Does Man Make The Monster?

Chapter 27

The Captive and the Free

(A/N So... Yeah... I got one out... Feel like shit, my uncle died. Had this written a couple of days ago and meant to post the other day. Oh, well. Never got the time... )

SOUNDS/sounds

Thoughts


(Last Time)

Maybe this was lenient. Actually it was, compared to where he could be sitting now. What would have happened if he actually told her the truth? He felt that it would have been a great deal worse. He pulled his legs to his chest and rested his head on his knees. One whole month stuck in this room and not allowed to talk to one single soul.

He raised his head and glared daggers at the door. His anger slowly grew more and more, since he knew the actual truth now. They were setting him up for failure. They really were trying to subdue and control him like Toshiro had mentioned. This wasn't right. After all the shit he went through and everything he sacrificed for them. This was what he got for his efforts? He was the shiny metal they wore and the secret weapon that they were keeping under lock and key.

"One month, huh?" he whispered to himself with a nasty grin on his lips. "Fine… If what Toshiro says is true and when I get out of here… I'll give them a reason to fear me."


(Present)

Hearing that Ichigo was in isolation did not settle well with Urahara and Yoruichi when they returned to Soul Society. How he ended up in such a situation was even worse. Why did Oshima have to know why Ichigo was in such down mood? It was more than obvious. Central 46 just wanted a way to assert themselves to show their power.

It worked but only to a degree. Everyone knew Ichigo was going to pull some sort of miracle out of his ass like he always did. Despite knowing that, it didn't really take the sting away from anyone. Ichigo was out of their reach for a month. Toshiro's hands were completely tied this time. There was nothing he could do and more than likely not even Yamamoto could touch this order.

Three men stood guard outside Ichigo's room and were very diligent about doing their job. No one was even allowed to approach his door within a certain amount of distance. It didn't help that Ichigo's room was at the end of the hall from their bunking quarters. Every time they came and went from their rooms he was so close and just out of reach. It was to be torture for them as well.

The only ones allowed in frequently were the guards. Food would be handed from one of Toshiro's men to them. They in turn would deliver the food to Ichigo. After a certain time they would remove the dishes and any unwanted food. Toilet breaks were only three times a day. He was to be escorted out in the morning, around lunch, and once more before bedtime. No one could be in the area as he was transferred from his room to one of the latrines. Showers would be twice a week and taken at night to help isolate him farther from public eyes.

If by chance Ichigo was visible to them they had to ignore him completely. Toshiro was allowed in twice a week for an area inspection and Unohana was allowed in at the same time just to monitor him. Other than that Ichigo was purely on his own in the dark room. This was really going to test Ichigo's patience and tolerance.

Urahara and Yoruichi offered to hold off working on Akane's case for a while given the circumstances. To their surprise Toshiro allowed it to continue. The quicker it was done the less of a trail it would leave. It was best to get it done with and to not dally in the Living World anymore. Toshiro could only spare an hour in the Living World as to not be missing for long should something happen.

They would have to wait until after Oshima's visited in the morning. Once she was finished with her inspection and had left the division Toshiro would accompany Urahara and Yoruichi to the Living World that evening. It was to be quick and very much to the point.


Ichigo sat patiently staring hard at the locked door. His breakfast was just removed from his room and the guard mentioned that Oshima was on her way to talk with him. He was not looking forward to this chat. He lightly played with small note in his mouth that his dad had snuck into his rice. It was short and to the point. He wanted to let Ichigo know that they were all okay and to behave. What choice did he have but to behave? Though it was becoming rather difficult the longer he stayed in Soul Society.

He flopped back and looked up at his dark ceiling. The room was pitch black save for a couple of oil lamps. He had no idea what time it was until food was brought to him and when he was escorted to use the bathroom. He really was isolated and it was eating at him. Ichigo really liked people and this was the worst thing she could do to him.

He just closed his eyes when he heard a knocking on his door. He sat up instantly as the door slid open. There was Oshima and her guards. Ichigo quickly sat on his legs and bowed to the woman. She stepped into the space and looked down at him. She smiled a little as she looked around the barren room. No pictures were on the walls, his belongings were gone, and what little future he had was also removed. The only thing left seemed to be just some clothes and his bedding. She brushed a bit of her hair out of her face, turning her eyes back to Ichigo.

"It looks like the Captain's men were thorough," she hummed. "I really don't like this, you know. It was just a simple question and you wouldn't answer it. Care to open up a bit more to me now?"

"Why should everything be an open book for you?" Ichigo grumbled.

"I want to make your stay here comfortable," she replied with a sharp tone.

"May I have permission to be blunt with you?"

"If you feel it necessary, I suppose so…"

Ichigo lightly cleared throat and took in a deep breath.

"Putting me in isolation does nothing to make me feel comfortable, your honor. You've left me in the dark and cut me off from my family over a personal issue that only I can deal with."

"How do you know I can't help?" she crossed her arms.

"Do you ask for help with every little thing that you have a problem with? Some things I know even you want to keep to yourself. Only you can deal with those particular problems," Ichigo responded, trying to keep in his tone level as he spoke. "You don't want others messing with them and making them worse, which by the way, you did a great job of."

She just glared down at him as he kept his eyes on the floor. He was very blunt with his words but he did speak the truth. She just hated to admit that he was right. She tightened her crossed arms a little more in agitation.

"Anything else you'd like to add while you're at it?" she hissed.

"Where's the captain?"

"I wanted to talk to you alone. Not everything has to go through him."

"So, you're just sneaking around?"

"Don't get overly blunt with me. This is a courtesy."

"I understand that. It's just… Why did you vote in favor of me and then turn on me over something minor?"

"I haven't turned on you."

Ichigo looked up at her with a "yeah, right" expression. He then shook his head and looked back at the floor. She didn't like that look he just gave her. She clicked her tongue a little.

"Don't give me that look, Kurosaki," she clinched her teeth.

Ichigo just shook his head again.

"I just want an answer to what I just asked you, your honor."

"I'm not obligated to answer that," she huffed, heatedly. "What I do is none of your business!"

"Then I'm not obligated to give you answers either. Everything you say and do is a contradiction," Ichigo blurted out. "If you want me to work with you, you can't pound me into the ground for every little thing you don't like. I had done nothing wrong up until yesterday when I didn't want to discuss one personal issue about myself. I've followed your rules and behaved from the day I arrived. In all honestly, I had done nothing wrong."

"I used my discretion in dealing with you yesterday. It is my right as your overseer to deal with you as I see fit. You wouldn't answer me."

"I already gave you the reason why I wouldn't answer you. I'm not an open book for people to read at their pleasure. Not every problem needs help from an outside source."

"So, you still remain defiant?"

"You made me defiant."

She remained silent but her glare narrowed that much more. He had been countering her left and right today. It was making her angry that she wasn't getting to him like she had hoped.

"You're just ungrateful, I can see it now," she bit out at him, grabbing his sheath horn and pulled. "I've been too gentle with you! You owe Soul Society for giving you and the others sanctuary!"

"It's you people that owe me! I sacrificed everything I had to make sure Aizen didn't succeed. Then the day I needed Soul Society's help I'm turned into a glorified prisoner," Ichigo bit out as she yanked on him harder. "OUCH! I'm telling you the truth and I'm not sugar coating it!"

"You have no right to speak to me like that! None," she pulled on him hard enough to move him forward along the floor. "I am the one really in charge of you! Not Captain Hitsugaya or even the head captain! I was the one appointed to keep you in line!"

She pulled again jerking him along the floor a little more. The guards moved to the side as she stepped back taking Ichigo with her. He wasn't fighting against her, despite the pained look on his face. Her guards didn't know what do. She was basically throwing a tantrum and Kurosaki was doing nothing to stop her.

"You will learn to respect and obey me," she hissed, giving one last good tug on him. "Central 46 will not tolerate you acting out!"

Central 46 will not tolerate him? He knew that already. There was no point beating it into… Wait… Ichigo let a wide grin cut his face followed by a small chuckle. She paused seeing the mischievous look on his face. What was he up to now? She didn't like that grin. It was like a little kid keeping a dirty secret.

"You know, I think I figure it out! You're trying too hard to get me the buckle. You think manhandling me will get me to obey you completely," he hummed as she white knuckled her grip on him. "How much of this is you actually asserting yourself and much of this is Central 46 breathing down your neck to get me to submit?"

"Shut up," she yelled and pulled hard again, trying to swing him along the floor. "I'm in charge of you, don't you get that?!"

He was too heavy for her so he just moved with her motion to avoid getting hurt. The smile hadn't faded from his lips and it was making her angrier and angrier the longer she looked at it. He needed to learn his place and that Central 46 was in control of him.

"I'm the one that hands out your punishment and how you should be treated," she screamed, pulling hard in another direction. "You will submit to me one way or the other!"

Ichigo just followed her on his hands and knees around his room. The guards just stood there in dumb shock as they watched Oshima throw a growing tantrum. Ichigo just let her pull him around without resistance. If she pulled him left he would turn left with her. If she pulled to the right he would turn right. The sheer fact that he was following her like the obedient puppy she wanted him to be was setting her off more. She wanted him to be defiant so she had a valid reason to use this as a punishment. No matter how hard she pulled on him he wouldn't fight back against her.

"You bastard! You damn bastard, fight back! Don't just follow me around the room," she screamed and stomped on his fingers. "Fight me! Fight back, damn you!"

All she got out of him was a small hiss of pain. She hated this! He wouldn't even pull his figures out from under her foot. She stomped again but he still didn't move his hand. Anger driven tears started fall from her eyes. He looked up with a forced innocent look.

"But… I thought you wanted me to submit?" he replied in a rather sarcastic tone.

"You bastard!"

She released his horn and got down level with him before she started pounding on his back with the sides of her fists. Left! Right! Left! Right! Both hands! Both hands! Both hands! Left! Right! Left! Right! She was making hard contact with his back given the meaty thumps echoing in the dimly lit room. Ichigo just remained crunched in a ball as she continued to her childish assault on his back and shoulders. It took a few good minutes for her to slowly wind down. Not once did Ichigo move or make a noise.

"I hate you! I-I hate you," she growled as she sat up straight, breathing hard and wiped her wet face with her long sleeve. "Why d-did you just sit there?! Why didn't m-move or stop me?! Cursed at me or something?!"

"Because I knew not fighting back would sting more," he answered with an even tone and slowly sat back up. "I technically did nothing wrong. I followed you, I never fought back, and I submitted to you as per your commands."

Her lips quivered as angry tears started to fall once more. It did sting like fire. He obeyed but in the end she didn't want that. She wanted his defiance but she never got it. She balled up her right hand and punched him straight at his mouth. He didn't flinch and took her punch. His lips were bleeding little as she pulled her hand away. She shook out her hand trying to remove the stinging pain in her knuckles.

"I hate you."

"You've said that already."

"I despise you! Every bit of you!"

Ichigo didn't respond as he just wiped the blood from his mouth. He lightly licked the two cuts on his lips. All she could do was glare death upon him. How could this have happened? This wasn't the plan. He was playing her this whole time and she kept giving into him. He beat her without even doing one damn thing against her and by submitting. That wasn't fair!

She looked down seeing where her nails had dug and cut into the palms of her hands. Her palms were sticky with her own blood. They burned and ached from beating him so hard over and over again. Her black hair was now a mess and sticking to her wet face. She slowly lowered her head, knowing who had won this battle. She hated every bit of it.

Ichigo just sat motionless on the floor and looked impassively at the sobbing woman in front of him. He had done enough damage. The guards hurried over and surrounded them. One got down to check on Oshima, while a couple more got Ichigo to his feet and moved him away from her. Ichigo was shoved into a corner and held in place. He didn't speak or move as he heard the guard help Oshima to her feet. She quietly sobbed as she was gently ushered out the door.

A moment later Ichigo felt a hand grab a fist full of his white/orange hair and throw him to the floor. Oshima didn't have the strength or the knowhow to properly manhandle someone but the guards did. Ichigo didn't physically do anything to her and he did obey her, however, the manner he went about it was technically a form of passive aggressive harassment. It didn't help that he made a female member of the Central 46 cry.

Ichigo sat up on his elbows and looked up at a group of 5 guards that circled around him. He licked his healing lips, knowing what was to come. He might have gotten to Oshima but it turned into a bitter sweet victory. Honestly, he didn't like doing what he did. He never liked seeing or making a woman cry. It pulled at his heart hard but he wasn't going to pity her given what was at stake. He had proven his point and was holding his ground against Central 46. He drew in a deep breath to brace for the upcoming beat down that loomed over him. A split second later he felt a foot make contact direct contact with his face.


Toshiro and Matsumoto stood outside their office shocked and confused as they watched Oshima and her guards hurry by. What just happened? The captain and the lieutenant finally unglued their feet and rushed over to figure out what happened. Toshiro already didn't like the idea of her going to see Ichigo alone but he never once expect to see her leaving in a sobbing mess.

"Your Honor, what has happened?" Toshiro asked giving a quick bow as did Matsumoto.

He then took notice of the blood on her hands. He had a nasty feeling building in his gut as he studied her hands. Why were her hands bloodied? He didn't like that and he was scared of the answer he was to receive.

"Make it two m-mounths now," she snapped bitterly at Toshiro and Matsumoto. "Take away h-his bedding this time! I-I want him to have nothing but the clothes on his back and nothing more!"

"I understand, your honor," Toshiro quickly bowed again before pointing at her red coated hands. "Did Kurosaki put his hands on you?"

"That's one thing h-he didn't do! That damn fucking bastard," she yelled, making Toshiro and Matsumoto take a step back. "He wouldn't… He wouldn't f-fight back! He just took it and stayed quiet he whole time!"

"Your honor, Oshima, it might be best to leave this for later when you have calmed down," one of the guards said, leaning into her ear.

"Two months isolation and no bedding! H-Hell, restrict his food to once a day," she bit out as she stormed off without her guards.

They quickly caught up to her. One stayed to behind to talk to Toshiro and Matsumoto. They looked highly confused as to what happened in Ichigo's room. What had that idiot done this time?

"Care to explain?" Toshiro asked, turning to the guard. "Did Kurosaki put a hand on her? I didn't catch half of what she said."

"It was quite the opposite, Taichou," the guard answered.

"Then why were her hands bleeding?" the small captain inquired.

"The wounds were self-inflicted. He got under her skin and she started beating on him," the guard sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "He never put a hand on her. We'll have the full report for you when Oshima has calmed down. Excuse me."

The guard gave a quick bow and rushed off. Toshiro looked up at Matsumoto who looked just as confused.

"I want the story from his mouth first," Toshiro said, turning and started down to Ichigo's room.

"What do think he did to make her attack him?" Matsumoto asked, walking beside her captain.

"Knowing Kurosaki it could be anything. He has that gift to piss people off when he wants to," Toshiro sighed.

"This is true and sometimes he doesn't even try," Matsumoto pointed out.

The two walked down to his room but where quickly ambushed by nearly hysterical Yuzu and Karin. Orihime wasn't far behind them. The three of them surrounded the captain and lieutenant with rapid fire questions as to what happened in Ichigo's room. Toshiro explained that was he was there to get to bottom of it.

He hadn't gotten much farther when Isshin and the others also approached them. Isshin explained what they could hear from the room mostly Oshima screaming out from the top of her lungs at Ichigo. They kept back as Oshima was escorted away but right after they heard Ichigo getting knocked around by the guards. Toshiro and Matsumoto quickened their pace with the other behind them.

They arrived at Ichigo's room with one guard remaining outside. It sounded like the assault was still going on. Toshiro clinched his teeth as he and Matsumoto approached the guard at the door. Isshin, Tessai, Yuzu, and the others hung back at the cut off line. The guard looked at Toshiro and Matsumoto as they approached with a disgusted look. The captain didn't like that.

"What's going on in there?" Toshiro asked coming to a stop.

"A punishment," he responded curtly. "It's for the harassment of, her honor, Oshima."

"Just what did he do?" Toshiro asked, taking a step towards the door but was blocked. "Step out of my way."

"Not until everything has been resolved. You and the lieutenant must wait here," he ordered.

"On Oshima's authority?" Toshiro asked, daring to take another step forward.

"Who else's, Captain? Kurosaki brought this upon himself," the guard held his ground. "By definition he basically harassed her until she lashed out at him."

"I understand he never put a hand on her, is that correct?"

"Not a single digit but he did more than enough damage with how he spoke and his actions. He needs to learn who is in charge. We're starting to think you're babying him because his father was once your captain and that maybe you feel obligated to treat him kindly."

"I'm not babying him and how I treat him is of none of your business! I treat him as such because he was the one that saved all of our asses from Aizen. Has everyone in Central 46 suddenly developed selective amnesia? Does his past actions mean nothing?"

"Be careful about how you speak. I am a guard assigned to work under Central 46 so I report directly to them. Never to you nor to Yamamoto-sotaichou. This may be your district but I'm out of your command."

Matsumoto decided to have a go at getting passed the guard. Perhaps, it needed a woman's touch. She adjusted her haori a little to show a bit more cleavage. She crossed her arms up under her breast to make them stand up a bit. She tiptoed up to him with a bit of a pout and a small flutter of her eyelashes.

"Oh, please, won't you let us in?" she cooed at him. "We would really like it if you did. Pretty, pretty please?"

"My orders stand," he snorted at her.

She pouted a bit more and popped her arms a touch to make boobs bounce a little.

"Cheating this once couldn't hurt," she flirted a little more and light bit the bottom corner of her lip. "C'mon, won't you do me and the captain this one little bitty favor? We won't tell on you."

She batted her eyes again and gave a small giggle. He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Lieutenant, I'm gay," he said bluntly as she looked at him shock.

"Oh… Uh, well… That's embarrassing…" she unfolded her arms and fixed her top back where she usually kept, which wasn't much different. "Pardon me…"

She took a couple steps back a little pink in the face as Toshiro shook his head. Well, she had her crack at him. He really wasn't going to budge and there was nothing Toshiro could do to help Ichigo. If he forced his way he and Matsumoto would be punished and it could even bleed over to Isshin, Yuzu, Karin, and the others. There was no telling how long how much longer they would continue to assault him.

Ichigo normally wouldn't put up with this crap and he wished the bastard would fight back this time. Ichigo was doing all he could to keep the focus on him and not his family and friends. Toshiro gritted his teeth and balled up his fists and listened to the ruckus going on inside the room. There was nothing he could do without serious repercussions to him.

"This is clearly bothering you, Hitsugaya-taichou. Might I suggest you leave for the time being and I'll retrieve you when you may visit him," the guard said as Toshiro's temper started to show a little more. "There's no point hanging around the door. You'll only make it harder on yourself if you do."

Toshiro did everything in his power to bite his tongue. This was his district and he didn't like C46 disrupting that. They were overreaching as they usually did. He was honestly growing concerned for Ichigo as he never heard the hollow make a single sound the entire time he stood there. Seeing Ichigo with a leash and muzzle wasn't natural. Coming here was a mistake. Toshiro shouldn't have said a word about him from the start. It might have just been easier if they had kept running in the Living World.

Between Isshin, Yoruichi, Tessai, and Urahara they could have kept everyone safe. It was just the running and hiding aspect that caused a problem. Here in Soul Society they were pretty much stuck in District 10. It might come down to him talking to Isshin about take everyone back to the Living World for Ichigo's sake.

"Let's go… Matsumoto…" Toshiro hissed under his breath.

"Yes, Captain," Matsumoto followed Toshiro back towards the rest of the group.

"So, what's going on?" Isshin asked as Toshiro shook his head. "Huh?"

"I'm not permitted to enter. The guard is under strict rules from Central 46. If I forced my way in it would cost me, Matsumoto, and all of you as well," Toshiro wouldn't even look up Isshin.

"You can't just give up like that! What's going on in there if nothing else?" Isshin snapped.

"He's getting beaten, what else?! I won't know more of the story until Oshima makes her full report to me. All I really know is that he's accused of harassment. Now he has an extra month added to his sentence. He's bedding is to be removed and his food restricted to once a day. He really screwed himself over this time. I'm sorry… I'm really sorry but if things keep going like this Central 46 might… I fear the worse… I'll talk to all of later. Right now I've got to try something on my own. Besides, we're out in the open."

Toshiro looked over his shoulder at the guard in the distance.

"We're going to make sure Ichigo makes it out of this one way or the other," Matsumoto said, giving Isshin a pat on the shoulder. "Besides, the guy's proven to be a walking miracle. He's going to get out of this even if it's by the skin of his teeth."


Uryu turned up his hood to the cold air as he left the mask shop. It was about time he headed over to the café so there was no point in stopping at his apartment first. He still wasn't too sure what Urahara and Yoruichi truly had planned and the Quincey felt like he might end up with something he wasn't expecting. Knowing those two there was no telling.

On, the bright side Urahara did mention that Orihime would be joining them to help Akane heal during the transition to her new gigai. He sighed as he came to a stop at a crosswalk. He looked at his phone for a moment for the exact time. He'd make it there maybe a little before if he kept moving.

"Uh, hey, Ishida…"

Uryu put his phone back and looked up to see Banjo with a bit of a grin on his face. He was wearing the shirt Uryu had fixed him the other day up under his jacket.

"I assume it fits fine," Uryu asked and Banjo nodded.

"Yeah… Thanks for fixing those holes. I didn't want to just toss it as I got a little attached to it…" Banjo said, walking up to stand beside Uryu. "So, Kaneki's been doing a lot of work in that suit you put together for him."

"I have no doubt about that. I've adjusted it twice already for him," Uryu answered flatly. "Just to be on the safe side I talked to him about having a spare made. Last I checked he was still thinking on it. Given the price of that one I don't expect to see him having another full suit made anytime soon."

"I did get a glimpse of that receipt that day… I can't really blame him for not just agreeing to that," Banjo half grinned as the light changed.

Uryu started across the street with everyone else at the street corner. Banjo decided to go with the flow and keep up with Uryu.

"I'm assuming you're headed home?" Banjo asked and Uryu lightly shook his head.

"No, I have something to do elsewhere before I go home," Uryu answered as he stepped onto opposite sidewalk with Banjo.

"Oh, that's cool…" Banjo hummed.

"I can't be that fascinating to talk to…" Uryu said, looking over him.

"I didn't mean to bother you…"

"No, that's not what I meant… Sorry. You just… You just seem to be so fascinated that I don't have a problem with you… Trust me, I've dealt with a lot worse in the past and you're not even close."

"Well, most that find out don't usually, uh…" Banjo pulled at his shirt collar a little.

"You're a person the same as me. As far as that goes, I see no difference," Uryu pointed out.

"Thanks… I'm just used to tip toeing around I guess and I just…" Banjo shrugged. "It's stupid I know, but it's true…"

"As long as you don't turn on me…."

"Oh, no! Of course not! Trust me I'm not about to do that."

"That's good to know… Was there something else you needed?"

Banjo pondered for a moment as they just continued down the sidewalk. He lightly rubbed his chin.

"Not really… I just wanted to say hey and thanks for fixing my shirt," Banjo answered. "I guess I just wanted to talk to someone… I was just running an errand when I saw you leave the shop."

"Sadly, I'm on my way to do one myself," Uryu stifled a yawn. "I'd much rather be on the bus home and going to bed."

"There's Anteiku up here if you need some coffee to get that caffeine if you need any," Banjo pointed farther up the street. "I think they'll be closing soon though."

Uryu looked at Banjo and sighed. It didn't help that Uryu was going to Anteiku as well to work with Akane and hopefully wash his hands of everything. It would be highly rude to tell Banjo to just go away and walk there by himself. Maybe getting rid of Banjo might be more of Yoshimura's expertise. Banjo didn't need to be there not for what was about to happen. It just wasn't something the ghoul needed to be dropped into. With the exception of Yoshimura, Yomo, and Touka none of the other staff was to be there.

"That's actually where I'm headed," Uryu said, rubbing the back of his neck. "However, I'm not going to get a cup of coffee or a pastry. I have some other business there I need to conclude. Hopefully that will be the end of it."

"You're not going to dress that poor bird up are you?" Banjo asked as Uryu came to sudden stop.

"Wha…? No… That's more of Uta's thing, not mine," Uryu said, clearing his throat. "I've got something else I need to do there."

"Hey, Uryu! Uryu!"

Uryu and Banjo turned to see a rather busty woman run at them, waving frantically. Uryu had to do a double take of the young woman. The dark hair threw him off for a moment. He barely got a hand up to wave at her when she tackled him to the ground. He landed hard on his back with the woman on top of him, squeezing hard. Banjo just stood there a little shocked as to what was going on.

"Ishida?" Banjo blinked, not sure to make out of what he just saw.

"I've missed you so much, Uryu," she smiled ear to ear. "When I heard I was going to see you tonight I got all excited! I mean it's been weeks since we last saw each other! I'm so happy, I'm so happy!"

"Orihime… Can't breathe…" Uryu managed to choke out, pulling on a constricting arm.

"Huh? OH! I'm sorry! I guess I got a little carried away," Orihime got back to her feet and helped Uryu back to his feet. "I must have caught you off guard! I just spotted you and came running. My bad! Are you hurt?"

"No but we've talked about this before… We give what?" Uryu grumbled, fixing his clothes.

"We give hugs not tackles. Yeah, I know! I just got too excited…Oh, hey, I think we've met before…" Orihime turned to Banjo and just started at up at him. "Ah, that's right you were at that raid, too. Your friend was hurt! I'm Hime! Remember me?"

Recalling her she did smell like the girl but the hair wasn't clicking with him. He could have sworn she had a much lighter colored hair. Right now it was such a dark brown it was almost black.

"Hime?" he looked her up a down, not quite sure.

"Yep. You're that music guy, right?"

He just started at her not sure what she meant by that.

"Music guy…? I don't understand…"

"Yeah, you have that name that sounds a like that weird string instrument similar to a guitar, what's it called…?"

"Banjo…"

"Yeah, that's it," she snapped her finger and pointed at him. "You're Banjo! I sort of remembered it!"

He just stared at her in shock before he noticed a few extra people joining them. He recognized the blond man to his right and the woman with him. Kisuke was the man's name but Banjo couldn't remember his family name. The woman, he was still calling her "Ms. Kitty" as it stuck that night. Not far behind Ishida and Hime stood a young boy no more than 8 or 9. He had bright white hair and vibrant teal eyes. He just staring at everything and shook his head like this whole thing was beneath him.

"That's a horrible way to remember someone's name," Uryu moaned.

"But I remembered it," she beamed happily.

"Not really…" he snorted.

"Banjo, it's nice to see you again," Urahara said, stepping up a little closer and adjusted a rather large, long, and heavy sack over his shoulder. "It's been quite some time."

"Yeah, same to you…" Banjo gave a small nod.

What was that on his shoulder? He looked like a large rolled rug honestly but… It was too stiff rather full to be just an old rug. It was all wrapped up in some kind of plastic so he really couldn't tell what it was. He never really got a scent from it either. It was a weird object indeed.

"Not to be rude but we have a one hour window to get everything done," the boy snapped at them. "We can walk and talk."

"Ye-e-es, sir," Yoruichi hummed sarcastically. "I guess we're walking and talking."

"Don't push my buttons tonight, Shihoin," Toshiro snapped. "I'm already in a bad mood, don't make it worse."

"You're right. I apologize," she breathed, her tone quickly changing.

"Where are all of you headed?" Banjo asked.

"Anteiku," Orihime chirped as the group started moving up the sidewalk again.

"All of you are going there?" Banjo blinked, looking quite confused. "Is something wrong?"

"Not in the way you're thinking," Urahara said. "We're just going to drop off and pick something up. Nothing is actually wrong."

"Okay…" Banjo breathed, rather confused.

"Who are you, anyway?" the boy asked, looking over his shoulder up at him.

"I'm Banjo Kazuichi," he answered, looking down at the small child with white hair in front of him.

"I take it you know everyone through that raid…?" Toshiro asked and Banjo gave a weak nod. "Are you affiliated with Anteiku?"

"N-not directly…"

"Then you don't need to follow us anymore than this," Toshiro stated very bluntly. "Nothing much else concerns you and you may continue on your way."

"Straight for the throat on that," Urahara grumbled.

Banjo was pretty much blindsided by that harsh comment. He just stared at Toshiro like the kid had an extra head. He had never met this kid once in his life and he was throwing out orders like some general in an army. Banjo wasn't going to take lip from a kid. He puffed out his chest and crossed his arms.

"You're a right bossy brat. You shouldn't talk to your elders is such a way. Didn't your mother teach you any manners?" Banjo retorted, bitterly.

There was a very sudden dip in temperature in the surrounding area. So much so that any nearby glass and metal started to freeze over and rapidly. Other pedestrians walking down the street were shocked seeing so much localized ice growing rapidly and for no good reason. The boy's teal eyes were fixated hard on Banjo as if the kid was wishing all manner of ill will upon him. Banjo shivered hard feeling the cold roll off the boy in waves.

"Unless you want to test how long it will take your species to freeze I would suggest you leave right now," Toshiro growled under his breath.

"Hitsugaya, calm down. He doesn't know any better," Yoruichi said, lightly nudging the captain with her foot. "There's no need to direct your frustrations out on him. Banjo, just do as he says and please leave. The situation doesn't really concern you."

Banjo looked down at the boy not quite sure of the kid. The little brat looked like he was ready for a fight in every sense of the word. This was not a place or the time to set something off. Also a nice bit of ice was starting to inch towards him along the sidewalk as if it was crawling.

"Yeah, okay… I-I think you're right. I've got to finish what I was h-heading out to do anyway," Banjo took a few steps back from the group, especially Toshiro. "It was nice seeing all of y-you again."

Banjo quickly left the group and noticed that the temperature, all though still cold, had suddenly gone back up. He looked over his shoulder to see the group heading back down the sidewalk. What was that just now? What did that kid just do? It was frightening to be honest. He didn't like the little brat. Not even once.

The small group arrived at the café just before Yomo had time to lock it. He looked the group up and down and quickly settled his eyes on small irate child, right at the front. Irate might still be putting in lightly. He stepped to the side and let the group into café before finally locking the door.

"You arrived a little earlier than I had expected," Yoshimura said, wiping down one of the tables.

"There's some trouble going on back home so we have to make this fast and get back there as soon as we can," Urahara sighed.

"Anything that concerns us?" Yoshimura inquired and Urahara shook his head.

"No, it's just strictly us," Urahara clarified and step up to stand beside Orihime. "I don't believe you were ever introduced, Yoshimura. This is our dear sweet, Inoue Orihime."

Orihime gave a grin and bowed at the aging ghoul.

"I recall your hair being a brighter color," Yomo said, studying her a little from his seat.

She turned to the man and scratched the back of her head, sheepishly.

"It is actually. But… I'm in a bit of trouble, so I'm wearing this wig for right now," Orihime pointed at her wig. "I can't stay long either. Just long enough to heal her… That's all."

"And you are?" Touka leaned over the counter by the register, pointing at Toshiro.

Toshiro turned to look at her rather annoyed to be addressed so nonchalantly. Getting a good look at his fast she stood up straight and her jaw went a little slack. It was him! It was that kid with the apple!

"Whoa! Hey, you were boy that hit Tsukiyama in the face with that apple," she gasped, looking like she had just met her idol. "I-I… I never laughed so hard in life! Hahaha! I thought I'd never see you again."

"And you are that girl from across the street," Toshiro turned to face her directly. "I remember you. He yelled at you for laughing and then you gave him a rather rude gesture."

"Yes… That was me," Touka rubbed the back of her head. "You have no idea how much of a pain he was to everyone."

"I can take a pretty large guess…" Toshiro rubbed the cheek Tsukiyama had taken a chunk out of his face.

"You know… He was found dead the following day…" Touka's voice faded off a little as she looked down at him. Her eyes narrowed on him realizing something. "Not a chance in hell could you have…"

Toshiro just looked at her with a very tiny smirk and he crossed his small arms.

"I regret none of it," Toshiro said in a dull unwavering tone.

Touka looked highly skeptical at the boy. There was no way a kid could have taken down a full grown ghoul.

"I can pretty much guaranty you he's not making that up," Yoruichi said, looking at Touka.

Touka just stared hard at the white hair boy in front of her as did Yomo and Yoshimura. This little boy took down the Gourmet? By himself? That was more than a little hard to swallow.

"I'm not buying that," Touka snorted.

"If I recall, I knocked him clear off his feet and I laid him out flat. And remember I only had an apple at my disposal," Toshiro pointed out.

Touka opened her mouth to voice something but the words just never came out. She just closed her mouth and shook her head. He did do that and with just one apple. She still had her doubts but she wasn't going to argue it right now. There was no point it in at this time.

"I'm not buying it either…" Yomo voiced. "You took him down by yourself?"

"I never said I did it alone," Toshiro replied, turning to look at Yomo. Something clicked. "Hey… I think I've seen you, too…"

Yomo studied the boy. He had that feeling, too, but he felt it was very brief. Not too memorable.

"Yes, I remember you now… You handed that woman your handkerchief but instead she latched onto you and buried her snotty nose onto your coat," Toshiro smirked. "You gave me a dirty look because I found it amusing as I walked by."

Yomo still didn't look too amused. Now he placed the brat. That was before he even knew who Akane was. All he saw that night was a crying woman on a bench. He never expected her to bury her snotty nose in his coat like the boy had described. Yomo had a strong inkling she might have figured it out too but neither of them brought it up.

"Said woman is upstairs," Yomo pointed at the stairs.

"Huh, small world…" Toshiro lightly shrugged. "Well, that's who we're here to see. Let's just get this over with. We don't have much time."

"Is there anything you need us to do?" Yoshimura asked.

"Just stay down here. We'll take care of everything," Urahara said, adjusting the heavy object draped over his right shoulder. "Orihime, Hitsugaya, this way."

Urahara started up the stairs with Yoruichi dead behind him and quickly followed by Toshiro and Orihime. Uryu sighed and started up the stairs, too. He really just wanted to be home and getting ready for bed. He had an early class in the morning and he hated dragging around all day if he didn't get his full night's sleep.

He stepped into the room just before Yoruichi erected a barrier. He saw Akane on the bed staring at everyone before her. She looked highly unsure as Urahara sat down the wrapped gigai onto the floor. Uryu just took a seat on the couch and pulled out his phone. He honestly served no purpose once again, other than just to be with the group.

"Here it is," Urahara said, kneeling down and patted the human sized package. "She's made to your specifications."

Akane just eyed the package still not feeling too sure about this idea. She told them she would go through with it and she even told her father that she was doing this as well. It wouldn't be good to back out now. She swallowed the large knot in her throat as Urahara stared to unwrap the faux body she would be living in from here on out. Yoruichi got down on the floor and started helping him.

She noticed the white haired boy walk up to her and look her up and down. Who was this kid? He had yet to introduce himself. His teal eyes were a little unnerving and she shied away from him a little. He snorted a bit at her.

"Good evening, Hayashi. I'm Hitsugaya Toshiro. The young woman behind me is Inoue Orihime," Toshiro hooked a thumb towards Orihime. "I'm basically supervising what's going to happen tonight. I don't want these two over here to pull something I don't like."

She blinked at the kid not quite sure what he meant by "supervise." He was like 7 or 8, right? He made it sound like he was in charge. Yeah, right… She just shook it off and turned to look at the meek looking woman behind him. She had a rather sweet looking face and she gave a gentle wave.

"It's nice to meet you," Orihime gave a small bow and Akane returned it. "Ichigo's told me about you before. I'm an old friend of his from Karakura Town. I'm going to help heal you this evening."

Akane just looked at her a little more than confused. She still wasn't wrapping her mind around how this girl was going to heal her. Urahara and the others had talked about her but Akane just couldn't see how. There was nothing on her that says she might even have any medical knowhow.

"Help me sit her up," Urahara said, knocking back a blanket.

"Here we go," Yoruichi said, helping to support the gigai and held up the body's head to face Akane. "There… How's this, Hayashi?"

Akane just stared wide-eyed and slacked jawed at the gigai in their arms. It looked a lot like her as far as facial structure and body build was concerned but that's where it ended. It was exactly how she wanted it. She realized how real this was becoming and she felt a heavy, cold weight build in the pit of her stomach. This was actually happening.

"I know you can talk just fine. Is this just too much for you?" Toshiro asked, reaching into his coat pocket and pulled out a black, fingerless glove and slip it over his small hand.

"Uh…" she squeaked out noticing the same strange emblem on the glove that was on the bottom of Urahara's walking cane. "I just… I-I don't know…"

"Every things going to be fine," Orihime assured, walking up to her. "Promise! It's not going to be that hard and it shouldn't hurt any."

"It's just that…" Akane looked back down at the gigai draped in a white terry robe. She hugged herself and shivered a little. "It's all just too much, you know…? I mean that's really going to be… She's my new body and this is a little… Well, it's a little more than unsettling."

She half pointed at the gigai with a quivering hand.

"I don't see how but then again I am rather desensitized to such things," Toshiro said, turning to look at the gigai. "I'm wearing one as is Urahara and Shihoin. They are a little awkward at first but when you adjust to them completely you won't ever notice a difference."

She nervously bit her bottom lip. This was actually happening and they were ready to do this right now. Having everything set out before her, her whole attitude about this had quickly changed. Honestly, she was getting a case of really cold feet and she didn't want to do this anymore. She promised that she would commit but now actually faced with it she didn't think she could go through with it.

"My, you don't look too eager suddenly," Urahara said, looking up at her. "You can't back out now. Everything is already setup and this needs to be done tonight."

Toshiro let out a long sigh and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Here. I'll make this simpler for you. It's best to just get it done in one quick step," Toshiro faced her, removing his hand from his neck and flexed his gloved hand. "It's like ripping off an adhesive bandage. The slower you peel the more it'll hurt. So, allow me to rip it off for you."

He lunged forward and slammed his gloved hand, straight into her chest. She flopped back hard onto the bed, staring at the ceiling again. She sat up on her good elbow to see her body flopped on its side, lifeless on the bed. She still didn't like looking at that. She shivered as she sat up completely on the bed and move over a little.

Urahara got up and walked over to them. Toshiro helped him move Akane's body to the foot of the bed and out of the way. Now what was going to happen? She still was considering just telling them off. It wasn't too late. Urahara and Yoruichi explained that as long as that chain connected her to her body she could still…

SSHLLAANKK!

Urahara sheathed his zanpakuto back into his cane as Akane just stared at him in shock. He just… She never even saw him pull that blade from his cane. He moved too fast for her to actually register what he had just done until after the deed was accomplished. She turned her eye back to the severed chain resting on the floor.

"You son of a bitch," she screeched.

"Like a bandage. It hurts for a moment but once it's done it's done," Urahara grinned, pushing up his hat a little. "You might feel a bit weak. That's completely normal. Oh, it might even be a little hard to breathe so to speak. It'll be short lived so nothing to really worry about. Now… Orihime, I do believe it's your turn."

"Right! Okie-dokie, this is the good part. I'm going to make you feel all better," Orihime hummed happily as Toshiro and Urahara stepped back out of the way. "I just need you to sit still and relax."

"I-I'm not really sure about all of th-this now! Can't I just…" Akane stammered out, scooting back away from Orihime. "Can't I just w-wait a little while lo—"

"Absolutely not! It's done. Your Chain of Fate is severed and I want this over with," Toshiro snapped at her and she flinched back. "There is no point in cowering now. If you can face down and fight ghouls risking your life I don't see how this can be any worse. At least this way it's painless and you get an extra life out of it. You won't be hunted down anymore and you can continue on with your life."

"He's in a foul mood if you haven't noticed and it's just best to do as he says, Hayashi," Yoruichi said, looking over at Akane.

Toshiro whipped around to look at her with a scowl and the former captain shrugged at him. She was telling the truth. Toshiro turned back around to face Akane once more and crossed his small arms. Orihime took another step forward.

"This really will be quite simple, Ms. Hayashi. All you have to do is just sit still and let me heal you," Orihime smiled. "It won't take long at all. If you want you can close your eyes. Uh… Eye, uh… You know what I mean…"

She eyed Orihime still very skeptical about how this young woman would heal her. This was a lot of damage and some of it had started to heal incorrectly. It made no sense how this woman without a single medical bag or anything could help with the damage done to her body. Akane gritted her teeth and clinched her fists.

"Just g-get it over with," Akane quickly exclaimed and closed her eye.

"This shouldn't take long at all," Orihime assured her. "Now just sit right where you are and don't move until I tell you."

Urahara was right about feeling weak and it being hard to breathe. She just wanted this over with. This whole thing was just weirding her out completely. All of this was highly unnatural. This wasn't how the world functioned. She really didn't like this at all. She felt a strange air cover her from above and she shivered not knowing what to expect in the next few seconds or more. How long was this going to take?

As she sat on the bed she started to feel the ache in her shoulder and arm leave. Her arm no longer felt cold and hung like dead weight. Some of the other aches and bruises started to alleviate as well. She still shivered out of nervousness and with anticipation as to when it would be over and done with.

"Aaaand… That's it. I'm all done now," Orihime said, lightly tapped Akane's shoulder. "You did really well and nothing bad happened."

Akane opened her eye and looked around the room a little.

"See, now? That wasn't so bad. Check out your arm," Urahara pointed to her arm, hanging in the sling.

She looked down at her arm and flexed her fingers. She could fully move them without actually forcing them. No way! She could do the same with her wrist and elbow. There was no pain at all when she finally moved her shoulder. It was like there never was any damage done. She snapped the clasp on her sling to pull that off and fought to get the wraps off. Sure enough her arm was no longer a giant bruise and it wasn't cold either. She looked for a few other bruises that had been hanging around not wanting to leave. They were all gone along with the marks of other wounds that were healing or had just healed up.

"Touch your left eye," Urahara instructed next.

Akane reached up under her eyepatch and felt something she thought she wouldn't ever again. She could feel her eyelids and lashes blink at her touch. She ripped off her eyepatch and the light hit her renewed eye harshly. She blinked a little as her eye watered a little from the light in the room.

"There now, don't you look pretty," Yoruichi said, pulling out her phone and snapped a picture. "Take a look at yourself."

She handed the phone to Toshiro before he handed it over to Akane. Akane looked down at the screen of the soul phone and her jaw nearly hit the floor. It was like… Her green eye was completely replaced and healed up. The scare was just a distant memory and even her hair was back to the way it should be; long, perfectly straight, and bright red. She sat the phone down and started playing with her hair that she had missed.

"I don't understand how you did this," she turned to look at Orihime who just continued to smile, happily. "But… I'm not complaining. I-I've got my eye back… I actually have my eye back! And my hair even! This is like something out of fantasy novel or something!"

"It's not as scary as you thought, now was it?" Toshiro snorted, looking her up and down. "You got worked up over nothing."

"I didn't know what to expect, smarty pants. I mean… The thought of being shoved out of my body and then attached to a new one isn't exactly natural," Akane huffed out, looking at her body lying at the foot of the bed.

"Where we're from this is pretty much a daily thing. This is nowhere near to what's out there, I can assure you. Also, don't call me 'smarty pants' again," Toshiro grunted, picking up Yoruichi's phone and set to the side, out of the way. "Now, that you know nothing bad is going to happen… You need to take that last step and get it over with."

Yoruichi got to her feet and took Akane's new body with her. Urahara helped bring the gigai over and set it down on the bed next to Akane. Akane felt the cold weight return to her stomach. She really had no choice. Like the kid said her chain was severed so her only other option was to be placed into her new body. She shivered again.

"Nothing to be afraid of. This is going to be the best part," Urahara smiled at her. "A new body and a new life. Now let's get you set up."

Akane gave a very subtle nod. This was it. She just had to go through with this last step and be done with it. It was what came after her entry into her new body. Starting over from scratch was going to be the hardest part. She would literally have to cut out old friends and family. She had to act like her old coworkers were no bodies and walk by them. She couldn't get in touch with her family save for her father. She drew in a deep breath and let it back out slowly.

"Alright. Let's g-get this over with…"

"And that we shall."


"They've been up there for a while," Touka said, sitting at a table, scratching off a little bit of stuck on food with her nail. "And it's so quiet. It's like no one's up there."

"They don't want us to know what's going on and I'm pretty sure it's for good reasons," Yoshimura said, leaning back in his seat, his hands resting in his lap. "We really have no idea what they are doing and I they don't want us involved and messing with things."

"I know but how are they doing that? We can't even hear them walking around or anything," Touka grumbled. "It's unsettling."

"Hm… Has anyone seen Ryoko tonight?" Yomo finally spoke up as he sat next to his niece.

"Come to think of it… No, I haven't," Yoshimura hummed.

"Neither have I. I figured she might be here. She's talked about Urahara and the others before so she knows them," Touka leaned back and crossed her arms. "She might be with Kaneki. I don't know where else she could be."

"That's very possible," Yoshimura agreed. "She does hang around him quite often. I hate that Kaneki made her promise not to tell us where he's residing currently."

"Even if we did know I doubt he'd appreciate us being there," Touka gnashed her teeth. "That idiot… He's infuriating!"

"If he wants to be left alone, let him be. If he wants to return to Anteiku he'll do so on his own choosing," Yomo told her. "We can't force him."

"I know that," she snorted. "He still doesn't have to cut us off completely. If it wasn't for Ryoko we wouldn't know a damn thing."

"We should be thankful for that much," Yoshimura spoke softly. "She's been a great help to us."

The café fell silent for a bit. There still wasn't a single thump from upstairs. Curiosity was getting to them a bit. Just what was going on upstairs? How much longer would they be up there? The ghouls would just have to wait it out until they concluded their task. They were still sketchy on the details as how they Urahara and the others were going to reset Akane's life. She was wanted by the CCG something fierce and they couldn't see how she was to hide in plain sight. That made no sense whatsoever. It was just asking for trouble.

"Maybe one of us should check," Touka mumbled.

"It might be best to just let it be," Yomo answered, shaking his head. "We don't need to be involved."

"You just don't want to see what hoodoo voodoo they're doing," Touka gave a wide smirk at her uncle.

Yomo just stared impassively at his niece's sarcastic grinning face. Sadly, however, she was correct. He really didn't want to know what they were doing. He might not like what he discovered. He thought the group to be quite shady and had for a good long while now. Yoshimura thought the same but he was a little bit more trusting of them.

Yomo wasn't too fond of Akane but he didn't want to see anything bad happen to her either. She had been through enough. She put her own bigotry about them to the side slowly but surely, finally realizing she wasn't in danger. She still had her reservations about them but she had settled down a good bit and just accepted their help. She did have a civil side to his surprise and relief.

The space went quiet again as they glanced at the ceiling every now and then. How much longer was this going to be? The absolute silence from upstairs was unnerving. They knew they were up there. They hadn't gone anywhere that much they were sure of. If they can make an entire room completely silent there was no telling what else they were capable of.

Touka had just put her head down on the table when she heard a noise from upstairs. She sat up straight and started at the space above her head. Yoshimura and Yomo also looked up finally hearing footfall above them and voices. It would seem that they had concluded their business. Now it was time to see the long awaited result.

A minute later they heard the door open to Akane's room as everyone entered the hall. First down the stairs was the white haired brat followed by Yoruichi and Urahara who was once again carrying an uncomfortably large and heavy item draped over his shoulder. After them came Orihime and Uryu. That only left Akane who seemed to be hesitating to come down the stairs.

Yoshimura and the others got to their feet and walked over to the group. So what had happened upstairs? They were very eager to know. He had heard Akane speak a couple of times just before they walked out of the room. So they knew she was perfectly fine. Yoshimura cleared his throat a little before he addressed them.

"So…? Can we see what has been going on upstairs?" Yoshimura asked. "I never really quite understood what was going on from the start."

"I'd prefer not to know the details," Yomo grumbled and pointed at the large item on Urahara's shoulder. "But just what exactly is in that large package?"

Yomo only asked because he never got a single whiff of its contents. Come to think of it. Touka and Yoshimura were staring hard at the door to the steps. They could smell it, too. There was another person upstairs. One they didn't know. It was female but they didn't know who it was. Yomo narrowed his eyes and studied the bag a little more. Just what was that item and who was on the landing?

"Old, damaged goods," Toshiro answered flatly as Yomo turned his judging gaze at the young captain. "Hayashi is perfectly fine."

"If she's fine where is she? I heard her speak for a moment before all of you came down," Yoshimura stated, turning to look at Toshiro. "It was unnaturally quiet upstairs for quite some time. How is she?"

"Better than ever and ready to get of here," Yoruichi answered and turned back to the stairs. "She's a little nervous. Akane, you can come down you know?"

"I'm just really embarrassed about this," Akane's voice answered from upstairs.

The ghouls froze. That was indeed Akane but the smell was that of a completely different person. Just what did they do to alter her scent? What else did they do to her if they could accomplish such a thing? Yomo's head snapped back to Urahara and his package. His eyes widened a bit as a terrifying thought came to his mind. The size was right for it and the way it was draped over the blond's shoulder… No, way in hell could that be her…

"Don't be bashful. You look fine," Yoruichi mounted the steps and vanished from sight. "It'll take some time getting used to it, that's all. Don't just stand there like your feet are frozen to the floor. Trust me, you'll be fine."

"I'm really not sure about this. I'm not comfortable with this at all."

"It's way too late now to be second guessing your choice. It's done and over with. C'mon down with me. Give me your hand."

"Don't rush me… I'm coming… Stop, pulling on me."

"Well, don't drag your feet and I won't."

"Let go—thank you!"

That was definitely Akane. They saw Yoruichi walked down first as she looked over her shoulder, back up the stairs. She made a come gesture for Akane to follow. They could hear Akane draw in a deep breath and let it out.

"None of you laugh, okay…? I'm not use to any of this…"

"You picked out the design you wanted."

"I know I did. Just don't… None of you laugh."

She finally creeped down the stairs, one slow step at a time. First her feet came into view and soon the rest of her. Yoshimura, Touka, and Yomo just watched unmoving as "Akane" stop at the last step and stood just behind Yoruichi. She fiddled with the hem of her navy blue sweater shirt and kept her eyes glued to the floor.

"No way," Touka gave a gasping whisper as she stood motionless with her uncle and manager.

As far as the body shape was concerned she was the exact same but there were several glaring differences that could not be missed. First most notable difference was her hair. It was now a lovely black and a fluffy mound of small, super tight curls that fell down to just below her shoulders. Her skin tone was a slightly different shade, being a little fairer than before and her face had a nice little band of freckles running across her nose and cheeks. Touka took more notice of Akane's eyes, which she now had two of. They were no longer a dark green but pale with a good hint of blue, making them a muted aqua color. She was dressed in a simple navy blue turtleneck sweater, light blue jeans, and a pair of black ankle boots.

No one said a word as they just studied the woman in front of them. She was a totally different person as far as the body was concerned but her voice and mannerisms were the exact same. Her new freckled cheeks were starting to glow a bright peony pink from the ghouls' silent, awkward staring.

"D-don't just stare… Wh-wh-what do you th-think…?" she stuttered, not daring to look up at them.

(A/N So, don't fucking drink yourself to death. My uncle did and I've never seen my dad that upset. I'm not really religious nor am I overly superstitious. But my morning started off odd. I woke in the dead of the night. Tried to fall back asleep but I kept remembering imagines of when I found my uncle's fave cat that was killed by the neighbor's dogs. It took me forever to get rid of them and sleep. After daybreak I left to visit my aunt in another town. Not even a full mile from my house the belt in my car comes off the track. I have to fight my car to steer to get it home. I called my dad. He comes and looks at. Needs to be towed, he can't fix it. We go to town. We can't find what we are looking for and opt to go to another town over. Dad was to take my uncle to the doctors and we couldn't get him to answer. So, we drove on over to check on him. My uncle was a very heavy drinker. He said once he's rather die than quick drinking. He made those words true. Dad found him on the floor and I was left calling 911. He had died early morning and had just been lying there for hours. Dad was with him the day before and talked to him that night on the phone. I don't know why out of the clear blue I thought of his cat in the dead of night and the fact was, I was never meant to go with dad today. I should have been in the next town over with my mom's sister. Please don't drink to that point. It's not worth the pain you put others through. The last time I remembered seeing him it was on Christmas, drunk. I was going to tell you this funny story about how my dad and uncle knew the actor Buddy Hackett most might know him as the seagull, Scuttle, in The Little Mermaid. I'll save that one for later I guess...)

Millie M. Banshee