperately read further.

Children: Kurosaki, Isshin

Charge: Abarai, Renji

Kurosaki Isshin? Why did that name seem so achingly familiar? Why were their last names different if Yamamoto was his father? Perhaps his son took his mother's maiden name? Also! Renji?! He knew of this man?! I must speak to him at a later date; find what I can about this mysterious Yamamoto.

Looking for more information, I quickly searched for the name Kurosaki Isshin. Finding the correct placement, I frantically read.

Kurosaki, Isshin.

Spouse: Kurosaki, Masaki

Occupation: Guardsman

Children: Kurosaki, Ichigo

Masaki, expecting

With growing confusion, I frantically put away that scroll, and unrolled the scroll dated for two years later. I looked straight at Yamamoto to assure myself that he was still there, he was. I moved directly to Kurosaki Isshin. He and his entire family still there. Looking at the children, I read.

Children: Kurosaki, Ichigo. Kurosaki, Karin. Kurosaki, Yuzu

… Three. Three children. This entire family and I only knew of one! Damn! I had sent the one who could possibly have answer away! Ichigo… what was he hiding in that silent mind of his? How could an entire family be erased from not only my memory but also the entire village's?

Flipping to the next year's scroll, I found that the Kurosaki's section had a special section within.

Living conditions: Has begun moving into the forest. Building a house. Currently still within the village.

Interested, I pulled out the next scroll.

Living conditions: Forest home finished. Now living within the forest.

Moving onto the following scroll, I was shocked into stillness. My heart broke, and I was unable to stop the soft gasp from escaping.

Kurosaki, Isshin, deceased.

Spouse: Kurosaki, Masaki, deceased.

Children: Kurosaki, Ichigo. Kurosaki, Karin, deceased. Kurosaki, Yuzu, deceased.

A-ah… perhaps this explains the coldness that Ichigo holds everyone with. My heart ached for the young man. He was only seven years old when his entire family passed. That is too tragic for even a grown man… but a child? Glancing down, there was another special note.

Living conditions: Kurosaki, Ichigo has returned to the village and lives with grandfather Yamamoto, Genryúsai Shigekuni.

He even lived with Yamamoto for a time! What bad timing to have the possible answers just out of reach! Damn! If only I had learned of this a few days sooner! It was as I was perusing the scroll marked ten years ago that a stray thought passed my tired mind.

Why had I not checked down here before? Why had I not even thought to look here previously? It was as if my own thoughts were against me, once more choking on a thick fog. What on earth was going on?

Looking down at the scroll, the Kurosaki's gone in name only just carried on by Ichigo himself, I turned to Yamamoto's name and paused in confusing sadness.

Yamamoto, Genryūsai Shigekuni, deceased.

A special note at the bottom.

Received permission to enter the forest after last roster. Never returned, assumed dead.

A tear escaped my eye. Shocked, I pressed my fingertips to the wetness trailing down my face. I couldn't understand why I was so sad, only that it hurt to see those words. I bowed my head in shame, as the world pressed down on my shoulders.

Gods only know how long I had been down there searching frantically for answers only to find more questions. The only lead I had left was to question Renji what he knew. I swiped at my eyes; removing what evidence I could of my disgrace.

What had we forgotten? What occurred ten years ago to wipe so much from our memory? I was determined to know. Standing, and putting the scrolls away in their correct placements, I froze in horror when a strange sound grabbed my attention.

Like a whisper in the distance, awful furious laughter danced on the wind like a silent howl, burning my deafened ears. It was thick like mucus but melted like acid.

That was when the screaming outside started.

.:.:.:.:.

Ichigo

With the setting of the sun, we quickly ate a cold, quick meal and gathered our effects. Carefully emerging from the dead trees, I could see glowing eyes burning on our persons like godless leaches. We walked along the shore, keeping to the stream should any foe grow bold enough to attack. That way, we could hop into the water and allow the current to drag us further away.

We kept silent as we walked, Kenpachi's limping steps and BowaBowa dislodging dirt the only sounds. The trees clacked their branches together menacingly, like angry chattering of an annoyed rodent. I spared them only a heated glare. As the way opened up a bit, we spread out a little more.

It was in this peaceful moment that I vowed to myself; I vowed that once this whole ordeal was over, I'd give my family a proper burial. I'd find something of each of theirs, and burn it in place of them. It was only right.

Proud of my decision, I took a decidedly much stronger step than before, unknowing of the brittle ground beneath me. Once more an ominous creak sounded. I had just enough time to notice the giant hole of collapsed earth in front of me and to think damn it, not again before I fell through a hole in a shower of dirt and root.

"Ichigo!"

Instead of the pain of solid ground, I splashed into warm liquid. Rising to the surface with a gasp, I bobbed in it. I blinked at the stinging in my eyes, coughing at the odd smell burning my nose. White and pink flowers danced lazily around me as I spit the burning liquid from my mouth. At the sound of soft tinkling music, I froze and glanced up. Drips of the substance disrupted the surface, the little waves changing colors and causing the soft melodic sounds. Moving to the edge of the pool, I realized I was in a huge earthen bowl.

"Ichigo? Are you okay?"

I glanced upwards and then turned to climb out of the bowl. It was just as I was hiking my right leg over the edge that I heard the sound of whooshing water, the music growing in symphony. A soft laugh filled my head.

"What's this? Heh, this is new. In fact, been a long while since I've seen anyone at all. Are you stuck, my friend?"

Eyes popping wide open, I roughly twisted awkwardly around, leg still hanging over the edge and hands gripping the rim of the bowl. I was met with a lazy smile, friendly brown eyes, and a pink hued face hidden behind scruff. His eyes crinkled as his smile grew, the splash of the liquid falling back into itself sounded and the music continued tinkling. "Nothing to say, huh?"

I stared in wide-eyed surprise and the man leaned back. It was then I realized he was standing on the surface of the odd smelling liquid. He scratched at his head. "Well, then. Guess I should be polite and all, introduce myself."

He leaned towards me once more, a jug lifted to his lips as he took a hearty sip. His eyes brightened with joviality as he spoke once more. "You, my friend, may call me Shunsui."

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Oh yes, we are finally getting into the meat of the story. This is just the first taste, thank god finally! But, yeah… THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED! ;D

Please, let me know your thoughts!