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"Oi, Rangiku-san, it's Renji. Can I come in?"

Masaki trailed off, glancing at the sliding door with wide eyes. Shūhei, Izuru, and Rangiku also turned to look at the door.

Masaki unsteadily lowered her cup to the table, nearly dropping it as she hastily settled it just past the wooden edge.

"I-I should go now," she stammered.

"What are you talking about, Masaki? No, you don't. It's just Renji. He's probably just here to check on me because he heard about Hitsugaya-taichō. You have to finish telling us about this terrible taichō. I'm sure Renji would want to hear about this," Rangiku said.

"I-I can't…I should go," Masaki insisted, as she made a move to rise out of her seat.

Rangiku inwardly frowned. She couldn't quite understand why the girl's nerves weren't completely subdued yet with the sake she'd had so far, but she wasn't about to let her flee, not when she was just beginning to spill interesting tidbits about the future. Acting fast, she burst out of her seat and dropped her cup onto her table as Masaki barely arose a few inches.

"Yes, you can. Relax. Have some more sake," Rangiku said, swiftly grabbing the tokkuri and tipping it over Masaki's cup and shoving it into her hands before she could utter a single protest. Tiny sake droplets spurted out of the cup as Masaki barely managed to hold onto it. Smiling, Rangiku maintained one hand supporting Masaki's hands around the cup while she gently but firmly pressed the young woman's unsteady form back down to the sofa with the other.

"C'mon, Masaki, drink up…" Rangiku said encouragingly once Masaki was seated. Blithely, she moved the cup towards Masaki's mouth. "You really need to enjoy yourself, you know…"

"B-But…"Masaki started, but Rangiku ignored her, continuing to direct the sake laden cup towards the tip of her mouth. "Quit worrying. It's not like you're a kid that isn't allowed to drink. Don't be afraid, drink up…"

As Renji awaited Rangiku's permission to enter, he could sense his fellow fukutaichō, Hisagi Shūhei and Izuru Kira had beaten him to checking on the Tenth Division fukutaichō, which wasn't exactly a surprise. The Tenth Division fukutaichō was pretty chummy with those two. However, the other presence in the room puzzled him. He found it unfamiliar yet at the same time he felt he had encountered it before….A plummeting feeling enveloped him as he realized whom it was….It was Kurosaki Masaki…What the hell was she doing here? She should be hanging out with her future parents, not hanging around here. She had no reason to be here whatsoever. It's not like she was friends with Rangiku-san….

Damn it. He had been trying to avoid thinking about her, or Rukia and Ichigo let alone seeing any of them. He had figured it was best to steer clear of them if possible. So much for that….He had half a mind to leave when Rangiku said, "C'mon in, Renji."

The reply sounded hurried with an undertone of impatience.

He reluctantly reached out to open the door.

The sight that met his eyes was unexpected.

Shūhei, Izuru, Rangiku, and Masaki held yunomi in their hands, but the white tokkuri sitting innocuously alongside a teapot on the table between the two sofas and Masaki's glowing cheeks indicated they were drinking something far more relaxing than tea.

"What are you guys doing?" Renji asked, disbelief evident in his tone.

Shūhei and Izuru looked somewhat guilty, but Rangiku had no such air. Surprisingly, he thought he saw shame in Masaki's gaze despite her current state.

Though he couldn't say he knew Rangiku-san quite well, if there's one thing he had quickly learned since being promoted to a fukutaichō was that she loved drinking and that it was her favorite way to socialize. The vivacious blonde hadn't wasted time to throw him a celebratory party after he had been formally inducted as a fukutaichō, even if she barely knew him. He had heard the rumors regarding her penchant for carousing, but it had been amazing to see it with his own eyes just how much of a drinker and social butterfly the Tenth Division fukutaichō was. She was definitely the type of person that could make friends with anyone, but this was hardly the time for her to try to befriend Masaki, with her taichō out and war threatening the Soul Society…

"We're just having a drink to de-stress a bit before getting back to our duties," Rangiku said nonchalantly. "It's been such a long day…I'm sure you've heard by now about my taichō and everything. Care to join us, Renji?"

"A drink, you say? Are you sure you guys should be drinking?" Renji asked, unconvinced that the blonde intended to only have one drink.

"Why not? It's just one drink," Rangiku said, shrugging. "Nothing more, nothing less. We do have work to get back to after all. How about it, Renji? I'm sure you could use one…"

Renji hesitated for a moment before he said, "I think I'll pass. I just came to see how you were…"

"Oh, that's sweet. I'm doing fine. You should stay though. Masaki was just telling us what a jerk the future Ninth Division taichō is…"

"W-What?" Renji said, gaping at her.

"I know right, I would have thought the Ninth Division would have a better taichō than…before…"Rangiku said, glancing apologetically at Shūhei.

"Y-You would think so," Masaki agreed, sneering, the words tumbling from her mouth as though she couldn't contain them. "But he's exactly the same…a filthy traitor…that never deserved the title of taichō…"

"He's a traitor…too? That can't be…" Rangiku gasped, expressing the stunned disbelief radiating from Shūhei, Izuru, and Renji. The room became tense.

Masaki nodded her head, as her eyes narrowed. "It is…He may act like he's above it, but I've seen him for what he really is a… a lying, selfish two-faced bastard that's only out to get what he wants…"

"W-Why? Why would he do something like that?" Shūhei said, his expression forlorn and troubled.

Masaki stared at him for a second before letting out a scornful chuckle. "I told you , it's b-because he's selfish and greedy…All he cares about is himself…what he stands to gain…not about anyone…"she explained bitterly.

"But what did he stand to gain by doing such a thing?" Shūhei clarified.

"Power and st—"

The door flew open revealing a beaming Yachiru, clutching an enormous sack that was five times her size.

"I'm back with lotsa candies," she proclaimed brightly, bursting into the room eagerly, knocking aside Renji as she did so.

"Y-Yachiru-chan, you're here…" Masaki said, her harsh expression melting into one of shock, as she lowered her cup onto the table before her.

"Yup. It's a good thing I brought a lot. There's more people now," she mused, as she dumped her bag in front of the low table and began perusing through its contents, completely oblivious to the tension that had filled the room moments before. She popped some candy into her mouth as she found some she evidently liked, before grabbing a bagful of chocolate and bounding over to Shūhei, offering it to him, but he shook his head. Rangiku, on the other hand, graciously accepted the proffered bundle.

"Here, Mini Ichi," Yachiru said, offering her a pink bag speckled with white bunnies.

"I-Is that Chappy?" Masaki said, peering at the bag curiously.

Yachiru nodded.

"Arigatō," Masaki said, taking it and opening it. Her lips stretched into a pleased, wide grin as she gazed at a bunny shaped chocolate confection. "Oooh, Chappy chocolate!" she exclaimed, her expression gleeful, as she peered at the cocoa coated creature. "He's so cute!"

"And yummy!" Yachiru added. "Eat him!"

Masaki gazed at Chappy for a long moment, her eyebrows knitting and unknotting with contemplation. "I-I can't…he's just too cute…"

"But that's what he's for, silly." Yachiru giggled. "C'mon, Mini Ichi, take a bite…"

"B-But, I don't want to hurt him…" Masaki protested with a pout.

"You won't be hurting him, you'll be enjoying him," Yachiru corrected. "He wants you to eat him…"

"H-He… does?" Masaki blinked.

"Yes," Yachiru said, nodding her head emphatically. "Eat him…"

Masaki continued to stare at her candy indecisively as Yachiru continued her litany of encouragement. Slowly, she raised the candy towards her mouth, looking conflicted. Yachiru impatiently jammed the candy towards her mouth prompting Masaki to bite down on it and start choking.

"Boobies, why did you give Mini Ichi sake?" Yachiru asked, in an uncharacteristic serious tone that denoted a much older age, as she glanced at Rangiku. "She's not supposed to have any sake, she's too young. Ken-chan says sake is only for adults."

All of her fellow fukutaichō stared at her with startled, uncomfortable expressions.

"It was only a little," Rangiku began.

"She's drunk," Yachiru stated matter of fact.

"I'm not drunk, Yachiru-chan," Masaki declared loudly, now that she had managed to swallow the chocolate bunny. "And I'm not as young as you think….I can drink…"

"All drunks say they aren't drunk," Yachiru said, cracking a grin. "But they don't really know what they're saying. Your cheeks are as red as a tomato, and you have chocolate all over."

Masaki embarrassedly wiped at her face.

"I do know what I'm saying. I'm not drunk. I'm j-just…hot. A-A-nd the chocolate is your fault," she pointed out, flustered.

Yachiru laughed.

"It's not funny," Masaki said, glaring at her. "You shouldn't have done that…"

"You shouldn't have drunk sake," Yachiru responded with a cheeky grin.

Masaki frowned, before exclaiming, "You shouldn't be eating all this candy."

"Candy isn't bad like sake is. It's what you should be eating…."

"N-No, it's not...I'm not a little kid…"Masaki scowled.

"Yes, you are…"

"N-No, I'm not. Can't you see I don't look like a little kid…"

"Looks don't mean anything…."Yachiru said sagely. "You were just born the other day…"

"No I wasn't," Masaki said, shaking her head vehemently. "I'm no baby…I'm bigger than a baby… I'm bigger than you…See…" she said, springing to her feet.

Yachiru peered at her, watching as she swayed to and fro like an unstable tree. Masaki suddenly teetered forward. She waved her hands and leaned back in an attempt to balance herself but she continued to fall forward, her flailing hands tearing at the air desperately for purchase but finding none.

"Oof," Masaki groaned softly, blinking dizzily at the tan and orange colors meeting her eyes.

Her nose was but a few inches away from the ground, and as she shifted her gaze upward, the darker brown of the low table appeared in front of her through her dangling bangs.

"You should go home, Mini Ichi. You can't play anymore…"Yachiru said. She was holding Masaki's bent form over her left shoulder. "I'll take you back."

"Y-Yachiru-chan…" Masaki murmured. "I-I don't need you to take me, I can go by myself… "

"Nu-uh. You can't even walk…"

"Yes, I can…I'm not drunk. Just let me down and I'll show you…"

Yachiru giggled. "I don't think that's a good idea, Mini Ichi."

"Yachiru-chan, let me down," Masaki said, ignoring her and fidgeting, trying to loosen the Eleventh Division fukutaichō's hold around her.

Yachiru's hold did not slacken in the slightest. She simply turned around (Masaki bumped her forehead against the low table with her jostling) and continued towards the door.

"Oi, Yachiru-chan, put me down…"Masaki insisted.

"Nope. I gotta take you back to your mommy and daddy…"

"N-No, you don't…I can go back by myself…"

"Yachiru, just let her down," Rangiku suggested. "She'll be fine…Just give her some time…"

"Nope. I'm not leaving her with you," Yachiru said, glancing at her over her shoulder with a dark look.

"P-Please let me down…Y-You don't have to take me, Yachiru-chan…H-He can take me…." Masaki said, pointing to Renji as they brushed past him. "It'll be better…"

"Who?" Yachiru said, pausing for a moment, to look over her shoulder.

"Him," Masaki said, continuing to point unsteadily at the red haired man gaping at her.

"Ren-Ren?" Yachiru said curiously.

"Hai…Ren-Ren," Masaki replied, giggling.

"Why would it better for him to take you? He was drinking too…"

"N-No, I wasn't…I just got here a few minutes ago…"

Yachiru glanced at him to study him for a long moment and said matter of factly. "Oh yeah."

"See, Yachiru-chan, you don't have to take me. He can take me…it's on his way. Let me down, please. You should go home too…"

"I'll go home after I take you. He didn't say he would take you, Mini Ichi."

Masaki glanced up at Renji, gazing at him beseechingly. "Onegai, Abarai-taichō, I mean Abarai-fukutaichō, take me home…" she pleaded, giggling.

"B-But Yachiru can take you…."

"But she should go home… she's a kid…I don't need her to carry me…She can't even carry me all the way…C'mon, just take me…."

Renji stared at the annoyingly familiar violet eyes peering up at him. It was nearly all the motivation he needed to say no and yet he found himself unable to utter the words as he struggled with himself to come to a decision.

He didn't need to take her. Yachiru was perfectly capable of getting the job done despite her size. Masaki was just too plastered to know any better. He wasn't even sure why she wanted him to take her, but as he continued to peer at those drunken suppliant eyes he couldn't help but think of Rukia….

If Yachiru took her to the Kuchiki Manor and blabbed that he didn't want to bring her, he doubted Rukia would be pleased to hear that…Kuchiki-taichō even less so because the little pink imp was sure to make a scene…Both of them would probably end up being upset at him….

He didn't want that, but he also didn't want to take Masaki home….

"All right…" he reluctantly agreed, knowing he only had one choice.

Rangiku released a frustrated sigh when Renji, Masaki, and Yachiru left.

"Aww man, we were so close to getting full details about the future…." she said wistfully, as she peered at her empty cup.

"That's why you wanted Kurosaki-san to drink, isn't it? You just wanted to find out about the future…" Izuru said, with a disappointed expression.

"No, that's not all….I was trying to help her relax….Poor thing is stressed by being here, you know…"

Izuru's expression remained unchanged.

"Don't look at me like that, Kira. I really was trying to help her….Besides, don't tell me you weren't the least bit curious about the future. I'm sure you would have liked more details about your division. It's a pity we didn't get a chance to find out more than just that Hitsugaya-taichō's future son is in it….I was planning to get Masaki to spill more on that, but Renji and Yachiru just had to show up… "

"I think we found out enough, Matsumoto-san. I don't think it's a good idea to learn about the future before it happens…"

"How can you say that, Kira? Don't you feel better knowing we have a future ahead of us? It makes me feel a whole lot better about Hitsugaya-taichō and this war…And now we can make sure that the Ninth Division doesn't end up with another traitorous taichō…." she added bracingly, as she glanced at Shūhei, who had fallen into a brooding state since learning about his division's future.

"Don't look so glum, Shūhei. All you have to do is make sure you become taichō instead of this traitor…Don't worry Kira and I will help you with your Bankai training…."

"That won't be necessary, Rangiku-san. I can do it on my own."

"I know you can, Shūhei, but with our help it would be much faster."

"No, it wouldn't. It is something Hisagi-san has to do on his own," Izuru said.

"I know that, Kira. What I meant was that with our help, he could get strong enough to subjugate his Zanpakutō faster than training by himself."

"Our help could make Hisagi-san stronger, but it doesn't mean he'll achieve Bankai in a couple of months. It usually takes an entire decade worth of training to achieve materialization."

"I'm sure Shūhei can do it in less…"

"I'm not sure Hisagi-san has enough time…"Izuru began, looking thoughtful.

"What are you talking about, Kira?" Rangiku interrupted. "He does have time. There aren't any other Bankai wielders outside the taichō…"

"There's Abarai," Shūhei pointed out quietly.

"Oh, that's right. I forgot he has achieved Bankai, but that doesn't mean he'll get promoted to be the taichō of the Ninth Division. I really doubt it. Plus, there's no way Renji could be a traitor…"

"That doesn't sound like Abarai-kun," Izuru agreed, "but that taichō that Kurosaki-san spoke of must be someone that has secretly achieved Bankai. It's the only thing I can think of that explains the selection of this person for the captaincy over Hisagi-san. Bankai or not, Hisagi-san's skill is superior to all the men of the Ninth Division… or at the very least that's what we've been led to believe. "

"Are you saying you think there's someone who's already achieved Bankai in the Ninth Division?" Rangiku asked surprised.

"It's a possibility. We can't know for sure whether someone has it or not unless they reveal it. For all we know there could be other Bankai wielders in other divisions as well."

"Well that's true, but we don't know for sure when this taichō was chosen either. He could have been chosen years from now and not right after the war, so there might be time for Shūhei to train. We just have to help him speed up his training so that he gets chosen over this other guy."

"But what if that's not the case, Matsumoto-san? What if there is someone with Bankai already somewhere?"

"Well, we'll just have to make sure he doesn't get the job and reveal him for what he really is now that we know what he's capable of. Isn't that right, Shūhei? " Rangiku said brightly.

Shūhei remained silent, seemingly still lost in thought.

"Hey, Shūhei, quit looking worried. The future isn't set in stone, you know. No matter what we'll make sure you learn Bankai and become taichō of your division and not this guy," Rangiku said reassuringly.

"You're right, Rangiku-san, the future isn't set in stone. I don't understand why any taichō would dare turn his back on his division and the Soul Society, why he would even consider his own interests above his men, but I refuse to allow the Ninth Division to endure another betrayal. I will do whatever it takes to prevent that from happening," Shūhei declared, grey eyes narrowed in determination.

"That's more like it, Shūhei," Rangiku grinned, reaching over to give his shoulder an approving pat.

"I honestly can't think of anyone better or more deserving than you, Hisagi-san, to lead the Ninth Division. I will do what I can to make sure that happens," Izuru said, after a moment.

"Thanks, Kira. I'll also do whatever it takes to make sure you become taichō of the Third Division."

Both Izuru and Rangiku looked somewhat startled by his statement.

"If I failed to open Tōsen-taichō's eyes, then I doubt Ichimaru-taichō changed his mind about his betrayal. I can't think of anyone better to lead your division other than you, Kira. You shouldn't allow anyone else the opportunity to become your leader. I'll help you get stronger after the war so you can acquire Bankai too."

"Um, thanks, Hisagi-san, but I don't think I'm as capable as you to become a taichō. I'm struggling as it is right now."

"That's not true, Kira. You're very talented. You just need to believe in yourself more," Shūhei reassured him. Sparing a glance at Rangiku, who had an uncharacteristically muted distant look in her eyes, he added emphatically, "Isn't that right, Rangiku-san?"

She blinked, snapping out of her reverie. "Um, that's right, Kira."

Unless of course, I can make Gin realize the error of his ways… she thought. In a way, she had gotten the question she had been wondering about answered after all.

Of all the things he had been planning to do this evening, leading a drunken Masaki through the Seireitei streets hadn't been on his list….He just couldn't believe his luck. He should have left as soon as he could have…Undoubtedly it was too late now, but that knowledge barely stemmed off his irritation…

"Watch it," he muttered for the umpteenth time, as he readjusted his grip on her shoulder to prevent her from falling as she stumbled and leaned a little too far to the left. The action brought her tumbling into his shoulder instead.

"G-Gomen," she mumbled into his sleeve.

"I hate to say it, but it'll probably be better if I carry you…We'll get there faster," Renji said, unable to bear the idea of strolling through the Seireitei for hours with her like this.

Her stubborn insistence she could walk albeit with his hand on her arm was only wasting his time and dredging up memories of long ago he'd rather not remember, because they now made his heart sting with a newfound bitter sweetness. Rukia, too, had also been determined to walk with her own two feet when they had first tasted alcohol decades ago, even though it was clear she couldn't. Hell, he had barely been able to walk himself, but she had been more affected than him due to her smaller frame. He had earned more bruises from Rukia than the floor itself. He never would have imagined he'd be the leaning post for her daughter as well…

"T-That's not necessary," Masaki slurred, peeling her head away from his shoulder and looking up at him. "I –I can walk...Besides, aren't we almost there?"

If only, Renji thought. The young woman's inner clock and sense of direction were screwed up.

"Not by a long shot. The Kuchiki Manor is still far away from here…"

"T-The K-Kuchiki Manor?" she sputtered, shocked.

"Yeah…that's where we're headed."

"I-I can't go there…" she said, looking alarmed.

"Why not? That's where you're staying at…"

"I-I can't stay there…Oji-sama will kill me…"

"You should have thought of that before you drank," Renji snapped, unable to help himself.

Masaki, however, didn't seem to be listening to him. She was shaking her head and saying, "I can't stay there….I-I don't want to go there…"

"Sorry, kid, but you've got no choice…"

"No!" she said, shaking her head vehemently. "I want to go to home…"

Renji stared at her for a moment, looking somewhat apologetic. "That is your home for now…"

"N-No, it's not…I want to go to the barracks…"

"The barracks, eh? I wish I could take you to the barracks, but…"

"W-Why not?" Masaki demanded. "Don't tell me this is a punishment…I-I know I screwed up, but I won't do it again…I swear I won't fail you again…onegai…Abarai-taichō…don't take me to Oji-sama…"

"It's fukutaichō," he reminded her, looking at her curiously. "And this isn't a punishment…I'm just taking you back to Rukia…"

"Liar…it is a punishment…Okaa-san doesn't need to know either…"Masaki said, glaring at him accusingly.

Renji felt his heart constrict uncomfortably at her slip of tongue, at the sight of those dark violet orbs that were nearly a mirror image of Rukia's own and that despite their glassy state regarded him with a familiar piercing glare he preferred to avoid.

"J-Just take me to the barracks," Masaki pleaded. "I'll make it up to you some other way…"

Before Renji could say something, he heard his name being called out.

"Renji?"

He looked across the street and spotted Ichigo and Rukia standing at the intersection several feet ahead.

"Renji, what's going on?" Rukia queried, as they drew close.

He could tell she was wondering why Masaki was clinging to him. She and Ichigo both had a worn out appearance as though they had been training.

Masaki instantly pulled away from Renji, stumbled, but managed to reach out to Renji's shoulder to stabilize herself.

"Er..."Renji began.

"N-Nothing," Masaki said quickly, still holding on to Renji's shoulder.

"Nothing? What do you mean nothing?" Ichigo said, staring at them suspiciously. "It looks like you can barely walk…"

"I just tripped…Tou-san. Of course, I can walk," Masaki said, looking somewhat surprised and confused as she stared at him and Rukia. "Hey, when did you and Kaa-san cut your hair?"

Unconsciously, Ichigo brought his hand to the back of his head and ran his hand through his fiery spikes.

"What are you talking about? Neither Rukia or I have cut off our hair…"he trailed off, as he stared at her, examining her and noticing the state of her cheeks. "Is she drunk?"

Before Renji could even reply, Masaki retorted, "S-So what if I am? I-I can drink if I want to, you know…. You can't tell me what to do…You're not really my dad… You're just a kid…I'm waaaay older than you…" she remarked with a giggle.

Ichigo blinked, unsure of what to say.

"She had a bit to drink with Rangiku-san, Kira, and Hisagi-san," Renji explained. "I dropped by the Tenth Division to visit Rangiku-san when I found her with them. Seeing as she needed some help getting back to the manor, I decided to lend a hand."

"I see," Rukia said softly.

"But I guess now you can take her yourself," he added, after a beat, reaching out with one hand to pry her fingers from his shoulder.

"N-No!" Masaki cried out.

"Hey, I thought you wanted to go home. Ichigo, here, will take you," Renji said reassuringly, as he gently touched her fingers.

"I don't want to go home with him…or to the manor…"

Refusing to relinquish her hold, Masaki brusquely yanked his shoulder towards her. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder and buried her face there even as she staggered backwards. He tried to pull back but she stubbornly clung to him like a petulant child. They rocked forward and backward as they fought to stand upright and each other.

"Do something, Ichigo," Rukia instructed, as she spared him a glance.

"R-Right," Ichigo nodded, stepping forward.

He appeared behind Masaki just as Renji loosened her hold on him and she stumbled back a few paces. He reached out to steady her.

"W-What are you doing?" Masaki said, whipping her head over her shoulder to glare at him.

"I'm taking you home," Ichigo replied, as he placed one hand around her shoulder while the other remained on her upper back

"No!" she shouted, recoiling from his touch.

Ichigo managed to keep his hand on her shoulder, but she continued to resist his hold. He felt his grip relax somewhat and it was enough for her to tumble backwards with the loss in stability.

"M-Masaki," he cried out, as he watched her fall onto the ground.

She let out a soft groan but almost immediately began to clumsily roll over to the side.

"Are you all right?" he wondered softly, as he hastily kneeled beside her.

She stared at him bleary eyed.

"W-What do you care?" she muttered coldly.

Ichigo blinked, surprised by her unfriendly tone.

"You're not really my father… You don't need to worry about me…. He doesn't even need to worry either…I can take care of myself…" Masaki muttered as she struggled to get up.

"That may be so, but I want to help you," Ichigo said after a moment, reaching out to place one hand on her shoulder blade and the other around her arm as he straightened himself to a standing position.

"But I don't need your help. I'm not really drunk…" Masaki said, trying to shrug off his hands.

"I'm not helping you because you're drunk; I'm helping you because you fell. I'm not the type to let someone fall and not help them," Ichigo replied, preserving his hold on her despite her attempts to shake him off.

"You didn't let me fall, I fell by myself….I don't need your pity…" Masaki snapped, glaring at him.

"It's not pity," Ichigo retorted incredulous, as he capitalized on her momentary lack of resistance to pull her to her wobbly feet.

"Well guilt, or whatever you want to call it…I don't need it or want it. My real father doesn't even feel it, so why should you?" she said, glowering at him.

"W-What?" He gaped at her, as he continued supporting her with a steady grip.

The intensity of the cold, dark amethyst eyes regarding him made his insides feel uncomfortable but they abruptly fell away from his view as a crown of orange hair whipped forward and he felt Masaki's body sag toward his hands for a moment.

"M-Masaki?" he queried, as she slumped forward all of a sudden.

She wavered to the side as he tried pulling her back and he felt a trickle of something splash against his feet. A splattering sound soon met his ears as the trickle suddenly became much more. Realizing what was happening, he hurriedly pushed her forward. Maintaining his hold around Masaki's quaking shoulders as best he could, Ichigo lifted one hand to hastily brush back the thick bangs framing her face and the hair that had fallen over shoulders as she bent forward.

"How much did she have to drink, Renji?" Rukia asked quietly. She had sidled up to the red head while Ichigo took care of Masaki.

"Beats me," Renji said with a shrug. "The others weren't that messed up. Something tells me it's just her that can't really handle her liquor, just like you can't. Not even half a cup and you're already falling over the place…"

"T-That's not true," Rukia objected, jabbing him in the shoulder.

"Oww—it is when you chug it down," Renji grinned, as he rubbed his shoulder. "You probably don't remember, but I recall you getting way more than tipsy with half a cup."

"That was in the past, Renji. I didn't know any better back then."

"I doubt sipping sake like a princess at some noble's party has done wonders for your tolerance," Renji smirked.

"Only a fool gulps down sake like he's dying of thirst. Sake is meant to be savored and enjoyed," Rukia said reprovingly.

"Say what you will, Rukia, but you have a low tolerance for alcohol just like Masaki does. Frankly, I'm surprised Masaki didn't puke earlier, but I guess luck was on my side. Better him than me to take care of her. It'll be his job in the future anyway."

Rukia just stared at him.

"Are you okay now?" Ichigo queried softly when it seemed Masaki's nausea had finally subsided.

"I-I think so," she stammered, sounding weak and appalled, as she moved her sleeve over her mouth.

"I-I'm sorry," she added several moments later after she had finished wiping her mouth.

"Don't worry about it," he said, gently edging her backwards away from the mess lining the floor. He was keeping his face to the side to avoid seeing it and feeling sick himself, but the odor was testing him all the same.

"I-I d-didn't m-mean t-to—"

"It's okay," Ichigo reassured her. "You couldn't help it. This isn't the first time I help someone like this…Karin and Yuzu couldn't help it earlier this summer either—"

"K-Karin-nee-chan…and…Yuzu-oba-chan…drank?" Masaki asked surprised, glancing at him. "A-Aren't they… younger than you?"

"That's right, but they got drunk by accident. The old man that sold them juice accidentally mixed wine into it."

"I-I didn't mean to drink either…"Masaki murmured remorsefully.

"Did someone put something in your drink?" Ichigo frowned, wrinkling his brows.

"N-Nope…I –I drank sake m-myself…b-but I didn't r-really want to…Didn't want this to happen….S-Sorry…"

"What's done is done. Next time just say no," Ichigo said gently.

"I-I did say no…but I had to…I didn't think some sake would do this…I usually don't feel like this…S-Sorry…All I do is cause you problems…"she said, regarding him with a shameful look. "Y-You should just leave me here…It'll be better for you…"

"M-Masaki, I'm not doing that. You need to rest in a bed."

"I-I don't care about that….I want to stay here…Let go of me…"

"I'm sorry but I can't do that. I'm taking you back to the Kuchiki Manor whether you like it or not," Ichigo said firmly.

Masaki snickered. "Y-You almost sounded like…my father, but you're not him. That's a stupid idea."

"Masaki, Ichigo is right. You're going whether you want to or not."

Masaki turned her head to look at Rukia, who had appeared on her left hand side.

"K-Kaa-san? No—y-you're not her. Y-You don't have to care…"

"Masaki, I'm doing this because I want to, not because I have to. There's no way I'd leave a friend on the streets like this," Rukia explained, gazing at her with a fixed stare.

"B-But I'm not even your friend…."Masaki pointed out, blinking as purple blossoms filled her vision.

"Catch her, Ichigo," Rukia ordered, as the orange haired young woman's eyes fell shut. Ichigo hurriedly adjusted his arms around her middle as she slouched forward. "You'll have to carry her. I just knocked her out with Kidō. It's better this way. She needs to sleep it off and it'll save us from causing a scandal at the Kuchiki Manor. I'm afraid Renji is right. She is just like me. Alcohol doesn't make her any less stubborn."

Ichigo stared at her a moment, before he effortlessly swooped Masaki into a carrying position with one arm under her back and the other under her legs. "No kidding," he muttered, then glancing around asked, "Where is Renji anyway?"

"He left. He had to return to the Sixth Division since we're taking Masaki."

"I see," he murmured, falling in step beside Rukia since she had already proceeded to walk away.

His gaze drifted to the young woman resting in his arms. One of the thin strands that normally dangled over her left eye was now draped over her small, delicate nose. A nose that he couldn't help but find very similar to Rukia's as his gaze flickered over to the petite Shinigami beside him.

It was funny how even though Masaki's eyes, nose, and slim build were the only physical attributes handed to her from Rukia, her personality was very much like hers. Sake heightened that even more by bringing out her irritated, stubborn side out. A part of him was half expecting to see angry violet eyes peering at him again, but orange lashes remained curled against rosy cheeks. Her sake laced breath blew against the chin length bang that normally framed the left side of her face but was now curled underneath her lower lip.

Her nearly serene expression reminded him of a sleeping Yuzu.

It made him feel partly at ease seeing her like this because she was momentarily at peace, but her words haunted him all the same.

"Well guilt, or whatever you want to call it…I don't need it or want it. My real father doesn't even feel it, so why should you?"

Her words and expression had been pretty piercing. She'd never looked at him with such a fierce expression. Was it just the alcohol talking, or was there a reason why she seemed rather adamant about not coming with him? Had something occurred between her and his future self before she came? Was she just being resentful about something, or was he really terrible at being a father as he feared?

He was probably overthinking it. Her words didn't necessarily have to mean he was a heartless father or something. Maybe she just meant her father didn't show any pity or guilt whenever she fell and that he expected her to get up on her own. He wasn't really the type to do such a thing (not with his siblings or friends), or at the very least he'd never thought he'd become like that. Or perhaps what she really meant by her words was that her father knew better than to show any concern for her, because she wouldn't like it. She definitely seemed to be proud like Rukia. The latter always gets annoyed whenever he displays any concern for her. At any rate, it was something he was not going to get the answer to. There was no way he could bring it up to her. It'd be way too strange and awkward.

Outfitted in a dark blue yukata that nearly mirrored the hue of the night sky above him, Ichigo gazed thoughtfully at the lovely shrubbery flanking the wooden terrace he was standing on. He had been standing here for the past ten minutes, waiting to hear from Rukia.

He had deposited Masaki, who had thankfully remained asleep en route to the Kuchiki Manor sparing them from any uncomfortable situations, in her room before being directed to take a bath and change into something else while his Shihakushō was washed. The poor thing had endured quite a workout earlier that day and had not been spared entirely from Masaki's nausea. Although he couldn't deny that the bath and change of clothes had been welcome, he was unnerved by remaining in the Kuchiki Manor this long. He had no desire to cross paths with the head of the household upon his arrival. They had been very fortunate he had not been in.

It was a pity he had not mastered the art of Reiryoku control yet. It would definitely be handy in a situation like this. If anything it was another reason to make sure he continued practicing. He had managed to do some today after he and Rukia had finished training against each other, but it was clear he had a long road ahead of him.

Why was Rukia taking so long? He wondered, glancing down the walkway. He assumed she had probably taken a bath as well if Masaki hadn't awoken but he didn't think she'd be taking her sweet time. She knew full well it wasn't a good idea for him to be lingering in the Kuchiki Manor. He was tempted to find her, but he stayed rooted to his spot, knowing that probably wouldn't be a good idea.

As eager as he was to leave to avoid a confrontation with Byakuya, he was also eager to leave because he wanted to know Chad's status. He had managed to use his worry for his best friend as motivation during his training with Rukia thanks to her encouragement and had even succeeded in forgetting it to an extent, but now that the day had ended and he was simply standing here, it had returned. He hoped his friend was better now and that he would be able to see him soon if not tonight. It was probably too much to hope he'd be able to see him tonight, but he still hoped it. He and Rukia had actually been on the way to the Eleventh Division when they had run into Renji and Masaki.

He turned around when he heard the faintest creak behind him a few minutes later. His stomach tightened uneasily as he watched Byakuya, still clad in his Shinigami attire, striding elegantly but purposefully towards him with Rukia by his side. She had changed into a plain white yukata. He could tell by the way her dark tresses lay flat against her face and shone in the moonlight she had taken a bath.

As the two Kuchiki siblings stopped In front of him, Ichigo saw a glimmer of apology in Rukia's gaze.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, Rukia has informed me of your obvious presence in my home. It will take a considerable amount of skill to hide your presence from me, something which you are still years away from," Byakuya said, eyeing him with a condescending look.

"I wasn't trying to hide. I've got no reason to." Ichigo muttered, frowning at the warning tone laced in the aloof noble's verbiage.

"Even if you wanted to attempt it, it would be futile. Guards are positioned throughout the manor. Their assignments have been reassigned due to your father's intrusion."

Ichigo glared at him.

"Rukia has requested that you stay the night here at the Kuchiki Manor due to the infections that have arisen at the Eleventh Division," Byakuya said, his piercing gaze sharpening even more as he regarded Ichigo. There was a deliberate pause as he stared him down before adding in a somewhat begrudging tone, "And I have granted it."

Disbelief flitted across Ichigo's face. No wonder Rukia had taken additional time in arriving. She had actually suggested the idea earlier, but he had dismissed it despite her insistence. He couldn't believe she had actually asked Byakuya. How in the world did she even manage to convince him of such a thing? Ichigo was pretty sure Byakuya wouldn't mind if he caught the virus and melted away to nothing. He had a hunch that the nobleman's only disappointment would be that he hadn't done the dirty work himself.

"Don't worry, Byakuya, I'm not planning on accepting the offer," Ichigo replied, finally understanding why the Sixth Division taichō was threatening him. "I'm sure I'll be all right. They've probably already disinfected the place."

"Ichigo, I don't think you should go back if you can stay here," Rukia said.

"I appreciate it, Rukia, but I have to go back. I want to find out what's Chad's status," Ichigo explained, giving her a grateful yet meaningful look.

Violet eyes reflected understanding and concern.

"I'm afraid Rukia is right. You must stay here, Kurosaki Ichigo. Your refusal is unacceptable. It would be pointless for you to return—"

"Excuse me?" Ichigo interrupted angrily, amber eyes piercing granite. "Checking up on a friend may be pointless to you, but it isn't to me."

"Lower your tone, Kurosaki Ichigo, I did not mean to say that it was," Byakuya said curtly. "What I meant was that your return to the Eleventh Division would be in vain. They have no information about the progress of your friend."

"What do you mean?" Ichigo demanded, narrowing his eyes.

"The Fourth Division has stopped issuing progress reports. The sōtaichō and Unohana-taichō both feel that it would be more prudent for the medical staff to focus on treating their patients rather than providing updates. While I understand your unrest regarding your friend's health as a number of my own subordinates have also been infected with the virus, you must remember that first and foremost what matters is the survival of the Soul Society. Neither you nor any Shinigami can allow themselves to dwell on their ill comrades to the point that it inhibits your ability to protect. "

"I already know that, Byakuya," Ichigo said quietly, his gaze connecting with Rukia's briefly, "but I was hoping I could at least know what kind of shape my friend is in."

"Be content that you at least know he is receiving treatment. The same cannot be said for those who fight outside of Rukongai."

A guilty, sympathetic expression swept Ichigo's face.

"Hitsugaya-taichō has also fallen victim to the virus."

"T-Tōshirō's been infected too?" Ichigo said stunned.

"Unfortunately, he's the first taichō-class Shinigami to fall ill," Byakuya affirmed. "We will not know of his condition during this war unless he is deemed fit to return to his duties. Kurosaki Ichigo, the Gotei 13 cannot afford for another taichō-class soldier to be compromised if it can be avoided, which is why your refusal is unacceptable. You must stay here where the risk of contamination is minimal."

"I see. Well in that case I guess I'll accept, Arigatō, Byakuya…and Rukia," Ichigo said, his gaze sweeping from Byakuya to Rukia, where he lingered a few seconds longer than he had with the nobleman. He knew she was definitely the real reason Byakuya was even entertaining the thought.

"You only have circumstances to thank, Kurosaki Ichigo," Byakuya informed him coldly.

"I'm grateful all the same, Byakuya" Ichigo said, his lips twisting into a half grin.

Byakuya maintained his stony gaze.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, since you will be staying here I suggest that you remain on these grounds until this conflict is resolved. There is no actual need for you to be on the premises of any division."

"W-What? I can't just stay here and wait around until Aizen shows up."

"I doubt it will be long before he makes his appearance with the way things are going, but fear not, Kurosaki Ichigo, you can keep busy by utilizing the training facilities on these premises if you wish." There was a brief pause, before he added, "Rukia will also remain here until further notice."

"B-But, Nii-sama, I can't stay here. I have to report to my division to see if I'm needed on the frontlines."

"You won't be headed to the frontlines in Rukongai, Rukia," Byakuya said matter-of-fact.

"B-But, Nii-sama, how can you know that?" Rukia wondered, seeming troubled by the conviction in her brother's tone.

"The Thirteenth Division has nearly reached its limit on the number of soldiers each division is allowed to send out per the sōtaichō's orders."

"But there's a chance I could still be selected," Rukia pointed out.

"There isn't. Ukitake has already told me you won't be selected, Rukia."

"Wait a minute, Nii-sama…did you ask Ukitake-taichō to exclude me from the list of available soldiers?"

"Why would you think such a thing, Rukia?" Byakuya wondered, glancing down at his adopted sibling.

Rukia lowered her gaze, her hands fidgeting at her sides as she said, "B-Because I know you've barred me from obtaining a seated position, Nii-sama."

Byakuya stared at her with slightly widened eyes.

"How long have you known, Rukia?" he asked, after a long moment of silence.

"I've known for a while. I just never said anything about it, Nii-sama."

"I see. Was it Shiba Kaien that told you? He hated that I had your name removed from the list of potential candidates for seated positions and always tried to get me to change my mind though he never succeeded."

"H-He never told me himself, Nii-sama," Rukia said, looking stunned. "I accidentally overheard a conversation between him and Third Seat Kotetsu that I shouldn't have."

"I see. I regret that you found out the truth in such a manner."

"Don't you mean you regret she even found out the truth? I doubt you wanted to tell her if you've been hiding it all this time."

"You're wrong, Kurosaki Ichigo," Byakuya said, glaring at the teenager. "Shortly after her near execution, I decided to let Rukia know myself the real reason why she had not achieved a ranked seat since I had already revealed to her the real reason I had adopted her into the Kuchiki Clan and why I had failed to prevent her execution. I had been waiting for the appropriate moment, but due to her Reiryoku recovery and Aizen that has proved difficult. Little did I realize she already knew the truth."

"But why did you even do it at all? I just don't understand why you would prevent Rukia from obtaining a seated rank all this time if she's skilled enough. It isn't fair to her," Ichigo said, unable to help himself.

He remembered Chappy's explanation about why Byakuya had done such a thing, but he was very curious to hear it straight from him. Truth be told, he found the idea that Chappy even knew about it rather ridiculous. How could Rukia stand talking to such a crazy, cutesy Gikon?

"I did it to honor the promise I made to my deceased wife, Hisana, who was Rukia's sister. She asked me to protect her."

"I'm aware of that. Rukia told me about your promise to her sister when I visited the Kuchiki Manor for the first time, but what does that have to do with Rukia not being allowed a seated position?"

"Seated positions usually mean much more dangerous missions compared to that of an unranked Shinigami. When I adopted Rukia into the clan, I was faced with the choice of either forcing Rukia to abandon her Shinigami studies even though she had decided that was the path she wanted, or allowing her into the Gotei 13 and preventing her from getting a ranked seat in order to honor my promise to Hisana. I chose to bar her from obtaining a ranked seat because I believed Hisana would not have liked me to prevent her from becoming a Shinigami if that's what she desired to become."

"Byakuya, I understand where you're coming from, but I don't think preventing Rukia from moving up through the ranks counts as protecting her," Ichigo said, after a moment. "I mean, it's understandable if you don't want her to move up because she isn't qualified, but if she is, then you're just holding her back. Look I've never met your wife and I can't pretend to know what she would have thought, but speaking as an older sibling, I wouldn't to hold back my sisters if I knew they were capable of succeeding in whatever they wanted to do. It wouldn't be fair to them. Being a Shinigami is a dangerous job no matter how you look at it and Rukia has proven she can do it. I think that if Rukia is qualified, she should have the rank she's entitled to. Think about it. How would you feel if you hadn't been allowed to move up the ranks even though you were talented enough to have a seat? Have you ever even asked her if she wanted a promotion?"

Ichigo was unsurprised to see Byakuya's lips curl into a slight disapproving frown.

"I didn't think so."

"You're just like him."

"Like who?"

"Like Shiba Kaien."

"Is that so? I'm glad to know he had some sense unlike Ganju."

A noncommittal silence was his response.

"So did you prevent Rukia from getting sent out to Rukongai too?"

"It was not my decision to make. As taichō of the Thirteenth Division, Ukitake made the decision not to send Rukia to the frontal assaults in Rukongai," Byakuya said, switching his gaze to the dark haired Shinigami woman. "All high ranking Shinigami ranked Tenth Seat or above from every division are required to stay in the Seireitei and while Rukia may not have an official title in the Thirteenth, Ukitake holds her abilities in equivalent regard and wants her to be ready to defend the Seireitei whenever a direct attack occurs."

"H-He does?" Rukia whispered, stunned.

"As do I," Byakuya acknowledged, eliciting more surprise from Rukia. "Rukia, you have proven the growth of your strength by defeating an Espada, a feat even a taichō or fukutaichō has struggled in. There is no doubt your abilities are that of a high ranking seated officer. Forgive me, Rukia, for preventing you from receiving the recognition you deserve."

Rukia stared at him for a moment, looking dumbfounded.

"N-Nii-sama…thank you for telling me this," Rukia murmured, bowing her head suddenly. "I-I'm glad to know you had the best intentions at heart when you removed my name from the list of potential candidates. I-I…wasn't quite sure why you didn't want me to become a seated officer. I thought perhaps that you wanted to protect me, but I didn't understand why you would do that since the clan elders expected me to become a seated officer."

"The clan elders always seek prestige for the Kuchiki name, but they know little of the Gotei 13 affairs. There are many Shinigami who hold a ranked seat due to their skills, but have no real honor or discipline befitting of their title. It is meaningless to have a title in such a manner. Rukia, you may not have a title, but you've always demonstrated the abilities as well as the honor and discipline worthy of one. I've always been pleased by this."

Rukia gazed at him with a mixture of astonishment and gratification.

"A-Arigatō, Nii-sama."

"Byakuya, that's nice and all, but would you be willing to finally allow Rukia to get the title you obviously know she deserves after this war is over?" Ichigo said, eyeing the Kuchiki Clan head with a challenging look.

Grey eyes returned it for a long moment.

"If Rukia wishes to accept whatever seat Ukitake is willing to grant her, then it will be up to her to decide. I do not wish to impede upon her progress," Byakuya finally spoke. Turning his gaze upon Rukia, he added, "Accepting a seated position is not something that should be taken lightly, Rukia. You should not accept any position offered to you merely to please the clan elders, or myself. You should accept it because you're willing to use your abilities to serve your division and the Gotei 13 at the highest level you possibly can."

"I-I understand, Nii-sama. If Ukitake-taichō offers me a position, I-I would like to do it for myself, Nii-sama," Rukia admitted. "I-I want to get stronger, and the only way I can do that is by getting more challenging missions. N-Nii-sama, I-I don't remember Hisana-nee-sama, but if you believe she would have supported me to do what I desired, then I think she would have wanted me to do what I could to grow as a Shinigami."

"If that is what you truly desire, I've no doubt that she would have supported you," Byakuya acknowledged softly. "We will discuss this after the war, Rukia. For now you must reside in the manor until further notice as requested by Ukitake. He wishes for you to continue whatever preparations you've been doing for the upcoming battles here in order to minimize your chances of getting infected. The reality is no one is truly safe from this threat regardless of our efforts to sanitize our surroundings. Cases have kept appearing throughout the Gotei 13 and even students at the Shinigami Academy have somehow suffered a considerable outbreak despite their seclusion. While the infections are not quite at an epidemic level, Ukitake believes you should no longer risk yourself by coming to the Thirteenth Division."

"I understand Ukitake-san's thinking, but at the same time, I'm thinking it's bad that Rukia and I will be here when Aizen attacks."

"You're assuming, Kurosaki Ichigo, that Aizen will only attack the Gotei 13, but he has proven he has no scruples to attain his goals and likely intends to lay the entire Seireitei to ruins. The civilians of the Seireitei have been restricted to remain in their homes since the quarantine measures were enacted, but the fact of the matter is the amount of bloodshed spilled depends solely on ascertaining Aizen's defeat.

"I don't think you're aware of how dire the situation is, Kurosaki Ichigo. Aizen's Hollow forces and his virus have proven themselves to be very effective against the Gotei 13's soldiers. Like the Thirteenth Division, most divisions are quickly reaching the point where they can no longer afford to deploy soldiers to Rukongai. Each division only has about two hundred soldiers."

"Only two hundred?" Ichigo repeated. "Oh that's right. Renji mentioned that back in Fake Karakura."

"Normally that is sufficient for each division to operate but against constant attacks of an endless army it is not enough. Aizen has varied the intensity and frequency of his attacks since we've returned to the Soul Society, which is the only reason the Soul Society is still standing. As Kyōraku put it we are merely dancing to the music he plays and it is simply a matter of time before he chooses to speed it up. Do you see now why all that matters is that you remain fit to do battle?"

"Yeah, I get it."

"I realize you are not used to the life of a soldier, but you must be prepared to do battle at any waking moment."

Ichigo nodded.

"Rukia, you may return to your quarters. I will take Kurosaki Ichigo to his accommodations now. Follow me," Byakuya said, turning around briskly.

Ichigo gaped at him for a moment, before falling in step behind him due to Rukia's demanding look.

Moonlight touched skin so pale it seemed almost translucent like ice itself….Smooth and without a single trace of scarlet the prone figure looked like some sort of horrible glacial sculpture.

Anguished cinnamon eyes gawked at the ghostly figure before her.

She swallowed hard, as though struggling to contain the emotions seizing her, before taking a step. "Shirō-chan," she said anxiously, taking a step forward. "Wake up! It's me, Hinamori…"

Momo came to Tōshirō's side, reaching out for his right hand, which lay perfectly still next to his side. There was not a solitary twitch or shudder from him. His hand felt uncomfortably cold and limp in her grasp. Her stomach clenched with a painful, nauseating lurch. Ignoring the awful sensation, she frantically rubbed his fingers in between her small palm, hoping her warmth would seep into his.

"Shirō-chan, wake up," she pleaded, her movements growing more desperate when his hand remained unmoving.

"C'mon, Shirō-chan," she demanded, releasing his hand and placing both her hands near his collar bone and shaking him.

His body shook underneath her fingers, but his eyelashes would not flutter open, his mouth would not open and express his annoyance at her actions….Why couldn't he wake up? Was he in a coma or something? Where was Unohana-taichō?

"Shirō-chan, wake up," she insisted, shaking him harder but receiving the same response. "This isn't funny; you have to get up…Onegai, Hitsugaya-kun…"

She gazed at him beseechingly, as though hoping his more formal name would draw him from his deep slumber.

"You shouldn't disturb him, Hinamori-kun. Children who sleep well, grow well."

Momo froze. Her ears rang with the familiar kind, dulcet tone of her former superior, but she couldn't quite believe it. She turned her head slowly, her heart thudding rapidly when her gaze confirmed what her ears had told her.

"A-Aizen-taichō," she gasped, his old title slipping out automatically.

His lips seem to twitch with a smile at this and she inwardly cursed at herself for her mistake.

"N-No, not Aizen-taichō, but A-Aizen. What are you doing here?" she demanded, after a beat, in a much more forceful tone. She narrowed her eyes, her body tensing with wariness, her fingers digging protectively into Tōshirō's clothing.

"Hinamori-kun, what's a matter? I've never heard such hostility from you before," Aizen said, looking mildly surprised with concern.

"D-Don't," she blurted out. "D-Don't pretend like you don't know why…You're a traitor…"

"A traitor?" he repeated, almost quizzically. "Is that how you see me?"

"T-That's what you are," Momo said firmly.

"I admit I have defected from the Gotei 13, but I never intended to betray you. In fact, you betrayed me first…"

"W-What?" Momo gaped at him in disbelief.

"It's the truth, Hinamori-kun. You failed to kill Hitsugaya-kun, which was my last dying wish. If you would have succeeded, I never would have attempted to kill you," he explained pleasantly, eliciting a disgusted look from Momo. "Seeing as you didn't, I have come to do the job myself."

Momo's face hardened. "I-I won't let you…"she vowed quietly, giving him a fierce look.

"There's nothing you can do about it, Hinamori-kun. It's already been done," he replied calmly.

She made a move to get up when she suddenly felt the shirt beneath her hand feel surprisingly light and airy with unusual warmth. Her gaze dropped to Tōshirō and her eyes widened in absolute horror. His shirt along with his entire body was quickly dissolving and melting away like ice on a warm, sunny day. Her hands gripped nothing but Reishi…Hundreds of particles, the only remnants of her beloved childhood friend, floated before her stunned, tortured gaze…

"NOOOOOO!" she screamed, tears prickling her eyes.

Aizen only regarded her with a pleased, sinister smile.

"NOOOOO!"

The walls reverberated with her grief-stricken scream but she could scarcely hear her own voice over the powerful roar of her pounding heart pulsing in her ears. Her heart jackhammered against her chest a thousand miles per minute. Her lungs and chest burned. Her breaths were shallow. The air seemed to have been sucked out of her.

As the darkness swam before her perplexed eyes and finally reformed itself into familiar shapes, it hit her with full force that she was in her quarters, that it had only been a horrible nightmare that had plagued her…

Tōshirō was not dead.

He was ill, but still alive. He had to be unless something had changed….

Fear lanced through her at the thought that he had succumbed to the virus ravaging his body.

She drew in a shaky breath that hitched in her throat.

Drawing another, she willed herself to calm down despite the nagging fear and pain the dream had left her.

It was just a nightmare, she told herself.

It wasn't real, no matter how much it had felt that way. No matter how much it could be…

She cursed at herself. She couldn't allow these anxious thoughts to claw at her. Worrying wouldn't help. What she needed was proof that Tōshirō was recovering fine. It was what she had been craving all day yesterday. The only notice she had received was that he was undergoing treatment. Though she had yearned to see him with her own eyes, a single note claiming he was fine would have soothed her anxious thoughts. However, she hadn't received any more notices besides that one. Perhaps, some news had arrived during her sleep.

She must have been more tired than she realized. She had thought she wouldn't actually be able to rest, but her body had actually succumbed to slumber despite her emotional turmoil. She couldn't say she was well rested, but she felt the physical weariness weighing down on her body lighter than before. It was certainly better than nothing. She now needed to return to her duties though…

She peeled off the covers and swung her legs over the bed. She quickly leapt down onto the floor and padded towards the front door, stopping there for a brief second to slip on her waraji before pulling the door aside.

She inhaled the fresh, crisp night air as she stepped out. She silently hoped she would soon feel the frigid moisture generated by Hyōrinmaru rather than Mother Nature.

She had never been fond of cold weather in general, but she wouldn't mind it in the least if Tōshirō was behind it. Her heart would be warmed beyond all measure if it were the case. She longed to hug him, to ruffle his white locks, and throw snowballs at him….

She could just picture his annoyed expression, one she had seen hundreds of times before during their snowball fights whenever she managed to best him…She always ended up paying for it, but it was worth it. Being smothered by an icy blanket of snow was fine with her if it meant Tōshirō was well…

She simply couldn't wait until that was the case.

She quickened her pace towards the new temporary Fifth Division head office behind the former quarters, which had been sealed off due to Tōshirō's stay there. She didn't really care that it had been. If anything it gave her more of an incentive to burn it down to the ground. She hated how Aizen's lingering evil essence in that building had seemingly attempted to snatch Tōshirō from her. Perhaps it was rather silly or paranoid to look at it that way, but it felt that way since Tōshirō hadn't experienced a sign of illness during the day according to Rangiku-san until he had been found there…

While it wasn't clear when he had acquired the virus, just that it must have been sometime between the last time Rangiku-san saw him and his trek to the Fifth Division, the mere fact that he had been on the verge of dying there felt like a dreadful attempt by Aizen to finally take him from her just like her dream had shown her…

Her heart throbbed at the thought.

She honestly loathed how he was still threatening her and those who she cared about even if he was far away.

She didn't want to be consumed by fear and anxiety. She couldn't allow it to…She had to be strong…

As she rounded the corner, she saw a dark figure ahead slipping inside what she knew were the new headquarters. The lamp at the door partially lit his face and she saw that it was her fourth seat. His face looked particularly serious. A lump seized her throat and she used Shunpo to cut the distance.

When she pulled open the door and slipped inside, her fourth seat was not visible in the hallway.

He must be in a hurry because something urgent has happened…she thought as she executed Shunpo once more, something she normally wouldn't use indoors but found it necessary now.

The palm of her hand was against the door in an instant and as she opened it, she heard her third seat say in a low voice, "So you did it, huh?

"That's right. In a couple of hours, they'll be taken care of."

"Good."

"Did you just send out another unit?" Momo asked, as she pushed the door forward.

Surprise swept through her third and fourth seat. The former was situated behind his desk while the latter was standing in front of him. The room was dark save for a candle burning at the side of the third seat's desk.

"H-Hinamori-fukutaichō, what are you doing up at this hour?" Watanabe, her third seat, spoke.

"Don't worry. I've rested, so it's okay for me to return regardless of the hour. But you two, you never seem to rest much even though I've told you to take turns with the others."

The two men regarded each other for a moment.

"Our numbers must be really dwindling for you to look so serious."

"I'm afraid so, Hinamori-fukutaichō," Akimoto, her fourth seat admitted.

She nodded, before asking the question she really want to ask. "Have you received any word about Hitsugaya-k—taichō's condition?"

"I-I'm afraid not, Hinamori-fukutaichō," Watanabe said quietly.

"How come? There should have been news by now…"she said, sounding concerned.

"Hinamori-fukutaichō, the only word we've received from the Fourth Division is that they will no longer issue status reports on their patients. If they deem their patients fit to return, then that's they only way we'll know of their status."

Momo drew a breath, fighting the urge to cry out in frustration. This wasn't what she wanted to hear...She wished they had at least sent out another status report before this report. She needed to know that he was still okay.

"Hinamori-fukutaichō, I'm sorry, but you have to understand the Fourth Division is trying their best to take care of all their patients and sending status reports impedes them from doing so."

"I understand, Third Seat Watanabe," she murmured.

Her brain definitely understood, but her heart most certainly didn't. It craved the knowledge it could not have….

Shirō-chan wouldn't want me to worry so much…I have to carry on…It's what he would do…. she told herself in an effort to calm herself.

"Hinamori-fukutaichō, you should take a seat and have some tea. Akimoto, could you please prepare some tea?"

"It's okay, I'm not thirsty…" Momo said.

"Thirsty or not, it'll do you some good, Hinamori-fukutaichō," her third seat said kindly.

"He's right, you know," Akimoto joined in.

Momo sighed. "Well, all right."

She settled down at her desk to review what she had missed while out of the office. Her heart stung with nearly every word she read. The snippets of hope hardly made up for the endless wave of badness that seemed to be enveloping the Soul Society.

She hated to think it, but in a way it seemed like it was too late to stop her former taichō's crusade against the Soul Society. Shaking her head as though to dispel the notion from her head, she tried her best to not let despairing thoughts invade her despite what she was reading. They did have a future contrary to what the present seemed to indicate…

She was a little over halfway through her correspondence when she thought she heard a faint ceramic chink. She looked up, expecting the door to be opened at any moment. However, the door stood quite still.

Why was Fourth Seat Akimoto hesitating? She heard another faint ceramic noise and she wondered if he had spilled tea or dropped it? The man was quite a perfectionist and would want to make sure he presented the tea properly to her even though she didn't really care.

She stood up and passed the empty third seat's desk. He had slipped out a few minutes ago.

As she reached the door, she thought she heard agitated whispers coming from the hallway.

"Just do it…You're worrying too much…"She heard Third Seat Watanabe say in an annoyed manner. "Trust me she won't notice a thing…"

Her hand lingered over the door, but she refrained from opening it. Something about her third seat's atypical irritated, self-assured voice rubbed her the wrong way and she found herself pressing her ear against the door.

"But what if it doesn't take effect quickly? She'll want us to drink with her…"

"It will…I told you, she'll get knocked out with that sleeping pill within seconds…"Watanabe said, dropping his voice. "I made sure to get a strong one from someone I know at the Twelfth…She won't know what hit her and by the time she does, she'll be on the other side thanks to the virus..."

Momo let out a small gasp, releasing the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. She stumbled back from the door and clasped her hand over her mouth in an effort to prevent herself from crying out further. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. The words rang in her head, like a painful string of dreadful music. It was absurd…nonsensical….her subordinates wanted to kill her? Why?

They were traitors just like him….They had to be on his side…

As disturbed as she was, the notion itself wasn't a surprise per se…She was told that during her rehabilitation the sōtaichō and the Onmitsukidō had tried to ascertain if Aizen had further accomplices within the Gotei 13 ranks but evidence hadn't been found. That had not truly meant that there wasn't, but she had hoped that it was the case.

If they want to kill me…then that must mean they must have be the ones who got Shirō-chan sick!

She suddenly understood the reason why his symptoms had flared up in her office. They must have informed her of his presence too late if he had time to drink the contaminated tea and get sick…

As she realized this the door was opened by her third seat.

"Are you feeling okay, Hinamori-fukutaichō? Please take a seat," he said gently, as he eyed her with what she knew was faux concern. "Fourth Seat Akimoto, will serve you some freshly brewed tea."

She stared at him, looking slightly lost and unnerved.

Her fourth seat said gently, "Please, Hinamori-fukutaichō, take a seat—"

She shook her head, before pointing her index and middle finger at them. China shattered as Akimoto dropped the tray he had been carrying. Watanabe cried out as his arms found themselves behind his back, "Hinamori-fukutaichō, what are you—

Red Reiryoku surrounded both men as thick yellow ropes wound themselves around their bodies. She gave them a dark glare and they soon found themselves on the ground.

"You're going to pay for what you did to Shirō-chan," she whispered, glaring at the prone figures on the floor.

A loud groan accompanied by the faint shuffling of sheets alerted Rukia to Masaki's awakening. She watched as the young woman blearily propped herself into a seated position on her futon. Wincing, Masaki closed her eyes as rubbed the side of her head, mussing her bed hair further.

"Ugh…" she moaned, her face contorted into a painful look.

"I would say good morning, but I doubt you will see it that way," Rukia said quietly.

"K-Kaa-san," Masaki muttered, opening her eyes to gape at Rukia, though only for a second, before she blinked in apparent pain.

"How are you feeling, Masaki?" Rukia asked, ignoring the young woman's mistake.

"T-Terrible…My head feels like it's going to explode. W-What happened, Kaa-san?" Masaki said, as she resumed rubbing her head. "W-Where am I?" she added, as she gingerly opened her eyes.

There was a pause as Rukia debated how to break the young woman the news.

"We're at the Kuchiki Manor, Masaki. I'm not sure how much you remember, but you're in the past…"

"T-The past?" Masaki echoed, nonplussed, letting go of her head.

"Yes, the past, it's the year 2001. You accidentally used a device created by Urahara Kisuke to travel back in time and have been here for several days. "

"W-What?" Masaki gasped, grimacing with the loudness of her voice.

"I know it sounds crazy, but it's the truth, Masaki. Last night Renji found you drinking at the Tenth Division with Matsumoto-fukutaichō, Kira-fukutaichō, and Hisagi-fukutaichō, which is why you have a headache and partly why your memory is hazy. We ran into Renji, who was on the way here, but you didn't want to come with us, so I had to use Hakufuku on you so that Ichigo could bring you here," Rukia explained apologetically.

With every word, understanding and horror erupted on Masaki's face, whitening her already wan face even more.

"T-This can't be happening…." she whispered, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Masaki, I know it's hard to believe…"Rukia began.

Masaki shook her head. "I-it's not that….I believe you, Kuchiki-san…I-I just can't believe I drank…I shouldn't have…"

"From what I hear Matsumoto-fukutaichō is pretty good at getting people to join her in drinking," Rukia said sympathetically.

"That doesn't matter…I shouldn't have drunk more than a drink…I can't really drink…This is bad…no this is very bad…" Masaki murmured, looking horrified. "I-I can't show my face in the Seireitei again…"

"It's not that bad, Masaki," Rukia countered. "You just had some sake. Everyone says and does stupid things when they drink…I know I've done it…"

"But it's not the same, Kuchiki-san….I shouldn't have drunk or said anything…I might have…no—I probably did affect the future…This is bad…This is really bad…." Masaki muttered, dropping her stricken gaze to the floor. She lowered her clenched hands onto the floor and dipped her head.

"M-Masaki, you don't really know that…."Rukia started, watching as the bowed orange head quivered.

"Y-You don't know that I didn't…"Masaki countered unsteadily, keeping her head bent. "I-I-I-I don't even want to find out," she added as a sob escaped her throat, "b-but I probably did. Y-You don't know how bad this is…I-I just want to go home…back to before I caused this whole mess…"

"Masaki, I wish you could go home too, but you can't just yet. Not until this war is over," Rukia said gently, reaching out to give the young woman's shaking shoulder a comforting squeeze. "I know things seem… really bad because of last night, but for all you know Matsumoto-fukutaichō and the others don't remember much either," she said, knowing it wasn't likely from what Renji said. She could feel Masaki's shoulder stiffen for a second before resuming its trembling.

"And whether they remember or not shouldn't matter, you don't even have to leave the manor until Urahara Kisuke is able to fix your time traveling device," she added, now rubbing Masaki's shoulder with her thumb in soothing circles.

She could sense the tautness and emotion threatening to burst from Masaki. Her breaths were barely suppressed sobs.

"Masaki, I understand your concern about impacting the future in some way, but I believe regardless of what you say or do in this time period fate will act its will. Fate works in ways beyond our comprehension and perhaps you were meant to be here," Rukia said softly.

She heard a hitch in Masaki's throat. "T-That's… n-not true…I'm only here because I was a foolish enough to handle something I shouldn't…"

"Mistakes are bound by fate as well. I know it's hard for you to consider it now, but perhaps in time you will see why. Not too long ago, I cursed myself for twisting Ichigo's fate by giving him my power, but now more than ever I understand that is not the case."

"K-Kuchiki-san, that's not the same…" Masaki said, sounding somewhat exasperated.

"The circumstances may not be the same, but the fear that you will ruin someone's life because of your actions is the same."

"My actions can ruin the present I know," Masaki cried, glancing up. Violet eyes shimmered with guilt and fear and barely contained tears. "T-They can affect many lives…."

Rukia stared at her, watching as she blinked away the tears pooling in her eyes.

"There's also the possibility that they won't," Rukia said calmly.

"I don't want to be responsible for any changes whether they're good or bad…I just want to return to the present I know," Masaki sobbed, dropping her gaze once more.

"Masaki, you must have faith you are destined to return and that everything will be okay," Rukia said reassuringly, rubbing her shoulder as a comforting gesture. "You can't let your fear overwhelm you. Trust that fate is acting in your favor. I do."

Masaki half hiccupped, half sniffled in a persistent effort to suppress her bubbling emotions. Rukia understood her stubbornness. She wasn't one for displaying her emotions either, but she knew everyone had their limit, whether they liked it or not.

"It's okay, Masaki," she whispered.

She felt Masaki lean toward her touch and she simply held her.

Unseeing eyes scanned over the various holograms projecting in front of them. Images of Hollows and Arrancar slashing through Shinigami filled one screen while another showed Hollows gathering the Reishi from dyingvillagers in a smoking hut. His gaze rested for a moment on the central screen where clusters of red dots pulsed and winked portentously all across a map. A slow grim smile spread across the observer's face.

"The time for justice is nearly here," he declared quietly.

"Indeed it is, Tōsen-san. A bit earlier than expected but it's definitely comin'," said a slightly mocking voice.

"Aizen taichō's decision to escalate things is hardly a change in plan, Ichimaru. It is simply the escalation of the inevitable. If anything it is a mercy to act now rather to let them continue clinging on to false hope that they will be able to cure everyone and save the Soul Society."

"I suppose yer right," Gin allowed, grinning, "but I was thinkin' it'd be much more amusin' to allow 'em that false hope before squashin' it completely with a direct attack on the Seireitei."

"It will be enjoyable all the same now, because the Gotei 13 have never known despair like this as it is."

Gin smirked impishly. "Sounds to me like you're impatient to get started, Tōsen-san, just like—"

"Don't compare me to that beast," Tōsen cut him off with a frown. "He is only eager to satisfy his battle lust. I've been waiting to enact true justice for over a century and I can continue to wait if need be but Aizen-taichō has deemed it unnecessary. And I agree with his judgment."

"I was just teasin' ya, Tōsen-san. Yer definitely one of the most patient people I've ever met and I know you just want everythin' to go to plan in an efficient manner. Don't ya find it kinda surreal that the grand finale to the plan we've been plottin' away for so long is only a few hours away? I do. "

"I can't say that I do. The surrealism faded for me the moment we departed the Soul Society. It is nice to know we're finally going to reap the fruits of our labor with this final act "

"Well I hope it tastes like persimmons. They're my favorite fruit and I haven't had one in a while." Gin smiled.

Tōsen remained silent, his gaze returning to the screens. An image of an anthropomorphic wolf dressed in Shinigami garb brandishing a katana against a swarm of Hollows that had been attacking a group of wounded Shinigami appeared on one of the screens.

"Ooh, looky there it's—"

"Komamura," Tōsen said curtly. "He's wasting his time protecting his subordinates. That one looks like he'll die any minute now," he said, pointing to a dark haired Shinigami clutching his scarlet covered middle, looking extremely pallid.

"That poor guy's definitely a goner," Gin agreed. "You know, it never ceases to amaze me how your goggles always paint such an accurate picture. Sometimes I wish you'd let me borrow them."

"It's a pointless wish. There's no way you could see the way I do. Sonar and infrared do not paint the images you are accustomed to seeing."

"I know that, but I wouldn't mind seeing a different way."

"If you want to see a different way, then you should try seeing with fully open eyes instead of through squinting eyes," Tōsen suggested.

Gin gaped at him for a moment, before chuckling. "Did you just make a joke, Tōsen-san?"

"If you are serious about wanting to see a different way, then I see no reason why you would think that's a joke. I doubt it's beneficial for a sighted person to impair their sight that way, unless, of course your intention all these years has been to become visually impaired so you could try goggles like mine. If that's the case, then you have been wasting your time. All you had to do was ask the Shinigami Research and Development Institute to build you some. They probably wouldn't have minded."

"You're funnier than I thought, Tōsen-san." Gin grinned. "Guess our impending showdown has put you in a good mood."

Before Tōsen could say anything, a crackling noise filled the room as the screen featuring Komamura suddenly went blank.

"Aww, darn it! He just had to kill our camera," Gin lamented.

"No matter. I will be repaying the favor later," Tōsen said matter of fact.

"Geez, Tōsen-san, you're really ready, aren't ya?"

"Aren't you?" Tōsen rejoined, turning his head to regard the former Third Division taichō.

" 'Course I am, but I'm not rarin' to fight my former best friend."

"It is not that I'm eager to fight him, it is simply the task I've been handed."

"But don't ya think it's a bit cruel? I wouldn't have minded takin' yer place."

"Not at all. I've always known our blades were fated to cross."

"But don't ya feel a bit sad now that that moment is approachin'?"

"Not in the slightest. You are mistaken if you think I feel any sort of attachment for Komamura. My emotions died when my beloved friend was taken. What about you? Do you hold any reservations about fighting any of your old acquaintances?"

"I ain't ever had feelings, or friends. I'm like a snake. I slither my way into people's hearts when it suits me and bleed 'em dry when it doesn't."

"I thought you considered the fukutaichō of the Tenth Division, Matsumoto Rangiku, a childhood friend."

"I've known Rangiku for a while, but I ain't ever considered her a true friend. The only reason I lived with her because there was safety in numbers, but most of time I'd usually scamper off on my own. She'd get real mad when I'd do that. You could ask if ya want, but I don't recommend it. She'll probably give you an earful," Gin explained, grinning. "She's always hated that about me."

"So you wouldn't have any problems killing her?"

"Nope. Never got close to her 'cause I guess deep down I knew our paths were meant to diverge. All I care about is makin' sure Aizen-taichō changes the world for the better," Gin said, smiling broadly.

"Frankly, I'm surprised someone like you has been following Aizen-sama for so long."

"What can I say? Aizen-taichō has managed to charm me with his grandiose plans."

"Aizen-sama is quite gifted in that regard," Tōsen acknowledged. "Most of those that follow him are because they fear him or are willing to spread death in the name of his cause. From a young age you have shared the Arrancar's affinity for slaughter and have proven yourself loyal to Aizen-sama's cause but do you honestly believe in it? Aizen-sama's plan would mean you would cease to have victims."

"Tōsen-san, are you worried I'm gonna get bored and ruin the justice Aizen-taichō wishes to spread throughout the land?" Gin smirked. "If I did that, I'd be losin' the closest thing to family that I've got…I couldn't bear such a thing," he said, mockingly placing his hand over heart as though hurt. "I'll admit I ain't got a problem gettin' rid of anybody that stands in my way, but it's somethin' borne out of livin' in the mean streets of Rukongai. When I tell ya I want to enact change, I honestly mean it. Wouldn't have stuck around all these years if that weren't the case. I get why you doubt me. It's the story of my life. "

"Ever since I was a wee thing, people have always been misjudgin' me thinkin' I'm strange and untrustworthy. I thought life would be different in the Seireitei when I joined the Academy but it was the same thing. People got creeped out because I was better than 'em even though I was younger.

"Aizen-taichō was different. He understood my potential despite my troubled upbringin' and was willing to take me under his wing to guide and train me regardless of what I'd done to his third seat. If it wouldn't have been for him, I wouldn't have stayed in the Gotei 13. I may be a snake, but he's the only whose ever managed to earn my loyalty. It's because of him that I'm committed to enactin' change."

"I see," Tōsen murmured after a moment. "I never realized your commitment to his cause was genuine."

Gin grinned. "Guess you can't see everything, Tōsen-san."

"Pa-the-tic," Hyōketsu Kiri spat, lilac lips twisted in disgust.

The pale skinned woman appeared to be floating above the water's edge as she glowered at a hunkered Masaki sitting against a small ice cave that curved slightly a foot above her head and that barely offered shelter for her. The only response she received was a sob as Masaki maintained her forehead against her arms, which were propped above her bent knees.

"You're absolutely pathetic, Masaki. I can't believe you've actually come here to shed tears. Or is this an invitation for me to put you out of your misery?"

Sobs and sniffles answered her again.

"That's enough, Masaki," Hyōketsu Kiri shouted angrily. "Shedding tears is useless. I can help you feel better if you allow me to. You shouldn't give a damn about the present. You should just act in the here and now. As far as I'm concerned, there's no reason why you should even hesitate in the slightest…"

Masaki sniffed. "I-I shouldn't," she agreed, sobbing, "b-but I think f-fate w-wants me to suffer…"

"Don't be an idiot, Masaki," Hyōketsu Kiri scoffed. "The only one who seems to be enjoying suffering is you. Stop being a glutton for punishment and go and change your fate," Hyōketsu Kiri commanded, as she appeared before Masaki, snatched one of her hands from beneath her chin, and yanked her to her feet. "You have the power, Masaki. All you have to do is use it."

Wiping one of the tears rolling down her face with her free hand, Masaki silently gazed up at the cold lavender eyes peering down at her.

"I-I d actually be preserving my fate, Kiri," Masaki mused softly, a sad, ironic smile touching her lips.

"If that's how you want to see it, then so be it," the purple haired woman said, scowling slightly. "You have a lot more to gain by acting than by sitting around."

"Hyōketsu Kiri, I know you mean well but…I-I just can't interfere with the lives of others. You already know this," Masaki said quietly but firmly.

Irritation flashed across lavender eyes and Masaki found herself flung onto the floor.

"You are a fool. You can't interfere with others' lives, but they have no problem interfering with yours."

Lifting her head from the ground and fumbling to raise her herself, Masaki regarded Hyōketsu Kiri with narrowed eyes.

"That's not the same…" she whispered. "Doing such a thing wouldn't even solve my real problem—being here…and you know it…I know I'm being pathetic, but I can't help it…I'm just tired...and mad… at myself…I just keep making things worse…"

"You can make them better if you would only listen to me…"

"T-that's not true," Masaki snapped.

"Then what are you going to do? Sit here and continue crying?"

"No. I'm done with that," Masaki said earnestly, as she climbed to her feet.

"M-Masaki?" Ichigo stammered, as Masaki's eyes snapped open and she gazed at him from out of the corner of left eye. He was standing a little less than a foot away with his hands on his knees, gazing at her. "I-I was just wondering if you were all right…"he quickly explained, straightening as she turned her head to regard him. "I tried calling you, but you wouldn't turn. You seemed to be frozen like a statue…Were you meditating?"

Masaki merely nodded.

"I'm sorry for interrupting."

"It's okay, Kurosaki-san," she said quietly.

"How are you feeling?" Ichigo wondered, concern flickering in his eyes, as he took in her fatigued countenance.

She averted her gaze from his and said, "I'd feel better if I hadn't drunk sake yesterday."

Knowing it was the truth, Ichigo remained silent. The sake had clearly robbed her of a restful sleep despite the illusion of a tranquil slumber. Or perhaps it was simply the aftereffects that were taking their toll on her.

"I-I'm really sorry about last night," Masaki started in a quiet, apologetic tone. "Kuchiki-san mentioned how I was…a bit troublesome and how you had to carry me here…I'm really sorry about anything I might have said or done…I didn't mean any of it…"

"Don't worry about it. I've already forgotten what you've said and my Shihakushō has already been washed even though it didn't get that dirty…"

Masaki whipped her head around to gape at him. "Y-You mean…I…made it get dirty…?" she asked in a small voice, shame filling her weary features.

Ichigo felt pity bubble in his stomach.

"N-No…I was just joking…Sorry…bad joke…It got dirty because of training…"

"Y-You're lying," Masaki accused, wrapping her hands in agitation around her unsheathed Zanpakutō that was lying across her lap.

"Oi, watch it! You're gonna cut your hands!" Ichigo exclaimed, holding out his hands as though to help her stop what she was doing.

Realizing what she was doing, Masaki let go of her Zanpakutō and said, "You don't need to lie to me…Kurosaki-san…."

"I'm not lying. My Shihakushō did get dirty because of my training. You did feel sick, but it didn't really get on me."

"I'm really sorry about that…"

"It's forgotten so there's no need for you to feel sorry about it."

Silence enveloped them.

"If you were meditating why did you have your Zanpakutō on your lap?" Ichigo asked, as he stared at the katana sitting across her lap.

Masaki glanced down at her katana briefly before replying, "What do you mean? I was performing Jinzen."

"Jinzen?" Ichigo echoed. "What's that?"

Masaki stared at him disbelievingly. "It's when you meditate to communicate with your Zanpakutō in your inner world. You have to some kind of contact with your Zanpakutō to do it."

"Oh I see. I had no idea that's how you're supposed to communicate with your Zanpakutō. I've only been to my…inner world…because Zangetsu has taken me there. No wonder he claims I've never really gotten to know him…"he muttered the last part more to himself than her.

Masaki continued to stare at him. "I forgot you achieved Bankai without having an actual relationship with Zangetsu."

Guilt appeared in amber eyes.

"I hate to look at it that way, but it's the truth," Ichigo admitted, casting his eyes on the ground for a moment. "He's shared his strength with me and I've learned to share mine with him, but I've barely learned what he likes… and accepted who he really is…I'm a terrible wielder unlike you…I bet you must really know your Zanpakutō well. You were doing Jinzen the other day that I saw you by the pond, weren't you?"

"I-I was," Masaki admitted. "In a manner of speaking you could say I know Hyōketsu Kiri and she knows me, but our relationship is far from perfect. We've always been at odds with each other."

"I doubt your relationship is as bad as mine." Ichigo smiled wryly. "As you probably already know, my Zanpakutō is a blend of a Zanpakutō spirit and a Hollow. The Hollow side of it can be a real piece of work. There's no way your Zanpakutō could be that bad."

"You'd be surprised at how nasty my Zanpakutō can be," Masaki said, her lips twisting into a sardonic grin of her own. "She may not look it, but she can be pretty horrible; almost if not as bad as the Hollow within Zangetsu."

"If you say so," Ichigo said. "I thought my situation was bad, but I guess every Shinigami has to learn to get along with their Zanpakutō."

Masaki nodded.

"Can you teach me how to do Jinzen?" Ichigo asked, after a moment.

Masaki hesitated. "Um, I could but wouldn't it be better if you engaged in training, Kurosaki-san? "

"I'll do that later. I want to spend a couple of minutes doing Jinzen. I owe much more than that to Zangetsu, but I figure at this point, something is better than nothing. It's not that hard, is it?"

Masaki shook her head. "It's not. You just have to sit in a meditative pose while maintaining contact with your Zanpakutō. You have to maintain your focus on it in order to reach its world."

"Figured it went something like that," Ichigo said as he pulled Zangetsu from behind his back and settled three feet away from Masaki. Mimicking Masaki, he placed his broad blade across his lap and place one hand somewhere near the tip of the blade and the other on its handle.

He closed his eyes and furrowed his eyebrows in concentration.

Masaki eyed him for two minutes with a curious, amused expression.

Tentatively she extended her left hand out, letting her fingers hover within a millimeter over his shoulder. After thirty seconds, she slowly drifted her fingers alongside the black fabric, never letting them actually touch it. Noticing the slightest twitch, she frowned and she bent her index finger and flicked his shoulder.

Ichigo's eyes flew open. "What was that for, Masaki?"

"This proves you aren't concentrating hard enough. You shouldn't have felt that at all."

"Sorry, I'll try again," Ichigo said, closing his eyes once more.

"Kurosaki-san, maybe you should try this later," Masaki suggested, after watching Ichigo's fruitless efforts for fifteen minutes. She had coached him on how to relax and breathe and had even given him a demonstration, but he had yet to reach his inner world.

"No. I know I can do it. I just need to concentrate a bit harder. I can't believe I'm struggling. It's not like I don't know how my inner world looks like…"Ichigo muttered, ruffling his hair in annoyance, before placing his hand once more upon Zangetsu's handgrip.

"I should leave you and Zangetsu alone. You'll probably be able to concentrate better that way."

"M-Masaki, that isn't necessary. I should be able to do it whether you're here or not."

"True, but I don't think you're at that level yet…"

Ichigo looked slightly flustered for a moment, before he asked, "Isn't there any other kind of advice you can give me?"

"Kurosaki-san, you just have to focus on nothing but your Zanpakutō."

"I'm doing that, but for some reason I can't reach him. There's gotta be some kind of trick to reaching him. Or is it that he doesn't want me to come in?"

"No, that's not it, Kurosaki-san. You should be able to reach your inner world even if he doesn't want you to visit him."

"Are you sure about that? I'm trying my best to reach him and nothing is happening."

"It's because your concentration is not deep enough, Kurosaki-san. You just have to keep practicing until you reach the required level of concentration. "

"I think the fastest way of achieving that is getting knocked out. I was able to enter my inner world when Hirako knocked me out with something. Do you have any idea of how to do that?"

Masaki's lips twitched into a grin. "Kurosaki-san, the only other way I know of would be to show you the way myself, but I doubt it'd work."

"What do you mean by that, Masaki? How can you show me the way?" Ichigo wondered.

Masaki hesitated. "It is possible for a Shinigami to open their mind during Jinzen to another Shinigami, but it takes permission and an even deeper concentration to achieve it."

Ichigo stared at her, remembering she had said this back in the Fake Karakura after the impromptu Shunpo tag.

"But why do you call him Shirō? You make it sound as if you've seen him…"

"I have," Masaki confirmed.

Ichigo's eyes widened. "What? How is that even possible? He's inside me, in my inner world, you can't possibly have seen him…"

"It is possible to visit another person's inner world…It just takes deep concentration and permission," she explained. "I've only seen Shirō once. My father didn't want to show him to me, but he appeared. He kept calling me Princess and annoying me, so I decided to call him Shirō since he's all white. Apparently, he decided he was okay with it since my father never bothered to give him a name…"

"Oh that's right. You've mentioned this before," Ichigo murmured.

"Kurosaki-san, it isn't an option though because if you can't enter your own mind, then there's no way you'd let me in. The only way you'd be able to do it is with someone you trust completely."

"Someone I trust completely?" Ichigo echoed.

Masaki nodded.

They sat there in silence for a few moments, before Masaki slipped her Zanpakutō into her sheath and rose.

"W-Wait, M-Masaki," he called out, putting up a hand. "What are you doing?"

"Kurosaki-san, you can continue practicing on your own if you want, but I'm done here."

Ichigo pursed his lips slightly. He wanted her to stay but he found there really wasn't a reason for her to.

"There you are, Ichigo. I've been looking all over for you," said a slightly exasperated and breathless voice.

Ichigo turned his head to look at Rukia, who had appeared behind them.

"So was I, but I ran into Masaki first. This place is way too huge and confusing. Byakuya practically put me in the dungeons. It took me forever to get here."

"Nii-sama did not put you in the dungeons, Ichigo. You should have just asked the servants to get me or to show you the way instead of trying to find me on your own. Do you have any idea how long I've been searching for you? I was beginning to think you had left."

"I was a bit tempted to leave, but I didn't." Ichigo grinned.

"I'm glad my search wasn't for nothing," Rukia said. "How are you feeling, Masaki?

"The Shijimi Miso soup I had for breakfast has helped me feel somewhat better."

"Well, if you need anything else or water just let the servants know."

Masaki nodded in acknowledgment.

"What were you doing?" Rukia wondered, glancing at Ichigo.

"I was trying to do Jinzen with Masaki's help, but I can't seem to focus enough to do it."

"Really? I'd think it wouldn't be hard for you since you have achieved Bankai."

"I didn't achieve it by regular means, so I don't know anything about a normal Zanpakutō-Shinigami relationship. Zangetsu has either come to me, or I've had help in seeing him. I've never consciously visited him before. "

"I see. Well, all you have to do is keep practicing. You'll eventually be able to reach him."

"That's what I told him. I was going to leave him alone so he could concentrate better."

"I'm just bad at concentrating."

"You managed to learn some control over your Reiryoku. This is easier. You should be able to do this too," Masaki pointed out. "Kuchiki-san, you should try helping him. I think you'll have better luck than me since you managed to teach him to control his Reiryoku."

"I'm sure you've given him all the advice he needs. He just has to refine his focus."

"You might have better advice than me," Masaki said, smiling slightly. "In any case, I'll take my leave now."

"You should take it easy, Masaki, and get some rest," Rukia advised.

Masaki gave a nod, before walking away.

"She looks worn out," Ichigo commented quietly, as he and Rukia watched the young woman leave. "I was surprised she was sitting out here. I almost thought something was wrong with her when she didn't move."

"She may be tired, but she's just trying to act normal and feel better after last night. I imagine visiting the only being that ties her to her time has that effect."

Understanding flashed across Ichigo's face. "I bet it does," he murmured quietly. "I didn't realize she did have a companion with her."

"A Shinigami is never truly alone if they have their Zanpakutō. It is an extension of their soul. No other being can know you better than they can."

"I'm glad she has a friend with her," Ichigo said after a beat. "I'm just sorry that Rangiku-san ended up getting her drunk. She didn't need to deal with that this morning," he added, frowning. "Did you ever figure out how she ended up in the Tenth Division?"

"Masaki seems to think it was because of Kusajishi- fukutaichō as I suspected."

"Freakin' Yachiru," Ichigo grumbled. "What's her problem? Why can't she stay away from M-Masaki? Doesn't she do something else besides looking for someone to play with?"

Rukia sighed. "Zaraki-taichō pretty much allows Kusajishi-fukutaichō to do as she pleases. Once she becomes obsessed with something, she has a hard time letting go. She's been obsessed with using the Kuchiki Manor as a base for the Shinigami Women's Association for years despite my brother's attempts to keep her out. I believe Yachiru sees Masaki as playmate that is close to her age because she believes her to be a child, which is why she can't help but seek her out."

Rukia paused. "We can't really blame her for anything, anyway. I doubt she meant for Masaki to drink. That was all Matsumoto-fukutaichō's doing…"

"Guess not, but if it weren't for her Masaki wouldn't have been put in that situation."

"What's done is done, Ichigo. I just hope Masaki didn't reveal too much about the future."

"Yeah."

"I'll leave you to continue practicing Jinzen," Rukia said, after a minute or two of quiet.

"Wait, Rukia. Maybe you can help me with that," Ichigo said, after a several beats, as a pensive look swept over his face.

"I doubt it."

"M-Masaki mentioned something about how it's possible for someone to show someone else how to find their way to their Zanpakutō. Maybe you can help me find my way to Zangetsu."

Rukia gaped at him.

"I-Ichigo, t-that isn't an easy thing to do….It takes even more focus to maintain such a connection than regular Jinzen…."

"I get that, but I think I can manage it if you help me. I told you, didn't I? I've always had a hand in reaching Zangetsu, so maybe you can be the one to help me this time."

Rukia hesitated. "Ichigo, I want to help you, but I don't think it'll work…"

"Why not?" Ichigo asked, raising en eyebrow. "Do you not trust me?"

Rukia froze for a moment.

"It's not that…"

"Then, what is it?"

"I've never done this before…I'm not sure I can help you…" Rukia admitted.

"You took the risk of sharing your power with me knowing it might kill me. Don't tell me you're afraid of trying something as simple as this?"

Rukia stared at him, her brows creasing slightly.

"I'm not afraid," she replied after a moment.

"Then, let's try it. If it works, it works, if it doesn't, I won't blame you."

There was silence as the dark haired young woman considered his request.

"Fine, Ichigo, let's try it. If it fails, it won't be because of me," she warned him.

Rukia pulled her sheathed Sode no Shirayuki from her waist and gracefully settled herself across from him.

"Keep Zangetsu across your lap, Ichigo," she said, as she scooted closer to him, so that their knees were almost touching. She unsheathed Sode no Shirayuki, placed her across her lap, and gently deposited her sheath beside her right thigh.

"To successfully complete Jinzen, a Shinigami must usually have contact with their Zanpakutō. Since we are also trying to link our minds, you must maintain contact with me. Place your hands over mine," she directed, as she positioned both of her hands across both Sode no Shirayuki and Zangetsu.

Her tone was typical businesslike Rukia but as his eyes briefly connected with hers, he thought he saw a flicker of nervousness within her normally composed violet orbs. He was certain her heart rate matched his despite her nonchalance.

He knew what he was asking was rather personal, but he hadn't imagined it required such physical closeness between them. He had no choice but to do it.

He forced himself to slowly lower his hands over hers.

He stared at the union of peach and ivory for a second before meeting violet orbs, who appeared to have just lifted from looking below. He thought he felt a slight tremor from the small, warm hands nestled beneath his own. Or maybe it was him. He wasn't quite sure, but he forced himself to remain as still as possible.

"What's next?' he prompted, in what he hoped was a calm voice.

"Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Center your mind to Zangetsu. I will try to reach out to you. You must open your mind to me. Otherwise I won't be able to help you."

He nodded in understanding.

His heart thumped against his ribcage in an even more wildish pace at her words.

Her phrasing definitely made this act seem even more intimate.

Mimicking Rukia, he took a deep breath and slowly released it as he shut his eyes. He slowly drew in another breath, praying that it would help soothe his nerves and heart. There was no way he'd achieve the calmness he needed if he couldn't settle his body's reaction to Rukia's proximity, or the thought of her entering his mind…

C'mon, Ichigo, relax. You're just allowing Rukia to come over to the old man's place…that's all…

That's really all it was. It was silly for him to be so nervous…

His heart rate barely seemed to relent.

Each thump appeared to be contesting his thoughts, as though reaffirming that he should be nervous.

Stupid heart.

He should only be nervous, if at all, because he was attempting something new, not because of Rukia herself. And yet he knew it was mostly because of her that his body was reacting the way it was. It was very keen on reminding of what he didn't want to think about—his future relationship with Rukia.

Holding hands would eventually become a normal thing between them.

It was such a strange thought. He couldn't really picture himself holding her hand on a regular basis. He wasn't quite sure she'd even like such a thing. She didn't seem like the type of girl who'd be into such a thing. Perhaps, it'd be more on an occasional thing between them…

Of course, such a thing was the tip of the iceberg of relationship stuff…None of which he could imagine doing either…His heart sprang into a new vigorous rhythm as unbidden thoughts of kissing Rukia invaded his mind…

Damn it…stop it brain…

He felt like giving his brain a mental slap or a mental kick to get rid of these thoughts…

"Ichigo, cut it out!" demanded a peeved Rukia.

Wait a minute, was she seeing his thoughts?

Hastily opening his eyes, he realized that was not the case at all.

He was apparently crushing her hands.

"Let go of my hands!" she said crossly. "You're supposed to concentrate mentally, not physically!" she grumbled, rubbing her hands as soon as they were free.

"S-Sorry…I didn't mean to…"he apologized.

Rukia stared at him for a moment.

"I know you didn't."

She paused before saying, "I don't know what the heck you were thinking, Ichigo, but you need to relax both your mind and body. I know you're more of action guy, but Jinzen is a mental act. All you have to do is think of Zangetsu."

"All right. Let me try this again."

They joined hands once more and he shook his head before breathing deeply.

Doing his best to ignore his previous miscellaneous thoughts, he began to think of Zangetsu and his training with him as he regulated his breathing.

He eventually began to think of the tranquil blue sky laced with soft, fluffy white clouds that surrounded his inner domain…and the way the azure and white reflected off the glass of those strange skyscrapers…

Thought after thought crossed his mind, and then, he thought heard a voice calling out to him from somewhere far away….

He blinked, suddenly finding himself standing in an unfamiliar dim, fog shrouded area. He felt cold.

Where in the world was he?

He stared as the white blanket surrounding him suddenly parted when an indistinct figure gracefully plowed through.

"There you are, Kurosaki Ichigo-dono," a woman's voice declared.

"Who are you?" Ichigo wondered, as the dissipating fog revealed a beautiful pale skinned woman with long, lightly lavender tinted hair partially tied at a knot at the back of her head while a stray strand fell across her eyes. Her hands were tucked into the long sleeves of an impeccably white kimono.

"Who am I?" she echoed, regarding him with piercing, icy blue eyes. "I would have thought the answer would be obvious."

"Should I know you?" Ichigo asked, getting the sense that perhaps he should. Something about her presence was eerily familiar…

"You should. We've met before, though you have never seen my manifested form until now."

"I have?" Ichigo said, as he pondered her words.

"Sode no Shirayuki, I see you've managed to find Ichigo. Thank you," Rukia said, as she appeared behind the yuki-onna.

"You're Rukia's Zanpakutō," Ichigo realized.

"That is correct," the woman replied as Rukia took her place beside her.

"The answer was obvious," Ichigo admitted. "I was just thrown off by seeing someone that wasn't Zangetsu. Speaking of which, where is he? This isn't my inner world," he said, glancing around at his surroundings.

"We are at the crossroads between your inner world and Rukia-sama's. She and I can help you find your way to Zangetsu-dono if that is what you desire."

"Yeah, I'd appreciate it if you guys would help me."

"I'm guessing the way to your inner world is that way since I just left mine," Rukia said, pointing a finger straight ahead where the fog appeared to thin out in the distance and a speckle of light glimmered.

"That is a correct, Rukia-sama," Sode no Shirayuki affirmed. "I can sense Zangetsu-dono there."

"You can?" Ichigo queried.

The snow maiden nodded. "I'm sure you could too if you'd focus on him. He may be far from us, but his presence isn't weak by all means if you concentrate. It's always been the case. "

"What do you mean by that, Sode no Shirayuki?" Rukia said, glancing up at her Zanpakutō.

"I realized that Zangetsu-dono existed in Kurosaki Ichigo-dono during the time I was in his possession."

"You were in my possession?" Ichigo echoed.

Sode no Shirayuki stared at him.

"Ichigo, when I shared my power with you, Sode no Shirayuki was also accidentally transferred to you. She was the Zanpakutō that you were using back then, even though you didn't realize it. Frankly, in your hands she was nothing but an Asauchi, the nameless katana that Shinigami have before they discover their true power. A Zanpakuto's true power cannot be used by anyone by the wielder since they are activated by the power of their soul alone."

"I see," Ichigo said, after a moment. Amber eyes flickered over to the icy blue orbs still staring at him.

"Sode no Shirayuki, you and I have met awhile back and I had no idea. I'm sorry for not realizing this. I was pretty clueless back then about Zanpakutō. Well, I still am actually. Anyway, I want to thank you for helping me protect my family and friends. "

"Kurosaki Ichigo-dono, I did not do such a thing. I was merely a sword in your hands. It was your own power in conjunction with Rukia-sama's."

"But without your blade, I couldn't have cut down the enemies I faced."

Blue eyes stared into amber.

"You are welcome, Kurosaki Ichigo-dono."

"Sode no Shirayuki, could you please lead the way?" Rukia asked, after several beats.

The snow maiden gave an acquiescing nod, before drifting forward, leaving Ichigo and Rukia to follow in her graceful wake.

After some time, Ichigo and Rukia found themselves following Sode no Shirayuki into a void emitting blue light at the end of the dim, fog encased road.

"This is your inner world?" Rukia asked, raising an eyebrow at Ichigo as she glanced around at the strange blue sky with vertical clouds and the glassy skyscrapers piercing it. "I always figured your thinking was off compared to most, but I didn't think your inner world would actually reflect it."

"My thinking is original."

"Where is Zangetsu, anyway?"

Ichigo shrugged. "He usually just appears. Oi, Zangetsu no ossan, where are you? I've actually come to visit you and I brought company…"

"I'm aware, Ichigo. I'm glad you have brought such beautiful companions to brighten this place," Zangetsu said, as he appeared overhead on his pole, and then reappeared before Sode no Shirayuki.

"Milady, I'm Zangetsu. It is an honor to have such a beautiful white blossom such as yourself in my humble adobe," the black clad man said, as lowered himself on one knee and reached for her hand and pressed his lips against it.

Sode no Shirayuki stared down at him, a faint blush coloring her pale cheeks.

"You are too kind, Zangetsu-dono. I'm Sode no Shirayuki, Rukia-sama's Zanpakutō."

Zangetsu removed his lips from her hand and glanced at Rukia.

"Indeed. You are a stunning rendition of her soul," he said, as his gaze switched over to surprised blue eyes.

He reluctantly released the snow maiden's hand and appeared before Rukia. The petite Shinigami blinked as Zangetsu dropped to one knee, grabbed her hand, and kissed it.

"Rukia-sama, it is an honor to finally make your acquaintance. I'm grateful to you for the strength you have given Ichigo to persevere."

"I-I didn't really do much. It's really his own conviction…"

"Don't sell yourself, short."

Fear trickled up Rukia's spine as she noted that the kind, serious voice of the man before her now had a warped, mocking edge to it.

The dark wavy mop of hair below her shifted and she found herself peering into sardonic golden eyes. Gone were the gentle brown eyes behind the semitransparent sunglasses.

"You've had quite an impact on the King, Queen, more than you realize and more than even he realizes."

"It's you!" Rukia proclaimed, surprised. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, wrenching her hand away, or at the very least attempting to. The white-haired Ichigo lookalike had slid his hands around her wrist with a firm grip and was now on his feet.

"Don't be so shocked, Queen. I live here. You're the one oversteppin' your bounds by bein' here," the Hollow pointed out.

"My name isn't Queen, Hollow. It's Kuchiki Rukia," Rukia snapped as she continued to resist his grip. "I'm not overstepping my bounds. Ichigo invited me here. This is supposed to be Zangetsu's home, not yours. You're the one who shouldn't be here because Ichigo defeated you."

Ichigo's Hollow chuckled. "Is that what you think? I've got news for you, Kuchiki Rukia, I am Zangetsu and he is me. We are one in the same. If we get defeated, then that means your lover boy has bit the dust."

"W-What?"

"Let go of Rukia's hand," Ichigo commanded in a quiet but firm tone.

"As you wish, King," the Hollow said, dropping Rukia's hand at once.

"Why did you even switch to that form?"

"Because I felt like it. Don't tell me you can't stand me in this form?" he taunted. "I almost feel offended that you can't stand to be around me in this form. I thought you had finally accepted me as I am…"

"It's not that…You can stay in that form if you want…Just don't put a hand on Rukia or Sode no Shirayuki."

"Fine, whatever. Why'd you even bring them, anyway?"

"Because I wanted to pay you a visit like a Shinigami is supposed to and I needed their help."

Hollow Zangetsu scoffed. "Of course, you would need help. You failed to explain to the Queen who I am."

"I did," Ichigo acknowledged. "Rukia, he is the Hollow within Zangetsu. It is as he said, he and Zangetsu are one in the same. I didn't want to believe it. I've been ignoring it up until now believing that all I had to do was beat my Hollow to be free of him. The truth is it's not possible. He and Zangetsu are both part of my power. He and Zangetsu were originally one being but because my Hollow and Shinigami powers became unbalanced they split into two separate beings."

"That's one way to put it," Hollow Zangetsu said. "I prefer to say I grew stronger."

"It comes down to the same thing. Your growth unbalanced my Shinigami powers making you my center of power rather than Zangetsu," Ichigo said. "When I first trained with the Visored, I thought I had defeated him for good but in reality I had simply suppressed him, making him a part of Zangetsu once more.

"I started to lose control of my Hollow powers again because I feared their growth. His taking over my body was his way of letting me know I needed to confront him again. By training with him to gain full control over my Hollow abilities, I succeeded in bringing my powers into balance, and he and Zangetsu have merged into one being instead of two separate ones. They can switch between forms, but they are just one being."

"That's right, but if you let fear dominate you again, I will take over."

"That won't happen," Ichigo assured him, giving him a piercing stare. "You need to get used to being one. It's how you're supposed to be."

"I don't mind Zangetsu-san as a roommate," he said, as his body suddenly reverted to Zangetsu's body save for the eyes that remained golden, "but neither of us will stand for a weak ass landlord. We will fight for control."

"I know."

"I see," Rukia spoke after a beat. "Ichigo, there's something I've been wondering for some time since Nii-sama told me about your Hollow. How exactly did you gain it?"

Ichigo stared at her for a moment, before he said, "Well, I guess, I got it because of the Encroachment process I underwent when trying to gain my own Shinigami powers."

"That's right. I was born the moment you nearly turned into a Hollow. 'Course Zangetsu-san prevented that from happenin' at the last minute."

Rukia stared at Ichigo and Zangetsu in shock.

Encroachment. Nearly turned into a Hollow…

The words thundered in her head again and again, like a terrible tempest.

It couldn't be true….Ichigo couldn't have done such a thing... He and Zangetsu must be playing some kind of cruel trick on her…

And yet she knew it wasn't.

She had avoided questioning Ichigo about his Hollow before out of respect, knowing it was probably a touchy subject for him. But apart from not wanting to seem like she was interrogating him, she had evaded it because deep down she had feared the answer.

Shinigami powers in a Human were forbidden enough as it was, but Hollowfication made things even worse. Only Urahara Kisuke would be devious enough to attempt such a thing. She had known he was the culprit behind Ichigo's state, but she had hoped the answer would be different from this one…

How dare he put Ichigo's existence in danger like that. Did he even explain the repercussions to him? She wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't…That was so Urahara…He hadn't cared about putting her life in danger either as long as the end justified the means.

Damn him.

Who the hell did he think he was?

People's lives were not something to be toyed with. It was infuriating how he appeared to have little consideration for life….It was one thing for him to mess with her life, but with Ichigo's that was just wrong...

"Rukia, are you…okay?" Ichigo queried, gazing at her with concern.

She suddenly found her throat very tight with the emotion welling up in her.

"Rukia-sama, are you all right?" Sode no Shirayuki joined in.

Rukia simply nodded, sparing a glance at her Zanpakutō.

"Are you sure? You seemed troubled," Ichigo pointed out, studying her. "Rukia, I didn't mean to obtain a Hollow if that's what you're thinking. I had no idea what Hollowfication was until Aizen spoke of it on Sōkyoku Hill. All I wanted was to gain Shinigami powers of my own so I could rescue you. I wasn't trying to get power beyond a Shinigami like Aizen said…."

"I-Ichigo, I-I know you didn't seek Hollowfication or Shinigami powers for your own gain. You aren't selfish like that," Rukia murmured. "Ichigo, I know you simply wanted to save me, but do you realize what you've done by undergoing the Encroachment process?"

"I've become a natural Visored like Oyaji said."

"Not just that…you've forfeited your life…"Rukia declared solemnly.

"Forfeited…my life? What are you talking about, Rukia?"

"Ichigo, she means you've given up your mortal existence by seeking Shinigami powers," Zangetsu explained.

Ichigo stared at Zangetsu.

"You mean…I'm dead," Ichigo deduced, after a moment.

His Zanpakutō nodded. "This shouldn't be a surprise to you, Ichigo."

"Y-You're right, it shouldn't be," Ichigo agreed quietly. "Urahara-san did tell me I was dying when my Chain of Fate was cut, but since I was able to return to my body after all I thought I hadn't actually died…"

"You're so naïve, Ichigo. You only believe what you want to believe," Zangetsu said, golden eyes glaring at him with disdain. "You've ignored your own death just as you've ignored my Hollow side. Returning to a body does not mean you're alive."

"Ichigo, I'm afraid Zangetsu is right. Once a Soul Chain is cut, it cannot be restored. Your body it must be…"

"A Gigai," Ichigo finished for her, as a contemplative look settled over his countenance. "I honestly didn't even think it could be a Gigai, because it felt just like my actual body. I guess Urahara must have built one just like Oyaji's in the three days that I endured the Encroachment process…"

"He must have," Rukia agreed softly.

"I have to admit he really did a good job. Not once did it feel like I was stuck in a foreign body. I just hope he didn't bury my real body at his shop, or dump it in the middle of nowhere…"

Rukia looked appalled.

"Don't worry, Rukia. Urahara may be a bastard, but I don't think he'd do such a thing. I'd kill him if he did," Ichigo said.

Rukia gazed at him with a conflicted, disbelieving expression.

"I-Ichigo…" she started.

"Don't, Rukia. It's okay. I made my choice. This is just another thing I was blind about," he said calmly.

"Ichigo, you fool!" she shouted, glaring at him. "You told me you wouldn't sacrifice your life for a stranger!"

Ichigo stared at her, recalling what he'd told her when he decided to help her with her Shinigami duties.

"Are you any different!? You sacrificed yourself to save me that time! At that time, were you thinking about complicated stuff like "this is my Shinigami duty"!? That's not what sacrificing yourself is! At the very least, I'm different! I haven't accepted any commitment. If things get bad, I might run away, since I'm not a good enough person to be able to sacrifice my life for total strangers. But, unfortunately, I'm also not trash that can live happily without paying back his debts!"

"I didn't sacrifice my life for anyone," he said, his lips pulling into an ironic half smile. "I just decided to exchange the life I was living for a different one. One where I could have the power to protect anyone that I chose."

Violet eyes peered at him with mingled exasperation and incredulity.

"I don't think I made the wrong decision…The future doesn't seem too bad," he added shyly, as he nervously ran a hand through the hair at the nape of his neck.

Violet and amber eyes maintained contact for a long moment despite the evident warmth staining their cheeks.

"You fool," she muttered softly, breaking eye contact.

She spotted Zangetsu next to Sode no Shirayuki. Both of them had obviously been observing their wielders.

"Rukia…can you please avoid telling the others? I'd rather talk about it after the war is done…"

Understanding lit her eyes and she gave an acquiescing nod.

"I'll take my leave now, Ichigo. You did come to talk to Zangetsu."

"Thanks, Rukia."

Turning to Zangetsu once Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki had disappeared, Ichigo asked, "If you knew I've been dead all this time, why didn't you say anything?"

"I did, but you were just none the wiser."

"When?"

"When you asked me why I had told you that you had died against Ulquiorra."

"I've been thinking. I didn't actually die against Ulquiorra. You just said that to psych me out, right?" Ichigo asked, sounding slightly breathless. "If I had actually died, you wouldn't have had access to my body. You're a part of me as long as I'm alive."

He was seated with his back pressed against the side of partially decimated skyscraper, his Shihakushō in tatters. His Zanpakutō was strewn across his lap.

A few feet away was Hollow Zangetsu, his clothes in a similar state as Ichigo's.

His lips twisted into a frown.

"If you've been thinkin' then I need to up the trainin'."

"Go ahead. Do your worst. That's what I'm here for. But seriously though, answer me."

Running his hands through his hair in a frustrated sort of way, Hollow Zangetsu responded, "In a manner of speaking you did die. Your body was at its limit and if it weren't for me, you'd be nothing but Reishi."

"I see. You did tell me…"he agreed.

"That's right. So now that you know, you can't afford to be weak."

"Don't worry, I'm not planning on dying. I will use what you've taught me."

"Ichigo, how about you prove to me you haven't forgotten it?"

"All right," he said, after a moment.

Quick Glossary:

Tokkuri- sake jug

Arigatō- thank you

Onegai- please

Okaa-san/Kaa-san- mother/mom

Otou-san/tou-san-father/dad

Oyaji- informal way of saying dad

Oji-sama- uncle

Nee-chan- sister

oba-chan- auntie

Sōtaichō- head captain

Taichō- captain

Fukutaichō- vice captain

Gikon- Soul candy

Reiryoku- spirit energy/power

Reishi- spirit particles

Hakufuku (White Crawl): Kidō that knocks out an opponent and leaves them with unclear memory of what happened.

Shijimi Miso soup -Miso soup with Shijimi clams that are believed to remove liver toxins from alcohol. It's a Japanese hangover cure.

Yuki-onna- Snow woman

AN: For those wondering why I took forever is because I actually decided to take a few months off from writing last year after finally taking a real vacation from real life. I knew it would only put me behind in my already slow writing schedule, but I needed that break. I've been writing most days for over 6 years and I just needed some time to myself. It pains me to take forever to finish each and every chapter, but it is what is despite my efforts to write faster. I give my absolute best for every chapter.