Hey everyone i was glad to see people liked the story. Another thing I want to give again a shout out to my Beta Abyss! Your the best and thank you again.

Reviews

Ichigo Oga: That one of the goals of mine try to update frequently.

Mugetsu1996: Don't worry there will be more to come.

Bluest: I'm not sure as of yet about the arrancar that are going to live but i'm keeping my options open.

Jbadillodavila: Hope you like the next chapter.

Insomniac1970: And that the main reason i started to do this story because i haven't found one with the whole Shiba heritage. As for my writing style thanks. This is my first story i'm writing so i'm going with the flow.

Ok let get on with this story!

I don't own bleach.

Chapter 2

Kurosaki House

"Dad, Ichigo didn't sleep at home again!" Yuzu fretted, "it's been more than a week. I'm starting to think something terrible happened to him."

Karin looked to her father. "I'm not trying to sound like a worrywort, but Ichigo has been gone for a long time without checking in on us, Dad." she explained. "I can understand Yuzu's anxiety. Worst case scenario, is it possible something... happened?" Karin spoke carefully.

"What if Ichigo got really badly hurt?" Yuzu said with tears in her eyes.

"Alright, that's enough," their father said. "I'm sure everything is fine. Ichigo will be back in no time." With a determined look, he said, "I'm going to have a serious talk with him about making his family worry so much. It not fair to us because we all love him so dearly." Their dad wiped away a fake tear. "I have an idea! Let's forget about him for awhile and enjoy ourselves; go eat, maybe catch a movie, and a bit of shopping afterwards, what do you say girls?"

"Yay!" The twins cheered in unison.

Hueco Mundo

In Las Noches a little teal haired girl ran about, rifling through an abandoned scientist lab. After awhile of searching, she ransacked the place till she found something useful for her situation. Clearly out of breath, Nel had her arms full of supplies. Geez, this wako had a lot of junk, she thought to herself. Ten minutes later she was back in the throne room where she had originally found the beautiful, but deadly, shark lady lying on the floor fighting to stay alive.

"Hi Sharkey, I'm back!" Nel giggled. "I brought some bandages and medicine to help you Sharkey." Nel said happily. "Nel will save Sharkey, cause Nel doesn't want to be alone again." Nel said. "Can Nel stay with you?" she asked Tier in a serious tone.

"Of course, that's not a problem." Tier replied with a small smile on her face. "By the way Nel, I am Tier Harribel. Nice to meet you." Tier said weakly.

"Nice to meet you too Tier."

Nel helped clean, apply medicine, and wrap Tier's wounds for a swifter recovery. With wounds so deep, Tier required more than Nel's healing spit. Nel instructed her to rest after, telling Tier she would protect them from whoever meant to cause them harm. "Aizen didn't make Nel into an arrancar for no reason."

Tier thought, she does have a point. But the true question is, why did Aizen turn her? She wondered. What is so special about her?

"Ok, I have to go back to the to the lab to grab a few things that we could use if we run into danger," Nel said. "Just flare up your spirit energy if you need me, I'll return ASAP. "

Tier nodded, lying back down. Once Nel scampered away, Tier was left alone with the memories of her friends that passed away. Soon she fell into a restless sleep.

Nel found her way back to the lab, this time collecting more interesting things. "Oh, I can't wait to show Tier these awesome new toys. They're so cool!" she giggled to herself.

When Nel returned she woke Tier and insisted she put on a cloak. What is so special about about the cloak, Nel? Tier thought.

"Hehehe you want to see?" Nel asked excitedly. Nel put the cloak on without waiting for her answer, and vanished. Tier went wide eyed, wondering what just happened. Then, out of nowhere, Nel reappeared right behind Tier, giggling. "So, what do you think?" Nel asked, laughing uncontrollably.

"I couldn't sense your presence." Tier said with a surprised tone.

"Really!? I found this by accident," Nel replied with a giggle. "I thought it was so cool. I saw a book fall on it, and it disappeared all of a sudden." Nel said. "I also found some special pills for a regeneration boost, and a few teleport crystals in case of an emergency." Nel said with a smile. "How are you feeling so far, Tier? I hope you're feeling better."

"Yes. Thanks for asking," Tier said.

"So, will you be Nel's friend?" she asked. "I don't want to be be alone," Nel said with a deepening frown. "All my friends were killed by Aizen." A tear fell from her eye. "They died trying to protect Nel from him." Nel, now with the full water works, had no hopes of stopping her tears anytime soon.

"I understand the way you feel. My fraccion was also killed." Tier said, crestfallen. "I would be glad to be friends with you, Nel." Tier said with a smile. "It's better than being alone in this world."

"Yay! You made Nel very happy!" Nel beamed with tears and snot running down her face. "Let Nel help you get better! Then we can protect one another, ok?" she said.

"That sounds alright," Tier agreed.

"So Tier, what are your plans for Las Noches?" Nel asked as she changed her bandaging and gazed around the large empty throne room. "Right now we are the only ones alive that I know of." Nel said with a serious look.

"We could look for more survivors, and ask if they want to join us," Tier replied. "If they decide not to, that's fine. However, if they decide to go against us, then we will have to kill them without question." Tier said with a serious look. "We will talk about future plans later." Tier grimaced through the pain.

"Well, I still have one friend left alive." Nel said happily. "I hope I get to see him again in the future. He lives in the human world." Nel thought about the moment she met him. "He was so kind, and treated Nel like a friend. He saved Nel, and her friends when we met. Nel will always be grateful to him. He told Nel, if I ever needed his help to look for him."

"Who this person that you speak of?" Tier asked.

"Itsygo! Nel can't remember his surname, but Itsygo is tall, handsome, and has orange hair." she spoke excitedly. "He came here before to rescue his friend from Aizen."

"Are you telling me you know Ichigo Kurosaki!?" Tier was awestruck with this new revelation.

"Yes I do! He's such a great guy, ehehehe." Nel said

Tier snapped her head away. "Someone is coming, and they're strong."

"Who do you think it is?" Nel asked.

"I'm not sure. I'm still too injured to extend my senses that far, but I'm afraid it's a single level Espada."

"So they'll be pretty strong, and it seems they're coming at full speed." Nel said with a worried look.

"They will be here soon," Tier informed with a scowl.

BOOM!

"So, I see you two are still alive!" The arrancar said with a smirk.

Soul Society Back at Squad 1 Barracks

"Let the captains meeting begin." The head captain announced. "Captain Suì-Fēng, have you received any information from the scouts sent to Hueco Mundo?"

"In our reports so far we have detected two souls in Las Noches. It seems one of the two is a child. The other appears to be a female arrancar, her life force is weak. We're assuming by the proximity, and the care the younger one is providing, that they are mother and child."

"Another thing our scouts picked up more recently is another arrancar entering Las Noches. This one is more powerful than the other two," said Suì-Fēng.

"Thank you, captain Suì-Fēng. Have your scouts maintain their posts, and inform us of any changes that occur." the head captain replied.

"Head captain, in the future will we be sending an emissary to delegate a solution with the arrancar? Maybe we can come to a peaceful resolution. Not everything needs to become a pointless battle if we can avoid it," captain Ukitake said.

"Have you gone mad!?" replied captain Kurotsuchi. "Why would we want to be at peace with those brainless beasts. In fact, all they would be good for is experiments to further my research. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Why must everything be so complicated with you. You're always looking for a new toy to play with. Don't you have enough studies that are still incomplete? Why don't you try using what you already have to help us protect Soul Society?" Replied an exasperated captain Ukitake

"I suggest, captain Kurotsuchi, to hold your tongue. For being a man of intellect, you have habit of speaking without thinking." Retsu said.

A few chuckles and snickers were heard after that comment.

The head captain struck his staff against the floor to gather everyone's attention. "Following the war I must admit that we are lacking in power compared to most of the arrancars. In the time of peace before that war began, Aizen was able to manipulate everyone in the Soul Society. He came close to defeating us. Our lack of power and unity has compromised us." Head captain spoke in a stern voice. "We have to become stronger, and more aware of the events occurring within Soul Society. There were many things that we were blind to. And central forty-six did not help, as they seemed to have trouble making common sense decisions. Therefore I, head captain Yamamoto of the thirteen court guard squads, will make all decisions from here on out."

All the captains went wide eyed to this declaration.

Ichigo Inner World

Next to a tree Ichigo sat cross legged in meditation. Adorning the everpresent scowl on his face, he was reminded of Ishiryoku's earlier comment of, "you were probably born with that scowl on your face." That joke is like a running gag in his life.

Concentrating to calm his mind, he tried to reach a state of serenity. Which proved difficult. Ichigo has always been plagued with some form of despair ever since his mother died.

Suddenly the small peace he achieved was cut off. He felt pair of mounds with two stubs touching his bare skin. "W-what the hell are you doing!" Ichigo shouted in a flustered panic. "Can't you see I'm training, Ishi!? I can't meditate if you're pressing your breasts against my back!"

"I was trying to see how far you've come along with you training," Ishi said while trying to hold her laugh. "I guess you're doing a pretty poor job in meditating if you can still be so easily flustered. Aww!" She poked his reddened cheeks. "You look so cute and sweet! Just like a strawberry."

"Shut up!" Ichigo scuffed, jerking his head away. "Why can you leave me alone to train in peace."

With a small laugh, she shook her head, and said, "I could, but what would be the fun in that?" Ishi replied, and gave a wink. "Just so you know, I get bored and lonely. You're my only company. I need some excitement." Ishi snickered, "I thought this was the best way for me to help test your concentration, but I guess not." she laughed.

Ichigo growled, and yelled out, "Go. To. Hell! Stupid exhibitionist!" He thought, she's as bad as my inner hollow and Zangetsu combined. He gazed up at the clouds, remembering an event that happened awhile ago.

Flashback

"So, have you thought up a name for yourself yet?" Ichigo asked.

"No, I haven't. I thought it would only be right for you to name me." Hōgyoku replied.

Ichigo thought it out for a moment, and then like a bolt of lighting, he realized, "are bonded together to the point that we are not able to separated?"

"Technically we are fused together, making me a part of your soul," she said.

Ichigo closed his eyes, tilting his head back and forth. He opened his eyes after a minute, and smiled. "What to you think of Ishiryoku? It means Willpower. For short, I could just call you Ishi."

The Hōgyoku considered the name, and then with a smile, she said, "I like it. The name suits me well as that was your wish: the will to protect your loved ones. As for Ishi, it is a fine nickname."

"Ok, now that we have that out of the way, do you know what happened to my other two inner spirits?" Ichigo asked.

"I do... but I'll tell you later." Ishi said.

Despite Ichigo's disappointment, he resigned himself to ask again later.

End of flashback

Catching the tail end of that memory, he decided now was later and asked, "Hey Ishi, do you really know where Zangetsu and that pain in the ass hollow are?"

Unable to meet his eye, she said with a frown, "yes. Right now they say they are too weak to manifest themselves here. Since the final Getsuga Tenshou would have originally made them disappear forever... it will take some time." Her eyebrows creased dishearteningly. "If I had not fused with you, you would not have ever heard their voices again. How lonely this wide world of yours would have been." Then, rather slyly, she pointed out, "Although, I see you care for both of them, even if you don't want to admit it, you miss your inner hollow too."

Glowering and crossing his arms, Ichigo asked, "then when do you think I will see them again?"

However, Ichigo's question fell on deaf ears. At that moment Ishi shoved Ichigo out of his inner world.

Kukaku Place

"Yoruichi, that's not funny!" Kukaku growled. "My uncle cannot be alive. They reported him dead in the world of the living." Trying to keep her composure, Kukaku said. "Do. You. Have. Any. Proof?"

Yoruichi, sweating bullets, could physically feel the killing aura coming off of her best friend. "Of course. And if it makes you feel any better, you and your brother have already met your cousin."

Still hearing Yoruichi's words run circles through her mind. Kukaku did her level best puzzling out who she could be speaking of.

"This person has become very famous in Soul Society." Yoruichi added in helpfully. "He has done the impossible more times than all the seated officers put together."Her grin grew.

"Yoruichi, my patience with you is waning. Tell me everything, or so help me kami, I'm going to burn that tail right off. Do you hear me?" Kukaku spoke in a cold voice.

"Dammit, way to kill all the fun," Yoruichi said.

Then she rifled through her backpack, and pulled out a small album full of pictures that she took from the world of the living. When Kukaku opened the album and saw the first family picture, her breath stopped in her throat as she dropped the album.

"Is that enough proof, or do you need some sake with that?" Yoruichi said with an amused look.

Still frozen, there was a tense moment before she was finally able to ask in low tones, "does he know?"

"Does who know?" Yoruichi asked.

"Does Ichigo Kurosaki know about his family's heritage?" Kukaku rephrased the question.

"No, he doesn't know anything." Yoruichi replied. Now at the moment of trust, Yoruichi needed to be careful with her words. One slip up of her already knowing of the truth of Ichigo, and kitty-chan could kiss her tail good-bye.

Satisfied with Yoruichi's answer, Kukaku asked, "maybe you can save me from my current dilemma?"

"Ok, how can I help my best friend out? It's the least I could do since you have already done so much for me," Yoruichi said.

Kukaku started from the beginning, explaining everything that was happening; about the letter that explained the conditions for marriage, and the timeline. With all this new information, Yoruichi agreed to help Kukaku find the best possible outcome. In unison, both women looked to one another, plotting the same idea.

Yoruichi summarized the events of the winter war. Where she fought Aizen with Kisuke Urahara, and Isshin in full detail. Then Ichigo showing up and fighting Aizen and defeating him with the help of Kisuke. Then Ichigo sacrificing his powers to save everyone. Kukaku sat there listening.

"Where is Ichigo right now, is he in Soul Society?" Kukaku asked.

"No, he returned to the world of the living to recover at Urahara's shop." Yoruichi replied.

She nodded. "Yoruichi, what happened with the Hōgyoku afterwards? It was a pivotal point of this war which began a hundred years ago, right?" Kukaku asked.

"Yes, that's the truth," Yoruichi said. "To answer your first question, no one knows what happened, we think it was destroyed in the clash," Yoruichi said with a frown.

"I see..." Then she said, "Yoruichi I need a big favor."

Urahara Place

"Kisuke, what do you recommend us doing since Ichigo lost his power?" Uryū asked with a serious look on his face.

Urahara, as per usual flipped open his fan to partially cover his face. "The best thing for everyone here is really to stay away from him so he could get used to the idea of not having his powers anymore."

"Wouldn't that make him more depressed?" Chad asked in a low hard tone. "I agree with Chad on this one." Uryū said.

With a change of tone Urahara said. "You could go ahead and do that if you want." He looked at both young men. "But the only thing you are really going to do is put him in danger." He paused to let the matter sink in. "Since hollow will always be attracted to high spiritual pressure."

"And how do you propose we stay away from him?" Uryu rolled his eyes. "I guess one way is to treat him like a patient." Uryu said in a sarcastic way. "It's like winging a person off of pain medication, you have to do it slow, or else they will go into shock." Uryu said it bluntly.

Urahara fanned himself. "Oh my, oh my oh my, such harsh replies."

Orihime sat in the room with Ichigo, talking to him to let him know her feelings for him. Everything was going well till the moment Ichigo grabbed her hand.

She shrieked, not expecting him to move so swiftly, and fainted. Her head hit his chest in that moment. Ichigo was still a little too out of it, but decided to sit up. He called out to Orihime, "are you ok? Orihime, Orihime hey, you ok?" Ichigo grabbed her shoulder and gave it a shake.

Orihime started to wake up, thinking it must be a dream. She looked over and found Ichigo sitting up, holding her up by the arms like she weighed nothing. She flushed from their close proximity. "Hi, Ichigo, how are you feeling?" She asked in a concerned tone.

He set her down to sit upright at his bedside. "My body feels like I was hit by a train," Ichigo joked. "How long have I've been out since the battle?"

"About two weeks, but who cares about that, you're awake and looking well!" she said it in a cheerful way.

He looked around and noticed this was not his home. "Where are we at Orihime?" Then he remembered that Ishi had already told him where he was. "Nevermind, I recognize the cheap decorations, but I do have a different favor," Ichigo requested with a small smile.

"What is it, Ichigo?" asked orihime with an excited look.

"Help me to the living room so we can discuss this with everyone present," Ichigo said in a neutral tone. "Plus, if it's not too much to ask, can someone make me lunch? I'm starving here." Ichigo said it with a chuckle.

"Ok."

"Are you serious, Kisuke?" Uryū said disgusted look on his face. "Why the hell are you selling Ichigo calendars?"

Kisuke flipped open his fan, and with a glim in his eye, he said, "well, well, our young Kurosaki is a handsome young man." he said. "As dense as he is to the the opposite sex. I have to cash in whenever the opportunity presents itself." Kisuke laughed.

Chad and Uryu sweatdropped to this explanation.

Kisuke was flipping through the calendar examining his product when—

CRACK!

Surprising everyone. Kisuke went flying across the room.

CRASH!

"W-what the fuck, is wrong with you!" Ichigo roared. "Why are you selling calendars of me!? You dirty pervert!"

By now Orihime and Tatsuki were standing behind Ichigo, sweat dropping to the situation. Ichigo, not noticing his friends, picked up the calendars and began to see each full picture. For every page turn, his scowl soured a little more. Remembering Ishi's teasing, he tried to keep his temper in check.

On the other hand, Orihime and Tatsuki went red with embarrassment from what they saw. Steam practically poured from Orihime's ears.

While Tatsuki couldn't believe what she was looking at, wondering, how on earth did Urahara get these pictures? One specifically of him fresh out of the shower.

Regained his composure, Ichigo and everybody else sat around the table.

"How are you feeling, Ichigo?" Kisuke asked while rubbing a sizable bruise growing on his face.

"Ok, just a little sore, but I'll live," Ichigo replied.

"Ichigo, how much of the battle do you remember?"

Curious eyes all fixed on Ichigo.

Ichigo rubbed his chin before he replied, "I remember stabbing Aizen through the Hōgyoku, and Kisuke using that special kido on him. Then I saw that stupid old goat!" Ichigo roared. "Dammit! Everyone older than me loves keeping secrets."

"You have some nerve talking about keeping secrets!" Tatsuki retorted Caught off guard by his oldest friend, Ichigo finally realized she was there.

"Tatsuki! What are you doing here?" He glanced at everyone, wondering if there would be any more surprises.

"She's been filled in on everything that's been going on." Orihime explained.

"Tatsuki almost died when they ran into Aizen," Kisuke explained.

"I saw your battle with that monster of a man. I have to say, that had to be the scariest thing I have ever seen in my life," Tatsuki choked out.

"I'm sorry, Tatsuki. I didn't know you had been able to see me in my shinigami form," Ichigo said with a frown. "I never wanted to put you in danger. To be honest, I never wanted to put any of my friends in danger, but I let my pride get the best of me."

"Geez, you are such an idiot, Ichigo." Tatsuki raised her voice, "You become a stronger person when you have your friends and family around you."

"Thank you." Ichigo smiled. "And speaking of, I've been away from home awhile. I bet my sisters are already making lost posters. I should get back home right away."

"That's fine," Kisuke said. "I'll give you a couple days, then I would like to see how you're doing, if you wouldn't mind?"

"Deal," Ichigo replied.

While everyone got their things ready to walk Ichigo home, Orihime quickly went up to Kisuke to speak in private. After a few minutes of everyone waiting outside, Tatsuki called out for Orihime. She gave up and returned inside to see what the hold up was. Then walking around a corner, Tatsuki accidentally bumped into Orihime, making her drop her brand new calendars everywhere!

A/N leave your reviews or comments And i'll answer back.