Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or have any rights to it.
Ichigo and Soi Fong made their way down the streets of Karakura. It was now Sunday and they knew that Ichigo would have school tomorrow. Knowing that they wouldn't have much time together besides training during the week, they had decided to spend today relaxing a bit, though their senses were on high alert in case of an arrancar attack.
As they walked through the streets, Ichigo noticed a couple out of the corner of his eye, which he recognized. "Hey Chad! Orihime!" He waved to them, and quickly got their attention as he and Soi Fong made their way over to them.
"Hello Ichigo," said Chad. He noted Soi Fong standing next to him and quickly made the connection. "So she's your girlfriend?"
Ichigo chuckled as he put an arm around Soi Fong. The Captain didn't mind at all and enjoyed the attention he was giving her. "Yeah…we've been seeing each other since the Soul Society, and she came over here to help me train, but today we're taking it easy."
Chad knew that Orihime might be sensitive about seeing Ichigo with Soi Fong, since she had only talked to him yesterday. However, he was happy when she put on her smile and greeted Ichigo and Soi Fong.
"Hello Ichigo, and you're name is Soi Fong?" The captain nodded with a courteous smile. "It's nice to meet you. So what kind of techniques are you teaching him?"
"Well to be quite honest, I'm just teaching him some basics that he hasn't mastered yet." She chuckled as Ichigo sent her a mock glare. "It's basically hand-to-hand combat and some simple kido spells, though he isn't much of a kido type."
"That's true," added Ichigo. "It's honestly the one skill I haven't used in real combat."
"Huh?" Orihime was a bit surprised. "But if you never use it, then what's the point of learning it?"
"Well…I'll put it this way. It's better if I know it because I might need it. Even if I never use it, I'll still know that I would be able to if I had to." He could tell that Orihime would need some time to process his words.
However, Chad quickly amended what he had just said. "So you mean that you'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it?"
"That's right Chad," replied Ichigo with a somewhat embarrassed smile. "So why are you and Orihime together? Are you both dating too?"
"Maybe some day," replied Chad cryptically.
"Right…" replied Ichigo. "So are you both on a date?"
"No, we're just studying and hanging out. We asked Uryu if he wanted to come, but he said that he was busy with something."
Ichigo nodded and briefly clenched his fists, though nobody took notice. Uryu…what's going on? You haven't been the same since you lost your powers. I hope you're okay, even if you do hate soul reapers.
Toshiro sat in a room at Orihime's house in front of a screen. The image of Yamamoto appeared and the head captain could tell that Toshiro was concerned about something. "Greetings Head Captain," said Toshiro in a solemn voice.
"Is something wrong Captain Hitsugaya? You seem concerned about something."
"Nothing is…entirely wrong, but I'm just curious about what Captain Soi Fong's purpose here is."
"Ah…so you ran into her with Ichigo?"
Toshiro's eyes widened with shock. "How did you know about that?"
"I didn't but it was a reasonable guess, I'm sure you're mainly concerned because of their relationship. You're worried that she only came over here to mess around with Ichigo Kurosaki."
"Yes…I am," replied Toshiro. "She said that she was sent to train with him."
"Yes, but I also sent her because of their close relationship. I know all about their time together at the Soul Society. In spite of their romantic interest in each other, they were still able to find time to train. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but Kurosaki's hand-to-hand skills have improved considerably since before the training began. Do not worry; they won't be wasting time. Besides, I want them to have time together. Captain Soi Fong's mood improved after she met Kurosaki and I think they'll only help each other grow, which isn't a bad thing."
"It seems strange though, that you would be willing to send another captain here. Surely you wouldn't care solely for their relationship and Yoruichi could always teach Ichigo, her being a former captain."
Yamamoto chuckled lightly, shocking the other captain. "Don't underestimate the power of love Captain Hitsugaya. If a person is fighting for the life of someone he loves, instead of simply fighting to save people he doesn't know very well, he will fight much harder and push himself to much higher limits than he otherwise would. Do you understand now?"
"Yes I do. You've convinced me, but is her presence here supposed to be a secret?"
"I suppose it does not have to be, but you don't need to go around spreading the word either. If someone finds out, it's fine, but if everyone found out, it could lead to a tense situation for the pair, so I suggest you not tell anyone if you don't have to. It's their place to tell people about such things."
"Yes, I understand," replied Toshiro. "Thank you for informing me."
"Very well, I suppose that is all you wanted to talk about?"
"It is." The screen went blank as it the connection was severed and Toshiro sighed. Well now everything is clearer to me. I'd better keep this to myself if at all possible. I won't tell any of the other Soul Reapers…especially Rangiku.
However, unknown to the young captain, his lieutenant had been spying on his conversation, and a cheeky grin formed on her face as she exited the house. She would definitely spread the gossip on this one, and she didn't care about whose business it was.
Half and hour later, she was on the high school roof with Ikkaku, Yumichika, and Renji. The three men were curious about why they had been called here and why Rangiku didn't want them to tell anyone, especially her own captain, about his meeting. She had told them that she had some gossip for them.
Renji sighed, feeling as if his time was wasted. "So what's up? Why'd you tell us all to come out here Rangiku?"
"This better be important," added Yumichika. "There are far more beautiful things I could be doing right now."
"Don't worry," replied Rangiku with a cheeky grin. "You'll all be interested in this. Did you know that Captain Soi Fong is in the world of the living?"
Their eyes widened. "Why would the Soul Society send another captain here?" asked Renji. "It doesn't make sense. Did the Head Captain lose faith in our abilities?"
Rangiku shook her head. "Would you believe that he sent her here to train Ichigo? She's been helping him improve his hand-to-hand skills."
Yumichika raised an eyebrow. "Hand-to-hand skills? That explains why he fought our Captain without his zanpakuto. He had been training with Captain Soi Fong back then."
"So Ichigo's getting stronger then? That's good to hear," said Renji. "However, I don't understand why that has to be a secret. Sure it's important, but it's nothing to get too worked up about."
"There's more," replied Rangiku with a sly grin. "She's hooked up with Ichigo."
"You must be joking," said Ikkaku. "As if Ms. Serious would ever hook up with a rookie like him. Do you take us for fools?"
"No, I'm serious. I heard my captain talking about it with Head Captain Yamamoto. Apparently, he had run into them earlier on. Though the head captain didn't seem too concerned about that."
Renji smirked cruelly. "If what you're saying is true, then we should ask him ourselves. It'll be fun to put him on the spot, and I'm sure the other soul reapers, especially Rukia, will find this entertaining."
"Yeah let's go find him," said Ikkaku. "It'll be fun to see that hotshot squirm. Though I am worried about Captain Soi Fong skinning us alive."
"Relax," said Rangiku. "She wouldn't do that unless ordered to."
"So let's get going then." Renji started walking towards the rooftop entrance so he could find Ichigo, and the other three followed him.
It wasn't long before they found the pair walking down the streets of Karakura town. Their faces showed smiles, indicating that they were having a good time.
"Hey Ichigo, Captain Soi Fong," said Rangiku as she ran out in front of them to say hello.
"Hello lieutenant Rangiku," said Soi Fong as she and Ichigo instinctively let go of each other's hands so as to avoid suspicion.
Rangiku caught sight of the gesture and gave them both a broad grin. "There's no need to hide it from us," said Renji as he came up behind her, follow by Yumichika and Ikkaku. "We know that you're both…in a relationship."
The pair looked shocked and Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "Did Toshiro tell you?"
"No," said Rangiku, wanting to avoid getting her captain in trouble. "I found out while I was spying on him."
"I feel sorry for the guy," whispered Ikkaku to Yumichika in a voice the Rangiku couldn't here.
"Is there a reason why you're approaching us about this then?" asked Soi Fong.
"Just wanting to confirm it," replied Rangiku, "though if you'd like to divulge any juicy details, I'm all ears."
"There are no juicy secrets to divulge," said Ichigo in an annoyed tone. "We've been seeing each other, and training together, that's it. Nothing 'juicy' to talk about."
"Awe, come on Ichigo," said Renji with a mocking smirk. "We'll understand, and don't worry, we won't spread the word around the Soul Society."
"I told you…we have something, but we haven't really done anything worth…gossiping about," replied Ichigo as he attempted to control his rising temper.
Soi Fong decided to help him and said, "Please stop interrogating him. If he's uncomfortable, I will be angry and that will not be good news for you." It seemed to work as Renji closed his mouth and decided to not to goad Ichigo any further. Soi Fong then noticed Ikkaku and Yumichika snickering out of the corner of her eye and directing a glare towards them. "Is there something you two would like to share with us?"
The two men immediately froze at her tone. "Um…n-no Captain Soi Fong," replied Yumichika, shutting up for the moment. However, Ikkaku was faster in recovering from his fear.
"Were you training him in hand-to-hand combat in the Soul Society? I noticed it when he was having his rematch with Captain Zaraki. He was holding him back without use of his Zanpakuto."
"That's correct," replied Soi Fong. "I've been helping him with his Shunpo, and Kido as well, though we're mainly focusing on hand-to-hand." She turned to Ichigo and smiled. "He's definitely come a long way. Right Ichigo? I think you might actually be able to beat Captain Zaraki barehanded."
Ichigo blushed lightly. "Well I don't know about that." Unfortunately for him, Rangiku caught sight of his blush before it could disappear.
"Awe...she got you to blush! That mean you two are in love!"
"Would you just stop that?" Ichigo felt embarrassed now. Not only did Rangiku just say that in front of Renji, Ikkaku, and Yumichika, but she also said it in public, meaning that random passers by heard it too. He could only hope that Keigo hadn't been around to hear it; otherwise he'd get an earful when he got back to school.
Soi Fong knew that nothing good could come of hanging around the Soul Reapers any longer, so she decided to end the discussion. "If we've answered your questions, I suppose that we should be on our way. We have nothing more to tell you, and now we'd like our privacy back."
Renji shrugged, though he was more on edge than he let on. "Fine. Let's leave these two alone you guys," he said to the others. Soon they were all gone, leaving Ichigo and Soi Fong alone again.
The week progressed and Ichigo's time was divided between school, studying, and training with Soi Fong with three meal breaks and two free hours during the morning and night. He didn't mind though, because training meant undisturbed alone time with Soi Fong and was always fun for him, even when it hurt.
Soi Fong was also enjoying herself. She would visit Yoruichi while Ichigo was at school, and also enjoyed their time together, training. Ichigo was a fast learner when it came to physical combat, though he was much slower at Kido. She knew that kido wasn't his style and decided to make it a low priority; just a neat trick for him to use if he thought he needed it.
Today they were finishing up another training session, and Soi Fong was very impressed with Ichigo's fast progress. He was a true prodigy as far as being a Soul Reaper went. "I'm impressed Ichigo. You've come far since I first met you in the Soul Society."
"I have my wonderful teachers to thank for that," replied Ichigo as he approached her. When he got close, he snaked his around her waist and pulled her into a hug. "I especially want to thank you Soi Fong. You're the one who brought me up to this level. I wouldn't have ever thought to learn kido or improve my hand-to-hand skills if it weren't for you exposing my weaknesses."
She nuzzled his chest before looking up into his eyes. "You gave me something just as important. Before we were together I was…lonely. I would never admit it, but ever since lady Yoruichi left the Soul Society, it felt like there was a void that could never be filled. Even when she came back, things were different between us. There was still a small void there. Thank you Ichigo…thank you for filling that void."
"You're…welcome," replied Ichigo as he began thinking something over. For the past few days he had been worried about his restless inner hollow. He had been able to keep it from affecting him so far, but he wasn't sure how long it would last. Soi Fong's presence was certainly helpful, but her effect on the hollow was beginning to drop. Ichigo knew that he had to get this hollow to work for him but he only knew of one group of people who would be able to help him.
Later on that day, as he sat at his desk doing homework, Ichigo could feel the hollow churning inside of him. It was trying to break free again, and what surprised him was that he could actually feel it physically. Normally when it tried to take control it would be brief or even unnoticeable, but not it felt like someone was strangling him. He looked over at Soi Fong's sleeping form; she had gone to bed early after dinner.
Using all of his willpower, he pushed the hollow back into the deep recesses of his mind, though nobody on the outside would've ever known what had happened. Damn this is getting tough. He looked back over to Soi Fong. If this thing breaks free from my control, it'll kill her. I…I can't let that happen. Maybe I should go and train under the Vizards…it might be for the best. I'll have to ask her first, she'd know more about this than I would.
This story is probably approaching its end. I'll probably write another bleach story sometime after this, called 'A Product of Chance'. Hopefully I'll be able to get the final chapter up soon.
