(A/N: Right like I said the chapters would be popping up like weeds so here's the next one people. Enjoy).

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Tales of the Abyss

3rd Person View

After their encounter with Nebilim Ion and Ichigo decided on staying in a storage room for now to plan out what to do next. Ichigo took out a map from his pocket that was given to him by Ganju and opened it. It was supposed to be a map to where Rukia would be, but it turned out to be a bunch of scribbles here and there with no real sense of direction. Ichigo tore it up to pieces and scattered them into the air with a sigh of frustration.

"Ok, that's obviously not going to help us here. I should've asked Nebilim for a map when I had the chance," Ichigo grumbled to himself as he turned to Ion. "You know your way around here right? You know how to get to Rukia?"

"Ah, yes, the Shrine of Pentenance. That's where they are keeping Rukia right now and I know a route to get close there without drawing attention." Ion summarized.

"R-Really? You think you can get me there?" Ichigo questioned.

"Of Course, follow me."

Lieutenant's Meeting Room

Luke was at attendance along with Isane discussing about what was happening right now. Everyone else was walking in one by one before the report comes in. They both had their backs against the wall with Luke's arms crossed. Momo strolled up to them and gave her usual greeting.

"Luke you seem tense. I know things are pretty hectic now but is something else bothering you?" Momo asked.

"It's nothing really; over thinking on the situation is all." Luke assured. "I'm sure things will go smoothly to our favor right now."

As if. Asch cut in. Not that I should ask in the first place, but you mind if I listen into the meeting here?

Sure, you were a lieutenant before so I don't see why not. Luke responded to Asch's request. Asch didn't answer back, but Luke knew he was still there. "So how were things with you Momo? No problems so far?"

"No, things are rather quiet in 5th division after what just happened. But I'm sure everyone is anxious to get a clearer picture about the Ryoka." Momo replied back with a slight giggle. "How about you Isane?"

"O-Oh. Um, I'm fine thank you." Isane said rather nervously. However Momo didn't suspect anything from her reaction. At that time, 3rd seat IemuraYasochika just arrived with his report on the events that transpired when Ichigo and his group had entered Soul Society.

"We're about to start." Luke told the two of them. Both turned their attention to Iemura.

"Scheduled report. 11th squad, 3rdseat Ikkaku Madarame-sama and 5th seat Yumichika, both high-ranked officers have left the battle field due to serious injury." Iemura said informatively. "We are currently investigating injury statues of all squads. However, as for 11th squad, we have essential reports that they have just been annihilated."

"H-Huh!" Luke exasperated. "It hasn't been a full day and yet we are already having heavy losses?"

Interesting to say the least, I didn't think 11th squad could get punched through that quickly. Asch said.

That's impossible. I was in 11th squad with those men, there's no way they could lose that easily to them. Not to mention we dealt with them rather quickly. Luke grew more furious.

Let's remember that the two of us caught that group by surprise, we didn't exactly get to see their capabilities. Asch explained, and then remained silent. Luke did the same and continued to listen in on the report.

"We have at this point confirmed 2 Ryoka, one of which has taken a member of 4th squad hostage and is heading this way." Iemura said.

"Ion." Luke exhaled softly; no one caught wind of his word though.

"However, their spiritual force had suddenly vanished and is now having difficulty trying to pinpoint them. Their movements as of now are currently unknown."

"In any case we need to collect more information." Rangiku said as she stepped forward.

"Now that I think about things though, we lost contact with 4th seat of 7th squad." Iba said stepping forward.

"You mean Jiroubou the Kamaitchi?" Luke asked.

"Yeah, he got beat is what we are thinking on our squad."

Damn it, what are you doing Ion! Luke shouted in his head.

I'm still here you know. Asch told the incensed Luke. Most likely, the Ryoka we encountered has him with them to help them get around. If that's the case then we don't have to be so worried about him.

It's not that. Luke told Asch as he glanced towards Isane. She tried to put on a strong face, but he can tell in her eyes that she was worried. It's more for her.

Can't do much about it now, but if we run into the Ryoka later then we can get him back then. Asch assured. For now, let's just stay tactful. Asch cut himself off at that point.

Luke sighs, stands back up, and begins to walk out the back door. All I can do now is sit back and hope for the best I guess. I wonder what exactly is going on. On his way, he spotted Renji strolling away somewhere. I wonder what he is up to. Actually, I rather not get to involved with him, who knows what Asch would do if that happens.

Sewers

Ion and Luke is walking on the right side of the sewer line below the Seretei. Ion is leading the way with Ichigo following behind while looking around to scan the area they were in. Eventually, he was compelled to ask some questions.

"Hey Ion?" Ichigo started off. "How do you know your way around this big place?"

"Oh, that's because 4th division uses these tunnels a lot to get to one place to another without much trouble. My division deals with healing the injured so it would be pretty bad if we get ambushed." Ion answered.

"I see, so this place is like an underground network." Ichigo summarized.

"Pretty much, but only 4th division uses this as far as I know. I've never heard of any other divisions using this area before." Ion said with a slight giggle. They move on through the area and eventually come to the exit Ion had been looking for. Ichigo climbed first and removed the tile overhead to get out of the sewer and onto the surface, ion followed from behind. When they got out, the area is covered in fog. But ion pointed his finger to a flight of stairs in front of them that both could make out, but barely. "There, once we get up those stairs we can get to Rukia."

"Wow that was fast." Ichigo commented as he slammed his fist into the palm of his other hand. "This is going to be easier than I thought."

"Be careful though, there are more powerful shinigami then the ones we fought earlier." Ion guaranteed. "Let's go, carefully." Ichigo nodded, but this time he was leading the way. Ion and Ichigo continue to make their way towards Rukia and saw how high the staircase goes from where they are. Ichigo looks up at them for a moment in awe while grinding his teeth. "They don't make things easy to get around do they?"

"If we get up these stairs we will be very close to the Cell of Pentenance." Ion explained. "Trust me on this. After running up the stairs there will be no worries at all since it's all straightforward from here, besides fighting our way through of course." Ion finished explaining and ran to Ichigo's side.

"Alright." Ichigo said as he began to follow Ion towards the staircase. But when they reached the first few steps, they saw a figure of a man descend them as he. Ion and Ichigo jumped back rather far, Ion behind Ichigo. "Great, who is it this time?" Ichigo's answer was quickly given as the man finally reaches the bottom step, revealing it to be Renji. "You again?"

"Hmph, it figures I would have to fight you again Ichigo Kurosaki. I'm rather surprised that you survived your encounter with Byakuya in the world of the living." Renji sneered at Ichigo. "No worries though, I can take care of you right now." Renji draws his sword and points it towards Ichigo.

Ichigo did the same, but noticed that Ion is also drawing his blade. "What are you doing Ion?"

"I'm going to help you fight." Ion told Ichigo as he was about to release his shikai.

"No!" Ichigo shouted, stopping Ion from drawing out his blade's power. "This is my fight, a fight that was never finished. I will do this by myself. Just stand back and watch."

"Ichigo-san." Ion said softly in defeat. Ion sheaths his sword and stands by to witness the fight.

"Good, now let's get started." Ichigo exclaimed and charged straight at Renji, holding Zangetsu with both hands. Renji blocked and after a brief weapons lock both individuals stood apart from each other. Both ran forward, leapt and attacked, their blades creating sparks and a whirlwind of dust kicking up into the air. Ion spectated from afar watching the battle unfold between the two men. Ichigo took the first lead and pinned Renji against the stone wall near the staircase.

"So tell me the truth Ichigo," Renji stated, "Do you actually believe you're going to be able to rescue Rukia?"

"Of course," Ichigo responded.

"Even if somehow you were able to defeat me, there are still 12 more lieutenants left. And above them are 13 Captains," Renji told him.

"I don't care about the odds or Captains or lieutenants or whatever," Ichigo "I'll defeat anyone who makes the mistake of getting in my way!"

"Your confidence borders on insanity," Renji told him, "It would actually be quite admirable if it weren't so irrational. I also see your Zanpakuto has changed. It's a mistake to think you're stronger just because of that. Just like it's a mistake to get too conceited!" Renji increased his spiritual pressure and sent Ichigo flying and released his Shikai, flinging it straight at Ichigo and sent him crashing into one of the buildings.

"Ichigo-san are you ok?" Ion voiced his concern. Renji retracted his Zanpakuto.

"That's strange," Renji spoke to Ion, "Why would a hostage voice concern for a Ryoka? Unless of course, you're actually working with this bastard!"

"I want to save Rukia," Ion announced, "She's special to Luke and she's special to Ichigo-san so I want to help save her."

"For that reason you would join up with the punk who took her powers what are you stupid!" Renji shouted and made to attack Ion, but Ichigo got back up and blocked the strike…barely though.

"You've more than just joined up you two have become almost like partners it seems," Renji sniped, "How sickening that one of our own would join up with a common criminal."

"Ion knows what he's doing Renji," Ichigo told the red head, "You're the one with the screws loose. If you want to save Rukia so badly why don't you help her?"

"I told you before that I would kill the person who took Rukia's power. That makes you and all those who associate with you my enemy," Renji answerd.

"Ichigo-san please be careful. Lieutenant's are stronger than you think," Ion told him.

"I know," Ichigo said, "You're friend Luke and his friend Asch gave me quite a pounding remember, but I know that I can defeat this guy."

"Let me get this straight you got pounded into the ground by another lieutenant and my squad's 3rd seat and you still think you can defeat me? You dumbass!" Renji rushed towards Ichigo and leapt above him, Zabimaru extended somewhat and struck down. Ichigo dodge rolled out of the way. "And I know what I'm doing, if you didn't exist Rukia would've never met you and she wouldn't be like this in first place! It's all your fault!" Renji shouted and struck down on Ichigo again who leapt onto a rooftop to avoid being hit. Renji struck from afar again and then leapt onto the rooftop with Ichigo and fought him close up.

Ichigo-san is really having trouble, Ion thought to himself, he told me not to help him, but I'm really worried about him.

Even with all the attacks Renji sent at him though Ichigo still stood firm, "You really want to save Rukia that much?" Renji asked him.

"Not want I will!" Ichigo scowled.

"Don't mess with me!" Renji shouted sending out Zabimaru cutting Ichigo in the shoulder.

"Ichigo-san!" Ion called out.

"Stay out of this Ion!" Ichigo shouted.

"You're so stubborn! But that makes things simpler for me! Because it's your fault Ichigo! It's your fault Rukia is going to die!" Renji was completely infuriated and enraged with the orange-headed teen.

He sent a decisive blow towards Ichigo, but the teen blocked, "You think I don't know that," he growled, "That's the reason why…I WILL SAVE HER!" Ichigo flung Renji's attack off of him and then finally realized Renji's attack pattern. I think I finally figured him out, his limit is 3 attacks, Ichigo then recalled the teachings of Kisuke Urahara. That means when he first extends Zabimaru that's his first attack. He can then use it two more times. Then after that his Zabimaru returns to its original state. So let's test it. Ichigo ran forward at Renji who launched Zabimaru forward. Ichigo dodged, one. Ichigo continued his advance as Renji brought Zabimaru towards him again, that's two. Now at closer range Renji struck at Ichigo. The teen struck up at the weaker bonds of Renji's sword and knocked it away, and that's three. Ichigo ran forward and with a proud battle cry leapt up into the air and swung down at Renji only to miss and find Zabimaru stinging into the side of his good shoulder.

"I told you that there's no way you'd be able to defeat me!" Renji said with confidence.

"Ah Ichigo-san no!" Ion had thought that when Ichigo appeared to have an advantage he had the battle made, but Renji had turned Ichigo's only edge against him. Ichigo dropped to his knees as Renji lectured him on the finer points of battle.

"Now do you understand," Renji was saying as he concluded his speech, "You cannot save Rukia." He then swung down with the executioner's blow.

"Ichigo-san!" Ion called out in worry. If Ichigo was dead it was all over, but to Ion's joy Ichigo was still standing. Good, it's still on. Ion looked up at the sky. The sun is beginning to set, if we win this we can progress a bit farther under the cover of darkness. Suddenly Ion felt a strong pulse of spiritual pressure that rattled through him. That's strange where did this energy come from? He wondered, it's building up at an alarming rate and focusing on a single entitty…Ion looked over to Ichigo who was standing proudly with the length of Zangetsu running down and away from behind his neck. What sort of power has Ichigo been keeping inside all this time? Ion wondered.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Ichigo said with a deep tone of his voice, "I found my resolve. This time, I will get you." Spirit energy began to flow around from everywhere as a thick blue aura formed around Ichigo.

Where's he suddenly getting all this power? Does Ichigo-san get stronger when he is in critical health? Is that part of his Zanpakuto? Ion wondered.

Renji backed up a few steps, as if frightened by the turn of events. Before he even realized it though Ichigo was in the air coming down on him. Renji threw Zabimaru out, but Ichigo dodged out of the way.

When you counter don't let him cut you, Ichigo remembered the wise words of his teacher. Renji struck forward with Zabimaru again, When you protect someone, don't let them die. Ichigo held Zangetsu high above his head as if he was prepared to split apart space itself, "When you attack," he spoke out loud, "You kill!" Renji threw out Zabimaru only for it to shatter, have his shoulder take a serious wound and his sunglasses to disintegrate, as well as his hair tie. He was blown back onto a raised bit of debris. Ion, who had been watching the whole thing tried to make sense of what happened.

I could barely see it, but it looked like Ichigo fired off some powerful blast of spiritual energy, the pressure I had felt built up earlier is gone now. Is this…the true power of Ichigo-san's Zanpakuto?

Renji lay flat against the debris he was pushed up against, hardly able to stand and, suddenly just screamed letting out all his feelings and pain just cry out in that one noise. He then dropped to his knees. "You're right Ion," Renji spoke to the green haired healer, "I'm a bit messed up in the head. If I wanted to save Rukia I should've been helping you guys out all this time. Why is it taking me only now to realize that?" Renji took a few steps forward, "I'm just a stray dog all I do is bark at the moon. I'm just a coward I'm afraid to fight, afraid to lose the only family I've ever had."

"Then stand with us," Ion said to him, "Let me heal you and we'll all go to save Rukia together."

"No, I'm done," Renji said, "Besides, I'm not cut out for this rebellious hero nonsense." Renji staggered his way over to Ichigo and grabbed the folds of his Shihakusho, "When I first started out as Lieutenant of Squad 6. I knew I had big shoes to fill. Not only did I want to surpass Captain Kuchiki, but my second predecessor Asch Fon Fabre, I wanted to be recognized like him."

"Asch was a lieutenant?" Ichigo asked.

"One of the best at the time next to Luke, or so I was told, but he fought in what he believed in and was demoted. I…I was scared to do the same, I was scared that if I tried to do what he did I'd end up worse off than him. Asch is from Junrinan and a respectable Soul Reaper so Captain Kuchiki went easy on him. If I screwed up like that I had a fear that I'd pay for it with my life. So I'm begging you, I'm swallowing my pride and my shame and I'm begging you, please save Rukia!" Renji told Ichigo.

"Don't you worry," Ichigo told him, "I will."

Renji just smirked down at the ground and fell forward unconscious. Ichigo after a few more moments did the same. Ion rushed over to him to look over him and his injuries. Unfortunately, Shinigami forces were coming from the right side, and there were a lot of them. Without hesitation, Ion used all of his strength to get Ichigo out of there and into the sewer area below the surface, escaping capture from the others. Ion then set Ichigo down on his back and looks him over more thoroughly.

"Oh no, I have to treat him right away." Ion told himself as he readied his Shikai ability that he activated beforehand when he escaped. "Itsusu no Ishi: Katsuryoku." Ion said softly as spirit particles extrude themselves from the stone and around Ichigo. "This should help with some of the minor injuries and such. I should get the more sever one's done as quickly as possible."

2 hours later (Unknown Safe House)

Kira and Momo had already gotten their run-in from Byakuya earlier about what to do with Renji. Things got worse when they were notified to just let him rot in jail, something that Momo obviously did not accept. However thanks to Gin's words of encouragement by telling her he will send someone from 4th division to take care of him she was somewhat relieved of the stress given. Kira left with Gin shortly after and she began twiddling into her thought on the scenario of things. However as she was, Hitsugaya appeared to tease her as an initial greeting without changing his mannerisms. After a discussion concerning Gin Ichimaru and his behavior, Asch had entered the scene.

"Asch, what are you doing here?" Hitsugaya asked him. "I thought you were performing some duties given to you since Renji's defeat?"

"I finished them rather quickly Captain." Asch told Hitsugaya with his arms crossed. "I was just notified to get Renji to the prison as soon as possible right now by my captain."

"S-So soon!" Momo questioned as she jumped up the air. "Why so quickly?"

"Captain's orders. Can't say I'm rather glad that I have to be the one to do it, but he specifically wanted me to get this job done. If you would excuse me now I will have him taken now." Asch waved his hand once and a group of three shinigami comes into the room and takes Renji away from where he was planted, carefully so he doesn't get any further injuries. "I'll be going now."

"Wait a second Asch." Momo called out while Asch's back was turned. "What is going to happen to him?"

"Don't know, I can't tell you my captain's intentions because even I am confused as to why he gave this order. But for now I just have to go for it."

Sewers

"Phew, I'm finally done." Ion said out loud as he sat against the wall near Ichigo. Ichigo was laying down on his back, covered in bandages around his body, most notably the left side of his chest that was where Renji did his most major blow to him. "Ichigo-san would've been cut in half if he wasn't saved by this mask." Ion held up the mask he got out of Ichigo's pocket in front of him, staring in bewilderment about it. "Strangely enough, this looks like a hollow's mask. What is Ichigo doing with something like this?" Ion ran his hand from the top of the Mask, where the crack is, to the end of the damaged portion of the mask. "At least it saved him though." Ion placed the mask down next to him and leaned back against the wall feeling drowsy now. After a few moments of blinking his eyes, Ion falls asleep.

Later on, Ion awakes to vaguely see Ichigo sitting in front of him with his arms and legs crossed. The haziness in Ion's eyes fades away and the tiredness is dispersing from his body as he sat up. With a stretch and a yawn Ion gets up on his feet. "How long have we been asleep Ichigo-san?"

"Only for a few hours. It was enough time for me to recover my stamina and such." Ichigo replied as he stood up. "Thanks to you I'm completely recovered."

"It was nothing really. My major skill is being a medic, but that doesn't mean that I'm weak either." Ion said with some comfort in his tone, mostly because Ichigo is now feeling better after coming close to dying. "Although it really tired me out when I had to patch you up. Renji did a number on you."

"I know, but I won in the end right?"

"Yes, but please don't be so reckless next time. I may not be around when you need some medical attention." Ion said worryingly.

"I'll try, but no promises," Ichigo smirked now come on let's go.

"Right," Ion nodded.

The Next Morning

5th Division grounds

Momo woke up having slept in Aizen's office and rushed out the door worried about being late for the lieutenant's meeting, "Oh I wish Captain Aizen would've woken me up before he left." She ran and ran and ran taking every shortcut she could, passing the remains of Renji and Ichigo's battle on the way, not giving the war torn former battlefield a second thought. She eventually managed to reach the appropriate location, "I made it," she said relieved that she wasn't late. She continued to walk along the meeting ground humming to herself when she heard something drip behind her. She turned around and screamed. Izuru, Rangiku, Iba and Shuhei came running out of the meeting hall to see what was wrong. Only to find, impaled to the wall of a building, dead and bleeding…"CAPTAIN AIZEN!"

To be continued…

(A/N: I just had to end the chapter with Aizen being dead. Once again thanks to Xerosonic for his contributions to the chapter. And dude I know I said I wouldn't put out the chapters all at once, but I just couldn't help myself XD. So anyway what exactly does Aizen's death mean for Asch's investigation? And it seems Nebilim's plan to make Ichigo seem formidable have worked for the most part. What will happen next time? Only time will tell. See you guys later. Don't forget to leave a review).