Ch. #3

The Senkai gate came into view, previously prepared by Kira. Ichigo would be waiting in Urahara's shop on the other side along with a pile of gigais. But as the box trekked on, Rukia grew more and more suspicious.

"Matsumoto. I know we're moving."

"Rukia, Rukia, Rukia... would I lie to you? We are not moving."

"Then why do I feel us occasionally jerking or bumping?"

"Uhh... umm.. that's just Willy! He's pretty frisky!"

"...Who the hell is Willy?"

"My left one! Then my right one is Wonka!"

Rukia sighed. Matsumoto was impossible.

"Besides, isn't it more fun to not know?" she commented with wisdom flashing in her eyes, the first time Rukia had ever really looked up to the lieutenant.

A knock came twice on the box, and Matsumoto pulled out a gas mask. She quickly placed it over her mouth and responded with two knocks of her own.

"What's going on?! Why do you have a gas mask and why am I... so... sleepy..." Rukia began to snore softly as the purple gas injected inside the box began to take effect. The side was punched out and Matsumoto stiffly climbed out and began to stretch out her sore limbs. "Ohh boy! Staying in that box for a while has its downsides!"

Renji lifted Rukia out and hoisted her over his shoulder, and began to walk through the dark tunnel that connected the Seireitei to Karakura town. "C'mon we don't got all night!"

The group trudged through the ominous portal, combining their reiatsu to make a bright blue path. Luckily, it was not the certain seventh day with the tunnel cleaner, so they ran into no problems and emerged into Urahara's shop within minutes.

He flicked his trademark fan in front of his face, the used green-stripped hat shadowing his eyes. "The bus is here! Have fun you kids!" He waved them off with a goofy grin, Matsumoto stopping for a quick hug. "Soul Society sure is lonely without you!" she whispered into his ear, then rushed after the departing group.

"All aboard!" The tinted bus door opened, revealing a grinning Ichigo wearing a captain's hat. "It's a bus not a ship, you idiot," grumbled Renji, but with a good nature.

Once everyone was seated in the sticky leather, the bus's wheels squeaked as the loud and excited group set of to the new spot in town, "Ghostbusters." It was slightly ironic in a way, actually. Finding a parking spot in the back of the flashy building, the group climbed out of the rusted vehicle and made their way to the large line at the entrance, teenagers with fake ID's and college students already waiting to get in. Since they learned last time that Matsumoto's chest goes a long way, they were in within seconds, jealous stares from the people that they had cut.

Rukia still hung limp in Renji's arms, so they first grabbed a booth until the effects of the poison wore off. Mayuri, the distributer, said it should only take around 15-20 minutes.

"Uhh... where am I?" Rukia groggily muttered, rubbing her pounding head. Her eyes were met by 8 other pairs, some emotionless, some excited, and some laughing. She sat up abruptly, her hair slightly rustled and her eyes frantic. "What's going on?"

"Surprise!" Matsumoto yelled out, thrusting her hands into the air. "Welcome to the greatest night of your life!" Rukia stared in shock, then immediately turned an accusing stare to Renji. "I know this was your idea." Renji looked down sheepish, then everybody laughed. It had indeed been Renji's idea.

"Oh, the drinks are here!" A good looking waiter brought down a platter full of at least 10 drinks, and Rukia stared at hers uneasily. Well, here goes nothing! She thought, then brought the cup up to her lips. If Nii-sama could do it, then so can I!

Sorry for the long wait between chapters. More to come up soon!