Disclaimer- I don't own Bleach

Chapter 21

The Stray and the Strawberry

Senna's hazel eyes rolled as yet another serious of explosions sounded from somewhere off in the distance.

"Seriously, Ganju, enough with the fireworks. I'm getting a headache," she mumbled as she turned a random corner. "You're just going to piss off Yumichika and he's not so pretty when he's angry."

A smile played at the corner of her lips as she made her way through the many different pathways of the Eleventh Division.

"Are you just going to keep following me, Yoruichi or do you plan on saying whatever it is you came here to say?" Senna asked, leaping from the ground to the blue tiled roof of a rarely used warehouse.

"Still sharp I see," the black cat replied taking a seat on the roof, its tail flitting around in the air.

"Hey, what happened to your tail?" Senna asked curiously when she noted the way it bent rather awkwardly near the tip. She instantly regretted asking the question.

"Why, is there something wrong with it?!" Yoruichi asked, golden eyes narrowing and a palpable threat evident in her tone.

"Uh...No of course not. It's a beautiful tail," Senna replied quickly.

"Thank you," the cat huffed arrogantly.

"Uh-huh," Senna answered back. "So what are your plans? You know it won't be easy getting Rukia, Byakuya has no intention of helping her. He completely stands by the decision of the Forty-Six. He refuses to go against the rules, he's a noble and must make a good impression, of course things weren't always that way."

"Little Byakuya won't be a problem," Yoruichi replied easily.

Senna's brow rose slightly. "Oh?"

"Are you going to help them?"

A thoughtful sigh escaped her lips before she finally replied. "I suppose I have no choice really. I can't just stand by and do nothing while my home is being threatened. It's just too bad I'll end up dead or exiled in the end."

"Maybe not," Yoruichi said thoughtfully before standing up on all four paws and gazing off into the distance.

"I noticed," Senna spoke up upon noticing the cat glance in the direction she had come from. "Ikkaku lost, this Ichigo is stronger than I thought."

"Kisuke said he has a frightening amount of spiritual pressure. If he can learn to control it-"

"He'll be practically unstoppable," Senna finished. "Scary kid."

"Be careful," Yoruichi called as she jumped nimbly from the rooftop.

"Why does everyone tell me that? It's not like I purposely cause trouble..All the time," Senna mumbled with a frown while watching the black cat disappear in the distance.

'You don't expect to live through this, do you?' the soft, airy voice of Kurohineko asked.

Senna's frown deepened. "Honestly. No. Not that I'll be giving up that easily though."

'Good, let's at least make it fun,' the feline replied.

A dry chuckle slipped from Senna's lips and she jumped from the rooftop she was on to another, she then began to head out of the Eleventh Division grounds.

'I feel the Quincy's spiritual pressure somewhere nearby, and then another weaker one as well,' she thought as she quickly shifted directions and ran towards the spiritual pressures.

She came to a halt on top of a narrow edge of roofing across from a large, tall building with a flat roof top that was flanked by sloped blue tiles. Her eyes narrowed as she looked up at the roof, she could sense people above her on that roof, but she couldn't see them.

In a quick flash she was balancing herself on the narrow ledge of the sloping portion of the building's roof, looking down at the flattened expanse before her. Two people stood talking near the wall farthest from her. She recognized the black haired Quincy, Uryu, but not the red headed, busty female that was with him.

Her body tensed when she felt another spiritual pressure and then saw another and quite large person appear on the roof. It was a male Soul Reaper and he stood directly behind the red headed girl. The Quincy didn't seem to notice since he was preoccupied with turning to gaze in her direction. She disappeared just before his eyes would have landed on her.

"Over there," the red head chirped, unaware of the threat lurking just behind her.

The moment Uryu turned back to her, his eyes widened at the sight of the large Soul Reaper towering above his friend. He was about to move and snatch her out of the way as the man raised his sword in preparation to slice through the girl before him, but the girl disappeared before he had the chance to even move a muscle.

A resounding crash rang through the air, the sword had missed its intended target and slammed into the ground, a small cloud of dust rising in the air from the impact.

When the air cleared, the Soul Reaper stood upright. "I missed," he observed, his voice a deep rumble.

"Attacking a defenseless girl, Ryoka or not, is pretty low. Even for you, Jiroubo. I don't believe Captain Komomura would be pleased," Senna hissed, appearing besides Uryu with the surprised girl in her arms.

"T-thanks," the girl stuttered out, blinking up at her savior.

Senna didn't even look down at her, she continued to stare at the large man before her, eyes narrowed while she regarded Jiroubo with disdain.

"Saving a Ryoka, huh? Guess I'll get to kill you too," Jiroubo said to her.

"As if you could," she replied darkly.

"I'll give you a moment to regret your actions," Jiroubo called out to them.

"This fight is yours unless you decide to leave now," Senna said, turning to glance down at the red head and then to Uryu.

"No, this is our fight. Thank you for your help, but I'll take it from here," Uryu replied, stiffly pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose with a slender finger.

Senna raised her eyebrows at him. "Figured as much. You can fight, but I don't think she should, I don't even think you should be here," she said as she looked down at the red headed girl.

"Orihime can take care of herself," Uryu replied.

"Your time for regret is up, now you die," Jiroubo yelled.

"I'll fight too ,Uryu," Orihime said, mustering up as much courage as she could.

Uryu nodded at her.

"He's all yours," Senna said with a shrug at the Quincy and taking a step back from the pair.

'So she has some sort of power then, but what I wonder?' Senna thought as she stood back and observed from a distance.

"Here he comes," Uryu said when Jiroubo prepared to attack.

She watched Orihime place her hands in front of her and chant something quietly before shouting, "I reject!"

A little fairy like creature shot out of seemingly nowhere and flew towards Jiroubo, who in one quick swipe sent the small creature flying back towards its mistress. He then turned to attack the once again defenseless girl. Senna was about to intervene yet again when a blue arrow pierced through Jiroubo's hand.

"Good shot," Senna muttered.

A surge in reiatsu in the distance caught her attention and her head snapped towards the Repentance Tower.

"What is that fool doing?" Senna wondered aloud.

Another glance at the scene before her assured her that the Quincy had the situation under control, he was strong, she could sense it. He wasn't going to be taken down very easily and he had chosen to fight so she wouldn't intervene on his behalf.

"Sorry guys, it's time for me to go. Need to make sure Renji doesn't do anything stupid," she called out, before turning abruptly and bounding off towards the Repentance Tower. "Like hack off someone's dandelion head," she muttered to herself while speeding towards her destination, warm air splashing her face as she ran and leapt.

Her eyes narrowed when she spotted Renji near the long staircase that led to the tall white tower that soared above the Seireitei. Standing a few yards in front of Renji was Ichigo. They stood silently regarding each other, sizing each other up. Behind Ichigo she noted that Ganju and another Soul Reaper were waiting anxiously.

Making a slight adjustment to her position, she leapt down from the wall she had been occupying and landed in a crouch, one hand on her knee while the other rested on the cold white marble that covered the ground.

"Renji, just what is it you think you're doing?" Senna asked as she pushed herself up using her knee for leverage. She calmly dusted off her uniform and ignored Renji who was staring angrily at her.

"It's none of your business, now get out of the way. I was about teach this guy a lesson," he growled at her.

With a discreet glance at the two, she saw that they had both drawn their zanpakuto and were preparing to fight.

"Oh, well, too bad," she replied flippantly. Facing Renji, her right hand pulled her zanpakuto from its sheath before she rested the flat of the blade on her shoulder.

"What do you think you're doing, Urahara?" Renji shouted.

Senna's eyes flashed angrily and she flew at Renji, she stopped centimeters away from him, the dark blade of her sword hovering dangerously close to his throat. "You have no right to use my name so freely," she hissed, her face a cold mask of anger.

Renji scowled at her, he hadn't realized she was so fast and the realization irritated him. "I'm a lieutenant, I'll do as I please," he replied arrogantly.

A bitter laugh escaped Senna's lips. "You will never be above me. Do you not remember who you have never once been able to beat?"

"I'm stronger now," he countered surely, his eyes narrowing.

"You think so?" Senna asked dryly, she retracted her blade from his throat while taking a step back.

"Yeah, and I could beat you any day, but I'm busy at the moment," he answered dismissively.

"Fight me now, or lose your chance at having the opportunity to ever prove me wrong," she challenged a cold smile curling the corners of her delicate lips.

Renji growled at her, his teeth clenched and his eyes darkening.

"Hey, are you two having a lover's quarrel or somethin'?" Ichigo yelled.

Senna turned to face him. "Oh, hey, Ichigo, Ganju, and Hanataro, right?" She called as she looked at three behind her, smiling and wagging her fingers at them.

"Uh, y-yes, ma'am," Hanataro replied. He was a small, meek looking boy with a green sack slung across his back signifying his placement in the Fourth squad.

"Are you two almost done bickering? We were busy," Ichigo informed her gruffly.

"Hmm, oh, well you see I was planning on kicking Renji's ass," she replied matter of factly.

"Hell no, that's what I was going to do," Ichigo yelled at her, pointing his zanpakuto at her angrily.

"Is that so?" she mused, a thin finger under her chin as she placed her zanpakuto back on her shoulder.

"Yeah, now beat it," Ichigo shouted.

Senna's eyes narrowed and she took a menacing step in his direction. "What makes you think you can even touch him? His powers aren't limited here...boy," she taunted, her voice a mocking whisper.

A glint of confusion passed through Ichigo's eyes before it was replaced with indifference and pride.

"I've gotten stronger and I want to show this buffoon he's not as good as he thinks he is," Ichigo replied seriously.

"That's what I was going to do, but if you think you can do it better, then be my guest," Senna chirped, straightening up, her demeanor no longer threatening. "But I warn you, I will not help you once this fight starts and you need to rescue Rukia, remember that. If you die, so will she."

"I know," Ichigo answered.

Senna smiled at him, softly. 'He's serious, and he has gotten stronger. I can feel it. Just what did my brother do to you, kid?'

She walked back to the extremely pissed off and angry Renji, she stopped in front him and tapped his nose with one thin finger.

"What the hell?" Renji grumbled down at her.

"Don't get yourself killed, moron," she replied before she turned again and walked over to stand by Ganju.

"You're gonna let me pass, or kill me" Ichigo said defiantly to Renji.

Renji chuckled. "We'll let strength decide."

"Why do all men have to be better than the rest?" Senna said with a sigh and shake of her head.

There was a violent crash and a swirl of pressure as the two men met each other in battle, their swords fighting fiercely for dominance. The two pushed away from each other momentarily before connecting their swords with another violent clang.

"Is he nuts, that's an assistant captain. Ichigo can't beat him," Ganju stated worriedly.

Senna remained silent, her face impassive as she watched the dangerous dance before her.

"Maybe he can," Hanataro spoke up, his quiet voice carrying to her ears. "Watch Ichigo closely.."

It was at that moment that Ichigo began to bear the blade of his large zanpakuto down against Renji's, overpowering the red headed lieutenant and forcing him to back into the rock wall of the hill that held the Repentance tower.

"He's over powering Lieutenant Abarai, amazing," Hanataro murmured with wide eyes.

"No."

The statement was so quiet that at first neither of the two men in her company thought she had really spoken. They turned to her, confused and weary.

"Look again," Senna advised, tilting her chin towards Renji.

"What?" Ganju asked.

"I suppose you wouldn't notice, you aren't a Soul Reaper, but Hanataro have you noticed yet?"

Hanataro glanced at her before turning back around to face the conflict playing out ahead of him.

"I don't think I know what you mean?" He answered meekly.

"His zanpakuto," she hinted.

Hanataro's eyes widened slightly.

"I take it you get it now?" Senna inquired.

"Y-yes."

"I don't. What the hell are you talking about?" Ganju shouted.

"Renji has yet to release his zanpakuto. Ichigo's is already released, it's always released, it doesn't have a sealed state like most zanpakuto do. Releasing one's zanpakuto increases the strength and ability of the wielder as well as the sword," Senna explained, her impassive face still turned towards the struggle.

As she finished her brief explanation there was a sudden surge in spirit pressure as Renji pushed back against Ichigo, not expecting such resistance Ichigo was instantly flung through the air. He landed a bit shakily but was still standing.

"Howl, Zabimaru!" Renji shouted as he ran a hand along the blade of his zanpakuto.

He swung at Ichigo, the joints of his now released sword separating as it shot towards its prey.

Raising his own zanpakuto, Ichigo blocked the hit from connecting with his body, but the sheer brute force of the collision sent him flying through the air once more. His body ripped through a building, demolishing one of its cream colored walls.

"Ich-Ichigo," Hanataro cried.

Senna stuck a hand out and placed it gently on the boy's shoulder when he tried to run forward. He glanced up at her, but her face continued to remain emotionless while she watched Renji quickly approach the tattered building.

"You thought you knew me because we've fought before... Well I've got news for you. When a soul reaper at the rank of lieutenant or higher goes to the real world, their powers are suppressed so that they don't adversely affect the living world," Renji explained as he walked to the broken wall, a triumphant smirk on his face. "I'm five times stronger than I was then. There is no way you can beat me," Renji continued.

"Oh," a shaky voice called from inside the building. "So...This is your real strength. Well..It's not enough."

Ichigo walked out of the building, a bleeding cut over his eye and his zanpakuto resting over his shoulder. He smirked at Renji who was scowling in annoyance.

"You'd think with as much as the two like to hear themselves talk, they'd get along just fine," Senna observed.

"But thanks for the info. If the other lieutenants are like you... Then I just might make it," Ichigo said, a grin on his bloodied face.

"Fool," Renji retorted.

Ichigo stood before them, shaking and looking like he was having a hard time standing on his own.

Senna frowned at the sight. "Get it together, kid, I'm not going to save your ass, I already told you-"

"I'm fine," Ichigo cut in.

Senna shrugged. "Ok."

"You talk all big, but you can hardly stand," Renji taunted as he leapt into the air, swinging Zabimaru at Ichigo.

Senna watched the joints elongate and fly at a motionless Ichigo.

"Move," she yelled at Ganju and Hanataro, grabbing them by the collars and tugging them away seconds before Renji's Zabimaru flew at Ichigo and he deftly leapt away.

The rest of the blow from the extended zanpakuto ripped the building they had been standing by to shreds. Rubble, dirt, roofing, all kinds of debris rained down upon the ground.

"Time to finish this," Renji yelled, advancing on Ichigo.

Another extension of Zabimaru by the red head tore a corner of the same building off and it crumbled to the ground.

Ichigo dodged the blow and was able to block the next one easily.

Senna watched on, her face beginning to show traces of worry.

'This is getting interesting, but it could go either way right now. One of these two just might die, and I can't stop it,' she thought, her face contorting into a deep frown.

"Why do you want to save Rukia?" She heard Renji shout.

"Not want, I will save her," Ichigo shouted back, shoving the red head away from him.

"She lost her powers because of you, she's going to die because of you," Renji yelled angrily.

'So that's what it is? It's not that he doesn't want to save Rukia, he thinks killing Ichigo will help her,' Senna thought. 'Too bad he's wrong..'

"That's why I came to save her," Ichigo roared as Renji swung his Zabimaru yet again.

Ichigo stumbled when the sword connected brutally with his shoulder and began to rip through it when Renji pulled the joints though the tissue.

Ichigo knocked the sword out of his shoulder and blocked another incoming blow and then watched as the disjointed sword reconnected in Renji's hand.

'He's got that determined look in his eyes now, I wonder if he's figured it out yet,' Senna thought as she watched Ichigo dodge the next three attacks that came his way.

She tensed when Renji once again brought his zanpakuto back together briefly before attacking Ichigo once again.

Dodging the first two attacks with ease, Ichigo waited for the opening after the third elongation of Zabimaru and with no hesitation lunged for Renji when he was left open after.

"Fool," Senna yelled taking a step forward.

Renji saw the coming attack and quickly stepped aside, letting Ichigo's swing pass him and leave him unharmed. Renji then took this opportunity to aim a deadly slash across Ichigo's chest. Blood spurted from the wound and dripped to the ground, staining the white marble a crimson red.

Ichigo crumpled to the ground, sitting on his knees and breathing hard. There was a brief break in the fighting as Renji taunted Ichigo.

The next few moments passed in a complete blur. Renji raised his Zabimaru and brought it down upon the fallen Ichigo. There was a resounding crash as their spiritual pressures collided, sending a cloud of light and dust into the air.

"Ichigo!" Ganju and Hanataro cried out.

Senna felt a strange shift and slight change emit from Ichigo's reiatsu. She couldn't place the feeling, but she knew something had changed and whatever it was felt familiar to her.

As the swirling dust faded, the scene before them had changed drastically. No longer was Ichigo crumpled before Renji, but standing proudly and defiantly in front of him.

"Creepy kid," Senna mumbled to herself.

She saw the surprise on Renji's face while Ichigo stared back at him, there was resolve in his eyes and in his posture.

"It's about time," she mumbled again. "Renji isn't going to take this well..."

Renji once again raised his zanpakuto, but it didn't make it very far before Ichigo attacked. A single swipe of his zanpakuto had sliced through Renji's sword as well as through his abdomen and up to his shoulder. Blood sprayed around the stunned man and his hair fell from the tie that bound it into a ponytail to join the crimson already painting the air. There was a dull clatter when the broken blade of Zabimaru fell to the ground at the feet of the wounded man.

The red head stumbled back, his fiery hair hanging limply in his face as he backed in to a wall. His body seemed unable to do anything but shake uncontrollably.

Senna could feel the sadness and defeat wash over the bloodied man as he threw his head back and let out an anguished howl.

A sympathetic frown found its way to her face while she watched him stumble forward to Ichigo. He grasped the front of the shihaksho that Ichigo wore, all the while talking about Rukia.

Though the silence was so overwhelming the words that were spoken were barely audible to the three people that watched the scene from a distance.

"Save Rukia!" Renji yelled, clutching desperately at Ichigo's shirt.

"I will," Ichigo replied certainly.

It was then that both bloodied and battle weary men collapsed into lifeless heaps on the cold stone floor.

~A/N~

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