I do not own Bleach or any of the characters, all Bleach property belongs to Tite Kubo-sama and the Viz media company. I also do not own this wonderful idea, all credit goes to IndieWrites, and I am only solely responsible for making this idea come to life.
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Chapter 10: Swimming With The Fishes
Byakuya had his eyes narrowed, eyes set to a glare at the boy in front of him, "Ichigo…"
"No!" Ichigo protested with a small pout. Byakuya had faltered at the pout, denying that he thought it was cute, and continued to pursue his small 'mission'.
"Kurosaki," he laced his voice with ice this time. This time he used the transformed child's last name instead of his first to demonstrate that if he didn't there would be future consequences.
The small boy looked at him, eyes shimmering with emotion. This must have been the so called 'puppy eyes' Rukia had encountered earlier when she tried it. Byakuya tensed with guilt but immediately chided himself that this was for the boy's own good. "I don't want to!" Ichigo whined.
"Ichigo this is not a matter of simply liking it, you need to take it," the captain said as he moved the spoon in his hand forward.
The brown eyes shut themselves and his head turned away with disgust, "I'm all better now!"
"You didn't take the medicine yesterday therefore you're taking it today. Unohana instructed me to give you this one instead because you didn't take the previous one yesterday," Byakuya stated, "You've already taken one spoonful in the morning, and it order to make sure of a full recovery you need to take this last one." In reality Byakuya had taken this 'medicine' before, it was back during his childhood. When he was bursting out with a fever he remembered Shihoin shoving a spoonful into his mouth by force, not only that but to prevent him from spitting it out she had also covered his mouth. Just looking at the color when he had first opened it he instantly asked Rukia to get Ichigo to take this in the morning. Rukia had also tried for the second and final attempt but she claimed that she lost to 'the puppy eyes'.
"Never!" Ichigo stuck his small lip out further and crossed his arms. Damn, it was hard to argue with his boy. Why did he have to be so cu- convincing?
"I won't let Yoruichi visit you anymore," he threatened. Even if Ichigo refused to take the medicine it would be a win due to his growing hatred for the werecat. All night he had to endure hearing how "Aunt Yoruichi" was amazing, kind, and wonderful to have around. Something had snapped and he excused himself from dinner earlier to start plotting ways on how to exterminate the tormenting woman.
Ichigo's eyes went wide, a frown reached the small boy's lips, and once again something inside him snapped. Had he really liked Yoruichi that much? How much did he like her? Does Ichigo like her better than him? Something just kept building inside of the heir; he wanted nothing more than to tear that werecat to shreds!
"It only makes me feel worse!" the small boy whined. Byakuya relaxed himself, trying to regain his calm composure that had somehow slipped away. So he really didn't care?
"Fine," Byakuya set the spoon aside and stood up again, "I'll just leave-."
"No!" Ichigo instantly clung himself to the captain, "You promised to spend the day with me!"
"Let go Ichigo," he ordered the small boy. Actually he didn't want to be so harsh, all he rather do right now was to spend the day with the small boy instead of fussing over that vial plant juice. When the boy suddenly let go his gray eyes darted over, disappointed that Ichigo didn't really care about him or his own health. He slightly turned his head and his eyes widened as he watched the small boy shove the spoon in his mouth, his small face scrunched up in disgust.
"Yuck!" Ichigo shouted and darted out of the open set of sliding doors that led to the garden. Byakuya looked at the spoon left behind, every drop wiped clean off of the spoon. Closing the bottle of medicine, Byakuya looked at the direction Ichigo had left. He would follow him but Unohana had also told him to give her the remaining medicine.
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Ichigo quickly ran, trying not to think of the nauseating taste that still lingered in his mouth. A small hand had covered his mouth from preventing the liquid from escaping as he ran without knowing where he had been going. Currently with his heart it was in pain due to what Byakuya had said. He had promised him, the man had probably not even remembered his promise!
After the taste had died down the small boy panted for breath, looking around he saw that he reached deeper into the gardens where the deeper pond for the koi fish were. A smile reached his face as he saw a few koi fish swimming in the pond. Sitting himself down near the edge he watched the giant fish swimming in the pond and all of his previous emotions were washed away with delight. Sometimes it was strange how a small child's mind would switch gears so suddenly but for right now he was happy. Somehow the koi fish had caught the small boy's attention and Ichigo was left in peace staring at the koi fish for a few minutes.
"Ichi!" a voice loudly chirped up from behind him.
"Ahh!" Ichigo jumped then suddenly tumbled into the water.
"Ha! Ha! Ichi made a splash!" Yachiru giggled and flashed stepped away into the tunnel she came from. Although she made one mistake, it was the sudden surprise that made Ichigo panic, the small boy flailed in the water, feeling something tugging him underwater. The koi fish swam away at the violent waves, leaving the small boy that was a minute or two from drowning…
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It had only taken a few minutes to deliver the rest of the vile 'medicine' back to squad four. Once he had arrived back home he looked around for the small boy in the manor. With a sigh he walked through the gardens, hoping to see him there but instead his zanpakuto Senbonzakura and Ichigo's zanpakuto were under a cherry blossom tree. Senbonzakura was currently speaking to the younger teen from where he sat leaning against the base of the tree while Zangetsu stood, his eyes closed but listening to the samurai. What they were speaking about he didn't hear but his zanpakuto noticed him as he walked towards the pair.
"Greetings master," Senbonzakura sat up, "Are you in need of anything?"
"Have you seen Ichigo?" he questioned both zanpakuto. Gray eyes looked over at Zangetsu, it anyone knew where he was it would be the zanpakuto yet there was no acknowledgement to his question, or even his presence.
"No I haven't," Senbonzakura turned his head toward the teen, "Zangetsu, you should know where he is right?"
Pale blue eyes opened and glanced at Senbonzakura, eyes that were unreadable as his, the thought formed in the noble's head. Zangetsu closed his eyes again, not even bothering to look at him. "Tch," Zangetsu scoffed, "Isn't that your responsibility?"
Byakuya narrowed his eyes, "Do you not care what happens to Ichigo?"
"Byakuya," Senbonzakura quickly stood up and was about to say something yet Zangetsu interrupted.
"Ichigo means more to me than you will ever know, Byakuya Kuchiki," Zangetsu glared at the man, they flickered over to Senbonzakura momentarily before looking at the ground again. "My bond with Ichigo has been severed somehow," Zangetsu muttered both looked at him in shock, "I don't know how but I can't sense his emotions like I normally would. I can't even return back to his inner world. It's strange… I still feel like I would somehow break if anything happen-."
"Nothing will happen to you," Senbonzakura quickly intervened. Byakuya noticed how a faint shade of pink rose to the zanpakuto's pale cheeks yet was quickly gone.
"I know that," Zangetsu looked over to the small empty pond, "but somehow…"
Pale blue eyes widened, water…he saw water surrounding him. It was then he felt something dragging him deeper into the sucking feeling. Something churned inside of him as he felt horror. This had happened to him once; the feeling of drowning was familiar and chilled him to the bone. No… not again!
"Zangetsu?" Senbonzakura stepped forward and tapped the teen's shoulder. Immediately the teen started falling and the samurai quickly caught him. "Zangetsu! Zangetsu what's wrong?" he gently shook the teen, "Zangetsu!"
Byakuya looked into Zangetsu's eyes, they looked empty, somehow the life slowly draining out of them. A chill reached his spine and out of the corner of his eye he could see the koi fish swimming towards the swallow pond. "Ichigo…" Byakuya thought as he raced towards the inner depths of the garden. His legs felt heavy, breath trapped in his lungs and heart pounding fiercely in suspense. It was when he saw the small boy frantically splashing in the water did dread reach him.
Without thought he instantly ran into the pond, water coming up to his waist as the water splashed around him. Inwardly cursing at how hard it was to run in the water he didn't stop until Ichigo was just arm's width away. Gray eyes widened as the head started sinking under the water again he quickly reached out and grabbed the small child, scooping him up in his arms. Byakuya's heart sank in relief as he heard coughing, he was alive…he was alive he kept reminding himself as he tightened the hold on the small boy. His own breath was shuddering, he realized, why though? Yet he tried not to think about it too hard as he climbed out of the pond and gently cradled the small boy against his chest. When he stood out of the water he could feel his legs growing weaker, as if led had suddenly was placed on them. With somewhat labor he managed to walk to a nearby tree and let his back slid down against it as he tried to calm down his rapid heart. It was the clanking of armor that alerted him of Senbonzakura's presence.
"Master!" the samurai quickly ran to his side along with Zangetsu who was looking at who he was holding.
Byakuya looked at Ichigo, seeing how violently the boy was shuddering and his small voice kept shaking as he was trying to breath again. The older man felt his eyes soften in concern yet he didn't care as he held Ichigo tighter without trying to smother the boy. A pale hand started to run through the wet orange hair as he kept whispering gentle words at the boy.
Zangetsu eyes widened as he tried to catch his breath again, Ichigo had almost drowned…so that's why felt it. He gripped his own chest; this fear he was feeling inside of him was his own but what about Ichigo's? Normally he would be able to sense it but…why couldn't he? Looking at Senbonzakura he saw the samurai looking at the pair, eyes glazed over with concern yet he did nothing but stand there. Looking at Ichigo again he saw the small boy gripping the Kuchiki's shihakusho, his entire body was shaking and he felt something like dread inside of him. He could still feel when Ichigo was in danger… yet why could he detect his partner's presence like he use to or connect with Ichigo's feeling anymore. This felt so unnatural and terrifying, the feeling like he was going to die; it was the only thing he must have left between them now.
A hand was placed on his shoulder and his gaze looked over to Senbonzakura. The samurai then took his hand and led him away. Immediately he was slammed against a tree and nearly kissed to death instead. The way Senbonzakura's lips kept fiercely moving over his, the way the hands were gripping his hair…he must have realized he would have died as well if Ichigo had not been saved.
"Senbonzakura," Zangetsu gasped but was muffled again when lips crashed upon his again. Gently shoving him away and rapidly breathing he felt the samurai moving his to neck, a moan escaping the young zanpakuto's lips as he slid down the cherry blossom tree, the samurai following him down. It seemed like trying to regain his breath again was impossible, a gasp escaping his lips as Senbonzakura kept kissing his neck.
"Damn it…" the samurai cursed as he kept gently nipping, and biting, took the column of skin in his mouth and kissed it, his voice was shuddering "Damn it…"
"Senbonzakura…" Zangetsu embraced the samurai as tight as he could, he still panted as the man above him kept caressing his neck with his lips, then over to his collarbones… "Senbonzakura, I'm all right… I'm fine…" He felt Senbonzakura starting to slow down, his kisses felt like butterflies tickling his pale skin now. They moved upward and then traced his jaw line, up his check, then a small peck on near the corner of his lips. "I'm fine…" Zangetsu repeated. The samurai simply placed his lips over Zangetsu's making the young zanpakuto shiver. All of those feelings of drowning and fear…were gone.
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It was only until Ichigo's violent shivering had turned gentle did he sigh in relief. He couldn't stop running a hand through the hair nor even hear what he kept saying to Ichigo yet all that matter to him was he was all right. It was until he realized they were still both wet that made him get up and start moving towards the manor again. Once he returned a servant came and left as he gave the orders to draw a bath. Looking at the boy he could he him still trembling, gripping onto him for dear life. Closing his eyes he gently tried to even his breathing. He had almost lost this boy, what would have happened if he arrived minutes later? The thought chilled him, sweeping him into depressing thoughts until he heard footsteps.
Opening his eyes he saw a servant walking towards them, no emotion written on their faces or any concern, like living dolls. They were even better at concealing their feelings because they had training from the start; they swore to serve the heir, and the Kuchiki family only. They were a force to be feared with at times; especially his personal guard but the boy's trembling brought him out of his thoughts. After being informed of the preparations Byakuya had then asked the servant in front of him to return to his normal work. He walked to the one of the many hallways filled with bedrooms and entered his. It was just a simple room, a futon, a bookshelf, even a desk with a chair, yet he directed himself towards the bathroom. When he opened the door he walked over to the tub, the water all ready filled with water and awaiting. After kneeling down he gently let go of the boy yet the boy still clung to him.
"Ichigo…" he softly whispered, "It's all right…you need a bath now."
The boy's hands started shaking violently again. "B-Byakuya," the boy stuttered.
"Please Ichigo I don't want you to get sick again…" the Kuchiki noble noted how his voice sounded pleading yet there would be time to concern himself about that later.
"T-The water," Ichigo started leaning into him, he felt tears spilling down from the boy's face. Wrapping his arms around the small figure he held him tightly. If Ichigo were a teen… even something like this wouldn't bring him to tears. How much did he cry when he was this young? How much did he change? Guilt crushed him as he thought of even thinking of such thoughts, for even letting Ichigo out of his sights for even a small fraction of time. There was still one thing that never changed…Ichigo was always getting himself into trouble.
"You won't drown," Byakuya started to stoke the orange hair again, "I'll be in my room…you don't want me to get sick, do you?" There were irony in those words…he was already sick with worry.
"No…" the small hands were hesitant on releasing him. Byakuya didn't push him; he just waited until Ichigo finally let go. He exited out, letting the boy take his bath, letting a sigh escape.
"Where were you?" Byakuya snapped his head up, his gaze meeting a pair of pale blue eyes. Zangetsu stood there, arms crossed while looking crossed.
"I went to go give Unohana back the medicine she gave me for Ichigo," he answered.
"Ichigo was fine," Zangetsu growled, "it was a small fever."
"That fever could have escalated further if not dealt with properly," Byakuya narrowed his eyes.
"This has happened due to your overreaction if you had watched over him properly, he wouldn't be afraid," Byakuya had nearly faltered yet his pride flared out, thinking Zangetsu was putting the all of the blame on him.
"What about you? How would you know Ichigo was afraid? I thought your bond with him felt nearly severed so how would you know?" Byakuya countered.
"Unlike you I can read other people Byakuya Kuchiki!" Zangetsu raised his voice, "Unlike you I was actually looking for him, he was upset because you had probably done something to him. If I recall you made a promise to him during dinner that you would spend the day with him, didn't you?"
Byakuya outwardly flinched, the words sinking painfully like a blade puncturing his heart. "I-," Zangetsu continued.
"Give me a reason why we shouldn't leave Kuchiki. Give me a reason why I should trust putting Ichigo's life into your hands after what had happened. Do you even know what the feeling of nearly dieing feels like? It's horrid, Byakuya Kuchiki, horrid…cold…as if I'm drowning in water," Zangetsu started walking towards him, "I always hated Ichigo's way of fighting, I've always disliked his reasons of battling. He puts his life on the line for someone without thinking of his. What he wants to protect is completely different from what I want, Kuchiki. Even when I first told him my reasons he couldn't understand so I had to explain it to him. I want to protect him that has always been my wish, even when I was 'liberated' by Muramasa my 'instinct' was to see how much he has grown. To me Ichigo had always been more to me than a 'master' he is my partner, my friend, and now my brother. If any harm comes to him then I would stop at nothing to protect him yet I am merely a blade, Kuchiki. I see how people rely on him and how he tries to burden the weight of everyone so I doubt everyone, thinking how people are only selfish. I've always disapproved of Orihime Inoue's feelings of him because she could never protect him, I thought of her as unworthy because she isn't capable, so when she finally confronted him about her feelings how do you think I would feel? It was like a brother disapproving of a relationship when they see a sibling getting confessed to by someone they do not approve of. That day that he rejected her I had finally realized something… something that I will never approve from Ichigo, he lo-."
"Zangetsu!" a familiar voice hollered interrupted Zangetsu and make him flinch. Byakuya snapped out of his trance and then noticed how Zangetsu seemed nervous, then finally realized how swollen Zangetsu's lips were or the small red marks on his neck…
Zangetsu immediately turned towards him, a glare in his eyes, he hissed "Don't say a word!" The spirit immediately turned into a sword and dropped onto the floor. The door opened and Byakuya looked up to see Senbonzakura standing at the doorway.
"Master, have you seen Zangetsu?" he asked, not seeing Zangetsu on the floor.
Byakuya closed his eyes, and then smoothly lied "I have not."
"Sorry then," Senbonzakura left in search for the other who was currently resting on his bedroom floor. After the footsteps disappeared Zangetsu rematerialized and sighed.
"Senbonzakura…" Zangetsu muttered as he traced his lips, "Would have suffocated…"
It took only a few seconds for it to click in…Byakuya then sent a glare to the zanpakuto. "Is Senbonzakura in love with you?" he inquired the teen yet it was already confirmed when Zangetsu flinched and started blushing. "Senbonzakura is my pride," Byakuya started walking towards the teen, "If anything happens to him then my pride is on the line. If anything hurts him, breaks him, I will stop at nothing to protect him, I promise you. If I can promise you this then I can swear to you that Ichigo will never die as long as I am protecting him."
Zangetsu blinked then a calm expression reached his face, "I see… I'll trust you then, Byakuya."
As Zangetsu left Byakuya couldn't help but ask one more question, "Do you love him?"
Zangetsu froze, the Kuchiki heir was sure if he could see the teen's face it would be red, "I-I-."
"Just don't break his heart…he can be overzealous sometimes," Byakuya muttered.
"I won't," he thought Zangetsu murmured back then left. He walked towards the calligraphy room, Senbonzakura already sitting on the porch and he sat beside him.
"I've been looking for you," Senbonzakura told Zangetsu, breaking the silence.
"I know…" Zangetsu muttered.
"So do you want to finish your love confession for me?" Senbonzakura asked rather smugly as Zangetsu turned red. A smile reached the zanpakuto's lips; Zangetsu could so be adorable sometimes…
"You heard that!" Zangetsu shrieked.
"Every word," Senbonzakura hummed as he leaned on the pillar feeling smug.
Zangetsu glared then leaned towards the samurai, the blue eyes were shut, probably expecting him to blush or stutter, oh no, he would not give him that satisfaction…maybe another type instead…
Zangetsu leaned in and instantly started to suck on Senbonzakura's neck. The man gasped and no doubt his blue eyes must have been wide by now. He hummed and continued to place kisses on the pale column of skin. He kept moving upwards then bit down on a place just near the ear that made the samurai moan in apprehension.
"Z-Zangetsu?" Senbonzakura groaned and the teen looked back to see Senbonzakura's eyes glazed over, "What are you doing…?"
"Kissing you," he whispered as he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on the samurai's mask, mocking him by placing it were his lips would have been. It took the samurai a while to process what he was doing; it was until the third or fourth kiss on the neck that he was slammed onto the porch.
"Zangetsu…" Senbonzakura growled, no doubt going to suffocate him again by kissing him until breath couldn't reach his lungs anymore.
Zangetsu lifted a hand up tracing the mask and once more tracing over where Senbonzakura's lips would have been. "If you're going to kiss me," Zangetsu whispered into the samurai's ear, "Why not now?" At first he was hesitant but eventually he worked up the courage to blow warm breath over the samurai's ear. It was strange, why wasn't Senbonzakura kissing him? Placing his head on the floorboards again he looked to see concern in the blue eyes he loved.
"Is what Byakuya said making you so intimate?" Senbonzakura questioned him.
Zangetsu turned his head away in guilt, "I thought…this would make you happy."
"I won't rush you if it makes you uncomfortable Zangetsu," the samurai assured him, "I can wait, I'm happy as long as you're by my side."
The teen immediately flushed as the samurai lay down beside him and wrapped his arms around him, "You can be so annoying sometimes it's frustrating…"
"You love that about me though," Senbonzakura sighed as he snuggled closer to Zangetsu.
Zangetsu's blood rose to his cheeks, "T-Take off the mask."
Senbonzakura looked at him, he just had to ask didn't he? "Why?"
Zangetsu immediately flushed and buried himself into the samurai's chest, "I-I want to kiss you…"
Senbonzakura chuckled as he removed the mask, "I can't kiss you if you're hiding from me." Zangetsu lifted his head, face lightly flushed. It was then that his heart had started beating rapidly in his chest as he leaned down and simply brushed his lips lightly against Zangetsu's. "I love you," he whispered as he kissed the lips against his softly for a while.
"I know…" Zangetsu murmured against his lips, "Just shut up and kiss me."
Senbonzakura pulled away, a smirk on his lips, "Demanding, are we?"
Zangetsu's face turned as red as a rose, "Shut up!"
The samurai chuckled before Zangetsu tugged his shoulders and crashed their lips together, heat and sparks coursing through him. He would be the happiest zanpakuto in the world if he could just be like this forever…
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The door slid open and Byakuya turned to see the small boy poking his head out the doorway. Soft brown eyes filled with worry that made him wonder what was the problem.
"Was Zangetsu here?" he asked the older man.
"Yes," he softly replied, "Do you need to speak with him?"
"No…" the boy trailed off and looked at the floor, "Are you two angry with each other?"
Byakuya looked away to the side, the boy must have overheard their arguing, how much of it though? "We've already cleared it up," Byakuya sighed.
A smile reached the boy's young face, "Good." It was when the small boy stepped out that made his eyes wide a bit. He was dressed in a simple white yukata but he looked so…so…
Indescribable? That would work for now…
"I'll take my own bath now," Byakuya muttered to the small boy as he passed him. He started drawing his own bath, making sure the water was to his liking. Once it was filled with steaming water he shed his clothing off and sank into the soothing waters. Every bone in his body felt soothed and relax, sometimes there was never a time to relax, even on vacation he would always feel the need to do something.
Running a hand through his free hair Byakuya was reminded of his childhood. There were smiles back then, smiles that disappeared over the years. There was practicing to become a soul reaper, lessons of etiquette, laws to study then to recite, constant arguing with the clan…ect…ect. Focusing on the vapors he tried not to think of his stressful life, even when it was only for a few minutes.
After finishing his bath and drying himself off he saw his favorite black yukata with a gray sash ready to be worn. He hadn't worn such casual clothing in a long time, such luxury was rare and putting it on felt different than wearing his normal attire. When his gray sash was tied he opened the door to find Ichigo looking around the room, not touching anything, or going through anything, just looking. What exactly does a boy see? It had been such a long time that he's forgotten what it felt like to have such freedom.
The small boy turned to him, eyes wandering over him yet lingering on his hair. Immediately Byakuya had a strange temptation to run a hand through it to fix anything that was wrong with it yet he remained still.
"What happened to that thing that went in your hair?" Ichigo tilted his head as if trying to spot it.
"My kenseikan?" he asked the boy who gave a nod. It was than that he did run a hand through it, feeling how his hair was free from restraint…just free. "I decided not to wear them today," Byakuya answered.
Ichigo simply smiled his way, and for some reason his heart decided to skip a beat, "You look better."
Byakuya turned away, not daring to look into the warm gaze again. "I promised you I would spend the day with you, didn't I?"
Immediately he was tackled by Ichigo, "Yay! You remembered!"
Confusion reached him, "Why wouldn't I? As a Kuchiki I keep my word."
Ichigo blinked up at him, "I thought you forgot…"
"I would never," Byakuya placed Ichigo on the ground again, "Would you like to go visit Rukia?"
"Yay!" Ichigo rushed toward the door, looking back at him with a grin, "Come on Byakuya what are you waiting for?"
Byakuya stood there, frozen, for some reason he could see Ichigo as a teenager saying that to him. Ruffling a hand through his loose hair he sighed, he would admit there were a few times that he wished Ichigo would just look at him and smile. It was others he would look at, or the smile was directed somewhere else, it was never for him. Now that he was a boy, he started smiling for him. Would Ichigo stop once he returned to normal?
Another sigh found it's way out; today was just filled with depression, wasn't it?
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"Remind me why we are going this again," Toshiro groaned as he walked up to squad twelve's barracks.
"We need to find out why the zanpakuto have been separated from their soul reapers, we promised Rukia Kuchiki and Renji Abarai that we would," Hyorinmaru reminded him.
The white haired captain groaned and rolled his head to pop his neck a few times, "Don't remind me…"
"Very well," Hyorinmaru followed his master into the labs. Once they entered, some people were rushing around; other people were experimenting with strange elixirs. Following his master through the chaos he was surprised how they made it pass unscathed. They walked around through the hallways, the ice dragon's eyes looking around trying to see a difference in the hallways in order to find this squad's captain's office. He nearly passed it until Toshiro stopped.
"We're here," Hitsugaya muttered. Hyorinmaru looked over his shoulder then turned to see a door that was just a copy of all the other doors. How did soul reapers find there way through such mazes?
"Shall I go in first?" he offered the young boy.
"No," Toshiro let out an exasperated sigh, "There wouldn't be much of a difference." Hyorinmaru opened the door for him and he stepped through large wires to small ones going up connecting to a large screen with other screens. What surprised him was Unohana was there, Mayuri seemed to be explaining something to her.
The man turned his chair toward him, "My what a pleasant surprise Captain Hitsugaya, I assumed you came to ask about yesterday's events?" Turquoise eyes looked over where he was point at, his zanpakuto Hyorinmaru.
"Yes," he sighed then turned his gaze towards Unohana, "What brings you here Captain Unohana?"
"I came here wondering what had made Ichigo turn into a small boy again," she looked at Hyorinmaru, "then again, what did happen yesterday?"
The captain of squad twelve rolled his yellow black eyes and turned to the computer screen, pulling up several documents of information, "I was bored so I decided to look through some files, I was reminded of the deceased zanpakuto Muramasa so I decided to run a few tests on my own zanpakuto to try and copy the same pattern that released zanpakuto." Captain Kurotsuchi turned with a feral grin on his face making Hitsugaya slightly jump, "It's more complicated than I had anticipated, copying an exact replica to allow zanpakuto to roam freely across the Seireitei. The head captain himself came to me several weeks ago asking that I can continue the research in order for zanpakuto and soul reapers to live in harmony, not that I care of course, I'm just trying to fill my data files."
"You've been testing this weeks ago?" the young captain was astonished. Even the head captain had permitted this madman to continue his research!
"He has," Unohana replied for the man, "It turns out Ichigo had drank an elixir by accident that day he turned into a boy. He was using it to try and materialize the zanpakuto yet it had only made the zanpakuto shorter."
"Younger," Captain Mayuri corrected, "I was surprised that I developed a youth formula but I currently have thousands of working ones currently in my data base. I had that stupid girl Nemu to dispose of it but it seems she's an incapable of doing such a task, that girl."
"Have you developed an antidote?" Unohana asked.
"It's a youth formula, why would I develop and antidote for it?" he sneered at the woman, "Cant figure it out yourself?"
"I can assure you I will Captain Kurotsuchi," she said. They started glaring at each other, if one looked closely the electricity of hatred and rivalry could be seen.
"Let's get out of here," Toshiro muttered, turned, and left with his zanpakuto.
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Ichigo was a chatterbox and a ball full of energy when he was a child. If he didn't die from stress of paperwork it would be the stress of handling Ichigo. When they arrived to squad thirteen's barracks they found Rukia and Renji's zanpakuto talking to each other.
"Kya!" Sode no Shirayuki squealed upon seeing the small boy, "He's so cute!" Ichigo was immediately swept up by the woman and smothered by her tight hug.
"Talk about motherly…" Zabimaru muttered silently so the snow woman couldn't hear.
"Is someone here Sode no Shirayuki?" Rukia asked as she walked from the corner.
"Only the most adorable boy in the world!" she answered as she nuzzled the small boy who was simply blinked in her arms.
"Ichigo?" Rukia gasped upon seeing who he was she looked towards her brother, "Brother!"
"Good evening Rukia," Byakuya greeted her while watching his sister's zanpakuto to make sure she didn't smother Ichigo to death.
"Are you enjoying your day off?" she asked her sibling.
Byakuya sighed and silently muttered, "So far stressful…"
"Where's Zany and flower boy?" Monkey asked as she looked around for the two zanpakuto.
"Flower boy?" Byakuya could hear himself growl. Zabimaru flinched, yet Sode no Shirayuki and Rukia seemed unfazed. Rukia had already seen Byakuya worst and she wasn't even fazed, Sode no Shirayuki was busy in wonderland while stroking the small boy's hair that was currently sitting in her lap.
"Zabimaru often gives their friends nicknames brother," Rukia explained.
"'Flower boy' is demeaning," Byakuya glared at his lieutenant's zanpakuto.
"Ah! We thought it was good!" Snake whined.
"Shut up Snake!" Monkey hissed as she slapped the back of the boy's head.
"Now, now Monkey," Sode no Shirayuki held her head up high and hugged the small boy, "Children should be treated with respect and love."
"I'm not a kid!" Snake yelled at the woman's face. The snow woman simply blew and Snake was frosted over with ice.
"As I was saying children shouldn't be shown violence," she said as she turned the small boy's head away. No one dared to tell her of her hypocrisy.
"Brother, would you and Ichigo mind coming to swim with us later?" she invited him.
Swimming, seriously? How much irony was there going to be today?
"Who invited you?" Byakuya asked his sister.
"Oh! The head captain invited us to swim earlier this morning. He says that some of us should take a break from work after working so hard," she informed him.
Okay…he had to make sure to tighten security around the manor. How did that old man know everything? There was a chance if he found out Ichigo would be taken away from him.
"Ichigo, let's go now, lunch is almost ready," Byakuya said as he walked away.
"Okay!" Ichigo chirped and jumped out of Sode no Shirayuki's lap, "Bye Rukia!"
"Aw! So sweet," Sode no Shirayuki cooed.
"Am I really that motherly?" Rukia thought as she looked at her zanpakuto.
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There were only a few minutes until lunch; Byakuya led Ichigo through the garden. The boy was running around trying to catch the falling petals. It was endearing, such innocence and life shone in his eyes. Instead of that grand fire that blazed when he was a teen there was a warm glow to his eyes. There were just so many differences…
"Byakuya look! I caught six petals!" the boy ran up to him and showed him his catch.
"Ichigo," Byakuya knelt down to the boy, "We've been invited to swim. Do you think you can?"
Immediately Ichigo started to tremble again, a petal or two falling from his palm. Eyes growing big, fears being shone along with the brightness of tears threaten to spill. Before Ichigo even had the chance to move Byakuya instantly wrapped his arms around the small boy and held him tightly. "Scared…scared," Ichigo whispered and quietly he started to shake.
"I know you're scared Ichigo," he sighed and tried steadying his heartbeat, "I was also scared."
The boy pulled himself away looking into his eyes, probably into his heart as well, "Why were you scared?"
Byakuya sighed and sat down on his knees, a hand brushed Ichigo's cheek, "Do you want to know why?" He nodded and Byakuya finally forced himself to confess his feelings, finally telling the truth not only to the boy to himself. "Ichigo…I would have lost you, I may even lose you soon if the head captain finds out that I haven't watched you properly."
"It's not your fault!" Ichigo tugged the man's sleeve, "You had to give me that yucky stuff because you care right?"
A pang burst through his chest. Care…as in… he felt heat rising to his cheeks for noticing that he actually cared for this boy. He thought he had surrounded his heart in barriers, just how deep has he gotten through? "Yes…" Byakuya spoke a little quietly, still in shock at how he was starting to feel again.
A smile reached Ichigo's face then the boy looked down, suddenly nervous. "I-I'll learn how to swim again…c-can I swim with the koi fish?" he asked, brown eyes innocent.
"Swim…with the koi fish?" an eyebrow rose as he blinked.
Ichigo nodded, smile a little shaky, "Please? I like the koi fish…"
"Promise that you won't cry though," Byakuya brushed a finger under the small child's eyes and brushed away the gathering tears.
Ichigo blinked and wiped the tears with his sleeves. "Okay…" the voice was quiet while he gave a small nod to accompany it.
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"Ichigo…" Byakuya sighed hopelessly, after all this almost seemed hopeless.
"B-But," Ichigo protested as he clung onto the man's leg. They had lunch about an hour ago, Rukia joining them of course, so he had asked her to get some swimming clothes for Ichigo. She and her zanpakuto were delighted and came back half an hour later with the clothes; the other half was spent trying to get Ichigo into the water. Now the boy was dressed in dark blue trunks that faded to black on the bottom, a dark black t-shirt was covering the chest.
"You said you wanted to swim with the koi fish," he reminded the small boy.
"Can't we just watch them?" Ichigo looked over at the fish that was swimming in the pond.
This was going to get nowhere. It was already one o' clock and the swimming party started at five. Just how was he going to get Ichigo to overcome his fears in time? Usually when one gets scared it would take weeks, even months! If he didn't do something fast…he would lose the custody. It was then that he remembered something, a small trick his grandfather had taught him when he was just Ichigo's age instead of his teens.
"Ichigo, would you like to learn a trick my grandfather taught me?" he offered.
"A trick?" the brown eyes blinked.
Reaching the water he let his legs sink into the pond, immediately the koi fish swam away from the small ripples yet it was only until the water settled that they started coming back, swimming closer than ever.
"Wow!" the young child observed how the fish were getting so close they were swimming near the older man's legs, "How did you do that?"
"I can teach you," he held out a hand for him. Still there was hesitance shining in those eyes, he added, "I'm right here, if anything happens I'll be right here."
Taking the hand Ichigo sat right beside him and put his feet in the water. The koi fish started to swim away and Ichigo sadly watched them leave. "They don't like me…" Ichigo mumbled.
"They don't hate you," Byakuya reassured and watched as the koi fish went to the other side of the pond. It was hard to believe anyone could hate someone like him, just bright and kind. "You have to relax, your legs are shaking," Byakuya pointed out.
"I-I…" Ichigo started to shake.
"Go into the water, just take my hand and trust me," the noble man tried a soothing voice.
Taking glances between the water and Byakuya he finally took a hold of the pale hand. Assuring fingers wrapped around the small hand, he could feel the younger boy squeezing his hand with a tight grip. First Ichigo slid himself to the water, it was swallow compared to the deeper pond but it was still somewhat deep.
"B-Byakuya," the corner of the boy's eyes started tearing up.
"I'm here Ichigo," he tried reassuring the small boy as he wiped away the tears, "I'm here, nothing's going to happen to you, just relax and open your eyes."
The brown eyes blinked open, Byakuya, who was now standing in the water, was holding both of his arms up to support him. He felt himself relaxing as he looked into the gray eyes. This man was just so kind… somewhere he felt something…it felt weird, familiar somehow, and it was making him trust in Byakuya.
Byakuya kept the boy in arm's length, watching as the boy started to feel more comfortable. The fishes started getting closer, swimming right next to the small boy. He stood there watching as Ichigo started to smile with pure happiness. This fish just made the small boy happy, he felt relaxed with himself and more at peace. It was when a splash made the fragile feeling snap.
"Ichigo," Byakuya looked at the spot where the boy was previously swimming. Where was he? Where was the koi fish?
"Here I am!" Ichigo popped out from under the water. He took a step back and felt something brush his leg. The Kuchiki heir started falling back and a splash was made, the koi fish were starting to swim away. "Ha! Ha! Byakuya you got wet!" he giggled.
He blinked, his guard had been so lowered that he actually stumbled. His heart was pounding in his chest; he brushed his cheek with the back of his hand as if trying to rub away the feeling of his cheeks starting to turn red. Looking at his reflection in the water, he inwardly sighed at how there was no presence of a blush. All of those years and he still hid behind a mask…
"Thank you Byakuya," Ichigo came up to the man with a smile.
"Why are you thanking me?' the Kuchiki brushed his wet bangs away from his eyes.
"You taught me how to swim again!" Ichigo chirped happily.
Byakuya stood up and picked the boy up in his arms, "So I did…"
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Zangetsu leaned on the pillar, watching the two people get out of the koi pond. At first his intentions were to pull Ichigo out of the water then make the Kuchiki pay for trying such a stunt yet as he watched, he could see how well Ichigo was being taken care of. It seems that whatever mistake Byakuya would make he would fix it and make it better, he even saw a glimpse of love in Ichigo's eyes.
"Still worried about Ichigo?" He turned to see Senbonzakura walking towards him. He turned away, cheeks started to flush and heart started to involuntarily race.
"Of course I do," Zangetsu muttered and went back to watching the pair near the koi pond.
His pale blue eyes widened as he felt the man's arms wrap around his shoulder from behind, "Just like a mother hen…"
"I am not a woman," Zangetsu felt his cheeks turn redder.
"Over protective brother then," Senbonzakura rested against the teen, following the younger zanpakuto's gaze, "Byakuya can take care of him, you don't need to worry so much."
"I know, I can see it with my own eyes you know," Zangetsu reminded.
Senbonzakura slightly tightened his hold and buried himself into Zangetsu's hair, "Zangetsu…don't ever leave."
"I wasn't even planning to," Zangetsu closed his eyes and sighed, "Despite what I said earlier I don't trust anyone else. Plus…I'd be bored without someone as overzealous as you around."
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"Rukia! Look I'm at the deep end!" Ichigo waved from the deep end of the pool.
"Okay! Don't drown or anything!" Rukia called after the boy then smiled, "He's a pretty good swimmer."
"Yeah, a born natural," Renji took a sip of his punch.
"Abarai," said red head flinched and he turned to see his captain walking towards him.
"Y-Yes captain?" he saluted.
"Have you finished today's work?" he inquired the lieutenant.
"Yes sir," he groaned in response. Shoulder suddenly sagging from remembering the mountains of work, good thing Rukia helped out…
"Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia Kuchiki, and Renji Abarai," they turned to see the head captain walking towards them.
"Hello Head Captain," Rukia bowed followed by Renji. Byakuya looked over where Ichigo was, watching the boy carefully.
"No need for formalities, you may call me just by Yamamoto if you wish," the old man assured.
"Yes sir," Rukia stood up straight again.
"I see Kurosaki is enjoying the festivities," the head captain commented seeing as how Yachiru in the pool was chasing Ichigo with a smile on his face.
"It's amazing," Rukia watched her friend swim with somewhat expertise, "When Ichigo was normal he told me he was hydrophobic."
"Hydrophobic?" Renji repeated the word with confusion.
"It means they're afraid of water Renji," Rukia explained.
Byakuya felt himself flinch a little; Ichigo had been scared of water this whole time?
"What? Ichigo? Scared? Now way maybe he was trying to mess around," Renji flapped a hand.
"You don't joke around with fear Renji," she chided him, "He told me that he never swam a day in his life after his mom died, she was suppose to teach him that summer…"
"Well it seems the boy had learned well," Yamamoto commented on how well the boy was swimming.
"Gah!" Renji stumbled forward but luckily regained some balance so he didn't land forward in the concrete. The red head spun around, intent on finding the one who hit his head with a beach ball and almost made him face plant in the concrete.
"Ichi did it!" Yachiru giggled.
"Did not!" Ichigo protested.
"Did to!" Yachiru stuck out her tongue and was filled with giggles.
"That it!" the red head's tempered flared and he dove into the pool to start chasing the two kids. The water splashed onto Byakuya, the head captain and Rukia.
"Renji! Don't hurt them!" Rukia jumped in afterwards making more water splash onto her brother.
Yamamoto chuckled, "Such youth…"
Byakuya let a sigh out as he watched a game of chase develop in the pool, people getting out of the way to let them by, "Trouble to be more exact…" he muttered.
"You did a fine job Byakuya," the head captain praised.
Byakuya kept watching the small boy swim around with a smile on his face, "I guess…"
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Chapter 10 ReviewsTo xXxOtAkU-444xXx: (Opens mouth)
Shade: (glares and growls) Brag and I'll land you in a hospital in critical condition.
ShadowWolf: (shuts mouth)
To Shadow of an Echo: Yay! I love it when people find me funny! I even think I have a bad sense of humor so I really like to hear what you guys think is funny! I'm so glad you like the pairing too! I just love seeing them together now! You do not know how much it means to me to even hear you think Ichigo's character is believable, it really makes a writer happy when you say something like that.
Also…thank you, she was a wonderful person. I know she is with me in spirit and guarding over me (chuckles) she would be proud to hear that I'm making a one hundred in Spanish class. I will move forward, I will try and smile every single day, I will continue my goals and dreams and you will see me carry out with everything I write. Someday…I will achieve my dream of becoming a successful writer. I will continue for her and my beloved pup that is probably watching over me as well.
To shebajay: (smiles) Yay! I knew it was a good idea to give the zanpakuto a chance! I absolutely love the zanpakuto! I'm very glad you loved the play part. Sometimes I just love teasing Senbonzakura, and so does Zangetsu! Right Zany?
Zangetsu: (glares) I do not tease him.
ShadowWolf: Oh yes you do! Little love bird~
Zangetsu: (turns red)
ShadowWolf: I also love my- I mean little Ichigo's childlike innocence (laughs nervously) Even if the character is young he really isn't mine…except for the portraying of character… Glad you enjoyed this chapter and I hope I brought this idea to life!
To OracionMist: I know! Ichi knows no fear! Plus I love when Byakuya gets all over protective over Ichigo (sighs) if only he could be more like that…who am I kidding? I can write whatever I want!
Shade: Keep it in character! No half assed work!
ShadowWolf: (pouts) Okay, okay (mutters so Shade doesn't here) Acts just like Takano-san… Don't worry I will keep this "Aw so cute!" moments coming! I intend to bring a lot of sighs, giggles, and hopefully laughs to almost all my chapters. The only exceptions are when things get serious.
To Kuugen: Ha! Ha! Isn't that a good thing? Well I hope the chapters will satisfy you because that is a long way off!
Thank you…I do feel better now, I can take it. I have you guys to support me. All I need to hear is from you and I'm all sunshine and smiles! Honestly every word makes me feel happy. To think that someone understands…I don't know it gives me someone to lean on. (Laughs) Honestly I don't ever remember a time where I had a full happy week but I'll try! Thank you Kuugen and congratulations on the top three.
To The Fan of Almost Everything: Yay! Some else is happy with the idea! I love the idea of having out the zanpakuto as well, I was sad when the zanpakuto had to leave so I decided to bring them back, adds to the humor! Plus I make sure to always take the time to reply to everyone who's given me a review, it's my way of thanking you for giving me your time! When you do start writing let me know! I would be glad and honored for you to send me a message, plus reading someone's work would never be a waste of my time. I can see that you would put a lot of work into it and that's all that matters. Trust me writing isn't as easy as it seems, it does take a lot of work, dedication, and effort to write something. When I first started out my writing was completely terrible! It was no where near perfect, heck my writing isn't perfect at all, there are better writer and I completely fail when I'm compared to them so that's why I'll try even harder to at least grow in my writing because it's my dream to publish a book.
To ATPT557: I know! I just love making him so jealous! Seeing it is really cute and it makes me squeal at times! Glad you commented on Byakuya's grandmother, I think that I can say that this will not be her last appearance, heck she might even show in the next chapter! So did the ending of the chapter shock you or did finding out she was Byakuya's grandmother shock you? Also I am not serious about the whole Hyorinmaru and Zangetsu pairing, I am over protective of my pairings and if I were to do that it would make me a hypocrite, heck I'm all ready one know that I put that in there. I am not a fan of love triangles, honestly I hate them since all it does is disappoints some people. I'm very glad you loved the last part, I had to put a fluff moment between the two somewhere, after all this is suppose to be the focus on Byakuya and Ichigo not just Senbonzakura and Zangetsu.
To XDARKERXDESIREX: Aw! Who wouldn't stop squealing over such a cute little Ichi? He's just so cute! I'm just glad you loved the development between the two; I at least wanted something in there! I mean with all of the fluffy moments I think some of you are expecting something from me so a kiss or two wouldn't hurt. Plus that is a very good question, how will he react? Only one who knows is me!
To LovePsycho: Haha! I also thought Yoruichi would be the perfect aunt! How did you know Urahara would make such a good uncle? Oh well, it's obvious considering the two. Yes! At least one…time to work on the other one! Time to pick up a bow and play cupid! Without all of the girly stuff…I'm a tomboy. I got it! Ninja Cupid! I dress like a Ninja and these seemingly normal arrows are actually arrows that make you fall in love!
Shade: (hits me on the back of my head) You've gone insane again.
ShadowWolf: (blinks) Ow…that hurt.
To Glorilian: I'm glad you did! Just hearing that you did makes me happy! I'm always happy to hear your support!
To Lil Mexican: (smiles) So glad that you can understand! I just hope no one will kill me for such long waits. I'm so happy to hear from you and that you love this so much! Thank you!
To neko neko: Yes…at least I managed to finally get them together. I was actually planning on waiting a little while but you guys just seemed eager for something! Okay…once again there shall be no other pairing other that what I'm working on. You will not see a hint of another possible pairing from now on. This is where a hint to all other possible pairings stops. I'm glad you found the moments cute, also glad you loved the zanpakuto showing up and Yoruichi's appearance. Congratulations on making it to the top three! You're chapter idea is coming up next!
To BBQkitten: Yay! Super awesome and I'm glad to hear it! I'm sorry this wasn't as long; I don't have the strength (falls over)
Shade: Stop being half assed.
ShadowWolf: Ah…good old Shade.
To Third Generation Witch: Okay, you want to know why I don't like hearing about suicide? Wait a minute (shoves Shade and Snowy outside and closes door behind them) there we go. Before those two came along I was actually thinking about suicide. I was dead serious about it and just hearing about it now makes me feel guilty. I don't think about it anymore because writing this is like therapy, it also gives me a reason to live and just hearing you guys loving my story is just a bonus and makes me put a smile to my face. I was a wreck before I came to Fan Fiction and after all that has happened…I now cherish my life. I will live everyday with happiness and hope. I live for you guys, I live for the dear departed, I live to write.
To skygazingMaro: Ah yes, the adorable little Ichi had captured our heart didn't he? Especially a certain Kuchiki! Uh oh…ah! (Runs from Byakuya)
To the dark euphie: Not long indeed! To tell you the truth I can't wait to start writing the chapters instead of planning them! (Snickers) He would look cute, wouldn't he?
Teenage Ichigo: (holds up Zangetsu to my throat) Don't even think about it…
ShadowWolf: (tenses and shakes) I-I won't write it I promise!
Ichigo: (pulls zanpakuto back) You better!
ShadowWolf: I have different plans for this little guy! (Takes little Ichigo and runs)
Ichigo: W-What plans? Come back here!
To Sorrow The Brave: Go glad you loved it, and I hope the wait wasn't too long!
To Aimtist: (sighs) I wish this were longer…I would have but I've been packed with stuff recently and I have yet to hear of my new beta. Glad you liked the drama, a little once in a while doesn't hurt. Also glad to hear that you found my idea wonderful! I'm always glad to hear that! I've worked a little on the conversation too, it took me a while to form a character for both of his grandparents, although it might seem Byakuya's grandfather is a bit out of character. I know he's nice though!
To midnighticelover: Wah! I hope this was worth such a wait! Honestly my heart is pounding in anxiety for everyone's approval! I'm so happy you found it cute and you loved this! It means a lot!
Please review, I don't want these for me but I want to see what you think of IndieWrites' idea. She does deserve most of the credit for coming up with such a wonderful idea so really all of these reviews belong to her. There were also others including Chapter 11 (neko neko) and Chapter 12 (Kuugen), so please thank them!
ShadowWolf XIII logging off!