Chapter Thirteen

Rukia gasped and grabbed Ichigo, running back to Seireitei where he could be properly healed. It must have been a result of the necrotic attack that Ichigo took. Rukia put a hand over Ichigo's heart, trying to sense his reiatsu.

It was flickering rapidly. At its strongest, it was overwhelming as always it was. At its weakest, it was barely at the level of an unranked officer. The fluctuations were terrifying. They went between feeling like they were suffocating her, and barely being noticeable.

She couldn't believe that Ichigo was so badly harmed. As she was running, putting on as much speed as she could, even as she used Shunpo to its utmost limit, she was stopped in her tracks by Shinji, Kyoraku and Byakuya.

"N-Nii-sama! I-I'm so sorry!" Rukia cried, falling to her knees and bowing in reverence. "I-I tried to help him, but he made me stay behind! When I got there, he was already in battle with the enemy. I used my bankai to try to make it easier, but…"

"You may supply your report of the situation in writing, Lieutenant Kuchiki. But you and he survived. You defeated an enemy of the Seirieitei, and I am proud of you. Give Ichigo to Commander-General Kyoraku He is faster than you, and will bring Kurosaki back to the Seirieitei, and have him looked after. I cannot imagine that he would allow himself to die."

"Th-thank you, Nii-sama." Rukia said deferentially, bowing to Byakuya. Byakuya shook his head.

"You are my sister, Rukia, not my servant. There is no need to speak so deferentially toward me." Byakuya said sternly as Rukia handed Ichigo to Kyoraku who disappeared fast enough that Rukia sort of wondered if he had even been there in the first place.

"Nii-sama… I'm not sure I feel comfortable being familiar with you…" Rukia said uncertainly. She had always felt and shown a great deal of deference toward Byakuya, who was practically royalty in Soul Society. His was one of the oldest families in Seireitei that had produced exceptional Shinigami for generations, since the beginning.

"Work on it little by little. You have always shown me the proper respect as the head of the Kuchiki Clan. Now I wonder if you can show me proper treatment as your elder brother." Byakuya said, seeming uncommonly permissive and warm. "I still expect you to be respectful, but perhaps not quite so distant."

"Who are you, and what have you done with the real Nii-sama?" Rukia asked jokingly. Byakuya looked away and ruffled Rukia's hair, using Shunpo to leave. Rukia quickly followed suit, going immediately to the Squad Four barracks.

"Ichi-nii! Ichi-nii!" Came a loud voice from the doorway of the Squad Four barracks, and Karin came rushing in at breakneck speed, shoving aside anyone who dared to get in her way. She was truly beside herself with concern and fear at what she had heard about Ichigo's condition.

She had been told in the middle of the day at school, and she had arbitrarily decided to skip all the rest of her lessons for the day, not caring what she missed, knowing that Arisa would help her catch up.

"M-Miss Kurosaki…! Miss Kurosaki! Please calm down! I under…"

"NO! Y-you don't understand! What would anyone in this place understand about family! You all came from Rukongai where you live in makeshift families at best!

"Now if you know what's good for you, you'll get the fuck out of my way you stupid fucking bitch!" Karin shrieked manically, shaking the woman insanely, thrusting her against the wall.

"Karin Kurosaki…" Came a calm, soothing voice from the med room. "Is that your dulcet voice I hear?" She asked sarcastically. "It's a pleasure to see you again, but for the safety and health of the patients and the squad members here, I really must ask you to take a deep breath and calm yourself down.

"Your impressive but uncontrolled reiatsu is disturbing the already ailing patients. If you can promise to calm yourself, I'll take you to see your brother." The woman said. Karin had never met her before as far as she could remember. She had been under the impression that until recently, Unohana had been the captain of Fourth Squad. But Unohana had died in battle.

"I'm a little embarrassed not to recognize you, captain. But I don't believe we've met…" Karin said sheepishly. The captain smiled politely and took Karin's hand, leading her down the hall.

"That is quite alright. My name is Captain Yoshiko Kataguchi. Your brother's condition is unusual. I won't lie. He is in poor condition, but that is all the more reason why you need to remain calm. Any fluctuations in your reiatsu could have a detrimental effect on his."

"W-what do you mean!? I-is he going to be okay!? P-p-please… Please… Please d-don't let Ichi-nii die…" Karin pleaded, tears flooding her steely gray eyes. Kataguchi looked down sympathetically at Karin, holding her close to her, and looking into the girl's gray eyes.

"I would never let any of my patietnts die. I give my utmost to serve Soul Society by attending to every patient as thoroughly as I can. Some patients are beyond saving.

"Their injuries are too extensive and they haven't the reiatsu to assist in their own healing." She said, seeing and noting the terrified look on Karin's face. She looked like she was about to collapse in a nervous wreck. She had heard about Karin's strong brother complex, but she didn't know it was this powerful.

"Captain Kurosaki isn't such a patient. He's strong willed, has reishi to spare. In fact, he could likely assist all my other patients in their healing in their place. His problem isn't his willingness to heal or his quantity of reishi.

"It's the fact that there's something strange affecting him at the moment. A… Parasitic effect on his reiatsu. It isn't sapping his reiatsu, but it is making it terribly unstable. I've called Kurotsuchi and Urahara, as I believe this bizarre power at work on Captain Kurosaki is more their purview than mine. They'll be here… Now."

"Ahhh! Miss Kurosaki! What a pleasure to see you again!" Urahara said with his usual dumb grin on his face. Kurotsuchi had the same disturbing leer on his face as always.

"I am incensed that I am forced to work with this charlatan… But Kurosaki's treatment takes priority. Move aside, and stop sobbing like an infant you silly little girl! In my care, there's no way Kurosaki could die!"

"I-I-I am not crying! I'm just…"

"Captain Kurotsuchi… She's just worried about her brother." Urahara said, feeling like he owed at least that much of an explanation at the moment.

"Ah! You're Karin Kurosaki! I would love to get you on my table one of these days! I promise I'll sew you up good as new after I'm done! But Captain Kurosaki is so hesitant to share knowledge of his eminent hybrid powers! He is a Hollow, a Shinigami, a Fullbringer and a Quincy! One such creature has never been born! How much I desire to look inside him!"

"Yes, yes, Mayuri. Let's get Ichigo all better, then you can harass him to let you take a look inside his organs. But I'd watch out if you try to dissect Karin-chan… You don't know Kurosaki-san's penchant for revenge against those who harm his friends and family. It was frightening to see him fighting against that Fullbringer… Tsukishima I think it was."

"You're wasting time, damnit! Help my Ichi-nii!"
"Kurosaki… I had a feeling I would find you here…" Came a stern voice from behind the group. Karin turned around to see Toshiro standing there looking at her chastisingly.

"You need to show proper respect to the captains of Soul Society. Apologize to them both…"

"No, no… Miss Kurosaki and I have known each other for a while. There's no need to apologize to friends." Urahara said, bowing and walking in to see Ichigo. He looked at the Shinigami captain and took a deep breath.

"This reiatsu surrounding him is horrid… The smell, the deathly sensation around it… It's amazing Captain Kurosaki is even still alive."

"Yes, I agree. I analyzed the reiatsu signatures based on the information Kurosaki gathered on those monstrous children. It's like a Hollow's reiatsu, but too dark and death-like. It is like even deeper death than a Hollow can bring to bear. A Hollow has a death-like aura, but only because they are dead souls, not because they truly embrace death as a principle, as a way of death, so to speak.

"This is mostly because most Hollows have little if any free will of their own. You cannot apply human sentiments to something that is barely sentient. These children are intelligent and tactical. They use the power of death at its deepest level, as the very most fundamental concept of death to destroy and decay."

"Their Necrotic touch allows them to destabilize the Reiatsu of other beings. In weaker beings, they would not be able to remain stable, and would be absorbed spirit body and soul. In powerful beings like Kurosaki, there is generally enough reishi that it would take a relatively long time making contact to completely destabilize.

"However, at the moment, he is leaking reishi at a dangerous rate, and it is leaving him weak. We need to forcibly stabilize his spirit body. If nothing is done, I would estimate that he would die within two days due to the spread of Spiritual Necrosis.

"In Mr. Kurosaki's case, I suspect that we need to excise the corrupted reishi, or his body will continue to spiritually decay. From my cooperative research with Captain Kurotsuchi, I suspect that this little device will suck out the corrupted reishi like a vacuum sucking up dirt and grime. This will leave Mr. Kurosaki weak for a while, and he may need reishi infusions in order to recover fully.

"However, I have made these reishi pills. They're charged with my own reishi and that of certain cooperative allies of mine. They are untested, but given the simulations that I ran, I feel that Mr. Kurosaki will make an excellent test subject." Urahara said quietly, taking the vacuum and attaching it to Ichigo's chest, where it began to suck out black reishi that had such a nauseating smell to it.

After fifteen or twenty minutes, it stopped and detached. Urahara handed the container of corrupted reishi to Kurotsuchi, who pocketed it and scowled at Urahara, who had clearly stolen Kurotsuchi's research and used it for himself.

"Now, Miss Kurosaki… If you would be so kind as to give this pill to Mr. Kurosaki and make him swallow it. It won't regenerate his lost reishi. He can do that on his own. It solidifies his reishi, and prevents the spiritual necrosis from spreading through his body.

"He needs two now, and two when he awakens, or in two days, whichever happens first." Urahara said kindly, handing Karin the pills and watching her lift Ichigo's head up, give him some water, and putting the pills in his mouth, pouring the water in and using her own reiatsu to make him involuntarily swallow.

Urahara had to admit that he was impressed by her control at the moment. In the next moment, Rukia came running in, looking calm, but slightly out of breath from running so far. She explained that she hadn't stopped running or using Shunpo since she left Inuzuri, which was far out in Rukongai. It was amazing that even Rukia, as a lieutenant had managed it. She did look exhausted, though.

"Hey, Rukia! I was here first!" Karin yelled, behaving rather jealously. Rukia wouldn't have been surprised if Karin started calling dibs on her brother. She didn't though. She just shoved Rukia none too gently aside and ran over to Ichigo.

"H-hey, Karin… How's it going? Don't worry about me. Get back to school and finish your practice for the day. I'm not going to die anytime soon. I can't. I still have two worlds to protect."

"No! I can't just leave you not knowing if you're going to be alright!" Karin protested vehemently. Ichigo just laughed, though.

"Believe me, this woman is plenty qualified to help me recuperate. Judging by her reiatsu, she wouldn't let me die even if I was halfway over death's door. Trust her, Karin. The Gotei Thirteen are very competent at their jobs, even if they sometimes have trouble distinguishing the lawful thing to do from the right thing to do… I'll explain later. Go… Scoot…"

Karin huffed angrily and stormed out just as Renji ran in, yelling for Rukia.

"Rukia! You weren't hurt, were you?!" Renji asked. Rukia sighed and scowled at Renji.

"I wasn't hurt, Renji."

"So nice to know you were concerned about me, too, Renji…" Ichigo said sarcastically. Renji sneered at Ichigo.

"Oh, get over yourself, Captain Kurosaki. Not even death could kill you. But I'm so glad to see that you are so deserving of that captain's robe that two children could maim you."

"You just here to see Rukia, then?" Ichigo asked with a sigh. Renji shook his head.

"I also came to make fun of you, Hard to believe two children were able to harm you so badly." Renji said smugly.

He knew he was being mean for no reason, but he was still slightly angry that he had been friends with Rukia for over a century, and Ichigo just walked into the picture, and the two of them fell in love. Rukia sighed. Ichigo wasn't really in any condition to be arguing with people, though Rukia knew that he would never back down from a challenge like that.

"Renji, you can go back to arguing on a daily basis with Ichigo after he heals up. For now, just let him convalesce." Rukia said firmly. At this, Renji fumed, but didn't say anything. Instead, he grabbed Rukia's arm and dragged her out of the room.

"Ow! Ow! Renji! You're hurting me!" Rukia protested. Renji didn't stop, though and finally, he pushed her in front of him, gripping her arms.

"I don't understand what you see in that idiot, Rukia! You and I have been best friends for over a century! And I've loved you almost as long! This guy just walks into your life one day and you fall head over heels for him in less than a year! What the hell! I know he looks a lot like Kaien, but…"

"You think that's what this is about!? Renji, you're an even bigger fool than I thought! I care about you, Renji! You're one of my best friends, but your jealousy is becoming unbearable! This has nothing… Nothing to do with Kaien! Now get out of my way! I can't believe it!

"You somehow managed to ruin my entire day!" Rukia screamed, icy blasts radiating off of her body. After a moment, she took a deep breath and strode away, angry as she had been, but slightly calmer than before. She had realized that she was about to lose control of her Zanpakuto power.

Even when her sword was sealed, it was still immensely powerful, especially with her Bankai. She still couldn't control her Bankai perfectly, even after a year of training. Byakuya told her that it was not going to be easy to control her incredible ability. But she had seen how quickly Ichigo had gained control and even mastery of his powers. She was fairly jealous of his incredible ability to bloom so fully in adversity.

"Nii-sama! Nii-sama! I need to talk to you!" Rukia demanded, bowing briefly, but not showing the typical deference that she did toward him. Byakuya opened one eye and looked sternly at Rukia.

"I can feel you losing control of your reiatsu, Rukia.

"Sit down and take a deep breath. Meditate with me, and when you are calmer, I will speak to you. It is impossible to carry on a normal conversation with someone who has no control over their emotions. Why do you think I find it so difficult to speak to Kurosaki?" Byakuya asked, looking at Rukia demandingly.

She knew he was right. She couldn't talk in her current mood. She would start screaming, and Byakuya would send her away, and she wouldn't be able to talk to him. So she sat down and took deep breaths, calming herself until she felt her breathing slowing to a normal rate, her heart rate slowing as well, and her shaking subsiding.

She had truly been shaking with rage for a while, but meditating helped her calm herself. She couldn't quite manage to get into a meditative state, but she was feeling a bit better, and after fifteen or twenty minutes, Byakuya told her that he would talk to her, now.

"Nii-sama… I-I went to visit Ichigo… E-er, Captain Kurosaki… A-and he's doing much better. His body has healed very well. I was amazed that he was looking so much better… B-but then… R-Renji just had to ruin my entire day!" Rukia growled, feeling her trembling coming back. Byakuya put a hand on Rukia's shoulder.

"You should not allow him to ruin your day. Renji is very rash, foolhardy and impetuous. You have proven many times to be better than him at keeping your composure. Now, what happened? Tell me calmly, if you would."

"W-well, Renji and Ichigo got into an argument, and I just wanted him to stop harassing Ichigo, so I asked him to let Ichigo convalesce before he got into an argument with him.

"So Renji grabbed me and dragged me out of the room and started protesting about how I could possibly fall in love with Ichigo after only knowing him for two years, and then… H-he brought Kaien into it. I-I could've handled his attacks on my own quickness to fall in love with Ichigo, on Ichigo's own imperfections. B-but…"

"You wonder why he would bring up such a personal issue as Kaien. I must confess that I always saw many parallels between Kurosaki and Kaien. These parallels were only confirmed when I realized that Ichigo was in fact related to Kaien through his father, Isshin Shiba, now called Isshin Kurosaki.

"That may have little to do with their similarities, but I understand how Renji sees the similarities. It was wrong of him to bring Kaien up. But you should not let it ruin your whole day. Now, go… See Kurosaki. I shall deal with Renji if you like…" Byakuya said sternly. Rukia shook her head quickly.

"I imagine that he's already had it out with Ichigo. I don't think anyone could have dragged them apart in the mood Renji was in. Well, I have to get going. I hope they haven't killed each other by now."

"Renji! Ichigo!" Rukia demanded furiously, storming in and blushing deeply upon seeing that not only were they not fighting, they were sitting there, just talking calmly and quietly. They were actually acting like mature adults. It was bizarre, almost scary.

"Geez, Lieutenant Kuchiki… Is there any need to yell like that?" Ichigo asked, covering his ears. Rukia sighed.

"I was sure you were going to be killing each other by now. The way you were arguing, I wasn't sure there would be anything left of you two." Rukia said with a laugh.

"No, no. After you left, Ichigo's sister yelled at us for fighting, and we stopped. Ichigo… You never told me your sister had gotten so hot! Why didn't you mention that!?" Renji demanded. Ichigo looked angrily at Renji.

"Hey, idiot! That's my fucking sister you're talking about! Besides, why the hell should I tell you!? It ain't your business dipwad! And don't you dare talk about my sister like that!"

"Eh… We all know she's dating Captain Hitsugaya anyway. See ya later, Ichigo…" Renji said.

Rukia sighed and sat down next to Ichigo's bed, putting a hand on Ichigo's shoulder.

"I was impressed by your skill. You should have considered Kido, though. Your ability may be less refined than my own. But you could probably stand to learn a few spells."

"I already know a few. Not really any high level spells. I can hardly perform a Hado 90 without its incantation like Aizen. But I somehow managed to restrain Kenpachi for a few seconds with a Bakudo #1."

"You managed to hold Captain Zaraki with a Bakudo #1? That's impressive. What other spells do you know?" Rukia replied. Ichigo looked at her briefly then thought for a moment.

"Well, I've used Hado #3 once in practice. Other than that, I have nothing. I tried to do Hado #33. But it blew up in my face." Ichigo said irritably. Rukia shrugged.

"I imagine you could do it now if you tried… Not right now, fool! You'll destroy the ward and hurt yourself! You're in no condition to practice Kido right now." Rukia snapped. Ichigo laughed briefly, reminded of what Rukia was like when they first met.

"What are you laughing at!?" Rukia asked, blushing slightly. Ichigo smirked wider, and leaned in to kiss Rukia on the lips before he looked at her again.

"I'm just remembering the night we first met. You broke into our house through my window and then ignored me when I tried to talk to you."

"Until you kicked me in the back of the head."

"Yeah. You were really surprised that I could touch you. Then you used a spell on me to paralyze me and then drew a crappy moustache on my face." Ichigo said, laughing

"Yeah… But even with the Kido on you, you were stubborn enough to break it and stupid enough to face that Hollow barehanded!" Rukia added. The two of them started laughing together even louder now, until the captain came in again and shushed them.

"Lieutenant Kuchiki, Captain Kurosaki… I can appreciate your rapport with each other. But do try to keep it a little bit quieter in here. This is a therapeutic facility." Captain Kataguchi said firmly. The two nodded and quieted down quickly.

"Oh, Lieutenant Kuchiki… Your brother has a message for you… He said to come home quickly. You're having guests for dinner this evening."

"I see. I'll be going then, Ichigo. It was fun catching up on old times." Rukia said, kissing Ichigo once more before leaving. Ichigo gently took Rukia's cheek in his hand and put his other arm around her, pulling her closer, kissing her more deeply.

Out of respect, Captain Kataguchi looked away while the two were kissing. She was fairly certain that Byakuya wouldn't approve of them making such displays of affection in public. But she also knew that it wasn't her business.

"I-I'm sorry, Ichigo. I'd love to stay longer. But I can't just ignore Nii-sama's command… Did Nii-sama say who was coming to dinner, Captain Kataguchi?" Rukia asked. Yoshiko shook her head.

"Captain Kuchiki didn't mention who it was except to say that they were important and that you were expected home forthwith."

"I-I understand, Captain. Thank you for relaying the message. I'll come back to see you again as soon as I can, Ichigo." Rukia said, smiling and then running off, quickly turning to Shunpo to move faster.

"Lieutenant Kuchiki is quite an amazing young woman, Captain Kurosaki… I hope you realize how lucky you are to have her…" Yoshiko said with a smile. Ichigo sighed and looked away, blushing slightly.

"She's definitely amazing. I… I…"

"I'll let you get some sleep, Captain. Sleep well, and recover quickly."