I'd like to say thanks to acpatinojr7, AlliyahaTraveler, "Craster" (all the way from 'The Keep'), and "Guest" for their reviews. I also want to apologize for the long wait times between updates. I'm trying to get a handle on things, but real life keeps getting in the way (lol).

TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW

Chapter XLIII:
"The Undiscovered Country"

The Living Realm- Karakura...

"I must say, Ichigo, you've made great strides in your training." Darkwood remarked to the teenager, as the two stood in a room in the man's house. "But it's more than that... The dedication that you've shown throughout what I've taught you so far..." He paused. "Well, you have my respect."

"So far, you've faced the demon that had been haunting you since... that day." The dark-haired, bearded man continued. "However, your journey remains incomplete- as you still have yet to come face-to-face with the ultimate truth of who you are." Darkwood went on. "And once again, if you're still willing, I can help you- to take the first steps on this next leg of your journey."

"You want me to go into my 'inner-self' once again?" Ichigo asked, hands on his hips.

"Not quite..." Darkwood answered. "Where you're going... well, the truth is, it's not really something I can put into words for you... It's something you'll have to experience for yourself."

The teen regarded the older man for a moment. "I admit that, with your help, I've seen some strange things and places, but we're talking about meditation..." Ichigo replied. "Why are you being so evasive with me right now?" He asked him. "Unless... you seriously want me to believe that this 'journey' that you've been putting me through is somehow literal?"

"And using a magical doorway to a realm of supernatural beings is any less preposterous?" Darkwood countered pointedly. "Or, a race of demonic creatures that can invade this realm- to consume the souls of the living as nourishment?" He went on intently. "I would think that you, Ichigo Kurosaki, who has crossed swords with monsters and demigods, would not be so closed-minded."

"Alright, alright," Ichigo replied. "You've made your point." He conceded. "But try to see things from my perspective..." The youth continued. "Everything you that you just got done talking about? All that was taken away from me!" The teen went on emphatically. "I was happy, living my boring old life... But then my whole world was turned upside down and my eyes were opened!"

"And now, I'm not just plain old Ichigo anymore... No, I'm some kind of goddamned super hero- right out of the comics!" Ichigo declared vehemently. "And now I'm out risking my life, fighting for people, the very people who wouldn't have given me a second look before..." He paused. "So try and imagine all of that... Then, imagine what it's like to suddenly lose it all, and the fact that all those people- who you thought were your friends- are suddenly gone! Vanished, like they were never even there."

Darkwood took a breath, then exhaled. "Ichigo." He started. "You must have held that in, letting it boil up inside of you, for some time." The man continued. "And if these frustrations are weighing as heavily upon you as I think they are... then I'm more certain than ever that we don't have any time to waste."

"Yeah, you're probably right..." Ichigo answered after a moment. "To be honest... I've never been that great when it comes to opening up with others." He admitted. "Recently, I've started talking again with my dad and my sisters- fraternal twins, Karin and Yuzu- but I'm still having trouble fully opening up to them, to my own flesh and blood!" The orange-haired youth added.

Darkwood couldn't help but notice how the young man smiled as he spoke of his sisters, and smiled inwardly as he continued to listen to him, nodding. "There was one person- a girl- one of the Shinigami from the Soul Realm," he revealed, his tone souring. "Who I thought actually got me."

His expression darkened at the mention of the girl, though he went on. "But she went away, too, along with the rest of them... And it's like I'm back to square one again."

"...Everyone I know goes away in the end." Darkwood silently thought to himself, recalling the the particular poignant line from a song he'd heard a while back.

"Ichigo," Darkwood began, placing a hand on his arm. "I told you, that Manifest is a way of opening closed doors; or, forging paths- new paths- if necessary." He reminded. "And if you desire it, strongly enough, then you might see her again." The man went on with a friendly smile.

"Or not, it all depends on what's really in your heart." The man continued abruptly, stepping back, tot the teen's confusion. "Now, why don't you have a have a seat?" Darkwood asked, gesturing toward two cushioned armchairs in the middle of the room- situated on a rug, facing towards each other.

Ichigo looked at them for a moment, then nodded, taking one of the chair. The bearded man wasted no time in occupying the one across from him. "Now, just sit back and relax... and listen... to the sound of my voice... and clear your mind." Darkwood instructed the youth...

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Nemu Kurotsuchi halted and looked around. The purple-haired, green-eyed Lieutenant of the Twelfth Division silently scanned the area immediately around her...

Being a creature of logic and reason, Nemu was inclined to approach things analytically. And as such, rather than useless panic, she instead attempted to assess the situation. As best as she could tell, she was deep in the heart of some shadowy thicket- most likely a forest. The woman quickly registered that the trees around her were tall and dense, less like the flowering trees she was familiar with, and more like coniferous trees common to the lands of the western continents.

She brushed a hand against the bark. "Where am I...?" She murmured softly to herself, as she began to experience an unfamiliar sensation. Nemu stepped back from it, and nervously smoothed out the fabric of her short black kimono, only to be struck by a sudden chill. Nemu shivered, the pale skin of her legs becoming gooseflesh, leaving her feeling exposed and oddly vulnerable.

The Lieutenant wasn't fully certain of what she was feeling, but she had a growing suspicion... And the increasing veil of fog drifting around her certainly wasn't helping either! She rubbed her arms, as much to reassure herself and fortify her resolve, than for her own comfort.

The normally unflappable Nemu was feeling uneasy, as if she were dreading something... but what? The only thing she could conclude at the moment, and she didn't even know why, was the feeling that she shouldn't be in this place- and that, for some reason, she had to keep moving...

The combination of the fog and the rough terrain made navigation difficult, but she made an effort to keep moving, even without any destination in mind, only the raw instinct to move. Just then, she heard a rustling noise- not far behind her- and she froze.

Now she was hearing similar noises all around her... Uncharacteristically, the Lieutenant started casting furtive glances all about her, not even sure as to what it was she was even looking for.

Nemu could make out something just ahead of her, and squinted in order to get a better look. All this revealed to her was that whatever it was, it was moving- moving towards her!

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Ichigo was vaguely aware of himself drifting off to the sound of Darkwood's voice... And then, only moments later, the teen was struck by a growing awareness. He slowly opened his brown eyes, blinking a few time as he gradually came around and his senses returned to him.

The first thing he took note of was that he was standing. But this was nothing, when compared to the far more pressing issue of where he was. Looking around, in all directions, Ichigo could see nothing but but an unending expanse of blackness. He was alone, in some sort of cosmological void, with only the glow stars distant stars and spiraling nebulae to break up the darkness.

"It's like I'm in outer-space... but I can breath." Ichigo thought out loud to himself. "And something is keeping me from just floating away... I can stand, but how?" He continued his external monologue, as he began taking the first 'steps'- tentatively moving forward (if that even applied).

Innumerable stars began to twinkle around him as he walked, until the orange-haired teenager found himself awash in multi-colored light. And for a moment, the young man felt a sense of awe as he gazed at the radiance before him, briefly forgetting his predicament.

After a few moments, Ichigo cast his gaze downward, with no clear agenda or expectations- only the desire to find something that might offer him some grounding. And in the process, his eyes went wide in amazement at what he saw. Beneath his feat, beyond the invisible 'surface' he was standing upon, the youth beheld- in that moment- a vast clockwork network.

Gears, cogs, and other mechanism- colossal in scale- every part of this inter-working system moving seamlessly in time with one another. But to what purpose, what function could this machinery- godlike in its scale- serve? Could he even comprehend such a purpose?

"Pretty impressive, isn't it?" A voice spoke smoothly.

Ichigo turned with a start, only to be greeted by the figure of a cat. "You look surprised." The feline, its fur almost as dark as the void, addressed him in a smooth baritone voice. "Judging from your reaction," the Cat continued in a conversational tone. "This must be your first time here."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

As soon as Nemu locked gazes with the pair of glowing red eyes within the form, it was as if her legs were paralyzed, leaving her trapped in place as the figure drew ever closer...

She felt a sudden dampness on her cheeks. Nemu brought her hand to her face, the tips of her fingers making contact with small droplets that she instantly knew to be tears- without consciously realizing it, she was shedding tears. And yet, she knew she wasn't 'crying', not in the conventional sense. No, rather, this was the sort of tearing up that occurred as a subconscious response to primal fear.

It had taken Nemu a great deal of soul searching come to terms with the fact she was actually capable of feeling genuine emotions. So the sudden notion that she could experience unfiltered emotions, on the most raw and primal level... both terrified and excited her at the same time.

However, she scarcely had the time to ponder this revelation, as the dark form drew closer- now only a few meters separating the two of them. Nemu attempted to speak up, but her voice faltered her, leaving her speechless as the figure- now vaguely humanoid in shape- sprouted a pair of massive wings!

At the sight of this, her stomach turned (something else Nemu thought herself incapable of), and she felt an overpowering sense of revulsion for the creature before her. Yet, despite this, the Lieutenant still could not pry her feat from the forest floor- she was trapped! Worse yet, the winged horror began to advance toward her, rapidly closing the gap between them...

...Nemu sat bolt upright.

She abruptly found herself back in reality, alone in the full-sized bed she shared with her Captain and mate, the Arrancar Szayel Grantz. Normally, she was content to awaken nestled in the long arms of the Octavio Espada. However, as the woman sat there- her heart pounding in her chest and her skin slick with perspiration- as she grasped around for her robe, she was grateful for his absence.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Ulquiorra was seated on the living room couch, as he quietly scanned over the contents of one of his text books, while Orihime was seeing to the needs of the finches- changing the newspaper lining of the bottom of their cage, and swapping in fresh water and seed.

As the redhead finished carrying out these tasks, she paused, looking to the nest Ulqui-kun and Hime-chan shared. She noted that the female Zebra finch was hunkered down in the bedding of paper scraps and grass, feathers puffed out a bit. "Hmm..." Orihime started.

"Ulquiorra." She called over her shoulder. "I'm pretty sure Hime-chan is brooding."

The Gigai-clad Arrancar looked up from the book. "Well, that's to be expected." Ulquiorra replied calmly, with an impassive look. "However, I would caution you against writing your own narrative for lives of the birds." Ulquiorra reasoned. "After all, you can't be sure about the father."

Orihime frowned, planting her hands on her hips, watching as he looked back down at the book.

"How rude." Orihime replied in a huff. "But, if it's not Ulqui-kun, then..." The fiery-haired woman started, suddenly smirking. "Well, that would mean that Ishi-kun is fooling around with her, behind little Tsuki-chan's back." The human woman continued.

Her smile broadened, watching as he abruptly looked up from the book to her. "But why would that happen, I wonder?" Orihime asked teasingly. "Maybe Hime-chan got bored of Ulqui-kun, hm?"

At this, he stood up. "Orihime," Ulquiorra started pointedly. "While I was resistant at first, you chose to give my namesake to that bird." He went on, approaching her. "And as a consequence of this, I have no choice but to take exception to your remark, and speak up on his behalf."

"Since he's a bird and can't talk, right?" Orihime asked with a smirk, getting a nod from him.

With that, the two of them looked at the cage. "I have every confidence in his abilities," the Arrancar began. "And so, when the eggs eventually do hatch, we will have undeniable proof of that." Ulquiorra commented.

Orihime smiled and nodded. "Yes, I suppose we will."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

"This must be your first time here?"

Ichigo gave a confused look as the mysterious feline continued. "Well, luckily for you, I'm here," the Cat continued amiably. "So... feel free to ask me about anything you might be unsure of."

"W-what are you?" The teenager asked.

"Why, a cat, of course." The feline replied, both the wording and his tone making the statement sound like it was totally normal and that Ichigo was the fool asking.

Ichigo was at a loss as to how to respond. "But cats don't talk." He replied resolutely, before mentally kicking himself over the fact that he had already met a talking cat... sort of.

However, the Cat just smiled at this. "By that logic, a monkey shouldn't be able to speak either." He countered suavely. "But then, you are clearly more than just some hairless primate, just as I happen to be more simply your normal, run-of-the-mill feline." He reasoned.

Once again, Ichigo was at a loss as to how to respond. Flummoxed, he could only fold his arms across his chest and turn away, in the hope of regrouping somehow. "Alright, then..." The teen began, turning to address the feline. "Tell me something... just what exactly is this place?"

"This place?" The Cat replied. "Now, that's a good question." He continued coolly, his golden eyes meeting Ichigo's brown ones. "This is the Borderland, it's a sort of... no-man's land. And it serves as a way-point, between the different plains of existence." He explained.

"But that's not really doing it justice." The black feline continued. "In truth, it's as vast as space itself and as timeless as infinity." He added, sitting down on his haunches. "It's the middle-ground, between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's deepest fears and the summit of his highest knowledge... some call it the 'Twilight Zone'."

"Now I know you're fucking with me." Ichigo snapped, becoming annoyed.

"Not at all, my boy." He replied amiably. "I'm just trying to provide some context for you, for you to better comprehend what I'm attempting to explain." The Cat reasoned. "I mean, can you tell me- with any certainty- where personal perception ends and reality begins?"

"Right now, Ichigo Kurosaki, you've found yourself in the realm between the conscious existence that you know and the true reality." The Cat continued steadily. "Only those seeking something greater find their way here- many of them without even knowing just what it is they're searching for. The truth- that is, the ultimate truth- is far more nebulous than you realize." At this, the Cat rose to its feet.

Ichigo watched as the feline arched its back, stretching. "And all of this, all this is... real?"

"That depends, 'real' is a relative term." The Cat answered. "How do you quantify something as being real- is it real if you can see it, or is real because if you believe in it?" He continued. "Right now, you're in a perilous situation- one misstep, and enlightenment can become madness."

"There's a reason I asked how you define 'real'." The feline revealed. "Your perception of this place- how you see and interact with the things around you- is influenced, to a degree, by your own mind. It's a means of coping with a reality that you cannot consciously be a part of. So do try and remember, that this is your mind's way of giving some form of context to your circumstances, no matter how abstract or strange all of this might seem to you." The Cat cautioned him.

"Then what about you, how do you fit into this?" Ichigo replied. "If it's my mind that's generating the things I'm seeing... Then how do I know you're real?"

The Cat slyly at this. "Afraid that I'm nothing more than just some wild imagining of your?"

"The only thing I can be sure of, right now, is that I am real!" Ichigo replied emphatically.

"But can you be sure of that, Ichigo?" The Cat countered. "After all, by that reasoning, what proof is there that you're real, and that you're not just a creation of my mind?"

"But..." Ichigo faltered. "...Fair enough, I guess." He conceded. "Maybe you're right... but then, I can think for myself, and I believe that I'm real... and that's enough for me."

The Cat nodded. "Cogito Ergo Sum."

"What?" Ichigo asked, confused.

The feline frowned at this. "I think, therefor I am." The Cat replied. "Come on, Descartes said that." He implored the teen, sounding crestfallen. "It's at the heart of Cartesian Doubt." The midnight-furred creature added. "What are they teaching you at that school of yours?"

Ichigo gave a sour look. "Well, excuse me."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Fourth Division HQ, Medical...

With Captain Retsu Ukitake away on maternity leave, Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu was presently serving as the acting-commander of the Fourth. It had only been two weeks since the birth of her's and Jushiro Ukitake's son, Kiyoshiro, and it would still be another 4-6 weeks until she was due back.

As a result of this shift, the young Third-Seat Officer of the Fourth, Hanataro Yamada, was overseeing the operations of the Division's Medical Center. At the moment, the young Shinigami was rolling a cart, laden with documents, down one of the facility's many corridors. He stopped, taking a moment to pick up a file and look over the contents contained within it...

"Good day, Hanataro." A familiar voice spoke.

He looked up from the file, then smiled. It was none other than Sungsun Cyan. Female Arrancar were uncommon enough, but to also be a Fraccions to the powerful Tercera Espada Tia Halibell, the elegant female was already had quite a bit of prestige. And yet, she wasn't content to simply sit back and rest on her laurels, and so had begun volunteering her time and energy around the Division.

"Yes, and to you as well, Miss Sungsun." The dark-haired young man replied, giving a polite nod as he answered her. "Tell me, how are you doing?" Hanataro asked. "No problems, I hope?"

Like her Mistress and fellow Fraccions, Sungsun had adopted a modified version of her Las Noches outfit. Her sleeves were still over-long, though her fingers were now partially visible. The twin black sashes now overlapped at her waist- rather than her hips. With the changes, the ankle-length garment she wore now looked a bit like a photo-negative version of a priest's cassock.

"I'm well, thank you." She replied cordially. "And you, how are you faring?" Sungsun asked, her hand obscuring her mouth as she spoke. "I've noticed that you've been quite busy as of late." The serpentine female commented. "Though, I must say, you've handled your new duties admirably."

"Ah, uh, thank you..." Hanataro replied bashfully, rubbing the back of his head.

"Not at all." She answered back. "In fact, from what I've seen, authority appears to suit you." Sungsun added, lowering her hand to reveal her sly smile. "How exciting for you!"

"What do you mean?" The Shinigami asked.

"I should think that was obvious." The Arrancar replied. "Right now, you're in the perfect position to show Lieutenant Kotetsu what you can do." Sungsun explained. "I mean, there's a good chance she'll take over the Division someday, and then you'll be the logical choice for her Lieutenant."

Hanataro blushed at this. "Thank you..." The youth started. "But honestly, right now, I'm fine where I am in the Division, so I'm not really jockeying for a promotion."

"Oh, sorry about that." Sungsun replied demurely. "It's just that, as a Hollow, having a certain degree of ruthless ambition is something of an... occupational hazard for our kind."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Soul Society, Twelfth Division HQ...

Nemu was going about her daily routine, the female Lieutenant calmly carrying out her duties within the Division without incident. The green-eyed woman, dressed in her distinctive black kimono and her long purple hair worn in a braid, showed no outward sign that something was troubling her.

The truth was, that this wasn't even the first time she'd experienced a disturbing dream- the fact was that this had been happening sporadically for weeks now. At first, she'd been unable to recall the details of the dreams, only the sense that something was amiss. However, over time, she became better able to recall the dream... This latest one lingered most vividly in her waking memory.

She'd never really given much thought to the experience of dreaming. But now, with her slumber being disrupted by disturbing imagery, Nemu's feelings had changed. And yet, despite this, she was unsure as to how to proceed. Her 'instincts' told her that Szayel was best suited to helping her... And yet, she felt reluctant to approach him. Was this 'shame' that she felt- shame at potentially being perceived as weak or a burden. She had nothing to compare to, but Nemu was confident in her assessment.

For Captain Szayel Grantz, it had been obvious to him- for some time now- that his mate and second-in-command of the Twelfth Division was deeply troubled...

The pink-haired Arrancar hadn't survived as long as he had by being oblivious. On the contrary, as a scientist, the art of observation was crucial. To anyone else, the changes in his Lieutenant would have been imperceptible, but he had a unique (and intimate) perspective when it came to Nemu.

For most people, the first impression of Nemu was that of an emotionless automaton. But this couldn't be farther from the truth. While subtle, she possessed a varied array of emotions, and was fully capable of expressing them. He knew because he'd seen such displays, first-hand. He'd sensed it, as she'd cried openly in response to Mayuri's cruelty, so much so that he'd been filled with an overpowering desire to kill the man- thus, bringing to an end centuries of abuse and mistreatment.

But it wasn't all bad, to be sure. The Octavio had also enjoyed the privilege of being one of only a very few people to witness his lovely Butterfly smile, genuinely and unreservedly. And, far more personally, he had watched (intently) as she'd cried out in blissful ecstasy. But things were hardly one-sided, as she in return had given him pleasure- not just physically, but emotionally as well.

His instincts told him to approach her, in order to directly address the matter of whatever it was that upsetting her- after all, he wouldn't be much of a mate if he didn't do his utmost to ensure his partner's well-being. But with the benefit of experience, he realized it might be better to allow her to approach him, on her own terms, when Nemu felt comfortable enough to open up to him about this.

In the meantime, Szayel didn't lack for things to occupy his thought. With that, the bespectacled Espada turned to a laptop on his desk, displaying data on the anomaly...

So far, the mathematical progression for the time between the 'pules' was holding steady- with each successive one coming 2% sooner than the last. The most recent pulse had occurred precisely 22 days, 3 hours, and 43 minutes after the last. And if the formula held, then the next pulse would take place 21 days, 16 hours, and 48 minutes after the last pulse had been documented.

In other words, at this rate, the upcoming pulses would be happening every three weeks, give or a take a few hours. And they were no closer to understanding what function they served.

And even that notion, the idea that there was some guiding intent behind them, was only viable due to the provable mathematics involved in the phenomena.

Frankly, scientifically speaking, the idea that there was something on the "other side" of the Anomaly intrigued him, and yet it also terrified him. Conceptually, it was fascinating, the thought that there was a form of existence totally unlike anything previously conceived of. And yet, as tempting a prospect as it was to ponder academically, Szayel found it deeply disturbing.

Scientific curiosity had its limits. After all, he'd learned over time that a healthy fear of death prevented one from being blinded to potential danger. No matter how he looked at it, the Anomaly present a lethal cocktail of the metaphysical and the deadly- an unacceptable risk, if ever there was one.

"Now that I think about it..." He mused to himself. "As it is, I'm going in circles, so I might do well to seek another perspective." Szayel admitted. "And I think I know just the person."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

"What are you then, some sort of guide?" Ichigo asked, at a loss.

"In a matter of speaking, yes." Cat replied. "I mean, you being here is hardly a summer stroll... And don't forget, you're technically in another dimension." He remarked. "And not just of sight and sound, but one of the mind." The feline explained with a smile. "This is a journey, a journey into a wondrous land, and I'm happy to say that it's limited only by the imagination and creativity of your own mind." He explained, gesturing to his head with a paw.

"Wow..." The orange-haired teen replied, looking around. "I mean, it's just... I never really thought of myself as being all that... creative." He admitted, rubbing the back of his head.

"You're selling yourself short, my boy." Cat answered. "Perhaps, when you've returned to your native reality, you might want to give some though to looking into creative pursuits."

With that, the feline turned away and began walking.

"And I'm sure you can appreciate that the first step in any journey is knowing where it begins." Cat explained to Ichigo, walking casually ahead of the teen. "In your case, it's matter of knowing 'who' you are." The feline continued smoothly. "Which brings us to the matter of why you're here."

"What do you mean 'who' I am?" Ichigo asked in response.

"Isn't it obvious?" Cat replied, smiling. "This 'place' is the boundary between truth and understanding, and one doesn't end up here unless they're looking for something." He explained coolly. "You're a part of this place now- your mind is actively contributing- so I know of you."

"Go on..." Ichigo spoke to the feline.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

The screen lit up, showing none other than Kisuke Urahara. "I have to say... For a moment, I was a bit surprised when you first contacted me." The retired Soul Reaper began. "It's been some time since last we spoke- not that it isn't understandable of course, given everything that's happened." The dirty blonde-haired man added, giving a roguish smile. "Tell me, how are things on your end?"

"In a word, busy." Szayel began coolly. "With everything that's been happening- the relocation of the Quincy prisoners, overseeing the agricultural initiative in the Seireitei, the continuing work of staffing and constructing the Fourteenth Division, and the ore studies that we're currently conducting." He recounted to the other man, running a hand through his collar-length pink locks.

Since the end of the Winter War and the formalization of the alliance between Soul Society and the declining hostility towards Arrancar (over all), Szayel had gained a great deal of insight into the people that had formerly been the greatest enemy of his kind- being ideally positioned, serving as a Captain of one of their own elite Court Guard Divisions.

This was thanks, in no small part, to the fact that Kisuke Urahara had so unreservedly supported him becoming the next Captain of the Twelfth Division. And, when considering the nature of the creature that replaced the Shinigami, Szayel saw his appointment as a win for both of them.

Szayel smiled, adjusting his glasses. "And then, of course, how could I possibly overlook the matter of the newest 'addition' to the Ukitake family." The Arrancar added slyly.

"Ah yes, little 'Kiyoshiro', if I recall correctly." Urahara replied, leaning forward a bit, his dull brown eyes visible amidst his mop of dirty blonde locks. "Please do relay both Yoruichi-san and my regards when next you see the Captains." The scruffy-faced man went on, smiling.

"But, getting back to the reason that you first contacted me," The former Shinigami turned inventor and Shopkeeper resumed, easing back in his chair. "It's been quite a while since anyone's sought out my input on a scientific matter... Though I must admit, you have me intrigued."

"Good." The bespectacled Arrancar answered. "As it currently stands, I'm going to need as much help as I can get, and having you genuinely interested makes it all the better."

"Well, to start off, first tell me more about the progression of these mysterious 'pulses'."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

"I know that you recently confronted your- uh, how should I put it- your inner demons." Cat revealed to him with a knowing smile. "In your case, it was your doubts." The feline went on. "And while you may have overcome the more immediate issue, you have yet to conquer the larger concerns."

"Which are?" Ichigo prompted.

"Look," Cat replied. "Do you see that?"

The teenager followed the cat's line of sight, spotting a door in the distance. The door, as well as the frame it was set in, looked like any other- specifically, the front door of a house. It appeared to be about two meters in height, and about a meter across, with rectangular paneling on the surface and a rounded oval doorknob- located on the left side- made of polished brass.

Cat approached him, sitting at his side. "You can open it, if you really want to... You unlock this door with the key of your imagination." He explained to the youth. "Beyond it, lies truth and understanding, but be warned, Ichigo- for the truth is not always what you might want."

"You think I don't know that." Ichigo countered determinedly. "I might be... a bit dull and thick-headed at times, but I've seen and experienced a hell of a lot."

"Oh, I know." Cat replied with a nod. "Then go ahead."

Ichigo took a moment to steel his nerves, then gripped the doorknob, and turned it... Slowly, he opened the door, revealing a new area- only visible through the doorway, not beyond it. He stepped through the doorway, followed by Cat, into a circular chamber.

The floor was hard and smooth, resembling white polished marble. Heavy red curtains encircled the entire chamber, and adorned the high arches of the domed ceiling. At the pinnacle, there was a circular art-deco stain-glass portal. When Ichigo turned back around, he realized that the door through which he had entered this new area was now gone, with only the same red curtains in its place.

"Welcome, Ichigo Kurosaki."

Ichigo felt a sudden and pointed chill run through him as soon as he heard the voice, and was instantly filled with dread. Trembling slightly, he turned toward the source of the voice.

"YOU!" He exclaimed, his entire body tensing up.

Just as suddenly, light poured down through the stain-glass portal, illuminating the entire chamber and revealing a new figure standing in the center of the room. "I must say," the new arrival began, stepping forward to address him. "Seeing you again, after all this time..."

Ichigo paled and flinched, taking a step back. The figure was clad in a flowing white overcoat that reached down to the floor. Under this, was a matching white robe, tied at the waist with a purple sash, which came down to his ankles, and a pair of white hakama trousers.

He smiled characteristically at Ichigo, his handsome angular features both instantly familiar and deeply unnerving to the youth before him. His wavy dark brown hair was slicked back, save for a rogue strand that hung down rakishly between his medium-brown eyes.

"I'm so glad you could make it," he went on. "You've been expected."

"Aizen..." Ichigo murmured grimly, as much to himself as to the man in question.

(- End of Chapter XLIII... -)

Just a bit of behind the scenes baseball for you guys: When I was writing 'Cat', I started imagining him speaking with the voice of Rod Serling (the iconic narrator of classic tv series "The Twilight Zone".)