Chapter 16: Getting to Know You

Ichigo was, to put it mildly, frustrated. Despite the fact that he'd managed to break through two of the seals they had put on his reiatsu, the third time proved the charm and he was now left with virtually no spiritual energy.

Not only that, but a thorough examination of his cell had only demonstrated to him how effective shinigami prisons were.

There was only one door, which was impossible to open from the inside, and one tiny, sliver of a window, which, even if he lost enough weight to fit through, would only lead him to a sheer drop with nothing to hang on to.

Unfortunately, he had reached this conclusion rather early in his imprisonment, and had spent the rest of its duration up to this point either pacing, resting against the walls, or eating the meager rations the guards outside had fed him through a special slot in the wall near the door.

Currently he was lying down, staring up at the white, flawless stone above him.

I just don't have enough strength! If they'd open the door again, I might be able to take on those guards. They don't seem too strong and as long as I don't let those stupid choker sticks near my neck, I can probably take them.

He frowned, scratching at the bulky seal strapped firmly around his neck.

The only problem is…I have no idea where I am! From what I can see from the window, Soul Society's like a big maze. Plus there's got to be shinigami everywhere. And even if I got out, how would I get back to the real world?

He sighed and listened as it echoed in his vaulted cell.

I may just have to kill myself if this keeps up…

At that moment however, a large crash outside brought Ichigo's state of bored silence to an abrupt end.

Despite or perhaps because of their ability to negate reiatsu, walls made of sekkiseki were not especially thick. Thus, Ichigo had no trouble hearing what was said outside.

"Z-Zara-Zaraki-t-taicho! You c-c-can't…I mean, you're of course free to…you really shouldn't b-be here s-sir!"

"Open it," a menacing voice replied, "I wanna' meet this guy."

"Th-the soutaicho would…w-would-"

"Let me worry about the old man! Now open it."

"Hai!"

Seeing the door begin to open, Ichigo began to charge towards it. However, as the massive figure standing in the doorway came into full view, he felt like the air around him had struck him in the face. Forced down to the ground, he found he had trouble breathing.

What is this guy?! His reiatsu is…overwhelming…

Watching the man's feet cross the threshold into his cell, he found that the intensity of it dropped to a more manageable level and that he could breathe more easily.

Sitting back up, Ichigo stared at the monstrous individual towering above him. Power and menace seemed to radiate from his entire being and it was clear to Ichigo that this was someone who'd seen more than his share of fights.

The man's sinister, scarred visage was focused solely on him, sizing him up.

"Doesn't look like much," the man frowned, "You sure we've got the right place Yachiru?"

Who is he talking t-

But Ichigo's question was answered as a diminutive, pink-haired figure poked its head up from the man's hulking shoulder.

"Let's ask him! Hey, are you Ichi? You know, the criminal they caught the other day?"

"Uh…"

What does this guy want from me?! And what's with the kid? What should I answer?! Even if I tell him I'm not me, there's no way he's going to just let me get by him…

"…yes…" Ichigo said carefully, hoping to determine something from their reactions.

"Good," the man, who Ichigo guessed was named Zaraki, grinned; his arm shooting forward to haul him to his feet, "Now let's fight!"

"Wh-What?! That's why you busted in here?! To fight me?!"

"Sure. The word is that you're strong. I wanna' see how strong…"

"I don't even have a zanpakutō! They took mine away! Plus I've got this seal and-"

"A seal, eh? I know all about seals. I got one right here," Zaraki said, jabbing a finger at the patch covering his right eye, "Keeps my reiatsu in check so I can fight weaker opponents. So whaddaya' say? How about if I take your seal off, you get to fight me without mine…"

This…this guy's unreal! He's this strong and he's got a seal on him?! There's no way I could fight him! What is he thinking?!

Taking his silence as an affirmative, Zaraki took hold of the collar around Ichigo's neck.

Just as he began squeezing, a hand suddenly took hold of his wrist.

"That's far enough, Zaraki Kenpachi!"

Snorting in disappointment, Kenpachi glowered at the positively ancient man who had stopped him.

"You're a real buzzkill, Yamamoto-jiisan," he muttered, wrenching his hand out of the older man's grip.

"And this is not your place! You have no business speaking to this prisoner."

"Hey, I just figured that this guy didn't want to wait a whole month for an execution. Why not go out fighting?"

"Fortunately for us all, the members of the Central 46 do not share your temperament. Their decision stands and we must uphold it. If you attempt this again, I will see to your punishment personally," Yamamoto said with an air of finality, his own impressive reiatsu flaring; knocking Ichigo back to his knees.

"Is that a promise old man?" Kenpachi leered eagerly, edging for a fight.

"Indeed," his superior said flatly, slamming his staff down, "Now off with you!"

Shaking his head, the spiky-haired captain left, calling out as he did so, "Find me if ya' get out Ichigo!"

"Yeah!" Yachiru chimed in, waving back at him, "You and Ken-chan can have some fun!"

Returning her wave half-heartedly, Ichigo glanced up at the stern face of Yamamoto.

"Er…arigato!" he said, bowing slightly as he stood up.

"Hmmph," the captain commander snorted walking back towards the door.

"Uh, hey! Um, Yamamoto-san, right? Listen about my sentence-"

"There is nothing that can be done for you," came the immediate reply.

"So, I don't even get to plead my case?! The circumstances don't matter? What kind of justice system do you people have?!"

"We merely enforce the laws. It is not up to us to question them," Yamamoto said simply, removing the cell's key from its slot, "Find peace if you can, in your final days. Sayonara."

As soon as the door closed, Ichigo felt the pressure that came with the two captains' presences dissipate.

Instead, he felt a different kind of pressure, that of crushing inevitability.

"Kuso."

XXXXXXXXXX

Rukia watched approvingly as Chad and Orihime continued with their drills. She was enjoying a momentary respite from her own training.

I never could have imagined that I would learn about shunpo from Shihouin Yoruichi herself! If I continue at this rate, I might even be able to see nii-sama's shunpo. No, I will be able to! I won't settle for anything less. I have to be stronger…for Ichigo.

Observing Ichigo's two classmates train, it was clear to her that their verve equaled her own. In addition to learning how to control and improve their abilities, the pair was also practicing their swordplay; Chad even going so far as to learn left handed so that his armored right arm could remain free.

Despite only having known them for a few days, Rukia could tell that they were both good people.

There was some initial awkwardness though…

XXXXXXXXXX

The group was preparing to descend into Urahara's training room, following her return from Soul Society.

Rukia was just about to descend the ladder when a question from Orihime caught her off guard.

"So, Kuchiki-san…I know you saved Kurosaki-kun's family and everything…but are you also his girlfriend?"

With a startled yelp, the raven-haired shinigami lost her balance and descended to the training room's floor much quicker than she had intended.

Peering down at her, Urahara muttered, "Oh my…Kurosaki-san fell in much the same way…perhaps they would be a good match…"

XXXXXXXXXX

Following that bit of discomfort, Orihime had apologized profusely, using her healing ability to fix up any of the injuries Rukia received.

In spite of the embarrassment and pain she had caused, Rukia found that her anger evaporated quickly.

I don't think she knows any better…she doesn't seem very tactful…

She had warmed to Orihime after that, training with her for several hours and even accepting some of the food the odd girl offered her.

Although I regretted it immediately, she thought, cringing as she remembered the vile combination of flavors and the way it tasted coming back up, I did appreciate the gesture.

Rukia was also beginning to see why Chad was Ichigo's best friend. The towering teenager would only rest for meals or when he could no longer move.

While he wasn't the most talkative of people, Rukia got along well with him and felt like she could count on him when the time came.

Her last companion she wasn't so sure about, as he'd excused himself from their training, citing former kendo experience.

Even so, I thought he would want to get used to working with all of us…

XXXXXXXXXX

Sorry, Sado-kun, Inoue-san…Ishida thought to himself, as he fought to maintain the spiritual energy around him in a coherent bow shape, I can't take the risk that the sanrei glove will affect you both. You've just gained your abilities and I don't want to hamper your development.

Drawing back another arrow and letting it fly, he winced as he could feel blisters beginning to form on his hands. Fighting past the pain, Uryu continued firing arrows; never stopping for a moment.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Do you miss her?"

"Of course I do! What kind of question is that?!" Tatsuki grumbled, cracking one of her knuckles loudly.

"Just asking is all…" Mizuiro said, holding up his hands, "No need to get defensive."

"She calls me every once in a while…that's something, I guess…"

"You're lucky to even get that!" Keigo wailed, beating his fist against his desk, ever the drama king, "We haven't heard anything from Chado since they went away! Have you Ichigo?"

"Ichigo" merely shook his head, shrugging.

I still have not mastered Sir Ichigo's mannerisms yet…Alfred thought, It would be best if I limit my responses to their inquiries.

"It's a little weird though, isn't it?" Mizuiro piped up, "Three students from our class getting an internship? And so late in the semester too…"

"I thought so too…" Tatsuki murmured, "Especially since Ryo didn't get in. Ishida and Orihime I understand, but Ryō is 2nd in class in front of Orihime! Sado only has the 11th best grades."

"Maybe he has some kind of skill that Kunieda-san doesn't have…" Mizuiro mused, "What do you think Ichigo?"

Alfred froze, quickly running through everything he knew about Ichigo's classmate. "Ah…um…Chado-kun is very…tall…?"

"Are you feeling alright?"

XXXXXXXXXX

Ichigo himself was passing his days in mind-numbing sameness. Since what he had termed in his head as "The Zaraki Incident," he had fallen into something of a depression.

I knew Urahara was strong, but if the other captains are anything like those guys, then my chances for escaping aren't as good as I thought…

At the moment, he was once again taking a break from his nervous pacing and staring out his single window at the sun setting over Soul Society, toying with the hem of his white prison garb.

It's actually kind of beautiful…I wonder which part Rukia's from…She told me she grew up here…I wonder what she's doing now…Probably trying to figure out where I disappeared to. Unless…unless she already knows! What would she do? And if she knows…what about Urahara? He's just crazy enough that he might try to rescue me or something…ah! And Inoue and Chado have powers now too! I nearly forgot! Chado…you would…you wouldn't give up on me! So why am I sitting here like this? So what if those guys out there are crazy strong? I need to get out of here! I can't let them risk their lives for me. I can't give up. Heh, usually Zangetsu snaps me out of something like this but he's…wait a minute!

Ichigo stood up excitedly as something occurred to him.

So…I don't have the physical Zangetsu here with me, but he's just part of me, right? Then maybe I can call him out somehow. I mean, sure my powers are kind of sealed right now, but it can't hurt to try can it? he thought, turning the idea around in his head.

"Zangetsu…?" he said aloud, tentatively. After waiting for minute or so, he sighed.

Nope. Of course, that'd be way too easy. Maybe if I try meditating or something…

XXXXXXXXXX

"Tsugi no mai, Hakuren!"

"Santen Kesshun, I reject!"

The enormous ice wave continued largely unimpeded, only splintering where it struck a small glowing shield; small, glittering shards showered the area after being redirected upward.

As the mobile glacier continued past her, the girl behind the shield cried, "Koten Zanshun, I reject!"

Passing harmlessly through the shield's surface, Orihime's offensive projectile pierced through the oncoming frost and towards her opponent.

Despite starting off strong, the force of Rukia's frigid attack slowed down Tsubaki's momentum considerably, and she was easily able to bat the pixie away with the flat of her blade.

However, that's not the real problem, Rukia frowned, watching as the irritable fairy picked himself up, shaking his fist at Orihime.

"What kind of a strike was that woman?! Where was your resolve?!" the diminutive man shouted.

While he continued to berate her, Yoruichi approached Rukia, murmuring, "As much as I hate to agree with the pipsqueak, he has a point…she has no killing intent…"

"True…" Rukia replied, "Although, she has done quite well against the hollows we've had them fight thus far."

"Hmm, perhaps they are easier for her because she doesn't see them as people…" Yoruichi theorized, "Or maybe it's that she's focused on helping their souls find their way to Soul Society."

"Either way, it will probably be difficult for her to fight a shinigami when the time comes…"

"She is just too well-intentioned…if only…yes…that might work…"

She whispered her plan to Rukia, causing the petite girl to frown.

"Are you certain Yoruichi-san? That tactic is a bit…low…"

"What matters is that she's prepared and understands what she might have to do. Besides, if she can't withstand something like this, then maybe she shouldn't go with you."

Upon seeing her hesitation, Yoruichi reiterated, "Do not go easy on her. That won't help her."

"I understand."

Orihime had finally wrangled her most rebellious ally and was waiting patiently for her sparring partner's return.

"Can we continue Kuchiki-san?" she asked brightly.

"No. In fact, I think trying to help you may be a waste of time."

"Wh-what?" Orihime stuttered, recoiling slightly at Rukia's harsh words.

"You heard me," the raven haired girl continued coldly, advancing steadily on her confused opponent, "You're too weak to be of any help to us. I think we should focus on Chado. At least he seems to want to rescue Ichigo."

"Y-you're wrong! I want to help Kurosaki-kun just as much as anyone!"

"Why? Why should you care what happens to him? He's the fool who can't control his own reiatsu. He deserves whatever they do to him."

"You're wrong! You don't know-"

"I know that he was a weak, stupid, pathetic excuse for a-"

"SHUT UP!" Orihime snapped, launching herself at Rukia and battering away with her asauchi, "You don't know Kurosaki-kun like we do! You barely even know him! And it's your fault he's going to die!"

While fast, Orihime's attacks were in frenzied, allowing Rukia to dodge them with little effort. In one swift motion she disarmed her enraged companion; sheathing her own sword soon after.

"I know. You're absolutely right Orihime: everything that's happened to Ichigo is because of me. That's why I want to save him. I already failed to save his life once. I won't let that happen again."

"Wait, so…why did you say those things?"

"Sorry for the deception. I asked Kuchiki-san to provoke you as much as she could. We had to know if you could muster up any sort of killing intent," Yoruichi spoke up, "And while I don't think that you would have killed her, I think you wanted to cause her harm, which is a start."

"But…why?"

"You're coming with us on this fool's errand, so we already know you're willing to die to save Ichigo," Rukia answered, "Yet, being willing to sacrifice yourself may not be enough. To get him back, you may have to hurt, maim or kill someone to do it. So the question is: are you willing to do all those things if it means getting him back?"

"I…I think so…maybe…"

Yoruichi nodded approvingly.

That will have to be enough.

XXXXXXXXXX

"I've missed you Tatsuki-chan and I'll miss you still!" Orihime practically bawled hugging her friend fiercely.

"Hey hey, Orihime, don't worry…we can still call each other, can't we?" Tatsuki said, patting her head reassuringly.

"Right! Oh, no! Wait…er…we can't do that…" the auburn haired girl corrected herself, scratching her head, "Because…because-"

"-because the office we are going to this summer is on a small island with no land lines or cell phone reception," Chad supplied, having overheard their conversation.

As Orihime shot him a grateful smile and a nod, Tatsuki eyed him dubiously.

"Really? What kind of company does that?"

"It's a strange little one to be sure," Chad shook his head, "but it is good experience for later."

"I suppose…"

"Don't worry Arisawa!" Keigo interjected, bounding up to them, "Mizuiro and I can keep you entertained with plenty of beachside activities! Plus fireworks!"

"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Mizuiro asked, holding up a snorkel, "I'm going snorkeling with my girlfriend and her nine friends."

"What?! What the hell is that?! You have a harem and didn't tell ME?! TRAITOR!!!!"

"I can't make it either," 'Ichigo' said, shaking his head, "More work at my new job."

"And if those two aren't going, there's no way I'd go anywhere alone with you Asano," Tatsuki smirked.

"Is this the end of our beautiful friendship?!" Keigo cried, his arms wrapped around one of Mizuiro's legs.

XXXXXXXXXX

Breathing heavily, Ichigo collapsed against the wall, looking out of his slim window once again.

He had just finished running several laps around his cell, after also doing several other exercises to keep his body in shape.

I'll never stand a chance of getting out of here if I'm out of shape…he thought, as his breathes became more normal, I can't let myself get fat on all this prison food.

Chuckling slightly, he enjoyed what little view he had.

I will get out back to you, Yuzu, Karin, Rukia, everyone…

XXXXXXXXXX

"I don't think he'll come."

"Don't say that Sado-kun! Of course he's coming…Ishida-kun wouldn't-"

"It's not a big deal if he doesn't, Inoue-san. Ishida…tends to over think things too much. In this kind of do or die situation…I don't think he'd be that much of a help," Chad said, shaking his head resolutely.

"I don't know…" Rukia began to object, thinking back to her experience fighting Iceringer with the Quincy. But before she could continue, the subject of their conversation approached; his glasses reflecting off the light from the street lamp in front of Urahara Shōten.

"I would think you'd need someone with some brains on this little adventure," Ishida smirked, before rapidly changing his tone after seeing one of their reactions, "Ah, no, I meant no offense, Inoue-san…"

Orihime stopped pouting and smiled, "Arigato, Ishida-kun. And for coming with us as well."

"Of course," he said, adjusting his glasses, "I couldn't very well let Kurosaki die without learning which of us is the stronger…"

Although that summoning was rather unusual…I suppose I'll have to clean that red paint off my wall when I return.

"Oho! Excellent, very good!" Urahara exclaimed, his clacking footsteps accompanying his arrival, "Everyone appears to be here. Oh Ishida-san! Have you just come from a costume party?"

"N-no!" Uryū stammered, tugging at his uniform, "These are the garments of a true Quincy! Do you have a problem with that?!"

"No, no, of course not," Urahara denied, waving his hands, "But I'm sure there are plenty in Soul Society who might point and laugh. I'm only looking out for you. I don't want you to get teased…"

"You're the one doing the teasing!" Ishida replied, a vein pulsing in his forehead.

Now I see why you work here Kurosaki: this man is just as infuriating as you!

"Ishida, you knew the plan was for us all to wear shinigami uniforms so as to better infiltrate Soul Society," Rukia said placatingly, stepping between the shopkeeper and the Quincy, "If you wear that, it could compromise our cover."

Glancing at Chad and Orihime and noticing for the first time how they were dressed, Ishida nodded reluctantly; accepting the black garment that appeared along with Tessai at his side.

"Very well…"

"Do hurry up and change then. If you miss my explanation on how to get to Soul Society…you might die before you get there…"

XXXXXXXXXX

Ishida made his way carefully down the ladder to rock-strewn basement of Urahara Shōten, taking nervous glances down at the hard ground below.

He had never been down there before and while the sight was impressive, it was daunting nonetheless.

That ridiculous sign didn't help either…Ishida thought, thinking back to the elaborate, life sized cutout of Urahara that had pointed in the direction of the trap door. In addition, it had "held" a little sign in its hand reading "Be careful on the way down!"

"That man is far too excessive," he muttered, eying the massive expanse around him, "Something this huge has to be some kind of building violation…"

"Are you alright up there Ishida-san?" Urahara called from where everyone was gathered, "Did you see the sign that said 'Be careful on the way down'?"

"Yes! I saw your stup-…your sign!"

As he was calling back, his footing slipped and he fell the remaining ten six feet or so.

"Ugh…" Ishida groaned, nursing his back, "I hate him…"

Urahara sneezed abruptly.

Excusing himself, he murmured to Tessai, "That ladder seems rather unsafe…perhaps we should switch to stairs if everyone's going to keep falling off of it…"

"I will look into it, Tencho."

As their Quincy comrade ambled over gingerly, Orihime ran up to him concernedly.

"Ishida-kun! Are you okay? If you're hurt, I can heal you...if you'll just take off your shirt I can-"

"Ah! No, no I'm fine! Really!" Ishida blushed, waving his hands frantically, "There's no need to, to uh…Let's go!"

Orihime shrugged as he hurried off to join the others.

"Nice of you to join us Ishida-san," Urahara grinned, "Were you-"

"I'm sure that whatever you're about to say is quite asinine, so please: can we get on with it?"

"How cruel!" the shopkeeper cried, starting back and covering his eyes, "I was going to ask if you were injured by the fall! Honestly…young people today…"

Grinding his teeth in irritation, Ishida ground out, "I'm sorry. No, I was not injured. Please, let us get underway…"

"Much better!" Urahara replied, instantly enthusiastic once more, "Now, please direct your attention here."

He snapped his fingers, causing four large stone pillars to appear; each attaching to one of the other's corners, forming a large rectangle.

"For those that are unaware, this is a senkaimon, the gateway to Soul Society, albeit, a modified one. For you see, in order for you three living humans to get there, you must first be converted into spiritual energy. Thus, you will be souls in Soul Society, though you are not souls."

"So, if I'm understanding you correctly…" Ishida murmured, "If we were to die in Soul Society, it is doubtful that we would become pluses like we would in the real world. We will be more vulnerable in this state, am I right?"

"Very sharp, Ishida-san," Urahara smirked, "However, this is the only way. Kuchiki-san and Yoruichi-san will also be accompanying you through, so their experience should prove helpful."

"Wh-what?" Rukia spoke up, blinking, "I…I had thought that I'd go through a normal senkaimon and wait for them…"

"There is no point in you going separately from the rest of us," Yoruichi pointed out, her deep-sounding cat voice speaking up from somewhere near her shin, "Soul Society will be aware of our presence as soon as we arrive. Also, we could not be certain that your own senkaimon would be undetected."

"Yes, in fact they might even come to the conclusion that it's you Kuchiki-san and might draw some correlation between your separate arrivals. No, all together like this is better. I take it you are wary of the Dangai."

"Of, of course! Who wouldn't be? It's a nightmarish place!"

"Since you're a shinigami, that should protect all of you…and if not, run like hell!"

The majority of the infiltration team shot him uneasy looks as Urahara chuckled at his joke.

"Even so, you will need to run, as we can only keep the gateway open for four minutes. After that, shinigami or not, you will be trapped between worlds…"

Observing the others' nervous expressions, Yoruichi said, "Don't worry. Just keep moving. How hard can that be?"

"Mmm," Chad rumbled, "And I'll bring up the rear. If anyone falls behind, I'll just carry you over my shoulder."

All the more incentive to run, Ishida thought, I can't imagine the embarrassment of having to be carried like a sack of produce…

"Okay then," Orihime smiled, "Let's all look out for each other."

"Right," Rukia nodded. I had my doubts at first, but I think that we can really do this. We're coming, Ichigo.

"Yosh!" Urahara said, pointing his assistant manager towards the other side of the gateway, where the mustachioed man took his place opposite his boss.

With both Urahara and Tessai kneeling before it, the stone contraption's center filled with a slight glow.

"Please enter as soon as it opens. Everyone ready? Now!"

The senkaimon's brightness increased dramatically for a moment and in a flash, the rescue party was through, leaving a standing pool of a shimmering, water-like substance.

Holding their position for a short time, the pair eventually got up; Urahara approaching the shimmering threshold. Reaching out to touch it, he hissed as the portal distorted; steam rising off his hand.

"It's up to all of you now…"

"Have faith! They are my son's friends after all!" a voice boomed from behind him.

"Ah, so you came to see them off, Isshin-san?"

"Of course!" the bearded man grinned, "It's not every day you get to see the start of a historic event."

XXXXXXXXXX

Author's Note: First off, yes, I know this chapter took a little longer than my last couple, but to be fair, I wrote the last two when I didn't have school occupying my time. Also, I discovered One Piece in the time between, and it's AWESOME, so that's been incredibly distracting. If you haven't read and/or seen it yet, DO IT NOW!

While this chapter is more of a transitionary chapter, it does get the story into the Soul Society arc proper. I wasn't going to go day by day with the training portions. Hopefully the results of said training will speak for themselves when you see them. And, to clarify, Isshin is not from the future! His remark about witnessing a historical event is a reference to the gravity, the unprecedented nature of the infiltration of Soul Society. Awesome though he is, Isshin is no Marty McFly. Doc Brown, maybe, but not Marty.

So you might have noticed that Chad and Orihime are getting a lot more attention from Urahara and co. than in canon. I intend to maximize everyone's awesomeness. Because it's Ichigo who's captured this time, the stakes are much higher for them; they have a lot more incentive to rescue him than Rukia. Also, I know Orihime is a pacifist. She will not become Rambo overnight, but she will be less of a damsel in distress (she already knew karate, for crying out loud!)

I'm pretty sure some people are probably going to be disappointed that Kenpachi and Ichigo didn't fight, but really, how would that've gone down if Ichigo didn't have Zangetsu? Rest assured though, this meeting is laying the groundwork for later on. In addition, Ichigo won't be sitting on his heels for much longer, I assure you.

Oh, and has anyone who's familiar with the Stargate series noticed how much Urahara's senkaimon looks like a stargate's wormhole? Crazy coincidence…