Does Man Make the Monster?

Chapter 9

Freedom of the King

(A/N Sorry for the long wait. I was trying to figure where to go from the last chapter. I wanted to make sure I had all my ducks in a row so to speak. I don't want to rush too much and get sloppy with my storytelling. Please enjoy the latest chapter.)

SOUNDS/sounds

Thoughts

Inner Voices

(Last Time)

Toshiro jumped back in a flash.

"Yes, quite sure," Toshiro almost snapped.

The man was a little taken aback by the boy's sharp gaze and quick movements. The man's smile widened a little more as he put back the handkerchief.

"Now, now. I mean no harm, young man," he said but Toshiro gaze only deepened. He smells delicious and I just love those eyes. Grant it he's no Kaneki but… He'll do for his eyes if nothing else.

"Don't even," Toshiro snapped, turning on his heel and ran.

The boy vanished into the crowd before the flamboyant man knew it. He's smile widen and he lightly licked his bottom lip. So, he found himself something new to try. The boy had a very unique smell about him. He liked that. He was very clean in away. That was the best way to describe him. He'd have to find the boy again and keep tabs on him. He couldn't let another delicious opportunity slip by him again.

(Present)

Ichigo yawned as walked towards his apartment door. What a night and he would like to erase it from his memory. Upon his return people welcomed him back, which he did expect and really didn't mind. He managed to pull most of the information that he could for Yoshimura. That was more trouble than expected. A lot of passwords had been changed and he had to ask for the new codes. Then his paperwork… Good grief the paperwork! He just wanted to pull his hair out! Finally around the end of his shift he went to get the form for his resignation. That's where the shit hit the fan.

He groaned again as he unlocked his door and walked in. Stuff like resigning was supposed to be confidential until it's finalized. Somewhere somehow word got out and it spread like fire in a fireworks factory. It just exploded in his face. People all over the building started hounding him about way he was suddenly resigning. Rumors of course instantly started about why he was leaving, with people coming up with their own theories. By the time he managed to literally sneak out of the building about 25 different theories had been invented. The rumors ranged from the rational, like health issues to the completely outrageous, like him getting caught in an affair with a superior's daughter.

He took off his shoes and coat and set it down on the chair along with his hat. Of course Amon found out through the grapevine before Ichigo could speak to the man. That made Ichigo a little mad. He told Amon the same story he had given Akane. Amon was not happy about this turn of event but he accepted Ichigo's choice to leave the CCG. Even some of the most iron-willed investigators can break. Some can patch themselves and others like Ichigo have to retire from the job.

No doubt Mado knew full-well what was going on with Ichigo. The man was most likely trying to come to his own conclusions. Toshiro's idea about the fake suicide seemed better and better each minute. Speaking of Toshiro… Ichigo took a look around the apartment. He heard a noise in the kitchen and turned in that direction. He saw Toshiro going through the fridge. He noticed some extra food in the fridge and a new loaf of bread on the counter.

"Did some shopping?" Ichigo asked, walking into the kitchen and saw a couple bags.

"I am staying here. It's only fair that I at least supply the food," Toshiro said, turning to look at Ichigo. "Do you want anything or are you going to bed?"

"I think I'll go to bed. Things didn't go so good," Ichigo said, fighting back a yawn. "Handed in my resignation and somehow word got out…"

"Let me guess; the rumor factory was all fired up," Toshiro said, pulling out the last of the eggs and Ichigo nodded. "Ugly things rumors."

"Don't I know it. Oh, have you seen Fueguchi or Kusaba?" Ichigo asked and Toshiro shut the fridge door.

"Mmm, I think Fueguchi might still be with her friends as for Kusaba…" Toshiro scratched his head a bit. He really hadn't much contact with the former investigator. "I'm not really sure. He comes and goes so frequently I can't really say."

"I see… If you see either one while I'm asleep tell them I want to talk to them after I wake up," Ichigo said, turning his heel. "Are you going to be out any?"

"Not that I know of," Toshiro shrugged. "Maybe later today sometime."

"I was just asking," Ichigo said, walking towards his bedroom. "I'll see you in a few hours."

Ichigo walked into his room and shut the door. Toshiro went about making some scrambled eggs. He stood on a chair so he could reach the stovetop better. He was thinking of making an egg sandwich now that there was some bread in the apartment.

"H-hey…"

Toshiro turned briefly to see Kusaba standing in the doorway to the kitchen. He looked a little unsure of Toshiro. The captain pulled the cooked eggs off the hot burner and turned off the stove.

"Yes?" Toshiro asked, getting off the chair.

Kusaba seemed to chew on his tongue a little try to figure out what to say. He knew what he wanted to say but he didn't know how to say it. Toshiro grabbed the loaf off the counter and brought it over to the kitchen table.

"Are you going to stand there or are you going say something?" Toshiro asked, looking up at Kusaba. "You want to know something, don't you?"

"I want… I want to understand what's really going on," Kusaba almost snapped at the small captain. "I want the full story. I don't want half ass answers or little teases. I'm tired of it."

"I'm not at liberty to—"

"Why can't you say anything about this?!"

"It's Kurosaki's choice if he wishes to discuss his issues with you."

Kusaba clicked his tongue and balled his fists at his sides. This was practically infuriating. He was stuck in the middle of everything and he felt like be barely knew anything. He was still trying to process what was told to him but he just couldn't wrap his mind around it. Ichigo was becoming living hollow? How? He just…

"Kusaba."

Kusaba turned to see Ichigo standing in the doorway to his bedroom. He was dressed in his PJs and he looked a little ragged.

"Ask me instead of hounding Toshiro," Ichigo said, walking towards Kusaba.

The spirit took a weary step back as Ichigo stopped in front of him. Toshiro went back to making his breakfast seemingly not paying them any mind. Kusaba felt really uncomfortable with Ichigo standing in front of him. He felt a chill slide down his spine.

"Well, what do you want to know?" Ichigo inquired, crossing his arms.

"I-I… I want the full story! I just want to really understand what's going on! You never really told me the other day," Kusaba choked out.

Ichigo sighed and slouched his shoulders. It was clear Kusaba wasn't going to let this go until he fully understood what was going on. He really didn't want to go through this but if he didn't Kusaba would only push harder for information. He unfolded his arms and motioned Kusaba to follow him. Ichigo walked back into his room and Kusaba did as instructed. The door was shut as Toshiro sat down with his sandwich at the table. The young captain could only wonder how this was going to turn out.

"Oh, good morning, Hitsugaya," Ryoko said, walking into the kitchen. "Is Kurosaki home yet?"

"Yes, but he's talking to Kusaba at the moment," Toshiro said, swallowing a bite of his sandwich. "That man is hard pressed to figure what's going on and Ichigo has decided to answer his questions."

"I was wondering when that was going to happen," she sighed, looking at Toshiro work on his sandwich. "Um? Hitsugaya?"

"Yeah?" he mumbled.

"You can eat?" she asked as he stopped eating.

"Uh… Yes," he looked at her oddly.

"Is it because of this gigai of yours?" she inquired.

"Well… Yes and no," he said, looking down at his body. "Food helps keep the body moving and healthy but… Anyone with high spiritual powers has to eat."

"Huh? I'm not following," she blinked.

"Okay, let me explain this," he set his sandwich down. "When you arrive in Soul Society there is food available and anyone can eat it. Most, however, do so out of wanting food not because they need food. Those with any level spiritual power and especially shinigami are the exception. We have the high spiritual power and to maintain ourselves we have to eat. If you arrive in Soul Society and notice that you become truly hungry most likely your spiritual power is higher than normal."

"So… You're saying when I decide to go to Soul Society, I can eat regular human food?" she asked, looking at the sandwich on Toshiro's plate. "Like sandwiches, cakes, pasta, fish, and such?"

"Of course. I don't see why you couldn't," he said, picking up his sandwich again and then paused. "Oh, wait… You were a ghoul in life, weren't you?"

"Yes," she nodded.

"I'm sure that will be an interesting experience for you," Toshiro said, taking another bite. "Just don't overdo it. You don't want to gorge yourself and get sick."

"Yeah, that's true," she grinned, rubbing the back of her head. "That wouldn't be too good."

"No, it wouldn't," he answered.

"Um, Hitsugaya… When I go to Soul Society… Is there any chance I could find my husband?" she asked as he continued eating. "He died prior to me and I haven't been able to find him in the city."

"There is a chance, yes, but it might take you a while," Toshiro breathed. "The Rukongai is rather massive. That's the area outside of Seireitei, Shinigami live. It like the capital city more or less," he said, finishing off his sandwich. "The Rukongai is a large city, with 320 districts in total. So the chances of you finding your husband are very low but not impossible."

"Could you help me find him?" she asked as he stood and put his plate in the sink.

"I don't want to sound uncaring, Fueguchi, but that is not my problem," he said, turning to face her. "I have other things that take priority and I can't look for an individual soul. That is not my job. I'm sorry but that's just how things are."

"I figured I was asking for too much," she sighed, a look of disappointment on her face.

"There is still a chance he's down here. Tokyo, as you know, is a large city," Toshiro pointed out. "Don't give up looking for him just yet."

"You think there's still a chance?" she asked and Toshiro curtly nodded.

"Keep looking until you're absolutely sure," he smiled, walking up to her. "But keep in mind…"

He pointed at her chain and she looked down at it.

"That chain has a time limit and it varies between people," he added with a long sigh. "You don't seem to be an angry person so chances are you'll last quite a while down here before your time runs out. Those that bare a grudge, grow angry, become jealous, and so on will have a much shorter time as hollows are negative souls."

"You think my husband is…?" her voice trailed off, worry painted on her face.

"I'm just throwing that out there," he said, looking a little ashamed for bringing that up. "I'm not saying that he is… Just be mindful of that idea."

"And if he is… Does that mean you'll…?" she looked almost sick.

"Dispatch him? That is our job but let me make one thing clear. A zanpakuto, when it cuts through a hollow, has the ability to cleanse the soul as long as they were decent people when they were living," he pointed. "They get a ticket to Soul Society but if the person did evil in life the Gates of Hell are opened and the soul is dragged inside."

"Are ghouls…?"

"Evil? Destined for Hell? Ghouls are an odd exception… They have no choice but to kill and eat humans to survive as you're well aware off," he mused, crossing his small arms. "As long as they stick to those guidelines and live a good life they will not be cast into Hell. Those, however, that kill for pleasure, gorge themselves, and other crimes against their kind and humans… Well, that does warrant a trip through the Gates. What sort of person was your husband?"

"He was a good man and a caring father. He worked as a doctor to help others and to support us," she said, looking sad. "He was taken from me and my daughter by investigators. I had to try and raise Hinami by myself and I miss him dearly."

"Then you have nothing to fear," Toshiro smiled. "Don't give up hope. Like I said, he might still be down here. Don't stop looking for him."

"Right," she nodded with a smile of her own. "Thank you."

Ichigo sighed as he looked at the CCG building as he got off the bus. No doubt things blew up even more while he was away. He didn't want to even go to work today but he had to. He sighed and started walking toward the large skyscraper. He was still struggling from the fallout with him and Kusaba. The man was undoubtedly scared, which turned into an angry front. Kusaba did not leave on good terms and Ichigo doubted if Kusaba would even return. He hated how everything turned out but Kusaba wouldn't stop pressing the matter.

Ichigo stopped just off the grounds and looked at the glass entrance. It still wasn't too late. He could just turn around and… He shook his head. No! That was running. He had to start facing things again like he did in his youth. He'd just have to deal with the shameful rumors that flooded the building. He was a king not a fool. Only the fool ran from danger but the king had to stay and fight his battles. He picked up his feet and started toward the doors.

He pushed a door open and walked into the large bustling lobby. Voices, telephones, and footsteps echoed loudly in the expansive space. Not wanting to be noticed too quickly he made a beeline for the elevators. Once he made it up to his office he could shut the door and keep people at bay. He hit the button and waited for the cabin to come down. The elevator dinged and the door opened. He paused as did the man in the elevator. The two men glared at each other. It was only a matter of time before they crossed each other's path.

Mado got off the elevator not uttering a word and Ichigo got on doing the same. He hit the button to his desired floor. Mado looked at him as the doors slid shut. Ichigo sighed as he felt the elevator move upwards. There was no telling what Mado thought of all this and it might be best not to know.

The elevator dinged and he got off. He hurried a bit to his office. He already felt eyes on him and heard the faint murmurings. Once he was in his space, he shut his door, and went to work on his backlogged paperwork. He even had to pick up Akane's paperwork. After doing so much paperwork he had a greater respect for the woman. He had no idea just much she did until he was stuck with everything. He signed his name, checked boxes, filled in information on the computer, and so on. By the time it was lunch for him he had his head on his desk just wishing the mountain of paperwork would just magically go poof. No such luck.

RIIIING! RIIIING! RIIIING!

"Hm?" he reached into his pants' pocket. It was the soul phone. He answered it. "Hello?"

"I just got back from Urahara's. I have your gigai with me and a mod soul to control it," Toshiro said. "I gave him your list of recent changes and told him how fast they are happening. He wants to come see you but if the changes are happening so fast he doesn't want to be delayed anymore in his research."

"That's completely understandable. How close is he to finding something out?"

"He's not sure as he's never encountered something like this. He might only be able to make a suppressant and he thinks he might have a breakthrough shortly."

"How soon is 'shortly?' I'm asking because… I have a feeling I only have a day or two."

"What? Why didn't you say so?! You idiot! I could have used that information a lot earlier!"

"Yeah, I know. Sorry! My bad! It's just a feeling I have, that and my hollow hasn't communicated with me in sometime. He's trying to conserve his energy. Once it's gone… Well, that's when…"

"I see. So he's staving off your transformation?"

"To a degree, yes. He warned me that once he disappears my transformation will hit me full force."

"And you feel that he doesn't have much longer?"

"Yeah… It's a gut feeling. Have you finished your plan on how I'm to commit 'suicide?' I'm still a little weary of the idea."

"I'm in the final stages. There needs to be a witness or two to validate your 'death.' I need someone from the CCG that would recognize you. I'm going to have the gigai jump from a bridge. Only problem is that they are still going to do an investigation. Your ghoul friend next door might want to find other lodgings until they gather their information. It's for his safety."

"Yeah, I'll let him know something is going happen and that he needs to leave. I'm sure he has someplace to stay for a bit. Are you really sure this is going to work. What if they find the gigai? Can it pass for a real human body?"

"There's a neat trick to this gigai. It dissolves in water. By the time they start a search, the gigai will be long gone. No loose ends."

"Right. No loose ends. I'm not going to lie I'm a little scared."

"I would be too but this is the best I can do. You know where to go when the transformation starts, right?"

"Yeah, those old warehouses you found, on the east side of the district. I know where they are."

"Good. That's where you will meet me and I'll see what I can for you when it happens."

"Right… It's my lunch break. We'll talk more when I get back home."

"Okay. I'll see when you get back."

"Yeah, bye…"

"Good bye."

Ichigo hung up the phone and put it back in his pocket. He might as well head down to the cafeteria. He stood and walked out the door, heading for the elevator. Eyes once again fell on him as he walked down the hall. He just needed to let their glares and rumors slide off his back. He wasn't going to be there much longer so he didn't needed to worry about the lies. Not only that, but all this gossip might help with the suicide idea. He told Amon he wasn't well mentally and now that people were talking so negatively about him… Maybe this wasn't so bad after all.

He got on the elevator and got off on the floor where the cafeteria was. He walked down a couple of halls and into the cafeteria. He was assaulted with the smell of good food and his stomach growled a little. He grabbed a tray and started to gather what he wanted to eat. He paid the cashier for his meal and found a table in the back of the eating area. It was little quitter there. He still felt the glares and heard the rumors. How he couldn't wait to leave this place behind.

He looked out the window into the city. The view was rather pretty as he looked at the sparkling skyline. Suddenly he heard a tray land on his table. He turned to see Amon taking a seat across from him. Ichigo gave him a weak smile but Amon wasn't smiling at all. Ichigo's grin vanished in the blink of an eye. Amon let out a long sigh.

"You have heard the rumors, right?" Amon questioned.

"I've heard several of them," Ichigo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "People are going to talk and make up what they want. It is human nature after all."

"Still they shouldn't be talking in such a negative manner," Amon grumbled, looking down at his meal.

"There's nothing you or I can do to stop it," Ichigo grumbled, shaking his head slightly. "I don't have much longer before I leave so they can say whatever they want. Besides, we both know I wasn't too popular in certain circles. It is what is."

"Still, how can you just sit there and take this gossip?" Amon snapped, picking up his chopsticks and started picking at his food. "I'd be madder than hell. I'm just getting mad listening to it."

"Like I said, I'm not going to be here much longer. There no point in trying to stop it," Ichigo grinned again. "I'll just have to put up with it for now."

"Tch! How can you just write this off?" Amon huffed, setting chopstick back down.

"I'm not writing anything off. I hear them and it does hurt," Ichigo answered, looking down at his own half eaten plate. "I can't say I'm not angry but I just have to realize I can't change people opinions or fix the mistakes. Hmmm… I'm dealing with it, truly. This isn't my first time facing hard criticism you should know that. You need to calm down."

"How can I be calm when my friend is catching hell for no good reason?" Amon barked, slamming a fist on the table.

"Hmhmhm! Stop getting so flustered over me," Ichigo chuckled a bit but Amon frowned.

"It's not funny," Amon snapped at him. "Don't try to make a joke out of this!"

Ichigo's smile faded again. It really wasn't funny, he knew that. He really wanted to talk about else to change the mood.

"Can we change the subject?" Ichigo suddenly blurted out, going back to his lunch. "You're getting too worked up."

"No! I don't want to change the subject," Amon growled.

"Well, I do," Ichigo replied sharply. "Any news on the Rabbit lately?"

"Don't start that," Amon growled, glaring at Ichigo.

"I see… Well," Ichigo stood and picked up his tray. "You can't let this go. It's my problem not yours. Don't try to shoulder this for me or you'll become part of the rumor factory as well. I'll deal with this on my own. So stay out of it."

"Ichigo," Amon snapped as his friend walked around the table.

Amon got up to his feet, watching Ichigo dump his half eaten meal into the trash and set the tray with the others. Ichigo didn't even acknowledge him and walked away. Amon sat back down. Should he go after his friend or really just drop the subject like he was asked to do. He felt like he had just pushed his friend away. He gnashed his teeth tightly together fighting with what he should do. He shook his head and furious started eating his meal. If Ichigo wanted to be left alone it was best to honor that. He didn't want to push any more than he just did.

Ichigo came home seeing his gigai resting on the floor of his bedroom, propped up against the wall. The gigai was covered in nothing but a white sheet. This was a little unnerving for some reason. It was an exact replica of him right down his streaky hair. He didn't know why this bothered him so much as he had seen his body lifeless before when he was a shinigami. Still this wasn't… Comfortable. He just couldn't sleep in there. He grabbed his covers and his pillow before walking out into the living room. He curled up in his covers on the floor and adjusted his pillow.

"Don't tell me you're that uncomfortable with it?" Toshiro asked, standing over him.

"Yeah, for some reason I am," Ichigo groaned. "I've gotten out of the habit of a lot of things. One is seeing… Something like that in my bedroom."

"You're just being stupid," Toshiro grunted crossing his arms and glared down at Ichigo.

"Perhaps, but… Yeah… Can't do it," Ichigo shook his head. "It's a doll thing."

"You're scared of dolls?"

"No! No, of course not… It's just that… It's a bit, uh…"

"Too real?"

"Yeah… Th-that'll work."

"Still say you're being stupid."

Ichigo's eye twitched at Toshiro's bluntness.

"I'm not being stupid!"

"Then you're chicken shit."

"…"

"…"

"I liked being stupid better."

"Then stop complaining, idiot."

The two glared at each other for a moment before Ichigo turned around and pulled the covers up over his chin. Well, that ended that conversation. Toshiro shook his head and turned towards the door. He needed from fresh air. He grabbed his coat and slipped on his shoes. He stepped out and locked the door back before he left. He needed to figure which bridge to use. It was going to start raining hard that night and into tomorrow. So chances were the water cannels were going to be flooded and running hard for a little while. If the change happened within that time it would be best. Or maybe one of the rivers… That might be much better as a lot of water is pumped into them for the cannels.

The air was cool and it felt good to Toshiro as he took in the morning air. He yawned and looked around for some place to eat. He was feeling a little lazy and didn't want to fix anything at Ichigo's. There were a couple of fast food joints that were open in the area but they were nothing but grease. A bakery might be best if there was one open. He looked around a little when he felt someone following him. Not good. He quickened his steps and walked by a small produce stand. He snagged an apple and paid for it.

He had a feeling he knew who it was; that flamboyant ghoul from the other night. He was not in the mood for the bastard. The ghoul was getting a little closer by the minute. He wasn't going to let that creep put a hand on him. When he knew the ghoul was right behind him… He tossed the apple up into the air and spun around quickly, kicking it straight between the man's eyes. He fell back, clear off his feet, and landed flat on the pavement. The busted apple landed on the ground close to his head.

"Try it again I dare you, you son of a bitch," Toshiro bit out with venom as the ghoul slowly sat up, nursing the back of his head.

Suddenly Toshiro and the ghoul heard a girl laughing across the narrow street. She was in a high school uniform and her short raven hair covered one side of her face. Her face was turning red from laughing so hard and she wasn't doing anything to try and stifle her laughter. The flamboyant ghoul had a look of recognition on his face as he glared at her. He gnashed his teeth hard and balled his hands up.

"Kirishima," he snapped at her, getting to his feet. "You bitch!"

She just gave him a rude gesture in return and continued on down the sidewalk, still laughing as hard a she could. She looked like she crying from laughing so hard. The ghoul turned back to his pray only to find him long gone. He growled pulling out a handkerchief and wiped the sticky apple fragments from his flushed face. That brat was going to get it. He was going to really enjoy tearing that little white haired freak to pieces. He looked at the large chunk of apple that remained and kicked the busted apple only to beam a cop in the chest as he rounded the corner. This was not his day. He quickly turned and ran as the cop gave chase. The street was a little too crowed to reveal what he was. He would have the CCG down him in the blink of eye if he did. He'd just have to ditch the cop and fast.

Toshiro returned not long after leaving. He didn't feel like running into that ghoul again. Ichigo was passed out on the floor, lightly snoring. Toshiro shook his head going into the kitchen. He didn't want to make anything but he didn't have a choice at that point. He pulled out some food and quickly got to work making something to eat.

Once he finished eating he cleaned up some and walked back into the living room. Ichigo was still sleeping like a rock. He walked over to the TV and turned it on. He quickly turned down the volume and started to watch the last of the morning news. It was going to a good while yet before Ichigo woke up and neither Fueguchi or Kusaba were hanging around at the moment. He might as well do some work.

He got up and pulled out some paperwork from his duffel bag. He'd be damn if he let Rangiku handle this. Most of this was the squad's finances and benefits. He needed to finished them up and handed them as soon as he returned. He worked on those as he continued to watch TV. He was about half way through when he heard a light knock the front door. No doubt it was the ghoul from a few doors down. Ichigo still hadn't budged. He must be completely out.

Toshiro knew the ghoul was looking for some sort of little computer device. He ran into Ichigo's bedroom and looked through his pants' pockets. He found it and walked back up to the door. He opened it ever so slightly to make sure who it was.

"Um, hello?" the ghoul asked, looking at the small crack in the door.

Suddenly there was a small out stretched hand holding a USB drive. He took the drive and the door instantly slammed shut and the lock clicked. The ghoul was left looking at the door a little baffled. Clearly that wasn't Ichigo, it must have been his odd little house guest. Okay, he slowly turned toward the stairs. It was best not to linger.

Toshiro went back to work. This was dull as hell but it had to be done. He worked on them for about an hour. He was right at the end when Ichigo stirred a little from his sleep. Ichigo looked up to see the TV on and Toshiro looking at him with a stack of papers in front of him. He had seen enough of that crap to know that the captain was working on his paperwork.

"I hate paperwork," Ichigo grumbled, covering his head with his blanket.

"Yeah, well…" Toshiro shrugged. "No one likes doing it."

"Hmmm…" Ichigo groaned and curled into a loose ball.

It wasn't long before Ichigo was out again. Toshiro sighed and finished the last sheet. He organized the papers and put them back in his duffel bag. Well, that was out of the way. He stretched out his arms and debated if he should try and leave the apartment again. Then again… Yeah, he'd stay put for now. He didn't want a repeat of earlier. The ghoul got off lucky. Toshiro was no pushover and next time the bastard might not be so lucky.

He looked at the TV again. There wasn't much else to do now but watch TV and let Ichigo sleep. This was going to be a boring morning. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and picked up the remote. He lazily started to flip through the channels. Hopefully, he could find something that would hold his interest for a while.

Ichigo was back at work again and there was no end in sight with his paperwork. He needed a small break. He got up and did a little walking around the halls, ignoring people. He might just go and see Amon. He didn't leave on the best of terms yesterday with his friend. He walked down to the elevators and waited for a cabin to come up. The doors opened and he went to get in but he paused. He took in the three people on the elevator. One was Amon, the other to his surprise was Shinohara, and then there was a blonde between them… He wasn't sure of…

The two stared at each other for a quick moment. Ichigo felt uneasy around the blonde dressed in slippers and suspenders. He looked like a loose cannon to be honest. Especially, with those weird red stitches in his skin and that creepy grin smeared across his face. Ichigo took a small step back only to have the blonde grab him and yank him into the cabin by the front of his suit.

"Hello, carrot top," the blonde said, jumping up and roughly running his hands through Ichigo's hair, pulling a little a bit. "So this is your real hair! I kind of like it! Are these highlights?"

"Let go of my head," Ichigo pushed the teen off and stood up, his hair was now a mess. He looked more than a little frazzled.

"Suzuya, that's enough," Shinohara snapped, squeezing the teen's shoulder. "You've done enough damage this evening. What a mess we have to clean up because of you."

Ichigo tried to get his hair back to where it was supposed to be as the elevator dinged and the doors opened. Ichigo got off with the other three right behind him. Amon walked up to him and put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder.

"He's not my favorite person either," Amon whispered into Ichigo's ear.

"Who is he anyway?" Ichigo whispered back.

"He's Shinohara's new underling. His name his Suzuya Juzo," Amon said, shaking his head. "He's got to clear up a mess that Suzuya made this evening before he takes that brat elsewhere for the night."

"Like what sort of a mess?" Ichigo inquired.

"You don't want to know," Amon grimaced.

"Hey, you two, what are you being so secretive about, hm?" the blonde asked, getting between them from behind, and hung off their shoulders. "Is it a good story? I love good stories!"

The two men groaned in response and knocked the brat off them.

"Ah, come on, don't be like that," Suzuya said, slapping both men hard on the back. Both nearly yelped from the sheer force of the hit.

"Suzuya, stop fooling around and come with me, please," Shinohara said sternly as Suzuya hurried over to him. "I've got him from here, Amon. You have second shift tomorrow so you go on home."

"Yes, sir," Amon said, motioning Ichigo to follow him.

"Hey! Hey wait! Carrot top! Are you the one that the ghouls around here call Hawk?" the blonde asked as Shinohara grabbed the boy by his arm.

"Leave him alone. He doesn't need to be bothered by you right now," Shinohara snapped.

"Aw, I'm just asking a question. You're being mean," Suzuya pouted, before turning back to Ichigo and Amon as they waited for an elevator. "Well, carrot top, are you Hawk or not?"

Ichigo was trying his hardest to ignore him as he waited for an elevator to come back to this floor. Amon could see the strained look on Ichigo's face.

"What's the matter, carrot top? Cat got your tongue?" Suzuya chuckled and tried to pull out of Shinohara's grasp. "Hey, let me talk to him!"

"Suzuya, come this way," Shinohara said, pulling his underling down the hall. "Kurosaki doesn't need you all over him."

Ichigo and Amon let out a long sigh of relief with that brat out of their hair—for now. The elevator finally arrived on their floor and they got on. Ichigo brought it back down to his floor and walked Amon into his office. Ichigo shut the door right.

"Wow! You have a lot of paperwork," Amon commented and Ichigo sighed, flopping back down into his office chair.

"Please, don't remind me," Ichigo groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Amon took the seat in front of the desk looking at Ichigo moan. He then picked up and looked at some of the papers.

"If you want I can help you with some of this—"

"Please!" Ichigo almost shouted, standing back up in a flash.

Amon leaned back hard in seat a little shocked at Ichigo's quick response. He cleared his throat and slowly leaned forward again.

"Okay, okay! Give me a pen," Amon choked out as Ichigo sat back down and fished out a pen out of the desk drawer. "I had no idea you were this backlogged."

"I'm more than backlogged…" Ichigo grumbled, picking up his own pen and started to work again. "Thanks for helping."

"No problem," Amon said, scooting up a little closer to the desk so he could work.

The two remained quiet for a while as they just worked on the backlogged mountain of papers. Amon finally looked up at Ichigo as he put some information into the computer.

"Ichigo… About last night… I didn't mean to push you like I did," Amon said as Ichigo turned his head to look at him. "I was angry with what I was hearing and I…"

"It's just water under the bridge. I'm not worried about it," Ichigo smiled but Amon could read between that. That wasn't a happy smile, it was sad. "I wasn't exactly hospitable either so we're even."

"Stop doing that."

"Stop doing what?"

Amon sighed again, looking at Ichigo's puzzled face.

"That fake smile of yours," Amon grumbled and Ichigo's smile faded. "I don't like it. What's really going on with you?"

Ichigo chewed on his bottom lip. He was unsure of what to say.

"Well, are you going to answer me? I'm very worried about you," Amon snapped, throwing the pen down on the desk and cross his arms. "You haven't been yourself lately. To be frank, you're scaring the shit out of me. Ever since you had that odd fainting spell a few weeks ago… You've been acting oddly."

"You're worrying too much," Ichigo snorted, waving him off.

"I am not," Amon got to his feet and slammed his hands on the desk. His face scrunched in anger. "Stop it with this act of yours, Ichigo! You think I haven't noticed?!"

"N-noticed what?"

"You're more than tired of this job! I can see it in your eyes and your body language! You're sick, aren't you? It's scaring you."

Ichigo just looked up at him a little wide-eyed. Sick? Yeah, in a sense he was. Ichigo put on a small smile.

"Yeah… I am," Ichigo mumbled as Amon's angry look softened a bit.

"Have you been to a doctor?" he asked and Ichigo shook his head.

"No… I don't want to see a doctor."

"Why not?"

"I just don't. Are we going to start a fight again like we did last night?"

Amon stopped the words from coming out of his mouth. Damn, he was right. He closed his eyes and let out a long, heavy sigh. They were back to fighting yet again. This wasn't good. He sat back down, running a hand down his face. Amon was just worried and angry about everything that was happening. He didn't like fighting and if Ichigo really was sick the last thing the man needed was more stress.

"No, I don't want to fight again," Amon mumbled, crossing his arms. "I just…"

"I'll be fine! Honest! Don't stress over me," Ichigo said, going back to the computer. "I like you better as friend than a mother hen."

Amon wanted to say something but thought better of it. He bit tongue and went back to working on the papers in front of him. He looked over at Ichigo as he stared blankly into the computer screen. He drew in a breath.

"I still think you should—"

"Ah-ah. No. Drop it."

"Tch… Fine. Consider it dropped."

Amon eventually left for the night to get some sleep. Ichigo continued to work a long after Amon left. He was alone in his office still working on paperwork and the computer. He took this time to pull off a little more information for Yoshimura with another USB drive. It was getting close to the end of his shift and he could see some heavy rain hitting his large window. He couldn't wait to go and get the sleep he wanted so badly.

He started to organize the papers for tomorrow. It would help get things done come tomorrow. He cleaned up his area as well and got rid of any unneeded clutter. He just needed to change his clothes and head back home. He gathered his things and started towards the door. Sleep really sounded good right now.

King!

Ichigo's gloved hand hovered over the door handle. Was that… His hollow? This couldn't be good.

Yes, what is it?

What the hell is your problem?! This world is still flooded! It's not as bad as it was but it's not great. What's keeping you from pulling the plug?

I… I don't know…

You don't know?! You're pissing me off! Figure it out and do it fast!

What does that mean?

Our time is nearly up. Whatever is still bothering you, you need to get rid of it! You don't want to become a beast, do you?

Absolutely not!

Then take a look at yourself and figure out what's broken and repair it like the midget said to do.

I-I don't know! Honest, I don't! I… I just… What's keeping me from… I…

Damn it! Hurry up! My time is super limited! I can't hold on for much longer! Get the hell out of this building! Move it, move it!

Ichigo swung the door open and quickly shut it back, starting towards the elevators. Clearly, his hollow was scared and that couldn't be good.

Keep calm… Ichigo thought, looking up a camera. I can't act oddly with cameras all over the building.

He waited as a couple more people joined him. He needed to call Toshiro and tell him to get ready but he couldn't do that with everyone around him. The soul phone would be impossible for them to see. He'd have to wait until he got out of the building. Finally an elevator arrived. He went to get on only see Shinohara and Suzuya! Damn his luck.

"Oh-no," he groaned under his breath.

"Hello again, Mr. Carrot Top," he the blonde waved as the others in the hall looked at Ichigo.

"Good bye—Eep!"

Ichigo went to turn around but was quickly jerked back into the cabin by the creepy blonde. Those still standing in the hall took a couple steps back not wanting to get in the middle of whatever was going on. They would catch the next one down.

"Suzuya, stop that!" Shinohara snapped as the doors closed.

"This hair of yours… I like it so, so much," Suzuya said, playing with Ichigo's hair again. "It's softer than it looks! Soft… Soft… Soft…"

"Get off me," Ichigo snapped, pushing the blonde back again. "Stop doing that!"

"I'm sorry, Kurosaki, he heard about you just recently and he has wanted to meet you since," Shinohara said, scratching the back of his head. "He's sort of idolized you a bit."

"A bit?!" Ichigo growled.

"You're Hawk like I thought! I can't believe I'm finally meeting you," Suzuya grinned, looking up at Ichigo and wildly shook his hand. "You're rather tall! But not as tall as that friend of yours! That Amon fellow! Now he's really, really tall."

"Uh, yeah…" Ichigo heard the ding of the elevator. It wasn't the lobby but he wasn't going to stay with the crazy in the cabin. "Later!"

"Aw, hold on! I'm not finished talking to you yet, Mr. Carrot Top," Suzuya said, grabbing Ichigo again and looked at those just outside the elevator. "Sorry, losers, catch the next one."

Suzuya hit the close door button a couple of times and the doors shut again. Ichigo let out a growl. He just wanted off this damn elevator. He turned his glare at Shinohara.

"Keep him in check," Ichigo snapped at Shinohara. "I don't need this sort of stress right now!"

"I'm completely sorry about this! He's been in an odd mood all evening," Shinohara said, glaring down at his new charge.

"And another thing! Hand it over," Ichigo snapped, holding out his hand. "My wallet, right now!"

"Wow! You actually noticed I took it," he said a little impressed, handing Ichigo his wallet back.

"Plus the money."

"Aw, but that's the good stuff."

Suzuya handed Ichigo a wad of crumpled yen notes. Ichigo snatched them and put them back in his wallet.

"Suzuya, what's your problem tonight?" Shinohara asked as the blonde shrugged. "Apologize to him! This is no way for any investigator to act."

"Right, right! I am soooo sorry, Mr. Carrot Top, for taking your wallet," he said with a ridiculously deep bow. "There? Are you happy?"

"No, not really," Ichigo grumbled.

"But I thought it was a good apology. I bowed and everything," he pouted, giving Ichigo the puppy-dog eyes.

I want to knock the shit out him!

You're not the only one but keep calm.

I'm trying to. I'm really trying...

The elevator dinged again and Ichigo turned to get off again. Suzuya went to grab him once more. Oh, no not this time. Shinohara went to pull the blonde's hand back but Ichigo reacted faster. He twisted the brat's arm hard and flipped him out of the elevator with surprising speed and force. Suzuya landed hard on his back sliding the tile flooring. He sat up rubbing his lower back as he turned to look at Ichigo, who was towering over him with a nasty look on his face. Suzuya just smiled and got up to his feet. He quickly went after Ichigo, pulling out his quinque knife. This was going to be fun. He kind of wanted to see if Hawk lived up to his reputation.

"Suzuya Juzo, stop! Don't you dare do it," Shinohara jumped out of elevator and went to grab the blonde and just missed.

Ichigo wasn't going to let this nut job get away with this crap any more. He grabbed the boy's arm and twisted it again until the blade was forced out of his hand. He then shoved the boy in a wall but the blond pushed off with is arms, knocking Ichigo back with hard shoulder to Ichigo's ribs. Ichigo staggered slightly. He didn't have the time for this. He kid came down with a hard fist, which Ichigo quickly caught within his opened hand. The blonde whistled obviously impressed.

"Hey, you really are good," he grinned in a menacing way. "But I want to—"

He was cut off instantly by a gloved hand grabbing his face and slamming him hard to the tiled floor. He struggled trying to get Ichigo's right hand off his face. He started clawing and kicking but Ichigo wasn't letting up. Honestly, Ichigo was smothering him by covering his nose and mouth. Ichigo had enough and he was proving his point. He was not in the mood and he didn't have the time to deal with this nutter.

"Lets goeth of meeth," Suzuya snapped under Ichigo's hard pressed hand. "Can'th breatha!"

"Then keep your hands off me from here on out," Ichigo growled, pulling his hand back quickly.

He then picked the teen up roughtly by his suspenders and threw him at straight at Shinohara. The man just did catch his charge as he was slammed against a wall. Everyone in the hall just started at Ichigo, awestruck. Clearly he was in a piss poor mood. A lot had never actually seen him working out in the field and were stunned but how quick and strong he was.

"Keep that damn bastard in check," Ichigo hissed though his clinched teeth, pointing a finger at a stunned Shinohara. "I'm not well and I can't handle stresses like him! He tries a stunt like that again… So help me… Neither one of you will like me!"

Ichigo then turned and headed towards the steps. He was close enough to the ground level that he might as well continue down from there. He hurried down the stairs, bushing passed people as he tried to get out of the building. He knew he couldn't stay much longer. He could feel it in his bones. His time was getting closer with each step he took. He finally got off on the ground floor and opened the door. He tried not to look too suspicious as he moved across the lobby. His eyes were actually starting to hurt. Yeah, not good.

He finally made it to the doors and hurried out of them. He needed to get away and quick. He knew where he needed to go. He need to head toward the old warehouses. He finally made it off the property and ducked into a secluded area away from people. He pulled out his soul phone and hunkered down out of sight if anybody passing by. He dialed the number and waited for Toshiro to pick up.

"Hello? Kurosaki?"

"Y-yeah, it's me. It's starting," Ichigo whispered, feeling his muscles cramp up. "Ow... I'm going to a head over to the location. I'll meet you there."

"Can you make it alone? I can come to where you are if you need help."

"I'll make it on my own but I'm hurting quite a bit so it might take me a while. I don't think I should use sonido. It might make things worse."

"Understood. I'll meet you at warehouse B1. Call me if something should happen and you can't make it alone."

"Okay, I will. See you soon."

Ichigo hung up and painfully got to his feet. He had a little bit of a hike so he had better hurry. The rain was was just pouring down and of all times to forget his coat. It wasn't like he could go back and get it. That late fall air mixed with his soaked suit did nothing but add to his misery. Not mention his hat so that left him a little more open to attack. Just his damn luck. He needed to keep moving and hopefully make it to the warehouse without causing alarm.

Keep going… I'm trying as hard as I can to keep from...

Just hold out long enough for me to get to the warehouses! How much longer do you have?

Not much. Have you figured how to drain your inner world yet? Seriously you need to figure this out right now!

I'm trying but I can't really think too well at the moment!

I don't give a damn! FIX IT! What's keeping you from figuring it out?

I don't know! Stop yelling, you're not help me!

And you're not helping yourself either! King, do something quick!

Like what? If you have an idea let me know! Because I can't figure it out!

You really do piss me off! Think, dumbass! What's keeping this world flooded?! Whoa! Watch it!

Ichigo raced in front of a truck just missed getting hit by it. That was way too close. He had to keep his mind on his surroundings as well. What was it that he was missing? Either his hollow didn't know or he was hoping Ichigo would figure it out on his own. He didn't know what it was! He was trying his hardest to figure out his own riddle.

He raced out across a small bridge pushing through people as he looked down at the rising water below him. The raging water glittered in the city lights. He needed to make a mental list of what needed to be done to keep his mind. What was it? He accepted his fate, although reluctantly. He knew he couldn't fix his past mistakes but he had to keep moving forward. He had to face his fears and not run from them. He had to stop being a fool and take charge of his life again. So what else was there? What was he missing…? What was it that…

His will… His resolve… That's what he was missing. He was missing his resolve to do what he needed to get. He wasn't pushing himself quite hard enough to accomplish his goals. He still had his doubts about everything. He needed to push his doubts back and remove them from his mind. He needed to believe in himself again. He had a whole list of things he needed to do but he needed to believe he could accomplish them. He needed his resolve to push him forward and his self-belief to stomp out his doubts.

He needed the old Ichigo back; his teenage self. He needed to take risks, be reckless, be optimistic, and not care what others thought all the time. He needed to fight for what he believed in, go all out, never give up, and push against the grain. He had been hiding who he truly was just to impress the wrong people and they weren't ever impressed from the beginning. He had been a tool. A cog in a horrible machine and he was breaking away from that. He was much more than that. He never should have become a ghoul investigator and he never should have left his friends and family back in Karakura Town. No more lying to others and no more lying to himself. He was Kurosaki Ichigo and he didn't need to be anyone else but his truest self.

This of course meant he had to say good bye to this life and all the people he cared about as an investigator. That meant everyone he had grown attached to. Akane, Amon, Kaneki, Ryoko, Kusaba, and as much as it pained him to admit it even that bastard Mado. That was going to be the hardest thing to throw out all those people and a few more but if he wanted to keep moving forward something had to be removed to make a clear path. Sacrifices were needed to make everything work in his favor. He also needed to put that resolved into saying good bye to this life and all that live in it. He had new life and they weren't going to be part of it.

"I'm sorry..." he muttered finally accepting what needed to be done as he continued down the street.

HAHAHAHAAAA! You have finally pulled that plug! Keep going and get rid of it all! Hold on that will power of yours and keep going! Never let go!

"I'm not going to. Not this time or ever again!"

Ichigo grinned and continued to weaving between people as he worked his way to his destination. He really had been a fool to forget so much of himself. He was the king and he dictated what he did with his life. No damn government agency was going to hold him back ever again. He had finally regained his crown with all its beautiful imperfections.

Toshiro arrived at the warehouse first already being closer to the location. He had brought some supplies with him. He didn't know what Ichigo might need. He was up on the second floor where what looked to have been a large open office area. He started to set things up as he waited. So far Ichigo hadn't called so things must still be okay. He looked at his phone for the time. It was nearly 6:30 in the morning. The waiting game was getting to him a little bit. He was genuinely worried for the former substitute-shinigami. Hopefully he hadn't collapsed somewhere.

Click-tic-tic…

What was that? He turned to where he heard the sound in the cold darkness. He all he saw were a few scattered rusting old desks and file cabinets sitting in the distant shadows. Most likely it was something falling from the ceiling. Given how this place looked he was surprised the city hadn't torn them down yet. He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose turning back to what he was doing. Where was that that idiot—

Toshiro felt something pierce through his shoulder from behind. He looked down to see a sharp kagune impaling his shoulder all the way through. He was picked up off his feet and thrown into air. Damn it! He was so preoccupied with Kurosaki he didn't even notice the bastard. He'd have to work on that. Toshiro managed to right himself just before he hit the floor. He landed squarely on his feet and stood up straight. Anger was chiseled into his face as he looked at the ghoul in the ugly colored suit. Honestly, who wears a canary yellow suit?

"Wow, I am thoroughly impressed. You actually landed on your feet like a little kitty-cat," the ghoul grinned, looking at Toshiro rather amused. "And you're still standing on top of that. Most that I've can barely take a knee."

"I'm conditioned for pain," Toshiro snapped. "I've been hit by a lot worse."

"Oh? Well, I'll admit that's a surprise. Hit by much worse, you say? It seem that maybe I need to try harder to outdo whatever struck you before," the ghoul leered as he charged at Toshiro. "You highly embarrassed me yesterday and in front of Kirishima no less! That is completely unforgivable! I'm not having that go unpunished! Die!"

He made a perfect jab at the boy's head but Toshiro ducked and slid between the man's legs with practiced ease. Damn, who the hell was this kid? He swung around again only to see the brat jump up and get round house kicked in the head. He stumbled back barely able to keep from falling to the old, filth covered floor. That actually hurt. This kid wasn't what he was expecting. The brat then ran to his large duffel bag and hastily pulled something out. A sword? A real genuine katana was in that boy's hands. Toshiro unsheathed it and held out it in front like the veteran fighter that he was. The ghoul grinned with amusement at the child. Was this brat actually serious? No steel blade, no matter how sharp, could cut him. Poor dear was was going to find that out the hard way.

"Hahahaha! Bravo! Bravo!" the ghoul clapped mockingly, glaring at his white haired prey. "So you wish to exchange blades? I'm very happy to oblige!"

The kagune that was wrapped around his right arm changed from a sharp point to a large sharp blade. He brush back a piece of purple hair and smiled. Pity, this boy had no idea what he was truly up against. This was going to be good and well worth the effort. He was going to slice the brat into pieces and enjoy his flesh as a victory meal.

"En garde," he gave toothy girn but the boy seemed to care less.

The ghoul once again made the first move. He'd cut right through the piece of junk sword. His kagune meet the silver blade with an unyielding force. He pushed down but the boy's blade wasn't giving any. If anything the katana was cutting into his kagune. The boy had his other arm up, pressing against the back of the blade for support. How was this kid able to withstand him? Suddenly, the kid mustered up the strength that pushed the ghoul back and he quickly swung his own blade. The blade was nothing but a flash of light as it tore through his atrocious suit and into the skin of his upper torso. The ghoul stumbled back looking down at the blood soaking into his suit.

That wasn't a quinque blade, he knew that, so how did…? He needed to concentrate on healing but he noticed his wound wasn't closing as fast as it should. He suddenly felt a sharp force puncture through his shoulder. He made the mistake of taking his eyes off the kid but how did the brat get behind him so quickly? He was then swung around and blade was torn from his shoulder.

"AAAAGH!" the ghoul hit the floor bloodied and in pain.

"An eye for an eye," the young captain smirked, swinging his blade a couple of times to remove the unwanted blood. "Turnabout his fair play."

"H-how? That is nothing but a steel blade," the ghoul growled with a horrified look. "It shouldn't cut my skin! What is that atrocious thing?!"

Toshiro just smirked and held the blade into what little light was in through the large, filth covered windows.

"It is not steel nor is it a quinque," Toshiro said, taking a step forward and then appeared in the ghoul's face with a hard kick.

The bastard was knocked back again along the empty, dusty floor. How did that brat move like that…? Wait, Hawk, could do the same thing. He stared wide-eyed at the boy as he walked towards him. He painfully stumbled to his feet his suit taint a brownish black from the dust on the floor. Clearly, he had to take this a lot more seriously. Not only was the blade unknow to him so was the being standing before him. He needed to take this thing out before anything happened. He came at the boy with everything he had. The boy struggled just a pinch but he countered the sharp kagune blow for blow. In a fit of rage the ghoul opted to do a stupid stunt. He pushed the boy's blade down just enough, sacrificing a bit of leg to get his teeth in close for a bite. He latched on and bit into the boy's face just below Toshiro's eye. His teeth managed to tear off a small section of the kid's pale skin. He used his lips to push the piece of flesh farther into his mouth.

The ghoul stumbled back looking at boy's pained expression as blood poured from the jagged crater. He stared to chew on the small chunk of flesh but a look of disgust took over his face. He quickly spit out the vile flesh he had worked so hard for. That was the worst taste he had ever experienced. He almost wanted to vomit from the vileness of it. He looked up at the boy, spitting blood from his mouth.

"I hope you know I'm the one that's playing with you, you bastard," Toshiro growled, lightly touching his heavily bleeding wound. "Honestly, I've never fought a ghoul before and I'm only engaging you out of curiosity. You've surprised a few times but I'm not impressed. I'm more pissed now than anything for you taking a bite out of me."

"Not impressed?! You are not impressed by me?! How dare you," he yelled, his red eyes flaring as bright as they could. "I'll... I'll show you just how impressive I can be! I'll impress you, shock you, and scare you, you vile thing!"

"By all means, try it," Toshiro snorted, making a come gesture for the ghoul to make his next move. "I'm waiting."

That was the final straw! The ghoul let out an enrage yell and charged straight for that little monster. He was going to get retribution for everything this boy had done to him. He was about on top of the boy we he felt something snatch the top of his, pulling his head with a hard snap. He let out a yelp as he fell back onto the floor with loud meaty thud. He didn't even have time to open his eyes when someone grabbed the front of suit and tossed him across the open space. He hit the floor rolling, kicking up all manner of dust and debris before slamming into an old desk. He rested face down on the cold floor. What the hell just happened? He coughed trying to clear his throat as he craned his head up to see a man standing not that far from him. He's eyes narrowed in anger before widening into a look of pure terror. The man was dressed in a deep black suit, a blood red shirt, and a bright white necktie. It the was trademark look of very a notorious CCG investigator. There stood at very irate Hawk in all of his glory.

How did Hawk end up in this old abandoned place? There was no way he knew to come to the warehouses. This was bad. This was very bad. He still remembered the investigator's warning all too clearly. What had he done? He pushed up on his elbows to get a better look at his new attacker. Hawk's expression of anger far surpassed that night at the church. Suddenly, something caught his eyes and left him shaking even more. His fiery red eyes soon connected with electric gold. His mouth opened in disbelief. All this time Hawk was... Hawk was the yellow-eyed ghoul? His focus then turned back to the boy as he cleared his throat and looked up the investigator beside him.

"You're a bit late, Kurosaki," Toshiro grumbled, looking up at Ichigo. "I was getting worried about you."

"Yeah, well… I had to fight foot traffic to get here. Rain or not people don't move," Ichigo snorted, pulling off his gloves showing long black talons. "You're not too hurt, are you, Toshiro?"

"No. So, by chance do you know this asshole?" Toshiro asked, turning back to the quivering ghoul.

"Oh, yeah, he's the famous Gourmet. Tsukiyama, I seemed to have made a large mistake with you," Ichigo growled, looking through his shaggy orange and white hair. "I'm going to fix that mistake here and now. I was angry when you attacked Kaneki and his friends but to go after one of my closest friends… That is the last mistake you'll ever make."

Tsukiyama looked up locked in fear at Ichigo as the investigator advanced towards him. Tsukiyama felt a fear he had never felt before. A real, primal fear. His body refused to stop trembling and his heart raced faster and faster with each step Ichigo made. He was having to fight his body to get up and run. He finally snap his body awake and quickly rolled over and tried to crawl away as fast as he could. Only to find Ichigo suddenly standing before him clearly out of nowhere. He tried to get up at that point and run but he was pushed down with a firm foot on his back. The pressure of being pinned did his wounds no good as they started to bleed a little more. At this point there was not other option, his pride and dignity be damned.

"Pl-please! Don't kill m-me! I... I-I had no idea he w-was a friend of yours," Tsukiyama cried as his voice squeaking slightly. He struggling to squirm out from under Ichigo's foot. "I'm b-b-being honest about that! I didn't kn-know!"

"Honest or not, Tsukiyama, I'm not letting you leave this building alive," Ichigo snarled, his eyes narrowing. "I gave you a chance once. You're not getting another and I'm going to fix this mistake."

"Pl-please! Please, I-I had no idea! I sw-swear to you," Tsukiyama cried out as tears started to pour from his eyes. "I would h-have never pursued h-him had I known! Pl-please! I beg of you! I d-don't want to die!"

"Tell, me something... Is this how your victims sounded as you toyed with them before killing them? Did they begged for their lives like you're doing this very second? I'm sure they did," Ichigo hissed, pressing down harder into Tsukiyama's spine. "You didn't kill to survive. No, instead you killed for the pleasure of it! I want you to feel every bit of their pain and their terror as you stole their lives! You will find no mercy from me! I never should have let you lived that night at the church!"

"Pl-please, don't do this! I'm s-sorry! You can't imagine h-h-how sorry am! I'll find some w-way to repent for what I've d-done," Tsukiyama cried out, tears pouring from his eyes. "Pl-please, oh, please! Sp-spare me! I'll change this t-time! That's a pr-promise! I won't ever hurt another soul! Just l-let me live!"

"Bullshit! You're lying! You're nothing but lies. You're not sorry for a damn thing. You're only saying all this trash to get out the mess you're in," Ichigo snapped. "I told you I'm fresh out of mercy and you're going to be my last target as an investigator! I'm glad I can do one last good deed to this city before I go."

Ichigo raised his hand feeling the hilt of a sword manifest in his fingers. He looked to see the large blade in his grasp but it looked like a distortion of the air this world. The strange zanpakuto didn't look like it had changed too much since he used it last. Then again, if this blade was constructed out of his emotions the way it was now was completely acceptable as far Ichigo cared. Tsukiyama was going to feel his anger and hate. He flipped the blade down aiming the sharp time of blade down at teh ghoul's speeding heart.

"DON'T! PL-PLEASE," Tsukiyama screamed at the top of his lungs. "DON'T K-KILL MEEE! I'M BEGGING! I-I-I'LL CHANGE THIS T-TIME! BELIEVE ME!"

Ichigo looked over at Toshiro breifly. It was clear by the vacant expression on the small captain's face that he didn't care what Ichigo did. Fine by him. He said not a word as he brought the transparent blade down right through Gourmet's heart. It went straight through like a hot knife in butter. The ghoul choked for but a moment before became a lifeless on the floor. This was only part one. Ichigo pulled the blade back and removed his foot from the corpse. Toshiro and Ichigo only at to wait for a moment as Tsukiyama's soul rolled out of his body huffing and puffing. He sat up and grabbing his chest only to find a hard plate with a short metal chain hanging from it. He turned ever so slight to right and spotted his lifeless body right next to him. How did…? He looked down to the blood covering his clothes and the gapping hole where his was. He let out shriek as the scooted away from his lifeless body. How could this be real? This had to be some sort of horror illusion, a nightmare! There was no why the corpse could be him! Noticing he wasn't alone he turned to look up at Hawk and the white haired boy. They just started down at him with nothing but contempt.

"It's your turn," Ichigo said, stepping back as he looked at Toshiro. "I can't do anything more."

"Wh-what?" Tsukiyama choked out as Toshiro quickly advance on him. "What's g-going on?! What are you going to d-do to me?! Keep away! K-keep awa-a-ay! Stay back! STAY BAAACK!"

"Hmhm... Look at you now. Cowering and sniveling. I told you I wasn't impressed and now I'm more than just disappointed. You're dead if you hadn't noticed," Toshiro said, pointing the corpse as he stepped over it. "That being said, you fall under my jurisdiction."

"I-I… What?! I don't understand! G-get away from me," he went to swing his right arm only to find his kagune wasn't there. He tried to manifest it but it wouldn't materialize. "NOO! NONONONOOO! That's not possible! Where's my kagune?! Why can't I manifest it?!"

"Ghouls and humans are the same in death," Toshiro stated, bringing his zanpakuto around in front. "And I'm not human as I'm sure you've realized. I'm a shinigami."

"Sh-sh-shinigami? What?!" Tsukiyama squeaked out, trying to keep moving backwards. "Th-that can't b-be true! There's not such thing!"

"It is true and it's time I stopped chatting and do my damn job," Toshiro said coldly, flipping the blade around so the end of the hilt faced the ghoul.

He jumped the ghould slammed the hilt down hard on his forehead. He quickly jumped back as rumbled sound alerted him that Gates of Hell had been summoned. Gates appeared all too in all its gigantic, skeletal glory. Tsukiyama just started up at the horrible structure. Toshiro and Ichigo quickly got out of the way as the doors opened to welcome its newest resident.

"What is this?" Tsukiyama yelled, getting to his feet and tried to run.

"The Gates of Hell," Toshiro clarified over the roar of Gates. "Judgement."

"Wha...? NOOO," Tsukiyama felt a chain suddenly wrap around his neck pulling him toward the opened gates. "H-help me! Please, help me! I don't w-want to go! SAVE MEEEE!"

More dark chains erupted from the massive gate, wrapping tightly around him. He fell to the hard floor as was quickly pulled towards the dark void. With his one free arm he tried to hold onto to anything but the floor was nothing but dirty old concrete. There was nothing to grasp the only desk near him was still too far away. Then, with one hard tug Tsukiyama flew into the air and pulled inside the gate with the blink of an eye. He let out one final scream as the gates slammed shut and vanished into nothingness.

There was a long awkward pause as the pair stared at the the now blank space. There was eerie silence that followed as neith one of them made a sound about what they witnessed. It was over and done with and they could finally have some peace at long last. Toshiro turned to look at the bloodied corpse not that far from them. He needed to figure what do with it. It would only be a few short hours before the first signs of decay would start to set in and given the situation that was the last thing they needed. Suddenly Ichigo let out hiss of pain before he fell to his knees. Toshiro turned to down look at him. He did not look well. Toshiro dropped Hyorinmaru to the floor and crouched down to Ichigo's level. It was clear that Ichigo was in great pain. It looked like the transformation was finally be starting to take full affect.

"Is your head's hurting?" Toshiro asked, noticing blood slide down Ichigo's face, hand and arm. "Did you get cut? I didn't see him strike you."

"No, he never even touched me…" he slowly pulled is trembling hand back as Toshiro saw the beginning of a white horn, peeking out from under Ichigo's mop-top. "M-my time is truly up... I don't know how m-much I'll progress into a hollow."

"How is your inner world? Are you…?" Toshiro worriedly asked.

"Hm! I'm g-going to stay me. I manage to cl-clean it up just before this h-happened," Ichigo said with pain written all over his face. "I just have t-to put up with the pain for n-now. Owww... Ugh, dammit..."

"Can't I help in some way?" Toshiro asked with concern.

"All I ask is that you j-just stay with me through this. I don't w-want to be alone."

There was no way Toshiro was just going to leave him alone in this miserable state. Ichigo had no one else to help him. He dad wasn't there and Ichigo sent Ryoko away. He didn't want her to witness what was happening to him. He didn't want to scare her. Toshiro hated to watch this unfold but there was nothing he could do to stop it. The transformation had to run its course for however long it took to complete. Ichigo was undoubtedly scared out of his mind by this fate he couldn't escape from. He owed Ichigo far too much for his service and he respected the man greatly. He wouldn't say it to Ichigo's face but he did. He also still had enough respect for his former captain to not leave his son to suffer alone.

"Don't be stupid. I'm not going anywhere. It's my duty as acting captain to protect people," Toshiro said, getting up to get a dry blanket from their supplies. "And besides, if I even thought of abandoning you Isshin would have my head on a silver platter."

"Yeah, h-he would... All the same, th-thank you," Ichigo gave a ghost of smile through his pained expression.

Ichigo curled into a ball as Toshiro place the fresh blanket over the form investigator's soaked body. There really was nothing else to do now but for wait it to end and hope for the best.

(A/N So, how was the chapter? Please, tell me. I had to do some major rewrites. I also decided to throw in a little extra humor. It was getting a little too serious. So, yeah, I hope it was worth the wait!)

Not That Kind of Bunny

Short

Uta arrived at the café with a small black box in his hands. He looked around the crowded area through his dark shades. Kaneki turned at spotted the ghoul with the small box in his hands. That must be the costume. He couldn't wait to see it after his shift.

"Looking for Yoshimura?" Kaneki asked with a tray of dirty dishes in his hands.

"Yes, is he here by chance?" Uta asked and Kaneki nodded.

"Just go on up the stairs, he'll be in the first room to the right," Kaneki pointed to the stairs.

"Thank you," he said, walking toward the stairs.

Uta walked up the stairs and found the door to the right was opened. He walked over to see Yoshimura and Yomo playing with a cute little bird. A cockatiel with a star on its wing. He knocked on the door before walking in.

"Ah, Uta," Yomo said as he got to his feet.

"Hello," he waved a bit. "So this must Hetare? I must say I've never made anything for a bird before. You gave me an odd request but I quite enjoyed it to be honest. I had so much fun with it I made a few different ones."

"Do you mind showing us what you've made?" Yoshimura asked as Uta took the bird into his hand.

"That's what I'm here for… But I want them to be a surprise so…" he walked the bird over a corner where it was hard for Yoshimura and Yomo to see. "I want see what looks best of the bird."

They waited a couple of minutes as Uta struggled with the bird a little. Once done he walked over and held out the bird. The two men looked a little horrified.

"Well, how's this one?" Uta asked as Yoshimura shook his head and Yomo covered his face.

"When I said a bunny costume I didn't mean a Playboy Bunny," Yomo grumbled.

The bird was dressed in tight, bright red outfit complete with fake boobs at the front and little bunny ears. The bird looked highly embarrassed sitting in Uta's hands.

"I think it's cute," Uta sighed and then smiled at the bird.

"Please tell me that was meant as a joke?" Yoshimura asked and Uta laughed.

"Yeah, it's a joke. Like I said, I had fun," Uta answered turning and walked back over to the corner.

No doubt Mrs. Fueguchi wasn't happy about such a horrible outfit. They waited quietly as Uta worked with the bird again. He turned around and presented them with the next outfit.

"I ought to throw you out of here," Yomo snapped with an angry look on his face..

"Uta, is that with I think it is?" Yoshimura asked, looking uneasy at the odd costume.

The bird with the exception of its wings, beak, tail, and feet was clad in shiny black leather with matching leather rabbit ears.

"Ta-da! A dominatrix outfit," Uta beamed. "This was super fun to make."

"Get that bird out of that," Yomo growled looking at the bird who seemed to be more than a little traumatized. "If I see it again I'm going to burn it."

"Fine, fine," Uta waved the man off, taking the bird back to the corner.

The two men waited to see what else Uta had sewn up and yet feared it. Ryoko was dealing with this better than they thought. She'd been in Playboy outfit and a dominatrix outfit. What else did Uta have up his sleeve?

"All done," Uta said, turning around with the bird in a new outfit. "Well, how's this one?

She was dress in a flowing red sequin dress like outfit with a little tawny colored wig that reached down to the top of her wings. There was even a little purple something on her wings. But what stuck the most literally were the large fake boobs on the front of the sequin dress.

"Utaaaa," Yomo snapped his anger flaring a little more.

"What? It's Jessica Rabbit," Uta said with a big smile and held out a little plastic cake. "Complete with carrot cake."

Yoshimura had his back turned from them, trying his hardest not to laugh. He wasn't succeeding all that well.

"You really think that's funny?" Yomo asked as Yoshmura tried to wave him off. "Uta, you had better stop kidding around."

"All right. Ruin all my fun," Uta groaned, walked back over to the corner.

A couple of minutes later he presented them with bird once again in another outfit

"Well, how is this one?" Uta asked as he held out the bird. "This might be right up your alley."

The bird was now in a white, super puffy bunny outfit with little bunny ears and a little cotton tail at the base of the bird's tail. The bird even had a little plastic Easter basket in its beak.

"Why didn't you put the bird in that from the start?" Yomo asked, running a hand down his face.

"Because I wanted to see your faces," Uta said with a sly smile. "I must say that was quite amusing. At least Yoshimura got a laugh out of it."

Yomo turned to look at the aging manager and the man shrugged.

"The last outfit got me," he said as Yomo shook his head. "You'll have to forgive me for laughing."

"Uta, that's the outfit we want," Yomo pointed at the bird.

"I figured as much," he said, setting the bird on the table and went to collect his outfits from the corner. "You know… That was a very well behaved bird to let me do what I did. I honestly thought I would have had a fight on my hands. That's the most well behaved bird I've ever seen."

"Yes, Hetare, is a very timid bird," Yoshimura said, looking down at the bird in the bunny costume. "How much do we owe you?"

"All that was scrap fabric. No charge," Uta said, turning back to them with his outfits back in the box. "All that would have just been thrown out otherwise."

"Well, thank you for making it," Yoshimura said as Uta started towards the door.

"By the way… Why did you want the bird in a bunny costume?" Uta asked, looking back at the bird. "Yomo was a little vague on the details. I mean it's cute but…"

Yomo and Yoshimura looked at each other.

"For Touka. She loves rabbits and she's been a little down lately," Yomo said quickly. "I thought this might lighten her mood."

"To each their own," Uta shrugged. "I still find this to be an odd request to put a bird in a costume."

"Well, it's just an experiment," Yoshimura smiled. "Thank you for your time and coming over."

"Yeah, sure," Uta said, walking out the door. "If you want more outfits give me a call."

"Will do," Yoshimura said as he looked back at Ryoko. "I'm sorry he put you through all that. I wasn't aware that he would put you in such odd outfits."

"I didn't mind them that much but that tight leather one…" she groaned with a shudder. "Why would he put me in such an outfit?"

"It's best… You don't know…" Yomo said with a shiver as Ryoko and Yoshimura looked over at him.

"Enough said," Yoshimura nodded. "So about Touka…?"

Millie M. Banshee