A/N as of 02/27/13: This chapter, for the most part, has been entirely re-rewritten from what I had originally. I hope you guys will enjoy this re-made piece.

Disclaimer: Bleach does not belong to me. This is only a fan-based work of fanfiction art. (I hope)

Chapter 4

The Soul Society Part 1

In the sky above Karakura town

Rangiku P.O.V.

"I'll always be there for you Rangiku."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Rangiku, are you listening?"

I blinked, shaking myself from my daydream as inclined my gaze to look at my captain. "What is it?"

Toshiro's crystal azure eyes gazed at me with mild disdain as we traveled through the skies. "You need to pay more attention Rangiku. We've got a big problem on our hands. There's no time for you to be dozing off like that."

"Forgive me captain," I replied as he and I stopped on a rooftop to take a short break. "It's just…"

"Just what?"

I sighed, shaking my head to rid myself of the memories that were threatening to flood my soul with grief again. "Never mind. It's not important sir."

Toshiro stared at me in an odd way before speaking. "Lieutenant, I order you to tell me what's wrong."

My face flushed and I started to laugh nervously. "Oh, don't be silly captain. Nothing is wrong. I promise. I was just daydreaming is all. Everything is handy dandy."

The ploy didn't seem to phase him, but I guess he decided that it was better to leave me be for a while. I was grateful for that, even if he didn't know or cared to know it. In the seconds tht followed, we took to the skies, moving toward Urahara's place within Karakura Town.

Earlier, there had been a massive disturbance in the Soul Society. The wave of spiritual pressure that descended upon us felt like an earthquake. In some areas the ground had even split, leaving gapping holes where...well where the ground should have been, so when Urahara stated that all that energy had come from a human girl, Toshiro and I rushed down to see what the deal was...with orders from the head captain of course. Others had wanted to come too, but Captain Yamamoto decided it'd be best if Toshiro be the one to take on the assignment. He was supposed to take in the rest of the squad along with us, but Toshiro had a habit of breaking certain procedures when he felt like it. I'm the same way with almost all the rules, so I didn't mind the risk of getting in trouble with the head captain.

I believe that's why I was assigned to squad ten in the first place. Toshiro and I were a perfect fit when it came to our personalities. We're great friends when Toshiro isn't yelling at me to be more responsible around the barracks.

Still, despite the joy I feel when I'm with Toshiro, there's still something missing in my life. Rather, there's a person missing...a person that's been lost to me for a long time now, but the loss didn't feel so permanent until Aizen...I suppose that is the reason for my lack of cheerfulness in the past few days. Toshiro obviously noticed it, he's a prodigy after all, but he was attempting to be nice and let me be…well partially anyway.

"Why Gin?" I wondered aimlessly, Toshiro's image in front of my morphing into the taller image of the man who was once my closest friend. "Why did you betray me and the Soul Society just to take revenge for me? Was your fight even worth it in the end?"

Once, a long time ago, Gin saved my life. I was just a child then, but after saving me he swore he would always be around for me, that he'd always protect me. Of course, Gin had always been a mysterious character. He liked to disappear without telling me where he would go. I guess I know where he was going now, but what did it matter? In the very end, Gin chose to betray me even though he thought he was protecting me, taking revenge for what I lost that day all those years ago.

Now I've lost something else...a precious friend no one could ever replace.

Back when he was the captain of squad three, I would worry about him a lot. He always smiled, just as I did, and never really showed his true emotions. Even in his dying moments, he revealed nothing to me. I only know that he felt guilt for betraying me.

My heart aches for him every day now. Despite the months that have passed since his death in this very city, I still weep at night. I still clutch my pillow tighter, wishing with all my might that he was the one I was holding. Drinking does nothing to ease any of this, only numbs my mind to the memories, but as a lieutenant, I can't be drunk all the time. Toshiro would really have my head for that. He's already threatening endless piles of paperwork if he ever finds a bottle of sake in his office. Speaking of which...I better get to moving the ones I have stashed once we go back to the Soul Society.

For now though, I'll keep my focus on the current issue.

At Urahara's shop

Ichigo P.O.V.

After rubbing my temples for a good minute I finally reached for the tea that Urahara had prepared. The liquid was still hot, but I drunk all of it in a single gulp. It would seem that my impatience is getting the better of me again.

"Come on Ichigo," I thought irritably. "This is no time to lose your cool. Just stay calm darn it!"

The attempts to calm myself down were futile as I felt a blood vessel throb within my temple. I tried to soothe the pain by rubbing my temples again but it wasn't working out in the slightest. Looks like I'm going to need some Advil in a minute. This random mess surrounding Kiki is definitely going to drive me crazy.

"Ichigo, you look anxious," Urahara commented, smirking as he waved a fan in front of his pale face. "What's the problem.

A groan passed through my lips. "I just don't think it's the best idea for that girl to be going to the Soul Society."

"I agree," Orihime stated, lifting her teacup. "Bringing Kiki to a place like that might really freak her out." She brought the tea to her lips then. I started to warn her about the heat of the liquid so she'd be careful, but I never got the first word out."

"Aaaah! Hot! Hot! Hot!"

I shook my head. "Well, I tried."

Rukia smiled, trying not to giggle as Orihime stuck her burning tongue out of her mouth. She snapped back to attention after a few seconds though, her cobalt blue eyes suddenly serious. "Kiki is a soul reaper. At some point she's probably been to the Soul Society."

"That's not possible."

Everyone in the room stared at me, making the atmosphere...uncomfortable to say the least.

"What?"

"Ichigo, all soul reapers have to be authorized by the leaders of Soul Society before coming to the world of the living," Rukia explained. "Unless she's a substitue like you, there's no way…"

"That's my point," I argued, clenching my hands atop the table. "She doesn't even know what a soul reaper is."

More shocked gazes met mine.

This time I practically growled at them "What?"

Uruyu narrowed his gaze on me. "Are you meaning to imply that Kiki just has these powers and doesn't know where they originated from?"

I sighed. "No, I'm saying that she had no recollection of killing any Hollows at any point in time, including what happened tonight."

Uruyu looked thoughtfully at the teacup now clenched in my hands. "I thought I noticed something peculiar about her."

I scowled at him. "What do you mean?"

"Around the same time I felt the Hollow's spiritual pressure, I noticed Kiki out the corner of my eye. It was only for a second but…"

"But what?"

Uruyu pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "For a short moment, her eyes were completely golden."

"Golden?"

Uruyu nodded. "It was only for a split second and then her eyes returned to their normal violet color. It was definitely odd if not freaky.

"How is it that I didn't notice this?" I wondered aloud. "I was standing right in front her before I felt the Hollow. I should have noticed it."

Rukia smirked. "Maybe you were too caught up in the dance."

I scoffed. "Please, I only danced with her because…"

"Oh, spare me Ichigo," she interrupted. "You're attracted to her."

"WHAT!" I screamed, blushing slightly. How the heck did Rukia come to that conclusion? I asked Kiki to dance because I wanted to know what kind of person she was. I thought there was something off about her when I'd encountered her in class the other day. This whole thing has nothing to do with attractions and love or anything stupid like that. I'm a bachelor for crying out loud and like being a bachelor.

Chad spoke up from his place by the window. "Captain Hitsuguya and his lieutenant have arrived."

A minute later the pair dashed into the shop with Rangiku in the lead. The two of them wore their black shinigami robes as usual, with Toshiro wearing the captain's coat over his and Rangiku wearing a pink scarf with hers. The latter smiled broadly, glomping Orihime before the poor girl could react.

"Aaah! Orihime!" She hugged her from behind. "It's been too long doll."

Orihime laughed, though her face was turning blue. "It's good to see you too Rangiku, but you're choking me." Mentally, I let out a sigh. Kiki was going to go bananas upon seeing these two.

"Yo," I greeted curtly as Rangiku finally let go of Orihime. "How are you two doing?"

"Kurosaki, we're not here to socialize," Toshiro stated dryly. He set his ice cold gaze on Urahara. "Tell us where the girl is."

I scowled. "She's resting Toshiro, so you're just gonna have to wait."

Rangiku took a spot next to Orihime. "Fine by me, Orihime and I have a lot of catching up to do."

"RANGIKU!"

"Relax Toshiro…"I began.

"That's Captain Hitsuguya to you Kurosaki!" Toshiro exclaimed before addressing Urahara once more. "Can you tell us more about this girl?"

Urahara nodded before waving his fan over his face again. "Sure I can Captain Hitsuguya, that's why I got in touch with you in the Soul Society to begin with."

The screen door behind me brust open. We all turned, watching as Kiki boldly entered the room. "Mind explaining to me what's going on too Mr. Urahara?"

"So, you're an eavesdropper too?" Urahara questioned, laughing. He turned his gaze over to her. "It's definitely clear that you do not know of your powers and capabilities."

"The only powers I can think of that I have is the power to sense spiritual pressure," Kiki stated mildly. "Surely that has nothing to do with being a…what was it that you called it again?"

"A soul reaper," I informed, gesturing with my eyes for her to either sit down or go back into the room. Unfortunately, she wasn't paying attention to me at all.

Toshiro glanced at Kiki. After a moment he turned his gaze back on Urahara. "That's her?"

"Yes sir."

"But Mr. Urahara, that girl can't be the one whose spiritual pressure shook the Soul Society. It was too powerful so someone of her stature."

Kiki raised an eyebrow. "What does my stature have to do with anything?

"I'm only stating what I know," Urahara stated, getting up from the table. He pranced over to Kiki and lightly touched her shoulder. "This girl here has possession of the legendary zanpakuto, Ryumaru."

Kiki's expression bordered on confusion and fascination. "I own a legendary what now?"

Urahara didn't answer her, instead choosing to continue on with his explanation. "This girl has no memory of when she fights as a soul reaper. This has led Ichigo to believe that Kiki is not from the Soul Society. However, Kiki does have some knowledge about certain things such as spiritual pressure. She can see Hollows even though she didn't know to call those monsters that." He smiled at her. "And she happens to have a very sharp mind."

"Well I…" Kiki trailed off, blushing at the compliment.

"How is it that she can be a soul reaper without knowing it?" Toshiro questioned, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "And how would she come to possess the Ryumaru?"

"Excuse me, but what is the Ryumaru?" Orihime asked, barely raising her hand up.

"My thoughts exactly," Kiki added just as Urahara let go of her shoulder. She quickly sat down next to me. "I'm not understanding this at all sir."

"Ooooh! Can I tell the story of the sword Toshiro!?" Rangiku exclaimed eagerly. "Please, oh, please, oh, please?"

"Very well," Toshiro groaned after a moment. He placed his left hand on his temple as Rangiku began the tale.

"Alright," she started, smiling brightly as she motioned for everyone to lean closer. "Ryumaru was once the name of a deity known as the Golden Dragon. A long time ago Ryumaru ruled the stars, protected the sun, and had a human form. However, the young deity was cursed by a sorceress who deceived him. That sorceress tried to take over the entire universe along with all dimensions including the Soul Society. That was when the beautiful Princess Yumiko of the Kasumioji clan pledged her loyalty and love to Ryumaru even though he had become a horrendous and fearsome dragon. He infused his life force with hers, thus forming the golden zanpakuto. Princess Yumiko went on to defeat the sorceress and her minions. She saved the Soul Society and every other dimension along with it."

"So a love story then?" Kiki inquired, dragging out the words. "No offense, but it doesn't sound all that romantic not to mention a bit medieval for my tastes."

"Hold on there's more to the story!" Rangiku proclaimed excitedly. I watched as Kiki smirked up at the woman. It would seem that she likes the energetic lieutenant even though she held great disdain for the story that she was telling.

"During the final battle, Princess Yumiko sacrificed her life. A portion of her life energy was sealed within the sword. Because Ryumaru swore his allegiance to her, the sword was rendered useless to all others who tried to wield its power. The head captains of the past even tried to destroy the sword, but it would not break, for its power was too strong. Then, one day, the sword was scheduled to be locked in a large vault."

"What happened Rangiku?" Rukia questioned

"The sword mysteriously vanished before it could be locked away. However, it has been said that the spirit of the Golden Dragon Ryumaru spoke just before the sword disappeared. It stated that he would only return serve Princess Yumiko should she call for him once again. By this time, the princess was already long gone and the sword never returned. It simply vanished."

"So it would seem that Kiki might be the reincarnation of Princess Yumiko," Uruyu cut in. "That's the only way she could come to own the sword."

Toshiro groaned. " If that's true, we need to go to the Soul Society and report this to the head captain. The Ryumaru's power is very unpredictable because its power comes from two spirits instead of just one. If this girl is really in possession of it, it needs to be returned and locked away for good."

"Whoa, hold on a minute!" I shouted, rising up from my seated position on the floor. "Kiki doesn't even know what we're talking about. She may be a soul reaper, but she has no knowledge of how she became one or why she is one."

"We might be able to find some files on her in the Soul Society's databases," Rukia suggested. "From there we can draw a conclusion on who she is."

"Do you not understand that she's sitting right behind me?" I asked, pointing directly at the girl in question. "Have any of you even considered how she might be feeling about this? Maybe you should ask her if she wants to go to the Soul Society before making plans for her. She's a person not a side-show."

A sudden pressure made itself known. I glanced behind me, noting that Kiki's violet eyes were filled with determination. Seconds later, she turned her gaze to Toshiro.

"Ichigo is right about one thing," she began, "I don't know a thing about any of this. On the other hand, it's because of this that I'm not doing my job as I should."

"Your job?" Toshiro asked.

Kiki nodded. "I may not remember slaying Hollows, but I remember seeing them and I remember seeing ghosts too. I remember wanting to help them, but not knowing how. Ever since that day all those years ago…" Her voice trailed off, making it impossible to hear the rest of what she said. After a second, her full lips ceased to move, her gaze redirecting itself towards the floor.

"I'll go with you. However...," she locked her gaze with Toshiro's, lifting her bangs from her forehead. The movement immediately revealed a red scar across it, probably made by the blade of a sword,"...since the day I got this scar I've been searching for my sister and for my mother. If I go with you, I want to know where I can find the monsters who ripped my life away."

Toshiro was silent as he contemplated on her conditions. He finally nodded.

"Very well, let's go then."

"Wait!"

Kiki spun around, her glare behind the lenses of her glasses intense. "What is it now?

The words that passed through my lips next came as a shock to everyone in the room.

"I'm going with you Kiki."

She said nothing, but she didn't really need to. Toshiro spoke for her.

"Kurosaki, this isn't any of your concern now."

"I'm making it my concern Toshiro," I retorted. "Something about this whole thing doesn't sit right with me. I'm not going to let Kiki leave without having someone she can trust with her."

Kiki crossed her arms over her chest, scoffing. "Who says I trust you?"

I ignored her words, choosing to keep my gaze on Toshiro as Rangiku rose from her seated position on the floor. "Someone needs to be looking out for her. After all, you know as well as I do that the Soul Society isn't always fair to people who are different."

"Then I'll go too," Orihime chimed in, winking at Kiki. "You can definitely trust me."

"Same here," Rukia added, rising to her feet. "You don't have to worry Kiki, we'll all watch out for you."

"No way are you leaving me out," Uruyu stated, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose again.

"And leaving me here is out of the question," Chad remarked.

Kiki glanced at all of us before fixing her confused gaze on me. "Ichigo? Why are you…"

"Like I said, this isn't sitting right with me," I interrupted. "You may be a soul reaper, but you're human too. Going to the Soul Society could be dangerous for you, especially when you have no idea what the place is like."

"You act like I can't take care of myself," Kiki stated flatly. "Listen, I appreciate your concern, but I don't want or need your pity."

I rolled my eyes, walking past her without looking back. "Just shut up Kiki. You talk way too much."

"Wh...why I never!"

"And stop talking like an old lady," I added, opening the front door to the shop as Toshiro followed behind me. The crisp night air touched my skin as soon as I opened it, the dark sky and the light of the full moon meeting my gaze. I'm not open to saying these words aloud, but I have a terrible feeling that there's much more to Kiki than meets the eye. She doesn't trust me, which is fine. I can't say I trust her either, but I do see that she's scared. If she went alone the Soul Society would chew her up and spit her out. Her startling abilities wouldn't matter, after all; I doubt she can control them in the state she's in.

Therefore, it's up to me to protect.

Meanwhile

In the bright light of the moon, a dark silhouette could be seen on top of one of the tall buildings that overlooked the city. The silhouette was thin, but muscular. He wore a white v-necked coat and white pants with white shoes. His face was pale, his eyes were emerald while his hair was a mixture of black and white thanks to the horns that adorned his head. Such was custom for an Arrancar.

Down below him were the soul reapers that had wreaked havoc in Heuco Mundo. Having thought of him as being defeated along with his subordinates and partners in crime, the bunch of them had returned to the world of the living...due to the distrubance caused by the powers of a teenage soul reaper.

Ulquiorra Schiffer smirked. "Soon we'll be able to settle our score Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Master Ulquiorra, when can we attack?" an annoying voice asked the nonchalant Espada.

"Why do you keep following me?" he asked her. "You know that I'm not very fond of you." He turned, facing the woman that stood behind him. She had long wavy raven locks and crimson red eyes.

"Please, I know you love me."

Ulquiora simply rolled his eyes, turning his gaze away from his new companion. "Your officially bordering on insanity Esmeralda."

The woman behind him took a hold on his hand. "And you're not?"

His expression didn't change, but his hand clutched hers tightly despite this. "I suppose. Not only am I alive again, but I've taken a fancy to an annoying girl...even more son than that Orihime Inoue."

"So when do we attack?"

Ulquiorra stared blankly at the city below. "Not until tomorrow." We have orders to wait until they are inside the Soul Society."

A/N: And that's the end of the rewritten chapter. Thanks for reading. Please review.