Last one! Remember how I said that I'd make up for the last one that was lame? Well... I don't think I did. But I thought this was a good way to end this set- I kind of wanted to put a focus on Shinji's thoughts as Ichigo left. I thought of the prompt "silence" to save the other suggestions for the set of one-shots (not drabbles!) that I plan on starting after this.

I know Shinji's thoughts aren't really written in his "voice", but I thought I'd save that for his actual dialogue and leave his thoughts in normal speech.

Chapter 20: Shinji's POV.


There weren't any heartfelt confessions before you left, no kisses, no touches, nothing that I could take comfort in before we left for bloodshed and death. I was never the mushy, touchy-feely kind of guy, but your absence the danger you were submitting yourself to was starting to tug at my heart. I could almost strangle you for your ignorance if it weren't for the fact that it was partially my fault.

All I got before you left for Hueco Mundo was the smallest of "Thanks". There was a war coming up, a war that I knew I was going to barge into shamelessly, lusting for revenge, but how were you going in? Were you going to come out? Was I?

This wasn't your war, but somehow every one of us thought you would be the ultimate champion of it. All of us (especially me) were itching to take Aizen down, but all of us figured you would have the most important advantage against Aizen- you were immune to his illusions. With you as our trump card, surely we could win.

Before the chaos started, victory seemed so easy.


So guys, thanks again! Traffic stats show me that people actually read this, so I wanted to ask once more for reviews/feedback.

What did you like about this? What didn't you like? What did I do well? What could I do better? What should I not do at all? You don't have to answer ALL those questions, but some kind of feedback would be nice :) It helps me grow as a writer, which is kind of what I'm trying to do.

Remember, suggestions and requests are always welcome!