Fox: Whew, got ourselves a long one here! Yay! That's always good, isn't it? This is the second chapter to the 'Kenny get's super pissed' arc XD There's one more after this. Sorry, but that's how I am -sniffle- Anyway,

Hurray new people!

kiera666, Ghost in the mirror, rae12391! Thanks for adding/alerting/faving!

Yay usual reviewers and Nee-chan!

I luvz you all =D

Now let's see if Kiki turned into a mushroom or grew another head!

Enjoy

Chapter Seven: The Ghost Who Cried Wolf

Ichigo had a expressionless face on. "Don't be so eager to help..."

"If you find that person, maybe they can help you."

Ichigo thought about it. "Yeah, maybe..."

He jumped back into the tree. "Thanks a lot!" He waved the ghostly figure off.

The orange headed Reaper thought it was odd but investigated none the less. After all, even something small or insignificant, could help him bring Kenpachi back to senses. Ichigo glanced to the side and noticed that the sun was touching the earth with it's red rays. Night was drawing near. He shook his head and picked up speed. Though he was not close to the battle field, Ichigo felt the fight coming to an end.

He needed to find her! And fast!

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Renji and Ruika looked onward as they dashed towards the battle. Smoke and fire could be seen and smelt all around. Ruika coughed as the smoke seemed to wrap around her throat and slowly suffocate her. Tears welt up in Renji's eyes as the smoke stung at his eyes like a thousand bees. They both could tell that Kenpachi was close. Very close. Oblivion and blood shed always followed in that man's wake. Renji shuddered and gripped the sword's hilt tightly. Spinning around, suddenly latching onto Ruika's waist, he flung his strange Zanpaku-to at the building beside them. The blade let out a screech as if it reacted to colliding with some other weapon.

It was the cry of pure steel clashing.

"Ruika, run, now!!" Renji shouted, withdrawing his weapon from the dusty cloud.

Ruika shook her head. "No, I will not abandon you!" She cried.

"I said leave, dammit!" Renji roared back.

A yell of rage erupted from the smoke. The gruff and harsh voice of the god like Shinigami,

Zaraki Kenpachi.

Out of the clouds came the enraged Reaper. His chipped blade stained red with blood, laid resting on his broad shoulders. Crimson droplets, those mostly likely from fellow Soul Reapers, dripped onto the stone pavement. His uniform barely scathed by the battles he ensued. And not a single mark, the slightest cut, upon his tanned face. His jaw set firmly in anger. You could literally hear the grinding of his teeth. His black eyes shone with such intensity and blood lust that even Ichigo's Hollow form would tremble to his knees.

"Where is she?" Kenpachi breathed out.

Renji gulped. Fighting himself if he should answer or not.

"For the last time, Kenpachi, we don't know." The ruby haired Reaper said steadily.

The large Reaper snorted. The aged sword laying on his shoulders moved to his hand. Renji also readied his Zanpaku-to.

"Ruika, please retreat, find the others and help them." Renji whispered to the young Reaper.

Ruika opened her mouth to refuse but Renji slung his clattering blade at her.

"Leave, now!!" He shouted.

"You think I'm going to allow you to leave?! You've got another thing comin'!" Kenpachi roared as he charged at his friends.

"Go!" Abarai ordered.

Ruika nodded and was off in a flash. Leaving her childhood friend alone with the most feared Soul Reaper. Tears threatened to spill from her lavender eyes, but she shoved them back. Her clan wasn't allowed to show such weak emotions. All her life she was taught these things. Friends, emotions, they were nothing. She cleared her mind and continued to set off finding her comrades.

Kenpachi had to stopped!

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Urahara sniffled as he blew his nose into a handkerchief. His poor shop had a huge hole smashed in the side of it! Ururu was sweeping up outside while the other two helped picking up shatter wood and stone. But the shopkeepers were less worried about the shop than what had bashed it's way out and into the Spirit World. Jinta growled. "Nobody saw what it was?!" Ururu kept silent as she swept the dusty ground. Tessai pat Jinta's head. "Calm down. Whatever it was is now in the Soul Society's hands." "All I know it was a stinkin' Hollow." Jinta scoffed. Tessai pushed his glasses farther up the bridge of his nose. "Indeed." Ururu sighed. "I hope Yagami-chan is okay..."

Urahara sat before Kiki's room in deep thought. His fan waved his tatty blonde locks.

"This isn't good."

Tessai joined his boss.

"No, sir. It isn't." The heavily muscled man agreed.

Urahara sighed as he heard Jinta and Ururu both coming this way.

"Boss, is Kiki ok-" Jinta stopped short as he blinked.

Ururu came up behind him and was wide eyed.

"Don't tell me...." Jinta trailed off.

Urahara nodded and slid his fan closed. "I'm afraid so."

"Then, that thing that just busted out of here was..." Ururu didn't wish to finish her sentence.

Urahara rose himself from his sitting position on the floor.

"Yes, that Hollow that just ran of here, was Miss Kiki."

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A pale figure snuck about in the trees. It's golden eyes glowed like the moon. Slender and sharp clawed hands dug themselves into the tree branch it was preached on. A long tail with a spiked end, swung side to side. A hole placed in the middle of it's chest. The mask formed a wolf like face with fangs of a saber tooth tiger. Held securely it's strong arm was a tiny form with pink hair and black robes.

A black tongue escaped the mask's lips and ran across it's fangs. It looked down at it's prey and smiled hungrily.

Dinner time was arriving.

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Ruika had just arrived at the chaotic scene in time to witness the horror Kenpachi caused. She shook as she looked down upon her fallen comrades. Grabbing her Zanpaku-to, she jumped down to their level. Ruika walked a serpentine pattern among the wounded Reapers. Blood coated the walls and the stones. Blades lay still and broken. She bit her lip in order to keep silent her cries. Yes, Ruika was a Soul Reaper and she took many lives to the other side but, ever since she meet Ichigo; she had changed. Lives mattered now. No matter how small or insignificant.

Her eyes darted among the bodies that littered the yards in search of her brother. She could recognize many of the faces but none she needed at the moment.

'Renji said they were all up here. But where?'

Ruika finished scanning over the corpses and jumped back onto the building. She gazed back over the courtyard, making sure she didn't miss anyone. With a curt nod, the black haired Reaper returned to surveying for her group. Ruika headed towards the main house when a voice caught her attention.

"Oi, Ruika!"

She snapped her head down. Below her was Soi Fon and Ikkaku. Ruika smiled and flew to them. When she landed, Ruika immediately asked, "What's going on?!" Soi Fon replied. "Kenpachi has lost his infernal mind, that's what!" Ruika let out a breathe angrily. "I already know that. I meant, why isn't anyone looking for Yachiru?!" Ikkaku was quick to answer. "We've sent out a search party. They should be back within the hour. With or without her." Ruika stared at the two gravely. That poor child...

Soi Fon and Ikkaku told Ruika that the rest of them was waiting up ahead. She followed the two past the broken walls and into the woods. Ruika examined the area to see who all was there.

Rangiku and Momo sat on both sides of Hitsugaya. Momo's clothes tattered and burnt. Rangiku's bright blonde hair caked with red. And Hitsugaya seemed to be suffering from second degree burns on his arms.

Yumichika sat alone in the tree above the three. His usually even cut hair was burnt into uneven slices.

Kurotsuchi sat on a large boulder without much injuries but he looked out of breath. Nemu lay at his feet panting and bleeding.

Komamura sat Indian style on a tree stump. His mask was no where to seen. Most likely it was torn and destroyed.

Then Ruika saw him.

Her elder brother sat next to Yamamoto, who had also sustained much injuries, with Kyoraku sitting on the other side. Both men were badly hurt.

Byakuya opened his glassy eyes to peer at the new comer. He sighed and stood up. "I wonder if you were going to make it." Ruika gave a slight bow. "I'm glad to see that you're still alive, brother." Byakuya said not a word while walking towards her. "Did you bring that orange haired boy with you?" Ruika nodded. "He's searching for Yachiru as we speak." Byakuya looked to Yamamoto. The old Soul Reaper placed his cane on the grassy floor and stood. "Ruika, have you heard what we've expected took little Yachiru?" "No, sir, I've haven't."

The elder cleared his throat. "Soon after Kenpachi lost control of his anger, we heard shouts coming from the other side of our perimeter. Cries of fear." Ruika blinked. "Fear of what, sir?" Yamamoto continued. "Fear of a Hollow. The shouts Renji heard spoke of a wolf like Hollow. But it seemed that it wasn't fully complete. Some of the human face was still showing." He lowered his gaze. The aged man's eyes were now glimmering with malicious. "I've received some news about a newly awakened Reaper. Ruika, I understand your intentions entirely. But, just like Ichigo, this one has too become a problem." Ruika gulped. "What do you mean?"

Byakuya stepped in. "The people you left the Reaper with, shouldn't you have heard some kind of report on her status by now?"

Ruika glanced at her phone, it was tied to her belt. She snatched it away and ran through her messages. Her eyes narrowed. Urahara sent her a text just about five minutes go. She quickly opened the message and read fast. Ruika's eyes widened and her mouth gaped.

Sender: Kisuke Urahara

To: Kuchiki Ruika

"Miss Ruika, it's what I feared.

P.S. Watch out for wolves."

-Urahara

The text was short but it got his point across. Kiki had turned into a Hollow but, 'watch out for wolves'? That didn't make any sense... Wait, could he be referring to the wolf Hollow? "I see your friend has alerted you." Yamamoto said. Ruika re-tied her phone to the belt. "Yes sir, he has. About the Hollow, please leave it to me!" She pleaded. Yamamoto and Bakuya exchanged glances. "Why do you want to find the Hollow, hm?" The old one asked. Ruika lowered her head. "Sir, that Hollow is my friend." Byakuya scoffed. "Funny how your new friends seem to become Hollows." Yamamoto settled himself back down on his seat. "Ruika, listen well, I will let you find the Hollow and see if you can help your friend. But, heed my warning. If you cannot reclaim your friend and return Yachiru safely then I'll have no choice but to destroy the Hollow, is that clear?" Yamamoto warned. Ruika bowed respectfully. "Yes sir," Inside Ruika hopped she could help Kiki, not vanquish her.

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Ichigo was still traveling around when someone yelled,

"Wolf, wolf! Somebody rescue me!"

In a heartbeat, Ichigo raced to the source of the cry. Pushing branches and bushes away, he ran out in a small clearing. Three children from the Rukongai were huddling near a tree trembling. Ichigo rushed over to them. "Are you okay?" The group nodded. He sighed. That was a relief. "Where's the wolf?" The older looking one directed Ichigo over at the bushes. "It's hiding in there!" Ichigo inhaled and exhaled. Grabbing hold of his sword, he walked to the bunches of green.

The plants rustled as Ichigo drew closer. He gulped and held his blade defensibly. Sweat glided down his forehead and onto the ground. A little growl erupted from the scenery. His heart beating like a drum, Ichigo slowly touched the bush and carefully slid it aside. Out of the shadows lept a wolf!

"Holy crap!"

Ichigo swung his heavy sword at the creature. With one slice it's head flew off. Next thing Ichigo knew was that some little kid was on the floor crying his head off.

"Huh?!" Ichigo looked at the head he sliced off. It was a homemade mask! It looked like it was made out of the paper people normally use for pinatas!

His eye twitched as the boy continued with his wailing.

"Are you freaking kidding me?!" He shouted, pointing a finger in the boy's face.

The kid made an angry face. "It took me forever to make that, jerk!"

The child bit Ichigo's finger and kicked him in the shin before running over to the protection of his tiny gang.

"Son of a-!"

The now fuming Reaper was hopping up and down on one foot yelling curses in his head.

Ichigo turned and glared daggers at the group. "You guys have a lot of nerve! That scared the crap outta me!" All the kids stuck their tongues out. "Nah, like we care." Ichigo's face grew dark as he cracked his knuckels. "Alright, punks, I'll give ya till three to get out of my sight!" The cell now sweat bullets because of Ichigo's sudden switch in personality. "S-Sorry, sir! Won't happen again! We swear!" They promised. After that, Ichigo was left all alone with a dust cloud those boys left behind from running away.

"Hmph, that'll teach'em!" Ichigo snorted.

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Ruika was help tending to the wounded before going on to help Ichigo. 'I just hope I can make it time.' She thought as she finished up Momo's injuries. The small brown haired girl smiled. "Thank you, Ruika-senpai." Ruika grinned in return and went to Hitsugaya. The short man glanced at her before looking away. "Tch," Ruika groaned. "Look, you're badly burned. You don't want scars, do you?" The ice Shinigami rolled his eyes before removing his top.

Ruika inwardly flinched at his condition. Dark red and purple blotches scattered across his small frame. Yet, Hitsugaya may be small, the guy sure had some muscle to him. Although he was burnt, Ruika could tell the height challenged Reaper had a six pack. The young Kuchiki had no interest in him whatsoever but what girl couldn't help but drool at the sight of well toned stomach? She blushed as she cleaned his burns. Hitsugaya looked puzzled at Ruika's show of expression. "What's the matter? I'm not that badly hurt." Rangiku began to laugh. "Captain, I believe she's embarrassed because of your sexy stomach." Ruika was about to strangle the big busted blonde but Momo slapped her first. "Don't talk about Captain Hitsugaya like that! He deserves respect!"

The white haired man just moaned.

'Women...I've lived for over five hundred years and haven't even come close to understanding their strange ways.' He thought.

Ikkaku and his friend had tears flowing down their faces. "Why does the shorty get all the attention?!"

Hitsugaya overheard them and glared icy stares at the two. The young Reapers shuddered. Did they dare look behind them? They slowly craned their necks to look at the ice dragon user. His blue eyes glowed with such anger, Ikkaku and Yumichika thought they going to do more than cry...

"Please forgive us, Hitsugaya-sama!"

Their faces hit the dirt.

Hitsugaya smiled an icy grin. "Thought so,"

Ruika finished up her job and deliberately skipped Rangiku. "Hey, what about me? I'm hurt too!" She whined as Ruika walked away. "Your point?" She spat. Rangiku scowled. Momo giggled at Rangiku while their Captain sighed and leaned his head back, resting it on the bark of the tree.

The younger Kuchiki approached the older. His lavender eyes peeked open as his sister came near. She set down her medical supplies. "Remove your top, please." Her brother said not a word just complied. He wasn't as bad as Ruika thought. He had scrapes and deep cuts with little burns here and there. Byakuya was better off than a lot of them. She preformed healing spells and use medicine as well. Neither spoke to the other. Both had their eyes closed with an unmoving expression. Once Ruika stopped Byakuya said, "Why aren't you off helping your 'friend'?" Byakuya used the term loosely. Ruika closed her kit. "Because, you all need some assistance, you can't possible help Kenpachi in your condition." She explained.

Her brother sighed. "If you wish to stay and help here then I suggest you send him a message about your Hollow pal. Knowing him, he'll attack and kill on sight. He knows nothing." Byakuya said coldly. Ruika's eyes grew wide. That's right! Ichigo doesn't know that Kiki is a Hollow! She grabbed her phone and went to type the message but stopped. Her brother opened one eye. "Why did you desist?" Ruika lowered her phone. "Ichigo doesn't have the cell. There's no way to reach him quickly." Byakuya shook his head. Sometimes he hated to help his little sister but...

"Send the message to the shopkeeper of yours. I'm sure it will reach him in the nesaccary amount of time."

Ruika looked up at her brother amazed. He'd never really helped her before. It felt kinda...nice.

Ruika followed his advice and sent Urahara the message. All she could was stay put and wait.

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"Gah!!" Ichigo was jumping through the trees when he tripped on his pants and fallen on his back. He huffed and rolled himself onto his side. "This better calm that monster down or I'll-"

"Help, someone please, wolf!!" A voice cried out.

Ichigo wondered if it could be another prank. But deep down, he felt that this time, it was for real.

Ichigo was on his feet in a matter of seconds, running towards the sound. As he entered into a misty area, he noticed a spirit from the Rukongai. The little boy was shivering with fear with tears streaming down his reddened cheeks. His frightened gaze never left the trees. Ichigo was beside the young boy in the blink of an eye. "Hey, you'll okay. Where's the wolf?" Raising a quivering arm, he pointed at the shadowed trees. "I-In there! It tried to eat me!" Ichigo recognized the kid. He was the one using the wolf mask from before.

Ichigo drew his large Zanpaku-to and slowly advanced towards the woods. "Stay behind me, kid. If things start to look ugly, make a run for it." Ichigo whispered so only the child could hear. The boy nodded and readied himself. Ichigo noticed the abnormal quickly. The birds had ceased to sing. The wind didn't even blow. Everything was deathly still.

'Thump'

'Thump'

Was that his heart?

'Thump, Thump'

'Thump, Thump, Thump'

No, it wasn't!

Ichigo saw the water in the pond next to him. The water rippled and bounced.

'Thump, Thump, Thump'

'Thump, Thump, Thump, Thump'

"Kid, get outta here!"

A roar rumbled as the ground shook with each nearing step.

The little boy wasted no time in running away. He was off and gone in a second.

"Aaagggghhh!!!"

A giant white blur jumped out of the trees. It's figure overshadowed by the sunlight. Ichigo squinted as he tried to see the thing. He cursed and lept out of danger as the creature landed. Ichigo placed his sword on his shoulders and got a good look at what jumped him. The dust cleared and reviled a large pale wolf. Ichigo tightened his grip on his Zanpaku-to. He saw the hole in the animal's chest.

"A Hollow!"

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Renji panted heavily as he hid in cover. Kenpachi had nearly killed him six times! He wiped the blood dripping down his chin off. His Bankai was coming to an end. Either he had to end this or retreat. Renji really didn't want do either of those. The first would surely get him killed and the second made him look like a coward. He could try to use Zabbimaru to at least create a distraction so he could leave but what on earth did Kenpachi not see?! The power house fool never missed an attack. Either it was defence, attack, or sneak attack, he would break through it. Renji growled. That's why he never liked Kenpachi. He doesn't even his Zanpaku-to's name yet here he is with all this enormous strength! It was ridiculous!

Renji peeped over the rock he was hiding behind, the smoldering battle grounds were empty. Kenpachi wasn't in sight.

"Shit!"

When Kenpachi disappeared, bad things happened. Real bad things.

Suddenly, Renji felt a huge amount of Spirit Pressure from behind him. 'Oh no! I let my guard down!' He whipped Zabbimaru around and slung at the flames. It clanged. It hit something! And that something was...

"Don't let yuor guard down, brat!" Kenpachi emerged from the fire with the intention to kill burning within his eyes.

'Damn it!'

Fox: Oh no! Will Renji make out alive?! Can the message reach Ichigo in time?! Is Kiki a mushroom or Hollow?! Will I ever stop asking these questions?! I'm not really sure...Anyways, thanks again for reading! I hope to hear from you.

See ya next chapter!