Disclaimer: - I don't own Bleach. Kubo Tite owns Bleach.

WARNING MASSIVE SPOILERS

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One Unlucky Day

Ichigo approached the mansion apprehensively. The massive feudal castle still not losing its shock, with its perimeter surrounded by thick stone walls more than twice his height. He stopped by the imposing solid hardwood gate and rapped loudly on the hefty brass door knockers. The guards opened the gate and upon recognising him, led him into the majestic estate, through an open Sakura garden, toward the guest hall.

Six years ago, a little girl was ready to give up everything he saw around him. She was ready to throw away the lifestyle that accompanied it, to save him and his family. Awed, he realized just what a heavy sacrifice it had been. In the end it had nearly cost her life. Since then, Rukia had become a dominant force in his life and was instrumental in molding his future. 'A future', Ichigo reflected, speculating on what it held for him. He came here, to Soul Society, for the sake of those words.

He simply came to thank Rukia for the pens and the notepad but something in the air felt distinctly uncomfortable. Maybe it was because he was a week late.

"You have come, Kurosaki," Byakuya's voice snapped him back to the present. "I take it you wish to see Rukia."

Byakuya came with a small entourage of maids as he knelt down onto his usual cushion. He eyed Ichigo carefully, taking in the unusual clothing he seemed to be wearing.

"Ah… Yes I have," Ichigo, noting Byakuya's stare, knelt down on the cushion beside him. "These are just clothes that Ishida got for me, Bya… ah Kuchiki-san."

Ichigo was suddenly self conscious about his clothes. His dark blue jeans and yellow 'Assassins do it from behind' T-shirt looked out of place in this grandiose surrounding. He zipped his tan, leather jacket up hiding the gaudy shirt as the maids served tea.

"She will be out very soon," Byakuya was as emotionless as ever.

"Sure… No problems," Ichigo was not sure what else to say.

Half an hour later, Rukia finally came into the hall. She was in a pink Yukata, elaborately decorated with gold printed flowers and a white obi pinched in her narrow waist. She bowed politely as she entered, to Byakuya and Ichigo. "Nii-sama, Kurosaki-san."

'Kurosaki-san!' What was she talking about? "Uh…" he stammered. "Hi Rukia, I just came to say thanks for the presents,"

"I am honoured," she bowed again. "I am also grateful for your gifts."

He thought he noticed her blush a little. She's usually not so reserved around him, even in the presence of her brother. It was unnerving. Thinking to clear the air and to get out of the mansion, Ichigo asked. "Do you wanna go somewhere? Out I mean."

She looked to her brother questioningly.

"The Sakura trees have blossomed in the rear gardens. You could pay a visit to Hisana's grave," Byakuya answered.

"Sure." Not really what Ichigo wanted, but at least it'd get him outside with Rukia.

As they walked through the serene garden, Ichigo realised that Byakuya had not left them. He was silently walking behind them, never taking his eyes off them. Rukia walked calmly beside him, keeping her focus at all times. Ichigo turned around slightly peeved. "Are you going to be following us all day?"

"Of course, it is customary."

"What the hell!" Ichigo screamed.

Before he could say anything else, Ichigo felt a sharp pain in his foot as Rukia planted her foot firmly across his toes. Pointing to the tomb before him, she gave him a warning glare. Ichigo quickly composed himself, not one to disrespect the dead. The three of them stood beneath the shade of the trees, paying their respects.

They stood solemnly for an eternity before Ichigo finally found the courage to speak. "So this is your sister, Rukia?"

"Yes," she replied quietly.

"She was my wife," Byakuya turned a stern look at Ichigo. "I swore to her, that I would find and protect Rukia with my life, from anyone who wanted to harm her."

Ichigo thought of bringing up Rukia's execution, but decided against it. Instead he took it as a challenge and scowled in return. "I would protect her too, with my life. No one will harm her. I swear that on my soul."

As the too men stood defiantly, Rukia felt a wave of light headedness. She didn't even know she smiled. Excusing herself she walked away leaving the two alone. When she finally returned she found the pair had settled into a sort of uneasy truce. Ichigo leaned against the Sakura tree, while Byakuya had stood his ground with his eyes closed. Rukia held out her hand to holding gifts for the two.

"WOW! Great! I haven't had one of these in ages!"

"I thought you might like it, Kurosaki-san," came Rukia's melodious reply.

Again with the 'Kurosaki-san', Ichigo beyond curious by now. He would ask Rukia about it first chance he had. Byakuya bowed as he graciously took the box like object from his sister. He turned it over several times before raising his glance at Rukia and Ichigo, happily sipping away on their own juice boxes.

"Ahhh!" Ichigo exalted. "That hit the spot. I haven't had that in ages."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kurosaki-san," Rukia was pleased with herself.

Byakuya glanced back to his own box and methodically tried to work out how to use the contraption in his head. He didn't want to act until he was certain he was doing the right thing.

"What's the matter, Byakuya," Ichigo grinned, taking pleasure at Byakuya's confusion. "Never drank juice before?"

"I do not drink juice."

Returning the box to Rukia he turned around and took a step to the grand hall. Ichigo snatched the juice from a shocked Rukia and popped the straw in. Dashing in front of Byakuya, he shoved the box in his face. "Have some"

"Nii-sama," Rukia was getting irritated by Ichigo's rude behaviour. "Try some. It is very good."

Byakuya breathed out silently and took the offered gift. Mimicking what he saw the two do before, he sucked on the straw. He was pleasantly surprised. He would not admit it to anyone nor would he show it on his face, but he found he liked this, 'juice'.

"What do ya think?"

"It is orange," Byakuya consulted his taste buds. "and something else."

"Mango. It's Orange and Mango juice. So do ya like it?"

"It is just the juices of fruit. I do not like nor dislike it. Though nevertheless, I am grateful for the gift."

He walked back slowly to the hall, sipping on his juice. Ichigo shrugged as Rukia smiled warmly at her brother's back. Seeing him in a good mood, Ichigo decided to test the waters. "So um… Can Rukia go out with me today?" as the words left his mouth, he felt like a twelve year old asking for permission.

"I am busy today."

"So what? Rukia isn't."

"I can not go with you."

"So. Rukia's a grown woman. She doesn't need you to hold her hand!"

Rukia noticed her brother's subtle change in posture. Before the situation could deteriorate anymore, she offered a compromise. "Nii-sama. Ichigo is aware of the situation concerning Fujiwara Saito, perhaps he could…?"

Byakuya stared at the two for a moment. Rukia watched the ants crawl over her toes as Ichigo scowled. Finally relenting he made a motion with his hands and Saito stood there beside them. "Be conscious of your position Rukia. Be aware that you are a noble."

"Yes, Nii-sama."

Ichigo turned an evil eye on Saito. "You're kidding me right!"

"Kuchiki-sama does not kid," the man's reply was as flat as his master's.

"Fine," Ichigo sighed resignedly. "Just stay out of our way."

"Of course. Kurosaki-san."

The three of them left the mansion and found Ganjyu, Hyou and Yukino waiting for them a few blocks away. "Ichi-bro!" came the hoarse roar from Ganjyu. "What took you so long."

"Rukia's brother, that's what. Anyway, where are we going."

"I know a nice place out at tha 13th West District. It's got some nice sake and music too."

Rukia sighed for no particular reason as she exchanged greetings with everyone. Hyou and Ganjyu were not dressed in their Shinigami uniform but in plain clothing. Yukino however chose to wear a pale yellow Yukata with a red sash, matching her hair, around her waist. The people of Seireitei gaped at the two beauties within the group. It was not only Rukia and Yukino who stood out, there was an extra standing behind Rukia, which all noticed.

"Since when have you become friends with Ichigo?" Ganjyu regarded Saito suspiciously.

"Long story Ganjyu. Let's just say it was on Byakuya's orders," Ichigo rescued the embarrassed chaperone.

Ganjyu shrugged as the group marched off towards the western gate, chatting and laughing as they walked. Saito let out a deep breath as he trailed behind the group, feeling like the proverbial fifth wheel.

The little inn they arrived in was pleasantly decorated. It was half full, with patrons eating merrily at their oblong tables. Sake and wine was served readily and bamboo pot plants, scattered through out the inn, gave the place an outdoor feel. Its greatest feature however, was the raised stage set up at one end of the inn and the gorgeous view overlooking the balcony on one side, of a green, open meadow.

"How did you find out about this place?" Hyou asked.

"Me and my sister used ta come here a lot," Ganjyu reminisced. "We used ta drink a little and light up fireworks out in that field there."

As they sat down at their table, Ganjyu, Hyou and Yukino begun to discuss the menu and what to order. Saito had taken a kneeling position behind Rukia. Taking the chance at a little privacy, Ichigo edged closer to Rukia and whispered. "So what's with the 'Kurosaki-san' this and 'Kurosaki-san' that?"

Her cerulean eyes searched the room before landing on Saito. "It is only proper," she answered squarely.

Ichigo cocked an eyebrow. "What do mean proper? Since when have you ever been proper around me? You've always been improper!"

"What the hell!" Rukia shouted as she whipped a snappy backfist into his stomach. Realising that all eyes were on her, she collected herself. "I have never been improper."

Saito closed his eyes and forced his laughter down. He had been spying on them too long now to be fooled by that statement. Ganjyu's rowdy laughter snapped the tension in the air. "Hahaha! You guys sound like a married couple!"

Rukia seemed to baulk at the statement as they both turned beetroot and looked away. "I wouldn't marry him if he was the last man in Soul Society!" Rukia huffed.

"Yeah! Well I wouldn't-"

"Kurosaki-sempai," the voice of Kenjimaru startled the group. "It's good to see you."

Ichigo didn't know what to think about the impromptu meeting and the even more unusual friendliness from this rival. Kenjimaru excused himself and made his way to another table full of other students that the group recognised.

"How's Ishida?" Ganjyu shattered the spell that seemed to hold the group in a trance.

"Well, when I went to see him off he was still trying to challenge me to a duel so I guess that means he's back to normal," Ichigo smirked. "That guy never changes, does he."

Ganjyu and Rukia laughed, Ganjyu louder than the petite woman.

"Ishida and Inoue have been seeing a lot of each other lately. They have been taking long walks in the evenings through Seireitei," Rukia noted.

"They have," Ichigo expression was glum. "But it's weird. They've been really quiet when they get back. Ishida won't tell me anything about what happened with Grimmjow. Normally he'd say something like 'I will get him back for that one day' but instead there's a strange silence about the whole thing."

"Did something happen, ya reckon?" Ganjyu wondered.

"Definitely. But for Inoue to be so tight lipped about it. Plus the way she acts, something must have happened."

Their ordered meal arrived as a pretty, young songstress came on the stage to sing. The patrons were appreciative and soon the dark mood had been swept away as the table engaged in small talk, laughter and sake swilling. As desert was brought around, a short, grey haired old man approached their table.

"Ganjyu-san, so nice to see you again," the old man greeted them.

"Yo! Manager Fujima, how's business," Ganjyu had started to go slightly pink from the alcohol.

"It has been kind. I survive. But of course it was never as good as when Ganjyu-san and Kuukau-san used to light fireworks in the field. Ahh… they were wondrous…"

Ganjyu laughed heartily at this. "Old man! You are lucky us Shiba's never leave the house without a pants full 'a fireworks!"

"You would do that… for me?" faked surprise seemed to be a ritual between the two.

"The food was wondrous too…"

"Think nothing of it, Ganjyu-san. Consider it a token of my gratitude."

Ganjyu winked at the group as he got up. "I'll be right back. Just gonna light some fireworks!"

Ganjyu disappeared down stairs towards the meadow, leaving the others to continue their drinking. The singer started again as most revelers finished their meals and began drinking in earnest. Even Yukino and Rukia drank a little, and were busy chatting in their own unusual way. Kenjimaru sat at his table half heartedly listening to the idle banter of his classmates. They arrived here on short notice and as it was his idea, he was trying his best to be the good host. His attention was divided to elsewhere though. His mood was lifted as he watched a group of drunk hooligans make their way to Ichigo's table.

"Yo! Gorgeous! How bout ya wanna spend some time wif some real men," the unshaven bear leered, his breath stinking of alcohol as he leaned in closer to Rukia.

"How bout ya ditch these losers and come drink wif us babe," a lean, orange haired man ogled Yukino through missing teeth as he grabbed her hand.

The room was shocked as Hyou slapped away the lean ruffians hands and stood up between the two. Saito put his hand on his sword and rose beside Hyou. The six goons behind the two apparent leaders stared at him as he stood menacingly.

"Figures… Babes have got a Shinigami bodyguard, what are ya, nobles or somethin'?" the leader of the group scoffed. Pointing at Ichigo he goaded. "Thought a wimpy boyfriend like that couldn't protect someone as fine as her."

"Saito, back off," Ichigo commanded, taking the bait.

"Kurosaki-san, it is my duty-"

"BACK OFF!"

Saito appraised the group of drunkards as he knelt back down. Shaking his head, he thought about how he would edit this report again to Byakuya.

"Ooh, the boy's got some guts!" the bear-leader sneered as he pulled out a short dagger from his kimono. "You're a long way from Seireitei, noble. Don't think I'll go easy on ya!"

Ichigo took one look at the knife and released a massive bloodlust. If this man wanted to try him he would be sure to teach him a lesson he'd not soon forget. He kept his reiatsu under check, not wanting to alarm the rest of inn. Hyou and Yukino found themselves short of breath and starting to perspire. Was that from their friend and classmate? It's depth and strength shrieked more than just academy student level. The goons hesitated for a moment, but their numbers soon bolstered their confidence.

"Ichigo, stop this, it's not worth it," Rukia had stole a glance at Saito.

"Ya better listen to the missus pretty boy," another of the lowly thugs ratted to the jeering of his comrades.

"Don't worry," Ichigo turned to Rukia. "I won't let these bastard ruin our night."

He had of course meant 'our' as in the group but the sound of 'our' brought a warm bloom to her cheeks. It also wiped out any thoughts of further resistance from her as she muttered just above a whisper. "Just don't hurt them too much."

"Hurt us!!" The unruly mob burst out in a barking laughter.

The manager of the establishment ordered the poor songstress to sing louder in an attempt to placate the group. As with the Titanic, the singing would go down with the ship. An explosion from outside jarred the scoundrels into action.

The dagger thrusted towards Ichigo. Ducking, Ichigo spun around elbowing the burly man in the gut. He straightened up as the ball of his palm found its mark at the base of the mans jaw, lifting him off the ground. Before anyone could react, Ichigo pivoted once more and using both hands he palmed the opponent in the chest. The amount of reiatsu and Ichigo's strength flinging the fool out and off the veranda.

Hyou timed the balled fist of the orange haired thug perfectly. He wasn't the naturally aggressive fighter that Ichigo was, instead he relied on his training and technique. Weaving to the left of the jab, he returned with an uppercut of his own. Catching the target's jawbone, he allowed his arm to follow through as it entangled the arm of the man. Raising his forward leg high, he let loose as his kick axed its way down on the man's head, knocking him out.

A bottle was thrown at Ichigo as he ran towards the group. Ichigo caught it, one handed. Taking advantage of Ichigo's momentary distraction one of the young men leapt forward for an airborne kick. Ichigo launched the bottle back at him, smashing into his face. Gripping his still airborne foot, Ichigo twisted and threw the poor goon over his shoulder at Hyou. "Hyou! Incoming!" Ichigo shouted by way of warning.

Completing the combo, Hyou used a move he had learnt off Yukino. Swirling in a circular motion, he took hold of the foe's flailing arm and spun him to the ground, face down. Pressing his foot into the man shoulder he jerked the arm backwards at an inhumane angle over his knee. Bone splintered through the other side. Rukia hollered at Ichigo. "I told you not to hurt them!"

"It wasn't me. That was Hyou!"

"Sorry," was all the usually polite Hyou could manage as he dodged a table flung at him.

Yukino gentle tapped Rukia on the shoulder and flashed her pad at her. 'Boys will be boys'. Yukino shrugged as Rukia rolled her eyes and swigged back her sake in one gulp. Saito dearly wished, at this point, he was allowed to drink on the job. The patrons by now had started to flee the surreal scene. The group fought to the wailing of the singer, highlighted on occasion by bright splashes of colour from the fireworks display outside. Ichigo paid them little heed as he rammed the head of a punk through the wall in this violent disco.

Kenjimaru and the group of students watched in a mixture of awe and horror as Ichigo and Hyou fought, back to back against the attackers. Ichigo had by now developed a reputation but Hyou's skill had surprised many and even caught the eyes of a few girls in the group.

A flung pillow threatened the pair. Ichigo moved instinctively even though the object had very little chance of hurting him. The thrown battle axe, however, had a very large chance of hurting him. Jinking aside, it continued on it's path harmlessly, towards the back of Rukia's head. His body moving on its own, Ichigo flashed behind Rukia, catching the blade inches away. He snapped the object like a twig as he turned, gritting his teeth at the remaining three hooligans.

"Go easy," Rukia's voice was unusually calm. She refused to open her eyes knowing the view would probably just anger her. "I knew the axe was there."

This seemed to calm Ichigo down a little. The hoodlums made a final desperate charge at the pair. Ichigo just stood there, grimacing as he took two punches to the cheek. He didn't bother dodging, instead using a little reiatsu to cushion the blows. The pain angered him as he grabbed the two assailants by the tuft of hair and attempted to fuse their foreheads together at high speed. Hyou easily outclassed his opponent, finishing him off with an over the shoulder throw, launching the man towards the stairwell. Landing two more punches on the airborne target, his third found empty air as he lost his balance and fell flat on his face.

"Did I miss something?" Ganjyu asked as he surveyed the hurricane devastated restaurant. "I came back and almost got knocked out by some guy flying down the stairs!"

Hyou rubbing his temple apologized. "Sorry, Shiba-san."

Not really sure what Hyou was apologizing for Ganjyu merely shook his head. "Some people have all the luck."

Kenjimaru and the group of students looked on at the casual way Ichigo and his group had approached the fight. Even unarmed they seemed to carry with them the air of experience. Kenjimaru was beyond surprise by now, but some in the group finally realized the stories of Ichigo were not just an exaggeration. Suddenly one of the students screamed.

Ichigo turned to face them as the flood of familiar reiatsu made him nauseous. In his fight, he had become distracted. How could he not have noticed something this large. Steeling himself, he wished for Zangetsu more than anything else in the world right now as the roof was unexpectedly wrenched from its position and planted into the field.

"Why me!" Ichigo cursed.

The empty sockets staring back at him from the exposed ceiling through the bone like masks could only belong to one thing - Hollows.

End Chapter 13

A/N: Sorry this one took a while guys. Been busy with pre-christmas work. Again thanks Shannon to editing! This chapter is so much tighter now!