On with the show!
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Chapter 12: Conflictions
It had been two days since Ichigo had spied on the teens and he had gotten an idea, he asked Szayel for the clocking cloak, went to tell Aizen what he planned to do only to get a smirk and nod and he was off to the world of the living.
Looking around once the rip in the air closed he smirked gleefully when he noticed that the teens were still inside the big ugly building.
"Perfect."
Using Sonído he quickly rose to the roof of the building in time to see his very target walking alone, granted she looked alert but that wouldn't help her all that much. Grinning he jumped down and landed right behind her.
With a quick hand around her mouth he sonído'd a far end away from the school. Orihime stood dizzy leaning against the body that was behind her. She had never felt anything like that before and she didn't want to anytime soon.
She went stiff when she heard a deep chuckle behind her. The hand that was around her mouth released her and she spun around to come face to face with Ichigo. Now being so close she realised how… tall the man was.
"Hello little girl." Ichigo grinned down at Orihime relishing in her fear, she might be a friend of his sister but heh… he was part hollow after all. He lifted his finger to her lips when she opened her mouth to speak. Orihime just blushed ten crimson shades of red but that only made Ichigo huff in the irony.
"No speaking, just listening. Got it?" Ichigo asked still grinning lopsidedly.
Orihime nodded her head against the pale finger.
"In three days I will come back and take you with me, either come willingly or make me take you by force hurting those around you. It's your choice princess-y." The smile grew a little less intimidating.
"Take these three days to say good-bye in a sense. Just know that I will know if you tell someone, and that will force my hand. Are we clear?" Ichigo asked no longer smiling. Tears were building in her brown grey eyes.
Another nod made Ichigo give one in return. With that he placed both hands on her shoulders and used Sonído to get them back to where they were and he was gone just as she got her bearings. Her legs wobbled as she tumbled to the ground.
Three days?
Ichigo smiled smugly as he walked down the hallways, those who watched wondered what the Cero had done now that he had the face of a naughty child that just pulled the perfect prank.
Inside Ichigo's head he was snickering. He liked feeling like himself again, moodiness wasn't his style after all. He liked being devious and in general a smart ass. The look on that girl's face was hilarious. Snickering to himself he walked into the meeting hall. All heads turned his way as he grinned deviously.
"Heh she nearly shat herself but she's gonna follow through. She's the kind that would put themselves up without thinking much about it." Ichigo shrugged getting a pleased smile from Aizen. Once the meeting was dismissed and Ichigo retired to his room where he had a nice soak in his tub he wondered how his sister would react.
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Shinji looked up from the book he was reading when there was a knock on the barrier.
Confused the blonde man looked to his pink haired friend who was busy concentrating on who was outside. A frown marred the man's face. "It's Isshin."
Hyori burst out laughing, she laughed till she fell out of her cot.
"Father of your mate is here!" She cackled and made Shinji pale rapidly. This made the rest of the Visards break down in hysterical laughter while Hachigen went to allow Isshin inside the barrier. Once the brunette stepped inside the laughter died down.
Once Isshin looked around and spotted Shinji he smirked.
"So… you and my boy eh?" he grinned good heartedly making the blonde relax faintly.
Shinji nodded as he watched Isshin looked for a spot to sit down; he sighed and leaned back on the large block of collapsed wall he was sitting on. "I don't have a problem with it if that's what you're worried about so calm down."
Blinking like an owl, Shinji looked at Isshin as he looked around.
"In fact, I am here to thank you."
The whole room was deathly silent.
"Thank me?"
Isshin smiled.
"Because of you, well Ichigo would have no doubt just gone along with Aizen's plan hadn't you showed up and well allow him to claim you. I get that it's all to do with being hollow or half hollow so I won't try and understand but never the less thank you."
Shinji gave a small smirk. "Heh can't actually take the credit for it, it's all Ichigo but I have to say you have… a strong son so you should feel proud."
To that said father raised a brow. "Oh? Urahara hasn't told me about what Ichigo did in Seireitei."
Shinji grinned his piano grin and recalled all Ichigo told him, while he told this the rest of the group watched barely holding their laughs in as the man's face grew more astonished as the list grew.
Suddenly a lopsided grin very similar to Ichigo's appeared on Isshin's face while he laughed heartily.
"That's my boy." He said like any proud parent, he rose from his seat and nodded to the Visards.
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Three days passed and Orihime had tried to act as normal as possible but it wasn't easy with someone as attentive as Karin.
On the third and final day while walking back Karin huffed out.
"Alright what the hell?"
Orihime shook her head while panicking in her head. Ichigo didn't say when he would get her only that on the third he would. It was the third day so it would be today.
Just as she was about to say it was nothing a tear was heard by the group, they all had decided to try and get Orihime to speak but they didn't even make it to the house.
"Well well princess held up her end of the deal." A cocky voice spoke making them all look up and see a man with blue hair and eyes with a jaw fragment on his face while he wore a cropped jacket and normal hakama pants. Ichigo was standing in front of the group of three while a man as pale as snow with arctic green eyes as dead as a corpse with a high collared coat and hakama pants stood on his other side.
"Distract them." Ichigo ordered and the two nodded vanishing with buzzing noises. In a blink of an eye Karin was out of her body keeping a grinning Grimmjow at bay while Uryuu and Chad had a hard time with Ulquiorra.
Ichigo grinned when he saw Orihime look right at him, not a look of anger, so she understood that they were only to keep them away from her.
He jerked his head back, telling her in a way to come closer. She did but she was shaking like a leaf, he did pity the poor girl. This was not her world, she didn't belong in this fight but her powers were too good to give up in Aizen's opinion.
He lowered as she got closer. When she was just in front of him, Ichigo whistled and gripped Orihime's arm. "Just to make sure ya don't fall." He said with a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. Orihime was confused but nodded anyway. Two buzzing noises notified Ichigo that his two teammates were beside him.
"Let Orihime go!" The bow wielding teen billowed and aimed right at Ulquiorra. The man didn't move as he watched Uryuu aim and release the glowing blue arrow. In a span of a few seconds Ichigo lifted his fee hand and released a nameless bala blasting the arrow into nothingness.
He grinned at the group meeting his sister's gaze last. His eyes softened and he winked at her before he ripped open a Garganta. His two lesser Espada went in first before he joined in after them. Karin just stared utterly confused, what the hell did that look mean?
They rushed to the Shōten accidentally breaking the door down in their haste but when they explained to a frowning Tessai and gawking Urahara they were quickly forgiven. When Urahara asked where Yoruichi was, he was told that she was called by the head captain.
Just then said black cat came in looking riled up.
"I was called to Seireitei and when I got there they told me that no one called!" Yoruichi looked around as saw the distinct lack of red head and her eyes grew wide.
"They did it so I wouldn't be here…"
It dawn on them all that someone somehow got a message to Yoruichi making her, the strongest protector absent long enough to get Orihime without a fight.
"Damnit! And my brother actually smiled and winked at me!" Karin yelled looking confused and hurt.
"He's telling you that Orihime will be fine."
Heads snapped to the broken door to see Shinji looking at the door as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. Shinji looked up and into Karin's eyes. "That's what the smile said, the wink was his way of probably just being his teasing self, hollows are in a sense a little fucked up in the head."
"Who the hell are you?" Asked Uryuu who had yet to calm down and looked like a highly strung bow string.
Shinji smirked.
"My name is Shinji Hirako and Aizen Sosuke's failed experiment as well as your brother's mate." The long haired blonde bowed and grinned at the shocked look on all the teens' faces.
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Orihime followed after Ichigo's larger form as the two others walked ahead. Ichigo had yet to say anything; she wasn't even tied up not that she could get away…
They reach a pair of double doors that were opened by the blue haired man with a hole in his lower abdomen. The room was dark and large while the middle was lit with an overhanging light; a large table with ten seats, only seven filled while an end away was a throne were Aizen sat himself like he was a king. Ichigo heard El fuego growl in his head.
Sighing he walked Orihime till she was in front of Aizen. The man smiled a slimy smile that made Orihime shiver. "Ah hello Orihime-san, so good to see you. Ichigo for now take her to the room in the tower and wait there with Miss Inoue till I come to speak privately." Ichigo gave one nod and gently turned Orihime around and walked back out the door.
"Sir?"
Aizen looked at Harribel.
"Why are you so insistent that we have this girl?"
Aizen smirked smugly. "If trained right she could undo the will of gods, if trained right she can even bring someone back from the dead." The room was deathly silent as they digested the words. With that said the brunette nutcase rose and walked to the tower to speak privately with Orihime.
Once he reached the door leading to the room prepared for Orihime he listened for any voices inside but got nothing. Shrugging he opened the door and saw Ichigo standing next to the door while Orihime sat on the couch like a lost child looking around for their parents.
Her eyes snapped to him when she closed the door.
Orihime listened as the egotistical man went on about her powers being so unique she could undo the work of gods, her eyes snapped to Ichigo wondering if she could turn him back into a human. "Ah Ichigo you have instant regenerate abilities correct?" Aizen asked the male red head once he saw Orihime looking at him.
"Hai, Aizen-sama."
"Go fetch me someone who doesn't." Ichigo nodded and was gone in flash. Aizen sat back in his seat; he didn't say anything but Orihime saw why soon as just a minute later Ichigo was back with the blue haired man from before.
"Now Ichigo-san I want you to cut off Grimmjow's arm, destroy the arm. Completely." Aizen's face was serious as he looked into equally serious red eyes. "Alright." Ichigo said after a pause. He turned to the blue haired man who was looking at them both like they were mad. Orihime didn't blame him.
Sighing Ichigo gathered his volatile reiatsu into his hand. Orihime watched in awe as the reiatsu seemed to look just like fire. She watched then in horror as Ichigo looked at Grimmjow and said a small sorry before gripping the arm in the middle of the bicep. Grimmjow gritted his teeth as his arm was burned off and into ashes.
When it was done he was sweating and leaning heavily onto Ichigo, who didn't seem to mind and helped the blue haired man remain upright.
"Now Orihime dear, bring back his arm."
Ichigo and Grimmjow looked doubtful at Orihime and for some reason she felt annoyed by that, she was strong. Maybe not in the physical sense but she was strong. Face set in determination she rose and stood before the two men.
"Please release Grimmjow-san, he needs to stand alone." Ichigo gave her a look that made her shiver.
It said 'Hurt him and you will be hurt.'
"Shun Shun Rikka! I reject!" the orange bubble surrounded Grimmjow.
"What the fuck!" Grimmjow yelled but remained where he was, after a few seconds the arm materialised to the two Espada's amazement.
"I want you to do this on the Hogyoku."
Ichigo's back was facing Aizen so he didn't see Ichigo's eyes go wide, Grimmjow did.
Gritting his teeth Ichigo forced himself not to act.
"But not now, we will do this once you have rested. Today must have been a stressful day. Grimmjow you have first watch. No one is to get in here lest they are myself, Gin, Kaname or Ichigo. Understood?" the blue haired man nodded and walked out with Ichigo.
Grimmjow had to nearly run to keep up with Ichigo as he walked down the hallway like a raging bull.
Lesser Arrancar fled at the sight of him, some even tripped in their hurry to get away. Once Ichigo was in his room with the door left open for Grimmjow who was inside just a few seconds after him, Grimmjow closed the door to see Akira looking at Ichigo with concerned as said red head paced in the room looking much like a caged animal.
"That power… is unnatural, it shouldn't exist." Ichigo growled as he paced, his fist clenched and unclenched. "Power that can bring someone back from the dead is unnatural and will upset the balance as we are all meant to die."
Akira nodded, he agreed. That power was unnatural. If it was just a very strong healing ability it was fine but… to have that power…
"If she can bring someone back… she can probably kill someone too, good thing she's such a timid little thing." Grimmjow said leaning against the wall, he watched Ichigo move. He was far tenser than he first thought.
"That bastard is up to something." Ichigo hissed through clenched teeth, his sharp teeth looking all too dangerous.
"What ya mean?"
A voice no one expected came through the door.
The door opened to show Starkk and Nnoitra, well Nnoitra's body till his chest as he was taller than the door.
Once they both entered the door, with Nnoitra bending low to get in they closed the door. Ichigo looked at each male in the eye. "My instincts are telling me that this whole thing is gonna end badly."
Red eyes landed on Starkk. "Especially for you."
All the men shivered when the meaning of his words dawned on them, when Ichigo's instincts told the man something they tended to be true. Ichigo sighed and flopped down onto a couch.
"Shouldn't you be on guard duty?" Ichigo asked without looking at Grimmjow who cursed and scampered out the room. Nnoitra snickered but stopped when he saw the look on Ichigo's face.
"We need a plan." Akira said looking at Ichigo.
Ichigo nodded and began to rub his mask-less forehead.
"I know that Karin and her friends will come to get Orihime, Urahara is smart enough to know that much… I have an idea…
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Yamamoto looked down from his position as Karin looked back up at him, she was clearly not standing down, then there was Urahara who had surprisingly showed up to explain why they needed to get Orihime back.
The news was worrisome.
"Alright. In twenty four hours I will sent two captains and their lieutenants along with those of their choosing to come along with your group."
Urahara blinked in surprise.
"With the Central 46 still unavailable I am in command. I will not let this situation escalade."
The captains then perked up as the head captain would order the two captains.
"Captain Byakuya and Captain Kenpachi will go."
Captain Mayuri growled.
"I demand that I am to go with!" He barked making Yamamoto sigh in annoyance. 'Might as well…' he thought to himself.
"Alright, Captain Unohara is to go along as well for medical support."
There was a chorus of 'Hai, head captain." Before all of them left the room, outside Renji walked up to Karin with Byakuya in tow.
"Yo Karin!" He said with a grin, Karin gave a duplicate grin.
"Confess yet?" she asked and barked out when Renji turned the same shade of red as his hair. Karin barked out laughing while Byakuya smirked faintly. "Yo Karin." A deep voice said behind her, looking up she saw captain Kenpachi looking down at her with a small Yachiru grinning happily while hanging on his shoulder.
"Think Ichigo will be up for a rematch?" Kenpachi grinning like the battle hungry loony he was.
Karin thought about it some before shrugging.
"No way of knowing to be honest, he may be my brother but I don't know him all that much."
'And that he has a male mate and apparently super scary when he's angry.' Karin thought to herself.
Karin walked a little while claiming that she wanted to be alone with her thoughts. She felt her zampactou in the front of her mind as if it was looking for something or trying to get her attention. Kazekarasu rarely talked as it preferred Karin learn herself. However it seemed to REALLY want her attention she looking around she spotted a small patch of green grass and plopped down to meditate and enter her mindscape.
What her zampactou spirit told her however made her train harder then she woke up again.
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The Garganta closed behind Ichigo as he looked around. He frowned heavily; he sensed something here, pulling him closer to the home of Karin. Walking there slowly he looked around at the homes. He was surprised when his instincts lead him to the clinic part of the home where the lights were still on.
Walking around the house he saw the window was open, taking a gamble he slid inside and gave Isshin a good fright.
Isshin who turned at the sound screamed and fell off his chair. Ichigo tilted his head in confusion, his instincts led him here?
Whatever for?
Looking around Ichigo saw pictures of an orange haired boy. His eyes went wide when he saw the woman holding him. His body moved on its own, he was so focused on the picture he didn't see Isshin's eyes go to the photo then back to him repeatedly. Once he was in front of the picture he lifted his hand and with a single finger caressed the glass over the woman's face.
Looking to the side at the other photos he saw one with a whole family with the small boy in the middle while both man and wife held a small baby girl. They were all smiles.
"So you are my father." Ichigo stated getting a jump from Isshin as he heard his son speak for the first time.
Slowly Ichigo turned around and faced Isshin.
Something inside Isshin crumbled when he saw the lost look in the being before him. Ichigo's brown eyes were gone, replaced with blood red crimson but they were still Ichigo. This was still Ichigo, Urahara's words echoed in his head. He stepped closer seeing Ichigo tensing up and the look in his eyes changed to a mixture of mistrust and fear.
"Ichigo…"
Said red head looking into the man before him, in his eyes he saw acceptance.
His knees gave way and he fell to the ground looking up at Isshin in shock.
Isshin although surprised by the suddenness of the move took it in his stride and sank down into a kneeling position on front of Ichigo who was looking at him with wide eyes, the eye behind the mask more striking due to the darkened area around it.
"Ichigo… you grew up so well…" Isshin said softly, he didn't have to worry as he was alone at home as Karin was in Soul Society and Yuzu was at a friend's place. Ichigo blinked owlishly at him, his head was in turmoil. He didn't know what to do or say. "How… can you even see me?" Ichigo whispered looking at Isshin in awe.
Smiling at his son he stood and held out a hand for Ichigo to take, slowly he did and was helped up and lead into the house where Isshin made tea for them. now they say at the dinner table looking at each other.
"I was a shinigami when I met your mother. I was out patrolling when she was attacked by a white hollow, you see she got hurt and in order to save her I became human in a way so I could link her soul with mine to stop the soul corruption happening to her due to her getting bitten by a hollow. She and I fell in love over time and… had you."
Ichigo scooted closer nearly on the edge of his seat. "How did we die?"
Isshin blinked a few times, he saw the desperate look in Ichigo's eyes, the hunger for the knowledge he didn't know but had full right to. Sighing deeply he looked into his son's eyes.
"You and your mother were on your way back when a hollow attracted your attention, in so lead you into danger. Your mother was spiritually strong so she could see spirits, she saw what was about to happen and threw herself in the way getting herself killed protecting you. Due to her having been attacked by the hollow those years ago it was passed down from her to you. You woke up and took full blame, your emotions were fuelled by the hollow inside you and in the end…" Isshin sighed and rubbed his face before downing his tea.
"You committed suicide by drowning in the river." Isshin looked up to see Ichigo looking at him in shock. Slowly a trembling hand moved to cover the hollow hole in plain view.
"El fuego said something like that…"
Isshin cocked his head. "Who?" Looking up Ichigo met his father's eyes. "My sword." As he spoke he took the sword still sheathed and placed it down on the table. The massive sword was far longer than the table was wide but it had enough space to balance out. Isshin took the blade in. the black sheath and interesting hilt.
"What does it mean?" father asked son.
"The fire." Confused Isshin looked at Ichigo who was looking at the sword. "... He explained that he is my sword's spirit, much like a shinigami. He was there since I was born. He told me that all he could sense of my death was being unable to breathe and coldness." Ichigo ran a hand down the sheathed blade.
Unable to suppress the shivers Isshin looked at Ichigo who seemed to be deep in thought.
"Can you… tell me more about my mother?" Ichigo asked in a small voice. The picture made Isshin's heart melt a little.
"Your mother was the sun of this family, we all gravitated towards her; you loved her so much. No one could make you smile as much as she could. Her name was Masaki and you too look a lot alike but I'm glad to see some of me in there too." Ichigo looked up to see Isshin smiling at him like a proud father.
"Do…you know who… what hollow killed her?" Ichigo asked again with a desperate look in his eyes. Isshin sighed and sat back.
"Yes, I believe he is called the Grand Fisher." The brunette father jumped when Ichigo stood abruptly.
Ichigo was looking unseeingly ahead of himself gripping the table edge so harshly it splintered in his grip, he was breathing haggardly as if he had just fought every hollow in existence.
"That… piece of shit…" Ichigo growled lowly.
"I know where he is and he is dead." Ichigo continued to growl out as his reiatsu was barely held in check by the black cloth wrapped around him. Isshin was blinking at him owlishly now, he saw the pure anger in the red eyes of his son.
"Ichigo…" Red eyes snapped to him and just like that the anger vanished. Isshin was impressed by the control his son had over his anger. "Karin… she's planning on coming to get Orihime back… please make sure she doesn't get hurt." Ichigo smiled at him.
"She won't, not under my watch. I have plans already set into motion. I have one more thing I need… all I ask of you is… well just don't die on me old man." Isshin gaped as Ichigo grinned at him but his eyes were soft. Standing up, Isshin walked around the table to stand in front of Ichigo who looked at him curiously. He gripped both strong shoulders and gave Ichigo a hard hug. Ichigo stood stock still for a few moments before he returned the hug.
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Urahara jumped a mile high when the wooden door that was just fixed got smashed down. Ichigo looked down at the door in shock, he looked back up and grinned sheepishly. "Heh… sorry didn't mean to do that…" with that said he walked in and looked right at Urahara.
"But you and I have some talking to do."
The blonde shop keeper sat deadly still as Ichigo slowly came closer. Just as Ichigo was halfway into the room the other three inhabitants came charging inside but skidded to a stop when they saw Ichigo looking at them with a blank look.
"Don't interfere."
Junta looked in shock at the monster in front of him. Those red eyes were so…intense.
Looking back Ichigo met grey eyes that have calmed down, "What can I do for you Ichigo-san?" Red eyes narrowed. "You are probably the one who helped my parents, aren't you." Those words made everyone's eyes go wide.
"So you know now?" Urahara composed himself first. Ichigo nodded and walked deeper into the room, Urahara had been drinking a late night cup of sake before bed. Ichigo took a seat at the table and looked Urahara in the eye. The look was so calculating it put Byakuya to shame.
"When Aizen got that fucking orb out of that little shinigami, he used something he claimed he got from you. I want to know if you can make it again.
Urahara thought about it and nodded.
"When do you need it?" he asked looking at Ichigo who had yet to take his eyes off of him.
"Tonight if possible."
Urahara nodded and stood, good thing he wasn't tired.
Ichigo remained seated, he ignored the three staring at him, too deep in thought about ideas of revenge.
It took Urahara three hours to remake the bark like hand. He showed Ichigo how to use it and was thanked.
"Ichigo." Urahara called out when he was about to leave. Looking over his shoulder Ichigo looked at Urahara.
"The hollow that attacked your mother and so on, was made by Aizen."
Ichigo stiffened and gripped the wooden doorframe, the wood broke and shattered under his grip as his body started to tremble. A low growl filled the silent air of the night. "That fucking bastard will pay." Ichigo snarled showing off his impressive teeth. The trembling stopped as Ichigo got control over himself again.
"He will pay, as well as the Grand Fisher. That little fucker will be dead beneath my foot in the near future. I bid you all a good night." Ichigo said in a deadpan voice.
He walked away leaving a shell-shocked group behind him.
"What the hell? Is he bipolar or something?" Junta asked with a frown. Urahara shook his head, he looked at the broken door and sighed. "He has two warring sides to him now. I wonder if the third will ever show itself."
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Ichigo walked down the halls, the dark aura around him was nearly suffocating. His breathe got more haggard as he walked, more like stalked the halls. He homed in on the reiatsu he was happy to have sensed quickly.
Grinning menacingly he growled lowly as he closed in on his target, Grand Fisher had been changed into a large hulking man with brown hair, stubble and a tribal garb. He towered over everyone even Nnoitra which annoyed the tall man greatly.
Grinning wider Ichigo even had a perfect excuse for when Aizen would ask him, Grand Fisher was a very arrogant man and would sometimes openly annoy the Espada claiming he was stronger than them.
Was Ichigo walked down the hallway where Grand Fisher was busy pestering Harribel and her three followers, however when Grand Fisher saw him his smile grew more smug. "Well if it isn't our pathetic Cero-sama, what went to go and deal with your feelings like some woman?"
The four women saw the loom in Ichigo's eyes and knew shit was about to go down, Grand Fisher took Ichigo's silence as being unable to come up with a snappy comeback.
"Naw did I hurt the little cero's feelings?" He cooed mockingly.
It was the last insult Grand Fisher would ever make as Ichigo gently lifted his hand just as the rest of the Espada came around the corner. They stopped when they saw Ichigo raise his hand and with quickness that still took them off guard, Ichigo slammed the hulking man thought the wall and onto the white sands of Las Noches.
"I'll show you what fear is, I will show ya what pain is and I will be the last thing you see." Ichigo hissed out as he stepped out the hole and onto the sands.
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I am so sorry for being late! I know I said Saturday but I had a hectic week. It was my birthday party yesterday and my birthday today so I am very sorry!
But all is back to normal now so yeah, if I am late again it will be Sunday too so if its not on a Saturday it will be the day after!
Thanks for the support you guys rock!
Again if I made a bad mistake somewhere let me know~ My beta is working on this but she's working on the earlier chapters!