I am back and with the fourth chapter. I hope you enjoy the story so far. Again, I will be posting this fanfiction once a week. Please do not impose any negative comments, harsh criticism or thoughts. Constructive, positive and thoughtful criticisms are accepted.

Thank you and enjoy!

Icestar123

Chapter 4

Ichigo kept running. Something wasn't right. In his gut, he knew that there was danger. However, he felt useless to not be able to do anything about it. He needed to feel more useful. For that reason, Ichigo had decided to take matters into his own hands. Looking around and panting, he could hear Rukia's pants behind him as well. They were in the warehouse area, where the last incident occurred. Something told him that this was where he might meet the foe of his enemy.

"We are almost there. I can feel it." Ichigo told Rukia.

"Are you sure about this? We do not know what might happen if we continue forward." Rukia cautioned."After all, we don't have our zanpakuto with us."

"We got to try Rukia. Even if we don't have our zanpakuto with us, we have to try to see what the situation is. I can't let this situation go by without me knowing nothing. I can't have Yuugi and the others to handle this." Ichigo replied, looking forward as he ran. Slight sweat began to drip from his brow."Otherwise…I'll never forgive myself for that."

"I understand. Then we must hurry then. We cannot have them wait any longer." Rukia spoke softly.

The running took a few moments but soon they came towards a warehouse with a closed door. Ichigo approached the door to test it. Surprisingly, it was unlocked. Opening it, was a dark and dimly lit room. He cautiously stepped inside and looked around carefully. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Yet.

However, the orange-headed boy knew something was up. It was too quiet for their own good to have this situation happening. Something was giving him terrible vibes that gave off nothing but bad signals. If anything, he did not accept this comfort of the situation right now. He continued walking until suddenly, he stopped.

"Rukia…do you feel that?" Ichigo asked. His position froze and his eyes darting around for any signs of suspicion. None at the moment.

"Yeah…I feel it also. It's…oppressive. Be careful Ichigo." Rukia cautioned once more. All he did was nod. Soon, a voice spoke through the dimly lit room. Ichigo was startled, his eyes darting all around him.

"Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki. Nice visitors we have here. Welcome." A voice, all too familiar spoke. Ichigo's eyes widen with surprise.

No way…it can't be…but how…? Ichigo thought, narrowing his eyes.

"Aizen!" He growled.

"I'm glad you recognized my voice. And here I thought I wouldn't have to re-introduce myself." Aizen spoke. The strange thing was, he was nowhere to be found. Where was Aizen?

"Where are you Aizen!? Show yourself!" Ichigo bellowed.

"Peace. There is no need for us to fight. Yet. However, there is one thing that I must inform you. I am sure you are interested." Humour sparked in Aizen's voice. At this, Rukia spoke up and with bitter contempt.

"We don't need your information Aizen Sousuke! Show yourself so Ichigo can fight you!" She shouted.

"A pity. I was hoping to assist you in exchange for something that I want. But nonetheless, I will give you this information for free." Aizen spoke. There was a pause for two seconds before Aizen's voice spoke again."You must want to have your powers back yes? You feel helpless, unable to help. Then allow me to give you some advice. If you eat that fruit before you, your powers will return."

Before Ichigo and Rukia, two pieces of fruit appeared. They were apples and it was red, just like any normal apple. However, the aura surrounding those apples were mysterious and ominous. It was something that Ichigo felt suspicious and unable to trust with. He wasn't sure if he wanted to eat the fruit or not.

Yet, the desire to get back his powers was strong. He wanted to be useful. He wanted to fight with Zangetsu. Rukia's hand touched his shoulder.

"Don't trust Aizen. The fruit holds a strange aura that I cannot trust. We must not accept it." Rukia warned softly. Ichigo's eyes blinked before nodding. He turned his head back to the fruit with narrowed eyes.

"Why should we trust you Aizen? You have targeted Soul Society and the World of the Living for a very long time. And here you are now offering up this way of getting us to get our powers back. What makes you think that when we eat this fruit that it would bring us back our powers? If you are here, you must be the cause of this entire incidents of children disappearing. There isn't any way we will follow and eat that damn fruit." Ichigo spoke bitterly, having decided to not accept the fruit at all.

"You always amuse me, Ichigo Kurosaki. Having to not accept a fruit when I voluntarily offered you one to take." Aizen humoured with his voice once more. It wasn't helping Ichigo at all. In fact, it was giving him much more confusion than ever before."But how about I tell you that if you don't accept this power, that your new 'friends' you made might be in danger?" Ichigo's eyes widen.

"What do you mean Aizen!? What have you done with them!?" He bellowed.

"Only you will know if you truly take the fruit now wouldn't it, Ichigo? If you and Rukia Kuchiki take it, then only then you will know what may happen." Aizen provoked."It's a pity. You should accept it. Or else the consequences may be dire."

"Just give them back Aizen! Or I will find you!" Ichigo bellowed. Where was Aizen? he was nowhere to be seen! A chuckle escaped from Aizen.

"There is no use finding me, Ichigo Kurosaki. You have only two choices now. Eat the fruit and save your new 'friends' or let your new 'friends' die a pitiful death." Aizen provoked further.

"Enough Aizen! You have done enough harm to Soul Society and everyone as it is! It's time we stop you from your plans!" Rukia growled.

"You can't even fight. Battling me will only result in absolute suicide." Aizen reminded."I think it would be foolish for one to fight me without their powers." Rukia turned towards Ichigo then.

"Don't listen a thing of what Aizen says. We can find our own way to gain our powers back. It's not too late." Rukia tried to sound convincing. However, there was uncertainty in her voice.

"I know." Ichigo reassured then turned his head back to where the fruits are."Funny you say that Aizen. Because I can fight. And I'll fight even with my fists if I have to. I may not have my powers but I do know I have my willpower. And that is what is gonna keep me to win. That's how I stopped you and your plans." He remarked with a smirk.

"As always, you surprise me with many different things, Ichigo Kurosaki. But unfortunately, this time I'm not doing this because I am planning but because I was ordered to. And for once….I do not exactly like my position." Aizen sounded like honesty there. But Ichigo was suspicious.

"How do I know I trust you Aizen? You have deceived us for this long and now you could have easily deceived us even more. With what you have done with Soul Society, it could have been the same thing." Ichigo growled.

"My my my Ichigo Kurosaki. I never expected such words uttered from your lips. If mistrust really guides you to not listen to me, then allow me to give you a glimpse of where your dear 'friends' are." Aizen displeased. Soon, the air shimmered and in a format of a small screen, it showed a duel between Yuugi and some dark figure. By far, Yuugi was standing on his own but he was struggling a lot. His friends Joey, Tea and Tristan were locked up in a cage through invisible ropes to keep them together. For them, they were unconscious.

"I summon Gaia the Fierce Knight in attack mode! Now Gaia, attack his face down monster!" The fierce knight on horse galloped with the spear on hand towards the facedown monster.

Just as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared, leaving the vision of the fruits there once more. Ichigo wasn't sure what happened to Yuugi but the way he was struggling and the bruises on his face, it was evident that he was not holding too well against the battle with that hooded figure. The aura given was uncomfortably unsettling. Where was the spirit inside of the Millennium Puzzle? Why did Yuugi only duel him?

"If you want those questions answered, Ichigo Kurosaki, eat the fruit and help him." Aizen repeated once more."I will not say it again."

"Dammit." Ichigo swore with balled fists.

"Ichigo." Rukia almost pleaded. He looked back towards Rukia before his eyes looked almost conflicted.

"I'm sorry Rukia but I have to do this. I can't leave Yuugi and his friends behind like that." He spoke."I need to eat that fruit."

"I understand. At least, let me eat the fruit with you so we can fight together." Rukia offered."I have promised to help you once your mind is made up." A small smile rose on Ichigo's lips as he nodded.

"Right. Then let's do this." Ichigo nodded before turning back towards the fruit."Don't expect me to listen to your words simply because it's for your own benefit. I'm eating this fruit because it would get my friend saved." Picking up the fruit, he plopped it into his mouth and chewed the fruit, swallowing it after. Rukia did the same. What was odd was the fruit was unlike an apple but it was soft, tender and juicy. The fruit was a resemblance of an apple but in truth, it wasn't. Ichigo blinked.

"I do not expect you to become an ally of mine, Ichigo Kurosaki. Our battle in Soul Society is not over yet." Aizen humoured."But for now, we will be allies until that day comes."

Two seconds after Aizen said those words, Ichigo's entire body pulsated, as it something deep within his soul resonated. His body froze and his eyes wide.

What is going on? What is this feeling shaking in my soul? Ichigo thought.

Ichigo….

Old man? Zangetsu?

I can finally reach you. What happened? Where are you? You are not in Soul Society…

I….don't know. After the battle with Kariya, I was brought into another dimensional world. Aizen offered me to eat this fruit…and now I can feel you again. It's so good to know you are there with me again. Ichigo was relieved. He could finally feel Zangetsu again.

Do not relax easy yet, Ichigo. You still need to find a way to summon me and your Soul Reaper form in this world. Zangetsu warned.

Then how are we going to do this? Ichigo asked with worry.

Check to see if your palm has a mark or symbol on you or not. Instructed Zangetsu. The fruit is a special fruit teleported from Soul Society. To think Aizen has this fruit…I can only wonder how he gotten to such lengths to getting this fruit.

Ichigo went to look to see if there were any such symbols on his hand. Surely enough, the mark of the Substitute Soul Reaper badge was well engraved into his hand. Ichigo blinked then closed his hand.

I do have a mark. It's my Substitute Soul Reaper badge. Ichigo reported.

Call my name as you touch it Ichigo. Zangetsu instructed again. Ichigo blinked then glanced to the side to see how Rukia was doing. To his surprise, he saw Rukia in her Soul Reaper clothes and her Zanpakuto on her waist. This he grinned. Touching the mark, he closed his eyes for a moment then opening.

"Zangetsu!" He shouted. A blinding white light surrounded Ichigo. A few seconds later, Ichigo was in his Soul Reaper form and Zangetsu right on his back. He grinned.

"Let's go Rukia." He spoke to her. Turning to Ichigo, Rukia nodded.

"Yeah. We better hurry."

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

It was rare for Renji to have time with his Captain. Of all things, they usually are busy with trying to learn from this world and what is going on. Luckily though, the time being in this world had caused him to spend more time with his Captain than he usually would have thought. Renji did not mind to be honest. He wanted to have this time together with him. He rarely seen the Captain so relaxed.

"Renji, there is nothing to do in this kind of world of the living." Byakuya announced blandly. Renji had to sweatdrop. Nothing to do? Well of course. He was always so pre-occupied with other things that he cannot appreciate things that the world of the living would have to offer.

"Captain, do you not want to go and play something?" Renji asked in mild amusement.

"Doing such things will be fitting only for a human, not someone like me." Byakuya replied plainly."I would desire more meetings and paperwork than having absentmindedly do other things.

"I-If you say so, Captain." Renji replied, a little defeated on that fact. It was a little boring honesty to be with his Captain too. Byakuya rarely likes to do anything simply because he did not wish to do anything. If there was any attack, then they will be literately powerless.

"Let's go for a walk, Renji." Byakuya told him after an awkward moment of silence. Renji blinked before nodding.

"R-Right let's get going Captain." They began to walk around Domino City together and in awkward silence. For a few moments, they walked and watching some kids laugh and play together. Others were more serious and were competing together in duels with their duel disks.

"I hope Ichigo and Rukia are alright." Renji murmured out loud from his words.

"They will. I am certain of it." Byakuya spoke up then with faint reassurance. All he did was nod in agreement. Renji was worried though. Would they be able to obtain their powers back in a way where they can attack whoever is responsible for the kidnappings? He can only hope that can happen.

"Worried are you not?" A voice all too familiar rang through the area they were in. It was a park and luckily, it was pretty isolated. Renji and Byakuya's eyes widen. Aizen. Teeth clenched, he whipped his head around to try and figure out where he is.

"Show yourself Aizen!" Renji bellowed.

"Such impatience. As how you are, Lieutenant Abarai. I admire your desperation. However, you cannot defeat me with being so powerless." Aizen provoked.

"Ichigo Kurosaki can defeat you well without powers. So can we." Renji snarled loudly towards Aizen.

"Lieutenant. Enough." Byakuya cautioned sternly. Renji gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes. Yet Renji said nothing more. He cannot really disappoint his Captain nor get him angry. With his Captain angry it is quite a scary sight to see."For you to show your face before us, Aizen Sousuke, you must have been thinking we will let you go. As Captain and head of the Kuchiki clan, I will swear that I will kill you on my own terms. So show yourself and let's fight." Byakuya's tone turned dangerous. Yet Aizen's voice let out a chuckle and it wasn't very pleasant one either.

"Captain Kuchiki. As much as I would love to settle matters with you, I have my own terms I must go for as well. Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki regained their powers because of me. Do you remember the Reiatsu Fruit?" Both Byakuya and Renji's eyes widen."They regained their powers through that. I have taken enough for those fallen into this world to regain their powers here. Only the Reiatsu Fruit is workable when travelling to other dimensions."

"And what are you proposing? A deal? We will not fall into your trap, Aizen." Byakuya icily replied with narrowed eyes.

"I have every desire to rid of these people who force me to their bidding as much as you want to. For now, we share common goals. Cooperation should be needed." Aizen cautioned."After all…..I do so hate being under control."

"You, under control? Hah! Who believes you Aizen after what you have done?" Renji snarled."What makes you think we can trust you with the Reiatsu Fruit? For all you know, you could have easily used your powers to embed it with poison just to poison us all." The two pieces of fruit appeared in mid-air, showing the Reiatsu Fruit in the flesh.

"Believe me or not if you wish. If you wish to help Ichigo Kurosaki and protect the ones you love, then I would suggest that you eat the fruit and regain your powers as a Soul Reaper." Aizen warned.

"Dammit." Renji gritted his teeth, his hands balled to fists."Captain, what do you suggest we should do?"

"We will eat the fruit." Byakuya replied."The Reiatsu Fruit cannot be poisoned. It's pure fruit meant to bridge Soul Reapers into other worlds. After all, I have a bad feeling. It would not be just this world that would be in danger. Our world would be as well." Byakuya stepped forward and ate the fruit without much hesitation. Then, pressing his hand on the palm, he murmured,"Senbonsakura." In a brief flash of a white light, Byakuya turned into his Soul Reaper form with the Captain cape and his zanpakuto attached to his robe. Renji's eyes widen before bowing his head.

"Yes Captain." He then approached the fruit and ate it as well. His eyes widen. He could feel Zabimaru. it was within him. Pulsating, calling out to him. Looking at his hand, he noticed the mark of Squad 6. Zabimaru wants him to transform. Transform he will. Closing his eyes before his eyes opened, he called out,"Zabimaru!" Another brief flash of a white light and he was in his robe along with his zanpakuto. Renji grinned.

"It's been too long since I felt this surge of Zabimaru." He spoke, pleased.

"Cherish it well. We must fight with Ichigo Kurosaki." Byakuya spoke."Let's not waste any time, Renji."

"Yes Captain!" He bowed his head.

~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~

"Aizen Sousuke acted on his own? What is he even thinking?" Kairi growled.

"My lord, please do not be angered. Perhaps it would be a good opportunity for Aizen Sousuke to use—" But he was cut off with a single swipe of a disfigured hand.

"Silence! Leave my presence immediately. And bring in Aizen Sousuke in." Kairi ordered. All the servant did was bow his head and take leave. A few moments later, Aizen approached with a small smirk.

"Have you called me, my lord?" Aizen spoke but almost mockingly.

"Why did you grant them with the Reiatsu Fruit? They do not deserve to be granted powers. They will soon be able to bow down towards me!" Kairi demanded.

"I believe you are mistaken. Leaving them powerless will only harbour nothing. Having them gain powers and fighting will harbour better plans for your grandiose plan. Fear not, what I am doing is nothing to bring you harm." Aizen reassured."After all, you need power in order for your plan to grow into fruition. Why then must you give them no power? Is it perhaps you are afraid? Fear can only bring you nothing but failures my lord. I am a man of no fear. Thus, having them with power concerns nothing to me. They cannot defeat me."

"Do not be mistaken. I am powerful as well Aizen Sousuke. If you do such a thing one more time without my permission, I will ensure that you will not be granted world dominance alongside with me of both worlds." Kairi threatened.

"Of course. I will not let you down." Aizen moved to bow his head.

"You may leave." Kairi spoke. Aizen turned his head and left. As Aizen left, his eyes narrowed.

You know this much of my actions. I need to be more careful. This man….I can already predict what he is going to do. He will not let me be King. This interferes with my plans and therefore, I cannot let him do as he wishes.

To be continued...