(This Chapter has been converted into the prologue, because it contains no information vital towards this fanfiction. If the first episode is one of your favorites it may be worth reading… If not just skip to chap. 1)

Hello! Bleach has inspired me to write my first fanfic. No more being lazy, and just reading them. I've read enough of them to ensure it won't be terrible, but I am by no means an accomplished writer. The spin I plan to add is making all the characters 3 years older, and Ichigo a senior in highschool. (I'm 18 myself ) I've seen the television episodes immediately as they arrive, but have not read the manga. For these reasons and more I will rely on your feedback and insight. So please R&R, but most importantly... ENJOY!

Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

A Shinigami's Tale

Prologue: Meetings

Gazing down the streets of his seemingly average town 18 year old Kurosaki Ichigo was slowly making his way to his seemingly average home. However, there was nothing average about this scene if you learn something of the brightly blonde youth.

The young man suddenly stops on a street corner seemingly leaning over to talk to the street corner. Little would those observing know, he was currently speaking to the spirit of a young girl who had gained his attention.

"So these kids knocked over the flowers your father set in your memory?" Asked the young man we know as Ichigo.

The young girl simply nods, as she is a little unnerved by the scowl he wears. Had she known this was his typical facial expression she may not have been so nervous.

Ichigo immediately stood up and approached the group of skateboarders taking some of his frustrations on the nearest and largest of the bunch. He wasn't standing long, in fact he wasn't concious long either.

The supposed ring leader of the bunch boldly stepped up to Ichogo taking note of his above average height and build. He was actually pretty intimidated by this guy and that glare he was giving, but he had to show this strange looking guy just who was the boss around here. He charged intending to smash the guy's face in with an all out punch. Strangely this was the last thing he remembered as darkness took him.

The ringleader may not have had much of an idea what hit him, but the two remaining lackeys sure saw the blonde guy's foot connect with their buddies face. Another thing they noticed was that same guy advancing on them.

Needless to say they were swiftly taught a much needed lesson of pain. When Ichigo was satisfied they wouldnt come back he continued home.

After a typical scuffle... actually more like a typical brawl with his father over one of the petty things they fought about he went up to his room without bothering with dinner. His father peeled his face from the floor to ask a stupid question "did I do something wrong?"

Ichigo lie on his bed contemplating the spirits he now dealt with seemingly everyday. He had been able to see spirits for as long as he could remember, but it was not until recently that he saw them so easily.However he took it in stride never allowing others to see how it was effecting him. He prided himself on the mask he had created. Besides seeing spirits wasn't so crazy... right? After all both his twin sisters could see them.

His sisters Yuzu and Karin had gotten older, and that made Ichigo cautious. Yuzu the appointed mother figure in the family since his mother's death, and Karin the athletic and sarcastic tomboy. They were just entering the stage becoming young women, so Ichigo put it upon himself to see to their well being. They meant more to him than anything.

It was natural for Ichigo to look after others, although he would never admit it. Perhaps that was why he felt obligated to investigate the abnormal explosion within his town the next day. Of course he would have just said he was curious. Nothing could have prepared him for what he witnessed later that day.

A large explosion followed by a rush of people in panic greeted Ichigo. Without really knowing why re rushed into the fray as everyone else escaped. It was a feeling he needed to understand radiating from that direction. The same little girl who he had helped yesterday rushed out seemingly being chased by a huge... monster? He stood there stunned as the creature advanced on him. Suddenly a figure robed in black literally flew into the scene. Ichigo realized it was a woman and she held a sword. With a few choice swings, and a leaping attack the monster was neatly cleaved in two. He was amazed by her grace, power, and cool manor which she dispatched it like it was just another day at work.

"Hey," Said ichigo stupidly. The said girl turned to him briefly before leaping off to god knows where. 'Wow,' he thought as she sped away.

For the rest of the day his thoughts were plagued on just what the hell happened. 'And just who was that girl,' he added with an afterthought. He had felt something extremely strange from her. Come to think of it he was getting that feeling right now.

That was when he noticed that the same girl had just entered his room through his window and had ignored his first two attempts to gain her attention. Needless to say he was getting pissed.

"Just who the hell do you think you are, and what are you doing in my house?" Yelled Ichigo as he placed a well aimed kick in her direction.

"You can see me?" She said, looking genuinely confused.

"Of course I can!"

Thus began her launched explanation using some childish drawings of her position as a Shinigami who's job was to dispatch hollows, release lingering spirits, and how they couldn't be seen by someone without spiritual power.

She nodded as he calmly repeated these things to her before he suddenly exploded "you expect me to believe that?"

"You can see spirits, but you refuse to believe in the existence of a Shinigami?" she replied looking considerably annoyed.

"Well I believe your not human, but..." He placed a hand on her head and spoke in a supirior voice. "Theres no way a kid like you would be given so much responsibility. Go play Shinigami somewhere else."

Now he had struck a nerve. "Im almost ten times as old as you, you ignorant jackass!" she replied heatedly as she mumbled a few incantations, effectively immobilizing him with his hands behind his back.

"What the hell is this? I cant move." he said as he struggled.

Looking very smug she explained "demon magic. You cant move." She was cut off however by a loud crash and a scream. Yuzu struggled into Ichigo's room pleading for him to help Karin before fainting. However she couldn't see the Shinigami who rushed past her.

"Wait," he yelled "take this offa me!" somehow he got up and rolled after her down the stairs.

"Stay there." she told him. Her words were discarded as he saw Karin in the hands of another one of those monsters.

He couldn't explain the feeling he had within himself at that moment, but that didn't matter as he struggled to his feet. His sister needed his help, and there was nothing he could do with that demon binding on him. He focused all his will into separating his arms thinking only on how he had to save his sister, and ignoring that damn Shinigami as she told him to stop. Then in a single moment he broke free, and charged the hollow yelling with all the desperation he was feeling. He succeeded in no more than gaining its attention however as it batted him to the side.

His sister forgotten, the hollow charged Ichigo, who found he could only stand helpless. Suddenly that Shinigami leapt in front of him blocking the hollow with her sword, but taking a heavy blow at the same time. Then with her remaining strength pushed it backwards injuring it somewhat.

Seemingly in slow motion he watched her drop to the ground. Blood pouring from her bodey she leaned herself against a nearby wall.

"Stupid...Did you honestly think you could defeat that? Or did you think it would just turn around and go away after you gave yourself to it? It will continue to feed until all of us are dead."

He looked at her with a new respect. "What can I do?" he asked with a determined look.

Pointing her sword at him she said, "If you want to save your family plunge this sword through your heart, and ill transfer my powers to you. There's no guarantee it will work though." she warned.

Wordlessly he stepped up to her, took the blade into his own hands, and stared into her eyes as the hollow recovered and charged. Thinking only of the threat to his family he plunged the sword into himself. Instantly there was a storm of energy around him and the hollow stumbled backwards missing an arm. The Shinigami just stared at him in amazement.

Ichigo stood there knowing the transition was a success. He knew it from the black robes and huge sword he now held in his hands. He knew it from the intense new power he felt coursing through his body. But most of all he knew it because he saw the fear coming from that creature... that hollow.

Seething with rage he spoke, "For having raised a hand at my family I won't forgive you monster. GO TO HELL!" he bellowed while swiping the sword through the hollow, utterly destroying it.

Now his family was safe. He slowly walked toward that strange girl, who was staring at him wide eyed. He owed her his life, and he knew it. Now he wondered just who she was and why she did all this more than ever.

Watching him annihilate the hollow as though he had been doing it his whole life caused many thoughts to run through her head. 'How is this guy so strong? Who could hold enough spiritual power to create such a HUGE soul slayer? How did he take all of my powers? Who is he?' As he turned toward her she asked herself the question which had been eating at her the most. 'Why does he look so much like Kain?'

"You okay?" he asked without looking at her. His robes and hair billowing in the air making him look so much more than any normal human. His question had jumped her out of her thoughts.

"Yea" she replied still gazing at him in wonder.

He turned to her, "Kurosaki Ichigo" he stated while extending his hand toward her. A sincere, but serious look in his eye.

"Kuchiki Rukia" she said while taking his hand.

Ok thats all for tonight folks. Honestly I didnt know where I was going to go with this right away so I started with a recap. In the future I will add scenes not shown in the series, and add my own spin that only a few extra years on our favorite characters can bring! Reviews are accepted gratefully. Constructive criticism is welcome. Flames shall be swiftly sent to hell.

Possible transition to an M rating in the future.