Everyone I am SOOOOOOOOOOO sorry for this late update! I haven't had time to update or anything. And this past week I was out of town on a school camping trip for my bio class. Which I got sick from so yeah. I hope you guys can forgive me! And thanks for all your reviews! They really make my day!

Oh, and after the second or third break, it's going to be told in first person. And a certain person makes an appearance!

"..." -Talk

'...' -Thought

"..." -Shiro talking to Ichigo

"..." -Ichigo talking to Shiro

... -Flashback

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. If I did, it would probably suck or it would have a lot of material in it. *giggles*

Chapter 3:

Questions and Answers (Sort of)

"Hey Nao-chan!"

A smile.

"Hey you! What's up?"

A shrug.

"Nothin much. Wanna go get something to eat?"

A nod.

"Sure! Just let me get my stuff and we can go!"

Silence. Tears. A cry of pain. Why?

Rukia tried not to rush ahead of her comrades. She quickly cast a glance to the white haired captain in front of her. The summons to depart to the real world was quick and unexpected. She didn't even know why she was here until she felt Ichigo's reiatsu the moment they left the Senkaimon.

Her purple colored eyes suddenly widened when she felt a burst of reiatsu. She dimly noticed that the other shinigami stiffened as well.

"Hitsugaya-taicho!" Rukia said.

The head dipped lower, signally that he had noticed the increase. "Hai Kuchiki. We will be arriving there so-!" he broke off as he suddenly realized something. Whoever the substitute shinigami was fighting, he or she was very strong and had a lot of reiatsu. So much so that it overpowered even Ichigo's, which said something.

Hitsugaya instantly flashed into a faster shunpo, making the others go faster as well.

The white haired tendo couldn't help but think, 'Are we too late?"

xxx-IchiHitsu-xxx

The small group of shinigami where nearing the park where Ichigo's reiatsu was last felt when all of a sudden the reiatsu that he was fighting against disappeared. Just as they came within view they saw Ichigo collapse to the ground in a small pool of blood.

"Ichigo!" Rukia cried when she saw him. When they landed on the ground Rukia rushed to the orange haired teen's side. However she was stopped by a "Kuchiki-san!"

Stopping and turning to look at who called her name, Rukia was suddenly tackled by Orihime. She felt the air that was in her lungs leave.

"Orihime!"

Orihime looked up from her death hug to Rukia to look over her shoulder. Her eyes widened a bit in surprise before they narrowed and she took a step back.

"Kuchiki-san, why are all you here? I mean-"

"Orihime." The girl turned to Ishida who called her name. "We need to get Kurosaki healed." She nodded and giving the other shinigami a look she went to where Ichigo was.

Kneeling she placed both her hands to the blue hairpins on each side of her head. "Soten Kisshun." Four petals from her pin flew out and went towards Ichigo. Two figures went to the opposite ends of Ichigo's body and started to emit a soft, orange glow. At once Ichigo's wounds began to heal, slowly.

Kneeling and having her hands on the shield to strengthen it, she asked softly, "What are you doing here?"

At that question the four shinigami gave looks of surprise, except for the tenth division captain, who kept his stoic mask on even though if you looked closely you could see surprise and wariness in those teal orbs.

"What do you mean Orihime?" Rukia asked confused.

Turning her head a little so that she could look over her shoulder, she asked again, "Why are you here Kuchiki-san? Are you here to help or here to take him?"

Rukia's eyes widened with confusion. "I don't understand what you're saying Orihime."

But Hitsugaya knew what she talking about. Unfortunately. She was asking whether or not they were there to help them fight against the hollows…or to take Ichigo and….

xxx-IchiHitsu-xxx

Darkness. Voices. That all my brain could make out. I felt pain, but I knew that Orihime had taken care of my wounds so why was I still in pain?

"Hurry and wake up Kurosaki-kun."

My eyes scrunched. I knew that voice. It sounded so familiar and I knew who it was but I couldn't think of the name…Orihime! Of course! She was healing my wounds. As that thought entered my mind, I suddenly thought of my battle. Who was that person? Her voice sounded familiar but I couldn't think of anything.

That was when I realized there were more reiatsus besides Orihime's, Ishida's, and Chad's. I knew one of them belonged to Rukia's, since I was sort of in tuned to her. (Not in a weird, stalker kind of way.) I could also sense Rangiku's as well, Yumichika, Ikkaku, and…

My eyes flashed wide open at knowing whom the fifth reiatsu belonged to. It was cold and frosty, making me feel as if I was in a glacial world, where ice and snow reigned supreme. The icy reiatsu belonged to-

"Kurosaki-kun! You're awake, I'm so glad."

I snapped out my thoughts to turn my head slowly to my left, only to be met with Orihime's face. It held happiness, no doubt about me being awake, but also something else. Wariness. An emotion I didn't think Orihime had. I sat up, wondering why she would have such a look on her face.

"What happened Orihime? What happened to Tatsuki?" I asked, concerned then winced as I sat up. I looked down and realized I was still in my spirit form.

She gave me a small smile, no doubt to soothe my worries. "You passed out from loss of blood. I left you out of your body since that make the healing process go faster. Chad set your body over there." She pointed to where my closet was and I saw something orange. Before I could investigate further she continued. "Tatsuki went home a few minutes after you left, saying that she needed to get home so she could get some sleep. She was going to spend the day with her mom tomorrow before she left."

I nodded. But then another thought struck me. "Do you know why they are here, Orihime?"

At once her eyes became a little hard and she replied coolly, "I don't. Hitsugaya-taicho said he wanted you awake so he wouldn't have to explain twice."

"So they aren't here for me?"

At that she shook her head. "I don't think so. If they were, they would have taken you when you were unconscious I think."

I let out a sigh, then said, "In any case you know right?"

She nodded. "Hai. I'll go tell them that you're awake now."

I watched as Orihime got and left the room. I sat in my bed for a minute, trying to get my thoughts together. If they weren't here to capture me, then why are they here?

"Talking to yourself King? That's weird even for you."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile when I heard that voice. It was the voice of my inner hollow. It may have sounded like mine, except for the echo, but it was his alone.

"What are you talking about? I was just musing. Jeesh."

I heard his laughter echoing in my head. Ever since the war ended, we were on good terms. True, we would fight and get into arguments, but whatever. He didn't even try to take over my body any more. That I was grateful for. I remember when he told me that the only time he would take over my body would be if I was unconscious, or nearing death and couldn't move.

"Whatever." He was silent for a moment. "If you think they aren't here for you, then why be here at all? I mean, why now? If their excuse is because of the hollows, then that is a load of shit."

I couldn't help but sigh in agreement with him. He was right. "I don't know Hollow. Honestly I don't. We'll just have to wait and see."

I heard his huff of irritation and couldn't help but smile a little. He acted like such a child at times. As I got up and went over to my closet so I could get into my body, I felt my mind pull a little, as if something was leaving my mind. All of sudden I felt a hand on my shoulder. Turning a little I saw that it was my hollow.

Looking exactly like me, someone would think we were twins, except for his white skin and hair, and his black and gold eyes. Still having his hand on my shoulder, he said, "Do you think they could be here 'cuz of that girl?"

I said nothing for a minute. I hadn't even thought of that. Could they be here because of her? Before I could say anything to him the door to my room opened and Orihime poked her head through.

"Kurosaki-kun, I told them you were coming out." she said in a soft voice. I gave her a nod and she left closing the door behind her.

Turning to look at my other self, I said softly, "I don't know. I'll ask why they're here and we'll see kay?"

When I saw his reluctance and disappointment, I gave him a small smile. "Don't worry so much Shiro." I gave him that name after the war. Just calling him hollow or my other self wasn't really a name. "Just be patient."

He gave a growl at that and just disappeared. I had to suppress my laugh at how childish he could be. Lifting my body up so that I could into it, I winced when it pulled at my wounds. Leaning forward I went into my body. Standing up I gently stretched my arms and legs. I started walking to the door to turn the knob and open it, when I realized that Toshiro was in the other room. I wondered if him being here meant that he was doing okay.

Last time I saw him, he looked so pale and haunted. He looked like he was just an empty shell. I couldn't blame though; I was the only one that knew what was wrong, and probably still am. I remember how he wouldn't talk to anyone, not Rangiku, Unohana, the fourth squad's captain, or even other captains. I let out a sigh when I remembered when I first talked to him after the war.

xxx-Flashback-xxx

I walked down the hall, my footsteps barely making a sound. When I turned a corner I saw Rangiku with Renji and Rukia. The usual smile or mischievousness that was always present when ever I saw her was gone, replaced with worry and concern.

Frowning, I walked over to them. Coming to a stop besides Rukia, I asked softly, "What's going on?"

She turned head, her startled violet eyes locking with mine. "Oh, Ichigo. It's you. I thought it was someone else." she said just as softly.

Instead of asking again, I nodded my head to the tenth squad lieutenant, lifting an eyebrow.

Letting out a sigh, Rukia was about to speak when Rangiku cut her off. "It's my taicho, Ichigo."

Upon hearing this, my brows furrowed and I knew my held confusion. "Toshiro? Why, what happened?"

Shaking her head slightly, she answered, "I don't know. After he woke up he hasn't talked to or seen anyone. Not even Unohana-taicho. I've tried talking to him but it's like he doesn't listen or doesn't want to listen or…"

At this I scowled. "Let me talk to him."

I started walking towards the closed door when Renji grabbed my shoulder and Rukia stepped in front of me. "No Ichigo!" she hissed. "You might make him angry or something." she added.

At that I snorted. "Yeah right. At least I'd get him to talking right? Besides, I think I might know what's wrong with him."

In my peripheral vision, I saw Matsumoto raise her head sharply and before I could even blink she was standing in front me, her eyes wild. "You know what's wrong with my taicho?!" she whispered.

I nodded my head. "I think I do. Just let me talk to him to see if my hunch is correct."

Her icy blue eyes stared intently into mine, as if searching to see if I was telling the truth. I gazed back at her, not blinking before she gave a small smile. "It's alright Renji. Let him go."

I didn't have to look to know that Renji did as she told. Before I went in she leaned in close and whispered in my ear, "Don't make him upset Ichigo. If you do, I might have to hurt you."

"I won't Rangiku-san. I'm fairly certain I know what's wrong with him." I whispered back. "And besides, if I do piss him off, that means he's fine."

Letting out a weak chuckle, she moved so I could open the door. Turning the handle, I gently opened the door and stepped inside.

At first I couldn't make anything out it was so dark. Closing the door gently behind me I stepped into the room. Looking around, I noticed there was only a bed, a chair, and a small table next to the bed. I thought no one was in here when I noticed a movement in the bed. With a jolt I realized it was Toshiro.

I waited next to the door, waiting for him to wake up. After a few minutes, the top of his head could be seen as he slowly sat up. When I saw his face though, I felt, for some strange reason, anger.

His hair was disheveled, looking as if he had spent his whole time in bed, which he no doubt did. But that wasn't what sparked my anger. It was his face. His skin color, which already in a way looked pale, looked even paler. When he looked up and his eyes met mine, I suppress the urged to shudder when his eyes met mine. His eyes looked soulless, dead, hollow. Their teal color looked dim and distant.

It took him a few minutes but when he realized it was me, he let out a scoff.

"What do you want Kurosaki?" his voice sounded raspy, as if he hadn't used it in days, which he probably hasn't.

I walked forward so I could sit on the chair by the bed, just looking at him quietly. We sat like that for a few minutes before he huffed and said, "Leave Kurosaki. I don't want to deal with your st-"

"It wasn't your fault." I said quietly, making him stop talking. When he looked at me I suddenly thought of the saying 'If looks could kill', for the look the tiny taicho was sending was pretty much saying 'Die a thousand times Kurosaki.'

He hissed between his teeth, "You don't know what you are talking about. How could YOU possibly know?! You're just a substitute shinigami, not truly knowing anything about –"

"You're wrong." I answered quietly. "I do know."

When he just looked at me, suspicion in his eyes, I said, "It's true. Out of everyone here in Soul Society, I might know that pain better than you."

He looked at me shocked, but also with a hint of doubt. "How do I know this isn't some trick Matsumoto made?" he asked.

Letting out a weak chuckle, I said, "I'll tell you how I know it isn't your fault."

I sat there for a few seconds, choosing the words of my story carefully. Toshiro meanwhile, stayed silent, though I knew he wanted me to leave.

Just as he opened his mouth to say something, I spoke. "I was nine when it happened. I remember it was raining, and it kept raining for a few days." I paused, looking at him. "I was able to see spirits even then I guess. Perhaps even earlier. I don't know. All I knew was that I couldn't tell the difference.

My mother picked me up from a meet. It was raining. As we were walking, a car drove by and splattered me with water. My mom wiped my face." I let out a chuckle. "I didn't realize it, but at that moment, I made a vow to protect my mom from anything."

I stopped, my throat choked with emotion. Toshiro hadn't said a word but when I looked up at him I saw that there was emotion in his eyes, though what I don't know.

Looking back down, I continued. "We were walking on a sidewalk near a river; it was overflowing. When I looked at it I saw a small girl standing on the bank, looking as if she was going to jump. Like I said before, I didn't know the difference.

When I saw her, I let go of my mother's hand and ran down the hill towards the girl, thinking I could save her or something. I remember my mom yelling my name as I ran downhill. Before I knew what happened everything went black."

I paused, trying hard to suppress the guilt and sadness that threatned to engulf me at the recollection of these painful memories. I tried swallowing but it felt as if my throat was plugged. Trying again, I continued. "When I came to, it was still raining. I realized there was something on my chest. Looking to the side, I saw my mother, dead, lifeless." My fists clenched as I tried to hold back the tears.

"She was gone. And it was all my fault. I felt so guilty, and I waited and waited for the words of hate to come from my family." I sensed Toshiro's confusion at that.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because them saying they hated me and wished I had died instead of my mom would of made it more bearable I guess." I explained. "Instead they kept saying it wasn't my fault and that they loved me. I was so confused. I kept wondering why they didn't hate me. Them hating me would of made sense."

At this I looked up and met Toshiro's teal gaze. "My father told me it wasn't my fault. My mom protected me because I was her child so I shouldn't feel guilty. It's the same way with you, Toshiro." I said.

He stared at me, then looking away he said "It was though."

"Did you kill her?"

He looked at me shocked. "No. But I-"

At that I shook my head. "No buts. Toshiro, if you need to blame someone, blame me."

Toshiro looked at me for a second before he replied, "Why should I blame you Kurosaki? You were the that brought her to me."

Hearing that I looked down. "I was the one that killed her."

The moment those words left my mouth I prepared for cold or a shout. When nothing came I looked up. Toshiro looked blank for a moment, before he asked quietly, "What do you mean you killed her?"

At that I looked down again. "I was releasing my reiatsu for a killer attack. The attack was a widespread attack, covering an area around a mile. I didn't know she was there. When I thought he was dead I started to walk out of the building. That was when I felt her reiatsu. By the time I got to her, she was already dying. I didn't know her well enough but I knew enough about her. Just as I was about to pick her up so I could carry her, Aizen came out of nowhere.

I took a stab to the shoulder, that's how my shoulder got separated from its socket. Before he could get another swing I, well, you know." I said. "After that I picked Hinamori-san up and carried her to where you were. She told me she was sorry. Really sorry for causing you pain and not realizing that you were telling the truth." I continued. After I finished I looked up again to see if he was mad or something. Instead, he had his eyes closed, in a peaceful kind of way.

"I see." He said at last, opening his eyes. "That's how she got that wound…"

"Toshiro, if I would have known she was there, I would have never done that move." I said.

When Toshiro turned his head to look at me, instead of finding the hate and anger I expected to find, I found thankfulness and an understanding.

"Thank you."

I gaped at him. "Why are thanking me? I killed her Toshiro. Why aren't you hating me or wanting to incase me in ice?"

At that Toshiro chuckled. "I only incase people in ice if they annoy me Kurosaki. And you have been lucky so far."

When I opened my mouth to comment he cut in. "And I'm not hating you because you brought her to me Kurosaki."

I stared at him, looking confused but I knew what he meant. "You could have just let her die there, since you didn't know her, but you didn't and you brought her to me, at a cost of you life. Not only that but you risked your life to give me and Hinamori some more time. I…" he trailed off, and I noticed with a chuckle that he was blushing. Imagine that; the most famous shinigami that had a blank face that could match Byakuya's was blushing.

Taking a deep breath, he said quietly, "I should thank you."

We stayed in silence for a few minutes before I spoke. "I should leave then. I told Rangiku-san that I would let her know if you were okay. And since you are I'll leave."

As I stood up Toshiro spoke. "Kurosaki…" he hesitated, as if not sure how to word what he was going to say next. Squaring his jaw he said, "Don't tell anyone. Please. I don't want anyone to thi-"

"I won't tell anyone Toshiro." I cut in, shocked. "Why would I? I would just say that you were tired and wounded. That's all. They'll find out in time anyways won't they? So don't worry."

Walking towards the door I was just about to turn the knob when I heard Toshiro say my name.

"Ichigo…arigato."

Hiding my shock I turned my head and said, smiling, "Do itashimashite, Hitsugaya-taicho."

Stifling my laughter at the expression on his face, I opened the door and stepped out. It was only when Rangiku started asking questions that I realized the little captain used my name.

xxx-Flashback End-xxx

Standing there at my door, I smiled. I wonder how this meeting is going to turn out.

xxx-IchiHitsu-xxx

When I walked in to my living room, everyone's head turned towards me. Just as I expected, there was Rukia, Rangiku, Yumichika, Ikkaku, and Toshiro. Normally, under certain circumstances I would have wondered why they were here but now, I just don't care.

Two years after the war ended, I stopped going to Soul Society. At the time I told Rukia I wasn't going to be visiting anymore because I had to focus on my education. Which was a lie. I stopped visiting 'cause I knew sooner or later the sotaicho would want me arrested and executed. Why might you ask? No reason except for the fact that I'm a vizard. Which apparently is against the law in Soul Society.

Glancing at them I said in my usual tone, "Who decided to have a party and not invite me?"

At that everyone snorted, but I saw from the corner of my eye that Orihime, Ishida, and Chad were still as statues.

Walking over to the table I asked, "How long was I out?"

It was Orihime who answered. "Only for a few hours, Kurosaki-kun."

Nodding I walked over to one of the chairs next to her and the others, sort of away from the Rukia and them.

"So Rukia," I began, looking at her and sitting down. "What are you guys doing here?"

The moment those words left my mouth she looked at Toshiro, as if asking what she should or shouldn't say. At this I knew something happened.

Instead of Rukia speaking, it was Toshiro. "Kurosaki, we are here to deliver some news. And ask some questions."

I turned my gaze to meet his eyes, which, as usual, held no emotion. "And what would that be Toshiro?"

Eyebrow twitching, he said, "It's Hitsugaya-taicho."

Rolling my eyes I said, "Ya ya. Now what do you want to ask? 'Cause incase you haven't noticed, it's really late."

Turquoise eyes narrowing, he said, "Patience Kurosaki." Taking a small breath he continued, "A few days ago a taicho was attacked. By who we are not sure yet as Soi fon-taicho is still investigating."

Hearing that I could less who was attacked, but some of the taichos I considered friends so I had to know who. "Who was attacked?"

"It was Kurostuchi-taicho of the 12th division." he answered.

I just stared at him, not saying anything. What was I suppose to say? I'm sorry? I don't think so. As far as I was concerned, I could care less.

"Okay. What else happened then that you need to tell me?" I asked.

Looking me in the eye, I saw an emotion in them I couldn't quite identify. "The person that attacked Kurostuchi-taicho hacked into the Research Institute's computer to look for something. Or more specifically, someone."

I was starting to get annoyed. Couldn't he hurry up and get to the point already?!

"So? Who was this person looking for?"

"You, Kurosaki. The person the intruder was looking for was you."

I just stared at him, with a look that obviously said, 'So what?' Apparently my expression made him confused for he asked, "Aren't you worried?" His voice stayed monotone, which showed that he didn't care.

I shook my head. "No. Why would I be? A lot of people go after me. Well, they used to anyway." I said, while thinking back to the times after the war. Ah, sweet, sweet memories.

"What the hell is wrong with you Ichigo? You never used to be like this." Rukia exclaimed.

At her outburst I turned to look at her, meeting her confused eyes. "I've always been this way Rukia. You just forgot that."

Her eyes widened in surprise at my words, and I heard the others take in audible gasps. Glancing to the clock on the wall to see what time it was, I stood up. "It's late. We should at least continue this conversation tomorrow when we're not so tired."

As I took a step away from the table I wobbled. Placing my palm flat against the table I took in a deep a breath. I sensed everyone else get up without looking. "Ichigo, you okay?" I heard Rukia ask. I gave a small nod. "Ya. I'm just tired. Some rest and I'll be good as new."

I walked away from the table. After a few steps I stopped, turned back towards them and said, "If you want you guys can sleep here. I have enough room and futons if you want."

The four shinigami looked at Toshiro, no doubt asking him silently what they should do. Toshiro looked deep in thought for a few seconds before he said, "We'll just have to split up and rest at different locations." He looked at me as if for confirmation and I just shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me. Just make up your mind so we can sleep."

At that Toshiro scowled and spoke, "Matsumoto, Kuchiki, you go with Inoue. Madarame, Ayasegawa, go to Urahara's and tell him we will meet either in the morning or at noon."

At this they nodded and were about to leave (thank god) before Rangiku spoke. "And what about you taicho? Where are you staying?"

I looked at the white-haired tendo, wondering this as well. I watched with some amusement as pink rose from his neck to stain his porcelain cheeks. "I will be staying here." He answered.

At his answer her eyebrows shot up, surprised. "Really?"

His scowl deepened. "Yes really. Now go."

The four shinigami went to leave, the two women going with Orihime, and the other two flash stepping out of the open door. I turned around to walk to my room when Rukia's voice stopped me.

"What happened to you Ichigo? You didn't use to be so…indifferent." she said quietly.

I let out a small humorless chuckle. "Your right. I didn't."

"So why…?"

Closing my eyes and not turning around to face her, I said, "Death changes people Rukia. Even when we don't want it to."

Duh-dun-DUH!!!!!!!!!!!

I wonder what he meant by that? Oh well. Guess you guys will just have to wait and see. And since it's the last three weeks of school (thank holy mother of God) I am going to be swamped with review stuff so I have no idea when I'll update next.

Please be patient, don't kill me, and review!