No Longer Imaginary

by Tiger of Fire

What would you do if you were sitting in your room looking out your window when sudden flashes of black and white started to appear outside? Well Clair being the curious woman that she is does the seemingly obvious thing to do and sticks her head outside for a better look. Harmless right? not sure on parings but there will be teasing and confusion also OOC-ness that's explained

21. Chapter 20 the convention

Sorry for taking more then two months to get this up. I posted the last chapter and then just stared at the computer screen for the next two months, I had absolutely no idea how to continue or what to do in this chapter. And the fact that I've gone from getting four or five reviews each chapter to only one these past two isn't helpful, but I'll talk about that in the AN at the end of the chapter. There are parts in this chapter that may end up feeling slow but this one does have important stuff in it so yeah, read away.

They are at the convention so lots of other animes and stuff get mentioned I don't own them quite obviously.

()()()()

Chapter 20: The Convention

()()()()

"Ok is it just me or have there been more hollows showing up lately..." Ichigo grumbled as he cut down another one.

"No it's not you... unfortunately... though it might be with your high spirit pressure and all that." Grimmjow teased as he cut one down too.

"Thanks for that." the teen huffed. "Damn it they just keep coming...you don't think...?"

"No the air ain't cold and they're all coming by garganta." the two got rid of the rest and sat down on the roof of a random building to take a breather.

"How's your shoulder by the way?"

"Huh? Actually now that you mention it, it hasn't hurt in awhile." Grimmjow said rotating his left arm a bit. "Strange huh?"

"Maybe it's from being around the four of them...or from being near Clair~" Ichigo smirked wickedly "Ow...meanie." he rubbed the spot Grimmjow had punched.

"Baby gonna cry?" Grimmjow teased but Ichigo just shrugged getting to his feet. "When do you think Yue will show us what her...what do they call it battle form? Looks like?"

"Not sure according to Tora they have practice a few times this week so it might not be till after the convention. Gah... Ishida has been such a pain about the outfit too...I wish Clair was doing mine too instead of him, he's so freaking bossy and impatient..." Grimmjow chuckled as Ichigo stretched "I mean seriously he's like 'hold your arms up higher' it takes me like half a second to do it and he yells at me for being 'such a slow freaking idiot' pisses me off."

"I thought you said you two were getting along better now though."

"When it has anything to do with clothes and fashion not so much. Anything else we're cool."

"So how long till the convention thing then?"

"Like four days I think...it's a three day thing over the weekend. Anyway I'm heading home I got some work to do."

"See ya." they went separate ways each heading to their respective home. Grimmjow got back in his gigai and turned on the TV flipping through channels. Clair was working on her manga and had been since breakfast and Phoenix was with the band practicing so he was on his own for entertainment.

()()()()

(day before convention)

"Alright today is the last chance to make adjustments to the outfits so make them look good peoplez!" Clair said stitching the last of the fur onto the sweater. "Here Grimmjow put this on." she tosses it to him and he pulled it on over his tank top. "Jacket." he slid it on, "How's it feel?"

He moved a bit in it, "Not bad a little tight on top of the shoulders."

"Keep moving around in it the material is new so it'll take time and movement for it to relax." he nodded as she went to check on Ichigo and Uryuu. "How's it going?"

"I never want him making me another outfit again..." Ichigo grumbled.

"Stand up straight!"

"I am asshole! I can't get much straighter!" Clair burst out laughing along with Tora who was sitting on the table behind Ichigo. "Oh go- that's not...shit..." he muttered blushing and glared at Grimmjow when he heard him start to chuckle. "Not a word from you blueberry, not a single word."

"Sure thing berryboy." he said stifling a laugh at Ichigo's face that was pulled into a fierce scowl. "Hey Clair, how many of ourselves do you think well see?"

"A lot no real way of telling, there may even be some gender bent versions of you so be careful."

"Gender bent?" Grimmjow tilted his head confused.

"She means like a girl dressing up as you or me. Or a guy dressing up as a male version of like Yoruichi or Rukia." Ichigo sighed.

"...that's just weird."

"That's fandom." Tora giggled.

"She dressed up as you one time Ichigo." Clair laughed as he blushed. "And Ishida stop being so fussy." she said before checking the other. "How's it hanging Yoru-San?"

"Not bad they are pretty good at what they are doing. They used nice and light material so I can move real easy."

"Well Yoruichi is a ninja so it should be easy to move in right?" the collage student said as he fixed a few stitches.

"True." Clair went to Rukia and Renji. "Sup?"

"Isn't this kimono cute they even put Chappy on it!" Rukia said excitedly. You could almost hear Ichigo's eye roll from the other side of the room.

"...That's wonderful Rukia." Clair said trying not to laugh "What about you Renji?"

He shrugged "Not bad they know what they are doing and at least I don't have to deal with what Ichigo is dealing with."

"Yeah...poor Ichi... Didja hear his comment?" Clair smirked mischievously.

"Yes! I had to try so hard not to laugh!" Renji said chuckling.

Clair went around to everybody making sure everything was in order in between taking calls from her editor. They all finished up and put the outfits away carefully for the next day at the convention before heading home. Clair packed everything into her backseat or trunk so that shed have it when she went.

"You going to dress up as anyone?" Grimmjow asked as they made their way back home.

"Probably not. Not with having to prepare for the show and having the manga table. I didn't have time to get one ready."

"That sucks..."

"Yeah I was really hoping to too. But then I got all this dumped on me, but that's life I guess. Wonder if Tora and the others are planning on dressing up." there was a pause before she chuckled

"What?"

"Nothing just a random thought."

"About?"

"What if we had you dress up as Ichi and him dress as you?"

"And that's amusing how?"

"Your clothes would be extra baggy on him and his...you would have to leave the jacket open. Not that that's a problem for you of course." she smirked and he chuckled too.

"Will it be like massively chaotic?"

"Probably. And you may very well get swarmed by fan girls asking for pictures and shit since your ehem...'cosplay' is so good. You may get other cosplayers to want to too. Like Ulquiorra cosplayers, and Gin and Stark and Ichigo and Orihime, and Hallibel, and everybody they may not even be in Bleach cosplay."

"O...k... And what do I do then?"

"If the want a picture standing with you or doing some cool pose, go for it. Anyone wants a kiss say no, they can't force you if you don't want to and if I see it happen..." her grip got tighter on the steering wheel and she growled, "someone will get hurt yes?"

"Understood. So if I don't want to I just say no got it." he nodded after swallowing hard.

"Good." she relaxed as they pulled into the garage. "That stuff can stay."

"Alright."

"Welcome back." Phoenix greeted as they came in. "Get everything done?"

"Yep it's all set for tomorrow but I swear if Yuki calls me one more time asking the same damn questions...ooogrr..."

"Understood would you like some ice cream, chocolate perhaps, with chocolate chips and chocolate sauce and maybe a pretzel?" Phoenix smiled playfully.

"Yes that obvious?"

"Only to me who knows you so well." he brother got what he had said and placed it on the table "It's a girl thing don't worry about it right now Grimmjow she'll tell you eventually." he answered the confused look the arrancar was giving them.

"Chocolate~!" she dug in ignoring the boys.

"Did she yell at anyone at work?"

"Other then that Yuki guy on the phone not really...oh but you would have had a blast with something Ichigo said!" Grimmjow told him what happened and Phoenix nearly feel out of his chair laughing, "It was so funny! And his face when he realized oh it was priceless!"

"Ah~ yummy. I'm going to take a nap." Clair said heading to her bedroom.

"She like hardly did anything though..." Grimmjow said confused.

"It has to do with the same reason she's been on chocolate the past few days."

"Few days?"

"Don't worry about." Phoenix grinned grabbing his sisters bowl and washing it, "its funny how much like a kid you are sometimes when it comes to knowledge of things."

"It's not my fault..." Grimmjow sulked slouching in his chair. "Are you dressing up as anyone?"

"Tomorrow? Um... not really... Though I might... I don't know." he shrugged. "Might go as a ninja just for the heck of it."

"Fun..."

"Not one from bleach mind you."

"That's better. Since the only ok ninja I've met so far is Yoruichi." Phoenix laughed and shrugged. "I'm bored..."

"Watch TV, play a game, read a book." Phoenix suggested.

"Hmm...take a nap sounds good." he got up and laid down on the couch. Phoenix hummed to himself as he started looking around for something to make for dinner. "Hey Phoenix?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think they'll attack soon?"

"...I don't know...like Ryu said they are behaving differently this time. Before they were rather relentless...this time there's huge gapes in between when they do stuff so it's hard to say." he sighed "It doesn't help that they seem stronger this time...or that they got soul society involved..."

"Yeah but that's because of me being here isn't it?"

"Yes and no I guess. Damn this would be so much better if..."

"If?"

"I'm sorry I can't, never mind." He sighed.

"Kay...I'm napping now." Grimmjow dropped it understanding.

"Have fun."

()()()()

Clair groaned as her alarm went off nice and early in the morning. She took a quick shower and got dressed in some nice but comfy clothes and put some clothes from her brand in a bag to take to change into for the show. "Tomorrow I can stay casual at least." she mumbled as she headed for the kitchen. She made some eggs and bacon for herself as Grimmjow came out. "You can come in later with Phoenix if you want you didn't have to wake up."

"Nah, sides I figured you'd like company." he smiled stealing a strip of bacon.

"You know you would be dead for that right now if you didn't look so damn good." Clair said shaking we head, he smirked and got a part tart. "You really like those don't you?"

"Well I can't really cook and it's quicker then cereal."

"True."

"When is the show thing?"

"Not till the afternoon. Till then I just got to sit at my table and look pretty."

"Shouldn't be to hard, you know since you are pretty." he smiled.

"Flirt." she mumbled with a smile and a slight blush.

"Only with you." she muttered a 'good' as her blush got a bit darker. "And now you're cute whether you like being called cute or not that blush of yours is undeniably cute on you."

"Sh-shut up." she pouted.

"And cuter by the second. Don't go showing that face to anyone else. I'm sure you know cats are possessive and get jealous easy." he smirked and she laughed.

"Deal. As long as I'm the only one that gets to see your shy and cute side."

"I think we can make that work."

"Flirting so early in the morning? Really? You must truly be a couple now, how scary." Phoenix said moseying his way into the kitchen half asleep.

"What are you doing awake so early? Planning as going there as a zombie?"

"No...Your alarm I heard it and couldn't go back to sleep."

"Oh sorry. What are you going as?"

"Not telling." he smirked

"Meanie." Clair fake pouted.

"He said he didn't know yesterday." Grimmjow grinned.

"I see."

"Tattle tale." Phoenix huffed and got something to eat. "You know Clair you could just throw on a pair of cat ears and a cat tail and say you are one of your spirit keeper peoplez or something."

"I could do that couldn't I." she ran back to her work room and the boys heard her opening and closing different things as she looked till they heard her 'ah-ha!' as she came back out. "I'll put them on once I'm there." she said setting the ears and tail on the island along side the Tensa Zangestu she had just remembered she had to bring for Ichigo's outfit before sitting back down to finish eating.

"You're welcome by the way."

"Thank you my wonderfully awesome and oh so smart big brother."

"Smart ass." Grimmjow shook his head as they continued to trade names in a playful manner. "You should probably get going."

"Yeah probably, come on Grimm." She grabbed the ears, tail and sword.

"Coming."

()()()()

"I swear Yuki...I'm going to kill you..."

"What did I do wrong now!?"

"You asked me the same damned question ten times and ten frickin times I gave you the same frickin answer! Yet somehow you managed to screw up!" Grimmjow sighed as he sat down with his back against the pillar that stood next to where Clair's table was. He didn't know what was wrong an there was no way he was going to ask while Clair was like that so he decided to stay out of it. He looked around and saw other people getting their areas set up before the 'floodgates' as Clair put opened in an hour or so around nine. Yuki eventually scurried off to try and find a way to fix whatever was wrong and Clair sat in the chair provided for her. "I want a new editor. One that actually has ears and a brain that attach to each other."

"Good luck with that."

"Yeah...you can roam around if you want. You don't have to stay here, some of the weapons displays might be up just don't touch anything."

"Ok."

"And make sure people can see the tag I gave you, it shows you are with me and are allowed to be in here so early."

"Right." he pulled the tag from his pocket and hung it around his neck before heading off to look around a bit. Not much was set up yet but what he did see at some of the tables made him either laugh or become curious. "I'll have to walk around with like Ichigo or Phoenix so I can ask about stuff." he said to himself on his way back. "Hey is everything straightened up?"

"Yeah thankfully." Clair said adjusting the ears on her head, before twisting around to put the tail on.

"Want help so you aren't breaking your back?"

"You sure you don't just want an excuse to stand behind me with your hands near my bottom?" Clair said with a sly smirk making Grimmjow blush and sputter which led to her laughing. "I'm joking geez you really are easy to get going just as easy to make fun of as Ichigo in fact."

"Joy you want help or not?"

"Yes please," she held the tail out, "it clips onto the waistband careful not to stab me."

"Alright." he carefully clipped both clips in place before smirking and tapping her bottom making her give a small 'eep' "Payback for the comment." he wrapped his arms around her waist to hold her still when she tried to turn to hit him and kissed her cheek making her blush and pout. "You asked for it no sense in getting mad at me."

"Jerk..."

"You don't mean that."

"A handsome and rather smooth-at the moment anyway- jerk, but a jerk none the less." she continued to pout.

*click flash*

"You two are utterly adorable!" Yue's voice said following the camera flash.

"Yue..." Clair growled. "Give me that camera..."

"No! And you can't catch me!" she ran off taking advantage of the fact to Grimmjow was still holding Clair.

"I'll get that picture if it's the last thing I do..."

"I doubt it Yue is very good at keep the pictures she takes." Ryu said coming up to the table. He was dressed as a pirate.

"Nice outfit. I take it the doers are open."

"Almost but we got in like five minutes early since the security guard is a fan."

"Sweet~"

"A kitty person huh?"

"Yeah, and what about you mister pirate?"

"Yue's idea, she's one too if you didn't notice, do you know if Phoenix dressing up?"

"Nope, Tora?"

"Not a clue she said it was a secret. This is cute." he picked up one of the special drawings Clair had done for the convention.

"That's the point." Clair smiled "Gonna let go anytime soon?"

"Nope...mine." Grimmjow muttered nuzzling behind her ear making her squirm a bit.

"Grimm~ you horny cat get off! Or I'll sick my brother on you!" he huffed and let go pouting. "Thank you." she turned and kissed his cheek which made him stop pouting.

"Mr. Kitty's easy to please it seems." Ryu chuckled getting himself a glare from said kitty. "I'm off to find Yue later."

"See ya." Clair sat down and start petting her tail as Grimmjow went back to leaning on the pillar. "So soft and fluffy!"

"You are so weird." he chucked watching her cuddle her tail. She stuck her tongue out at him making him laugh more as they heard people start to come in.

"And it begins." Clair said stretching in her chair. After a few minutes there were people everywhere. Clair talked with some of the people that came up to her table.

"Um excuse me c-can we get a picture?"

"Huh? Talkin' to me?" Grimmjow asked looking over at the three girls standing in front of him. They nodded. "Sure." he pushed off the pillar and two of them stood next to him and the other took the picture.

"Thanks!"

"Yeah." he leaned on the pillar again.

"Don't get too comfy here come more the have you on their shirts." Clair chuckled. They stopped at her table talking about the characters with her and trying to get answers but she only gave hints.

"Ah! A Grimmjow sighting! Picture please!?"

"Alright." the one girl held on to his arm making him give a slightly annoyed face as the friend took the picture then they switched.

"Thanks bye!"

"Yeah, yeah."

"What not having fun?" Clair laughed at his reaction to the fan girls. "Remember that you can say no."

"I know."

"Yo."

"Uh...hi? Ichigo?" Grimmjow looked him over "Who are you dressed as?"

"Oh he's Sebastian from black butler. I couldn't decide who to come as so Karin wrote a bunch of my favorite characters down threw them in a hat and drew this one. So here I am." he shrugged.

"Nice." Clair said walking in a circle around him, "you don't look to bad as a butler."

"Uh thanks?"

"And black hair mm~, you look good with black hair, long black hair."

"You're talking about when I become the gestuga aren't you."

"Yes I am." she said back down and looked at her watch, "Time needs to move faster..."

"How long have we been here?"

"We have been her for almost two hours. It's only ten twenty." she sighed and leaned on the table as Ryu and Yue came back. "Hiya...give me your camera."

"Never! Besides I already transferred it so ha!"

"I hate you...hello." he sat up as people came up to the table. Ichigo and Grimmjow had a few people ask for pictures. "Three Sebastian in one place now that's just too much." Clair chuckled looking over at Ichigo as he took a picture with to other cosplayers. "Rukia, Renji and Byakuya know they have to be here by one at the latest right?"

"I'll check hold on," Ichigo pulled out his phone, "Rukia said they are already on their way here."

"Alright...um...Ichi-" clair started to say as she pointed behind him.

"Bassy!" a Grell cosplayer came from behind some people and jumped on Ichigo who yelled in shock.

"What the?" Grimmjow stared in confusion.

"Get off!" Ichigo growled trying to detach the red haired cosplayer.

"Phoenix...why are you dressed as Grell?" Clair asked trying to hold back her laughter.

"Phoenix!?" Ichigo yelled.

"Because surprisingly I had what I need for the outfit and I couldn't resist the entrance sorry Ichigo. Oh and I don't have a gourd."

"Let go..." Ichigo growled.

"Gourd?" Grimmjow asked.

"Yeah there's this one character that has a huge gourd on his back. His names Garra he's an awesome ninja." Phoenix explained still hanging on Ichigo to irritate him. "So where's your midget?"

"Karin is coming later dressed as Ciel."

"Hmm~"

"Seriously get off!"

"You're not in character." Phoenix gave him a blank and annoyed look.

"Don't care get off."

"Get in character and I might."

"He is in character just not the right character if you think about it." Clair said laughing in her chair.

"Doesn't count."

"Damn it!" Clair and Grimmjow enjoyed watching Ichigo try to stay in character in order to keep Phoenix off him for the next few minutes. Yue just took pictures much to Ichigo's further displeasure. And Ryu just shook his head.

"You know he does Grell a little to well doesn't he?" he said to Clair.

"Yeah, it's kind of scary, but very funny too."

"I don't see how this is funny." Ichigo said.

"Well maybe not for you but for us spectators it is." Yue chirped making him sigh.

"Phoenix lay off for a bit, how about you guys go wander around for awhile there's quite some time till the show."

"Alright." Phoenix let go of the berry and headed off Grimmjow chuckling as he and Ichigo followed along with Yue and Ryu.

"And now I sit and be bored."

The group having left Clair to her boredom stopped at a weapons table that had different blades and such from several amines and games. "Oooooo it's the scythe from Dante's inferno." Phoenix said pointing at said weapon hanging on a rack behind the table. "Ooo and an energy sword from halo, already have one of those though."

"Hey I know that one!" Grimmjow said pointing at an armguard. "It's from assassins creed!"

"That game is awesome." Ichigo said looking over the hidden blade.

"Hey Ichigo look it's Tensa." Yue said pointing at the black blade hanging under the scythe.

"Yes it is. Clair said she had one I could use during the show right?"

"Yeah it's in the car she put it in as we left." Grimmjow said as the continued to look at shiny and sharp objects.

"Daddy lookie is Gwimmjaw!" a little kid in a Kon outfit said pointing up at Grimmjow said looking behind himself.

"Grimmjow not Gwimmjaw Mu." the father corrected coming over dressed as Ichigo in his normal shikai before the time skip.

"Hi!" the little kid waved. Grimmjow smirked and nodded and Ichigo laughed at what the kid had called him. "I'm dressed as Kon! My mommy made it for me!"

"I can see that." Grimmjow chuckled.

"Sorry he's just the social butterfly every little kid is at four. Come on Tiny." the child ran the few steps to his dad who picked him up.

"It's fine he's not the first person to stop me." Grimmjow shrugged.

"Nice cosplay." Ichigo had to comment to the dad "though not sure about the Kon... But your kid is cute."

"He's not a fan of the talking stuffed toy." Phoenix explained.

"Ichigo!"

"Huh?" he turned and quickly ducked out of the way making the person that had been flying at him fall to the ground. "Do I know you?"

"How could you be so cruel why do only cosplayers like me?! Why can't you be nice to me like that!?" the person stood up pointing at the very confused father and son.

"...uh? Who are you?"

"I think it's Kon..." Ryu whispered.

"Of course it is! That crazy shop keeper made a gigai for me so I could come!"

"Uh-huh...as for why I'm not nice to you...I don't like you, you perverted lion." Ichigo said boredly.

"Um..."

"Oh um...don't mind them they uh...the one thinks he's Kon and that the other is Ichigo..." Phoenix said to the father. "The one dressed as Sebastian is sane but has simply given up on trying to correct the other."

"I see, I guess there are people like that. Well we need to meet up with his mother." he turned his kid waving at them over his shoulder.

"Well that went well." Grimmjow sighed.

"Damn it Kon you can't act like this here! Everyone here thinks we are just an anime you can't be acting like that, especially with me dressed as someone other then myself." Ichigo reprimanded the mod soul.

"But..."

"No."

"Ah Kurosaki-san I see you found Kon." the hatted shop owner came up to then waving his fan.

"More like he found us. What the heck were you thinking giving him a gigai!?"

"Well everyone else was coming so I figured he should get to come too."

"Itsygo!" Nel said jumping out from behind Urahara and hugging said boy.

"Hi Nel can't breath..."

"Oh sorry!" she let him go.

"What did you mean everyone else was coming?" Phoenix asked.

"Oh well Matsamoto-san Yumichika-kun Ikkaku-kun Shinji -"

"So everyone in soul society great..." Ichigo groaned.

"Well not everyone but a few."

"The annoying ones." Ryu grunted.

"Who's annoying?" a voice asked turning they all saw Rangiku hands on her hips.

"You are you big boobed alcoholic." Ryu said blankly making Yue and Ichigo snicker. Toshiro came up beside her with a sigh. "Oh well at least there's one tolerable person with you."

"You must be referring to me and my amazing beauty." Yumichika said before Toshiro could get a word in.

"No you are in the same group as her." Ryu said blankly again. "I was talking about the snow captain."

"How rude I am far from annoying, as being annoying is not by any means beautiful." Yumichika retorted.

"And yet here you are being annoying." Ryu countered making the man fume.

"Calm down Yumichika he's just trying to rile you up." Ikkaku said placing a hand on his friends shoulder.

"I ain't comfortable with all these shinigami round..." Grimmjow mumbled.

"I just don't want to be near them all period to much energy to deal with. Let's try and sneak off." Ichigo whispered back Phoenix also nodding in agreement. The three slipped away as Ryu called Ikkaku bald and giving them a wink letting them know he had heard and was giving them cover. "Remind me to thank him later." Ichigo said once they were clear of the group.

"Yeah buy him some kind of green apple candy or something. The dude loves green apple candy." Phoenix said as they stopped at another table for a manga Ichigo reads so he could buy the next one with an autograph.

"Ichi's a fan boy~" Phoenix teased in a singsong voice as Ichigo looked at the signature with a goofy grin that turned instantly to a frown.

"Am not!"

"Are too."

"Am not!"

"Ichigo de'Nile is in Egypt please come back to Japan." Ichigo huffed and shoved the book back in its bag making the other two laugh. They all got stopped for pictures Ichigo even managing to pose with Phoenix while in character a few times. They all adamantly refused full on yoai pictures though, much to many fan girls displeasure. Ryu and Yue met up with them after about an hour and they started to head back to Clair's table stopping to grab themselves and her something to eat.

"Welcome back, how are the weary wanderers?" she asked taking the tray of food from Grimmjow.

"Well we survived the rocky mountains BigBoob and Beautybald that was guarded by a strange three headed thing, and then tracked through the harsh deserts of fangiryo many lighting flashes did we have to dodge, and then found the calm oasis of foodland where we found delicious nomnoms." Phoenix said dramatically making them all laugh.

"So in translation you ran into ...Yumichika and Ikkaku...and Rangiku?" Phoenix nodded "Then had lots of pictures taken while avoiding yoai pictures," another nod, "then you got food and came here."

"Correct."

"The fact that you can understand what he said..." Ichigo shook his head smiling.

"Comes with living with him for you know ever." Clair shrugged taking a bite of her food. "After this we are going to need to head back to the ready room to make sure everything is in order." Ichigo and Grimmjow nodded.

They finished and headed back to the area set up for them to get ready. Ryu and Phoenix helped Clair get everything from her car. "We finished the wings for Ulquiorra!" one of the students said running up to them with a large bundle of cloth.

"Good find your model, here is the rest get him ready do any last minute adjustments you need to. The rest of you too get your outfits and get them on your models! If you find something that needs fixed supplies are in this bin! Get moving we have thirty minutes till we need to be out of this area for others to use it!" Clair barked out the students who all began moving. "Ordered chaos please we aren't in wonderland let's not loose our heads! No freaking out! Grimm over here." he came over to her as Uryuu pulled Ichigo over to get him out of his cosplay and into the outfit. "Here yours is easy enough being regular clothes go in there get changed don't rip anything." she moved away to help others.

"Ok." he did as told and Phoenix put the clothes he has been wearing in a locker. Renji was finished next, followed by Rukia and the kids. Uryuu was fussing over Ichigo's out fit making the poor berry grumble and sigh. "Clair."

"What?" he pointed at the two. "Ishida it's fine stop being a freaking woman and leave it be you fussy old nag!"

"I'm just trying to make sure everything is correct!"

"Damn it I said leave it! No one will even be able to see half the shit you are worried about!" he backed off with a huff defeated and she went to help get the wings set on their Ulquiorra model.

"We can't get the wig to sit right!"

"Phoenix help them!" Clair yelled over her shoulder still helping with the wings.

"Right, what's wrong?"

"The stupid mullet won't stay on!"

"I told you you'd need different kind of clips." the model said with a smirk as his friend huffed. Phoenix pulled his Grell wig off taking the clips out of it and switched them with the ones they had then put it in place. "See."

"Shut up know it all!"

"Well he is playing Aizen." Phoenix chuckled. They continued getting ready fixing what needed to be fixed before they were shooed from the area so the next group could start getting ready. "The waiting area is this way." Phoenix said leading the way through some curtains.

A man from the tech crew came up to Clair with a lapel having learned last convention not to give her a hand held. "Hold on I have to get changed real quick." she grabbed a bag out of Phoenix's hand and ran off and returned in all of two minutes and got the mic hooked up.

"That was fast." Ichigo said as they finished wiring her.

"You learn how to be." she smirked. "How long till its us?"

"You have ten minutes yours is the first group as an opening for the cosplay contest though none of yours are entered." the manger person told her. She nodded and told the students to give a short once over and told the models to start getting in character.

"Phoenix..."

"Yeah 'sup Clair?"

"Just...keep an eye out...okay..." she whispered her eyes far off. His face turned serious and nodded walking off to tell Ryu and Yue and to tell them to find Tora wherever she was and tell her as well. They nodded as heading off not really being needed anymore. Grimmjow and Ichigo gave him a worried look.

"Clair has a feeling don't show your watching, just be you but keep a weather eye out." they nodded. "It's about time. I've no idea what order she is calling you all out in so just go with it alright." he told everyone as Clair was called up onto the stage.

"Hey everyone how are you doing at the fine convention? Having fun yet?!" the people cheered in response.

"Well at least she's keeping her cool." Ichigo said but Phoenix shook his head.

"It's merely a mask to hide what she doesn't what others to see she's unfortunately gotten good at throwing it on over the years."

"Oh."

"As that awesome dude over there said I'm Clair Smistin aka the Golden Artist for those of you that know my work. I was asked to have a few outfits to showcase to get the ball rolling for this section of the convention I was given free reign to choose what to do but unfortunately had to stick with a single theme. The theme I chose...do you want to know?" the people yelled yes "wow no one wants to know? That makes me sad." they yelled again asking to know "Oh you do want to know ok, the theme is an anime, a favorite of mine in fact. I'll give you a hint, there are dead samurai in it."

"BLEACH!" many people in the crowd called out.

"You guys are smart! Alright so I had some help I mean doing thirteen outfits in a week and a half all by myself would be rather difficult. So the college interns came and help we split into pairs and each had their own person to make an outfit for. Would you like to see the first one?" cheering of course followed the question. "Alright the first is actually a double outfit as it was decided to do kid Gin but you can't do kid Gin without having a kid Rangiku am I right? Come on you two." she waved over to the side. A little girl in a sunflower patterned yukita ran out a few steps followed by a boy walking leisurely in a silvery blue yukita with his hands behind his head. The girl ran back and pulled on his hand bringing him to the middle of the stage. "Aren't they cute?" Clair asked as this all happened followed by many 'aw's' and 'so cutes' the ones who did their out fits are going to come out and say hi now. Haha they didn't know I was going to make them do this. Come, come, come!" she waved the two out. After some clapping she told them to go over to the side to wait the kids in front and the college students behind.

"Hmm...who should we have next...?" people started shouting out random character names from the show hoping to see them. "Hmm...I think I heard ... B...Bya...ku...ya?" she slowly sounded making all his fans cheer "Alright lucky for you we did decide to do an outfit for him those that aren't to the fullbringer arc avert your eyes if you don't want spoilers. Here's the stick in the mud kill joy captain himself Byakuya!"

"Go and be your noble pain in the ass self." Phoenix pushed on his back. He walked out with grace as any noble would ignore all the people cheering.

"...stick in the mud at least acknowledge that they exist." Clair pouted. He turned and looked out over them but that was about it. She rolled her eyes and called out the two that worked on the clothes. "Let's see who should we have follow up that oh so wonderful performance? ...I know how about none other then one Yoruichi Shihoin!" she came out in all her awesomeness Byakuya huffed at her as she sucked in the attention.

"Attention seeking-"

"Now, now Byakuya-bo be nice there are children present." Yoruichi teased. She continued pestering him as Clair had the students come out and told them to go over with the others.

"Now who's next?" more name shouting "how about one of the visords? Kensei maybe?" she motioned for him to come out "I should also say that only three of the people wearing these outfits are actually models for my company this is one of those three. The kids are niece and nephew to that dude yes wave your hand there ya go. Byakuya and Yoruichi are friends...well Yoru is Byakuya is the brother of a friend." as she was talking the two college students for the Kensei character had come out then the three went over to the side. "So who's next let's see... How about someone from soul society but not the seratai? I give you Kukaku Shiba!" all the men in the crowd cheered as she came on "she is another one of the companies actual models and a good friend she has helped me before and is, heheh, a blast to work with. All puns aside though give the girl and her designers a hand yeah?" as that happened Clair felt a chill run down her spine and sent a look to Phoenix who instantly disappeared to go look more thoroughly around the area. Placing her mask back on as quick as it fled she continued.

"Damn I wish I could do something other then stand here..." Grimmjow growled.

"Why are all of you so jumpy?" Uryuu asked annoyed.

"It doesn't concern you Quincy!"

"Grimmjow try to calm down I know you're worried about Clair but making a scene won't help her." Ichigo said griping his arm. Grimmjow sighed nodding trying to relax.

"How about we have an espada come out now? I say Ulquiorra in his first release." cheers were heard as he stepped out and once he got to the middle,

"Such noisy trash."

"Now, now at least try to pretend to be nice. Show them what your nicely folded wings can do." he pressed a small button that rested in the palm of his hand and the wings unfolded. Many 'oooo's' were heard. "Pretty nifty right? He's actually the brother of that one," Clair pointed at the girl as she and her partner came out, "and I was told that she had to drag him out of bed for this which is why he has the face down so good."

"..."

"Alright grumpy go stand over there. Well I think we can do these next two at the same time. Renji in an outfit based off the best bout picture he was drawn in and Rukia in...a Chappy...kimono..."

"Are you saying you don't like Chappy!?" Rukia yelled as the two came out Renji just shook his head as he followed her munching on his heart cookie.

"No I'm just not a fan of the thing. Or your drawings of it for that matter."

"Why you!"

"Both of these are friends...ish and believe it or not the Byakuya guy over there is actually this chicks older brother crazy right? Their designers, these two did her those two did him...so...that leaves what three, four people left? How about..." more names were shouted "Shinji, I think well do Shinji next." out came the model as did the cheers. "He's one of the others that is an actual model as strange as that sounds since pretty much everyone believe Shinji has no fashion sense."

"Oi I take offense to that."

"Of course you would you think your clothes look great others well~ not some much." Clair shrugged. "Just be thankful we don't have a Hyori up here with a flip flop." he cringed at the thought. She introduced the designers and sent them off to stand with the others who were talking in the background staying in character of course adding a few laughs to the scene.

"Now there are only three left," people once more began shouting out names, "I heard a lot of Grimm's and a lot of Ichi's however...how about something far more...well...um...oh man who's that one guy from the show? He's like really annoying and thinks he knows everything? And is like obsessed with the color white and like loves tea and turns into a fairy?" everyone laughed, "oh right the troll of bleach, Flyzen...oh I mean Aizen sorry." she grinned as he came walking out the man doing him doing a very good job of keeping the air of the character.

"Your snarky comments are part of my plan to blind you to what is truly going on of course. There's is no way a mere human could possibly understand..." he continued in a perfect Aizen impersonation.

"Ok seriously who wishes Ichigo would come and face palm the guy into a giant rock to make him shut up I mean seriously no one is listening to you dude."

"You only think so because you are made to think in such a way and there is is no way that the boy Kurosaki could ever touch-"

"You were saying?" Ichigo who had taken Phoenix's -who had just come back- suggestion and snuck out on stage and rested the non cutting edge of his sword under 'Aizen's' chin. "You're out of the time loop buddy, I already beat your ass." cheers erupted from the crowd at his appearance.

"Only because it was part of a greater plan I assure you."

"Is that seriously the only excuse you have for when some thing goes wrong? Cause if so that's just sad even I can make a better excuse then that."

"Alright boys stop bickering Flyzen go to your corner and pretended to be a good boy with your outfit designers or I'll throw you to all the Aizen haters in the crowd." the crowd cheered, and he walked away as if it was his idea in the first place leaving Ichigo watching shaking his head.

"So irritating..."

"Ah can't the poor berry handle the big bad Aizen man?" Grimmjow said coming on stage also at Phoenix's promptings. This of course caused massive cheering at seeing both on stage.

"Grimmjow don't call me berry!"

"Oh and what you gonna do about it if I don't stop huh berry?" he smirked.

"Pussy cat." was all Ichigo said and with a completely blank face as well which just added to the crowd's reaction making them laugh harder as Grimmjow scowled.

"Carrot top."

"Little fuzzy wuzzy kitty cat that absolutely no one is scared of."

"You were, you were shaking in your sandals the first time we met, and the second and the third." each had up to this point taken a step closer to each other with each comment they made and were only about a foot apart.

"Yes but I'd I remember correctly I beat your ass that third time didn't I?" Ichigo smirked. Clair looked out at all the girls in the audience and noticed several with some kind of yoai pairing on their shirts and got an idea.

"Boys, boys, enough with the lovers quarrel. Why not just kiss and make up you have gotten close enough to each other after all. All you'd have to do is lean in a few more inches." Clair said with a wicked grin on her face. They suddenly realized how close they had gotten and backed away from each others leading to many of the girls complaining. "I know, I know I wanted to see it too however the guy playing Grimm is my real life boyfriend and this guy is the boyfriend of my best friend so I don't think that would be a good thing." this caused more complaints. "Yes they are taken tough luck you lot. Now, Grimm's outfit I did and that four eyed weirdo over there that has a creepy resemblance to a certain Quincy did Ichigo's." she let Uryuu come out, "And that's all we have for you guys so I'm going to ask those modeling for use to all come up here to the front and take a bow no Aizen you can not be out in front of everyone you are not the star of the show. And bow very good now I believe they are going to start the cosplay contest I hope all of you enjoy it, and the rest of your time here! See ya!" She herded everyone off the stage, gave her mic to the sound guy and sat down away from the others as Phoenix coming up to see her shaking. "I'm fine..."

"Bullshit." she choked out a weak humorless laugh, "We looked and we could feel it slightly but never anything strong and never for very long. Is it still here?" she nodded "Stay close to Grimmjow. Try not to leave his side ok." she nodded again just as he came over changed back into his clothes from earlier. "Stay with her the four of us are going to check around again."

"I'll keep an eye on her."

"I'll help." Ichigo said coming over in normal clothes having decided not to get attacked by several Grells again. Phoenix nodded and headed off. Grimmjow sat next to her and held her close trying to help her calm down a bit. "Will you be okay to go back to your table?"

"Yeah, I can do that." she nodded and stood up. They headed for her table and she sat down resting her forehead on the table. "Why does it have to be here and now it's not fair..."

"I'm sure Phoenix and the others will take care of it don't worry." Grimmjow said crouching near her.

"Take care of what?"

"Shinji? What are you doing here?" Ichigo asked slightly annoyed.

"I came to see the show of course! Can't believe people think I have a bad fashion sense… But what's up with her? And can I assume that this is the girl that pissed Soi Fon off?"

Clair chuckled and sat up "Yeah that would be me. Serves her right though, she must be hard of hearing I have to repeat myself so often when she's around."

"Mask," Grimmjow poked her cheek "off now." she sighed and looked away to the side.

"Hm... Back to my question of 'take care of what'."

"The things that are after her." Ichigo mumbled, "She can feel when they are near."

"I know they are close-ish but I cant tell where...and like Phoenix said it comes and goes gets stronger then almost vanishes...it's sending my sense into shock or something I can't stop shaking...that's probably why they are doing it though now that I've said that..."

"Making it so it'll be harder for you to get away. It's a pretty good strategy."

"Shinji not helping." Ichigo growled making the blond shrug. "Is there anything I can do to help other then stay here?"

She shook her head, "No you don't know how to sense them...the only tell you would have is that it's would be drastically colder wherever they are."

"Clair you feel really warm..." Grimmjow said worried.

"My body is trying to fight off the panic attack, it happens..."

"Why would you be having a panic attack?" a small childish voice was heard as Yachiru came over.

"...don't worry about it Yachiru..." Clair gave a small smile.

"What is a panic attack?"

"What Yumichika does when his hair frizzes. But like ten times worse, and it's bad for you health." Ichigo said. "Why are you here?"

"Ran-chan and I were getting pictures for our magazine of you, Renji, Rukia, and Bya-kun on stage!"

"Oh..."

"Probably a good thing I made sure Momo didn't come with me though, what with you having that Aizen cosplayer up there." Shinji remarked.

"I hate Momo...she's so...ugh...I don't like her she pisses me off..." Clair grumbled.

"She not that bad." Shinji tried to deafened.

"Aizen nearly kills her like three times and she still thinks he's not a bad guy?" Clair said unbelievingly, "Iziru isn't much better in my opinion either I'm mean he went off his rocker because he did his frickin job of protecting his captain even if it was from his friend. I mean the dude had to be put in a straight jacket for Pete's sake!"

"And why are we talking about this?" Shinji asked confused.

"It's a coping mechanism for her." Tora said coming up to them. "Taking about something she either really likes or that irritates her helps keep her mind off other things."

"Wow...um...nice cosplay." Ichigo said eyeing his girlfriend she was dressed as Erza from Fairy Tale. The outfit with the red pants and bandages wrapped around her chest.

"Thanks. Clair do you still feel them cause we aren't finding anything." all Clair did was nodded. "We'll keep looking then, and stop putting characters down, it's mean. Especially since you know they are real now."

"Truth hurts and I don't like sugar coating things that's how I feel about them and I doubt anything will change my opinion I just feel bad for Toshiro...that's another thing about Momo that pisses me off! Toshiro is like her childhood friend right? Yet one word from a frickin letter has her ready to chop his head off even though she should know he'd never do something like that I mean really!?"

"Yes we get it you don't like Momo or Iziru... I'm going to look around some more stay with her Ichi." he nodded getting a quick kiss before she ran off again.

Clair sat back in her chair stewing in her annoyance at characters in order to keep her mind off the feeling of the shadows being near. "...so Ichi did you steal Karin's copy and read the first chapter?"

"What of yours? Yeah. It was interesting do think I like Mitch the best out of the characters you have so far."

"He does seem to be a favorite of a lot of people huh? What do you think of the..."

"Clair?"

"they're really close..."she shivered and shifted nearer to Grimmjow. "Call Phoenix..." Ichigo just sent a wave of spirit pressure out hoping he pick up on it, Tora having only just left was the first to come back.

"What's wrong?"

"She said they're really close." Tora's eyes widened and she reached out with her senses and nodded before calling out to the others with her power.

"we have to get somewhere away from all these people they'll come for her and we don't want them caught in the cross fire." she went to Clair putting a gentle hand on her friends head "We have to leave and move away." she nodded her eyes wide as she felt the shadows power draw closer.

"What about us?" Shinji asked as Clair stood.

"I don't give a damn what you do just don't get Clair killed or I'll end you myself!" Tora growled her hair already starting to turn lighter in color as her power built.

"This way," Yue ran up to them, "there's an exit close by." They moved for it Ichigo calling Urahara telling him what was happening as they moved. Yachiru had left to do her own thing awhile ago and Shinji and contacted the other shinigami that were there about what was happening before following the group outside. "Clair?"

"Closer..." She moved up against Grimmjow still shaking. "They're almost here..." she whispered. Shinji caught up to them just as she said that and just in time to feel the temperature drop dramatically.

"Try to stay out of the shadows." Tora warned as she went fully into her battle form readying her weapons. Ichigo and Grimmjow had both ditched their bodies, Paniky taking Ichigo's and hiding them. "come on you bastards I don't have all freaking day to wait for you...found you!" she turned blocking a strike from one Ichigo blocking another that had come from a different side. "Grimmjow get her somewhere it's brighter!"

"Right!" he picked her up and jumped onto the roof of the next building.

"Look out!" Phoenix yelled bringing his scythe down on one that had followed Grimmjow. "They'll still attack in light but won't be as powerful. Be on guard." Grimmjow nodded pulling his sword and switching Clair to stand on his left side.

"Hollows!" Grimmjow called out seeing them pour through the air from another portal created by the Shadows.

"Ichigo!" Phoenix called for him.

"Coming!" he jumped up and getsuga'd a bunch as Renji and Rukia showed up to help with the hollows. Tora Yue and Shinji jumped up on the roof as well Shinji going to help with the hollows.

"Where's Ryu?"

"He was on the whole other side of the area he should be here soon." Yue explained as she used a katana to fend off one of the shadows.

"Shee visn hal gra!"

"We'll never let you have her you f***tard!" Phoenix replied understanding the strange words. He lashed out with both his magic and his scythe taking out two at once.

"Damn it how many are there?" Grimmjow asked firing a berro at one.

"As long as there are shadows they are there..." Phoenix grumbled.

"Just f***ing great." the other shinigami that were there also showed up helping to take care of the massive amount of hollows all taking glances at what those on the roof were facing. As Phoenix had said when they got rid of one another came from a different shadow. "Damn it!" Grimmjow fired a small cero at two taking them out.

"Careful when you fire those Grimm you don't want to hit anyone!" Ryu called as he landed in the roof. He got a nod in reply as the arrancar stayed focused on the Shadows in front of him. The battle when on for quite awhile everyone was beginning to tire out.

"We can't keep this up." Tora said staggering under a blow.

"Trump card time." Yue said closing her eyes her power swirling around her.

"Wait can she take on her animal form already?" Tora looked amazed.

"Don't forget while the tortoise sleeps the snake can never close it's eyes." Ryu said "the snake is always in a wakeful state but unable to use their power till the other half has woken as well."

"Oh right." Water surrounded Yue and blackened till you could barely see her then shaped itself into the form of a tortoise and a snake wrapping around its shell. The water moved quickly too the tail of the snake that then lashed out at the Shadows destroying several the head bit at another chomping it in half. The tortoise itself was a long necked one and it swung it's head knocking Shadows into the water that the tail of the snake was using like a whip.

"That's epic." Grimmjow managed to get out before having to grab Clair and jump away from an attack.

"Put her on my back Grimmjow between the coils!" Yue's voice though a bit echoey said. He landed on her back surprised at how big she was and yet wasn't crashing though the roof.

"Hold on we'll keep you safe." he said to Clair who nodded giving him a quick kiss before wrapping her arms around what she could of the snakes body. "Now I guess I should step it up too. Grind Pantera!" the fight continued though there did seem to be less hollows and less Shadows those that were left seemed to be stronger. "Damn..."

"We aren't going to last much longer..." Tora said ready to pass out.

"Ryu cover me, I didn't want to use this spell yet but doesn't look like we have much of a choice." phoenix said as he made his scythe disperse into flames and held is hand out in front of him one on top one below palms facing each other and began chanting in an old language. Ryu and Tora did their best to cover him while Yue and Grimmjow kept Clair safe.

Several Shadows came down at Grimmjow from above and without think of what was behind them he quickly fired a cero. They scattered near immediately and his eyes went wide. "Shit...Rukia move!" he yelled to the small black hair shinigami and tried to get in front of the blast to deflect it but wasn't fast enough and it made contact. "No!"

"Rukia!" Renji and Ichigo called, Clair looked up wide eyed praying she had somehow gotten out of the way and it has just hit a hollow. When the smoke cleared they saw Byakuya had made it in front of her and had taken the blast instead. "Captain!"

"Nii-sama!"

"No..." Grimmjow whispered knowing he had been set up by the Shadows and caught the captain as he fell setting him on Yue's back near Clair. "Shit, shit, shit!"

"Grimmjow calm down it's not your fault." Clair tried to sooth but knew soul society rather Yamamoto probably wouldn't care if it was or not. "He's still alive just badly burned. Y-yue I know you're busy but can you spare some water for his burns?" the head of the tortoise nodded and water crept along the shell and covered the captain's burns. "See he'll be fine." she gave a weak smile to Grimmjow that he tried to return but couldn't.

"- fire created by the light of the center I summon the fires of the first flame to aid me in this darkened place!" they heard the tail end of what Phoenix had said in Japanese as a massive amount of white fire spread out from his body eliminating the rest of the Shadows in the area and closing the portal they had made making it so the shinigami would actually be able to get rid of them all before he near promptly passed out for the mass amount of power he had used.

The hollows were quickly taken care of and Yue turned back to normal Clair helping to lay Byakuya gently on the ground. Grimmjow resealed his powers and backed off letting Rukia and Renji past, as Yue started to work on healing the burns. "You are very lucky Rukia if Grimmjow hadn't called out Byakuya wouldn't have managed to get to you in time and you'd be dead more likely then not."

Grimmjow moved to sit against the railing on the side of the roof resting his forehead in his arms that were folded across the top of his knees. Clair came over and sat next to him rubbing his back. "It's not your fault, and if Yamamoto does try anything Phoenix and the others will stop him. They already warned them about coming after you. And you heard Yue he's fine, just needs some healing up and rest and hell be back to his annoying stick in the mud self."

"I guess...are you ok?"

"Yep you did a good job on keeping from getting hurt." she hugged him. "It'll be fine, even if it takes a yelling match between the old fart and Phoenix, it'll be fine. So have a bit of faith, yeah?"

He looked up and smiled "Yeah. How's your brother?"

"He spent all his energy on that last attack so he'll be out of it for a bit but some sleep and food and hell be fine." Tora said coming over "how are you two holding up?"

"As good as we can."

"It's going to get interesting now I'm sure..." Tora said looking over at Yue healing Byakuya who was just opening his eyes. "I guess...the battle has started then..."

()()()()

So yeah They are back, OH NO! And Grimm may be in trouble, dun dun dun. And Yue turned into a turtle…sorry tortoise(she's yelling at me for calling her a turtle TT-TT) so a funny thing that happened while I was writing this on my itouch, I was writing in fangirls and it autocorrected it to dangerous, no joke me and my brother laughed so hard.

Now about the whole review thing, it really truly does help me write, my Muse is much more helpful when she knows people like what they are reading. I'm not asking because I want higher numbers really truly honestly I'm not I don't give to shits about numbers. I just need what every author out there needs, to know people like my work. I mean really how would you feel if you spent hours of your time on something asked a simple question of 'Was it any good?' and no one answers? You'd think they didn't like it right? So what's the point of writing more…

To those of you that don't write it probably sounds weird and doesn't make sense, but think about it, you like when people comment about the stuff you do right? When they say 'hey that's really cool' it gives you that fuzzy feeling of 'OMG they liked it!' It's the same thing here when I first posted this story(over a year ago!)I wasn't really expecting anyone to read it then I got my first review and I got all giddy and then I got another and I was happier and it made my fingers move faster.

I mean I'm not really asking for much am I? You can even write something as a guest I don't mind, just let me hear your thoughts on what I'm doing, I would have never made it this far without all the reviews I've gotten up to this point. I never thought the story would make it to 20 chapters yet here we are and I thank you for that. So please help me out here tell me what you think let me know you like the story so that my Muse will get off her butt and help me.