Chapter 53

Shiro stops atop a roof of a house. His eyes are closed as he is trying to find Senna's Reiryoku. "Damn that worthless freak of a scientist".

Chad is still holding Orihime.

"Umm Ichigo-Kun…" Orihime shakes her head… "no I mean Hollow-Kun… "Shiro is losing his patience as she stumbles trying to get his attention and he finds himself wondering why did he ever feel attracted to her. Orihime slips off from Chad's arms and starts jumping up and down from below waving her hand bouncing the lovelies simultaneously. Okay maybe he does remember why.

"Maybe I hurt his feelings by calling him a Hollow". She puts a finger to her mouth deep in thought. "Hmm I know…Snowy-Kun, can you come down here"? Chad looks at her in disbelief. "I have a toy robot that is white as snow and his skin looks the same as him". Orihime points at him. "He reminds me of snow"!

A small vein pops out from a corner of his forehead. Suddenly huge boobs are not enough of a distraction to block his annoyance. Orihime continues to wave around until Shiro appears right in front of her with his height looming over her.

"Call me Horse…not Ichigo-Kun, not Hollow-Kun and definitely not Snowy-Kun".

Shiro refuses for anyone but his Queen to know his real name.

"Oookayyy…you do look like a white horse with yellow eyes but horses don't have Zanpakuto's". Orihime starts daydreaming and is lost in thought to a picture of a white horse walking on its hinds legs holding a zanpakuto. Unbeknownst to her the hand that is holding the Zanpakuto is starting to twitch as Shiro is losing what little is left of patience. "Do you eat hay instead of souls"?

That last comment was the straw that broke the camel's back. Chad holds Shiro back as he swings unabashed. "Orihime why were you trying to get his attention"? Chad asks annoyed himself now.

"Oh yeah…well if you guys hold on to me maybe it will enhance my abilities and we could find them. I became really good at sensing spiritual energy especially our groups".

"You could have said this earlier Blondie".

"I am not blonde though".

"I am pretty sure you were born one". Shiro mutters harshly. (No offense to any blondes smarts does not have any correlation to hair color but let's remember Shiro is an ignorant Hollow so for the sake of the story…)

Chad coughs while still holding on to him.

"Will you behave"? Chad asks Shiro. He simply nods for an answer so Chad turns him around, punches him in the face quickly and harshly then picks him back up and holds him with a firm grip by the shoulders. "If you ever even think about hurting Uryu again I will forget we are brothers, got it"?

Orihime gasped out loud but made no move to step in she can feel the genuine angry deathly scary aura coming from Chad. It is baffling since she never has felt this from him before. For the first time Inoue, Orihime is afraid of Chad.

Shiro spits out blood and stares intensely right back into his eyes. "My hands remain still right Goliath"?

Chad understands his question is an answer. Shiro allowed him to land that painful fist accepting it fully for what he did to Uryu. Chad loosens his grip and let's him go.

"Why don't we give Orihime's plan a shot"? Chad calmed down now asks.

"Whatever…" Shiro looks at Orihime. She exhales as the intense moment disappears as quickly as it came. The two of them grab on to a shoulder as Orihime closes her eyes and concentrates.


Urahara finished healing Uryu's fractured wrist and is now working on Senna's injuries. Her face sullen, worn out, tears still leaving her amber doe-eyes and it looks as if she aged, no more like withered away painfully.

"Why…"? The heavy silence is broken by her fragile small voice…"I thought I could…so why"?

Uryu sometimes really hates being the "voice of reason" the "bringer of truth" even if it's painful and a role others stray from as much as possible but alas it must be done.

"That is what we are hoping you could answer? Why would Kurosaki attack you with intent to kill you slowly? Not only you but anyone that dare stand in his way not caring who we are to him".

"Senna-Chan it would help if we knew why he was so angry with you". Urahara chimes in.

Senna shakes her head.

"I wish…I knew. I did not know…he could be so-so sca-ry".

"You are not who we think you are…are you"? Uryu states it as truth causing Urahara to look at him through the corner of his eyes though remains facing Senna as he heals her.

Senna suddenly looks up at the "nosy Quincy whom should shut up before his accusing eyes are yanked out from their sockets" with disdain.

"I already answered that question I DON'T KNOW".

"Alright fair enough but you need to be ready when Hollow Kurosaki finds us since it seems intent on killing you". Uryu states coldly.

Urahara stops healing her. "All done Senna-Chan". He stands up as he was kneeling in front of her as she sat on a crate in an abandoned warehouse.

"Yare, yare, Uryu, that is no way to treat a frightened lady". Urahara hides further behind his hat tipping it forward.

Uryu's cross starts glowing a little. "Where is your soul candy"?

Senna looks at Uryu in disbelief.

"I do-not-have-it-with-me…"Senna puts extra emphasis on her words.

Urahara pulls out a soul candy dispenser. "It never hurts to be prepared".

Senna looks like a deer caught in the head lights. "Do you really think I will need to use this? I could never fight him".

"I am afraid so Senna-Chan". Suddenly Urahara's innocent mischievous child's tone goes to one of somber and seriousness. "Uryu is right he is a mass of unadulterated unrestraint tenebrous raw instincts. He is Hollow and angry as in hell on wheels. We are going to need your help kuchiki, Senna".

Senna shakes her head profusely. "I SAID NO! He would never hurt me, he loves me! I WOULD NEVER RAISE A WEAPON AT HIM"! It is her last attempt at getting out of this without giving away not having Rukia's Shinigami powers. She is shaking uncontrollably.

Urahara puts away the candy, steps closer to Senna and hugs her. "There there, I wanted to give you a chance but there is no time left. They are almost here".

Urahara steps back slightly and pokes her with his cane forcing Senna's soul out from her body. His suspicions were correct seeing Senna is only wearing a pure white Yukata adorned with yellow flowers embroidered on it, a red koshihimo tied around her waist and white Zori's on her feet. The truth no longer disguised but bare for all to see she is not in Shinigami attire and certainly there is no Zanpakuto present either.

Senna gasps her eyes wide and sullen.

"Senna-Chan who are you really? Where is the real person you are trying to portray? Ichigo's Hollow will not ask nicely as you previously witnessed".

"I am who I am supposed to be". Her face is downcast her voice barely a whisper. "Please let this go".

"It is impossible to do so, see you are not a Shinigami so you clearly cannot wield Sode no Shirayuki".

A loud blast interrupts the conversation. Two figures appear running full speed towards them. Shiro appears right behind Senna with Zangetsu piercing the right side of her throat.

"How I would love to slit straight across and swim in your putrid blood". Shiro hisses out.

"Yare, yare slow down do not be hasty".

Chad and Orihime gasp once they reach the group. They see Senna's body lying on the ground and find she is not transformed into a Shinigami.

"Senna-Chan you are not…" Orihime says no more after that.

Chad puts his hand on Uryu's shoulder then softly lifts the supposed to be fractured wrist.

"It is okay Urahara-San healed me".

Senna lets two tears slip down her face.

Orihime snaps out of her stupor. "Horse-Kun, remember we need…her…don't hurt her"!

"Why…why do you remember? How could you remember her? I-I-I did everything right…WHERE IS ICHIGO? THE REAL ICHIGO"! Senna's chest is rising and falling from the strain of shouts.

"Take me to her now". Shiro's voice is calm and collected making it more eerie if possible.

"No, no I won't"! Senna defiantly shakes her head.

Shiro throws her towards a large crate causing blood to trickle down her forehead. Orihime takes a step towards her but Shiro lifts his Zanpakuto and points it towards her without looking at her.

"Don't even think about it Hime-Chan". His voice is mocking in a sing song way then he takes slow deliberate steps towards Senna. "See…you…will…tell me…" Shiro tilts his head to the left almost at an impossible angle…"whether you want…to or not". There is yellow energy flowing freely around His body as he nears her. His hair is flying about along with his attire.

Senna is shaking and crying. "YOU SAID YOU WOULD HELP ME"! Senna is yelling to no one in particular as she clutches her head tightly with both hands and eyes shut tight…or is she?

A purple lightning bolt lands right in front of Senna revealing her original Zanapkuto however this time it has a glowing purple line circling it from the hilt to its tip swaying like the wind. Senna stands up slowly limping a bit and grabs the Zanapkuto when she pulls it out her face looks right back up into their direction. Her amber eyes are almost glowing and narrow with determination.

"If you will not let Ichigo out…I will beat him out of you". Senna starts slightly rotating the Zanpakuto above her head pointing it towards the sky. The purple swirl starts getting thicker and the wind inside the warehouse is picking up. It doesn't take long for everyone's hair and clothes to carelessly thrash about in the wind.

Shiro smirks. "Sure thing putrid soul I'll play with ya and beat Queens location from you". He lunges at her full force.


The sky throughout Karakura town is darkening rather quickly and soon large drops of rain soak everything and everyone. Inside Karakura General fourth floor standing at the nurse station is a thoroughly soaked out of breath from running Karin.

"Where could she have gone? I mean she's not at full strength"! Karin's chest is rising and falling from the exertion as she's holding Yuzu's cell. The head nurse looks concerned but does not seem to be in any hurry either.

"Karin-San, we are conducting a search throughout the entire floor as we speak. I do apologize".

"It just doesn't make sense how could she get by all of them? No one noticed until I went to her room"! Karin points to some nurses.

"There are times when the station is unattended. There are many patients to attend to not just your sister is on this floor. We simply cannot child-sit her all of the time. Money cannot buy another's well being or health so if there was not enough staff to cover the station then that cannot be helped".

The head nurse is of course implying about Byakuya's attempt at buying comfort and extra care for Yuzu.

Karin slams her hands on the counter and what sliver of patience she had is totally gone now. A heavy scowl to rival Ichigo's is on her face with her left brow twitching Karin leans in close.

"I knew of how petty and low class your staff could be. I mean getting a fast screw in a janitors closet is top priority and let's not forget to mention polishing your nails while gossiping on the phone topic being 'head Nurse Karuna-San should get laid and maybe she won't be such a bitch anymore'".

The look on her face is priceless it went from disgust to outrage over Karin's choice of words. Karin smirks and straightens up her body, crosses her arms at her chest and sticks her nose up in the air.

"My opinion does not count though but…I wonder if…Ishida Ryūken's would count". Head Nurse Karuna-San turns pale and her face forms a tight line. "How would he take finding out that his overpaid staff rather groom themselves, gossip most viciously and have sex than to take care of the patients. Oh and one whom he knows personally"?

The Nurse closes her mouth which was wide open then coughs.

"There is no need to alarm Doctor Ishida on this matter allow me to take responsibility and fix this most inappropriate situation". The head Nurse makes a call to security. "There will be a thorough search for Yuzu-San throughout the entire Hospital". She bends down. "Once again you have my deepest apologies Karin-San".

"Just contact the number I provided if you find her. I will definitely pick up". Karin sighs and her face softens. "I appreciate the effort in finding my sister…thank you". Karin bows.

"I am sorry as well but next time don't say such hurtful words without knowing how important the life of a loved one is to someone else even like that of Kuchiki-Sama just because he has money. You are right money cannot buy what you mentioned but you forgot to add integrity and compassion something lacking around here".

Karin bows once again before running down the stairs instead of waiting for one of the elevators. Karuna-San actually smiles a little and she definitely will have to conduct a meeting with her staff.

Karin runs to a bus stop in front of the Hospital. She has Ichigo's cell and dials her father's again but this time there's no answer and his voicemail is full so she texts him. The last time he instructed her to stay with Yuzu at the Hospital after what happened at the house.

'Yuzu where are you? I know you are not in that Hospital maybe you went home and I hope your all right you've been having nightmares too'. Karin is thinking to herself as she waits for the bus.


Yuzu is walking wearing a loose fitting light green Nurse's outfit with her pink Sketchers sneakers. She is soaked completely and running with tears furiously coming down her face.

"Calm down Yuzu-Chan, thank Kami-Sama, Ichi-Nii is not dead"! Yuzu thinks trying to convince herself.

Yuzu thinks back on how she felt Ichigo's spirit energy off the charts it was so ominous and sad. She tried calling his cell but no luck then she tried Karin's, her father's, Senna's and Byakuya's and still no response from anyone so panic started to set in. Yuzu has not always been able to feel spirits and Reiatsu and such just like drops here and there but lately it's like the faucet broke open.

It is wonderful yet frightening all at once. When she successfully escaped the Hospital she went home and practically fell over with the mess inside the house once there but when she saw Ichi-Nii's body lying on the couch with no pulse or breath she collapsed onto her knees and almost fainted with tears flowing freely until she saw the note attached to his forehead.

The side with the words was facing his forehead so she thought it was a blank paper but suddenly it shifted and when she turned it all the way with shaky fingers it read…

..."I'M NOT DEAD JUST TOOK A STROLL OUT OF MY BODY BECAUSE I'M AN IDIOT FEEL FREE TO KICK ME"!...

...Yuzu cried in relief and realized it was Karin's handwriting. Still there is a feeling of dread so she took off and for once the voice of reason in the Kurosaki household did the opposite of what she should have done which was remain till someone came back home.

Since Yuzu's feet seem to have a mind of their own she grabs a bike and starts peddling like the devil is on her heels.


Karin arrives at the house and still there is no sign of Yuzu anywhere. She pulls out Ichigo's cell to see if any messages were left since hers is broken but there are none.

"What the hell"! She kicks a cup on the ground shattering it to pieces. "Oops I forget the strength my legs have". Karin doesn't know what to do but decides to go to Urahara's and see if Isshin is still there.

Karin takes off again so fast and focused she failed to notice one of their bikes is missing. After a couple of minutes of running she stops at a cross light catching her breath. Karin is full of stamina and her legs are strong but even she can run out of steam. She looks both ways to make sure no car is coming and starts crossing when a car speeding rushes by splashing mud and water on her.

"You fucker watch it! Great now I'm dirty"! She stomps angrily as she continues to cross when her left foot gets stuck in a small pothole twisting it at the same time."Shit, ouch"!

Time seems to slow down for Karin even though another car turns the corner so fast it knocks down a nearby trash bin. There is not enough time to think let alone move so Karin closes her eyes and holds her breath waiting for impact.

"I love you all". Those are the only words she mutters. For some odd reason the crushing blow never came. Karin squints with one eye then slowly opens them both. Her breath is lost as in front of her appears a Shinigami. He is tall, lean but muscular, slightly flexing throughout his arms, has two arm bands around his upper arms, his hair is black and long enough to reach his collarbone and seems to frame his face.

Zanpakuto is sitting on his hip. He turns around and now his face is somewhat clearer as his hair is covering his eyes some but Karin can still see dark eyes piercing through her very soul. Karin cannot see the three long scars or the number 69 but does see the light grey stripped tattoo over the bridge of his nose.

(I am having a fan girl moment with him. Just screams sexy lol)

In the sexiest baritone voice Karin's ever heard…"Are you alright"?

"Beautiful angel of death…" Is all Karin whispers before she passes out.


Yuzu gets off the bike and looks around trying to figure where she is. "Why am I here"? It looks like its cross town in a part of Karakura she's never been to. There is a small cave and her sore legs keep pushing forward till she is inside. "Darn it I don't have any light and I forgot my phone at the Hospital". A sharp headache with an image comes out of nowhere.

It's of a petite extremely fair skinned even looks pale woman about 5'3 blonde curly hair that reaches her shoulders wearing Shinigami attire and the most beautiful light green eyes Yuzu has ever seen. Her nose, lips and chin are that of a doll refined and finely shaped. She is running and jumping along the empty streets at night. Her breathing is labored and there is blood flowing out from a gash straight across her back. It is hot and humid.

The woman decides to go inside the cave thinking cornering it is the best way to defeat the Hollow that's following her. The Hollow however is too much for the petite Shinigami and managed to land a heavy blow with its claws shredding her stomach but still she found the strength and finished off the bird like Hollow by breaking its mask. The Shinigami falls backwards against a tree which has a hole not too far above it with the moon shining through.

"That must be how this tree could survive being inside the cave". The frail woman smiles before closing her eyes and whispering inside the lonely cave that would become her final resting place…"Aishiteru…Kuchiki Taichou…Watashinoōjisama…" (I love you Kuchiki, Taichou, my Prince)

After the images Yuzu opens her eyes which are glistening with tears and runs inside the cave. Yuzu does not stop until reaching the small yet strong cherry blossom tree. Yuzu drops to her knees and starts digging in front of the tree like her life depended on it.


Karin is groaning a little feeling pain from her left foot mostly by the ankle. She is trying to focus her vision and her surroundings so her head is moving from side to side. Strong yet gentle hands steady her head by holding her cheeks restricting her movements. Her eyes finally look straight up and looking down into her own are dark grey orbs that seem gentle trying to comfort her.

'My angel of death…' Karin lost in thought. One hand comes up to touch the three long scars now visible due to the rain making the hair stick to his face. Karin's head feels like its carrying lead inside and her body feels like it's inside a freezer then sleep comes back to claim her.


Orihime, Chad, Uryu and Urahara are hiding behind some crates and boxes while Shiro and Senna are fighting all over the place. It's like a lightning storm inside the warehouse. Shiro is cut in different places and bleeding as well. They now know that Senna is an impersonator even though they still do not remember Rukia because her ice type zanpakuto is clearly not the one currently being used to fight Shiro.

This blade is a wind like Zanpakuto but the most important indicator she is not who she claims to be is the fact she is attacking Ichigo. Hollow or not "Senna" would never hurt or fight Ichigo even if he was attacking her then again Hollow Ichigo would never attack her in return.

"We have to help him"! Orihime is yelling above the noise. Urahara is sitting with his legs crossed reading from the journal silently as if nothing is happening. Chad and Uryu are looking at the battle wondering what they should do.

"We would only get in the way Orihime". Uryu tells her.

"He is getting hurt while she is mercilessly attacking him". Worry is etched on her face.

"Uryu is right he is simply buying us time to come up with a solution. He knows that hurting her is not an option so he is just staving off her attacks as best as he can". Chad puts a hand on her shoulder. "Ichigo's Hollow is strong, don't worry".

Orihime smiles softly. "Yes you are right. Thank you Chad". Orihime looks up at the clashing of Zanpakuto's. 'Oh Ichigo-Kun please be alright'. Orihime closes her eyes and says a little prayer.

Shiro is breathing deeply. It is taking all of his energy to counter attack all her moves and not hurt her physically instead he is mentally and emotionally crippling her by berating her every chance he gets. Making her angrier but he wants her to focus on him and not Urahara whom is trying to figure out how to make her open the entrance and get Rukia back.

"Do you really think you can take her place an empty rotten shell like you"? With every venomous word Senna seems to get angrier and strike harder. He has been laughing at her attempts to hurt him.

"I could say the same for you Hollow rotten soul eating creature. You are Ichigo's weakness you are pathetic"! One of the mini purple lightning bolts hits him cutting across his stomach which already has cuts.

"Leaving off fear and despair waiting and biding your time to take over when Ichigo feels lost…" Senna and his Zanpakuto clash slightly trembling hands clutch and fight for dominance… "so it is you that's pathetic not me. I am trying to live"!

Shiro shakes his head.

"You do know when Rukia looks at you it's an imitation of him she's looking at matter of fact she's looking through you to Ichigo"!

Shiro's eyes seem to glow brighter the sinister smile gone. He pushes her away and slams Zangetsu down so hard he has her pinned to the ground on sheer strength with one hand. It is taking all of her strength to keep her own Zanpakuto from cutting any deeper into her neck. She starts to bleed her hands are trembling from the force.

"Aww did I…strike a…nerve? Did I hurt your feelings"? Senna mocks him some more.

Shiro tilts his head at an awkward angle again then he smiles like a maniac.

"Rotten soul eating Hollows like me don't have feelings. Words from a barren stand in like you cannot wound me…but…" Shiro using his claws from his free hand slicing from her left brow down to her right cheek. Senna screams loudly. Shiro's evil grin is gone, his face hardens and his eyes are pitch black… "but you don't get to say her name it is sacred".

Tears are coming down her face.

"Horse-Kun, no please, stop it"! Orihime is screaming above all the noise worried he will snap. Shiro reluctantly steps back but remains in front of her. Senna crawls backwards and is holding her face with eyes wide with horror.

"Urahara-San you need to hurry things are escalating. I can feel it Ichigo's Hollow is starting to lose the little restraint he has".

Urahara doesn't answer.

"Honestly I think both of them are". Chad chimes in.

Orihime puts on a smile. "I can do this for you Ichigo-Kun". Orihime runs towards them and kneels next to Senna.

"Please Ichigo-Kun; you love Senna-Chan come back to her". Senna's eyes turn to look at her with wonderment. Orihime smiles warmly at her. Senna smiles back not realizing Orihime is just buying more time for Urahara. Shiro understands for once and plays along.

"Get away from her woman". Orihime shakes her head and starts healing Senna's face.

"You will regret hurting the woman Ichigo loves".

Urahara closes the journal.

"This will be difficult. Senna is needed to open the door to the realm. Once inside Senna has to exchange places with Rukia-Chan".

"Do you remember her"? Chad asks Urahara.

"No but Isshin-San remembers her quite well. Senna has to willingly trade with Rukia-Chan since it's a soul for soul exchange. There is no other way for it to work. There is a chant to turn her back into the Shinenju, Senna's original state. Once the exchange is done thus making everything to how it once was".

"So you are saying this Rukia willingly switched with Senna. Once the switch happens again we will all remember everything that transpired before and after the switch".

Urahara nods at Uryu.

Uryu points to Shiro. "He will definitely not convince her to do that. We need Ichigo back it's the only hope".

Urahara tips his hat forward again. "The problem is why did Ichigo go into the recesses of his mind and how will we get him out".

Urahara stands up and fixes his clothes wiping the dirt off.

"Oi 'Horse-San' over there we need Ichigo-Kun back". Urahara is waving his fan around like a girl. Shiro scoffs at the sarcasm and mockery Urahara is displaying. "Let Senna-Chan have her way with him". Urahara is still waving his fan around and smiling.

"Why all of a sudden is everyone trying to help me"? Senna is hesitantly mumbling to herself.

"Don't you think I would have done that already if I could"? Shiro yells to Urahara. Urahara walks over to Him.

"We need him to come back so find a way". The smile is gone from his face and the mock in his voice is gone as well.

"No I should have known…" Senna still mumbling then stands up… "It is all a trick and I am done with it"! Senna yells but her voice is almost demonic not her usual soft tone as she slaps Orihime away then summoning her powers she hurls the three of them into the air.

Chad flies up and grabs Orihime as Shiro grabs Urahara by the collar. Chad holds Orihime bridal style and makes sure she is alright. Shiro puts Urahara down on the ground and heads straight towards Senna.

Senna's eyes are black just like Rukia's was when she was possessed. Around her is violent wind. She starts swinging the zanpakuto above her head once more. The thin purple line is getting thicker around it.

Shiro is trying to get closer but its taking all of him to stay grounded from the strength of the wind.

'Shit this is bad'. He thinks to himself.

"Everyone stay back"! Urahara starts chanting a spell and a barrier is formed around Senna. The purple lightning is bouncing around inside the barrier. "This should hold up a while". He is sweating already.

Senna is swinging the Zanapkuto wildly inside trying to break the barrier.

"Hurry and get Ichigo out now time is running out and he is the only one who might be able to get Rukia-Chan back by convincing Senna to open the way". Urahara sits Indian style on the floor and concentrates taking deep breaths. Orihime puts a hand to Urahara's shoulder and sits next to him in the same manner. "Thank you Orihime-Chan". She smiles back and concentrates her powers on fortifying the shield.

Shiro stabs Zangetsu into the ground to steady himself and kneels on one knee then closing his eyes his head downcast Shiro retreats to Ichigo's inner world.


Shiro looks around as the once paradise is now in shambles. Even he is taken aback at the grim view.

"Oi old man where are you"? Zangetsu manifests right in front of him looking ragged. Shiro actually gives him support by putting his arm around his waist. Zangetsu wraps his arm around his shoulder steadying himself.

"It took you long enough to get here Hollow".

"Whatever old man, where is the king"?

"Locked in despair somewhere I cannot reach. I have tried everything but to no avail I can't even feel him". Zangetsu says sadly.

"Damn that brat". Shiro places Zangetsu on a boulder. "Oi you selfish pussy get your ass out here"!

Shiro shunpo's to the top of the tallest building that's slowly crumbling beneath him. "Guess this is my shot to take over! Its gonna be nice to kill everything! I'm gonna enjoy eating your families souls and kill Shinigami and Hollows alike"! Shiro starts to tap his foot impatiently.

He tousles his hair roughly in aggravation. "Fuck this fuck everything! It was me who lost control! It was my Hollow side that killed them! Not you not the old fart but me who let that thing control me! How the fuck do you think I feel"?

Shiro looks up into the sky the rain hitting his face trickling down his cheeks giving the illusion of tears.

His tone goes much softer almost barely audible.

"You are always afraid I'd taint you with darkness and blood lust, make you Hollow inside with nothing but death but…but it is you that has corrupted me. Have made me want the same things as you, feel the same things as you, posses the things you do, desire the same thing and hold it as if it were my own like you, the irony in it all".

Shiro blinks rapidly. "It is not me she will need to grieve with or the one she will need to feel whole again with. I cannot bring her back and I need my Queen to rule with me. FUCK YOU AND FUCK HER FOR BREAKING ME! KUROSAKI, ICHIGO A.K.A KING BRAT… … …"

The next words are roared loudly resonating throughout the entire inner world shattering windows cracking walls. Zangetsu smiles at the end an actual smile as he looks up at the rooftop of the building.


Urahara and Orihime are both sweating and panting heavily. They are at their limit even with Chad and Uryu giving them their Reiatsu. The barrier is fading so Senna swings heavily her Zanpakuto one more time and that's all it takes to break through.

The wind blasts them all onto the crates without mercy. Senna is walking towards them.

"MURASAKIIRO NO DAUN…" (Purple lightning rain down) Senna yells to the heavens her command. Many purple lightnings are coming down fast over the barely conscious group.

"GETSUGA TENSHō..." Ichigo blasts all the purple lightnings away. The amber eyes are fierce glowing with rage and determination. His scowl is back in place.

Orihime holding her broken left arm and grimacing with pain is looking up at Ichigo's back since he is standing in front of the fallen group. His Zanpakuto held tightly by his right hand pointing towards the ground in his usual tall and proud dominant stance. She smiles feeling the real Ichigo is back and in front of them protecting them.

Senna snickers and holds her stance. "Nice of you to join us Substitute Shinigami".

"Where is Senna"? Ichigo roughly asks.

"Well she's right here can't you see"? Senna is inhabited by something or someone else Shiro had warned him hence is why Shiro kept calling her a putrid and rotten soul though Ichigo sensed it right away even if he had not been told.

Ichigo closes his eyes and steadies his breathing when he opens them again his brows are relaxed and the look in his eyes soften a great deal.

"You did all of this…for me. I have lost everything the least you can do is…talk to me Senna, please".

Senna smiles eerily and lunges forward towards Ichigo ready to plunge her Zanpakuto into him ignoring his words.

"No Ichigo-Kun run away"! Orihime cries out.

Ichigo remains still as Senna fast approaches. Right when just the tip enters his stomach Senna pulls it back and falls to the ground clutching her head. Ichigo grimaces a little but bends down.

"No, no, no! I don't want to kill him! I love him"! Senna is shaking her head. "No I will not let you! I have already done enough harm to him"! Senna keeps shaking her head and answering to an unseen person or thing.

"The girl I remember…was carefree and kind. I remember how happy you were when I gave you the red ribbon".

Senna is crying at his heartfelt words.

"No he remembers me stop it! Stop saying those things. Ichigo is not a liar"!

Ichigo wraps his arms around her trying to soothe her.

"That warm genuine bright smile made me want to save you. I am so sorry that I couldn't do it". Ichigo grits his teeth remembering how he failed to protect her and it pained him then and now.

Ichigo puts his hands around hers and lifts her head up to look at him. "The Senna I know sacrificed herself unselfishly to save our worlds for that I am eternally grateful and you will always hold a special place in my heart. Senna, you can still make it right".

"Don't you hate me"?

Ichigo shakes his head. "That was not you".

Senna cries harder and hugs him. "Thank you so much Ichigo…for forgiving me for reminding me of whom I really am". She stands up exhausted from release of so much power at once. Senna extends her hand to Ichigo.

"Let's hurry there isn't a lot of time left". Ichigo accepts her hand and stands up. He then looks back at the group and nods at them mouthing the words thank you to all present.

Everyone else is full of different emotions though they all nod back with a smile even Uryu who barely ever shows any emotion. Orihime's eyes are brimming with tears.

"Ichigo-Kun you are someone special. Your heart is so big and warm". Orihime whispers as Ichigo and Senna Shunpo away.

They arrive at the location which is barren. Senna still holding Ichigo's hand uses her Zanpakuto with her free hand to insert it into an invisible key hole. They walk inside another realm nothing but white around.

"Is this where you were all this time"?

"I guess I was. I had been dormant for a while until it came and awakened me. It brought emotions and memories forgotten by me".

Ichigo squeezes her hand as they are still holding hands offering solace. She smiles.

"When we first met I always wondered what it would be like to be the one fighting and standing beside you. Now I know".

They are walking as they talk Senna guiding them through the vast emptiness.

"When the entity came to me it intensified, distorted that feeling manipulating part of me". Senna stops abruptly looking around concentrating heavily now.

"You have to hurry unfortunately a lot of valuable time has passed…listen to your heart Ichigo-Kun and it will all be alright. Find her before the both of you die here…I lo…" Senna disappears with a cry her Zanapkuto follows suit.

"Senna, Senna where are you"? Ichigo looks around frantically trying to feel Rukia. "Shit what am I going to do? Rukia, Rukia"! He is yelling as he is running around. "Damn it I need her to switch with Rukia"!

"Luv, help me. How can I find you"? Ichigo's heart is racing and his head is spinning from trying to think so hard.

'Listen to your heart Ichigo-Kun and it will all be alright'. The words are playing over and over again in his mind.

"Listen to your heart listen to your heart…" Ichigo is repeating her words like a mantra. He closes his eyes. "Thank you Senna".

Ichigo concentrates on slowing his weary heartbeat inhaling and exhaling trying to calm down. Ichigo very slowly is hearing and feeling a heartbeat much slower than his.

Thump…thump… it is very faint but Ichigo can feel it as well. He smiles thinking how their hearts resonated off each other the moment they met. He opens his eyes and can see what is left of Rukia's heart and that's all that's left of her.

Ichigo chokes back a sob. "Luv…" He kneels completely in front of her hesitantly bringing his trembling fingers close enough but not enough to touch it.

"I can't do this…living…breathing…without you it's not normal Rukia. I need to make things right for us. Losing you and our ba-bies…" Ichigo's voice cracks… "If not I am ready to die with you here you know I am that stubborn". Nothing is happening.

"Kurosaki, Kuchiki, Rukia I love you with every bit of my heart and soul and if words do not reach you because with us words never did matter to understand what the other was feeling or thinking then I will show you".

Ichigo gathers all of his Reiatsu and is glowing light blue, puts a shaky palm softly over her heart and releases his essence into her pouring memories from the moment they met along with it.

His eyes are closed so he cannot hear Rukia's heartbeat getting stronger he cannot see her heart forming whole again.

"Please baby, please come back to me". Ichigo is controlling his release and is sweating and breathing heavily from the energy coming out from him. Her form no longer a silhouette but tangible.

Every single one of his fears, grief, concerns, anger, happiness, sadness, secrets, strengths and weaknesses are bare for her to bury inside of her. No stone left unturned his soul is naked.

Rukia's arms lift up to wrap around Ichigo securely. His eyes shoot wide open his breath is lost to him forgetting how to breathe. Rukia slowly flutters her eyes willing them to open tears already cascading down and when she finally opens her eyes Rukia takes her first breath.

The warmest ambers that sets her soul in flames, the honey orbs that are always her safe haven, the eyes that reassure her it will all work out are staring back at her with so many emotions and intensity that her knees want to buckle beneath her.

They press their foreheads together.

"Ru-Ru-kia…" his voice is low but she places a finger to his lips.

"Save the reunion for later. The place will fall apart soon". Her voice is hoarse from not using it for so long but holds so much love.

The white realm starts to fade to black by sections. Ichigo picks up Rukia bridal style.

"Which way should we go"? He asks Rukia when out of nowhere appears red foot prints in a straight line. They look to each other and nod as Ichigo runs in that direction.

The darkness is at their heels but Ichigo steps out into Karakura town just in time. They land and Ichigo immediately kneels down wrapping his arms around her waist pressing into her so tightly he nearly knocks her over.

"I'm so-rry so sorry please forgive me Rukia please…" Ichgio's words are muffled from her Shinigami robe and even through it she can hear his deeply broken saddened voice. He is sobbing like a baby screaming his lungs out.

"Oh Ichigo its okay baby I am here. It was not your fault. Please…" Rukia cannot say anything else as her own sobs are taking over. She wraps her arms tighter around him and rests her head on top of his. They continue to weep for their unborn children not realizing they have a big audience also sharing their grief.

Far off into the distance is a lithe cloaked figure with eyes black as coal smiling sinisterly.

"It is not over Kuchiki, Rukia; death will be your most welcoming heart's desire". The figure disappears.

Author's note: Hi my wicked ones! Thanks for sticking around =) there is a lot of sap in this chapter get ready for more lol many believe Shiro has a great influence on Ichigo but I believe it's a two way street so I decided to shine that concept through =) Gomen for the late posting life like always anyway stick around my wicked ones! Thanks again TKZ for the awesome encouragement =D

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters. I do not own Sketchers either.