Again, so sorry i'm late, but i have a hellish load of responsibilities, as usual. Anyways, without further ado, read and enjoy, my beloved readers! Thank you all for your continued support too!

Chapter 10:

Unexpected occurrence

"Bankai!"

No sooner than Ichigo had said the word, black spiritual power with a red outline engulfed his form. When it dispersed, he was revealed to be wearing a longer, coat-like shihakusho and held a shorter, black blade. It was his bankai, Tensa Zangetsu.

Ichigo gave the fragment a glare before he rushed towards it in a burst of speed, creating after-images of himself. Dozens of him surrounded the fragment and began closing in on it at the same time. Due to being unable to determine which Ichigo was the real one, the fragment got slashed and stabbed in twelve different places simultaneously.

Ichigo pulled back as it gave a roar of fury and pain. The enraged being charged towards him with its clawed hands primed to strike. The substitute soul reaper responded in kind. Once again, claws met blade as the two struggled for dominance. Slowly, Ichigo began forcing the fragment back.

Realising that it was being overpowered, the dark creature began charging its orange, cero-like attack in its mouth. Noticing what it was going to do, ichigo flash stepped behind it as it released the attack.

Being in the air, slightly above its head, the spikey-haired teen began gathering black energy with a red outline into his blade.

"Getsuga tensho!" cried Ichigo as he unleashed his black getsuga at point-blank range. He flash stepped back to where he was before he charged the creature, just to be on the safe side.

Once the getsuga tensho faded away, Ichigo saw that the fragment was still standing, albeit heavily injured. Suddenly, before he could make a move, an orange glow began to emit from the fragment. Its claws extended slightly, spikes emerged from its elbows and its muscles seemed to get a bit bigger.

'What the? Is it evolving or something?" Ichigo thought as he watched it. The fragment then barrelled towards him, causing him to move out of its way. It seemed to be faster than before, and he was betting that it was stronger too. Diving towards it, he intended to pierce it through the back, however its scorpion-like tail came up and blocked his black sword.

As he was about to pull away, a voice spoke out within his mind.

"Getsuga, right now!" commanded his inner hollow.

Listening to his pale counterpart, Ichigo made another getsuga. The technique was writhing through Tensa Zangetsu's blade before he realesed it.

"Keep it going!" said his hollow before he ended his attack.

Listening to the advice, Ichigo kept the black energy pouring out of his blade for another ten seconds before he let up.

When the getsuga faded, he saw that the fragment was no more. Suddenly, a transparent, dome shaped barrier became visible over him. It then began to disintegrate from the top, moving down. The teenage soul reaper exited his bankai before the barrier completely vanished.

"I have to admit, I wasn't expecting one so strong to appear so soon," said his inner hollow.

"I must agree with him on that particular point," said Zangetsu.

"And would you two mind telling me why you've been so unusually quiet since Riser appeared?" asked Ichigo.

"Ha! Pushy as ever, aren't ya King?" replied his hollow, causing Ichigo to scowl slightly. "Me and the old man here were just searching more into your sacred gear, to see if we could find anything new."

Ichigo was now curious to know if they had found anything.

"What did you manage to find?" he inquired.

"Ichigo, are you familiar with the Chinese zodiac?" Zangetsu replied with his own question.

"You mean the Ssu-Ling? As in the four divine beasts?" Ichigo asked.

"Yes, that is correct," confirmed his Zanpakto.

"But what does that have to do with my Shock Burner?" Ichigo asked.

"Well Kingy," began his hollow. "It turns out that Shock Burner's fire and lightning aren't just any old fire and lightning. It uses Suzaku flames and Byakko lighning."

This new information caused the teen's eyes to go wide.

"Whoa," he said in surprise. "I've got to say, that's pretty out there."

"Anyway King, I'd suggest you go back and check up on how the devils are doing," said his hollow.

He began walking back round to the front of the building, back to where the others where. Upon arrival he saw that they were all busy training. Except for Issei. He was running for his dear life, being mercilessly chased by the compact tank known as Koneko. Chuckling to himself, he decided that the pervert had withstood enough torture.

He flash stepped behind Koneko and gently took hold of her by the shoulders, resulting in her looking back at him in surprise.

'Fast,' was all that went through the white-haired girl's head.

"I think he's had enough torture for now Koneko," Ichigo told her with a kind smile.

The smaller girl silently nodded her head as he let go of her.

As for Issei, he was on the floor regaining his breath. He tried to give the soul reaper as much of an appreciative nod as he could.

"Th-th-thank… you… for… sa-saving… me," he said between gasps. He then returned to trying to calm down his crazy breathing rate.

"Come with me," Ichigo told Koneko, who gave a nod. He walked back to his backpack with her in tow. Reaching in, he took out another training dummy. Opening the panel on the back, he began fiddling around. Once he was done, he closed the panel again as the eyes glowed blue with artificial 'life'.

"I want you to train against this," he instructed her. "Down worry about breaking it, it's self-repairing. Oh, and be careful too. It may be just a training dummy, but it packs a nasty punch."

"…Yes Ichigo-senpai," she said before she faced the dummy and went into a stance. Ichigo moved back as she and the dummy ran towards one another and began trading blows. Leaving her to her training, Ichigo went back the Gremory group's resident pervert.

When Ichigo arrived, Issei was fully recovered.

"Hey," he said in greeting.

"Hey," Ichigo replied back. "Listen up. As you're now pretty much physically worn out, I'll let you carry on with physical training tomorrow." He then saw Issei's expression pale and he could guess why. "Don't worry, it won't be with Koneko, unless you do something that warrants it," he assured him, causing the colour to return to his face. "For now, go over to where Akeno and Asia are and get to work on your magic, because even though I've never seen it, I can tell that it's ridiculously low."

That last part hit Issei like a jab, but he obeyed nonetheless. He began trudging over to where said two girls where. Ichigo decided to cut him some slack and not reprimand him for moving so slowly. He had after all been running for his very survival up until recently.

Things went on for about an hour and a half. Ichigo had gone to them from time-to-time, giving them advice and tips. He then let them all take a thirty-minute break. After all, it wasn't good to push them to a breaking point. They weren't ready for something like that, not yet anyway, so it'd produce adverse affects.

(Inside the Gremory estate: Dining room):

Night had fallen and everyone was inside, sitting before a large array of food that looked highly appetising. The very sight was making them want to just attack and dig in. it was as though the food had a radiant glow. Who had cooked it? Why that would have been Ichigo for most the part. He'd let Akeno and Asia help out a little because they'd insisted and Asia had (unintentionally) given the puppy-dog eyes. It just seemed too cruel and inhumane to say no to that face.

"Whoa! There's so much! It looks so delicious too!" Issei exclaimed in joy.

"Calm down, I made plenty for everyone," Ichigo chided good-naturedly.

"What?! You made this?!" Issei shouted in disbelief. Kiba and Rias also had surprised looks at this.

"Well, Akeno and Asia did help out a little," the orange-haired teen admitted. "That's what most of what I was carrying was anyway. Ingredients."

"Ufufufu, it wasn't really all that much. You did most of it Ichigo-kun. Me and Asia just contributed a little bit," Akeno said.

"Yes! You really did most of it," Asia backed up.

"Well, if you say so," Ichigo replied whilst looking away and scratching the back of his head. "Well, dig in guys."

The moment they placed the first morsel into their mouths, their brains (well, the part for taste anyway) went into a state of pure bliss. A delightful sensation of flavour spread across their taste buds.

Ichigo, who had not yet eaten anything, saw their motionless faces with worry.

'Oh crap!' he desperately thought. 'I guess my cooking is really bad.'

"Uh, guys?" he said in concern.

"This…" began Issei. "IS THE BEST THING THAT I'VE EVER TASTED IN MY LIFE!" He then proceeded to scarf down the rest of his bowl with great relish. He looked to Ichigo with stars in his eyes. "How did you make this so good? I've eaten the same kind of food at shops and at home, but it can't even compare to this!"

"Is it really that good?" Ichigo questioned out loud. "I just did what was in the book, mostly anyway."

"No, he's right," agreed Rias. "I can't even find the proper words to describe it. It's just so beautiful." She then smiled at Ichigo in thanks before going back to the sweet, sweet pleasure that was the food.

"This truly is amazing," complimented Kiba in awe.

Asia could barely contain herself as she ate. "It's so delicious!" she exclaimed. "I'm blessed to be eating such cuisine!"

Even Koneko, who was usually calm and collected, was eating rather quickly. "Ichigo… senpai's… cooking… is delicious," she said between mouthfuls.

"Ara ara, whoever marries you is going to be a very lucky girl. I envy her already, being able to eat food like this this on a regular basis," commented Akeno, causing Ichigo's face to gain a slight blush.

"Well, I'm just glad that you all like it," Ichigo replied.

They carried on eating in silence. The Gremorys were simply too occupied with enjoying the food as much as they could. They didn't know when they'd be able to taste such divine food again.

Once everyone had finished eating Ichigo's marvellous cooking, they settled down. However, they were all secretly hoping that the substitute soul reaper would cook for them again. Heck, Issei was even willing to temporarily put his perversion on hold if it meant he could experience that bliss again.

"Anyway, now that we've finished our delicious meal, it's time to take a bath!" Rias proclaimed.

"Eeeh!?" there's a bath here?!" Issei exclaimed.

Ichigo wasn't too surprised. After all, this was a holiday house. They tended to have good baths. He did however frown slightly as he detected that the Gremory pawn was getting up to his perverted antics again.

"Yes, there is," Rias answered. She then began to smile. "Why Issei, would you like to join us?"

Ichigo nearly face vaulted at that. 'What kind of girl willingly lets an extreme pervert take a bath with her? But, since he's being invited, I suppose I can't do anything to him.'

Issei, on the other hand, had a delighted expression on his face. "R-Really?" he asked.

"Of course," confirmed Rias. "So long as the others don't mind."

"Ara ara, I don't mind. I'd like to wash his back," said Akeno.

"If-if it makes Issei-san happy, then I don't mind," said Asia, her face a deep shade of crimson.

"I refuse," said Koneko emotionlessy. "Go die pervert."

Issei's face crashed into the table at the blatant rejection that the rook had showed.

'She didn't even consider it!' he internally cried.

"Sorry Issei, looks like you don't get to bathe with us," Rias said in an apologetic (read as: slightly teasing) manner.

Issei twitched as though a stake had been driven through his heart. "Koneko, why?" Issei whimpered.

"I hate perverts," the petite girl said flatly. Then, she murmured something that none of them heard. "Although I wouldn't mind Ichigo-senpai joining."

Issei began to actually cry at his misfortune, whilst Kiba gave an awkward chuckle and smiled at him.

"There there Issei-kun, it's not that bad. Besides, you can still join me."

"Shut up you damn handsome! I don't wanna join you! It sounds disgusting!" Issei vehemently refuted.

Ichigo couldn't help but give a small laugh at the comedy he was witnessing.

Rias unexpectedly turned to Ichigo.

"What about you Ichigo, would you like to join us?" she asked, making said teen's eyes widen with shock.

Ichigo regained his composure and politely declined. "Sorry, but I don't do things like that. It just doesn't sit right with me and would make me feel too awkward." He'd already had enough embarrassing moments with a certain purple-haired former captain to last him a lifetime.

(Gremory estate: Ichigo's room):

Ichigo got changed into his pyjamas and climbed into the bed. The mattress was soft and luxurious. Within moments of closing his eyes, he drifted off to the realm of dreams. Ichigo lay there, lying on his bed in a peaceful sleep.

(Dimensional gap):

Ichigo saw nothing but infinite, swirling colours.

"Where am I?" he said in confusion.

"So, you have arrived, successor from another reality," came a voice from behind him. However, the voice seemed to sound within his head, not from outside and physically.

Turning around, Ichigo gave a gasp of shock as he saw a huge, red western dragon with a horn on its snout.

"What the hell?" he breathed. He then remembered how it had greeted him. "Wait a minute, what did you mean by 'successor' and how did you know I'm from another reality?"

The dragon regarded the teenage soul reaper for a moment before answering him.

"I am the Great Red. The dragon of dreams, the apocalypse dragon, and the true red dragon emperor. As for how I know about you, the being that summoned you here was a friend of sorts of mine. I must say, he took a fine pick. I can sense your power. Even at base strength, it is impressive."

"Where am I, if you don't mind. Also, how did I get here? The last thing I remember was going to sleep."

Great Red laughed heartily.

"You still have much to learn I see. You are in the dimensional gap. Since I am the dragon of dreams, I brought your consciousness here when you went to sleep. Your physical self is still enjoying its rest."

"Oh, I see," said Ichigo, relieved that he hadn't been sucked to some random place again. "How come you brought me here anyway?"

"I was simply curious about you," replied the dragon. "I wished to meet with you. I shall return you to your sleeping body, but before I do, I wish to give you some advice."

Ichigo began paying close attention as the dragon continued.

"Do not tell anyone that you have met with me. It will cause complications. Furthermore, it seems likely that Ophis, the dragon of infinity will take an interest in you. Currently, she's in the form of a small girl with black hair who dresses in a gothic Lolita fashion."

"Okay thanks," said Ichigo in appreciation.

"Farewell, Ichigo Kurosaki and good luck with your task."

Ichigo then felt himself losing 'consciousness' as he was returned to his sleeping body.

Omake:

Ichigo was walking through the streets. It was a quiet day and there weren't many people about. He felt a weird sensation as a magic circle appeared beneath him.

"Oh, not this again!" he exclaimed in protest.

When he could see again, he found himself lying face down on the ground. Getting back to his feet, he surveyed his surroundings. It seemed as though he was in some sort of abandoned city.

Hearing footsteps, he turned in the direction of the sound. He saw a figure walking towards him. He had pure white, spikey hair that overshadowed his eyes. So white it seemed as though it was glowing slightly. His skin tone was the same peach colour as Ichigo's own. He was wearing a leather-looking, unzipped jacket. The upper half was black, with 'Z-X' being on the right side in red lettering. The lower half was grey, and had a mirrored white section at the lower centre. The sleeves of the jacket were white and looked like they were woollen. Underneath the jacket he wore a navy blue top. He was wearing blue tracksuit trousers and white trainers. On his back was a katana sword with a plain black hilt, no design. From the pommel was a chain composed of two links and a white cloth attached to the second link. He looked like he was Ichigo's age. He had an air about him that seemed to say that he was searching for something.

He walked up to Ichigo and stopped two metres before him.

"Who are you?" he asked casually, yet politely.

"Ichigo Kurosaki," the orange-haired teen replied. "And who might you be, if you don't mind."

"I'm sorry," replied the white-haired teen. "I don't remember anything of my past. It's just… empty. But you can call me Z-X."

before either could say another word, they heard some sort of distorted, garbled growl. Turning in the direction of the noise, they saw some sort of creature. Its full body was green, save for its full yellow eyes. It stood on all fours, although the front to limbs looked like arms rather than legs and its body gave off a small, misty green aura.

"A Zecrocite," said Z-X as he reached for his sword.

"A what?" asked Ichigo.

"Doesn't matter, I'll deal with it," said Z-X. "It's a weak strain."

Z-X then dashed forward as he unsheathed his sword. In one swift motion, he cut through the zecrocite and stood behind it. The creature made one last sound before it burst into a green mist that quickly dispersed.

Z-X turned back to Ichigo and walked back to him.

"I'm sorry about this, since we just met and all, but I need to get going," he said apologetically. "There's something I need to find."

"Is it your memory?" asked Ichigo.

"Yes, it is. I don't know how to explain, but I feel as though there's something very significant about it, and I'm not talking about ordinary sentimental value," answered Z-X.

"Good luck, I hope you find it soon."

"Thank you. Good luck to you as well, in whatever you're doing."

With that, the mysterious teen walked on past Ichigo. Ichigo then scowled.

"Why and how the hell do these things happen to me? How the hell am I supposed to get back?!"

So, did you like it? Please comment, review, whatever you want to call it. But, no flames please. Besides, Ichigo's Suzaku fire is stronger :)