Disclaimer - I do not own either Bleach or Kingdom Hearts!

(Note – The numbers don't mean anything, they are simply there for breaks in the story.)

Sorry for the long delay.

My Computer's hard drive crashed so I had time. And writing this kept my mind off the pictures I lost permanently.

This chapter is for all those who Fav'ed this story and reviewed.

A special thanks to icywarm for reviewing. I really appreciate it! As for a response: Maybe. Ichigo is going to be the main character. Even if right now it doesn't seem like it.

~ 8th Chapter Begins! ~

Last Time –The Arrancars were killed and Rukia showed up. Kinshiba was severely hurt. They set off to Urahara's shop.

Panting rang out in the rather empty town, the night of the sky thickening. The yellowed eyed creatures moved beneath the stone pavement, their numbers increasing. Now instead of five there was at least fifteen, and more just kept showing up. Before long the girl would be swapped with no way of defeating them all.

Using the black antennas on their heads they communicated with each other. (I have no idea if they do) They surfaced to attack, driving the blonde girl back. Slowly wearing her down. They restlessly attacked, never giving her much chance to breath.

Claire skidded back as she avoided two of the creatures, sweat dripping down her face and getting in her eyes; much to her growing frustration. She gripped her sword tightly and with a quick intake of air shot forward and sliced one of the creatures.

As it dissolved three more attacked from the side, Claire clumsily avoided one but was hit by the other two. Righting herself Claire backed up so that her back was facing a store/some kind of building and she was facing the small clutter of creatures.

Her chest heaving, eyes narrowed Claire ignored the trickle of blood down her arm and thought of the best way to get out of this situation.

It was clear that in numbers they were too much for her, much to her irritation. She didn't posses any kind of long distance attack, so therefore she could not attack them that way. Perhaps if she got them in an enclosed space she could get all if not most of them with a good slash of her sword.

It was a possibility…

Claire very carefully glanced around in the brief moment of none action in hopes of finding a good area. But her eyes rested on nothing of the sort. She could run around the town looking for a good place but she could easily get lost and trapped. She didn't know the town's layout, and by not knowing that she'd only succeed in tiring out more and risk running into more creatures.

She could always head back to Aeirth's place in hope of getting some help but… she didn't know if Aeirth could fight and she would be putting Alec and Aeirth in danger.

Not something she wanted to…

Yelping Claire jerked sideways and sliced the creature in half. Steadying herself she put her thoughts on hold as she focused back on the fight. The creatures looked as if they were getting restless…

Taking a deep breath she steeled herself, eyes narrowed in determination. Her hands tightening around her sword she shifted slowly to the side.

Then she shot forward, spinning her sword catching a good three – four creatures, killing them. A small jolt of elation shot through her, perhaps she did stand a chance.

Her elation was cut short as a long blue spear hit the handle of her sword (and her hands)knocking her sword out of her grip and sending it flying, landing a few paces away.

Shock flooded her system as she stared at her empty bleeding hands, disbelief etched on her features.

"I missed…" An accented voice spoke.

Claire jerked her attention away from her hands towards the direction of the voice.

Before her stood a broad-shouldered man wearing a long black coat with matching boots and gloves. His hair was also black styled into distinctive dreadlocks. His face had very thick sideburns and bushy eyebrows. But what were most stunning to Claire were his deep violet eyes.

Swallowing thickly, Claire lowered her hands slightly while flexing them. "W-who are you?" Claire demanded, ignoring the slight stutter. Her eyes taking in the three blue spears he held…

Claire blinked a few times, taking a closer look at the man's weapons. They were Lances not spears.

The man grinned, moving one arm pointing a lance at her. "Doesn't concern you. Seeing as I am going to kill you."

Fear laced down her spin and an uncomfortable feeling settled in the pit of her stomach, her eyes widening. Struggling for a few seconds she stumbled back a few paces as she chocked out, "Why?"

The man took a step forward grinning all the while, the yellow eyed creatures staying still.

"Do I need a reason?" His smooth accented voice asked.

As he got closer Claire noted that the black creatures made no move to attack him and he seemed unconcerned. He didn't even glance at them. Shifting her entire focus on the approaching male seeing as the creatures no longer seemed to be intending to keep attacking her either.

Straitening, her arms held before her in a pitiful attempt at defending herself. She had no other weapons and her sword was somewhere behind her. She doubted she'd get to it in time to defend his attack and even if she did, she knew she wouldn't be a match for him. Those creatures had given her more than enough trouble.

As the man got within a foot of her, her breath hitched and she froze. Her wide eyes staring fixatedly on his violet ones, her arms held loosely at her sides. As he raised the blue lance her sole thought was 'I'm really going to die'.

The man's arm pulled backwards slowly before starting its descent towards the scared stiff female, his grin permanently stuck on his face.

The inclosing lance sent a small jolt through Claire and her eyes snapped shut, waiting for impact… waiting for the pain and her death.

Clang!

"What!"

The unexpected noise and cry from the accented man caused Claire to snap open her eyes. The sight that greeted her stunned her. A silver revolver blocked the blue lance. Claire shifted her wide eyes to the side to see another man with light brown hair wearing black pants, a brown jacket and a white undershirt.

"How annoying." The black clad man muttered; now over his slight shock at the interruption, his grin returning.

The newcomer stayed silent, his eyes focused on the male before him. Gripping tighter to his revolver he broke contact with the lance and swung at the other. The violet eyed male jumped back avoiding the hit, eyes narrowed as he surveyed the male.

The black creatures trembled slightly but did not move.

The man with the lances brought up both arms and called forth his 'wind' and three more blue lances appeared, held up in the air. "I'm going to enjoy killing you with much pleasure."

The brown haired individual straightened and angled his revolver horizontally. He stayed as quiet as a muted person.

Slight irritation showed briefly on the violet eyed males face at the lack of words from the revolver bearing male. Though his grin stayed firm and his eyes determined.

Claire looked on in confused amazement. Hoping the newcomer would win and hoping that if he did, that he didn't turn around and attempt to kill her to. (Just because he saved her didn't necessarily mean he was on her side)

The male with the revolver stepped forward, determined.

Letting out a shaky breath, Claire collapsed onto her rear, her legs jelly. Most of her focus on the two men and partly on the unmoving creatures.

Upon her collapse the two charged.

~ Urahara's Shop ~

"I see." A man with a striped green, white hat and blonde hair muttered.

Upon arriving at the shop Urahara had gotten Tessai to attend to Kinshiba and Ichigo immediately. Once both were taken care of Kinshiba was put into a room to rest and everyone else gathered around the circular brown table. A cup of tea placed before everyone courteously of Ururu.

Once everyone was settled Ichigo and Rukia (though Ichigo spoke more) explained what happened.

Yoruichi, in her cat form sat besides the quiet shop keeper, flicking her tail. Her big yellow eyes fixed on the man.

Urahara turned to Ichigo and Rukia with crossed arms his eyes serious. "Do you know who this girl is? Why it's so important to find her?"

Sighing Ichigo scratched the back of his head, "No, not really. Does it really matter?"

"Of course it does Ichigo!" Rukia scoffed besides him. "Not that it's our business to ask. If we were meant to know we would have been told."

Grunting at Rukia's words Ichigo focused back on Urahara.

"She's right." The banished soul reaper stated.

"Do you think Kinshiba might tell us?" Yoruichi questioned.

"The guys stubborn. And besides shouldn't we be more focused on trying to find her?" Ichigo replied.

"Please Ichigo, you yourself is stubborn."

"Am not Rukia." Ichigo retorted childishly.

Urahara spoke up to prevent the start of an argument, "Perhaps he could at least tell us a bit about her. It might make finding her easier."

Yoruichi nodded, "Once he recovers."

"He is very determined to find her, if it'll help our chances I think he'll agree." Rukia quietly voiced.

Placing his hand on his knee Urahara leaned forward, part of his upper body over the table. "Speaking of, do either of you know where Kinshiba came from?" A glint in the banished soul reapers eyes said he knew something or at least suspected something.

Rukia shock her head as Ichigo scowled, "He was with my brother and Renji when I first met him, he didn't say."

"I see." Urahara muttered giving a side glance to Yoruichi. "Once he's better, we can ask." Urahara stated.

"And hopefully while we wait for him to wake and get better things will stay quiet." Yoruichi voiced.

Taking that for the end of the discussion Ichigo and Rukia bid 'good night' and left. Urahara telling them they were allowed to stay the night. Instead of going back to Ichigo's both Rukia and Ichigo agreed that it would be simpler to stay.

Once they were gone Urahara turned to his oldest friend, "Do you think you're up for a mission?"

Yoruichi stood from the purple pillow, stretching and to Urahara it looked like she was smiling, "I figured you were going to ask."

Laughing lightly Urahara picked up his now cold tea and took a sip.

~ With Ichigo and Rukia ~

"Ha…"

"What? Something wrong?" Rukia asked with a raise of one of her slim eyebrows.

Ichigo looked up at the black haired girl as they made their way to their assigned rooms. "No. I just realized Kinshiba will heal faster if I call Orihime."

"That's true. You can call her first thing in the morning. I'm sure she'd be more than happy to help."

Smiling lightly, Ichigo leaned against the wall, "Yeah she's always eager to help where she can. I just feel kind of stupid that it didn't occur to me earlier to call her."

"I doubt she'd have been able to make it tonight either way, besides Tessai did a good job. Kinshiba will be fine until morning." Rukia reasoned.

The rest of the trip down the hallway was in silence, each dwelling on the day's events. As Rukia reached her room she glanced over her shoulder with a mutter, "Try to get some sleep Ichigo." Before disappearing into the room and shutting the door.

~ Urahara's Shop – Early Morning – Still Dark Out ~

Knock

Knock

An insistent pounding penetrated the quiet house.

Knock

Knock

A door slid open; a male strode through the now open door, heading towards the lump on the bedding in the middle of the room.

In one quick, fluid movement the male lifted up his leg…

"Ow! Damn it Urahara! What's the big idea!" Ichigo shouted as he flung upwards in bed holding his injured side, the blanket falling in his lap.

"Ichigo!" Urahara sang his trusty fan present as he held it in front of his face, "Glad you're up. Get dressed and meet me in the main room."

"Wha…?" Ichigo uttered, blinking as Urahara turned around and headed towards the door. Just before exiting, Urahara glanced over his shoulder and in a much more serious tone stated, "And hurry." Facing forward again the blond haired male disappeared out of the room pulling the door shut in the process.

Staring for a few seconds before sighing heavily, Ichigo shock his head and stood. Quickly dressing and popping a green pill into his mouth he was then dressed in black with his sword on his back. Moving to the door he slid it open and headed down the hallway. Silently dismayed at being up this early wishing he could go right back to bed. His eyes stung and felt irritated from not enough (and lack of) sleep.

He entered the main room to find Rukia already seated across from Urahara a warm cup of tea before her. Ichigo sat down cross-legged next to the only other cup on the table next to Rukia.

Picking up his cup and taking a quick sip he settled his gaze on the annoying male, who had his eyes shadowed by his hat and with his arms crossed.

Annoyed, Ichigo replaced his cup on the brown circular table, briefly glancing at Rukia; who also looked as if she wished to be back in bed asked "Well? What's so darn important that you had to wake us up so dang early?"

Rukia exhaled softly besides him but he gave it no mind, his entire focus on the shop keeper.

A few tense seconds roamed the air at Ichigo's question before Urahara lifted his head revealing serious eyes.

"I apologize but I don't believe this can wait till morning. Roughly twenty minutes ago I felt a strange pulse. Not something usual. From here I can't really determine what it is. A few minutes before I woke Rukia, just for a few seconds the pulse increased. I want the both of you to go investigate."

Silence met Urahara's words as both Ichigo and Rukia took a few seconds to process what was said.

"Pulse?" Rukia asked softly. "Do you think it has something to do with Aizen?"

"Yes, it's not too far from here." Urahara nodded staring hard at the two before him. "It is a possibility, that's why you're both going."

"Well then," Ichigo uttered as he stood, brown orbs staring at Rukia "What do you say we go have a look?"

Nodding sharply, the black haired soul reaper stood, pulling out her 'Chappy the Rabbit' dispenser and popped a little green pill into her mouth. In an instant Rukia was freed from her gigai and in soul form.

"What's the location Urahara?" Rukia asked one hand on her hip, the other on the hilt of her sword.

"The park, look for anything strange." Was the immediate answer, "Be careful."

With a quick nod Rukia turned and headed for the exit of the shop Ichigo right behind her.

~ That's the end of chapter 8! ~

Sorry for any out of character (ness) and misspelled words. I hope everyone figured out who the two men are. Though in the next chapter you'll see anyway. Err… hopefully it'll be in the next one…

I've decided that there will be no romance. It might hint but no actual pairings will be formed. And if I change my mind it would only be about Ichigo (Maybe Ichigo/Rukia, or Ichigo/Orihime)