A/N: Wow, wow, wow. Yes I'm back. I can't tell you how sorry I am that this update took so long, but life just caught up with me and left this story in the backseat. I actually forgot to mention in the previous chapter that I'd be going on vacation where there was very limited computer access for a few weeks, and figured that you wouldn't appreciate it if I put up and A/N saying that instead of a chapter.

Then once we came back, between preparing for school to start, studying for my driver's permit, and doing about six hours of AP US History summer homework a day I didn't even want to think about doing more typing, and had a huge writers block that stopped me from doing anything when I actually did have the time.

But enough about my woes. As you can see, I've finally kicked my self in the rear (with a little help from -'SeeUsMerrilyEatRadish'-) and here's your chapter. Oh, and whether I've responded to your review or not, I've read each one and thank you all, if it was just a quick note or something I've overlooked in the story. Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, only the thing I make them do.

Chapter 13: The Truth

Even after nearly a week passed, Ichigo couldn't seem to calm his nerves. He seemed to jump at every sound, every time he accidently bumped into something. The shock of Aizen visiting, Rukia's revelation, and all the training he'd been doing for the past two weeks had reawakened the senses that he thought had been buried after the months he needed for recuperation during what seemed like a lifetime ago.

In truth, it was the terrible 'incident' with Aizen was a catalyst for the downfall of their war efforts. Ichigo was left in a coma for two months following the battle and that was when Aizen took the chance to truly strike. Orihime was quickly and unexpectedly assaulted and put out of the picture when she too went into a coma. Ishida and Chad, who were also gravely wounded protecting her since Ichigo was out of commission, were cut down three days later. Without Orihime there to quickly reverse injuries, and the Fourth Division working almost literally to death, almost no one got a second chance in battle.

Rukia, who was the last one to be healed by Orihime, did her best to aid in the war efforts but the deaths of her new friends and Ichigo's condition affected her too greatly to be of any use. When Renji was killed along with Jinta and Ururu protecting Urahara Shoten, Byakuya pulled her out of the war completely. It was maybe this that made Rukia even more determined to be of use in this war, even though in Ichigo's opinion she'd certainly done enough to help.

The higher-ranking shinigami were slowly struck down by the remaining Espada, except for a few that were killed personally by Ichimaru or Tousen. By the end of the month only four divisions were left with captains and even less with vice-captains. Urahara had taken over for the Twelfth Division, Unohana was exhausting herself trying to save everyone, Shunsui was inconsolable after Ukitake and Nanao were killed, and Yamamoto seemed to be everywhere at once, trying to end the war by himself. Even only a few vaizards made it through that month of detrimental attacks, leaving Hirako, Kensei, and Rose to fend for themselves.

Yamamoto was the only one to have the 'honor' of being killed by Aizen. Once the weathered commander was down, everything seemed lost. Aizen's forces quickly took control of Soul Society with no problems, since they'd already eliminated the Central 46 and none of the noble families were strong enough to oppose them. Although the remaining shinigami set up a base at Yoruichi's Hideout, all that was left to do was to wait for Aizen to destroy Karakura Town.

But he didn't. No one knew why, but the former captain instead chose to search for the Key mentioned by Yamamoto. It was to this that Ichigo woke up to two months after the 'incident'. He could barely function under the pounding headache that lingered for weeks, and each reported death hit him harder than the last.

Rukia had told him in a soft voice how his trusted comrades were wiped out, then went on to brokenly tell him of everyone else's fates. Ukitake was taken down in a moment of weakness by Ichimaru, Hitsugaya was killed by Tousen after trying to protect Hinamori, who was killed in turn after pleading with Aizen to come back. Ikkaku, Yumichika, and Kenpachi died exactly how they wanted, in one of the greatest (and most beautiful, that Yumichika made sure of) battles in shinigami history. Yachiru was taken hostage by Tousen, since Komamura told them the former captain couldn't kill a child.

Byakuya and Yoruichi died side by side fighting back three high-level Espada before the battle came to a horrible draw. Matsumoto, Hisagi, and Kira also died together in battle. Yamamoto, Sasakibe, Soifon, Omeada, Isane, Komamura, Iba, Nanao, Mayuri, Nemu, the list went on and on as Ichigo tried to take in everything that changed while he was out.

When Ichigo asked Rukia about his family, she could barely keep her composure. He felt completely dead inside when she told him that they'd found Yuzu, Karin, and Tessai's bodies in the Clinic and his father was nowhere to be found. So, Ichigo sat helplessly in his bed for the next week, slowly regaining the ability to think clearly and move without bolts of pain shooting through his body. He impassively listened to reports of Shunsui's death, Unohana's final stand, and Hirako's brave sacrifice. Even Rukia couldn't help him regain his good spirits, since she herself was in the same state of mind.

One night though, as Ichigo stared at Orihime's unmoving form on the bed next to him, the voice in his head he'd despised for so long spoke up. It was strange, but the hollow slowly became a friend to him. A cranky, whiny, annoying sort of friend, and Ichigo reasoned to himself that he was probably out of his mind for tolerating the leech even a little bit, but it did the trick. He found himself slowly opening back up, since you couldn't truly ignore a voice in your head. He started having long talks with Zangetsu, put more effort into recovering, and even lifted Rukia's spirits to the point of things almost being back to normal.

Meanwhile, Urahara was far too busy to inquire about Ichigo's condition. The captain-turned-shopkeeper-turned-captain-again was frantically trying to come up with war plans, sneaking off to meet with 'allies' (though Ichigo suspected he wasn't telling the whole truth), and trying desperately to find the location of the King's Key, if only to get there first. It was only when Ichigo fully recovered that Urahara's strange personality came back full force. The two knew why when Urahara revealed his far-fetched scheme of traveling to the past to fix everything, and hope returned full-force to Yoruichi's hideout. The three snuck out in the middle of the night and returned to the battle-worn and empty shop, staying for only two days before the crazy genius was ready.

Now looking back, Ichigo knew why Urahara suddenly seemed so carefree. He was completely sure that the eccentric shopkeeper committed suicide in one form or another after sending off the last two vestiges of the resistence.

Ichigo sighed. All his ties were officially cut from the previous dimension. He'd always wondered why Urahara didn't come with them, and to get the true answer he'd most likely have to ask the shopkeeper here for some insight. He had another chance that he wouldn't normally have gotten thanks to Urahara, and though he knew the sudden collapse of their side's forces was mainly his own fault, Ichigo had to make the most of this chance. But that all was in the past, and right now Ichigo needed to concentrate on the present.

Namely, the three shadows he'd seemed to acquire overnight. Ichigo had spent the last week tracking Minobe, Choshi, and Terada and avoiding them once he knew where they were. Thanks to doing the same for months with arrancar in his 'previous life', he had no problems avoiding several ambushes. Of course, he had to admit it would be much easier if he could actually sense spiritual energy, but that would be losing to them.

--

Renji was in a bind. It was bad enough when word got out that he'd been beaten by Rukia, a little girl. But at least she'd been a full-fledged shinigami for many years, and his own good friend. Now he'd lost a battle with a little freshman who was fighting with a borrowed zanpaktou! Renji knew Kenpachi wouldn't care about the battles he lost, since the Captain would be too focused on fighting the shinigami that won. No, his job wouldn't be in jeopardy. His pride, however, and his self-esteem had never been lower.

Maybe I've been aiming too high, he thought in despair as he sat on a rock spire, overlooking the chasm Kurosaki created during their battle. Maybe Captain Kuchiki isn't the one I should be aiming to beat. Renji hopped down from his seat and walked to the deep cut in the rock. Spiritual energy still pulsed in it's depths, wild and uncontrolled. This kid's got more energy than Ikkaku...and he hasn't even gotten his zanpaktou yet...not to mention he's only a midget. He's going to be a monster in a few decades...

Renji stared down the long slice in the earth, contemplating his goals. No, Captain Kuchiki is too far for me right now. Maybe in a century, but not now. Besides, he thought, chuckling a bit to himself, Rukia seems to be able to take care of herself. I'd forgotten how tough she is. Renji smirked. Kurosaki Ichigo. You're my new goal. I'll have to defeat Rukia, then Ikkaku, and maybe even Kuchiki, if you're strong enough, but someday I'll be strong enough to beat you.

That was when Renji realized he wasn't doing enough. He had enough spiritual energy to maybe make Captain someday, but he didn't want to be just another Captain, like Tousen or something. He needed to be great, and training for a few hours a day and slacking off the rest wouldn't do that. At this pace he only make Vice-Captain in a few years, despite his large amount of energy, and it would probably take another five years to attain bankai, despite the fact he'd been working for it during the past eight years.

"So you've finally seen it." Renji whipped around at the sound of the low voice. He stared dumbstruck at the sight before him. The soul he'd so far only seen in his mind was standing before him, the snake-tail whipped around in an excited frenzy as the large baboon sat patiently before him.

"He he, look at the dumbass' face. He can't believe he managed to call us out." The snake laughed some more and rose up to get a clear look at it's partner's face.

The baboon ignored him. "You have finally seen, Renji, that you are simply an ordinary shinigami, despite your wish to become extraordinary." The zanpaktou paused. "But, with the right effort you can become extraordinary."

"That's what we're here to help you with." Zabimaru said, chuckling a bit in anticipation.

--

Only one more day, Ichigo thought, one more day, then I'll be able to see the only sane face around here. He heard the tell-tale footsteps behind him and dodged to the left, taking a detour around the Math and Sciences building. But it was really a fake, and Ichigo leapt to the roof and ran to his destination on top of the other buildings, noting with satisfaction Minobe's confused face underneath him.

Ichigo honestly thought he would go insane if Rukia and Shiro ("That's not my damn name!") weren't with him. He needed someone to vent to, and right now Rukia was the only one he could talk to...well besides that incessant voice in his head. Ichigo was literally counting down the days until that Sunday four months from now when they received their actual zanpaktous. Asuachis were handed out to those ready for them a few days ago, and Ichigo honestly thought he would be better off with the wooden sword.

Ichigo took a great leap onto the next roof that he recognized as the larger Hakuda gym. He scowled at the thought of the sword strapped to his back. Asuachi was a perfect name for the weak little thing. At least with wood he could use a good amount of spiritual energy, even if it didn't do anything. This stupid hunk of metal started shaking uncontrollably if he even put a little energy into it.

Four more months, he thought, four more months until we have the session to find our zanpaktous, whatever that means. Ichigo caught a glimpse of short black hair and quickly went the opposite direction, whether it was Choshi or not.

"You're not the only one sufferin' around here King. Only being able to listen to your whiny thoughts is really gettin' on my last nerve. Not to mention that headache keeps comin' back, and some of those scratches from the demon-cat haven't healed yet...NEVER bring that fucking thing back here, or I swear I'll kill you."

Uh-oh, lapsing back into old habits are we? I thought you had 'reason' now.

"I have reason enough to know that if you subject me to that damned thing again, you deserve to be punished."

Ichigo chuckled. Who knew Rukia's zanpaktou could be so ferocious and territorial? He kind of wanted to know what it looked like, but neither Zangetsu (back in the old dimension) or Shiro would talk about it.

He spotted the boy's dorm in the distance and made his final sprint towards it, dashing through his open window and quickly closing it behind him. Ichigo fell onto his bed with an exhausted breath. Even though he knew the three leeches didn't have the skill or the power to catch him, you could never be too careful.

--

BONG! BONG! BONG!

Ichigo blearily rose out of bed, rubbing his eyes and yawning. "Oh, shut up," he said as he walked over to his dresser and pulled out his uniform. Despite how annoying the bell was, Ichigo was glad that he was finally used to the morning wake-up call and had stopped literally flying of of bed. He threw open his window and hopped out, just in case his leeches were waiting in the dorm lobby like last monday.

It only took him a half-hour to reach Yoruichi's hideout, but it seemed like hours to the socially-deprived student. After checking to make sure no one was following him for the ninth time, Ichigo stopped in front of the entrance and hopped in.

Of course, he certainly wasn't expecting the place to be occupied by two people. Ichigo froze was he watched Rukia and Renji battle it out in the screaming match to end all screaming matches.

"I need this place for training, you bitch!! Go find somewhere else to chat it up with your stupid friend!!"

"If you don't like it, go train SOMEWHERE ELSE!! I CALLED THIS PLACE!! IT'S MINE, YOU FREAKIN' BASTARD!!"

"I'VE BEEN LIVING HERE FOR THE PAST WEEK!! DON'T YOU TALK TO ME ABOUT CLAIMS!!"

"SHUT THE HELL UP!! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE HERE!!"

Ichigo watched in mild horror as Rukia gave a feral scream and leapt at Renji, Sode no Shirayuki already out of it's sheath. Renji answered with a bellow and the two blades met in midair. The shinigami threw away all finesse in their need to maim the other, flailing wildly as the swords crashing together again and again. Ichigo let them battle it out for a few minutes before deciding he'd had enough.

He smiled evilly as he put his arms into position, calling out above the din of the swords, "Way of Destruction Number 31!" Rukia turned towards him, eyes wide in horror before leaping out of the way. She looked back to Renji and screamed at him to get out of the way. "Red Flame Cannon!!" A blinding white light flared up from Ichigo's outstretched hand and annihilated the spire behind where the two shinigami had been battling a few seconds prior.

Ichigo shook his hand and blew on it before turning to the others in the cavern. "Now if you to are done letting out sexual tension-"

"What the hell are you talking about, you idiot!? I wouldn't even look at this pineapple if he was the last man on Earth!!"

"What are you on!? Why would I ever even associate with this hot-headed midget!?"

The two turned to each other and yelled at the same time. "Who are you calling a midget!!"

"Who are you calling a pineapple!!"

"Will you two please shut up!!" Rukia and Renji quickly shut their mouths but continued glaring at each other. "Thank you. Is the area clear? No little spies?"

"Crystal." Rukia grumbled.

"Good. Rukia, I want to tell him."

She stared at him, opening and closing her mouth a few times before hissing "Are you completely insane? Have you lost your mind? We can't tell this loud-mouthed buffoon anything! Do you recall what Urahara said!?"

Ichigo crossed his arms and ignored Renji, who was looking extremely confused. "He specifically said not to tell the three captains. That's 'Urahara' for 'you can tell whoever you want as long as it's not those three and word won't get back to them.' I don't know about you, but I trust Renji not to go running to the traitors."

Rukia sputtered. "Well of course I trust him, you of all people should know that! But-"

Ichigo continued, ignoring her protests. "And if I were him, I would want to know what's going on. Not to mention he'll be the closest to us for the next few years and will probably find out anyway."

Rukia sighed. "Yes, but-"

"Plus, if we tell him now, he might be a little more motivated to not get himself killed in the future."

Rukia stopped her protests and looked off into the distance, debating with herself silently.

"Could someone please tell me what the hell is going on?" Renji kept looking between his childhood friend and the prodigy he barely knew.

The silence continued for a few seconds before Rukia said quietly. "He won't believe us."

"Not at first, no."

"He'll think we've gone insane."

"Yes, but he'll see the truth behind it eventually."

"..."

"It'll be a lot better with him around, trust me."

"...Fine. Renji, sit down. You too Ichigo."

The three plopped down and got comfortable with Rukia thought how to best approach explaining the future to Renji.

Meanwhile, the red-haired shinigami fidgeted. "Alright, are you two...together or something? Cause if you are-" Under any other circumstance the two would have burst out into laughter at the thought, but now they just shook their heads.

After a few minutes of sitting in silence Rukia finally looked up at Renji. "You know Urahara Kisuke, right? The one who was exiled for conducting experiments with hollowification, along with Tsukabishi Tessai and Shihouin Yoruichi?"

"Uh...yeah. Is he the guy you were talking about before?"

Rukia didn't answer his question and instead looked Renji right in the eye. "What if he was innocent?"

Renji was taken aback. "Then we should do something about it! But wait-how do you know he was innocent...how do you even know this guy? Didn't that whole mess happen a century ago?"

"We have no proof now, but we will in four years. The true perpetrators of the hollowification crimes were..." Rukia didn't seem to want to make the leap and tell Renji.

"Aizen Sousuke, Ichimaru Gin, and Tousen Kaname." Ichigo finished for her.

Renji stared at him, dumbstruck. "...the hell?" He turned to Rukia. "Is this true? What the hell is going on!?"

Rukia held up a hand. "Please Renji, wait until we finish and keep an open mind about all of this." And then she told him. She said how she'd never become friends with him again, how she was still grieving for her friend and superior's death when she was sent to Karakura Town and when she met Ichigo there and accidently gave him all her powers. She even told him a bit of Ichigo's own history before she went on about the friends she made and the good times she'd had in the human world.

Rukia then went back to Soul Society and illustrated what Aizen was doing while she was on Earth, and his true motives, now made clear from foresight. She told him of her capture and Ichigo's rescue, Aizen's betrayal, and eventually the war that they fought before it took an ugly turn, telling her good friend of his own death before Ichigo took over when she couldn't go on.

Renji just sat quietly and took it all in, frantically trying to keep an open mind despite how much he wanted to denounce the story his childhood friend was telling him. When the two finished telling their story they looked at him expectantly, but Renji was still silent as he continued thinking.

He finally spoke after a few minutes. "That's a pretty elaborate story for you to be pulling my leg with...so either you both are clinically insane or are actually telling the truth. And I know Rukia's not insane or stupid, so that option is out of the question." He chuckled. "This actually makes me feel a bit better."

Rukia gaped at him. "How does knowing that the future is so terrible make you feel better?"

"Well, I was actually worried for a few days that I'd gotten beat by a freshman with no battle experience, but it turns out that you beat Captain Kuchiki, plus you're actually a shinigami disguised as a student!" He leaned back and sniggered a bit more before turning serious. "Really, I can see Ichimaru turning bad, but Captain Aizen is the one I'd least expect. And Tousen! Ugh...it does kind of make sense though...only he would've been able to pull that kind of deception off."

Ichigo scratched the back of his head. "You're taking this much better than I expected."

Renji grinned. "Well, that's because nothing has sunk in yet. Talk to me tomorrow and I'll most likely be the most depressed person you ever met!" He started laughing again and the other two shinigami looked at each other.

"Listen, my kidou is starting to fade so Ichigo had better get back to his dorm. Let's all meet back here tomorrow night, because I don't trust Renji to be able to wait as long as a week to to discuss this all again."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean!?"

Rukia just grinned evilly. "You'll know tomorrow."

Ichigo stood up and prepared to shunpo away but stopped and asked Rukia one more question. "How come your kidou-thing lasted so much longer than last week?"

Rukia stared up at him innocently and said, "Well that's because I didn't release it early like last week. Dire circumstances, you know."

"Bitch." Ichigo growled as he quick-stepped back to the boys dorm, leaving Rukia and Renji to discuss a few more things before they, too, parted for the night.

A/N: And that's that! It might seem a bit rushed, and there may be a few errors, but I wanted to get this chapter out as soon as possible. Also: longest chapter ever! See you next week (hopefully), and please review!