Alright, so here's Chapter 5. It's been interesting, past few days. Still thinking a lot on how the story can develop. I am going to try to make it as long as possible, but I am unsure on how that'll go. So we'll see. Let the Ichiruki live on.

[Dream: Soukyoku Hill "The Execution Site", Ichigo

Ichigo sat still, on his knees. His eyes were closed, as the area around him stays gray and lifeless. There was no sound, no win, no life, it was empty.

Where am I?

Ichigo opened his eyes slowly, revealing the wasteland around him.

So quiet. It's freakin' irritating.

Ichigo looked around, to the dead trees behind him, then to the cliffs ahead. There lie the Execution Site, the two pillars stood tall, and the Soukyoku was sealed in its position.

Soukyoku…didn't I destroy the altar?...

A light glimmer shot across the sky. Ichigo looked around, trying to find it. He looked to the execution site once more, seeing a group of people gathering. Ichigo's eyes widened, and he began running to the site. As he arrived, there were 6 of the Captains, lined up in proper formation. The lieutenants stood by their captains, however some were not there. The foot steps were almost silent. Some of the nearby spectators stood in awe as the Soukyoku roared.

"What's going on? Who's being executed?" Ichigo yelled, only to be ignored. The people around seemed to not be able to hear him.

"C'mon don't ignore !" Ichigo shouted, attempting once more.

Ichigo turned abruptly, to see six guards surrounding the 'prisoner'. Ichigo walked over behind them, and stood in the first ones way. The first one passed through him, as if he didn't exist.

What the hell?

As the second one passed through, the prisoner lifted their head. Ichigo's eyes widened with panic.

"Rukia!" He shouted, rushing up to here."Hey, c'mon Rukia! You can see me can't you?" He desperately tried.

Rukia continued to walk, wearing the customary white robe. She also had the red collar that prevented her from escaping very easily from the guards or her cell. It also sealed her spiritual pressure.

"Fool. You're wasting your time." A voice said. "She's can't see you!"

Ichigo looked around nervously, trying to find the voice.

"What do you want from me?!" Ichigo yelled.

"You!" The voice yelled. "I will kill you in time, Ichigo. Be patient. The show has only begun.

Ichigo turned around, to see Rukia being raised by the Spiritual bindings of the Altar. They stopped at the top, and there were voices heard shouting from the distance. Ichigo began to run to the altar, desperately trying to get there.

Rukia!

Ichigo began to tire quickly, and slow downed. He was stopped abruptly by a figure.

"Now, now! You wouldn't want to interrupt! Just watch, dumbass." The figure held his left arm in front of Ichigo.

Suddenly, the Soukyoku exploded into a rage of flames. A phoenix of fire, burning and scorching the air, rose from the ashes. The phoenix roared with a powerful noise, shaking the very ground. Rukia, from a distance, was contained by the stones. She closed her eyes, and swallowed.

"Get outta my way!" Ichigo yelled, taking a step forward. Instantly he was teleported. He was floating in the air, and he looked around with a panic, and was but a few feet from Rukia.

"What the he-" Ichigo started, only to be stopped by the figure.

The figure roughly grabbed Ichigo's head, and shoved it right in front of Rukia's.

"She's gonna die." The figure bluntly said. "And you can't do a thing!"

Ichigo struggled, but could not pull free. He watched as Rukia stood in front of the fire and the flames. Rukia did not speak, only thought.

"Rukia! I'm here, snap out of it you idiot!" Ichigo shouted to her face, as she was only inches away. He screamed, and reamed his heart. So fiercely that tears began to flow from his eyes, as he tried to grasp her shoulders, or embrace her, and his movements would go straight through. The evil figure behind laughed, hysterically.

"Rukia! No, I CAN save you!" Ichigo yelled once again. To no avail.

Tears ran down the cheeks of Rukia, as her heart was settled. She had her resolve and as almost ready. Her eyes glistened with the destructive glow of the Soukyoku flame.

"Goodbye, Ichigo…" Rukia said, quietly under her breath.

"Rukia! I'm right here dammit! Listen to me!" Ichigo struggled. The Soukyoku dashed forth, and went straight through him.

Rukia closed her eyes, as the Soukyoku passed through her. The brilliant light the Soukyoku emitted blinded the people around, as well as the figure and Ichigo. When the fire cleared, there was nothing. The very containment blocks of the altar were gone, as well as Rukia. Ichigo screamed with agony, as there wasn't even smoke or singing from the area. It was gone, she was gone. There were no more memories to be shared. The smiles would never be heard of again.

The voice, still laughing uncontrollably in the background, placed his arm on Ichigo's soldier.

"Tough. Girlfriends' dead now, and your friends are too. There ain't nothin' for you in this world, boy. Give up." The figure said.

Ichigo dropped to his knees, as the tears pour from his eyes, and he swiftly grasped Zangetsu's hilt, swinging at the figure. The figure evaded with a flash step, and reappeared a few feet away.

"I will consume you, Ichigo." The figure cackled, and drew a white Katana, matching it's white soul reaper robe. Ichigo pointed his sword forward, quivering with the pain of Rukia's Death. He held the hilt with all his might, and placed his free hand on the forearm holding the sword.

"Bank-" Ichigo started, only to be stopped.

Before Ichigo had finished, the figure had pierced through Ichigo's body, as the white blade stuck out from the other side. Zangetsu dropped to the ground, and blood poured from Ichigo's wound. The figure exploded out yet again, laughing hysterically. He began to pull the blade from Ichigo's chest, as Ichigo screamed.

"Hurts, doesn't it " The figure said. He pulled the blade to nearly 1/10th out of his body, then pushed it violently back into him, all the way to the guard. Ichigo shouted again, in the great agony.

"You're weak! You always were! You should know by now that you're nothing to me" The figure shouted, and began twisting the sword in a circle, causing more traumatic bleeding. Then swiftly removing the blade, Ichigo's vision blurred. His hearing grew dim.

Rukia…forgive me…

"You lose!" The figure said, thrusting the blade into Ichigo's head.

[Kurakara City – Ichigo's Room, Ichigo

"Rukia!" Ichigo shouted,

Ichigo was breathing heavy, and sweating. He looked to his hand could see he was shaking with fear. Tears felt as if they passed on his eyes. He used the bottom of his shirt to wipe his face, and clear his eyes. His breathing soon returned to normal.

Was it…all a dream?

Ichigo rubbed his eyes once more, before letting his eyes adjust to the light in the room. The window was cracked open a little bit, with the shades wide open. The moonlight gleamed through the glass, and trailed across his bed. It continued on the floor, and up to the door on the closet. The closet door was about half open, and Rukia lay fast asleep. Her arm fell off from the mattress, and was hanging somewhat on the side.

It was…too real. I couldn't escape, I could do anything. I…lost…again.

Ichigo stood up from the bed and walked to the front of the closet. He was off the side, avoiding the moonlight that was hitting Rukia's face.

Rukia…I lost you again. I swore I wouldn't, but…why do I feel I always do?

Ichigo gazed at Rukia's snow white skin, as it reacted nicely with the moonlight. Her pitch black hair drooped freely over her face, with grace.

I've felt this way for a long time now. I can't control this thing inside me. It controls me. I often find myself being stopped by it, and I can't move. Then he forces me into a corner where I must release him for a moment. He's a lot stronger than I am. But he's not the real me.

Ichigo sighed, and leaned lightly against the door of the closet.

I can't let him over take me. This power I feel inside me, it's dark. It's something I know that will consume me. I can't do it.

Ichigo looked towards Rukia once again, seeing her peacefully safe within his closet.

"Rukia…" Ichigo whispered, brushing his hand against her cheek. She yawned lightly in her sleep, and turned her head the lower into the pillow. Ichigo lowered his head, and stared at the floor.

I won't hurt you.

Kurakara City – School Roof, Third Person

"Kuchiki-san!" Orihime cheerfully yelled, hugging Rukia. "It's so good to have you back!"

"Thanks…Inoue-san." Rukia awkwardly said, patting her on the back.

Ishida and Chad also greeted her back from her absence. Rukia then sat down on her knees. They were all on the rooftop of the school, a normal place for Ichigo and his friends to have lunch. Most people in school considered it a 'loser's hangout', only the popular ones though.

"Oh, Kuchiki-san, didn't you bring lunch?" Orihime asked, opening another plastic container. As Rukia looked inside, there lies a sandwich with various colors inside.

"Chocolate, peanut-butter with strawberry ham sandwich!" Orihime gleefully explained. "You'll love it, Kuchiki-san!"

Rukia disturbed while looking at it, and gently laid her hand over the container.

"No thanks Inoue-san! I'm…er…watching my weight!" Rukia explained, nervously dodging the subject.

Ichigo scoffed as he heard that explanation. Rukia shot a dirty look back to Ichigo, making an expression to keep quiet.

"Hey, Ino- I mean, Orihime-chan, where is Tatsuki-san?" Ichigo blatantly asked.

"She's not feeling well. I don't understand though, she wasn't sick last night when I cooked dinner…but after she wasn't well." Orihime puzzled.

The group continued to talk amongst each other, as Ichigo sat silently. He lied within deep thought of his dreams over the pas few days. While everyone basked in happiness, there was a great deal of uneasiness in Ichigo.

Kurakara City – School, Ichigo

The sun setting threw an orange glow over the school, and made the glass on the building shimmer with a brilliant glow. It was 4pm, and the bell just rung for the students. Not much later, a flood of students came out of the front doors, chattering the same as usual.

"Kuchiki-san!" Orihime called out.

Rukia and Ichigo turned around, just before walking away from the gates of the school.

"Tatsuki isn't here, do you want to walk home with me today?" Orihime asked cheerfully.

Rukia looked back to Ichigo, as her hair flew gently with the breeze, and then rested on her shoulders as she smiled. Her eyes glistened from the orange glow, almost as bright as Ichigo's hair. Ichigo and Rukia only had eye contact for a mere moment, but it was more warming than before.

"Kuchiki-san! Let's go!" Orihime happily exclaimed. Inoue smiled, and grabbed Rukia's arm, Rukia was jerked around, waving back.

"I'll meet you at home then, Ichigo!" Rukia yelled. Ichigo waved, staring back at them.

Friends. They're there for you, aren't they?

Ichigo threw his bag over his back and went on walking to the east.

The one from my dreams…he told me that they would all go away. Not that I believe him, but…it's almost happened before. The darkness is only growing stronger with me. I fee like I'll be overpowered, just like before. When I was fighting Byakuya – even with Bankai, I couldn't move, when he tried to take over.

Ichigo sighed, and looked back at the sun.

Kurakara City – Streets , Third Person

Drops of cream dripped down the cones of the ice cream Rukia and Orihime had. They had stopped by a near ice cream parlor. Rukia and Orihime walked down the streets of the scarlet sky, onto her house. The two sat down on some steps nearby, watching the sunset.

"Are you happy to be back, Kuchiki-san?" Orihime asked, taking a lick of her ice cream.

Rukia looked down to the vanilla ice cream scoop, awkwardly placed on the cone. She leaned hear head on her other arm, and watched it shine.

"It's good to be back. Though…" Rukia said. Orihime frowned.

"Though what? You have everything here! We all missed you a ton Kuchiki-san!" Orihime explained. "Especially Ichigo, he's always so gloomy and depressed when you aren't around" She finished, doing an imitation of Ichigo's 'normal face'.

Rukia giggled lightly, and took another taste of her ice cream. Orihime anxiously ate her ice cream, stopping from the constant brain freeze.

"Did Ichigo really feel that bad?" Rukia asked. Orihime stopped, looking down to the concrete below.

"Kuchiki-san…" Orihime started. "Ever since he met you, he's been a different person. He's actually…happy, and every time he's around you, he has this aura. Like he can do anything."

"I don't think I really mean that much, we're just…" Rukia started to speak, and Orihime looked as if she was going to cry.

"Kuchiki-san." Orihime cut her off. Making eye contact with Rukia. "You're his Special person."

Rukia blushed at first, then nervously shook her head.

"N-No, it's not like that, Inoue, really…" Rukia explained.

"You're special to him. You're the only one that I've ever seen make Ichigo cheer up like that…You're smart, beautiful, and he really likes you..." Orihime murmured.

"Inoue-san…" Rukia nervously said.

"I was…no, I am jealous of you, Kuchiki-san. When you first left…" Orihime whispered.

[Memory:Kuarakara City, - Steps near park, Orihime

I think I noticed when everyone acted like you didn't exist, Kuchiki-san. I was…walking home with Ichigo, only a little after you left. He wasn't well…he look like he had been hurt. Not just his body…his heart.

"I didn't think…you could see us." Ichigo started. "When did it start?"

"It happened after that stuff with my brother." Orihime smiled. "But I'm happy it happened…I hope he's okay on the other side. I wonder if Kuchiki-san is happy…she must have family and friends."

Ichigo shook his head with a sad expression. It was like a still frame, he didn't even seem to breathe.

"I've got to bring her back." Ichigo said.

"But…if she's happy, then isn't that…" Orihime asked.

"No…she's going to be killed. I don't know when, it could be anytime. "

Orihime stood up, and faced Ichigo.

"I know what you'll say next" Orihime started, doing an impression of Ichigo. "Whatever she has over there, family or whatever, as long as she is alive, she'll see them someday Once your dead, it's all over."

Orihime smiled, folding her arms.

"But your mind is set, isn't it Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime said.

Ichigo sighed, and clenched a fist.

"She definitely…was here." Ichigo replied.

I know when he was thinking of you. Since you left. He was always tired, and never really happy. It was sad to see, Kuchiki-san.

"There is a place for her." Ichigo started. "She belongs right here."

[Kurakara City – Streets , Rukia

"That's what he said to me, that day. From then…I…" Orihime could feel tears building up, but she swallowed her pain, and held her posture. "I knew he loved you. Very much…you're everything I'm not…"

Rukia had her arms folded, over her knees, with her face buried.

"Inoue-san…" Rukia relied. "…he really said that?"

Orihime feigned a smile back, drying her tears, and looked to Rukia.

"He did…even on the way to Soul Society, all he ever thought about was saving you. He never stopped." Orihime stated.

Rukia frowned under her arms, and didn't know what to say.

Fool. Damned fool…I…told him to not…and then when I left…I kicked him, but…he still…

"I'm sorry, Ino-" Rukia started.

"No! Don't! Kuchiki-san, I didn't tell you all that stuff so you could feel sorry for me! I'm not mad or anything…" Orihime started. "I'm just…jealous."

That's it for chapter 5. It's actually the longest chapter. And the whole beginning dream took a lot more then I thought I would, so that's probably why the other events pushed this chap pretty long. Anyway, I'm happy to see everyone's reviews ands tuff, I appreciate it. Or else I guess I wouldn't know if it was good or bad. Lol, anyway, hope to see more.