The Big Screen and Hat N' Clogs Fault

by Halloweenomaniac

Yet another typical characters watches their show fanfic. Ichigo and his friends and family were just having a normal day when they were suddenly transported by a light into an empty room. What will Ichigo and the rest do being stuck in a strange dimension with a bunch of strange characters with swords? And what this about a future and lineage? I do not own any of them or the anime

3. Ch 3 The Soul Reaper's Work

Ch. 3 The Soul Reaper's Work

BUZZ!

A Hollow is seen on camera as it roars when suddenly a black trench knife attached to a line of white cloth wrapped on the handle is thrown at the center of the mask. Once it was yanked out, the Hollow disintegrated into reishi before the camera panned to the back of Ichigo in his Soul Reaper form holding the trench knife in his left hand; he was shown standing on the roof of a building. "Nice shot, Ichigo; you're a master at this." Said Yoruichi behind the camera. Ichigo looked back and scowled deeper in annoyance as he turned fully towards the camera, sheathing his blade. His long hair, tied in a ponytail, billowing in the wind.

Ichigo and the rest of the room were in awe of his Soul Reaper form. "Whoa, Ichigo, is that you? You look super rad!" said Keigo. Ichigo just nodded wordlessly. It was still the standard uniform, but it was different. He had tattoos on his wrists, hands, chest and ankles. There was a black and white band around his collar, but he had two white shoulder plates crossing over his chest in an "x" shape, which were holding two different shaped blades making him wonder if those were what his Shikai blades would look like. On his back was a large black Khyber blade wrapped in cloth while the trench was sheathed on his hip. There was also a plate on his left shoulder that had red scales adorning it and a white cloak with black and white markings tied around his waist. To say the least, he looked awesome.

Everyone was so amazed, but the most shocked were the elder Soul Reapers. "A dual wielder…" Jushiro said breathlessly, snapping Ichigo from his trance.

"What?" Jushiro and Shunsui turned to him with shocked looks.

"You're a dual wielder." He repeated causing almost the whole room to gasp in shock. Ichigo looked confused.

"O-kay…and why is that shocking, exactly?"

"To this day, there have been no other Soul Reapers that can wield two Zanpakutos." Said Shunsui. "Jushiro and I are the only dual wielders in the Soul Society." That made his eyes bulge.

"No way."

"You just keep getting weirder and weirder, Ichigo." Said Karin. Ichigo glared in annoyance at her. Then a thought occurred to him.

"Hey, Rukia."

"Hm?"

"Do you think those are my Shikais?" Rukia looked up at the screen and studied the blades before nodding.

"Yeah, I believe so. Why?"

"Well, I took down that Hollow like it was no big deal, so why do you think I'm in Shikai now?"

"It might be because of your reiatsu." Said Jushiro. "It's possibly so vast that your Zanpakutos are in permanent Shikai."

"Great…" He stated sarcastically before becoming curious. "Though I am curious, I wonder what's my Zanpakuto's name…or names? Can a Zanpakuto have more than one name?" the two dual wielders shook their heads.

"That Hollow was weak, and how many times do I have to tell you to stop following me with that stupid camera?!"

"Now don't be like that, Ichigo." Yoruichi turned the camera to Kisuke who had his fan in front of his face. "We're just making some memories is all." The camera turned back to the orange head as Ichigo groaned in annoyance before grabbing his Khyber blade from his back and held the blade downward, the cloth unwrapping itself and showing the slit in the pure black blade along the back of it. She turned the camera back and forth to the two as the blonde man had a nervous look. "Uh…Ichigo? What are you doing?"

Turning back to Ichigo. "You. Deal with him however you like." With that, he let go of the blade and before it could touch the ground the blade morphed in a bright light before taking shape. In the blades place was a whited-out version of him with black sclera and yellow Hollow-like irises, and instead of a scowl there was a maniacal smile on his face; a white Khyber blade on his back.

"What the hell?!" The teen exclaimed in shock, noticing that he was saying that a lot lately. His friends had the same reaction while the Soul Reapers and the Vizoreds nearly drew their swords. "What the hell is that thing, and why does it even look like me?"

"Thatis an inner Hollow." Everyone turned to see Shinji standing with a stoic but unsure expression. "Or at least I think it might be?" suddenly, they heard a sinister chuckle echo in the room.

"Very good, but you're only half right, Piano Mouth."Came a double-toned voice. And then, out of thin air materialized two figures behind Ichigo. One was the same whited-out figure of Ichigo, only difference was that it was the present version of him with a plain white shihakushou; the grin on the other hand still the same. The other figure was a completely different person. This one a middle-aged man with a stoic expression on his face, wearing brown tinted, semi-transparent wraparound sunglasses covering his eyes and a stubbled beard. His long ragged black hair seemed to be in constant motion with an invisible wind along with his clothes: a tattered white dress shirt with an upturned collar and cuffs, black pants, low-heeled boots, and a long, amorphous black overcoat with burgundy highlights that flare our in ragged ends. Ichigo's friends backed away from the figures as the teen stared at them in shock and confusion, but what really froze his blood was the one that had his face. The doppelganger looked to him and grinned creepily. "Hey there, King. Nice to officially meet ya…face to face."

As one, all the Soul Reapers in the room drew their Zanpakutos at him on guard. Though the only one to draw on the other figure was the old man who had his walking stick turned into a Zanpakuto. Ichigo's friends and family backed away to the stairs to stay out of the way, everyone except Ichigo who just stood frozen in place as he kept staring at them. 'Who are they? What's going on here? And why does this guy look like a whiteout version of me?'

"Your Majesty, please back away from them." Said the Head Captain, but Ichigo stayed put. Either out of fear or stubborn curiosity to know who they are. Yamamoto sighed before he signaled his lieutenant and Ichigo was suddenly grabbed and instantly at his father's side who grabbed him and put him behind him with his sisters. "Yhwach, how is it that you are here? And why have you inhabited this child?"

Ichigo and Uryu balked. "Wait, that's Yhwach?!" they exclaimed in shock. The cloaked man gave the Head Captain a calm look before answering.

"I can assure you, Head Captain Yamamoto, that I am not that man as you see. I simply take his form because I was a part of him; I was him, but now I am not. I am a part of Ichigo now, I am no longer connected to him in any way." 'A part of me, what does he mean?'

The Head Captain hummed in thought. "Then why exactly have you both appeared?"

"We're here to speak to the King." the other spoke as he looked around blandly, even though he was surrounded by a dozen blades. The blades came threateningly closer, but he just gave them a bored look, not in the least bit threatened. Ichigo though didn't feel the same way.

"Leave them alone!" he shouted, and the Soul Reapers turned to him in disbelief. Ichigo struggled before he finally broke free of his father's protective grip and stood in front of his family and friends. "Let them go!" Lieutenant Kira spoke up.

"But, Your Majesty – "

"Let. Them. Go. They came from my soul and they're here to talk to me." Ichigo ruffled his head in frustration. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but as a prince of the Soul Society I order you to let them go!" all the Soul Reapers looked uncertain of this, but hesitantly they lowered their blades and backed away from the two spirits; though they kept them out since they weren't ordered to sheath them. The older one looked around calmly while the other smirked and stuck his blue tongue out at them before they faced Ichigo. Ichigo tensed before stepping towards them. "Who are you guys?"

The Hollow-like Ichigo chuckled. "Who do you think we are, King?" the teen narrowed his eyes.

"You both came from my soul, but I don't know exactly. The old man said that you were Yhwach, but you say you're not and that you just look like him." the man nodded.

"That is correct. I am in the form of what Yhwach has looked 1,000 years ago."

"Then who are you?"

"…I am a physical manifestation of your Quincy powers."

"'Physical manifestation'? Then if you're just a manifestation, why are you here?"

"'Cause this dickweed thought it would be a good idea if he took my place once you get your Soul Reaper powers!" the other spirit exclaimed. Ichigo turned to him confused.

"What do you mean, 'take your place'? Just who or what are you?"

The other smirked. "Isn't it obvious? If he's the physical manifestation of your Quincy powers, then what am I?" Ichigo looked him up and down.

"You're my inner Hollow."

"And…" he gestured him on and Ichigo's eyes widened.

"You're my Zanpakuto!"

"Ding! Ding! Ding! Give the man a prize!" everyone gasped in disbelief.

"That's impossible! How can a Hollow like you be His Grace's Zanpakuto?" Sui-Feng questioned and Ichigo glared at her.

"Sui-Feng!" she flinched back before yielding for him to continue. Ichigo turned his gaze back to the smirking double. "So, if you're my Zanpakuto, how are you a Hollow as well?"

"Well technically, I'm a Hollowfied Zanpakuto. See, when that Hollow transferred over to you when you were born it fused with me, making me your inner Hollow as well as your Zanpakuto."

"Okay…so what did you mean about him taking your place?" the Hollowfied Zanpakuto turned to his companion with a grin, gesturing towards Ichigo.

"Well…" the other narrowed his eyes at him in annoyance before sighing in resignation.

"I was going to replace him once you've awakened to be your sole blade…because I did not want you to become a Soul Reaper." There were some raised eyebrows at that.

"What…? Why would you do that? It can't just be because the animosity between Quincy and Soul Reapers, is it?" the old man shook his head.

"Far from it, I wanted to stop you from being a Soul Reaper…because I believed it would only lead to pain and death. If you had become one, I would have to kill you myself." The man looked to the screen of the future Ichigo and gave a quirk of a smile before turning back to the teen. "But now, seeing as how strong you would have become in that alternate life – and knowing that you will become that strong again – there is no need for me to interfere in your potential, because I know you will be fine." Ichigo looked at him with new eyes. He finally understood, the man wasn't trying to impede his power. All he wanted was to protect Ichigo from a life of sorrow.

"…So, what happens now?" he asked hesitantly.

"Since there is no need of me, I shall go back to your soul…and simply be your Quincy powers."

"Wait, what?!" Said Ichigo and his Zanpakuto before their eyes widened when they realized that he was starting to fade, and for some reason neither of them liked that.

"No, wait!"

"Hold it!" as one, they both grabbed the man's wrists before he could completely fade away. To say the least, he was definitely surprised at the intervention. "You don't just get to fade away like some fairy godmother, Bub! You're here now, the least you can do is stay and help train King!"

"Yeah, Old Man! And besides, do you not see that second blade that I have? That obviously means I didn't let you fade away either and that I believed – even now – that you are my Zanpakuto as much as he is; you're not going anywhere. You are my Zanpakuto, whether you like to be or not!" the man stared in disbelief before he closed his eyes and gave a deep chuckle.

"'Whether I like it or not', is it? And there is nothing that can be said to dissuade either of your minds?" they just gave him identical determined glares and he knew they were too stubborn to let him leave. "I see…If that is what you wish, then I shall stay." With that said, his legs reformed and they both sighed in relief before they let go.

"So, what happens now? I mean, I don't even know either of your names?"

"It does not matter to me what you call me, but if you must call me something you shall call me Yhwach. That way, it will be less confusing for you since you will be calling on both of us with the same name when you enter Shikai." His partner scoffed.

"Well, I have a name, but I don't know if you can even handle calling out my name since you haven't trained once." The double sighed in faux remorse. "But I doubt I'll be able to keep it a secret from you, since you'll obviously hear it soon enough. So, you can call me whatever you want." The Hollowfied Zanpakuto noticed someone staring at him intensely and glanced behind Ichigo to see Orihime looking at him fearfully. He grinned at her and she flinched back, feeling like a deep soul crushing darkness was surrounding her. 'That man…he looks just like Ichigo, but those eyes. They look so cold and unfeeling; it's terrifying! He seems nothing like Ichigo!'Orihime thought as she trembled at the sight.

"Hm, any name, huh? I'll just call you Shiro." He stated flatly, causing most of the occupants, especially the Hollow Ichigo to face-fault.

"Seriously?! Out of all the names in the world, you go with one that is the very definition of me?!" he said incredulously in Ichigo's faces. The teen just shrugged uncaringly.

"Never said I was good with names. Plus, it's easier to remember, or would you rather I call you 'Hollow'?" Shiro hissed vehemently at the label before stomping his foot in frustration.

"Fine!"

"Good, now then. So…what is your names?" the two glanced at each other before nodding.

"As you call on us, you will have a release phrase in order to unlock our power." Said Yhwach. "This is our phrase: Tear the heavens asunder…"

"Zangetsu." They said together before their forms started to disappear into fragments of reishi, gathering above Ichigo as the light started to take shape until finally it formed into a fully sheathed katana. Ichigo held out his hands and caught it successfully. He studied its sealed state admiringly, though he was kind of expecting it to be that huge ass one he had in the first episode. But oh well, better this than that ginormous monster. The Zanpakuto was the length of a nodachi blade with a black sheath and a long blue string attached to each end of the sheath to wear on his back. The tsuba was rectangular with crescent designs on it and a red cloth wrapped the hilt with two blue tassels hanging from the pommel.

Ichigo smirked. "Zangetsu, huh? Nice to meet ya both." In response, the sword vibrated as if in greeting in his hands. All at once, his friends and family came over to admire the sword. His family congratulating him on his achievement while his friends admired the blade.

The Soul Reapers on the other hand were speechless; to think the boy couldn't surprise them anymore. But again, were they wrong. Here was a boy who did the impossible and was able to not only manifest his sword spirit, but also make a power manifestation into his sword as well and get the name of his Zanpakuto without any effort. Just who was this boy?

"Congratulations, Ichi-nii!"

"Nice work, Ichigo."

"Man, Ichigo, this sword is so cool!"

Isshin looked at the Zanpakuto carefully and smiled in nostalgia. "Look at that! Your Zanpakuto looks almost exactly like mine does."

Ichigo stared in surprise. "Really?"

"Sure, though the guard on mine is different and mines a little shorter, but almost identical. And its name is close to mine too: Engetsu!"

"'Slaying Moon' and 'Scathing Moon' huh? Great, as if I need to be any more like you." Isshin burst into tears at that. After all the excitement, everyone finally returned to their seats; Ichigo leaning his Zanpakuto against his shoulder and holding it close.

Shiro chuckled. "Now when you say, 'however I like', what does that imply?"

"Just don't kill him is all, Shiro."

'Are you kidding me?!'Ichigo jumped in his seat and looked around in confusion.

"Ichigo?" his father asked in concern. "What's up?"

"I-I don't know, I think I just heard Shiro's voice in my head?"

'THAT'S BECAUSE YOU DID, IDIOT!'The teen flinched at how loud that was. Isshin on the other hand looked proud as hell.

"That's because you probably did!" Said Isshin, repeating Shiro's statement. "Though it usually takes years and a true bond with a Soul Reaper and their Zanpakuto to actually hold a conversation outside of battle." Cue the picture. "Do you see this, Masaki! Our beautiful boy really is a prodigy! Now he just needs to be a prodigy with the la- "SMACK!Ichigo cut him off by hitting him in the face with the sheathed end of his sword.

'Hey, I ain't done talking here! What the hell, you calling me the same shitty ass name in the future as well as here! Where do you get off calling me that? That's not fair!'Ichigo just grinned in amusement.

Shiro pouted. "Aw, but that's no fun if I can't kill him." he sighed dramatically before grinning gleefully. "Oh well, I'll still have some fun." With a sonido, he zipped off and Yoruichi turned the camera to Kisuke just in time to see Shiro steal his hat and boomed away out of reach. He smiled in victory as he waved the hat in the air like it was a trophy. "Ha ha! ~ Lookie here, I got the hat! ~ I win!"

"Hey! Give it back!" Shiro stuck his tongue out and pulled his eyelid down in mockery.

"Nah nah! Try and get it, Clogs!" Shiro laughed hysterically in his psychotic laugh as he realized something. "Oh man, instead of 'Hat N 'Clogs' It's just 'Clogs'!"

"I said give it!" with that, they started playing cat and mouse in sonido and flash step.

"Over here! Over here! Nope, I'm over here! Too slow! Can't catch me!"

"Shiro, this isn't funny! Give it back, please!" Yoruichi turned the camera back to Ichigo who looked bored at the whole ordeal.

"Are you sure he's gonna be okay?" she asked.

"Hm? Oh, he's fine, he won't kill him. Maybe maim him but that's all."

Everyone sweat-dropped at the statement while Shiro laughed maniacally in Ichigo's head. He wasn't the only one laughing though, Yoruichi and Ginta were having a ball at the blonde's misery with Kisuke pouting in the corner.

"…I meant Kisuke?"

"Hm? Oh, right. You'll probably won't get him back unscathed."

They suddenly heard screaming and the camera turned to see Urahara running and screaming as Shiro chased him around swinging his sword. The Zanpakuto spirit laughing psychotically with the hat on his head. "Try and get it now, Motherfucker!"

Most of the room either sweat-dropped or laughed. "…Ichigo?"

"…Yeah, Karin?"

"…Shiro's insane."

"…Yeah, I figured as much."

Ichigo sighed before unsheathing the other blade on his hip and pointing it downward next to him. "You. Watch him for me." He let it go and like the other, it glowed before morphing into a middle-aged man with flowing hair and a cloak.

Yhwach sighed. "If I must." He said tiredly before he used hirenkyaku to catch up to them.

Ichigo smiled slightly. 'See, Ossan? I did accept you after all.'

'Hm, it appears you have…'he replied, though the teen could tell in his tone that he was grateful for it.

Suddenly, a phone rang and Ichigo reached in his shihakusho for the iPhone he had in the hidden pocket. He looked at the caller ID before answering.

"Yeah, Yuzu? …Yeah, we're done for the night. Uh-huh…Uh-huh…Alright, I'll pick it up and be home soon. Bye." He hung up before he put the phone away. "Hey, Shiro!" she turned the camera back to show Shiro twisting Kisuke into a pretzel on the ground with Yhwach standing watch. "Stop playing with Urahara and let's get going! We gotta go home!"

"What?!" Shiro exclaimed in outrage as he stood up, finally letting the blonde go whom flopped and panted on the ground. Yhwach just wordlessly took the hat off the other's head and dragged the man away by the shirt collar. Shiro began to have a tantrum as he stomped on the ground and flailed his arms around like a child. "No fair! You never let me have any fun, King! Come on, just let me slice him and dice him already!"

Kenpachi laughed gleefully. "I really like this guy's style."

"Quit whining already, I need to pick up the last ingredient for Yuzu! She told me she's making your favorite!" that gave Shiro pause before he smiled gleefully.

"Really? YAY! YAY YAY YAY!" He screamed in glee before he sonidoed and the camera turned to where Ichigo and Yhwach were waiting as the Hollowfied Zanpakuto appeared on his other side before they started walking away. Yhwach already turned back to sword form while Shiro walked with a skip in his step. "Will she have the dumplings I usually like?"

"Yeah."

"Yes!" said Shiro before he too went back to sword form and Ichigo flash stepped away. Yoruichi turned the camera to her with an amused smile.

"Well, that's all folks. Stay tuned for the next segments of these short clips." She positioned the camera towards the ground where a miserable looking Hat N 'Clogs is lying face down with his hat on his head. "Say bye bye, Kisuke." He just waved tiredly at the camera before it went black.

BUZZ!

'Hey, King?'

'What now?'

'About that bet?'

Ichigo scrunched up his face in confusion. 'Yeah, what about it?'

'You know?'

'Know what?!'

'I believe what Shiro is implying is that did Rukia not inform you that the only way to gain Bankai is to materialize your Zanpakuto spirit and beat it into submission?'

'Yeah, and?'

'Oh, for god sakes, if you were able to materialize us there THAT MEANS YOU'VE ALREADY GAINED BANKAI! And how many years did future Hat N 'Clogs say he was recording this from?'

'11 years…'at this, Ichigo had a mischievous smile.

'Exactly.'

"Yo, Renji." Renji looked over to him before raising a wary brow at the smirk on the teen's face. "Remember that bet of ours?"

"Yeah…what about it?"

"And how many years is this in the future?" he egged on and Renji paled as he realized what he was implying. "Go on, say it."

The redhead gulped. "…11 years." He muttered. Ichigo held up his ear.

"Huh? What was that? I can't hear you."

"11 YEARS, YOU BASTARD!" the teen held up his fist in victory.

"Ha! 11 years! Which means I would have gained my Bankai somewhere in that time frame." At the announcement some of the occupants in the room groaned while the rest cheered in victory at winning the bet.

"That-that doesn't tell us anything! It didn't show us when you've achieved it!" he argued, even though he knew he was just grasping at straws. He was sogoing to lose this bet.

"Doesn't matter, it means I still achieved it under the ten-year time frame!" Ichigo shouted as he laughed victoriously while Renji sulked.

"Alright, why don't we all just settle down and see on the screen before we make any more assumptions." Said Ukitake and everyone conceded.

"Would someone please explain to me what everyone is talking about?" said Keigo, looking all sorts of confused. His classmates either groaned or shook their heads at his stupidity. Tatsuki bonked him on the head for that.

[OPENING THEME SONG: Asterisk]

[The opening showed a pink cloudy background before slowly coming towards the screen was Isshin Kurosaki's feet as he screamed in the background with dreamy harp music.]

Isshin: GOOOOD MOOOORRRNIIIIIIIIINNNNGGG, ICHIGOOOOOOOO! YAAAAA-HAA!

[The screen showed the outside of the second floor before a resounding crash was heard. Ichigo's windows cracking before switching back to Ichigo kneeling over his father with a pissed off look. He held his father's face down, causing him to bend backwards on the ground by his toes]

Everyone sweat-dropped at the scene. "Get ready Uryu, 'cause that's what you're going to deal with every morning."

His cousin balked at him. "What?!"

Isshin: Aw!

Ichigo: You nuts? What kind of sick, twisted freak attacks his own son while he's just lying there sleeping?

Isshin: You are getting good! It looks like there's nothing left for me to teach you, my son.

"You say that every time."

Ichigo: [GRUNT] Huh? [Ichigo suddenly looked confused before he grabbed Isshin by the shirt and brought him up. His father having a red mark on his face.] Wait a minute! What about Karin and Yuzu's injuries from last night?

The Kurosaki children's eyes widened. That's right, they completely forgot that the family was attacked in the last episode.

Isshin: Huh? Injuries? What are you talking about?

Ichigo: What?

[The screen then showed the outside of the house where a hole from last night was. The Kurosaki family there observing the damage with Ichigo looking dumbfounded and confused.]

Isshin: It's a miracle! A truck plows right into our house and none of us even get so much as a single scratch!

Karin: What's more miraculous is the fact that none of us even woke up when it happened.

Ichigo's Thoughts: I don't get it. Their wounds are completely gone.

Karin (OFFSCREEN): The driver didn't even stick around.

Isshin (OFFSCREEN): Don't worry. They'll probably come back to apologize later.

Ichigo's Thoughts: They think that a truck did all this?

Karin (OFFSCREEN): Sure.

Ichigo's Thoughts: Could this have been the work of that Soul Reaper?

"Wait a minute!" Ichigo exclaimed. "I'm glad Karin and Yuzu are alright and all, but I just don't get it!"

"Yeah, how could we think that a truck hit our house when we obviously weren't!" added Karin.

"And how come we don't remember any of it except Ichigo?" Yuzu chimed in.

"I probably erased your memories except Ichigo's of that night." Rukia explained.

"And Tessai and I must've come in to heal your wounds." Urahara chimed in. "I also probably told your father to go along with the truck story." Ichigo and Karin gave their father the stink eye. Isshin chuckled nervously.

Yuzu: Ichigo! You better hurry up and eat breakfast, or you're gonna be late!

Ichigo: Yeah.

[The screen turned back to the hole in the wall before showing scenes of Rukia from last night and back to Ichigo.]

Ichigo's Thoughts: I wonder if she went back to that place she was talking about. The Soul Society.

Rukia shook her head negatively. "Doubtful, if you really did take almost all my powers, then I would have to stay in the World of the Living and get myself a gigai from Urahara."

"What's a gigai?" asked the teen.

"A gigai is an artificial body that we Soul Reapers use in case we are severely weakened, and we have to use one to regain our powers." Toshiro explained.

"It also helps us be seen in the World of the Living too. Which is great for those who love to shop!" added Rangiku. Toshiro gave her an irritated look.

"Oh…Wait, Dad, are you in a gigai too?" Ichigo questioned. Isshin gave him a thumbs up with a bright smile.

"Yep! Been in this thing for 20 years." His kids gave him weird looks.

"That's creepy." Said Karin.

[The screen then showed the title "Bleach 02" before switching to the high school, the bell ringing in the background. It cuts to where Orihime and Tatsuki were walking in the halls towards their classroom while other students were just milling around.]

Tatsuki: Orihime! Did you bring lunch today?

"Speaking of food, Captain when do we eat? It's been hours since we ate breakfast." Rangiku whined.

"You just ate a whole bowl of popcorn an hour ago." Toshiro gritted out.

"Yeah, but that wasn't filling. I need sustenance for my tummy!"

"Don't worry, as soon as we're done here. I can make all of us a special dinner as soon as we find the kitchen!" said Yuzu.

"Oh, Your Highness, you don't have to do that for us." Said Rangiku.

"What hey, Rangiku, if the girl wants to cook for us you should let her do – Ugh!" Omaeda got hit in the face by a teacup. Ichigo glared at him angrily.

"Don't talk about my sister like she's some personal chef to you! You can eat scraps for all I care, Fatass!"

"Fatass?! Who do you think you – "He was cut off by his Captain as she knocked him to the ground with a flying kick for his insolence. She ground her foot into the side of his face with a stern and angry look.

"Do not talk like that towards His Excellency and Her Highness, you fool! You may be a noble, but they are Royalty and you are not even a member of the Five noble clans; you are nothing compared to them." She got off him and bowed respectfully. "My apologies for my bumbling lieutenant, Your Majesty. He doesn't know when to respect authority or to think before he opens his mouth." Ichigo gave her a considering look before nodding and pointing the hilt of his sword at the oaf.

"Make sure you keep a rein on his mouth, before I kill him myself." She stood up fully and nodded.

"Understood, Sire." She kicked him again before sitting down. Most of the lieutenants and the people who knew how Omaeda acted shook their heads ruefully and in embarrassment.

"Idiot." Scoffed Ikkaku.

Orihime: Mm-hm! Leftover Taiyaki-style ramen with wasabi and honey. [The scene showed an imagery of what foods she was describing before showing Tatsuki's disgusted look.]Would you like some, Tatsuki?

"I think I just lost my appetite." Said Renji as the rest of the room looked green at the imagery. Well, accept…

"Ooh! That looks interesting, I wanna try!" everyone except Orihime looked at Rangiku as if she was insane. Orihime beamed happily since none of her friends wanted to try her food.

"Isn't it? You should try my other creations!" they then began to talk about her most recent creations, Orihime emphasizing "how good" they were while Rangiku had looks of interest and excitement. Everyone else looked like they wanted to hurl.

Tatsuki: That's OK.

Orihime: But it's really good! Ah! [Suddenly, Ichigo accidently bumped into Orihime, causing her to fall to the ground and drop her stuff all over the floor.]

Ichigo: Oh, it's you. Hey, Orihime.

Tatsuki slapped her friend on the head. "Ichigo, you idiot! You knock her down and you don't even apologize?"

Ichigo rubbed his head in irritation before turning to Orihime apologetically. "Sorry about that, Orihime, I guess I just had a lot on my mind."

Orihime waved her hands in front of her as she blushed, embarrassed. "Oh, n-no worries Ichigo. I could tell you did, s-so it's fine."

Orihime: Oh no, I'm sorry!

Tatsuki: Ichigo! You knock her down, and that's all you can say? What the heck's the matter with you?

Ichigo: Sorry about that. Uh, you gonna be alright?

Orihime: Uh-huh.

Ichigo: Here.

Orihime: Huh? [She looked up to see a hand offered to her. She followed the hand and was startled to see his face up so close to hers before getting up and backed away.] Ah! Oh, no! that's alright, really! I-I – have v-v-v-volleyball! [GIGGLING NEVEROUSLY] That's right! Volleyball!

Tatsuki: Orihime!

[She then ran off in the other direction, the two looking after her confused.]

Ichigo looked confused, did he say something wrong? Meanwhile, Tatsuki had pulled Orihime down as she whispered to her in a low tone. "Orihime, are you nuts? How could you just walk away from a golden opportunity like that?"

"I-I I don't know, I guess my mind just went blank and got shy." She whispered back sadly.

Ichigo: What's the matter with her?

Tatsuki: What could it be? Maybe it was your ugly mug!

Ichigo narrowed his eyes at her in annoyance. Tatsuki stuck her tongue out at him.

Tatsuki: By the way, why are you so late? I mean, it's time for lunch already.

Ichigo: Yeah, don't worry about it. I'll tell you later.

[Ichigo walked off with Tatsuki looking after him. The scene then cuts to the classroom number.]

Keigo (OFFSCREEN): Hey, Ichigo! I heard a truck crashed into your house last night, dude!

"Oh yeah! Keigo is on the big screen!" his classmates shushed him.

[The scene showed Ichigo at his desk with Chad, Keigo and Mizuiro standing around him in concern.]

Ichigo: Pretty much.

Mizuiro: So, did you clean it all up yet?

Ichigo: What are you, kidding? It's gonna take forever.

Chad: Need any help?

Ichigo: Huh? Huh? [He turned to his right and looked up in confusion to see Chad looking down at him; the camera showcasing the Mexican descendant's tall stature. Ichigo sweat-dropped.] That's OK.

[The scene then showed the back of a girl with raven hair walking towards the group unaware.]

Ichigo balked as he looked from the screen to the back of Rukia's head and back. He twitched as he choked on air. Shiro was in hysterics.

Keigo: Yeah, Chad. I mean, you could end up bringing the whole house down, you know?

Ichigo: Hey, what have we got next?

Mizuiro (OFFSCREEN): Language lab.

Rukia: Hello. You're Ichigo, aren't you?

Ichigo: Uh? Wha? [He turned and stared, baffled and shock. Behind him was Rukia in a school uniform, grinning cleverly at him.]

Ichigo hands twitched in front of him as he grinded his teeth while his classmates gaped in shock. Renji snickered behind his hand. "Gah, guh…YAAAHHH! WHAT THE HELL!" Ichigo exclaimed in shock and disbelief as he clenched his fists and stood to his feet with his Zanpakuto in his clenched fist. "What the hell are you doing at our school?" she looked at him confused.

"What's wrong with me there? I'm probably there to watch you closely before I help teach you how to become a Soul Reaper since I clearly can't actually do my job with the way my powers are – er were – will!" Man, time travel was so confusing.

"That doesn't mean you have to go to my school!"

Rukia: I'll be sitting next to you from now on. My name is Rukia.

"Like hell you will!"

[Ichigo jumped out of his seat and screamed a little before pointing at her.]

Ichigo: It's-it's you!

Keigo: Hey, Ichigo! What's wrong with you?

Chad: You two know each other?

Rukia: 'Course not, we've never met before! Isn't that right, Ichigo?

Ichigo's eye twitched at the audacity of the situation, still feeling pissed. 'Seriously, how do I keep getting myself into these messes?!'

Shiro laughed hysterically. 'You're just a trouble magnet, aren't cha King?'

'Quiet you!'

Mizuiro: Rukia's a brand-new transfer student.

Keigo: Nice to meet you!

Rukia: It's a pleasure. [She held out her hand in greeting and Ichigo looked at it confused.]

Ichigo: Uh? [On the inside of her hand said, "Make a scene and you are dead." He stared in shock.]

"Why you…"

[She giggled mischievously before the scene cuts to them outside the school, Ichigo freaking out and pissed off.]

Ichigo: Alright, you freaky little nut job. What the hell do you think you're doing?

Rukia: How scary, you big brute. Jeepers, you're not going to hurt me, are you?

"How about you stop using that stupid voice you're using! And no one says 'Jeepers' anymore anyway." Ichigo gritted out, hating that annoying tone.

"Why, what are you going to do?" she said in that voice, earning a tick mark on his head as he glared at her. Rukia laughed in amusement.

Ichigo: First of all, you can knock it off with that goody two shoes act, OK?

Rukia: Well, I think it's pretty good, considering I learned it overnight.

Ichigo: Alright, forget it. So, tell me just what you're doing here now, anyway? Weren't you supposed to be heading back to your Soul Society or whatever it was?

Rukia: I can't. Only Soul Reapers can go back to the Soul Society. I haven't the power to return anymore.

Ichigo: What do you mean?

Rukia: Last night, I lost almost all of my powers as a Soul Reaper. I'm afraid they were all absorbed into you, Ichigo.

"Hey! Don't blame this on me!"

Ichigo: Huh? I wouldn't know anything about that.

Rukia: Thanks to you, for the time being, I'm stuck in this ridiculous gigai form.

Ichigo: What do you mean by gigai?

Rukia: It's a temporary body that serves as a vessel in an emergency. If a Soul Reaper is drastically weakened, they reside inside of a gigai until their powers come back.

Ichigo: Oh, now I get it. So that's why the others were able to see you before, right?

Rukia: Precisely. And so, until all of my powers come back, it's up to you, Ichigo, to perform the duties of a Soul Reaper.

Ichigo: Huh?

Rukia: It's only natural. You now possess the strength of a Soul Reaper. You do not have the right to refuse your calling.

"Now wait just a damn minute! Don't order me around like you have a right to and say I have no say in it!" Ichigo stated angrily. "I may be alright to have powers now, so I can protect my family, but the least you can do is ask for me to help you in your job; that's not how you ask someone for a favor!" Rukia looked at him in shock before nodding apologetically.

"You're right, I'm sorry. I guess I forgot my manners there. I'll try and ask someone for a favor differently." Ichigo scoffed before slouching in his seat, hugging his sword closely.

"Yeah, whatever. As long as you know." He muttered, feeling embarrassed. Rukia smiled at how embarrassed he looked before turning away.

Ichigo: No way!

Rukia: What?

Ichigo: My monster fighting days are over. That was a one-time deal.

Rukia: Don't be ridiculous Ichigo. You did just fine yesterday.

Ichigo: That was only because my family was in danger. But it's not like I'm ready to go and fight for complete strangers or anything. Sorry to disappoint you. [Ichigo started to walk away with Rukia staring at his back resolutely.]

Rukia: I see.[She then put on a red glove with a white skull with blue and black flames surrounding it.] Guess there's no other choice, then. Hey.

Ichigo: Huh? [He turned around and suddenly saw Rukia coming at him at full speed.] Huh?[With a grunt, Rukia smacked Ichigo in the face causing her to push Ichigo's Soul Reaper form out of his body. It then changed to Ichigo's point of view where he sees his body lying face down on the ground with Rukia standing next to it; her face a look of satisfaction as she faced him. Ichigo panicked as he pointed down at his body, going back to third point of view.]

"AH! WHAT THE HELL!"

"Holy crap! That is freaky!"

Ichigo: Ah, crap! What happened to my body? What in the world did you do to me?

Rukia: Follow me.

"Wait a second! We can't just leave! What if someone sees my body lying there and thinks that I'm dead! Plus, I can't cut classes; I already missed my morning classes because of that hole in our house! My education is important here, you know!"

Isshin frowned as he turned to his son, gaining a stoic expression. "Ichigo, I don't mind you going out and killing Hollows and all. But make sure that it doesn't get in the way of your schooling, alright? You're still alive and have a long life ahead of you, so make sure you do good in school and not have it interfere with your life."

Ichigo stared at him stunned before nodding, sweat dropping nervously. "Y-yes, sir."

'Whoo, man. Dad got serious.'

'No kidding…'

[The scene then changes to the park, footsteps echoing in the background.]

Ichigo (OFFSCREEN): Hey, you gonna tell me where we're going, here?

Rukia: We're getting close. [She pulls out her Soul Phone.]

Ichigo: Close to what?

Rukia: Our latest orders from the Soul Society. It looks like a spirit of a boy that dwells here in this park is likely to come under attack soon.

[Suddenly, they hear a boy screaming as it turns back to the park. An unseen force destroys a slide and an umbrella as the boy spirit runs for his life away from the force. The force then reveals to be a bug-like Hollow chasing after him as the boy screams. Rukia watches calmly at the scene while Ichigo looks scared for him.]

Boy Spirit: Help me! [Ichigo hops over the fence and begins to run towards the boy but is stopped by Rukia.]

Rukia: Wait! Hold on!

"'Hold on'? What do you mean, 'hold on'?!"

Ichigo: What is it?

Rukia: Just where are you going? That boy's a complete stranger, isn't he?

"What?! Are we really getting into this right now?"

Ichigo: [SCOFF] So what? I can't just stand by and let this happen. You expect me to watch him die?

Rukia: Don't be such a fool.

Ichigo: Huh?

Rukia: In the eyes of a Soul Reaper, all the spirits of this world are equal. [The boy continues to run for his life.] (OFFSCREEN) Getting involved simply because spirits are nearby, or they need help isn't how it works. [Boy yelps.]

Ichigo: Huh?

Rukia (OFFSCREEN): Leave him be. If you intend to help this child, then commit yourself to saving every spirit. You must be willing to go to any length, even to sacrifice your own life.

"Rukia…" she looked back and was shocked to see Orihime with tears in her eyes, a heartbroken expression. "Why, Rukia? Why? Why would you put Ichigo on the spot like that? I thought…" She sniffled as she wiped her eyes. "I thought you were a good person."

"Orihime…I didn't mean to. I was just doing my duty as a Soul Reaper; I probably had to make him see that."

"Bullshit!" said Tatsuki as she looked at her angrily. "No matter what the circumstances are, you don't put someone's life at risk like that just because you thought of it as a 'teaching' moment. You knew putting Ichigo in a position like that would somehow probably make Ichigo conform to your stupid laws and ways, that way you can control him! That's entrapment!"

"No! I swear, I wasn't – "

"Don't even!" said Karin and Rukia flinched back at the harsh tone. Karin glared angrily at her. "It was obvious Ichigo would go and save that kid, but you stopped him and turned his words against him when it served your purpose, telling him that the kid was a stranger. You knew that was your chance, to get him to commit to your ways and make him accept it by threatening him and the life of another kid in the process. Convenient for you since it was a kid's soul at stake!"

"Karin..." Ichigo said gently. Karin had angry tears in her eyes as her arms shook in fury.

"You extorted him instead of asking him for help, which is a much better tactic out of anything else other than extortion! Are you that prideful of yourself that you can't even ask a person a simple favor?!"

"Karin!" Karin turned away and went into her brother's embrace, sobs coming out.

"It's not fair, you didn't need to be put on the spot like that. You never did anything wrong; you shouldn't even be treated that way, Ichi-nii. You're too good of a person to be treated like that." Ichigo shushed her comfortingly while Rukia stared in stunned shock with guilty eyes.

"I didn't…I didn't mean to…I'm so sorr – "Ichigo stopped her with a hand and shook his head, telling her silently that now was not the time. She nodded wordlessly and slowly sat back in her seat.

"Rukia – "She held up a hand to stop the redhead, her hair casting a shadow over her eyes.

"Just don't…Don'ttellme that what I did was just…because it wasn't."

[Ichigo watches the boy continue being chased as he's frozen with indecision. Suddenly when the boy falls, Ichigo quickly draws his sword and cuts two of the Hollow's legs off before they could make contact with the boy. Rukia gasps as the Hollow crashes on its back before vanishing, Ichigo's eyes covered in shadow.]

Rukia: Have you made your decision, Ichigo?

Ichigo: Like hell, I have.

Rukia: Huh? [She looks confused as the boy whimpers in the background.]

Rukia looked up, wanting to know what he would say.

Ichigo: I haven't decided to do squat. I saved this kid because I wanted to. You hear me? What about you?

Rukia: Me?

Ichigo: I seem to remember you putting your life on the line to save me last night. [It flashes to last night and back.] Tell me. Were you really thinking about your duty when you rushed to help me? Of course not. That's the last thing on your mind when you save someone.

Rukia: Huh?[The Hollow reappears behind Ichigo, but he ignores it.]

Ichigo: At the very least, I choose… [Hollow roar.]to be different! [He then pierces the Hollow's mask before withdrawing with a pause. The Hollow collapses and disintegrates into reishi. The boy picks himself up to his knees as he pants.] You OK? [The boy looks up and yelps in fright. Ichigo kneels down to his level and brings his sword up.] Hey, kid. If you don't wanna go through that again, you better hurry up and pass on already.

[With a lift, he taps the pommel of his sword on the soul's forehead before lifting, a kanji symbol in its place. Rukia gasps in awe as the boy glows and sinks into the ground, a Hell Butterfly in his place. Rukia walks up to him calmly.]

Ichigo's friends and family smiled, glad that he stayed true to himself. Rukia was glad too as she gave a small smile, happy that he had the mindset of any Shiba. 'Like Kaien…'

Rukia: You did that quite beautifully. [Ichigo slowly gets up, pauses before walking away in annoyance from the scene.]

Ichigo: I'm gone.

[The scene transitions from day to night as it shows a bird's eye view of the city before showing the outside window of Orihime's apartment, Orihime in the window reading her textbook at her desk. Above the window was a man in a suit with brown shoulder length hair and a Chain of Fate on his chest as he watches somberly at her. Orihime gets up and closes her window, shutting him off from her as he sighs sadly.]

Orihime gasped in shock and horror, covering her mouth with her hands. "Sora?" Ichigo and his father looked just as shocked. "Sora…why? Why is he there? I…I thought he passed on, WHY IS HE THERE?!" she began to burst into hysteric tears as she cried in grief at the sight of her brother. Tatsuki took her in her arms and guided her over to the darker parts of the theater; Isshin coming as well, his doctor instincts taking over to help calm her down. Her friends looked over in worry for the girl as well as some of the soft-hearted Soul Reapers.

"Ichigo…" Rukia hesitantly spoke up, unsure if she was allowed to talk to him. She wouldn't either after the stunt she pulled. Ichigo turned to her but seeing how nervous she was talking to him, he gave her a soft comforting smile, silently telling her that all was forgiven. She sighed in relief and spoke again. "Um, Ichigo…who is this Sora person?"

His smile turned downward. "Sora was her older brother. He died in a car wreck three years ago and was the only family member she had." She looked surprised before sighing sadly.

"I see…" Orihime, Tatsuki, and Isshin came back after she calmed down. Ichigo turned back to her with a concerned look.

"Orihime, you alright?" she sniffled before nodding. "Don't worry, Orihime, we'll help him pass on when we go back home, okay?" she gave a hesitant smile before nodding.

[Suddenly he feels a presence and looks to the side before gasping in fear. In front of him were two Hollows. They reach out to him with their tentacles as he backs away screaming, but he gets captured before he could get away.]

Sora: What are you doing? Stop! [They then disappear with him, his screams fading in the background.]

"Sora, no!"

[The scene cuts to Hueco Mundo. Shadows from mountains stretch ominously along the sand as the two Hollows and Sora appear out of the shadow. Sora looks around fearfully.]

Sora: What's happening? Where am I? I don't understand, what are you gonna do to me? [He then feels another presence behind him as a shadow covers him and turns around gasping in fear.]

Grand Fisher (OFFSCREEN): You are a lost little spirit. [A dark figure appears on screen with a big white mask with an antenna sticking out of its head; the minimal light showcasing green fur.]

Most of the Soul Reapers gasped at the sight of the Hollow. Ichigo looked around in confusion before he studied the Hollow, feeling a memory resurface of that night and paled. He gripped his Zanpakuto tight. 'That antennae…That mask…Shiro, Ossan?' they emitted the same feelings he was feeling. "Dad…that Hollow…who is it?" when no one answered him, he repeated his question with urgency. "Who. Is that?"

"…Grand Fisher." His father answered and Ichigo froze.

"Gr-…Grand Fisher?"

Isshin nodded solemnly. "Yes, Ichigo. That's the Hollow that took you and your sisters' mother…and my wife."

"W-what…?" said Karin as she stared wide-eyed.

"No way! That's the Hollow that killed Mommy?!" said Yuzu with tears in her eyes.

Ichigo didn't say anything as he stared at the Hollow, committing it to memory. He could hear nothing, nothing but his heart beating loudly in his ears and he could vaguely hear Shiro screaming in fury. The blood in his veins furiously pumping and rushing with blazing ferocity. And then he snapped.

"I'LL KILL HIM! I'LL KILL HIM!" He yelled as he nearly drew his sword. Uryu and Isshin were immediately at his side as they held him back from leaping at the screen. Everyone else watched in shock. "Let go of me! Get me out of here! I have to find him, now!"

"Ichigo, calm down!" said Uryu.

"No! I have to go back and find him! He took her from us! I have to avenge her! I will avenge my mother!"

"Ichigo!" Isshin shouted and with one final resistant, the teen slumped back in his seat dejectedly. His sisters looked at him worriedly with tears in their eyes while his friends and the rest of his family were concerned with his mental state. Isshin rubbed his son's head comfortingly. "It's alright, Son. Once we leave here, we will find him and set her soul free. Do you understand, Son?" Ichigo looked to his father with a devastated look, and it nearly broke his heart. He hadn't seen that look since Masaki died. "I promise, we will find him." the teen didn't speak but he nodded, showing that he understood. As soon as they were sure he was calm, they sat back and turned back to the screen.

Grand Fisher: Now, let's devour this soul. [Sora makes a break for it, crying out in fright as he struggles to run as fast as he can.] Get him!

"Run, Sora!"

[The two Hollows vanish after him and suddenly, Sora is surrounded by tons of Hollows devouring him as Grand Fisher laughs maniacally in the background.]

"No!"

[After finishing, the Hollows retreat in all direction. Sora stands in the center as he begins to glow in a burst of light, and in that light a serpent tale appears, and a white substance covers his face as he lets out a muffled cry with a hole in his chest. The white substance solidifies, turning into a Hollowfied mask, letting out a howl as the scene fades.]

Orihime's eyes widened in horror. "No…Oh, Sora…No." she cried into her hands in grief as Tatsuki whispered to her comforting words.

"We will help him Orihime, I give you my word." Said Ichigo, even though he still looked devastated. Orihime wiped her eyes and nodded before giving a small smile.

"Right…and when that's done, we'll help your mother too." The other nodded before turning back.

[Dramatic music comes on as a spotlight appears on Rukia.]

Rukia: Hear my voice, oh Lord. Help your humble child understand why she was born. And if your divine will wishes it, summon her back to your side. I await your – Oh!

Ichigo: JEEZE, WOULD YOU SHUT UP ALREADY?

Everyone jumped at that. "Well, that was an ice breaker." Commented Mizuiro.

Rukia: What is your problem? I am studying contemporary language.

"I hate to tell you this, Rukia, but you're a bit off by a couple centuries." Uryu stated as he adjusted his glasses. She looked at him confused.

"Why? Isn't that how most people talk these days?" him and the rest that live in the World of the Living shook their heads.

"Man, you guys really are behind the times if that's how you think we talk." Said Ichigo, feeling a little better after calming down. His sisters were happy to see that he was himself again.

Rukia blinked. "Huh." she then turned to Renji. "We really need to catch up with the World of the Living."

The redhead nodded. "Yeah, otherwise we're going in blind if we ever get a mission to the World of the Living." He inwardly smiled, glad that Rukia wasn't blaming herself anymore.

Ichigo: You're off by a couple centuries.

Ichigo and Uryu gave each other strange looks at that.

Ichigo: So, tell me. How long do you plan on following me around?

Rukia: Until you answer your calling as a Soul Reaper.

"Oh, please." The orange head stated blandly, rolling his eyes. Yuzu looked curiously at the dress Rukia was wearing.

"Huh, that's weird. I have the same exact dress that Rukia is wearing."

Karin studied the dress before shrugging. "Maybe it's just a coincidence or something?"

"Maybe?"

Ichigo: Yeah, right. Whatever. Huh?[Tires screech in the background as it cuts to a car driving away with Orihime on the ground, groceries everywhere. Ichigo and Rukia run towards her as she slowly gets up with a groan.] Hey! Orihime!

"Orihime!" exclaimed Tatsuki, worried about her friend.

Orihime: Uh, Ichigo!

Ichigo: Did you just get hit by that car?

Orihime: Oh! Maybe?

"'Maybe'? What do you mean, maybe?" Ichigo said at the same time as his future self.

Ichigo: What do you mean, maybe? Are you gonna be OK? [Orihime gets up without a problem, looking like her bubbly self.]

Orihime: Mm-hm! It was just a little bump on my head. Don't worry. I'm fine. I swear!

Ichigo: You sure you're OK? Where'd that car go that hit ya?

Orihime: Hm? …It drove away.

Ichigo: Orihime!

"Orihime, you shouldn't be so nonchalant about that! You could've seriously died or get severely injured," Said Tatsuki, "and those people should've at least stayed to make sure if you were okay. Instead, they just drove off like assholes; you should be mad about that! You can even sue them for it."

Orihime felt guilty about that. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"Ah, Orihime." She squeezed her friend's shoulder. "There's nothing for you to apologize for, it's those people that should have stayed and apologize to you for nearly killing you."

"She's right, Orihime." Said Isshin. "Something like that, you can't just brush off like it's no big deal; you could seriously get hurt or killed if that happens to you. Take it seriously next time." He told her gently and she nodded.

"Right…"

Orihime: Oh, sorry.

Ichigo: [GROANS] Well, alright. I guess as long as you're OK, then. [She then finally notices that Rukia is behind him and looks confused.]

Orihime: Rukia?

Rukia: That's right, and just who are you?

Ichigo: [WHISPERS] Hello! She's in the same class as you! Her name is Orihime! Get your head out of your butt!

Rukia: Huh? Oh, of course! Orihime! [She curtsies to her in greeting.]How are you? [Orihime sweat-drops as she curtsies back.]

Orihime: Oh, I'm great, thank you!

"Seriously, who curtsies anymore?" Ichigo muttered and Rukia narrowed her eyes at him.

Rukia: Well now, it appears that you've been shopping.

Orihime: Huh? Oh, that's right! Dinner! My leeks, bananas, butter, and bean jam seem to have made it, too! [GIGGLES]

Everyone turned green at that.

Ichigo's Thoughts: Ugh. I don't wanna know what she's gonna make with that.

Orihime looks around in confusion. "What's wrong with what I cook?" Ichigo and his friends tensed as they perspired nervously.

"Uh, nothing! Nothing, really. It's just uh…" Ichigo was stumped, he didn't know what to say without hurting her feelings.

"Um…nobody has…your unique sense of taste like you do." said Uryu and the burnt orange haired girl tilted her head curiously.

"Really?" they all nodded furiously.

"Y-yeah, of course." Said Ichigo. Orihime hummed in thought before shrugging.

"Okay, I guess that makes sense." All the teens sighed in relief. 'Thank goodness…'Ichigo thought as he nudged his cousin.

"Nice save." His whispered to the bespectacled teen who nodded back as the show started up again.

[Rukia then spies something and gasps when she spots a bruised handprint on her left leg. She stares intensely at it.]

Rukia: How did you get that bruise on your leg?

Orihime: What bruise? Oh, I guess that happened just now when that car ran into me.

Ichigo (OFFSCREEN): Jeeze! Does it hurt?

Orihime (OFFSCREEN): A little bit! But I'm OK.

Ichigo (OFFSCREEN): You sure?

[The whole time they were talking, Rukia kept on studying the bruise completely ignoring them as she kneeled closely to it.]

"I don't understand, Rukia? Why are you staring at my bruise so intensely?" inquired Orihime. The petite raven gave her a stoic expression.

"Because it's starting."

"Huh, what's starting?"

Rukia closed her eyes regretfully, not liking how she was going to explain this to her. "Do you remember, what Captain Ukitake said about what Hollows do to their loved ones?"

"Yes, of cour- "The teen's eye's widened before she shook her head in denial. "No…No, he wouldn't. That can't be true, you're lying! Sora would never. He'd never try and hurt me, he wouldn't!"

"I'm sorry, Orihime, but it's 100% fact. A soul when they first become a Hollow, they first go after their loved ones to fill up the emptiness in their hearts before they go after other souls."

"No…Not Sora…no. He just…he." She covered her face in devastation. "Big Brother…" Tatsuki gave her a one-armed hug.

"I'm sorry, Orihime." Said Tatsuki.

Rukia looked on sadly at the sight before trying to find something that could cheer up the poor girl and remembered the bruise. "Hey, look on the bright side, Orihime." The teen stopped sobbing enough to give her a confused look.

"A bright side? What bright side?"

"Well, your brother is still technically a new Hollow, so if he did follow you he probably saw how you were going to get hit by that car and saved you." She exclaimed positively. Orihime looked at her, almost hopeful.

"Sora…saved me?" Rukia gave her a comforting smile.

"Yes, Orihime, that's how you probably got the bruise. When he saw you, some part of his heart must have remembered you and his instincts as a brother must have kicked in to save you from getting hit."

Orihime's eyes began to have some spark back. "Do you…really think so?"

The raven nodded. "I'm positive that's what happened. If not, we'll still go to him and give him the rest he needs." Ichigo nodded in agreement at this. The girl stared at her for a minute before giving her a hesitant smile.

"You're right, hopefully my brother can still be saved." Rukia nodded. "Rukia?" the petite looked to her see she had a thankful smile. "Thank you." The other smiled back.

Orihime: Um, what's the matter, Rukia?

Rukia: Huh?

Orihime: Is anything wrong?

Rukia: Uh, right, well, you take care! [She got to her feet with a bright fake smile.]

Orihime: Thanks!

Ichigo: So, you want me to walk you home?

Orihime: Oh! Uh, I'm OK, really. See ya! [She giggles nervously as she turns to the crosswalk, looks both ways and walks away. The two staring at her retreating form.]

Tatsuki wanted to give her a talk about missed opportunities again but seeing how she wasn't up for it she'll talk with her about it later.

Ichigo: Man, she needs to be more careful.

Rukia: Hm. [Rukia stares after her intensely before the scene cuts to the setting sun as the two walks along the river bank. Ichigo has his normal scowl while Rukia still has her contemplative look as she looks to Ichigo.] So then, that girl.

Ichigo: Huh? Oh, do you mean Orihime?

Rukia: Are you close to her?

Ichigo: Nah, I'm not really. I barely know her, and we don't really talk much. But she's friends with a buddy of mine from the neighborhood, so I see her around.

Orihime, even though she still felt down about Sora, felt sad about this. Why did she have to be so shy around him? Why can't she be as confident like Tatsuki or Rukia? Then she had a thought and nodded resolutely. 'Right then, I'll just have to try harder and talk to him more. Tatsuki's right, I can't miss opportunities like this anymore!'

Ichigo: …Although-

Rukia: Yes?

Ichigo: …Around three years back or so, her older brother Sora was in this terrible accident and died at our clinic.

Rukia: What?

~ Flashback: Three years ago. ~

[SIRENS]

Ichigo (OFFSCREEN): He was in a car wreck. He was the only family she had. [The scene shows an ambulance outside the clinic where EMTs were carting a stretcher with Sora on it into the bus, a younger Orihime standing over him crying in grief and desperation.]

Younger Orihime: Big brother! Big brother! You can't die! Please! Don't leave me all alone!

~ Present ~

Orihime had tears streaming down her face. She remembered that night every day, feeling like it happened yesterday.

Ichigo: I'd never realized that she was the girl I saw crying that day. I only found that out just recently.

Rukia: How in tune to the spirit realm were you?

Ichigo: Huh? Not as much as I am now. I mean, it's really only recently I've been able to fully see and communicate with the spirit realm.

Rukia's Thoughts: …Just as I thought.

Ichigo: Why? What's up? What are you thinking?

Rukia: Nothing. See you later.[Ichigo stops in confusion as she walks ahead.]

"Yeah, right. Nothing my ass." The hybrid muttered.

Ichigo: Huh? Hey! Where are you going? [She stops and looks back.]

Rukia: Back home.

Ichigo: Where's that?

Rukia: You really want to know?

Ichigo: Guess not.

Rukia: Then don't ask me. [She walks away again, the teen looking annoyed.]

The teen gave her the stink eye.

Ichigo: Huh? [GROANS] Yeah, right.

[The scene cuts to night where the camera is positioned outside Orihime's apartment.]

[DOORBELL]

Orihime (OFFSCREEN): Coming! [Orihime opens the door to see Tatsuki smiling with a bowl of stew on hand.] Oh, hi Tatsuki!

Tatsuki: My mom thought that I should bring this over for you. It's stewed beef and potatoes.

Orihime: Wow! Great! [Cutting where the steaming stew is set on the table as the two sits around the table inside to eat.] Homemade beef and potatoes! [GIGGLES] Oh boy! This is delicious!

"That does look delicious." Rangiku said dreamily, drooling a bit. She wasn't the only one though. Everyone was hungry at the sight of food.

"Don't worry, everyone! I'll whip us up a delicious feast once we're done here!" said Yuzu.

"Really, You're Highness, you don't have to cook for all of us." Said Izuru.

"Oh, it's no trouble, at all! Besides, my family will help, and I just love cooking for people."

"No, really I – "

"I said it's no trouble, at all." Yuzu stated with finality, a dark aura surrounding the girl who still had a bright smile on her face. Izuru and almost everyone in the room sweat-dropped, most of them in fear and the closest to her backed away a bit. The only ones who weren't affected were her siblings and father.

"I, um…yes ma'am." He replied back nervously and suddenly, the girl was back to her bubbly self.

"Good, you won't be disappointed." Now everyone sweat-dropped except her family.

"Yeah, Yuzu can be a bit stubborn when it comes to taking care of others. So, unless you're not family, she will not take no for an answer and will definitely hit you over the hand with a wooden spoon if you try and help her with cooking or make her stop." Ichigo stated, Yuzu ignoring the statement.

'She's almost as bad as Unohana.'Were most of the occupants thoughts.

Tatsuki: I swear, if I don't bring meals over for you to eat, you always end up cooking the weirdest stuff. [The camera moves to the shelves where a memorial picture is set with a pink bear on another shelf.]

Orihime (OFFSCREEN): I never thought about it. You really think so?

Tatsuki (OFFSCREEN): Um, yeah. I mean, what is this stuff?

[The scene changes to the Kurosaki Clinic before cutting to Ichigo's room. Ichigo sitting on his bed reading as Yuzu barges in.]

Yuzu: Hey, Ichigo? You haven't seen my pajamas, have you?

Ichigo: Yuzu, come on! Knock before you come in here!

Yuzu: Well, I'm sorry I asked. You've been so mean since you started high school!

"I have not!" her brother said indignantly.

Ichigo: Have not, and I don't know where your pajamas are.

Yuzu: That is just so odd. One of my dresses has gone missing too.

Ichigo: Why do you feel the need to ask me about every little thing? Do I look like I care?

"Because you're our big brother, you're supposed to know everything!" Yuzu stated positively. Ichigo sweat-dropped.

"Isn't that mostly reserved for the parents?"

"Well, can you really blame us with a role model like that?" Karin commented, gesturing towards their father.

"Good point." Isshin burst into tears complaining how cruel his children were towards him, but they just ignored him.

Yuzu: OK, goodnight.

[She then closes the door and leaves, cutting to where Rukia is in a dark room staring at the ceiling with yellow striped pajamas on. Suddenly her Soul Phone rings and she reaches for it in her shirt.]

Rukia's Thoughts: Hm. An order? [It cuts back to Ichigo as he looks up at the sound. He looks around in confusion.]

Ichigo began to pale as he realized what was going on.'Don't tell me…'

Ichigo: What the – ? Huh? Huh? [BEEP] [Rukia reads the order and gasps. Ichigo's closet door opens suddenly and inside is Rukia sitting in it with Yuzu's pajamas on.]

Rukia: Hey, Ichigo!

Ichigo gaped at the absurdity of this while everyone laughed at the situation he got himself in. Well, except Byakuya whom frowned, displeased at how his sister was basically sleeping in a young man's closet. "Hey, you stole my dress and my PJs!" exclaimed Yuzu.

"Who the hell cares about that? What the hell are you doing in there?! My closet is not some kind of Bed and Breakfast for you to stay in! What if my family sees you and gets the wrong idea or something?"

"Well, where do you expect me to stay at?"

"Anywhere but my closet or at my house! You can't expect to stay in my closet like some freeloader, let alone my house!"

"Freeloader?! How dare you!"

"Ichigo…" the teen flinched and turned to his father. "To think you would stoop so low as to sneak a girl into your room and have her sleep in your closet…" 'Oh no…' "Ichigo…I COULDN'T BE PROUDER!" The teen twitched furiously, hearing his Hollow laughing up a storm as Isshin brought out the picture. "Masaki! Our son really is a man after all! And he brought a pretty girl too!" Isshin grunted as he was bonked on the head by Ichigo's Zanpakuto.

"It's not like that, you dirty old pervert!" the teen stated, him and Rukia blushing furiously as the whole room continued laughing. Byakuya not liking how Isshin was insinuating that the young prince and his sister were intimate.

Ichigo: [GASP] What the heck? What are you doing in there? [She jumps out.] Are those my sister's PJs you've got on?

Rukia: I'll explain later. We got orders.

Ichigo: Orders? [Rukia puts on her red glove.]

Rukia: We're not alone.

Ichigo: Wait, what are ya saying?

Rukia: Get down! [Rukia leaps and pushes him and his body off the bed, at the same time a rip in reality opens up and a giant red clawed hand makes a grab for him but misses. Ichigo in his Soul Reaper form and Rukia stare in shock as the clawed hand slams on the bed. Climbing out of the rip is Sora's Hollowfied form roaring.]

Rukia: Why are you standing there? Do something?[The weight of the hand crushes the bed as Sora roars and tries to leap to Ichigo, who jumps back at the last minute.]

"Ah, come on! Not my bed!"

Rukia: You have to aim for its head!

Ichigo: Huh?

[The Hollow leaps towards him and Ichigo grabs the hilt of his Zanpakuto before drawing it. In the process, he accidently cuts along the ceiling slowing the blade down as he war cries. Because of that he misses and gets knocked aside by the Hollow's tail.]

"Sora, no!"

"Dammit…" 'If only that Zanpakuto wasn't so huge.'

Rukia: Ichigo!

Ichigo: Ugh! [Sora lunges towards him, and with a scream Ichigo slices into his arm injuring it.]

Orihime gasped, even though she knew that the two were just trying to help him she still didn't like that Sora was getting hurt in the process.

Rukia: You need to focus! Don't just swing your sword around!

Ichigo: Shut up! Who cares, as long as I kill it? [Ichigo runs towards the Hollow and leaps when it tried to crush him with his claw. He readies a swing.]You're mine! Ya! [He manages to make contact with the mask, but it wasn't deep enough.]

Rukia: Too shallow. [GASP]

[Hollow Sora reaches up and the two struggle with the blade. With a scream of frustration Ichigo puts on a little more pressure and yanks away, causing the top corner of the mask to crack and break away; it reveals one part of Sora's face. Ichigo gasps is disbelief as Sora roars and screams in pain.]

Ichigo's Thoughts: What? [He stares in shock as Hollow Sora disappears into a rip.] [PANTING]

Rukia: It's getting away. Let's go. [She runs towards the door but stops as she realizes that Ichigo isn't following. She looks back in confusion.] Ichigo, what's the matter?

Ichigo: …Something's not right.

Rukia: What?

Ichigo: …I got a look at that thing's face. …And it was Orihime's dead brother!

Rukia: Are you certain?

[The scene cuts back to Hueco Mundo where Sora is struggling and groaning with himself, holding his head as if in pain. He screams as the mask rebuilds itself.]

"Oh, Sora…" 'Poor Big Brother, he's in so much pain…'

[Hollow Sora howls as it cuts back to Ichigo's room, Ichigo looking shell-shocked. Rukia looks at him solemnly before closing her eyes and looking away.]

Rukia: Here's a word of advice.

Ichigo: Uh?

Rukia: When attacking Hollows, come from behind and cleave their heads with one blow. Don't forget. It's basic theory for any Soul Reaper.

Ichigo: Why? What do you mean?

Rukia: It will keep your injuries to a minimum. …Also, with any luck, it will keep you from learning the Hollow's identity.

Ichigo: Wait a minute. What do you mean, the identity?

Rukia: You just saw for yourself.

Ichigo: Hm.

Rukia: Do you understand? The Hollows were once souls of human beings no different from anyone else. [Ichigo stares in denial as Rukia watches resolutely.]

Ichigo (OFFSCREEN): You-you've never told me that! So that thing I saw was just a monster, wasn't it? It was some beast from the underworld that needed to be wiped out.

Rukia: That is correct. He is just a monster now. And he must be destroyed. [Ichigo stares speechless.]

Ichigo: …But it was human once.

Rukia: It can't be helped. Souls that hold onto feelings of resentment or regret will sometimes resist Konso and linger on alone in this world. Should that happen, they either become Hollows on their own, or they're devoured by other Hollows and become one of the fold.

Ichigo: But that's –

"You know, if you just told me that our Zanpakutos purify Hollows, then I'd probably be less hesitant later." Ichigo stated flatly and Rukia actually looked embarrassed.

"Oh, I uh, guess I forgot that in there you wouldn't know."

[It flashes to Sora's mask breaking before switching back to Orihime's apartment, Tatsuki's face up close and personal at the screen as she has a shocked expression.]

Most of the room jumped at how unexpectantly close her face was to the screen. "Whoa! In the face much!" said Keigo.

Tatsuki: What? They were together?

Orihime: Mm-hm. But they were just walking home together, Tatsuki. What's the matter?

Tatsuki: Oh man. I never knew Ichigo was such a smooth operator.

"It wasn't like that, at all. She's the one who was following me around like some stalker." Ichigo stated blandly. The petite raven glared at him.

"I am not a stalker!"

'Ooh, quite the lady's man, aren't cha, King?'Shiro teased. 'Wow, you sure know how to pick 'em. First Big Boobs, now the midget.'

Ichigo gritted his teeth in annoyance. 'You on the other hand can shut up! It's not like that!'his Hollow laughed as he continued to tease.

'~ It's getting hot in here! So, take off all you're – OW!'The teen heard a bonk, which probably meant that Yhwach hit him over the head. Ichigo smirked, satisfied. He noticed Uryu glancing at him in confusion before he shook his head and gestured at his sword. The other teen nodded.

Tatsuki: I mean, honestly. He didn't even walk you home when you were hurt!

"Well, I tried but you walked away before I could insist I should." Orihime looked down sadly.

Orihime: Well, no. I mean, he did ask me if I wanted him to walk me home. But I – [She suddenly had this faraway look as she blushed at something she could only see before she started freaking out, her mind getting carried away. Tatsuki jumped back in surprise.] I'm warning, you! You better watch out, champ. Because I'm winning this match!

Tatsuki: Yeah, hey, wake up! You're daydreaming again! [It switches to Sora's photo.]

Everyone stared as they sweat-dropped at how strange the girl was. "Uh…do I even wanna know what you were daydreaming about?" Ichigo questioned, unsure. Orihime blushed and covered her face, feeling so mortified.

Orihime (OFFSCREEN): I'll give you a right, and another! Bam! Ah! Look out! He's got a gun! [BANG!]

[Suddenly, they hear a crash from outside and gasped. They both looked apprehensive.]

Tatsuki: Hey, what was that?

[All throughout the room, they hear bangs coming from outside the apartment. Suddenly the pink bear on the shelf fell with a rip on the head as the two looked around warily as the scene closed of Hollow Sora, roaring before turning black.]

"Oh, Sora…" said Orihime, feeling her heart break even more.

[ENDING THEME SONG: Life is Like a Boat.]

As the screen went black after the song, appeared in green block letters was a message that said, "See you tomorrow!" with a chibi drawing of Urahara giving a peace sign before the lights came on.

"What?!" Tatsuki exclaimed as she got to her feet in outrage. "That's it? You're just gonna leave us in suspense to the part where we're gonna be attacked by a Hollowfied Sora?!"

"Man, I hate cliffhangers." Keigo complained.

"Tatsuki it's alright, I don't mind." Said Orihime, glad for the break because she really needed the rest. Her friend could see that as she finally relented.

"Oh, alright fine. But only because you want to."

"I believe it is for the best," said Unohana as she got to her feet along with the rest, "a lot of people's emotions have been running rampant. It's best for the health if we all just take a breath and clear our heads for now."

"Yeah, I agree. I really need some sleep, after this." said Ichigo as he put his Zanpakuto over his shoulder. A door then slid open and everyone filed through. Through the door were multiple doors and hallways that led to different places, almost confusingly so. "Great, now which way do we go?"

"Hey, everyone! I found a map here." Shouted a timid looking Soul Reaper that had a bandolier around his back with a tired-like expression and black shoulder length straight hair. Everyone began to crowd around him. "W-wait! One at a time, please!"

"Everyone, back up!" Ichigo shouted over top and as one, they all obeyed. "You, what's your name?" the Soul Reaper in question jumped in surprised, not believing that he was speaking to the Prince.

"W-what me? Uh, Hanataro Yamada, S-Sire. 7thseat of S-Squad 4."

'Man, that is such a lame name.'Shiro commented and the teen couldn't help but agree.

"Hanataro then, can you tell us which direction the kitchen and the dining room is at?"

"Y-yes, My Lord!" Hanataro looked at the screen and studied it as he followed the pattern like maze. Luckily as a Squad 4 member, he was good with mazes. "Oh, I see. Follow me, everyone." The group turned from hallway to hallway that had multiple doors with plaque labels next to them. Labels like game room, women and men baths, lounge room, etc. until they came upon the room labeled "Dining room/Kitchen". "Here we are."

"Excellent work, Mr. Yamada." Said Unohana. Hanataro beamed.

"Thank you, Captain." They all went in to see a completely ordinary dining room with a huge long table that had enough chairs for everyone and optimal lighting along with couches in case some don't want to sit at the table. On the other side was a closed bay window and another door, probably leading to the kitchen. Yuzu clapped her hands with a positive smile.

"Alright, I'll get started right away, then!"

"We'll help you, Yuzu." Said Karin with Ichigo, their father, and the Shibas nodding.

"Great!"

"If you don't mind, Yuzu, I could help as well." Said Uryu and the girl beamed.

"Of course!"

"Do you need any more help, Your Highness?" asked Shuhei. Yuzu shook her head politely as her family filed into the kitchen.

"Oh no, it's fine. I have all the hands I need."

"No really, I – "

"I said it's fine." She stated slowly, that dark aura surrounding her again. Shuhei paled, perspiring nervously.

"I…Yes, ma'am." He replied nervously and just like that, her happy aura was back.

"Okay, everyone please just sit back and relax. Dinner will be done shortly!" with that said, she went inside and already sounds of pans can be heard inside. Shuhei breathed a sigh of relief and sweat-dropped, Izuru coming up next to him.

"That girl, she's just as scary as Captain Unohana." He muttered to his friend. The blonde nodded in full agreement with a scared look.

"I know, that's what I thought too."

"What was that boys?" they paled and turned around to see said captain behind them with a pleasant smile on her face. The two perspired and shook in fright.

"Eh, nothing ma'am." They replied nervously back.

After an hour the bay window finally opened with Yuzu and Karin standing there. "Dinners ready!" Yuzu announced as they set the drinks of tea, water, juice and the rice cooker out on the bay window while Ichigo, Uryu, and Isshin carted out tons of covered food that smelled amazing. Kukaku and Ganju had already set the table and helped them set the food out. Taking off the silver domes, everyone was astounded and in awe of the spread. There was everything you could imagine there from Onigiri too steaming Soba noodles. Everyone was practically drooling. "I didn't know what anyone liked, so my family and I just made one of everything. And after, we can have dessert too! Dig in everyone!" she announced as the food was set out.

"Well, don't mind if I do." Ikkaku was about to grab a dumpling with his bare hands when he was suddenly slapped on the hand by a wooden rice spoon. "Yow! What was that for?" he exclaimed as he held his hand and glared at Yuzu. The girl gave him a disapproving look.

"Now don't just grab at the food like an animal, mister. Go and eat like a normal person. And did you even wash your hands?" from his guilty expression, he didn't. She pointed with her spoon in the direction towards the kitchen. "Go and wash your hands, Mister?"

"Oh, come on, I'm starving here!" he suddenly paled when she gave him a creepy pleasant smile that was so much like Unohana's, a dark aura surrounding her.

"I said, go wash your hands and eat properly. Is that clear?"

Ikkaku sweat nervously. "I, um, crystal…I'll go wash my hands, then."

She beamed positively. "Great!" Ikkaku quickly ran off towards the kitchen sink with his tail between his legs. Yuzu looked after him in confusion. "Huh? Did I say something wrong?" Ichigo and Karin snickered behind their hands before looking in different directions when she turned to them questioningly.

Omaeda was just about to grab an Onigiri when Ichigo spotted him. "Hold it!" with a downward swing, Ichigo slapped the fat oaf's hand with his sheathed Zanpakuto.

Omaeda shook his hand painfully. "Ow! What's your problem, man?" Ichigo held up his sheathed sword between his eyes as he narrowed his angrily at the idiot.

"Now look here, Fatass, your captain may be patient enough and apologized for you, but that 'holier-than-thou' attitude of yours won't fly by with me. I don't care who you are in the Soul Society but when it comes to my family, you're in my house now, Bitch, and I will not stand for it. So, unless you change to a different tune and apologize to her yourself like a decent person," Ichigo glared darkly at him, making him sweat nervously. "I'll make you eat nothing but scraps like I promised and kick your ass so hard that ugly mug of yours won't even be recognizable!" everyone watched on in silence, knowing better than to interfere. Some were even too scared of the teen to say anything while others thought the fat lieutenant deserved it, knowing that he needs a good ass kicking. The rest just watched on in entertainment. "Now then, apologize to her…before I get any angrier." Marechiyo stared fearfully at him, too scared to even speak. That didn't make the teen any happier as he glared dangerously at him. The teen stomped boomingly at the ground and held up his sword. "I SAID APOLOGIZE!"

Marechiyo screamed before going to the girl and bowing low multiple times. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please forgive me! Please!" he said repeatedly. Yuzu gave him an uncomfortable smile.

"Oh, um, that's okay."

"Thank you." He said in relief before he turned to the teen nervously.

Ichigo scoffed before he leaned his Zanpakuto on his shoulder. "Now that's more like it." He narrowed his eyes at him with a cold expression. "And just so we're clear…you're in my house now, so unless you have a death wish. Don't let me catch you with that attitude again, got it?"

"Eh, yes, Your Majesty." He squeaked out. The teen scoffed again before turning away, tired of looking at the idiot's face. After that, conversation started up again, the atmosphere a little tense. But soon it became comfortable again when everyone complimented how good the food was. Yuzu adored the compliments, glad that everyone liked her cooking. Rukia was also enjoying her meal when she noticed the dark-haired twin approaching her, not looking very happy. The Soul Reaper began to feel nervous, though she probably had a good idea on what was going to happen.

"Oh, um Your Highness…is there something you need?" she asked, trying to be polite.

"Yes, we need to talk." She was afraid of that. "Now look, I can tell Ichigo thinks you're okay and forgives the stunt you pulled on him, but I won't. What you did was super low, and I won't forgive you for that. I don't want to hear that it was your duty or any other bullshit excuses, you knew what you were doing, and you know it's wrong. Right?"

Rukia looked down sadly. "Yes, I do."

"Good, now since Ichigo likes you and all, I'm going to give you one chance to prove to me that you're a good friend to Ichigo."

Rukia beamed in relief. "Really? Oh, thank you – "

"I'm not finished, if you hurt my brother in any way…you will not be forgiven so easily. I swear, I will make your life a living hell if you so much as hurt my brother like that again!"

Rukia looked down sadly and nodded in understanding. "Of course, I won't let you down."

"Good, make sure you do that."

"Here's dessert!" the two looked over to see Yuzu carting in a beautiful three-layer sponge cake in as everyone clapped and oohed in awe of it. "Hope everyone has room, because there's enough for seconds!"

Karin looked back at the Kuchiki with a look of warning, holding up a finger. "Remember, Kuchiki,onechance; don't make me regret it." With that, Karin walked away towards her sister to help hand out the cake. Rukia watched on sadly, feeling so guilty.

"Hey." The raven jumped and looked up to see Ichigo holding two pieces of cake, a look of sympathy on his face. Rukia plastered a quick fake smile.

"Oh, Ichigo. What's up?" the teen raised an eyebrow at her.

"Don't give me that, I saw the whole thing." he stated as he handed her the cake. Rukia dropped the look as she took the offered cake and stared at the strawberry on top of it sadly.

"Oh…you did, huh? …How much of it?" she poked at the strawberry with her fork.

"Enough. Look don't get so down, Karin can be very protective of us – especially after mom died – but don't worry. She may be a hot-head like me, but she'll come around."

Rukia looked up with hopeful eyes. "How do you know that?"

"Because she's my sister, she may not act like it, but she likes you in her own way. She just doesn't like how you went about the situation. But really, don't sweat over it; you just made a little mistake." She looked down again and closed her eyes.

"But it's not just a little mistake, I manipulated you. I tried to make you think that my morals and my ways are just, that my priorities were more important than yours and, in the process…I did something unforgivable. And who's to say I won't hurt you again." She sighed sadly. "If Kaien were here he would be so disappointed in me."

"Alright, now stop. That's enough of that." he put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Now look, I may not have liked how you went about that scene, but I know you regret it and that's all I need to hear. My priorities and morals are not more important than anyone else's, just as long as you understand them. And you made one mistake and who's to say you won't make more, nobody's perfect! And if you do hurt me, it's my decision to forgive you or not; not Karin's." Rukia looked up at him, completely enwrapped by his speech. "Look, I may not know Kaien but I'm pretty sure that he would not be disappointed with you. He would just be disappointed in himself that he didn't help you deal with others better, if he's anything like my family; we're known to blame ourselves." He put his hand on top of her head and smiled comfortingly as Rukia's eyes glistened, almost seeing Kaien again. "Just stop being so hard on yourself, okay. It won't make you or anyone else feel better. Now come on, try the cake already; it's good. You don't want Yuzu to cry about you at least not trying her cake; she worked really hard on it." To emphasize his point, he got a forkful and took an exaggerated chomp out of it.

Rukia giggled, the last of her tears drying up as she smiled gratefully at him, glad that he cheered her up. She shook her head and gave a proud smile. "You're absolutely right, what am I doing moping over something so silly? I'm a Kuchiki, I should know better than that and we own up to our mistakes. And as a Kuchiki, I shouldn't be so ungrateful and not try this beautiful cake. I would be a disgrace to the Kuchiki clan if I upset the princess and her hard work."

"That's the spirit!" the two laughed before they smiled into each other's eyes.

"Thank you, Ichigo. I really did need that."

"Hey, no problem. It's the least I could do after Karin ribbed into you."

"Nevertheless, I am still grateful, and I did deserve it. But enough of that, this cake looks amazing." She tried a bite and felt like her mouth was in heaven. "Mm! It tastes fantastic too! Your sister really outdone herself."

As the two continued talking, Orihime stared at them longingly before looking down with heartbroken eyes. 'Ichigo looks at Rukia so differently than when he looks at me. And he never laughs or smiles like that when I'm around either.'She stared at Ichigo's laughing face as he talked about whatever with Rukia. 'Ichigo…will I be able to get the chance of you looking at me like that too?'the teen continued to stare at the two sadly until it was time to clean up.

After everyone helped clean and put away the dishes, they followed the directions on the map (which were thankfully posted along each hallway intersections) they found the hallway that had accommodations on it, the doors each having a nameplate on all of them by last names. Ichigo's family being at the end of the hall with three last names: Kurosaki-Shiba-Ishida. They had no doubt that it was going to be the biggest out of all the rooms. Everyone said their goodnights before turning in. Ichigo and his family turning in as well.

Once inside, they checked out the place. In front of them was the living space that had two couches and a love seat surrounding a mahogany coffee table with a bookcase full of books and some knick knacks on it in between two doors. There were other doors as well and they all had nameplates on them as well. Ichigo's and Uryu's room were on the left side with Ganju's door next to theirs. Next to the left side of the bookcase was Yuzu's and Karin's room and on the right was the bathroom. The last two doors on the other side were Isshin's and Kukaku's rooms. "Well, take a good look everyone. This will be our new home for a while." Said Isshin.

"Great." The teens said sarcastically.

"Come on, Karin! Let's go brush up and check out our new room." Dragging her twin, they ran to their door and went inside after brushing, the others doing the same as they said goodnight after brushing their teeth as well. The bathroom luckily had everything they needed, including new toothbrushes. Uryu and Ichigo went to their room and checked it out. The room was the size of a college dorm room. The beds were moderate twin sizes against the walls with desks that had desk lamps in front of the headboards. Two cupboard closets with mirrors on the doors were on the other side of the wall at the foot of the beds. Ichigo slid the closet door open and stared in surprise.

"Huh, looks like Urahara took all of my clothes from my room. Don't know how I should feel about that, though I am glad I won't walk around in just my uniform." Uryu checked out his closet, frowning as he saw his clothes too and sewing equipment.

"Well I feel violated that a Soul Reaper went snooping through my clothes." Ichigo shrugged.

"Eh, I'm just glad that there's no midget living in there." Uryu shrugged and nodded as they grabbed their sleep wear and sat on their beds, the orange head leaning his Zanpakuto against his desk as he faced his cousin curiously.

"So, tell me about yourself, Uryu. You got any hobbies or such?"

"Well, one of my hobbies are archery of course, reading, and sewing clothes."

"Dude, that is so girly." Uryu glared indignantly at him with a tick mark.

"It is not girly! I'll have you know, sewing back then was a manly thing to do!"

"Great, you're old. Good to know." The raven twitched in irritation.

"Well what are your hobbies then?"

"I sometimes play the guitar and read Shakespeare, but I mostly fight thugs in alleys. Though that's not much of a hobby as more self-defense; can't help that idiots like them try to pick a fight with me just because of my hair color."

"Do they really fight you just because of your hair?"

"Pretty much, stereotypical bastards. Anyways, what about your parents? Tell me about them." Uryu gained an emotionless look as he adjusted his glasses.

"My father and I are really not on speaking terms at the moment, not after my mother died when I was nine." The hybrid's eyes widened.

"Your mother died when you were nine too?" Uryu nodded.

"Yes, her cause of death was unknown when she suddenly went into a coma and lost her Quincy powers as well. She passed three months after her coma."

"Oh wow, I'm sorry."

"It's fine, it was a long time ago; it just goes to show that we're not so completely different after all."

"Guess not. Do you have a general idea on why our mother's lost all their Quincy powers?"

'I can answer that.'Ichigo jumped and looked to his sword.

"Ichigo?" he held up a finger.

'What do you mean? Do you know something?'

'Yes, but I shall explain it at a different time when it is not so late.'

'Alright, but you better make sure you do.'The teen looked back to the confused raven. "Yhwach says that he has an idea on how that happened, but he won't tell us until it's not so late."

"I guess that's fair."

"Anyway, why aren't you on speaking terms with your dad? How bad is your relationship with him?" Uryu frowned.

"Our relationship is so bad that I practically have my own apartment to be away from him." the other's eyes widened.

"What?! Why?"

"Because we just don't understand each other!" He stated in frustration before he took a breath to calm himself. "We just…don't. The only other person that ever understood me was my mentor, my grandfather, Soken…and he's gone."

Ichigo could tell that his cousin was still grieving for his grandfather, so he thought quickly on how to cheer him up. "What was your grandfather like?" that perked the raven up as he gave a reminiscent smile.

"He was my idol, my role model. He was the one who trained me in the Quincy arts, even though my father disapproved of me practicing; saying that being a Quincy doesn't earn you money. My grandfather was proud to be a Quincy and his favorite quote was that, 'A heart of vengeance forges the soul firm with resolve, but if one is not careful, vengeance can be blinded by obstinacy and pride, thereby dulling the blade. A Quincy's arrow is released in the name of justice, and justice is when you have something that must be protected. In the name of justice, Quincies release their arrows from the heart.'"

"Your grandfather was very wise."

"He was."

"…How did he die? Did he die in his sleep?" Uryu scowled darkly behind his glasses.

"He…died by a Hollow attack. He tried to…defend himself the best he could without killing the Hollows so that the Soul Reapers could purify them. But by the time they did, it was too late…" the teen clenched his fist in anger. "And it was because of them that my master died."

"Uryu…" Uryu gave a hollow laugh.

"And you know what's ironic, is that my grandfather never once hated the Soul Reapers. His dream was that Quincies and Soul Reapers could work together side by side, that we would be the first responders in Hollow attacks until the Soul Reapers arrive to dispatch the Hollows. But he was denied time and time again, and yet he still tried; he never once gave up hope that his dream would come true. And before he died, I wanted that too…"

Ichigo gave him a hesitant look. "And now…"

Uryu looked from the ground and stared at him. "After Grandfather, I wanted to make the Soul Reapers pay for their inability to do their jobs and I wanted to prove that Quincies were better than Soul Reapers. And now…I don't know? I can't really hate Soul Reapers anymore since you're my cousin and part Soul Reaper, doing that would just disappoint him."

Ichigo had an idea pop into his head. "Well think of this, we can work together and fight Hollows. Like you said, I'm part Soul Reaper and you're a Quincy. We can live out your grandfather's dream through us."

Uryu gave him a considering look. "Do you…think that will work?"

"Of course, we'll be living out what your grandfather dreamed of: Quincy and Soul Reaper, fighting together as one. That would make him proud, and if the other Soul Reapers don't like it well screw them. We're technically the boss of them anyway." His cousin chuckled in amusement.

"More like you're the boss of them, you literally had them bowing at your feet about an hour ago."

"Hey, you're a prince too. So, you hold the same authority."

"I guess so." Then he became hesitant. "Do you think…we can really make my grandfather proud?"

Ichigo smirked. "I know he's proud right now with just us considering this."

"…Thank you, Ichigo."

"Ah, no problem." He said causally, getting comfortable on his bed. "So, tell me, what's your old man like?"

"My father? Well he's a well-renowned doctor and owns his own hospital… But he's also a cold man who only looks at me with discontent. He doesn't like how I'm practicing the arts and tells me to my face how I'm such a disappointment and a fool for continuing it."

"Why is that?"

"That just it, to this day I don't know. Grandfather understood his way of thinking and told me that as I get older, I would understand as well. But I still don't. I've tried somany times to understand the man, but all I get from him is disappointment and I get so angry at him that I lose focus on trying to understand him. And it's because of that, my old home doesn't feel like home anymore (which is why I moved out), it just feels cold and empty there."

"But you're still trying, aren't you?"

"Of course, if only for my grandfather I will try to understand the bastard!" Uryu sighed tiredly as he adjusted his glasses. "But no matter what, I just can't get a read on him and he doesn't give me anything or even tries to help me understand him. My grandfather understood him because he raised him; Ryuken is his son. How could I ever try to understand?"

Ichigo could tell how confused and frustrated his cousin was. Ichigo wanted to help him but he was never put in this type of situation before. Sure, his father can be confusing and annoying at times but at least he understood his father and loved him. Uryu on the other hand had never had that kind of love and understanding relationship with anyone except his grandfather, and maybe his mother. But they were both dead and his own father was estranged. In Uryu's mind, he had no one for a long time; Uryu was all alone. Well, Ichigo will have to fix that. "Uryu." The other looked up. "You said your grandfather understood your father because he was his son, right?" he nodded. "Now just hear me out, okay? Don't get defensive on this, I'm just trying to help and I'm not taking anyone's side, alright?" Uryu narrowed his eyes suspiciously before giving a hesitant nod again. "Well with your grandfather and your dad, perhaps it's the same with you and your dad?"

Uryu frowned in confusion. "What do you mean, Ichigo?"

Ichigo held up his hands to show again that he wasn't taking anyone's side. "Just think about it, your grandfather did understand him but maybe your dad didn't understand him too. It's probably the same thing with you and your dad." The orange head watched and waited tensely to see if the other would get defensive.

Uryu thought carefully on Ichigo's words, trying to decipher them like a riddle. "So, what you're saying is…my father didn't understand his own father…but he at least understands me like my grandfather did with him?"

Ichigo nodded, glad he didn't explode on him yet. Though he's still expecting it. "Exactly. Your dad probably understands you more than he actually lets on. He's just probably trying to get you into his way of thinking, believing that his way is right."

"But that still something I don't get! Why would he try to conform me to his way of thinking when my grandfather didn't even try to do that with him?"

"Well, tell me this? Your grandfather and your dad are two different people, right?"

"Right?"

"And your grandfather, he was prideful of his Quincy heritage but was he ever prideful of being better and right all the time?"

"Well, no…Grandfather was always so open minded and humble."

"Right, and your father?"

The raven's eyes widened in realization. "That's exactly him!"

"Bingo! From what you told me, he doesn't pride himself on being a Quincy, but he prides himself on his work, being right and thinking what he knows best for you."

"But that's only one part of him that I'm able to understand!"

"Well, one part is good enough isn't it? It's better than nothing."

"Well…yeah, I guess you're right about that. But that still doesn't explain why he's been so cold and distant towards me, and why he wants me to stop being a Quincy even though he's had the same training."

"Well, I'm not gonna defend his actions on how he's treated you; there is no excuse for that. But being a Quincy and fighting Hollows, that's a dangerous job isn't it? And you don't get paid at all for it, right?" Uryu hesitantly nodded. "Well on my take on this, in his own way he's probably trying to be a parent here in his harsh way. All parents want is for their child to succeed in life and make sure their safe, and you're the only family he has left in the world other than us. But again, I could be wrong though; it's just my thought on this."

Uryu was in deep thought of this. 'Maybe he's right. Maybe in his own cold, harsh way, Ryuken is trying to be a parent by trying to protect me…because I'm all he has left in the world…Plus, even though he was distant before Mother died, he became so much colder after the fact… Maybe, he's still grieving for her…and perhaps for Grandfather too… 'That gave Uryu a new perspective on his father. "No. No, I think you're right about this, Ichigo. Maybe he is trying to protect me."

"Hey, if you want a better understanding of him, how about asking my old man; they seem to know each other. Maybe Dad can give you a better insight on him?"

"I think I'll do that. You know, Ichigo, even though your family is insane I'm kind of jealous of how close of a bond you have with your family."

"Eh, if you like families that are either terrifying or beat the hell out of each other with surprise attacks, but hey I ain't judging." Then Ichigo smiled softly. "But yeah, we are close and I'm glad we understand each other. Even though Mom died, we became a lot closer after that. A little broken maybe but we love each other." Uryu smiled. "And hey, don't think I didn't notice. Your family too and whether you like it or not, you're stuck with us until the day you die. And even after that, you're still stuck with us in the Soul Society."

"Oh gee, thanks." The two chuckled good naturedly. "But thank you, Ichigo. For everything."

"Don't mention it, Uryu. Really don't, I've got a reputation going here and back home. Can't be going soft and girly like you." He teased.

"Oh, shut up!" Uryu grinned as he threw a pillow at him, the other laughing as he covered his face. On the other side of the door, Isshin was listening in on their conversation with a frown. He didn't mean to, he was just coming over to give them a surprise goodnight attack when he overheard them. Isshin shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. 'Oh Ryuken, you idiot. It's just like you to not realize how much you're hurting your son.' The man sighed before putting on a bright and goofy grin. 'Well, old friend, looks like it's time for me to clean up your messes again.'And with that, Isshin held up his foot and kicked the door hard, making it slam against the wall as the two yelped in fright.

Isshin shouted from the top of his lungs as he moved his body in exaggerated motions. "Alright! It's time to hit the hay and lights out, boys! Early to bed and early to rise is what I always say! HA HA HA! Come on, into bed already! HUP TWO, HUP TWO! UGH!" Suddenly, a shoe was thrown at his face, causing him to fall on his back and twitch painfully on the ground.

Ichigo, who had his arm in a throwing motion, glared at his father in annoyance and irritation. "Damn it, Old Man! You nearly gave us a heart attack!"

The man got back up like a spring board with a shoe print on his goofy face. "Aw, come on! What's a little adrenaline before bed?"

"Idiot! You're a doctor, so you know that is the opposite of what you need when going to bed!"

"Oh, really? Well then, I guess I'm gonna have to remedy that!" with that, they started their nightly wrestling. Uryu watched in silence before he smiled softly at the sight, glad to see a father and son's close relationship; strange as it is but it's still nice to see. Then he frowned in thought of his own father. 'Father…will I ever understand you? Will we ever have that kind of close relationship like they have?'Uryu thought on this the whole night as they all went to sleep finally.