He Followed Me Home, Can I Keep Him?
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
To XxShadowfangxX: Oh really? You think you know? ;P
To Hollow Ichigo-Ichigo: I take it you like then. XD
To La terrible La: Awww... You gave it away... Not that it was that hard to guess... Anyway thanky!
To Akilika: Yeah, it's a funny thing to call Renji but it fits so well! And thank you, I will most likely be taking more time between chapters now. I know where I'm taking the story, it's just a matter of filling in the blanks.
To Barranca: For your review for chapter 11: I have a feeling that whether or not Ichigo could feel Shiro's emotions he would've acted in a similar fashion. That is just the kind of guy Ichigo is at times. With that being said, I thought it would be interesting to have that kind of connection between the two of them. For your review for chapter 20: Yes it is about time! As for the question about the Major... Well, you'll just have to wait and see. As for Lilly's hollow, Blade Dancer is more or else a hollow that I made up. But I haven't given a good description because I'm not entirely sure what I want Blade Dancer to look like. As I said in an earlier chapter, I have been working with an artist friend of mine to get pictures of Lilly and the gang, that includes their hollow too, if she's up for it. As it stands, she's just about done with Jim. She just needs to put the finishing touches on him and color him. As each picture gets finished, I'll be putting up the link to them in my profile for anyone who wants to see. And of course, I will say something about them being up at the start of one of the chapters. On a different note, I hope you continue to read and review!
That's it for reviews and thank you as usual for tuning in! On with the chapter!
Quick reminder: "Text like this is being said and thought at the same time."
'Oi! Oi! Ya responded! And yes, somethin' is wrong... A pair of big boobs and a pineapple head is on our doorstep!'
Without realizing it, the next word that passes through Ichigo's mind he also speaks aloud. "What..." There are very few people that Ichigo can think of that he knows that match that description. "I'm on my way!" Ichigo turns to Kisuke and says in a hurry. "Sorry but I have to go something's come up!" With that the teen takes off and quickly heads out of the room.
Kisuke steps out into the hallway and looks the way Ichigo has gone. "My! My! My! Such energy! I never even got to tell him that the drug used on Shiro-san is only going to last another day or two... Oh well!" He turns and heads back into his lab and then says in a more serious tone. "I hope everything goes well..."
Just down the hall Ishida, Orihime, and Chad are waiting in the usual room. None of them wanted to leave until they are sure Ichigo is all right. But upon hearing the sound of running, they start to wonder if they are going to see a repeat performance of what happened last time. But upon hearing the person pass the room they can't help but gets surprised and concerned looks. Ishida quickly moves over to the door and looks out into the hallway just in time to see the orange haired teen round the corner. Ishida looks back over to the others and says. "I think something's wrong. I'm going to find out." And with that he uses his high-speed Quincy technique to quickly catch up to the fleeing teen. "Kurosaki!"
Ichigo only slightly glances his way before saying. "Can't talk! Something's up at home!"
The young Quincy can't help but frown deeply at this. "You'd get there a lot faster you used shunpo."
At that Ichigo comes to a screeching halt. "Oh right!" Ishida can't help but smacks his forehead. Since Ichigo is currently in his body, he reaches for his badge then pauses, he feels around for a moment. "I forgot my Substitute Shinigami Badge... Shit!" And with that, Ichigo once again takes off running at full force.
Ishida lets out a sigh while adjusting his glasses, he closes his eyes and concentrates. He puts his focus on the area where Ichigo's home is, other than Shiro and Starrk he can feel three other presences there. And he easily recognize them, then he pulls out his cell phone. He calls the others to let them know it's not that big of an emergency and that he and Ichigo should be able to deal with it.
Elsewhere at the Kurosaki residence...
"I don't know who the hell you are! But you better open this damn door or I swear I'll break it down!" Yells the 'pineapple head' known as Renji as he tries in vain to open the front door.
"There ain't nobody fuckin' home! Go the hell away!" Comes Shiro's voice from the other side. The albino had awoke not that long ago to the sensation of familiar yet unfamiliar spiritual energy. Upon realizing who was at the door, he had let out a silent message to Ichigo. And now he could only pray that his other half will get there soon. He really didn't feel like dealing with their new guests by himself.
"If there wasn't anybody home, then you wouldn't be answering me you dumb ass!" Renji snaps back, he's getting more and more pissed off at this guy every second.
"Nope! Sorry! But I'm just a voice in yer head! Ya should really go see a shrink!" Comes back the cocky response which only pisses off the Shinigami more. 'Hurry up Ichigo!' Shiro passes through their link.
'I'm running as fast I can! I'll be there soon! Just hold on until then!' Comes the reply.
Shiro is silent for a brief moment slightly confused. 'Why don't ya just use shunpo ta get ya here faster?'
'...'
'Don't tell me... Ya forgot yer badge...'
'Shut the hell up!'
Shiro lets out a soft sigh, looks like he's on his own for now. He can vaguely hear Rukia yelling at Renji to stop and listen to her for a moment while Renji is yelling at Shiro to let him in. It is all starting to give him a headache.
Meanwhile, outside Rangiku watches her fellow Shinigami silently with her head to the side a bit. She's becoming more and more curious to find out who is behind the door. The person in question somewhat sounds like a hollow, but at the same time he doesn't. And if Rukia's reaction to the voice is any indication, Rangiku would have to guess that the owner of the voice isn't any threat at all. She glances around slightly, maybe she can get into the house another way. With that in mind, she moves around to the side of the house. And stops dead in her tracks, upon seeing the war-torn area right next to the house and the gaping hole in the side of it.
Unknown to her, and thanks to Kisuke, the area had been cleaned up of all the gore. And of course anyone who had heard or seen anything that had taken place the evening before has already had their memories changed. But of course, there's only so much one man can do within the course of one night.
But Rangiku is unaware of any of this as she makes her way over to the hole. She peers into the living room curiously and then cautiously makes her way in. She can easily hear the echoing watery voice coming from the direction the front door as its owner says something to those outside. She finally gets to the hallway and peers to the front door curiously. Rangiku is taken aback by what she sees. Standing there, his back to her as he tries to keep the front door from opening, is a white carbon copy of Ichigo. She takes a moment to feel his spiritual pressure, he certainly feels like Ichigo but the same time she can feel hollow powers. And while it is known Ichigo does have hollow powers, they never leaked out to this degree unless he has his mask on.
She takes a moment to think over her options, then she decides to incapacitate him temporarily until they can figure out what's going on. Taking quick but silent steps towards him, she prepares to knock him unconscious... And is completely taken off guard when suddenly one of his hands reaches out and grabs hold of her. Before Rangiku can even do or say anything, she feels herself being pulled forward. Shiro quickly opens the front door and gently tosses Rangiku into Renji. This of course cuts off any yelling that was taking place at the time as both Shinigami fall to the ground.
Surprised by the sudden change of events Rukia just stands there blinking. That is until Shiro grabs her by the front of her shihakusho and pulls Rukia inside. And when she's clear of the doorway Shiro quickly shuts and locks the door. "Shiro!" Rukia snaps, partially glaring at the albino. "You shouldn't have done that! Now they're going to think that you're going to hurt me! Let them in so we can explain it to them!"
"Nah..." Shiro answers while putting his hands behind his head. "Besides big boobs found our temporary side entrance, they'll be inside shortly." Before Rukia can question, they both hear the sound of running and then a yell that seems to come from living room.
"Dammit! You better not lay a hand on Rukia!" Comes the angry voice of Renji. At this Rukia glance to Shiro then quickly heads to the living room.
She can't help but stop and stare at the destruction for a brief moment before shaking her head. "Will you listen to me for a second Renji! This is a complicated situation!" Renji opens his mouth to argue back, but his mind locks up the moment he sees the white copy of Ichigo walk-in and move to stand beside her.
A cocky smirk crosses the albino face as he lifts a hand and gently places it's on Rukia's shoulder. "I laid a hand on her! What are ya gonna do!" He says in a very teasing manner. Renji starts turning red with anger and Shiro can't help but laugh at the sight.
That is until he gets elbowed in the stomach rather hard by Rukia. "Shut up Shiro! You're not helping!" Upon seeing Rukia interacting with the strange white Ichigo Renji can't help but start getting a confused look.
"His face was as red as a lobster!" Shiro can't help but laugh while rubbing where Rukia had elbowed him.
Rangiku also can't help but giggle slightly. "He's right Renji. Your face was almost as red as your hair."
"Rangiku! Don't encourage the guy!" Says Renji as he glares at her slightly. "Okay, what the hell is going on?" Renji can't help but finally ask looking to Rukia.
Rukia lets out an annoyed sigh and says. "It's about time that you actually started listening to what I've been trying to say!"
"The question is, does he have the mental capacity ta understand the explanation." Says Shiro with a snicker.
"Shiro!"
"Okay, that's it!" Snaps Renji as he draws his sword and charges at Shiro. The albino merely smirks and reaches for his own sword...
Only to realize that he left it upstairs. "Oh shit!" Shiro mutters as he gets ready to dodge instead of block.
The sound of static and multiple gasps causes him to pause glancing to them. Now standing in front of him is Starrk, the Espada is easily holding off Renji's zanpakuto with one hand. He lifts his other hand, which is holding Shiro's reverse colored Zangetsu. "You forgot something." The Espada says calmly.
Shiro takes his zanpakuto and places it on his back. "Not that I'm not grateful. But I told ya ta wait upstairs."
All three of the Shinigami get on guard. "So this is that powerful hollow we detected! Dammit! I didn't think it would be an Arrancar!" States Renji as he quickly moves back and away from the Espada.
"Shiro get away from him, he's dangerous!" Rukia informs Shiro, the albino can't help but sigh shaking his head.
"No Rukia, he's not dangerous. He's my friend." She just can't help but stare at Shiro. The albino has never openly admitted about anyone being his friend. So the fact that he said this could only mean one thing... Shiro turns his gaze to Starrk, then says. "Go back ta Ichi's room, Starrk."
The Espada turns concerned eyes upon Shiro. "Are you going to be all right?"
But the albino just waves off the concern. "I'll be fine." Then Shiro pauses, tilting his head to the side slightly as if listen to something. Then a smirk crosses his face and he says. "In fact, I'll be better than fine!" At that he turns in the general direction of the front door. As if in response, everyone can clearly hear the door being quickly slammed opens then closed. Followed very shortly by the sound of running. Seconds later Ichigo is coming to a screeching halt into the living room followed shortly by Ishida. "Yo Ichi! Yer late! And guess what? As punishment for not havin' yer badge on ya, ya get ta explain it ta 'em all by yerself!" Before anyone can do or say anything, Shiro turns and grabs hold of Starrk then drags him towards the stairs. "Come on Starrk, let the Shinigami work it out between 'emselves!"
"Hey! Shiro! You've barely been involved in of any of the explaining!" Ichigo snaps back while glaring at the retreating albino. "And technically your part Shinigami too!"
"Details! Details!" Comes Shiro's mocking response, then finally he settles with. "I'm still fuckin' tired!" Ichigo can't help but sigh rubbing the back of his head.
"Okay, what the hell is going on!" Renji finally gets out after being silent for so long.
"I'm rather curious myself." Rangiku says in agreement, then she turns her gaze to Ichigo.
Letting out yet another sigh, Ichigo can't help but frown. Knowing that there is no way to avoid it, he starts his explanation with. "That was Shiro. Shiro is my inner hollow. And no you can't kill him." And once again he begins to tell the tale about all the events that led up to this point. He even included the attack that took place last evening, to which his friends can't help but look to the destruction once more. "I had completely lost control... And thanks to Shiro... I was snapped out of it... But as a result he almost lost it..." Having to once again go to the events of last night had put Ichigo back into the depressed mood that he had been in earlier.
Renji can't help but visibly swallow. He had personally seen Ichigo lose complete control to his hollow powers one time when they had to enter hell to save one of his sisters. The thought of something that powerful on the loose again is unnerving. "Are your hollow powers really that unstable?" He cannot help but ask.
"Their only unstable, when I'm emotionally unstable..." Comes the answer from the orange haired teenager. His gaze is towards the ground, he can't bring himself to meet his friends' eyes. "If these guys attack my family again... It's a good bet that I'll snap again... And who knows what I might..."
"Mother fuckin' hell!" At this, everyone blinks and looks to Ichigo's white copy who is now standing in the doorway to the living room. He's currently glaring daggers at Ichigo. "How do ya expect me get some sleep with ya mopin' like that!" Upon receiving a confused look from Ichigo, Shiro continues. "Che... I can feel yer emotions as much ya can feel my! And it's hard for me ta even think about sleep with ya bein' so depressed!"
Ichigo glances to the side and away from his other half. "Sorry..."
Shiro stares at him quietly for a long moment. "Che..." Then he uses shunpo to leave the area but as to where he went nobody can tell.
There is a long moment of silence after that, then finally Rukia speaks up. "I'm sure he just said those things because his is worried about you..."
At this Ichigo lets out a humorless laugh and replies. "Yeah, worried that I'll lose it again and drag him down with me..."
"Kurosaki..." The young Quincy begins, he has been quietly observing. But now he felt that he should say something to the distraught teen. Unfortunately he never got his opportunity.
"Yer a fuckin' moron!" Ichigo blinks slightly turning towards the voice. Just in time to feel something press against his chest. The sensation of his soul being pushed out of his body is the next feeling to pass through him. He can't help but stand there stunned at the suddenness of it, as his soulless body drops to the ground.
He turns his confused gaze to the one holding the badge, Shiro. "What...?"
But before he could even vocalize his question, Shiro grabs him by the front of the shihakusho. "Yer comin' with me partner! Whether ya like it or not!" Snap Shiro as he drags Ichigo along with him. Then he turns his gaze to the two new Shinigami in the room. "If yer worried that I might try somethin', then yer more than welcome ta come along. We're headin' ta Urahara's Shop." He then turns his gaze to the young Quincy. "Would ya mind stayin' here and keep an eye on thin's Ishida?"
Ishida can't help but look visibly surprised. Not only is it the first time Shiro has used his name, but it is also the first time the albino has asked anything of him. "Starrk is here isn't he? So then why would you need me to stay?" He cannot help but question with a slight frown.
"Eh?" Shiro tilts his head slightly meeting Ishida's gaze evenly. "I thought that would be obvious, the new Shinigami don't trust me or Starrk. And I certainly don't trust 'em alone with either of us. So while I'm out with carrot top here, who is ta say they won't try somethin' with Starrk." Ichigo protests upon hearing the name while trying to get free of Shiro's grip unsuccessfully.
Ishida sighs slightly cross his arms. "I understand, very well I'll stay. But you owe me one." He answers, a little bit of a smug smirk pulling at the corners of his lips.
"Che... Whatever..." Comes Shiro's response but he too is smirking in a teasing way. He returns his gaze back to the Shinigami. "If yer comin' ya better keep up! Cause I ain't goin' ta slowed down for ya!" And with that Shiro uses shunpo to start heading in the direction of the shop while dragging Ichigo along with him. Rukia doesn't hesitate to follow after.
Renji and Rangiku glance to each other silently for a moment. Finally, Rangiku speaks up. "He doesn't seem like that bad of a guy. And I'm rather curious to see what he'll do, so I'm going." And with that she follows after. Renji can't help but let out a sigh rubbing his head, he doesn't like the guy that's for sure. But he is not about to leave his good friend Ichigo alone with the guy, so he too follows after.
Outside of Urahara's Shop, Chad and Orihime are just about ready to leave. But upon feeling familiar spiritual energy nearby, they turned to look just in time to see Ichigo, Shiro and Rukia arrive. It is a bit curious to see that the albino is dragging his protesting other half along. "Yo!" Shiro gives them as a quick greeting as he walks past them and into the shop. Rukia also gives them a greeting before quickly following after. Seconds later, Rangiku and Renji show up. They too head inside giving their own greetings to the pair. Orihime and Chad glance to each other slightly, then follow after the group in curiosity.
Upon hearing and feeling the new guests, Kisuke steps out of his lab and into the hallway looking to see who it is. And he almost walks right into Shiro. "My! My! What's with everyone being in such a hurry around here? Now then, what can I do for you today?" Kisuke says with his friendly manner, his white fan in hand. Shiro eyes the man quietly for a long moment.
The others catch up to them just as Shiro starts speaking. "I hate yer guts. I don't care what ya think about me. I'm goin' ta use yer damn trainin' room. So get the hell out my way. Fuck ya!" And with that he starts walking past the shop keeper.
Kisuke moves aside to allow Shiro to pass but just as the albino gets right next to him, he speaks in a low voice only Shiro can hear. "Sorry to disappoint, but I don't share such interests in men."
Shiro's head snaps to glare at the shop keeper, then he returns in the same low voice with a bit of a growl. "I don't know what yer talkin' about ya perverted odd ex-Shinigami Captain scientist shop keeper..." And with that Shiro continues on his way without looking back.
"Play nice now!" Kisuke calls after waving his fan in their direction. And in response Shiro holds the middle finger without stopping or turning around. The others pass by quietly as Kisuke chuckles at the scene before returning to his lab.
Soon enough, they make it down to the training grounds. Shiro turns his gaze to the group. "If ya plan ta watch, just make sure ta stay back and out of the way. This could get messy!" He says to them with his usual smirk on his face. He then drags Ichigo away from the group before finally stopping and letting him go.
Ichigo twitches, picking himself up and brushes himself off before turning his gaze to Shiro. "Okay, why the hell did you bring me here?" The albino just lets out a slight chuckle before using shunpo. Ichigo can't help but blink slightly in response. But before he can even begin to figure out what where Shiro went, he feels Zangetsu being pulled off his back. "HEY!" He whirls around just in time to see Shiro shunpo away. "Shiro! Give me back Zangetsu!"
Shiro reappear on a large rock formation a little bit away from where they were standing. "No can do partner!" The albino answers with a smirk and then he proceeds to embed the point of Zangetsu into the rock. "This is goin' ta be a no zanpakuto fight!"
"Eh?" Ichigo raises an eyebrow eyeing his other half. "So what? Fistfight?" In response Shiro breaks out into one of his creepy laughs before removing his own zanpakuto off his back and putting it beside the first.
He then uses shunpo to come down and stand across from Ichigo. "Fistfight? Nah... Not even close!" Ichigo cannot but get a confused look. But before he can ask, Shiro continues. "Really or not partner here I come! Cero!" And with that he unleashes the destructive attack in Ichigo's direction.
"What the hell! That's cheap using that attack!" Ichigo snaps at his other half before having to dodge another one.
"Cheap? Hardly... Come on Ichigo! Attack back! Cero!" Shiro taunts slightly while sending blast after blast at Ichigo. "Give it yer best shot!" Ichigo uses shunpo to do his best to dodge around the Cero blasts while trying to get up close to Shiro. But the moment he gets into attacking range, Shiro gives him a good kick to the stomach knocking him back before moving back further himself. "No ya don't partner! This is a ranged fight!" Shiro says with a big grin on his face before firing off another Cero.
"Then what the hell do you expect me to do!" Ichigo snaps at him in anger while dodging the blast. "I can't use my zanpakuto! And I'm not allowed to get up close! I don't have any ranged attacks! And I don't know kido!" Ichigo is definitely getting more and more pissed off as this fight continues.
"Wrong! Stop and use yer head for once partner!" Shiro says in his taunting manner while firing off another shot.
Once again Ichigo dodges, a frown crossing his face as he thinks over what Shiro just said. 'Watch closely Ichigo, he is trying to teach you.' Comes a calm and collected voice through his mind.
"Teach me? Teach me what Zangetsu?" He says in a low voice, he quickly recognized the zanpakuto spirit's voice.
'Think about it Ichigo, what are the two of you?' Zangetsu answers the question with a question.
While dodging more blasts, Ichigo thinks about it quietly for moment. "We're two halves of the same soul for one..."
'But there is more to it than that Ichigo. Think harder.'
Then it clicks in his mind and he can't help but smacks his forehead. "Our powers are split evenly between us!" He can't help but exclaim a bit louder than he intended.
"Ha! ZanZan spilled didn't he?" Shiro cannot but say with a big grin on his face.
"ZanZan? Interesting choice in a nickname. But yeah, I understand what you're trying to do now." Ichigo replies with a slight smirk of his own and a look of determination.
"Heh! Then give it yer best shot partner! Or do I need ta show ya how it's done again?" Shiro says in his teasing way.
"Nah, I think I've seen you fire it enough times by now." The teen replies with a confident smirk on his face.
Shiro can't help but laugh at the sight. Then he crosses his arms and says. "Fine then! I'll give ya a freebie! I won't even move!"
"Big mistake!" Ichigo lifts his hand pointing a finger at Shiro and concentrates. "Cero! ... " But nothing happens. "What...?"
Shiro starts laughing at him and of course Ichigo starts getting pissed again. "There's a lot more ta it than just pointin' a finger and callin' out the attack!" Shiro says before resuming his laughter.
"Then what is it! Huh!" Ichigo snaps angrily at his other half. "Will you stop laughing at me!" Ichigo yells while glaring viciously at the albino.
"That's it right there!" Shiro says, pointing a finger at him. "Take that anger! Take that frustration! Take any and all negative emotions that ya have bottled up inside and focus 'em inta a single point! Then let it loose!" Ichigo does as instructed. He takes all of his negative emotions, everything that has been bothering him for the past couple of weeks and focuses them into a single point at the tip of his finger.
"CERO!" And then he lets it loose in a devastating blast of energy. Upon seeing the Cero, Shiro's eyes widened for a moment before he uses shunpo to get out the way. Ichigo stands there for a moment, taking a couple of breaths and he doesn't notice the slight echoing tone to his voice as he exhales. Nor would he be able to notice that one of his eyes is now yellow and black.
Upon feeling a presence behind him, he quickly turns, almost preparing another Cero. But before he can fully turn around he gets punched the back of the head. "Ta much power!" Ichigo blinks at this finally turned look at his other half and is slightly surprise by what he sees. One of Shiro's eyes now looks like what his does normally. Shiro glares at him for a moment before finally saying. "But it's a start!" His more cheery attitude turning to him as he smirks at Ichigo. Shiro closes his eyes for a moment and when he opens them again their back to normal. "I think that's enough." With that Shiro uses shunpo to retrieve his white sword. Instead of using the same to get back down, he simply jumps. Then calmly walks towards the entrance where the others are standing with slightly stunned expressions. Halfway there, he stops but doesn't turn to face Ichigo. "Remember that hollow powers aren't like Shinigami powers. It's not a matter of trust and respect. It's a matter of control and strength! Even a hollow can be overwhelmed by their instinct if they're not strong enough, in body and in mind. Do not be afraid ta let loose! If ya do, ya will lose control! Abandon yer fear."
At this Ichigo's head snaps up and without hesitation says. "Look forward."
"Move forward and never stop." Shiro continues.
"You'll age if you pull back." Ichigo picks up from there.
Shiro finally turns to face Ichigo as they recite the last line in sync. "You'll die if you hesitate."
"Ah..." Ichigo finally says after a moment of silence, there is a smile upon his face. "Thanks Shiro..."
The albino just shrugs him off while saying. "No big deal. Now if ya'll excuse me, I'm goin' home and goin' back ta sleep! I'm still fuckin' tired!" And with that Shiro turns around continues walking out.
"Hold up a second!" Ichigo calls after him, his other half pauses, then looks over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow at him. "It's not safe to travel alone." Ichigo explains then glance over to the others. "Hey Rukia!"
Even though she had been stunned with the display of power of Ichigo's attack. She is still very proud of two. She's proud of Ichigo for tapping into that power. And she's proud of Shiro for not only snap Ichigo out of his depressed state, but also helping him take the first steps to truly controlling his hollow powers. Upon hearing Ichigo call to her it snaps her out for her train of thought. "What is it Ichigo?"
"Would you mind going with him?" The orange haired teenager asks but before Rukia can answer another speaks up.
"I'll go!" Rangiku says while holding her hand up a bit, a friendly smile upon her face. "Honestly, I'd like a chance to get to know Shiro more!"
Ichigo blinks at this and glances to Shiro slightly. "Is that okay with you?" He questions the albino.
"Che... Whatever..." Comes the reply with a shrug as Shiro makes his way up and into the shop.
"Good!" Replies Rangiku as she follows after the white copy of Ichigo.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about leaving those two alone together?" Renji can't help but question while glancing to the rest of the group. And all the others can do shrug in response.
"They'll be fine." Ichigo says although he doesn't really feel unsure about it. 'I hope...'
And that's it for this chapter! I believe this is the longest one yet! Then again, who knows I may make another one just as long if not longer! Anyway, until next time! R&R please!