Thank you for all your reviews – and to the anonymous reviews, too. Thanks to all those who favourite and follow!

Excuse any errors, if you would – and I also redid Chapter 24 – Everybody Hates Paperwork, so if you guys wanna check it out, I modified it a bit, that'd be great!

To the review who wondered how they could send him to the world of the living if he is dead – he isn't actually dead. Urahara is preserving his body, but of course this means he'll have to keep returning to it and relatively soon, he will have to die if he's wanting to live in the Soul Society. However, having said that – it doesn't look as if he can if he's being sent back, does it? ;) Don't worry, with any luck, things will be okay... muhaha.

Raw realisation hit Ichigo square in the face.

He automatically recoiled from Byakuya's blunt statement.

Goodbye to Seretei.

Goodbye to Hiro.

Goodbye to Rukia.

Forever.

Those words just didn't seem to connect together. It was like a foreign language to him.

Yamamoto was holding Ichigo's zanpakuto and looking grave.

Why did he suddenly feel like a naughty child? He wasn't in the wrong here!

"That's the last time you ever defile my sister's body again. Don't you understand? She's a noble shinigami... not some lowlife substitute shinigami. You're just lucky we aren't taking your powers away from you. But unless you leave now, we will." Byakuya told him, without a single trace of remorse.

Ichigo was about to react, but the noble Kuchiki had already faded away, flash-stepping into the distance.

Oh, hell no. Ichigo was not about to let that son of a bitch get away!

"You coward!" He set off at a run before feeling something tight clamp down on his shoulders, forcing him to kneel on the ground.

Letting loose a pained groan, he looked up to see Yamamoto standing before him, holding out one hand.

Anger welled up within him. Was he really about to let some old man keep him at bay by just using one hand? Hell, no!

"Let me go! Get your freakin' hands off me, you traitors!"

"Kurosaki, calm down." Yamamoto told him, firmly, "Be still."

Be still?

Alright.

He'd be still... when he was dead.

Ichigo concentrated hard and focused on breaking the cage Yamamoto had locked him in. It reminded him awfully of the binding Kido that Rukia had first used on him – but a much stronger version. A bead of sweat dripped down his face as he suddenly broke free of the hold, allowing his own spiritual pressure to build.

There was a brief expression of shock on the old Captain's face before he signalled with his finger and several shinigami all flung themselves at Ichigo.

Binding his wrists with the handcuffs that prevented him using any spiritual pressure, they pushed him down to the ground.

"Kurosaki, you help has been very much appreciated and we're all truly grateful for the sacrifices you've made to keep us safe." He took two steps towards him, holding out the zanpakuto, "But we can accept your assistance no longer. Rukia will also be punished as we see fit. Relationships between humans and gods or goddesses of death is illegal."

There was a small gathering of people observing the scene through wide eyes and at this sentence, they all gasped, surprised.

"Your zanpakuto will be kept in Seretei away from your grasp. That way you won't cause any damage to those around you. However, if you don't go quietly, it will be destroyed."

That hurt.

That hurt a lot.

But losing Rukia and Hiro hurt a lot more.

"You can't do this to me." He glared ferociously up at Yamamoto through his orange fringe but the look on his face clearly suggested that yes, Yamamoto could do whatever the hell he wanted.

"You will be escorted back to your home and the portal will be closed to you forever. You – take his zanpakuto." The Captain indicated for the elite guards to take him to the portal and to another shinigami who nodded, moving towards him, his hands outstretched for the zanpakuto. As Yamamoto watched Ichigo being taken to the portal, he decided he was in good hands. Sending his final farewell, the old Captain disappeared into the twilight, leaving Ichigo completely surrounded by the powerful guards.

"Do you know something? Do you know why I'm being taken away? It's because I have a son here! They're taking me away from my son!"

There was a shocked silence from the crowd.

"That's right! My son is Byakuya Kuchiki's nephew! That's why they're Taking me away! It's such a scandal, right? The temporary Captain knocked up his noble Lieutenant. What a crime! Well, those bastards can suck my balls! The secret is out! Hiro Ichirou Kuchiki is my son and I am the proudest Father in the world! I hope to hell you all heard that! I hope you all see just why I'm being taken away... and one more thing: I could not care less what anybody says because I am in love with Rukia Kuchiki!"

There was a round of applause and a few "Get in there, Ichigo!"s.

But he found his legs moving beneath him.

What was happening?

He was being forced to walk towards the portal.

No.

Ichigo would never be forced to do anything.

He stopped moving his legs.

They could drag him by his orange hair if they really wanted to, but no way in hell was he going to go quietly.

"Kurosaki, if you just walk, it'll be a lot less hassle for us and you." One guard told him, slightly apologetically.

The crowd of shinigami had doubled in number and they were all watching Ichigo, intently, anticipating what the substitute soul reaper would do next.

"Oh, okay then. Sorry for being so inconsiderate." He pushed his eyebrows together, "But do you know something? I've decided. I'm not going to give you hassle after all..." A huge smirk plastered itself on his lips as he concluded, "...instead, I'm going to give you hell."

To his surprise, a huge cheer erupted from the crowd and he felt the adrenalin course through his body.

Although he couldn't use any spiritual pressure, he would use whatever he could to put up a fight against these suckers. Then suddenly, he noticed a few familiar faces from his squad all watching him through animated eyes.

They were expecting big things from him.

Well, he was about to give them the best show he could.

"I hope you're listening up, squad!" He yelled, "Here's your next lesson. First point – never lose hope. Second point – never give up!"

Oh, the crowd loved it!

They cheered as Ichigo swung his leg to connect with three different guards all standing in a line. They toppled over sideways and pointed at the retreating Ichigo, "Tie his legs!"

"Run, Captain!" The crowd shouted, and Ichigo jumped over the outstretched hands, heading towards the direction of where he knew Rukia would be. He was successfully evading all oncoming attacks before it got really serious. He headed towards the shinigami who was holding his zanpakuto, suddenly changing course, leading the relentless guards off-track. The hopeless shinigami was rooted to the spot as the hurtling ball of orange fury flew towards him, knocking him clean out. Picking up the bandages wrapped around the hilt of Zangetsu with his mouth and standing up, the Captain felt himself suddenly being tied down with their Kido spells, but he still managed to break at least four arms, two legs, a handful of noses and about twelve toes of his opponents. Thrashing violently beneath the angry guards, Ichigo managed to free himself for an extra few seconds before he was body tackled back to the ground.

But it felt so good. It felt good to shout out everything he'd been keeping bottled up inside for days. He wanted the whole of Seretei to know it!

Managing to fight off a couple more shinigami guards before he was wrestled into the strong lapse of overpowering spiritual pressure, Ichigo grinned just before he was pulled towards the portal, "Third and final point," He glanced up, his amber eyes hard, still attempting to wrench his arms free of the guards, "Never go down without putting up a fight!" His voice was a little muffled considering he was still carrying his zanpakuto in his mouth, but the reply was as clear as day.

"Yes, Captain Kurosaki!" Came the unified response of his constant supporters just before he felt himself lurching onto the ground of the Earth in Karakura town once again.

...

"Rangiku... have you seen my idiot Captain?" Rukia asked Matsumoto as she walked past her in the street, "He was having a word with Byakuya, but he's been gone for a while and I can't think what would be taking him so long."

Rangiku shook her head, a clueless smile on her lips, "Nope. But I have seen a very cute shinigami walk past this way! Look out!" She bustled off before calling over her shoulder, sending Rukia a brief wave, "Oh, and let me know if everything's okay."

Rolling her eyes, the small Lieutenant sighed, "I will..."

She continued heading onwards, bumping into an excited babble of voices belonging to several members of her squad.

"Have you seen the Captain?" She asked to which they all nodded, enthusiastically.

"Yes, we saw everything! Oh, Lieutenant, you should have seen him. He put up an excellent fight!"

"What?!" Her eyes widened, "A – a good fight for what?"

Blank looks passed each of their faces before one shinigami replied, "Well... for you, of course."

"Yes – we all knew there was something going on between you..."

"Me? What on Earth are you talking about?"

"Don't tell us you have no idea what's going on." One of them said, blatant disbelief on his face.

When she didn't reply, they sighed.

"Well, we'd better tell you everything, hadn't we?"

She couldn't reply, but nodded, mutely.

They explained in great detail everything that had happened near the portal, not missing out a single description of each one of his kicks or punches. They even recited every word he had yelled.

Torn between passionate love for Ichigo and passionate anger for Byakuya, Rukia's expression turned suddenly terrifying.

Her change in demeanour was a little unnerving to the members of her squad – but she was so caught up in thought that she didn't notice them back up a few steps.

Byakuya had lied to her.

He had lied to Ichigo.

He didn't want to talk to Ichigo at all.

He wanted to get rid of him.

And he's considered a noble? What kind of noble would betray his own sister?!

"But, if you go now, you might manage to slip through the portal before it's closed up." They told her, "Come on, we'll all go."

"Are you sure?" She asked, raising her eyebrows, "I don't want you all getting into trouble."

"No matter what he'll always be our captain and you will always be our lieutenant. We'll support you every step of the way!"

Despite everything, Rukia still managed a smile, "Thank you, squad, it means a lot."

As they led the way to the portal, Rukia was aware of a familiar reiatsu and she didn't stop to turn around. The portal was so close.

Just another two steps...

She collided head first with something that felt suspiciously like a brick wall. Looking up, she saw her brother standing in front of her destination, his arms folded, "Where are you going?"

"To see the man you tore me apart from!" She told him, her voice so deadly and low that the squad seemed compelled to keep their distance, "Now, get out of my way!"

There wasn't a single flaw in the mask of Byakuya Kuchiki as he remained impassive, but firm, "You will not be seeing that disgrace again."

"But he's my Captain."

Byakuya raised his eyebrows minimally, "Is he? Last time I checked, he was on Earth having his powers ripped from him. You no longer have a squad or a captain. You are no longer a lieutenant, Rukia."

Her cheeks burned as she stared just to the left of Byakuya's ear, unable to hold his steel gaze for longer than two seconds.

"Do you remember when you graduated from the Soul Academy and you were given a set of rules to abide by. One of them was to never talk to the living, if by the off-chance they can see you. You have breached that to begin with, but we understand that has long past. Ichigo has served Seretei well–"

"–Then why did you–"

"–Silence. Another rule was to never be intimate with another human. You obviously breached that rule too. But you became more than just intimate with Kurosaki. You produced a child with him. A child, Rukia! Not just a human child either, but a shinigami child. Do you know what this means? Because not even I know what the future will hold for my nephew, now. There are many punishments you will be faced with, but I can make them all lighter if you just admit you didn't feel anything towards Kurosaki. You must say you acted on impulse. You never felt anything more than mutual respect for your Captain. Although that in itself is a disgrace, we could take it a step further and say Ichigo took advantage of you."

"That would be a lie. I don't just loveIchigo. I am in love with him." She told her brother, narrowing her furious eyes, "And you know as well as I do that Ichigo would never take advantage on me! He's my best friend! I trust him – and so should you! What happened to you, Byakuya?"

"You don't know the meaning of the word love or the word trust! We've already discussed this!" His voice raised ever so slightly, but Rukia didn't care. Perhaps once upon a time she would have been shocked, but now – she was so mad, she could barely find the words.

"Ichigo means the world to me! Do what you want – I don't care, anymore. I would die for Ichigo if it meant that I didn't have to lie by saying I wasn't in love with him! I would happily sacrifice myself for him and my son – but not for you. Not anymore."

"You will not die, Rukia. Don't be melodramatic. You will, however, be confined to the mansion grounds, at least until Ichigo is dead."

She recoiled from the words as though she had been struck across the face, "So, I'm to be a prisoner? The only way I can be released is if the man I love dies?"

He nodded, "Yes, that's correct. Once Ichigo is dead – which we may need to hurry along, I would happily go as far as to kill him once he reaches the Soul Society again. That way all temptation will be removed. But, if you renounce your love, you will keep all your nobility, your title as a lieutenant, keep your squad, but just have a new captain. It should be easy."

Rukia was silent.

"Also, unless you comply you will have all your nobility stripped from you as well."

"Oh, to hell with my nobility!" Rukia snapped, angrily.

Raising his eyebrows, Byakuya responded, "To hell with your nobility? I thought I had brought you up better than that. Nobility is a gift, a duty and a privilege."

She shook her head, and snarled, "To me, nobility is nothing but a curse."

Looking away from her as though her face offended his eyes, Byakuya sniffed, "Then you won't mind it being taken from you."

"I consider it a blessing. But let me tell you something... I think that Ichigo is far more noble than you'll ever be. I think you're scared. I think you're a coward."

Although he was determined not to show it, Rukia could see the anger flash through his grey eyes, "Think what you want. I am doing what's best for society. I am showing my nobility by not stepping down just because you gave into your pathetic lustful desires!"

She didn't speak, but glared through livid, dark eyes at the man standing before her.

"So, now is the time to make your choice." He spoke, interrupting the silence.

"You want me to make a decision? Fine. Here's my first choice: I am taking Hiro and I am leaving. My second choice: I am never coming back. My third and final choice: I am never renouncing my love for Ichigo."

She moved to the right, about to stalk past Byakuya, but he held his arm out, firmly, "I think you must have misunderstood me. I said: You will be confined to the mansion grounds. You aren't going anywhere. Will somebody please escort my sister back to the mansion?"

A pair of guards made their way towards Rukia who raised her eyebrows, "'Sister'? I don't know what makes you think that I am any relation of yours. You will never be my brother, Byakuya."

Perhaps if she hadn't have been so angry, she would have remembered who she was speaking to – but at that point in time, she couldn't care less.

She felt a glimmer of satisfaction at the way Byakuya's expression hardened.

She was getting to him and she damn well knew it.

As a pair of hands clasped themselves around her arms, she glowered at Byakuya, "How can you live with yourself? Take your hands off me. I said – take your hands off me!"

"That's it, Lieutenant!"

Byakuya turned to face the members of the now non-existent squad, "She is no longer your Lieutenant. Thanks to the mistakes of your role models, you are no longer a part of a squad."

They exchanged significant glances before folding their arms, firmly, "Oh yeah? Well, Kurosaki and Kuchiki will always be our role models. They will always be our Captain and Lieutenant – no matter what you say! Don't let them take you, Lieutenant! At least, not without a fight. That's what the Captain did!"

She felt her heart swell with pride at her squad. Narrowing her eyes, she focused on the ground, muttering quietly to herself, "Ye lord. Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man. Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south."

All of a sudden, a huge, concentrated sphere of scarlet energy released itself from her fingertips and it flew towards the guards holding her right arm. They leapt back, only just dodging her attack and Byakuya's eyes widened, ever so slightly, "Bind her arms."

"Don't let them do it!" Members of the squad shouted, desperately.

She wasn't as strong as Ichigo was.

She couldn't break their Kido spell as well as he would be able to.

But she would give it her damn best shot.

As she was forced to her knees, Rukia gritted her teeth and pictured Ichigo.

If she wanted to see him again, she had to break free of the Kido right now.

"Stop just standing there. Hurry up and take her back to the mansion." Byakuya ordered to which Rukia just felt her whole demeanour weaken.

Sending an apologetic glance at her squad, she called, "I'm sorry I couldn't give you a better show... But just know that I tried my best."

"We don't need a better show! You're showing us to be true to ourselves – even if it means going against everything we've ever known."

She managed a smile as she was dragged – with what was classed as dignity, seeing as though she was a noble (or at least was), though she had never felt less dignified – back to the mansion.

At least... at least she tried.

That would have been what Ichigo wanted her to do.

But this was not the end.

...

His feet landed softly on the ground, the wet dew seeping into his sandals as the elite guards landed beside him.

Pulling the zanpakuto from his mouth, one guard held his gaze, steadily, "Kurosaki... we're sorry to have to take away your powers, but no hard feelings, alri–?"

"–Shut your damn mouth, you freakin' bastard." Ichigo slammed his handcuffed fists into the side of the guard's head and watched as he crashed to the ground. Dropping down on the guard's chest, he clamped his elbows either side of his face and glared angrily into his eyes.

"Get him!" The hoard of shinigami threw themselves at Ichigo who did not relent his position, but yelled.

"Touch me and I'll snap his neck."

The guards hesitated as Ichigo managed a sadistic smirk, "But no hard feelings, right?"

The shinigami attempted to force out an intelligible sentence, but all he could manage was a couple of broken stutters.

"I don't think your old wrinkly Captain would be too impressed with you if he discovered you let an unarmed, tied and bound, temporary shinigami, teenage boy kill one of your men. The second I feel you increase your spiritual pressure, I'm going to kill you before you can even blink. Do I make myself clear?"

The shinigami narrowed his eyes and Ichigo raised his eyebrows, his elbows twitching dangerously against his head.

"Yes. Perfectly clear."

"Excellent. I need you to unbind my wrists." He demanded, but the shinigami hesitated, "Now."

"Come on, King. What are you doing? Snap his puny neck. Kill them all..." His Hollow was speaking, quietly.

"Shut your mouth, scum." He spat, his neck twitching.

Nervously, the shinigami in his grasp nodded, sending a significant glance to his comrades. As he raised his arms, he placed his hand against the handcuffs and Ichigo waited.

But nothing happened.

Instead, he felt himself being forced on his back as all the other guards piled on top of him, "Now strip his powers!"

"You want to do what, exactly? Strip me? Oh, I never knew the Soul Society taught you how to gang bang. I always knew that place was useless." Ichigo felt the sentence rip through his throat and his mind was blinded by pure white.

He arched his back, a yell searing through the night, "Leave me! I can handle it!"

A fragment of a pale mask slid over his jaw, welding itself to his skin. Cursing blindly, Ichigo felt the other guards pin him down.

The pain of the shinigami slowly ripping his powers from him was enough – but to have his Hollow interrupt was almost more than he could take.

The physical pain. The mental strain. The humiliation.

All of it.

Screwing his eyes shut, he tried to break free of it all, but he couldn't.

Slowly, his world was fading to black.

"Zangetsu – help me!" He pleaded, but all he could hear was a bleak silence.

If he could just get these damn handcuffs off him, he'd be able to do something about this mess he was in!

"You're weak, Ichigo. Admit it."

"I'm not weak!"

The mask was growing.

It was taking over him like an infectious disease.

The cold laugh escaped his cracked lips before he was pushed into an oblivion of helplessness and pain.

"Too much for you? Then let me take it from here and save your sorry little ass... Well... say goodbye to darling Rukia. Say goodbye to your son. Revenge... here I come."

Suddenly, the shinigami were thrown from his body and Ichigo could feel his wrists free themselves.

He was soaring upwards! He was flying through the night, treading on thin air!

He was powered by elation.

As he took a moment to revel in his freedom, he pinpointed his dark yellow eyes on the group below him, one thing in his mind, and one thing only.

He wanted to see blood.

He wanted to see blood from them all.

Envisioning the guards torn limb from limb, broken and destroyed, bathing in their own blood was a scene too good to miss out on, "Oh, somebody fetch me the popcorn. I can tell this is going to be good..."

Licking his pale lips, smirking, he flash-stepped towards the ground, grasping the hilt of Zangetsu into his icy fingers.

Raising his zanpakuto high above his head, Ichigo's body trembled with manic laughter at the terrified expressions on each of their bruised faces, "Bye, bye!"

As he brought his weapon down, he slammed the tip into the wet grass – but his cackle was cut short.

"Enough." A burst of bright, luminous light surged through the night sky, knocking every presence to the muddy ground.

It couldn't be...!

Each face was turned towards the source of the sudden spiritual pressure.

Ichigo sprang at the opportunity to attempt to take control of his body again.

The deep voice that had spoken sounded once more, "I said enough."

A power even greater than his own forced Ichigo and his Hollow to submission. They lay immobile on the ground, drawing shallow breaths inwards with the only ounce of strength he had left.

As Ichigo struggled to retain consciousness, he couldn't help but feel his body slowly drain away every last particle of energy.

He raised his head up from off the ground, trying catch a glimpse at the new addition to the party, but all he saw was a tall, dark shadow before he completely blacked out.

…

She pulled her knees to her heaving chest, a shiver spilling down her hunched spine.

Staring ahead, images of him flashed through Rukia's confused mind.

His laugh, his smirk,... even his scowl.

Everything.

Rocking backwards and forwards on her bed, she bit down on her lip, almost drawing blood at the pressure.

Suddenly the door burst open, "Mama! Mama! Where's Daddy?! I have to show him this awesome new move I learned! Oh, Mama, it's amazing! Watch!"

Her small son (who was in fact growing at a remarkably worrying rate and now looked as though he could have been about six or seven) leapt into view of his mother and clasped his hands together, building up his inner energy.

Closing his eyes furiously in concentration, he yelled, "Bakudō number one! Sai!"

But nothing happened.

Hiro opened his eyes in confusion, "Hey, Mama, why didn't it get you? I was really good at it today... Hey – are you even listening to me?" He placed his hands on his hips, a scowl crossing his features.

Upon seeing the expression that reminded her – painfully – of Ichigo, Rukia internally slapped herself.

Suddenly, regret flashed by Hiro's eyes and he clambered hurriedly onto the bed, "Mama, are you alright? What's wrong? Where's Daddy?"

She wrapped an arm around his small waist and brought her into his lap, "It's okay, baby. Come on – let's go take a walk."

Hiro didn't move, "Mama, are you okay?"

She straightened out her features, wearing only half the Kuchiki mask she had adopted, "Of course."

Standing up and taking her son's hand in hers, she led him from the mansion.

She needed some air...

As they stepped out into the cool night, Rukia clutched Hiro's hand tighter.

He was all she had left.

No. Rukia, it'll be fine. Byakuya will get over it. He'll come round. He'll understand. Don't upset Hiro.

"So... what's up?" Hiro asked, his amber eyes searching hers, knowing that she was trying to tell him something but she didn't know how, "Just tell me outright, Mama."

"Don't be angry, Hiro." She told him, her tone soft, "Please."

"Well..." He frowned, "I'm not making any promises, but I'll try my best, for you, Mama."

Ducking her head beneath the drooping branches of the cold and empty blossom tree, she sat down on the wooden bench, pulling Hiro into her lap, "Okay, baby... Daddy's gone away for a while. He couldn't tell you because it was an emergency. He had to leave straight away. But he loves you so much, Hiro. We both do. Never forget that, okay, baby?"

Hiro wound his arms around his Mama's neck and sighed, "He'll be back though."

It wasn't a question.

The surety in his voice seemed to bring Rukia a little comfort, yet she knew Hiro had no idea what was actually going on. She could feel a wrenching in her chest where her heart should have been.

But of course, she no longer had hold on her own heart.

It was as if a heavy stone dropped into the pit of her stomach.

It wouldn't be the same without him.

"Mama, don't worry." Hiro placed a small hand against her cheek and stared earnestly at her, "Daddy's tough. He will be fine."

She gave a bitter smile, "Yeah. You're right."

Kissing him on the top of the head, she adjusted him so he was nestled comfortably against her small frame.

All she could do was bite her lip, set her jaw and try not to cry.

…

"He's not ready, Kisuke."

"What on Earth are you talking about? Of course he is! I think you underestimate his strength and power."

"Wait – I think he's waking."

Ichigo's eyes moved behind his closed lids and the first thing he was aware of was how empty he felt.

His whole body was numb and he wasn't entirely sure why, just yet.

As his eyes opened a fraction, he could see himself staring up at daylight spilling out onto a familiar ceiling.

It was one he often observed on many of his sleepless nights.

Ichigo was in his bedroom, sprawled on his back.

Attempting to shift positions, he found he was completely immobile. Groaning a little in pain, he remained exactly where he was, "What the hell happened to me? Why can't I move properly?"

A vision of the previous night played in his mind and determinedly, he clenched his fists, "Where is that man? The one who made me like this? Where's Byakuya? I'm going to kill him when I see him!"

His Father pressed a hand against his shoulder, lightly, "Ichigo, calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down! What the hell happened to me? Why is Urahara here?"

Isshin gave a firm smile, "Look, don't worry about it."

"I found you passed out on the street, so I brought you home." Kisuke told him, evenly.

This stilled Ichigo for a moment before he recalled hearing the last snippet of what could have been a vital conversation and he tried to shrug his Father's hand from his shoulder, "Tell me the truth. I'm not stupid."

Isshin sighed, "Ichigo, all I know is you got pretty beat up by some... what do you call them? Hollows, is it? Urahara brought you to me and said there was a whole hoard of them or something."

As unobservant as Ichigo was, he knew there was something they were keeping from him, "Hollows. Huh. So, Urahara, tell me what condition I was in when you found me."

Concealing his face behind his open fan, Kisuke shrugged, "Passed out. You had some pretty nasty injuries. But it's a good job your Dad's a doctor. I can only assume it was those Hollows, anyway. There have been some pretty nasty ones roaming around, lately."

"Injuries? What kind? I'll bet I was bleeding a lot, wasn't I? I'm sure I'm covered in bruises."

Urahara held his gaze for another prolonged moment, "We healed you up with Kido – well, that is, I did."

Isshin nodded, agreeing whole-heartedly, "Now, listen, Ichigo, you need rest. Otherwise you'll open up your wounds again with all this moving about."

"My wounds are healed, right?" Ichigo quirked an eyebrow, "Or was that another lie?"

The two men exchanged glances before Urahara stood up, "I think it's my cue to leave."

"Are you sure you'll be alright? I'll come see you to the door."

Of course he'll be alright. He's a fully grown man! Ichigo thought moodily to himself.

"Actually, yes, there is a little something I really need to tell you. You, Ichigo, get rest. You'll be up and fighting in no time!"

Ichigo stared ahead of him, his jaw set, "Yeah, and Dad... unless you're going to tell me something that'll give me some kind of insight as to what happened to me, I don't want you coming back into my room at all. Get it?"

"Ichigo–"

"–Get it?" He interrupted, his amber eyes glazing over.

Wafting his fan playfully in front of his face, Urahara moved towards the door, "Well, let him have his PMS moment, Isshin. He'll come round soon enough."

"Dammit, you bastard!" Ichigo yelled, much to the disapproval of his chest muscles that ached horribly even when he breathed.

"Ichigo, that's no way to treat Mr Urahara! He just stayed here all night to make sure you were okay!" Isshin looked outraged, "The least you can do is say thank you."

"Don't you get it?! I just lost my son, my girlfriend and my squad!"

Isshin's eyes clouded over and he narrowed his eyebrows, "When you say... you lost them... do you mean... they're not–"

"–Oh, they'll still be alive, if they're lucky. But I'm not saying a word more on the subject until you both give me some answers. I know Urahara well enough to realise he knows practically everything. So, I want to know what he's told you and I don't want you to miss out so much as one sentence. Forgive me if I seem like a whiny little bitch, but I think I've already lost enough. You owe me this one, Dad."

Bowing his head, Isshin held his son's gaze, "I know I do, son. It's just not the right time."

"Then get out of my room until it is the right time, do you hear me?"

His Father nodded, gravely, "I'm sorry, Ichigo." He closed the door behind him and Urahara, leaving Ichigo practically beside himself.

"Ichigo?"

His heart softened as he heard his younger sisters pad up the stairs towards his room.

"Yeah?"

There was a short silence before Yuzu asked, pausing outside his door, "Can we come in?"

"Yeah." He replied, shortly.

The door opened so both Yuzu and Karin could walk in.

"Is everything alright?" The former asked, as the latter shut the door.

As Yuzu came to sit at his bedside, Karin propped herself up casually against the wall, staring outside the window, her jaw set, aggressively.

Turning his face around to get a better look at them both, he could see the worry and pain flickering behind Karin's brown eyes and he smiled, "'Course. Everything's fine."

With shining, innocent eyes, Yuzu's lower lips quivered as she spoke, quietly, "What happened?"

"I'm not sure. All I know is I'm in this damned bed when I should be out, kicking some guy's ass."

She clasped her hands together, nervously, "Who's... bottom needs kicking?"

Ichigo's face hardened, automatically, "Byakuya Kuchiki's ass needs kicking and the second I can do so much as move my fingers, I'm getting out of this bed and heading off to the Soul Society."

"Kuchiki? But isn't that Rukia's..." She trailed off and Karin clicked her tongue, her fists balling up.

"Yeah. It's her adopted brother. He's the reason I'm like this."

"B-but... he'll let Rukia and Hiro come to see you, won't he?"

As his lips contorted into a spiteful smile, he spat, "Of course he won't. Byakuya Kuchiki doesn't give a damn about me. He just wants to protect his dignity – which obviously, is non-existent. Who in their right mind would let their dead wife's sister bring up a child by herself? Nobody, that's who. But Byakuya clearly isn't in his right mind, at all. When I see him, I'm going to do so much more than kick his noble ass..."

Slightly taken aback at her brother's threat, Yuzu told him, worriedly, "If he did this to you, you don't know what else he's capable of."

"Yuzu... I kicked his ass once. I'm going to kick it again. Besides, he didn't do this to me... somebody else did and I'm trying to get to the bottom of who exactly. I don't suppose you girls know anything, do you?"

She shook her head, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks, "No, I don't."

Then he looked over at his other sister, "Karin...?"

She shrugged, tapping her foot angrily on the floor, "I heard something. But... I don't want to believe it."

"Karin..." Ichigo pleaded, softly, "Tell me what you know. Please."

She folded her arms tightly across her chest and her eyes flickered to the door, "Alright. I will. But, Ichigo... you can't tell anyone I know, okay?"

He nodded, "I won't."

As Karin made her way towards him, she sat down beside Yuzu, fixing her eyes on the mattress, "And no interruptions..."

Ichigo clenched his teeth, "No interruptions."

Sorry, it's kind of another cliffhanger... but don't hate me too much!

I'll get the next chapter out as soon as possible.

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