Author's Note:

Hi Guys! This is Darkshadow007. Thank you for your reviews. Here's a new chapter.

Disclaimer:

I do not own Bleach and its characters. I own this plot though...

Now on with the story….

Chapter One: Troubled Thoughts

-At around the same time-

A tender caress of warm zephyr ruffled his orange hair; gently waking him up from his dreamless sleep. He opened his eyes slowly and allowed warm, amber pupils to take in the breath-taking scenery before him. This was Soul Society. The Mother Nature was in full health here. No disgusting smoke, no pollutants nothing. Sat atop a small hillock, he could see the lush meadows of dandelions swaying back and forth in a kind of entrancing melody stretching afar from him. The wind had disturbed the flower, prodding them to send a steady stream of seeds, carried by white puffs in the air. He leaned back against the tree, lifting his gaze to the beautiful sky. The sky had a very beautiful and peculiar shade of orange. 'Just like my hair' he thought, amusingly, being the only one in the Kurosaki-Shiba family to inherit the hair of Kurosaki Masaki, a wonderful mother.

Zangetsu stood beside him, in his sealed state, just like a silent sentinel. His ribbon was cuffed tenderly around his hair. Most powerful of all Zanpakutos ever forged, this elegant meat cleaver was a reminder of trusty Shikai he had had. He too, shared his wielder's thoughts. Both were really unsure of their future. Human world was inaccessible. The potent reiatsu of his wielder which leaked unconsciously even in his sealed state was very strong, around the level a Vice-Captain could produce at their full extent. This posed a danger of inducing a spiritual awareness into the humans around him, at much stronger rate than before. Besides, to be very frank, his wielder was already dead. Urahara Kisuke, the wielder of Benihime, had cut his Soul Chain a long time ago. And even if this would not have happened, he would never have wanted to go back to his human life. Who would, after encountering such perils and thrills? Who would, possessing such amazing power to protect would go back, only to find oneself powerless to do so? Most important of all, who would ever go back to human world, away from the loved ones here in Sereitei?

Zangetsu knew that Ichigo would choose Soul Society over Human World a long time ago. The reason, she lived here. He had gone back to Human World only on her insistence.

Zangetsu knew the importance of her existence in his life. No, he was not troubled over the decision to choose Soul Society or Human World to live; he was troubled because he did not know how to bid farewell to his friends in the Human World.

Ichigo, on the other hand, sighed contently. Other than the riverside in Karakura, this spot in the far outskirts of District 80 of East Rukongai had become his rather favorite one. He used to come here and spend his time watching the beautiful grass field and trees around him. 'I won't be able to go into Human World anymore. What am I going to do here in Soul Society? May be I should join a squad? Or help as an ally? I really don't know.' 'Ugh…. Thinking sucks!' he groaned mentally.

But this was not his immediate concern. He recalled the event that had him real worried:

After two days of Ywach's defeat, his Quincy side had called him into his inner world. Unsure of what might be on the mind of the old man, he opened his eyes into an all-too familiar world of skyscrapers. The gentle caress of wind and light sun spoke of the unshakable stability of his inner world than he had ever seen. Old man was standing a few meters apart from him, on his usual flag pole. But, his agitated and grave expression belied the calm surroundings. Even more confused at the somber expression on the old man's face, he asked, "Ossan, what is the matter?"

Hearing a tone of confusion and alarm in his wielder's voice, he replied, "Ichigo, do you remember the warning I gave you on your way back down from the Soul King's Palace to here?"

Ichigo's eyes widened in realization, "Do you mean…"

Old man answered his query before he could even finish, as if reading his thoughts, "Yes."

Ichigo was not shocked; nor was he afraid. He knew and accepted this fact long ago. His face conveyed no other opinion but determination; the same look he had while achieving Bankai. Old man was happy; no not only happy, but also proud that this boy was his wielder. His lips gently twitched upwards forming a small smile.

Ichigo, however, was completely resolute about this. 'Alright, bring it on!' was his expression. He just wanted to know the time he had at his disposal.

Ossan said, once again reading his thoughts, "You have 2 years before it further spreads and consumes you. Till then, help them as much as you can. After that, you must get rid of this. If you are lucky you will survive unscathed, if not then your spiritual awareness will be lost and this time, no one's reiatsu will help you regain your powers. Remember well Ichigo. I can take care of this for 2 years. After that, it will move out of my hands forever."

With these words resounding in his ears like an echo, he woke up with a start from Jinzen.

He was spending his time thinking on the danger that his Quincy side indicated. He knew that this posed a danger to his very being; but chose to ignore it, pushing the thought to the back of his mind resolving that he would look at it later. He still had 2 years before it evolved into something serious. No one knew about his problem yet, as he did not tell anyone, not even his 'best friend'.

'Yeah, she is your best friend.'His hollow snickered.

'Yes, she is. Now STOP bothering me.', and with this he shoved his hollow furthest into his mind. His hollow was being a bit more annoying lately

He looked ahead. The sun was painting a magnificent masterpiece on the West horizon. Birds flew over his head, towards their nest; signaling the end of day. The dandelion seeds danced in the wind. A few landed in his hands. He held them for a while in the hearts of his palms, then gently let go prodding them to join their friends in the sky. They moved along an enthralling dance. Ichigo took in this beautiful sight eagerly, watching it mesmerized. His soul counterparts involuntarily manifested besides him, joining him. Everyone, including his hollow, had a serene look on their faces.

Ichigo knew then. He realized that there was no use of worrying over future. He would always face his problems in his own special "Ichigo"-way. Head-On. With a smile he stood and recounted his Zanpakuto's motto aloud, so that his companions would hear it: "Cast off you fear. Look forward. Go forward. Never stand still. Retreat and you will age. Hesitate and you will die." Everyone had a resolute smile on their faces.

When the last streak of sunlight vanished, Ichigo told his soul mates, "C'mon guys. Let's head home."

Author's Note:

That's it for today! Thank you very much for reviews, I really appreciate them.

Next chapter will be up tomorrow.

Darkshadow007 signing off!