Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach and never will.

Warnings: Language

a/n- Does anyone still care whether or not I do these chapter warnings?

"Nothing is sweeter than your own country and your own parents, not even living in a rich house— Not if it's far from family and home." (Book 9: verses 36-39 of the Odyssey)

-DIVIDER-

Kurosaki Ichigo's POV…

I pause at the entrance to the Inn, ill at ease. What was that? Reaitsu no doubt, but where did it come from, and from who or what did it belong to? Should I go searching for it? It felt near, if not inside the city itself… Then again, I'd planned on leaving very soon, and I have no idea where exactly the power came from or if the person will still even be here. I try to sense any other disturbances, but with my skills lacking in that area, I fail miserably. Giving up (although reluctantly) I stride forward to speak the Innkeeper and find out where the Nakashimas went to...

"Alright, thanks." The elderly innkeeper accepts my thanks with small smile and goes back to her dusting. I try to recall any cabin open for lodging behind the Inn, like the innkeeper just mentioned, and fail. It must be fairly small, with the Inn itself barely being big enough to support its business. I stride toward the front door of the Inn, lugging my bags of food behind me, when a familiar face rounds the corner. I force myself not to sigh. I'd been hoping to say my goodbyes to the Nakashimas and sneak out of the city without having to answer any questions, but it looks like I'm out of luck. Officer Suzuki, whose role is obviously similar if not the same to a police chief, stands at the doorway and notices me immediately.

"Let's take a walk," he says. The bags' weight seems to almost increase at this, reminding me of what he's done for not only me by freely giving food, but for the Nakashimas as well. He basically guaranteed that they'd have a shop here, or at least a shot at creating one. I nod.

A handful of seconds later we are outside. It's quiet for awhile and I notice the sun just beginning to set. Geez, didn't realize I took so long talking to Toshiro. It was probably not the smartest move, considering what I now know. If what they say about the "butterfly effect" is true, I wonder just how much I screwed with the timeline by having a few hours conversation with someone who I am (was, will be, whatever) close friends with… To hell with that. What about all the stuff I've done since I've first got here? I've saved at least three lives (hope it's three, I don't know how that shinigami woman is doing), slew so many hollows that I've lost count, was witness to one of Aizen's massacres… What's one conversation with a friend to keep me sane in all this mess? I guess, even if Toshiro doesn't see me the same way currently, I can't think of Toshiro in any way but a close friend… and overall, he's pretty much just as I remember, except maybe a bit less dignified. It's kinda hard to imagine the proud 'Hitsugaya-taicho to you, damn it' going around barefoot and spitting out watermelon seeds on the side of the road without a care. 'Sides that though, Toshiro's still Toshiro.

I shade my eyes at a sudden glare from the setting sun, still outwardly silent and not in any rush to start the conversation with Officer Suzuki. I'm terrible at lying and don't like doing it either. I've always been a blunt, truthful person, even going as far as to be brutally honest when the situation calls for it… and I guess now that I know that Orihime isn't in trouble (or not yet, at least), there's no reason to rush back to the world of the Living. She may not even be alive yet. Hell, I may not be alive, not yet or not anymore. I'd died, hadn't I? A rather slow, painful and emotional death too.

This sucks.

I swear, either I have the shittest of lucks or the best of it, because even while I somehow find myself in these of absurd, near hopeless situations, everything always manages to turn out alright... And, well, I guess I have to believe it will this time too.

"You don't have to worry." I blink and look up at Officer Suzuki as he snaps me out of my pitiful inner monologue.

"Huh?" I respond automatically.

"I won't ask who you are or what you've done. I'm only interested in who you can be and what you've done here. Understand what I'm saying?"

"...Yeah, I get it." I find myself relaxing some, pent up stress leaving my posture. Officer Suzuki seems like a real down to Earth type of guy, and although he acted cowardly by allowing that bloated, jerkwad Yasuda to walk all over him and his city, I understand how that happened now. Personal threats against you and your family with muscle to back it up, shouldn't be taken lightly by any means. Now though, he's doing his best to make up for it all, and I can respect that. The added bit about letting me off the hook in every way, shape and form is a nice bonus too. "So what now?" I ask. This can't be all he wanted to say, after all.

"Now? Well, that's up to you." I cock my head. He nods at his own words and gives me a serious look. "I'll be honest with you. What you've done has commended a lot of gratitude, respect and fear- the right kind of fear mind you, the kind that makes criminals want to stay out sight and stick to pettier crime, or give up on crime altogether. I could really use someone like you on my force, especially after so many of us have been all around shamed."

I look at him appreciatively. I've only known Officer Suzuki for more than a few hours, and while this proposal could be considered a mixture of desperation and rationality, I find myself thankful to him for the opportunity to have a sort of safe house in this city… even if I have no plans of taking it. "In other circumstances, I would jump at the opportunity to become an officer like you…" I admit, a memory from long ago briefly coming to mind.

"-go-kun?" My fourth grade teacher snapped her fingers in front of me, an amused but reprimanding smile was on her lips. I didn't respond, only leaning forward into my work and clutching my orange crayon a little harder as I moved it. In my peripheral vision I saw Sensei frown. She gently but quickly pushed my hands away from the notebook paper and snatched it up. I gave a cry of protest. "You can have it back after class if, and only if, you pay attention. Alright?" I noded reluctantly. "Now, everyone here is sharing what they would like to be when they grow up. Tatsuki-kun just announced that she wants to be a karate champion. What do you want to be, Ichigo-kun?"

"I... want…" Sensei didn't interrupt, only coaxing me to continue with a small nod and comforting smile. She always had to tip-toe around me, I was so fragile. I cried so easily, especially those last few weeks. I scowled, not frowned, at the thought. "Isn't it obvious?" I bit out harshly. My Sensei looked aghast.

"Ichigo-kun!" she cried out sternly, but before she could scold me for my unexpected burst of rudeness, I doggedly continued on.

"My name is Ichigo, that means 'one who protects', so of course that's what I'm going to do! I'll... be a police officer, so I can protect this city! And no one innocent here will be hurt again when I'm on the job, not ever!" There was a beat, and Sensei hesitantly looked at and layed back down my drawing, a nine year old rendition of the late Kurosaki Masaki.

"But…?" Officer Suzuki prods, having stopped to look back at me with a mixture of ready disappointment and curiosity when I abruptly stopped walking.

"I'll be a police officer, so I can protect this city!"

I intake a sharp breath and say, "But this is not my city." It's not my time either, but with any luck Urahara will be at the present Karakura to help me. As crazy as the truth may sound, if I have to choose one person in the entire universe to believe it, it would be Urahara Kisuke, Karakura's residential mad scientist.

"I see…" he says slowly. Officer Suzuki frowns. "Is there anything I can do to convince you otherwise?"

I give a small shake of my head, heart set. "'Fraid not."

Officer Suzuki grimaces, disappointment evident, and I can't help but feel flattered. After a few moments he straightens his posture, a look of weary resolve, but resolve nonetheless, in his eyes. "Well then, I wish you luck on your journey, Kurosaki Ichigo."

I smile slightly, returning the bow he gives me and giving his hand a firm shake. "Thanks, same to you."

He offers me a fond smile as he releases my hand. "That city you're headed to better do you right. Otherwise, you know what city will, the City on a Hill. Our founder would be proud to have you as a part this community."

City on a Hill? I wonder, the name finally being revealed. Who'd have a big enough ego to call their city that? "That right?" I respond with some interest as my hand returns to my side.

Officer Suzuki gives a curt nod. "He lives in the Seireitei, but unlike the majority of those people, he's always finding way to raise money and improve the conditions of the Rukongai."

"Huh. Sounds like a good man."

"He is." We exchange our final goodbyes and after Officer Suzuki returns the bags of food to me, I head to the small cabin the Innkeeper told me about. Overall I'm feeling much better- lighter, almost- than I have since arriving back in the Soul Society. I feel the intense loneliness that I had been doggedly pushing to the back of my mind until I'd spoken with Toshiro, fade away into only a dull ache. I have a clear cut goal in mind and now friends I feel I can trust at my back. Two of them come into sight when I swing open the door to the evidently one room cabin. The room, although sparse in anything but bare necessities, is in good condition and pretty large, four times the size of my bedroom. So, all in all…

"Not bad," I remark with a nod.

Nakashima-san is first to recover from the small start I gave them from entering so suddenly and gives one wall a firm, fond pat. "Spruce it up a bit, spend some time in it, and soon it will be home sweet home."

"Knock next time, Shinigami-san!" Is Hatsu-san's less friendly greeting, an ordinary, old dusting rag in one hand and a small, glass, black vial of something in the other. Homemade cleaning solution, maybe? Hatsu-san's stare is piercing, but her usual foul mood towards me doesn't do anything to dampen my spirits this time.

I shrug some. "Well, it's not like you'll have to worry about me barging in ever again." The Nakashimas share a look. There they go again. I think with some fond exasperation as the pair's silent conversation goes right over my head.

"So, you're still going through with your plan, then?" The elder Nakashima inquires, making it quite clear that he has no idea what I plan to do after leaving the city, but whatever it is he doesn't think is worth it. I know differently.

I grunt and give a curt nod. A pause. "Don't worry though, I'll be fine. I can look after myself." If I didn't have such thick skin, I would be offended by the dubious looks the pair gives me. I gather that while they seem to think that while I'm good in a fight, I'm much too naive. C'mon, I'm not that bad… I think petulantly.

Hatsu-san sniffs airly. "So why did you come back here?"

I scowl at her, feeling the reasons are obvious. "For one thing, I need to find a better way to carry around the food and, well, I wanted to see you guys one more time and say goodbye. Something wrong with that?" I know Hatsu-san and I don't exactly get along (at all) since what I've mentally dubbed 'the incident', but I don't think she hates me or anything. She has to care for me to some degree, or she wouldn't have extended me a place to stay for the next few weeks on the ride over here.

Meanwhile the elder Nakashima, who is holding his straw hat in hand, lightly taps it against his chest. "I could help you sort out your food, if you'd like." I agree with a small nod of appreciation. He gets out a hefty sack that would hold together much better than all of the smaller bags individually. I step forward to help him, but he shoos me away, assuring me that he has it handled and politely asking me to leave the food beside him. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, I do so. Hatsu-san asks with her back to me from the lone table on the other side of the room if I'd like some tea. I politely refuse- tea's a bit too bitter for my tastes and would only make me thirstier. Hatsu-san lightly insists though and I give in, figuring this is her way of making amends before I leave with us probably never to see each other again.

I sit down on one of two old stools at the lone, wooden table as Hatsu-san sets the room temperature tea before me. I don't mind the temperature, though I'm still not looking forward to the taste. I steel myself though and take a sip. Turns out that it's pretty good… Not exactly sweet, but not bitter either. It's kinda hard to explain. I drink at a regular pace, not gulping, because I don't exactly want to rush this most likely final goodbye, and not sipping, because the more I think about my city, Karakura, the more determined I am to get back. I might be stuck somewhere in the past, but Karakura is still my home, and hopefully with Urahara skulking around there, I'll still have allies and a chance to get back to my time.

All is silent as Nakashima-san readies my things, I drink the tea from the scratched, alabaster cup, and Hatsu-san calmly watches from her stool on the other side of the table. I lean forward a bit to rest my elbows on the table and suddenly become pretty woozy, feeling like all of the blood is draining away from my head, but after a moment of staying very still it passes. "Everything alright, shinigami-san?" I give a confirming grunt. That momentary feeling gets me wondering… What are the effects of time travel to the traveler? I scowl, but brush off the thought. The honest answer is that I have no idea, and it will not do me any good to worry about that now.

I take the remnants of my tea in one gulp, slapping it down lightly on the table and move to stand. "Thanks for everything: Hatsu-san, Nakashima-san." They stand stock still as I take my first step toward the door-

-and promptly collapse onto the hard wooden floor. My hands snap forward, just saving me from doing a complete face plant. "The hell…?" I mutter, completely baffled and more than a little embarrassed. I go to push myself back up but my arms shake, feeling like jello.

I groan in disorientation and slight pain. The room is spinning. Don't panic, I tell myself tensely, trying again to push myself back up. I only manage to push myself up one foot before I completely collapse. Meanwhile I hear footsteps. The front door swings open. I peer belatedly up. Plain, beige hakama. Up. A bandage wrapped sword hilt and an old sheathe. Further up. Silver hair and- I let out a dark growl.

"Hm, sure took awhile, didn't it?" he asks the Nakashimas offhandedly, shaking in one hand a small, black, glass bottle- a bottle identical to the one I saw Hatsu-san holding when I first entered the lodging. Hatsu backs up, as if physically repulsed by his presence, and her uncle is quick to go to her side. I turn back to the newcomer when he makes this disturbing 'tch'ing sound that sets my nerves on edge. "You know, for a kid, you're pretty scary Ichi-chan." I balk at the nickname he's given me and glare fiercely at him. He continues with his tirade unperturbed. "The drug amount I had your girlfriend give to you was enough to kill an average soul ten times over, and do it instantly. Not you though. Scar-y." He strides up to me and I crane my neck up to keep him without sight. My breath catches in my throat. The drug kills? Belated effects or not, is it going to kill me? I already died once, and am not eager to repeat the process... In my following, silent panic I see his smile dim, and for a brief moment, I think I even see him frown, though with my increasingly blurry vision it's hard to say. He bends down some and sets a cold hand on my head, tossing my hair in what otherwise could be considered a friendly, even comforting gesture. "Don't worry, Ichi-chan. You won't die. Yer just gonna take a lil nap, okay?"

His words do little to ease my panic. I know exactly who he's working for after all, and just what he's willing to do for that man. Being captured by them may be even worse than death. Not okay! I think acidly, struggling to fight off the lethargy that is claiming me whole. I feel numb all over.

I see two blurs to one side. The Nakashimas, about to leave through the front door. "Ichigo…" I hear Hatsu whisper, tears threatening to spill over I notice as my vision blurs in and out of focus. Her uncle lays his hands on her shoulders, avoiding eye contact with me and looking supremely guilty, although determined just the same. He whispers something urgent to his niece as he quickly guides her away, Hatsu's sorry gaze never leaving me. They don't make it to the door however; Ichimaru kicks it closed right in front of them.

"Oh, leaving so soon?" he questions with an air of nonchalance.

Nakashima grits his teeth. "You said all we have to do-"

"Yes, well, not quite." He pulls out something from his cloak as the Nakashimas tense up, but instead of a weapon it's… "Say 'Cheese'!" he exclaims something cheerfully in a foreign tongue (English?), and a flash from some modified Kikanshinki in hand leaves the pair frozen in place, expressions blank as the device replaces memories.

"I-Ich…" I try to force out.

"Hm~?" he inquires, tilting his head down at me and smiling widely.

"Ichimaru, you bastard!" I finish just as my head hits the cold floor.

-DIVIDER-

Soifon's POV…

I am a practical woman with simple wants. I want results. When I order for someone to be located within the week, I expect to be updated on the target's where abouts within the week. A simple matter, made even simpler by the fact that the target is a boy with an uncontrollable amount of reiatsu and my squad members are trained professionals.

Simple.

But important nonetheless. This order came from the Soutaicho himself. His reasons for the order are unimportant. I myself would think this a wasted effort if the orders didn't come from such a wise mind. After all, who'd want a kid who couldn't do the usually innate, most basic of reiatsu manipulation and who leaves his spiritual footprints all over the place? Certainly not me, although the brutes from the eleventh may have use for him, and he may eventually be taught control... Yet apparently saving the lives of one fukutaicho and two seated officers makes one an all important priority.

So, simple and important.

Therefore I think it's entirely reasonable that I am this close to strangling the Onmitsukidō member in front of me or sending him to the Maggot's Nest. Whatever suits my fancy. Maybe both. And he seems to know what I am thinking if the prostrated bow is anything to go by. "My most sincere apologies taicho, I take full responsibility for this failure." He might as well have signed his death warrant by saying that, but I have to give him props, at least for bravery.

A sound kick to his back insures that we get back to the topic at hand and that some of my own frustration is spent. "Stop groveling and tell me how you managed to lose a child with uncontrollable reiatsu."

He knew better than to wait too long to reply, and after a brief moment of silently fumbling, admits that he doesn't know. "I had recieved word from my partner that the target was located in Aizen-taicho's pet project in the West Rukongai, the 'city upon a hill' as it's called. After arriving, both my partner and the target were nowhere to be found, though several testified to the latter's appearance in the city and his reiatsu still heavily lingers in the air… I can only assume that my partner is dead." He better be. Abandonment of mission and duty is worse than death- all of my subordinates know this. "As for the target… His location and status… is largely unknown." A moment of silence, as the operative holds his breath and I gravely mull over this sour turn of events. I can't even begin to imagine the shame that would befall my division and myself if word of this was to ever get out. One of my division members, killed by a child? No, that couldn't be true; the boy could not have even noticed him, much less kill him. Just the same, that is the embarrassing rumor that will most likely be spread.

That in mind, I remove my foot from it's spot on the top of his back and order him to stand up. "I am giving you a chance to redeem yourself." He says nothing, only listening intently, but the slight widening of his eyes portrays his eagerness to do just that. "Tonight," I say, "We will go together to fix this before anyone has a chance to know." He gives his wholehearted agreement in a few short, respectful words. While he does… As much as I enforce teamwork in my division, I can't help but believe that if you want something done right- do it yourself.

"By this time tomorrow, the fate of your partner will be discovered and that boy will be in our custody."

-DIVIDER-

Kuchiki Rukia's POV…

I watch in apprehension as Kaien-dono busies about the room, collecting a few, portable medical supplies among other things. As much as I respect the Shibas, my new adopted family so to speak (though Nii-sama is and always will be my big brother), I can't help but wonder… Is this the right thing to do? I voice as much out loud to my frenzied mentor. He smiles at me briefly before continuing his preparations. For a moment I thought that a dismissal, but then he speaks up. "Rukia, remember the announcement from earlier today?"

I feel a spark of warmth at the familial uses of my given name, something he has been doing more and more as of late. I give a curt nod even though his back is turned to me and say, "Yes, martial law has been removed, the state of emergency as well, along with invading hollows. The hollows that now prowl outside the Seireitei are back to… tolerable levels."

"Right. So what does that mean for someone like me?"

It's not hard to see where he is going with this, thought I dutifully go along none the less. "You are not required to stay with your division at all times…"

"And what did I tell you the soutaicho said?"

"That the Onmitsukidō would locate and quietly bring back the shinigami that helped us that night." That night naturally being the one where I almost lost my two dearest mentors and friends. Everyone had taken to calling it that night for lack of a better name, many not wishing to plainly speak of the atrocities that happened. No doubt the historians will come up with a much more dramatic name, but until the pain of the event fades to a distant ache, it will continue to simply be called that night.

"See. That's where the problem lies. The soutaicho always has the 'big picture' in mind, and while that's his duty and I respect him for it, I can't help but disagree in some instances. The Onmitsukidō will do as told to the letter, but think for a moment… how would you react to members of the Onmitsukidō appearing to either coarse or drag you back to the Seireitei?" He glances at me, and as he says this I see his point and grimace tightly. Imagine a more or less assassin bringing me to an unfamiliar place, perhaps against my will… I suppress a shiver. Kaien-dono nods, noticing my rather violent reaction to the suggestion. "I see that you realize my point. Anyone, even someone with a long military background would take… badly to this. Imagine how a young child must feel!" He throws his hands up in the air, appearing distressed at the notion, and rightly so.

I give a small start. "It's confirmed then?" I ask the older worriedly, biting my lower lip.

Another nod. "Yes, by Unohana-taicho herself… Though how he gained his shinigami powers and a zanpakuto so fast still remains a mystery."

I make a small sound of agreement, completely puzzled and decisively curious about this myself. "So… Kaien-dono… what's the plan?" A hint of mischievousness enters my tone, heart picking up pace like it used to when I was only a Rukongai street urchin with Renji, the two of us about to commit something… less than legitimate in the marketplace or some such scenario.

"Suppose we went out for a training session to sharpen our skills in light of the surge of hollows, and stumbled across the child? Completely coincidentally of course, so we'll have to leave at first light tomorrow instead of tonight." Kaien-dono frowns in disappointment at the delay, as those we are in a race with already have a big enough head start as it is. Still, our story wouldn't hold up if we left the Seireitei late at night.

"Of course," I echo with a serious expression and curt nod. "But do we know where this coincidence will take place?"

"Fortunately, Rangiku-san has noticed an increase of spiritual activity in Aizen's little pet project to the West." I can't help but notice the slightest notion of…. disdain coming from my mentor as he mentions the esteemed and beloved taicho. I myself hold great respect for the man and all he has done so far for the Rukongai (even with his limited resources, Aizen-taicho isn't known for his wealth), and I can't figure out why Kaien-dono dislikes him so much. This isn't the first time I've noticed the disdain after all, as Kaien-dono has a tendency to lower his guard when it is just the two of us or with his- our family. I know better then to bring this up right now however; we have more important things to focus on.

He pauses his preparations, throwing me another glance with a pensive expression. "She also located another bit of 'spiritual activity' in the same city, seemingly just as powerful as the first and from an even younger looking boy no less, though whether he actually is is unknown." My breath catches. Another? So soon? And in the same place! I can't help but feel a little dizzy, and a little giddy, only able to pay half attention as he goes on to explain how the tenth division fukutaicho will be seeing the other herself tonight.

The last time two spiritually gifted pluses were found in even the remotely same area… Was myself and Renji. Several decades before were Matsumoto-fukutaicho and Ichimaru-fukutaicho. Out of all four of us only Ichimaru Gin has as high spiritual pressure when discovered as these two newcomers are said to have. Matsumoto-fukutaicho had to work hard to get her spiritual pressure up to the level of a fukutaicho, and Renji and I still have long ways to go until we find our limits. But these newcomers are just what the Seireitei needs to tip the balance back in our favor. This couldn't have happened at a better time! I can't help but thinking this is Kami-sama, finally seeing fit to give us a much needed reprieve.

I don't care how it happens… Just... Kami-sama... please, help him! A memory from that night flashes briefly to mind. I exhale, feeling much more at ease than I have in days. "I'll be by the West Gate at first light tomorrow, sir."

Kaien-dono reaches down to give my shoulder a tight squeeze as he beams at me. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

-DIVIDER-

Kurosaki Ichigo's POV...

I wake to the sound of nearby thunder- the rumbling, booming sound startling me from my prostrated position with one cheek pressed up against cool, blue glass. I blink down at it, my breath casting a temporary fog along it's surface as I shift about, trying to regain my bearings. I almost wish I hadn't when I now come to the quick realization that I am on a sideways skyscraper, facing directly down to the distant city streets below. It's not as terrifying as the first time I saw the scene; I am slowly overcoming the shock of my screwed up Inner World, but it has yet to fail to throw in for a loop. I have to shut my eyes for a moment, breath quickening. I force myself to gather my nerves and roll over onto my back, that way when I open my eyes again, it won't be to the glass and the distant, hard concrete far below.

"I've often wondered what would be waiting for us beyond death, Ichigo."

I breathe in sharply, eyes flying open to see a blur of black as I scramble backward. My heart pounds rapidly as my vision focuses and I see… "Ossan!" I gasp in relief and happiness, having feared the worse for my partner until this point, but fortunately from the looks of things, he's just fine. "I was worried something happened to you. Your outer appearance changed and I-"

"Would we continue on as we have, in our shinigami form alone?" I frown a bit, as he completely ignores my words and continues his pensive monologue with gloomy countenance.

"Ossan…"

"Would we fall to pieces, the chains that held us all together, destroyed in such a meager, inevitable fate?" I keep silent, trying to keep up with what he's saying and only succeeding half-way. "Or would we turn into a rabid, miserable beast, never able to truly end it on our own...?" I'm almost affronted by this. Zangetsu thought we could turn into a hollow after death? And what was that bit about chains and falling apart? I can feel his intense gaze behind his darkened shades. "Yet, despite my best reasonings, it was none of these… You never cease to amaze, Ichigo." I wet my lips, fidgeting under my partner's and mentor's scrutinizing gaze.

I struggle to my feet, careful to keep my mind off the sideways-ness of this world and from the ever present terror of falling. "Ossan… do you know what's happened? Your blade changed…" I peer up at him. Does he know? And does he realize what has happened to us?

He grunts. "I figured as much. I am in my sealed form, Ichigo. Not the hybrid version I was when that shinigami girl's power was within us," he sounds almost disgusted when he mentions this. "-but the form I would take if you ever managed to contain your vast reiatsu on your own."

"But I didn't!" I pause. "Erm, did I?"

He snorts disbelievingly and I rub my neck embarrassedly. "No. You have long ways to go before you have the means to do that. And-" he is sure to stare directly at me. "I would never want you too."

"Why?" I blurt as I stare back at him, stumped. I'm not ashamed of Zangetsu at all, and don't care if people stare at my zanpakuto's gigantic butcher knife shikai form with a mixture of amused incredulity and disbelief. Personally, I think Zangetsu's shikai is epic. But, it is sorta annoying to carry such a big blade across my back all the times. Sometimes, if I could just get him to the smaller form we now have, it would make my life easier...

He gives me that look- the one that means I've royally screwed up again. But then he shakes his head, a slight smile on his lips, and I secretly give a sigh of relief. "With all you've already accomplished, I often forget how young you are." I wonder at this for a second. If he's part of my soul, shouldn't he be the same age as me? But I am unable to comment before he returns his gaze to me with an air of calm and patience. "Do you trust me Ichigo?"

"Of course!" I reply earnestly, without hesitation.

He gives a small nod of approval at my immediate answer. "Then remember my words- release my power as soon as you are able, and never seal me again."

I listen intently and give an understanding nod. I still want to know more, but if I've learned anything about Ossan from our interactions it's that he'll reveal things at his own pace, when he thinks I'm ready or I desperately need it, and never before.

But then I purse my lips, realizing something. "Wait- if you're in your sealed form, then don't I need your shikai release phrase?" I point out, looking at him expectantly.

His lips twitch slightly. "You'll know it when the time comes," he responds flatly in his usual, cryptic manner.

I try not to grimace or get annoyed. "Right…" I take in a sharp breath before speaking up again, stepping forward, "Zangetsu, you-"

Booming thunder seems to shake the very foundation I stand on. I jerk to a stop, my eyes darting around wildly for a moment. I don't see any storm clouds, and the sound… I carefully pad over to the edge of the skyscraper, Zangetsu following my every move as I peek over the edge. Far, far below I can see a mass of dark grey, billowing storm clouds mixed into a blanket of heavy fog. I can't see anything inside or past the fog, including more skyscrapers. In fact, I get a sense of forbidding just by looking at it, and the added effect of a dark storm contained to that area and large black chains (just visible If I squint) hanging off the two lowest buildings before disappearing into the storm clouds, does not help matters either. "What's down there?" I find myself muttering out loud the question.

"..."

"..."

"I think you know." I stiffen.

Although it's slight, I can just see the chains shake and tremble, as if under a great strain from being pulled or yanked. Even though I'm sure I'm much too far away.. somehow, someway, I swear I can hear them rattling.

In the distance, far below, thunder roars.

-DIVIDER-

Madarame Ikkaku's POV…

I recount for the third time this morning the story of my fight with the mysterious, orange-haired shinigami and the crazy, blood-sacrificing cultists- the encounter that got me my third-seat position. Now heavily modified by the rumor mill, the story has taken a life of it's own, and the story of my luck and skill will definitely be all the talk of the patrons of this and nearby sake houses for several more years, and especially these next few days. Because of the most recent tragedies and surges of hollows, many shinigami have been coming earlier and earlier to drink their stress and sorrows away. I myself 'm not here for the sake of sake- more so to enjoy my 'newfound fame and good fortune' as Yumi puts it. That and the women. Once when word gets out more, I'm sure there'll be women.

Everything is going pretty damn great for me and Yumi, all things considered. Neither of us have very many friends or people we actually give a shit about, so fortunately we're not one of the many poor saps who lost someone these last few days or years. Instead battles are a plenty; maybe not good, exciting battles that test the limits of our prowess, but there's always some sorry beast whose blood I can wet Hōzukimaru with. Enough hollow encounters and we got ourselves a decent workout. Now with our new, or quickly approaching, promotions and all the sake we can drink, all we need is some women... I crane my head around, trying to catch the eye of any females in the vicinity. Instead I find Rangiku and my mood is somewhat soured. Almost nothing good ever happens with that she-devil around, no matter how good looking she is. Not only is she something fierce in a fight (usually a good thing, usually), the crazy succubus also has the, uh, friendship of 'lots of influential people and is a member of several, powerful groups, the floral arrangement club or whatever being one of them… Lead by the fourth division captain, it's a surprisingly vicious lot.

I'm about to leave the sake house and get as far away from her as I can get, when I hear her mention something. "Yep! As cute *hiccup* as a button! Even cuter than the orange-haired Shiba kid. *hiccup*" This gets more attention than she probably bargained for.

"You've seen him too? Recently?" One person at her table asks eagerly.

"Mhm, last evening. Same place I found *hiccup* the other one. Aizen's City on a Hill. Interesting place. Not any other city in the Soul Society like it. Didja know that the city is not actually on a hill? It's all flat land, with one side of it practically *hiccup* desert and the other surrounded by forest. I didn't know myself until I actually went there!" The she-devil breaks out into diabolical, innocent-sounding giggles.

Soon more than half of the sake house's patrons (most of whom are members of the eleventh) are expressing varying degrees of eagerness to go hunt down this shinigami that fought with and against me only a couple days back, myself included. "Heh, I wouldn't mind a rematch," I mention, lazily stretching and getting onto my feet. This only intensifies the din of excitement here.

Rangiku for her part is crossing her eyes with a look of extreme concentration. "No, wait. That's not right…" she protests in a mutter before raising her voice. "You can't do that! He's just a boy- you leave him be." I lean back a bit as the renowned she-devil walks toward me, shaking a finger in my face, before hiccuping and promptly falling over in an alcohol-induced daze.

All is momentarily silent. "….."

I raise my sake cup. "That settles that then." I give a wide grin. "To the City on a Hill, eh, boys?" A loud chorus of agreements.

-DIVIDER-

Chapter's Japanese Words list

Kikanshinki- A memory substitution device used on humans who have seen Shinigami or Hollows.

note- The one in this chapter is modified to work on spiritually weak plus souls.

Ossan- Informal way of saying 'middle aged man'.

note- It can also mean uncle from what I understand.

Just curious, does everyone understand why Aizen would name his social experiment City on a Hill? What do you believe people may think of when they hear it? What do you think Aizen really means by it?

Food for thought. :)

On to the guest reviews~

pissedmankey: No, it's really not. x3 As for updates, I am trying my best, but college and writer's block have a tendency of butting in unwanted. I don't like forcing myself to write when I have zero inspiration, leading me to create something I don't even like… and school is school. Since I've last posted, I've actually had three tests and two speeches so… Suffice to say, I update whenever I am able. ^^ Thanks for reading and reviewing~

Guest #1: As is revealed in this chapter, the operative who died is not Soifon. However, you do make a very interesting and thoughtful point! With Ichigo's ability to 'patch up' and 'make spiritually stronger' so to speak, would he have been able to save the operative? I have to say, in this case, the answer is no. Gin would make sure the operative is dead long before Ichigo gets there and even if he didn't, while shinigami can stand up to a lot of bodily punishment, losing a heart is pretty serious... Then again hollows are just fine without a heart? Either way, like I said, Gin would make certain the guys is dead as soon as he is defeated.

Guest #2: Thanks! Glad you liked it. :)

Guest #3: Love? Awww, why thank you~ :3 I have, actually, but I can be a tad reluctant when it comes to change. I've tried joining wattpad and Deviantart before, but for some reason I keep on falling away from those sites. The only one that I really keep updated and coming back to is . I'll probably start posting again on other sites though if you really think so and my work continues to be so well-recieved here. :) How exactly is archive easier though? I have to admit, seems easier and better organized to me.

A big thanks to the following communities for adding this story to their lists!

...lol? by dragonrunt

and

The Time Traveling Community by Nee339

I really appreciate all the feedback guys! Please keep it up! :D And welcome aboard to all my new readers! ^-^

Until later then. Ja ne~ (Cya~)