Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews guys! I am actually a bit annoyed that I managed to spell Yama-jii's name wrong, but I think it's because I've spent too much time referring to him as Yama-jii, haha. Also, I'm not as annoyed about spelling Ryuken's name wrong because he hasn't even been around -_-.

Nekura Enzeru: those are some really excellent points. The idea I had was to set up information about the new enemy and Aizen's downfall through short spurts of flashbacks in between the present situation. Thanks for the review! : - ).

BleachFan101: Thank you! I will try and update as frequently as possible!

MrsKurosaki x: It is kind of tragic, isn't it? Haha, I'll try and add in some vizard-related humor, but there will be a lot of emo!Ichigo moments in this fic. But let's be serious, we all love that, right?

Slashvenom: Thanks! Glad you're enjoying the fic!

Onewhoistoolazytologin: haha I feel your pain, logging in is stupid. Thanks though! Glad you're enjoying the ficcy!

Also, I was mildly afraid that some elements of this plot sounded too similar to Diamond Dust Rebellion (with Kusaka's zanpakuto taking Kyoraku out for a bit and Hitsugaya being accused in the whole incident), but then I decided that A) I didn't care, haha. And B) Ukitake isn't going to wake up for a long time (the man was pretty much cut in half).

Chapter Two: Voyage

"I wonder if we are all travelers with wounds that can't be healed.."

To say that soul society was in an uproar was an understatement. Shinigami from various squads were running back and forth from the fourth division, to the thirteenth, and finally to the first division. Kiyone and Sentaro had been glued to their captain's bedside ever since the news of his injury. For once, they had managed to set aside all arguments in order to be there for their even frailer-looking captain. Kyoraku had also spent long hours in the fourth division, trying to offer some sort of support for his best friend.

Kiyone had been ordered, in all surprise, to remain by her captain after Yamamoto caught her publicly declaring war against Ichigo Kurosaki in the middle of sereiti. Kyoraku was a little surprised when he had seen Ichigo standing over his best friend with a bloodied zanpakuto. He didn't know what to make of the situation. It was certain that Ichigo had been a lot moodier lately, but Kyoraku found it hard to believe that he would purposely hurt someone to this extent. Especially someone that Ichigo had stated on many different occasions that he respected deeply.

Outside of the first division, however, things were much more tense. A line had formed out of the divison's headquarters, with people attempting to file complaints against Yamamoto's most recent orders. Many of the Shinigami in soul society did not believe that Ichigo was guilty of the crime he was being accused of.

Among those in line were Rukia Kuchiki, whose face had been twisted in a permanent scowl of anger ever since receiving the recent orders from the captain-commander. Also Renji, Hitsugaya, Matsumoto, Kenpachi, Yachiru, Madarame, Yumichika, and Byakuya were in line behind her. None of them believed that the attack had been Ichigo's fault and were attempting to fight their orders.

Rukia's heart was beating wildly as she turned to the group behind her. Their expressions matched her own. Rukia knew that Ichigo would never intentionally harm her captain. There had to have been some other explanation as to how Ukitake's injury came about. She was more than willing to give Ichigo the benefit of the doubt, if she only knew how to contact him without being arrested or killed.

She vaguely wondered where he was now. It was obvious that he couldn't stay in Karakura town. Soul society would arrest and kill him almost immediately if he had done that. She assumed that he must have gone off with the vizards, it was the only rational theory she had.

Rukia unfolded the note containing her most recent orders and read over it again. She could not fathom that Yamamoto was going as far as to destroy Ichigo's human body. She wasn't even certain how that fit in the equation. The entire situation was completely unreasonable and she only prayed for Ichigo's safety.

After the war with Aizen, the two – if possible – had become even closer. This was mostly because Ichigo was ordered to remain in the soul society for a few weeks until he was completely healed of his extensive injuries. Rukia had visited him almost every day while he was still here.

"Ichigo, you're looking a lot better," Rukia commented as she placed a mug of warm green tea in front of Ichigo. She wasn't even certain how Ichigo had managed to pull of killing Aizen. He had told her that it was a combination of things. His full form as a vizard, his determination to protect those he loved, and the idea to use Aizen's power against him.

It was true. Rukia had seen it for herself. Aizen was about to unleash the hyougyoku's full power on the remaining captains (who were still able to stand) when Ichigo's blade collided with Aizen's zanpakuto. Aizen's zanpakuto had cracked and shot out a glowing light that had made a mirror-image of the remaining captains of soul society.

Aizen attempted to stop the event from occurring, but he had already unleashed hyougyoku's power. Instead, Aizen was forced to watch as the mass explosion rebounded from his zanpakuto's power and hit himself, Gin, and Tousen full-on. All that had been left of the three ex-captains was a pile of smoldering bones.

The hyougyoku had shattered after the explosion, leaving tiny fragments in Hueco Muendo. No one had thought anything of the fragments at the time, instead returning to soul society to heal the injured. During that time, even the vizards were accepted in soul society to receive treatment for their wounds. Everything was peaceful. Even now, only a month later, things were peaceful.

"Thanks," Ichigo murmured, breaking Rukia from her reverie. She watched as he accepted the mug and took a long drink from it. The color was returning to Ichigo's cheeks and he was once again up and mobile.

Rukia felt a little bittersweet with that knowledge. She knew that Ichigo would be leaving soon, and it pulled at her heart. She enjoyed spending time with him. Even Byakuya could see that and had stopped his bitter remarks towards Ichigo while Rukia was around.

"So I guess you'll be leaving soon," Rukia commented, meeting Ichigo's gaze briefly. He had no idea how much she wanted him to stay.

"Yeah, my old man said I'm almost at 100%. I still can't believe he's a freakin' shinigami," Ichigo shook his head in disbelief and Rukia smiled.

When Urahara, Yoruichi, Tessai, and the vizards had shown up to aid in the battle, Ichigo had been overwhelmed at the sight of his father in shinigami robes. Rukia was admittedly a bit overwhelmed herself. She had no idea that Ichigo's crazy lunatic of a father was a shinigami. She was even more shocked at the serious expression on Isshin's face. She didn't think she had ever seen that man without a goofy smile on his face.

Rukia remembered that Ichigo had started screaming wildly at Isshin about not telling him anything. Isshin had started to argue back before Yama-jii had slammed his staff on the ground, proclaiming that this wasn't the time for bickering. Both men had grudgingly agreed, with Ichigo issuing a silent threat that if Isshin didn't explain later he would witness something more terrifying than Aizen.

Now, however, Ichigo had accepted his father's admission. Isshin had explained to him that the reason he hadn't told him was because he was initially trying to protect him from the lifestyle of a shinigami. Later, he still hadn't told Ichigo because he was afraid of not only Ichigo's reaction, but of what would happen if soul society found out that he was still alive. It normally was against the rules for a shinigami to get married and have children with someone from the living world.

"I can, actually. It makes a lot of sense now," Ichigo shot her a questioning look, and Rukia clarified, "It explains how you have so much power, and how techniques like bankai come so easily to you."

Ichigo nodded slightly, "I guess that does make sense." He mused on it for a while and then shot Rukia a startling grin, "Hey Rukia, I guess this means we can have peace for a while."

Peace. That wasn't how Rukia would describe this now. No. This was utter chaos. How could Yamamoto possibly issue an order to kill the man that had saved all of their lives? It wasn't comprehendible. Rukia was about to go on a rant to Renji when a door slammed open up ahead, silencing the small crowd.

Yamamoto himself stepped out in front of the crowd and slammed his cane on the ground. Rukia didn't even have to wait to hear what he was going to say. She already knew. Turning abruptly, Rukia walked away from the crowd, not even bothering to respond to the numerous shouts of her name coming from her support group.

If she wanted Ichigo's safety, it was clear she would have to ensure it herself.

Isshin poured tea for the large group situated in the living room of his house. Chad, Inoue, Tatsuki, Uryuu, Urahara, Tessai, Yoruichi, Yuzu, and Karin were all there, silently mourning the loss of their friend and brother. Uryuu clutched Inoue's hand as she sobbed into his neck.

The girl could not be consoled. Although Ishida knew she no longer held feelings for Kurosaki, he knew that she was crying for different reasons. Ichigo had done so much for all of them. For soul society to issue this kind of order, was inexplicable.

"And that's the story. Ichigo is technically still alive. We just have to ensure his safety to the vizards," Isshin announced while seating himself in between Urahara and Chad.

"It's absurd," Ishida snapped angrily and Inoue looked up at him momentarily, in alarm. Uryuu gave her a silent apology before continuing, "Is there any way we can contact him, at least?"

Isshin shook his head, "No…we're completely cut off from Ichigo and the vizards. It's better this way, Ishida. If any of you knew where he was, soul society might…" he trailed off and Ishida hung his head. He knew what Isshin was getting at. They would most likely be arrested and tortured for information.

"The only thing we can do now is remain strong and prepare for whatever lies ahead. It is most likely that soul society will pressure all of us at some point. Keep your heads together, don't lose it in front of them. If they see that any of us are weak, they might take it as a sign that we know something."

"But you don't?" a voice broke through from the entrance way into the room. Everyone turned to see Rukia Kuchiki standing with her arms crossed over her chest, a questioning look on her face.

"RUKIA!" Orhime cried and bolted from Uryuu's arms. She hugged Rukia fiercely, who hugged her back somewhat half-heartedly. After they broke apart Rukia sat herself next to Isshin at the table.

"I don't have any more information than you do, Isshin. They are assembling a team, but I'm not certain who's on it. Most likely Kyoraku will lead the team, since he is one of the strongest, and Ukitake-taichou's best friend. However, beyond that I can't give you a clear idea on who will be arriving tomorrow," she paused at Isshin's nod of confirmation before continuing, "I assume you've disposed of Ichigo's body?" Everyone, including Rukia herself, cringed at her words.

Isshin sighed, "Car-accident. Rukia…how did you get here?"

Urahara waved his fan in response and Isshin stared at him questioningly.

"She came in through my basement, she used the senkai gate in the Kuchiki manor."

Rukia nodded in response to the blonde's statement, "I've possibly endangered myself by coming here. But I had to," she trailed off and for a moment everyone was silent.

"Oh Rukia, that reminds me. Ichigo left you something, it's on his bed," Isshin stated and watched as Rukia's eyes momentarily lit up.

Rukia thanked Isshin and darted upstairs towards Ichigo's bedroom. As soon as she opened the door, an orange blur flew towards her.

"NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNN!!!" Kon screeched as he flew at his beloved sister.

Rukia's right hand darted out and smacked Kon into the closet, where it closed behind him with the force of the impact.

She gingerly made her way over to Ichigo's bed and sat on the edge of it. She could still feel his reiatsu all over his room. Her hands clutched the white envelope and she opened it carefully. Two things spilled out. One was a letter. The other was a piece of the red cord that held his sword on his back, only it was fashioned into a bracelet.

Rukia opened the letter first.

Rukia,

As you know by now, I'm being hunted. Hunted for a crime that I did not commit. Ukitake's injury was caused by a vasto lorde, whose reiatsu could only be sensed by those who have reiatsu similar to a hollow's. Yama-jii couldn't sense the vasto lorde, which is probably why – combined with my recent demeanor – he assumed I had attacked Ukitake.

I needed you to know the truth. Nothing else matters now that you know. Though, as much as I hate admitting it to myself, I may never see you again. I hope this isn't the case. If it is, at least I live more freely knowing that your view of me hasn't changed.

I don't think that I've thanked you enough for everything. There are a lot of things that I didn't know about myself, a lot of uncertainties, that I couldn't have possibly overcome without you. Even when others looked at me fearfully, you never once did. You never judged me or the beast that rests within my soul. For this, we both thank you.

As much as I can't imagine a world without you – a life without you – I don't know when I will see you again. Things are extremely uncertain now. After everything we survived, I thought the worst had already happened. That was until now.

I don't know if you feel the same way, but there is something that I have to tell you.

I love you, Rukia Kuchiki. I think part of me has loved you since the first time I kicked you off my desktop. You are an impossibly stubborn woman. Your attitude is obnoxious at times, and your drawings suck. And I love you for all of this.

You, above anyone else, are the person I regret leaving the most.

-Ichigo

Tears streamed down Rukia's face as she closed the note and placed it inside of her shinigami robes.

"I love you too, idiot," Rukia whispered to the empty room, wondering where Ichigo was now.

What felt like forever later, Ichigo loaded his luggage into a taxi and followed Shinji into the vehicle.

"New York City, seriously?" Ichigo questioned for about the 100th time since they landed in the busy city.

"Why not, New York City, Ichigo?" Shinji shot back as the driver took off towards the town house that the vizards had apparently purchased years ago.

"I don't know, it just seems so far," Ichigo emphasized, worry plastered all over his face.

"That's the idea," Shinji replied staring out the window at the barely-moving traffic, "Plus it's crowded, and in America people tend to go a bit crazy with their hairstyles, so none of us will be noticed…except maybe Mashiro but she has an appointment to get her hair dyed tomorrow."

Ichigo couldn't argue with that. It was actually kind of exciting to be in New York City. He just wished he could experience it with his friends and family. And Rukia.

He sighed, wondering if Rukia had received his letter yet. He hoped that she wasn't in any danger because of him. That would be an even worse possible situation.

Ichigo stared out of the other window of the cab in awe at the passing city before muttering, "New York City, meet the vizards."