Sorry about the long break. I forgot I had finals and well… it sorta caught me by surprise. Spend hours studying! Well, hopefully my mind isn't too full of science and hasn't lost its edge!
P.S. Actually, I completely forgot about fanfic for a while. It wasn't until I looked at another USB I had that I realized about this story. I'm sorry about forgetting! Well, let's see if I still have my fans. It's odd, I don't remember saving it to this particular USB… strange, but whatever. At least it reminded me to write!
"Well?!"
It seemed Tsukune wasn't taking this literal 'out of body' experience too well.
"Aren't you gonna say something Ichigo!"
Yea, not too well.
"Basically… you're kinda…" Ichigo paused, trying to find the correct words. Then he simply shrugged as he said the first thing that came to mind.
"You're kinda dead." Was his simple answer.
Tsukune's reaction was not so simple.
"What! I'm DEAD?! How could this have happened! I thought you said you'd be careful! What am I going to tell Mizore-chan? I'm DEAD!" Tsukune fell to his knees as he grasped his head whilst shaking it about frantically.
Ichigo gave a disgruntled sigh as he looked at the grieving form in front of him. He felt like palming his face at the moment, but that wouldn't do him any good. So, he tried thinking of another way to put it.
"Okay, you're not dead." Ichigo said and the response was immediate as Tsukune turned up to look at him.
"I'm not?" Was his hopeful reply.
"Well, not technically. Technically you're just out of your body, which still has a beating heart." Then, Ichigo gestured Tsukune towards his body. "Take a look for yourself."
Tsukune tentatively approached his still body, which looked like it was sleeping. He put a hand over his body's chest and felt a strong, but slow heartbeat. He was relieved to see that he was still breathing as well
"Yea… so, if you feel like hopping back in you can." Ichigo further explained.
Tsukune paused before taking a look at Ichigo, who raised a questioning eyebrow. "So… basically you could've just told me that this was an 'out of body' experience rather than saying I was dead?" Tsukune asked, giving Ichigo a flat look.
Ichigo turned his eyes away from the annoyed boy as he scratched his head in an embarrassment. "Y-Yea… I guess I could've."
Now it was Tsukune's turn to sigh, but at the same time, it was one of relief. He probably would've had a heart attack if he found out he was dead! Wait…
"So, I guess just hop back into your body." Ichigo spoke up.
"I guess I should. Wait, I have a question."
"What?"
"Do I still have the same power when I go back into my body?" Tsukune asked.
"No. You have to actually be outside of your body to use this power." Ichigo stated as he released his Bankai.
"So… when I'm inside my body, how do I get back out then?" Tsukune asked as he tried figuring out how to get into his body. The next thing he knew he was sucked in as a feeling of cold water surrounded him.
"Whoa!" He said as he got up, this time in his real body. "That was… strange!"
"Yea, it's weird isn't it?" Ichigo said as he gave a light chuckle.
"Definitely!" Tsukune nodded his head, agreeing. His expression took on a slightly more serious look as he asked, "Do I need to go through some training?"
The moment Tsukune asked that, Ichigo felt a wave of nostalgia hit him. Somehow, he could almost picture the day he began training with Urahara. He knew what it was like to suddenly have power and want to use it right away. He'd have to be careful if he did train Tsukune. Though he doubted Tsukune would abuse his power, he would still be cautious nonetheless.
"You would. And I'm going to train you only on one condition."
"Eh? What's the condition?" Tsukune asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Don't tell anyone that you got this power from me." Ichigo said as he looked at Tsukune with serious eyes.
"Ah… yea. I won't. But what if I need to use it?" Tsukune replied.
"Hmm. That is the reason I gave you the power I guess." Ichigo and Tsukune looked at the ground as they contemplated on their future actions.
Ichigo thought for a bit before he realized something. His hand reached into his pocket before he pulled out the badge Rukia had given to him. He didn't really need it at the moment, and it would be the only way Tsukune could actually use his power.
"Hey Tsukune, take this." Said person looked up just in time to catch the medal hurtling towards him. Tsukune caught it and took a look at it. The decoration was very peculiar to him and he wondered what it was for. As if to answer his unasked question, Ichigo spoke up.
"This is for you for when you need to transform. Just place the skull side on your chest and your body will fall backwards, leaving you in your spiritual form." Ichigo explained.
"Oh… ok." :O
"Yup." -_-
The two stood there a moment, a strange silence overcoming them. At the moment, they really had nothing else to say to each other. Just then, Ichigo looked up at the sky and noticed it was getting darker.
"Hey, I think we should head back. We need to prepare for exams." Ichigo stated to which Tsukune nodded.
"Yea, especially me. I hope I pass." Tsukune sighed, "I don't want to spend summer vacation in school."
Ichigo looked at him for a while before saying, "Well, let's go back then. The girls are probably wondering where we are."
"Yea. I'll probably get Mizore-chan to tutor me. That teacher was no good." Tsukune said as his shoulders slumped forward.
"Teacher?" Ichigo asked, puzzled.
"I'll tell you on the way back." Tsukune replied. And with those words, they headed back to school as Tsukune recounted his tale.
---
A week passed and finals came. Mizore ended up tutoring Tsukune while Yukari ended up tutoring Kurumu. Ichigo simply rested as did Moka since they had already been studying throughout the semester and they didn't have to worry much. When the group received their test scores back, they all rejoiced. Tsukune had managed to pass his exams with a fairly average grade. Even Kurumu passed… though it had been just barely. As for Moka, Yukari, and Ichigo, there really wasn't much to say since they passed the tests with ease.
"Congratulations on passing Tsukune." Mizore spoke up as she gave her boyfriend a smile. Currently they were walking towards the bus stop where everyone would meet to leave to the human world.
"I know, and I really thought I wouldn't do well. I started panicking during the test and my hands were shaking and all." He replied sheepishly.
But all that went away when Mizore nuzzled against his shoulder. "But you passed."
Tsukune smiled at her cute gesture. "I guess that's what counts." He said, earning a nod from his girlfriend.
They walked silently for the remainder of the walk. Just as they were about to reach the bus stop, they spotted Kurumu who was oddly enough hiding behind a tree. Tsukune and Mizore looked at each other before walking over to see what was up.
"What are you doing Kurumu-chan?" Tsukune asked only to be silenced by the Succubus.
"Shh! I'm spying on Moka and Ichigo!" She said before turning away her attention.
"Wouldn't you normally interrupt them?" Mizore asked, earning a hot glare from the Succubus as she turned around.
"I would… but Ichigo wouldn't like that. Besides, I want to win him fairly." She bit her bottom lip as she said this. That's when Tsukune and Mizore realized that Kurumu was actually trying to win Ichigo's love. All this time they thought she had been playing around. But this little action told them something else. It told them that she was actually trying. This… surprised them.
"You… love Ichigo don't you?" Mizore asked, earning a blush from the blue-haired girl.
"Yea. At first I liked him because he was strong and cool and has this awesome power. Then when we began talking, a connection sort of formed. I had told him he was my destined one to make Moka jealous… but I really think he might actually be it."
Tsukune and Mizore simply stood there as they digested what Kurumu had said. It had been straight from the heart. They looked at each other for a moment, wondering what to do. Oddly enough, it was Mizore who spoke up. "You're hesitating because now that you truly like him, you're afraid of putting yourself in a negative light. I don't think he'll get mad simply because you walked up to them. He'd only get mad if you tried rubbing your breasts in his face."
Kurumu looked up at the snow girl, surprised at her rather long statement since she was normally a girl of little words. "I guess you're right." Kurumu agreed, "I know Ichigo better than anyone here. I don't know why I was being so worried."
"Go for it Kurumu-chan, I'm sure you'll make Ichigo happy." Tsukune spoke sincerely. He didn't know why he had said it, but for some reason, he felt he said it because he owed Ichigo for granting him power. Besides, Kurumu wasn't a bad girl. Just very… eccentric.
Kurumu nodded as she smiled at the couple. "I will, but not right now. We might as well walk together towards the bus stop. I know I'll win Ichigo's heart by the end of summer vacation!" She said confidently as they headed towards the bus stop.
---
"I think I'll pass." Ichigo denied. But Moka persisted.
"Come on! Let's sit in the tree please? We'll have a nice view!" She begged Ichigo, pulling out all the stops. She looked at Ichigo with big round eyes as her lips pouted. Plus the fact that her summer dress showed a little bit of cleavage made Ichigo's face warm up. She continued staring for a minute longer until he capitulated.
"Fine! We'll sit in the stupid tree!" He deferred to her. Somehow, he felt like he'd gotten soft. With how many times he'd seen Yoroichi naked he should've been immune to feminine charms.
So now they sat in the branch, overlooking the ocean. Its vast form crashed against the rocks in strong, loud torrents. "It's finally the first day of summer vacation Ichigo. It's too bad you can't go back home since it isn't allowed."
Ichigo simply shrugged. "It doesn't really matter. There really isn't much of a difference between being here and at home. I do miss my sisters though."
Moka stared at Ichigo's face and couldn't help but blush. The way he looked right now, he looked so mature, so caring. It was a look only a father held when caring for his daughters. He must've been extremely close to his sisters in order to merit such a look. Either way, she liked it and found it extremely handsome.
"Is there something on my face?" Ichigo asked causing Moka to blink before realizing she had been staring at Ichigo.
"A-Ah! No! I was just… admiring you. You really care about your sisters don't you?" She asked, to which Ichigo nodded.
"Yea. I had to raise them myself practically because my dad was no help." He asked, holding a reminiscent look.
"How come?" Moka tentatively asked. She felt like she was hitting a sensitive topic here.
Ichigo looked her for a second, contemplating on what to say. He didn't want pity from her, which was something he was sure to receive if he told her that his mom died. It's not like he was sad about it anymore either. Even though she had died, he knew she was still around, guiding, protecting him. Well, he never was good at coming up with excuses. He might as well just tell her.
"Well, when mom died I practically had to take care of Yuzu and Karin. Dad had no idea how to raise kids, especially girls since that was mostly mom's job. So I had to do everything." Ichigo said with a small smile. Those were good times. Before Soul Reaping… before everything that had happened recently.
"Oh." Moka said softly. This caused Ichigo to turn and look at her.
"You don't have to act sad you know. That was a long time ago." He said simply.
Those words made Moka's heart feel a little lighter. She was actually feeling bad for Ichigo. But then she realized that was silly. If Ichigo didn't feel bad about it, why should she? With that in mind, she supposed it was alright to ask this next question, "How did your mom die?"
Ichigo stiffened at that. How was he supposed to tell her that she had been killed by a Hollow? If he did that, he would have to explain what and who he was and what he did. He did not want to get into this conversation right now if ever. Little did he know that had caused a scowl to form on his face, making Moka panic slightly.
"S-Sorry for asking such a question! I didn't mean it Ichigo!" She said as she raised her hands in front of her while waving them.
Ichigo gave her a puzzled look at her panicked form. What was up with her? But before he had time to ask, a one Kurono Kurumu appeared along with Tsukune and Mizore.
"Yahoo! Ichigo! How's my Destined One doing?" She chirped cheerfully. Ichigo noted she seemed a bit more peppy than usual. That's when he wondered why he was using a word such as peppy. It wasn't very manly.
Aside from that, Ichigo simply shrugged as he leapt down from the tree. "I'm doing fine I guess."
This actually surprised Mizore, and Tsukune who whispered to Mizore, "Hey, he didn't deny it did he?"
Mizore nodded. "Then again it could mean he probably thinks of it as a nickname."
"True," Tsukune agreed, "but who takes 'Destined One' as a nickname?"
"He's pretty dense though… like you were." Mizore coolly replied, making Tsukune rub the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Aside from that, what do you think will be Kurumu-chan's next move?"
"Well, I would normally assume she would rub her breasts against his face, but she's changed recently."
Tsukune nodded. "I concur, this change in her is unprecedented, an unexpected transformation!"
"Yea, but keep in mind Tsukune that it could just be temporary." She argued.
"Hm, yes, but her confession earlier didn't sound fake. It could be that she's actually changed wholeheartedly." Tsukune countered.
Mizore thought about it for a moment. "You could be right Tsukune."
"I think I am." He said and then there was a pause. "Hey Mizore-chan?"
"Hm?"
"Why are we commentating on Kurumu's relationship with Ichigo like sports announcers?"
Mizore pulled the lollip from her mouth and rotated it about. "I have no idea." She replied before putting it back in her mouth.
Before they had time to figure out this strange behavior, the bus pulled out from the tunnel.
"Hey… has anyone seen Yukari-chan?" Tsukune spoke up. This got everyone's attention as they started to look around.
"I don't think anyone's seen Yukari." Mizore safely assumed.
"Hello everyone!"
"Well speaking of who, what took you so long? The bus is already here!" Kurumu demanded as she approached the younger girl.
"S-Sorry everyone. I was having second thoughts about going to the human world. But I decided to come in the end." Yukari explained as she held onto her wand protectively.
Kurumu sighed. "Jeez, next time you're feeling worried about something like this, you could tell one of us, even me!"
Mizore leaned toward Tsukune and whispered, "Another show of maturity."
Tsukune nodded as he wrote it down in his notebook. Wait… since when did he have a notebook?
But Yukari smiled. She was glad that despite Kurumu not having a single brain cell, she was at least a caring person in heart. "Thank you milk jugs, I'll be sure to keep that in mind."
Kurumu gave a forced smile. She didn't like being called milk jugs, but she didn't think it would bode well with Ichigo if she took retribution on the young witch. "Like I said... no problem… just don't call me milk jugs ok?" She said through clenched teeth.
Yukari simply smiled. "Ok milk jugs!"
Kurumu was grinding her teeth so hard she felt like they were going to break. But she resisted and decided to turn around. She turned to face Ichigo and soon all her anger ebbed away. Though Ichigo wasn't smiling, the look he held was distinctly happy. It seemed her resisting had been a good idea. It also seemed that she knew Ichigo pretty well for her to know he was happy when it didn't look like it. That made her heart flutter slightly, causing a blush to creep onto her cheeks.
"Are you alright Kurumu? Your face is red."
Kurumu shook her head before giving him a reassuring smile. "I'm alright!"
Again Mizore leaned towards Tsukune before whispering, "Now she showed signs of restraint and humility. I think you were right about her change Tsukune."
Tsukune nodded before he took out his handy dandy notebook and jotted down some notes. He paused a minute before throwing the pencil and notebook over his shoulders. Seriously, why did he even have that thing anyway?
"That's good." Ichigo said, "Don't want you to get sick when summer vacations starts."
Those words had different effects on different people. For Moka, she became slightly jealous that those words hadn't been directed towards her. For Kurumu, she felt like she was about to fly even without her wings. For Yukari, she simply frowned. She would've preferred it more had Ichigo's attention been directed towards Moka. For Tsukune and Mizore, it caused them to go into announcer mode again, which ended up with Tsukune tossing the same notebook over his shoulders. He couldn't seem to get rid of it. Then Tsukune realized the bus was still waiting for them to board.
"Well, the bus is here guys. Shall we get in?" Tsukune announced to the group, drawing their attention.
After everyone got on, the bus drove away into the mysterious tunnel. Little did they know that their vacation wouldn't be all rest.