I had this chapter written and all I needed to do was fix errors, only to find out that Kubo came with a new Bleach 20th-anniversary chapter. You have no idea how much I screamed when I found out that bit of information. I just had to release this chapter. I hope you enjoy it. Spoilers of Kubo's manga one-shot at the end of this chapter.

-x-


14 years ago

Kazui happily drew pictures of what he had seen this week. This certain activity was only allowed at home for some reason, his parents told him that others might not like the idea of a seven-year-old coloring an image of the dead with severed limbs and blood. He drew happy faces on them knowing that either his Dad or Yuki Ryūnosuke released their souls to a more peaceful place. Any normal child would be afraid of such things but his parents were great at explaining things and comforting him. So he wasn't afraid. After coloring with a blue crayon the shirt of 'the man who fell off the roof.' Some of the ghosts he didn't have names for since he forgot to ask them so he reverted to naming them on how they died. He placed his drawings in his closet to show his parents later.

Today, his two-year-old sister had a playdate with Tatsunari and Yumiko at the Ishida mansion. He ran down the stairs to find his parents seated on the couch, his father typing on his laptop while his mother was watching the television- in tears.

"Why are you crying, Mom?" Kazui asked her, shoving himself between his parents, annoying his father while his mother kissed his head.

"Weakness thy name is K-dramas," his father mumbled while his mother pouted, catching her husband's mockery.

"It's okay. I'm watching a series filled with romance and drama, so I can't help but cry."

"Why watch something that makes you cry, don't you like comedy more?" Kazui scrunched his little nose in confusion.

"She's not going to answer, I've been asking the same thing for years. It's pointless to question," Ichigo divulged, still typing on his keyboard.

"It's a bit complicated, Kazui. I do love to laugh but sometimes having a good cry is always good too."

Kazui shrugged as he glanced at the screen. He saw two people staring into each other's eyes, the woman in tears while the man grabbed and kissed her.

"Ewww gross," Kazui covered his eyes while his little cheeks turned red.

Ichigo glanced up from his work to see what his son was so disgusted by that he chuckled.

"You say that now just wait till you're older."

"Who needs those types of kisses. I love when Mommy gives me kisses," he hugged his mother as she patted his head.

"So do I," Ichigo leaned close to his wife to peck her on the lips. Kazui glanced up to see his parent's interaction as he pushed his Dad away.

"Oi, what's wrong with you, Kazui?"

"Mommy promised she'd spend the day with me since she has free time. So stop hogging her to yourself."

"Why you lil' sh-"

"Ichigo, I did promise him," Orihime informed. Ichigo sneered as he watched his wife's smile while smoothing their son's orange locks.

"So get used to it Daddy, she's my mommy," Kazui told his dad while burying his head further into his mother.

"You keep spoiling him Orihime he's going to grow up without a girlfriend."

"I don't want a girlfriend," he mumbled, his voice muffled from his face covered by his mother.

"Keep it up mama's boy and that's going to be your future."

"Then I'll stay with mommy forever."

"I don't think so. Once you're a fully grown man, you're out of this house. I'll personally kick you out."

"Ichigo, leave him alone," Orihime uttered.

Kazui sat up, glaring at his dad. "That's so unfair. You're an adult and you still live in your dad's house."

Ichigo's eye twitched as Orihime couldn't help giggling.

"He does have a point there, Ichigo." Orihime reminding Ichigo that he still lived in the Kurosaki Clinic.

"Orihime that doesn't help."

Orihime turned her son around and looked at him, he was upset and looked to be almost in tears. Her heart tugged so much seeing him this way.

"Look Kazui, what your father is trying to say is that someday when you're much older. You're going to find that special someone you'd want to spend the rest of your life with. Just like how I found daddy."

Kazui glanced up at his dad and then at his mother.

"He doesn't look special," he whispered under his breath.

Ichigo clocked his son on his head, "Oi!"

Kazui rubbed his head and glared at him. Orihime tilted his little face to face her.

"Your daddy is special and the same qualities I love, he passed down in you."

"What qwa-lities?"

Orihime smirked, glancing up at her husband.

"Don't you feel the need to always want to protect your family, to make sure that mommy and Miume are safe?"

She watched her son nod.

"Whenever I'm feeling sad, don't you want to always see me smile?"

Kazui looked up, to see that smile he loved so much on his mother.

"Yes."

"How much do you love me?"

"So much to infinity," he jumped up from the couch, his arms out showing how much he loved his mother.

"Your father loves me that much too. You see, you're just as special as him."

"I love daddy too. I just get upset when he jokes that I won't love you as much when I do that gross thing with a girl."

Ichigo chuckled as he bent down, facing his son.

"You have a big heart Kazui. Don't think that if you love someone else, that your feelings for your mother will go away. Your love for your mother is never going to change. I love my mother just as much as I love your mom."

Orihime hugged Kazui tightly. "Just promise me that you'll be much, much, much-"

"Orihime," her husband interjected.

"much older," she finished, kissing his cheek.

"I won't, kissing looks gross so it won't be for a long time." Kazui theorized. "So can we go to the park?"

Orihime nodded as her son jumped off the couch to run towards the door.

Before Orihime could follow, her husband grabbed her arm and whispered in her ear, "Make sure you tire him out on your day with our son, cause tonight I want to do those extra gross stuff with you." He kissed her on the side of her head.

She blushed and saw her son giving her a questioning look.

"What did Daddy say?"

"H... He said to be safe."

-o-


"Don't worry, you'll find the right one that will accept you," Orihime said grabbing her son's hand for comfort as he grinned.

"I'm not worried, Mom," Kazui's smile grew.

.

..

...

All memories of their son came flooding in from his understanding of love as a boy to a man. The little scraps and bruises he'd get from the playground to the gashes he'd receive from his training. She thought she was well prepared for this. She felt him, running through the halls of Las Noches to get to Hideyoshi's room. She fell to her knees, seeing her son pale and unconscious. There was so much blood.

"Orihime," she heard her husband croak, then his fingers brush the side of her face. She swallowed and cast her healing dome, once they placed him and Koemi onto the bed.

The room was filled with questions or assumptions of what had happened. She tried to drown out the noise as she concentrated.

"Orihime, what are his injuries?" she heard her husband ask.

Her mouth suddenly felt dry as she remained quiet for a moment before she spoke, "he's spiritually drained, bruising on his face, burns, and internal bleeding. I can sense his internal organs being formed that...," she swallowed the bile in her mouth, "weren't there. Like the outer part was healed but the insides weren't."

"Or he wasn't able to," Uryu added. Orihime saw her Quincy friend, staring down at Kazui. His features downcast.

"What about her?" Ichika asked, Orihime could sense a hint of contempt in her tone, but she brushed it aside.

"Bruising on her face and back, as well as a hole puncture to the stomach from a sharp object."

"Hideyoshi, what happened before we came in?"

Hideyoshi straightened up from his name being called by the Substitute Shinigami Hybrid.

"While I was reading I felt a distance reiatsu and then the wormhole suddenly appeared in front of me. She was dragging Kazui, she looked to be in pain but disregarded her injury as she glanced around spotting me. She asked if I was her brother."

"Why?" Ichigo questioned.

"I'm unsure. Everyone entered, startling her, and that's when she finally fainted."

"I think we all sensed a distant reiatsu, possibly being them, then with Kazui being out of commission. She took it upon herself to get closer. Why she choose this room, is odd." Uryu stated.

"She must be a novice in sensing spiritual pressure, her features looked confused," Hideyoshi mentioned.

"They both are wearing the Royal Fae armor, know anything about that Noboru?" Urahara asked.

Orihime's father leaned against the wall, letting everyone talk amongst themselves, surprised he was asked for his opinion.

"They were both crafted by the best blacksmith in Shun Nya, Lothren. Even went as far as placing the Royal emblem in front of his chest."

"meaning?" Ichigo countered.

"Lothren is a stubborn man. No one forces him to do anything he doesn't want to do, seems Kazui made quite an impression on him if he felt he was worthy. By placing the emblem in front means he sees your son as their King."

"I'm not surprised, Kazui has that effect on people. Just look at who his parents are, "Urahara nervously laughed.

"He looks like a prince," Miume placed her hands into her mother's dome, with her being part fae, it didn't cast her out. She brushed her fingertips against her brother's hair. Tears dripped down her cheeks as she chuckled. "Always off on your adventures, Idiot," she leaned onto his chest and began to cry.

Some of the occupants felt this was a personal moment. The threat they believed to be there had passed as they slowly left the room, with some remaining. Miume sat beside her boyfriend as he held her, while they waited.

After healing for half an hour, Orihime felt someone stir. She looked up to find Koemi, rubbing her head. The young girl suddenly shot up, glancing at Kazui who remained unconscious. She began to weep.

"Princess Koemi?" Uryu introduced himself, as Ichigo sat beside Orihime comforting her. The girl looked up in surprise, glancing around, noticing her surroundings.

"H... Hello."

"My name is Uryu Ishida, an uncle to Kazui," he confessed, feeling a slight ache at seeing his nephew in the shape he was in.

"Nice to meet you, Uncle Uri, Kazui mentioned you quite often, as well as his other Uncle Chad." Chad waved his hand at the girl who nodded, still unsure as she held her legs up to her chest. Orihime moved the dome, to only remain on her son, feeling no more injuries from the girl. It was then she locked eyes with the girl. She saw her eyes shift to Ichigo then back to her. She could see the gears work in her head, in understanding who she was. The girl swiftly leaned her legs from the bed and ran in front of her view, submitting herself in a bow, her forehead touching the floor and her hands extended out. Orihime heard sniffles and then the cries of the young woman.

"I'm s...sorry. I truly am. This is all my fault, this is my fight and I selfishly hid behind others. I'm the worst person. My people were killed, my father possibly captured or worse, and Kazu... your son almost died trying to protect me." She glanced up, blue eyes filled with tears as she also glanced at Ichigo as she continued.

"I...I was foolish. I know that now. Your son told me that I didn't deserve to have a life as Mitsuhide's concubine but I do. I do. This hurts so much, someone as horrible as me doesn't deserve happiness."

Orihime held out her hand to the crying girl, lifting her chin. "Why don't you deserve happiness?"

Koemi searched her thoughts, struggling to voice them. "Choosing my life over the safety of others was selfish."

"I once thought if I sacrificed myself for the people I loved, that it be the right thing to do. I found out that way of thinking was wrong, if the roles were reversed would you fight for your people, fight for Kazui?"

"Of course," Koemi yelled.

"You shouldn't disregard those who care about you enough to fight or even die for you," Orihime smiled.

Koemi's chin began to quiver as she cried, leaning her head into Orihime's lap. Orihime rubbed her head, stroking the poor girl. "We would like to know what happened, but if you need more time to collect yourself. We understand."

Koemi looked up as the last of her tears fell, she straightened up and whipped away her soaked face. "No, I'll tell you what I know."

"What happened?" it was Ichigo who started to talk.

"Mitsuhide, Lord Iki-Ryo, and along with their army invaded our village. We narrowly escaped with the help of my father. He sent us to Hueco Mundo as he stayed behind to contend with our enemy as well as helping our people to escape to safety."

"Do you know how they knew of your location?"

Koemi's face turned crestfallen. She nodded while explaining her interaction with Mitsuhide at Bindusar's home. "Though he is dead, please don't think ill of him. I understand he did it to see his wife again... even for a little bit."

Ichigo understood, "I don't blame him for what happened, this all lies on Mitsuhide and Iki-Ryo."

"You said Sonja was a Dark Fae. How sure are you of her loyalty?" Anatonai questioned from the shadows.

Koemi uncertain of the newcomer, answered her anyway. "I believe all Dark Faes are not our enemy. S... Sonja sacrificed herself so that her daughter and I would be able to escape, so I don't believe she had evil intent."

"Why isn't Kazui waking up?" Ichika interrupted, feeling like she was about to explode.

"Lord Iki-Ryo used his poison fairy that cannot be healed by Faes, many have tried. It can only be cured by certain ingredients that I was able to learn to create." She dug through her bag, showing them the different plants and powders. Uryu and Urahara studied them. "He is in a sleep paralysis until he wakes up, it will be the next day that he will wake I'm afraid."

"Is it possible that we could get samples of these to create several antidotes?"

"Antidotes?" her eyes widen in curiosity.

"It's a fancy way of stating a medicine that is taken or given to counteract a particular poison. Are all these for the poison?"

"No, this is for fever, while this is for infection, and this is to numb the pain. I usually use them to suture wounds until someone can heal them."

"What is wrong with your healing powers?" The red-haired girl's eyes glanced at her.

"Ichika!" An older man with similar hair color warned, holding onto her arm.

"I'm just asking a logical question. Well?" Koemi could feel the woman's pain as well as animosity directed at her. She couldn't blame her, the name of the girl didn't go unnoticed. Koemi found her beautiful, with glaring violet eyes and fiery red hair, red hair her mother once had.

"I can't heal, it's a common fae power I don't possess."

"Is that common?" Urahara asked.

"My father claims it is rare. I seem to be the only one though."

"I'm unable to heal," Hideyoshi claimed. Koemi glanced at him. "Apologies, I'm part fae, part Shinigami."

"How sure are you that you're unable to heal?"

"I... I tried to see if I was able to with Orihime's guidance. I wasn't able."

"You do have the ability, you're just afraid."

"Excuse me?" his eyes crossed at her bluntness.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry, it's also my powers. Kazui claimed that I was an Empath. I can feel the emotions of others. You're unable to unlock the healing power because it's something that's a part of your Fae side. You're trying to disregard them."

Hideyoshi said nothing, avoiding the girl's looks. Koemi took the hint and looked away.

"Are there any other powers you have?" Ichika interjected, not liking how this girl caused Hideyoshi to feel uncomfortable.

Ichika saw the girl hesitate for a moment before she spoke, "I also can summon a shield, which is common for Fae," Ichika stared at the girl who avoided her.

"So you're a Fae who can't heal but can summon a shield. Could you not sense that Kazui needed someone to shield him?"

"Hey Ichika, pump the breaks," Tatsunari scolded.

"No, I understand your anger. Kazui was your...is your friend. I was unable to protect him and for that, I apologize." Koemi expressed, bowing her head in apology.

Ichika sighed. "It's fine," she stated through gritted teeth. Koemi knew the red-haired girl wasn't fine, she could still feel the girl's anger, but she didn't mention it.

It was then they heard a growl. Koemi held her stomach, blushing from embarrassment.

"You should eat," Miume explained. She noticed the girl's hesitation as she glanced over to Kazui. "You said he won't wake until tomorrow. I know my brother won't be happy to find out that someone he protected starved to death on our watch."

"I... I guess you're right. You also need your time with Kazui as a family," she smiled, grasping the girl's hand. "Where can I find Daichi, I don't believe he's in this room." She looked around seeing the different people, who didn't look like her father.

"He's not here, he went to train," Miume still thought it was a shitty move on Daichi's part after finding out that his sister was badly injured to leave as if nothing. She watched as the girl nodded.

"I can take the lovely girl to get some food," Isshin specified, standing next to the girl with a large smile. Koemi could see the hint of familiar features of the older man, with dark hair. "I'm Isshin Kurosaki, Kazui and Miume's grand-papa."

"I don't think so you perverted old man," Ichigo stated annoyed.

"I don't sense any hidden agenda from this man or ill intentions. I'm unsure why you suggest he's one of perversion, Ichigo-san?"

"Ignore my son, let's be on our way."

"Before you go, Princess. That looks to be a communicator on your wrist, mind if I take a look at it?" Urahara explained.

"I want to make sure they contact me. The only reason for me not contacting them is because...," she hesitated as she lightly touched the communicator.

"Because you're afraid if they're in hiding you'd give away their position to the enemy. I understand completely. I also ask that you don't worry. I promise to get a hold of you when someone does finally communicate."

Koemi nodded and handed the item to him, with a nervous smile.

Ichigo exhaled as he watched his father and the princess leave the room.

"She's hiding something," Ichika interjected, noticing her mother looking at her.

"Ichika, she may very well be hiding something. Don't push the girl to divulge everything all at once at this time, give her space she's been through a lot." Rukia conveyed to her daughter, sensing her unease.

"I understand, but she hesitated about her powers."

"I saw that but it was a look of confusion more than trying to maliciously hide something," her father stated, putting his hand on her shoulder.

"Maybe it's something she recently acquired and she's unable to explain it herself," Hideyoshi theorized.

"Let's just leave her alone for the moment and also keep a watchful eye," Renji added.

"I also think so too," Ichika agreed.

"But we're not going to bombard her with questions no matter how upset we are," Renji intervened as his daughter bit the inside of her cheek and nodded.

-o-


"So you're not gonna see her?" Raven asked Daichi who was building up his shield's strength while the Quincy fired arrows after arrows at it.

"I just need a moment to clear my head," he confessed as he wobbled but caught himself from falling.

"You should build your strength. Let's eat something. I also don't want to hear that shit about you're fine. I understand endurance, but food intake equals strength. Not eating is just plain stupid."

Daichi agreed as he wiped the sweat from his forehead, walking with the pink-haired man. He wasn't sure what the hell was wrong with him or why he was trying to avoid her. Multiple things were going through his head, the training showed a lot of what he lacked, which he had pushed himself the last few days. Then seeing a stranger that was his sister covered in bruises and blood. If Kazui, someone who he heard was just as strong as Ichigo, couldn't protect his sister. What the hell was he going to do?

He also didn't like giving up, no matter how stubborn he was. Probably why he was fighting with himself. A part of him was a coward while another part was determined to fight until the end.

He gathered soup and bread sitting with Raven in the area where everyone conversed and ate. He just stared at his food for a moment and proceeded to feed himself. He didn't feel like eating, the nerves caused his stomach to unsettle, but he had to get something in him.

"That screen didn't do her justice, she's even more gorgeous in person," he heard Raven moan out. He turned to find Isshin walking with a pink-haired girl wearing a dress that showed mostly her legs and chest. He closed his eyes, exhaling. Now he was having a sister complex as he blushed.

"I don't blame you. If they told me that she was related to me. I think I'd slap the shit out of my dad for good measure."

"Why your dad?"

"Cause he'd be the likely candidate for producing a hidden child," He grumbled.

Daichi turned around, seeing her expression was sad but she was trying to smile. Isshin looked to be trying to make the girl feel comfortable. He held the tray of food for her and then his eyes locked to him.

"There he is," Isshin hollered as the older man got closer, his hard hand slapped his shoulder. "Is this where you've been hiding, Daichi?"

Isshin sat beside Daichi as the girl sat across from him, beside Raven.

"I wasn't hiding. I just need to eat something from training so hard."

Koemi looked at Daichi and he could see her glancing at his features, tearing a bit.

"Now look what you've done. You've made the poor girl cry from being ignored." Isshin scorned, grabbing behind the boy's neck and squeezing.

"Isshin-san, it's nothing like that he just looks a lot like father," she confessed as Daichi shrugged the older man off.

"What the hell is wrong with you Kurosaki men? Do you guys always show your emotions through your hands?"

Daichi stared at his sister noticing her features start to redden. Isshin noticed.

"Kazui has always been the most expressive, Right Koemi?"

Koemi blushed even more and nodded. She nibbled on her bread slowly, glancing at the table.

Raven ate and stared at the girl beside him. Glancing up and down, causing Daichi to feel a bit annoyed.

"So a princess. You're the real deal too. Even have a little tiara." He pointed out, causing the girl's blue eyes to glance his way. She placed her hands on her head, removing the item to glance at it. She looked like someone who had forgotten she was even wearing it.

"Yeah," she huffed, as tears started to fall profusely.

"Jeez, Isshin. Letting these young idiots make a girl cry," Shinji yawned, scratching his shoulder. He sat beside the poor girl.

"It's nothing they did," she blubbered out.

"Hmm. Then what is it? The names Shinji by the way." The blonde Captain glanced at her.

"This gift was from the people I was in charge of protecting while my father was away."

"Do you think you don't deserve the gift because of what happened?" Isshin asked as the girl didn't speak but nodded in tears.

"Here," Shinji took the tiara from her hands and looked at the jewel item. As he placed it back on her head, "You wear it out of respect for the ones who died and those who continue to fight. Also, here."

Shinji placed fruits in front of her while taking a banana and chomping away. "Try some fruit, especially the strawberries."

"Strawberries?" Koemi's eyes grew extremely large, looking through the different fruits in the basket that was put in front of her. She found the fruit that looked like White Dreams but red, just as Kazui had stated. She grabbed them taking a huge bite as her eyes widened, she gathered as much as she could muster to her plate. She was giggling and crying at the same time, "These are soooo good. Oh, Thank you, Shinji." She grabbed the man beside her, in a tight hug, pecking him on the cheek. She stuffed her mouth with the fruit.

Shinji flushed from receiving a kiss and hug from the beautiful girl.

"Don't go stealing hugs and kisses, Shinji," Isshin crossed his arms.

"Are you upset, cause you didn't get any?" Shinji guessed, by the way, the older man frowned.

"Oh, I didn't realize you wanted one too, Isshin-san." She hurriedly got up from her spot to hug the man from behind. "I'm sorry and you were even kind enough to make sure I had food. I haven't been myself and for that, I apologize," She kissed his cheek, going back to her seat to eat more of the strawberries.

"I think I want a hug and kiss too," Raven leaned forward to receive a kick from Daichi.

"Oi, What the hell man?" Raven shot back to Daichi.

"Do I really need to say it," Daichi eyed the Quincy.

"It was a joke," Raven chuckled.

"I thought it was funny. I'd bet Kazui would find it hilarious too," Shinji interjected.

"Very," Isshin added as Raven rolled his eyes.

-o-


Hideyoshi watched Ichika sit by Kazui, watching him lay there. It was a little difficult to watch, but he knew she still needed to sort out a few things. It was his fault, her feelings were so screwed up. She knew that she wasn't in love with him, but she still cared for him. He just needed to give her some space. He snuck up behind her and whispered into her ear.

"I'm going to head out. Do you need anything?" He stated, gently brushing a loose strand across her ear. She nodded 'no,' giving him a smile that didn't reach her ears. The others in the room sat or stood to watch over Kazui as Hideyoshi left the room.

'Afraid,' he mused over the Princess's words. Why would he be scared of his Fae side? He walked through the halls, making his way to find Kenpachi.

"Only you this time?" the man sat up from laying on the floor, while his other subordinates trained.

"Ichika is waiting for Kazui to awaken, so I'll be your partner today," Hideyoshi took out his Zanpakuto with both hands.

"Fine by me. None of that speech power shit. Blade on blade," the large man protested.

Hideyoshi had no problems not using Pasithea on his current opponent. Both crossed swords as Hideyoshi struggled to maintain balance, he flipped backward shunpoing just in time to dodge a hit from Kenpachi's jagged blade. He jumped above slicing the man's chest as he smiled.

Hideyoshi felt the punch that hit his stomach. He coughed, shaking his head.

"I felt that. Have you been holding out on me?" Kenpachi grinned, placing his blade above his shoulders behind his head.

"We know how much of a hassle, Ichika can be. She upset you today?"

Hideyoshi shook his head, "No, needed to prove something."

"What is that?" Ikkaku stated, tilting his head.

"That I'm not afraid," he answered pushing forward, sidestepping than blocking the larger man's swing to his right while uppercutting his chin.

Kenpachi stood firm, leaning his head as he laughed hysterically. An hour of getting beaten and bloodied by the 11th Division Captain, Hideyoshi felt proud of himself for having the Captain enjoy the fight, not many could easily say that. Maybe he was holding back, afraid of just how powerful he could be. Knowing who his true father was, and thinking he'd be unable to control himself. Although, Aizen didn't seem like a person who lost control. He walked outside, wanting to feel the artificial sun on his skin since his room was occupied at the moment. He may have to go to another location to sleep, he wasn't sure if he could ask Ichika if he could lay with her since she probably was going to spend her time beside the Kurosaki family ... and Kazui. He looked down to find Daichi and Raven training as well as the newest addition. Isshin must have joined his family while Koemi stayed with her brother.

"Hey Princess, how's your shield," he heard Raven ask, after smashing into Daichi's after three arrows.

Koemi stood, placing what looked to be a basket at her side. "Are you planning on eating all the strawberries here?" Daichi argued as she hesitated in chewing the one in her mouth before she popped it into her mouth.

"Look we have company. Hey there tall, silent, and creepy. Why don't you join us?" Raven inquired, to Hideyoshi.

"Shit, who the hell beat the shit out of you," Daichi asked. Koemi still munching on her strawberries, looked at him with concern.

"Was training with Kenpachi," he smirked.

"Hey, let me heal you. So I can practice," Daichi asked. The black-haired Shinigami nodded. Hideyoshi felt the small healing dome over his wounds, feeling the pain going away.

"Alright princess, while Daichi heals him. Let me see how much your shield can take."

Koemi nodded, walking a little farther. Pressing her armband as her armor went over her.

"That's fucking cool as shit?" Raven inquired about her armor.

She remained quiet, holding out her massive shield. "Dude, her shield is huge. Let's find out if it's not just for show."

Raven let each arrow rip through, as each one hit her shield. He decided to gather more reishi so his arrows were bigger, and let the arrow loose. The shield still held fast.

"I'm gonna try something, a stronger arrow."

"What the fuck, Raven?" Daichi hollered, removing his dome from Hideyoshi after healing him.

"Calm down. Koemi this arrow is pretty strong so put your shield a little away from you, if it breaks it will just skirt past you, okay?"

"Okay," she hollered.

Raven changed his arrows to his red ones. Shooting the arrow as it hit her shield, leaving it unbroken.

"You're right that was pretty powerful. I'm not sure I can take another one," she huffed.

"It's okay. I wasn't going to shoot another one. That was impressive." Raven encouraged, raising his fist up and waited. She glanced at his fist in confusion, she maintained distance posing in her fighting stance.

"I don't think she knows what a fist bump is, she thinks you want to spare."

"I could do that too," Raven grinned, in his fighting stance.

Koemi dodged Raven's larger frame that was trying to grab her, using her shield to block him while she flipped and kneed him from behind causing him to fall face forward on the ground.

"You're just as fun as Kazui, except he dodges most of my hits."

Daichi and Hideyoshi couldn't help but chuckle as Raven rolled his eyes, dusting himself off from sand.

-o-


"Koemi!" Kazui shot up from his bed, feeling nauseous from jerking himself so quickly from being healed.

He was being healed?

"Ka...zui," he heard the familiar maternal voice as he glanced in front to see his mother. He couldn't help but feel emotionally spent at that moment as a tear fell down the side of his cheek. "Oh, my baby," Orihime shot forward, waking a few that were sleeping around them. Kazui felt her hug him as he wrapped his arms around her, he noticed he was still wearing the armor.

"Hold on, let me remove this," he hit his armband, removing his armor. He then proceeded to take his mother into his arms once more. He looked to find Miume in tears, standing in disbelief. He smiled and waved her to come closer. She wrapped her arms around him and their mother.

"Koemi said you'd be out for almost a whole day," his sister asked through sniffles.

"She's only used to her father or other fae beings with the poison. I think with me being a hybrid, the effects are probably different," Kazui explained, feeling his sister nodding her head in understanding.

They parted from him but still remained by his side as he scanned the room. He looked to Tatsunari who nodded with a smile.

"Took you long enough," the boy who was like a brother said.

"Sorry about that, Tatsu. Couldn't pass up an adventure," He smirked.

BAM!

"Shit!" Kazui yelled, consoling his head that felt like it was hit with lead. He looked up to find his father above, he could see his father was furious but once their eyes locked, his father broke down grabbing him in his arms. Kazui felt the wind knocked out of him from how tight his father was clutching him. His father remained silent as he let go of him. He looked away not wanting anyone to see the hidden tears he wiped away.

Sniff.

"You had us worried," his father's features returned seriously as he crossed his arms.

"I know but ...," he looked down at his fingers that were situated in front of him," if I had to do it all over I wouldn't change a thing, except for people getting hurt, Koemi getting hurt." He glanced up at his father, with a determined look.

"Idiot!" He looked to find Ichika in tears, furiously glaring in his direction, "You think this is one of your games, being the hero to save the princess? You could have died."

"You don't think I understand that," he shouted, he noticed her wide expressive eyes and felt bad. He closed his eyes to exhale. "I'm sorry," he reached over to hug his friend as she hugged him tightly. He looked up to find Uryu and Chad as they both nodded, he saw Jacinto sitting beside Yumiko who silently was crying.

"Come here, Yumiko. Don't hide from me, I won't bite." Yumiko stood, bowing in apology as Ichika removed herself for Yumiko to hug him as well. The usually calm and collected one, burst into tears, her cries echoing throughout the room. Kazui rubbed the back of her hair, finding her ponytail long gone.

"You removed your pigtails," he chuckled, she lifted herself, removing her glasses, wiping her eyes. He held her chin. "Only gone for a few weeks and already grown up on me. Also, wearing Quincy apparel, so cool. I'm jealous." Yumiko blushed, pushing his shoulders.

"Only the most capable can wear such clothing," she mumbled, causing him to smirk.

"I don't doubt that."

"Are you just going to ignore your Grandpa? With my old age, I'm likely to die of a heart attack with all this stress."

"I'm likely to die of a heart attack from all the stress from you old man," his father argued, causing Isshin to pout.

Kazui couldn't help but chuckle, "How could I ever forget you, Ojīchan. You're one of my favorite people. " Kazui leaned forward to Isshin as he did the same, whispering loud enough for his father to hear also, "Don't tell my father but you're several points higher than him."

BAM!

"Oi, make that no points," he dodged a hit that he was going to receive, "you know I just got healed." He yelled at his father.

"I'd clock you also," he saw Renji glaring at him.

"Are all the men in my life so violent, except Ojīchan."

Rukia walked from behind Renji, her short-form was hidden by the larger man's frame as she glided towards him. She smiled as she whacked him and held him in his arms.

"Honestly, I was expecting that from you, Oba-Ru," he held the small Captain, hearing her softly cry while hugging him.

"You also understand our frustration," she removed herself from his arms to glance at his sullen features, "I hope you learned from your mistakes," She saw him flinch a bit looking away as he nodded.

He looked around not seeing Koemi's presence but she could sense that she was somewhere else- safe.

"She's with her brother," Isshin divulged, seeing his grandson had been searching.

"We questioned Koemi, only receiving fragments of the story. We didn't want to push her, with it being so fresh in her mind." Ichigo expressed, telling his son what the princess had already explained to them. As Kazui told him his side.

"After I left Iki-Ryo to Zyden, my mask I had on was enveloping with this new power. What happened after that was a bit hazy, but I felt incredibly strong."

"Was it your hollow?"

"Sort of. It's hard to explain, something else deep within that was always there. Some new power, I don't quite know. I was foolish and arrogant. I had Mitsuhide within my grasp and that's when my mask broke. The power was so immense that once it was gone, my body felt like it was being pressed down, it was hard to even stand. I gave him the upper hand after that I heard her cries and I couldn't do anything."

Ichigo could feel his anger seep in as his eyes filled with black. Orihime placed her hand onto her son's shoulder and smiled.

"We'll find out this new power together. I know you'll work to get stronger, you're too stubborn to quit. Who do you think you get that from?" she smiled warmly, causing Kazui's anger to subside as he pointed to Ichigo while Ichigo pointed to Orihime. Miume chuckling as she pointed to both her parents.

"You hungry?" she asked her son as if on cue his stomach erupted with a growl at his mother's words.

"I am but..."

"You want to find, Koemi," his father bluntly stated as his son nodded. "Also, because I didn't want to embarrass her. How was Mitsuhide able to touch Koemi. Fuminori told us all about the bracelet of companionship, which I don't see you wearing."

Kazui gulped.

"Oh, he told you about that," he coughed, nervously avoiding his father as his tone grew red. "Well... I don't think it's appropriate to tell you and everyone in this room about our business. Besides, there are minors in this room."

"We're almost adults like we don't know what sex is," Tatsunari shook his head. "Granted I'm probably the one that's the most knowledgeable and less experienced in this room."

"How the hell are you the most knowledgeable, with you being a virgin?" Renji questioned.

"I don't think you really know who my parents are or even seen my search history. #Voyeurism, #Spectrophilia," he shot back.

"Spectrophilia, what the hell is that?" Renji whispered to Rukia who shrugged.

"I rest my case," Tatsunari clarified, leaning onto the white couch.

"Tatsunari please shut up. I'm dealing with Kazui at the moment," Ichigo rubbed between his brow, before narrowing his eyes at his son.

"I know you just recently met, but she seems to love you," Miume asked him. Kazui looked at Ichika who avoided him, as he glanced back to his sister.

"She does," he scratched the back of his head with a nervous smile.

"Of course, she does. Who could resist the Kurosaki charm," Isshin winked as Kazui chuckled.

"Do you love her?" He heard his mother ask. Kazui's eyes widened as he looked up to find his mother looking at him.

"I ... I don't know," he sighed.

"What the hell does that mean?" Ichigo growled out. Kazui lifted himself off the bed, avoiding his father. When Ichigo made to grab him, Kazui turned to face him.

"Look, it's complicated," he shot back, shrugging his father's hold.

He felt his mother's hands on his face as he looked down to find her staring at him with a smile. He felt uncomfortable and a bit guilty.

"Love is complicated. I trust you enough to do the right thing. Hmm?" He took her hand in his and kissed her cheek with a nod.

"I'm just going to get some air," he said, as he distanced himself. "I promise I'll be back."

"Go ahead and take all the fresh air you need, because we'll be able to talk when we spare later." Ichigo taunted.

Kazui paused in his steps before he exited the room as Ichika followed.

Ichigo rubbed his hair aggressively from frustration.

"Wasn't expecting that from Kazui, late bloomer I guess," Tatsunari interjected as the Shinigami Father felt the vein in his forehead begin to twitch.

"You want to talk about late bloomers," Ichigo felt Renji grab him and placed him in a headlock, "This guy needed a good kick in the ass from me to finally confess to Orihime."

Everyone in the room laughed except for Orihime who pouted. Ichigo roughly removed himself from the red pineapple head's grip.

"You can't only blame him, Renji," the auburn-haired healer confessed.

"You're right, Orihime. But for all the cock blocking he did to other guys, you'd expect him to at least have said something earlier," Renji specified as Rukia nodded.

"I can vouch," Uryu interjected.

"Ditto," Chad said.

"I also speak for my father since he's not here and he would say the same thing," Tatsunari put in.

"Whatever Tatsuki was worst than I was," Ichigo growled out.

"Bullshit," Renji criticized.

"I would say you had a point with Tatsuki when we were in school," Rukia stated placing her fingers on her chin. "If we're talking outside of school then you were worse."

"The guy who asked for her number at Scoops," Chad said.

"or the croissant customer who visited the bakery daily, suddenly stopped coming."

"What about that guy in the sports car who asked Orihime for directions," Rukia laughed.

"First the Scoops guy was a damn pervert, croissant boy was a stalker, and Mr. Sports Car was in his thirties trying to flirt with a minor."

"I think it's funny how you remember them," Tatsunari inserted.

"You know what else I remember is your search history comment." He grabbed Tatsunari's neck and walked out the room, "Now you're going to explain to me what Spectrophilia is."

-o-


"Hey wait up, Kazui," Ichika ran up beside her long-time friend, who looked determined in his steps. "Sheesh, you came back to us and can't wait to leave us again." She joked, causing Kazui to stop to glance at her with a worried look.

"I'm sorry, I just needed a moment. My emotions and power have been out of whack recently," he rubbed the back of his head.

"Never seen you look like you were going to blow up before," she chuckled, seeing him wince and look away in shame.

"Yeah," he whispered, glancing down the hallway.

"You trust her?" she suddenly said, shaking him from his thoughts. He knew who she was talking about as he eyed her wearily.

"I know she's a stranger from an unknown world, but I do. I trust her," he leaned against the wall, watching Ichika bite her lip and glared at him. "But you look like you're about to tell me why I shouldn't." He smirked, crossing his arms.

"When we asked her about her powers, she looked to be holding back something. I know she's an Empath and can only use her shield, but her features explain there was something more. Hideyoshi pegged it to something that she may have acquired recently and it's probably difficult for her to express."

Kazui nodded thinking about what his best friend and past love said. "So how are things with Hideyoshi and you?"

Ichika couldn't help but blush as she scrutinized him with a look, "I don't think my love life is important right now."

"Oh, so you two are seeing each other," he chuckled a bit.

"You can say that, while you were gone we found out some interesting things about him. I felt I couldn't trust him."

Kazui looked concerned, "Why, what happened?"

"A lot. Hideyoshi can talk, part fae, and also Aizen's son." The words barreled right out her mouth as Kazui's eyes widened. Ichika explained about Hideyoshi hurting Aizen for what he did to his mother. She kept the intimate explanation on how his adoptive mother drowned, she didn't feel that was something to share with Kazui.

"Wow, that is a lot. How was your dad with all of this?"

"He was more worried about Hideyoshi, he took care of him while I was being a brat with being so upset with him. He was even okay with me having sex," she blurted out, not realizing what she said before it was too late.

She saw that he was uncomfortable before he gave a nervous laugh, "I'm glad, you both were able to work through your problems."

"What about you Casanova, who would have thought you'd get someone as beautiful as her to fall head over heels over you. Looks like you don't need my advice after all."

"Yeah," Kazui pushed from the wall and started to walk as Ichika followed.

"Wow, that seemed flat. I thought we were friends."

She saw Kazui pause in his steps while his shoulders tensed, "We are friends but you're also my ex. It's kind of uncomfortable talking about that particular topic at least for the moment."

Ichika nodded and exhaled the breath she was holding, deep down she was dreading a conversation like this with him. She just felt it was the thing to bring up to try to move forward.

-o-


Raven and Daichi sat near Hideyoshi and Koemi exhausted from training.

"So is everyone as beautiful as you in Shun Nya," Raven asked breathlessly, drinking water.

Koemi was confused for a moment before giving her answer, "I'm not sure what you mean but most of my people are beautiful."

Raven rolled his eyes while he shook his head. "I bet you find the elderly beautiful too." Koemi's eyes widen as she nodded.

"Elder Kalise and Elder Haven are so adorable, 60 years in marriage and they still kiss each other goodnight." She blushed, receiving a disgusted look from the pink-haired man and her brother.

"Yeah, that sounds gross," The Quincy conveyed.

Koemi simply shrugged.

"Still Optimistic even what you went through?" Daichi asked her as she turned to him.

"Yes, I still believe we will prevail."

"I bet those romantic feelings and optimism will soon disappear once you reach the breaking point. You believe there won't be any more casualties?" Raven added.

"I believe there will be more suffering and death, my father says that's war."

"Still believe you'll live old and happy as your Elders?" Daichi broached. "I hate to break it to you, but our father sugar-coated shit for you. Relationships are broken and War is always bullshit, no matter what side you're on."

Koemi's eyes avoided her brother and looked to her hands. He could see her discreetly crying as she wiped her cheek. "You're probably right and I'm probably just naive in wanting to see the good in things. I also don't want to see the world like that even if it is true."

"Then you're an idiot," he mouthed drinking from his water.

"And I thought I was the asshole," Raven chuckled, "Don't mind your brother, he's just sexually frustrated."

"Fuck off, Raven."

"My understanding is that he's naturally an asshole," Hideyoshi mouthed, eyeing the blonde boy as Raven laughed at his expense.

"I wish you were still mute. Aren't you supposed to be balls deep in that red-headed spitfire?"

"Daichi don't be jealous of his relationship with Ichika," he patted the blonde boy, "I bet pillow talk with her is probably sexy as hell."

"I'm not divulging anything between Ichika and myself," he growled out as Raven pouted.

"You're no fun."

Koemi looked at Hideyoshi, biting her lip before speaking. "So you're the one that captured Ichika's heart?"

Hideyoshi raised his brow at the nervous girl and nodded. He was wondering why she would ask such a question when it dawned on him.

"I don't think she likes me very much," she mumbled.

"Why the fuck would she be pissed at you?" Raven argued.

"Ichika used to date Kazui," Daichi interjected. "Hideyoshi cucked Kazui."

"There was no cucking involved," Hideyoshi defended.

"What is cuck?" Koemi asked.

Raven couldn't help but laugh as Koemi looked on curiously.

"Well it has different meanings but one I like to use is when someone fucks someone over?"

Koemi still looked confused.

"God your sister is too damn innocent. It really is a turn-on. Anyways it means when a person is in the way of another person's love interest."

Koemi nodded. Watching as Hideyoshi glared at Raven, who continued to drink from his bottle.

It was then they saw a familiar figure walking in back of Toshiro who was walking with Momo.

Daichi wanting to change the current subject decided to troll.

"Oi, Ran-Ran. Come join us,"

The three stopped to stare, as the Captain of the 10th Squad urged the now younger girl to join if she wanted. She was hesitant in her steps as she joined. Her outfit had been fixed as it showed some cleavage but not as pronounced as before. She sat in between Hideyoshi and Daichi, looking dejected.

"Haha, awww you still upset about you reverting back to your younger self?"

Rangiku glared at him and straightened herself, "No, I haven't been able to drink sake. I'm in a mood."

"I don't know what's got your panties in a bunch, you still look hot. I'd still screw ya," Raven stated.

Rangiku perked up, "You would?"

"Yeah, when you're a little older," he chuckled, fist-bumping Daichi.

"I hate you both, especially you," she pointed at Daichi.

"Why only me?" The blonde head boy looked confused still laughing at the Vice-Captain's expense.

"The joke about asking my cup size, real cute."

"I was only worried you weren't getting the proper support."

She jumped on him to hit his arms as Hideyoshi pulled her apart from the laughing boy. Matsumoto noticed the young princess.

"I didn't notice you, Princess Koemi. Please accept my apology and sorry for the recent events. I am Vice-Captain Rangiku Matsumoto, you can call me Auntie Ran."

Koemi looked at the younger person in front of her confused, causing Daichi to laugh even more. Rangiku ignored him.

"I understand your confusion with me being younger than you physically," Rangiku explained everything to the girl as the princess nodded in understanding.

"But you still are beautiful, and no need to apologize. You all are diligently training to help liberate Shun Nya, it is I that should give my humblest thanks."

"Oh, she is too adorable," Rangiku grabbed the young princess across from her. "So now that I'm a little bit better with the Princess around, what were you all talking about?"

"Hideyoshi cucking Kazui," Raven inserted.

"Fucking hell, Raven. Why bring that shit up again?" Daichi yelled.

"Oh, please. If anything Ichika always liked Hideyoshi it's her fault for bringing poor Kazui along."

"It wasn't her fault," Hideyoshi explained.

"Well, you also were stringing the poor girl along, but she still made her choice no matter how stupid that choice was," Rangiku said her wisdom.

"Can we change the subject, please," Daichi stated as they all agreed.

"So Princess, you can't heal like Hideyoshi here?" Raven deciding to change the subject first.

Koemi looked to Hideyoshi and remained quiet, as she nodded.

"Oh no, you both can't give a secretive look and not say anything." Daichi insisted.

"She believes I can heal, she also claims I'm holding myself back," Hideyoshi didn't reiterate about the part of him being afraid.

"I can see you not wanting to know more about that hidden power, you already try to hide the part of you that's connected to ...Aizen. You're already so powerful so adding Fae powers into the equation you fear you'll hurt others with trying to harness foreign powers." Rangiku instructed.

"Wow, so insightful," Koemi clapped her hands in wonder.

"I'm still mentally older than all of you, so I have a lot of wisdom under my belt."

"Most of the children in Shun Nya say it's the same as developing a shield, Come," Koemi rose from her seat, grabbing a hold of the stoic man's hand.

Daichi, Raven, and Rangiku watched the Princess walk a bit of a distance pulling up her shield and explaining something to the older boy.

"You think we should stop this?" Daichi questioned.

"Nope," Raven said shortly.

"And miss Ichika lose her composure, no way," Rangiku added.

-o-


"Oh Grimmy, mini Ichigo grew up so handsome," Nel squeezed Kazui into a hug, cutting his air supply.

"Oi, Nel. he probably would like to breathe also," Grimmjow interevened.

Nel looking confused looked at an almost blue Kazui. "I'm so sowwy, Mini Ichigo."

"It's Kazui, Nel," he coughed out.

"You're right, Kazui not quite Ichigo," she clarified.

"Just call him by his name, for fuck sake," Grimmjow clapped the boy's back.

"Hey, Grimmjow. I appreciate you, Tier, and Nel using your forces in helping us to defeat Shun-Nya's enemy. I wasn't strong enough," he bowed down to yell, "I promised myself to get better so... so that this won't happen again. I won't make the same mistake." He glared up at Grimmjow, as the blue-haired King smiled.

"That's the kind of look I like to see, how about we spare?"

"Sure, I just need to check on Koemi, before anything."

"Is she the one that you were eye-fucking in the message you sent?" Nel questioned as Kazui turned completely red.

"W...What?"

"Come, on. Everyone could see how much you wanted the camera off so you could get between-"

"W...Wait, you all saw that?" Kazui asked mortified.

"The Hermes Fairy showed it to everyone, it's not its fault that everyone you wanted to message was all in the same room as others."

"Also, Hermes recorded you kissing her too. I don't think you meant to show us that, " Nel giggled.

Kazui's eyes widened, feeling like he wanted to be swallowed up.

"Oh... haha, I...I will talk to you guys later," he walked off as Grimmjow yelled about getting his ass to spare later.

"Sheesh, your ears are red, Kazui, it was just a damn kiss," Ichika rolled her eyes while crossing her arms, wondering what the big deal was.

Kazui stopped abruptly as Ichika almost rammed into his back, "Are you that upset about people knowing you kissed?"

Ichika looked at Kazui with a serious expression as his brows shot downward, she glanced at what she was looking at.

She found Koemi was speaking to Hideyoshi, as his tall figure was standing as the pink-haired girl pointed to his stomach. After a moment, they saw a light spark appear near the tall Shinigami and disappear. Princess Koemi grabbed his hand and jumped in excitement as the silent Shinigami shrugged and smirked. Ichika felt something tug in her heart, but then felt Kazui's reiatsu spike up. She looked as Kazui continued to stare.

Suddenly Koemi seemed to sense something and looked in their direction. Her eyes widened.

"K...KAZUI!" she yelled out, as others in their group glanced in their direction.

The princess wasted no time to develop a wormhole as she arrived right in front of him, in tears.

"K...Kazui," she murmured, running and jumping onto him. Once tumbling onto the floor, she kissed him passionately on the lips. He opened his mouth to receive her kiss.

"My, My isn't that sexy," they heard Rangiku's mouth shout out.

Kazui and Koemi looked at each other, blushing as they both removed themselves from each other while she buried her face into his chest.

"Oh don't stop on our account," she professed, sounding regretful she said something.

Koemi looked up to Kazui, "I... I thought the poison would affect you longer?"

"I think it has something to do with me being part fae, I think the effects are different," he told her rubbing her back. She nodded, thinking about his theory, finding it plausible as she smiled.

"I'm so glad if I had known I wouldn't have left your side," she stated, sadly looking down.

"W.. What are you doing anyway?" Kazui asked looking towards Hideyoshi watching as Ichika already made her way to where he was.

"I'm with my brother and his friends. Also, I was helping Hideyoshi tap into his Fae powers, they've been dormant until now," she expressed with a giggle, as Kazui nodded. Her happy expression disappeared as she gripped his hoodie.

"I...I thought I lost you," she stated glancing up to him with watering eyes. He hugged her, rubbing her head as she cried.

"Don't think about that right now I know it's difficult but try. I'll get stronger."

"I will too. K...Kazui," she whispered. "Something happened to Mitsuhide that I can't explain. He was in pain, but he believed I did it."

"Did you?" Kazui bluntly asked.

"I...I don't know. I... I just wanted him to stop hurting me and you," she cried out as Kazui lightly rubbed her tears away.

"I gained powers too that I can't explain. We'll both work on finding what they are and controlling them, okay?" He kissed her head as she nodded.

Kazui walked up to Hideyoshi and Ichika, Ichika looking a bit defensive. As Kazui reached out to shake Hideyoshi's hand. Hideyoshi a bit hesitant finally took his hand. His hesitance was in the way Kazui didn't have the same expression when they first met. It seemed guarded. Looking at Koemi's weary expression at Kazui, her powers seemed to sense it also.

"I heard you talk now?" Kazui mentioned, receiving a nod from the taller man.

"Mostly due to past experiences and not trusting whom my powers come from."

"I don't see the similarities?"

Hideyoshi understood who he was speaking about, probably knowing Ichika had unloaded everything to her long-time friend.

"People say it's when I smile," he answered, with a smirk himself.

Kazui nodded, "Yeah, I can see why they would say that. I don't believe someone should be at fault because of who their parents are."

Hideyoshi smiling at how much Kazui sounded like Orihime. "You sound like your mother."

"Yeah, she would say something like that," Kazui chuckled, making his way in hand with Koemi towards the other group.

"So you unlocked your Fae powers?" Ichika questioned, watching the backs of Koemi and Kazui as Rangiku jumped onto Kazui for a hug. The blonde was speaking to Kazui in tears, probably explaining to him about her situation in looking young.

"Seemed they were only dormant, so she was correct in her assumption of my fear," he stated, closing his eyes and opening for a barely visible dome to appear and then disappear.

"She seems very helpful."

Hideyoshi sensed the bite in his girlfriend's words as he leaned down to capture her lips before he headed towards the group. Ichika blushed to bite her lip as she followed her boyfriend.

"And this jerk keeps irritating me. Please knock him out, Kazui. Help your Auntie Ran," Ranigku pouted grabbing his shoulder and hiding behind him, while glaring at Daichi.

"Okay," Kazui chuckled, "We meet again, Daichi. Why do you put yourself in these types of situations of irritating people? I'm almost sure you enjoy the attention."

Daichi thought about the Shinigami Hybrid's comment and nodded, "That's true. Plus, Who doesn't like seeing Ran-Ran upset?"

"Don't call me that," she stated, crossing her arms.

"Maybe you shouldn't upset Rangiku so much, Daichi," he heard his sister tell him as he glanced in her direction.

"Listen, Princess. Women like to be teased. Your brother knows what he's doing." Raven insisted.

"I beg to differ," Rangiku huffed.

"Yet, you came over here, when he called," Raven stated.

"That does not mean anything," She clarified, blushing.

"Yeah, it doesn't mean anything. Plus, she's not my type," Daichi explained, smirking watching the Vice-Captain fume.

"You're not my type either, boy," she scoffed.

"S'il vous plaît, si nous allons quelque part maintenant. Je trouverais probablement à quel point vous êtes vraiment mouillé là-bas. Dites-moi que je ment? Ran-Ran. (Please, if we go somewhere right now. I'd probably find how wet you really are down there. Tell me I'm lying? Ran-Ran.)" He stated causing Rangiku to blush and remain quiet. Raven laughed being fluent in French, with him most of his life in Milan.

Koemi's eyes widened, staring at her brother and at Rangiku. Daichi noticed his sister's obvious blush. "Well, that's unexpected. Father taught you French too?"

Koemi nodded, touching her cheeks.

"Don't tell me that. Your sister is perfect, Daichi. So my damn type. Oi, Koemi. Things don't work out with you and Kazui, you can cry on my shoulder," Raven stated, then sensing Kazui's spike. "Fuck, relax. News Flash, I'm not the only one who got a hard-on from your girl. When she went to get food, most of the Shinigami was staring, maybe some Arrancar and Quincies. Even Daichi at some point had a sister complex."

"Hey fuck you, Raven," Daichi yelled out.

"Sorry, Sorry, I should have kept that a secret."

"Says the guy who wants to double dip where his father stuck his dick in," Daichi clarified.

"What the fuck, Daichi. Who said that I wanted to stick my dick in Meninas."

Daichi laughed, "I didn't say who, yet that's who you mentioned. Fucking liar."

"You're right, Kazui. Your world is more vocal when talking about intercourse." Koemi blushed.

Raven nearly dropped his water bottle while exhaling. "Fucking cute," he whispered.

"Don't blow your load here, Raven."

"Oi, Enough!" Kazui interjected.

"Aww, look how jealous Kazui is getting," Rangiku poked his cheeks as he moved his head away, his ears turning red.

"Watch it, Raven. His dad turns into a jealous psycho, imagine how his son is," Daichi intervened, catching Kazui's look. Kazui's eyes filling with a black swirl.

"It's not really jealousy when you don't want someone uttering such derogatory things towards your girlfriend. Believe me, I'm calm," Kazui smiled, his voice not sounding his own as the black disappeared.

"Yeah, that's that creepy calm," Daichi interrupted.

Koemi held Kazui's hand glancing at her boyfriend as she smiled.

"You don't have to worry about Kazui. He wouldn't intentionally hurt you."

"That sounds reassuring," Daichi explained.

"I...I meant you all are friends. You all get hurt during training, right. That's what I meant."

"I've known Kazui longer. He's not going to start flying off the handle, not unless you provoke him. I would have already punched the shit out of you both if you said that shit to me."

Raven glanced at Ichika, "Look you're sexy as hell but I'd want my balls intact."

Ichika saw red, as she released her Zanpaktou. The electrical snakes borrowing under the sands as Raven forced the sands in another direction.

"Just because I said you were sexy?" Raven chuckled, using his board to fly away from the snakes that were trying to reach him. He lifted the sand that was under Ichika to lose her balance as he zoomed towards her, arrow at the ready. "Are you done?"

Raven felt a jolt snake around his leg, shocking the Quincy as he fell on his knees.

"Now I'm done," she smirked. Raven lifted himself, glaring at her.

"She rather be categorized as a crazy bitch," Rangiku giggled, receiving a glare from the red-haired girl.

"Takes one to know one," she shot back.

"No my dear, I'm the sexy bitch," the blonde flipped her locks behind her.

"Why call yourself such things, Rangiku?" Koemi expressed. Raven groaned while keeping his mouth shut.

"Oh, bitch can be a derogatory term and also a loving one."

"Yeah, I think that's enough teaching about our world for today. We have to head back," Kazui stood up, reaching for Koemi's hand. "I need to get back to my parents, they have more to talk about. Want to join me?"

Koemi nodded and turned to the group and bowed.

"It was such a pleasure in meeting all of you. I look forward to learning more about your world." Kazui's teeth gritted as he exhaled. "Brother or Daichi whatever term suits your preference. I hope we can grow to have a sibling bond." She smiled, causing Daichi to nod.

"I think he'd prefer if you'd call him Daichi-chan and he'd love to call you O-nee-san." Daichi kicked Raven's leg as the burly man chuckled.

"Daichi is fine." Daichi expressed as Koemi nodded.

Koemi looked to Hideyoshi, "Remember Hideyoshi, concentrate daily and it will grow even bigger."

Rangiku giggled, "Oh, she was talking about his healing powers."

"What else would I-" Koemi made to say only for Kazui to swiftly walk with her away from the group.

"We'll see you later," he shot back.

Raven looked longingly in their direction, "If I don't get laid soon, I don't think my hard-on will ever go away."

"You're such a damn perv," Ichika reiterated.

"Never claimed I wasn't."

"Don't pretend you're not one yourself Ichika. A little bird told me you used to watch pornos." Rangiku laughed.

"That was only to make Kazui-" she stopped herself as she looked to Hideyoshi.

"Make him have a hard-on?" Raven finished, as Ichika glared at him.

"No, to make him uncomfortable," she mumbled.

"It's the same shit. In your case, you were teasing him." Daichi expressed.

"As I would do to Toshiro," Rangiku put in.

"T..that's ..." Ichika began to say thinking about what they were trying to say as she felt Hideyoshi lightly touch her arm.

"Let's start heading back as well."

Ichika nodded as she said her farewells.

"Even with her attitude she's still sexy as hell," Raven stated.

"Dude, get laid. You'll start saying Yumichika is sexy as hell too,"

"Well he does have pretty eyes," Raven laughed when he saw Daichi's eyebrow raise.

-o-


Kazui searched for his parents, someone mentioning to him they were no longer in the room he woke from, that room belonging to Hideyoshi. He found that bit of information rather annoying. Koemi in turn stated that her spiritual focus led her to his room. He wasn't sure what to feel about it, there was a logical explanation as to why they ended up in his room and why his girlfriend was training him. He just currently wasn't thinking logically just uncomfortable with their closeness. Koemi didn't seem to have an ulterior motive to be near the man, she was just being friendly like always. He needed to calm himself down.

Especially now.

"Sleeping arrangements! What am I twelve?" Kazui yelled, glaring at his father.

"More like a horny seventeen-year-old," his father shot back.

"Ouch, I resent that comment, Ichigo-san," Tatsunari stated, receiving glares from both orange-haired hybrids.

Koemi felt the tension between both son and father.

"I can sleep anywhere. I don't mind."

"Let's make it a sleepover. Girls and Boys," Orihime clapped her hands together.

"YAY!" Tatsunari waved his hands, as Ichigo's eyes twitched.

Ichigo looked about the room, it was a decent amount of space to fit a large number of people.

"Fine," he conceited, "We'll get enough mats to fit in this room, with everything on high alert, this is for the best. But Boys separate from the girls."

"So does that mean you, also?" Kazui countered with a smug grin.

"First I said boys, and secondly I'm married."

"Technically I'm married too," Kazui shot back.

"Can I be technically married to Miume too?" Tatsunari interjected.

"No!" Ichigo growled out.

"Kazui, we've had a long day and so have you. Let's just make this work, okay?" Orihime placed her hands onto her son's cheek as he glanced down at his mom and nodded.

They all settled their beds with Orihime and Ichigo together in the middle while the boys slept to the right of Ichigo and the girls slept to the left.

-o-


Koemi watched Mitsuhide's form surrounded by blue flames and dead bodies as he slowly turned to her with a sadistic grin.

"You should listen to your brother, you're still a naive child. Your father has doomed you and all his people with his ideas of hope. Now watch everything burn."

Koemi watched the flames engulf those she held dear, the farmers she tilled with, the children she cared for, the governess/governors, her father, and Kazui.

.

..

...

Koemi shot up, she covered her mouth with her hand as she screamed while tears cascaded down her features. She looked around to make sure she didn't wake anyone as her hand remained against her mouth, not trusting herself. Her other hand trailed down to her chest, feeling her heart heighten in pace. She raised her knees to her chest while she leaned her head forward to muffle the cries with her legs.

She felt a hand softly take one of the hands that were hugging her knees. She jumped a bit but slowly calmed down when she saw the familiar features of the man she loved. He placed a finger to his lips as he sat beside her, placing her head to his chest.

"Nightmare?" he whispered as he felt her head nod in confirmation. He brushed his fingers over her head.

"Me too." He informed her as she looked up and gently wiped her face.

"It was M...Mitsuhide. Everyone. Father. In flames. You were...," she didn't finish her words afraid of it coming true as she shoved her head back into his chest to cry.

"I dreamt of ...," he paused in his musings, still stroking her head. "It's fragmented and doesn't make any sense, then it starts to disappear until I can't remember anymore."

"Maybe it's good to forget," she mumbled.

"Yeah, though I feel like this is important."

"Kazu, you should really go back to bed. I... I don't want you to get into trouble because of me."

Kazui raised her chin to see her eyes still filled with tears and he kissed her forehead. "Don't worry," He leaned back with her in his arms, "What's one more knot to the head."

"But-"

"Shhh, just sleep. Just think about your field of White Dreams." He closed his eyes

"... Strawbe..."

"Hmmm?" He couldn't quite hear her.

"Captain Shinji gave me strawberries. You were right, they do taste the same."

"Did you leave any?" He knew what the answer was as he felt her fidget.

"I ... I didn't mean to eat all of them. They were sooo good."

Kazui chuckled, hugging her more.

"Okay, let's sleep." He felt her head nod in understanding, once he felt her breathing even out was when he finally shut his eyes to nod off.

Orihime looked to her husband who was hearing the interaction of the couple. Orihime smiled as Ichigo looked at her with an annoyed face.

"I'll let it slide this once," he confirmed, as Orihime snuggled closer to her husband.

"You're so adorable when your upset."

"I'm not supposed to be adorable, Orihime," he smirked, feeling her hold tighten around him.

"You're also cute when you're annoyed," she mumbled into his chest.

"Cute?" He felt her nod.

"You get annoyed with Tatsu but you trust him just as much as you trust our son."

"Who said I trust our brat?"

"Oh, Ichigo. You haven't treated Kazui as a boy until now." She leaned back, placing her hands on both sides of her husband's face so that he was staring at her. "Is it because we were so close to losing him?" Ichigo could hear his wife's voice crack as tears appeared in her eyes.

He nodded and felt a tear cascade down the side of his face. Orihime and Ichigo held each other, reassuring themselves that everything was okay and how they were all safely together.

-o-

"There must be a reason why you decided to keep quiet about Dark Faes not healing?" Noboru stated, leaning his head back against the couch while Anatonai laid herself onto the bed, eyes still open.

"Same reason you remained quiet," Anatonai shot back.

"I don't feel that bit of information is necessary to them at the moment. These mortals so quick to anger and accusations, it would only lead to confusion. Confusion they don't need."

Anatonai looked towards Noboru who still remained looking towards the ceiling.

"I'm still unsure of this Mortal Princess but my reason for not saying anything isn't because I trust her."

"You trust no one, Anatonai. This Princess is not someone who needs your distrust."

"Why, What do you know?" She lifted herself, standing in front of him. Noboru looked in front to find himself confronted with an irritated goddess.

"Just whispers among Shun Nyan mortals and immortals. Who's to say it's even true," he chuckled, stopping his laughter when the woman in front of him found him unamusing. He glanced at the door which was shut and looked towards his captor once more. His features were serious. "I say again these are just rumors and what I tell you stays between us."

Anatonai sat beside Noboru and nodded her head in agreement as he began to inform her of a secret.

-x-


I swear the first part of this chapter was written before I read Kubo's recent chapter, I'm so happy we got to have young Kazui.

There is also a MUTE SHINIGAMI, A MUTE SHINIGAMI. I know

technically Hideyoshi is not mute, but OMG!WTF!

Kubo is introducing Hell. I'm also having Ichigo/Kazui and Company facing the Underworld. I know it's not the same but you have no idea how happy I am.

Orihime is so cute and Kazui is a little troublemaker. Ichika is such a firecracker. I'm sorry I'll stop. *cries* I'm soooo happy.