A/N: Hey, guys. What's up?

Yes. Snowball & Kitty-Jennifer are finally reunited. However, they won't be seen til the next chapter. *just to give a head's up*

Anyways, I want to continue to thank all of you for your reviews. *sigh* I don't know how many more times I'm gonna say that U.U

Either that or I'll just comment on the Dane Cook videos on Youtube, especially "Breaking & Entering" "Burger King" & "My Son Optimus Prime"

...who the hell would even call their son 'Optimus Prime' O.o *sign*

Anyways, enough of the rambling. On with the story XD

Recap:

"S-Sorry...I didn't...tell you," she was definitely weak.

"Be quiet," I put my fingers on her lips. "I'm...I'm the one who should be...apol-apologizing."

There was no way that I was going to lose her this time. Even after what I did to her, I couldn't part from her.

"Jennifer, you are such a fool. Why go through the torture of dragging it out? Why didn't you just tell him?"

Chapter 20

Never Give Up

(Yoruichi's POV)

It has been several hours since I rescued Ichigo from being captured from any stray Soul Reapers. His body was exhausted from his fight with Kenpachi to the point that he fell unconscious. Now, I sat at the front door leading outside the hideout. I sighed.

"Wonder how Jen's doing," I was worried. "I hope she's alright."

I had watched her fight with the Tenth Division Captain. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to help her, she had previously told me that she wanted to take things into her own hands. No matter what the consequences might have been. Sigh.

"She is quite the one of interest," an all-too-familiar voice spoke up beside me. "Isn't she, Lady Yoruichi."

I smirked and turned towards the voice. My golden eyes met the fiery orbs of an old friend. She looked so much like her very daughter. Long, silvery hair, lightly-tanned skin, and arrogant yet mature stature. Lady Hatsune. She looked the same as she always did...ever since her death, twenty-five years ago. Lady Hatsune was the only Soul Reaper that escaped the Soul Society to join her. Unfortunately, her husband had found out of her deceit and killed her. I closed my eyes, remembering that day I found her body.

~Flashback~

"Lady Hatsune?"

The said Soul Reaper glanced at me. Blood splattered across her face and chest, signs of the dreadful wounds on her body. I could see the pain in her eyes, but she kept strong. All of us had to be. Lady Hatsune was my mentor and best friend.

"Hey, Were-cat," she smiled weakly. "Did you get her to safety?"

I looked at her, trying to ignore the blood. I nodded my head.

"Hai, Tessai said that he'll transport her to a location out of the reach of the Soul Society. Away from him. But what of you?"

"Please," even on the brink of death, Hatsune was as cocky as ever. "This body has had enough. It was bound to rest some time, so you better not be mourning for me...Like Hat-and-Clogs over there."

I glanced at Urahara. He turned his head and tried desperately to hold back a sob. It only came out as a snort. We both chuckled lightly.

"Yoruichi, I want you to do a favor for me," Hatsune gazed at the stormy sky. "Watch over my daughter. I may not be able to communicate with her until the time is right. But even then. My existence must not be known to her. Not yet. Alright?"

I nodded my head.

~End of Flashback~

I glanced back at the arena. It hurt my heart to even remember those memories, especially with her spirit beside me. I had grown accustomed to her presence every so often, but the pain was still fresh.

"I understand why you refuse to show yourself to your daughter. She has finally reached the age of gaining her Soul Reaper powers. But even so," I stared at Hatsune from the corner of my eye. "You're her mother, and she has grown to know nothing of you."

"Hmph," Lady Hatsune closed her eyes. "She has already met me, but she does not know of me. The real me."

"So, she still has yet to gain her own Zanpakutō?"

"No. She does have it, but her Zanpakutō is a stubborn one and is too powerful for her to control them at the moment. So until then, I am doing my best to aid her."

A groan was heard from inside the hut. I sighed, knowing that Ichigo was bound to wake up within the next few minutes. I turned, fully facing my dear friend. Lady Hatsune glanced down at her wrist. Her phantom was slowly fading away. A sign that Jennifer was obviously waking up soon as well.

"Ha. I guess my girl's waking up," she looked at me. "And so is your boy. He is definitely the stubborn ass."

"Agreed. He takes after his father."

"Well, I'd better go greet the child. Not to mention scold that Captain Hitsugaya for his reckless actions."

"Hai."

With that, we parted. I had a feeling that this'll be the last time I see my dear friend, but I knew that this was what she would've wanted. I walked inside and saw Ichigo sitting up. Hmph. Must still be in a daze. I stopped for a second to gaze at the mask that I found within Ichigo's shihakusho.

"Ah. So you're finally awake."

"Huh? Yoruichi, you saved my life. Didn't you?"

"Not exactly. It was your strong life force that saved your life, no matter what my actions were."

"Ugh. CRAP!"

His sudden jolt startled me briefly. I watched him grab his stomach. Great. He's opened the wounds.

"You need to take it easy. With those wounds of yours, you need to rest."

"Sh-Shit," he grimaced. "I-I need to save Chad. His spirit energy."

"He should be fine," I pounced on him before he could get up. "but it is you whom you should be worried about."

I walked over to the mask and brought it over.

"Your wounds were great. If it hadn't been for this mask, you would've been sliced in half. Although, I am surprised to see that you still had it with you."

"W-What? I thought that Hanataro guy got rid of it."

"Hm? What do you mean by that?"

"Well, like I said. It was thrown into the sewage system and sunk like a stone. Hanataro had found it with me after my fight with Renji," Ichigo reached for the mask and looked at it.

It was thrown away, and yet he still has it. Then, that must mean. My eyes widened at the thought. Hollow.

"Give it to me. I will take care of it."

"You're joking right? No way. It's mine to keep..."

"I said give it to me," my spirit energy grew slightly from being angered by his stupidity.

"Agh. Okay, okay," he freaked and threw it to me. "Take it, just don't get angry."

"Good."

I took the mask and put it away. Out of reach. It is not possible, but it could be a possibility.

"I'm surprised at how strong you are."

"Hm?"

"Well, with you being able to carry me around. I mean, with how small you are."

I chuckled. Of course. How silly of me.

"Oh. Well, things like that are not a difficult feat once I've returned to my original form."

"Original, huh?"

I waited for his reaction. A slight smirk appeared on my face when I saw Ichigo's eyes widen.

"WHAT?"

"Here. Let me show you. There should be no harm done."

With that, I returned to my human form. I glanced down at him. The redness on his face darkened as I walked over to him.

"Y-You're...a-a...a w-woman," he started stuttering.

"True. I don't blame you, since people often do so because my voice sounds like a man's when I'm in my cat form."

I sat down. I just loved seeing his reaction. It was the best one I've gotten compared to all the other times I've shown my true form.

"Now, why don't I explain how I carried you..."

"AGH! PUT SOME CLOTHES ON DAMMIT!"

I laughed and got some clothes on.

"I'm sorry. It's just that it's been a while since I last wore clothes, so I forgot. Although, you're mush more innocent than I thought. Never seen a girl naked?"

"Just shut up and get dressed already," he sulked on the futon, refusing to look in my direction.

"It is a shame. Life is short, so why not take opportunities when you've the chance," I said as I lifted the shirt I was putting on.

"WOULD YOU SHUT UP ALREADY...AGH," he glanced at me but turned away in a split second. "STOP IT AND GET DRESSED!"

I got dressed. It was a real pain having clothes on, especially after being in my cat form for all of those years.

"So this...thing...is what you used to transport me," Ichigo held a device that resembled a baton with a bird's skull on it.

"Yes. All you do is put spirit energy in it."

It was silent for a few moments. Ichigo's eyes showed that he was deep in thought. What is he thinking?

"Yoruichi," Ichigo's voice finally broke the silence. "Why do you have your hands on something like this? It's no doubt that this thing is very valuable, not to mention that you could shape-shift between a human and a cat. Who or what are you?"

Before I could explain, I felt an enormous amount of spirit pressure coming from above the hideout. I glanced outside. It feels like Byakuya's spirit energy.

"It's him again, dammit."

Ichigo jumped up and grabbed his Zanpakutō.

"ICHIGO, DON'T BE A FOOL!"

I was too late, as he was already outside. Miraculously, he figured out how to use the device in a matter of seconds. Damn this kid?

(Ichigo's POV)

I followed the spiritual pressure towards one of the bridges connecting the white towers. Rukia's spirit energy, as well as Hanataro's and Ganju's, were mixed in the fray. Dammit, I felt Ganju's life force fluctuate slightly. Can't this thing go any faster. With my luck, Yoruichi's flying device gathered my spirit energy and went faster. Within seconds, I flew past the bridge and hovered there briefly. Looking down, I noticed four people standing on the bridge. Two of them were wearing a white haori. Ganju's body laid on the floor, while Hanataro stood behind a woman dressed in an all-white shihakusho. Rukia. I landed next to my friend. Glancing at her for a brief second, I walked passed her to Hanataro.

"Hey, Hanataro, you okay?"

"Y-Yeah. I'm fine, but Ganju," the young kid looked at the Shiba guy.

"I see," I turned and went over to Rukia.

"I-Ichigo," she refused to look at me. "I thought I said..."

"Shut up. Look, I didn't come here to listen to any of your lectures. I came here to save your ass, whether you like it or not."

"What? I DIDN'T SAY THAT I NEEDED ANY SAVING!"

"SO WHAT! I'M HERE TO BRING YOU BACK! I WON'T BE LISTENING TO YOU YELLING AT ME! I'M THE RESCUER HERE, AND YOU'RE GOING TO LISTEN TO ME," I stuck my tongue at her.

We both went silent, staring at each other. I may be stupid, but I'm not going to let them kill you, Rukia.

"You haven't changed one bit," she glanced downward, tears obviously forming in her eyes. "So what's the point in even arguing with you."

"Hmph," I smirked and turned to face that Byakuya person. "And don't worry. I'm not going to die that easily, not yet."

I walked over to Byakuya and drew Zangetsu. I'm not going to give up. Not when I'm this close. My smirk grew at the scowl on Byakuya's face. It was obvious that he was refusing to show any emotions. What is with this guy? I growled and rushed forward. I wanted to finish as quickly as possible, and get the hell out of here. Bringing Zangetsu down to hit the man, I realized that he was no longer there. I grimaced and glanced over my shoulder. Damn, he's fast.

"It seems that you are more stubborn than before," he lifted his Zanpakutō. "So I assume to finish you myself and show you the difference between us."

"N-No, Brother. Please, don't do it," Rukia cringed beside Hanataro.

"Scatter, Senbonzakura."

"ICHIGO, RUN!"

I couldn't move. Everything happened so fast, it took me a few moments to realize what happened. Byakuya's sword glowed but stopped. A ribbon wrapped itself around the blade, halting the process. In front of Byakuya, holding the ribbon, was Yoruichi.

"I haven't seen your face in over a hundred years, Yoruichi, Ex-Commander in charge of the Stealth Force and Ex-General of the First Division Punishment Force."

"It's been a while. Hasn't it, Byakuya?"

Yoruichi face-faced Byakuya, so she was able to keep an eye on the both of us.

"Boy, am I glad you got here in time, Yoruichi. Now, we can..." I started to talk to the woman.

(Yoruichi's POV)

I glared at Ichigo. I saw him grimace for in instant.

"...Beat him," I finished his sentence. "You really are a fool."

I Shunpoed right up to him and pulled out a tranquilizer. Before he could do anything, the liquid entered his body.

"Y-Yoruichi...Why did you?"

His body slumped forward, but I caught him.

"It's a drug isn't it," the man I knew as Captain Ukitake spoke up. "A powerful anesthetic."

"Ukitake," I whispered.

"Don't bother trying to help him, Yoruichi. It won't be helped as neither of you will live."

I glanced at Byakuya. I could see the intent to stop and kill in his eyes. As stubborn as always, even when he was a kid.

"Quite the contrare, Byakuya," I smirked. "Talking like the Big-Shot, but I don't recall you ever beating me in a single game of tag. Right?"

"Then, shall we?"

I smirked. I Shunpoed up to him. Byakuya following my lead. We Shunpoed for several seconds. I Shunpoed to one place, and he would Shunpo right next to me. He's so slow. I Shunpoed to one end of the bridge: quite a ways away form him. I glanced over my shoulder, but saw him right next to me.

"You're too slow with that level of Shunpo."

He lifted his blade ans swiped it upwards at my chest. However, at the last second, I Shunpoed onto his outstretched arm.

"I couldn't agree any more," I chuckled. "You can't catch me with a Flash-Step that predictable."

I Shunpoed to the top of the building before he could attack me again. I glared down at him. I could just see the scowl of defeat on his face. It made me want to laugh.

"Three days, Byakuya," I called down to him. "Three days, and I will make this boy strong enough to defeat you. Until then, consider this fight between you two postponed."

Damn. After all these years, just performing a simple Flash-Step is exhausting. I guess I'll have to get back into shape. I placed Ichigo back on the futon and re-bandaged his wounds. After that ,I waited for the boy to wake up.

"Ugh," he finally awoke after a few hours. "Where am I?"

"I see you're finally awake. Welcome back, kid. How are you feeling?"

I watched him look around. I have a feeling that he'll be angry with me. Like I would really care. I watched him grimace, probably from remembering what happened earlier.

"Damn, you. Why did you do that," he got up and lifted me by the collar of my shirt. "Of all the people, why did you save me? WHY COULDN'T YOU SAVE RUKIA AND LEAVE ME BEHIND?"

"I have my reasons," I swatted away his hand. "You will have your chance again, but you were too weak at the time. You need to train. Only then will you be able to defeat Byakuya and save you friends. Even though Ganju is a Ryoka and Hanataro a traitor, Captain Ukitake is Rukia's superior and a very decent man. He won't harm anyone who's trying to help another."

He glared at me. I could just see the determination to save that woman in his eyes.

"I will train you to give you the strength needed, so I want you to come with me."

Preview for Chapter 21:

"So what are you in for, fool?"

"FOOL? WHAT THE HELL?"

"So, what your name, Red?"

I looked at Tōshirō. He refused to even my way.

"Oh, shut your mouth about that crap. What's the worst shit that could possibly happen?"

"...You could be killed and or taken into Maruyi's lab," Renji just had to but in.

I grinned.