-Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Rosario + Vampire. They belong to their respective owners.-

a=Narration and descriptions

"a"=Dialogues

a=Inner voices or thoughts

a=Intense dialogues

`a`= Phrases with hidden-different meaning.

*a*=Sounds

[a] =Time and places

(a)=Small side-notes

*Well,I decided to change the chapter's title because I thought of another one which suits it better. Kind of immature I know,but in any case I try my best to make this story and its aspects as good as I can.*

Hi guys! 10th chapter is here and this time not alone. This time we have 2 chapters in the price of 1… Due to the fact that my chapter ended up way longer than I expected, I decided to make some minor re-writing and separate it into two individual ones. That's also the reason I changed the title here and in my preview in the end of the previous one.

Also, I would like to state something else concerning this matter with the preview titles. I came to a conclusion that I better stop it since I can't always predict accurately the length of my next chapters and considering the fact that I promised you that I will reduce my chapters' length to make them less tiresome, I think this will be the best solution since in my opinion it would be quite unaesthetic to cut too much because it will affect greatly the chapter's natural flow making look like patch work. So, since I can't be sure for the whole content, it's wiser to leave the titles for when I finish the chapters.

As a third, I would like to say that I gave it a try to plug the plot hole considering the fact that Ichigo and Hitsugaya didn't go to search for Orihime using their abilities. Hope my idea satisfies you.

-}For the end, a personal request from me to you… It's clearly your own right and choice to read or not the notes I leave and no one can object to this, but if you would like, please spend a little time taking a glimpse of them if you have any questions. I can't guarantee that the answer will always be there, but pretty much most of the time I try to explain some of the things I wrote and may cause some confusion or misunderstandings considering my reasoning. Other than this, you can as usual pm me if you want to ask something or need a definition on something else and I will be glad to answer you.{-

Now., enjoy and have a pleasant reading!

[2 days after the incident where Karin and Yuzu got attacked - Night - In a random street.]

Ichigo was floating in the air looking down to the ground with his eyes wide open, an extremely shocked expression and cold sweat flowing down his face.

''What… What the hell… is this…?'' He muttered with a trembling voice which was revealing that he had difficulties to believe what he was witnessing.

[Several hours earlier - Morning]

It was another ordinary morning at the Kurosaki household and pretty much everyone was already awake and was taking breakfast in the living room.

*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*

Then, a number of footsteps were heard coming from upstairs and the last member of the family made finally his appearance.

''Morning!'' Ichigo said to all of them while approaching the table.

''Good morning, Onii-chan!'' Yuzu greeted him first with a smile.

''Good morning, Ichigo.'' Moka continued second with a similar smile.

''You are late again, Ichi-nii.'' Karin commented bluntly before taking a sip of her milk.

''Your sister is right.'' Isshin added after her. ''When are you going to grow up and begin acting more mature, Ichigo?''

''Shut up, dad! It's still morning! Can't you spare the lecturing for later?'' Ichigo complained to him in a half asleep tone and next sat on a chair.

''Fine, but either way, you have to seriously start acting your age.'' Isshin said to him with a not so amused expression.

''Yeah, yeah! I got it.'' Ichigo replied to him indifferently and grabbed a pancake from the ones which were served on the table.

''My God! What I'm going to do you with you, son?!'' Isshin questioned and got up from his chair.

''Are you leaving already, Isshin-san?'' Moka asked him seeing him.

''Yes! I have a lot of work to do today.'' Isshin answered her and started heading to his clinic.

''Have a nice day, To-chan!'' Yuzu bid him while waving cheerfully.

''Bye, dad!'' Karin continued second.

''I wish you a pleasant day at work, Isshin-san!'' Moka said to him third.

''See ya later, dad!'' Ichigo finished fourth.

After that, Isshin waved back at them as a response and walked until the door that was leading to his clinic. Then, he opened it passing through it and closing it again. As for the others, they returned back to their breakfast.

[3 minutes later.]

''Ack!'' Karin whined while chewing a pancake and touching after that her right cheek.

''Is something wrong, Karin-chan?'' Moka asked her curiously noticing her gesture.

''No! It's just that my jaw's right side still hurts a bit from when I got punched.'' Karin explained to her scrubbing her cheek to ease her pain.

''I see… That was really a pretty awful incident.'' Moka replied to her lowering slightly her eyes from sadness for what happened to her. ''I hope something like this never happens again.''

''Oh, it won't!'' Ichigo claimed almost immediately, smirking.

''Eh?! How can you be so sure, Ichigo?'' Moka asked him by turning to his direction.

''Just a hunch…'' Ichigo answered her widening his smirk confidently.

The same time he was doing that, his mind went back to a particular event that took place the previous day.

[Yesterday – Afternoon - Under Karakura Bridge.]

With their school activities being over for the day, Yamada and his gang were fooling around as always at their favorite spot which was an empty space under Karakura Bridge.

''…Heh! Heh! Did you see his face? He looked so scared that I thought he would pee his pants.'' Yamada said laughing to his friends.

''Me too… Man! What a pussy!'' One of them commented smiling.

''You sure know how to scare wimps, buddy!'' The second told him doing the same.

''…And the best part is that you forced him to hand us all his allowance.'' The third added while looking at some money he was holding with his left hand.

''Do you have any ideas about where to spend them, pal? It's your catch nevertheless.'' The second asked Yamada by placing his right palm over his right shoulder.

''Umm… I'm not so sure yet.'' Yamada answered him in a skeptical tone touching his chin with his right hand. ''Don't you champs have any ideas of your own?'' He asked them back letting his chin.

But the answer he would get wouldn't be exactly what he was imagining.

''What about buying some bandages?'' A male voice answered him casually from behind.

''Huh? –Bandages-? Why the hell should we buy…'' Yamada was answering unconsciously to the question, but then realized that something was off and stopped midway. ''…Hey! Who said tha…'' He started asking by turning back with an agitated expression.

An expression he wouldn't hold for long since when he turned completely back, he saw Ichigo standing a few centimeters away from him frowning and his face turned white from fear.

''K-Kurosaki…?'' He muttered goggling and sweating intensively from his face.

''WAAA!'' Two male voices were heard then screaming behind him.

''What the…'' Yamada questioned by hearing them and turned to his back to see what was happening.

And he saw already. To his great shock he witnessed Chad standing a few meters behind him holding simultaneously two of his friends from their left (the right person) and right (the left person) hand and having them lifted in the air where they were moving like crazy from all the pain they were feeling due to his grip. As for the third one, he was watching this unbelievable sight standing shocked a few inches away from Chad.

''Gk! That's nuts! How can he lift two people at once…?!'' He questioned with his eyes wide open. ''…But that means his stomach area is open.'' He continued with a half assed smile. ''Maybe this is my chance.'' He concluded and rushed towards Chad tightening his right fist.

Following that, he crashed it with all his might onto Chad's gut in hopes of injuring him enough to let his friends go and roll to the ground. But to his bad luck, his plan backfired. The moment his fist came into contact with Chad's tough six-pack, he felt like he was hitting a wall and immediately pulled back his fist holding it tightly with his other hand to ease the pain of the collision.

''Yasutora too…?! How can this be happenin…'' Yamada started questioning in panic, but was cut short once again from a voice right behind his back.

''Is this really the time to look away?'' Ichigo's voice was heard saying behind Yamada's left ear.

Hearing it, he realized that he had forgotten momentary Ichigo and wanting to defend himself from a possible attack, he tried desperately to turn again to his direction. But it was too late. Just a second before Yamada turn completely to Ichigo's place, Ichigo was already in front of him and using a swift movement of his right knee he landed a strong hit on Yamada's left ribs.

''AAHHH!'' Yamada screamed feeling his ribs being almost crushed.

Next, he bent down touching his ribs to be able to ease the unbearable pain.

''You and your boys made the great mistake to hurt my little sisters, Yamada…'' Ichigo starting saying to him frowning. ''… And now it's time for payback!'' He continued in an angry tone changing his frown to an intense scowl while standing above him.

His sisters were two of the most important people of his life, so hurting them; and especially right after Yuzu got out of the hospital; was an act he was determined to not forgive to anyone. Something Yamada would learn pretty soon… The hard way!

[30 minutes later.]

*Hpftt* *Htkk* *Dup* *Crack* *Htkk* *Clank* …

For the following minutes, what that took place between all of them could easily be described as a fighting hell… Ichigo was punching or kicking Yamada consecutively not allowing him take even a single breath while Chad on the other hand was doing his part of the job by pulverizing Yamada's gang with either normal attacks or professional wrestling moves. It was honestly a quite one-sided battle which would without a doubt stay engraved inside Yamada's and his friends' memory for many, many years…And most likely not only there.

[5 minutes later.]

''There! Now you might think it twice next time you have the stupid idea to bully someone weaker.'' Ichigo said to a totally beaten up Yamada who was currently lying under him almost unable to keep his swollen eyelids open. ''Hurting my family is something I won't tolerate from anyone. Keep that well in your mind.'' He continued frowning and then turned to Chad. ''Hey, Chad! How is it going over there?''

''Cool!'' Chad answered him lifting his right thumb to give emphasis to his word.

Yamada's puny buddies couldn't even be considered a challenge for someone who had fought numerous battles against Hollows, so he was able to `teach` them some manners quite easily having them currently being scattered unconscious on the ground around his feet.

''Good! I am finished too, so I suppose it's time to get away from here. It would be bad if someone see us here right now. We would totally look like the bad guys.''

''Ok! Let's go.''

''Yeah!''

Next, both of them scanned the area around the bridge with their eyes, being careful at the same time to not be seen by anyone and after verifying that it was clear to advance, they began running away.

[Back to the present morning.]

''Sorry, but I don't understand what you are implying, Ichigo.'' Moka said to him with a puzzled expression.

''You don't have to, Moka. It's not anything worth discussing anyway.'' Ichigo replied to her and grabbed a bite of his pancake.

That moment and after remembering the unfortunate incident where they met Yamada and his goons, Yuzu scowled.

''These boys were all criminals…!'' Yuzu started saying getting suddenly into their conversation. ''…Especially that Yamada...'' She continued changing her expression to quite; for her standards; furious one. ''…If I had him in front of me right now I would be sure to beat him to the point of making him start cursing the moment he was born... That filthy scumbag!'' She finished with a lot of emphasis to her last words.

Something that left everyone there stunned and with their eyes wide open.

''Yuzu…'' Ichigo started murmuring blinking. ''…What are you saying?''

''Eh?'' Yuzu questioned hearing him.

Then, she got over her momentary and absolutely unexpected furiousness and returned to her usual self.

''Oops…! Err… I'm really sorry everyone. Seems that I misbehaved.'' She said to them in an apologetic tone blushing intensively in realization of the way she had spoken a minute ago. ''I promise I won't do that again…'' She continued getting up from her chair in a timid way. ''Now… I better go prepare my bag for school.'' She added in a bit panic and turned to Karin. ''I will be waiting for you outside, Karin-chan. Just try to not be late because Ikeda-sensei will scold me if I'm not in time for class.''

With them as her final words, she turned to the stairs which were leading upstairs and rushed towards them not being able to bear anymore the embarrassment she was feeling after what she said... As an individual, she was against the use of rude words and it wasn't pleasing to hear sometimes her big brother and sister adding them into their vocabulary, but since it was their choice, she couldn't really do anything. But right now it was neither of them who used them. It was her and that was a fact she couldn't comprehend as hardly as she tried and made her too ashamed of herself.

[3 minutes later.]

''Ok… What the heck was that? Did you two hear what I heard or I'm still half asleep and imagining things?'' Ichigo asked the girls still blinking and looking at the direction where Yuzu left.

''No! You aren't, Ichi-nii. We heard it too and we aren't sleepy at all.'' Karin answered him somewhat puzzled.

''Karin…The one who spends the most time with Yuzu compared to us is you. Did you by any chance notice anything weird happening to her the last days after she got released?''

''No! Not anything particular.''

''If that's the case, where did that came from?''

''Beats me! I have difficulties to believe it too.''

''Maaan…! What in the world is happening lately?''

In the meantime, while this was taking place with him and his sister trying to think a logical reason for Yuzu to have such a strange outburst, Moka was watching them with her eyelids slightly lowered and a faint saddened expression. Ichigo and Karin didn't know why Yuzu acted like that, but she did. Her blood had probably begun taking effect on her character and that only meant that the ghoul transformation wasn't far.

''Well, anyway… Staying here and guessing doesn't have any meaning. And I must go to prepare my stuff too. I don't want to cause her a problem with her teacher.'' Karin said to her brother and got up from her chair. ''Bye, guys!''

Following that, she turned to the stairs too and started walking towards them leaving Moka and Ichigo alone.

''Haa...! Ichigo exhaled in a tired tone lying at the back of his chair.

''Is something the matter, Ichigo?' Moka asked him from consideration after noticing his gesture.

''Eh? Oh, not exactly. It's only that this month has been without a doubt a total blast compared to the previous ones… We had one surprise after another. '' Ichigo commented turning to her. ''You started living here with us from nowhere and even came to Soul Society, a new enemy appeared getting us all worked up, Yuzu got attacked in a similar way my mother did and in addition, now she acts bizarre. I'm wondering what's next.'' He murmured looking aimlessly at the ceiling.

On the other hand, knowing the answer to that, Moka lowered her eyelids even more. Ichigo was quite troubled already by whatever happened until now and it was certain that Yuzu's evolution to a bloodthirsty entity would be without a doubt the final blow for him. Of course, she was ready to take responsibility for her actions as she stated to Isshin, but the thought of Ichigo's most possible reaction when he learns that his little sister has mutated due to her blood and in accordance that she is a vampire who feeds on his blood every night was scaring her beyond comprehension. It wasn't too long since she realized her true feelings for him and she didn't want in the least to make him hate her. She had lost once her beloved person by getting transported to this world, so she couldn't bring herself to accept that she would lose also Ichigo. It may wasn't right as her other half had said to her since she had already a man waiting for her in her own dimension, but she couldn't help it. Ichigo was the man who either by coincidence, like the first two times, or with fully awareness of his actions had helped or saved her numerous times already without even a small reward. He never abandoned her being always there when she needed him…And not only that. He was respecting her behaving like a true gentleman towards her and was also making her laugh enjoying most of the time they were spending together. Nothing like the guys back at Youkai Academy who were behaving to the girls like they were some piece of meat… Expect Tsukune of course… Truthfully, in a sense she could say that they were quite similar considering some of their character's traits, but at the same time quite different too. Tsukune was a reserved, almost always polite person who favored peace hating and fearing battles, had somewhat low confidence and was kind of indecisive on some matters like the case of who was the girl he wanted to date. On the other side, Ichigo was the complete opposite considering these. He was a rash, rude when the situation required it person who wasn't afraid to fight for what he believed or wanted to protect. He had high confidence in himself and his abilities and he wasn't hesitating to make a choice when he had to… Except Yuzu's case at least where he was too panicked to think straight, so he could be excused…It was kind of funny to think that she would fall for a guy with so many differences from her first one… But anyway, the main point at the moment was that she didn't want to part with him. She wished to stay by his side and support him like he did for her. To express him her feelings and if he accepted them, experience finally with him what it's like to be in a real relationship. To experience a normal kiss on the lips for God's sake and not only small kiss-like sips on the neck…! But all these looked too uncertain and impossible to her considering the flow of things. She gave Yuzu her blood because she wanted to save her life, but that was also the most probable reason of hers and Ichigo's relationship's breakdown... Oh, well, -you rip what you sow- they say. She had good intentions when she proposed this idea, but in the end a reckless idea has always its flaws. The only thing she could do for the meantime was to wait and see what the future had in store for them.

[10 minutes later.]

During the next minutes Moka tried to hide her worries by changing the subject and discussing with Ichigo about random issues so he wouldn't suspect that she had something bothering her and also lighten up his own mood after thinking all the sudden events which took place this last month... After that and finishing at last his breakfast, he went to take his school bag heading next to his school while Moka started occupying herself with housework to make her mind focus to something else than the upcoming disaster.

[2 hours later – At Karakura Middle School's schoolyard.]

The first bell has rung in Karin's and Yuzu's school meaning the start of their first recess, so currently they were out at its yard enjoying themselves with their own group of friends.

''Wow! You are awesome, Marika-chan!'' Yuzu said in a praising tone to one of her friends. ''No matter how hard I try, I can't get full marks on a test like you.''

''I agree. You are a genius!'' Another friend of hers added after her.

''Heh, heh! It was nothing. I just studied a little and the result was pretty much expected.'' Marika replied to both of them in a slight proud tone.

She was the top student of her grade and with her scores being so high she was usually drawing the admiration of her friends as also most of the other students' her age. Of course, like all the other cases where someone has a talent that is making him/her stand out, except the number of admirers, there were also and some haters who were jealous of his/her accomplishments.

[In the meantime – Behind a wall near the girls.]

''Ts! This geek, Marika is bragging again.'' A boy commented spying on the girls' conversation.

Next to him were also another two boys apparently the same age.

''She honestly pisses me off... Ok, she is smart. So…? Does that make her better than us with lower grades?'' The second boy questioned in an irritated tone.

''Yeah! She just happened to be a bit good at studying and now she thinks she is special. Boy! I want so much to erase that annoying smile of her face.'' The third boy commented frowning.

''You think we could give her a lesson to learn some respect for the others…? You know… the usual way!'' The second boy asked him smirking.

''Well, this doesn't sound so bad!'' The third boy replied to him with a sinister smile.

''Nah! Forget it. If you do something rash, you will have a lot of troubles. Hitting someone would expel you.'' The first one explained to them in a serious tone.

''If that's the case, what do you suggest we do, Aiki?'' The third one asked him in a curious tone. ''Do you have any good ideas for punishing this bitch without getting into trouble?''

''Maybe…'' Aiki answered him smirking confidentially. ''Follow me!'' He instructed them both next and began running towards the school's interior.

The same did and his friends thinking that since he was looking so sure, he probably had something smart into his mind.

[20 minutes later.]

After the recess ended, it was now time for the students' next class session. So, everyone returned back to their classes and sat on their chairs waiting for their teachers.

[5 minutes later - Inside Yuzu's class.]

Being a little late, the teacher of Yuzu's class made finally his appearance and as usual everyone had to stand up as a mean of respect… But then something terrible no one was expecting happened. The moment Yuzu's friend Marika got up from her chair, her skirt stacked on it and ripped revealing her underwear. A sight so surprising which made most of the people there goggle and so extremely embarrassing that forced Marika to run away from the class crying and screaming. Something that saddened a lot her friends and especially Yuzu who was her best one.

[50 minutes later – Across the school's hallway.]

''I still can't believe that something like this happened to Marika-chan.'' One of Yuzu's friends murmured while walking beside her and one other friend of theirs.

''Me neither… I heard that after she left class, she locked herself into the nurse's office and came out only when her mother came to take her home.'' Their other friend added in a low tone.

''I feel so sorry for her. She hasn't done any harm to anyone. Why did this have to happen to her?'' Yuzu questioned lowering her eyelids saddened.

''Ikeda-sensei said that they discovered glue on her chair, so it was surely a prank.'' The first one informed them.

''Whoever did it must be a total jerk!'' The second one stated in an angry tone.

Then, their steps brought them in front of the school's toilets where Yuzu stopped her walking approaching their door.

''Excuse me for a bit… Sakura-chan… Aoi-chan… I have to use the toilet.'' Yuzu said to them grabbing the handle of the toilets' main door.

''Ok, Yuzu-chan!'' Sakura replied to her casually.

''Try to not take long because they will sell all the melon breads before we get to the cafeteria.'' Aoi asked of her because she didn't want to miss the opportunity to buy her favorite snack.

''Fine! I will try to be quick.'' Yuzu reassured her and turned the door's handle getting next inside.

There, she headed towards the girls' part of the toilets, but by reaching it, she happened to hear by chance some voices from the boys' toilets which managed to draw her attention.

''HAHAHA! It was incredibly funny! I still can't forget how she ran away like a wet cat.'' A boy's voice was heard saying laughing from inside the boys' toilet.

''Eh?'' Yuzu questioned astonished hearing it.

''Yeah…! And it's all thanks to Aiki's brilliant idea to put super glue on her chair. That geek surely got her lesson.'' Another boy's voice was heard then adding in an amused tone.

''Ha! You don't have to be so amazed guys. The Glue-Prank is a classic. I just followed the `manual`.'' Aiki claimed trying to play modest, but still in a satisfied tone.

''No, no! You deserve a medal, buddy.'' The first boy told him in a praising tone.

''That's right! Your next lunch is on us.'' The second boy stated to him.

''Oh! Really? Don't mind if I don't hold back then.'' Aiki replied to him in a satisfied tone.

Next, the three boys began laughing all together overjoyed from their accomplishment... But that wouldn't last for long.

*Bang*

A few seconds after their laughs started, the boys' toilets' door was hit by something and crashed on the ground near them making the boys goggle in shock and revealing Yuzu standing under its doorstep with a furious expression. Adding to this, one could also distinguish a quite faint crimson glow in her eyes.

''You… To Marika-chan… How dare you…? You are going to pay…!'' She muttered growling at them like she was ready to explode from anger.

Following that, she rushed towards them like a beast that was about to devour its prey causing them to start trembling and sweating from fear. As for what happened next…It's not so difficult to imagine.

*Hpff* *Htkk* *Hpff* *Crack* *Krstt*

[5 hours later – At Ichigo's house.]

Having finished with his school activities, Ichigo returned at last home eager to taste Yuzu's new food creation… But to his bad luck, when he opened the house's door, there was another thing waiting him inside than a happy meal. Instead of everyone sitting around the table and expecting Yuzu to serve the food, they were sitting on the living room's two sofas with Isshin on the left one and Yuzu, Karin and Moka on the right. In addition, for some unknown and kind of strange reason, Isshin was staring at Yuzu with a quite troubled look on his face. On the other hand, Yuzu was having her face down staring continuously to the floor with a seemingly irritated expression.

''Hey! What's the big deal? Did I miss something?'' Ichigo asked them curiously.

Hearing him, Isshin sighed and turned his face to his direction with a serious expression.

''Apparently, your sister fought with some other kids today injuring them badly in the process and as a result I got a call from her principal that she is suspended for two weeks.'' Isshin explained to him in a displeased tone.

''Huh? -Suspension?!-'' Ichigo questioned surprised and turned immediately to Karin. ''Are you nuts? Why the hell did you do that?''

Hearing that question, Karin turned to him too.

''Wrong choice, Ichi-nii.'' She replied to him bluntly. ''Dad isn't talking about me, but Yuzu.''

''What?!'' Ichigo questioned again totally shocked. Then, he turned to his other sister. ''Is that true, Yuzu?'' He asked her goggling.

In response to that, Yuzu nodded positively tightening her eyelids and lips from anger.

''They were scums... They humiliated Marika-chan for their amusement. She is a very good girl and she hasn't done anything bad to anyone. She didn't deserve this kind of thing… That's why I punished them.'' She answered him in an agitated tone.

''Yuzu… Haven't I always told you that violence is not the answer?'' Isshin asked her in a strict tone after hearing her response to Ichigo. ''And furthermore, you went too overboard. The principal said that their parents threatened to sue us.''

''I don't care! They needed to be punished, so I did it…!'' Yuzu stated in a stubborn and quite frustrated tone. ''…And also...'' She continued. ''…Isn't Onii-chan the one who always solves his problems with others using violence? If he is permitted to use it, why don't I too?''

After that question of hers, Isshin's eyes locked on Ichigo having a displeased look on them. A gesture that made him slightly jolt startled... Yuzu was quite right to what she said. Her brother was finding himself into fights more often than brushing his teeth. Something that was clearly giving the wrong example to his sisters and Isshin was aware of, but had decided to leave aside for the meantime since there wasn't any specific incident that had to do with them…Until now at least.

''It pains me to think that I have to do this, but you need a punishment, my sweety! You did something bad and I have to ground you. During these two weeks you are suspended, you are prohibited from going out with your sister, your friends or Jinta-kun.'' Isshin informed her with a pained expression.

Personally, he didn't want to punish his daughter, but as a father he had the duty to give her a lesson about reckless actions and their consequences… But of course there was also another reason. Such a behavior was the complete opposite of Yuzu's usual one, so it was most likely caused due to Moka's blood. For that reason he couldn't let her walk freely in the streets where she could go berserk any time and hurt an innocent bystander. It was a harsh decision, but he didn't have another choice. He had to keep her indoors until he found a solution.

''Hold on a second, dad! Don't you think that two whole weeks are a bit too much?'' Ichigo asked his father in defense of his sister.

''Yeah! Especially not allowing her to meet with Jinta now that they are finally a couple is way too extreme.'' Karin added also in Yuzu's defense and turned to Moka. ''Don't you agree, Moka-san?'' She asked her waiting for additional support.

Support that unexpectedly she wouldn't receive.

''I'm sorry, Karin-chan. This is a matter between all of you who are family. My place doesn't allow me to express an opinion since I'm an outsider.'' Moka replied to her in a timid tone averting her eyes slightly to the opposite direction from guilt.

The truth was that Moka wanted to defend Yuzu's freedom too, but understanding fully Isshin's hidden reason for keeping her inside the house, she was obligated to stay neutral if not agree with him.

''What? Oh, come on, Moka-san! Are you serious? I thought you were supporting us and our relationships.''

''I do… But this time it's something I can't interfere.''

''Ahhh… That's crazy!'' Karin commented upset touching her head with both her hands. ''First, Yuzu attacks some assholes; then dad grounds her for the first time and now you decide to play `stranger`. The whole thing is total madness.'' She added and got up. ''I'm outta here.'' She stated in an irritated tone and headed out to their yard to get some fresh air and calm down.

Following that, Isshin got up too, returning to his clinic to read some medical documents as he said, but what he actually wanted to do was to be alone for the moment. As for the others, Moka went to prepare something quick for everyone to eat when they would feel like it, Yuzu locked herself in her room still frustrated and Ichigo, who was quite confused from this unbelievable development, decided to study a bit to keep his mind occupied before going to Ikumi's place with Moka.

[1 hour later.]

Then, after some time passed, he finished with his student `business` and called Moka to leave with him for their part-time job. Something she wasn't exactly in the mood for since she was worried about Yuzu's feelings, but didn't have a choice since she needed the money.

[5 hours later.]

After that, several hours passed and the two of them came finally back home in hopes that things would have improved a bit, but with no luck. Despite some minor changes, everything was pretty much the same as when they left. Yuzu was still locked in her room; Karin was watching currently TV with a quite irritated expression on her face; and Isshin was reading some papers pretending to be fine... Things surely weren't looking good for the Kurosaki household today!

[4 hours later.]

In the upcoming hours, Moka took again Yuzu's place in the kitchen cooking dinner and serving it next to the others…All except Yuzu of course who was insisting on not getting out her room. A fact that forced Moka to bring her, her share of the food upstairs and leave it out of her door to pick it when she would wish to eat. Next, she returned down to do some washing to the dishes which they used to eat while the others were busy with some things of their own… For the end, all of them went to sleep.

[20 minutes later – Inside Moka's room.]

Like everyone else, Moka went to her own room to sleep, but soon realized that it was something impossible. Her guilt for creating such a problem between Isshin and Yuzu wasn't allowing her to calm down enough to reach a state to sleep.

''My goodness! What a disaster! I never thought that things would come down to this when I decided to give my blood to Yuzu-chan.'' Moka murmured with a depressed expression while being laid with her right side on her bed.

''I don't want to mention that I had told it, but… I had told it.'' Inner Moka stated in a strict tone hearing her outer half's words. ''I had told you clearly that transferring our blood to her wouldn't have a pleasant result, but you got stubborn and refused to hear me out. I hope at least you remember this next time you decide to do something so foolish.''

''Does that mean that you preferred to leave Yuzu-chan die?''

''I didn't say this. You misunderstood again my words. Of course I wished for her to be saved, but there should have been another way. Your lover-boy has a lot of comrades. Certainly, someone would have an ability to help her.''

''You know that he tried to call Orihime-san since she apparently has healing powers, but he failed. And with Yuzu in that state, what else you suppose he could think inside his panic? He had literally paralyzed. He even needed Karin to remind her to him.''

''Hmm… Yeah… That's true. Our man is pretty sensitive even if he doesn't looks like it.''

''I'm not generally regretting giving my blood to Yuzu-chan, but I hoped that we wouldn't reach a point like this. Yuzu-chan is acting against her principles without realizing it and she even gets punished for this despite the fact that it isn't really her fault. I feel extremely ashamed for what I get her into!''

''Well, my opinion is that you have to think it as a precious lesson of life and try to not repeat it. In any case, what has been done…It's done. You can't change the past.'' Inner Moka advised her in a tone that made her sound wise.

''I know…'' Moka started replying to her lowering her eyelids saddened.

Then, an unexpected idea popped miraculously into her mind and she goggled slightly.

''…But what if I try to improve a bit the present?!''

''Huh?! What do you mean?'' Inner Moka asked her puzzled.

''You will see!'' Moka answered her and got up wearing quickly some clothes.

''Why are you dressing up?''

''I said –you will see!-. Trust me a little. I just had an excellent idea of how to cheer up Yuzu-chan and make her able to forget a little her punishment. I may got her inside this mess, but I won't let her suffer.'' Moka said to her with a confident expression.

''Good Lord! You thought something reckless again, didn't you? When are you going to hear the voice of logic?'' Inner Moka asked her in a desperate and slightly tired tone.

''Sorry, but no more discussing. I have to act quickly.'' Moka answered her and next opened her door getting out and heading quickly straight to Yuzu's room.

[5 minutes later – Inside Karin's and Yuzu's room.]

''…-chan… zu-chan… Yuzu-chan… Please, wake up, Yuzu-chan…'' A female voice was heard whispering near Yuzu's left ear.

Something that eventually succeeded in waking her up, making her next open slightly her eyelids and witness Moka standing over her wearing clothes for outside and a sort of delightful expression on her face.

''…Mo…ka-chan… What… are … you…'' Yuzu started asking her murmuring in a low, sleepy tone, but was cut short before being able to finish.

''Sshh…! Don't make noise, Yuzu-chan. You will wake up Karin-chan.'' Moka told her placing her right index finger in front of her mouth. ''I came to get you. We are going out.''

''Out…? Are you serious, Moka-chan…?'' Yuzu asked her in the same tone.

''Yes! I may didn't say anything when Isshin-san grounded you, but I sincerely think that it's unfair. So, to make up for my mistake, we are going for a night walk to meet someone who will make you feel better and give you courage to endure your confinement.''

''Night walk…? And who are we going to meet…?'' Yuzu asked her confused.

''Heh, heh! What do you say about your sweetheart?'' Moka answered her smiling with a question of her own.

''What?!'' Yuzu questioned surprised raising her voice's tone momentary.

''Sshhh…! Didn't I tell you? You will wake up Karin-chan. She is tired enough with all their football practices this month, so it wouldn't be polite to disturb her sleep. Ok?''

''Yes… And thanks for your thought, Moka-chan. You are always trying to find the best way to please us. You are the best!'' Yuzu praised her fully awake now and got up from her bed approaching her wardrobe. ''I will change in a minute and then we are ready to leave. Your idea may sound really absurd, but the truth is that I want to see Jinta. It's been too long since the last time I saw him at the hospital.'' She added picking up some clothes.

''Ok.'' Moka replied and went out to the hallway to wait for her.

[Another 5 minutes later.]

A few minutes later, Yuzu appeared at the hallway dressed and together with Moka sneaked out of their house secretly to go call Jinta on his cell phone and ask him to come to the Human World for a little to meet with his girlfriend to give her courage. It was a seriously absurd suggestion as Yuzu stated, but love doesn't follow logic and when someone faces a great problem, he/she always needs another to give him/her support. And this role suits better his/her lover… Also, it's a fact that girls can come up with some pretty unpredictable ideas sometimes!

[In the meantime – Somewhere over Karakura Town.]

Having pretty much a week to meet or speak with his best friend and Soul Reaper partner, Ichigo decided that it was time already to make up with Rukia… So, using his reiatsu searching abilities he located her somewhere over the town while she was in the middle of her night patrol and without a second of delay, he started shunpoing to her direction. Next, when he finally met her, he strived to convince her to hear him out, but as usual, Rukia's stubbornness was as intense as his own, so she was constantly denying granting him even a minute to explain himself to her. A fact that made him come to a conclusion that if he wanted to break that `wall`, he had to mention something which would surely draw her attention… So, he played his final card and informed her about Yuzu's accident. A subject he was planning to discuss with her anyway, but under those difficult circumstances had to come first in line... A subject that thankfully had the result he wished for changing Rukia from indifferent to fully focused on his words.

[15 minutes later.]

''Wow! You seriously had it pretty hard while we were separated, Ichigo.'' Rukia commented to Ichigo in a slightly amazed tone.

''You can say that again. Yuzu's incident was the worst thing that happened to me during the last ten years.''

''At least she is ok now.''

''Yeah...! And it's all thanks to Moka...''

''I have to hand it to her. Giving Yuzu-chan so much blood was something that needed guts.''

''Indeed… But she never backed down even for a second. She said that she will find a way to save her and she did. And that's why I'm more than grateful to her. She remained firm and saved my sister when I was totally at loss and couldn't control my thoughts... I'm really indebted to her.''

''I see… Of course, if you didn't want to experience such an intense anxiety, you could also go search for Orihime since she wasn't answering your phone calls. Don't tell me that you forgot her spiritual identity.''

''No, I didn't… But as you know, the basic requirement for searching one's reiatsu is to have a clear and calm mind. And my mind's conditions that time was the total opposite. Even if I tried a hundred times, I wouldn't be able to concentrate efficiently to locate her.''

''Then, why didn't you ask Hitsugaya-taicho? He is good in keeping his composure during difficult situations.''

''Toushiro may wasn't exactly so panicked as me to lose completely his focus, but his pride as a Captain had received a great blow after the blunter he pulled, so he would have troubles too. In addition, he doesn't know Inoue's spiritual identity, so he would probably waste a lot of time until he found her. Time we couldn't afford to lose.''

''Hmm… You have a point… But anyway… All's well that ends well. Now you just need to remember to make a present or something of this kind to Moka for her good deed. It's the proper way of thanking her after what she did for Yuzu-chan. ''

''I know… And I assure you that I will. She deserves it and she will have it… Whatever is it that she wants…'' Ichigo replied to her with a determinate expression on his face.

An expression that picked quite much Rukia's interest. Ichigo was making generally a lot intense expressions when he was taking serious decisions, but this one right now could be called his most intense one in her opinion. And that could only mean that there were still more to him that met the eye. She was his best friend for quite some time and she could tell when he had something in his mind or he was hiding something from her.

''Err… Ichigo… Could it be that there's also something else you haven't told me yet?'' Rukia asked him in a slightly curious tone.

''Heh! I see that your perception skills haven't rusted Rukia… And yeah! There is!'' Ichigo answered her with a small chuckle.

''What?'' Rukia asked him again having her curiosity rise.

''A huge -sorry- for a start…!'' Ichigo answered her again in a serious tone this time.

''Huh?! Where did that came from?'' Rukia asked him a third time goggling since she was unprepared for this kind of answers.

''…It's about my stubbornness on insisting that you were wrong and that I didn't have any special feelings for Moka… Well, you were right in the end and I the one who was wrong… Or better say totally wrong. I discovered it recently, but as it seems, I have seriously fallen for her. It may sounds uncommon coming from me, but it's the truth. For the first time in my life I can see a girl like something more than just a friend... I'm in love with Moka and I can't hide it anymore from you or my own self… I love her! I love her so much that I can't stop thinking about her… Her warm character… Her sweet words… Her determination to help others even at the cost of hurting herself… And in addition that extremely beautiful appearance of hers… Everything about her seems so perfect… So perfect that I'm afraid that I won't be able to hold myself back for long. I want to hug her and KISS HER DAMN IT!'' Ichigo claimed in a passionate tone sweating from all the adrenaline his body was producing at the moment and tightening his fists to give emphasis to his words.

Words that together with his state left Rukia speechless and with her eyes even more open looking like they were about to pop out. She had figured out long ago that her friend had hidden feelings for Moka, but she never imagined that they were so strong, neither that he would reveal them to her so easily and with such passion since he was extremely against that idea in the first place. That girl had without a doubt accomplished a feat pretty much no previous girl had the luck to even try… Poor Orihime! She will feel so sad when she learns of it. She loved him for so long, but fate decided that her love would remain one-sided. She should better think of an idea to cheer her up when she hears about it, she concluded… But in any case, the most important thing was that her best friend finally discovered the meaning of love giving her a reassuring feeling since she was afraid that he would stay single forever the way he was handling his love life.

''Whoahaa! I'm stunned! To think that it would come a day where I would hear you say these words for a girl! You surely surprised me, Ichigo, but I have to admit that I'm very happy for you. Finding a person to love is one of the greatest things in one's life. I experienced it too, so I understand you totally.'' Rukia said to him with a satisfied expression.

''Heh! Thanks!'' Ichigo replied to her with a smile.

Last week was pretty difficult for him considering his argument with her, his internal struggling to discover the reason behind his emotions' confusion and Yuzu's unfortunate injury, but thankfully things were looking like they had finally started going for the better. Yuzu was alright, he had a clear image of what he was feeling and his relationship with Rukia had been restored giving him the chance to relieve himself from the burden of keeping his love for Moka a secret since he wasn't really so comfortable to discuss it with anyone else.

''So… To move on… when are you going to confess your feelings to her?'' Rukia asked him casually crossing her arms around her chest.

''Umm… About that… I have to admit that I haven't given it much thought yet. After Yuzu's incident I didn't have much time to concern my mind with anything else. I suppose, I will do it on one of the following days.'' Ichigo answered her with an unsure expression.

''Don't –suppose-. Be sure. Girls like Moka are very popular due to their character and looks. If you don't hurry, she might be taken away. You have to show determination and express to her whatever you keep inside you as soon as possible. Don't forget that it's about your own happiness.'' Rukia advised him in a serious tone.

She was well aware of how dense and inexperienced Ichigo was considering these stuffs, so he needed a friendly push if he was to take the next step. In addition, it would be too troubling if he was to lose her to another man by any chance and ended up mopping on the floor requiring her to play the role of the comforter.

''Yeah…! Got it! I promise, I will. It's the first time a girl makes me fall for her anyway, so I don't intend to let any jackass stole her from me.'' Ichigo assured her with a confident smirk.

''That's the spirit!'' Rukia responded to him smiling satisfied.

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

Then, without a warning a familiar sound to both started beeping coming to interrupt their conversation. It was the well-known Rukia's Hollow detector.

''Oop! Break's over! Seems like we have work to do.'' Rukia informed him looking at her Hollow detector's screen. ''Our little talk about your sweetheart will have to wait for later.''

''Ok! Let's go…! Unless you are still against our teaming up!'' Ichigo said to her as a joke while smiling.

''No! I think I will give you a second chance since I'm such a compassionate person.'' Rukia replied to him also smiling, going along with his joke.

Next, they both smirked amused from the whole joke thing and used shunpo starting heading towards the locations Rukia's gadget alerted them that Hollows had appeared.

[1 hour later - In another location.]

During the following hour, while Ichigo and Rukia were busy dealing with every Hollow which had the misfortune to appear before them, Moka and Yuzu managed to come in contact with Jinta and convince him to visit for a few minutes the Human World to see her. In the start, it was very troublesome due to the fact that Tessai's eyes were like high tech security cameras and it was difficult to escape them, but with a lot of efforts and smart tricks, he finally made it… From there on, he and Yuzu occupied themselves with each other, talking, hugging and everything else a couple does while at the same time Moka had moved a bit away to give them the necessary space they needed. Of course, it was quite boring being alone with nothing to do, but the fact that Yuzu would calm down after this was a sufficient comprehension for all her boredom.

[20 minutes later.]

After enjoying their quality time together to the fullest, Jinta and Yuzu came to a conclusion that it was already time to get back, so they separated with a goodbye kiss… Their first serious kiss until then… Following that, he opened a small Senkaimon to travel back to Soul Society and she made a sign to Moka that it was ok for them to return back starting next walking towards their home.

[5 minutes later - Across a random street]

''I had some time to see Jinta-kun. He looks quite well from what I can tell.'' Moka commented while walking next to Yuzu.

''Well, not exactly.'' Yuzu replied to her with a doubtful expression.

''What to do you mean, Yuzu-chan?'' Moka asked her curiously by turning to her.

''He is fine in general, but as he told me, lately his boss works him to the bone at that lab at Soul Society, so he gets pretty exhausted almost every day.'' Yuzu answered her and then changed her expression to a slightly pissed one. ''I know that Urahara-san isn't a bad person, but if I could, I would like to say one or two things to him about how he stresses his workers.'' She added in an unpleasant tone.

''I see… I suppose then that it was good to call him for a little break, right?''

''Yes! And I have to thank you again, Moka-chan. Your idea didn't benefit only Jinta, but also me. I was feeling too angry and depressed after what happened today and I would have remained the same if you hadn't suggested me to meet up with Jinta-kun. Thanks to your idea I'm feeling great now!''

''I'm glad to hear it. I would feel pretty depressed myself if my idea was proved to be wrong. But thankfully, it didn't.'' Moka stated to her smiling.

''And in addition, we were lucky to able to sneak out without anyone noticing us. We would be in big troubles if someone was to find us out.'' Yuzu added smiling too with a relieved expression.

A smile that wasn't destined to last for long.

''Who said that no one did?'' A female voice was heard asking some meters in front of them.

''Huh?!'' Both questioned noticing it and focused their eyes to see better who the one who spoke to them was since it was quite dark.

Then, they discovered to their shock that the voice's owner was no other than Karin who was standing a little away from them with her arms crossed around her chest and a pretty mad expression on her face.

''K-Karin-chan…?'' Moka muttered astonished upon realizing who she was.

''What are you doing here so late, Karin-chan?'' Yuzu asked her feeling uneasy due to the fact that they were busted.

''I should ask you the same, Yuzu.'' Karin answered her frowning. ''Why are you two out at this hour…? Not that I don't know…'' She added murmuring in a low tone…

''Eh?! You know? How?'' Yuzu asked her pretty surprised.

''Well…'' Karin started saying beginning her explanation while remembering how things went while they were still back home.

[1.30 hour ago - When Moka visited Yuzu's and Karin's room.]

While Moka was in the process of explaining Yuzu her idea, Karin had obviously woken up due to the noise they were making and was currently eavesdropping being turned towards the opposite direction on her bed to hide the fact that she was awake.

''For God's sake! When I asked Moka-san to help in Yuzu's case, I didn't mean it like that! How the heck did this idea come to her? It's past midnight, man! It's too stupid to wander around the city right now. Get a clue, people…! Maybe I should get up and reason them.'' Karin thought annoyed with her eyelids narrowed to the point of making her eyes look horizontal and a vein twitching comically on the left of her forehead. But that moment something else popped in her mind and she came to a realization. ''Then again, if I do that, Yuzu will probably get mad. It won't be the first time of course, but considering her bizarre behavior it might not be the best course of action. She surprisingly seemed pretty pissed on dad in the afternoon; something pretty unusual for her; and considering also the fact that she beat single-handily all these guys; something EVEN more unusual; I better refrain from stopping her if I don't want to end up being hated too or worse with any injuries. For now, I suppose I will wait until they get out and then follow them just in case something bad happens.'' She decided coming to a conclusion.

Next, she waited a few minutes for Yuzu to get dressed and after she left the room, she got up and put on some casual clothes quickly to not lose them. From that moment on, she trailed them until they met up with Jinta and waited again patiently until they separate to reveal herself.

[Back to reality.]

''…And then I saw you approaching and spoke to you.'' Karin said to them finishing her explanation. ''You know, you should consider yourselves too lucky for not getting caught by dad. He may be generally lax, but if he was to learn that you two sneaked out of the house in the middle of the night, you would be screwed.''

Hearing this both lowered slightly their faces as a sign of feeling guilty.

''Karin-chan…'' Yuzu started murmuring timidly in a low tone.

''Yes…''

''…Are you mad?''

''Of course I am! Getting out this late is too dangerous for two girls. There are criminals, rapists and even worse, loose Hollows out here. What if something happened to one or both of you? Dad would keep blaming himself for eternity for not noticing you and Ichi-nii would go rampage on humans and Hollows. I'm aware of how much this punishment he gave you has agitated you and that logically you wished to relax a bit by seeing Jinta, but you shouldn't behave so recklessly without taking into consideration the consequences of your actions.'' Karin scolded her in a serious and slightly strict tone.

Something that made Yuzu lowers even more her face. A gesture Moka noticed immediately and feeling responsisble since the idea was hers, thought to say something in her defense.

''Please, don't be so harsh on Yuzu-chan, Karin-chan! The one who proposed her this idea was me. If you have to scold someone, scold me.''

Hearing her Karin turned to her direction with the same serious expression.

''Don't worry, Moka-san. I'm not leaving you out of this.'' Karin informed her frowning slightly. ''Yuzu is kind of justified since she was feeling so down, but you aren't. I can sympathize that you wanted to help my sister blow off some stream, but, for Pete's sake, there are other ways to achieve it too. You didn't have to suggest something so absurd and stupid. What would you do if Yuzu has gotten herself hurt again? Have you thought of that at all?'' Karin started scolding her too in the same strict tone.

''I'm sorry…'' Moka responded to her in an apologetic tone. ''…I…'' She continued wanting to explain herself, but then noticed something and goggled shocked. ''…Eh!''

''A simple –sorry- doesn't solve a thing, Moka-san. What you did…'' Karin started scolding her again, but wouldn't have the chance to finish her sentence.

''Karin-chan…''

''Just a moment, Moka-san. I'm still talking here.'' Karin stated to her a bit irritated from her interruption.

''…But… behind you…'' Moka replied to her muttering with a frightened expression while pointing at Karin's back with her right index finger that was trembling.

The same frightened expression that had adopted also Yuzu during the previous three seconds.

''Huh? –Behind me?-'' Karin questioned puzzled and then turned to her back to see what was that she was pointing at.

And she saw already. To her outmost dismay, about a meter behind her was standing a big Hollow with a very hostile expression on its face.

''Oh, shit!'' Karin commented in a monotone narrowing comically her eyelids.

''HWWAAA!'' The Hollow howled after seeing that she noticed it and lifting his right fist in the air tried to smash her to pieces by hammering it to her direction.

But things wouldn't go its way.

''WATCH OUT, KARIN-CHAN!'' Moka shouted to her panicked and without a second of delay jumped on her to push her away.

A quick move that thankfully succeeded throwing both her and Karin a few inches away from the Hollow's strike.

''Are you ok, Karin-chan?'' Moka asked her while trying to get up.

''Yeah! Thanks!'' Karin answered her scrubbing her back.

''What are we going to do now?'' Moka asked her again sweating from anxiety.

''Don't worry. When I decided to follow you, I came prepared for anything.'' Karin stated to her and placed her right hand inside a backpack Moka and logically Yuzu too didn't pay so much attention when they first saw her. Next, she pulled it out holding a silver ball like the ones they used to fight the Hollows that attacked their house. ''If this guy wants a fight, we will give it one.'' She claimed and stood up facing the Hollow. ''HEY! BLOCKHEAD! Who do you think you are attacking to?'' She asked the Hollow in an irritated tone.

In response to that, it replied to her with a new howl lifting his other hand in the air ready to attack once again.

''Want to play tough, huh? Well, you picked the wrong people.'' Karin said to it scowling and took a pitcher's stance.

In the following seconds the Hollow unleashed its attack wanting to finish what it started, but before having the chance to touch Karin, she threw quickly the ball straight to its mask having it glow after contact and reducing it to black bits of energy. After that, she turned back to Moka.

''A Hollow less to worry about.'' She commented in a satisfied tone while hitting her palms to each other like she was cleaning them from dust.

And with this the momentary Hollow threat got cleared… or not!

''KARIN-CHAN! MOKA-CHAN!'' Yuzu screamed suddenly to them in panic.

''Hm? What is It, Yuz…'' Karin started asking her turning to her, but stopped midway goggling astonished.

The same did also Moka after turning to Yuzu's direction too… Some meters away from them there was a pack of Hollows which was approaching them from every corner implying that they were practically surrounded.

''Crap!'' Karin commented grinding her teeth.

'This is a nightmare!'' Moka commented shaking due to fear and worry.

''Whatever it is, there is only one thing we can do at this point.''

''You mean…''

''Yeah! We will fight.'' Karin replied to her and then turned to Yuzu's direction. ''YUZU! COME OVER HERE! WE NEED TO GET READY FOR BATTLE!'' She shouted loudly to her showing her the backpack.

''Eh? Oh, yes! I'm coming, Karin-chan.'' Yuzu replied after hearing her and ran quickly to her side.

Next, Karin shared some of her gadgets with her and Moka to provide them with a way to fight and for the end they all took battle stances waiting for the Hollows attack… Something that didn't take long to happen.

[In the meantime – Where Ichigo and Rukia were.]

*Hstt*

A vertical slash appeared in a flash across a large orange body reducing it to bits of black energy. It was Ichigo's finishing blow towards their last Hollow opponent.

''Ok! Last one out! I think we are finally done for tonight.'' Ichigo commented in a relieved tone approaching Rukia who was standing a few meters to his back.

''Eerrr… Not quite.'' Rukia informed him while looking at her detector's screen. ''I'm afraid we still have some remaining nuisances to take care of.''

''Huh! Oh come on! Seriously? We have been running through the whole town to exterminate these guys and we still have some left? Man! I need vacations!'' Ichigo stated in a whining tone.

''Me too, but what can you do! It's our job.''

''Yeah, yeah! So… Where are these boneheads?''

''You won't like it… but it seems that they are on the other side of the town considering our location.''

''Ah! Great! At the furthest place from here. I should have expected it!''

''Stop complaining like an old man and let's go, Ichigo. It won't be a nice sight if they hurt any innocent people.''

''Ok! But we need to seriously discuss that issue about my days off.'' Ichigo stated to her and then jumped in the air.

''Whatever…!'' Rukia replied to him jumping too behind him.

After that they used their shunpo starting heading to the location Rukia's gadget indicated that there were the last Hollows.''

[10 minutes later – Back to the girls' location.]

While Ichigo and Rukia were approximately on their way to their place, Moka and the girls were trying their best to hold up against their own opponents.

*Clank* *Fstt*

Another ball glowed exterminating one more Hollow.

''Man! These guys are persistent!'' Karin commented with an exhausted expression standing next to some bits of black energy which were vanishing in the air. Following that, she turned to the girls' direction. ''How are things in your end, girls?''

*Xssstt*

An electric beam was shot at a Hollow electrifying it and reducing it to black bits of energy.

''I'm still ok…'' Moka started answering turning to her while holding a small gun which had the ability to fire electric shots. ''…But I got separated from Yuzu during my last confrontation. We must find her before something bad happens to her.'' She continued in a worrying tone.

''I agree. Let's not waste time then.'' Karin replied to her starting worrying too.

''Ok!''

[5 minutes later – Somewhere a bit further than their previous location.]

A few minutes later and after fighting their way through a couple of Hollows earning a small number of bruises in the process, the two girls managed at last to locate Yuzu. But the sight they witnessed when they did, made them goggle in utter shock. Yuzu was currently in the worst state she could be being captive of a humongous gorilla-like Adjuchas-Class Hollow which was holding her inside its right grasp.

''AAAHHH! IT HURTS!'' Yuzu cried loudly feeling the monster's grip tightening around her small body.

''Will you shut up already, human?! Your voice annoys me!'' The hollow growled to her in an irritated tone.

Then, an electric beam appeared completely unexpectedly coming to its place.

''Hm?!'' The Hollow wondered noticing it and made a swift maneuver avoiding it at the last second. Following that, it regained its balance and turned to the direction the beam came from having an angry expression. ''WHO THE HELL DID THAT?!'' It asked in a furious tone.

''We did!'' A female voice was heard then answering it also furiously.

Hearing it, it turned to its direction to see who it was, finding out that it belonged to a black-haired human girl who was standing next to a pink-haired one with a gun inside her hands that was aimed at its place.

''HEY! GIVE BACK MY SISTER, YOU STUPID MONKEY!'' Karin demanded from it totally mad and in a loud tone.

''Ha! Like I would take orders from some puny humans.'' The Hollow replied to her in a hostile tone. ''…And I'm not –stupid monkey-. I'm Goro…One of the strongest warriors of Hueco Mundo!'' It added in a prideful tone.

''Like I care! I SAID GIVE YUZU BACK!'' Karin demanded again in a louder tone than before.

''And I that…'' Goro started replying to her also angrily, but noticed something in the process and stopped. ''Hold on a second… This must be the one Lazarto wants.'' He thought slightly surprised. ''I don't like the idea of obeying his orders, but if I don't, Celos-sama will punish me.'' He concluded.

With that in mind, he concentrated his power on his feet's muscles and made a high jump disappearing momentary from the girls' sight and next reappearing falling towards them aiming his left, open hand at Moka.

''Damn it!'' Karin cursed seeing him and then turned to Moka's direction jumping over her like she did for her earlier. ''BE CAREFUL, MOKA-SAN!'' She managed to scream…

*Crskktt*

…Before Goro crash a few centimeters next to them raising torrents of dust in the air.

''HAHAHA! I GOT HER!'' Goro claimed laughing satisfied while holding something inside his left grasp.

But that satisfaction wouldn't last for long. When the dust began clearing up, he noticed to his ultimate furiousness that he had caught the wrong person. Inside his grip wasn't Moka, but Karin who had passed out due to the shock of Goro's crash.

''WHAAATT?! HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!'' He questioned angrily.

''KARIN-CHAN!'' Moka screamed in panic seeing her inside his grip.

''KARIN-CHAAAN!'' Yuzu screamed too appearing tears inside her eyes. Then, she turned to Goro with a frustrated expression and a faint crimson glow behind her tears. ''LEAVE MY BIG SISTER ALONE, WOTHELESS APE!''

''Huh?! Now you started with the demands, insect! Better watch your language or…''

''OR WHAT?! ARE YOU GOING TO TRANSFER ME YOUR FLEAS?''

''FLEAS?! AAAAHH! THAT DOES IT! NOW YOU CROSSED THE LINE…! AND I WILL MAKE SURE YOU REGRET IT!'' Goro stated to her and brought his left hand with Karin in front of Yuzu. ''You tried to play tough, but I wonder if you will keep it up when I turn your sister into a bloody pulp.'' He said to her and started tightening his grip around Karin.

''LET HER GO! DON'T HURT KARIN-CHAN!'' Yuzu screamed at him with her eyes wide open and full of tears.

''TOO LATE!'' Goro stated to her coldly and continued tightening even more his grip.

''KARIN-CHANN…! NOOOOOO!'' Yuzu screamed with all her might feeling her pulse raising dramatically; her whole neural system aching; and her blood boiling from anger.

Then, at that particular moment, what Isshin and Moka feared all this time finally occurred. Due to her extreme emotions of hate towards Goro, the vampire blood inside Yuzu awakened fully covering her whole body in a deep violet aura, appearing some kind of black tattoo-like marks on some parts of it, growing fangs in her mouth and lightening her eyes in a deep and intense crimson glow.

''Hm?! What is this now?'' Goro questioned confused after seeing Yuzu's new appearance. ''What are you…'' He tried to ask her, but was cut short.

''YOU…WILL…PAYYY!'' Yuzu howled at him like a beast and without warning opened his grip like it was nothing.

''HUH?! IMPOSSIBL…'' Goro tried to say, but was cut short again.

This time not from words, but from a powerful kick on his face…More accurately, before he had the chance to even work out this new development, Yuzu jumped out his hand focusing at the same time her strength on her right leg and by arriving next to his left cheek, she kicked him with all her fury.

*Htkk*

A kick that powerful that had quite the effect since it was able to crack the two thirds of his mask.

''GWAAHHH!'' Goro howled feeling extreme pain from her kick and releasing unconsciously Karin letting her fall towards the ground.

''Oh, no!'' Moka commented witnessing this and ran quickly to the place where Karin was heading to catch her.

Something she thankfully succeeded using a long jump which allowed her to place herself below Karin before she hits the hard ground.

''Phew! I did it.'' Moka exhaled in a relieved tone while looking at Karin who was now inside her arms. Next, she turned to Yuzu. ''Yuzu-chan…'' She thought with a sad expression.

Even if it was partly beneficial, the fact that she finally awakened to a ghoul remained and the only sure thing was that there were lot of hurdles awaiting them from now on.

''Aarghkk…'' Goro whined frustrated touching his damaged mask with his left hand. ''Cursed human! How dare you do that to me?! I will obliterate you.'' He said to Yuzu who was staring at him like a hungry carnivore. ''Just wait! When I finish with you, you…'' He tried to continue, but was destined to get interrupted for a third time.

''No…! You will die…'' Yuzu growled with a sort of demonic sounding voice from a short distance away from him.

And wanting to make it reality, she jumped again towards its place getting ready for another strike.

''Not this time!'' Goro claimed and responded to her attack with one of his own throwing his right fist towards her.

Something that unfortunately for him was meaningless since when his hand was approaching Yuzu; she punched it back with her own right changing its trajectory and continuing like this her way to his face… For the finale, when she reached again close to his mask, she raised her right leg getting ready to finish him off.

''Know your place, vermin!'' She said to him in a cold tone and hammered her leg on his mask crushing it to smithereens and reducing as a result his body to black bits of energy.

After that she turned back to the remaining Low-Class Hollows which were staring at her trembling due to her intimidating aura.

''Your turn…'' She informed them and immediately rushed like a lunatic against them.

[20 minutes later.]

What took place from that point on was a true massacre full of cruelty. Yuzu was attacking every single one of Hollows which were there either by breaking brutally their masks, either by ripping their limbs to shreds, either by pulverizing their bodies with punches and kicks or for the end by bisecting them into two with her bare hands. A sight that looked like it had gotten out of a well-made horror movie… A sight no one who knew Yuzu would ever, even in his/hers wildest dreams, imagine with her as the center of it… A sight that had honestly left speechless and with his eyes ready to pop out her older brother from the moment he arrived there to fight the Hollows… Something he approximately didn't need to do since it was being taken care of by his little sister.

[Present.]

''You have to be kidding! How can this be possible…?'' Ichigo kept questioning murmuring shocked.

And not without a reason! His younger sister… The most peaceful and timid person he knew… was currently butchering a large group of Hollows like a wild animal and to his major surprise, without using any kind of weapons. The thing about her fight with those punks was one thing, but what he was witnessing right now was beyond his comprehension.

''Is that Yuzu-chan?! I'm seeing it, but I have difficulties to believe my eyes.'' Rukia commented astonished and quite confused. ''What happened to her?''

''I have no idea. She never showed any signs of acquiring such powers until tonight. More accurately, I didn't expect that she had any sort of powers in general. I mean… She couldn't even see spirits like me and Karin.''

''Umm… I see…''

''Damn! One misfortune after another! What the hell have we done to deserve all these?!'' Ichigo questioned in an irritated tone frowning. ''And furthermore, this is something I wasn't prepared for. I'm seriously stacked now. What should I do, Rukia?''

''I'm not sure either. I never expected to come upon something like this too… At any rate, I suppose the best you can do, is go and talk to her…'' Rukia started saying to him. Then, she got a momentary glimpse of Yuzu's rampage and sweat dropped. ''…But firstly I think it would be wise to restrain her in some way.''

''Ok! I will go talk to her.'' Ichigo replied to her and started flying to her direction.

''DON'T FORGET THE RESTRAINING PART.'' Rukia shouted to him before he strays from her too much.

[4 minutes later – Down to the ground.]

*Hpftt*

After a finishing punch from Yuzu, the last Hollow there followed its comrades to their journey to nothingness becoming black bits of energy. As for her, having finished with all her monstrous opponents and reaching her rage's level to a point where she had pretty much lost her human consciousness, Yuzu scanned a bit the area for new victims to satisfy her hunger for destruction, focusing in the end her eyes on Moka and Karin who were some meters away from her. Following that, she turned to their direction and began walking closer to their location with a hostile expression.

''Yuzu-chan…'' Moka murmured with a pained expression tightening her eyelids after noticing her approaching them. ''I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…'' She added appearing some tears to her eyes. ''I am the cause of all of this… I'm really sorry…''

On the other hand, while she was murmuring these, Yuzu didn't seem to pay any attention to her expression or words, but instead kept approaching them with the intention to make them mincemeat.

''Yuzu-chan seems like she has lost completely her senses due to the transformation. At the moment, she logically sees us as enemies and wants to kills us… Well, that may be ok considering me… This would be my punishment…'' Moka thought staring Yuzu with an intense look in her eyes. Next, she turned to the unconscious Karin. ''…But I can't allow her to hurt Karin-chan. She wouldn't be able to get over it when she returns back to normal. I have to stop her… But how?'' She questioned anxious inside her head.

A question which would take its answer in the following seconds.

''YUZUUUU!'' A familiar male voice was heard shouting from above them.

A voice Moka would recognize anywhere and made her turn her face upwards to see Ichigo running through the sky to their place.

''Ichigo…'' She murmured astonished.

After that, Ichigo reached them in a flash landing in front of her.

''Are you ok, Moka?'' He asked her by turning slightly his face backwards.

''Eh? Yes!''

''Good…! Can you explain me then what the hell is going on here? Why the heck is Yuzu like this?''

''Err… Well…'' Moka started muttering hesitantly to him, but wouldn't have the chance to finish he sentence.

''DIE!'' Yuzu howled suddenly and without further ado, began her attack by rushing furiously to their place with the intention to kill them with one strike.

*Clank*

But her attack failed due to Ichigo's quick thought to block her with his sword's rear at the last second.

''GHKK… YUZU… WHAT ARE DOING…? CAN'T YOU RECOGNIZE ME…? I'M YOUR BROTHER…'' Ichigo screamed to her while trying with some difficulty to maintain his position against her power.

Unfortunately, he didn't receive an answer like he hoped, but another malicious howl and an increase on her pushing.

''Aagkk…'' Ichigo gasped grinding his teeth while starting to lose ground. ''This is beyond a bad joke… She looks like she wants to tear me apart… And most likely the others too… I seriously have to stop her…. BUT HOW DAMMIT?!'' He questioned in his mind with a desperate expression and sweat flowing down his face.

A/N: And that's the end.

1: (To Bigby The Big Bad Wolf) I have to admit that when I first thought of this chapter's plot, I didn't included something considering the bullies who hurt Karin and Yuzu, but in the end I found something to add. Hope you like it, pal! ;)

2: As you already realized here we have another step considering Ichigo's and Moka's relationship…or better say their feelings' development… And a big one on that... I tried to make their thoughts and reactions as close as I could to the original and I think I pretty much got it. Of course, it may not be perfect and some of you notice some oociness, but as I previously said, we are dealing with something neither Kubo, neither Akihisa thought of, so some of it is expected.

3: About Moka's reckless idea to get out at night with Yuzu, well I know from some personal experience that when someone feels down always wants a little support from his/her loved one regardless the time (even if he/she has to wake him/her up at 4:00 in the morning). Also, as we know that she is quite emotional and this can sometimes drive you to recklessness.

4: Hope you like it how I developed the plot considering Yuzu's awakening. I wanted to make something to give her a badass image like the rest of her family (Except Isshin and Ichigo, Karin looks a bit badass sometimes). This is also one of the reasons I came up with the idea of giving her vampire powers (not the main, but one of the mix). Unlike Ichigo who is a full-fledged Soul Reaper and Karin who has apparently started awakening to her spiritual powers too, Yuzu hadn't any specific trait that made her special, so I decided to give her another kind of push to find her way into her family's badassery. But don't misunderstand! The fact that she obtained vampire powers doesn't mean she lost her original identity as Isshin's daughter. You will understand what I'm saying by reading my next chapter.

5: Finally, about why Rukia didn't try to help Ichigo in restraining Yuzu, it was because she wasn't too comfortable with this and also because she knew that Ichigo wouldn't like it at all if his sister got injured by mistake.

As always a great thanks to my beta reader saddas74 for his precious help!

Be well and love Japan! Ja'ne (for this chapter)