Does Man Make The Monster?

by Millie M. Banshee

Powerless after the Winter War Ichigo felt something missing in his life so he joined the CCG as a ghoul investigator. One day after tagging along on a mission he shouldn't have even be on, he witnesses the killing Mrs. Fueguchi and her sacrifice to save her daughter. The incident awoke more than just old memories of his past. Now Ichigo must make a choice if he wants to survive.

6. A-c-c-e-p-t-a-n-c-e

Does Man Make the Monster?

Chapter 6

A-c-c-e-p-t-a-n-c-e

(A/N So here is the latest chapter. I have a question to ask you at the bottom of the chapter please make sure to read it.)

SOUNDS/sounds

Thoughts

Inner Voices

---

(Last Time)

"Oh? Two against one? Why that hardly seems fair," he grinned as Touka walked up and stood beside Incognito.

"Shut your damn mouth," she snapped.

"I can handle this," Incognito told her, flatly. "You don't need to get involved."

"You think I don't know that? Kaneki asked me to help you."

"Did he? Well, let's see how much damage we can do together."

"Heh… I'd much rather have you with me than against me, that's for sure."

"The feeling is rather mutual."

The two of them lunged forward and up into the air, aiming straight for Tsukiyama. Now was the time to see how well they could work together to take on a mutual enemy. After all, Tsukiyama wasn't going to go down without a fight.

---

(Present)

Tsukiyama jumped back just in time as they came down where he had been standing. Incognito quickly acted and went for a solid punch to his perfect, pretty face. Tsukiyama swung his kagune wrapped arm in front, blocking Incognito and pushed him back. Touka came at the bastard from behind. She nearly clipped him with a punch of her own but he round housed kicked her in the shoulder. She hit the floor, rolling but quickly got back up to her feet.

Incognito had a clear shot of Tsukiyama's head while he focused on Touka. He rushed forward and went to swing with his bokken. Blades couldn't cut ghouls but the blunt force was still blunt force if done hard enough. If he could daze or knock out the asshole at the expense of his bokken he'd take it. He had to make this count. He swung down but found his bokken cut in half before he could made contact. The tip went flying off toward Kaneki and Nishiki. He looked at his broken weapon his hands. Damn.

"A toy is a toy," Tsukiyama chastised, holding his kagune out, it's tip now looked like a blade rather than a spear. "You didn't actually think you'd hurt me with that hunk of wood? Hahahaha!"

"Tch," Incognito snorted, dropping his broken bokken to the floor. "You find this funny, do you?"

"Haha! Yes, I do! Hm?" Tsukiyama turned just in time to see Touka punch him right in the jaw.

He stumbled back using a pew for balance. She wasn't quite as strong as she should be. She was more talk than anything. It was a pity really. He ran a delicate hand down is sore face and looked at her. She was so perfect back then. He smirked a bit.

"You call that a punch? Come now. A new born baby could hit harder," Tsukiyama said, standing up straight. "You are not the Kirishima I remember all those years ago. You are but a shell."

"Shut it, you bastard," she snapped, clinching her teeth.

"Hmph… You know… Neither one of you have yet to release your kagune in this fight," he pointed out and his grin widened. "And you certainly don't stand a chance against me if you don't use it. So why not fight me properly? Or can you not?"

Touka shook a little in anger. She couldn't. Her diet hadn't been the greatest of late with her friend's cooking. She didn't want to hurt Yoriko's feelings, after all the girl did mean well. She glanced over at Incognito. He had yet to release his own kagune. What was his reasoning for not using his? Was he really that much of a coward that he had to hide everything about himself? That's what she didn't like most about him. He was so well hidden she wondered what secrets he was really hiding.

"No response?" he asked, glancing between them. "Hahahaha! That's it, isn't?! That's why you haven't been using your kagune! I can see it now! That's why you are so weak!"

"What's he talking about?" Incognito asked, looking over Touka as she practically growled.

"Let me explain… A ghoul's strength is largely dependent on their kagune… It's an organ for predation so to speak! The RC cells surge within our bodies… An increase in muscular strength, an increase in recuperative str—!"

PPOOWW!

A familiar pop echoed in Touka's ears. It was the firing of a small caliber gun. She noticed a long jagged cut on Tsukiyama's flawless face. She turned to see Incognito holding a small, smoking pistol in his gloved hand. He must have taken it from the redheaded investigator the other night.

"I'd prefer if you just get to the point. Long winded monologues are annoying… Jeeeezz…" he grumbled, letting the spent gun fall to the floor.

"Y-you… You… YOU SHOT ME!" Tsukiyama yelled, holding the side of his face that was already starting to close up. "You actually shot me!"

"Yeah, I did…" Incognito snorted as Tsukiyama's temper started to build. "Just because you're extravagant doesn't mean your answer has to be, too."

Touka snapped out of her daze and turned to look at the man next to her.

"How did you miss him?" Touka snapped, pointing at Tsukiyama. "He's like right there!"

"I wasn't trying—"

"You weren't trying to kill him?"

"Wow! I'm I that predictable?"

"Don't be a smartass!"

"Don't you dare ignore me," Tsukiyama snapped, bringing his bladed kagune down.

Incognito pushed Touka out of the way just the blade tore into the wood floor. Part of his cloak was cut off at the base. That was actually rather close; much closer than he would have liked. Tsukiyama stood up straight and glared at Incognito. He seemed to have hit a nerve with the ghoul. He only managed to collect a few select items from Akane but not many. If he really wanted to fight he'd have to get in close. He managed to catch that young boy the other night by his kagune but that was with the blunt end of his kagune. He didn't know if his skin could hold up against the bladed end. This was going to be risky.

"That was a Q-bullet, wasn't it?" he growled out, holding up his bladed arm.

"Yes," Incognito nodded, reaching into the folds of his cloak again.

"I'm not letting you try again," Tsukiyama growled, rushing forward and sung down hard.

Oh, yeah, that ghoul was pissed. He ducked out of the way just in time. It might be best to hurry and end this. He could use sonido and handle him that way. Tsukiyama was swinging and jabbing at Incognito left and right. He was doing everything he could to hit his target but his target was moving too fast to really land a hit.

"Tsukiyama," Touka yelled, coming in with a hard kick to his face.

He hit ground again and quickly stood up wiping his mouth. He should have seen her coming… Hm…? Wait… Was that blood on her mouth…? His burning eyes snapped over to Kaneki. There was a large bleeding wound on his shoulder. That wound was not there before! His rage was at the point boiled over. It was bad enough the human escape but for that bitch to take so much as a bite out his dinner, well, that was certainly not allowed.

"KIRISHIMAAA! HE'S MINE!"

He raced up to her as she jumped back, avoiding his attack. Incognito noticed a change in her just looking at her. He looked over at Kaneki. He had willing let Touka feed off him. So that's what it was.

"Yours? Are you crazy?" Her eyes changed and she finally flared her kagune. "There's nothing here that belongs to you!"

In the blink of an eye she was off. She moved quickly and with great speed; even faster than the other night. She was on him in a few quick movements but Tsukiyama never lost sight of her. He quickly counted her and knocked her back.

"Calmato…" he grinned at her.

"Cal… What?" she asked as her blazing dark wing crystalized and sent a barrage of long sharp shards at the prick below her.

Tsukiyama quickly raised his kagune to block what he could as he was pummeled to the floor. He was knocked slap onto his back from the attack. She was not playing around. She clearly had reached his limit with the Gourmet as well.

"Hehehehe…" a small chuckle escaped Tsukiyama's lips.

He pushed himself up. Touka and Incognito got ready. There was a crazed look in his burning eyes. Tsukiyama's mainly focused in on Touka.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I'm overjoyed, Kirishima! To sustain such damage from an ukaku kagune I match up so well against," he exclaimed as his wounds already started to heal over and he held up his blade Kagune. It looked even sharper than before. "It was inexcusable for you to steal Kaneki from me… But to see you like this again… Hehehehe! It brings back the hunger I had back then!"

"Again… Freaky fetish," a robotic voice sounded right over Tsukiyama's shoulder.

"H-how…?" He turned just in time to see a gloved hand reach out for his face.

Incognito grabbed his head and slammed him right into the hard floor, breaking a few of the wood boards. Tsukiyama never even saw him move. He could easily read Touka's movements like a book so why didn't he see this bastard coming? He couldn't and wouldn't be beaten by him! He wildly swung with his kagune and started kicking! He needed to get the bastard off of him so he could get back up.

"Hold him there," Touka called out rushing to help, seeing Incognito struggle.

A moment later Tsukiyama felt his kagune slice something, briefly. Was it Touka or was it…? The gloved hand on his face quickly retreated and he opened his eyes. Incognito was holding onto his masked face. So he had managed to hit him. He grinned again as Incognito stumbled back to the floor.

"What luck! HAHAHAHA!" Tsukiyama laughed, sitting up.

Incognito had ended up in a poor position when he tackled Tsukiyama. He never got the chance to rearrange his stance before he got hit in the face with the sharp kagune.

"Dammit! Are you okay?" Touka asked, rushing over to him.

"I'd be worrying more about yourself," Tsukiyama exclaimed, taking his kagune and went to swing at her back.

She turned just in time to see the tip of the blade come at her. She felt a hand grab the front of her shirt, pulling to the floor just as the kagune stuck empty air. She landed squarely on Incognito's chest. He let go of her as his other hand remained on his bloodied mask. It didn't take her long to realize it had been cut open and he had to hold it to his face.

"You seem to be in quite a predicament. Fight me or keep your identity a secret," Tsukiyama grinned, looking down at them. "I'd personally like to see who's just is hiding under that atrocious mask and costume!"

Kaneki felt fear build in his heart as he looked over at Touka and Incognito. Ichigo's face had been plastered all over the news and internet lately. There was no way in hell that they wouldn't know who he was on sight. He knew he shouldn't have gotten Ichigo involved but he got scared and… He didn't know what else to do. Ichigo was about to fall off the tightrope.

"Aren't you the least bit curious, Kirishima? I'm sure his identity must be eating at you, too," Tsukiyama asked with a snarky grin.

It was true that it had been eating at her for a while now but she wasn't just going rip off his mask. She wasn't overly fond of him but she did have respect for him. She got her feet and glared at Tsukiyama.

"You want to know who he is? Then go through me first," she bit out. Her kagune was starting to crystalize again. "I'm ending this here and now!"

"Oh?! Hahahaha! That's so sweet," Tsukiyama grinned, readying for her next attack. "You're actually standing up for 'someone you don't know?' Heh! Please, clearly you know him to some degree."

"I really don't know him. We've met only once before," she answered bluntly as the crystalized wing started to grow a little more. "But I'm not getting into that conversation with filth like you!"

She released her shards again as Tsukiyama backed up in a hurry. She quickly gave chase right after him. She was going to get that bastard one way or the other. This was going to be tricky. She had to take him out fast before she wore herself down using her attacks.

Their motions were fast and deadly. With every attack more of the church was destroyed, right up into the balcony even. They dodged, blocked, and struck at each other repeated with their kagune. Neither one of them was backing down from this fight.

It wasn't until Touka knocked Tsukiyama off the balcony and back down into the pews below did the battle slow. He grabbed the back of a pew and forced himself back up to his feet. His eyes quickly fell on the injured Kaneki and Nishiki. This was just too easy; like fish in a barrel. She'd do anything to save them especially dear, delicious Kaneki. He looked up at her with a wicked grin before turning back to the duo on the floor. He wouldn't dare!

"You leave me no choice. I didn't want to have do this…" he said, hurrying towards Kaneki and Nishiki, ready to strike them. "A strategic—UMPH!"

Tsukiyama was knocked back after a hard kick landed square in his middle. The hit was hard enough to make him bring up a bit of bile into his mouth. He sat up quickly spitting out the nasty taste from his mouth. He looked up to see Incognito nearly standing over him. He went to move his kagune arm but couldn't. Incognito was standing firmly on the bladed end, keeping it pinned to the floor. A moment later something fell from Incognito mask. It was some sort of small device most likely his voice modifier, well, what was left of it.

"You really are an asshole," Incognito's true voice sounded through the mask, he was still gripping it tightly.

"Hold him," Touka yelled and raced down.

Touka was going to bring an end to this once and for all. She knew Incognito wouldn't like if she killed this ass wipe so she'd leave Tsukiyama a bloody mess instead. She brought her kagune around and went to strike but to her horror Tsukiyama fell back to the floor. Her attack was now aimed at Incognito. She was too close and couldn't stop as she came down on Incognito. He somehow managed to avoid her in the nick of time. She landed on her feet, sliding along the floor. That put a little strain on her legs as she struggled to stand straight up.

"Damn it," she cursed, trying to get steady on her legs.

"Now I believe it's my turn," Tsukiyama said, jumping up and aimed right for her. "I'll cut you into tiny—"

Tsukiyama was once again blindsided. He hastily got to one knee and practically growled at Incognito, teeth clinched. This man was infuriating and he… He… He… Didn't have on his mask? He was now staring at man behind the mystery. Shock quickly hit him like a bullet train. His face blanched a little as the recognition set in. He knew that face. How could he not with all the press recently? Before him stood none other than Hawk. The investigator's expression was stone cold and a smear of blood coated a long line down his face. A twisted grin manifested on Tsukiyama's lips. He staggered back to both feet and brushed a little of his hair back into place.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! All this time! HAHAHAHAHA! This entire time it's been you! Oh, this is just too much," Tsukiyama laughed, pointing his kagune at Incognito. "Never would I have imagined it was you under that garbage! Now it all makes sense why you used toys instead of a kagune! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Kaneki watched at Tsukiyama laughed wholeheartedly at Ichigo. The Gourmet was laughing so hard he was practically crying. So far Touka hadn't seen his face. His back was to her. This hurt Kaneki to even watch. How could Ichigo just stand there and take being pointed and laughed at?

"What's he laughing at?" Nishiki asked, sitting behind Kaneki, holding his aching middle.

Kaneki didn't know how to answer him. He hung his head low. He never should have left that note for Ichigo but it was too late now. He couldn't change it no matter how much he wished. He put Ichigo into this position. Ichigo was now tipping off the side of the tightrope and there was no net to catch him.

"What's so damn funny?" Touka bit out.

"Hmhmhm… My, this certainly has taken me by surprise," he chuckled, rubbing a tear from his eye and catching his breath a little. "That was a bit rude of me… Wasn't it—Hawk?"

One could hear a pin drop in the decimated church as soon at the word "Hawk" passed his lips. Hawk? Was Tsukiyama serious? Hawk was standing there as Incognito? Touka stared hard at the back of "Incognito's" hooded head. She didn't want to believe that. Hawk was human and no human could avoid her attack like he did. Tsukiyama had to be making a sick joke. This was some ploy to throw her off, no doubt. She snorted and smirked at his failed attempt.

"Yeah, right. You actually expect me to believe that trash?" she scoffed, crossing her arms. "I'm not buying it, Tsukiyama! Hawk would never…"

A moment later she watched as Incognito reached and pulled the dark hood from his head. Her heart stopped for a split second as she stared at the bright orange hair on the top of his head. It couldn't be! All this time Incognito was… He was… She felt her anger start to rise. She actually defended the bastard. She defended Hawk of all people and helped him fight. Her kagune flared again.

"You can't be… Y-you lied to me," Touka snapped at Hawk, taking a couple angered steps forward. "How dare you! All that you said to me back then, down in the tunnel! That woman was your partner that's why you didn't want me to kill her!"

"I wasn't lying and, yes, the woman is my partner. It was only natural that I would stop you from killing her," he said, flatly.

"Was this whole thing a sick idea to get into our society and destroy us from the inside? You even used Mrs. Fueguchi and Hinami like… How could you?" she nearly cried out, her body shaking in rage.

"I meant what I said about Mrs. Fueguchi and Hinami."

"LIAR! You're nothing but a liar and don't you dare say their names!"

"Oh-ho, this is just so sweet," Tsukiyama said, licking his dry lips. "So there is some history behind you two after all?"

"SHUT UP!" Hawk yelled at him and pulled out the last of the single shot pistols. "One more word out of your shitty mouth… So help me I will shoot you!"

"Yes, of course. S-so sorry for speaking out of turn," Tsukiyama awkwardly chuckled, taking a large step back.

"I'll kill you," she growled, starting to move towards him when she felt something grab the back of her shirt. She didn't have to turn around. "Let go of me, Kaneki!"

"Touka, listen first. It's not what you think," Kaneki pleaded, tightening the hold on her shirt.

"Let go, Kaneki! If you don't I'll end up hurting you," she threatened, looking over her shoulder at him.

"I… It's that… I INVITED HIM!" Kaneki choked as Touka glared at him.

"You did what?" Touka growled at him.

"I asked him to come here tonight. I got scared when I learned Tsukiyama took Kimi…" Kaneki said, letting go of her shirt. "I didn't know you'd be here. Nishiki is really too injured to fight and I just didn't feel… I shouldn't have asked him but I didn't know what else to do."

"You should have come to me first, idiot," she snapped, pushing him to the floor. "How can you trust an investigator over me?"

"I don't! It's just… I got scared."

"Quit saying that! How can you trust him?"

"I just can, okay?"

Touka glared daggers at him. That was his answer? That was the most pathetic answer she had ever heard. She shook her head and put her back to him. She'd fuss at him later for this. She still had to deal with Tsukiyama and now Hawk. She hated knowing that Incognito was Hawk this whole time. She didn't know what to think honestly. She didn't know where to move forward.

"So… Who's move is it?" Tsukiyama asked, looking between Hawk and Touka.

Hawk took the small gun, pointed it downwards, and fired. Tsukiyama hit the floor rolling and screamed out in pain. Hawk then chucked the gun at his head.

" NAAGH! Y-y… Youuu… Sh-shot me in m-my…"

"That's what known as a dick move," Hawk grumbled. "Give it a minute, they'll grow back."

"Y-you… You, ba-bastard… Mmm…" Tsukiyama squeaked out, anger mixing with pain on his face.

"Now would be a good time to run," Hawk said, turning to look at them. "He's going to need a minute or so… Scoot. Off you go."

"Touka, c'mon," Kaneki said, helping Nishiki to his feet. "He's right. We need to leave."

"Don't think I'm going to forget this," she snapped.

Touka growled at him and recalled her kagune. She got on the other side of Nishiki and helped him stand. She looked back over at Hawk. He had his attention back on Tsukiyama. She then looked around Nishiki over at Kaneki. He had a lot of explaining to do. A hell of a lot and he better be up front with her.

The three hobbled out the door and into the night air. That left Ichigo and alone with Tsukiyama. It didn't take too long for Tsukiyama to finally stop writhing on the floor. He sat up and glared at Ichigo. Oh, how this investigator was going to pay.

"I'll kill! You cost—UMPH!"

He got kicked in the face again the moment he opened his mouth. He soon found his head pressed between a heavy boot and the church floor. His kagune was also being forced down with Hawk's other foot. Hawk was strong. Perhaps as strong as a…

"I want you to keep your mouth shut and I want you to listen to me very carefully," Hawk said, leading down at little. "You are to leave Kaneki and his friends alone. If I catch wind of you trying to make a meal out the boy again I'll personally track you down. And you don't want that. Are we clear?"

"Yeth," he muttered under Ichigo's boot. "Now geth oft meh!"

"I mean what I say," Ichigo stated, pressing down a little harder. "I'm not making an empty threat."

He removed his foot and stepped back. Tsukiyama sat up, rubbing his aching jaw. He looked up at Hawk and snorted. As much as he'd like to run that bastard through, and it was so tempting, he knew better than to try it. After all, Hawk was a legend for a reason. Ichigo went about picking up the two spent pistols and putting them back in his cloak. He even collected his broken bokken.

"Don't think this too forward of me but… Why are you playing both sides?" Tsukiyama suddenly spoke up rubbing his jaw. "I'm just curious."

"I don't have to answer that," Hawk replied, grabbing his broken mask, voice modifier, and flipped up his hood.

"I just find it hard to believe that, you, one of the CCG's shining stars would—"

Tsukiyama quickly found a quinque knife millimeters from his throat. He gave a weak, nervous smile. Hawk really was as good as they say.

"Mention me to any of your friends or even the CCG and I swear hell will feel like heaven when I'm finished with you," Hawk threatened, glaring down at him.

"Y-yes, of course. My l-lips are sealed," he answered, feeling the knife pull back from his neck. "I won't say a word about you. Not to one single soul."

"You better not," Ichigo hissed, making sure he had everything.

"Still…" Tsukiyama mumbled. "Can you at least answer one question for me?"

"Make it quick," Hawk stated, looking down at him.

"I'm just putting this out there but… You're not really human, are you? It's a clear as day."

Ichigo turned to leave.

"Nor are you a ghoul. There is nothing about you that says ghoul. What little I can smell of you, you are human. Yet, you can do things beyond human limits. It's quite perplexing, really. What are you? I'm very interested in knowing."

Ichigo started to walk away.

"The silent treatment, is it? Well, how about this one? There is a rumor circulating around us ghouls about something the CCG reported recently. The CCG is keeping it quiet of course. They don't want the investigation to be ruined or scare the cattle... But they are saying there is a strange yellow eyed ghoul running around. Do you know anything about that?"

"Do you ever shut up?" Ichigo drawled and kept moving towards the door.

"You work there. So just naturally I thought… You might have acquired some knowledge about him. I'd love to see those eyes. He sounds delicious."

Ichigo put a little hop in his step as he moved toward the exit. He opened the door and slammed it shut, hard. Tsukiyama sighed as he got back to his feet and looked at his clothes. His suit was now ruined. Perfect. These weren't cheap. He brushed some dust and debris from his suit and straightened them. He then fixed his hair a little; making sure a single lock wasn't out of place. For now it would be good to go home and lay low for a little while. If Hawk was playing both sides the investigator could easily send others after him or worse yet, his family. Keeping his distance might be advisable right now.

---

Ichigo arrived back at his apartment sore and completely drained. He quickly unlocked the door and rushed in out of sight. He shut the door and put his back against it, before sliding to the floor. He jerked off his gloves and ran a hand down his face. A little dried blood transferred to his bare hand. So currently kagune could still hurt him. Where he had grabbed the boy was the safest spot as it was rounded and blunt, which was why his skin wasn't damaged a bad. But still, if his skin was as soft as human's at that time he might not have a hand left.

The cut on his face was already closed up, all that remained was the dried blood. He looked at the damaged mask in his lap; it was nearly severed in half. He just did pull his head out the way in time. It wouldn't have been so bad if it was just Kaneki there. He was not expecting Touka, and from the way it sounded, neither was Kaneki. She must have heard something and came to investigate before he got there.

How was he going to keep this a secret? He was now known to 4 ghouls. He knew the risk but he took it anyway. He had everything planned out when he faced down his partner. He knew how she operated and could almost predict her every move. This Tsukiyama, the Gourmet, he was not accustom to fighting against. That was the biggest difference. The first fight he knew what to expect thanks to Ryoko but this one he practically went in blind. There was no planning for this one. He just jumped in and hoped for the best like an actually mission. He accomplished what he needed to but at the cost of his identity. It would only take one ghoul with loose lips to sink his ship.

You had a good but rather short lived run.

Bastard, don't even start with me.

Temper, temper. You knew your risks. Hope that your friend Kaneki can do some damage control as far as that Touka-chick is concerned and that other ghoul with them. Pray that he smooths out her feathers. They look like that can hurt when ruffled.

I see what you did there… I went in there blind compared to last time.

That's nothing new for you. You used to do that a lot, diving in without testing the waters.

Yeah, and looking back on everything, I got by with sheer dumb luck a lot of times.

That I will not deny. Not in the least. Hmhmhmhm… But that was also when you were at your best. You're not the brash punk you were as a teen. You have improved but your blade has grown dull. That brashness was what kept you so sharp. You thought more on your toes back then. Being in the CCG taught you to think and to plan ahead, which is good and all but you lost your edge. You need to start taking risks again.

Yes, but I wasn't caught up in a large government agency back then. I was a punk kid wanting to literally save the world. I could get away with so much more then but now being under someone's thumb… I don't have the same freedoms.

Then hurry and get out of there. Finish what you need to and bolt. Leave them behind and start living the life you want to live. You want to help people but you're hurting more people than helping.

I know that, dammit! I plan to leave the CCG shortly. But I can't just bolt. Mado knows something. If I just drop my resignation…

The less time you spend there the less he has to collect!

That's not going to help. Not at all. He has power over me now but just wait until I become a civilian again. I'll have no weight to throw when that happens. That's why I need to get him off my trail and first. Then I'll hand in my resignation.

That takes time. Time you don't have. You're racing against me, need I remind you. Haha! Unless Hat 'n' Clogs comes up with a wonder drug real quick to slow this down, you better hand in your resignation when you go back to work.

It's coming that fast?

You're cutting your hair twice a day for crying out loud! What do you think, dummy? You are just able to hide that. Nails are easy to hide, too, but what about your eyes when they change? You can't hide them constantly behind a pair of shades. I can almost guarantee you there will be other more noticeable changes. To what severity I don't know but you can't hide as a human for much longer. The Gourmet made that quite clear. You can't hide this forever.

Dammit! I… Just some time to…

You don't have time to think. You need to be brash and think on your toes. Use your instincts! It's time to start thinking more like a hollow! You're not going to be human for much longer! You want to plan ahead? Then plan for your near future!

But I don't want to be… I don't want to be some monster!

Only you are making yourself into one! Just like Fueguchi did! Your appearance doesn't make you a monster. It's what's inside that matters. Don't be a hypocrite, King.

A moment later Ichigo had a sinking feeling envelop him and his vision drifted to blackness. It then slowly faded back into a blue sideways world. He fell a short distance and slammed down into it water. He looked up seeing the rain pelting the water's surface right above his head was coming in buckets. Oh, this wasn't good. He slumped his shoulders as he heard someone approuch up behind him.

"Well, now. Welcome back. It's been quite a while," the voice groaned. "I don't think I need to tell you what's happening."

"I get, I get it," Ichigo retorted, turning around to face his other half.

"Then fix it, moron! When the changes come to an end, this world cannot be flooded," his white doppelganger stated, kicking Ichigo down onto a building and dived in right after him. "You keep this place dry and sunny for the most part and you won't have a problem! If you keep letting all your negativity flood this place then you will fall into a hollow state of mind! I've heard of wallowing in self-pity but this is a bit much."

Ichigo looked at his other half in shock. There was that nasty smirk he remembered so well. Ichigo turned his head away not wanting to look at him. It had been so long since he was in this place. It was nostalgic yet he hated to see it completely flooded.

"Hey!"

SLAAAP!

Ichigo lifted his head, rubbing his sore cheek. His hollow was standing right in front of him and none to happy.

"Did you hear me?"

"Yes, I heard you…"

"You're worrying and stressing far too much! You're letting things get to you and that can't happen," his hollow snapped, grabbing Ichigo by his hair and forced him down onto the window of the skyscraper. "You want to keep your human heart then stop being a pussy-ass-wuss! You don't like something change it and be aggressive about it! Stand your damn ground!"

"What do you think I've been doing?" Ichigo bit out as his hollow pressed his face closed to the glass.

"Hiding! You've been hiding from a lot things! Hiding from your friends, your family, and your past. I know what you felt. You felt powerless and helpless after the war. You felt you were useless to those around you," the hollow growled out. "You didn't have the power to protect and be with them so you ran away and hid. You pretended to be someone you weren't and now you're scared to show your true colors once again!"

The hollow crouched down and leaned into Ichigo's ear, keeping a firm hold on Ichigo's hair.

"Look at your reflection! Look at it, King," his hollow bit out.

Ichigo focused his eyes on the dark blue glass. He looked at himself as ordered. His hollow's refection was right there beside him as well.

"This is not the same man that beat me into submission. Not even close! You're nothing but a joke and not even a good one," the hollow growled, digging his dark nails into Ichigo's scalp. "You're letting this one minor defeat hold you back! Are you that damn scared of what you will become that you can't accept it? That I'm actually a part of you? Yet, you used my power so openly as a child and now you're trying to hide who are while using them as an adult. You're not my king. You're nothing but a cheap jester. I will not be the horse of a fool!"

He slammed Ichigo's head into the glass and it shattered under the force. He then stood up and kicked Ichigo in the side, hard. Ichigo went sailing through the flooded void, before hitting another building roof and sliding off onto one more. That hurt like hell he noted. He painfully pushed himself back up onto his elbows as he hollow walked up to him still smiling and his hands folded neatly behind his back. He could feel blood sliding out of a few various cuts that now riddled his body. He didn't have his shinigami power and hits like this he was learned were devastating.

"See what I mean? You're but a fool. A fool can't hope the handle the power of the King's horse. You have grown far too weak," the hollow hissed, hooking the tops of his toes under Ichigo's chin and forced his head up to look at him. "I'd hit you like that back in the day and you'd bounced back up in a snap. Instead you're just lazing around on the ground like some lowly insect. You're disgusting to even look at."

The hollow pulled his foot back and before bringing his heel down hard on the back of Ichigo's head. Ichigo's face met the blue concrete of the building. His hollow then grabbed him by his hair and yanked him back to his feet, Ichigo's blood had stained the water around him

"Bloodied and broken so easily. Look over there," the hollow snapped, turning Ichigo's face towards the water's surface. "Just this small beat down has intensified the rain and deepened the water!"

He then shoved Ichigo back the ground on his hands and knees and stood over him. Ichigo closed his eyes and turned his head away.

"You won't even look at me? Are you that damned ashamed of yourself?" the hollow snorted, kicking him in the head again. "What do you have to say for yourself? Huh? Answer me damn it! Do you want this world to flood completely?"

"N-no…"

"What? I have a little water in my ears. Speak up, fool."

"No."

"What are you mumbling?"

"NOO!"

"No need to yell," the hollow said, patting Ichigo on the head like a dog.

Ichigo clinched his teeth and lunged forward. He grabbed his stark white twin around the middle and slammed him to the ground. He looked at his hollow to see a nasty smirk on his pasty white lips. The hollow then rolled over, forcing Ichigo on to his back, pinned him.

"If you wanted to fight me for your crown all you had to do was ask."

The hollow raised his hand well above his head. Ichigo instinctively covered his face waiting for the blow. But all that came was the sound of something impacting the cement ground to the side of his head. He opened his eyes and looked to his left. A large black and white cleaver? It wasn't the exact same one he remembered but it was close enough.

"We fight, we do this proper. Get up," the hollow ordered, getting to his own feet and manifested his own sword. "You're not a shinigami, remember that."

"I know," Ichigo answered, pulling the blade out of the cement and held it out in front of him.

"Then shall we—" his hollow moved so fast Ichigo barely had to block the blade coming from his right. "—get this party started?! HAHAHAHAHAAAA!"

Yeah, this was going to be hell. He really couldn't keep up with his hollow's movements as he tried to sense his enemy+ around all around him. He couldn't keep an eye on him for too long. Ichigo suddenly felt a strong hit to the face and he stumbled back using his sword for balance. Then another sucker punch to the face.

"What's the matter? Too fast for you?" the hollow mocked, kicking Ichigo hard on the back.

Ichigo landed on his face and slid along the ground. He forced himself back up and looked at the white being before him. He was a little dizzy from the impact. He saw his hollow spinning his zanpakuto by the fabric hanging off the end. Ichigo knew how this was going to end. He quickly brought his blade forward and flipped it to use as a shield, blocking the other blade just in time. He was pushed along the ground again as he tried to keep the opposing blade from tearing into him.

"HAHAHA! Fight me! You haven't even tried to attack me once! You've been on the defense this whole damn time," the hollow chided, retracting the blade back to his hand and lunged forward again. "Is that all you're good for now?"

"Shut up," Ichigo quickly snapped, blocking the hollow again.

The edges of their blades met with such force, even in this flood world sparks started to fly here and there.

"Do you even remember my name?" he asked, pushing Ichigo back, breaking them apart.

"Yeah… I remember," Ichigo said, rolling his shoulders a little. "It's Zangetsu."

"I suppose that's something," he snorted, rushing forward, swing the blade right at Ichigo's face.

Ichigo just did manage to duck down in time. He felt a current of water move above his head as the blade passed over. He then felt a hard knee dig into his middle. He collapsed to his knees, holding his stomach, shaking in pain.

"I'm not even moving or attacking to my fullest capabilities. Not even close. I believe I'm moving and putting out as much strength as an Ukaku ghoul. I know you know how to fight them as a human. So why are you acting like this! This shouldn't be hard for you," he said, kneeling down to Ichigo's level. "What is holding you back, I wonder? Did you rely too much on your shinigami powers back then? Still wish you had them, don't you? Instead I'm all that's left!"

He leaned in a little closer to Ichigo so that their noses almost touched.

"Does that scare you? Hmhmhm… Does this frighten you to know that I'm all that's left?" he questioned a long toothy grin.

"Screeew youuu," Ichigo growled, butting heads with his evil twin.

They both yelped, holding their aching foreheads. Carrot top was going to get it now. He quickly stood up and brought his blade down. Ichigo barely rolled out of the way as the sharp edge dug into the blue concrete where his body had been.

"Thought that was funny, didn't you?" Zangetsu growled as Ichigo quickly got back to his feet.

Ichigo was still hunched over and cradling his sore middle. He couldn't really take too must more of this. A leg buckled and fell to one knee.

"Do I look like I'm laughing? That damn well hurt," Ichigo snorted, rubbing the new cut on face from clunking heads.

"You're skin's fragile compared to mine, dingbat. You're bleeding quite a bit if this red water is any indication," Zangetsu smirked, waving a little of the crimson water from his face. "You're soul doesn't have the spiritual power it once had. That's why you can't take hit after hit. You're actually forcing yourself just to kneel right now, I'm betting."

Ichigo glared at him as he gripped the hilt of his blade tighter. He tried to stand back up but he still couldn't stand straight.

"Hm… Hmhmhm… HAHAHAHAHAHAAA! You are, aren't you?! You're already rather broken but you're pushing through this! What a true trooper! HAHAHAHAHA!"

"So glad I can be your damn entertainment," Ichigo snapped, thrusting his blade forward as Zangetsu blocked it with ease. "You knew I couldn't beat you, so why did you even have me challenge you?"

"Let me counter with this… You knew you couldn't beat me, so why did you challenge me? Let's face it. We both wanted to see how far you could go. How far you could make it. Clearly, that wasn't much," Zangetsu mocked as Ichigo charged with a solid fist but the hollow caught his wrist and squeezed.

Ichigo quickly tried to pull his hand back. It felt like his wrist was breaking under that vice grip.

"Let go! UGGH! You're breaking my arm," Ichigo snapped, trying to pull Zangetsu's away from vice grip. He swung at Zangetsu but the hollow dodged effortlessly and twisted Ichigo's arm behind his back. "Ugh! Let go of me!"

"Heh… Hahahaha! Here you are still fighting something you cannot win against! Like a lonely ant trying to move a mountain! It won't happen! Heh… But perhaps… You're resolve… It isn't completely gone after all. Power is one thing but strength is another. It takes strength to wield a great power. One is nothing without the other."

"Okay, Yoda, I get it—Ugh!" Ichigo was quickly swung through the water and he landed hard on build sliding along the glass like skipping stone. His sword landed a distance away.

"Shut up and listen, you will," Zangatsu snapped as Ichigo struggled to sit up again. "I am the power, the horse. You are the strength, the king. A wild horse will not obey a weak master. Where you lack physical strength, you have the control and drive. I clearly lack the control and the drive. I'm wild without someone holding the reigns. If you can't control yourself, how do you expect to control me? This world is flooded! You're letting all your past and current regrets weight you down!"

"So how do expect me to remedy this problem?" Ichigo ask, slowly pushing off the building and used the weightlessness of the water to take the pain off his joints and muscles.

"Do I really have to spell it out for you? It's just one word. A-c-c-e-p-t-a-n-c-e. Acceptance."

"Wh-what?!"

"Why do you think you've been running around and doing so much lately for those you really don't even know? You're struggling to keep your head above the water. You're drowning in your own guilt for all the lives you unwitting took as an investigator. You're trying to climb out of the torrent but can't find a good footing. You keep being dragged in deeper and deeper and this world is a literal example of all of it. If you accept me I'll be your lifeline. I'll pull you out of the rapids and back onto dry land."

Zangetsu extended his hand out to his king. Ichigo stared at the milky white offering and struggled if he should take it or not. He ran over everything in his head. If he wanted to remain in control after the change his inner world could not be flooded, he needed to stop hiding, and he needed to stop stressing about things. He also needed to stand his ground, keep a strong resolve, stop pretending to be someone he's not, and accept a lot of his past transgressions. He could never take back what he did. It is what it is and nothing he did could change it. The past is permanent but the future is changeable.

"Hey! Do I have to hit you again? Cuz I will," Zangetsu bit out, his hand quivering in aggravation. "I'd like to fight you like old times but I'd only kill you apparently. We'd both be shit out of luck if that happened."

"I suppose that's true, isn't it?" Ichigo sighed. "I'd also prefer if you didn't hit me again."

He reached up and slapped his hand into the milky white palm of his hollow, knocking it away. As long as Ichigo remained strong he would be the king and the hollow would be his horse, his power to command. Zangetsu curled his fingers up in a fist as Ichigo got back to his feet on his own. He needed to show some sort of power to impress this bastard. If he really was putting out the same strength as a Ukaku he should be able take to him down as he was now, human. He was trained for it after all and acting like he was got him nowhere. If he was on a mission right now he would have already been killed if he acted like this.

Zangetsu studied his opponent. Ichigo looked like he was actually ready to put in some effort and fight for real this time. Ichigo picked up his blade from the ground and held it up, pointing the tip at his twin. So, he caught his second wind, did he? Perfect. That was just one more chance to see if something got through that thick skull. Zangetsu mirrored the same action and his grin widened and he let out a bellowing laugh. Ichigo only scowled deeper in response.

"I see, so you're going to give this one more shot. Well, then come at me, fool," Zangetsu challenged and took off like bullet through the water straight for Ichigo. "I'm not going to give you another chance after this!"

"I'm not excepting you to," Ichigo did the same and there blade meet.

The force spun them around for a moment but their blades remained locked. Finally, Zangetsu give one hard push, knocking Ichigo back. He took a swing but Ichigo rolled around in the water and still manged to block it. That's much better. Maybe he found his fighting spirit at long last. Ichigo quick twisted the water and planted a hard boot to the hollow's open face. Zangetsu almost slammed into the building but quickly caught himself. Ichigo took the initiative and went after his double. He swung down force Zangetsu's feet to hit the building. The force almost knocked him to a knee.

"Yes, yes! This is what I wanted from you! Hahahaha! Keep going and prove to me that you are the king and not some fool," the hollow yelled with joy. "Give me everything you have and more! I want to see you as you were back then! A true force to be reckoned with! Shinigami abilities or not this is still your world! You need to beat me and prove that!"

"I'll beat you alright! I'm not going to give up and let you have my body," Ichigo yelled back as Zangetsu finally pushed him back.

Ichigo was sent into a spin, head over heels. He quickly stopped himself and noticed Zangetsu was gone. From behind! Ichigo spun around and barely dodge the blade on the end of the long cloth. Zangetsu retracted and spun it around again at his side. If that blade was anything like his old one there was a chance it could perform a Getsuga Tensho. Maybe even something else considering his shinigami powers were gone. That only left Zangetsu really with all hollow power. Instead of a Bankai would it be more along the lines of a Resurrección? Did he dare ask? If he did chances were his hollow would show him and use it against him. But if he didn't and that power comes clear out of the blue how was to avoid it? Either way if that blade was capable of Resurrección he would most likely find out one way or another. It would be better to know than to keep acting blindly.

"Tell me this, Zangetsu! This blade and that blade are different. Yours looks like our original zanpakuto but mine doesn't," Ichigo questioned, holding up his new sword to show the comparison. "What is the difference between them other than looks?"

"I was wondering when you would ask that question. The differences are more than cosmetic," Zangetsu grinned and stopped his zanpakuto. He gripped the hilt to display it much like Ichigo was doing with his. "I remain the same. This blade is me, so, naturally I would use this zanpakuto. But the shinigami power that linked us is gone so that blade there will be different. They are similar but not the same. That blade you hold is all you. That is your own power, will, frighting spirit, and instincts."

"Me? But I don't have any..." Ichigo looked at the sword in shock.

"Yes, you do! That is the blade you forged while I slept. As minute as it was, you still had one tiny spark existing in you. You made the blade in secrecy. I found it when I awoke and I was just waiting for the right moment to pull you in here and show it to you," Zangetsu smirked. "I have no idea how sharp or strong it is. That sword is nothing to me as am I'm neither the smith or the wielder. I wanted to see what your own zanpakuto was capable of but so far I'm not impressed."

"So this is all me, huh?" Ichigo studied the blade harder and then looked at up his double again. "That being said... Just what can you still do with yours?"

"Care to see?" Zangetsu asked, pointing the blade at Ichigo and it started to glow a very familiar light blue color.

"Oh, shit!" Ichigo yelled in a panic as Zangetsu raised the sword over his head. "You can't be serious! Now...! Now just hold on a minute! How do you expect me to dodge that?!"

"HAHAHAHAAAAA! Use your instincts, what else?! Getsuga Tensho!"

Zangetsu swung the massive blade down as a large blast of energy came full force at Ichigo. It was moving too fast and there was no way he could avoid that! There wasn't a chance in hell! On reflex he brought his own blade up as a shield. He had no idea how well this zanpakuto would hold up against the Getsuga Tensho but he had no other choice! The blast came all too quickly and he was pushed though the water at top speed with great ease. He could hear his zanpakuto slowly cracking under the force. If he couldn't figure how to reinforce that blade right now this fight was over and he would take a massive loss.

What can I do?! It's about to shatter! Think! What I can do to get out of this intact?! I don't want it to end like this, damn it! Not yet! Not yet!

It was too close to breaking. He doubted the could even act fast enough to do anything about but he had to try something. If this thing was anything like a true zanpakuto it had to hold it's own ability, right? He was no shinigami but if he could forge this zanpakuto there was something he could use. There was a power all on his own and he had better figure it out and right now.

"I won't let you beat me!" Ichigo yelled out and forced the blade from being a shielding to putting the cutting edge to face the blast instead.

He knew this was highly stupid but he had to try something desperate. He was the defense too much and it was time to be on the offense! He would never get out of this attack if he couldn't counter back. The Getsuga Tensho was not able to reach him. It was now or never before he was torn apart. Desperation either did stupid things or amazing thing. Right it was about half and half. He swung down hoping to at least cut the energy and divert it around him. However, what came out of the blade was strange shadowy black energy. It didn't counter the Getsuga Tensho it full all obliterated the blast and kept moving towards his counterpart. Zangetsu ducked by hairs of his head as the shadowy blast crashed into a distant building. The whole top of the building was destroyed and crumbled into a fine white sand. Zangetsu whipped around in shock and faced Ichigo. The carrot top had the same dazed and shocked look on his face as the sand just drifted aimlessly in the water.

Ichigo looked back at his zanpakuto it was still radiating a black aura making the black look like a shadow rather than a solid object.

"You completely negated the Getsuga Tensho...?" Zagetsu asked as Ichigo just stared at him not sure what to say.

"I... I had no idea what it would do... I just..." Ichigo really didn't know how to respond. He was still in a state of shock. "I panicked and I just did what I thought was best."

"You just did what you thought was best?" Zangetsu asked and Ichigo gave one firm nod. "How did you completely wipe out my attack?"

"I honestly don't know. It was about to shatter and in desperation I turned the blade to face the blast and swung," Ichigo explained as the black aura slowly faded and the blade looked brand new. "It's okay...?"

"You just swung and hoped for the best? That sounds like you..." Zangetsu smirked. "You can negate my Getsuga, that's something. I wonder if that zanpakuto can negate other attacks from different zanpakuto. Such at Urahara's zanpakuto or even your father's."

"I have no idea but that building's top was just reduced to dust as well," Ichigo pointed at the smoky looking water.

"That makes me fear what would have happened if I hadn't ducked in time. What would have happened to me?" Zangetsu mumbled.

Ichigo looked back his zanpakuto with bit of fear. He did all that with just one swing. Getsuga Tensho could be countered but to completely knocked out was something new.

"This is worrying me..." Zangetsu said, staring hard at the building. "It should have started to repair itself by now but it's not even trying..."

Ichigo looked up the building noticing the same thing. The buildings would slowly repaired themselves with a little time but this one wasn't even trying. It was like the blast even negated that. A pinch of fear gripped Ichigo as he looked at the sword and then at Zangetsu. His double was looking at him look of worry, shock, and anger.

"What did you do?" Zangetsu yelled.

"I don't know! I just acted to save myself! I had no idea what it would do," Ichigo yelled back as Zangetsu raced over and got right in his face. "I'm telling you the truth! I never meant for that to happen!"

"If that had hit me there's no telling what would have happened to you," Zangetsu yelled, punching Ichigo in the face.

"Ngh! I just..." Ichigo just looked at him, tasting new blood in his mouth.

"Why would it manifest such a power?" Zangetsu stared the blade with hate. "Zanpakuto reflect some aspect of their wielders. Why would yours be complete and total destruction?"

"For the last time I don't know! I just acted! It's that simple. Do you think if I had known I would have used it?" Ichigo snapped back.

"That zanpakuto should never be used again," Zangetsu stated with venom. "It's like the opposite of Orihime's Soten Kisshun!"

"You think this is...?" Ichigo stared down at is as well.

What was it about him that crafted such a thing? He was always wanting to protect others so why would he forge something that would was the complete opposite of that? He felt sick to his stomach thinking about it. There must be some dark side of himself of him he wasn't acknowledging and manifested itself into that zanpakuto. There was no telling when he started to craft the zanpakuto or for what destructive purpose. He gritted his teeth threw the accursed zanpakuto way as hard as he could. If this was what he was capable of doing, he wanted no part of it.

"What have you been up to while I was asleep?" Zangetsu asked, leaning in a little closer.

"Why are you asking me all this? You're a part of me. You should see what my memories are like," Ichigo snapped back. "I don't know why I forged that! That isn't me!"

"Something about it must be from you or you wouldn't have been able to wield it. Like it or not that blade is a part of you," Zangetsu hissed, grabbing Ichigo by his shirt. "Since when you do like to cause pain? That thing might be part of your problem!"

Zangetsu turned towards the dark zanpakuto as it rested on the side of building. It was about to shatter when he attacked it the first time. Perhaps, he could get rid of it and things would turn out better. He shoved his better half out of the way and raised his zanpakuto again. He was going to make sure he put all he could into it. If this was the root of everything it need to go.

"Getsuga Tensho," Zangetsu called out and aimed a strong blast at the sword.

The blast slammed into the sword and the side of building. To his and Ichigo's horror the Getsuga Tensho was again negated even without the wielder. The building was even still intact. The blast never touched it. The blade was once again radiating a black aura before dissipating. This was not a good sign. It didn't even looked the slightest bit damaged. It must because Ichigo already tapped into its power and awoke it. Zangetsu gritted his teeth in anger.

"Dammit! Not even a scratch," he hissed. Ichigo took off toward the sword. "What are you doing?"

"I want to check something," Ichigo answered and he landed on the building and looked down that zanpakuto.

He squatted down and studied it without touching it. Zangetsu soon stood behind him, wanting to know why Ichigo was interested in such a thing.

"Did you figure something out?" Zangetsu asked.

"Maybe, maybe not. I made this for some reason so..." Ichigo touched the side of the blade with his finger tips. "Maybe I can reforge it."

"Reforge it? I've never heard of such an idiotic thing. Out of my way," Zangetsu growled, kicking Ichigo out the way and raised his zanpakuto to see if he could snap it in half instead. "It just need to disappear altogether!"

He gripped the hilt with both hand smalled the tip of the blade into the wide side of the blade. All did was knock Zangetsu back. The hollow stumbled back to keep his balance. That didn't work either.

"That's enough," Ichigo shouted, pushing Zangetsu away from it. "Just leave it be!"

"I don't want to share space with that thing," Zangetsu growled, grabbing Ichigo by his face and slammed the young man to the ground.

Ichigo found the strength to knock the arm away and got up to his feet. He lunged forward and slammed his shoulder into Zangetsu's chest, knocking him to the ground.

"I said that's enough!" Ichigo yelled at his hollow. "I made this thing and I'll handle it! It's my responsibility not yours! If I made it so maybe I can remake into something else!"

"Don't be a fool! That monstrosity has to be what's hold you back," Zangetsu barked getting back to his feet. "I needs to go!"

"I know it does but you can't do it! It's up to me. I made it and it's responsibility to deal with it," Ichigo yelled at his hollow out. "My sword! My world! My rules! How do you know if you don't let me try?! What if it's not what you think and getting rid of will cause the problems instead?! For some reason I made this to be destructive so clearly I..."

Ichigo's voice trailed off as he turned his head look at it again. He pursed his lips tightly together and looked at it harder than before. That was it... That's why it was the way it was. He let out disgusted sigh. It was a reflection of his life. He figured it out. He had been on a destructive path for years now. It was imitating and magnifying his own actions and emotions. He balled up his fists and faced it directly. In his quest to make himself feel better and protect others he turned to something never should have. This was every negative collected emotion he built up after losing his powers. Regret, uselessness, anger, jealousy, and so on. Zangetsu was right this was what was holding him back. It was the physical manifestation of the dark path he turned to. Being an investigator was really just something to make him fell better about himself. He didn't want anything to get in his way and this zanpakuto made sure of it.

"You what?" Zangetsu clicked his tongue.

"You're right..." Ichigo mumbled as Zangetsu lightly tip his head to one side. "This is what's holding me back. At least part of it."

Ichigo picked it up and Zangetsu took a step foward ready to lift his sword in case Ichigo was planning something stupid.

"I know why I made this and I can remake it with time," Ichigo said, lightly touching the side of wide blade. "It's a reflection of my negative actions and feelings. I made this out of desperation to make myself feel useful again. It's not meant to protect anything. It's my own selfishness and what I chose to do with my life these last few years. It was all about self-glorification. This is the destructive path I've created for myself."

Zangetsu stared at Ichigo with a rather hard expression. He made that thing out selfishness and no doubt self-pity as well. It was never about protecting others but protecting himself so wouldn't feel helpless again. Losing his powers really did hit the young man harder than he could have imagined. That was really leaving a nasty taste in the hollow's mouth. This is was what Ichigo had stooped to?

"You really are no king of mine," Zangetsu growled out, lifting up his zanpakuto. "Maybe it would best if I became king after all! You're scared of becoming monster when you were one yourself all this time!"

"Give me one more chance, Zangetsu! I see what I've done wrong and I know I need to do a lot to correct this," Ichigo yelled, preparing for Zangetsu to attack him. "There is so much I need to change about myself! I see that very clearly now! Let me do what I need to do!"

"Bullshit! Like that'll happen," Zangetsu jumped and brought his large blade down at Ichigo.

Ichigo brought his zapakuto up and blocked the attacking blade. The force knocked him to a knee and he could feel the glass under him giving away.

"You said this blade is my own power, will, spirit, and instincts. You're correct about that and it's all about what I do with it," Ichigo yelled out, pushing back as hard as he could. "It's destructive right now, ugh, but damn it! I'll make it better than what it is! Nugh! I'm going to change it somehow! I'm not giving up anymore! I'm also tired of you picking out and highlighting all of my damn flaws!"

He gave one last shove and just a bit of power to knock Zangetsu back away from him. Zangetsu caught himself out of a spin and looked down at Ichigo as he floated motionless in the water. There was a look in Ichigo's eyes he hadn't seen in quite some time. Zangetsu didn't know whether sneer or grin. He hated that look in Ichigo's eyes but at the same it was look that made Ichigo a true force to be fearful of. Had he finally found it again? was he really going to change what he's been doing all this time? Only time would tell but Zangetsu wasn't holding his breath either. He was about to charge again when he caught a glint of light out of the corner of eye. He turned to see the rain had stop and the sun with trying to come out. He looked back at Ichigo only see himself nearly struck him down. Zangetsu just didn't block Ichigo's attack.

"You want me to be the king of my life then it's time I start acting like it! I'll start with taming you again," Ichigo yelled, putting more energy into not his sword but his body. "I don't have much of anything to give but I'm betting this is going to hurt regardless!"

He let loose what little energy he into a hard kick right into Zangetsu's stomach. It knocked Zengetsu back and Ichigo went after him again. Zangetsu dived down and just missed getting sliced open. He spun around and knocked Ichigo back through water. Ichigo spun and landed on his feet before pushing off the building and went after Zangetsu again. He was going to prove a point one way or another to his hollow. This was actually at the top of abilities and he knew this wasn't going to be enough to actually subdue his other half. He just hoped that if he show the effort maybe that would be enough for the hollow.

Their swords clashed again and again as they spun aimlessly the water. Zangetsu finally got the upper hand and grabbing Ichigo by his hair the threw him into the side of a building. Ichigo landed hard and his zanpakuto was knocked clear out of hand. He craned his head up as bloody water tinted his vision. He even split out bit from his mouth. He then felt a hard foot slam onto his back. He fought not to let out a scream of pain as the foot bore down deep into his lower spine.

"Face it, fool, I'm back on top. Using that little bit of energy drained you, didn't it?" Zangetsu asked with a sneer. "Hahahaha! Regardless of what you want you are a weak human."

"I-I know I am and I don't care about it! I'm human and I f-find no shame in it! Ugh!"

"You said this was your world, huh? I'm sorry but I've decided I would rather rule than let a hypocrite run it!"

"I'm not sc-scared of you... When we fought last... You told m-me you wanted to protect me and th-that's why you didn't want to teach me to use...Ugh! D-damn it," Ichigo cursed as Zangetsu put some weight inot his foot. "That's why y-you didn't want to teach me the final Getsuga Tensho in the f-first place... Agh! Besides, if you try to take me over D-Dad, Urahara, and the others will find you and th-they'll make sure you...AAAGH!"

"Shut up," Zangetsu pushed his full weight not his foot.

"D-dammit, dammit, dammit! I told you I'm g-going to fix things," Ichigo tried to force himself up on his knees and elblows. "Get th-that through that thick head of y-yours! Ugh... Just give me the time I need that's a-all I'm asking. I've noticed the s-sun trying to come out... Gugh! Isn't that what you w-wanted? I've stopped the rain so that m-means I'm not a lost cause."

Zangetsu growled and picked his foot off of Ichichi finally got his hands and knees only to have Zangetsu kicking in the side and flipped Ichigo onto his back. Now what was going to happen?

"Keep that ball of light in mind! Do you understand me?! Your time is limited," Zangetsu pointed at the barely visable sun. "I suggest you find some way to clear your conscience before that alotted time. I need it bright and dry in this world. Keep the rain out so you don't add more troubles."

"So you're giving me that chance?" Ichigo asked, looking up at him.

"Only if you truelly can recreate that monstosity into something better i'm all for it," Zangetsu pointed to the disgarded zanpakuto at a distance. "I'm going to have trust you which is agaisnt my better judgment... Whatever it is you have planned I suggest you act on it now."

Ichigo just smiled at his double and Zangetsu scowled.

"For once I'm smiling you and you're not," Ichigo snorted as Zangetsu looked more agitated. "I'll get this sorted and I will make sure I change things."

"You better pull the miracle out of your ass and soon," Zangetsu hissed and he glared down at Ichigo. "Tic tock."

---

Ichigo jumped as he opened his brown eyes. He was back in the real world. He eyes quickly fell on Ryoko and Kusaba kneeling in front him looking rather worried. He sat up a bit straighter so he was more flush against the door. He was still in costume and the smell was starting to get to his head a little. He looked up at the window. It was well beyound daylight outside.

"Are you all right?" Ryoko asked, moving a little closer to him. "We found you here, out cold. You were rather restless while you slept."

"I-I'm fine. Sometimes I don't sleep all that well," Ichigo said, slowing getting up to his feet and he started to take off his heavy cloak and just dumped it to the floor.

"Your face is covered in blood. Were… Were you hurt?" Kusaba inquired. "This looks like it could have been bad cut but your face doesn't even look that bad."

"Not really," Ichigo answered, putting a hand on his face. "You know blood. A little goes a long way and makes things look worse than what it actually is."

"We're just asking because your mask is cut right in half," Ryoko said, pointing at the discarded, bloodied gasmask on the floor. "What happened last night?"

"Can we talk later? I need to shower and get a little more sleep," he said, grabbing a towel and ducked into the bathroom. "I'll talk after I get cleaned up and have a little more sleep."

Kusaba and Ryoku remained on the other side of the door as the sound of the shower cut on. They turned to look back at the discarded items on the floor. What happen last night? He looked ragged as hell. They would just have to wait for him to be ready to talk.

A few minutes ticked by and was Ichigo out of the shower and started to dry off. He didn't feel like cutting his hair. He'd let it go for now. He noticed too late that he had forgotten to grab some new clothes before walking in the bath room. He slipped back on his old boxers and the under shirt. He'd change those out when got into his bedroom before he crawled into bed. He opened the door and turned off the light. He just needed to well deserved sleep.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

He paused and flinched at the hard noise. He looked over his shoulder and looked at the door. It was like 9 in the morning. Who could that be? He looked around noticing that his "guests" were gone for the time being. He started towards the door and noticed parts of his costume were all over the floor. He quickly started running around, gathering his costume.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"G-give me a minute," Ichigo called out as he darted around, shoving everything into his bedroom and shut the door.

He grabbed a can of air freshener and sprayed it erratically around the area before setting it down. He let out a heavy breath and looked out the peek hole. It was man with gray hair cut to the bottom of his jaw with little facial hair on his chin. He wore a dark coat and the hood was pulled over he's head. This was certainly not someone he knew. He carefully opened the door just a crack.

"G'morning, what can I help you with?" Ichigo asked cautiously through the small crack in the door.

"Kurosaki Ichigo?" he asked.

"Yes," Ichigo nodded.

The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. Ichigo opened the door just wide enough to take it. It was a business card to the café that Kaneki works at. He looked at the back of it.

Kurosaki, please come to Antieku café. It's about last night. Kaneki.

He looked at it a moment more before turning his eyes back to mister creepy outside the door.

"May I inquire as to what this is about?" Ichigo questioned.

"Kaneki wants you talk to him and so does the café manager, Yoshimura," the man answered flatly. "I suggest you get dressed."

"Well, clearly I'm not going go in my under clothes," Ichigo grumbled. "It'll take a little while. I'd say come in but…"

"I would prefer to remain outside."

"I'd prefer the same, actually. I'll make it as fast as I can."

The man nodded and Ichigo shut the door and locked it. who was that creep? He must know Kaneki, clearly. Ichigo went to his room and gathered some nice clean clothes. If he was going to "meet" someone it might be better to try and look a little better than jeans and t-shirt. He changed his under clothes and put on a nice white shirt with a beige vest and a pair of dark gray slacks. He pulled out some dress shoes with socks and walked to the door.

He put them on and grabbed his fedora hat, coat, and keys. Given that the Kaneki said that "it was about last night" most likely he might be walking into nest of ghouls. He had to be extremely careful and not put a toe out of line. He unlocked the door and placed the hat on his head. Here went nothing. He walked out on to the walkway and locked the door back. The man nodded and started towards the stairs. Ichigo followed right after at a small distance.

This whole walk so far was rather uncomfortable. They had been walking for a little while now and not a single word was spoken between them. He stayed about two or three steps behind the man as they walked down the street. Ichigo finally sighed. The silence was getting to him the most. He had to change that.

"So… You know my name. What's yours?" Ichigo asked as the man turned to look at him briefly.

"Yomo Renji."

"Really? I knew a Renji back in high school. We lost contact with each other a while ago though…"

The man just nodded and they kept moving. Clearly he wasn't too much of a talker.

"Can you give me a little more information about where you're taking me?"

"The manager wants to talk to you about a job opportunity."

"A job opportu…? Oh! Oh, I see…" Ichigo said, rubbing the back of his head. Yomo was speaking in code. "So a job, huh? Does he know of my current job?"

"Yes, he's aware. That's why he wants to hire you. Your skills might be useful to us."

"Just so you know… My current job doesn't like its employees working for any rival groups. They are a big corporation and it could it be costly to me, your employer, and his staff should they find out that I'm even talking to a rival group."

"He is aware of that as well. Kaneki referred you to Yoshimura and he believes you will be beneficial to the company. I, personally, have my doubts about you…"

Ichigo gave a small uneasy grin to the older man. Yeah, this… This had to be done delicately. He wasn't popular with ghouls, not at all. Touka made that quite clear last night. Once she found out who he was she just… He hung his head low. She called him a liar. She had actually put her trust in him and he shredded it. Honestly, he did lie to her. He lied about who he was—even what he was for that matter. The CCG turned his character into a ghoul and he just ran with it. It wasn't like he could call and correct the mistake.

"I have my doubts too…" Ichigo muttered just over a whisper.

"This is not an easy job," Yomo said, looking back at Ichigo. "Keep up."

"Right," Ichigo hadn't even noticed he slowed. "Sorry. I'm just a little tired. You were saying?"

Ichigo picked up his feet and caught up with him. Yomo wasn't too sure of this idea. Asking a Dove, no asking Hawk, to help them was really out of his comfort zone. The way Touka was raging last night really didn't help. When she found out who Incognito was she just about lost it. She was still at Anteiku. Yoshimura wanted her and Kaneki to stay while they talked. He didn't know how good of an idea that was. Touka was in a rather foul mood.

"This isn't going to be an easy job," Yomo said, looking to his right at Ichigo as they stopped outside the shop. "He'll explain in better detail when you speak with him. This is it. When we walk into the café stick close to me and keep your head down."

"Yeah, sure… Also… This whole conversation sounded like you're trying to recruit me for the Yakuza or something," Ichigo sighed as Yomo opened the door.

"Hm," he shrugged.

Yomo opened the door to the café and let Ichigo inside. It was rather busy inside and the smell of food and coffee was making him a little hungry.

"Hello. Welcome to… Oh, Yomo," Kaya said, looking at him the man beside him pulling his hat down over his face a little more. "Who's this with you?"

"Someone Yoshimura wants to see," Yomo said, walking in front of the mystery man.

Yomo took the lead and showed the unknown man up the stairs. She puzzled at bit over the odd person. She never really saw his face. She wondered if it had to do with what happened last night with Kaneki and Tsukiyama. He smelt human.

"Hey, Koma, do you know who that man is that Yomo just took up to see Yoshimura?" she asked, turning to look at him.

"No. I've never seen him before," Koma shrugged, organizing some cups on a tray.

She shrugged and went back to work. Whatever it was, it was Yoshirmura's business not hers.

---

Touka was not looking forward to this. She was slumped on the couch with her arms crossed tightly and a foot tapping anxiously on the floor. Kaneki was sitting next to her also feeling rather anxious. He fiddled with a little piece of torn paper he had found on the floor. Now that Incognito's true identity was a little more open Kaneki asked Yoshimura if he wanted to talk to him. The aging manager agreed and sent Yomo to the appartment. Speaking of Yomo should be here soon, hopefully with Ichigo.

Yoshimura sat across from the pair pouring a cup of coffee. He seemed a little calmer about this and Kaneki wished he was like that. He knew that Ichigo really meant well but Touka saw a totally different picture. Perhaps, if they actually talked to each other maybe they wouldn't be so…

Knock! Knock!

Everyone turned towards the door as it opened. It was Yomo with Ichigo standing a little sheepishly behind him. The pair walked into the room and the door was shut behind them. Yoshimura stood and bow slightly to Ichigo. The investigator did the same, feeling a little awkward.

"Good morning, I'm Yoshimura. I'm the manager of Anteiku Café," the old man said, putting on a smile.

"I'm Kurosaki Ichigo," Ichigo answered, nervously taking off his fedora.

"Have a seat," Yoshimura said, gesturing to seat next him.

"I-I, uh…" Ichigo was more than a little apprehensive about this. "I'll just stand, thank you."

"You have nothing to fear from us. We just want talk with you, Kurosaki," Yoshimura said, sitting down. "I'm sure Yomo briefly mentioned something about a job."

"Yeah… He did but he was a little short on the details," Ichigo answered, turning to look at Yomo, who was now leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest.

"I'll be up front with you, Kurosaki. We need you to be a spy for us," Yoshimura said bluntly as Ichigo stared at him, wide-eyed. "There is some unrest in other wards and I feel it may spread here soon."

"So you want to see what information the CCG has as well?" Ichigo asked and Yoshimura nodded.

"Yes… I know this is being very forward but we need you to help us maintain the peace here for as long as we can," Yoshimura sighed, running a gentle hand over his light gray hair. "This is not an easy job and if you don't want to do it I'll fully understand."

"I… Hm… Damn. I wish all this happened so much sooner but I'm not going to be of much help. I'm actually leaving the CCG within a couple of weeks or so," Ichigo stated as everyone looked at him in surprise.

"You're… You're quitting?" Kaneki choked out, almost getting to his feet. "How come?"

"Medical reasons. As it is I already have that asshole Mado buzzing around me like a mosquito," Ichigo grumbled, looking at Kaneki. "He knows something's up. Even if I did manage to smuggle out some information Mado will be watching me closely. I run a very high risk of getting caught even more so than usual."

"Well… I am sorry to hear about this," Yoshimura said, shaking his head. "We could have really used your help."

"And I'm sorry I can't help but I don't have a choice in the matter. I'm even moving back to my hometown," Ichigo stated, fiddling with the fedora in his fingers. "I'm of no use to you as a spy."

"I told you this would be a waste of time," Touka snapped, glaring at Yoshimura. "He should have never come here!"

"Touka, that's enough," Yomo snapped at her.

"She's right though… I really shouldn't be here," Ichigo mumbled, running a hand through his hair. "Grant it I would never mention a thing about this meeting but… My face has been plastered all over the media lately and I'm assuming this is a large ghoul hub. It wouldn't look good to have a CCG investigator here."

"I see your point but you're here right now. Let's make the most of it," Yoshimura said, picking up his small white coffee cup. "There's more I wish to discuss. What made you suddenly change your mind about ghouls? Kaneki showed me those flowers you left for the Fueguchi family."

"WHAT?!" Touka snapped, getting to her feet. "You mean… He left them there?! Those were from him?"

"S-so… You saw them too, huh?" Kaneki asked nervously and Touka turned to glare at him.

"I didn't know who set them but they didn't stay there long," she huffed, crossing her arms again. "Why would you, a Dove, do such a thing, huh?"

Ichigo was put in a pinch. He didn't feeling like going into a sappy story with all of them. But since the question was put on the table he had to give an answer. He looked down at his fedora and let out a long sigh.

"I don't know—"

"You don't know?! That's a stupid answer!"

"Let me finish spe—"

"You're probably stalling to come up with a lie!"

"I'm not! Now let me—" his eye twitched.

"Let you what?"

"—speak… If you'd stop interjecting every couple of words I'd explain," he snapped at her as she continued to glare daggers at him.

"Touka, sit back down. Let the man speak," Yoshimura ordered as she turned that sharp glare at him. "You're being very rude our guest."

"Yoshimura, he's a Dove," she grumbled.

"Yes, but right now he is our guest and you will sit down," he demanded a little more firmly.

She glanced over at Yomo for his answer. He nodded and pointed down. Of course he'd side with Yoshimura. She fell back onto the couch and crossed her arms tightly over her chest. She hated to see a Dove here in Anteiku, especially one that pretended to be someone he wasn't. It really ate at her ever since the truth was revealed. She had actually put her trust in him. She thought he stood for something better but he was nothing but a filthy Dove in a stupid costume. She squeezed her eyes shut trying to fight back a couple tears.

"You were saying, Kurosaki?" Yoshimura looked back at Ichigo.

"I was trying to say that I don't know how to say this without making it sound awkward or sappy but… I wasn't even supposed to be there, it wasn't even my case. A friend had me tag along. To make a long story short I empathized with the girl after watching her mother die."

"Empathized? Not sympathized?" Kaneki blinked as Ichigo turned to look at him.

"Don't they mean the same thing?" Touka grunted.

"Similar but no… Uh… How to put this. Um… Sympathy is when one feels bad for another but that's about it. Empathy is when one feels the same way. Um, basically one can emotionally relate to the other person's problems," Kaneki explained, leaning back some in his seat.

"Hm. Okay… You could relate to her," Yoshimura asked and Ichigo nodded.

"My mother did the same from me. I was a little younger than her at the time. I made a mistake and she protected me from a murder," Ichigo said, casting his eyes down. "I didn't see all that happened, somewhere I got knocked out, but when I came around she was dead and laying on top of me."

The air became unpleasantly quiet for a moment.

"And that was enough to change your mind?" Touka clicked her tongue. "How many other mothers did you kill before this one suddenly bothered you?"

He didn't look at her and she gritted her teeth in anger.

"Sometimes the littlest things can have the biggest impacts," Yomo spoke up, looking at his niece. "He's just saying something resonated with him that day."

"But why her? Why did Mrs. Fueguchi's death bother you so much that you would go through such an elaborate scheme?" Touka asked, getting back up and rushed over to him.

She grabbed him by the front his clothes and looked up into his face. He wasn't angry, scared, or surprised by her roughness. He just looked—sad. She hated that look on his face. Why wasn't he reacting to her? Why wasn't he even pushing her back?

"Are you going to answer me or just stare at me?" she demanded, shaking him a little.

"Touka, that's quite enough," Yoshimura snapped, getting to his feet.

"I just want a solid answer out of him," she yelled, pulling her hands from his clothes.

She then swung an arm back but he caught it before she could land a punch. She hated this bastard so damn much. He empathized with Hinami? That was all? There had to be more to it than that! She knew there had to be! He went through far too much trouble for a girl he didn't even know. He did all this for a total stranger? She couldn't believe that! There had to be an ulterior motive. Why would a Dove suddenly…

"Oh, Touka, you're being so stubborn…"

She froze. That was a woman's voice but she was the only woman in the room. She noticed Ichigo slightly look off to his right. It was mostly with his eyes. He was actually looking something.

"I wish you'd calm down and listen to him for a moment."

She looked roughly where he was, hearing the soft, faded voice again. She squinted her eyes for a moment. What was he looking at all of a sudde…?

"Ryoko…?"

(A/N And I end it there! I'm so mean! This was a long chapter for me to write. Around 26 pages. Wow! So, tell me what you thing! Oh, and happy Memorial Day! I really hope you enjoyed this chapter! Also, I'm just putting this out this out there but do you want something between Ichigo and Akane? If so, to that was degree? Awkward friend-zone on both sides, puppy love, one-sided, or an actual relationship? If you don't want this at all I can keep them as strong admirable friends. I've had a couple reviews hint at it and I don't want to write something that the majority might not like. So please give me your thoughts.)

Millie M. Banshee