Disclaimer: All Kubo Tite's


Chapter 8

Ichigo's brain is running wild. What is Rukia doing here of all places? Ichigo supposed she is not here to fight him. She couldn't have hidden a gun in that skimpy clothes she's wearing could she? But does she really work here? No, Ichigo strongly doesn't think so. Rukia is a lot of things but doing things like this is so out of the question, unless she was forced which he knew is unlikely too. Ichigo remembered Hisagi has been adamant of bringing him here, did she somehow got his Sergeant on her side? Is it just a plan to get to him? He looked at Hisagi and he concluded he's not involve in this, as if those eyes that are almost bulging out isn't proof enough.

The catcalls continues. All men are staring at her with lustful eyes, some are standing, and some even have drools in their open mouths like a rabid dog. Even Sado and Uryuu and Hisagi's eyes are fixed on her ignoring the ladies hanging in their arms.

Ichigo felt like clawing all their eyes out. If his eyes shoots fire then all men there are pile of ashes by now.

Rukia continued swaying with the music while slowly touching her body. Then her eyes captured Ichigo's. She quirk her lips to the side with her eyes smoldering him while swaying her hips. Ichigo thought that was the sexiest thing he has ever seen in his life. Damn, Rukia, when did you even learn to do that?

Ichigo downed his drink and stands up abruptly, he then marched to the stage like a man ready to conquer the world. He reached for Rukia and grabbed her waist, he then lifted her and brought her body to his and carried her towards his table like she weigh nothing. The men shouted at him and some even stands up and walked towards Ichigo. His lieutenants stands as well, ready to defend their captain. Yoruichi walked to the stage and pacify the men, telling them that it was part of the show and that Ichigo was really meant to do that.

"What are you doing, you idiot. Put me down." Rukia hissed. Ichigo continued carrying her. When they reached his table only then he put her down. He looked at her again from head to toe. "Tch!" he reached for her back and removed the knot of her shirt and yank it down to cover her exposed body, he then unfolded her skirt to make it long again. When he's satisfied with her look, he sat down and patted the space beside him signaling her to sit down.

Rukia smirked, she came closer but didn't sat where Ichigo wants her, instead she position each her legs outside Ichigo's and sat on his lap, straddling him. Ichigo's eyes got wide. Is she going to fight him up close?

Rukia leaned and whispered in his ears "we could speak better this way."

In that instant, Ichigo's body overheated. He was blasted with Rukia's scent and warmth that something in him snapped. He could blame it to alcohol later but now he doesn't care one shit. His hands moved in their own accord and snaked around Rukia's waist and back, inside her shirt mind you, then he crashed her to him in one powerful pull.

Rukia yelped in surprise.

Ichigo felt the smooth skin of her back and waist, he relished her warmth for a moment then he wanted more so he buried his face in her neck.

He just now realized the magnitude of his longing to see her, to hold her, to be with her again. His heart felt like it wants to burst out from his chest. He just now realized how much he missed her. Oh God, how he missed her. He tighten his embrace, he is sure his hands will leave a mark in her body.

Ichigo had totally forgotten the people around them. He had forgotten where they are. He had forgotten what they are. He didn't hear anything except his own heart beating and Rukia's breathing. He didn't sense anything except her warmth. He is not a soldier and Rukia is not his enemy at this moment. He inhaled deeply and basked himself in Rukia's scent. He really fucking miss her, it's not even funny anymore. He ralized he had wanted to hold her from that time he saw her. If it had not been of the fire in between them he might have done that in front of his men.

Ichigo felt he is home. This is his home. Rukia is his home.

Rukia is no better. She clung to Ichigo as he clung to her. She run her hands in Ichigo's back up to his hair. She felt his muscular body. The scrawny shoulder that she remember aren't scrawny anymore, it is now broad and firm. She cradled him. She wanted to convey her own longing. She buried her face in his head and took a deep breath. She smiled. She felt protected, like no one can harm her now. She forgot all her worries.

She's now complete. She felt complete.

"You must really miss me, huh!" Whispered Rukia.

"Yeah, I do midget. So so much, you have no idea." Ichigo said with his lips grazing Rukia's neck. He doesn't care if he is coming out as a fool for admitting it but it's the truth. It's the fucking truth. And to hell with it. He doesn't know if they will have another moment like this. Better to let it all out now before they return to exchanging bullets again. Before they point guns to each other's faces again.

"I do too. It's not the same without you, Ichi-poo." Rukia confessed. Ichigo smiled, not that Rukia could see it.

They were like that for a long time and none wants to break their embrace. Both still basking in each other's presence.

From the outsider's point of view, Ichigo looks like he's necking Rukia and he is groping her as they couldn't see his hands.

Sado is confused. From the time he met Ichigo he had never seen him cling to a woman like this. A lot of ladies have showed interest in him, even threw their selves at him from their academy days and none have ever captured his interest. Even when they went to bars in the capitol, he never tabled a woman before. Even during the times that he saw him with his girlfriend, he never hold her like this. There was only one girl who Sado knew Ichigo treasured above everyone else according to his stories, and that was the best friend he left in his hometown.

Ichigo must have really like this girl then. Sado stared at them some more and concluded that it might be it. Well, who wouldn't with that face and body? He just put it that the woman is just doing her job properly that's why she clung to him as well.

Uryuu is thinking the same as Sado. He didn't in any way expected that Ichigo will act like this to any woman. Though his gut is telling him there is something wrong with this scene. That woman looks familiar and he's sure he has seen her before but he couldn't quite remember when and where. There's something distinct with her, like she doesn't belong in this place let alone in the corner of Sereitie, with her look and how graceful and elegant she moves, she belongs in the capitol, in the palace, he thought. Uryuu shook his head, what am I thinking now? He looked at Ichigo again and he felt irritated with his action to the woman and what he is doing at the moment. He couldn't shake off the feeling that this woman deserved to be treated with high regards. In the end he just put it as a little jealousy. He might do the same thing anyway if he is in his Captain's position.

Rukia opened her eyes when she felt eyes were on them, and her instinct is right. From the corner of her eyes, she saw two of Ichigo's men are looking at them intensely, his Lieutenants in particular.

Everything came back. The sound of the surrounding, her mission and all her worries. So she whispered "Ichigo, we have to go. Tell your men to go home without you. They will understand what you mean."

"No. If you leave my arms you will be my enemy again." Ichigo said in an almost whiny voice. Almost, he argued. He tighten his embrace and buried his face more.

Rukia bump his head but left her hand lingered there "That's why I'm here, idiot. I'm sure once you get to know everything, we won't be enemies anymore." She assured him.

"No." Ichigo said stubbornly. "Why did you have to meet me here, anyway? Here of all places."

"This is the best place that I think you can get away from your team without them being suspicious. Besides, we couldn't get to you alone, we have tried several times but your Lieutenants are always attached to your hips." Rukia whispered again.

Ichigo shivered from her hot breath. So, he was right. She was here to get to him. He sighed in relief.

"Does Renji and Grimm knows?" He asked. He's sure those two didn't agree to her clothing and dancing like that.

"No or they would have wreaked havoc seeing me like that, those over-protective morons." She chuckled. Ichigo doesn't need to know she came here on her own.

"When did you learn to dance like that anyway?" he couldn't help but asked.

"Ms. Yoruichi thought me an hour ago. She said it was just like taking a bath, only to scrub my body slowly and while doing it to sway my hips, so I just imagined I'm taking a bath." She answered truthfully.

Ichigo gulped. His body heated even more. His fingers dug Rukia's skin harder.

"Idiot." He embrace her more if that is even possible. He wanted to imprint her body to his.

"Ichi, let's go. My face is itchy." She chuckled on her pun.

Ichigo still did not budged, he's way too comfortable, dammit. "Why did you have to put that junk anyway? You don't need it."

"Are you saying I'm beautiful?" She teased.

Ichigo knew she's smirking. "Tch!"

"I had to put them or your men might recognize me." Rukia said in an even small voice.

That got to Ichigo. Ichigo's eyes got wide. "You're right."

"Are you willing to come and listen to us now? Please Ichigo, you have to trust us." Rukia tightened her embrace and run her hand in his hair.

Ichigo nodded. Hell, at this moment if Rukia asked him to join her he might even consider it just to have a chance to hold her again.

Rukia sighed with relief. She started to extricate herself but Ichigo didn't loosen his hold. Instead he released her only to press her face in his chest and held her head there. Rukia got confused.

Ichigo took out his wallet and put some cash on the table. He then looked at his men "I'm going ahead. I won't be back until tomorrow…." Rukia pinched him, telling him that he couldn't be back that early "… I mean until the next day." Ichigo told his men, his hand still securing Rukia's head on his chest and his body is angled in a way that his men couldn't see her. Hisagi smirked. Sado and Uryuu nodded.

"There's one nearby, but if you want a little more comfortable then you have to go to 49th." Hisagi said waggling his eyebrows. Lucky bastard, he thought.

Ichigo nodded. He put one arm in Rukia's bottom and one remained at the back of her head then he stands up with Rukia secured in his arms. "I can walk, put me down, you idiot." She hissed in his chest. Her face is squashed in his chest that she's not sure if he heard her. Ichigo knew she's protesting because he could feel her lips moving in his chest, he felt a shiver run down his spine, but he ignored her and proceeded to the exit.

Outside, Yoruichi was waiting for them with Rukia's things. She hand them to Ichigo with a smirk in her face.

Ichigo looked at the lady in a new light "I take it you're a member?" Just how big is Rukia's group? Ichigo wonders.

"Now, now captain. Forget being a soldier and enjoy the moment. You take care now." She winked at him and went inside.

Yoruichi watched them from the window, smiling. She's happy that Rukia finally got to Ichigo. This will help the situation to become a little easier, she thought. She then dialed her phone and when the other line picked up she said "they just left, they'll reach there before dawn."

"Ichigo you can put me down. Turn here. My motorcycle is parked there." Rukia pointed.

"You came here in a motorcycle wearing a skirt?" Ichigo asked incredulously. He spank Rukia's bottom. He couldn't help it, really.

"Idiot, I was wearing pants. Yoruichi lend this to me. Now put me down." Ichigo finally allowed her to leave his arms and he instantly regretted it. He almost snatched her back.

They reached Rukia's bike and she took a helmet and extend it to Ichigo.

Ichigo look at the helmet indignantly. "What the hell Rukia, you only have one helmet and you want me to wear it? You wear it and you are not driving, I am." Ichigo announced. Then "What the fuck Rukia?" For Rukia is now putting on pants in front of him.

"Dammit! Might I remind you I'm a guy and you're a girl and were not 15 years old anymore. You shouldn't be doing stuff like that." Ichigo shouted.

Rukia ignored his tirade about her changing in front of him. "You don't know the way, idiot. We'll reach there faster if I drive."

Ichigo did not give in. "Then point the way. Give me the key."

Rukia did not budge.

"Rukia, don't make me frisk you and search the key myself." Ichigo threatened.

"Why don't you try?" She smirked.

"Dammit Rukia, why do you have to be such a handful." He walked closer to her and was about to do as he threatened when she conceded.

"Fine. You drive but you have to wear the helmet. It's trouble for you if someone saw you with a rebel considering your hair stands out even in the night." Rukia said, extending the helmet to him.

Ichigo considers her. "Fine, but you have to hold on me tight."

They mounted the bike and Rukia did as she was told. Ichigo smiled a little, at least she follows sometimes. He looked down and he liked her hands on him.

..


..

Back at the club, a few minutes after Ichigo and Rukia left, a woman entered Yoruichi's club. She's wearing a cup as well, a fitted jeans, green shirt and a loose Jacket, but one can clearly see she have a voluptuous body. She walked straight to the bar where Yoruichi is manning and sat.

Yoruichi put a drink in front of her then leaned down a little "He's upstairs, the room on the left" Yoruichi said in a small voice. Rangiku nodded. After a few drinks, Rangiku stands and went upstairs. When she was opening the door, an impatient hand pulled her inside and as soon as the door is closed, her lips were assaulted. She responded without a moment of hesitation because she knows these lips, she's been longing for these lips. These lips that she get to taste only a couple of times in a year, thrice if she's lucky. How long has it been since she last saw him? Five months? Six months? She couldn't even remember.

They kissed fiercely, both are desperate for one another, both wants to get as much as they can of each other. When they came out for much needed air, she met his eyes. She feasted her eyes on him, taking in his appearance. The man's usually half closed eyes are open for her to see the longing there, his expression is also open to convey the unsaid feelings of love and worries and fear for her and asking her forgiveness for his absence. His face wanted to tell her that he's doing this for her, that he doesn't want to see her cry again.

"Gin…" she whispered. And that's the only word he allowed for he once again captured her lips. Rangiku fought for dominance but she was utterly defeated. Well it is to be expected as her brain is in a blur, her body felt like it's on fire and it's trembling so bad. Her legs nearly gave out had Gins hands weren't snaked around her.

Moments later, they are both now fully naked. Rangiku found herself on the bed with Gin on top of her, worshipping her body like there's no tomorrow, well, that's actually true, for they only have tonight, not even a whole night but only few hours. Gin made sure to leave his mark all over his woman's body starting from her foot to every part and nook of her body up to her neck. Of course we don't need to mention he favored her chest, he spent the longest time there that Rangiku knew her twin will be sore soon. Rangiku wouldn't have it any other way. She wants him to claim her, to satiate her, to fill her, to leave a reminder of him in her body. And Gin is doing just that.

Rangiku screamed her first release when Gin's hand went down in between her and felt her. Seeing his woman writhed in ecstasy made Gin hard even more, he couldn't hold back anymore so he position himself and pleasured both themselves. She screamed her second release along with Gin's first.

After a few moments, they did it again with Rangiku returning the favor if not more. Then they did it again.. and again. Rangiku knew she wouldn't be walking straight for few days.

When they were satiated enough, they both lay down and held each other. Rangiku laid her head on Gin's chest. Gin's hand is caressing her back with his fingers.

"Tell them it's going to be in three weeks. This time he's coming with full force." Gin told her, then he looked down on her "I still hope I could lock you somewhere." He said in a teasing voice but his heart beats hard telling her his fear of losing her.

Rangiku just snorted "I'll be fine." She assured him. She doesn't need to tell him she worries for him too because they don't do that. She kissed his chest where his heart lies and she allowed her eyes to close for much needed rest. She knew, when she wakes up, she would be alone and no trace of Gin could be found. That is always the case, so she prefers she's asleep when he leave. It's easier that way.

...


...

Ichigo and Rukia continued heading to the west and when he is sure no one will see them, he removed his helmet and asked where they are heading.

"To Karin's." Rukia answered.

Ichigo was surprised. "Really? Is she in on this as well?"

"Who do you think lend me this bike? She's pissed at you by the way. She's nearby and you didn't even visited her." Rukia told him.

"I got busy." Ichigo said guiltily.

"Yeah, busy hunting our asses." Rukia teased.

Ichigo was about to respond but Rukia beat him

"It's okay. I'm sure it's all going to change. We'll stay at Karin's until it's bright enough to walk. Then we'll head to our camp." She told him.

"Are you sure your comrades won't shoot me?" Ichigo asked.

"I'm sure Ichigo. They will welcome you with open arms." She smirked.

"Huh! Why is that?" he asked.

"You'll see soon enough."

That got Ichigo so intrigued.

Two more hours and Ichigo and Rukia reached Karin's house in the 53rd.

Rukia knocked and she wasn't surprised to see a pissed off Grimmjow and Renji on the door. Both arms are crossed.

"Welcome back, princess." Renji said in a gritted teeth.

"What have you been up to, milady?" Grimm continued. Both eyes are twitching in annoyance.

They have been so frantic when they found out Rukia sneaked out. Both men learned their lessons not to entrust Rukia in Hanataro's care anymore. He's way too soft, although they couldn't blame him if Rukia gave him that look, the look that even they fell victim to most of the time. They only breathed freely when Yoruichi assured them she's safe. But they're still annoyed with what she had to go through.

Rukia had the decency to look sheepish for a mere second. Then she entered. "Well, you wouldn't let me go through the plan and it's the only way so.."

"Grimm, that leash you're talking about sounds good to me now." Renji threatened.

"Huh you just try." She looked up at them, challengingly.

"What the... What happened to your face? Did you fight someone? What did that woman made you do?" Grimm asked worriedly, he walked to her and reached for her face, he run his thumbs on Rukia's cheeks. Ichigo's hands twitched, his brow furrowed even more. He pocketed his hands for safety measure and looked away.

"Huh it came out." Grimmjow said looking at his thumb.

"Yeah that's reminds me... Karin! Can I use your bathroom please?" Rukia called out.

"Sure." Karin answered from her living room.

Renji and Grimm watched her until she closed the bathroom door then both looked at Ichigo who is still at the threshold. Grimmjow said "Hey there captain, come in." He greeted as if they didn't exchange bullets and point guns at each other several times now. Renji grinned at him as well.

"Yo." Ichigo greeted.

"Big brother!" Karin called walking to him and Ichigo smiled. He opened his arms but he didn't receive a hug instead he received a punch in the face.

"That's for leaving the house before I come and for not visiting me." Karin said, glaring at him. Then she smiled. "It's all good big bro. Come on, have some coffee, it will be bright soon enough." When Ichigo entered the kitchen he was surprised to see "Orihime?"

Orihime smiled but felt a sting in her heart. She's still coping with their breakup. She had tried so hard not to cry and had mustered all her courage not to cling to him when he broke up with her. If she had done that before then she has to make sure she can do it today or every time she see him.

That time at the restaurant, when they encountered Rukia, Orihime watched Ichigo's reaction and she couldn't see any hatred on his face towards their friends. Ichigo even looked relieved when he had looked at them during that time that Rukia held her hostage. Orihime knew Ichigo admired Rukia's strong nature. So she concluded, she have to show him that she too is strong, that he could rely on her just like he relies on Rukia. She had realized that she need to be strong in order to be with him again.

"What are you doing here?" Ichigo asked.

"That must be our fault. We were trying to search for the princess and we thought that she came to visit her. Orihime said she wants to come with us so we brought her along." Renji said. Orihime nodded. She couldn't trust her voice not to quiver.

"I take it, you guys have been in touched?" Ichigo asked. Of course, they would visit Orihime since they saw her the last time he encountered them.

"Yeah. We had our reunion without you and it was peaceful mind you." Renji smirked.

Rukia returned and flop herself next to Karin's. Karin looked at the five of them. She couldn't help but chuckle on the situation. Here, in her living room are the five childhood friends got together after ten years. One is a soldier, three are rebels and one clueless and innocent nurse. How very dynamic.

They were all silently drinking their coffees. Renji and Grimmjow are still on their guards. They knew Ichigo wouldn't hurt Rukia but they couldn't feel at ease until Ichigo knows the truth, only then they can trust Ichigo fully too. Ichigo, now that alcohol left his system, his brain is functioning properly again. He tried to reason if what he is doing is right and if he can fully trust his old friends again. He looked at Rukia conversing with Karin animatedly. Rukia's face is now clean again, as it should be, he thought. Her braid is back and she is back to her tomboyish self again, fully at ease. He smiled covertly.

He supposed it is fine. He concluded. His eyes shifted to his sister. Karin's hair is short. She's sitting exactly the way Rukia was. He chuckled. She really does shadows Rukia.

When they saw that the moon is bright enough to light their path, the five childhood friends headed towards the forest where Rukia's group is waiting for them.

Ichigo watched Grimm and Rukia interacts easily, they were several meters in front of him. He felt a pang in his heart, that's my place, he thought. Behind him are Renji and Orihime chatting as well.

After few hours of walking, Renji called out to the others to take a rest for few minutes. All three looked at him and their gaze landed on Orihime who is huffing so bad and catching her breath.

"I'm sorry, Hime. We forgot." Rukia called out. "Alright, let's rest for a while. Are you hungry too? Ahead of us, a few minutes more, there are fruit bearing trees. We'll pick some on our way."

Ichigo felt guilty. He had entirely forgotten Orihime. He should have been the one supporting her and not Renji.

To be honest, Orihime had been wanting to rest after just an hour of walking but she had promised herself to become strong and keep up with her friends so she pushed herself. But her body could only do so much.

They rested for few minutes and resumed walking again. This time Ichigo walked beside Orihime with Renji on her other side. Grimm and Rukia are still ahead of them. Ichigo glared at their backs. He watched Grimm holds her hands when they passed a slippery or rocky area. When did Grimm become touchy like that to Rukia, and what the hell? Rukia didn't mind it one bit. Ichigo didn't realized he is fuming.

When they reached the area that Rukia spoke of, Grimmjow told them to wait while he searched for anything to eat. After only a few minutes, he came back with arm full of banana, turnips and some cherries. Grimmjow put the fruits down but took a couple of bananas and cherries then gave it to Rukia. Rukia took them like it was the normal thing. Ichigo was surprised. Since when did Grimmjow acted like that? He looked at Renji to see any reaction but Renji too is taking some fruits and gave them to Orihime. Ichigo's mood is becoming sour every second.

Another hour more and Ichigo guessed they are near. He could see few people on top of the trees, he knew they're look outs. Renji also cautioned them with the traps. Ichigo was impressed with their security that he realized if he happened to learn of this camp before and attack, they would be annihilated. Now he understand why the government have been having a hard time subduing this group.

Ahead of Ichigo, Rukia stops, she put fingers in her mouth and let out a loud whistle, then she held out her right arm, Ichigo wondered why. His answer came in a form of a big bird that landed in her arm. She stroked it lovingly. Grimm stroked it as well. Ichigo's eyes were wide with amazement. He ran to Rukia and asked "Is this Bagwis?"

"No, this is Habagat. Beautiful isn't he." Rukia said proudly.

"Yeah, he is." Ichigo said. He tried to touch it as well but the eagle flew.

"He'll get use to you too in no time." Rukia said.

"So, where's Bagwis?" He asked.

"It's probably playing with Sei." She said.

"Who?"

"Seiichi, my little brother who punches harder than you." She smirked.

"Rukia…" Ichigo started. He doesn't even know how to start apologizing for hitting her that time. He reached out for her face and run his thumb in the area where he punched her before. There's no trace of it now but his gut is still crawling with guilt and shame. Grimmjow looked away.

"Hey, it's okay. It's in the past. And I was honest when I said you punch like a sissy." She teased, she hold Ichigo's hand on her face and tugged him. "Come on. They're eager to see you."

"Who?" He asked again.

"You'll know." She smirked.

Ichigo remembers Rukia's dog. "Is bantay still alive?" he asked her again. Now walking on the other side of Rukia.

"Of course. He's old now though. You'll see him soon." Rukia said, smiling proudly. Ichigo stares at her. He wants her to smile some more.

They finally reached the camp. Ichigo looked around. If he is to guess, he would think this is their main camp. There were huts and tents scattered around the area. There were men and women sparring in a level land with improvised training materials, others are doing exercises. He supposed that side with a big steaming pot is their main kitchen. The big trees around have some sort of hammocks tied to them. He could also see some children playing. He thought he saw a boy with orange hair but he couldn't be sure.

This place is like a small community, he concluded.

He saw some were looking at them, at him in particular. He looked at the kids playing again and he's now sure, the boy indeed have orange hair the same shade as him.

Hanataro was stirring the pot when he saw them. He dropped the ladle and run to Rukia, he hugged her "Princess, I'm glad you're safe. I've been so worried." Ichigo's eye twitched. What is with this men touching her freely? Well, he supposed he too groped her earlier so he couldn't really talk. He blushed.

"Serves you right. I told you not to let her out of your sight." Grimmjow said while extracting Hanataro from Rukia through his collar.

Rukia glared at Grimmjow then she turned to Hanataro "It's okay, don't mind them. Where are they?"

"They're all waiting at that big tent." Hanataro said pointing.

So, they headed to one of the tent, the biggest there.

While walking, "Renji, why are you guys calling Rukia princess? I knew Uncle Ju calls her that, but why does everyone else calls her that now? Ichigo asked Renji.

"First, exactly what you said, Father calls her princess and we started calling her that as well. Second, well, Father is the head of this community and she is the daughter so it's only natural they call her princess. And third, I'm sure you'll agree, because she looks and moves like a princess despite her tomboyish actions. Rukia has always carried this elegance and radiance from when she was little. One could even go so far as to think she's from the royalty." Renji explained.

Ichigo was convinced. The third reason suffice enough.

They reached the tent. "Father, we have arrived." Rukia called in the door. Ichigo's eyes widen. So uncle Ju is in too?

"Come in then." He heard someone said.

Rukia went in followed by Renji and Grimm. Ichigo is rooted on the floor. He is readying himself with what he will find out. He finally moved when Orihime encouraged him to enter.

So he took a step and went inside.

There he roamed his eyes from the left.

He saw Jushiro smiling at him kindly. He had aged considerably but he still exudes the aura of respect. Next to him is Ms. Unohana, uncle Ju's healer.. or is she? She's also smiling at him. Opposite her is the other west districts representative, Shunsui Kyurako who nodded at him, and his eyes widen even more when he saw his father smirking at him. Ichigo's heart is beating so fast and hard.

His father nudged his head to his left and Ichigo followed his nudged.. and there his racing heart stopped beating at once. His eyes got bigger if that is even possible, his body shook.

"Mo..Mother?." He whispered.

...


...

Back at Yoruichi's club. Rangiku woke up with a heavy heart. Of course, Gin is not with her anymore. She wonders when she will see him again, no, if she will see him again, she corrected. She remembers what he told her. She quickly put on her clothes and went down. The club is empty now as it was almost dawn, but Yoruichi is there, nursing a coffee.

Rangiku sat down in front of her. Yoruichi prepared her a cup of coffee and put it in front of Rangiku. Rangiku took a sip and told Yoruichi what Gin told her.

"Three weeks huh, and full force. This is bad. There is not enough time to prepare." Yoruichi said. She was deep in thought for a while, then "So that's where he went. I hope he can get through the palace and convince him." She said to herself. Rangiku knows she's talking about her husband.

"Yeah. I guess I had better get a move on and warn them of the imminent war." Rangiku said. She looked at the window and saw the condensation there. Winter is coming, she thought. She stands up and put on her jacket. Before she left, Yoruichi told her,

"Remind Ju that he have the weapon that could stop this war. If my husband will not succeed, then he need to let go of that weapon. In this way, a lot of lives will be saved." Yoruichi said.

...


...

A/N: So, I'm giving you a chapter worth of two. Because Iwillbeupdatingonlyafteramonth! (*jumped behind Grimmjow*) Haha, I'm being a kid. Sorry guys but I'm flying back to my home country in a few hours for a much awaited vacation, and I will be there for a month. I will have limited access to internet so it will be hard for me to update, not to mention I will be here, there and everywhere in the Philippines so…. (*grinning like a maniac*)

But due to a nuisance thing called work, I am compelled to check my email once and a while and with that I will take a peek on my personal email as well aaand…. if I get lots of reviews, I might (might being the operative word here lol) drag my ass up from lounging in a beach somewhere and sat in front of a computer and write. (Huh, didn't you know, I'm a lefter member and I extort reviews, so there.. :D).

Guest: Wow! Thanks for the review, really. Yes, the plot is becoming complicated that I think I'm digging my own grave here lol.. But I will crawl out somehow as the next events is already in my head, I just have to put it in writing. After having a taste of Rukia, I don't think Ichigo will ever get back with Orihime if he hasn't forgotten her name already :D.

Blissbeat: Thanks. Hope you enjoy this too.

Nievedrop: I'm glad you're satisfied at least. I will remember to put a little background of each of the character. I just get too excited sometimes :D.

Kejora: Thanks for liking my story. Yap, I will try to switch POV often.

Guest: Yeah, I'm happy to write their break up too. But Ichigo won't have Rukia that fast. He will have to go through hell first :D

Hopelessromantic: Hope you got your harem fetish fill a little in this chapter lol…. Yeah, you're right. Urahara did said he is leaving everything to Kurosaki and Kuchiki not Kurosaki and Inoue, so I'm sure Rukia will be fighting alongside Ichigo soon enough.

Sayuri: Yes, Orihime is exactly what you thought only she realized she couldn't be a damsel in distress all her life if she wants Ichigo to return to her.. but too bad for her, it's not gonna happen anymore. Thanks for always reviewing. You really inspires me.

Thank you so much guys for taking time to review. Thank you too to all silent reader.

I hope you guys will still be here when I come back.