Stuff happened. That was the best Ichigo could come up to describe the flurry of activity that went down after the Garganta closed.

He remembered, like in a dream, the street being swarmed by black-clad Shinigami. Someone taking him aside, gently but firmly. Him calling his friends' names but no answer coming.

Someone led him away. A light blinded him, followed by many little silhouettes fluttering in the air. And then, the dense, unmistakable air of the Soul Society washing over him.

He had flashes of feudal Japan structures, and then he was inside, more Shinigami passing him by as he was briskly escorted through martial halls of white stone walls and paper doors.

And then someone apologizing in a hushed, quick voice, before he was pushed, once again gently but firmly, through a door.

He found himself staring at an ample room, the door slamming behind him.

So much had happened in so little time, so much abrupt change, that the shock kept on lingering, blocking him from thinking rationally. Instead, his head feeling empty, he started to prowl around that room, examining what there was and what there wasn't.

It wasn't unhospitable: a nice futon bed sprawled in a corner, alongside a large closet, that, he discovered, was packed full with luscious-looking medieval era clothes. Food and drinks, some kind of rice balls, cookies and whatnot, waited on a little table. Without thinking, he tasted some, before realizing how hungry he actually was. He scarfed down everything, barely noticing how delicious it was.

There was only one window; small, and closed off by bars. He tried the door: it didn't budge.

And so there he was, sitting on the futon, his knees against his chest, staring at the door while trying to make sense of what happened in the last hours.

As the shock seeped away, he was left with a rising mound of questions and a bad feeling churning in his gut. Shinigami had taken him to the Soul Society, that was for sure. Question was, why?

He tried to puzzle out an answer but found himself unwilling to dwell over it enough, his mind keeping on shifting over his friends. Were they okay? They must be. None of their wounds were lethal, and the medics of the Fourth Division were there quickly to assist. With them, they would be fine.

…right?

He was vaguely surprised at how calm he felt. Old Ichigo would be already bashing at the door, demanding an explanation. He shook his head, pushing away those thoughts. What with that "old" thing? He was himself, and that was that. If he was calm, it was just common sense.

The Shinigami were allies. If they brought him there, there had to be a solid reason.

Time passed, he didn't know how much. The strange lethargy that had taken him slowly melted away, replaced by a growing impatience.

He kept watching the door. Initially, he told himself that he just needed to wait, that there was no reason to call and kick and antagonize. But, as time passed and his patience eroded, his unwillingness went along with it.

Eventually, he couldn't wait anymore. Going to the door, he rattled the knob and pounded on it, calling for someone.

They were quick.

He was about to hit it again that the door opened without a sound. Two Shinigami, the short white jackets over their shikashou identifying them as First Division, watched him with inquisitive looks.

Ichigo tried his best to keep his frown out of his voice as he asked what the hell was going on.

"For your security, Ichigo-dono", one of the two said, looking all prim and proper as he bowed slightly. "As soon as the situation is made secure once again, you'll be allowed to leave these quarters at once".

The dude's calm sent his impatience to a boil. He almost screamed in his face there and then, asking why the hell they couldn't have just asked and told him so at the beginning, instead of dragging him away like some criminal; and where the hell were his friends? His family? Urahara? Yoruichi? What about them? Uh, mister First Division?!

With an effort, he kept himself from doing that. Instead, he asked, trying his best to remain level, about the conditions of the people that were with him when they… escorted him there.

Guard number 1 replied without missing a beat, sounding like a registered voice mail.

"They're being treated as we speak. The last news i had of them was that nobody is in life-threatening danger. If you wish, i can inform myself about their current situations and report it back to you as soon as possible".

Feeling still angry, and a touch more because that guy's impeccable courtesy didn't give him any reason to lash out, Ichigo replied that, yes, he would very much like so.

Guard number 1 bowed and promised, and that was that. The door closed and locked once again, leaving him to feel like nothing had been accomplished and nothing more could be asked.

Annoyed, he returned to the futon and sat himself down with a huff.

Waiting it was then. His favorite. Well, he was going to stand there and stare a hole in that damned door until that dude returned with the news.

He didn't realize dozing off.

Someone was watching him, he thought as he slept. Just behind his vision, a presence, curious even if a little shy; it watched him like a schoolgirl peeking from behind a corner. He thought of the little soul he was watching over back home. Did he remember to put her flowers back in their place? Stuff happened, and he felt it slipped off his mind.

Regretful, he told the soul that he was sorry. He was going to fix it as soon as he could.

A little, tinkling laughter was his answer.

"You're so funny! That's why i like you!", it said with a thin, whispering voice dripping with cheerfulness. "Be careful, alright? I'll meet you soon!"

Ichigo smiled. Oh, it was finally going to let him get near? Then Rukia could finally send it to the Soul Society.

"Even better!" The soul sounded happy. "But one thing at the time, alright? Awake now! People are calling for you!"

Ichigo frowned. What did it mean with…

A sudden ruckus jolted him awake. He wildly looked around, confused about where he was. Then the memories rushed back in and he remembered.

He rubbed his eyes, yawning. When did he fall asleep? And… did he dream about something? He got it for a moment, but now it was getting all fuzzy. Oh, well, couldn't be anything important…

There was a ruckus outside, Ichigo realized with a frown. It sounded like people were loudly arguing just in front of the door.

Getting up slowly, he perked his ears, trying to catch some words. He was just about to make up something than a loud, and familiar, voice pierced straight through the arguing.

"I don't give a shit! You can call the fucking Soul King for all i care! I ain't leaving without talking to him! So, are you getting out of my way or i just have to cut you to pieces? Say it quickly because fuck, your stupid face is making my hand itch!"

Ichigo blinked. Was that… Ikkaku?

Someone, he recognized guard number 1, replied in a subdued tone. Whatever he was trying to say, it went lost right away.

"Yo, asshole! You see this badge here? It says third seat! Wanna for me to spell it? Uh? T and then all the rest! It means that if i want to see the dude in there i can fucking do so. I can even fuck your girlfriend if i want! Only a Captain can tell me what the fuck i can and i can't do. Are you a Captain? No? I fucking thought so! So get the fuck out my way before i kill you, dipshit!"

There were some more protests, followed by fierce rustling and the unmistakable sound of someone's head impacting against a wall. Then the door slammed open, and a very familiar Shinigami strolled in.

"Yo, Ichigo!" Ikkaku said loudly, his smirk so wide that it looked like someone had put it there with a sword blow.

"Ikkaku?!" Ichigo felt a wave of surprise and relief at finally seeing a familiar face, even if it was that ugly, battle-crazed mug.

Ikkaku hadn't changed one bit. His bald head still shone like it was made out of polished glass and his shikasuho was scarred as if he had just come out of a fight. Instead of carrying his zanpakuto at the waist like everyone else, he held it in his hand, sheath and all, a habit that came from him using the sheath to fight as well as the blade.

"Yep! Yours one truly and only!" Ikkaku bolstered, jabbing a thumb toward his chest. He glanced behind his shoulder, smile turning sour. "Do whatever the fuck you want out there. Me and my boy Ichigo has some catching up to do!" There was a smattering of responses from outside, but the Third Seat ignored them, slamming the door shut.

The smile slipped off his face the moment the lock snapped shut. He quickly glanced around, then stalked toward the table, gesturing for Ichigo to come close.

Ichigo blinked, taken aback by the sudden change. Still, he obeyed.

"How are things going?" The Shinigami asked, serious.

Still surprised, Ichigo started talking on autopilot. He recounted a bit of his daily life, of his projects for summer and whatnot. It took him a few moments to realize he was blabbering.

"Yeah yeah, sounds good". Ikkaku waved a hand in front of his face, serious even as he was being dismissal. "But there will be time for catching up. We're talking about you being here now".

Ichigo was instantly attracted. "For real?" He asked, barely believing it. "Holy shit, Ikkaku. They've carried me away without a word. Like a goddamn criminal. What the hell is going on?"

Ikkaku's eyes flashed with something dangerous. Putting his finger to his lips, he turned his head toward the door.

"What do you mean?" He asked loudly. "You're a key witness! It's just common sense they put you in a room, you dumbass! What are we going to do if a Hollow comes along and eats you?" He grinned at Ichigo's frown. Then, more subdued: "First Division guys. It's better to keep them out of the loop if you can".

Ichigo felt a bad feeling churning in his gut at that.

"Ikkaku", he said slowly. He didn't see him for a long time, but proper greetings would have to wait, something that, he was sure, the Shinigami understood just as well. "The heck is going on here?"

The Third Officer didn't answer right away. Instead, he leaned forward, peering intently at him.

"Sure," he said. "I'll tell you. But first, tell me this. They didn't do anything to you? They carried you here and nothing else?"

Ichigo wasn't sure if he liked that question. "Yea?" He said, a bit hesitantly. "I mean, it all happened so quick i barely noticed it. But, yeah, they carried me here right away, no stop in the middle".

Ikkaku watched him for a moment, expression unreadable. Then, he grinned. "Ah, thank the King!" He exhaled, laying back down on his seat. "I was actually scared for a moment there!" He seemed to lose his tension, relaxing.

Ichigo didn't share it. "Well?" He asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest. He was starting to get annoyed with all that.

"Sure sure, don't get your panties in a twist". Ikkaku waved dismissively, back to his rambunctious self. "But first, let's fix ourselves a drink, eh? What do you have here? Puah, this is water. Ah, forget it. I have something good".

After riffling through the chamber's supply of spirits, the Shinigami produced a small bottle and two little cups out of his shikasuho. He shrugged at Ichigo's arched eyebrow and filled both cups with a steaming, clear liquid.

It was like they never parted ways, just two friends enjoying a nice cup of sake after a day's work. That casual, downright rude way of doing things was just like the Eleventh, and, despite everything, Ichigo felt a part of himself liking it.

He downed his cup with barely a hesitation. It had happened a lot and some alcohol sounded just about right then, age restrictions be damned. The steaming hot, herbal sake had him in a fit of coughing right away, Ikkaku's jeers raining right after.

"Well?" He asked after they were done, and he wasn't on the verge of choking to death anymore. "Are you telling me what is going on or what?" Despite being a bomb, the sake was doing wonders for his mental clarity. He felt more lucid than he had been since entering that room, and his need for answers was stronger than ever.

"Aye". Ikkaku looked up, holding his second cup already. Ichigo wondered if he was gathering his thoughts or just being an asshole and spacing out.

It turned out to be the former.

"So, here's the short version", he said, still looking up. "Hueco Mundo is crawling with Arrancar, and they seem to be organized, with a bunch of new Espada to lead them. I say "seem" because we've been clashing with them only occasionally. So take me with a pinch of salt there. On the other side, the Seiretei is in fucking turmoil", he smirked at that, "the higher-ups are scared shitless and doing all bunch of stupid shit because of that. Not looking up on the homefront, no sir". He downed his cup.

Ichigo looked down at his own. Suddenly, he felt the need for another.

He breathed out. "Okay, that was the short version. What about the long one?"

Ikkaku filled his cup, a grin on his face. "With which you want me to go first? Hollow or Shinigami?" He eyed him, gesturing if he wanted a refill. Ichigo hurried to get it.

"Hollow?"

"Nice choice". Ikkaku set an elbow on the table, grinning. He gathered his thoughts for a moment, then began. "You don't know that, but it's has been months that we've been getting reports that something is moving in Hueco Mundo. At first, we thought at Hollows getting frisky. Then the Arrancar started to show up. They attacked some of our scouts and broke down our watching posts. We sent some patrols to take a look and one or two has been attacked as well".

Ichigo held his still full cup. "Why haven't i…?" He realized the stupidity of the question even as he said it.

"Informed?" Ikkaku completed. "Not to disrespect, buddy, but you're a civil now. Not your business".

Ichigo felt a heavy weight settle in the pit of his stomach.

Something had to reach his expression because Ikkaku noticed. "Yeah, sorry about that". He grimaced, scratching his head. "Not fair to you. My bad".

Ichigo swallowed his cup's contents. "It's fine," he said, not meaning it at all.

Ikkaku nodded, lips pursed in a thin line.

"Still". Ichigo was eager to keep going. "How come you guys didn't notice earlier? Arrancar returning seems like a big deal".

"Right?" Ikkaku chuckled. "Fact is, Hueco Mundo isn't Shinigami's province. Too dangerous for us to go there regularly. So we keep only watching posts to keep a general look over the place".

"The same that have been attacked".

"Aye. But not all". Ikkaku lifted a finger. "Those that remained said that there are big movements around and in Las Noches. And we've seen Arrancar saying that they're Espada, and with the power to back that up".

Ichigo tightened his grip on the cup. "And who says that?"

"You're looking at it". Ikkaku grinned. "Big asshole saying that he was number seven or something almost tore my head off".

Ichigo had no much to say to that. "So… it's big?"

"It's big", Ikkaku confirmed.

"Like with Aizen?"

The two exchanged a look.

"From what we know right now?" Ikkaku spoke slowly. "Still dunno. Sure as heck it's Captain business. If it's all the Gotei business, that is still to say".

Ichigo pursued his lips. "Maybe it is".

The look Ikkaku threw him was both a question and a declaration of utmost attention.

Ichigo told him everything that happened back in Karakura.

When he finished, a heavy silence settled between them.

"Fuck", Ikkaku breathed against his cup, and Ichigo was unsure if he was distraught at the news or happy at having new enemies to swing his sword at. "The whole damn Vizard?"

Ichigo nodded. Thinking about it now, it felt like a dream. But it had happened, no mistake about it.

"Well, this is going to put some piss in someone's belly, that's for sure". Ikkaku laughed, slamming a hand on the table. "The whole damn Vizard! That's Aizen-level for sure!"

Ichigo wasn't sure he could share his hilarity. His thoughts kept running to the Vizard. Were they okay right now? He really hoped so. His brain told him that there was no way that it was his fault, but his heart wasn't nearly as collaborative.

"Does it ring a bell?" He asked, trying not to think about it.

Ikkaku shook his head, that grin still lingering. "Not at all. But it doesn't matter. It's more Espada in the mix, and the more they are, the bigger our problems".

Ichigo agreed wholeheartedly.

"Wait", he said, realizing something. "So that's why i am here? It's because i am a witness?"

Ikkaku looked surprised for a moment, before erupting in laughter. "Really?" He asked. "You ask about yourself only now? Goddammit, man, never change".

Ichigo stubbornly ignored him, glaring.

Ikkaku grinned shamelessly. "Yeah yeah, that's the reason. Or, well, one of them". He drained the last content of the bottle and set it down, before producing another one from his sleeve. Ichigo vaguely wondered how much alcohol that damn baldie ran around with.

"But returning to what you saw. Fuck, man, maybe this will be finally enough to have the higher-ups start to believe that we may be dealing with another Arrancar war here".

Ichigo almost choked on his sake. "Wait, what?" He asked, startled. "What do you mean start to believe?"

Ikkaku snorted. "You don't know half of it". He drained his cup. "But that's the other half of the story, what our enlightened Seiretei is up to". The Shinigami practically dripped with sarcasm.

Ichigo wasn't sure he wanted to know. Still, he gestured for him to continue.

"Aye". Ikkaku sighed. All the hilarity from the thought of war and battles drained away from him, leaving him to frown. "What do you know of Central 46, Ichigo?"

"Not much". Ichigo was hesitant. "I know that they are a bunch of judges and old men that govern the Soul Society, but that's it".

"Yeah, that's the gist". Ikkaku shrugged. "They are the dudes that tell us grunts what to kill and when to do it. Even the Captain-commander gets his orders from them. There's a bunch of politics between them and the noble houses, but that's beyond the point".

"And that is?"

"That they are scared, Ichigo". Ikkaku's eyes flashed with derision. "Absolutely bat-shit terrified".

Ichigo wasn't sure why a shiver ran across his back at those words. "What do you mean?"

Ikkaku looked down at the liquor in his cup, swirling it gently. "The laws of Soul Society", he began after a moment, almost sounding thoughtful. "There is a bunch of them, many more than a dumbass like me can recall. But guess what, i never had any problem with them. Can you imagine why?"

Ichigo didn't know what to say, so he just waited.

Ikkaku snorted. "It's because you just have to remember one thing and you remember them all: the laws are there to keep Soul Society as it is. And with that i mean with the Noble Houses and Central on top, the Shinigami as their dogs and the rest of the rabble outside, steaming in Rukongai, got it?" His grin had something of unpleasant in it. Ichigo just nodded.

"And that's it". Ikkaku shrugged. "Do whatever the fuck you want, you can even spit in the eyes of a Seat. It's okay as long as you don't upset the perfect order of society".

Ichigo thought that it was more complicated than only that, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

"Oh, i know". Ikkaku had to guess his thoughts. He grinned. "There has to be another reason besides only having a nice chair to sit on. It's true, i guess. They think that the system works as it is, you know, to keep the soul flow between worlds healthy and all. And i suppose that many of them really believe it". He paused, his gaze turning distant. "I'd like them to see the Rukongai for real…" He shrugged, shaking his head. "Bah. Whatever. Let's get to the point".

Ichigo nodded. He barely knew about Ikkaku's past and didn't feel it was right to peer.

"It all comes back to that asshole Aizen". Ikkaku scowled at the mention of the rogue Captain. "He killed the previous Central. All of them. Nice and quick work". He made a slitting gesture over his neck, and Ichigo had to refrain from grimacing. "Jokes aside", he turned serious. "That was serious business. Something like that had never happened and it shook the Seiretei to the core. So much that they couldn't put themselves back together to form another Central until the end of the war. And that's saying a lot". He snorted. "Anyway, another Central was formed, just in time to throw Aizen to the Muken. All back to normal, right? Wrong! The guys in charge now are scared shitless. I mean, the Gotei failed to protect those that came before, many of which were their friends, parents, third cousins and whatnot. Then there is all this talk of Hollowification," Ichigo jolted a little at the mention of that, but Ikkaku kept going, "of Arrancar, of breaking the barriers between shinigami and hollow". The Shinigami tapped at his head, an astute grin on his face. "Change. You get it? It would be bad already if it came along a century. But this? It happened in a damn week! One after the other! And Soul Society almost got destroyed. Nope. No way". Ikkaku gulped down his sake.

Ichigo was starting to see the picture. "And now that a new Arrancar war seems to be coming…"

"Aye". Ikkaku nodded resolutely. "They didn't want to believe it. More change? More danger of that scale? No thanks, no sir. And, hey, don't you think for a moment that Aizen's imprisonment satisfied their thirst for vengeance. Not even close. Those guys are still out for blood". He chuckled. "In fact, we got a lot of rocking up and down the chains of command lately. The search for scapegoats if you catch my drift, and the replacement of seditious elements with trusted units". Ikkaku rolled his eyes at that.

Ichigo didn't like what he was hearing. "And now…?"

"Now they're still like that". Ikkaku confirmed his fears. "Scared and angry. Maybe throwing out some dudes would have been enough before, but now that we have Arrancar coming back at our door… well, Central is like a hornet nest that has just been kicked. I heard that a lot of guys have been pressing for a complete reorganization of the Gotei, along more "purist" lines, whatever the fuck is that supposed to mean". The Shinigami drowned his grumblings in his cup.

Ichigo's mind ran with the implications of everything that had just been revealed to him. "And…" He swallowed. "Where do i fit?"

Ikkaku threw him an amused glance. "Oh, you know!" He said, slapping his knee. He jabbed a finger toward him. "You're right in the eye of the storm, buddy. You're that damn change incarnate!" Ichigo opened his mouth to reply, but then he closed it without saying anything. He… he was right.

"Half-human, half-shinigami!" Ikkaku kept going. "With powers come out from breaking the laws. Come on! You're that change, walking and breathing, and you know it".

Ichigo did. He absolutely did. And he felt himself dreading it.

"Also, hate to tell you, buddy, but there's more".

"More?!"

"Yep!" Ikkaku sounded almost cheerful. "The problem is, you saved the world".

"Wait, what? And where is that a problem?"

"It is a problem!" Ikkaku waved his cup to emphasize. "Unaffiliated Shinigami saves the world after the entire Gotei 13 got his ass kicked and the entire Soul Society couldn't do a damn thing". He laughed. "You made us all look like a bunch of idiots!"

Ichigo couldn't believe what he was hearing. Did the sake go to his head or something?

"What the hell? I am not apologizing!"

"And you shouldn't, damn it!" Ikkaku slammed his cup on the table. The glare the Seat fixed him with had nothing of drunk in it. "I am telling you, Ichigo," he continued, serious. Deadly so. "There are a lot of heads in Central that would love to eliminate that change, in a way or the other".

Ichigo went still. "You're kidding".

"I wish." Ikkaku sighed. He leaned backward on his seat. "There are," he began to count off his fingers, "those that'd like to eliminate everything hollow, those that'd like to eliminate everything that broke the law, those that'd love to put away any embarrassment to the Gotei and to themselves". He grimaced. "It gives you some idea who may foot all three?"

Ichigo felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. "But…"

He didn't get to finish. Ikkaku leaned over the table, planting a hand on his shoulder.

"I know", he said. "It's not fucking right. But don't you worry. Ain't gonna happen. In a way or the other. There are just as many people that aren't going to sit aside and let it happen".

Ichigo found himself short on words. They held gaze for a long moment, and in the Shinigami's Ichigo read his determination; the same that, he realized, could be in his friends of the Soul Society.

He wasn't alone. That's why Ikkaku had come; to make him understand the situation, yes, but more than everything else, to make him know that he wasn't alone.

Ikkaku slowly drew back, seating back down.

Silence stretched between them. Ichigo, too busy wrestling with his disquiet, didn't bother trying to break it.

"Maybe it's not going to end so bad", Ikkaku sighed eventually. "A Captain is going to Hueco Mundo to investigate. Maybe that Arrancar problem will end up being nothing special". He shrugged, obviously not believing it.

Ichigo didn't either. He gulped down another cup. The warmth of the alcohol was starting to go to his head now. It was pleasant; it kept him from thinking too much.

"Anything else?" He croaked, feeling like his tongue was turning into lead.

Ikkaku glanced at him. His frown melted into a grin. "Well, voices say that the King is dying".

This time Ichigo choked on his sake.

"Fuck off, Ikkaku!" He blurted, coughing. "Get the fuck out! You gave me enough crap for a day!"

"Gotcha!" Ikkaku got up with a burst of laughter. Ichigo resented that, despite having drunk five times as much as him, he looked barely buzzed. "No need for me to tell you that the best is to stay put for now, right?"

"Yeah, i know", Ichigo replied with annoyance. He paused. "What about you? Won't you get crap for coming here?"

"Oh, shut up!" Ikkaku looked almost insulted. "I told you, ain't i? We One got to stick together". He turned and walked to the door. In front of it, he stopped. "Don't you worry, man. We aren't leaving you".

There was a grim finality in his words, that, for some reason, Ichigo felt more disquieting than reassuring.

Unable to speak, he just nodded.

"Ah, one last thing!" Ichigo knew that Ikkaku was about to say some shit the moment he turned his large grin to him. "Welcome back to the Soul Society, buddy!"

The Third Seat was out before the pillow could hit him. Ichigo heard him laugh from outside.

The young man rustled his hair with an annoyed gesture. Fucking Madarame and his stupid…

He wobbled and fell back down.

"…and his stupid sake", he completed the thought. His head spun. He wasn't used at drinking. Too bad that it wasn't his worst problem right then.

"What a fucking mess". He covered his face with a hand.

More than for himself, he was scared for his friends. If they were as serious as Ikkaku about defending him… what dangers could they go against?

He shuddered. No, he wasn't going to accept it. All that situation… it was crazy, absolutely crazy.

"Let's hope that Captain doesn't report much," he mumbled. "Whoever he is".

He remembered Sol and her cronies and shivered. No way. There was trouble on the horizon. And all he could do now was to wait and trust in his friends.

He hated it with all his being, but, thankfully, the sake kept him from thinking over it too deeply.

Grumbling against Third Seats and their stupid bald heads, he slumped down on the futon. He was asleep a moment later.