Hey there here with another update! Nathalie Shiffer, 1superkawaii, epic unicorns, Vicky, rinakatorseh, , thanks for the reviews! To be honest, I did lack motivation this week so your reviews really did help xxx

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Insignificant Human

'Shishou!' Ichigo pleaded on his hands and knees. He bowed his head until it touched the grassy plains.

'For the last time, Kurosaki-kun, I do not accept apprentices anymore. I'm retired now,' he sighed.

'Please, Shishou,' he finally looked up, 'I will train night and day. I will do everything you say and give it my 110%! Please guide me in becoming a soul reaper.' He bowed again.

An organisation called the Soul Society was created many years ago. A few rare humans were picked in order to train and become soul reapers. Only those who were extremely strong and possessed rare talent were chosen. Their main duties were to protect their designated area and the citizens within it from vampires. They were to slay vampires on sight and send their tainted soul back to Hell. Soul Reapers were to eliminate all threats to human society at all costs even if it meant laying down his own life. Everything was sacrificed for the greater good.

'Shishou,' Ichigo continued to plead with his face still in the dirt.

Urahara Kisuke was arguably one of the most famous soul reapers. With extraordinary powers and immense scientific knowledge, he was feared by many soul reapers as well as vampires. However, he suddenly retired from service ten years ago. Now, he was just a mere civilian living in a little house in a remote village and selling candies for a living. It felt like such a waste. He lost all connections with the Soul Society but was still followed by a few loyal subjects.

'Kurosaki, didn't you hear, Urahara-sempai has retired,' Ishida said as he pushed his glasses along the bridge of his nose. 'Go home.'

'But-'

'Kurosaki-kun, you are weak,' Kisuke peered from under his green and white striped slipper hat. 'You are not cut out to become a soul reaper. With a vessel like yours you wouldn't stand a chance against enemies.' He turned away from the front garden and began to stroll towards his house.

'Shishou, I'm rather strong despite my appearance. I'll show you if you just give me a change!' Ichigo was not giving up. It took him years to search high and low for the former soul reaper. Now that he had finally tracked him down he wasn't going to let a few scolding words waver him.

Kisuke sighed. Despite his retirement, he was often hassled by several hot-headed enthusiasts promising to devote everything and anything to become a soul reaper. But when they couldn't cope with merely a few days of training they scrambled back home. None of them truly wanted to fight evil or save humanity. They all just wanted to make a name for themselves, show off in front of friends or even to just do something to pass the time because they were bored elsewhere. He hadn't met anyone who was genuinely serious and he sooner lost hope in finding a true apprentice he could pass on all his skills and wisdom.

'A chance...?'

He held his oriental white fan over his face as the wind blew against him swaying his green robes side to side. A little idea was coming to him. He took another moment to think before he turned his head slightly back towards Ichigo.

'I'll give you one chance to prove your strength-'

'Sempai!' Ishida was shocked that Kisuke was so easily persuaded. Kisuke raised his hand a little as if to stop Ishida going any further.

'Yes, Shishou, anything!' Ichigo looked up delighted to no end.

'If you pass I will break precedent and accept you as my first ever apprentice.'

Ichigo grinned at the thought. It was an absolute honour to become Urahara Kisuke's apprentice let alone his only apprentice. He was willing to do anything this man would tell him. He commanded so much respect.

Ishida widened his eyes. He had followed Kisuke for 15 years ever since he was little. Still, he was only an assistant. Never did he get a chance to become a soul reaper himself. Now, this knucklehead was being given the opportunity and he barely had to lift a finger. His brows furrowed, clearly he was annoyed; envious even.

'But if you fail-'

'I won't fail, Shishou,' Ichigo cut in. His resolve was determined.

'If you fail,' Kisuke continued, 'you may never bother me again. What do you say?' Ichigo nodded eagerly.

'Well then,' he nodded towards the left, 'you see that post?'

Either side of the small path leading up to Kisuke's house stood two large red pillars. Both of which were 15 feet high yet possibly no wider than a lamp post. Originally, they were supposed to be used for a sign post but then got abandoned as it was too remote a place.

'Climb up to the top of that post using only your bare hands. Then balance on the top with one hand until dawn.'

'Huh?' Ichigo puzzled over the strange request. However, he was aware of Kisukes' ludicrous training. It was very well known.

'It proves to me your strength and stamina. You need both to become a real soul reaper.' Kisuke closed his eyes and turned towards his house again.

'I will be watching at all times.' He then began to walk away. Ishida smirked and quickly followed his senior back into the comfort of their home.

I knew it. Urahara-sempai is only toying with him. There's no way that he'll even last a minute up there!

'Bu-but...' Ichigo looked at his task, to his master and then back to his task again. Just the mere thought of the task was making him sweat. The sheer height of the pillar was daunting enough. Even if he made it to the top there was still three hours until dawn. Three hours he would have to spend balancing. Three long hours...

Is that even possible?

He took another glance at his disappearing master and took a deep breath.

You can do this, Ichigo. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity...

Kaien-sensei, I will not let you die in vain.

Rukia ran as fast as her legs would carry her. If any of the purebloods discovered what she was planning to do she'd be in a lot of trouble. It was essential that purebloods didn't get drawn into unnecessary battles since there weren't many of them around anymore. But she didn't care. Her honour, her pride, her teacher was more important right now. She knew who her opponent was. It didn't matter that she was no match for them. It didn't matter if she died in the process of her vengeance. Kaien, who taught her everything she knew, everything she was, was killed by the hand of a soul reaper; a despicable human.

Urahara Kisuke

His name was permanently etched into her. The name tasted so bitter she could hardly speak it. She'd sooner spit on it. She would never forgive him not even when her sword finally pierces his heart. All she'll do is look down his corpse and smile hoping Kaien would rest in peace.

Kaien-sensei

Over two hours into his training, Ichigo finally managed to pull himself up to the top of the pillar. After several failed attempts, he managed to grasp the perfect technique which was to transfer his energy to the soles of his feet and using it to grip the pillar as he gradually walked up it. This alone drained half of his power. The side effects showed as he wobbled furiously whilst he continued to balance his six-foot frame on one hand. He could feel his body about to waver.

No, I can't fail now! It's almost dawn!

Sweat trickled all over his body. Veins throughout his body were strained. Occasionally, he switched hands to support his entire weight but now that tactic was not working as his hand shook violently. The muscles in it began to twitch uncontrollably from the aching pain. His legs in the air were swaying off balance.

No, just a little bit more...

A heavy thud echoed a little ahead of her. It startled her but she carried on running none the less. Rukia towered over the limping body which curled up in a foetal position. He was even whimpering in pain like a baby. She narrowed her eyes.

Pathetic human

She kicked at the male out of spite. Many vampires were killed by humans without mercy, without hesitation. Her beloved sister disappeared many years ago. It was presumed that she was killed by a soul reaper. Although no evidence ever supported this rumour, Rukia always believed it to be true. She stared hard at the barely conscious guy and unsheathed her sword.

I hate humans

As she pointed the blade towards him he rolled over and groaned. He opened his eyes slightly but enough for her to recognise his face. The face that was so familiar. His eyes were a golden brown, his hair was bright orange completely different in comparison but there was no doubt that his face belonged to her teacher. He was like a young replica of Kaien. Her eyes widened and her body trembled without her permission. Snapshots of her and her late teacher flashed through her mind. All of which were joyful and full of admiration.

Kaien-sensei...

Ichigo found himself collapsed on the grass. His weak body had given up and gave into the incredible ache in his muscles and joints. He couldn't stop the groan he made as he winched in pain. His body hurt all over and his right leg felt like it was in a knot. He had used up all his energy and felt like he was dying.

Maybe I went too far...

Slowly, he opened his eyes to see a figure peering down at him. It was a slight blur but he could definitely tell it was a girl. Her bright violet eyes stood out from the darkness of her shadow. It was mesmerising; drowning even. Or maybe he was just dying from the pain. His eyes felt heavy as they started to close.

'No, don't go! Please...' That was all he heard before he passed out from exhaustion.

Rukia studied the man carefully. His right leg seemed to be broken probably the result of some blunt force. He was pale, drained from all energy. Without any energy his heart wouldn't function well nor would his leg heal. His eyes drew a close. It was like her teacher was slipping away from her all over again.

'No, don't go. Please...' she pleaded as she knelt next to him close to tears, 'Kaien-sensei!'

Panic took over her when his conscience disappeared. Her tears began to escape her. She lost her grip on reality as she tugged at Ichigo's white t-shirt, gently shaking him to wake up.

'Kaien-sensei! Don't leave me!'

She sobbed as she buried her face into his chest. It was lean and warm just like her teacher's. Then she smell hit her. This was the scent of a human. It was most definitely not her teacher. He was dead. Aizen had confirmed it himself despite the absence of a body. Of course there wouldn't be a body. They turned to ash once they died. He was gone. Kaien was gone.

She sat up straight looking at the man. On a closer examination there were subtle differences. Kaien had brown hair with dark brown eyes. This man seemed much younger too. But his face... He still looked very much like her teacher. She thought maybe it was a reincarnation but then Kaien only died a month ago. There was also no denying this was a human. He could have been a soul reaper too. Why else was he at Urahara Kisuke's territory? Vampires were ordered to kill any soul reapers on sight. There were no exceptions. Each soul reaper was a threat and had to be executed. Rukia stared hard at Ichigo.

This is NOT Kaien-sensei. THIS IS NOT KAIEN-SENSEI!

Eventually, she picked up her sword again. She was shaking again. How could she kill her teacher? She missed him incredibly. She grew so cold without him. Now, fate had seemed to hand her a second chance to be with Kaien. Her heart pumped faster as the sweat around her forehead grew. Unfortunately, he was a human. They were sworn enemies. He probably hated her kind anyway. They all pretty much did.

What if I turn him? I wouldn't have to kill him if he was one of us...

Her eyes wandered over to his neck as she inched closer to him. Purebloods were not supposed to turn humans because of the blood contamination. Usually, mixed-bloods would turn humans in order to increase mixed-blood population since majority of the purebloods would not feed them. Her breath was irregular as she bent her head over his pulse point.

Kaien-sensei...

'Urahara-sempai!' Ishida bellowed as he stormed into the bed chamber.

At first, he was surprised to find it empty but then noticed a figure standing amongst the shadows by the window. Both could smell the blood in the air and it was very close. As they were trained to hunt vampires it was essential for them to recognise blood. This blood scent was extremely fresh, extremely close.

'Sempai, should we...'

Kisuke raised his hand to prevent Ishida from interfering. Ishida widened his eyes as he saw a wry smile coming from Kisuke behind his fan. His eyes continued to focus on outside and never acknowledged Ishida. The smell of blood was so rich.

'How interesting...' He smiled a little more. 'Ichigo may be of some use after all...'

Rukia squeezed a few more drops of blood from her wrist before wiping away the excess off Ichigo's lips. It was decided that she wouldn't turn him after all. She didn't know this man. She didn't know him at all. Who was to say that he wouldn't turn on her when he woke up? No, she decided to befriend him first. Although she knew she was not permitted to associate with humans, he looked so alike Kaien, it seemed that he was still alive within him. Without giving it any thought she had fed him her blood. It was the key to power and regeneration. It was healing his leg and restoring his energy in no time.

Ichigo groaned as he slowly opened his eyes again. A rush of energy surged through his body pumping his heart a little bit faster than normal. He opened his eyes fully and sat up. He suddenly felt alert forgetting all his previous pain.

'Where am I?'

He looked around and found those beautiful eyes again. They were so wide and so full of emotion. She smiled lightly at him.

'Who... who are you?'

'My name's Rukia.' It was a lovely name.

'I'm Ichigo... I err...' He seemed a little lost.

'Are you feeling better?' she asked genuinely out of concern.

'Huh?' Then he remembered about his injuries. He gripped his right leg surprised that there was no pain at all. He felt so alive.

'Come to think of it, I feel great.' He looked at her in puzzlement. 'Did you heal me?'

Rukia hesitated for a moment. She didn't want him knowing she was a pureblood vampire and used her blood to save him. In fact, she didn't want him knowing she was a vampire at all. Perhaps, if they grew close as friends she might tell him. She just didn't want to run the risk of losing Kaien again. She smiled weakly.

'Wow! You have great healing powers! Are you some sort of medic soul reaper?' Ichigo babbled on.

'Eh...'

'Kurosaki-kun, are you ok?'

Kisuke was standing right behind them. Rukia trembled slightly. She hadn't noticed his presence at all. Her inner self laughed. How could she possibly think she could challenge the most powerful soul reaper known today?

What a fool I am.

'Shishou, I...' Ichigo trailed off. He did not fulfil his task. It was hard for him to accept the reality.

'I failed. Perhaps, I'm not destined to be a soul reaper after all,' he said as he held his head low. He felt deflated and somewhat ashamed, but most of all he felt useless.

Rukia flinched a bit. It was uncomfortable to know that Ichigo was training to become one of her top enemies. Fate was such a cruel a thing at times.

'Oh, I wouldn't quite say that.' Kisuke offered his brightest of smiles.

'Huh?' Ichigo looked up.

'Perhaps I could reconsider in training you as my apprentice.'

Rukia widened her eyes. This was turning out to be a nightmare. Her blood was already boiling at the sight of Kisuke. It took so much will power to stop herself from tearing into him.

'Really? But I failed...' Ichigo was so surprised. He totally didn't expect the sudden change of heart.

'Perseverance and determination are two important key qualities to a soul reaper. Sure, you are weak at the moment but I see potential in you. I will train you to be one of the best soul reapers.' Kisuke flashed another beaming smile.

'Really?' Ichigo jumped to his feet in excitement. His dream had finally come true. And to hear that he had potential was overwhelming.

'Sure,' Kisuke replied and Ichigo continued to jump up and down in joy around him.

Kisuke turned to Rukia. The smell of blood was definitely here despite her efforts to cover up the wound. Rukia noticed the intense look he was giving her as he gingerly approached her. She wanted to back away even just a little but she couldn't move. The immense energy released by Kisuke was so great it scared her stiff. Her fear doubled as he bent down towards her.

Does he know I'm a vampire...?

He paused to look at her for a moment. He gave her a wry smile and held out his hand to her. 'Rukia-chan, right?' Rukia widened her eyes; unable to form any words. 'Please.'

For a moment she hesitated but then took his hand as he helped her up to her feet. She hated the fact that she was so close to him yet she didn't have the power to kill him. It made her feel sick.

'Perhaps we could do with your medic skills too, Rukia-chan?'

It made her feel sick. He made her feel sick.

She had her long purple hair flowing freely over her shoulders. Her curvy, tanned body glowed in just her underwear. She posed on her side maximising her cleavage even more.

'Yoruichi, what are you doing in my room?' Byakuya asked in a cold and flat tone despite the seductive display.

'It's a full moon tonight,' she purred as she played with her hair in between her fingers.

When there was a full moon, it brought the female vampires into season. They were at their most fertile. A full moon only comes three or four times a year and only lasts for three days. So many vampires would make the most of this time to conceive.

'So?' He continued his stoic appearance totally disregarding her half naked body in his bed.

'I heard about the Coalition Order. Thought I might be of service,' she teased as she got off the bed and began to walk towards him.

'Shouldn't you be in Aizen's bed?' he retorted.

'Oh?' she stood in front of his stroking his chest. 'Jealous, are we?'

He took hold of her hand and removed it away from him. 'It's more of a reminder of your place.' He walked past her not at all interested.

'So you prefer that dwarf over me?' she hissed.

'GET OUT NOW!' he barked.

Anger glowed in his grey eyes. No one was allowed to mock Rukia even if it was Aizen's lover. He didn't care if he offended her. She crossed the line. It irritated him further when she didn't move a muscle.

'Get out before I throw you out!' It was so unlike him to raise his temper but his protective side kicked in when it came to Rukia.

Eventually, she left him in peace, for now. He was exhausted. Every night since the order was passed he would get sexually harassed by female vampires offering him their services. Even if he locked his door they would find a way in. It was impossible. He just wasn't attracted to any of them.

Soul mate...

Yoruichi gave a wry smile as she left. There was no way a plain, flat-chested dwarf could compete against her. Many men lusted after her even Aizen wanted her.

Byakuya, you will be mine.

'You idiot, this is my room not yours!' Rukia screamed.

Byakuya jerked awake from the noise. He came to find Rukia but she was out again so he decided to wait for her. The thought of more female vampires pestering him drove him out of his own room. He decided it was probably safer to stay in her room. He wasn't entirely certain when he fell asleep in her bed.

'Get out!' she climbed onto the bed and pulled his arm.

'Rukia, what's wrong with you?' he asked as he rubbed his eyes. He was so much stronger than her he barely moved.

'What's wrong with me? What's wrong with YOU? This is my room.'

She gave up tugging at him. She was too weak. Almost all her energy was drained. She collapsed onto the bed next to him. For the past few days she had snuck out to train with Ichigo. Deep down she knew she shouldn't have but she couldn't stop herself. She closed her eyes in an attempt to get some rest. She was utterly exhausted.

He noticed how pale she was. It was from going out during the day lately. It was discouraged. Vampires were weak in the daylight, therefore, making them more vulnerable. The risk was not worth taking especially if you were a pureblood. He knew she sneaked off somewhere in the day but she wouldn't tell him where. She never used to keep secrets from him. It stirred up something deep within his heart. He couldn't quite work out what it was but he was curious to find out where she'd been going.

'You need to feed,' he said as he brushed her stubborn bang away from her face.

'I'm fine. I just need to rest.'

She tried her best to sleep and ignore his shuffling. Her eyes opened as he climbed over to straddle her. Her eyes were glued to him as he began to undo his black shirt exposing his neck. Her cheeks began to heat up as he continued to loosen his buttons until finally he shrugged off his shirt entirely. A firm, smooth chest sat in front of her.

'Wh-what are you doing?'

She knew that was a stupid question. It was obvious what he was doing. He was teasing her again. He enjoyed teasing her because he knew it annoyed her. They've spent most of their days trying to annoy each other. It was only harmless play fighting but Byakuya seemed to tease her more and more often nowadays. He moved his head to the side slightly pushing his neck towards her.

'Rukia, eat me...' he whispered in a low husky voice.

'What?'

She widened her eyes and more so when his eyes met hers. His long silky back hair dangled above her almost tickling her face. Their faces were so close she could feel his hot breath on her lips.

'Feed from me, Rukia,' he pushed his neck towards her again, 'or I'll tell Aizen you've been wandering about during the day.'

'I...' she stuttered.

'Rukia, bite me,' he encouraged. More accurately, he was begging for her to bite him.

She titled her head upwards as she drew her fangs out. She couldn't risk Aizen knowing. He gasped slightly when she pushed her tongue along his neck. It was to slightly numb the pain before she pierced his flesh. He groaned from the mixture of pain and pleasure. He pushed his body into hers without realising it as she carried on sucking on him.

Rukia, only you are allowed to drink my blood...

So I have to stop it there. My longest chapter to date. So bonus points to Nathalie Shiffer for mentioning Ichigo. How did you guess he was going to appear?

Anyways, it's my first fanfic so all reviews welcomed. Please be gentle. Ja x