A/N: To my beloved readers:

I sincerely apologize for the wait I have put you through. I hope you enjoy the next chapter. I will give no excuses as to why I haven't uploaded anything lately. Also, I'd like to make a note, in the words of Professor River Song (to all my Doctor Who fans out there), SPOILERS! It is in this chapter than I will begin to diverge from the original Bleach storyline. For those of you who haven't read this arc...well, there are SPOILERS, small though they may be, they are still there. And now, please read this newest update and grant this lowly authoress reviews.

~Demented and Milkshake-sama


Chapter 28: I Don't Believe It

Orihime glanced up from her call when she felt someone looking at her. Hanging up, she waited.

Kiyoshi sighed, "I hope that you won't hate us for what is about to happen." At her look, he continued, "We are about to put you through hell, make no mistake. As youkai, we thrive on bloodshed. Your wounds will be fatal, your bones broken, and your sanity tested. We are not a gentle race. Even the most docile has a beast lurking within. The one thing you must remember is that we are not ningen. We are spirits that have achieved this form out of convenience. Do not hesitate to strike because of my appearance, for I will not have that problem."
Her fear was palpable, "Even were you to fight Kagome-sama, she would not have that problem. I am not saying to use violence for everything, that would defeat the purpose of honor. No, I am saying to show no mercy to your enemies, for they will show you no such luxuries." He left her to her thoughts as he walked away.

Orihime was horrified. Could she really go through with any of that just to not be seen as a burden? Could she really cast away what she thought of as her humanity just to be by Ichigo's side? A flash of the fight between him and Ulquiorra went through her mind. She nodded to herself. She would go through hell and back to protect her loved ones. If Kagome could do it, then so could she.

No one saw the genuine smile of Kanna as she felt the girl's determination.

"Oh!" I glanced at Kirara in the middle of my stirring, "I have to get my transcripts from Mama." Her head tilted cutely, "I'm going to go apply for school tomorrow with Kiyoshi and Kanna. Aniki had their papers dropped earlier." I glanced at the envelope on the table, not having a chance to actually look through them.

"What about you, Kirara? What are you going to do while we're at school?"

Her meow made me laugh, "Naps sound really good."

"Kagome?"

I turned to Orihime. "Chad, a friend of mine, called me earlier. He was looking for me at my apartment not too long ago. I guess, I forgot to tell everyone I was moving."

I couldn't help but smile, "I've met Yasutora-san before. How is he?"

"He was concerned about me, but I told him I moved in with a friend."

I smiled again, "At least, everything is okay, right?"

She looked away, unable to face me, "I'm not too sure. Everything is happening so fast that it's a little hard to take in." She took a deep breath, "Kiyoshi-sama told me that training was going to be horrible." Her eyes grew determined. "I'll go through whatever takes to protect my friends."

My eyes widened as she looked me dead in the eye. I smirked, "You have good eyes right now. You remember this night when you feel like giving up and are unable to continue, because we won't go easy on you. You'll have nightmares before this is over. No matter what, I won't let you give up."

Her eyes brightened before nodding, "Right."

I put my arm around her shoulder, "Get ready for dinner. I just need to set the plates for dinner and we're good to go."

She smiled and bounded out of the room.

"Kanna," the little void appeared from a dark corner, "Keep an eye on her. I fear she may try to do something I would have done."

"Ano, Kagome?"

"Hmmm?" I glanced up from doing the dishes. "What's up?"

Her skittish behavior had me suspicious. "I wanted to take a walk. There's so much to think about; being here makes it hard." Her eyes grew and she threw her hands, waving them erratically, "N-n-n-not that I'm not grateful, because I am! It's just," she dropped her arms, "Overwhelming, being forced to move like this."

My eyes softened, "Sure. Take Kirara with you." I looked at my bathing buddy, "That is, if you don't mind." At her meow, I nodded, "Then it's settled. You two have fun."

She nodded. Before she walked out, I yelled to Kirara telling her I'd wait for our bath.

Orihime looked back at the home before making her way to the hospital. I know I said I'd never talk to him again, but I can't just abandon him like that. I want to be able to protect him, too; even if he doesn't need me to. I will protect all my important people.

Before she knew it, her hand had knocked and Uryuu had asked her to come in.

"Uryuu." Her voice was soft, unsure about how he felt about what had transpired earlier.

"Sorry to call you on such short notice. Thank you for coming, despite my behavior from last time." He looked at her apologetically.

"No, it's okay. I'm sorry about Kagome-"

He cut her off, "No, she was right to be angry at how I was treating you. I'm sorry." He looked down as he sat up.

"No, it's really okay. Are you well enough to sit up?"

Looking at her, he smiled slightly, "Yeah, I'm fine like this."

She looked at him nervously, "Ano, I've been thinking...your wound...it'll heal a lot quicker if you let me…" she trailed off, uncertain of if she should finish her thought.

He looked down, trying to figure out the best way to tell her without her thinking he was using her. "You're right. Honestly, I was really shaken up that day. I knew the information I had wasn't enough for a solution. If I was the target, I thought I should put some distance between everybody and me. That's why I was such an ass, but the situation changed. I want you to heal these wounds."

Her eyes grew wide as she asked him to elaborate, "The situation?"

He continued to keep his head down, "Ichigo came in contact with the guy who stabbed me."

Orihime gasped.

Kirara sat unnoticed and forgotten in the girl's arms. Her red eyes narrowed. This was one of those times she was grateful others forgot she was so intelligent. Kagome wasn't going to like this at all. Kirara hated that her pure-hearted and gentle mistress was going to have to fight once again. As much as she loved her, she couldn't stand what had become of her once she entered a battle.

"His reiatsu feels completely different from before, but it's definitely Ichigo's. I don't know what caused the change in his reiatsu, but I can't be lying here doing nothing. You felt the change too, didn't you?"

Orihime thought his question over carefully before realizing that she had noticed the change but had pushed it aside, "Hai, I did feel it...but Ichigo hasn't told me anything yet, so I decided on not doing anything."

Uryuu kept his silence, unsure of what to say.

She continued, "It's just that...if the presence that was with Ichigo was the man that stabbed you…" she looked him dead in the eyes, "...I think, the man who stabbed you is the same person who stabbed me."

Uryuu's eyes grew, "What?"

Kirara hissed, before jumping at the young ningen to catch scent of his attacker, startling both teens.

"Kirara!" shouted Orihime, only to be swiped and hissed at, as she made her way to the boy's injured arm.

Kirara had heard of Orihime's attack and had, discreetly of course, scented her person to identify her attacker at a future time. Interestingly enough, the scent was somewhat familiar, but the neko couldn't quite place from where she had scented if before. Needless to say, she now knew, for certain, the male's scent; and it, in no way, matched the scent on the boy. Though that male's scent was on the boy, it was not the one that gave him his wound. Kirara was right, Kagome wasn't going to like this one bit.

Kirara sat back, studying the boy as he studied her. She could practically hear the wheels turning in his head, with unasked questions, before shaking her head and rolling her red eyes. Ningen really were strange creatures. That koneko got into far too much trouble, if you asked her, not that anyone usually did.

Uryuu could have sworn the neko had insulted him when it rolled its eyes. Two tails? How odd.

Kirara felt herself being picked up and hearing Orihime admonish her, scoffed. She was a neko! She did what she wanted, when she wanted! Even then, she would only do something if asked or would provide her with amusement. Being centuries old and set in her ways only made her habits that much more amusing when they frustrated others. Didn't people know that? Really, neko were at the top of the hierarchy, and no one would say anything different; no matter how much that blasted pup liked to think he could command her. Kirara put her nose up, arrogant inu! That pup had another thing coming! Mark her words!

Orihime stopped when she realized she was being ignored by the bored neko-mata. "Sorry, Uryuu. I had better be getting back before Kagome gets mad."

He looked at her, "You don't have to take her crap. Nor do you have to listen to her." His tone was quiet, yet sincere.

She looked at him, "I do. Kagome is just looking out for me. I have to make my own decisions and live with the consequences. Following her is my choice. She has so much to teach me, and I really want to learn as much as I can."

He smiled at her, even as her words left him feeling unsure. It had sounded like she had just signed away her soul. "As long as you're okay."

She smiled brightly before nodding and excusing herself.

He watched her leave. She wasn't the same timid little girl he had first met. She had become a strong and beautiful young woman. He felt his cheeks heat up, glad that she was gone so she couldn't see him blush. He'd always had a crush on her, but tried to give up when he saw how hopelessly in love she was with Ichigo. That had burned him more than he would ever admit, not that he could blame the Shinigami. Ichigo just had a way of charming people without realizing it. It's just how he was. Uryuu turned to look out the window to see her leaving with the neko she brought, grateful she was, at least, his friend. If anything, he could be happy being in her life.


Orihime thought back to the end of their conversation. Her mind was startled out if it's thoughts when Kirara meowed.

She looked up, surprised. "Chad!"

He seemed just as surprised to see her, "Inoue. Were you at the hospital?"

"Hai, I was healing Uryuu's wounds."

After a brief exchange, he began to head in a different direction, "Wait, Chad! Where are we going?"

He looked back and responded, "To where Ichigo is. He'll need your powers in his training."

Kirara fought not to shake her head. Orihime was nearly as bad as Kagome was from before Sesshoumaru, that blasted pup, had gotten ahold of her. Not only that, but these pathetic children couldn't even tell she wasn't a regular neko! Nor that Kanna had been following they since they left the house! Really! How impulsive!

She turned her head to where she knew Kanna was hiding. How could they not notice such an absence in the very air around her?! Really!

A voice startled the girl carrying her, "Hey, who's that girl?"

"This is Inoue."

The presumptuous, squeaky voice replied, "Oh, so this is she?"

Kirara was pulled to a large chest when a face got up-close and personal with her carrier.

"H-hello!"

Orihime's grip grew with the child's taunts, before it was relaxed. "No matter how devastating his injuries are...I'll heal all of them."

Kirara was actually quite proud of how confident Orihime sounded in that moment.

After being taken to a room with another child, there was a strange feeling of being squashed, before being placed in another dimension.


Kanna's face stayed impassive as she watched them disappear. That she could still feel their auras told her they still lived. She let her essence dissipate as she followed them. The foolish ningen didn't even realize what she'd done. Her mistress' Alpha would be appalled at how weak such "fighters," and she used the term extremely loosely, were.


"Ichigo!" Orihime cried out as she ran to help him. He looked absolutely horrible! Blood dripping everywhere and clothing torn, he struggled to stand.

His head rose slowly as he heard his name, "O-Orihime?!"

None had noticed her drop the neko she'd been holding; not even the game's master.


I sighed as I waited for Orihime to get home. Even knowing she was going to visit that boy in the hospital, I didn't stop her. She'd pay for her disobedience in her training, but I couldn't stop her. "Better to ask for forgiveness than permission," huh? So true. How many times did I have to ask Sesshoumaru-sama for forgiveness when I disobeyed him. I put a hand to my shoulder as a phantom pain washed over me from a remembered punishment. Still, from here to the hospital and back, plus her little healing session shouldn't have taken this long. I have a really bad feeling about this. At least I know Kanna won't get involved; well, not without a direct order. The same can't be said for Kirara, though she is smart enough to let people fight their own battles till they truly need her help.

Stealing a glance at Kiyoshi, I nodded before walking out the door. "Can you keep up?"

He scoffed, "Of course, Kagome-sama. Who do you think my sire is?"

I grinned ferally, before taking off. A whispered, "Good," left in my wake.


We showed up just in time to see Rukia stab Ichigo with the strangest katana and I couldn't believe the power radiating from it while transferring to Ichigo.

"Kagome-sama." His voice was in awe.

"I've felt stronger. If you are in awe of this strength, then you still have much to learn."

"Hai, Kagome-sama." HIs voice was gravelly, and I could tell his beast was simmering beneath the surface.

Who am I kidding? The reiatsu is absolutely enormous. And to gather it from so many different people for the sole purpose of giving it to Ichigo, unbelievable. My bad feeling just got worse.

"Do not act unless you must. Do not let your blood-lust override your mind."

I could see him struggle before he answered, "As you wish, Kagome-sama."

"If what I believe is correct, we will soon have to become allies with the Shinigami. Sesshoumaru-sama isn't going to like this. Keep your eyes open and learn as much as you can." My glare frightened him, "You had better not forget that Orihime is one of ours."

I could see him shaking in the weight of my glare, "Of course not, Kagome-sama."


"Don't be stupid. His Shinigami powers are restored? Just because he regained the appearance of a Shinigami? The transfer of Shinigami powers was successful the first time because he already had Shinigami powers in him. But right now he doesn't have any such powers! 'Cause I stole every last drop from him! Pouring only your measly reiatsu into him while is tank is empty won't help him regain his power!"

"You idiot!"

Kagome completely agreed with sentiment, though no one was around to notice.

"It wasn't just Rukia's!"

A rip in the sky began to open, revealing Taichou and Fuku-taichou alike.

Only one person noticed Kagome's intake of breath as she whispered her mate's name, "Byakuya."

Kiyoshi watched both his lady and the ongoings above.

"Che. this may change things." She frowned,

"Kagome-sama?" He was hesitant. He had grown up on stories of the Warrior Miko. If push came to shove, he knew he wasn't strong enough to stop her. He could only hope she could stay impartial unless something drastic happened.

"My mate is here." Her frown grew.

Kiyoshi nearly cursed aloud. That was something drastic. All youkai knew mates fought side by side. He couldn't keep her out of this fight, even if he wanted to.

A huge gust blew in their direction and raised his arms to block but was surprised when a barrier formed around them. Not that I should be. Kagome-sama is known for her protective and caring nature. "Amazing. It's so strong." He whispered, "Such an attack."

He heard Kagome scoff and looked up as the enemy spoke.

"Ha! Your Getsuga Tensho is definitely more powerful now! But is that it? What a let-down! That's not enough to kill me, Kurosaki!" boasted the enemy.

Ichigo landed, his face looked utterly bored. "You idiot. That wasn't a Getsuga Tensho. That was just my sword pressure."

Kiyoshi struggled to stay on his feet, gasping for breath, as he adjusted to the increase of reiatsu.

A hand on his shoulder made it all disappear. "If this is your level, I am quite disappointed, Kiyoshi. Stand on your feet. This is nothing and you are youkai." Kagome's voice was cold as she released him.

"What the hell is this reiatsu?!" The enemy screamed in fear.

Ichigo's boredom only increased, "Getsuga Tensho."


"The first Deputy Shinigami, Ginjo Kugo."

"As I feared."

"Kagome-sama."

At least he seems to have become accustomed to the reiatsu. "Ichigo's story caused me to have questions. Questions that have been only slightly answered. Focus on this fight. I need to find Orihime. Something tells me we're going to need to rescue her. Foolish child." Not that I have a right to talk.

Satisfied with the orders given, I took off to look for her, not knowing if Kirara was still with her.

It was pure chance that I had caught them as quickly as I had. It was also as I feared, Kirara wasn't with her, but luckily, Kanna was. I made my way to Kanna to see what would happen.

"What's the matter, you two? Are you having doubts about the past?"

I almost cursed. This was the man that had tried to insert himself into my past. So he did get to Orihime. He will pay for that. No one messes with people's minds or souls and gets away with it. Mark my words, Tsukishima.

"Tsu-"

"Tsukishima!" Both were surprised to see him look so vicious.

"That's odd. You can't believe your memories? Who saved you from your parents and raised you, Orihime?"

He turned to Chad, "Chad, who gave you that pendant? There were both me. Isn't that right? Yet you two are…"

Ginjo cut him off and his words only served to infuriate me. "Tsukishima! Stop drilling more memories into them! You'll make them useless! You realize how many people you've broken like that?!"

I snarled as the two began to mumble incoherently to themselves. Unable to help myself, I knocked them out, catching them both before they hit the ground.

"Phew. Good, good."

"Wow, and all by herself too."

"I told you I would become your worst nightmare, didn't I?" I could feel a feral grin spread across my face as I fought to keep my own blood-lust under control. Damn youkai souls.

He growled.

"My, my. You sound like such a pup." I stated in amusement. "If you try issuing a challenge like that, no one will ever be able to take you seriously." Kanna appeared in her large form. "Please, take them to home, Kirara. Protect them and keep them out of trouble," I paused and looked behind my prey, "Kanna."

Tsukishima looked behind him and his eyes widened at the sight of the white void holding her mirror.

"You may use your mirror against all that keep you from protecting them till my return. Although, do not attack my mate, Kanna, or I may be inclined to feel displeased."

Her excitement radiated from her, though her expression remained awfully blank as she followed Kirara.

Ichigo's attacked forced me to jump close to Tsukishima so as not to lose him.

"Looks like we have some good match-ups…" What is he- "Well, then. I'll assign rooms."

I wasn't going to be lose my prey as black walls began to form. Unfortunately, I couldn't hold the girlish giggle when Ken-chan complained about his opponent. Both glad and disappointed that Byakuya hadn't noticed me, I stayed silent. It seems Tsukishima hasn't noticed me either. Idiots, the both of them. Men are so hopeless. I could only sigh.

The moon was high in the sky. How fitting, it being a crescent moon.

"What's the matter? I don't think you can afford to be staring at the moon."

"I was thinking, it's good that I'm fighting you." His voice was just as stern and cold as I remembered.

"Why?" His voice was condescending.

Byakuya looked down as he began his explanation; almost as if he were humoring a small child.

At Tsukishima's conceit, he answered, "I shall cut you down before you take one swing."

I immediately froze at that statement and completely blocked the rest of what happened when I realized one very important, yet equally horrifying, fact. Byakuya is black-haired Sesshoumaru. The sheer arrogance; not to mention his antagonistic ways. How he looks down on everyone who is not, in his opinion, his equal. The cold demeanor that softens only for those they care about; well, privately anyway.

I fell to my knees and grabbed my head. I could already picture his haughty expression, the same exact one Byakuya wears! It would say something along the lines of: Of course, Miko. And though it was not I, you settled for the next best thing. My eyes stung as I felt like crying. It's like I slept with my Aniki! Gross! To even think of my Aniki in any sexual manner is just traumatizing! Damn rich people and their holier than thou attitude! It's exactly the same as his! Not to mention both are excellent swordsmen! And the Sakura. It represents the both of them. Oh Kami! What have I done? I slept with a short Sesshoumaru! Ew! I shook my head in disbelief. And they're both nobles. And if Byakuya's attitude is anything to go by, he's the head of his house just like Aniki! How did I not see this before? One Sesshoumaru is enough, but TWO? How am I going to survive? The HORROR! I need brain soap!

My rant was stopped when I felt myself shaking before I realized it wasn't me, but the ground I sat (sulked) on. Jumping out of the way, I raised a brow at his words. Inanimate objects, too. An interesting ability to have. Let's see how the mate I've chose reacts before I intervene.

The words were whispered before I could stop myself, "Safe zone?"

Byakuya frowned, "Who ever said it was a safe zone?"

Tsukishima grinned, though it was entirely too arrogant and, indulgently,he continued, "You did. Don't you remember me cutting you?"

I growled when Byakuya's eyes grew in disbelief. That that man would dare cut my mate, he will pay in blood for his impudence. To mess with a soul in such a way; unforgivable.

Knowing I was going to be forced to interfere, I watched carefully for my opening.

Before too long, my chance presented itself when the petals around Byakuya hesitated for even less than the span of a heartbeat. It was a hesitation that only the most experienced of people would ever notice. I doubt even Byakuya noticed his own Zanpakuto's hesitation.

A clanging of metal against metal surprised both men.

"What the-" Tsukishima asked in him moment of surprise.

"Hello, Byakuya. How have you been?" I smiled brightly at being able to see him again so soon.

He raised that damnable brow and it almost made me go back to my mental breakdown. He really is a black-haired Sesshoumaru.

"What are you doing here, Kagome?" His tone was unplaceable.

"He went after a friend of mine, before he went after me. Suffice to say, he has it coming to him."

I pushed Tsukishima away as I turned to look at him. His eyes narrowed as I grinned.


Byakuya couldn't tell if he was happy to see her again or irritated that she interfered with his fight. Settling for happy, he told himself that he would always be irritated at her later. Right now, he decided to watch her fight. He didn't want to be forced to protect her and himself from that impudent man. She had better be able to back up her words, even though he didn't want to admit to her saving his arm. Zenbonzakura could enter the "safe zone," although it would injured him simply because it was harder to control in such an inclosed space. He really needed to work out that minor detail.

Turning his attention to the battle ahead, he was completely surprised to see her sheath her katana, before pulling out an oodachi.

"I think it's only appropriate to fight you with my zanpakuto." Her grin unnerved the stoic Taichou. He never expected to see her look even remotely similar to their own blood-thirsty maniac.

The oodachi itself was almost twice as she was tall. What had surprised him the most was her calling her weapon a zanpakuto. If there was one thing he knew for certain, it was that she had no Shinigami blood in her whatsoever. If she has no Shinigami blood, how could she have a zanpakuto?

Tsukishima's narrowed eyes grew only more so at the woman that had nearly killed him. "I owe you for that stunt you pulled on me the last time we met." A dangerous glint became visible, "How fun would it be to watch you two kill each other. After all, you were lovers for a time."

A shiver spread through both men. The laughter emitted from such a cheery looking female did not sit well with either man. "I could never fight Byakuya; not really."

"You think so?" The man's arrogance was astounding.

"I know so. Just as I know that what you tried with my 'Hime and Yasutora-san won't work with him." Her head tilted ever so slightly, but was full of more arrogance than either man was capable of, "You are dealing with things far older and far more powerful than anything you've ever known, if you think you can break him the same as them. My power won't allow it. Even now, it is getting rid of the taint you pushed into him."

A hole through her chest was his plan. Unfortunately for him, Kagome had seen right through him and returned the favor; only her attempt was met with far more success than his.

His blade fell and turned into a bookmark before hitting the ground. She took a swipe at his back before sheathing her blade, a feat that should have been impossible with it's length in proportion to her height.

"Bleed helplessly as you die. Expect no mercy from this healer, for you spared none for her friends." Her tone cold, her eyes hard, and she truly gave no mercy for one who would hurt her friends.

In Byakuya's eyes, Kagome looked every bit an Avenging Warrior Goddess. Her eyes alight with power and her hair floating in the waves of her reiatsu. To him, she truly was the most beautiful sight to behold.


I could feel his eyes on me and it made me want to blush.

"You never did tell me how you were doing, Byakuya." I smiled as the black walls began to fade.

He sighed, "It has been...busy."

Even to me, he looked stressed. In an effort to comfort him, I began to embrace him as I went to peck his cheek.

His hand at my shoulder confused me. "We could never again be so familiar with each other."

At his formal tone, my confusion grew. "My clan elders have decided I am in need of an heir. My engagement was announced just before I returned to the World of the Living to give aid to one, Kurosaki Ichigo."