Chapter 5
Disclaimer: I don't own bleach.
Author Note: Last chapter was a little rush and I hated it. But there is always that one chapter that no matter how much rewrite it still sucks.
Ichigo woke up to an angry stuff lion yelling in his face. Whom was thrown across the room. "Shut up, Kon!" The lion got up. "What's with this Kon?!"
"It's short for Kaizou Konpaku." He answers not really listening to Kon as he ranting about a cooler name. Toushiro open the closet door fully dress. "Can't I change in peace?" he said stepping on something squashy. He looked down seeing Kon under his foot. "BROTHER!" Yuzu voice called outside the door. Ichigo quickly throw Kon in the closet and help Toushiro in quickly.
Yuzu came in to see her brother in a funny position in front of his closet. "Hey, what are you up to?" she questioned him. "Nuh…Nothing! Nothing at all! What about you? What do you want so early!" he replied nervously. Yuzu told him it wasn't early and his friends were waiting for him. He looked at his clock realize he overslept and quickly as he can change into his uniform. He went to the window calling to his friends he be down as Yuzu left the room. Ichigo figure their memorize where erase most likely Toushiro doing. Ichigo finish getting dress and went to put his watch on but stop seeing the date.
"Ichigo. I'm going on ahead." Toushiro told him, as he was seating on the window ceil. He turn his head and look at Ichigo who had a sad face that he hid well but Toushiro saw right throw it. Toushiro bit his lip not wanting to push him if Ichigo wanted him to know he would tell him. Later, at school Tatsuki, Orhime, and Michiru were taking about their art project upon seeing Ichigo, Orhime smile and wave at him. "Good morning, Ichigo!" He turn around and smile back. "Good morning, Orhime!"
The girls were taken back. Tatsuki narrow her eyes turn and ask Michiru what the date it was. Michiru look down at her watch and told her. Tatsuki told them it was a fake smile and he wouldn't be in school tomorrow. That night the Kurosaki's were having their annual meeting for tomorrow. Isshin was able to put a smile on his children faces. Ichigo came into his room drying his hair after a shower. Seeing Toushiro lying on his bed reading another book, while Kon was on his stomach sleeping. Ichigo sat on the bed continue to dry his hair. "Seems like you and your family are planning some sort of outing tomorrow." Toushiro said without looking up.
"Hey Shiro…I wonder if it's okay…to take a break from my Shinigami work tomorrow…Just for one day." He asked without turning. Toushiro close the book and address him. "Even if I say yes, there is no way to predict a Hollow attack. Why do you want a day off anyway?" He questioned him.
"It's the anniversary. Tomorrow is the day my mom died. No. That's not it. In truth, it wasn't just the day she died. It's the day she was killed." He said turning to Toushiro seeing his unreadable expression. He didn't say anything and Ichigo was glad he didn't. Toushiro eyes seems to show he understood his request. They both went to sleep, with Ichigo dreaming about that night so many years ago. The next day, the Kurosaki's where walking up a steep hill to grave of their mother or wife in Isshin case. Yuzu complain it was too steep causing Isshin to encourage his daughter in his usual way. Karin end up kicking him down the hill.
"There is someone also here. You think he's visiting a grave too?" Yuzu voice pulled Ichigo out of thought. "Possibly." Karin pipe up. Ichigo freak out seeing Toushiro. Toushiro was wearing a black shirt, blue wash jeans, and black shoes with a brown backpack on. He was leaning on the nearby wall, but move off upon seeing them. Karin mention he look familiar but couldn't place it. Ichigo told them to go on ahead of him and ran up to Toushiro throw him over his shoulder.
Karin smile giggle stating their brother reached that age leaving a confuse Yuzu. Ichigo brought them to a private trail asking why he was there. Toushiro said in case of a Hollow attack. "Ichigo, I don't want to pry…but if you don't answer I understand…What you mean your mother was killed? Like I said you don't have to answer." Toushiro said in a clear calm voice. A few moments went by and Ichigo open his mouth. "It something you never understand. I killed my mother. I was my fault." Ichigo said looking at the ground. "Ichigo." Ichigo move his head up to see Toushiro looking to the sided.
"I understand. I had a friend that I told everything to. My thoughts, my feelings, even my doubts. You can say I was fallen for him but he betrayed me. He broke my heart. We were force to fight to the death, that's how I got this scar. It's the only thing I have left of him." Ichigo couldn't believe what he was hearing, to be force to kill someone you care about. He couldn't image the pain Toushiro had to go through. He looked at his face but Toushiro wasn't even tearing up, his face was emotionless.
"I think we both need to take a breather from each other." Toushiro said turning around and walk away. Ichigo want to call out to him but he couldn't make the words come out. Being already emotional he didn't know what to with such shocking info. He just stood there like an idiot. He walked towards a nearby stair case to sit down putting this hands to his face. Remembering that day and Toushiro story, he let a tear escape. He was upset and angry at the same time.
Toushiro move to go seat on a cliff. Being up high helps him think and calm him down. Ichigo mother had to die in an accident, there was no way Ichigo intentional killed his own mother. His thoughts were disturbed by wiggling from the backpack he was wearing. Kon came out to only complain about the heat which Toushiro could agree on it was uncomfortable hot out. Kon ask to go home but Toushiro told him to shut up, they have to be here in case of a Hollow attack. Toushiro stood up to take a short walk he need to clear his head; he can hear Kusaka dying shouts ringing through his ears. He stopped, feeling a strange spiritual pressure. He wasn't sure if Ichigo can handle this one.
Kon pop out asking what was wrong, when Toushiro phone went off. He wasn't the only one to feel it, Ichigo as well as he started off towards Toushiro. Toushiro saw the reading of the hollow cursing the order for being slow and ran towards Ichigo. They meet up heading towards the Hollow. As they ran, Ichigo question Toushiro. "You're not…going to ask anything?"
"If I ask, will you answer? It's your past. Even I told you mine you don't have to think you owe me anything. But if you do want me to know. Just remember I be there for you." He smiles at Ichigo. Ichigo stared at him with a soft smile as well. "Yeah."
"You've gotta be kidding me! What do you mean 'Yeah'? Stop acting so cool! I can't keep up with you guys!" Kon cried out ruining the mood. "Ko…! Kon! What you also came along!?"
"Of course! Toushiro said he needed me. We have a higher level of closeness, Ichigo!" Kon tease him. Before Ichigo could respond, Toushiro call out. "Both of you. Be quiet...It's close!"
Ichigo narrow his eyes in anger at the scene in front of him. He was push out of his body by Toushiro. Seeing his sisters being attack by a large hollow with grass like body choking Yuzu and have Karin pin down. He cut the tentacle choking Yuzu and catching her as she fell. Ichigo quickly move and cut the arm pinning Karin. The hollow glared at Ichigo who had his sisters under one of his arms. "A Shinigami." Ichigo turn and confusion cross his face seeing the girl he tried to save all those years ago. "What's going on here…? You…You were the one at the river's edge that time…! Six years ago! Why are you here? How come you're with a hollow!?"
"Six years ago? I don't remember that far. I see…so you've seen me before." The hollow concluded. "That's right! What the heck are you! A hollow Crony! Or controlled by the hollow?" no reply was given. "SAY SOMETHING!" Ichigo yelled. The lure of the Hollow finally spoke. "Both are wrong, Boy." Ichigo eyes widen watching the lure connect to the true Hollow form. Toushiro showed up with Kon in Ichigo's body he told Kon to grab the girls and leave. Kon did as he was told. "It's Grand Fisher." Toushiro stated, explaining to Ichigo about the Hollow and his tricks. Ichigo flash back to when he fell for it, his mother was killed. In blind rage Ichigo charged forward. "Ichigo don't!" Toushiro yelled rushing after.
The hollow dodge the attack by jumping in the air. The hollow continues to laugh. It then shot its arm at Ichigo who use his sword to block the attack, but the hairs started to consume him. Toushiro quickly start to chant a spell but Ichigo told him to stop and quickly cut himself free. Ichigo was on his knees and Toushiro was at his side to check for injuries. Toushiro move hand to check Ichigo ribs when Ichigo grab his hand. Toushiro look into those deep brown eyes. "Shiro stay back, don't interfere. I'll do this alone. You go find Kon and look after the girls."
"Don't be foolish. He invaded train Shinigami for 50 years. You get killed." Toushiro argue back. Ichigo move forward placing his forehead on Toushiro's forehead. As he pulled back slightly he mumble. "Please don't interfere. I don't want to see you get hurt again." Toushiro was in shock at Ichigo action he just sat there. Ichigo stood up glaring at the Hollow readying his stance. "This is my fight." He proclaims. It wasn't long before the rain came down on them.
The Hollow and Ichigo started given blows after blows at each other. Destroying head stones, staircase, and trees in their path. Grand Fishers hair like extended trying to pierce Ichigo. The Hollow taunted him making Ichigo lose focus for a second which Grand Fisher took avenge of cutting his right check. Ichigo wipe the rain out of eyes. 'This thing killed Mom! And almost killed Yuzu and Karin! I decided to protect them. Now is the time! I will defeat him!' Ichigo thought.
Toushiro was conflicted. He wanted to go after them to help but he also wanted to respect Ichigo request. "Damn it!" He yelled standing up. He wiped the rain off his eyes then took off.
Ichigo rush forward to the Hollow face. "Didn't I say that this is careless boy? Charge in without a plan." The hollow laugh. It moves its arm back, Ichigo move sword to protect himself. The Hollow held the sword then its nail extended, piercing Ichigo shoulders and chest. Toushiro finally found them and stop in shock. 'No…Not again…Please don't you die on me now.' Toushiro move forward again. Ichigo struggle to stand up after being release. He rushes forward again but Grand Fisher move its lure changing to look like Muzaki. Making Ichigo stop.
Grand Fisher explain when his hand attack him it was able is see his memories of the one person Ichigo would not hurt. The Hollow want on about how he defeated all the other Shinigami with same technique. "Isn't right Ichigo." Muzaki said softly. "Don't fall for it Ichigo!"
'Toushiro? I thought…' Ichigo thought still keeping his eyes on the Hollow. "It's not her! It's nothing but a trick! You have to look past the illusion!" Toushiro yell out getting closer. 'He's right. That's not Mom.' Ichigo charge forward but the lure moves in front of him. "Don't Ichigo! Sheath the sword! Please…Don't cut Momma!" Muzaki pleaded with him. Seeing what the Hollow was doing Toushiro moved faster but wasn't able to make it in time. The Hollow pierce Ichigo in the chest. 'No…n-not again.'
Ichigo move his head up glaring at the hollow before moving his sword to cut off the hollow arm off. The Hollow scream in pain. Ichigo fell on his knees. Toushiro rush to his side holding Ichigo up. The Hollow decided to use one last trick going into his lure. Grand Fisher laugh at them confuse faces explaining the lure is part of his body even without an arm in charge at Ichigo. Instead of attacking it jump over them stating he cannot be follow in their state. Ichigo stumble after the hollow, Toushiro stop Ichigo telling him, he was to hurt he just get himself killed. Ichigo protest of course but pass out soon after form blood loss. Toushiro having trouble holding up Ichigo fell on his knees holding Ichigo upper half.
It wasn't long till the rain finally stops falling. Toushiro gently place Ichigo down to asset the damage. Toushiro move his hands to heal Ichigo, he can hear footsteps behind him. "Kon- "
"I'm not this Kon, brother." Toushiro eyes widen, he snaps his head around to see Rukia. He saw disappointment in her eyes. "Rukia…What are you doing here?"
"I was sent to check up on you. You haven't reported back in weeks. It isn't like you. Did you give you powers to this human?" He didn't answer. "Don't tell anyone yet."
"But…"
"Rukia. We both know the crime I committed and what would happen if they know about it. Just…please give me some time I have my powers back soon."
"How can you be so sure. What if it doesn't. Maybe brother or your father could help. Someone in Soul Society can help you. I know it."
"Rukia..." Toushiro sigh not liking what he was going to do next, but he had to keep Ichigo safe. Toushiro stood up and face his sister. "Are you going against a direct order."
"N-no…but…"
"Rukia Kuchik. Just because you were adopted into my family does not mean you can define a direct order from a captain. Now I order to not release this information. Is that understood."
"Y-yes."
"Good. Now help me heal him." They both kneel next to the bloody boy and healed him. It wasn't long till Rukia spoke up again. "I don't understand. Why did you do it? You're a captain, why would you give a human your power? And why don't you want me tell brother or your father? I'm sure they won't tell anyone of this."
"Rukia…Just keep it quiet. Just between you and I. You don't have worry about me, I have my powers back soon." She didn't look convince but she wouldn't till anyone. After Ichigo was good Rukia left promising to keep his secret. It wasn't long before Kon show up and they got Ichigo in his body and Kon back in his.
Ichigo opening his eyes seeing Toushiro looking off into the distance. He felt a hand running throw his hair. It felt nice. "Shiro…" The hand stops and Toushiro look down giving him a soft smile. "What happen? Where's the hollow?"
"You pass out form blood loss and the hollow got away you were in no shape to continue the fight." Ichigo look upset again. "Let's go, your family most be worried by now." Toushiro said pulling away. They both stood up, then Kon jump up into Toushiro arms. For once not making any comments. "Yeah let's go." Ichigo said leading the way. He wanted to hold Toushiro hand but Kon was in his arms.
Ichigo stared at his mother's head stone. Toushiro lean against a tree given Ichigo his space. With Kon back in the backpack. "I'm sorry. I…wasn't able to avenge you…mom."
"What's this? I was wondering where you'd gone and turns out you were here, Ichigo." Isshin said walking towards him. "Oh, Hi dad how's the girls."
"Find they're still sleeping." Isshin said taking out a cigarette and lighting it. "I thought you quit?"
"Your mom, once told me, I look cool smoking. It's was the only complement she ever told me. So on this day I light one to honor her." Ichigo look away with guilt. Isshin smack him telling him to cheer up. Ichigo then yell at him asking why no one wasn't blaming him. "Why blame you. If I did Masaki would hate me. It's not anyone's fault that Masaki died. The woman I fell in love with…was a woman who could die protecting her son." Isshin smile and then kick his son.
He walked away telling his son to live well and to grow old. Ichigo call out to Toushiro to let him remain a Shinigami a little longer to get stronger. Toushiro came out and nodded at him.