Copious amounts of love, hugs, and gratitude to Detective-Banana, aki6, Sacmis, war90, Emuri, Agent-G (I still consider you nuts for reviewing every single chapter, but since you bumped up my review count so that I might get to 100 before Chapter 10, no complaints), Yanaril, Tango Dancer, shadowanime1.

An extremely special and awe-struck thanks goes to the beta-reader, PerennialLurker. Even when life sucks, she beta-reads. I appreciate it immensely.

Warnings: the usual language and swear words, gambling, a TON of Ichigo -} Orihime-ness, and Shirosaki being his usual self. And a sort of cliffhanger.

Read, enjoy, and review. Special edition Chappy plushies this chapter. I don't know why, honestly.

EDIT: Thank you anthem for pointing out the error

Chapter 9

Bow to the Queen

"Arisawa-san!"

Tatsuki saw that fist swing forward, and felt herself disconnecting, waiting for the pain she could already feel. Her back and shoulder were already injured, the bones grinding roughly against one another. She was already near the limit of her endurance.

The punch connected, and Tatsuki stumbled back. She knocked into Mizuiro and Keigo, and slouched in between them. Her chest heaved and her back screamed. They tried to support her as the Hollow loomed over them.

Tatsuki straightened up, somehow, and glared at it.

In a split second, they were sent into the other wall as the Hollow's open palm crashed into them. Tatsuki slammed into Mizuiro. She heard his shoulder give a sickening crunch as he collapsed into an unconscious heap on the ground.

She spat out blood. Over her shoulder, she saw Keigo struggling to stand. "Keigo…"

The Hollow had already trapped him. Tatsuki screamed as she lunged for him, and grabbed his legs. "Let him go, bastard!" she hollered at the Hollow. It lifted them both up into the air. Tatsuki swung her legs, trying to kick it as it brought them closer to its open jaws.

"Hey!"

From the right, a blur of a figure passed behind the Hollow. Time seemed to stand still as the Hollow froze. It shook, and then it dissipated as it was sliced in two.

Keigo fell to the ground, clutching his arm and repeating, "Is it gone? Is it gone?"

Tatsuki tried to lift her head, but her body sagged. Her vision unfocused and everything became dark and shadowy. As Tatsuki was losing consciousness, she caught a glimpse of their savior; tall, with pale blonde hair and a bright pink scarf. That was all she saw before her eyes rolled up, and she fell into unconsciousness.

Her head hurt. Everything was fuzzy, but she definitely knew there was a headache coming on.

"I didn't get there until it was nearly too late. They were…"

Whose voice is that?

And why did her body feel like it had taken a dive and gone straight for a cement wall?

"- tried to save us. Kicked the Hollow. She was injured and…"

Keigo? Is he okay? Where am I, and where's Mizuiro? What happened?

"I'm impressed you survived that long."

What's Ishida doing here?

"It was frightening. I was knocked out before the end, but I thought I was done for."

Mizuiro. At least he's all right, it seems. But-

"I'm just glad you're okay, Mizuiro-kun. We had no idea you guys were out there."

Orihime? Damn it, I need to get up. Am I even awake, or- grah.

Her eyes twitched. It was an effort just to crack them open. When she did, the first color to seep in was gold. Gold? This glow… She inadvertently groaned as her eyes opened further, and she realized how much her head and body hurt.

"Tatsuki-chan?" Orihime's face hovered above hers. There was a bright yellow barrier between them, the one casting the glow. "You're awake!"

"Ugh. Yeah, I am. What the heck happened?" she asked as her eyesight cleared. She rolled her head to the side, and to her right, she could see everyone. All of her friends, the people from the candy store, even Shinji and his comrades, and the shinigami stationed in town, including the mystery one that showed up before she-

"Oh, shit," she said as the memories flooded back. The swarm, the Hollow attacking, Keigo and Mizuiro protecting her, and then getting hurt as she tried to return the favor.

"Tatsuki." Ichigo walked over to her, and everyone's eyes rested on her. He knelt down, looking worried. "You okay?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I think so. Just feel stiff. Everything go all right?"

"Yeah." His head bowed. "I'm sorry," his fist gripped his shihakusho, "I should have gotten to you. I was so focused on getting the ones going near my house that-"

Her mouth opened to yell at him for being stupid, and she whipped her hand at him to smack him. However, when her hand met the barrier, it was repelled backwards. She cursed as she snatched it back, and clutched it. "What the hell?"

Orihime lightly tapped the Soten Kesshun. "Eh? Tatsuki-chan, are you all right?"

"It did it to me in Hueco Mundo, when you went to shield Yachiru from Nnoitora." Ichigo shrugged. "It can stop something inside from getting out."

"Oh." She smiled apologetically to Tatsuki. "I'm sorry! I had no idea."

The martial artist shook her head, and forced herself to sit up. "It's nothing. Just surprised me."

Orihime dispersed the healing shield, now that Tatsuki was completely healed, just as Mizuiro and Keigo hesitantly stepped next to Ichigo. "Arisawa-san," Mizuiro murmured.

"Hey, guys." She smiled as she rested her arms on her knees. "Were you hurt badly?"

Keigo shook his head. "Nah, we're fine. I was the only one who stayed conscious!"

Ichigo snorted, and Tatsuki rolled her eyes as she was helped onto her feet by her two best friends. "Shut up," she muttered to Keigo.

Urahara stepped forward, twirling his cane. "This has been quite an unexpected day for everyone, it seems." He looked back, and nodded to the Vizards before continuing. "Today's training was interesting, from what I've been told, we had a surprise 'test,' and then Matsumoto-san made an early return."

Rangiku smirked. "Soul Society sent me here a little ahead of schedule. I know taichou was told I wouldn't be back 'til at least next week, but I recovered quickly." She spared Tatsuki a sly glance. "Seems like it was a good thing, too."

"Ah, so it was you." Tatsuki bowed politely to her. "Thank you."

The vice-captain flapped her hand. "Don't be so formal. It's my job." She stretched out her arms, and yawned. "Oh my. I came here, hoping to get my gigai and crash on Orihime's couch, but instead I got thrown right into a battle." She pouted.

"Serves you right, Matsumoto."

She screeched before spinning around. "Taichou! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

Hinamori, who had been standing off to the side quietly with the others, asked, "Hitsugaya-kun, what did Soul Society say?"

"Nothing good. They're displeased Ichimaru and Tousen are up to something, and they have no answers." He lifted a shoulder. "Things still aren't running smoothly there, and it's not helping."

Matsumoto sighed. "Yeah. Soutaichou's still unconscious. It's a bit hectic."

Momo shook her head sadly. "Not to mention we're missing the entire Central 46 and three captains. And now this."

Orihime walked up to Matsumoto. "R-Rangiku-san? Is there anything we can do to help?"

"No. Thanks, but, this is Soul Society's problem. You've done enough." She smiled, and slung her arm over her shoulders. "And enough talk about that. How ya been? Have-" She paused, and looked over her shoulder at Ichigo. Rangiku smirked, and pulled Orihime away before leaning down and whispering something in her ear.

Whatever it was, it made Orihime flush furiously. Tatsuki lifted an eyebrow as Rangiku snickered. I guess she knows about it, too.

Ichigo stared blankly at the two girls, as though they had pulled off their faces to reveal hollow masks.

Tatsuki bit back a laugh as he scratched his head. "Girl stuff," she explained to him.

He nodded hesitantly, like he was starting to grasp the concept. "I get that, I think, but why did she look at me?"

"Couldn't say." Luckily, Ichigo's dense-headedness and his lack of knowledge about women made it easy for Tatsuki to play dumb. "But it's a girl thing, no doubt."

"It's not that that's worrying me, anyway. Matsumoto-san isn't a good influence."

She chuckled at his serious expression. "Maybe, but I think Orihime would benefit from a bit of corruption. God knows I failed at doing it."

"Why would you want to corrupt her?" He crossed his arms. "She's fine the way she is."

It was a strange feeling she had from his words. On one hand, she wanted to smack him for being, well, such an idiot. On the other, she wanted to smile and almost hug him for being so unexpectedly sweet. "Hey, this is my part of the pact. She'll be fine."

Ichigo nodded curtly. He didn't believe her at all, and it was evident by the way he was still frowning at Rangiku.

"I'm still sore," Tatsuki said in an effort to change the subject. "I hope this goes away before Saturday."

"That's right," Mizuiro commented, "The movie's on Saturday. It's almost December."

"Huh?" Rangiku peered over her shoulder. "What movie?"

Orihime smiled and explained, "Tatsuki-chan, Mizuiro-kun, Keigo-kun, Sado-kun, Kurosaki-kun and I are seeing Bad Shield 2 on Saturday! It's the premiere, and we have tickets to go!" She poked her head around Rangiku to look at Hitsugaya. "I meant to tell you. Will you be okay for dinner on Saturday?"

He nodded and smiled. "We'll get take-out. You go have fun."

"Or I could cook!" Rangiku volunteered.

"No." Hitsugaya's smile went as quickly as it came, and his tone was final.

Rangiku crossed her arms and sulked. "You never let me have any fun."

"Speaking of dinner," Rukia finally spoke as she checked her communicator. "Ichigo, we're late."

His eyes widened considerably, and they darted to the ladder. "Crap! My body is still back by the warehouses!" He made a move to head towards the ladder, but halted. "Uh, Inoue, are-"

"We'll walk her home, Kurosaki. We live in the same house, after all." Hitsugaya gestured towards the exit. "You should get going."

Orihime waved to Ichigo. "It's fine. You shouldn't make Yuzu-chan worry! I'll see you tomorrow."

With barely a nod, he was gone and up the ladder. Rukia shouted a quick good-bye as well before she followed.

Rangiku beamed as she pulled Orihime with her. "Let's get going. I just need to get my gigai upstairs and then we can go and have dinner! Maybe we can order from that Chinese place, or – oh! Sushi! I love sushi! Especially with…"

Hitsugaya and Hinamori slowly walked behind the chattering Rangiku. Hitsugaya pinched the bridge of his nose. "Good grief, it's starting already."

Renji glanced back at Urahara as he walked along with Ishida and Chad. "You mind if I use the bath?"

"Oh, no, go right ahead. I'll be down here for a bit anyway." Urahara pointed his fan at Tatsuki, and then Mizuiro and Keigo. "I suggest you three get plenty of rest tonight. You'll be a bit sore for a few days, I imagine. That was quite a beating you took."

"Yeah," Tatsuki said, "I don't think I'll be up to doing much else, anyway.

Keigo nodded, along with Mizuiro.

"Good. Now, shoo. Rest up, you've all had a trying day." Urahara herded the rest of the stragglers out of his shop, and waited patiently as they climbed up the ladder, one by one. Once they left, all that remained was his crew and the Vizards.

A beat of silence.

"That was interesting." Shinji twirled his cap on his fingertip.

Hiyori adjusted one of her pigtails. "What was the point of it, though? The attack. The shinigami and Ichigo and his friends did all the work. Everyone standin' here right now didn't even have to do anything."

"Yeah," Love added, "About half of the forces in this town, which is made up of most of the strongest fighters, didn't participate at all. It's not much of a test."

"That's the part that worries us." Yoruichi jumped down from her perch on a rock. "Ichimaru and Tousen know that. That may have just been the first wave."

Kensei shrugged. "So, what? The Arrancar are next? Tougher fights, but it's nothing we can't handle."

"I think they'd send Gillian next," Rose suggested as he frowned. "Although not as strong, there's a lot of potential for destruction."

Riza crossed one leg over the other as she leaned against a boulder. "Then we just have to be careful. Gillian are stupid; it's not tough to push the fight elsewhere."

"It's the final wave that we are concerned about." Urahara lowered his head, and his hat obstructed the view of his face. "I can only imagine what they have in store. They have motive for revenge, and they now have no reason to spare the town. Their leader is dead, and their purpose destroyed. People are unpredictable when they are vengeful."

"We'll be fine," Shinji insisted drolly. "Seems like they're just fuckin' around fer right now. I'm just gonna keep focused on Ichigo and Orihime-chan until Tousen and Ichimaru do somethin' serious."

"Speaking of, I only got the gist of what happened today over the phone before the whole commotion started." Urahara's mouth was hidden behind his fan, but the curious look in his eyes was evident. "If I heard right, Inoue-san heard a voice in her head?"

A heavy air surrounded the Vizards, and it took a good half minute before any of them had the heart to explain.

"Well, yes," Hachi confirmed. "We don't know what it said, but apparently, it told her to use her Santen Kesshun to shield Ichigo, even though her back was turned and she had no idea he needed it at the time. Her Shun Shun Rikka came out, and they all had a brand on them in the shape of Ichigo's Hollow mask. They weren't upset with Ichigo, from what I could tell, but they were disconcerted."

Riza explained further, "The little black fairy said that Ichigo's Hollow 'had more answers' than they did, and they would 'try and get more out of him soon.'" She shrugged her shoulders elegantly. "Whatever that means."

Tessai spoke quietly, "It seems like they've been communicating with the Hollow. But how?"

"Then there is a mental connection," Urahara murmured. "And from the sound of it, Ichigo's Hollow has taken advantage of it. The voice Inoue-san probably heard was the Hollow's."

A few faces blanched, while others became angry. The Vizards murmured amongst themselves for a few moments before Hiyori elbowed Shinji. "We need to get our asses in gear. There's no telling what that thing will do if it's got access to her head." The other Vizards nodded, their faces pale and their eyes tight.

"It won't do much damage in the first days, although I don't know how long it's been able to do this," Shinji said, frowning heavily. "Inner Hollows are nasty, we all know this. I don't want to fathom what it could do to poor Orihime-chan's head."

"I doubt it's been able to for long." Yoruichi didn't seem the least bit phased by the news. "I think Orihime would have known earlier if it could. And say it has: the Shun Shun Rikka are aware of what it is up to, and they're probably keeping an eye on the Hollow."

Hachi nodded in agreement. "They may be quite small, but the Rikka are particularly savvy. They have minds of their own, which in this case is a good thing. I have no doubt that Ichigo's Hollow is clever, but this is one head against six." He clasped his hands together, and smiled. "That, and Inoue-san is one of the most durable and strongest human beings I've ever met. I don't think the Hollow would have much luck against her."

Shinji's expression lightened, and there were traces of a smile on his lips. "Ya know, I wonder if it would actually do anything against her. Hollow or not, it's Ichigo. He's so batshit protective of her. Wouldn't his Hollow be affected by it?"

"Well," Mashiro tilted her head to the side. "it could be that, or maybe his Hollow might be driven more to hurt her because of that."

"Either way, we need to get a move on." Rose rolled his shoulders. "I believe Orihime is strong, but I don't like the thought of an inner Hollow screwing with two people's heads."

Shinji put his hat back on. "I'll talk to the lovebirds tomorrow and set up another training day. Maybe on Thursday. Ochi gave the class a huge damn essay due on Thursday, so I need to give 'em Wednesday off."

"Lovebirds…" Riza rolled her eyes. "Don't get me started on that."

"Is that what you were teasing Berry-tan about earlier?" Mashiro asked Shinji.

"Yeah," he admitted. "He makes it so easy. I really do wish he'd just do it. It'd be a lot more fun to tease him, and her, although I'd definitely pick on Ichigo more. I like Orihime-chan too much."

Yoruichi laughed. "I figured you'd be on his case about that. I think the kid already knows; he just won't admit it. Give him a couple weeks."

"A couple weeks?" Kensei snorted. "It'll probably take him months with the way he's going."

"Nah." She grinned confidently. "I know him. Once he figures something out, he'll move quickly."

The former ninth squad captain raised his brow. "So sure? Then how about a wager?"

It might have been a little unlike him, but Yoruichi saw it more as a challenge than anything. "Sure," she agreed. "How much you wanna bet?"

"5000 yen."

It was her turn to raise her brow. "Nice. All right, you're on. If he asks her out within two weeks from today, I win." She shook hands with him, and smiled her wicked smile. "I hope you have that much. When I win, I will come and collect," she warned in a playful tone.

Urahara gave his long-time friend a look both amused and bewildered. "Goodness, Yoruichi-san. You have a great amount of faith in Kurosaki-san's thick head."

She shrugged casually. Let them think what they want, she thought, but she trusted her gut. "You should have more faith. He'll be fine." She crossed her arms, and yawned leisurely. "He won't be single in two weeks, Kisuke. You can stake Benihime on it."

Rangiku had an equal amount of faith, although there was a difference in who she was placing it in. "I can't believe you haven't told him yet!" she chided as she brushed Orihime's hair.

The younger woman flushed. "I wasn't really planning on telling him at all…"

"Nonsense," Rangiku said, "You will in time."

Orihime shook her head. "Right now's not good, with everything and – and stuff."

The vice-captain gave her a deadpan look. "Whaddya mean?"

"Well, Kurosaki-kun and I have been training together, and he has a lot on his mind right now. And it would just complicate things for him."

She was not to be deterred. "Maybe that's exactly what he needs. A distraction from all of that."

"Matsumoto," Hitsugaya growled, "stop butting into Inoue-san's personal life."

She pouted. "I'm trying to help!"

Momo moved from her seat between the tenth division leaders, as though their squabble had physically heated the air between them, and sat down next to Orihime. "I didn't know you liked him in that way."

Orihime flushed, and rubbed the back of her head. "Well, um, y-yeah, sort of. Er, well…"

"It's okay," the smaller woman said. "I think that's really sweet. Are you sure you won't tell him, though? I don't mean to pry, but he seems pretty fond of you."

Orihime tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Kurosaki-kun is a kind person. A kind person who has a lot of inner demons to battle with, so to speak."

"The Hollow?" Hitsugaya shook his head when Orihime jolted in shock. "I don't know much about it, but it's not like he's in any trouble for it."

"How does that work, anyway?" Rangiku asked. "The whole Hollow mask bit."

Orihime clutched her arm. "It's hard to say," she said, wondering how much she to say without feeling like she was breaching the Vizards' trust. "I guess it's sort of like a zanpakutou. Its avatar lives inside you, right?"

The three shinigami nodded. "I'm surprised you know about that," Hitsugaya added.

"Rukia-chan told me back when I was training with her. I wondered how it worked. Anyway," she continued, "it's like that. They have a Hollow entity that lives inside with their zanpakutou. I know Kurosaki-kun's looks just like him, but all the colors are inverted." She laughed wryly. "He's a bit of a jerk, from what I've been told."

Rangiku laughed with her. "That makes sense. Oh, poor Ichigo. That must be a pain to deal with," she said. "Has, uh, he been giving Ichigo problems?"

"I guess so. I don't know all the details about that, really." It was a lie, but yet it wasn't. There was only so much she could tell them. "But I want to help him, although I don't know what I could do. Kurosaki-kun's the only one who can talk to Shirosaki-kun, and vice versa." Did that one count as a lie, Orihime thought, if she wasn't even sure if it was one?

"Shirosaki?" Momo asked.

"Heh. It's the name I gave the Hollow. It at least gives me something to call him besides 'the Hollow' all the time."

Hitsugaya snorted lightly. "How fitting. Does Kurosaki talk to… Shirosaki that often?"

"I don't know," Orihime answered, for the first time completely honestly. "Although he has to talk to him soon." She glanced up thoughtfully at the darkening sky. "I wonder how that will go. The two of them… they don't get along well."

That was a hell of an understatement.

While Orihime was at home, expounding on about Ichigo's Hollow, Ichigo was bracing himself for the meeting ahead as he trudged to his room. No, he and his Hollow did not get along well at all, and that was why he was not looking forward to trying to pry answers out of 'Shirosaki.'

But if it had something to do with what happened at training, and if it was affecting Orihime in any way, Ichigo would make damn sure that he knew just what it was up to, and put an end to it as soon as possible.

Kon was nowhere in sight, probably trapped in his sisters' room, and his family and Rukia were downstairs watching television. Ichigo walked into his room and locked the door, not willing to risk being disturbed. He settled onto his bed, resting an arm behind his head. His eyes shut, and he relaxed his mind. Blackness and emptiness replaced his thoughts, and he felt detached from his body as he began to sink into the void.

Going into his inner world was always an odd experience, but he was used to it. He was in freefall in the darkness for a few seconds, and then everything began to materialize. Within half a minute, he was in the world of Zangetsu and his Hollow.

"Well well well, look who decided to pay a visit."

Ichigo grit his teeth. He wanted to make some retort, but Orihime's advice rang clearly in his mind: "Well, maybe that's only a part of it. It's also about respect." She had been so kind to him, trying to help in a situation she wasn't well-versed with. And the way she said she accepted all parts of him simply because it was him…

He wasn't going to let her down. He turned around, resolve hardened, and faced his Hollow. It was leering down at him from its perch on a neighboring skyscraper. He nodded to it.

Shirosaki, as Orihime had dubbed him, raised an eyebrow. "That's a pretty muted greeting, coming from ya."

It's not going to make this easy, is it? Ichigo scowled, a little more intensely than usual, trying to remain composed. "I'm taking Inoue's approach."

It grinned widely. "Ain't this momentous. Our King's taking advice from other people seriously." It scratched its chin, and its expression looked innocently perplexed. "Though, really, takin' advice from someone who doesn't know what it's like? Damn careless," he scolded mockingly.

"Shut-" Ichigo clenched his fist. "Inoue never claimed to be an expert. She's a good person, trying to help."

Shirosaki chuckled. "Orihime-chan's quite an interesting woman. Weird as hell, but interesting." It hopped off from its ledge, and landed a few feet from Ichigo. It turned and grinned. "I gotta give ya some credit, King. You sure know how to pick your women."

Ichigo's face went blank before it darkened. "What?" he asked, his voice deathly quiet.

His Hollow glanced away, its body shaking in laughter. "As much as I hate that idiot, he's right. You are fucking jealous. Relax! We're the same damn being!"

Still trying to reign in his temper, because Orihime was counting on him for answers, Ichigo snorted. "Whatever. Tell me why the Shun Shun Rikka are branded. Tsubaki said you had the answers."

Shirosaki rolled its eyes and shrugged. "Dunno," it said. Then, its expression turned sour. "But, probably the same reason I have this." It lifted its hand, and showed Ichigo the flower brand that it had received weeks ago.

Ichigo took a step back. "The hell?"

"The fairies ain't the only victims, King. I got it, too. Hurt like a bitch." It let its hand drop to its side. "Old fart got one, too. Like that black runt said, now you're finally seeing what's been going on."

Ichigo asked in a firm voice, "What do you mean?"

"Tch." It turned its back to Ichigo, and walked to the edge of the building. "I got a brand, those six pixie things got one, it's even. Get off my ass."

"No."

It jerked its head, and slowly craned it to look at Ichigo. "No?"

"No. I'm not going to stop until I have answers. You know about what happened today." Ichigo marched up to him. "The Rikka wouldn't have pointed to you without a reason. What happened?"

Shirosaki scowled, a mirror image of Ichigo's. "Hell if I-"

Within seconds, Ichigo had it by its throat and pinned to the ground. "Don't play dumb! What did you-" His eyes narrowed, and his grip tightened. "You bastard. It was your voice she heard, wasn't it?"

It clapped, even while in a chokehold. "Bravo, King. She's definitely influencing you. You ain't usually this clever. But really, shouldn't you be thanking me? I told her to use that shield of hers to save your ass."

Ichigo glowered at it. "Why did you bother? Instead of doing something yourself."

"Good point," Shirosaki said, "but call it a test. And damn, did it work."

He didn't like this at all. His Hollow being inside Orihime's head scared him. "How were you in her head? Why?" However, Ichigo was sensing a losing battle. His Hollow was having too much fun keeping him in the dark.

It smirked, and with a swift kick, sent Ichigo into another building. As the dust cleared, and Ichigo pried himself off of the side, it said, "I could tell you, but where's the fun in that?"

"Damn it!" Ichigo shunpoed towards it. Losing battle, maybe, but he wasn't going without a fight. "I'm not doing this for me! If you even try doing anything to Inoue, I'll-"

The Hollow sighed. "King," it said, "you're getting it all wrong. I ain't lookin' to hurt her."

Ichigo regarded it quietly, torn between what to say. One part of him wanted to keep pressing it for answers about what happened. Another part of him reasoned that it wasn't going to tell him, not that day, and perhaps lulling it into a false sense of security was the best option for the time being. Then, there was a small part of him that was curious about what it just said. "Then what are you aiming to do?"

Shirosaki raised its brow, and smirked. "Hard to say," it said innocently, "but it's entertaining. It's refreshing to get out of this dump, although those damn fairies don't let me have much fun."

"They stopped you?"

"To put it lightly," it muttered. "Fucking midgets kicked me out three seconds after I stepped into their territory. Besides, she's got too strong of a mind to let me do anything, so don't go batshit on me."

Ichigo immensely enjoyed the fact that Shirosaki had been bested by someone, or someones in that case. He couldn't help but feel a new level of respect for Orihime's powers. But he would be smart and keep quiet about it. "So, why were you able to do it today?"

Shirosaki glanced to the side. "Not really sure," it admitted, "but it's something to look forward to." When Ichigo glared, it snapped, "Use your fucking ears! I said I wasn't gonna hurt her!"

"Why not?"

In a rare moment, Shirosaki looked genuinely surprised.

"You don't give a shit about any of my nakama. On the dome, you, me, or whoever it was hurt Ishida. I doubt you even remember the name of any of my other friends, but you refer to Inoue in the familiar." His eyes narrowed, not sure of how he thought of all of this, especially when he was still so confused about everything else. "Why?"

It said nothing for a minute. It looked off into the endless horizon, perhaps unsure of what to say. Then, "Ain't it obvious? We're the same being, though we clash over a lot of stuff. But our instincts are the same. The most primal. King, it was you and me on the dome that day. We protected her for a reason."

Ichigo quietly asked, "What reason?"

Shirosaki shook its head. "Figure it out your damn self. I ain't your private investigator. But, since you impressed me today, I'll tell ya this." It grinned manically as it tapped Ichigo's chest. "Emotions aren't my thing, but what goes on in this world echoes yours. The old geezer and I can also be affected by them. The stronger they are, the more influenced we are. And, oh, before you go…"

Ichigo mentally cursed the Hollow. But then, he wasn't surprised that he wasn't walking out with the answers he wanted. He would have to get them another time. He jerked his head. "What?"

Shirosaki chuckled. "Tell the Queen I said thanks for the name. It's too close to yours, but at least it's my own." It pressed a slender white finger to Ichigo's forehead. "I'm pissed about having a flower burned to my fucking hand, but I can live with it. I'm also pissed that you're a sucky King, but I guess it's worth it if it means a hot Queen."

Before Ichigo could say anything, he was forced back to consciousness. He jerked back into his body, and nearly fell out of his bed. He clutched his head, and lowered it to his chest as he sat up. "Queen…"

He wasn't sure what shocked him more: the fact that his Hollow was actually grateful, even if it was to someone else, or the name it had given Orihime. "It said that it didn't want to hurt her. And that my emotions affect it."

His Hollow hadn't given him a lot to think about, even if it wasn't everything he had originally come there to learn. How did the Rikka kick Shirosaki out of Orihime's head? What was the deal with the brands? And of course, he worried about what his Hollow was planning.

But while Shirosaki didn't give him any directanswers about the things he wanted to learn, it did provide him hints about something else. His Hollow was obstinate and selfish. If it went so far as to consider another person's well-being, and to show them gratitude, then that could only mean one thing for Ichigo.

The memories rushed into the forefront of his mind from his subconscious, pieces to a puzzle he hadn't even known existed until now.

The way Orihime was able to calm him with just one touch, like in the training arena when the captains' words angered him.

"Or perhaps you're just hopeless in an entirely different way."

It was why he was so intimidated when he asked her to go to the movies with him.

"Me. Inoue. All of this. Why me? Why her? Why now? I…I don't know what I'm feeling, and I'm not sure if I should be worried or – or if I even want to fight it. Or if I even should."

Why he nearly kissed her that evening when they sparred together.

"What is she to you?" And perhaps part of the reason why Tatsuki wanted to patch things up with him.

"Ya know, maybe you should just ask her out and get it over with."

His motivation for, as Shinji termed it, his 'batshit over-protectiveness.'

And just before, with his Hollow's hints. It was ironic that it took his Hollow, of all beings, to finally make him realize it. But as much as he hated it, his Hollow knew him the best, for he was him, a part of him. The truth was deep inside of him the whole time, so strong and powerful that it affected all of him, and it was why he and his Hollow had come to care so much for Orihime in their own ways.

A sensation spread, starting from the center of his chest, where his heart was. It trickled through his veins, filling every pore and crevice inside of him. It settled into every bone, and every fiber of his body. But it didn't weigh him down. Instead, he felt unburdened, like a dam finally released. It was overwhelming at first, and he had to fight to regain his breath. When it passed, he leaned his head against the window, and stared out.

His eyes fluttered shut as he searched for her reiatsu. He felt it, surrounded by Hitsugaya, Hinamori, and Matsumoto's. Even when far away, her reiatsu calmed him, and he finally understood why it did.

There was a soft rap on his door. "Ichigo?" Rukia said.

He got up and unlocked the door, before sitting back down and answering, "You can come in."

He heard the door creak, and Rukia's feet pad softly on the floor, but Ichigo didn't meet her gaze. His eyes opened, but they were fixated on the fading twilight.

"Are you all right?" Rukia asked.

He nearly chuckled. He supposed his current behavior would look like something was bothering him. "Yeah, actually. Close the door, will you?"

Ichigo could see her expression reflected in the glass. He found her cautious confusion almost amusing, and a little endearing. He heard and saw the door close before she said, "Okay. What's gotten into you?"

For the first time, he turned to look at her. She met his stare, violet eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Ichigo?"

He smiled softly. "I really am an idiot, aren't I? Rukia, I…" He shook his head against the windowpane. "I finally get it."

"Get what?"

Ichigo pressed his finger against the same spot Shirosaki's was just minutes ago. "I get what's been going on with me. I don't mean the crap with my Hollow. I guess what you and everyone else have been trying to tell me."

Rukia didn't say a word. Ichigo wasn't sure whether it was because she didn't know what he meant, or she was too shocked to admit it.

Or, perhaps, she wanted him to say it first. It didn't matter, either way. He knew the truth now. "Rukia, I – I…"

Of course, it was harder than he anticipated. When he tried to say the words, they became a garbled mess in his throat. He squeezed his eyes shut, and lightly pressed his head against the cool windowpane.

"Ichigo." Rukia walked up to him, and placed a supportive hand on his shoulder. "Just say what you think you feel, and do it simply. We'll go from there."

It was then he realized how lucky he was to not only have Rukia, his mentor and shinigami as a best friend, but also to have one as Rukia, the woman. He didn't claim to be able to predict the future, but he was sure he would need to draw on both of those aspects in the days to come. "Rukia, I… I think I'm, well, Inoue…"

Her eyes widened slightly. "You think you're Orihime?"

"No!" He gripped his head, and finally said, "I think I'm falling for Inoue!" If he hadn't already, he added mentally.

He had never seen her look so shocked. Her mouth opened and shut numerous times, but she was struck speechless. After a full minute of silence and staring, a snort escaped her. Then a chuckle. Finally, she erupted into full blown laughter. "Oh, you damn idiot," she said in between the laughter, and the tears that resulted, "it took you long enough!"

"My my," Urahara said as he looked up at the starry sky, "I never felt Kurosaki-san's reiatsu so calm like that. Especially without Inoue-san in the vicinity."

Yoruichi smirked as she stood next to him. "This'll teach Kensei to bet against me."

He chuckled. "It's not over yet. But your confidence is infectious."

"Urahara-dono!"

Kisuke and Yoruichi stepped inside, and found Tessai hurrying towards them. "There's an Arrancar in the basement!"

Yoruichi immediately tensed, but Urahara only raised a brow. "Oh? What did it look like?"

"Teal hair, with a bone jaw and wild eyes." Tessai motioned to the trapdoor. "Should I contain him?"

Urahara shook his head. "No, it's all right. I've been expecting him." He smiled secretively as he went towards the basement door. "I was hoping his impatience would pay off."

"Who is it?" Yoruichi asked, following him.

"My informant. You may want to stay up here, only because I don't know if he'll be willing to talk with strangers around." Urahara looked at her, pleading her understanding. She nodded, and he smiled gratefully. "I'll be up soon. Keep Abarai and the kids away from here," he said before jumping down.

He landed on the dirt floor, his wooden clogs protesting as they strained from the impact. He stood up, and whipped out his fan when his gaze met the visiting Arrancar. "Grimmjow-san! You're quite early. You have over a week left, you know."

Grimmjow scoffed. "You didn't say anything about not being able to come back early, and I've got enough information to satisfy you."

"Really?" Kisuke strode over to him, fan still in place over his face. "Well, I'll be the judge of that. So, tell me then." His eyes smiled, the only emotion they would show. "What did you find out?"

Grimmjow smirked, and shoved his hands into his pockets. "I'll get my fight?"

"In time, I promise. I told you, this form of his hasn't been brought out since his fight with Ulquiorra, and we're still not sure how to go about it. I'm afraid that's honestly all I can give you at this point."

"Fine." Grimmjow slumped against a rock, and said, "Tousen and Ichimaru are working with others. They rounded up the Numero, and they're trying to accomplish something." He paused, and hesitantly added, "I think they want to take over Soul Society, still."

Urahara crossed his arms, and frowned. "Sounds like they're not giving up on their original idea, even if the execution has to be different. Go on."

"I don't know the people they're working with. They seem like shinigami, but at least the ones I saw don't wear the robes. They also had some cloak or whatever hanging over their shoulders." There was something in his stare that Urahara found a little alarming. The Arrancar looked concerned, and that couldn't be good. "I don't know for sure who they were, but I do know that they're looking for a small group of people."

A small group? But who- Urahara's eyes widened slightly. 'Cloaks over their shoulders.' Is he referring to what I think he is? Urahara thought of the group he had never hoped to ever encounter, and panic nearly choked him. No, this wasn't good at all. "Do they know where these people are?"

"No. They said they didn't, anyway."

Then we have time. "Tell me what else you saw." Urahara was determined to pick Grimmjow's brain as much as possible. Because now, if it was them, then the people Urahara had been fighting to protect all this time were in serious jeopardy.

A/N: Yes, it certainly took him long enough, didn't it? And who knew Yoruichi gambled? Now, whether she's right or not will remain to be seen. ;D