Chapter 21: Diablo

Ichigo couldn't believe the amount of power flowing through him. It pulsed through his veins, moving throughout his body as if it were blood, an important life source. This feeling calmed him, soothed him in a way that only achieving Bankai did. It restored his confidence and also brought many questions to his mind.

How? The orange haired Shinigami thought as he stood before Byakuya clad in his skull helmet, complete with menacing horns and what was unmistakably white Arrancar hierro underneath Tensa Zangetsu's long coat, black riatsu surrounding him in pulsating waves of seemingly unstoppable power.

'It's simple…' Zangetsu's voice echoed through his head, 'You never fully tapped into your hollow's powers because you were always holding back. As you fought through Hueco Mundo you gained more confidence in them and so your power grew ever so slightly with every engagement, but that wasn't enough to bring out your full strength… do you understand Ichigo? '

Ichigo narrowed his yellow eyes for a moment as he though about it. He had always thought that using his new hollow powers would bring nothing but pain and suffering to his life but it only hindered him when he'd hold back on using them. How stupid I was, power dose not determine good or evil, it's all about how you use it. Nel and those guys showed me that not all hollow are bad… okay well most are… but still, why shouldn't I trust my new powers just because they're different. If I use them to protect my friends and family then it's okay.

There was a long silence before Zangetsu replied, 'Yes Ichigo, now you get it… I've told you all along, never hold back, never run away. Face what you are and accept it and we can be unstoppable. Now… let's show Senbonzakura Kageyoshi what real power is. It's been a while since I've clashed with him.'

Alright, Ichigo replied with a chuckle.

Focusing on Byakuya now, who despite his hand desperately clenching his sword kept a calm and collect domineer. Ichigo pointed the tip of Tensa Zangetsu towards him, "Alright Byakuya… you wanted to see this power… here it is."

At that moment Ichigo disappeared, appearing behind Byakuya and firing off a Getsuga Tensho. He then returned to his previous position, firing off yet another Getsuga Tensho. This move was becoming signature to him by now, ever since it worked on Grimmjow.

However, to Byakuya, who to his credit had kept his eyes on Kurosaki the whole time, Ichigo seemed not to have moved one inch and it was only until the Shinigami Captain was absorbed in a dark could of energy did he know what had happened.

As Ichigo's attack dissipated, Byakuya's figure came back into view. His haori had dissipated, incinerated in Ichigo's attack, Shihakusho ripped to shreds but still mostly intact. Bruises littered the torn areas of his uniform and blood dripped from a few cuts. His breath was labored but despite all the pain he seemed to be in, his sword remained at the ready, eyes cold and calculating, ready to strike back.

"Good… at least you're still alive, I thought I was going easy since I held back on that one…" Ichigo said in his broken hollow voice, as he stood watching Byakuya regain himself.

"Don't hold back… besides that attack alone was enough to incinerate me. If I hadn't erected a Danku barrier to ease the attack, I'd be dead." Byakuya stated simply, "I was surprised when it started to crack."

"Danku?" Ichigo asked, "The hell is that?"

"It's Bakudo…"Byakuya started, "A defensive Kido spell that can repel Hado or, to simplify it for you, destructive spells up to number 89."

"I'm guessing that's a lot?" Ichigo asked.

"Some might say so, yes" Byakuya replied, pausing a moment before continuing. "I propose this to you Kurosaki. If you don't hold back on me, I'll teach you Kido that you might find useful. Though, it all depends on whether or not you have the talent for it and with the way you handle spiritual energy…"

"Oh shut up, I'll do just fine… ya have your self a deal." Ichigo retorted, interrupting Byakuya's seemingly insulting observation.

Byakuya nodded, composing him self ever more, ready for an attack. "Alright… Let's go."

Ichigo nodded in response, "If you say so." And in that moment he pointed his horns towards Byakuya, a Cero clearly forming between the protrusions.

The 6th Division Captain narrowed his eyes and began to charge strait into the ever growing red glow emanating from Ichigo's charging Cero….

Face forward, that which hinders you is worthless fear.

The enemy is one and you are one.

What is there to fear?

Cast off your fear and look forward!

Ichigo let lose his attack, the red glow shooting towards the charging figure of Byakuya, engulfing him in a bright red light of sheer power.

Byakuya let one hand drop forward preceding to stretch it out so it's palm pointed towards Ichigo's cero, his mouth hanging open, preparing to utter words. "Hado 88, Hiryugekizokushintenraiho…"

Go forward!

Never stand still.

Retreat and you will age.

Hesitate and you will die.

What's necessary in a fight isn't fear.

Nothing can be born from that.

Blue erupted towards red, finally clashing in a brilliant display of power and utter destruction.

Karin and Toushiro stood on top of a high rise a good distance away from where Ichigo and Byakuya were training. Still, it felt as if they were in the thick of battle, the sheer amount of riatsu pouring out of the two opponents being that powerful. The rising sun in the east only added to the shear power of the scene.

"Sure hope they don't kill each other." Karin mouthed with a sigh, scratching the back of her shoulder length raven black hair.

Toushiro stood still with his arms crossed over his chest, his shoulder touching Karin's ever so lightly as his icy blue eyes stared out towards the battlefield Byakuya and Ichigo were quickly making. "They won't… at least let's hope not." He instinctively reached over and wrapped one of his arms around her waist, bringing her just that much closer to him.

"I'm sure Ichi won't take it that far…" Karin sighed, resting her head on her white haired Shinigami's shoulder.

"I just don't want to clean up the mess they'll make is all… could care less if they killed each other." Toushiro said with his eyes closed, a matter-of-fact tone in his voice.

Karin swiftly stomped on his foot with her own, making her boyfriend howl in displeasure, "You heartless shorty!"

Toushiro's left eye twitched in response, a tick mark very present on his forehead, "I was kidding!"

"That's what I thought!" Karin chuckled, sticking her tongue out at Toushiro.

"Brat…" He mumbled in a discontented reply.

"Yeah… you love this brat though." Karin said with a light little smile on her lips.

"I do… I love you Karin Kurosaki." Toushiro said with the most complete seriousness Karin had ever witnessed from him before he pressed his lips against hers for a sweet little kiss.

When they withdrew a glint of worry flashed through Karin's eyes, "I want you to know… if you find Aizen on the battlefield… you don't have to face him alone."

Toushiro proceeded to lightly rub the small of Karin's back as she withdrew, continuing so through her dialog. "I could never ask you to help me in a fight. Besides… this is for Momo… and you know, better then anyone, what it means to me."

"I know… but I just… I want you to come out of there Alive… what he did to you the last time. He one shotted you, Shiro." Her hand came up to caress his face softly, "I can't stand to see you torn up like that… or feel like that again. I suppose that's the burden of my power."

Toushiro leaned his head into Karin's soft palm as her thumb rubbed the soft skin of his face, "I've been training with your father. He's going to make me stronger. Everyone is getting stronger. I'm helping Matsumoto with attaining Bankai; Takahashi is doing the same with Rukia." He smiled at her, something he really only did for her, "I wouldn't tell your brother that last part… its hush hush." Karin chuckled lightly before the white haired Shinigami Captain continued, "But even if they don't achieve what they set out to they would have only gained that much more power."

"Your right Shiro, I shouldn't doubt you… I just." Karin pauses for a moment, "I just can't lose you."

Toushiro's eyes widened, did he hear right? Karin wasn't one to get too mushy but he could tell she was almost on the verge of crying. He swiftly took her into his arms, embracing her with as much love and courage as he could muster. "I will come back to you Karin Kurosaki… this I promise."

"You better…" Karin said, her face buried in the crock of his neck. "I'll damn well make sure of it."

Toushiro rested his chin against the top of Karin's head, taking in her sent and weaving his hand through her silk like hair. "I know you will…" There was a soft chuckle from both of them as they stood there in each other's arms.

The two were forced to part however at the arrival of Rangiku, Meiyotou, and Rukia. The three landed atop the building's roof like a feather falling to the ground. Rukia bowed respectively to Toushiro. Takahashi and Rangiku however wore all knowing smiles.

"Sorry for the interruption Captain but we were just wondering what the strong riatsu was." Rangiku said stepping forward closer to the edge of the building, her beautiful blue eyes catching the distinct Bankai of Byakuya Kuchiki.

"Yes," Meiyotou continued, "Rukia was able to tell us who it was but the sheer power of it was immense. We just had to come up a see it and we felt you two near by."

Rangiku had long since lost her smile, her face washed over in astonishment, "It's amazing… I've never felt Ichigo's Riatsu like this, it's so… evil."

Rukia came to stand next to the busty blond lieutenant, "Yes… That's his hollow side, but it's different, more dense then usual. I wonder…"

"He's fully unlocked his hollow powers," Came a voice Most of the people standing on that roof thought they'd never hear for a good long while or ever again for that matter.

Everyone looked up startled, surprised anyone could have slipped passed they're keen detection skills, all except Meiyotou, a slight smile adorning his face as he slowly lifted his head up to the sky.

What they saw was a man with jaw length blond hair, smirking playfully down at them from his upside down position in the middle of the air. He wore a brown shirt with a tie and a coat over it. Rukia recognized him right then and there; the man who had saved her and Ichigo's life from Grimmjow.

"How long have ya been up there," Takahashi asked, "Shinji Hirako?"

"Long enough to see those two make out," Shinji pointed towards Karin and Toushiro comically.

Karin fumed, pointing a finger towards Shinji, "You perv, spying on a young innocent couple like that."

"Gah," Shinji replied taking his two pointer fingers and stretching the sides of his mouth to make a face at Karin, "It's not my fault. You guys were here when I came to see why Ichigo's riatsu was so dense. I had a theory, just needed the proof."

"That doesn't matter," Karin yelled, "You're still a perv, Shimpy or what ever your name is!"

Toushiro simply shook his head and closed his eyes, preferring to shut up. He knew how Karin could get… he also knew how Shinji could get too.

Meiyotou was in the same boat as Hitsugaya, "Alright, alright you two, enough is enough. This is Karin Kurosaki Shinji, Little Shiro's girlfriend and daughter to Isshin Kurosaki."

"Eh, not another one…" Shinji sighed, rolling his eyes.

"What's that supposed to mean!" Karin retorted.

Shinji simply shrugged

"I think you know the rest of us…" Meiyotou finished.

Shinji smiled towards Rangiku, "Lookin' lovely as always Rangiku." He gave a sly wink.

"Not so bad you're self Captain Hira-… I mean, Shinji." Matsumoto smirked, trying to cover up her slip.

"And Toushiro Hitsugaya, the protégée Third Seat of the Tenth Division last I checked." Shinji smiled.

"It's Captain Hitsugaya now, Ex-Captain Hirako…" Toushiro replied coldly, left eye twitching slightly. He didn't hold back calling him by his former title.

"Alright lover boy…" Shinji looked out towards the ensuing battle, "whose Ichigo fightin'?"

Toushiro fumed silently, sore over the 'lover boy' comment, "Byakuya Kuchiki…"

"I thought that might be who that was…" Shinji said before smiling down at Rukia, "Find out Ichi was porkin' you did he?"

Rukia blushed, stammering a bit, "N-no, we haven't yet… I mean, they're just training…"

Karin looked back up at Shinji, tight fisted and red faced, her shoulders raised up in apparent anger, "That's none of your business perv, that's between my brother and Rukia!"

Shinji sighed, turning around and starting to walk away from the building, "What ever… I'll see you folks around. We're doin' some intense trainin' with Kisuke so can't spend too long out here." And with that he disappeared with a simple Flash Step.

Karin was still visibly angered, "Who the fuck was that?"

Toushiro sighed, "Shinji Hirako, ex-captain of the Fifth Division."

"More importantly, he's a Vizard," Takahashi added.

Karin raised an eyebrow, "That guy is like Ichigo?"

Rangiku nodded slowly, "Aizen made him that way. He was his lieutenant."

Karin blinked a few times, "You're guna have ta tell me this story."

Meiyotou chuckled, "We will, how about on the way to Urahara's shop? I want Rukia to help you learn Kido."

Karin nodded, walking to Meiyotou before turning around and waiting for Rukia.

The group was silent for a moment as Rukia stared absent mindedly towards the ground.

"Rukia… hello?" Karin asked, wondering if her big sister figure was doing okay.

Rukia looked up with a start, "Huh? Oh, you guys go ahead, I'll be there in a minute. I need to talk to Lieutenant Matsumoto first."

Everyone but Rangiku, who had a smirk on her face, looked at Rukia funny… it wasn't like her to act like this.

"Alright," Takahashi said, "We'll be waiting, so don't be too long." He turned and started to walk away, "Come along Karin." He disappeared with a Flash Step, Karin following only a second later.

In the distance Ichigo's and Byakuya's fight continued without and drop in the extreme spiritual pressure the two were emitting.

Night had come as quickly as day in the Kurosaki house hold. Rukia had fallen asleep on the couch. After all any training involving Karin was exhausting because… well… that girl was difficult sometimes. Rukia was surprised Karin had gotten though as much as she did in one day. She was indeed a fast learner like her Brother. This caused Rukia to debate asking Lieutenant Ise to further instruct Karin in the Demon Arts. Nanao was a Kido master after all.

The door opening to the Kurosaki house hold woke Rukia from her snooze, her pale eye lids lifting ever so slowly. Violet blue eyes caught Ichigo as he walked into the living room, clearly limping, his face displaying a look of soreness. He placed Zangetsu against the wall and sighed.

Rukia sat up on the couch and smiled, "You don't look so good…"

"Yeah, I feel that way too… please tell me you're the only one here?" Ichigo asked.

Rukia nodded silently.

Ichigo sighed happily, launching himself into the couch next to his girlfriend and closing his eyes, "Thank God… I don't think I could stand my family at the moment."

Rukia chuckled, "I can understand that…" She paused a moment, "So you finally unlocked your hollow powers full potential."

Ichigo nodded, looking over at Rukia with a questioning eye, "Yeah, how'd ya know?"

Rukia smiled lightly, "I think the whole Gotei 13 knows, Ichigo."

Ichigo smiled lightly, "You have a point there."

Silence enveloped the two as they sat there. Rukia was biting her bottom lip, like she had something to ask him, however Ichigo was too tired to notice.

"Ichigo?" Rukia asked, apparently gathering the courage enough to vocalize what ever she was thinking about.

"Yeah?" Ichigo responded…

"Do you want to… I mean… uh." Rukia stuttered.

"What?" Ichigo asked, his face contorting into an expression of confusion.

"Do you want to… uh… make love?" Rukia finally said.

Ichigo sat there completely blank, eyes blinking… "Huh?"

As soon as Karin and Meiyotou had left Rukia faced Rangiku, about to speak but the busty blond held her finger up, shaking her head. She pointed to Toushiro who had resumed watching the intense Training session between Ichigo and Byakuya. She then bent down to whisper into Rukia's Ear, "Not here… Captain will hear… lets go to the next building over."

Rukia simply nodded and one quick Flash Step later they were on the roof of the adjacent building.

Rangiku crossed her arms just under her bust, smiling towards Rukia, "Alright Miss Kuchiki, what can I do for you?"

"I need to know… How to ask Ichigo to make love to me…" Rukia asked, clearly embarrassed.

"Oh honey… You shouldn't fret over this kinda thing. It'll happen." Rangiku advised.

"It's not that… it's just… we could die in this battle and I wana feel as complete as I can with Ichigo." Rukia said.

Rangiku thought for a moment, "I understand… so why don't you just do this? When he comes home all tattered and torn from training with Captain Kuchiki, just warm him up into it. Like a reward for his day's hard work…Maybe give him a massage. Besides he's fifteen… shouldn't be too hard of a job" She gave a sly wink at her last comment.

Rukia thought a moment, nodding slowly. "Thank you, Lieutenant Matsumoto."

Rangiku simply chuckled, giving Rukia a big hug… almost suffocating the little Shinigami between her ample bosom.

Rukia got up, moved around to the back of Ichigo and began massaging his shoulders lightly, "Lieutenant Matsumoto said that I should do this to get you in the mood."

Ichigo looked up at Rukia, to tiered to move at the moment, "Rangiku said what?!"

Rukia blinked, "What?! I just wanted us to share a special moment!"

Ichigo suddenly found the urge to get up and face his four foot six girlfriend, "Well, you shouldn't go to Rangiku of all people for advice!"

"And why not!" Rukia retorted with vigor.

"Because…" Ichigo looked left and then right, making sure there was no one else around, "She's a… you know… a slut."

"That's why I asked her!" Rukia explained.

Ichigo was speechless for a good moment. His mouth hung open like he was about to say something but nothing came out. "Why is this so important to you all of a sudden?" Ichigo asked, finally getting the ability to speak back.

Rukia looked down. She could feel Ichigo's stare on her, waiting for an answer. "Because… we could die…"

"Don't talk like that!" Ichigo yelled.

"But it could happen!" Rukia retorted yet again, "And you damn well know that."

That left Ichigo speechless for the second time that night.

Rukia slowly stepped forward, decreasing the distance between the two, "I just wanted you to know how much I loved you before we went into battle. I wouldn't be able to die well without knowing you knew that I loved you as much as I do."

"Rukia…" Ichigo simply said as she stepped even further towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Please, Ichigo." She said softly, her violet blue eyes locked with his brown ones, "Be with me tonight and all the nights after." She proceeded to kiss him ever so softly on the bottom lip.

Ichigo remained stunned, how could he say no. He was fifteen after all. He smirked ever so slightly, pulling Rukia into him for an embrace, "Alright Shinigami..."

Rukia snuggled into her Ichigo as he pressed her body against his, "It's not Shinigami, its Rukia Kuchiki."

That night Rukia and Ichigo shared something very special. Something some people might not consider a big deal, casual if you will, but to them it was the ultimate form of their expression of their love for each other.

Bow chika bow wow.

A/N:

Translations:

Kido - Spirit Way… or Demon way… or Demon Arts...

Bakudo - Way of Binding

Danku - Splitting Void

Hado - Way of Destruction

Hiryugekizokushintenraiho - Flying Dragon-Striking Heaven-Shaking Thunder Cannon

Hierro - Spanish for Iron or Japanese for Steel Skin.

Well, I felt I owed you guys at least one more chapter seeing as it had been a good long while since my last update. We needed to take a break from the serious stuff and get a little fluffy, well it was /serious/ fluffy which is okay too. I know all this is going in a completely different direction then Kubo's plot, but that's just the way it's going, so I'm sorry if I lose any audience over it. Anyways, as always thanks for reviewing and until next time. r&r.