The Moon's Tears

by Arowen12

War took everything from Ichigo, family, friends, his reason for living. Unable to let all that has come to pass rest Ichigo rips apart time itself. Waking up in the past Ichigo struggles to overcome the pain of his memories and save all those who matter.

37. Chapter 37

Strikhedonia

(n.) The pleasure of being able to say, "to hell with it"

Hello everyone, we are here with chapter 37. I've had a few comments recently about speeding things up with the storyline. The story is at a slower pace right now for a reason, think of Ichigo collapsing as the end of one arc, and these newer chapters are the beginning of another. You have to set up for a new arc, and that's what these are doing providing the plot for the next arc. Thank you all for understanding; the story will be beginning with Isshin's arc within the next 3-4 chapters. Also happy thanksgiving to everyone who celebrated it this weekend! Enjoy!

Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo

X = Used to indicate change in perspective or timing/scenery.

Zangetsu-Ossan speaking.

Shiro speaking.

X

Ichigo wondered why he had let Byakuya choose their meeting place, as he stared dubiously at the building in front of him. It was the kind of place that a Noble, and most certainly an heir wouldn't be caught dead in, if only for the whole run-down like aura of the place, all old moss-covered wood, and crumbling stone. Ichigo checked the location of the meeting place once more, pulling a worn and crumpled note from his pocket.

With furrowed brows he studied the sheet and Byakuya's graceful sprawl and confirmed that yes, he was at the right location. Though why of all places this one, Ichigo had no idea. Byakuya had seemed particularly keen on the location, ebony eyes lively from where they peered out at Ichigo.

The orange-haired Shinigami sighed and ran a hand through his hair, settling into Zangetsu's presence. He walked forward and pushed open the tattered sliding door that had certainly seen better days.

Ichigo gaped at the interior of the place, or well on the inside he was shocked silent. To the patrons of the bar, for that was what it was, he raised a brow and stepped to the side. The interior of the restaurant/bar like place was all rich paneled wood, the heavy smell of tobacco prevailing like a fine mist, and a wide eclectic assortment of people seated at the canopy of low tables and high stools placed at high bar tables.

He did a slight double take at a few of the faces in the sea of the bar, as his gaze swept over the veritable ocean, mapping out exits, and potential hazards. Somethings were familiar but in a modern sense, far reaching from the time period he now resided in. Ichigo supposed this was a product of the time manipulation caused by the Dangai precipice that Kisuke had spoken of, that or one of those weird out-of-time spots that just appeared everywhere once in awhile.

Finally, landing on the familiar spring of light off of Kenseikan Ichigo padded over to Byakuya who was nursing a cup of tea (or what he supposed was tea) to his chest. There was a distant kind of thoughtfulness to his gaze.

The heir to the Kuchiki clan startled slightly as Ichigo plopped into the small secluded booth, sidled along a long wall with a thin screen sheltering them from the other occupants of the bar. Byakuya smiled at Ichigo, warm and welcoming as his hand reached out over the table to grasp Ichigo's own hand in a tight hold for a brief moment.

"Hello Ichigo."

The youth said with a light kind of smile; like blossoms in the spring. Ichigo laughed softly at the gesture, not quite sure as to why, but amused nonetheless. He inclined his head and gaily responded, "Good afternoon Byakuya."

The other lieutenant rolled his eyes, whether in fondness or annoyance Ichigo couldn't care to tell, as Byakuya slid one of the menus sequestered in the corner, over to Ichigo and asked, "Have you eaten yet?" Ichigo shook his head, and Byakuya beamed and continued, "Good, the food here is to die for… well die again."

Ichigo chuckled softly at the joke, throwing an accusing mirthful stare in Byakuya's direction before he skimmed the menu placed before him. it was like the rest of the restaurant, a rather foreign choice of foods, combinations that even Orihime would not likely have dreamed of (if only because she didn't usually cook with wild herbs found in the forty-fifth Rungokai district).

After deciding on one of the safer options, not involving questionable herbs (mushrooms were not always safe no matter the business practice) he set the menu down, and glanced up to see Byakuya curled back against his seat continuing to sip at his drink.

"So, how'd you find this place?"

Ichigo asked with a quirk of his brow, and a touch of curiosity, gesturing slightly at the encompassing space. Byakuya chewed on his lip for a moment in thought (a moment where Ichigo did not stare, most assuredly not), before he shrugged and grinned, "It was kind of an amalgamation of things. I think Ginrei wanted to take me here, and Kami knows how he knows of the place, but in any case, I sort of stumbled upon it on my own?"

"Oh?"

Ichigo asked wanting to hear the story that his friend was keeping to his chest, locked up behind his eyes. Byakuya grinned at Ichigo's curiosity, no doubt taking pleasure in the reversed tables. It was usually Ichigo who was leaving Byakuya puzzled and hanging on the edge of his seat, while Ichigo taunted him with mischievous smirks and leading words.

"Well one night I was just wandering about, you see Ginrei has recently informed me that he's going to retire soon-"

"He is?"

Ichigo interjected earnestly, pride beginning to glimmer on his cheeks at the thought of Byakuya taking up a Captain's position within the Gotei 13. There was a kind of happiness at the thought of his friend stepping into the position Ichigo always saw however briefly, when he glimpsed Byakuya.

Even when they had first met, stilted friendship, and Byakuya's hard-headed determination and stubbornness to become his friend, he had seen it. The way he persevered in the face of challenge (even if Ichigo usually provided said challenge), the leadership he could adapt within one breath and the next. Not to mention the skills he possessed with his zanpaktou, which Ichigo had helped to polish. Byakuya would be a great Captain in the future, wholly different from the Byakuya of his timeline; who had run his division strictly but with care. This Byakuya possessed a gentler touch… most of the time; he could still muster the Kuchiki stone coldness with ease.

Byakuya glared faintly at Ichigo for the interruption, huffing a touch indignantly. Ichigo smiled apologetically, running a hand through his hair as he gestured for the heir to continue. Opposite Ichigo, Byakuya studied him for a few moments, as if determining whether Ichigo was going to interrupt again, that or some other fancy before he continued.

"Anyways, I felt in need of spirit, something to help settle my mind. Really, I just wandered throughout the streets, and there this place was squished in between two buildings radiating a kind of soul to it. So, I entered, and found that as you already know, appearances can be deceiving."

Ichigo nodded at the story sharing a knowing look with Byakuya at the subtle jab, before he rolled his eyes and leaned back in his own seat. Byakuya waved over a passing server, asking for another order of what was apparently a tea (probably jasmine knowing Byakuya) mixed with sake. He was tempted to order the same, just to satisfy his curiosity of the taste, but decided against such and just ordered a chai. After the refreshments were ordered Byakuya rattled off his choice for their impromptu lunch, leaving Ichigo to fill the silence afterwards with his own order. The waiter nodded with a flourish of the vermillion cap upon his head and strutted off.

Ichigo giggled faintly at the man's walk, and the vibrancy he had displayed in every movement. Before he returned his attention to Byakuya who was staring at Ichigo again, a soft smile playing on his features, eyes like the trenches of the ocean deep and unreadable.

In response, he teasingly waved his fingers and batted his eyelashes, just to see what reaction it would garner from his friend. Byakuya was mostly used to Ichigo's unique sense of humour (at least for the seventeenth century or whatever time period they were stuck in forever), but he still liked to tease the older soul.

Byakuya sputtered for a moment at having been caught staring, sparking laughter from Ichigo's chest and lilting upon the air. Byakuya pouted for a minute at Ichigo's laughter, before he joined in an exasperated expression painting his features as he laughed.

They settled down as the waiter returned placing the two mugs down with a wink and a sly grin that involuntarily made Ichigo think of Yoruichi, who flirted relentlessly. Idly he studied the mug and its unique shape; it was obviously of original make, with beautiful crenellations and a rather unique design of an oni.

Byakuya's own mug had tiny little creatures running about its frame, making Ichigo recall old animated movies from his childhood that sent nostalgia through his chest. Studying the swirling deep rose-coloured liquid, Ichigo shrugged and took a sip. It was a good blend, he decided with a nod, wondering how it would taste with the addition of sake.

As if sensing Ichigo's thoughts Byakuya passed his own mug into Ichigo's hands and deftly snatched Ichigo's own patterned glass. Ichigo glared affronted and haughty for a moment in a familiar act, he had adopted from Kaien or Isshin. He dropped it after a moment with a grin and took a tentative sip of the steaming liquid. It was a jasmine as Ichigo had guessed, but with a kick that sent fire curling down his throat.

Shaking his head, he sent a bemused glance Byakuya's way before he passed the mug back and took his own in return. They settled into silence for a moment savouring the warmth of their drinks.

"So Ginrei's really thinking of retiring and handing over the Captain position?"

Ichigo asked, pulling Byakuya out of whatever reverie he had drawn himself into. The heir nodded at the question, taking a moment to think on it before he responded in greater depth with a kind of warring weary and excitement in his voice, "Yes, he informed me a few days ago, he feels I am ready to uphold the responsibilities of the clan and the Division."

"Do you think you're ready?"

Ichigo asked, taking note of Byakuya's careful mention of Ginrei's approval but the lack of Byakuya's own thoughts and opinions, evident only in the drawl of his voice. Byakuya shrugged in the universal gesture that indicated his vague concern and the underlying thought that how could he ever really be ready and responded, "I'm a bit nervous about it all, but… if he thinks I'm ready then I guess I can give it a shot."

"You'll do excellent regardless. Just remember you're your own self, not your grandfather. So, if you want to give the elders hell then go for it."

Ichigo reassured Byakuya, encouragement shining through honestly in his voice. He grinned in a particularly vicious manner as he mentioned the elders, always happy to trash-talk the batty old geezers.

The soon to be clan head laughed at Ichigo's words, exhaling and tapping his fingers against the sleeve of his kimono, a simpler piece, and responded, "That's easy for you to say Ichigo, you don't have to worry about becoming the clan head, and dealing with them all hours of the day. Besides you just don't care shit about their words."

The orange-haired Shinigami could only nod honestly at the truth delivered from his friend's lips. The orange-haired Shinigami was infinitely happy that he would never have to occupy the position Isshin held (and one that Kaien would likely hold). If ever there were the prospect of him holding the position he would sooner run away then hold it.

As if seeing it written clearly on Ichigo's features Byakuya laughed under his breath knocking one of his hands against Ichigo's own, to jolt him out of the frankly terrifying thoughts. Ichigo grinned at the action, as their server returned and carefully set their dishes down, leaving a few parting phrases before bouncing off.

Studying the picture before him, Ichigo shrugged his shoulders, ignoring Shiro's rather vile comments that no doubt would still paint his skin red even after years, and tried the lunch. It was a spicy affair but was combatted nicely by a rather sweet sauce. Looking over Byakuya seemed content with his own food, and for a few minutes it was just the two Shinigami dining in companionable silence.

"So how are you feeling Ichigo?"

Byakuya asked after a few moments, where they were able to cut their focus on the food, to include conversation. Ichigo shrugged and nodded at the question, trying to commute the complexity of the answer before he thought over it for a moment, and answered, "A lot better than our earlier meeting."

"You've been getting sleep?"

Byakuya asked, eyes pinning Ichigo to his seat pulling his soul forth from his lips, damn why were his family and friends all so intense about his well-being. Ichigo reflected that he should be used to it by now, they had overwhelmed him during the war, and they continued to do so in a completely different timeline.

"Yes mom."

Ichigo responded with snark, earning a glare and an eye roll from the heir. Byakuya stared at Ichigo all serious quiet, and asked, "Honestly?"

"Yeah, don't worry, I'm taking care of myself now… or at least as much as I can. Kaien likes to help by yelling."

Ichigo responded lightly and comfortingly, trying to assure his friend of the truth, he would likely shoulder the weight of that one bad decision for a long while. Byakuya nodded and settled back from where he had leant forward, as if in closing the space between them the intensity of his presence would procure the truth (which Ichigo supposed did veritably work in interrogation settings).

"Like at dinner earlier in the week, when he yelled across the table about you consuming alcohol?"

Byakuya questioned with an innocent smile, Ichigo nodded a grave expression stealing over his features as he thought of the incident and leaned forward, and with all the seriousness of the dead (which was apparently a lot) responded, "Of course."

Byakuya shook his head at the over the top gesture but it was backed by content and familiarity at the infamous antics and dramatics (that Ichigo had no idea he had picked up, till Uryuu had commented on it one night). Silently in good humour they finished the rest of their food, with liberal amounts of tea, idly they made light conversation about the past week; about the Sixth's training schedule, how Shunsui had finally caught Ichigo sunbathing.

The waiter arrived and took the plates away after asking about the food, promising to bring back more tea (though this time sans alcohol). As if just remembering something, Byakuya perked up running his fingers along the table. Sending his friend, a curious look, Ichigo patiently, well mostly patiently, waited for his friend to divulge whatever information rested on his lips.

"Is there something you would like to share?"

Ichigo asked after a moment, where Shiro's constant nagging to ask him won out. Byakuya grinned a touch triumphantly at having outlasted Ichigo, who pouted at the gesture but continued to wait on Byakuya's answer.

"Well I uh might have proposed to Hisana."

Byakuya started out uncertainly ending in a fast blur that Ichigo caught nothing of. The heir likely seeing the confusion on his friend's face rubbed a hand over his face and repeated again a touch slower, "I proposed to Hisana."

Ichigo sat stock still, frozen. Before a very wide grin settled on his lips, and he had to resist the urge to dart across the table and pick his friend up in a great bear hug that would make Kaien proud. Instead he congratulated Byakuya over and over again, watching the relief bleed across his friend's face accompanied by a warm happiness that just pulsed through his soul.

Ichigo was honestly happy for the heir, because he knew Hisana would make him happy (mental note search for Rukia), they were good together, both appreciated the silence, the profoundness of life. The orange-haired Shinigami knew it had a bitter ending, as stories of life often did, but it was the happiness before then that mattered. Afterwards if he couldn't fix it, Ichigo and maybe Rukia would be there to put the Kuchiki back together again.

"So how did it go down? Give me all the details."

Ichigo asked with a sly wink, earning a snort from Byakuya who laughed happily, cheeks flushed with the emotion. He studied the tea swirling in his cup for a moment before he relented and replied, "Well have I told you about her?" Ichigo shook his head and mouthed "Only every other sentence" before letting Byakuya continue, "Anyways we just... you know connect, as it's just… the way she smiles and looks at the sky. Life is just so beautiful in her movements

But back to proposing, well I got permission from Ginrei to officially court her about a month ago or so. He met her first, just watched us interact and at the end said to me, 'There are many burdens you will shoulder, to have someone you love, people you love support you is essential.' And that was that, he gave me the blessing when I asked, with that proud smile… exactly like the one you're wearing right now.

So, I took her out to dinner two nights ago, and afterwards we went and walked along this one path near the falls, she told me about her sister, we talked about trying to find her, Hisana's illness, and in the end well I still proposed. She said yes. I feel like I've been floating since."

Byakuya admitted, eyes impossibly bright, just seeming to reach out and ensnare the life around it. Ichigo smiled in return just as bright, reaitsu warm and happy between the two. The orange-haired Shinigami reflected on the story, slightly surprised that Ginrei had given Byakuya permission to marry Hisana, and had not instead insisted on an arranged marriage (or the fact that Hisana had actually said yes). It left a warmth that just seemed to saturate his soul.

"I'm so happy for you Byakuya."

Ichigo said sincerely, smiling at his friend across the table, Byakuya nodded his thanks aura bright and airy around him. Idly Ichigo picked up his mug, warming the cooling tea with his reaitsu he took a sip and settled with a content sigh.

"What about you Ichigo? Any romance in your life?"

Byakuya asked with a grin, all mischievous and cunning, jolting Ichigo from his thoughts. He pinned Byakuya with a serious deadpan glance and replied, "The only love of my life is that of tea."

The lieutenant laughed at Ichigo's response; Ichigo soon joining in on the contagious laughter, panting for breath at the end. Byakuya always managed to incite Ichigo's mirth, just bringing out a certain radiance with him.

"In all seriousness, I'm really not interested much, it's not like I want anything deeply physical out of relationship anyway."

Ichigo responded nonchalantly with a shrug, Byakuya's piercing silver eyes that glowed in the dimming light of the bar, studied Ichigo for a moment before he nodded in understanding. After a minute Byakuya jokingly responded, "I would watch out then, I think Yoruichi keeps trying to hook you up with her lieutenant."

Ichigo groaned at the news, knowing it was more than likely true, he shared an exasperated glance with Byakuya before they were laughing again. It was good to be with his friend again, he had missed this, the gentle teasing and laughter. Calming slightly Ichigo carefully sipped at his tea and perched his elbows on the table, so that he could lean forward and stare at Byakuya with all the intensity the heir had displayed previously.

"So, who's invited to the wedding, I better be invited."

Byakuya laughed at Ichigo's gossiping tones, perfectly mimicking some of the members of the Shinigami Women's Association, that they had happened to spy on in the past. Byakuya pretended to think over the question leaning back with his fingers perched under his jaw.

Ichigo laughed at the image, startling the heir into laughing with him for no abrupt reason. Eventually they settled sharing a few fond looks, as Byakuya continued to provoke Ichigo and draw out his answer. The orange-haired Shinigami pouted but continued to play the waiting game with a laugh happy to be with his friend.

X

Shinji bounced on his feet across from Ichigo, a cocky smirk adorning his features, hair brilliantly gold in the afternoon sunlight filtering into the Fifth's division. Really the lieutenant had only stopped by briefly to drop off a few papers, but then Shinji had by some magic coerced Ichigo into a spar. Maybe it had been the teasing drawl, knowing eyes tempting, asking Ichigo if he was willing to play a game.

Ichigo had been debating a game of his own for a while, wondering over it out loud and in the confidence of his Captain. He had been unsure about the spar, but ultimately had accepted the offer (and Shiro's insistent whining was definitely not a deciding factor); because sparing with Shinji was always fun. The man just managed a way with his blade, that was less a dance of elegance like Ichigo was well familiar with in spars with Byakuya, and more so rising adrenaline, the challenge that revolved around flashy moves, and intellectual chessboards.

If he did follow through with the half-baked plan simmering at the back of his mind, it would be mostly fun to experience the fall-out. And in any circumstance, most of his family and friends were furious at him for one thing or another. So, adding another great reveal would likely only earn Ichigo a few more lectures than he had originally accounted for.

Running a hand through his hair and shaking aside running thoughts, Ichigo looked up into Shinji's eyes. Playful and challenging, he drew Zangetsu from the sheathe resting at his waist, letting the blade rest comfortingly within his grasp, catching the light off the metal.

"Ya sure ya ready to fight me Ichi?"

Shinji asked with a teasing grin, bright with anticipation. Ichigo grinned in return, feeling the same emotions, excited to spar with his friend again, the challenge of it, and the simple pleasure of it. Raising a brow in contrite amusement, Ichigo laughed and responded, "Last I remember I won our most recent spar."

Shinji pouted at the truthful words, rolling his eyes and mouthing something about 'pretentious brats' and said out loud with a touch of scorn and fondness, "Brat."

Ichigo let his laughter bounce freely around the training sal, ignorant of their collection of onlookers slowly growing in size. He could almost feel Sosuke's gaze through the division wall, likely peering out from a window however much the man had placidly declined to come and watch.

Ichigo knew Sosuke still employed the demure and kind persona within the barracks, and his appearance throughout Soul Society. Partially to maintain appearances, but also partially to annoy Shinji, who would much prefer the real Sosuke.

Gin was off in a corner, slit eyes watching the engaging battle with thinly veiled interest. Ichigo was pretty sure Shinji, or Sosuke had herded the young Shinigami out, and settled him onto a step. Otherwise their viewers were inconsequential in Ichigo's mind.

Flicking Zangetsu up, Ichigo swayed loosely on the balls of his feet, sending a last questioning gesture to the Captain still grinning like a loon. Shinji nodded, and Ichigo centered himself with a breath before he darted forward ground rushing underneath his feet as he appeared in Shinji's personal space.

Sakande was hastily brought up to deflect Zangetsu's blade, as Ichigo forced the weight of his upper body onto the blade, satisfied with the vague surprise painting Shinji's features. They forced their zanpaktou blades against the other for a moment, Ichigo pushed against Shinji trying to force him back, a touch successful as sandaled soles slid against paved stone. There was a fierce brightness on Shinji's features as he pushed back in return.

Shinji sprung back suddenly, swinging Sakande loosely as he considered Ichigo before he took up the offensive and was careening forward wildly. Tracking the pace of his feet, Ichigo swung to the side to intercept the blade flying towards Ichigo's neck with slick speed.

The metal of their blades clashed again with a loud shriek and the echoing sparks of metal like burnished magma. Ichigo ducked under Shinji's blade and brought Zangetsu up and under, hilt aiming towards Shinji's unprotected jaw.

The blond side stepped the assault crouching low to swing Sakande at Ichigo's unprotected side. Jumping back Ichigo brought Zangetsu under the Captain's blade forcing it higher to parry the attack.

The orange-haired Shinigami stepped into a merciless rhythm for a few moments, slash, duck, parry, struggle for a moment, spring back, duck again, taunt Shinji with a grin. Blades flickering against each like a frothing hurricane of steel. Slowly they warmed up, blood pumping, adrenaline roaring in his ear along with Shiro's bloodlust.

Springing back, the two fighters paused to study each other, assessing the condition of the other; before Shinji flashed a familiar Cheshire grin, and Ichigo flashed his own mischief laced one in return. Immediately Shinji launched into the air disappearing in bursts of mirage laden images meant to confuse Ichigo.

Deftly Ichigo turned and raised his hand casting a silent kido shield that Sakande skittered against uselessly, with the unpleasing sound of nails on a chalkboard. Shinji pouted at the barrier before he darted around it, stretching the blade out in an overextension even as underneath with his other hand he carefully formed another kido.

Ichigo executed a swift uppercut to push the blade away, hastily raising his other arm up to intercept the byakurai zipping towards him in shots of electric light. It impacted against his forearm with a dull sting as his blut vein activated stealing away most of the pain (if only to soothe Kaien's future worries), and leaving a torn sleeve and a thin gash.

Leaving no time for the blond Captain to retaliate, Ichigo channeled some of his reaitsu along Zangetsu's sealed state and allowed it to surge forward, impacting the concrete and kicking up dust into the air like a cloud of confusion.

Ichigo cut through the dust, tracking Shinji's presence he appeared behind the older soul, an unstable Shakkahō exploding as Shinji turned around in a brilliant burst of crimson that flung the dust high into the air. Shinji growled something low and pleased, the hollow portion of his powers shining through as he stepped out of the smoke.

The orange-haired Shinigami, caught the incoming blade, ducking as Shinji reversed his grip and brought the blade out before bringing the hilt careening towards Ichigo's temple. The lieutenant sprung back and kicked out with his left leg to create distance even as he attempted to analyse the tactics Shinji was employing in their battle.

Idea sparking his thoughts Ichigo darted back waiting for Shinji to make the next move he called out, "Keep up old man!"

The blond grinned from across the rubble filled training area before he flew forward. Ichigo stepped aside from the fast impact, sticking a foot out to trip the sudden appearance of his friend.

Shinji carefully caught himself, as Ichigo brought the dull side of zanpaktou's sealed form to crash into the back of Shinji's next, his other hand holding a simple hado. The blond ducked the blow before it could make contact but as he swung out away from Ichigo's fist glowing with a hado Ichigo snapped his foot to the left and caught Shinji's side.

The blond let out a ragged gasp as he darted away with a small hiss. Ichigo laughed at the sound, knowing the kick would leave a large bruise the next day; he winced in slight sympathy, though he didn't possess enough empathy to regret the attack. Not when his rib cage pulsed with a twang of pain, where Shinji had decided it a great idea to plant his fist in Ichigo's side.

"Hey Ichi, think we can go Shikai?"

Shinji asked with a certain mania to his face that was still light hearted, but possessed all the darkness of his hollow side. Ichigo rolled his eyes but submitted to the request with a nod and a small smile that was all rain and sunlight.

The orange-haired Shinigami watched as Shinji let Sakande rotate between his fingers, echoing her release phrase, Ichigo quickly snapped his eyes shut. He winced at the touch of vertigo that overtook his senses and left him feeling dizzy on his feet. The lieutenant took a breath drawing on and submerging himself in Zangetsu-Ossan's presence, allowing Zangetsu-Shiro's instincts to guide him.

He loosened his tense posture swaying on his feet, he connected with his zanpaktou and whirled and deflected the blade splicing towards his head with a loud squawk of metal on metal. Shinji made a vaguely flabbergasted noise, and Ichigo chuckled. He wondered if the Captain would ever get use to Ichigo's ability to deflect the attacks of the inverted world.

Ichigo had more experience then he would have liked to admit dealing with illusion type zanpaktou. While Sakande was certainly different from Kyoka Suigetsu the concept remained the same. The senses were deceiving and the only way to stand in such a battle, was instinct, and even that was tricky.

Darting to the side, as the keen whistle of a blade passing overhead. Ichigo's fist darted out in the opposite direction briefly clipping the sleeve of Shinji's shihaksho before he pulled back and resumed his balance on the balls of his feet.

Shinji pounded Ichigo with a flurry of attacks, darting soft whispers of cloth, and Shiro's presence guiding his arms. Narrowly blocking the intense strike with pressure that felt like a hurricane at times and sometimes soft as western skies.

Occasionally he opened his eyes for a moment, revelling in the challenge it presented; it was a unique way to train his senses and his mind. He had to focus on moving his blade in the opposite direction he was expecting.

Shinji slipped forward on Ichigo's left and he carefully brought his blade out to the right to intercept the swing, ducking into a lower stance for stability. Their blades clashed with the grind of metal, and Shinji's weight behind the blade. Ichigo quickly reversed Zangetsu down and outwards in his hand, allowing the blade in the inverted world to swing upwards and in. The blond grin and commented in the tight closed spaces, "Ya a damn protégé aren't you Ichigo? Figuring out how to fight in my inverted world with ease."

Ichigo just smiled innocently at the question, reflecting as he pushed Sakande closer to Shinji's chest, that in some ways when he had been a youth it had seemed that way. Instead he channelled reaitsu along his blade leaning forward, and said, "When I've fought your Shikai well over ten times it's easier."

"Tell that to the first two times we fought."

Shinji yelled back as he ducked away and darted off circling around Ichigo. Ichigo hastily brought Zangetsu up behind him catching the incoming blade he kicked his back leg out in a low side sweep and pivoted on his other foot in the opposite direction to end up facing the blonde again.

It was like a game of cat and mouse, where Ichigo was left blind as a mouse and the cat, Shinji who personified the animal quite well, could strike out at his fancy. But it was fun nonetheless, the overbearing rush of adrenaline, the thrill in trying to predict and combat Shinji's attacks.

"Oy Ichi gonna bring out Zangetsu, or ya gonna keep playing with the little toy."

Shinji jeered with a laugh, all light mocking amusement as the blond brought Sakande in an overhead strike that Ichigo blocked at the last minute, bringing Zangetsu up with fluid ease. Shiro cheered in Ichigo's ear for him to succumb to the pressure, and his thoughts of late. Ossan echoed it with whispering reassurances. Ichigo had wanted to reveal Zangetsu.

He was tired of hiding his blade, the wonderful product of his soul that carried his strength. Tired of always having to modulate his power to such an extreme so that he could maintain a blade that felt unsure in his hands.

Ichigo had already made peace with the consequences. And sometimes it was the time to throw caution to the wind. Backing a few paces away from Shinji, Ichigo flashed the blond a knowing grin, and brought the sleek blade out to point forwards in front of him.

Channelling his reaitsu along the blade, Ichigo laughed at Shiro's glee, and Ossan's content, as he called out, "Tear the heavens asunder Zangetsu."

The dust from the rubble no doubt littering the sparring area was thrown into the air, thick as winter's frost, blocking everyone's sight. Ichigo smiled, fond and like the sunshine on early mornings as the familiar weight of Zangetsu rested in both of his hands, the large and small blade balanced perfectly.

With a swing of Ossan's smaller Khyber blade, the dust cleared and Shinji across from him, stark in his shihaksho against the still pumice of white from the dust grinned, his hollow reflected in the wide curve of his lips. Ichigo thought he could hear the gasps and feel the shock of the audience at his sudden dramatic reveal, but it was lost in the moment of battle. The Captain casually swung Sakande in lazy circles, easily dropping the inverted world with a laugh that Ichigo recognized as anticipation, feeling the same emption kindling in his own chest.

Crossing Zangetsu's dual forms before his chest, he pooled his reaitsu into the blades, crackling and vibrating in his hands, he sent the rampant energy forward. Racing across the debris littered ground towards the blond. Shinji hastily cut Sakande upwards to catch the reaitsu as it dispersed around the blade in a terrifying display of crimson and ebony.

Shinji darted from under the remaining dredges of the Getsuga Tensho letting it pass harmlessly overhead where it dissipated upon contact against the surrounding walls. Ichigo watched the blond approach from the right and as the blond leaped, the lieutenant turned and raised the Khyber blade to the left catching the outside strike on the blade. The infamous Cheshire grin was still there as Sakande slipped away from Ossan's smaller blade and slashed in a rapid blinding wide arc towards Ichigo's neck.

Ichigo ducked evenly and turned to the right, to block where the blade had suddenly appeared Shinji's face close to Ichigo's own as the blade caught against Shiro's blade, arced over Ichigo's head. Few had probably even realised Shinji's ulterior form of his Shikai, the inverted world turned inwards.

Shinji was able to switch whatever angle he was fighting from in an instant, an inversion of where he was previously aiming, it allowed for a nasty surprise in battle. However, Ichigo had learned how to combat it for the most part, though the blond never ceased to surprise.

Ichigo ducked and released the larger blade, lunging low to the ground to appear in Shinji's personal space he brought up the Khyber blade, aiming for Shinji's neck. The blond grimaced before he cast a quick Shakkahō exploding in both of their faces. It threw Ichigo back, as he hastily brought Ossan's smaller blade up to block the worst of the damage, feet digging into the rubble as he braced himself. Shinji coughed but appeared otherwise unharmed if not a bit singed, likely transitioning the trajectory of the explosion.

Then the blond was in front of him once more and there was no time to ponder the blond's techniques. It was another rush and flurry of movements, ducking Sakande, jabbing with an uppercut with Shiro's hilt, slashing at the Captain's ankles with Ossan.

Shinji retaliated with vigour, slashing relentlessly, in quick sharp darting movements that appeared out of the corner of his eyes. His arms moving out of instincts to catch the blade, even as Shinji released a kido from his other palm, in addition to the strike.

Ichigo skidded back as Shinji pushed the advantage he precariously held. Suddenly Ichigo dropped and rolled to the side kicking out at Shinji's exposed calf. He clipped the leg earning one of Shinji's favourite nicknames even as he rose to a knee catching Sakande's low strike. He pushed the blade away with a rise catching it in the x shape of Zangetsu's form held together, before Ossan's blade was darting out to catch the blond's jaw.

Shinji leaned back, reaitsu sparking along his fist, and Ichigo's eyes widened in surprise as one hand was thrust forward a cero arcing out in a crackle of power. Ichigo skidded back Zangetsu catching the brute power and dispersing it along their blade. There was a wild feral grin on Ichigo's features backed by the pride at how far Shinji had come since their training.

Deciding to finish the spar, Ichigo darted forward light as air and appeared behind Shinji who was watching where Ichigo had stood with sceptical eyes. The blond pivoted and caught Ichigo's blade on the back of Sakande, Ichigo quickly brought the Khyber blade up to rest on the exposed hollow of Shinji's throat.

"I surrender Ichi."

Shinji said with a laugh, panting with exertion, skin flushed, eyes bright as a nuclear explosion. Ichigo grinned and dropped Ossan from Shinji's neck, sheathing the smaller blade at his side, as he brought Shiro's blade down and repeated the action. He could just feel the satisfaction emanating from his spirits, feeling his senses with a warm drowsy content that left Ichigo feeling a bit high.

Shinji rubbed at his neck as he sheathed Sakande, running the same hand through his hair, he stretched his legs out a bit. Ichigo copied the movement rotating his arms, knowing he would be sore the next day, but the good kind, as supposed to the 'why did I even try' kind of sore, Ichigo was familiar with.

Idly he checked over the few wounds littering his body, a few light kido burns, and a few thin scratches from where Sakande had gotten her claws into Ichigo. There was a particularly large gash on his collarbone, staining the hem of his shihaksho and leaving a trail of sluggishly drying blood down the side of his chest. Shaking his head at the thought of Kukkaku's complaints he raised a hand a let a light healing kido radiate from his palm. It was all he could manage; bruises and light cuts, anything else was far beyond his reach, as with most 'simple' kido.

Glancing over at Shinji, he checked the blond for wounds, and caught the cut he had left on the Captain's leg. Bending down he easily healed the wound earning an amused snort from the blond above him. Springing back to his feet with a waver of balance, he rolled on the balls of his feet, and glanced around.

There was quite a crowd, Ichigo noticed with a somewhat abashed smile. Most of the division had apparently come out, and Ichigo thought he could see Sosuke's smug visage somewhere there. Gin had a surprised but interested expression on his fox-like features from where he was seated in the shade.

Shinji yelled something loud about heading back to work, and reluctantly most of the Shinigami cleared out grumbling good-heartedly about their task-masking Captain. Shinji winked at Ichigo and sauntered over to the porches shadowed in shade plopping down with a flirtatious wave.

Ichigo shook his head in amusement at the Captain's antics and padded over to join the man. The lieutenant plopped onto the porch with a relieved sigh, stretching his legs out in front of him, as Shinji chuckled beside him. He leant back, briefly glancing at the Captain; he wondered what their recent spar would spell for the rest of Soul Society.

"Come on don't worry, it'll be fine."

Shinji assured Ichigo as he wacked Ichigo upside the head with knowing eyes. Ichigo frowned but nodded, and instead returned a small proud smile and said, "That cero was really nice."

The blond beamed in response at the praise, cocky and proud, and Ichigo rolled his eyes. It had been a good spar, challenging enough for Ichigo that he didn't have to worry about holding back, just not going overboard. Laughing softly to himself at Shiro's comment on Shinji's sloppy technique Ichigo studied the rubble littered courtyard with a grimace. At least he didn't have to clean it up.

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Thank you all for reading I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and the spar between Ichigo and Shinji which was fun to choreograph. Review/comments are always appreciated!

Salt!