A/N: Here we go! Next chapter is up! But first, here are the Review Responses:

skylark dragonstar: Yes, 'tis a mystery. And it is a very interesting twist in the original story. And this is the point where everything changes.

AMMO121: I'm so glad you love it. Well, that is to remain a secret until later on.

PartyPony2: The "Ichi-armadillo" thing was in the English Dub. I just thought it would be nice to put in there. About Rukia's memory of Toushirou, well, you'll see what happened later on. (So many MYSTERIES!) But, I understand what you're saying.

Musical Ninja: If you keep reading, you will see. :3

Guest: I'm glad you like it.

I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW POPULAR THIS STORY IS!

Note: Once again, I have decided to skip a few things. This time, it is when Chad and Orihime receive their powers. I see no need to put it in this story, because those scenes are the same as in the manga/anime.

Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, own Bleach! All of it belongs to Tite Kubo.

~7~7~7~7~

Chapter 7: The New Alliance

Toushirou ran down the path next to the river like his life depended on it, because, well, it did. Even though Yuzu and Karin weren't his blood sisters, they were like sisters to him, and he and Kon had to make sure they were okay.

So many things have happened to him ever since Rukia and Momo came to town.

First, he's constantly being attacked by hollows who all say they want something to do with him.

Second, Momo told him that he could sense hollows faster than the Soul Society could and because of the hollows, she needed to be his bodyguard.

Third, he found out that he can perform kidou, which are spells that only a Shinigami can do.

Fourth, he discovered his ability to feel the emotions of any kind of spirit.

And now, not even five minutes ago, he just found out that he was a Shinigami too.

But how was that even possible? He had never come in contact with another Shinigami before.

But it would explain his ability to perform kidou. And at an expert level, at that.

To be honest, he had sensed something different about Ishida, but he couldn't quite place his finger on it. Now that he knew that Ishida was a Quincy, he understood. But he couldn't shake off the feeling that he had heard the word "Quincy" before.

Not to mention, he felt a strange connection to Hinamori the moment he first laid eyes on her. Again, he couldn't figure it out.

And he knew that he wasn't Ichigo's real brother, but did Ishida have to say it like that? With such hatred, with such disgust in his voice?

For all Toushirou knew, Ichigo was like a real brother to him. And his heart swelled with happiness when Ichigo countered Ishida's question, which sounded more like an insult, with an answer right away.

Kon was running beside him, but to Toushirou, the mod soul wasn't there at all. He was too busy contemplating his life so far.

Momo had joined Urahara in the hunt for Orihime and Chad, who had awakened their personal abilities silently given to them by Ichigo. The two gifted humans now knew that Momo was a Shinigami, and Rukia too.

Now the two were standing on the bridge, watching Uryuu and Ichigo fight the Menos Grande. Momo was standing beside them, oblivious to everyone but Orihime and Chad. Momo's words kept echoing in their ears.

"You don't have to help. We're not forcing you to. It's your choice and yours alone. Don't let anyone else make it for you."

"Chad?"

"Yeah?"

"Have you made your choice?"

There was a pause. "Yeah. You?"

"Yes."

"I'm positive! There was a man laying down right here, and he was hurt!"

"Now, now, Karin, there's no need to make up wild stories just to get your father's attention. But I understand. You dad has been so busy with work lately, he's had almost no time for you, has he? Come on, Karin. Come into my arms and give your hunky Dad a big old hug!"

His jaw vibrated violently as Karin's punch hit him square in the mouth.

"Oww..."

"You're an idiot, Dad..."

"I think we should go home now. This place gives me the creeps."

Behind a tree, Kon and Toushirou were silently watching them.

"There. You see? Nothing's wrong. Just another happy ending," Kon said.

"You have to admit, I admire Karin's common sense."

"And her hand-eye coordination."

"That too."

"What?! You've gone and made friends with Ishida?!" It was nighttime, and the hollow frenzy was finally over. Toushirou and Ichigo were in their room, already in their PJs.

"Did you hear any other part of the story?"

"Well, my hearing kind of failed me after I heard the part of you and Ishida becoming friends."

"I think that's your problem, Toushirou. You fail to notice any other information, except the ones you don't like."

"Shut up!"

In the closet, Momo thought about what she had just witnessed.

'His power is incredible. I always thought of what Soul Society would've thought about it. If he were a Shinigami that had graduated at the Academy, they would have been impressed. But since he isn't, they will soon find out what Rukia-san has done.'

Needless to say, she was more worried about Rukia than other things. But her mind turned somewhere else.

'But what about Shirou-chan? I gave Aizen-taichou the information he wanted, and he said that he would get back to me shortly. But it has been longer than 'shortly'. I can't help but wonder why Aizen-taichou was so interested in Shirou-chan in the first place.'

"Ok, Toushirou, Ichigo, lights out," Isshin said. "Good night, you two."

The two boys nodded.

As soon as the lights went out, Ichigo went straight to the point.

"What's wrong, Toushirou?"

It took a while for Toushirou to answer.

"How do you know something's wrong?"

"First of all, the tone of your voice is strangely soft."

"It's always soft."

"I meant, it's softer than it should be." Toushirou said nothing, so Ichigo went on. "Second, you're strangely quiet. Did Uryuu say something to you that's bugging you?"

Toushirou paused. This was bad. Ichigo could read Toushirou like an open book, even when no one else could. He didn't want to worry Ichigo, but he didn't want him involved. "No..."

"Then what is it? What's bugging you? Is this about your lost memories?"

"No. Just let me sleep, okay?" Toushirou said.

"Okay...good night..."

~7~7~7~7~

A/N: Review, please! Sorry, it's so short. Next chapter will be longer, I promise.