Here's the next Chapter!

I do NOT own Bleach or the characters/places/things from it. I only own the OC. Enjoy!

Intro theme: no Namida -Takahashi Hitomi

As the murky sky continued to pour its cold drizzle over the town of Karakura, the thriving sound of thunder clapped across the midnight sky. At that time, high above the city buildings, two spiteful looking Hollows made an appearance above.

One was pure black, long midnight arms and legs—claws the length of a tree. Its durable white mask was shaped identical to that of a sharp spear.

Allowing the dripping water to seep over its rough body, there was a curious search for blood in its vacant eyes.

The other Hollow—not as strong or intimidating as its partner, was a camel color, smaller body, and bared no claws. In fact, it didn't really appear to have much it could use to defend itself with. Its firm mask was oddly the form of a typical cube—spikes on all four sides, one just below the chin.

After momentarily scanning the area, the darkest toned Hollow simply placed its bitter gaze to the other. Without any sort of communication, they nodded to each other, already through strategizing.

Spying from behind one of the buildings, Uryu and Ichigo anxiously watched two Hollows they just caught sight of.

Uryu leaned against the wall sighing. He then fixed his hood, looking to Ichigo. "…Damn it, I can't see much. Describe them to me, Kurosaki."

Still taking a peek, Ichigo replied, "How am I supposed to do that? The rain keeps getting in my eyes! I'm not even sure if we're looking at Hollows or two enormous eagles!"

Uryu glared at him. "Yeah, 'cause I hear Karakura breeds giant birds…"

Ichigo finally faced the Quincy. "Shut it! Besides, what kind of idiot leaves his glasses behind!? How were you even able to see while you were running?"

"How about the same idiot who would leave his Shinigami badge behind!" Uryu retorted lividly. "And I'm obviously not blind, dumbass!"

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "For the last time, I said I was sorry! I just reacted at the moment! I wasn't thinking about the damn badge!"

"That's your problem! You never think! Period."

As if on cue, a sudden gust of wind began to swarm the skies, immediately gaining Uryu and Ichigo's attention.

Ichigo's jaw tightened. "…Now what?"

Uryu ran from behind the building, into clear view. He impulsively narrowed his eyes as he tried to make out the Hollows' actions. Luckily his hood blocked the sharp rain from hitting much of his face.

"Ichigo, they're going to attack the city!"

Ichigo was already at Uryu's side. "Those bastards! They'll attack—just like that!?"

Uryu nodded. "We have to think of a way to attack them without them noticing us…" He placed his hand over his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps if we—"

"—Hey! Big ugly dirt bags up there!"

Uryu looked to Ichigo wide-eyed. "What the hell are you doing, you moron!?"

He gave him a blank stare. "Getting their attention, duh…"

Uryu just ignored him. How many times must he remind himself he was dealing with Ichigo? The boy was senseless and that was something he couldn't get use to, not even after a year of knowing him.

After taking a brief moment to comprehend all this, the Quincy finally blinked his ink tinted eyes to the Hollows…

…They were no longer in sight. "W-where'd they go!?"

Ichigo moved his gaze to Uryu. He noticed the lost look in Ichigo's face. "Don't tell me you lost them! You were just screaming at them like a madman! How could you have lost them, Kurosaki!? Honestly…sometimes I feel like I'm with a five-year-old boy!"

"Uryu, you need to relax. I didn't lose them…" Ichigo assured.

"You…didn't? Then where'd they go?"

Ichigo raised his hand in front of himself, protruding his long index finger to the archer. "They're right behind you."

"W-wha…?" Uryu cautiously glanced back, feeling his heart sink an inch deeper.

"GOODEVENING, QUINCY…"

Uryu found himself starring at a cube-headed monster. His body grew stiff—legs were completely paralyzed, and to make matters worst…He couldn't even find the voice to respond.

A Quincy wasn't supposed to be so shaken up like this. Uryu mustered the courage to promptly move out of the way, appearing next to Ichigo.

Abruptly, the livid teenager grabbed Ichigo by the collar of his purple sweater. "What the hell was that, Kurosaki!? You want me to get killed!? I'll remember this, asshole!"

Ichigo pushed Uryu away. "What's this? Were you petrified? I figured the almighty Quincy would be able to handle it. I guess I stand corrected…"

Uryu's teeth gritted. "I'll kill you…"

Ichigo looked to both awaiting Hollows, tightening his fists. "Kill me after. Right now we should deal with these freaks of nature."

"WELL, WELL…IN ALL MY YEARS OF KILLING SHINIGAMIS TO DEVOURING SOULS…I NEVER THOUGHT I'D WITNESS A QUINCY AND SHINIGAMI FIGHTING SIDE-BY-SIDE." Spoke the dark Hollow.

The weaker, but just as malice Hollow, agreed. "INDEED. I GUESS THESE TWO THOUGHT BY BECOMING FRIENDS THEY COULD DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING." It chuckled.

Uryu pointed to Ichigo. "The hell I'm friends with that idiot! I don't need to befriend a stupid Shinigami to defeat you or anything else!"

"Oh yeah…we're great pals…" Ichigo uttered. "So which one of you am I going to kill first?"

They noticed their enemies show high signs of amusement. "THIS MAKES IT A LOT EASIER FOR US THAN, DOESN'T IT ARCADIO?" Questioned the small Hollow.

"OH, I GET CHILLS DOWN MY SPINE THINKING ABOUT HOW I'M GOING TO RIP THE QUINCY APPART! YOU'LL GET THE COCKY SHINIGAMI, I WANT THE QUINCY!" Stated Arcadio, sharpening his lengthy claws.

Uryu pulled out his bow. "I personally don't care who I kill,"

Ichigo gave Uryu a bemused look. "What the hell are you doing, Uryu? You need glasses!"

"Shut up. I know that," He replied. "But I can at least hold him off. Kurosaki, you're the one who should be worried. You have no way of changing into a Shinigami…"

Ichigo looked to the Hollow that he was to fight up against. What was his name again…? Oh wait, come to think of it…the creature never revealed its name to them…

"Hey," He called. "What do you call yourself?"

Uryu arched a brow. "As if you're asking such a trivial question at a time like this!"

"It's only fair to know whose ass I'll be kicking, right?" He then asked, looking to Uryu for an instant before turning his gaze back at the nameless Hollow.

"CALL ME DAMASKENOS…" It grinned.

Ichigo smirked. "Alright dumbass-kenos, here's the deal…I don't have my powers with me, but I've dealt with scum like you too many times that I'm confident enough to know I'll manage."

Uryu had a comment prepared to toss at Ichigo, but froze. Didn't they say earlier that the spiritual pressure was far more abnormal than usual? Were these Hollows even Hollows or something more? But something that really griped itself to the young Quincy was…

…How on earth did these Hollows know Ichigo and Uryu were Shinigami and Quincy? He didn't recall either of them stating their occupation…At least, not at the beginning of their encounter.

Damn…how confusing.

He studied them, although not clearly. He could perceive their masks, bodies and features, such as claws and spikes…

They were Hollows, right? So then why did they carry such incredible Reiatsu? It didn't make sense…

"Ichigo…" Uryu murmured. "…Be careful. We still don't know what we're up against…"

Ichigo lowered his gaze. "I know…I can't let them know we're defenseless at this point in the game. We just have to play it cool until something comes up…"

Uryu noticed the dark Hollow: Arcadio, charging for him. Instinctively wanting to shoot an arrow towards it, the Hollow vanished, reappearing behind him.

"LET ME GUESS. YOU THOUGHT BECAUSE OF MY SIZE, I'D BE SLOW?"

Uryu instantaneously jumped out of the way, just as Arcadio swung his long claws towards him. The impact caused numerous of pieces from the soaked cement floor to break, scattering.

Uryu landed a few feet away from the Hollow, staring it face to face. He pulled another gleaming arrow back. 'Damn it…I knew these Hollows were different, so why did I act so carelessly…?'

Ichigo had just kicked the smaller Hollow across the face, sending it against the street light.

"YOU…LITTE…RUNT!"

The Shinigami observed Damaskenos charging for him. 'All this one can do is kick and punch, much like me…'

Having focused on its fighting moves this far, Ichigo was unaware of the spiritual energy it was putting in its next attack. Darting towards Ichigo, the Hollow released all the energy it could possibly muster within the time span, smacking right into Ichigo.

Uryu watched in horror as Ichigo slid across the hard floor."Kurosaki, get up!" Attempting to reach his side, Uryu was unexpectedly stopped by claws slashing—just inches from his nose.

"FORGET HIM! YOUR BATTLE IS WITH ME, ARCHER!"

Uryu's feet slid back, across the damped floor. "C-crap…! That was too close…"

Taking a minute to catch his breath, Uryu abruptly felt three claws slash his back—through his jack and undershirt. As it painfully pierced his skin, he fell forward.

Ichigo managed to lift himself on his knees. "U-Uryu…! Hold on, I'm coming…!"

With his intention set higher on saving Uryu, Ichigo hurriedly got on his feet, running towards him. Unfortunately, with two Hollows still standing the mission promised to be difficult. Vigilantly but hastily, Ichigo had to maneuver the perfect plan to save both his and Uryu's necks.

"H-hey, you, Arcade—or what ever the hell your name is, come over here! I'll challenge you!" He confronted.

"MY NAME IS ARCADIO YOU INSIGNIFICANT SHINIGAMI!"

The infuriated Hollow charged for Ichigo. Ichigo anxiously stared as the creature ran to him, suddenly appearing behind him. "W-what the…!?"

Before it could slice Ichigo—much like it did to Uryu, a swift light pierced through its claws, slightly cutting the tips off.

Ichigo looked to the side, well aware of the attack used to save his life.

"K-Kurosaki…what…are you doing just standing there…?!" Uryu asked, wincing as he tried maintaining his stance. The bow began fading as Uryu began losing balance. The smoldering pain on his back was just too much to tolerate…

"Uryu!"

"I-I'm fine…" He lightly assured, falling on one knee. "…D-don't worry about me! I told you already, I don't…need your concern!"

Ichigo felt his teeth grit in anger. His entire body became tense with rage. How does he defeat these Hollows and save Uryu? He can't do shit without his Shinigami release. By now he could feel his drenched clothing stick to his body, providing him with an icy feeling that was never welcomed. His hot sweat mixed in with the rain streaming down his chin.

"STAND BACK, ARCADIO. I'LL DEAL WITH THE SHINIGAMI. YOU JUST FINISH OFF THE QUINCY!"

Uryu held his breath for a second as the shady Hollow placed its vile eyes to him. 'At this rate…I'll…!'

Once the shadow reflected from the Hollow stood over Uryu, he felt another pressure mixed in with all four of theirs. Before he could even act in response, the last Quincy witnessed as Arcadio violently got smacked by a large light of force.

Once Damaskenos realized his partner flittering into a building, completely destroying it, the sadistic Hollow unexpectedly got smacked shortly after—only into an abandoned truck.

Ichigo took the opportunity to run to Uryu, who was now using all four for support. "Uryu, you ok?"

"I-I'm fine…" He assured. "Who saved us?"

"Hey, hey, hey!"

Lifting their heads up, both teenagers quickly became aware of Chad, Orihime, and Aneko expectantly scurrying towards them.

Ichigo stood up. "C-Chad…! Orihime…!"

Talk about impeccable timing.

The substitute's eyes blinked to Aneko. "…Aneko!? What the hell are you doing here!? Didn't I tell you to—"

"—Uryu, a-are you ok? Here, let me help you…!"

Ichigo watched exasperatedly as Aneko completely ignored him, helping Uryu sit up properly.

"I'm alright…It's just a slight scratch…" He assured.

Aneko looked up to Ichigo. "Uryu forgot his glasses so I brought them…"

"Y-you…brought them…?" Uryu managed to ask.

"Uh, y-yeah…here," She handed them to the Quincy, watching as he positioned them on.

He blinked a few times, adjusting to them. He placed his shaded blue eyes to the sky, able to see a more distinctive darkness surrounding them. The street lights weren't so fuzzy anymore and the figures that stood before him were clearer. He sighed in relief. "Thank you,"

Ichigo scoffed. "I should have seen this coming. It wouldn't be the first time you didn't listen…"

"Ichigo are you…hurt?" Orihime finally asked, anxiously approaching him.

"Nah…I'll be fine," He smirked.

Chad walked towards Ichigo, his armored arm still showing. "They're coming back."

Ichigo looked from Chad to the two persistent Hollows drawing near. "Crap, these guys never give up, do they?"

"…TCH, MORE OF YOU…" Damaskenos spat. "IT SEEMS WE'LL HAVE TO COME UP WITH A NEW STRATEGY, DOESN'T IT ARCADIO?"

Arcadio grinned much wider, sharpening the long blades attached to his long flaccid fingers. "WORKS BETTER FOR ME. I'LL KILL THE QUINCY FOR RUINING MY PRECIOUS CALWS, THAT'S FOR SURE! SO NO HARMING THE QUINCY UNTIL EVERYONE ELSE IS DEALT WITH, UNDERSTAND?"

Shrugging, Damaskenos marched towards Ichigo and Chad. "DO WHAT YOU WISH…I'LL TAKE THESE TWO. THEY LOOK PROMISING."

Chad took his stance, ready to send the Hollow flying once more. "Ichigo, why aren't you a Shinigami yet?" He then asked.

Ichigo frowned. "I…forgot my badge at home…"

Before Chad could respond, he found himself holding Damaskenos back. Inwardly, Chad was thankful the Hollow was just about his size. If not, scrawny. Chad soon felt himself being gradually pushed back, but wouldn't give up just yet. He tightened the grip around the Hollow's hands, gathering enough strength to flip it over, sending it skidding across the floor.

Meanwhile, Ichigo faced the larger Hollow.

"THIS WILL BE MUCH MORE EXCITING THAN I THOUGHT. LOOKS LIKE YOU'LL BE THE FIRST TO GO, SHINIGAMI…"

Orihime lowered her gaze. "H-how…did he know Ichigo is a Shinigami? He's not…even in his kimono."

Uryu clenched his fists, feeling the puddles surrounding them. "Exactly…"

They unwillingly watched as Ichigo rapidly jumped away from the Hollow's dynamic punch. They could feel a gust of aggressive wind push them back as the impact was incredibly powerful.

"O-oww… What the hell Ichigo!? How about a little consideration for us here?!" Aneko shouted angrily—rubbing her back in pain. With her hood pushed off, she could feel rain showering over her head, pouring down her chin.

Ichigo ran in front of the Hollow. "You guys alright? My bad!"

Uryu sat up, rubbing his head in a daze. "D-damn Soul Reaper…" He then placed his eyes to the two girls.

"You ok, Orihime?" Aneko thoughtfully asked as she helped her sit on her knees. While placing her hood back up, Orihime nodded. "Y-yep, I'm fine. Not a single scratch on me!"

He found himself looking into Aneko's eyes. "What about you, Uryu? How you holdin' up?"

"I'm alright…" While redirecting his gaze elsewhere, he noticed his glasses on the ground, completely broken. "…Wish I could say the same for my glasses…"

"W-what!? She exclaimed. "I came all the way here to bring you your glasses and now they're broken!? What the heck, Uryu…!"

"I didn't break them!" He retorted. "It was the collision!"

"Whatever, now you definitely can't do anything. There's no point in fighting it…" She murmured, placing the tip of her thumb to her lips. "…Crap."

Orihime sighed. "This isn't looking too good…"

While taking a moment to scrutinize its damaged claws, Arcadio overheard. His eyes immediately fixed themselves to Damaskenos. "HERE THAT, DAMASKENOS?"

"YES…YES I DID…"

No one knew what they were so thrilled about, but it'd be a lie if it were said they didn't try. How swiftly their offensive glares smoothened to controlling and chilled ones.

"What's so freakin' amusing?" Ichigo demanded—first to step forward.

Without a word, the smaller hollow raised his long, beige toned arm, spotting Uryu out. "LOOKS LIKE THIS QUINCY IS USELESS, THEREFORE HE CAN'T DEFEND HIMSELF. I SMELL THE FRESH SCENT OF BAIT ON HIM…"

Uryu sputtered—eyes hardening. 'Bastard…'

Ichigo appeared by the injured Quincy, standing tall. There was an unbreakable and contradicting look locked in his chocolate-tinted eyes. "…Before you get to him, you still have me."

Chad had just approached, tightening his armored fist. He could feel the power located within in that one clench. "Ichigo, I'll hold one back."

Aneko watched in awe as both boys stood in front of them, ready to shield Uryu with all cost. She wanted that kind of courage that revealed itself in them. How does she achieve something (in her case) farfetched?

Without much contemplation, she got up with support from her unsteady legs. "I…I want to help too, Ichigo!"

Ichigo glanced at her flabbergasted. "What…?"

"I want to fight!" She insisted. Walking at his side, she found herself looking toward the murderous Hollows.

What did she get herself into? Her powers were no where near the equivalent of both Chad and Ichigo…

Ichigo surly pushed her behind him. "No, you're not!"

"W-what…?! Yes I am!" She persisted forward.

"Aneko, stop acting so dim-witted! You don't even have your weapon!"

"Neither do you!"

He paused, analyzing himself—recalling the fact he really wasn't in Shinigami appearance. He'd never forgive himself for being so preoccupied and forgetting the damn badge. It would forever haunt him…

"I can handle myself!" She then assured. He shook his head in disagreement. "No you can't! Not with these Hollows!"

The rain began to plunge harder. At that moment, a strike of lightning painted itself into the midnight sky—luminous light briefly defeating the darkness that engulfed them.

"No!" He shouted in strong disapproval.

"ENOUGH OF THIS CHILDISH GAME! SHINIGAMI, YOU'RE BECOMING A BORE AND I FRANKLY DON'T APPROVE OF ANYMORE MORE DISTRACTIONS FROM YOU!"

Ichigo abruptly felt high pressure arise from his surroundings. Before he was able to save Aneko, if not both of them…

…He was already on the damped ground, feeling a painful awareness stinging his chest. It happened so sudden, his head felt dizzy. Rolling to his side with immense difficulty, he coughed—blood spilling onto the chest of his lavender sweater. Clutching his chest with one firm hand, Ichigo felt his lungs burn. He could feel the rips on his clothing from the slash that was done to him. The rain washed most of the blood that gushed from his body, but he reeked of it.

In the distance he could hear his name being called. His must have hit his head a lot harder than he thought, for the sound of water smacking onto the puddles awaiting on the road were much louder than the voices that shouted to him. He finally felt a pair of hands gently touch his back, soon making their way to his arms, pulling him to his feet.

"Ichigo, are you alright!? I'll heal you right away!"

He'd be able to recognize that tender voice in a heart beat—even if lost within a crowd of voices desperately wanting to be heard. It was one of a kind…

"Y-yeah…" He stammered, using his large friend's offered hands for support. Orihime sighed in relief, watching restlessly as Chad carefully supported Ichigo.

"W-wait…!" Ichigo unexpectedly shouted. "A-Aneko…! What about her!? Is she alright!?"

Prying her eyes open, Aneko felt a cold shower on her face, damping her completely. Noting that water forced itself into her vision, she instinctively sat up, rubbing her wet eyes. "D-damn…"

"Aneko, can you hear me?"

Alarmed by the abrupt voice, she cocked her head to the side. Instantaneously, she caught sight of two sapphire eyes—melting her insides. She wasn't able to illustrate or express what was going through her that very instant. The way those eyes—incredible, unique, completely coated with a mysterious cerulean shade—worried for her.

She continued to stare into his face, thunderstruck. "Aneko, is my voice reaching you?"

"Y-yes…" She whispered. She subconsciously ran her fingers through her long hair, feeling dripping strands stick to her hand. Blood immediately ran down to her finger tips once her arm was lowered. Startled, Aneko looked to Uryu. "W-what…on earth…happened…?"

He sighed. "…I think what's most crucial is that you've gained consciousness."

Ichigo felt the vast weight of fretfulness fade as Aneko had lastly responded to the Quincy. He intently twisted a glower to the Hollows. "…Bastards. You're getting on my damn nerves…!"

"THEN ALLOW US TO END YOUR MISERY!" Without prior notice, although none would have been given if asked, Arcadio and Damaskenos charged for the entire group. Ichigo stood stumped. He lacked any ideas, incapable to execute his foes and shelter all that was imperative to him.

He was letting them all down…

Smoke filled the battle field as they clashed with the group. The iniquitous Hollows waited with immense patience as the sand from the explosion cleared itself. They approached closer with glory and pride on their shoulders, when they noticed two new strangers standing. As the dust grew fainter, loud grunts of perplexity came from the creatures.

"WHAT IS THIS? WHO ARE THESE CLOWNS?" Arcadio questioned heatedly. All that triumph that sparked inside him was for nothing.

Ichigo's eyes were one of the first to shoot open as he took in the familiar Reiatsu that mixed with his own. Lastly, all the dust was cleared—rain only blocking Ichigo from the astonishing reinforcement.

Ichigo's lips parted. "R-Rukia…! Renji!"

Letting the light breeze naturally blow her short raven hair back, Rukia nonchalantly looked to her friend with large indigo eyes. She gripped onto her Zanpakuto with one hand, letting the other fall at her side, rubbing against the fabric of her kimono. Renji imitated her actions, scoffing. "Gezz, you always have to be such a pain in the ass, don't you?"

The substitute glared. "Shut the hell up! It's not like I asked for your help!"

"Either way…you needed it," Rukia candidly stated. Ichigo looked away with a scowl. "…W-well, thanks…"

"Rukia!" Orihime beamed, embracing the tiny Shinigami. "It's been awhile since I've seen you!"

A smile crept on Rukia's attractive face. "Y-yes, it has been. I'm relieved to see you're unharmed."

Aneko scrutinized Rukia's features—overall her character. She had forgotten how tough she was. Even for a small girl, Rukia was incredible. No doubt she was someone to look up to and have high regards for. She suddenly became attentive as Rukia began reaching into her pocket, pulling something out. Before Aneko was able to study it, Rukia tossed it to Ichigo.

"Ichigo, hurry up and change!" She then ordered.

Ichigo quietly looked into his hand. It was his badge. "Thanks…!"

They quietly watched as Ichigo slammed the badge against his chest, splitting from his own body. Before his lifeless body was able to hit the ground, Chad promptly caught it.

"Thanks," Ichigo persistently seated his large blade over his shoulder. He took in a whiff of air—like the fresh scent of liberty. He was finally able to breathe in all the energy that was dying to be unconfined.

Both Hollows backed away cautiously, feeling an incredible amount of spiritual power come promptly.

Ichigo felt the corner of his lips stretch. "…I'm done with you two. It ends here."

Before any of the two could respond to Ichigo, the Soul Reaper suddenly vanished. They flinched in reaction as Ichigo's blade suddenly sliced through the scrawny, beige one: Damaskenos.

As its partner watched in horror, Ichigo's Zanpakuto severed the once cube shaped mask into two, instantly killing the smaller Hollow. Swearing revenge, he slowly evaporated into nothing.

"Now then…" Ichigo gazed his attention towards the last one, recognizing the apprehension that was exposed in his vacant eyes. "It's your turn…"

"Incredible! I didn't think Ichigo would be able to take one of them out in just one swing!" Aneko exclaimed with widen eyes. "They seemed far more powerful than normal Hollows, didn't they?"

Uryu fixed his eyes to her. "No, it's not as complex as it may seem. These Hollows had an advantage before—not anymore."

She looked at him puzzled. "Advantage…?"

Uryu nodded. "I couldn't battle because I couldn't concentrate without…the proper utility…" He emphasized. "Then there was the fact that the moron forgot his badge back at your residence. Do you see where the advantage kicked in?"

"Erm, I suppose…" She twisted her lips. She wanted to add on to his respond. 'Yeah, also the fact that I can't do crud…'

"Well then…I feel bad I didn't let your partner say goodbye and all…Would you like to say any last words before I cut your ass in half?" Ichigo prepared his weapon. The all too known feeling of victory pulsed inside him like adrenaline. He began flash stepping towards the remaining Hollow.

Arcadio hid a devious smirk as Ichigo pierced his blade between his eyes, shattering his pasty Hollow mask.

Renji glimpsed it. "W-wait…! Something isn't right!"

A little too late, things became a blur. As the Hollow's corpse vanished from view, the broken skeletal-looking mask remained, splashing into a puddle.

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "What's this…?" As he intriguingly reached for the mask, a breeze began to pick up, enclosing the teenager in a gust of wind. "W-what the hell?!" Ichigo instinctively stuck his blade into the ground, gripping tightly onto it.

Rukia's eyes widen. "Ichigo, get out!"

He looked back at her, an expression of aggravation visible. "Like it's that easy! How about you try and get me the hell outa' here!?"

Unfortunately it wasn't possible. The wind had begun vacuuming up everything surrounding it. "Grab onto something!" Uryu immediately instructed. "Whatever you do, don't let go!"

"Gee, thanks for the no-brainer!" Renji sarcastically jabbed. In the meantime he pulled his sword out, forcefully sticking it into the solid ground. "We would have never thought of something like that!"

"I can see that happening in your case, Abarai!" Uryu retorted, wrapping his arm around a thinner tree—luckily, that was just the right proximity from him.

Chad grabbed onto Orihime's hand. He smashed his well-developed arm into the ground, using everything he had to keep Ichigo's body from getting sucked in, as well as Orihime's.

Aneko frantically looked around, trying to find something that was able enough to hold her. Feeling a sense of panic overwhelm her, she witnessed items began to soar past them, into the massively dominant hole. Street signs, garbage, leaves, sticks—even the rain itself began falling into the hole's requirement.

Before she could scream, she felt a hand firmly grab hold of her hood, pulling her back. With broad eyes, Aneko looked back. "R-Rukia…!"

Rukia looked down at her. Aneko's back sat against her blade—pierced into the ground. The Shinigami held tightly onto her hood. "I've got you."

Ichigo closed his eyes tensely. His hands were eventually going to slip from the sweat and rain moistening the hold. "Shit. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up…!"

Rukia looked at Renji. "…How could we have overlooked this?"

"I don't know! Those damn Hollows must have planned this the entire time!"

"Just what is this strange power?!" Uryu finally inquired, mandatory that he embraced the slippery tree with both arms.

Rukia felt her hands slipping from her sword. She knew she needed both her hands for better support. Evidently, her other hand was engaged, clutched around Aneko's raincoat. "I-it appears to be some gate! I'm…assuming it leads us somewhere we're not welcomed!"

Aneko winced, feeling her raincoat throttle her throat as Rukia pulled it back. She quickly unzipped the jacket, able to breath once more. "W-what…happens if we get sucked in!?" She finally asked.

"I'd rather not find out!" Rukia replied. "Now stay still! You're making it harder for me to hold onto you!"

Aneko squeezed her eyes shut. "I-I'm trying…!"

Ichigo clenched his teeth. "Damn it! Damn it!"

Making his eyes meet with the hole in front of him, he felt numb. A part of him knew that this was it. No one would be able to save them this time. A miracle was required in situations like these. Before losing all expectation, his sword surprisingly began to pulse—the heart within it whispering his name.

Time froze.

"Ichigo…do you wish to stop the hole and save your friends?"

In just one swift blink, Ichigo was in a whole new world where soft clouds passed by the open blue sky. Endless buildings, all indistinguishable, surrounded him. He fixed his eyes in front of himself, viewing the essence of his blade watching him. "Zangetsu…"

"I can stop this hole…We both can."

"Ok, then tell me what to do…"

The wiser blade shook his head, letting the spiritual breeze blow the waves of his lengthy coconut hair.

Ichigo sputtered. "B-but you just…!"

"I need to ask you first… Do you trust me?"

"What…?

"In order to stop this hole…you need to sacrifice…"

Ichigo's eyes widened. "S-sacrifice…?!"

Zangetsu ever so lightly nodded. "What you are facing is the world of Hell. The only time when the portal opens is when it desires a soul to enter. Ichigo, you are that soul."

Ichigo eyed him in disbelief. "But…"

"Ichigo…if you sacrifice yourself, you have a chance to get out."

He arched a brow. "…I do?"

"Do you prefer to let one of your friends get sucked in instead?"

"No! Of course not!" He yelled. "If I have a better chance to make it out alive…then I'll do it."

"Then I'll ask once more… Ichigo Kurosaki, do you trust me?"

Ichigo let his arms fall to his sides, tightening his fists. "Yes, I trust you."

"Now release me from the ground and get sucked in,"

Just as abruptly as he entered the calmer world, he was back, facing the raging hole once more. With one gulp he released his blade, pulling it from the ground.

Ending theme:

No! Not Ichigo!

Ha, now you definitely need to continue the story! Well...I hope that at least got most of your attentions…