Disclaimer: I don't own BLEACH.

Warning: OOC-Ness, Angst, Mystery, Slight Romance

Off-topic Rant: With lecture and writing this story at the same time, it was hard to balance the 2 and I'm glad I managed o do it after all. ^.^ Thanks for waiting, you guys! ^.^ Reading all the IchiRuki stories after Chapter 686 was really inspiring me. There are some writers I especially love reading their IchiRuki story. One such writer would be: JoTerry. ^.^ Thank You, fellow Writers! ^.^ I appreciate it so much! ^.^

Special Thanks: 665 Views, 4 Reviews, 4 Followers, 1 Favorite. Thank You so much for the love you all have bestowed on this story! ^.^

"You didn't have to step into the fight, Ishida." Ichigo grumbled. "I had the fight pretty well-handled on my own."

Ishida gazed at the bras knuckles he had confiscated from Oshima. After realizing that Oshima had bras knuckles brought into KaraKura High, Ishida had used his position as Student Council President to demand Oushima stop doing what he was current doing. And, also, he had threatened Oushima that there had better not be a second time or else he would be expelled from KaraKura High simply by bringing weapons into KaraKura High. Although Ichigo was not happy that Ishida came to his rescue, he was still pretty delighted to know that Oushima ran away in fear of Ishida. Gazing at the ointment in his hands, he walked to the firs-aid kit in the Infirmary and that was where they are currently at, opened the first-aid kit and returned them back to their respective positions. "It's not a matter whether you had that fight handled, Kurosaki. It's a matter of Oshima breaking the school rules."

Ichigo shrugged, implying that he didn't care, neither did he notice that Oushima was breaking the school rules. Ishida heaved a deep sigh. Why did he even bother explaining what Oushima did wrong to Ichigo? He should have thought it out better and knew that Ichigo was a lost cause in general. "Say, Ishida." Ishida turned to gaze at Ichigo. "Did you have ointments in your hand all along?" Ishida gazed at the first-aid kit. "Were you on your way to save someone?"

Closing the first-aid kit, Ishida gazed at Ichigo and beckoned him to come, knowing it was after the school hours and everybody should be on their way to their homes already, inclusive of the Principal. "Apparently, that person I had to save was you, Kurosaki." Ichigo scowled. Excuse him, he didn't ask for Ishida. "But, No, Kurosaki. These ointments..." Ishida hesitated for a little. "Are what Rukia-Sensei dumped in my hands, having a feeling that you would be injured."

"Rukia-Sensei?"

Ishida sighed. He couldn't put the situation into words. "From what I think, Rukia-Sensei was already there when Oshima and you were talking. For some reason, she didn't want to interfere." Ichigo raised an eyebrow. Didn't want to interfere? What kind of a reason was that? "Don't look at me that way, Kurosaki. From Rukia-Sensei's words, she said something like she felt that you could handle him and she didn't feel that she was in the mood for interfering with that fight." Now, this was more like it. Ishida, seeing Ichigo's smirk, rolled his eyes. "I have a feeling that Rukia-Sensei knew about the knuckles Oshima was wearing." Ichigo looked at Ishida and Ishida was trying to figure out a reason as well. "I don't know but when I arrived there, she was there, seemingly bored and seemingly waiting for me to arrive on the scene. It was as if she knew I would rush down to the scene." All these thinking were just giving Ishida a headache. "And, she said that I wasn't observant enough to notice the surroundings around me and wondered how I became a Student Council President in the first place." When seeing the mocking look on Ichigo's face, he glared. "Shut up, Kurosaki. I don't want to hear a word." Silence. "It was later did I notice the bras knuckles on Oshima's fists and barely managed to save you, Kurosaki."

There was one point that didn't add up. "If she saw Oshima and me talking to each other, why didn't she stop us from fighting?"

In fact, that was the answer Ishida had wanted to know too. Ishida raised an eyebrow. "You wanted Rukia-Sensei to save you?" He couldn't believe that just this morning, Ichigo was beyond hostile to their homeroom teacher and now, he wants her to save him? Ichigo was weird. "Say, Kurosaki." Ichigo gazed at Ishida, curious to what his question might be. "If Rukia-Sensei had helped you with that fight with Oshima, how would you react?" By now, Ishida had really wanted to know the answer. Why hadn't Rukia helped Ichigo, despite her being a teacher?

"Probably hated her with all my guts." Ichigo grumbled.

Realization dawned on Ishida. He had understood Rukia's actions. She had helped with this morning's incident because she had simply no choice and it was her responsibility as a teacher. And, she had gotten Ichigo's hostility as a result. This time, it was after school hours and she was sure that Urahara wouldn't have gotten wind of it, if there was any chance involved. She didn't feel the need to step in and judging from Ichigo's hostility this morning, she felt that it was better not to step in. Had Ichigo's hostility towards her really affected her that much? She believed that he could get the job done and passed the job of stopping Oshima to the Student Council President, knowing precisely that if he had stopped it, Ichigo would be less pissed about it. Looks like she cared very much about Ichigo. Indeed, judging Ichigo's reaction now, he wasn't very pissed to the fact of him handling. Rather, if it was Rukia handling it, he probably would have thrown a tantrum. Had she wanted Ichigo's acknowledgement of her as their Homeroom teacher that badly? "That's why you are still single, Kurosaki."

Ichigo glared at Ishida. "What is that supposed to mean?!"

Ishida didn't give an answer to Ichigo. "Come, we have to go. I will send you out of KaraKura High's entrance before we go our separate ways, Kurosaki." Ichigo obeyed and walked beside Ishida while Ishida hesitated whether or not he could tell Ichigo what Inoue had told him. Ishida could tell Rukia was trying to please Ichigo. But, what for? Could Inoue's suspicion be right? What was her motive of being assigned to their class? "Kurosaki." Ichigo turned to look at Ishida. "You know..." Ishida was hesitant and Ichigo wondered what Ishida was going to say. "Do you remember that, after class, we saw Inoue-san and she seemed fidgety?"

"Yeah, she said it was because she was lost though." Ichigo replied.

"And, you believe that right away." Ishida sighed. "That only proves that you are not ready to have a girl, Kurosaki." Ichigo glared at Ishida in response. "You couldn't tell that Inoue-san was lying?" Ichigo shook his head and Ishida sighed. "She said that she saw Rukia-Sensei spying on us, having lunch."

Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "You sure she's not lying to you?"

Ishida didn't have any response to that. For a mere second, Ishida had indeed doubted Inoue's words but from her expression, it didn't seem that way. "I don't think Inoue-san would lie about such a thing, Kurosaki." Ichigo remained silent. If that's true, he has to be more aware of his surroundings from now on. Rukia spying on him? That doesn't even make sense on any level, even though he wants to believe Inoue. But, Inoue isn't the kind of girl who would cause a rumor in the school without any reasons. What if she was right? "What do you think, Kurosaki?"

Ichigo shook his ehad, he didn't really what to make of all this information. "It's her first day anyway, Ishida. No matter what Inoue said was true or not, we have plenty of time to test that theory out, don't we?"

"I guess that's the only way out, Kurosaki." Walking out of KaraKura High just in time, Ishida bade goodbye to Ichigo. "I will see you tomorrow, Kurosaki."

Leaning away from the wall, Urahara smiled, hearing Ichigo and Ishida's conversation. He had expected Inoue to be suspicious due to the confrontation but Ichigo and Ishida as well? Now, that was unexpected. "You have managed to make 3 people suspicious of you from your first day, Rukia-chan. Nice work."

Rukia walked along the side-street of KaraKura Town, leading herself to where she led herself to this morning. The vase was still there but surprisingly, the soul was gone. But, the vase was still there. Either it was Imoyama-san who did his job this time or it was the Hollows that resided in KaraKura Town acting up. Imoyama-san doing his job of not disappointing Rukia, she wasn't so confident about it. It could only be the Hollows acting up. No survivors survived in KaraKura Orphanage, that could only mean one single thing. The Hollows currently residing in KaraKura Town was able to have their feast as Rukia stared at the place where she had placed the vase in the morning. Was it her fault that she hadn't gave the Soul a Soul Burial? Pretending as if she hadn't saw the vase from before, she made her way back. If there were Hollow movements in KaraKura Town, she knows Ishida wouldn't miss an opportunity like that. Ishida must have known the existence of a Resident Shinigami and with Quincy's Pride on the line, she knew there was no way Ishida would give Hollow Extermination a miss. If she really wanted to confirm her suspicions, she was certain tonight would be a way to confirm her suspicions. It has been a long while since she went patrolling, why not start now? But, first, she had to break the news to Yoruichi, that is. Taking out her spare key, she opened the door only to have Kaien bounce on her. "Mama!"

Throwing her previous worries aside, Rukia ruffled Kaien's hair as she led Kaien inside. "Have you eaten your dinner, Kaien?" Kaien nodded happily, as if waiting for some kind of news that Rukia had and Rukia gazed at him before smiling softly. "You are lucky, Kaien. The Principal of KaraKura High has allowed me to bring little Kaien in KaraKura High." Kaien's eyes shone. "You will be so much closer to Mama." Kaien clapped his hands happily and Rukia punched his cheeks playfully. "Is Kaien happy?" Kaien shook his head and Rukia gazed at Kaien confusedly before allowing Kaien to sit on her lap and lay in her embrace before sitting on the couch herself. "Now, what has my dearest Kaien upset?"

"Yoruichi-san san told me how Kaien nearly died once and how Uncle Urahara saved me!" Rukia froze. Yoruichi told Kaien of that? Out of all the things, that was the last thing she had expected Yoruichi to tell Kaien about. After all, Kaien's death was the reason why all of them were here. Was there some purpose in Yoruichi telling that particular story to Kaien? Oblivious to Kaien and Rukia, Yoruichi was watching from the sidelines, watching Rukia's every move. Rukia had held Kaien tighter as Kaien continued speaking. "But, I want Mama to know something!" That had gotten Rukia's attention and Rukia gazed down at Kaien. "I don't wanna Mama to feel guilty about it!" The way that Kaien's cheeks puffed out and the way that he had said that had caused Rukia to smile softly and Kaien knew that had instantly worked on erasing the guilt that his Mom had, even if it was for just a mere moment. A yawn erupted from Kaien's lips before he gazed at Rukia. "I want a lullaby before I sleep, Mama!"

Rukia remained smiling and carried Kaien back to his own room, pretending that she hadn't saw Yoruichi gazing at her as she walked past her. It wasn't the time to deal with Yoruichi now, she knew that. As Rukia placed Kaien on the ebd, she ruffled Kaien's hair and smiled. "That lullaby?" Kaien nodded sleepily. "Again? You don't get tired of that lullaby, do you?" Rukia smiled softly which Kaien's small fingers suddenly held Rukia's, causing Rukia to smile softly at the feeling of Kaien holding her hand, memories suddenly engulfing her. "Fine, but you know you have to sing it first before I can sing, Kaien."

All alone on a dark road...
Without saying a thing... You left.
I can't feel even the slightest light from these empty skies.
When I woke up, somehow I felt your gentleness close by.
If you wish so, I'll free you from your prison!

You haven't forgotten, have you?
The moment of tranquility we had together?
I keep that faint light in my heart... Warming it!

Kaien had loosened his fingers by then and allowed it to fall on the bed, signalling that he was asleep. Rukia wasn't oblivious to the tears that fallen down her cheeks by now but did her best to not let Kaien notice as she covered Kaien with a blanket ebfore walking out of Kaien's room. When Kaien had loosened his fingers and allowed his fingers to fall to the bed, signalling that he was asleep, it had seemed all too familiar. It was as if all that happened in Soul Society had just happened yesterday. Even through all these years, she still had that image in her memory. Because of cowardice, she had stayed back in the battle despite her Captain telling her to run away. Because of fear, she had allowed herself to stab Shiba Kaien, the Vice-Captain of 13th Squad. Her Vice-Captain. She still remembered the last words Kaien had told her, how Kaien had told her that he could leave his heart with her, how Kaien had slowly slipped his fingers off her shoulders, further confirming that she killed her Vice-Captain. She had given up all hope. Originally, she had given up all hope. But... "Rukia?"

Snapping back to attention, she took a moment to calm herself and Yoruichi was almost fearful of Rukia's state of mind. Making sure the tears were long gone, Rukia stood up and walked out of Kaien's room, closing the door behind her before meeting face-to-face with Yoruichi. Making her way downstairs, Rukia spoke. "What made you think it was a good idea to tell him that particular tale, Yoruichi?"

"I take it as it didn't work then?" Of course, Rukia wasn't oblivious to what Yoruichi's motive was. She had wanted to use Kaien to rid her guilt of the past. Yet, Rukia knew better than that. "Kaien was getting more and more curious as to why he was being cooped in the house. When I said you were afraid of the kidnappers that would kidnap him, he didn't seem to be satisfied with that answer. That's why I had to tell Kaien that story."

Rukia figured she couldn't blame Yoruichi for wanting to rid Rukia of the guilt that she had kept in decades in her heart. And, one Kurosaki Ichigo had completely broke that guilt apart. And, she didn't have the heart to tell Kaien that the guilt would never be rid of. She didn't have the heart to tell Kaien it was her that reduced Kaien to this state. She didn't have the heart to tell Kaien that it was her sword that had stabbed him to death. So, she had to pretend. Pretending that she was rid of her guilt for even a second, just to earn Kaien's smile. For Kaien's smile, she would be willing to do anything because if she wasn't the one to stab Kaien, Kaien probably wouldn't have died. She owed Kaien this much, at least. Yet, Kurosaki Ichigo was similar to Kaien, even a look-alike. "You should know better than that, Yoruichi."

Youruichi was silent for a moment. "I know. Though, if Kuukaku Shiba was to see the 'You' now, she would do something worse than lecture you." Rukia never looked at Yoruichi. "Besides, you owe her an apology, don't you?"

That's right, after killing Kaien, she had never apologized to the Shiba family because she didn't have a chance to. As a last resort, she had instantly ran away. If given a replay, would she have chosen to go to the Shiba family to explain everything to gain their forgiveness? She didn't have an answer to that. But, she knew, at this point of time, whether that answer existed or not didn't matter. Because, she would not be able to return to Soul Society, no matter how much she desired it. "The Soul disappeared." Yoruichi had sat in front of her by the time that she had decided it was time for a change of topic. "The Soul that I told you yesterday, the soul that I decided to allow her to roam freely around KaraKura Town... She suddenly disappeared."

Yoruichi grew serious. "Do you think it could be the Resident Shinigami's doing?"

"I want to badly believe that Imoyama-san is doing his job as a Resident Shinigami for once." Rukia frowned. "But, I have a gut instinct there's something more to this."

"What is your suspicion, Rukia?" Youruichi questioned.

"I know for a fact that a Quincy resides in KaraKura Town and by coincidence, he's in my class." Yoruichi had a feeling that she knew why and Rukia noticed it too but hadn't commented. "I want to confirm my suspicions, Yoruichi."

Yoruichi didn't look surprised by this and Rukia had a feeling both Urahara and Yoruichi knew about Ishida as well. "How do you even know that one of your students is a Quincy?"

"I wouldn't have recognized him if I hadn't seen him in action before, Yoruichi."

Yoruichi gazed at Rukia's expression and gave up. There was no way she could change Rukia's mind now, she knew. She just had to go along with it. "How do you plan to confirm your suspicion, Rukia? You know clearly that you can't revert to your Shinigami form."

"That's why we are going patrolling in our Gigai, Yoruichi."

To be honest, it has been decades since there were some action going on around here. Upon hearing that, Yoruichi couldn't help but become excited. "Finally, we are going somewhere with this." Rukia gave Yoruichi a look which Yoruichi ignored and grinend instead. "What if you are wrong and it was really the Resident Shinigami doing his job, Rukia?"

"Do you hear yourself, Yoruichi? Do you really believe that to be true?" Yeah, even without answering that, Yoruichi knew that she wouldn't believe that. "I'm almost certain of it that Ishida's cancelling out the Hollows that is residing in KaraKura Town." Yoruichi remained silent and Rukia's gaze stayed at Yoruichi. "And, you know how dangerous that could be to both the Living World and Soul Society. If Ishida is the one eliminating the Hollows, that just means that Hollows, after being sent to KaraKura Town, isn't sent back to Soul Society. If we allow this to continue, nothing good would come out of it, I'm certain of that."

Just then, the Soul Pager beeped. Even though they weren't in Soul Society anymore, that was what Urahara Store was good for. Rukia looked closely at the Hollow's location and noticed that it wasn't far from where they resided. But, Imoyama-san's location was nowhere to be found. Seeing this, Rukia frowned. In all honesty, she had hoped that it was really Imoyama-san doing his job and not Ishida eliminating Hollows. But, it seems that they were about to be disappointed. Still, she was the one who had suggested this course of action so she was going to stick with it till the end. There was no time to hesitate. But, even if it turned out to be Ishida who was eliminating all the Hollows, she couldn't really do anything, could she? Grabbing Shirayuki whom she had kept hidden all this while, she gazed at Yoruichi who seemed ready. She knew she couldn't revert to her Shinigami form even if she had wanted to, she had lost that ability long ago. Although, Shirayuki seemed to be in functional mode, that is. But, all of that doesn't matter. She's here to confirm her suspicions, not about anything else. The beeping of the Soul Pager was getting more constant. and Rukia knew she was running out of time. "Let's go, we don't have time."

She was running. She had no time to rest and she couldn't figure out what was going on but she only knew that she had to run. She had no idea what was going on, she had no idea why an unknown figure was chasing her but she only knew she had to run. She knew that if she was devoured by the the unknown figure, it would be the end of her life and she wouldn't even get to see her friend that she had lost in KaraKura Orphanage. She didn't know where to go, there technically was no place left for her to run to but she simply knew that she couldn't be devoured by the unknown figure. Hiding behind a pole, she tried to squint her eyes. Who exactly could be chasing after a soul and namely, her? It wasn't enough that she was chased in the afternoon but now, by a different one? No, she wasn't going to be devoured. She had to find out where it was. Suddenly, the wires in the air began to move and snap, causing her to step back, wondering what happened. Electrical current leaked through the wires and revealed the Hollow in its full glory. No... No... Why hadn't she even noticed that it was just a distance behind her? She contineud to run and the Hollow's footsteps was planted deeply into the ground.

Checking the Soul Pager constantly, Rukia could tell she was going in the right direction. But, she really had no time for it seeing that the Hollow they were current chasing was chasing a soul itself. Rukia knew that instantly, they were running out of time. Eithey they had to be quicker than the Hollow's speed or risk the Soul being devoured by the Hollow. And, judging from their Gigai, they really had no choice in the matter. It was really up to luck that Rukia had memorized KaraKura Town from being in the Town for so many decades. Soon enough, she saw a shortcut. Without having any time to hesitate or ponder over it, she kenw the shortcut could lead to shorter distances. But, what if she was wrong? She defintiely can't risk it, under such circumstances. If ever she got lost in the shortcut, there was still Yoruichi. Without looking back at Yoruichi, in fear of losing the trail, Rukia shouted. "Yoruichi! I will take the shortcut and you continue on following the Hollow's trail!" When Yoruichi gazed at Rukia as if she was crazy for even suggesting that, Rukia knew there was no time. Every second wasted can mean that one more soul is being devoured. "We can't outrun the Hollow, Yoruichi. And, if a shortcut is the only way of getting even a millimetre near the Hollow, I will take it! And, if I'm lost in the shortcut, it will be up to you to get that soul to safely! Hear me, Yoruichi?!"

When Rukia was in that mood, there was no stopping her. "Right. Got it!"

"We will communicate by phone!" And, Rukia disappeared into the shortcut, geting further and further into the shortcut.

"And, you say you don't consider yourself a Shinigami, Rukia." Yoruichi shook her head mentally. Despite being taller and faster than Rukia, she wasn't oblivious to the fact that she wouldn't be able to outrun the Hollow as well. Looking at the cat bracelet that was eerily similar to the Chappy-themed bracelet that Rukia had, she closed her eyes. There was only one other way out of this. Judging by the distance of the Soul Pager, the distance was already too far. Without reverting to Shinigami form, they weren't able to use Shunpo. If that's the case... "Shunko."

Ishida knew he would have to go out for Hollow extermination today. He was opposed to it but ever since the news of KaraKura Orphanage burnt to pieces came out, Hollows had been more active lately and it has created more chaos for KaraKura Town, apparently. People were screaming in fear and fright no matter what time of the day, Ishida particularly didn't care in the afternoon because he had the position of Student Council President and Sewing Club's President to protect. But, when it came to nighttime, those Hollows wouldn't even know what hit them. Besides, it wasn't like the Resident Shinigami was any help. He sometimes wondered what was Soul Society thinking, sending the most weakest Shinigami he had ever seen, not that he had saw any Shinigami before this but still. If every Shinigami's level was alike the Resident Shinigami, it was time for Ishida to show those Shinigami who was the most superior race. He didn't need any help from Shinigami before and he won't need any help from Shinigami now, that's what he decided as he straightened out his cape and exited his house.

She was nearing the industrial area now and she still continued to run, never stopping. She had no idea where she was going but she had allowed her own 2 feet to lead her. Where was this place? She didn't know but she couldn't allow herself to think any further. She had to gain distance from this Hollow, as far as possible. She didn't care where her feet led her to, as long as she was gaining distance. She didn't exactly know if she was gaining distance or not but she knew she couldn't look back. If she looked back, she knew all her efforts, running to this place, not knowing where she was going, would be all for nothing. But, before she could run any further, she tripped on her own 2 feet and fell to the ground, accidentally releasing a yelp. As the Hollow's claws reached her, she used both of her arms, trying to block it but froze when the Hollow stopped at the very last moment. Did it change its mind? She looked up. The Hollow was looking at something, something in front of the girl. "I smell it... It's the smell of an especially tasty soul. It's nearby..." With that, the Hollow walked the other way and she could only gaze at the Hollow's retreating back. What did it mean? Was she spared? The Hollow, releasing a loud growl, caused the nearby window to burst and crack at its loud growl.

Ichigo, who was currently doing his schoolwork in his room within Kurosaki Clinic, jerked his head up. What was that? Was that an explosion? What happened? He had a very bad feeling and he didn't even know how to explain it in the first place. No, he didn't know how to. What's going on? Why was there an explosion? And, where was the soul that had disrupted his peace just yesterday? Souls with a favor were supposed to pester you with the said favor until you agreed, right? At least, that was what Ichigo saw on the Television. If that is so, where was she now? Looking at the schoolwork and knowing that his deadline was tomorrow, he sighed. The bad feeling still existed in his heart but he knew there was nothing he could do. Keeping all his 5 senses alert, he continued on his schoolwork, not liking the feeling he was getting.

Having heard the loud growl, Rukia knew that she wasn't too far from the Hollow who was chasing the soul. And, she could also see the the exit to the shortcut wasn't far from where she was now. Sighing to the fact that she couldn't use Shunpo and could only rely on her physical abilities to catch up to the Hollow, she cursed. Why couldn't she have longer legs and grow taller such that she could have took less time to catch up to the Hollow? If she could do that, perhaps, she might not have to use the shortcut at all. Turning the corner and exiting out of the alleyway, she saw a Soul. Wait, a what? Why was she unharmed? When a Hollow goes Soul-hunting and is unharmed, Rukia knew something much more worse was about to happen. What's going on here? And, exiting the alleyway, she saw Yoruichi with bits of her clothes torn off and Rukia narrowed her eyes. That idiot! Even without guessing, Rukia knew Yoruichi had used Shunko just to chase a soul. True, souls are important, but... Sighing, she knew she had to overlook that fact. "Yoruichi! Where's the Hollow?"

It had seemed that Yoruichi had only just reached when she shook her head. "Gone." When Rukia narrowed her eyes at Yoruichi, mentally telling her that she doesn't have time for the Hollow being 'Gone', Yoruichi tried to explain. "I was catching up to the Hollow but suddenly, it ceased all movements, suddenly talking about a tasty soul that's nearby and just went off."

None of this made sense to Rukia. The Hollow was about to make do with this soul here. Why had the Hollow steered into another direction? What 'Tasty Soul' did it mean? "Which direction did it go?"

"In front."

And, now, she was once again, slower than the Hollow. Why must this happen to her? Knowing that she had no time to lose as somebody else could be in great danger, Rukia had no choice but to start running when Yoruichi called her. "Wait, Rukia!" Rukia turned back to Yoruichi. "What should I do with her?"

Right, she almost forgot. She had to be careful what to do with her. In KaraKura Town, there were only Shinigamis who had the ability for Soul Burials. If that is the case... "Do you know where Imoyama-san lives, Yoruichi?" Yoruichi nodded. How could she not know? The best thing in being a cat form was that it was great at retrieving information from Soul Society, even if nobody knew that she could travel to and fro from Soul Society. "Place her in front of Imoyama-san's doorstep. We really have no chocie. But, do not, I repeat, DO NOT let Imoyama-san see you, Yoruichi." Yoruichi nodded a second time before Rukia faced the soul. "We are gonna send you to a person who has the ability to free you from such dangers over here. Don't be afraid, alright? These dangers will not occur anymore if you are in another world."

She started sobbing. "But, I like it here." Rukia frowned, she really didn't have the time but she had no choice but to hear the soul out. "I'm looking for my friend, she was separated from me when KaraKura Orphanage burnt down." It was just as she expected, once a place burns downs and it was officially announced that there were no survivors, the city itself would be a much more chaotic town than ever. The beeping was getting more constant now as Rukia hoped that by now, Imoyama-san would at least be alert to what was happening over here. "I'm sorry, I have to convince him to help me find my friend, he was the only one that could see me other than his Sister."

So, not one but 2 were able to see this Soul other than them. There was one piece of the puzzle that didn't add up but at that moment, Rukia couldn't figure out what. She had a suspicion it was Ishida since he was a Quincy after all. Though, from her knowledge, Ishida didn't have a Sister, that is. Even if there was such a possibility that it was Ishida, Quincies never bothered with Souls. Could it really be Ishida? "Do you know how the person looked like?"

She took a moment to remember his distinct looks. "Weird hair." Suddenly, Rukia had a really bad feeling. "Orange."

Realization dawned on Rukia. "Kurosaki Ichigo." Yoruichi gazed at Rukia. What? No, it couldn't be. From their knowledge, Hollows' doesn't go for Human Souls, do they? Why would they target Ichigo then? If they were targeting Ichigo, she really had no time to waste. "Yoruichi, send her to Imoyama-san's place right away. I will see you when you come back." Without any explanation, Rukia was off. Fingering the Memory Modifier that she had in her pocket, she had a feeling they would be of use. But, she had no time to think fo such things. Why hadn't she thought of the fact that Hollows only go for Spiritual Pressure and Kurosaki Ichigo would be the first to get targeted if Hollows were to target somebody? "Stupid Rukia. If Ichigo dies, it would be on your guilty conscience!"

Ishida closed his eyes. Spiritual Pressures were everywhere in KaraKura Town, precisely because of the fact that KaraKura Orphanage burned down days before, that Hollows would be out on the move. But, this time, he was concentrating on one Spiritual Pressure. Ichigo had Spiritual Pressure so it wouldn't be illogical for the Hollows to target him. Just as he expected, there was one particular Hollow going after Ichigo. Opening his eyes and cursing himself for not staying near Ichigo, Ishida used Hirenkyaku and jumped up into the air, hoping to make it in time to Ichigo and hoping that he wasn't too late.

A loud growl was suddenly in hearing range of Ichigo and he widened his eyes. What was that loud growl all about? What happened? He stood up from his seat, away from his schoolwork. What exactly hapened to cause that loud growl? The bad feeling in his chest was getting stronger and stronger. He opened the door only to feel something that is pressurizing all his 5 senses. What? What happened? A scream was heard and he instantly recognized it. It was Yuzu's! He was about to rush downstairs to see what was all the ruckus and what created the loud growl. Before he could get downstairs though, Yuzu appeared in front of him, calling his name weakly. "O... Nii... Chan..." And, Kurosaki Yuzu fell to the ground right in front of Kurosaki Ichigo.

Cue Ichigo's panic and anger mode. If Ichigo had a bottom line that should not be touched no matter what, it was his family. "Yuzu!"

Yuzu weakly moved her hands, trying to convey that Karin was in trouble the best that she could. A shallow breathing and a cough. Yuzu tried her best to get up from her position on the ground. "Karin-chan... Onii-chan..." Ichigo was gritting his teeth by now and making growling sounds. Something happened to Karin and he wasn't there to protect her! "Please save... Karin-chan..." He would make whatever had hurt Karin pay! And, with that, Yuzu fainted. Not dead, but fainted.

Curse his Dad! When he had needed him the most, he was asleep! Argh. Not missing even a moment, Ichigo ran downstairs, to the entrance of his house only to find a Monster... There was no other things to describe it other than a Monster! Holding Karin in its palm and attempting to crush Karin to death. "Stop it...! Stop it...!" Karin weakly cried and Ichigo was beyond angered at the fact that that Monster had Karin within its clutches. Without a moment of hesitation, Ichigo dashed out of the house, grabbing a stool on the way and charged towards the Monster, shouting and aiming to hit the Monster. At the same time, giving the Monster a chance to lock gazes with Ichigo and confirming that this boy was the tasty soul that it so declared. "Ichi-Nii...! Run!" The Monster, who was still holding Karin in its clutches, pulled Karin away from Ichigo's sights and punched Ichig, causing him to fly off and the stool he had in his hand was forcefully removed as well.

"I found you..."

Just as the Monster was about to land another fatal punch on Ichigo, which would have cost him his life, a sword slash landed on the Monster's arm, forcing the Monster to release Karin as Karin dropped back into Ichigo's arms and the Monster to open up a black portal and leave. "Karin! Hey!"

Replying To Reviews In Progress:

Guest: Actually, in this story, the lack of IchiRuki always pisses me off to no extent, even though I'm the one writing it. ^.^ Though, in some places, it seems rushed and whatnot but the general lacking of it pisses me off and I even had to add some scenes myself, debating whether I should go slight IshiRuki or IchiRuki in some scenes. ^.^ But, I hope this chapter satisfies you., even though the lack of IchiRuki scenes is still very much evident. ^.^

A/N: I think practically everybody knows what Episode this whole chapter was from, or, mostly of this chapter. It's Episode 1, the Episode which had started Bleach and IchiRuki. But, would Ichigo still become a Substitute Shinigami? That's the question I wanna ask. ^.^ Reviews make me happy~ ^.^ See You Next Time. ^.^