Disclaimer: I do NOT own bleach so don't even think about it!

A/N: My poor beta reader is a very busy girl so she hasn't been able to send me the corrected version. However, I think I've left you hanging long enough and decided to post this as it is.

Any error is entirely my fault so don't go running your mouth against my lovely beta!

"Normal speech"

'Thoughts'

Flashback

Hell Butterfly

#13#

Ichigo seethes in anger when the poor messenger finishes his report. He honestly looks ready to throw up before hyperventilating in pure fear of the Shiba heir's expression. He had always known the orange head was somebody that no one dared defy, but he hadn't known why up until that present moment.

Ichigo's form was basically pouring out a bloodthirsty aura that made him look scarier than the captain commander on a bad day. His eyes were cold and murderous to an extent where just looking into brown eyes for a fraction of a second was dangerous. The expression schooled onto his features was nonexistent to a degree where he could have passed off as a statue.

But the guard knew better. He knew Shiba Ichigo was dead serious. The orange head wasn't reeling in his rampant emotions. He was tucking them in behind a cold mask of cruelty. To tell the truth, the central-46-guard-turned-messenger had never been happier to be on the Shiba's side. There was a 99.99% probability he wouldn't have survived if the situation were otherwise.

"And you don't know where he is now?"

The guard flinched as he tried to imagine rainbows and ponies to avoid pissing his pants. Scary. "N-no sir. Shiba Gen-sama 's whereabouts are currently unknown."

Ichigo narrowed his eyes as he scowled with the force of a tsunami "Revoke that."

"H-huh."

"It is Gen." he spat out "That scum doesn't deserve anything more. Write that down in your brain and send a message to the councilmen; Shiba Gen is an outcast until found and proved otherwise. That's an order."

The poor guard nodded dumbly as he scurried off in a feet of high level shunpo to avoid being in the presence of the young Shiba heir. Honestly, Shiba Ryōtarō was a kitty in comparison to Shiba Ichigo; he was a lion.

Once left alone, Ichigo tsk-ed before gritting his teeth with unhidden anger as he scurried off in a hurried pace towards the captain's office. He couldn't believe that the moment he set foot in the division, was the moment trouble would come along. Ryōtarō hadn't left long ago either –about half a day, it was already night time- and now he had new information. This just kept on getting worse and worse.

He strode into the office like he owned the place before settling down on the couch while clutching his head to think. He was as alone as he could get since duties were over for the day, so he didn't bother masking his fury. His pensive frown was harsher than ever as he bit his lower lip to avoid shouting out in desperation. The more he thought, the darker his conclusions became.

There was no way in hell this would end nice and easy.

Now that he thought about it, fighting pseudo hollows in Hueco Mundo was ten times better than this. Back in the war everything was as simple as it could get. Kill or get killed. Survive or join the dead. However, since coming to the past everything turned complicated. Think ahead of time, make sure to stay on the timeline, keeping distance from people, getting stronger and making sure to look normal.

Sometimes he couldn't help but think leading a battalion to battle was easier.

In the end, Ichigo just sighed as he closed his eyes in resignation. Just as he was about to stand up and go speak to Yamamoto once more, a hell butterfly flapped in with unsteady wings. His brown eyes stared at the tired insect, his orbs skillfully scanning the pattern on its wings as it carefully laid on his shoulder and brushed an extremity against his cheek gently.

Ichigo raised a finger to caress the poor thing while he successfully prodded it to jump onto his digit. Its black wings flapped once as it gave a low jingle –the white pattern on its wings barely recognizable.

"You have news for me." He whispered gently to the Shiba messenger. The insect jingled once more, its tiny wings flapping gingerly as it seemed to regain its lost energy "Will you share it with me?" the patterned butterfly stayed still for a second before Ichigo released a small pulse of reiatsu into the messenger. This successfully convinced the hell butterfly of its decision as it jingled one last time and relayed the message.

Ichigo couldn't find it in himself to hate the little thing.

#13#

Ryōtarō raised his speed as he heightened his senses to try and find anything that could lead him to his youngest son while simultaneously avoiding the tall trees. He had already gone to the training house back in district 3 to try and find trace of Wataru's spiritual pressure. He really hadn't found anything, but the path of destruction was a good hint anyways. After two hours of following obvious signs, he had finally picked up the young boy's reiatsu and was now sniffing a real track.

It was pretty hard though, the signature muted or raw to a level where he knew Wataru had fought hard. But the real problem of it was how other signatures also prevailed. It got confusing –when the scents mixed up to a degree where it was impossible to discern- but even then he continued onwards as best as he could.

Ryōtarō knew he could be waltzing into a trap -if he were the hunter instead of the prey, he would also do the same- yet nothing stopped his hazard searching and his unwavering pace. He would find his son's location even if it was the last thing he did. It was the least he could do if he was going to fail –get Ichi the information they lacked. Because the raven head knew Ichigo would succeed wherever he couldn't. The orange head was the hope and light of the Shiba clan, he had been certain of this even before Ichigo had revealed his dark past.

His only regret was giving all that responsibility to his son.

But Ryōtarō wasn't worried. Ichigo wasn't alone. He smiled to himself as he thought of young Ukitake and Shunsui. Those two would undoubtedly stay by Ichigo's side no matter how much he thought otherwise. They would take care of his son till the end. That was what they had promised on that day inside Yamamoto's office back when he was still the headmaster.

"I'll keep an eye on him. He sounds interesting. And I bet he could be a good friend if only he opens up."

The raven head chuckles to himself as he speeds up and absently ignores the raindrops falling into his eyes. It wasn't the first time, and it wasn't the last. He had entrusted Ichigo to those two boys millions of times over the years even if they hadn't noticed. He trusted them.

Over…

"I'll leave that to you then…"

And over…

"You two kids! I entrust you with my eldest son's soul! I have to get back to work so play nice!"

And over again…

"No Ichigo, I'm serious. Shunsui can't understand you if you don't even tell him what's wrong. You, aren't considering them either. What's the big deal about telling them? You told me. Unless there's something stopping you."

And he would keep on doing it in the future if he was given the chance. He knew Ichigo was in good hands.

Ryōtarō took a deep breath as his trail disappeared for a split of a second and his feet wavered to take the next step. However, it soon continued in a straight line and he forgot about the up brut shift in favor of continuing his scan. He could almost pinpoint Wataru's exact location, his daddy-spying-skills being very useful in his current situation since he's better accustomed to his children's reiatsu.

He gave a cocky smile when his senses brushed softly against a familiar presence and mentally cheered his success. The raven head was about to give a giant leap in the right direction when suddenly, he heard a zoom-like sound and felt an odd sensation originating from his ribcage. He stupidly stopped on a tree branch; his body flat against the bark as he glanced down to find the source of his discomfort.

The arrow sticking out of his abdomen was not what he was expecting.

Ryōtarō paled suddenly as he grit his teeth and clutched his injury to pressure it and avoid major blood loss. He whirled around the next second, his highly alert senses on overdrive giving him a half a second head start as he narrowly avoided another stab –a robbed person standing in his previous location.

"That was very close." He whistled, his smug smirk providing a mean to ground himself to the here and now without feeling fear "Do you mind not waving around dangerous weapons out of nowhere?"

"It wouldn't make a difference, now would it?" the newcomer chirped out, her jaw being the only thing visible as she gave a smirk of her own "You're already injured anyways. It doesn't change a thing when you're already dying."

"Now you're selling me short." Ryōtarō pointed out confidently "Did you think an injury of this caliber would take me down?"

The robbed individual's smirk only widened as she brought her forefinger to her lips and traced her blood red lips in a vain way "Did you think we would give you an injury of that caliber?"

Suddenly, Ryōtarō's eyes widened as he started to feel a numbing pain coming from his wound. He coughed, his free hand coming up to cover his mouth as he started to feel blood trickle down his chin.

'This is no ordinary arrow.'

"So you finally realized it?" she inquired cruelly "I honestly enjoy seeing people in pain. Too bad I haven't been able to use it on your precious son."

The raven head gave a strained laugh as he supported himself against a nearby tree. The robbed woman's smirk flatters, and for a moment, Ryōtarō is left wanting to celebrate his victory.

"What's so funny about dying, old man?"

The tenth division captain gave another chuckle as he gives a court answer with unhidden amusement "Nothing." He laughs again "Nothing at all."

The enemy growls as Ryōtarō barely bats an eye.

"It's just-" he laughs again as he stares up to grin stupidly at nothing "that just means Wataru has given his pursuers a run for their money." He turns back to look at the frowning women as he gives a smug smirk "That means he's alive and kicking."

"Not for long; the others are still searching for him"

"I don't think you'll find him." He points out.

"Oh, we'll find him. And by the time we're done with your brat, you're other kids will be down as well." Her creepy smirk returns as he Ryōtarō scowls in an unlikely way "There's nothing you can do."

"Oh yeah?" he narrows his eyes "Think fast." And he's gone before she can react.

"Bastard!"

#13#

Ichigo continues flash stepping at breakneck speed as he grits his teeth in pure desperation and his chocolate orbs flash into golden for a split second. His waraji-clad feet kick off the ground harsher as he jumps off a rooftop and onto the next –his father's words resounding deep in his skull.

"I-Ichigo, listen carefully; I don't have much time. I found your brother. He's at the edge of the second district, a-about five km west from the main town."

He felt relief back then; a light at the end of the tunnel. It actually kept him thinking –naively- that it was finally over and everything would be alright –deep down he knew this was wrong.

"There are e-enemies following him, and another hidden in the shadows –fucking bitch, that hurts!"

But his air is soon enough caught in his throat once he hears the frantic efforts of his father. There's a static noise in the background, an eerie laughter that sends chills down Ichigo's spine like nothing he has heard before along with a dull noise of metal against metal.

For some reason, his goodbye just keeps on making more sense. But with each passing second, Ichigo just can't accept it.

There are louder curses in the background, a sudden explosion that can only be considered as kido resounding with enough force to break him out of his reverie and back to attention as he steps onto the next roof.

"I don't th-think I'll be able to get to him; I'll only be a-"

More noises in the background as Ryōtarō swallows hard. He's obviously in pain, and this just clears any suspicion Ichigo had. Chichue is noticeably wounded.

"-a hindrance by then. You need to get Haruka-chan to safety and find your brother as fast as you can; they're a-also coming after the two of you"

The raven head gulps another mouthful of spit as he tries to avoid coughing and only succeeds in giving a pitiful wheeze instead. That noise only makes Ichigo grit his teeth more as he almost arrives at the Shiba manor.

Worry about you! He wants to yell. We will be fine! He can't help the need to convey. But he can't do neither, for his father is miles away, either fighting for his life, or dying –and the mere thought of it frightens him to no end. It almost feels like a déjà vous.

"H-hide and be careful. I'm really sorry I won't be able to help, but I know you can do it, Ichi."

He can't help but think his father is being stupid. Entrust him with Haruka and Wataru? He couldn't keep safe his own family back in the war, but Ryōtarō believes he can take care of his kids' just fine. Pathetic, he thinks of himself. What kind of protector he was –as proof, he's letting it happen all over again.

"Y-you'll save your brothers."

But the raven head still affirms he will.

"You're my successor, my son."

Ryō still thinks he can take the clan far, and still thinks of him as his son.

"There's a reason I'm trusting you with my everything; our family, the clan, the division, the future."

His words don't waver, and Ichigo can't sense a single lie in his tear filled words; back when he first heard it, or now under the thin rain.

"Ichi, yesterday is gone, and tomorrow has yet to come. Make it memorable."

The orange-haired lieutenant makes a strained noise from the back of his throat as he kicks open the yard gates. He notices the lack of guards, and immediately heightens his senses as he blinks back unbidden tears –Ryōtarō's final words left unsaid echoing in his mind.

I believe in you…

'Don't believe in a failure.'

"Haruka!" he yells when he notices the lack of human beings "Haru, where the hell are you?!" His voice travels the entire compound, his hurried steps taking him down the veranda as he hopes to find anything to appease his gut retching worry "Shiba Haruka, if this is your idea of a joke, you'll get a piece of my mind when I find you!" he can't help but yearn it's a joke.

He doesn't think he can handle another loss this night –or anytime soon. He's dying little by little with each tick of the clock.

Suddenly, he hears a faint noise coming from his left. His steps quickly come to a halt, and his whole body goes rigid. There are enemies, Ryōtarō had said, he would not act on his emotions –if he did, he would have left a chaos that far surpassed a tsunami a long time ago- he stayed calm and closed his eyes as he breathed in a soft inhale of air. Calm…

Another noise comes to attention, and if he weren't so good at reading spiritual pressure, he's sure he would have missed the small flame that belonged to his sister. It was masked, a bizarre fuzzy interference lagging his tracking to an almost useless level –if he weren't a master, he would have failed.

As he finally follows the trail left behind –brushes of reiatsu on the floorboards, walls and other random things specifically left behind- he forms a plan in his head. He takes a few steps forward before quieting them to nonexistent. He twists his own reiatsu, the sense fuzzy –like Haruka's- in a perfected manor. It almost seems normal –to a certain degree- and he's proud of himself when he scans his own signature and notices it's starting to leave the compound –like an invisible force departing. Once he's done, all this in a spasm of three seconds top, he distorts his reiatsu back to relatively ordinary –where he's present, but people can't pinpoint his exact location. He usually always stays this way, but now he has an accurate use –he can tip off any intruder.

So now, with light steps, and distorted reiatsu, he makes his way left; his pace hurried and concise as he gets nearer and nearer. Ichigo hears another noise straight ahead, and makes a mental celebration as he perceives his objective was met. Whoever is on the other side of the shoji door a few feet up ahead has no idea what is going to happen next.

The next moment, however, Ichigo opens the door slowly and silently as he peers inside the room to find out what he's against. The sight that greats him, is not a good one, and for a second he almost charges in recklessly.

Haruka is falling onto the ground, the movement is hazard, and to Ichigo it's almost in slow motion. The intruder is unknown, but his sword is out in the open, and under the moon's dim light, it's easy to tell that its blade is coated in something. The individual is crouched down slightly, his solar plexus obviously disrupted in a vulnerable way even as he keeps its blade horizontal and ready for action.

Actually, Ichigo was about to attack, his posture shifting to predator as he inclines forward and supports his weight against the balls of his feet. However, his eyes suddenly widen in slight panic as his instincts yell at him to act now. Ichigo throws the door open, the sound only slightly distracting the unknown person as he heaves his blade downwards towards his fallen sister at an alarming speed while he throws himself in-between the two –he doesn't even realize what he's doing until he feels the searing hot pain against his abdomen.

"Gaah!" he cries out, his face consorting into pain filled anger as he falls onto a knee instinctively but unsheathes his zanpaktou without hesitation. His opponent seems mildly alarmed, his posture turning stiff and his hand twitching slightly as if he's barely realized what he's doing.

But the robbed person doesn't even have time to think as Ichigo whirls around and throws himself to his feet while simultaneously flipping his grip on his hilt and slashing upwards. The individual narrowly dodges by pure instinct and no brain as he parries against Ichigo's next strike before throwing the orange head off balance when he aims towards his bleeding wound.

The Shiba heir seems taken aback slightly as he's pushed down to a single knee once again but acts accordingly when he aims to kick the intruder over his own feet. The cloaked person panics again, movements hazard as he stumbles over Ichigo's attack but composes himself fast and aims again towards the orange head's weak point and turns around to make a hasty retreat.

Ichigo throws himself to his feet just as fast and he barely stops to wince and pressure his bleeding wound with his left hand. He flash steps out the hallway, his feet following the escapee close behind to end it as soon as possible –Haruka obviously needs quick attention. The person quickens his pace into the Shiba backyard and towards the giant forest. The orange head quickly notices a chance and sheaths his blade but continues his chase as he tightens his grip on his wound –it's deeper than what he initially thought.

However, Ichigo concentrates on his opponent, he needs concentration if he's going to succeed, so for now, injuries are forgotten and danger is pushed aside –right now that's his quickest and safest way out. He readied his right hand, two fingers pointing directly at the enemy as he took a deep breath and exhaled it just as quick.

Yellow sparks started to come from his digits.

"Bakudo no. 4, Hainawa!"

The yellow rope-like kido came out of his fingers like a bolt of lightning at the speed of sound. It followed its objective quickly, and before the enemy could fully turn around, it had already circled his body and latched itself onto a nearby tree.

Ichigo let go of his injury next, his left forefinger joining his two right fingers as he took another breath and furrowed his brows.

"Hado no. 4, Byakurai!

The blue strike came next, the two swirling colors circling each other as the Byakurai effectively shocked his enemy with enough force to cause damage, pain and burnt. But Ichigo kept his concentration, his teeth biting onto his lower lip as he ignored the blood pouring down his left side in favor of steadying the Hakudo. Suddenly, the two started to merge and form a single strike. It's power never wavered, but it started to turn green until it was completely fused into one and Ichigo stopped powering the kido.

His enemy was left unconscious and tied to the bark of a non-burnt tree –alleluia!- the kido was still a color green and looked stable enough as it surrounded its victim. There was no doubt in mind he had succeeded.

So without further ado, Ichigo decided to leave the intruder for later and attend to his sister. There was no doubt in mind she was in danger without medical assistance, so Ichigo wasn't willing to wait longer. He chanted a quick spell and encased his catch in a sturdy barrier that would conceal his presence and appearance –the intruder would be invisible. He didn't want the wrong people stumbling upon his prey. He would find answers, no excuses!

So Ichigo took a 180 degree turn and pressured his wound again before taking off towards where he left Haruka. He found her the same as he had left her –on the ground while looking pale as a sheet with a light gash over her shoulder- her wound wasn't life threatening in the least, but Ichigo knew better. That gleam the blade took under the moon; there was something behind it.

The Shiba-Hime groaned in her unconscious state, Ichigo being careful of his own wound as he jostled her up into his arms and carried her bridal style out the manor. He knew he needed to be quick –his apprehension skyrocketing to new levels.

It was still raining outside –predicatively, just like a minute ago- but he didn't have anything to cover Haruka and decided to just make haste. He was already soaked to the bones, but his body didn't seem to register the cold. He was trying to shield Haru the best he could with his own body and succeeded in prolonging her dryness a little bit longer –he was already wet anyways. However, his breaths started to come out in pants, his vision hazy and steps insecure even as he shook his head and continued onwards. He just needed to push his limits.

He should have healed himself a long time ago, he knew this from the very beginning. It was the smart thing to do. But for some reason, his body didn't follow his brain. He wanted to use instant regeneration, but didn't use it. He wanted to send a hell butterfly to the c46 while he arrived at the 4th squad, but didn't even call for it. He even wanted to search for Ryōtarō's reiatsu, but couldn't find the courage to look –he was scared of what he would find.

Ichigo tightened his grip on Haruka as he numbly stared forward and took his next step towards the upcoming roof. He was getting slightly worse, but blood loss was a stupid reason for passing out so he continued. There was nothing else to do anyway.

Suddenly, a little butterfly started to travel alongside him. He flickered his gaze momentarily, instinctively prodding it to relay its message as he didn't waver in his steps.

He should have known better.

Confirmed death of Captain of Squad 10, Shiba Ryōtarō, also known as Head of the great noble Shiba Clan.

The numbing certainly got worse.

Ichigo grit his teeth painfully as he thought of his siblings and what he would say. Wataru would definitely blame himself for Ryōtarō's death. Haruka would, without a doubt, yell and kick up a fuss about leaving without telling her. And he, he would have to hear it all; be strong for the two because they hadn't known.

He should have stopped Ryo. He should have told him to wait or suggest going together. He could have helped his father and watch his back like he's supposed to.

He did neither.

"That's why I hate goodbyes," he muttered to himself under the subtle rain "it's like dying a little each time." He closed his eyes slowly as he continued full speed ahead while being mindful to the injured package in his arms. His hand tightened carefully as he bit his lower lip to avoid giving a pathetic sob before opening his eyes and choking out a painful whisper "…Liar."

#13#

Confirmed death of Captain of Squad 10, Shiba Ryōtarō, also known as Head of the great noble Shiba Clan.

Shunsui stared dumbly at the hell butterfly in Jūshirō's hand as he tried to understand the meaning of those words. It might as well be spoken in Italian, because for some reason it just didn't process in his head.

"J-Ju-chan," he stammered out "w-what is that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what it says." He whispered "There is no meaning behind those words."

Shunsui looked up to stare at his white-haired friend with tear filled eyes. Jūshirō was faring no better, a single tear streaming down his cheek as a sad smile curved his lips slightly "Ichigo will be devastated."

"He'll act otherwise." Shunsui pointed out sadly.

"That's why we'll be there for him"

The brunette bit his lower lip as he took a deep breath, cleared his eyes and nodded. Right now their priority would be their friend; they had to find Ichigo quick.

"Do you think he knows already?" Shunsui enquired, his feet absently starting to move towards the gates of the first division to start their search.

Jūshirō pondered over this as he started to follow Shunsui's example. He took a deep breath and stretched his senses in the off chance Ichigo wasn't in stealth mode –the erratic reiatsu he found answered Shunsui's question without doubt.

So in the end, he decided there was no need to respond. Shu had already started to make way towards the fourth, and without a hint of hesitation, Jūshirō followed his hurried steps until they were out-right flash stepping.

"He's going to the medical bay." The brunette pointed out needlessly with a touch of worry "Do you think he's injured?"

"I don't know."

"I-if something happens to him-"

"He's alive, Shunsui." The white-haired boy reassured "He's moving at top speed. If there's anything wrong, we'll find out when we get there."

"Shiba-Taicho is gone." He mumbled aimlessly.

"But Ichi is still there." He had to be the strong one. Shunsui was made into a mess internally and Jūshirō was sure Ichigo would be no better. He bit his lower lip, his feet kicking off the ground as he continued his rushed journey and tried not to think of the late Shiba.

The raven-head had become a steady presence in their life's since before they met Ichigo. He was the captain of the tenth squad and an admired figure by many. But to them, Ryōtarō had been like an annoying uncle of some sort. He had been important to them as well. So it honestly hurt. More than people would expect –obviously- and more than they dared show. They didn't want to break done crying when their dear friend needed them the most. Like they had conveyed beforehand, Ichigo was top priority.

Jūshirō sighed once again as he set his eyes on the fourth division not-so-far-away and glanced to look at his friend "Let's hurry, Shu." Said person barely nodded before he picked up his speed to the limit.

To be continued…

Preview:

"I can go alone." he whispered with an empty voice "Leave it all to me."

"That's what I'm scared of;" The brunette countered back "that you'll get your idiot-self killed before morning."

"Then if I die, I will make sure to die after morning."

"Are you always a smartass?"

"Nop, sometimes I'm asleep."

Shunsui sighed dramatically as he pinched the bridge of his nose "You insist on going on a rescue mission on your own." He pointed out exasperatedly "Well let me tell you something; I'm not letting you… even if you're an idiot"