Chapter 11:

Though it was early, Rukia decided that this was her best chance to use the bathroom before Rangiku got in there. She always took so long. Between her and Yumichika, it was hard to know who was worse. Rukia only spent a half hour in the bathroom getting showered and dressed and anything else she needed to do. Rangiku was known to spend triple that time doing the same thing. It was a cloudy, grey day so Rukia wasn't surprised by how dark it still was outside. She wandered downstairs to see who else was up.

At the base of the stairs she stopped. Byakuya was still sleeping on the couch. She didn't want to disturb him so she debated whether or not to return to her room. She saw Victor walk into the kitchen and turn on a light over the stove. He was preparing breakfast. If he was able to move freely about the room then Rukia should be able to do the same.

As the hot pan began to sizzle, Byakuya rolled onto his elbow and looked over the back of the couch. Victor glanced up. "Did I wake you?"

Byakuya shook his head slightly. He had been dozing for the past few minutes, collecting himself.

Victor grabbed the handle of the pan and gave it a quick flick, sending the eggs into the air and back down again, flipping them. Victor took out eight pieces of bread, loading three into a small device, which Byakuya assumed to be a toaster. He started to set the table while everything was cooking.

The smell brought Ikkaku into the kitchen. He sat down at the table without a word to the chef or Captain. A minute later, Yumichika staggered in followed by Hanataro and then Ichigo.

Seeing everyone up and about, Rukia decided to approach the kitchen. Rangiku came down after Rukia took a seat across from Ichigo. The table was getting cramped already. It wasn't large enough to accommodate more than six people comfortably. Victor brought in a chair from the dining room and sat it at the head of the table. As he went to get another, Byakuya told him that he preferred to sit at the island by himself and not to bother. As Victor served everyone, Cedric came downstairs with Linnette, fully dressed in jean shorts and green tank top. This was one of the few times she wasn't wearing a dress. She sat in the chair Victor had placed at the table and waited for her meal.

Soon, everyone was eating and holding different conversations. Linnette was talking with Hanataro most of the time. He sat there, having little to say. He wasn't used to someone being so interested in him like this. When she asked him certain questions, he would give her quick answers or respond by keeping his head down and stuffing his mouth. To other questions, he responded happily, giving her detailed answers, enjoying the conversation. Rangiku kept ordering around Victor, asking for more food and refills on her juice and anything else she wanted. She treated him like her own personal butler. Ikkaku was quiet most of the time, keeping his eyes down on his plate, lifting them only to ask for more food.

Ichigo leaned over to whisper to him. "What's with you?"

"What do you mean?" he whispered back.

"You could stand to be a more gracious guest, you know. Not sit there all miserable."

Ikkaku shoved a sausage into his mouth before answering. "I'm not complaining that much. Not like Rangiku. I am being a gracious guest. I accept their kindness and don't complain about the sleeping arrangements or the food or anything like that."

"I know that." Ichigo gave a quick glance over to Linnette who was still talking with Hanataro. "I mean, have you said anything to her yet? I'm not calling you rude or anything, but… you're acting kind of cold to her in a way."

Ikkaku lowered his fork. "I've told you this before. I don't like kids. I hate young energetic girls. Granted, she's not as bad as my Lieutenant, but can you blame me?" He stabbed his last sausage and brought it to his lips. "There are some people you just don't like, even if they haven't done anything to you. That simple." He took a bite. "I still say that if she didn't have those powers, none of us would even be talking to her right now."

This explained Ikkaku's mood. He didn't like staying at a young girl's house. He may have also been upset from the sleepover a couple days ago. Ichigo wasn't present to know what had happened while he was gone. Ikkaku was out of his element and uncomfortable with staying with Linnette and the two men who could kill him if they found anything wrong with him. Victor and Cedric already made it perfectly clear that they didn't like him themselves. Not with him having so many hurtful things to say about Linnette and their family. The feeling was mutual.

"So…" Rangiku said, pushing her plate aside and into Hanataro's. "Who's up for some sightseeing and a little shopping today? Let's make the best of this dreary day."

"All you've done is shop," said Rukia. "You're going to spend all your money."

"What else is there to do? We haven't seen any Hollows."

Yumichika looked up. "Come to think of it, nothing's happened. Just how long are we supposed to be here? I thought there was a huge Hollow problem here."

"Hollow problem?" Linnette looked up. "There haven't been any Hollows around here for a long, long time. If there were, we could handle it, no problem."

"If it's so easy, then why are we here?" Ikkaku asked gruffly.

Byakuya's gaze traveled to Victor who kept his back to the group, cleaning the counter. So far, he had kept his word about keeping that information a secret.

"It must be a crafty Hollow, then," said Rangiku. "Maybe that's why it's a problem."

"Yeah, yeah…"

Ichigo had stopped moving for some time now. He sat perfectly still, fork frozen to his lips. The only one at the table who noticed was Rukia. She nudged him under the table with her foot. He gave no response. No reaction at all. "Ichigo?" she called his name. Still, he didn't answer. "Ichigo?"

By now, everyone was looking at him. Ichigo wasn't moving.

Worried, Linnette turned her body towards him and called his name. "Ichigo? Are you ok?"

His eyes closed and he dropped his fork. It landed on his plate with a loud clang, bounced off the rim and landed on the floor. His hand remained in the air, frozen.

"Ichigo?" she called again. "Hello?"

The teen's head turned towards her voice and in an instant, his body was in the air. He leapt out of his seat and flew straight at Linnette, tackling her. Her chair tipped over and the two landed on the floor with a crash, Ichigo's arms wrapped around her thin body.

"What the hell?!"

Victor and Cedric stood on either side of them and prepared to throttle Ichigo. If Linnette was hurt, if she had so much as a pinched finger or bumped her head…

"W-wait! Wait!" She held up her hands to stop them from ripping him apart.

The Soul Reapers were out of their seat, watching.

Ichigo nuzzled Linnette with his face, purring. He wouldn't let go of her body. He held her tightly, hugging her lovingly. Linnette tried to get up, but with Ichigo holding her like this and the position she was in, still being seated in the overturned chair, she couldn't. As she moved, Ichigo held her tighter.

Linnette put her hand on his orange hair, trying to get a look at his face. "Ichigo..?"

His gold eyes opened and settled on her pale face. "Guess again, princess."

Her eyes widened. "H- Hollow?!"

He purred nosily into her stomach at his nickname. "Long time no see. I've missed you."

Rukia moved closer to see his black and yellow eyes. "Wait a minute… Is that… Is that Ichigo's Hollow?!"

Ikkaku pushed Yumichika out of his way to get a better look. "I thought he only showed up…" He looked at Linnette. "That explains it. This is her doing. It's gotta be."

Linnette pushed against Ichigo's grip. "B- but I didn't sing or anything. Not even a little. He should only change when I sing and I didn't."

"Then how the hell did he show up?"

Rukia stepped forward and grabbed the back of Ichigo's shirt, pulling him away from Linnette. He wouldn't let go of her hips. "Ichi… er, whoever you are… What are you doing here? How did this happen?"

"How the hell should I know?" he hissed. "Not that I'm complaining or nothing. Freedom's freedom."

"So you don't know how this happened or how you got here?"

"Nope. Not a clue." He swatted Rukia's hand away. "All's I know is I'm here." He started to nuzzle Linnette again. "And now that I am… how's about a song, sweetie? Just a little one will do."

Linnette pushed against his shoulders and he stopped hugging her, sitting back. A look of confusion spread across his face as he saw the un-amused look on Linnette's. She crawled away from him, getting off the fallen chair. "Why would you want me to sing for you? You're already free."

Her song was supposed to set him free. Since Ichigo's Hollow was already in control, it seemed unnecessary for her to sing a song for him. He was already released.

Slowly his smile returned and he chuckled, sitting on the polished kitchen floor. "Oh, princess… It's simple, really." He crawled closer, putting her guardians on edge. "I like it."

"You like it? That's it?"

"That's it?" He laughed. "Sweetie, it's as I've said before… I adore your song. Free or not, I love it. It's like a drug to me. I hear it and everything's ok. It just makes me feel… happy." His grin widened. "Now don't we all want to pursue a little happiness?"

Linnette looked him up and down. This was Ichigo's body. But these weren't his mannerisms. The expression on his face was all wrong. His eyes were a different color and his smile was chilling. But he spoke with warm sincerity. He truly enjoyed listening to her song. That hadn't changed. It still had power over him. She was the only one who could tame him.

He moved closer, begging for a song. "Please sing for me? Just once?"

Putting on a tough front, she sat on the floor, her back straight and her shoulders up. "We'll see."

The smile on his face melted. "What? 'We'll see'? What?" He looked like a cat on the verge of getting an unwanted bath. He even recoiled, sinking into his body.

"It depends on your behavior," she told him. "As long as you behave yourself, then I'll do it. Later."

"Later?"

She nodded. "Yup. Since we don't know how or why this happened to Ichigo, I don't want to sing just yet incase it effects anything. I want to see if he changes back. Once that happens, then I'll sing for you."

It wasn't the answer he wanted to hear, but for some reason, he couldn't get mad at her. Not her. He humbly obeyed. "As you wish." He sat on the floor like a loyal dog, waiting.

Rangiku frowned. "So wait… so that isn't Ichigo right now? He changed? Or that's another person?" She scratched her head, confused. "So where is Ichigo right now?"

The teen's head turned and tilted to one side, looking at her with a wicked grin. "He's in here, with us."

"Hollow…" Linnette drawled like an annoyed mother.

He turned back, laughing. "I was just having a little fun. Sorry. I had to."

Linnette stood up with Victor's helping hand. Ichigo stood up, following her every move. He didn't want to be too far away from her for a single moment. To everyone's surprise, Cedric stepped forward next saying, "I have something to ask."

Ichigo's head tilted. "Yes?" he drawled teasingly.

"This isn't the first time you've appeared in the last few days, is it?"

Everyone looked at him in shock. Ichigo remained still, a look of indifference on his face.

"The other night during the sleepover… I found Ichigo's body outside Linnette's door. It seemed unnatural to me. He was sleeping on the couch. He had no business going upstairs to a room packed with young girls he doesn't know. He was also curled up outside her door, much like a dog." Cedric eyed Ichigo's face, looking for any change in expression. "Was that you? Did you take over that evening and walk up those stairs to find Linnette?"

He smiled at him in a smug fashion. "Truth? Yes. But I lost control a few minutes in and collapsed outside her door."

The Soul Reapers exchanged looks. This had happened before without their knowledge.

"And after that, the other night in the kitchen… Ichigo was walking to the den and he stopped. He was unresponsive. Was that you again?"

"Maybe." This time he wasn't smiling as widely. "I might have started to take over but never fully did. Who knows?" He gave a flick of his wrist. "Meh. It wouldn't be the first time. Those glitches have happened before when I've never fully taken over."

"How often?"

"How the hell should I know? I don't keep track. Most of the time, I'm not even paying attention." His eyes started to flicker, changing colors. "Oh, crap."

"What's wrong?"

Ichigo's eyes slowly started to lose their luster. He blinked and his eyes changed back to their normal brown color. He looked at Cedric and then at the table, realizing something was amiss. "How'd I get over here?" Ichigo, the real Ichigo, had returned.

Linnette rushed forward and hugged him. "Oh, good, you're back." The hug was over in a matter of seconds. She stood back and gave Ichigo the news. "Your Hollow took over."

"What?" It should have surprised him more than it did. Somehow he figured that being near Linnette would cause that to happen one way or another. "But I don't remember hearing you sing."

"That's because I didn't."

Ichigo looked around at all the concerned faces pointed at him. It took a few seconds before it finally registered in his mind that Linnette's song wasn't used to lure his Hollow out. "Then… how did that happen?"

"We don't know." Rukia was the only one to give him a straight answer. "We have no idea how it happened. Or why."

The rest of the day went on normally. As normal as possible. Byakuya barricaded himself in Victor's office and spent his time reading the books printed in his language. Yumichika and Rangiku went into the city with Cedric to do yet more shopping and have a meal out and do some sightseeing. Hanataro and Linnette played together for a while until Victor called her upstairs. After that they didn't come down. No one knew what they were up to. Ikkaku and slipped away with a bottle of bourbon and sat on the back porch. Rukia and Ichigo sat in the den watching TV.

The TV was on, but Ichigo wasn't watching it. He was still thinking about what had happened only a couple hours ago. "I can't figure it out."

Rukia turned her head. "Figure what out?"

"Why my Hollow got control. Linnette didn't sing and I didn't feel anything. It's not like how it normally is. It felt different. Like it was easy. No, I mean… I don't know. Something's not right here."

Rukia muted the TV and sighed. "We're trying to figure that out, Ichigo. Even your Hollow didn't know what was going on. But Linnette's song isn't responsible."

Ichigo played with the hole in his jeans, pulling at the threads with his fingers. "But what if her powers developed further or something? I mean, she is still maturing. Puberty and everything. Her abilities might be maturing as well. Getting stronger. What if she no longer needs to sing? What if just being near her does it?"

Rukia shook her head. "I doubt that."

"How can you? It's possible, isn't it?"

"Then why did it take so long? You were here for the past few days and nothing happened."

"But Cedric said it did, remember? You told me what my Hollow said to everyone. He appeared that first night I was here and then went away."

"That doesn't mean anything. I'm sure there's another, better, explanation."

"What if there isn't?" Ichigo asked, pulling apart the fabric and exposing his knee. "What if it's the truth? What if there isn't anything more than that?"

"You can't possibly believe that, Ichigo." Rukia turned her body so she was now facing him and no longer looking forward. "What, you're just going to avoid her from now on? How do you think that would make her feel? 'Gee, sorry, Linnette, but I can no longer be your friend because of a theory I have that involves going Hollow every time I get near you, have a nice life.' Is that how it is?"

"No, but-"

"But what? You can't avoid her when you're living in the same house with her. I'm sure there's a good reason for why this is happening and it has nothing to do with her. It must have something to do with our mission. Maybe that's what's causing it."

Ichigo looked down at the hole in his jeans. "Yeah. Maybe you're right."

Rukia unmated the TV and went back to watching her cartoons. "Don't worry about it. It's not the end of the world. It can be solved. Everything can with a little thought and effort. And with Linnette around, your Hollow won't go on a rampage. Not unless she asks him to."

Ichigo looked at the hole in his jeans again, thinking. She was right. His Hollow wouldn't do anything Linnette didn't want. As long as she was here, he had nothing to worry about. But what if his theory was correct and it was because he was near her that his Hollow appeared? What if being around her summoned him? There must have been a way to solve this. Something had to be done.

He got up from the couch and went into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and poured himself some orange juice. He looked at the half eaten cake on top of the fridge and over at the box of assorted donuts on the counter Rangiku had bought for herself. There were four left. Ichigo opened the box and looked inside. Jelly filled, powdered sugar, chocolate and a plain donut were left. Ichigo looked around. Victor was still upstairs and Cedric was gone. There was no one around to stop him. Ichigo opened up a cupboard and started to fill an empty shopping bag with food. Linnette's family always had sweets in the house for her. They wouldn't be missed. Ichigo grabbed a bag of barbeque potato chips from the cupboard, a can of soda, some juice boxes, a candy bar and the plain donut and stuffed them all into the bag.

He made his way into the dining room and out the backdoor. Ikkaku was still nursing the bottle he had taken from Victor's stash, sitting on the porch steps. Ichigo stood behind him and cleared his throat. "Please open the Senkaimon."

Groaning, Ikkaku stood up. "Pain in the ass… This is the last time, ok?"

"Thanks, man." Ichigo did promise to come back with gifts for Veneno. It was really whatever he could find around the house, but he didn't feel like making a special trip into a city he was unfamiliar with and go shopping for him. This was good enough for now.

The Senkaimon opened and Ichigo entered.

Ichigo expected to see the warm sunlight as he had in the World of the Living, but that was not the case. As he stepped out of the Senkaimon, he was greeted by the night sky and cool air. It was evening here. It was the time difference again. Ichigo wandered off toward the 12th Division to look for Akon. Where he was, Veneno was sure to be. After asking some tired Soul Reapers vacating the building, Ichigo discovered that they were still working in the lab. Many Soul Reapers were working late tonight to keep up with the demands from their Captain and other authority figures.

He found Akon and Veneno in a lab assembling something together. It looked like a robot without a face and only one arm. Akon lifted up his goggles and nodded to Ichigo. "Sorry, we'll be another minute. Sit tight, alright?"

Ichigo nodded and stood back out of the way, holding the plastic shopping bag behind his back.

Akon bent down, grabbing the metal container with both arms. "Ok, now when I push, you lift up and we'll get this thing put together, alright?" Hearing no response, Akon looked up. Veneno had his eyes down, staring at nothing. "Veneno, you hear me?"

His head snapped up. "What?"

"Did you hear what I said just now?"

Veneno yawned and nodded his head. "Yeah, yeah. Lift up, I got it. You push. I know, I know."

Akon nodded and lowered himself again. "I know you're tired but I need you to pay attention, ok? I promise we'll leave when this is done." Akon looked at Veneno again. "Ready?"

He nodded.

"Ok… Lift!"

Veneno lifted up the machine they were assembling as Akon slide the attachment under it. As soon as Akon was clear and the object was in place, Veneno lowered the machine and stepped back. "Are we done now?"

Akon looked it over and stood up. He took off his goggles and tossed them onto the table. "Yes, thank God." Veneno gave a huge sigh of thanks and leaned against the wall, exhausted. "Sorry I had you working so late tonight, Veneno. We've never worked you this long before."

Veneno nodded his head, sleepily. "Can I go to my room now? I'm really tired."

"Sure, I'll walk you there." Akon wanted to make sure Veneno didn't take any detours on his way back to his room. He still didn't know his way around without help for a lot of different locations. Akon knew he was tired. He kept spacing out while they were working. He wanted to make sure Veneno got back to his room safely.

They started to file out of the building one after the other. Veneno was so tired, he hardly noticed Ichigo until he put his arm around his shoulder and held up the plastic bag. "I got you some things if you're hungry." Ichigo pulled out the donut and held it out for him.

Veneno took it and took a bite. Another new taste he was unfamiliar with. It was similar to cake but different. It was sweet. He took another bite and another. "Thanks," he said with his mouth full. He needed this snack.

Akon opened the doors and held them open for the other two, showing them outside. Akon remarked how much later it was than he thought and closed the doors behind them after everyone was outside. As he turned to follow them, he noticed that Veneno was standing very still, looking up. "What's the matter?"

Veneno stood with his mouth open, donut at his lips, staring up at the sky. His heavy eyes had suddenly grown wide with wonder and traveled from star to star. He looked away for a moment to look at Akon and then pointed up with his free hand. "Those are stars, aren't they?"

Akon nodded his head slowly. "Yeah…"

Veneno looked back at the sky in awe. He gaped at the millions of stars hanging overhead. "Wow…" He had never seen stars before. Only in books which Akon had given to him in the lab to pass the time. This was amazing to him. He started to walk forward, still looking up. The tall buildings kept obstructing his view of the sky. He wanted to see more. There were so many stars. They were like diamonds.

Then he spotted something that far surpassed the stars. Most of it was hidden by a building, but it was big. Veneno moved closer and lost sight of it. The wall was in his way now. He looked down at the remains of the donut in his hand and shoved it into his mouth. Both hands now free, he took a running start and scaled the side of the wall. He grabbed the shingles and pulled himself onto the roof and over.

"Wait!" Akon chased after him. Why did Veneno have to run off like this? Ichigo followed him out into the street. Veneno was moving fast toward another street.

He kept his eyes on the sky as he ran. He didn't want to lose sight of it. He leapt from roof to roof and ran across buildings and climbed over walls and anything else in his path. He showed excellent parkour skills. Now able to see what he had been chasing, he stopped on the wall separating the street from a garden.

It was magnificent. It was enormous. Like a giant pearl. It was like looking at a dim light bulb in the sky. It was so simple yet so captivating. Veneno was enthralled with it.

Akon and Ichigo had caught up to him and were standing below looking up at him. "Why'd you run off like that?"

He pointed. "Look, Akon. Look at that giant star. Isn't that amazing?"

Akon looked. He resisted the urge to call Veneno an idiot. It wasn't his fault. "That's not a star. That's the moon."

"The moon?"

"How can you know about stars and not the moon?" Akon asked, putting his hands on his hips.

Veneno looked down at him, frowning slightly. "I've never seen the moon look like that before. In all those books I've seen, it's always half that size, like someone took a bite out of it. I've never seen it whole before." He looked back at the sky. "The moon…"

Akon started to move toward the barracks. "Come on, let's get to bed."

Veneno looked down, eyes bright with determination. "Uh, can't I stay here for a few more minutes to look?"

Akon stopped and turned around. "You want to look at the moon for a few more minutes?"

"Please?" He had never seen it before. Either he was in that lab with no windows or he was already in bed sleeping when the moon and stars were out. The past couple of nights were cloudy so it didn't matter if he was up or not to see them. They weren't visible at that time. He wanted to admire the night sky just a little longer.

Akon was about to protest when Ichigo answered for him. "Sure you can. But can we do it on the roof of the barracks?"

Now wide awake, Veneno nodded and jumped down landing between them. Akon was tired and wanted to go to bed but Ichigo had other plans, helping Veneno fulfill his wishes. Though Akon could go to bed anytime he wished, he was still required to watch over Veneno and keep an eye on him at all times so he couldn't if Veneno wanted to do something else. At least they would be on top of the barracks.

The trio sat on the roof looking up at the sky. In the city, it was impossible to see so many stars so clearly. It was far too bright. Even in Karakura Town, Ichigo had a hard time seeing the stars when the lights were on over the streets and in large buildings and over billboards. When he wasn't doing his Soul Reaper duties, he was catching up on sleep during the night so he never had a chance to look at the stars like this anyway. It was nice to be able to. He couldn't remember the last time he sat and looked at the stars, doing nothing else. This was very enjoyable.

Veneno stared wide-eyed at the sky with a smile as if there were a barrage of fireworks exploding overhead. This was astounding to him. A simple night sky, so marvelous in his big green eyes. He sat between Ichigo and Akon on the roof, looking away every now and then to look at them. Akon seemed bored most of the time, waiting to go to bed and sleep. Ichigo was more into it than he was, so Veneno talked to him most of the time.

"Have you ever seen stars like this before?"

Ichigo nodded. "Yeah. Not very often because they appear when people are going to sleep. But this is nice."

"You like looking at them, too?"

"Yeah. It's peaceful. I like it."

"Me, too." Veneno looked back at the sky. "I've never seen a full moon before, either. It's awesome."

"Yeah, it is."

As time went on, Veneno became less enthusiastic and just looked at the sky. He started to slide up the roof and closer to Ichigo. He rubbed his neck with his hand.

"Stiff neck?"

He nodded.

"It's from looking up so much."

"But I want to," he said. "I like looking at the sky when it's like this." This was all new for him. He yawned and looked at the moon. It had moved from its last location as time passed.

Minutes passed and Veneno's head started to bob. He moved closer to Ichigo and rested his head on his shoulder. Ichigo looked down, stiffening. "What are you doing?"

"It's hard to keep my head up. Can I rest it on you for a little bit?"

Unable to turn him down, Ichigo agreed. "Sure. Go ahead."

Veneno rested his head on Ichigo's shoulder and looked back at the moon. "Think I'll see it again when it's like this?"

"Sure. It's full every month. Next month, it will look like this again."

"That's good."

Akon Looked over his shoulder at them and pointed to his wrist where a watch would be, indicating that he wanted them to wrap it up. It was getting late and even Veneno was winding down. His excitement was the only thing keeping him awake and that wouldn't last for much longer. He had a full day of work and needed to rest. He was just being stubborn.

"We should turn in," Akon said.

Veneno's head shifted. "But I'm not done looking yet. Just another minute?"

Akon sighed and sat back down. "Just another minute but that's it."

Veneno's head shifted downward then lifted back up as it slid down Ichigo's shoulder. His head started to slid down again and he picked it back up and rested it further up his shoulder again. His head was heavy.

Ichigo shifted the plastic bag next to him with his left hand. "I brought you some more food like I promised I would."

"That's nice… thanks…" His voice faded in and out.

"You can eat them whenever you want," Ichigo told him. "And I'll bring you more the next time I visit."

"… Ok… Thanks…"

He heard his whisper and felt the warmth against his shoulder grow noticeably stronger. Veneno's quiet voice sounded like a sigh in his ear. He sounded grateful and tired. And happy.

For a while, Veneno was silent.

Ichigo spoke again. "Veneno?"

He didn't respond.

He asked again, louder. "Ven…" He stopped, hearing his shallow breathing. He looked up at Akon who had turned. "I think he's asleep."

Akon crawled across the roof and peered down at Veneno's face. He sat back, silently telling Ichigo that he was correct. Veneno had fallen asleep on Ichigo's shoulder, looking at the night sky. He no longer had the strength to keep his eyes open any longer.

It seemed pointless to wake him up so they decoded to carry him to his room to sleep. Akon held Veneno's shoulders while Ichigo slide his shoulder out from under his head and crawled in front of him. Ichigo turned his back to Veneno and pulled his limp arms around his shoulders. He held his hands carefully to his chest as he stood up, lifting Veneno onto his back and off the roof. He didn't move an inch.

Akon led the way to the edge of the roof and jumped down. Ichigo followed, forgetting that he wasn't a Soul Reaper at the moment. Akon reached out and caught Ichigo as he jumped, slowing him just before he landed. Feeling themselves fall, Veneno shifted against Ichigo's back with a slight moan. He rubbed his cheek against Ichigo's shoulder and continued to slumber.

Ichigo carried him one step at a time down the street and into the building. Veneno's room was right on the end. Akon opened the door and allowed Ichigo inside first. He bent down in front of the bed on the floor and lowered Veneno into bed, carefully laying him down. Supporting his head with his hand, Ichigo lowered his head onto the pillow and slid his hand out from under him. He pulled the blanket up to Veneno's neck and crept back. Veneno rolled onto his left side and curled up, snoring softly.

Ichigo tiptoed out of the room, leaving the plastic bag beside the wooden dresser and slid the door shut. He let out the breath he was holding and looked to Akon. He had come at a late time so it was best for him to leave and come back during the daytime.

As Ichigo started to leave, Akon called out to him. "You can't buy his love, you know."

Ichigo turned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just what I said. I saw those things in that bag you brought with you."

"I was just being nice. I'm not trying to buy us anything but a chance."

"A chance to do what?"

"I chance to right a wrong." Ichigo turned around. "I want to give him a chance at a life he can enjoy. It has nothing to do with buying someone's love. You saw how happy he was looking at the stars tonight. That's what he wants. The simple things that people take for granted. A chance to see the sun and walk freely without fear. That's what I want for him. He said he regretted that."

"So you're trying to make it up to him by doing it now."

"Why shouldn't he have the chance to experience the things everyone else does? You can't keep him under lock and key. He has a right-"

"I know that! But keep in mind that I have orders, too. I wasn't supposed to let him out of the lab in the first place. He wandered out and then you came along and more things started happening." Veneno lowered his voice and took a step closer to Ichigo. "Besides… I'm all for him having fun and being free… but let's not forget that he isn't an equal, Ichigo. He's not a Soul Reaper. He's an Arrancar."

"So what?"

"So he will never belong with us. He's not one of us. He's different and he knows it. There's only so long I can keep that under wraps before he figures it out himself. I was told not to tell him anything about his past or about what he is. It could tamper with the experiment."

"Is that all he is to you? An experiment? Why can't he be an equal just because he's an Arrancar? So what? Who cares?"

"Because things juts don't work that way. It can't happen."

"And why not?" Ichigo asked. "I know for a fact that Arrancars can get along fine with Soul Reapers. I'm friends with a couple of them. I help them and they helped me. He's no different. It's not what you are, it's who you are. I mean, Aizen was a Soul Reaper and look what happened with him. Just being a Soul Reaper doesn't mean you're automatically the good guy. It's not that black and white."

At the mention of Aizen's name, Akon flinched. Three Soul Reaper Captains betrayed them. He knew things weren't black and white, yet Akon found himself saying just that. Why was he doing that? He knew being a Soul Reaper didn't make you good. Aizen was proof of that. Was it possible that he was doing this to convince himself not to get closer to Veneno? He was an experiment but over time he was beginning to see him more as an equal. Was he so desperate to keep a wall between them that he would stoop that far to say that it was because of him being an Arrancar that they couldn't be equals? When had he started to do that? What was happening to him?

He looked up and found Ichigo still staring at him with hard eyes. He sighed. "Look, it's late and I'm tired and cranky. Can we do this another time?"

Ichigo backed off. "Sure. Sorry."

"It's fine. Think nothing of it." Akon gave Ichigo a slight wave and turned around to go to his own room. "I'll see you in the daytime, alright?"

"Yeah, see you." Ichigo turned and went is own way back to the World of the Living. He did care for Veneno and he was trying to make amends. But there was more to it than that. Without the hatred he felt towards them, he saw that Veneno was a really nice guy and deserving of a second chance. He couldn't turn him down simply because he was an Arrancar. Then he would be doing what everyone else was doing which turned Veneno into who he was before, believing all Soul Reapers to be bad. Ichigo was determined not to do that. No matter what.

Ichigo returned to the Living World and entered the house through the back door. Ikkaku was finished with his bottle and was selecting another one from the shelf in the dining room. He glanced up when he felt Ichigo at his back. "Finished already?"

"Yeah. It was late there so we didn't have a lot of time."

He grunted and pulled out a very expensive looking bottle of wine. The writing looked Italian. Ikkaku uncorked it and drank directly from the bottle.

Ichigo moved into the kitchen, looking around. Rukia and Hanataro were watching TV. There was no sign of anyone else. Curious to see if Linnette was still upstairs, Ichigo walked toward the staircase to investigate. Before he got to the landing, Linnette turned the corner and started down the stairs, almost running into Ichigo who was coming up. She stopped short, blinking. "Oh, hi, Ichigo."

"Hi."

Victor stood behind her, looking down at him. "Was there something you needed?"

"Uh, no. Not really. I was just wondering what you were doing up here for so long."

"We just finished her lessons for the day." Victor put a hand on her shoulder, like a father filled with loving pride. "She is home schooled, remember?"

"Oh, yeah. That's right." Ichigo had forgotten. This must have been the time of day when they schooled her. Just because they had guests over didn't mean the lessons had to stop.

"Where's Hanataro?" she asked. "I want to show him a video game I have."

"He's in the den with Rukia."

"Thanks." Linnette pushed past him and down the stairs.

Victor motioned for Ichigo to walk down the stairs with him by blocking his path and walking down the stairs. This forced Ichigo to walk backwards and back onto the first level of the house. Victor then walked by him and into the kitchen to prepare a snack for everyone.

"I've noticed that Linnette's spending less time with me and more with Hanataro and everyone," Ichigo said to Victor. He had noticed it for some time and was a little curious as to why that was.

"Well, she does have a lot more friends now. And Hanataro is closer to her age and size," Victor explained. "She spends time with you, too, but she has to give everyone little bit of attention. I'm sure she's just trying to get to know him better and she's heard from you more than she has him. Her letters won't reach the Soul Society."

"I guess you're right."

The front door opened behind them and Rangiku's loud voice rang off the tall walls and high ceiling. "I'm not saying it was bad or anything. All I'm saying is that they smell. That's all."

Yumichika followed in next, Cedric bringing up the rear carrying all the bags. "They're horses. What do you expect? You're the one who wanted to go for a carriage ride around the park."

"I know and it was fun. I enjoyed it. I just hate how I now smell like horse. It's in my hair and everything." She looked over at Cedric and pointed. "Could you set those down over there by the others?"

"You should thank him, Rangiku. The man paid for the carriage ride and your food and he carried all your bags."

"Look who's talking. He's carrying your things, too."

Yumichika held up the three bags in his arms. "At least I'm carrying these! You got nothing! Treating him like a pack mule."

"I didn't hear him complain."

"That's because you were too busy doing it yourself! 'The wind's ruining my hair', 'the horse smells', 'the seat's filthy', 'my feet hurt', 'I'm hungry'… All the way home and all day long! Shut up once in a while!"

"I didn't complain that much!"

"At least I had the decency to carry some of my bags! You just shoved them into his arms and ordered him around!"

"You did the same thing!"

"I did not!"

Cedric dropped the shopping bags on the floor and walked into the kitchen and stood beside Victor. "So how did it go?"

"I've never wanted to shoot myself in the head so badly."

Ichigo understood completely. Spending an extended period of time around those two must have been hell.

Cedric cheered right up the moment he caught sight of Linnette and followed her into the den. She was setting up a video game for her and Hanataro to play.

Victor went back to what he was doing. He set a bowl on the counter, preparing to cook. "Would you like anything, Ichigo?" He didn't answer. "Ichigo?"

He was staring at the bowl on the counter, his eyes darkening. A moment later, his eyes snapped open, glowing a brilliant gold and hissed. His head twisted around like a curious animal, searching for something. As if catching a scent, he bounded toward the den and jumped onto the couch. Spotting Linnette in the middle of the room, he leapt over to her and curled his body around hers.

"Ichigo?" she asked, seeing his strange antics.

"Guess again, Princess."

"Hollow?"

He nodded and nuzzled her neck affectionately. "I've been a good boy so far, haven't I? Please sing for me. Just a little teeny tiny bit?"

Victor and Cedric were standing in the doorway, watching. Linnette looked up at them and then down at Ichigo. Her decision was made. She stood up and walked into the living room. Ichigo followed her like a shadow, not wanting to be left behind. She sat on the couch and Ichigo sat beside her, watching her closely.

"Alright, I will sing. You've been good so far. But I'll only do a little bit, ok?"

He nodded up and down and curled up on her lap like a loyal dog. She began to sing and he melted away, purring happily. She stroked his back and patted his head as she sang softly. Her song was slow and soothing. After two minutes, she noticed that his purring had ceased and looked down. His eyes were shut, but he was still smiling. She hummed as she lifted his heavy head off her lap and slid out from under him. He didn't move. Her song was like a lullaby and put him right to sleep. Now all she had to do was wait for the real Ichigo to return.

She went back to the living room. Not wanting anyone to worry, she put on a brave face and treated it like it was nothing. She sat beside Hanataro on the floor and showed him how to work the video game. Ichigo would be back. She just had to wait.

Things had settled down. Few people paid any attention to Ichigo's Hollow this time. Then again, not too many took notice of it. Byakuya was still reading and hadn't come out of the study all morning. Rangiku was upstairs taking a bath to get rid of the sweat and horse stench after their outing. Yumichika and Ikkaku sat outside on the back porch, talking. Linnette was showing Hanataro how to play a video game while Rukia watched. Cedric tended to his outdoor chores while Victor prepared snacks, keeping an eye on the sleeping Hollow on the couch.

Linnette cheered on Hanataro as he tried and failed to get the hang of the video game. "That's it, you're doing it."

He was sweating and panting as if he were running a race as he fumbled the controller in his sweaty hands. "I- I don't know what to do!"

"Just push that one down to make it go forward."

"Like this? Like this?"

"With your thumb, yes. No, that way! That way!"

"I- I can't do it!"

Linnette took her hand off her controller and helped Hanataro with his. "See? Just like this."

He pushed the button she wanted and his character on the screen crashed into a wall. The controller in his hand vibrated and he dropped it on the ground, yelping in surprise. "It- it moved! It growled at me or something!"

"It does that when you bump into something."

Hanataro backed away from the controller. "I don't think I want to play anymore."

"It's not gonna bite."

He hide next to the couch.

Linnette pulled him forward and handed him the controller back. "Here, watch." She showed him what to do, pointing at buttons and moving his hands to where they needed to be. "See? It's not that hard. You try. Push that one like this and it will move where you want."

"Like this?"

"Yeah. See? You got it."

Their game went on. Hanataro yelped and cried out every now and then when his character crashed or didn't move the right way. He always flinched every time something flashed across the screen, leaving Linnette to reassure him.

Their laughter and cries were heard down the hall and into the study where Byakuya was still reading. This was the one room where he could find serenity. He turned the page in his book, trying to ignore the voices down the hall. He started to turn another page and stopped.

Something was amiss. A strange feeling had come over him. He lost the will to read. There was something that required his attention. Something he had to do. He was drawn to it.

He closed the book and stood up.

Outside, Yumichika watched Cedric wandering around the yard, picking up sticks and leaves, keeping the grass clear. Ikkaku took another swig from his bottle. "Bored?"

"How'd you know?"

"You could help him with the yard, you know."

"Yeah, that'll happen." Ikkaku turned to him. "Why don't you?"

He laughed. "Are you kidding? It's his yard. Besides, I'm not dressed for yard work."

"So you'd rather complain?"

"I'm not complaining. I was just making a suggestion. That's all."

"Duly noted." Ikkaku drank from the bottle again. "Had your fill of shopping yet?"

"I didn't just shop. There are a lot of things to see here. They even offer boat rides by the docks. I'm tempted to go."

"Then why don't you? Don't want to go without me or something?"

Yumichika didn't answer.

"Take a joke, I was just kidding."

He still wasn't answering. Ikkaku turned. A strange look had come over Yumichika's face.

"Are you ok?"

Without a word, Yumichika stood up and went into the house.

Ikkaku frowned. "What's with him? I didn't think I insulted him."

In the den, Linnette had won the video game and was patting Hanataro on the shoulder for a good try. "You did good. It was close. Want to do another game or do you want to practice this one a little more?"

Hanataro didn't answer. Instead he stood up and left the room.

Linnette frowned. "What's the matter?" She looked at Rukia who had been watching them this whole time. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No. He's not the type to pout. He probably just had to use the bathroom real fast and didn't want to announce it."

Hanataro walked into the kitchen and looked around. Victor had ducked down to take something out of a low drawer. He looked forward. Byakuya and Yumichika, no longer in Gigais, had stepped out of the dining room and were looking around as well. Their eyes fell to the couch where Ichigo was still resting. They approached without a word.

They each stood on different sides of the couch, looking down at him. Byakuya bent down in front and picked Ichigo up in his arms, cradling him. Hanataro hurried to the front door and opened it.

The noise caused Victor to look up. He saw Byakuya, no longer in a Gigai, carrying Ichigo out the front door. Yumichika followed him outside. His eyes narrowed when he saw Hanataro take something out of his pocket.

"Is everything alright?"

Without answering, Hanataro turned his back to him and his empty Gigai fell to the floor with a thunk. The Soul Reaper followed the other two out the door and disappeared from view.

Victor's eyes narrowed again and he laid the spoon in his hand on the edge of the bowl on the counter. He had to follow them. Something wasn't right.

Exposed to the afternoon air, Ichigo frowned. He felt his body moving. His eyes opened, bright gold. Still his Hollow. His dark eyes found Byakuya and narrowed. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he growled, lifting his head off his shoulder.

Byakuya looked down. "Be quiet."

No one ordered him around. "You don't tell me what to do!" He looked around. "Where's Linnette? Where is she?"

"I said be quiet."

The panic-stricken Hollow started to buck and twist his body around, making it difficult to hold on to him. "Where is she? I want her! Tell me where she is right now! Put me down!"

Byakuya tightened his hold on the thrashing Hollow. "Keep still and be quiet!"

He kept bouncing and kicking. "Let me go!" He grabbed a fistful of Byakuya's long hair and pulled. "You hear me?! Put me down now!"

Byakuya winced, his head at an awkward angle. "Settle down now and be quiet!"

He pulled harder and kicked, trying to get out of Byakuya's grasp. He wanted to get back to Linnette. And being trapped in a human body meant that he had no sword to defend himself with. He thrashed again. "Put me down! Put me-"

Yumichika punched Ichigo in the back of the head. His eyes rolled back and he went limp, rendered unconscious and silent.

Byakuya pulled his hair free from his slack grip and looked at the 5th Seat standing beside him. "Why didn't you knock him out sooner?"

He shrugged. "Why didn't you?"

"My hands are full!"

He gave his hair a flip. "I couldn't take it any more. He was sleeping before. It was your unsteady movement that woke him up in the first place."

Hanataro turned around. "Should I open the Senkaimon now?"

"Now why would you want to do that?"

The men turned around and saw Victor standing in the yard, eyeing them knowingly. Byakuya backed away with his prize in hand. Yumichika stepped in front of him as if he were guarding them. He removed his sword from his side and held it in front of him.

Victor frowned. "Where are you taking Ichigo?"

"That's none of your business."

"I think it is. Either you tell me or-"

Yumichika cut him off, slamming his drawn sword on Victor's shoulder. Only his sleeve was torn. The skin never broke.

"Now that was rude." Victor grabbed the blade with his bare hand and pushed it off his body. "Take Ichigo back inside right now. I can't have you taking him against his will. Besides, Linnette would be upset if he left without telling her."

"Stay out of it!" He jumped back and swung again. "Now Bloom, Fuji Kujaku!" This blade split into four different blades. He held it in one hand, his weapon looking like an extension of claws. Victor was unfazed by the weapon's new look, but he proceed with caution. After all, this was the same blade that had severed him in the past. He wasn't about to have Linnette cry again because he was careless.

Byakuya looked at Hanataro. "Open it."

Nodding, Hanataro took out his own Zanpakuto preparing to open the Senkaimon. As he drew it, he felt a strong gust of wind at his back. He turned around, finding Yumichika standing by himself. The 5th Seat looked around, taken by surprise. His enemy was gone in a flash. Hanataro faced forward again, Victor in his sights. He yelped in surprise and jumped back.

"Why are you trying to return to your world with Ichigo?"

He couldn't answer. His hands were shaking, causing his sword to rattle. He gulped. He knew how strong Victor was, but he was determined to return to his home with Ichigo. It was for reasons he could not explain. It was a strong sense of duty. It had to be done. That's why he couldn't back down, even when faced with this powerful suited man.

"Put down your sword and go back inside."

He shook his head. "I- I can't… I can't…"

"Why not?"

He shook his head again, whimpering.

"Open it, Yamada!" Byakuya ordered.

The small Soul Reaper jumped and tried to open the Senkiamon. Victor stood in his way, preventing him from doing so. "Please let me through."

"I will not."

"P- please..?"

Victor stood his ground.

"For crying out loud!" Yumichika barked. "Juts give him one of these!" He slashed at Victor with his four blades. Victor bent backwards, avoiding them. Yumichika swung again. He missed. He swung again and again, missing every time. "Hold still, damn it!"

Victor sidestepped and Yumichika followed. Victor reached up and grabbed the orange leash attaching his sleeve and upper uniform together and ripped it free.

Immediately, Yumichika went into hysterics. "What the hell is wrong with you?! Why did you do that?!" He lowered his sword to examine the damage. It wasn't so terrible, but he wouldn't take this laying down. "You're gonna pay for that!" He took a swing at Victor again.

This time Victor grabbed his extended arm and moved around behind him, wrapping his other arm around Yumichika's neck. Unable to swing his sword or move his right arm, Yumichika pulled at Victor's sleeve with his left, trying to get free. Victor tightened his hold, squeezing his neck. Fighting for air, Yumichika pulled franticly at his arm, kicking the man's legs. Nothing he did helped. His lungs were empty. He had to get air, fast. Victor closed off his windpipe and his blood flow. The Soul Reaper's eyes started to pop out of his head. The strength drained from his body and his sword fell onto the grass. Victor waited another two seconds before releasing him. Yumichika fell forward onto the grass, out cold.

Victor then turned to the petrified Hanataro who was still torn between running for his life and doing what he was told. As the man took a step towards him, he panicked and ran to hide behind Byakuya.

"Either you open the Senkaimon or I will!" Byakuya shouted.

"I can't! He'll kill me!"

"Then you hold onto him and I'll do it."

Before they could make the exchange, Victor stood behind Hanataro and flicked his temple with his index finger. The small Soul Reaper fell backwards into his arms, knocked out. Victor laid him down in the grass and turned his attention to Byakuya.

The Captain held Ichigo tightly and backed away. He had to put him down in order to fight and open the Senkaimon. Knowing that, Byakuya still found it difficult to do so. He didn't want to let Ichigo go. He couldn't bring himself to let go of this boy.

"Why are you doing this?' Victor asked him calmly.

Byakuya looked into his blue eyes. He had no reasons which could be explained. But his actions were logically sound in his mind. This all made sense to him. He would take Ichigo to the Soul Society and from there… Then what? Why did he want to take him there anyway? It didn't matter. It was something that had to be done. A duty he was sworn to. A promise that had to be kept. Orders which could not be turned down. That was all he knew. He couldn't refuse. It was…

… Instinct.

"Please put him down."

"I cannot." Byakuya took a step back, refusing to give up Ichigo. "Leave me be."

"Give him to me now."

"I will do no such thing."

"Why not?"

"I just won't!" Byakuya said. "I can't give him up. I need him."

"Why?"

"I don't know. I just do." Byakuya wasn't himself. He was acting on impulse and desires he knew nothing of. It made sense to him. It was something he had to do. He couldn't refuse. His mind couldn't make full sense of it. It was like being a child. If someone were to take his toy away, his adult mind would understand that he would see it again and it was no big deal. His child mind would understand that it was now gone forever and wanted it back, which was call for a tantrum. That was all he knew. He had to have Ichigo. He had to take him to the Soul Society. He didn't know why, but he had to.

Seeing that this was getting him nowhere, Victor approached. Byakuya stepped back, refusing to give him up. Victor put his hand on Ichigo's shoulder and the other on Byakuya's. They looked into each other's eyes. Victor's face was serious but calm. Byakuya kept his eyes on him, watching. He knew Victor was bound to try something. He was too busy looking into his eyes to notice the hand move from his shoulder up to his neck and then behind his ear. By the time he did, it was too late. Victor's strong finger pressed into his temple and Byakuya dropped Ichigo, falling to the side.

Victor grabbed Ichigo and Byakuya by their collars and dragged them toward the house. He stopped twice to gather up the other two, slinging them over his shoulders. He entered through the front door and carried them to the living room. He set Byakuya down on the couch and set Hanataro and Yumichika in the armchairs on either side of the coffee table. He then carried Ichigo into the den and sat him on the couch beside Rukia and Linnette.

The young girl looked up when she saw him do this. "Is Ichigo ok?"

Victor nodded. "I'm sure he is. I'm just moving him to this room so Byakuya can have the couch in the living room."

"My brother's in there?" Rukia asked.

"Yes, but he's resting at the moment. I wouldn't bother him."

Ichigo shifted and opened his eyes. The gold eyes found Linnette and immediately latched onto her, hugging her around the middle and resting his head on her stomach. He settled down, happy to be at her side.

It would take a little while until the real Ichigo returned. In the meantime, Victor knew that they had another issue to work out. And this one was sitting in the living room. All three of them.

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