Chapter Thirty Six:

Ichigo dropped his head down on his desk with a thump, yawning hugely as he allowed himself a moment of reprieve in the knowledge he had caught up on all his paperwork. Slowly pushing himself up and flopping back in his chair, he sighed heavily, running a hand down his face.

It had been six days since they had returned to Soul Society, and ever since the meeting with the Kuchiki Elders, he had been fighting to get his affairs in order. Renji had done an excellent job of running the Division in the absence of the Taichou and Third Seat, but he was as lazy as could be when it came to paperwork.

Chuckling to himself as he recalled the expressions on the faces of Renji and Rukia upon discovering the engagement. While startled, apparently it wasn't unexpected to either of them and they had been over the moon, insisting upon a celebration as soon as they were settled back in. Rukia had also made it more than a little clear that if Ichigo ever hurt her brother she would personally castrate him. He wouldn't have been concerned if it hadn't been for the deadly seriousness of her expression at the time.

The news of their engagement was only tempered slightly when Renji, that same day, finally asked Byakuya his permission to begin officially courting Rukia. Byakuya had agreed without argument, taking everyone but Ichigo by surprise. It seemed the noble had been telling the truth, he really had wanted to see how long it would take his Fukutaichou to gain the courage to approach him.

"T-Taichou? I... I'm not sure you... Heard me properly..." Renji had spluttered, dumbfounded by Byakuya's acceptance of the situation, "I-I... Wish to date Rukia, like... Be a-a couple..."

The Kuchiki heir had simply peered up from over the rim of his tea cup, and in the most droll; blunt and Byakuya-like voice, responded: "I have ears, Abarai. At least the last time I checked they were fully functional."

Giggling at the memory as he set his paperwork aside, Ichigo was happy. Truly happy. It felt like everything was finally slipping into place. He had already contacted his friends in the World of the Living to share his good news, as well as promising them invites to the actual wedding when it came. According to Byakuya, the event itself would not be held until the threat of Aizen's operation was over, so they were looking forward to an extended engagement.

During that time, according to Kūkaku, Ichigo would undergo an official ceremony to become the current Head of the Shiba Clan, taking the temporary title from her shoulders. He'd expected her to be reluctant to hand it over, but in bizarre fashion she was in fact more than content to see him thrive. He was nervous about it, but Byakuya seemed confident that he would excel and that settled him a little.

Rising from his seat, Ichigo left his office, locking the door behind him and accepting the many waves and greetings he received as he made his way to his private quarters.

As strange as it seemed, at least to him, the greetings he now garnered from the other Shinigami of Division Six were no longer drawn by the colour of his hair or his moody attitude, everyone knew the story of Sôkyoku Hill. Everyone knew who he was. To an extent, he'd become something of a celebrity, a shining example of what hard work could achieve. Scary.

It had been decided by the powers that be, namely Renji, that the celebration of his engagement would be that evening. Of course, there had been input from Matsumoto so the evening was bound to consist of drinking until they couldn't walk straight.

He was only glad he had finished work early enough to get ready without having to rush. Ichigo headed straight for the bathroom, locking the door behind him before making quick work of stripping out of his shihakusho, discarding it in the wash basket next to the sink.

Flicking the shower on, he leaned against the wall, giving the water time to heat up fully as he gave some serious consideration to getting drunk, a luxury he rarely gave himself these days. Byakuya had been invited to the drinking festivities, naturally considering he was part of the reason for it but had been forced to decline, citing something about having too much to do.

Ichigo had been disappointed initially at the news that he would be deprived the chance of seeing his fiancé sporting an alcohol induced blush, but soon recovered. Nothing had been able to keep his mood anything short of sky high recently.

As he stepped into the shower, he caught sight of himself in the full body length mirror that was tucked in the corner of the bathroom, turning slightly so he could once again inspect the recently formed black swirling pool of tribal ink on his right forearm. According to Byakuya, it had appeared the same day as their interrogation in the Elder Chambers, something to do with him having accepted his bloodline.

Upon some reading, Ichigo had discovered that Shiba Clan leaders all bore tattoos of some description, marking them as the governing body. Kaien's had been in a similar place to his own, while Kūkaku's was on her upper arm, but hers would apparently fade once he was made the legitimate heir of the household. From the research he had done, Ichigo learned that as he accepted more and more responsibility, accepted more of who he was, he would gain more such markings.

Renji had teased him initially, sly comments about him trying to copy the Fukutaichou's look. A sparring match in the back garden of the Kuchiki mansion had left Ichigo the victor, forcing Renji to nurse his wounded pride. The new marking seemed well received by his fiancé however, who had taken to tracing it with his fingertips whenever they were alone, apparently determined to add the intricate whorls to memory.

Washing quickly, he jumped back out of the shower and began patting himself dry, taking his time to make sure he'd look half decent for the get together. It wouldn't do to show up looking like anything less than someone befitting his position, he had been warned. That was something he'd have to get used to.

Coming to stand in front of the mirror again once he was dressed, he brushed the soft fabric of his sleeveless yukata, content that the maroon shade complimented his complexion. He dragged his fingers through his hair restlessly, noting how much it had grown recently, at its longest it was brushing level with his shoulders while his fringe tickled level with his eyelids.

Ichigo clicked his tongue against his teeth reaching over to the bathroom counter were a single ivory coloured kenseikan rested. It had been a gift from Byakuya, a symbol of his acceptance into the Kuchiki family, as well as an engagement present seeing as neither of them had arranged to get rings yet.

He hadn't worn it in public yet, while not embarrassed he found himself feeling somewhat shy at the concept of so openly declaring himself to the world and all it's prying eyes. It was bad enough that the Shinigami Women's Association were vying to get an article printed about the up and coming nuptials, often aided by Rukia's uninhibited access to both Ichigo and Byakuya.

A smile twitched at the strawberry's lips as he lifted the ornate hair piece, more than a little adept at slotting it into place due to having helped Byakuya so many times, since the loss of usage in his left arm. He tilted his head to the side when the kenseikan was nestled snugly against his left temple, drawing some of his crazed locks back from his face. It looked like it belonged there, and that realisation made his heart swell with pride, a warm smile finding its way onto his lips, almost without permission.

Glancing at the sword stand where Zangetsu was precariously balanced, he considered taking the Zanpakutō along, he always felt just that little bit naked without the huge blade at his back, and yet he decided against it. There was no way he could comfortably drink himself into unconsciousness with the risk of losing the other part of his soul.

"One of these days I'm going to force you out of Shikai." He grumbled as he left.

"You are welcome to try, Ichigo." Zangetsu's voice was smug and teasing.

They both knew he would never manage to shrink the sword down, even if he spent the next century trying to contain his reiatsu.


The walk to Rukongai was quiet, but almost as soon as his destination came into view he could see a small army of people waiting outside.

"Ichigo!" Renji's voice drew attention to him as he made his way closer and he lazily lifted a hand to return the greeting.

"Yo!" He grinned, "Did you leave anyone on duty today Renji?"

"Not if it could be helped!" The redhead grinned massively.

Indeed that seemed the case. The strawberry haired Third Seat wasn't at all surprised to see the likes of Matsumoto, Ikkaku or Yumichika among their numbers, the three of them often rotated in the same drinking circle. Although, now he considered it, he wasn't sure he had ever actually seen Yumichika drunk, the prim and proper Shinigami seemed to know just when to stop before becoming so inebriated he was no longer 'beautiful'.

Also not surprising, was the presence of Hisagi and Kira, the pair also often went drinking with Matsumoto so it wasn't shocking to see them. Rukia was there too, which he'd expected. Although Ichigo found his head tilting curiously at the sight of Hinamori, Yoruichi and Urahara, but the final straw was definitely seeing Ukitake, Kyōraku and Hitsugaya.

He definitely hadn't predicted three current Taichou, and two former Taichou joining them.

"We couldn't let such a monumental event as this go unmarked, Kurosaki-san." Ukitake smiled brightly at him, hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, "It's not every day the Saviour of Sôkyoku gets engaged!"

He groaned at the name people had given him, but couldn't bring himself to be angry with the kindest Taichou in Seireitei for using it, "Are you sure you wouldn't rather use the Hero from Hell? I hear that one is quite popular as well."

Kyōraku released a deep laugh at his sarcasm, "No one here would ever entertain such an opinion of you, Ichigo-san. No matter who or what you may be, your determination to protect people is well known by everyone."

Ichigo shifted under his gaze, Byakuya had told him that both Ukitake and Kyōraku were aware of his previous affiliation with Aizen, so he had no doubt that the Division Eight Taichou's words held some form of double meaning. An accepting one at that.

"Renji mentioned you'd joined the ranks of the inked, but I didn't quite believe it until now." Hisagi smirked, casting his eye over the ringlets on Ichigo's arm, "Future Head of the Shiba Clan, huh? You sure kept that one quiet."

"Could be worse, I could have a ridiculous number stamped on the side of my face, Mr Sixty Nine." He returned the jab with a teasing sneer before shrugging, "But seriously, tell me about it, I had no idea until recently either."

"Hopefully Kurosaki-san's new found fame won't go to his head too much," Urahara's voice came from behind the fan he was fluttering, "It wouldn't do for his ego to grow anymore than it already has."

"Don't make me come over there and shut you up." The strawberry growled, "My ego is perfectly minimal, thank you very much."

"Really?" Yoruichi joined in, slinging her arms around Urahara's shoulders, "So you didn't preen yourself in front of the mirror for hours today? I thought more of Little Byakuya's personality would have rubbed off on you by now."

"What's wrong with preening?" Yumichika saved Ichigo the trouble of scolding the woman as one of his hands brushed against his bob of dark locks, "Personally I think Ichigo looks better than he has in a long time, someone as beautiful as him should take pride in their appearance."

"B-Beautiful?" He spluttered, "I'm far from that!"

"Don't sell yourself short, Ichigo." Ikkaku snorted, "If Yumichika's telling you that, it must be true, at least to some degree."

"Ne, ne, don't let Kuchiki Taichou hear you saying that," Matsumoto pouted, tapping a finger to her chin, "He'd probably slice you into ribbons for telling our dear berry-head something that should only be spoken of by him."

Kira looked uncomfortable surrounded by so many people, but smiled faintly at Ichigo, "It's good to see you happy, Kurosaki-san."

Ichigo murmured his thanks before glancing at the short and yet imposing figure of Tōshirō Hitsugaya, "I wouldn't have pictured this being your scene, Hitsugaya Taichou. Did Matsumoto bribe you?"

The white haired male glanced at him with a raised eyebrow and merely chuckled under his breath, "Hardly. But someone had to come and make sure you don't make a complete fool of yourself."

"And somehow that ended up being you?" His lips twitched towards a smirk.

"Let's just say, Byakuya Kuchiki owes me a favour now." The other returned his smirk smugly.

Rukia approached and reached up, gently brushing the hair ornament nestled in his orange locks, "It suits you, Ichigo." Her smile couldn't have been more genuine if she'd tried, "I'm glad you've started wearing it in public."

"Took me a while to get over the nerves." He admitted, "But what have I got to be nervous about really? Showing people what I think of him?"

"It is a rare honour to be presented with a kenseikan when you are not a direct heir of the Kuchiki Clan. You should indeed wear it with pride!" She poked his forehead gently with her index finger and turned to Renji, "Are we getting this started then or not?!"

Ichigo laughed to himself as the small horde of people made their way into the unsuspecting bar, pausing as he saw Hinamori linger back, her eyes fixed on him. He felt a momentary flutter of anxiety rush through him. It was the first time he had seen the Division Five Fukutaichou since before Aizen's defection; he didn't know if she was aware just how little Aizen truly thought of her, despite all his behaviour suggesting the opposite, but she looked like a shadow of her former self.

"Momo." He forced a weak smile, "It's good to see you again."

"And you, Kurosaki-kun." Her voice was timid as she bowed her head, "Forgive me, I was hoping to ask you something."

"What's is it?" He swallowed.

Her eyes met his slowly and she straightened her back, apparently summoning her courage, "I don't mean to bring it up when you are supposed to be celebrating, but I haven't had chance to see you since... Everything happened. It's... About Aizen Taichou..."

He felt his heart drop slightly and he reached out, resting his hands on her shoulders, "Momo, its alright. You can ask me anything. I'll give you an honest answer."

"Thank you, Kurosaki-kun..." She licked her lips, "Everyone has been saying... Such terrible things about Aizen Taichou, and... I know how close the two of you used to be. I figured that if anyone would know the truth it would be you. Has he really betrayed Soul Society? Is there no chance that it was Ichimaru Taichou who made him do it?"

Ichigo didn't want to consider just how much she knew about his closeness to the ex-Taichou, but he sighed softly, "Gin is just a subordinate. I know its hard to believe but Aizen is the one in charge. I'm sorry I can't give you what you want."

Tears welled in her eyes but she forced them back, giving him a single firm nod, "Its fine, I appreciate your honesty." She gulped and stared for a long moment at his face, "You are happier now, than you were back then. If Aizen Taichou wasn't making you happy with whatever was going on between you then... Maybe that should tell me all I need to know."

"You're very perceptive." He smiled weakly.

She shrugged and pulled back, a shy grin finally appearing on her face, "Let's go and enjoy your party, Kurosaki-kun!"

He offered his arm to her and nodded in agreement, "Let's show them what stern stuff Division Five is really made of."

The sight of their friends already ordering drinks made them both cringe, neither of them had ever had a particularly strong stomach for alcohol, but as they joined the table they made a silent pact to do their best and enjoy themselves.

Despite being in the presence of three current and two former Taichou, none of them felt overly intimidated by their presence, especially not when everyone knew that Kyōraku was capable of drinking them all under the table with ease. While off duty the man behaved like one of the gang, telling jokes and buying them drinks with an enthusiasm Nanao would have been horrified to witness.

"Okay, okay!" Kyōraku slapped his hand on the table top as he finished another bottle of saké off, "I've got another joke. Did you hear about that new restaurant, the one called Karma? There's no menu – you get what you deserve!"

Ichigo was sure that if it hadn't been because of the fuzzy intoxication of alcohol he would have slapped himself, but instead he found himself roaring with laughter along with everyone else. Kyōraku had a wicked sense of humour, but it appeared his jokes got worse the more he drank.

"I've got one!" Urahara sprang to his feet, swaying dangerously on the spot as he giggled to himself, "Why... Hehe, why doesn't... Division Twelve trust... Atoms?" He gave a dramatic pause, face flushed, "B-Because... Because... Hehe... They make everything up!"

There was a collective groan, Ichigo shook his head and grabbed another drink as it was poured. The jokes were definitely getting worse.

"What's the difference," Matsumoto began loudly, "Between being hungry, and being horny?"

Yoruichi let out a howl of laughter, she clearly already knew the answer but clapped a hand over her mouth to stop herself saying it.

"Where you stick the cucumber!" The busty Fukutaichou exclaimed.

"Oh my God." Hitsugaya muttered, holding his head in his hand as he sipped his water.

"Rangiku-san!" Hinamori gasped, "You can't make jokes... Hic... Like that!"

"Hic... Is it a joke though?" Ikkaku smirked, "Or is she speaking from experience?!"

"You cheeky fucker!" Renji barked through his own breathless cackles as Hisagi smacked the bald Third Seat around the back of the head.

Another round of drinks came and went, saké never lasted long enough. Ichigo felt the fuzziness in his head growing, his face felt hot and his mouth ached from smiling so much. He snorted suddenly as he remembered a joke Gin had told him once.

"I think our esteemed... Hic... Guest finally has one to share!" Rukia smirked, nudging Ichigo in the ribs.

Eyes wide and shook his head, "Nah, nah, nah no way... It's... Hic... T-Terrible..."

"It can't be worse than Matsumoto's!" Renji protested.

"It fuckin' can." He muttered, groaning as he realised they wouldn't let it drop, "Alright, alright... It's Christmas Eve... Hic, and a woman comes home to her husband after... Hic... A day of busy shopping. Later... When she's getting' undressed... He notices a mark on the inside... Of her thigh. He asks, 'what is that?' and she tells him she visited a tattoo parlour earlier that day. 'I had them tattoo Merry Christmas on one thigh, and Happy New Year on the other.' The husband... Hic... Is very confused. So she explains and says, 'now you can't complain... Hic, that there's never anything... To eat between Christmas and New Year!"

Yoruichi sprayed them all with saké as she choked on it, patting her chest hard as Urahara fell off his chair from laughing so hard. Ukitake covered his mouth with his hand to conceal the quiet giggle that escaped him as he watched Kyōraku roar with laughter so hard that he had to hold his stomach. Ichigo grinned sheepishly as he watched Matsumoto collapse over the table in a fit of shoulder shaking chuckles while Hinamori covered her mouth in stunned surprise. It was a decent reaction.

"Dirty bastard." Renji snorted.

"It's nice to... Hic, finally see Kurosaki-san's sense of humour." Ukitake offered a kind smile, "Long may it continue!"

"Come on Ichigo, let's dance!" Matsumoto grabbed his hands without warning and dragged him out of his chair with her.

"What? No, no... Hic... I don't dance!" He protested, struggling against her grip.

"Don't be a killjoy, this is a party!" Yoruichi gave him a firm shove on the ass.

"I don't dance!"

Ichigo let out a heavy sigh as he was forced onto the dance floor between several of the other patrons of the club, Matsumoto and Yoruichi were already dancing in time with the music, allowing their bodies to sway and weave against the notes. He watched as the strobe lights reflected off their skin and hair, they were looking at him expectantly as Hisagi, Rukia, Renji and Urahara found their way over too.

"Don't be a stick in the mud!" Yumichika hissed as he was twirled around by Ikkaku.

"Relax!" Rukia muttered as she passed him.

"This was easier when I didn't have to worry... Hic, about feeling embarrassed." He growled.

The music swirled around him, deep and full of bass, almost seductive. He couldn't help but grin sheepishly as Matsumoto grabbed his hand again and pulled him closer, encouraging him to move with the rhythm of the music. It wasn't so bad. It was easier when he tried to think of it like one big fight, he'd often heard people saying that he seemed to dance across the battlefield.

His body loosened up and laughed as he watched the Division Ten Fukutaichou turn her back on him and gyrate against him. It was playful, nothing more. She'd known longer than most that he was only into guys. Probably because he'd never been drawn to stare at her breasts like most men were.

Feeling his senses relax, he lifted his arms and let himself go. Laughing freely as he found himself sandwiched between Matsumoto and Hisagi, much to the inked man's horror. He felt a hand take his, spinning him around playfully. He was sure he saw a flash of a pink kimono before he bumped into a firm chest, arms encircling him almost possessively.

"You look like you've been having fun." Byakuya breathed over his ear.

"You made it!" He gasped, resting his hands on the man's chest, "I thought you were too busy!"

"I realised that spending time with my future husband was important. Forgive me for not realising it sooner." The nobleman spun Ichigo elegantly before pulling him so close there was no space between them, "Should I be envious of your grinding against poor Hisagi Fukutaichou?"

Ichigo beamed, sliding his arms up around the man's shoulders as they came close together, "You know I only have eyes for you."

Byakuya leaned down slowly, capturing his lips in a heated kiss which left them both breathless, "I am glad to hear it, but not nearly as pleased as I am to see you finally wearing the kenseikan."

Flushing under his scrutiny, Ichigo couldn't help but do a little of the preening Yoruichi had previously teased him about, "I finally realised there was no reason not to wear it! I'm not embarrassed, I'm not ashamed. I'm proud to be your fiancé."

A nuzzle under the strawberry's ear and a playful nip at his skin later, the Kuchiki heir spun them with the music, "I, for one, like what I see."

"I should think so too, given how instrumental you've been in creating this new me." The strawberry could feel some of the haze of the alcohol wearing off, his mind become a little clearer due to Shiro's influence, "What have you been doing today?"

Silent for a long moment, Byakuya rested his chin on Ichigo's head, humming softly, "I went to visit Hisana's resting place."

"Seeking her guidance?" He mused.

"Indeed," there was an affirmative nod, "Despite this being what I want, it felt right to-"

"Ask for her approval to move on?" Ichigo glanced up at him, "I understand."

"You do?"

"Of course." He said certainly, "You loved her. You will always love her. It makes sense to make your peace with her. It was the honourable thing to do."

"You never cease to amaze me." Byakuya breathed heavily through his nose, a smile touching his lips, "It was important to me to do it. And now that I have, I feel I can proceed with a clear conscience."

"Then I am happy for you." Ichigo leaned up and captured his lips fiercely, breaking away only when he heard a series of wolf whistles from Ikkaku and Yumichika.

Ichigo slipped a hand down and wrapped his fingers around the permanently bandaged left limb of his fiancé, rubbing his thumb firmly against his knuckles, he felt the smallest of twitches as Byakuya attempted to return to gesture. The attempt meant the world to him.


By the time Ichigo stumbled out of the drinking establishment their numbers had been severely reduced: Urahara and Yoruichi had left only a short time after Byakuya's arrival, citing something about not cramping anyone's style. Ukitake and Kyōraku had left almost an hour later, the white haired Shinigami reluctantly withdrawing from the festivities due to a particularly worrying bout of coughing, Kira had accompanied them. Yumichika and Ikkaku had departed two hours after that, the narcissistic Shinigami stating that Ikkaku would become ugly if he drank too much more, between them they carried an unconscious Hinamori home. Hitsugaya had disappeared without a trace, though no one was sure when.

The first spits of dawn were threatening to shoot over the horizon, Byakuya and Ichigo were supporting a very sensitive Matsumoto and a half asleep Hisagi with the help of Renji and Rukia. They joked jovially on their way through the streets, much to the chagrin of the pair who were already sporting impressive hang overs.

"H-How can you talk... So loudly... After so much drink?" Hisagi groaned, holding his head.

"I only had three alcoholic drinks." Rukia replied.

"I have a high tolerance." Renji added.

"I like watching you suffer." Ichigo smirked, silently thanking Shiro's influence for keeping his own hang over at bay.

"Part of my training growing up was to have an insanely high tolerance to any form of outside substance which might be used to sway me." Byakuya raised his eyebrows, "At best, I feel a little less moody."

"I can't believe you'd admit something like that." Rukia giggled to herself as she stared at her brother's back.

The Kuchiki heir chuckled softly and glanced over at her, "If anything you should thank Ichigo for that. I do believe he taught me to remove the metaphorical stick from my posterior."

Renji stared at his Taichou, "Are you... Sure alcohol doesn't affect you?"

Ichigo watched happily as his fiancé merely flashed a sly smirk instead of replying and heaved Hisagi's arm a little more securely around his shoulder. He'd enjoyed his night, even if some of the guests had disappeared far earlier than he would have liked, it had been great. He made a mental note to thank Renji for organising it when they were a little less tired and a little more focused.

"Aibou!"

The smile slipped from his face quite abruptly when the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and he had a split second to blink and refocus before the most bizarre sensation washed over him, he twisted on the spot and grabbed Hisagi's Zanpakutō from the sheathe on his waist, muttering an apology as he lifted the blade in time to block the attack Shiro had sensed.

"Ichigo?!" He heard a chorus of voices as several pairs of eyes turned to see the source of the sudden ruckus.

Ichigo was glaring venomously up into the lone grey eye of the man who had attacked him, his senses were in overdrive as he felt an abundance of Hollow reiatsu from the intimidatingly tall figure. He was easily seven foot tall, with a spindly thin body, face set into a manic smile revealing a keyboard of upper teeth. His hair was jet black, hanging well past his slender shoulders, concealing some of the left side of his face and barely revealing the white eyepatch affixed over the optic.

He recognised the uniform, a billowing white coat with an overblown spoon-like hood, opening starting at the neckline and showing most of his midsection, closing only at his waist, his hakama looked standard until it reached his ankles, where it seemed to tighten and close inside the extended and curved boots he wore.

"Espada?" He breathed.

"Heh, clever boy." The tall man replied, "Gotta admit, I didn't expect anyone to sense me coming."

"Unlucky for you then." Ichigo spat, allowing a glimmer of gold to enter his usually chestnut gaze, "You picked the wrong person to attack."

"Hmph. So yer Kurosaki." Apparently he was disappointed, "Aizen-sama's little pet."

"What did you call me?" He hissed, fingers tightening around the borrowed Zanpakutō, wishing it was Zangetsu.

"Arrancar, I suggest you leave now." Byakuya's voice cut through the tension like a knife, Senbonzakura drawn and already pointing in their direction, "If you've stumbled here by accident, which I doubt, I will give you one chance to retreat. However, if you have come here to purposefully inflict harm upon my fiancé, I will cut you down without hesitation."

Ichigo watched as the Espada seemed to consider the noble's words with interest, although he wasn't at all keen on how that lone grey eye appraised Byakuya from head to toe and back again, lingering in all the wrong places just long enough to make his temper edge towards a more dangerous territory.

"It's a generous offer." The Espada stepped back from Ichigo quite abruptly and sheathed his sword, folding those impossibly long arms with a smirk, "I ain't got a grudge against yer boy."

"Aibou, I don't like this."

"Me neither." He agreed silently, clenching his teeth before he glanced down at Hisagi, who now seemed far more alert.

"Then, I'll say, I am uncertain how you gained entry to Soul Society without raising any form of alarm, but I suggest you use it as an exit, and leave." Byakuya lifted Senbonzakura only slightly.

The Espada raised an eyebrow, head tilting to one side as he stared down at the little group of Shinigami, apparently considering his options before his smile widened greatly, "Nah, I don't think so."

Moving almost too fast for Ichigo to track, the Espada's hand shot out, gliding past him towards Hisagi's exposed neck; the strawberry felt his body turning of its own accord and he coiled himself around his friend, teeth biting into his lip before he let out a shout as he felt nails drag down his shoulder.

"Shiro!"

"On it!" The pale version of himself shot from his spine, body twisting like fluid as he flipped in the air, sending his heels into the Espada's face with a brutish force only he could muster, his own grin flashing brightly as he shot forwards, following up his assault with several punches and grips designed to inflict pain rather than damage.

Ichigo let out a breath, glancing over his shoulder as he watched the source of his Hollow power holding his own and instantly dropped Hisagi's Zanpakutō back into the Fukutaichou's waiting hands, turning and sprinting towards his Inner Hollow, he wasn't sure what he could do without Zangetsu to hand, but one thing was sure, if Shiro could go toe to toe with an Espada while weaponless, he sure as hell wasn't going to let him have all the fun.

"Switch!" He yelled as he drew close, leaping at the last moment as Shiro spun around, grabbing his outstretched hand and hauling him towards the staggering Arrancar mercilessly,

He planted both feet in the tall man's chest, throwing him into a nearby building and landing just a few feet from his pale double, dusting his hands before he offered a grin to his counterpart, receiving one in return.

The exchange was short lived as a bolt of yellow shot from the building and struck him in the side, throwing him through the building opposite, the searing heat of the Cero scorching straight through his clothes and leaving a smouldering burn on his hip. He barely had time to move before Shiro was thrown in after him and their beings melded back together again.

"Shit, he's tough."

"Yeah, yeah, tell me about it." The strawberry grunted as he got to his feet, carefully clambering out of the hole he'd made in the wall and wincing as he saw the Espada hailing blows on Hisagi and Renji.

A flash of cerise caught his attention and he saw the elegant petals of Senbonzakura's Shikai drifting around the edges of the battle field. Byakuya didn't look impressed, his face set like stone. Ichigo's eyes travelled back to the petals dusting the floor and a thought occurred to him, they were tiny miniscule blades, refracting the light around them to create the illusion of flowers. That was what Renji had told him, right?

He lunged forwards, snagging a fistful of bright pink and hissing as he felt the blades stinging his skin, cutting into his palm until he saw blood dripping down his arm. He refused to release them as he ran back towards his friends, ducking Zabimaru's Shikai as it shot over head, skidding through the dust between the Espada's legs and at the last moment releasing the bundle of blades he'd scooped up, thrusting them straight into his face.

Ichigo heard a howl of pain as he was splashed with crimson, rolling and jumping to his feet as he took a good look at his handiwork. The Espada was clutching his face with one hand and his Zanpakutō with the other, blood was sprayed down his front and over his hands.

"You little fuck! You think yer better than me?!" Came the howl of anger, "Me? Nnoitra Gilga?!"

"Oh, we're at the name sharing point huh?" Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck, heaving a sigh before he glanced around, "Where's Rukia and Matsumoto?"

"I sent them to warn Seireitei." Byakuya responded almost silently, "They will return with reinforcements as soon as they can, we merely have to keep this beast at bay until then."

"Gotcha." He glanced down at his hand, smiling faintly as he saw his cuts were already healing thanks to his Hollow, "Got a plan?"

"In a tight space like this? Not really." The noble admitted, "Renji's Bankai will obliterate the nearby houses, my own will do significant damage as well. At best we must maintain his attacks at Shikai, while you... I really wish you knew how to use Kidō."

"You and me both." He cracked his neck and flexed his fingers, "But, even if I can't use conventional Kidō... I can use Cero."

"Can you control it enough to avoid it damaging the buildings?" Renji hissed.

"I sure hope so." He mused, lifting his hand.

The Espada, Nnoitra, lowered his hand from his face, revealing the ugly gouge left by Ichigo's surprise attack, skin was hanging loosely enough to reveal muscle and bone, but it was nothing compared to the raw fury on the man's face, "Aizen-sama... Told us not to harm you if possible... His little pet... Too valuable he said..."

"I am not... His pet." Ichigo snarled, fingers tightening as he drew on Shiro's power, crimson light swirling into life.

"If it was anyone but us he had sent... You'd probably be able to do some real damage..." An insanely long tongue slid from between his teeth, revealing a Gothic number five as a honey coloured Cero began charging from the tip.

Ichigo's eyes widened slightly as a jolt of ice water ran through his body, this Espada was stronger than Grimmjow, "Shit." He breathed, throwing his hand forwards and releasing the Cero with as much reiatsu behind it as he could muster.

Crimson and honey mixed between them as the two globes of power met and flittered a dangerous tango in the middle of the street, a gasp escaped Ichigo as he saw yellow burning through red, before in a moment of chilling accuracy the Espada's Cero shot towards him, aiming straight for his heart.

"Reap, Kazeshini." Hisagi's voice was a calm cutting through a storm of turmoil as he threw himself in front of Ichigo, his two joined sickle-scythe like blades forming an cross in front of his body, absorbing the impact of the Cero the force of which threw him backwards into the Third Seat he had protected, forcing them both to the floor.

"H-Hisagi..." The strawberry winced, glancing at his friend and faltering as he found him to be unconscious, "Shit." He said again.

"Which one of you is gonna block me this time?" Nnoitra's laughter was malicious, already charging another Cero on the tip of his tongue.

Accepting a hand from Renji, he got to his feet, making sure to move Hisagi out of the path of danger before joining his fellow Division Six comrades, standing between the Taichou and Fukutaichou, even while painfully aware he was abysmally weak without Zangetsu.

"Is there nothing you can do?"

"Not without takin' over yer body, Sôkyoku style. To be honest, Aibou, I ain't sure I've got the strength to let go again if we do that." Shiro's voice was regretful, but honest.

"What about the merge we did against Yammy?" He swallowed thickly as the yellow Cero grew larger.

"He was the Décimo Espada... This guy is the Quinto..." The Hollow's voice almost seemed to quiver, "I don't think we can beat him without a weapon."

He felt the blood run from his face and he clenched his teeth, stepping forwards suddenly, "Wait!" He yelled, "You said you're not here for me! What are you here for?!"

Nnoitra seemed to grin around his tongue, raising a hand slowly and pointing one bone like finger towards Byakuya. The Cero released, shooting towards the three remaining Shinigami.

Ichigo was sure they were going to be obliterated, but just as the brilliant yellow was about to engulf them, a flaming explosion of emerald negated the Cero, causing Nnoitra to growl. A figure dropping down between them and appraising the Espada coolly.

"What do you think you are doing?" Ulquiorra's voice was as emotionless as ever, but there was an edge to his voice.

"Tch, what do you think yer doing, Ulquiorra?" Nnoitra scowled, wide smile turning upside down.

Rather than replying, the stoic Espada planted his elbow in his comrade's stomach, something vaguely resembling a frown touching his face as the taller man doubled over, spitting blood and hissing profanities.

"We were told not to cause a scene. You truly were a poor choice of company, why I'm certain even Grimmjow is better at following orders." The pale Espada's voice was apathetic, and yet there was that same bitter edge to it.

Then, the lithe Arrancar vanished and reappeared in front of Renji, a loud buzz filled Ichigo's ears and forced him to wince in discomfort. His eyes widened as he watched Renji hit the ground, blood running down the side of his face. The strawberry tensed as he saw mossy eyes flick to his face and he instantly jumped back, darting side to side as he watched Ulquiorra pursue him.

He swore inwardly at how useless he was without Zangetsu at his side, one thing was for sure: he was never leaving his room without that giant sword again, whether it impacted his drinking or not!

Lifting an arm sharply, he narrowly avoided a strike to the face but let out a low groan as the impact sent ripples of pain up and down his bones. He let out a shout as he took a kick to the gut, his body doubling up as his vision threatened to blacken with tiny spots, his muscles stiffening as a hand wrapped around his throat without warning.

"Why Aizen-sama has such an interest in trash like yourself I will never understand." Ulquiorra's voice was quiet, harsh, almost angry, "You're weak, like a new born lamb desperately struggling to its feet before the wolf can latch onto its throat... Why would Aizen-sama want such a pitiful creature?"

Rasping for breath as he found himself lifted clean off his feet, Ichigo clawed at the pale fingers that were squeezing his windpipe with startling strength for someone so small. Chestnut eyes flashed gold, then back to normal, then gold again as both Shinigami and Hollow tried to compensate for the lack of air, saliva pooled in his mouth and spilled over as his face contorted, blood rushing through his ears in a deafening torrent until he was severed from all other senses as well, skin tingling as darkness tinged the corners of his eyes, a far removed feeling from when Shiro would take control.

Byakuya ducked out of the way of the long arms which attempted to ensnare him, eyes fixed widely on Ichigo, trying to get to him, trying to save him, trying to get him away from the overwhelmingly powerful Espada. He knew Ichigo had no head for sensing reiatsu, but surely even he could feel how different their levels were. It was immense. He was sure the smaller man could snap them both in half if the fancy took him.

"Ichigo!" He shouted, watching in horror as his fiancé's hands fell limply at his sides as unconsciousness or worse took him, felt felt anger replace his fear and a snarl escaped his pursed lips, "You bastard."

"He is not dead, I rarely waste my time on trash." The Espada murmured, glancing in his direction, the look freezing the Taichou in place, "But I will finish the job unless you surrender yourself to us now."

Byakuya's mouth went dry at the ultimatum, he knew Ichigo would be furious if he surrendered to save his life. But what choice did he have? He couldn't sense any reinforcements anywhere near them. Had Rukia even made it to Seireitei? Ulquiorra had been absent since the start of the fight.

He couldn't comprehend it though... Why did they want him? Stealing Ichigo away from Seireitei he could understand, it would make sense for Aizen to try and claim him... But... This made no sense at all. Why was he the target?!

He flinched as he felt a firm chest press against his back, long arms wrapping around his body to hold him still, Nnoitra was relentless at best. He glowered at the smaller Espada, there was no lie in his eyes, regardless of Aizen's orders he would kill Ichigo if it ensured the capture of their current target.

Senbonzakura solidified back into a katana form in his hand and he sheathed the blade, closing his eyes as he allowed a long breath to escape through his nose, "I surrender to you."

Taking a brief moment to appraise the crumbling state of the street, Ulquiorra dropped Ichigo disinterestedly to the ground, turning his back on the scene of the battle and snapping his fingers to open a Garganta, "Come Nnoitra, it is done. Aizen-sama will be waiting."