Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of it's content. I only have ownership of my O/C and other self-created content.
All rights of Bleach and it's content go to Tite Kubo.

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 3: Falling into the Grey

The air was stale and silent. Tension clouded the room like a foul smell, all three present sat without making a noise, eyes boring holes into the floor as they all Digested the information presented and the gravity it carried. It was a typical Karakura afternoon, the sun was shining, vehicles could be heard, the occasional Chatters of passersby but all of this seemed lost, like the room was in another time entirely. Yoruichi clenched her right fist resting on her legs and was the first to Speak up.

"You're sure of this Kurosaki?" She questioned, eyes searching Isshin for any indication of doubt in his posture or face.

The only thing that she saw when he lifted his head was stoic acceptance as he answered "Yes. The information provided me by his few visits here.. brought me to no Other conclusion. I'm not talking as a practitioner of medicine only, my understanding of Kido and Reiatsu also push me to this conclusion."

Yoruichi gritted her teeth, lightly hitting her leg with her clenched fist in frustration "Damn it. So the boy is dying, but how? You mentioned Kido and Reiatsu, and also Said 'unless something changes'.. what did you mean?"

Urahara was silent as he leaned back on the sofa next to Yoruichi, his hat falling over his face to hide his expression, he was looking passed his hat though, passed The ceiling above it. He was deeply focused, playing everything up to this point through his mind, silently listening to the conversation at hand.

"The boy is alive right now, so I'm figuring neither of you decided to look." Isshin spoke openly. "It's his soul. We all know, that anything living has a 'pulse' but not only The heart, for us that can see souls, the soul has a pulse too, and the boy's is weakening. Drastically fast."

"I certainly didn't think to look at his soul.." Yoruichi confessed begrudgingly. "So, what does that have to do with Kido and Reiatsu?" More questions, yet no solution.

"Well, the whole reason the Kido was placed was because the boy would remember the events of Aizen's assault. The Kido is not simply trapping memories though." Isshin dropped a bombshell that made Urahara raise his hat and look at him.

"Not simply trapping memories? So you are saying the Kido is also holding back the boy's Reiatsu." Urahara commented with a flat, studying tone.

"Astute as always Kisuke, that is exactly what I'm saying. The Reiatsu inside him, spikes and fluctuates so wildly, as if something is holding it back. Every time it spikes He has an episode. I imagine because the Kido is fighting to hold back those memories. What I don't completely understand is how it effects his soul, or why it is killing Him." Isshin answered before sighing.

There was more silence. Isshin looked to the floor, Yoruichi stared passed him, and Urahara was back to playing everything in his mind. The tension in the room was Palpable and it was about to be dissipated slightly by two arrivals.

The door to the Kurosaki Clinic & Household opened and "Look Yuzu, I'm serious. Drop it already. I'm not interested in him or boy's at all for that matter, just gross" Came a stern declaration from Karin Kurosaki.

"But Kariiiiin~ He's cute and has lots of friends and even plays soccer too!" was Yuzu Kurosaki's dreamy response.

"No is no Yuzu, just leave it already." Karin huffed as she hoisted her school bag off of her shoulder "Also, what does him having friends or playing soccer have to do With anyth-" her reply was cut short when she looked through the entrance to the clinic waiting room. Immediately alarm bells went off.

"Ohhhh I swear Karin. Having friends is a good thing, he is likeable, and soccer is something you have in common! All I'm saying is that you should totally think about it More, what's the worst that-"

"Yuzu." Karin interrupted, the tone of her voice not comforting in the least. This made Yuzu hesitate, she didn't expect Karin would be this upset.

"O-okay.. sorry.. I won't say any more." Yuzu was timid with her speech, looking down, this wasn't lost on Karin who immediately realized her mistake.

"Oh, Yu no. You didn't do anything wrong. Sorry, I just don't want to hear about that guy or any other guy, look take our bags upstairs I'm going to fix us both a drink and then we can hang out, okay?" Karin's tone was lighter and more heartfelt this time, which made Yuzu perk up again.

Nodding happily in agreement followed by an "Mhm!" and humming, Yuzu collected their bags and practically skipped up the home stairs towards their room, leaving Karin to focus on the matter at hand. With unsteady hands she stepped into the waiting room.

"What's going on? What's wrong? Is it Ichigo? Is he hurt? Dad tell me what's going on is Ichigo hurt?" A hasty barrage of questions mostly aimed at Isshin perforated The tension and made the three sitting raise their heads.

Isshin looked at Karin with a guilty expression "Karin dear, we worried you. I'm sorry. And no, Ichigo is fine it's just some other matter we are dealing with."

This eased Karin greatly but she still looked worrisome "Okay.. so why do you all look like you're at a funeral? How bad is this thing you're dealing with?"

Isshin shook his head at this and looked at her "You don't need to worry about that, don't concern yourself with it. More importantly.."

'More importantly?' this question resounded in the mind of Karin, Urahara and Yoruichi all at once, with all three of them aiming quizzical expressions at Isshin.

Isshin stared deeply into Karin's eyes with a vehemently protective glare before asking "What boy who is cute. Has lots of friends and plays soccer?"

Urahara and Yoruichi deadpanned while Karin took a step back "Y-you were listening?" She asked as Isshin stood up. "Look Dad.. it's just some stupid boy from class Who apparently likes me" Another step back taken by Karin. "I don't care and I'm not even interested.. d-don't go all crazy and try and hunt him down or anything.."

Isshin burst into life and started chasing Karin around the clinic trying to wrap her in a goofy, loving embrace, shouting almost to the world. "I will never allow any boy's To have my Daughter's! Their innocence will forever be preserved! They are mine! Myyyyy daughter's! Boys beware for this father will never shaaaaaare!" Karin However had made a swift getaway out of the waiting area and up the family household's stairs, leaving Isshin in the center of the waiting room, his goofy demeanor Slipping away as Karin's presence left the three in the room.

Turning to Urahara and Yoruichi, Isshin spoke up "I can tell you two things. First of all something about the boy's Reiatsu is unusual, it's not an outward force.. it's Almost like whatever Reiatsu the boy has acquired over this time is being pulled further and further inside of him, internalized. Secondly, and this I can say with Complete certainty. The next twenty-four to thirty hour's are critical. If the situation get's worse for the boy he will most definitely die, at this stage I can only Summarize that whatever the outcome may be it is completely out of our hands at this stage. It's up to the boy to survive.. We no longer have any means of saving Him."

Yoruichi's response came in the form of a 'Tch!' whereas Urahara simply stood up, nodded to Isshin and proceeded to leave.

Inside Raiyarga's Apartment

Rai was leaning against his door, thinking of the event's of the day. "Geez. To think the same person I'm having 'episodes' about would have to look after me today." He Took a moment to raise his eye's, attempting to aim them at his stitched and wrapped forehead. "Five stitches as well, that's gonna scar, what the hell are the desks at That school made of? Marble?" Pushing himself away from the door he sluggishly made his way into his bedroom, placing his bag down near his desk before sitting on His bed.

Rai had decided that the best course of action right now was painkillers and a nap, so after taking a double dose of Ibuprofen he proceeded to undress. He hadn't Gotten very far as he heard a rustle inside of his blazer pocket, confused as to his knowledge they were empty, he went digging to find a little paper note. It read.

'Yo! I'm writing this while you're out cold looking like a total dork on this infirmary bed. And the noises you're making, god dude, are you part animal? All this aside, my number is below! I know you're in a rough state of health right now so if you need a hand give me a call!
*XXXX-XX-XXXXX
- You're first and only friend, Tatsuki Arisawa'

(*Left numberless in the likely event anything I input could be a real mobile number.)

"Add landing a beautiful high-school girls number to the list of events for today." Rai joked within his own mind. Chuckling at his own silly inner-remark Rai put the digits Inside of his mobile phone saving it under Tatsuki's name and decided to send a text message.

'Congratulations! Your subscription to "Red-haired Anonymous" has been accepted. Please use this number to contact us at any time! I'm going to take a nap and take it easy for the rest of the day, I'll message you tomorrow.
- You're new red-haired friend, Raiyarga Tenkaichi'

Rai wore a silly smile at his comedic text and finally undressed, folding his uniform and placing them away before shutting the curtains so that the early evening Sunlight Didn't find it's way into his room. As he lay down in his bed a buzz rang out from his phone, and flipping up the screen he noticed he had a reply text. Oddly Enough, This small thing made him smile, and he read it.

'You're such an idiot! Who sends a first text like that? I won't lie it made me laugh and you are now saved under "Red-haired Anonymous" in my contacts. Make sure to eat if/when you wake up from your nap, and sure thing, I'll be expecting that message. Don't leave a girl hanging! Rest easy.'

Rai snorted at the reply, closing the phone and placing it to the side of his pillow. For the first time in a while Rai fell asleep that evening with a smile.

A smile however wasn't what Rai was wearing many hours later when he woke. Throbbing pain coursing itself through his cranium like somebody cranked up an amp And plugged it into his brain. "God dammit... again?!" he spat inside his mind as he rolled his trembling body out the captivity of his bed, fumbling for the painkillers and Downing another dose, haphazardly as he didn't know how much time had passed since his previous. Slumped against his bed panting he flipped open his phone to See that he had actually slept undisturbed through the night, it was currently 11:32am.

"At least no voices this time. Only pain, maybe I'm getting better? Slowly but surely I suppose." His breathing had calmed, no longer panting and the pain had dulled only Narely. Rai was reminded of Tatsuki's text after his stomach gave an unholy growl. "Right, food..." He looked unimpressed at the door that felt a world away. "In a few Minutes, I just wanna sit here and recover a bit." Resigning himself to his seated position for the next thirty minutes.

Over an hour later at 12:45pm Rai's phone buzzed. Rai was now situated on the sofa, laying on it watching a nature TV show about meerkat's at low volume due to his Still throbbing head. Flipping his phone open Rai loaded the text message from Tatsuki with an "Oh." remembering that he hadn't text her when he said he would.

'Hellooo? Are you alive? Are you awake? What happened to not leaving a girl hanging dude? Anyway you said you'd text me and I'm a little concerned. Get back to me or I'm heading over there to check on you myself!'

"What am I? her pet or something?" Rai questioned in his own mind as he wrote his reply, choosing to be light hearted and humorous again.

'Hello! Thank you for contacting "Red-haired Anonymous", here is your daily fact: Our current status is one of pain, yet we fixed ourselves a nice omelette earlier and are currently lounging watching the animal known as "Meerkat's" run around on screen with their families! Also, sorry for not messaging you I completely forgot, I have a killer headache but haven't heard any voices at least, unsure what to do with my day. Will probably take a walk in an hour or so. Hope school is treating you well.'

His reply came just a few moments after he had sent his own.

'You really know how to treat a lady, forgetting about her like that huh? I am glad you ate and Meerkat's are so cute! Take some painkillers and if you do go for a walk be careful, you're in bad enough condition already from what I can tell. School is school, nothing new here.'

"As if you'd know how I treat ladies." Rai remarked inside his mind with a smirk.

'Well I haven't met a lady to treat her yet, why are you complaining? :P I've already dosed up on painkillers I'm just getting bored, and yeah, I'll take it easy while I'm out, no worries.'

Shutting the TV off, Rai weakly got up from the sofa with a sigh, deciding he'd have a shower before leaving for a walk, opening his phone to read the new message That had created a buzz.

'Ohhh I'm definitely going to get you for that little lady remark right there Mr. Just you wait :) I hope your walk is interesting and helps. Write to me later?'

Chuckling at this threat Rai wrote his reply out eagerly.

'Oh yeah? Looking forward to that then xD I hope the walk will help too, I'm going to take a shower now and then walk after it. Yep, I'll write you when I'm home, laters Tatsuki.'

Karakura Lunchbreak

Tatsuki laughed audibly before closing her phone with a smile, the rest of her group, Orihime, Chad, Uryu, Ichigo and Keigo staring at her. "That cocky red-haired idiot." she spoke out loud before looking up and noticing the group looking at her. "What?"

"Did you make a new friend Tatsuki-chan?" Came the soft request from Orihime.

"With that smile it could even be someone more special, it's very unlike you Arisawa." Was Uryu's straight-forward input.

This caused Tatsuki to blush while wearing a scowl "Oh can it, Ishida. As Hime said, it's just a new friend, nothing more." was her defensive reply.

Uryu wore a smirk "Well, whatever you say."

"You made friends with that guy. The one I guarded you from." More a firm statement than a question, came from Ichigo, not looking pleased.

"I did. What's the big deal?" Tatsuki couldn't understand why Ichigo was getting so defensive of her.

"Hat 'n' Clogs- I mean, Urahara, asked us to keep an eye on him. I don't like it, he could be dangerous."

"Huuh?!" Tatsuki exasperated "You saw the guy, what about him could POSSIBLY be dangerous. He's just sick."

"Any normal person would have been far worse off considering they are that 'sick' while taking a beating. I'm just being cautious."

Tatsuki shook her head "What you're being is TOO cautious. He explained to me the reason for his outburst in class, and there is nothing dangerous about it."

Tatsuki seemingly wanted to leave the conversation there, however the rest of the group were looking at her expectantly. 'But you are in my head, I hear your voice and Sometimes I see your face, it's fuzzy and distorted as if I am hallucinating or in a dream.' She blushed recalling these words, even if they weren't a confession it was damn Embarrassing for her, she sighed to prepare herself as she told the group what Rai had told her.

"He told me.." She looked at them all "Ugh. This is gonna be awful.", "That I am inside his head. He hears my voice and see's my face. When he hears and see's me he Gets exceptionally painful migraines that render him almost paralyzed, and what happened in class was one of these.. 'episodes'."

Ichigo, Uryu and Keigo were all wide-eyed flabbergasted. Orihime had a mischievous look of understanding, following it up with an "Oh my~" feigning shock with her Hand going to her mouth and Chad hadn't rendered any visible reaction.

Keigo whistled before saying "That's pretty smooth, and he's got guts too, making moves on Arisawa like that." Uryu chuckled and followed up with "I told you guys it Could be someone more special than a friend." continuing to eat his food as though he hadn't said anything amiss at all. Ichigo shook his head "What a load of bullshit. There is no damn way that could be the reason he acted the way he did. His face was panicked, desperate, nobody get's like that cause of voices and faces. He's Hiding something."

The voice of Mizuiro Kojima came from the side of the group, who seemed to have walked over undetected "Who is making moves on Ms. Arisawa and why does Ichigo Seem so upset by that? Could it be he likes her!" throwing his hand up to his face in exaggerated surprise.

"LIKE HELL!" Came out in a unison shout by both Ichigo and Tatsuki. Ichigo looked away and Tatsuki cleared her throat "Nobody is making moves on me. That's just Ishida's misunderstanding-"

"Whatever you say Arisawa."

"AHEM! Anyway, Ichigo. I believe the guy, he feels genuine and not the sort to lie, not to mention considering how you all mistook it for a confession. "Much like myself." Who would even go for that kind of lie? I don't know why Mr. Urahara asked us to watch him but the last thing he oozes is danger." Tatsuki finished.

Karakura Town

It was a particularly sunny December in Karakura. This didn't mean the temperatures were high though, it was currently six degrees Celsius (or forty-two point eight Degrees Fahrenheit). Rai was wearing a loose but warm pair of tracksuit pants, a thick blue winter coat and a black long-sleeve t-shirt underneath. He was slowly Wandering the streets, breathing in the fresh winter air. Rai wasn't a fan of winter, he had a weakness to the cold which his mother claimed came from his grandfather On her side. Hotter temperatures were always favored, but seeing as he couldn't control the weather he opted to mostly just deal with it.

He was absentmindedly trailing down a road with houses on either side of it, watching the cars as they went passed with their varying colors and designs. Enjoying The change of scenery and the freedom feeling that came with it. "It's nice to be out of the house, and the pain in my head has numbed a fair amount which can't be Complained about." He stood there, basking in the winter sunlight with his eyes closed, feeling still and calm despite the weakness still harboring itself inside his body.

'Is there something you can do here...' It came like a whisper on the wind. Tatsuki's voice, but this time around it was different. "No panic, no screaming. Just the words, Spoken softly" Rai thought to himself. 'get going..' 'something' Rai turned his head in the direction the words sounded like they were coming from. His head wasn't Throbbing under strain like it usually would be when hearing these voices, and something in his legs was almost commanding him to follow the sounds.

Follow was precisely what Rai did. Listening to the almost soothing, calming collection of sentences that were guiding him like a beacon. Rai's interest was more than Piqued, the only oddness of this whole experience was the difference of it. The words, despite becoming louder with every few steps taken, were not overbearing. They were not being shouted or screamed, they were simply.. spoken. The usual onset of pain and weakness during an episode were not present, a new sensation Was in his head. Pressure. It wasn't painful, but it was evident that with every step taken something inside of his head swelled, like his brain was a sugary drink that Was being shaken every-so-often.

He was stood now in front of an alley-way that overlooked a street. It was eerie, at the end of the alleyway was the steady resounding of one sentence on repeat 'Run, Asano. Get going, or is there something you can do here...' It was effectively being chanted, like some mystic kind of incantation. Rai knew it was Tatsuki's voice, and The Asano part was clearly the family name of Keigo Asano from class, what he didn't understand was the context "I don't have any memory of this place, or those words And why they're being spoken" He thought. The truly eerie piece of all this was the steady hum and buzz coming from the street the alley looked out onto, an etched 'Thuum' like noise, the buzz sounding like static.

"At this point, the only thing I can do is venture onto that street and see what happens. I thought the voices in my head were gone, but they aren't. Soft, not overbearing, and No images to go with them, I don't understand any of this crap. Add one point to my crazy stat." Scoffing at his joke remark, Rai slowly moved forward, down the alleyway And out onto the street, the pressure in his head boiling and bubbling.

A heavy resounding cracking noise went through Rai's head. Like something had snapped, and then there was silence. The voice of Tatsuki trailed off into nothingness And everything was blotted out. He couldn't hear the wind, nor the tree's, the car's down the alleyway made no more noise. It was as if he had just entered a void cut Off from the outside world, and like a sudden onset of vertigo it hit him. The weak strength in his thigh's dwindled, followed by his knee's and calves, falling back Against a house wall on the street Rai felt his body begin to tremble, and then sweat.

"What..." He wanted to end the sentence with 'the hell' but he couldn't. His throat couldn't muster the words, he felt his body burning which was accompanied by a Draining sensation throughout, he could actually feel the sheer energy inside of him leaving his body. Struggling for his phone, he loaded the only number he could and Sent it a message.

Tatsuki: Walking Home

The day had gone quicker than she thought it would, high-school during winter always felt that way due to the 4pm closing time. Club activities would usually begin at That time during summer. Tatsuki decided to message Rai, the last she had heard from him was that he would be going for a walk and would message her later "I Wonder if he's home already? Maybe he's resting?"

"Tatsuki-chan?" Orihime's call snapped her out of her thoughts, Tatsuki hadn't heard a word she had said. "Sorry Hime! I was just thinking about something." She said Apologetically.

Orihime put her hand to her mouth again like she had at lunch "Thinking about your 'new friend'?" She drew the last few words out on purpose. "Gee Hime! You don't Have to say it like that! I only became friends with him yesterday it's not like anything would develop in a day!" this made Orihime giggle. Tatsuki opened up her phone And realized she had a message. A small smile crept on her face as she clicked the button to open it, but that smile fell away as quickly as it appeared and her stomach Twisted itself into knots. There was no joke, nothing but one word.

'Help'

Tatsuki froze in place not taking another step as she frantically hit the call button, the message had been sent at 3:23pm which was coming up to one hour ago. "Come On, come on! Pick up!" Tatsuki-chan?" Orihime called out again, sounding worried this time and looking even more so when Tatsuki didn't answer, the call rang four-Times over before it was collected from the opposite end. "Rai! Thank god! Are you okay?! Where are you!"

Silence. Tatsuki took the phone away from her ear to check if the call was still there not focusing on Orihime at all, it was, placing the phone back to her ear she heard A weak voice say "Hello?..."

"Rai, I can hear you, what's going on? Where are you, do you still need help?" Orihime was watching on with a nervous seriousness on her face.

Again, silence. This was worse than an actual answer, Tatsuki's free hand was curled into a tight fist now. Slightly relieving itself as she heard him speak again.

"I.. don't know if you can hear me.. I don't understand.. What's happening.. Everything is silent.. I can't hear you if you speak, I can't hear anything." More panic set in Now "He can't hear me? What do I do? I need his location!" she was becoming increasingly anxious.

"Tatsuki-chan talk to me, what is happening?" Orihime made sure to keep her voice soft and calming, not to add to her companion's panic.

"It's Raiyarga," Tatsuki answered with a full laced with anxiety "I got a text from him saying nothing but 'help' and now he's saying he can't hear me or anything on the Phone, he sound's in trouble but what do I do?" The phone line went dead, causing Tatsuki to flinch and try to call Rai back. No answer this time though.

Orihime put her hand on Tatsuki's shoulder for comfort "Okay, breathe. Have you tried texting him asking for his location? If he can't hear you he can still see words, Right?" Tatsuki gripped Orihime's hand physically beaming at her. "Hime you're a genius!"

Tatsuki brought open the messaging screen and began writing out her plea for Rai's location, but before she even had chance to finish or send it another message From Rai popped up on the screen. He had skipped needing to be asked and already written his rough whereabouts to Tatsuki. "Nice work dude!" she thought before Telling Orihime.

"Hime he's on our path back home, I'm going to rush over to him using my ability. Can you head to Urahara's from here to tell him and then hurry over to the Kurosaki Clinic? That's where I am going to take him." Orihime nodded to her best-friend with a determined "Right!" before both of them set off. "You better not be in bad shape Rai" was the last thing to go through Tatsuki's mind before she leaped over the houses to get him.

Kurosaki Clinic - 4:48pm

The door's of the Kurosaki Clinic were opened as Orihime stepped forward with Urahara following behind, looking around the clinic area both noticed it was currently Empty. "Kurosaki-san?" called Urahara, waiting for an answer. Sure enough, Isshin Kurosaki came from the living area with a curious expression on his face.

"Kisuke! Oh and Inoue-chan too! Come on in, what can I do for you both at this hour?" Isshin's usual bubbly demeanor taking over the conversation as he ushered Them both through into the Clinic waiting area. The two never got to answer Isshin's question however, the door's of the Kurosaki Clinic being burst open as quickly as They had been shut by Isshin.

Tatsuki was standing in the doorway with Rai looped over her shoulder, carrying him. She was panting and looked frantic. "I need some help over here!" she called out Into the Clinic, Isshin turned and looked at Tatsuki before at Urahara, to which Urahara nodded saying "Indeed. We have a problem."

The bubbly demeanor of Isshin was replaced with one of seriousness, he quickly moved over to Tatsuki and took Rai from her. Moving Rai into the Clinic space he placed Him down on a monitoring bed and connected the IV fluids, patches and wires into the necessary limbs and machines. The beeping bringing itself to life as Isshin Moved to the living area and called out for Ichigo, Karin and Yuzu, clearly wanting their aid in this matter.

Isshin rushed back to Rai's side, examining him "He is trembling, but has a feverish temperature. Hm, his ear-drums have burst, is there a build up of pressure in his Head?" looking up to the monitoring machine he spoke out-loud "His heart-rate is one-hundred and nine beats-per-minute, blood pressure is at one-fifty-two over Ninety-four. This is bad, very bad." his brow was furrowed heavily.

Ichigo came storming into the Clinic area looking frustrated "What's going on? Why'd you shout us for stupid old man?" He was followed closely by Yuzu and Karin, all Three stopping to get a look at the situation in front of them. "I called for you because I need your assistance here, the boy is in critical condition already and he needs Our best aid, stat." Karin and Yuzu burst into action, rushing to grab medical aprons and gloves before returning to go over the machine numbers and applying cold Flannels to Rai's head and wrists to hopefully bring his temperature down.

Orihime stepped forward from the sidelines near Tatsuki. "Um.." The group all looked at her, she shifted on her feet for a moment before nodding her head and looking Set on her idea. "May I attempt to use my Soten Kisshun to heal Tenkaichi-kun? It's possible I may be able to return him to a healthier state."

"Judging by his demeanor" Urahara trailed off as he spoke, clearly deep in thought "Your power, Inoue-san, could be our best bet. Please, try."

Standing near Rai's side she called out "Soten Kisshun" two clips of her hair-piece shot out in a golden light before forming into the spirits known as Ayame and Shun'o, One resting in the air above Rai's head and the other in the air just below his feet, forming a half-oval barrier from one point to the other around his entire body. Orihime chanted "I reject" and the barrier glowed brighter, indicating the activation of the power.

The group stood in silence watching, but Orihime was growing increasingly frustrated, two long minutes passed and she retracted the barrier looking down at the floor. "It's not working.. My Soten Kisshun rejects injuries or effects obtained in battle but.. Tenkaichi-kun hasn't been in battle, this is an ailment, like a sickness. More than That though, inside of the barrier was a trembling, roaring energy reading. Inside of him, his Reiatsu is breaking down and going wild."

Orihime walked back over near Tatsuki "I'm sorry Tatsuki-chan" still looking down, but lifting her head when she felt Tatsuki's hand on her shoulder. "No Hime, it's okay, You did your best."

Ichigo lost his cool and slammed his fist against the wall "Will somebody tell me what the hell is going on here? WHY is he even in that condition?! Is there a danger we Should know about? Can somebody tell me what the actual hell is going on here?!" looking at each one of them for an explanation before Urahara spoke up, clearing His throat for attention before doing so.

"The boy is in this condition because of me." Everybody other than Isshin looked at Urahara in disbelief. "Over a month ago, when Aizen lead his assault on the real Karakura town with means to destroy it, the boy here was awake, much like Arisawa-san." He let the group absorb this information before continuing.

"The 'episodes' he has been having are memories that I locked away. We have had enough trouble on our hands in the past seven months that I thought it would be Best to let his memories gradually return over time, save another human getting dragged into the supernatural but it seems this was a miscalculation." Urahara looked At Rai.

"According to Kurosaki-san, the new Kido that I developed to lock away an eight-hour span of his memory is faulty. Trapping not only the memories but also his own Individual Reiatsu. Inside of his head and soul is a perpetual battle where my Kido attempts to lock away memories while the Reiatsu beneath them struggles to break Out, the boy's health is a consequence of this. It is not what I had intended to happen at all, but I am wholly responsible for his inevitable death."

Orihime gasped, true shock this time. Yuzu looked at her twin nervously, Karin had a zoned out expression. Ichigo had his fist clenched and Tatsuki was just frozen. "So All this time" Ichigo spoke with a voice of anger, his eyes fixed on Kisuke Urahara "All this time he wasn't an enemy? He was just going through some crap that YOU put On him? Why did you not just tell us what was going on?!"

Isshin knelt down and hugged Yuzu and Karin "Thank you for your help girls, but that's all for now. Go on, go into the living area, you don't need to be here for this." His voice was soft, caring and full of regret for his two daughters to have to have heard all of that. Orihime squeezed Tatsuki's hand in her own, comforting her silent Friend "I'll go with them Kurosaki-san, there is nothing I can really do here" she said quietly, looking at Tatsuki, her best friend, just staring off into the distance with Her eyes aimed at the boy on the bed. "Tatsuki-chan? Why don't you come with us..."

A shimmer of light seemed to return to Tatsuki's eyes, she looked at Orihime before shaking her head "No, I'll stay Hime.." she looked again at Rai. He was breathing Heavily, sweat was pouring out of him and he was so god damn pale. His skin was a deathly shade of grey, the only visible color on his body was his veins, she Squeezed Orihime's hand tighter. "I'm his only friend..." these words were spoken with a pained undertone.

Orihime softly let go of her best friends hand, walking over to Yuzu and Karin, crouching near them before standing up and leading them away into the living area. Ichigo and Isshin thanking her as they went. The remaining bodies in the room, Isshin, Ichigo, Urahara and Tatsuki simply stood in their places, not making any kind of Sound. The machines linked up to Rai sounding off beeps in response to his change, Isshin looked at the machine with a solemn gaze.

"His pulse is slowing." Letting out a sigh, then continuing. "He probably doesn't have much longer."

Ichigo bounded across the room infuriated, stopping in front of Urahara and grabbing him roughly by the collar. "When all this has done and passed, we are having a Long, hard talk about this right here. If any of us had of known that we were watching a victim... Maybe, just maybe this could have been avoided. Now I'm going to Make sure my sisters are ok." Ichigo left the room angrier than he'd entered it.

Urahara watched Ichigo leave, before sitting on a chair in the emergency room, lifting his head in Rai's direction. "I'm sorry kid. I never meant for this." Isshin took a Seat next to Urahara, looking stoicly at Rai, his calm demeanor betrayed by the tightly gripped forms of his fists.

Tatsuki clenched her fists and walked over to the bedside, looking at Rai. He really was a picture of frailty, of sickness. Everything about his form just screamed death, a Truly unsettling sight. In her mind however, she remembered one sentence. "Thanks Arisawa-san but, no matter how bad I look now or in the future all you need to know is I'll be fine." She leaned in to his ear. "I don't know if you can hear me at all.. I just wanted to say that I have no reason to trust you, and no reason to not trust you. I'm The only friend you have but our friendship is only days old. That being said, when we first met, you told me you'll be fine... You better stick to those words... Girls really Don't like liars." She stayed close, looking for any kind of reaction or response. There was none in sight so she straightened up and just stood there, next to his side.

Less than an hour later the machines connected to the boy on the bed blared out a continuous beep. The person known as Raiyarga Tenkaichi was dead, no efforts Were made to resuscitate. Isshin and Urahara stared at the floor, and Tatsuki just stared at Rai. Nobody made a sound.

Raiyarga's Inner World - Limbo

Rai snapped to attention, like waking from a dream. "What the" he questioned, looking at his surroundings, quickly holding his breath as he noticed he was completely Submerged in water, or so he thought at first glance. After taking the time to just observe Rai realised although he was underwater, he could technically breathe. He Could walk normally, not float, but his movements had resistance just like being in water. There were a few things that stood out the most to Rai however.

Firstly, everything was grey. His clothes, his skin, everything he looked at was grey, and by everything it was just a vast empty expanse. There was nothing here, Wherever here was. Secondly, he seemed to be alone yet had an eerie feeling that he was being watched. As though something somewhere had fixed itself on him And was focused upon him.

Rai brushed down his arms to get rid of the goosebumps, and began looking around for anything indicating an exit. Left, right, up or even down, he saw nothing but Empty grey. "Well, the last thing I can remember was weakness. Collapsing. Calling Tatsuki, then all of a sudden ending up here. Maybe I'm dreaming?" speaking Outloud Rai was trying to narrow down his options, until a voice spoke in his head.

"This is no dream. You are within yourself." The voice felt arcane and archaic, but oddly familiar.

"Who said that?" Rai questioned while looking around, to no avail. He was the only person there.

"You do not know me yet. I am you. I am part of you. I too, am within you."

"Well alright captain riddle. Pleased to meet your acquaintance." Rai feigned a bow. "You mind telling me how I get out of here, wherever 'here' is?"

"To leave yourself you must find me. Know me. Obtain me. In this space of your creation. This space designed by your physical, mental and emotional state. Somewhere within Here I am closed off from you, you must reach me."

"So..." Rai trailed "Let me get this straight. I am in an empty location, apparently underwater, surrounding by grey expanse with nothing in view. Yet you, dear captain Riddle, are somewhere here hidden from me and to leave I must find you and..." pausing for effect, Rai liked this "obtain you? like some kind of trophy?" he crossed his Arms and pondered that for a moment, yet the voice didn't wait.

"You must set the games aside. You do not have time. For at this moment, you're already dead." Rai would have laughed and questioned that sentence, but something in The sheer tone, demeanor and finality of that voice actually had him worried.

"Well, considering I am dead, we are having a pretty lively conversation, explain?" Rai's tone had shifted to one of seriousness now, seemingly picked up on by this Alien yet familiar voice inside his head.

"You human's would best describe this as being in limbo. The space of time between life and death. 'Time' as you human's know it functions differently for each individual in a State of limbo. Yet seeing as you wish to know how much you have left, and what death looks like. Fix your gaze upon that which encroaches behind you."

Looking behind, Rai wished that he hadn't. His stomach sank, at a speed rivalling light itself, and went what felt deeper than the oceans. Rai had set his eyes upon Darkness. Complete, endless, physical darkness, it was in the distance yet clearly approaching. This was made abdundantly clear by the fact it was literally sucking in And devouring all the grey empty expanse it came into contact with.

"So" There was an audible quiver in his voice "That's... death.. huh.. so.. where are you?" The voice didn't answer.

Rai was looking around, frantically for any kind of indication of where to go, until he stopped dead and almost spun himself quick enough to snap his own neck. In front Of him was a form, appearing to be a girl. Black just like the approaching doom in the distance yet, not quite as menacing.

"There you are, so I just need to obtain you then?" Rai asked, coming to what seemed like an obvious assumption that this figure before him was the voice he'd heard. Yet the form shook it's head. It was completely devoid of facial features, no eyes, nose or mouth. No expression just empty blackness and a silhouette. "Huh?" Rai Questioned further "It has to be you, you said you were also within me and stuff, and now you're in front of me, right?"

The figure again shook it's head before slowly lifting an arm, pointing at Rai, lifting the arm and pointing at it's head, and then bringing the arm down to point at it's Chest. "I don't understand." was all Rai could say before the figure seemed to float towards the approaching blackness, and disappear completely.

"What in the.. hell..." Rai was seriously losing his mind right now, panic was setting in thick. "Uh.. captain riddle? I know you haven't answered me the last couple of Times but do you mind giving me a hand here? I really.. REALLY.. do not plan on dying, so any kind of sign or signal would be MUCH appreciated right about now!"

"Focus."

"Focus? Focus on WHAT?! This isn't the time for any kind of game!"

"Silence your fear. Focus on what you want. Focus on what you seek. You have already forgotten that I am within you."

"Oh what in the... FINE! Whatever." Rai closed his eyes and tried breathing deeply, at first to calm himself a little, and then to focus. "What I want is to find you, and You're within me.." He shook his head with his eyes closed "How exactly am I meant to find that, I can't just open myself up." Yet he kept trying, the goosebumps and Chill on his skin only got worse in reaction to the fact that death was drawing closer, but that was when he felt the minute, warm brush of something tiny on his skin.

When he opened his eyes and looked he could see an extremely thin thread of string. Both fascinated and perplexed by it Rai just kept looking, it was a deep dark Navy blue yet it almost seemed to glow brighter than the eye could take. It was clearly dangling, yet Rai could only see a few inches of it swaying there, being pulled Every now and again by the darkness in the distance, yet as if having will of it's own it would clearly fight against the pull of that darkness. Rai reached out a hand and Grasped the thread in his hand and the very instant he did an explosion of deep, dark navy blue cast itself onto the grey in the very far distance, much further away Than the darkness.

"Now you have found me. Next you must know me. After that you can obtain me." The voice spoke arcane and archaic still, familiar all the same, yet Rai would daresay it Too was weighing on the side of frantic now. "You must hurry. Follow the light, reach my center. Death will not make it easy for you are dead." As if on cue with this line, The sight-line between Rai and the light was cut off by a large manner of forming obstacles.

"As you are dead, Death owns you. They have come to claim what is theirs. Hurry, we no longer have the luxury of talk."

Rai hadn't said a word and he didn't know if he even could right now. Everything happening here was some kind of crazy trip and he was sure he'd just wake up and This would be nothing but a dream. The only thing was that he didn't want to wait to find out, he turned to look at the darkness and he shouldn't have. There was a Profoud roar the likes of which was so disparate from anything Rai had ever known that he couldn't process it. He felt the pull even worse now that he'd looked at the Darkness and could even swear that this 'Death' was an entity of life, that it was living. The cracks in the grey reached out and stopped a few feet away from Rai.

That was enough of a wake up call as anything, and the next thing he did was move. As quick as he can, towards the light that was shimmering over the obstacles, That was calling to him, he knew he needed to get there, every fiber of his being was telling him that if he didn't it was all over. This was it. This was the end-game.

And so, he ran.

A/N: *clears throat and looks to the side* Well, ah... Hi? Good god it has been a LONG time since Chapter 2 was uploaded, and here we are in 2018 and Chapter 3 is only just finished. A lot has happened between Chapter 2 and Chapter 3. All I can really say is that I am a very very heavy procrastinator. KimikoGlacia (big shout out to her go check out her story as it is a pre-quel to my own! any changes you see in this story that make you think "What in the Soul Society" will be covered eventually in hers!) has been ringing my ears about getting this written as I keep constantly harking on about "this idea" or "that idea"

All I can say is that my brain formulates all these grand ideas, all these things I imagine and want to write and yet, motivation and procrastination do not go hand in hand. Leading to many months *cough* or years before updates. For any readers, I can only apologise. I take absolutely zero pleasure in making any of you wait, unfortunately this is just part of who I am, and try as I might to change that it isn't always easy.

I hope I can keep on top of this, and that each word, line, sentence, paragraph and chapter spurs me on to just keep writing. So with all that said there is only really one thing left to say. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER! It's so long overdue and I will really try to get Chapter 4 done shortly. Feel free to leave a review, any feedback is good feedback, and once again.

GO CHECK OUT KIMIKOGLACIA'S AWESOME STORY! - "Pendulum - The Butterfly Effect (First Person Rewrite)"

LATER'S ALL! - DRD