Chapter 8: A Familiar Face

"I wonder just what's happening out there," Kirara murmured as she leaned against the wall, peering out the window beside her. Everything had gone quiet again, and she couldn't see anything that had changed. Standing, she stretched, letting out a small groan, and jumped down off the winding steps. She landed lightly, and started stretching her legs. "I hate to admit it, but being back...even trapped in this heap, it's doing wonders for my strength," she sighed.

'Yes...and you may as well keep yourself in shape for your death,' Kirara rolled her eyes at the giggle. 'Which means I'll be nice and fit for destroying everyone, when they try it!' the laughter grew.

"You're full of shit. Even you can't survive the Sogyoku, dumbass," she muttered.

'You'd like that, wouldn't you? But you don't know that for sure, do you? After all, we're a mystery, an abomination. It's why you bottled up all them sweet feelings, cause you're a monster!' the Hollow cackled.

"Shut your damn mouth!" Kirara put her hands to her head, her eyes closed. "Just shut up!" she sank to her knees, hearing nothing but the cackles in her head as the guards outside exchanged curious looks.

Ichigo was trying very hard not to lose it. But, as Kirara sat in the tree above, her legs swinging freely, he was struggling.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Ichigo demanded in a quiet voice, ensuring his family didn't hear.

"Keeping an eye on you," Kirara smiled innocently.

"Dammit Kirara! I asked for a day off! And you said that was fine!" Ichigo snapped at her. Kirara shrugged.

"Well yeah, but I didn't say I wouldn't be keeping an eye on you," the orange-haired boy's scowl deepened. He couldn't believe that she'd followed him, here of all places. "Why are we here anyway Ichigo?" Kirara looked around the trees, where she'd been hiding.

"It's none of your business, now go home," Ichigo turned away, speaking through gritted teeth.

"It's kinda my business when we were supposed to be training. I'm trying to teach you how to use your Shinigami powers, so when you take a day off, I-"

"We're visiting my mum's grave, okay?" Ichigo's snap took her by surprise. He didn't look around as Kirara stared at him with wide eyes.

"Ichigo...I-" Kirara stopped herself, glancing away. "Take all the time you need," her soft voice was filled with empathy, and made Ichigo glance around. His anger towards her faded as he saw her expression. She was looking away, with a sad expression. "I won't disturb you. But I will need to stay nearby. You Reiatsu is still uncontrolled, and if a Hollow is drawn to it..." she trailed off, before vanishing. Ichigo turned away again, his fists clenched as his mind went to the past, to that fateful day.

"Keep searching, those damn Ryoka have got to be somewhere!" Renji ordered with an angry gesture.

"Yes sir!" his subordinates rushed off quickly, and the red-haired man growled to himself quietly, running a hand through his long spiky hair.

"You look well," he glanced around in surprise to see a dark-haired, dainty Shinigami approach with her arms full of files.

"Rukia, what are you doing here?" Renji frowned at his best friend.

"Oh you know, sometimes I like just taking pleasant walks when intruders have broken into the Seireitei, carrying around a bunch of reports," he frowned as Rukia spoke dryly. "Idiot. I'm here bringing my brother files from Captain Ukitake," she gestured to the files in her arms.

"Oh. The Captain's in his office at the moment," Renji gestured unnecessarily.

"Thank you," she rolled her eyes.

"You alright?" Renji asked, noticing that she was less composed than usual. Immediately the streetrat-turned-noble glanced away, her violet eyes softening.

"That prisoner...she was arrested for giving her powers to a human, right?" her question was quiet. Renji frowned again.

"Yeah, why?" he asked her. Rukia kept her gaze firmly on the ground.

"Where was she found?" Renji's frown grew.

"A place called Karakura Town. Why all these-wait," his eyes widened in recognition. "You were supposed to go on assignment there, right?" he remembered. Rukia nodded.

"Yes, but the mission was cancelled. It was only supposed to be a routine patrol mission to last a few days," Rukia commented. "I can't help but wonder what would have happened, if the mission hadn't been cancelled," her voice was soft, and she hugged the files closer to her chest.

"Rukia..." Renji stared at her. "What are you thinking?" he asked her.

"I heard that the human was given his powers to save his family. I can't help but wonder-"

"Rukia," Renji had grasped her arms quickly. "The mission was cancelled by the higher-ups. It was nothing to do with you. You can't dwell on what might have been. And you can't say for sure you'd have even met this kid," he told her firmly.

"This is the same woman who gave you that money at the festival, when she caught you stealing," Rukia's voice was soft as she finally met his gaze. The uncertainty was still there.

"Y...yeah," Renji confirmed, his eyes not leaving hers.

"Then I don't get it," Rukia sighed, shaking her head. "Why should she be punished, when she's helped you, just like she helped that human?" she questioned.

"Rukia...I..." Renji sighed, and let his arms fall to his sides. "Knowing you, you would be stupid enough to help that human kid too...I gotta go. Lieutenant's meeting," he turned away.

"Right..." Rukia sighed, staring at her feet. Renji clapped a hand to her shoulder, which made her entire body shake from the force.

"It'll work out Rukia, don't worry," he managed a grin, before turning and heading off. Rukia watched him for a moment, her thoughts not calmed at all.

Kicking a stone aside, Kirara sighed again.

"His mum's grave, huh?" she wondered aloud. "I'm not stupid, Ichigo. I heard the guilt in your voice. Same as how I feel," she murmured, and shook her head. "Hey Kon, you gonna hide in the bushes all day or what?" she called.

"Oh, Kirara!" the bush rustled, before a small, plushie lion burst out with a wail, and clung to her leg. "What's with the sad look? You're so much cuter when you smile!" he declared, and she rolled her eyes.

"You're such a letch. It's gross, you know," she kicked out her leg, and Kon flew through the air with a loud wail. He landed, squeaking as he did so, which normally made Kirara laugh. But she just turned away. "You're supposed to be helping keep an eye on the kid, you know," Kirara's voice was quiet.

"I know...but that's so boring! I'd rather keep an eye on you," he winked at her.

"Urgh. Never say that again. Especially if you're in Ichigo's body. So gross," Kirara shuddered.

"You're so mean," Kon sniffed.

"Dammit Kisuke, this is the shit you give me to help Ichigo? I'm so close to shoving the damn Konpaku down your throat," Kirara hissed to the sky, before her eyes widened. She turned quickly, raising her arms in defence. The power that slammed into her was too strong, however, and she was tossed through the air, hitting a tree hard.

"What the hell?" she coughed, looking up weakly at the short woman who landed on the path, her hair tied in blonde pigtails, with a very unimpressed expression. "Since when can't you take one of my kicks, Kirara?" Hiyori asked her in a low voice that meant trouble.

"Shit..." Kirara hissed, and saw Kon take off out of the corner of her eye. "Hiyori, what are you doing here?" she asked, pushing herself back to her feet.

"You've been hiding away from us, and I wanted to know why," Hiyori folded her arms. "That baldy dumbass gave some bullshit line about how he doesn't give a shit and that you can do what you want, but I know you're both hiding something," she challenged Kirara, looking her up and down. "And I find you in a Gigai, and you can't even stop my kick. What the fuck are you hiding from us?" Hiyori demanded.

"Nothing, Hiyori. I just wanted some time to myself-"

"In the middle of the woods? Don't bullshit me Kirara!" Hiyori leapt at her, and Kirara leapt to the side, rolling along the ground.

"Just drop it! There's nothing to explain!" Kirara yelled at her, only to be kicked hard. She hit the ground hard, rolling along before slowing to a stop. "Dammit..." she pushed herself up; her body smarting at the movement.

"Then why is it so easy to beat the shit out of you, huh?" Hiyori caught her again, and Kirara cried out as she slammed into a tree, and sank to the ground. She heard the low laughter of her Hollow, and shook her head, looking up with a glare.

"I can't explain right now Hiyori, so just go home," Kirara told her. The shorter woman's gold eyes narrowed.

"And why should I do that?" she asked, her voice low again.

"Kirara!" they looked around, Kirara's eyes going wide, as Ichigo burst into view, holding Kon in his hand.

"Dammit," Kirara groaned.

"And who the hell are you?" Hiyori asked, watching as Ichigo went to Kirara's side.

"Me? I'm Ichigo Kurosaki!" he stood up taller, glaring down at her.

"Ichigo, don't!" Kirara cried, but it was too late.

"I'm a substitute Shinigami!" he declared. Silence fell heavily over the area, and Kirara closed her eyes. This was trouble.

"A substitute...Shinigami?" Hiyori repeated, her scowl falling as she stared at him. Realisation finally dawned on her, and she turned her gaze on Kirara. "You fucking idiot. Do you have any idea what you've done?!" Hiyori yelled.

"I'm fully aware of the implications of my actions, Hiyori!" Kirara yelled back, finally back on her feet as she leaned against the tree.

"Implications my ass! It's a felony to do what you've done!"

"Felony?" Ichigo turned to Kirara, frowning.

"Oh please, like it matters!" Kirara yelled back, ignoring him. "You realise that we already have the death penalty over our heads, right?" she reminded Hiyori, who flinched.

"Kirara, what are you talking about? What felony?" Ichigo demanded.

"You. Substitute Shinigami," he glanced to Hiyori, who had turned her scowl on him. He was surprised to see the murderous hatred in her expression. "You've messed with my friend, and since you're a Shinigami, it means you're a danger to us," she drew her Zanpakuto. "Which means I'll have to kill you!" she launched at him, and with a yelp, he dodged her swing.

"Dammit Hiyori, he isn't to blame for this!" Kirara cried out.

"Kon!" Ichigo shoved his hand into the plushie and pulled out the small green pill, swallowing it. His soul burst from his body, narrowly missing Hiyori's attack.

"Huh. So you really can separate from your body. Not that it matters!" Hiyori continued her assault as Kirara watched helplessly from the sidelines.

"Wow, I never thought of using an underground water tunnel," Ganju commented as the five walked down a narrow pathway that was barely illuminated.

"Yeah, these water tunnels run throughout the whole Seireitei. It's possible to go anywhere unobstructed," Hanataro explained as he led the way. Behind him, Natsuki kept close. While he was still upset with her, she was going to keep him safe.

"Don't the other guys know how to get down here?" Ganju asked him. "I mean, we came in just by lifting an ordinary floor tile," he commented.

"The only ones who know how to actually navigate this pain of a labyrinth is Squad 4," Shinji spoke from the back of the line. Ganju and Ichigo glanced to him, surprised. "And I doubt we'd have any trouble with anyone we come across if they are running around down here," he shrugged.

"How do you know so much about this place, Shinji?" Ichigo asked him curiously. Shinji didn't respond, making him roll his eyes and grumble about the lack of information. Natsuki couldn't help but smile a little.

"So this place is used as a supply route, huh?" Ganji kept focused on what Hanataro was saying, making Ichigo frown at him in exasperation.

"Not really. It's just that it's Squad 4's duty to clean down here. So they kinda need to know where they're going," Natsuki told him.

"Yeah," Hanataro stopped, looking a little sad. "We're really weak, so a lot of chores get pushed onto us," he ran a hand through his hair as he spoke.

"What the heck kind of a miserable squad is the 4th Squad?" Ganju muttered.

"The kind who let Squad 11 push all their grunt work onto them," Shinji commented.

"Not all of us," Natsuki looked affronted.

"With just the kid, or all of them?" Shinji met her gaze, and Natsuki glanced away, not answering.

"Oh, no, it's not too bad," Hanataro laughed weakly, starting to walk again.

"Hanataro," Ichigo called, not moving. The boy stopped, not looking around. "Why are you doing so much for us? We're your enemies. Just because we wanna go to the white tower..."

"Hey, Ichigo!" Ganju hissed at him.

"No, he's got a point," Shinji agreed, nodding. "You never met Kirara as your sister, so you really have no loyalty to her. You could be leading us into a trap," he accused.

"Hey, you're out of line!" Natsuki snapped at them.

"And you could be just as guilty, Hamasaki," Shinji didn't back down.

"We're not-"

"I heard all about you, from Kirara," Hanataro stopped their fight before it could begin. "Ichigo Kurosaki," Ichigo was taken aback that the boy knew his full name. "Please, save Kirara!" he pleaded, turning to them fully. "When Kirara was captured, before she entered the Shrine of Penitence's cell four-deep, she was kept in the 6th Squad's holding cell. I was assigned as the cleaner there," the group took a seat in a small indent as they listened. "To tell the truth, I was scared at first. She was a criminal, and Lieutenant Abarai had warned me that she was dangerous. But..." Hanataro trailed off.

"But?" Ganju repeated, curious.

"On the first day, I saw her, just curled up by the wall. She was kinda rude to Lieutenant Abarai, but when I was cleaning it was like...she was protecting herself. I didn't get it till the next time, she started talking to me," he had a soft smile. "She didn't look down on me, she talked to me like a normal person. She was kind, and patience, and I started looking forward to cleaning the cells every day. She'd tell me all sorts of things, about the World of the Living, about the kind of food or drinks, anything she thought about or I asked about. A lot of it...was about you, Ichigo," the orange-haired Shinigami didn't speak, staring at the wall. "Then the official decision for her punishment was decided and she told me that she gave her powers to you, Ichigo. And she felt bad for causing you so many problems," Hanataro told him.

"Man, she's a weird one, ain't she?" Ganju muttered.

"Yeah. She is. That's why I came to save her," Ichigo stood up abruptly.

"Then let's get a move on, shall we?" they glanced to Shinji, who was standing at the side, not looking at them. Ichigo nodded and started moving quickly, and Shinji followed.

"Did I say something wrong?" Hanataro panicked as the other three were slower to follow.

"Not at all Hana," Natsuki giggled, patting his head before gesturing for him to walk.

"Then why is he..."

"He's always grumpy when it comes to Kirara," Natsuki shrugged. "I'll explain sometime," she told him with a smile.

"Explains why he's been nothing but a grouch since I met him," Ganju muttered. Natsuki giggled, watching Shinji as he kept up with Ichigo, not hearing what they were saying.

"Still just as stupid as before," she murmured under her breath.

Ichigo's Reiatsu flared as he furiously attacked Grand Fisher, the Hollow that had attacked his sisters. After helping save his sister, not being one for hostage situations, Hiyori had cursed both Ichigo and Kirara out and left them to it, promising to speak with Kirara again later. After a request from Ichigo to leave him to it, Kirara had gone to check on his sisters, whom Kon had carried away.

"I really hope the idiot doesn't get himself killed," Kirara shook her head as she walked through the rain. "But for a Hollow to have been the one to have killed his mother..." she sighed, and spotted the small caretaker's building. Kon disappeared inside, and Kirara approached. While both unconscious, neither Karin nor Yuzu seemed harmed. That would help Ichigo's mood, at least.

"Checking up on my kids huh? Glad you're not just keeping an eye on one," Kirara froze at the deep voice. She'd never met Ichigo's father before, which meant it was going to be awkward to explain.

"Oh, sorry, I was just-" whatever lie Kirara was formulating in her mind was gone the moment she turned to face the man. "Shit!" she cursed, stumbling and falling back in the wet grass.

"Careful, you don't want to catch a cold," Isshin grinned, offering her his hand. Kirara ignored it, pushing herself to her feet and stumbling back from the man.

"Captain...Shiba?!" she couldn't believe who she was seeing in front of her. The Squad 10 Captain, who had repeatedly dodged meetings almost as much as the Squad 11 Captain. This was bad. Of all the familiar faces to run into, especially when her powers were dwindling, a Captain was not one she could handle easily.

"It's just Isshin Kurosaki now," the man chuckled as he watched the woman he hadn't seen in a long time. Kirara frowned, her panic giving way for confusion.

"Kuro...saki...no, you're not Ichigo's-"

"Father? I am indeed," he nodded. "It's good to see you, Yamada. It's been quite some time. I was surprised to discover from Kisuke that you were alive. And that you were the one responsible for turning my son into a Shinigami, that was even more of a surprise," Kirara gaped at the former Captain, before groaning and taking a seat on the wooden steps.

"This both answers a lot of questions, and brings up even more," she complained. Isshin chuckled, looking out into the rain. "Since Ichigo thinks he's fully human, and you've taken on a different name, I'm guessing you're as much an exile as me, huh?" Kirara gave a wry smile, glancing to Isshin. His smile was very much the same, and told her he hadn't quite left on his own terms. Kirara knew the smile well.

"It's a long story that I don't think we have time for today. Maybe another time," he told her. "My idiot son is getting some revenge that he desperately needed. My girls are safe here. Keep an eye on him," Isshin said, and Kirara nodded, standing again.

"That's what I do. I burdened him with these powers, I may as well make sure he doesn't get himself killed with them," she stepped back into the rain, feeling the soaking grass under her feet. Isshin chuckled.

"Thanks, Yamada. For all your help," his voice was quiet, and if Kirara heard, she didn't acknowledge it as she walked away.

Pushing up the panel slowly, Hanataro peered out cautiously.

"It's okay, please come on up," he whispered to them, pushing the trap door open fully and climbing out. "This is the exit nearest the tower," he spoke quietly. Ganju and Ichigo burst out, and Ganju inhaled deeply.

"I feel like it's been forever since I breathed fresh air," he declared.

"Look, that's the Shrine of Penitence," he gestured, pointing up. Towering over them, the Shrine was still some distance away, but still managed to seem impossibly tall.

"We really have come pretty close..."

"But we still have some distance to travel," Shinji told them. "This is going to be the hard part. We won't have as much cover up there," he said.

"The fog's clearing up, let's go," Ichigo spoke, only for Shinji to grab his sleeve.

"We have a problem. A blockade ahead," he gestured as the fog cleared, and Ichigo's eyes narrowed as he recognised the red-haired figure on the stairs.

"No..." Natsuki put her hands to her mouth.

"Long time no see," Renji lifted his sunglasses from his face. "You remember my face?" he kept his gaze on Ichigo.

"I'd forget it if I could, but...there's a mountain of stuff I gotta return to you, Renji Abarai," Ichigo told him.

"Didn't expect that. You even remembered my name," Renji walked down the steps, and when he reached the bottom, he smirked. "Pretty damn good," he commented.

"Thanks, so much," Ichigo rolled his eyes.

"Who is he?" Ganju gulped. "The Reiatsu I sense from him is on a different scale than the others so far," he commented.

"That...that man..." Hanataro was visibly shaking as he took a step back in fear.

"Dammit, of all the people to come across," Natsuki stood in front of him protectively. "Renji Abarai, Lieutenant of Squad 6," she growled. Ganju's eyes widened.

"Lieutenant?!" he gasped.

"I'm honestly surprised. I thought you had died from Captain Kuchiki's attack," Renji commented as he approached. "And what's more, you've got escorts. I didn't think you'd be this stupid, Natsuki, to stand with the Ryoka," his dark gaze flitted to her for a moment, but she just lifted her head higher. Before she could reply, Ichigo started walking forwards.

"Wait a minute, Ichigo!" Ganju hissed at him.

"I don't know how you survived, but I'm impressed," Renji turned his full attention back to Ichigo. "You've got my compliments," he said.

"Wait, you can't-"

"Just let the kid fight him," Shinji rolled his eyes as Renji drew his Zanpakuto. "The sooner they get this over with, the sooner we can move on," he took a seat, his eyes on the pair as they clashed.

"Well, I guess he has a point," Natsuki shrugged, folding her arms and watching. They didn't have much of a choice.

Hope you enjoyed!

Please review!