Chapter 20: A New Level of Power

Sometime after the Mayuri incident and before the arrival of Nel.

Ichigo had decided to take over the empty duplicate school and put up his and Byakuya's division inside. However, the two divisions quickly over crowded the school and they were forced to push out into building on the perimeter of the educational center. The two captains had called a meeting in the auditorium, members of both divisions practically sitting on each other, in order to introduce Uryu as the fifths acting lieutenant and further go over the attack plan. The Shinigami in the division didn't seem to have a problem with it but were still surprised to see two people who they had more then likely ran into during their time as intruders in command of them.

The former Substitute Shinigami was given respect, most members of the fifth division hearing of his fight with Byakuya as well as his defeat of the Bount and any other equally powerful enemies that came in between.

In short, things transitioned smoothly.

Now as Ichigo stood in the classroom he had spent so much time with Rukia in, looking out the large frame window and into the waning sun's light, memories of a simpler time came to his head. He reflected on his time as Rukia's proxy, before the plots and deception, back when thing's were cozy... wow that sounds sappy...

A small smirk started to form on Ichigo's lips as his memory stores flipped through all the moments he had shared with Rukia. He had always known he had a special connection with the raven haired Shinigami, had known it from the moment their eyes met as she struck down that hollow with such grace and professionalism that at that point in time he might have just pissed his pants. Yep, Ichigo Kurosaki, letting his liquid waste flow in the middle of a crowded street.

He knew he was a fool for not realizing those feelings for what they really were until the women he loved laid dead at the hands of an Espada.

Ichigo figured in the end that nostalgia wasn't for Shinigami Captains because from what he could determine thus far is that he was always getting interrupted during even a moments peace.

Uryu spoke up from his position in the doorway of the class room, "This what you do in your spare time Kurosaki?"

Ichigo grumbled some sort of incoherent curse under his breath as his smirk turned into his usual scowl. He turned his body towards his acting lieutenant, speaking lowly, "What is it Uryu?"

The Quincy shrugged, "Just wondering how you were doing. I've finished the meet and greet."

Ichigo nodded, "how was it?"

Uryu chuckled, a small smirk appearing on his face, "For a bunch of barbaric Shinigami, they aren't too bad a group. I'm just happy they're not Kenpachi's squad, they might have tried and hog tied me by now."

"I think," Ichigo started with a soft chuckle, "That you might be right there..."

Uryu let the silence linger as he walked further into the room, moving to stand next to Ichigo and look out the window, the orange dusk sky making his glasses glow, "What's on your mind? You have that look about you."

Ichigo glanced briefly to Uryu's position, "I have a look?"

"Yes... Now what's up?" The Quincy pressed.

It took the orange haired Shinigami a moment to answer his friend's question, "I was thinkin' about the past is all, simpler times. Now everythin' is just too complicated..."

"I agree entirely but with out the complications, where would you an I be?" Uryu replied.

Ichigo chuckled as he thought on the subject, "Applyin' to med school I think."

Uryu nodded, crossing his arms over his chest, his eyes moving to watch Byakuya appear outside and stop just below their window, "But what would you rather be doing, saving the world or sitting in a class room taking a standardized test?"

"You make a good point," Ichigo replied, his eyes also following the sixth division captain as he looked around as if searching for someone.

"I also wouldn't have met Nemu if they didn't come for Rukia." The Quincy reminded, smiling at the thought of his lovely goddess before continuing with the addition, "And you would have never realized how much you and Rukia truly belong together."

"Uryu?" Ichigo asked after a momentary pause.

"Yes?" Uryu acknowledged.

"Stop bein' all psychological... that's an order too." Ichigo spoke with indifference, his eye still watching Byakuya, his right eye twitching in preparation or something he knew would come.

Uryu gave a smirk and a mock salute, "Yes sir." He said just as Byakuya disappeared from sight, the Quincy's eyes narrowing as if tying to find out where the man might have moved to.

"Ichigo..." A cold voice announced from behind the pair, no doubt Byakuya's.

Uryu was the only one startled, Ichigo remaining calm, eyes still fixed in a gaze out through the dusk lit window. The Quincy turned to face the sixth division's Captain, regarding him with one eyebrow raised. I may be fast, but certainly not as fast as these two.

"Yes Byakuya?" Ichigo asked.

"I've come for two things." The sixth division captain started, "I've sent Renji to start training my division for the coming battle. I suggest you do the same for yours..."

Ichigo nodded, turning to face the raven haired man, "That's a good Idea." His gaze moved to Uryu, "Take the division and get them started on exercises. I suggest you directly train the seated officers, get them as strong as possible and then do group work with the others."

Uryu nodded and started for the door, "That would be my thinking as well..." He paused at the door, "Don't get used to this ordering around thing Kurosaki." He then disappeared, off to do his job.

Ichigo's eyes moved once more to Byakuya, "I might as well get out there with him."

"Just a minute Kurosaki..." Byakuya started, but was interrupted by Ichigo.

"If this is about Rukia, either you bring out your Bankai now and we finish it here or you give your blessing." was the orange haired Shinigami's brash reply.

Byakuya just stood there, not even moving a muscle, "Ichigo... when the battle is over I will address you and Rukia both appropriately and in a mature fashion... Unlike you, I am not prone to violent outbursts..."

Ichigo blinked, "But..."

"What I was going to say was I wish for us to train against each other..." He continued, ignoring the stammering and baffled Ichigo.

Ichigo recovered enough from his embarrassment to respond to Byakuya, "I was goin' to train with Toushiro and Dad like I have been... Why do you need to train against me?"

Byakuya's expression remained the same as he conversed with Ichigo, his voice remaining at a deadly calm, "I wish to assess this Hollow transformation of yours. Unfortunately, it gives you direct attack power greater then mine."

Ichigo blinked, "Did you just admit I was stronger then you?"

Byakuya sighed and closed his eyes, "In brute strength, yes. That dose not always determine the outcome of a fight. I certainly have more experience and a variety of techniques to use. I figured you could help me increase the power of my attacks. I could teach you some of my secrets in return. With your brute strength and other elements combined you could be incredibly powerful."

Is this what Zangetsu meant? Didn't he say he still had more to teach me? Ichigo's eyes roamed over Byakuya's lifeless like features for a moment, "Ya have your self a deal Byakuya."

Byakuya nodded and moved to the window, the sun now a thing of the past as the sky turned into nice shade of black, the darkness of night settling in. "It will have to wait till tomorrow I think..."

Ichigo had just felt the spike of familiar yet strange riatsu, his feet spinning just in time to catch the opening of a Garganta portal to Hueco Mundo and a group of intercepting Shinigami heading for the group of beings emerging from the blackness.

Ichigo could only let out a single word, "Nel..."

Ichigo's knees fell to the sandy ground of Hueco Mundo, his breath labored and heavy. He still cradled the unconscious Rukia in his arms and the rest of the group escaping Las Noches stopped in the same position just as exhausted. They were beaten and battered, lucky to be alive.

"Ichigo we must move. The Exequias are not far behind and they do move quickly." Nel in her adult form urged. Orihime had been able to permanently restore Nel to her original form as well as bring Rukia back from the dead. Never had Ichigo been so impressed by one person's power since he saw Byakuya's Shukei Hakuteiken.

Kenpachi came up beside Nel, a deadly grin on his face, "Or we could fight em... Or me and you could fight and distract them..."

Nel quickly slapped the man comically and sighed, "Is your only solution violence?"

Kenpachi rubbed his sore head and put on a frustrated look, Yachiru peaking out from his shoulder. "Kenny likes to fight. Maybe you should fight him coconuts!" The little girl practically beamed at the thought.

Nel just stared at the young looking Shinigami before her attention returned to Ichigo. She watched him stare at Rukia, caressing the unconscious women's cheek, as if obsessed with her. Her face sank and she knew that she'd have to fight a few more times, for this boy's sake, this boy who redeemed her and saved her life. She owed him and his friends a lot. "Ichigo..." She started, finally getting the boy's attention, "You take the rest of the group. Gantenbainne, Bawabawa, Dondochakka, Pesche and I will stay and finish off the Exequias.

"But..." Ichigo began to protest.

"You must go; we are just slowing you down. I promise we will make it to the Living World." Nel interrupted, lowering her voice and body so only he could hear her, "Get her some help Ichigo... Or you won't be able to fight."

Without another word Nel stood up strait and nodded to her fellow Arrancar, the group disappearing and heading as fast as possible to their destination. Ichigo stood up and watched as plooms of sand filled the desolate desert air, spiritual pressures increasing and colliding with such power that they created visible shock waves. Kenpachi stood next to him, a light smirk playing on his lips, "She's strong that one."

"Yeah..." Ichigo said, his eyes wondering back down to the unconscious Rukia cradled in his arms.

"Captain Zaraki, Ichigo... Let's go!" Renji and Uryu both yelled, the group urging them to follow.

Soifon wasn't about to be fooled by any kind of Arrancar. She readied herself for an attack, stepping onto the hunches of her feet, ready to flash step at a moment's notice. "Allies... you must think we're stupid."

Kenpachi gave a smirk, his head moving to address the much shorter women, "It's alright women, if anyone asks... she's with me." He looked back towards Nel once more, "I figured you'd make it out of that hell hole. You'll have to tell me the nasty details on how you killed all those fella's and came out without a scratch."

Nel sighed, shaking her head, "Two Espada level Arrancar and two former Fraccion was enough to hold off Rudobone and his force long enough for you to make it to this realm. We held them in a stalemate till we sensed your riatsu disappear. Then we retreated and hid for a time, enough to make our trail cold. Now we're here."

"Smart, but ya could of saved us the trouble and killed all those weaklings. Now it looks like I'll just have to finish the job." Kenpachi replied.

"I could of killed them... the situation didn't warrant it." Nel replied.

"Maybe you'd like to demonstrate on me." Kenpachi yelled, pulling out his sword... however the next thing he saw, actually felt for that matter, was Nel's foot in his face. He stumbled back, a wild grin coming to his lips, "Yeah that's it women!" He charged again and Nel took him on, not even brandishing her sword.

Soifon watch with a confused look on her face, Yachiru popping up behind her, perched on her shoulder, "Yay! Kenny is havin' fun! This might be better then his fight with Ichigo!"

Startled by the sudden appearance of the tiny Lieutenant on her shoulder, Soifon's eyes went wide recovering a moment later only to say a few words, "Yeah... I'd say..."

Meanwhile, Kenpachi took another hit, a punch right to the face. He skidded back, absorbing the force, "You're strong... I like it."

Nel gazed at him somberly, "I'm full of all sorts of surprises."

Kenpachi's response was to just start laughing, and before too long he was charging once more towards his opponent, "Come on, Nel!"

Nel struck out with a round house kick, but Kenpachi was able to bend down and dodge, Nel's leg passing just over his head. The man brought his sword forward, jabbing it towards Nel's head, his huge grin never once leaving his lips. The attack was surprising but Nel was able to dodge, grabbing Kenpachi's extended wrist, throwing him to the ground with the help of his own momentum. Kenny wouldn't have that though. He grabbed the women's already torn clothing, pulling her down on top of him.

They both laid there for a moment, Kenpachi's back on the seemingly invisible floor made of nothing but air and Nel on top of him. His grin remained as he looked into Nel's eyes, a slow blush creeping onto her features as she realized what happened. "I'm full of surprises too..." Kenpachi's deep and menacing voice stated.

Soifon's large lieutenant blinked as he watched the beastly Captain and Espada stare down each other in a rather provocative position. "Ah, Captain?"

Soifon blinked as well, "Yeah... I think your right Omaeda." The slight but quick female Captain cleared her throat, gaining the attention of the two warriors, "Are you done Captain?"

Yachiru popped up one more time, "But Kenny's havin' fun with coconuts!"

Soifon quickly fed the young Shinigami some candy that most of the Captain's kept around for just such an occasion, shutting her up for the moment.

Kenpachi looked over at Soifon, his grin merely increasing... "It's been a while and I need a good fight..."

Nel was still blushing as she raised herself up, "She's right Captain... You are an excellent warrior but now is not the time."

The two of them were back on their feet by now, Kenpachi's smile fading. "Okay, but only if you promise me somethin'..."

Nel looked over the Tall and burly man once more before inquiring to what this promise might be, "You and I fight after we defeat Aizen."

Nel gave a giggle, her high pitched child like voice making it the grisliest thing Soifon had ever heard, and nodded, "Alright Captain, I'll give you a fight."

"Call me Kenpachi..." The burly Shinigami said, sheathing his sword. Yachiru climbed up his back and hung onto his shoulder once more.

Soifon, pleased with the now much calmer conditions, moved closer to the two, crossing her arms over her chest. "Now, since Captain Zaraki here seems to have so much faith in your group then..." The women paused for a moment, noticing for that the skinniest Arrancar, the one named Pesche, was way to close to her face for comfort.

With his yellow eyes studying her, Pesche spoke, "Your hair is just... perfect. What do you use?"

Soifon just stared at the Arrancar, hoping her gaze would scare him off, but it did no such thing. The ex Fraccion was even brave enough to touch the women's hair, testing its silky qualities.

"Pesche," Nel finally interjected, "Step away, please." The Arrancar did as ordered, moving back to stand with the others, allowing the female Shinigami to continue her sentence, "Then I suggest that we talk to the Head Captain."

Nel nodded graciously, "Yes, I have some important news for your leader regarding Aizen and his troop movements."

Nel and her group had been walking for hours towards an ever growing mountain chain. The busty Arrancar had decided that the various caves in the hollow quarts mountains would provide sufficient cover until the hunt for them went cold.

It wasn't long before they came upon the perfect little cave, something comfortable and sparse of any creatures or critters that might cause any problems. Nel sat against the rocky, crystal like wall, looking out through the caves entrance. Her eyes became sad and distant as she gazed out towards the clear white and shinning moon. A sigh escaped her mouth, the start of a comment, "I wish I had some actual clothing..."

As Nel reflected Pesche moved from deeper in the cave to stand closer to his Master, "The hooves of war approach us quickly it would seem."

Nel gaze shifted to her underling, a small smile caressing her lips, "Yes... but such is the way of the universe. War and peace are Ying and Yang. They are forever link with each other."

"Wise as always Nel-sama. However, it is not the war I speak of… I sense a riatsu and it smells like a panther…"

Nel was surprised that Pesche was able to sense any type of riatsu before her, but when she did find the distinct panther like spiritual pressure, it was so weak that her senses weren't used to it, only having to worry about beings with higher power then that of a bug.

Only moments later a figure appeared, standing in front of the Cave's entrance, its features shadowed by the conflicting moon light and natural darkness of the cave. Nel sensed a slight drop in its riatsu and simultaneously the figure reached out to hold his falling body up against the cave wall. The busty Arrancar stood, not sure if she should help the being or put it out of its misery.

A slight chuckle emanated from the figure, an oddly cold and familiar chuckle. One Nel had known in the past. "Guna help a fellow Arrancar out or not Nel?"

"Grimmjow… Grimmjow Jeagerjaques. I thought you were dead…" Net started.

"Dead?" Grimmjow repeated, "Nah… that orange haired bastard has too much heart for that… friggen ass hole." The blue haired warrior continued to approach only to fall flat on his face.

Nel rushed to him, kneeling and then… well… puked on him.

"God damn it women… What the fuck?" Grimmjow protested.

Nel smacked him, "If you want to get better, stop complaining. Why should I heal you anyways? You tried to kill Ichigo."

Grimmjow growled, "Because he saved my life and I wana help the bastard. I have a sense of honor… stop treatin' me like that fag, Nnoitra."

Nel narrowed her eyes, "I'm not sure I believe you Grimmjow… you had a deep seething hatred for him not too long ago."

Grimmjow looked away, "I thought he was lookin' down on me… but after he got Nnoitra off my back I saw that that look wasn't him looking down on me , it was pity, concern and a whole host of other thin's." He looked back to Nel, an uncharacteristic genuine look of acceptance on his face, "He's better then me and he proved it. I got nothin' left to fight about with him." He pauses a moment before smirking, "Plus, Tousen pisses me off."

Nel couldn't help but chuckle, "Alright Grimmjow you can help… what can you tell me so far?"

"Aizen is movin' soon, within' a few weeks at least. He called back the Exequias shortly after you fled the fight. I was the only one who followed you, but Aizen regroupin' so quickly and not sendin' a huntin' party for you means only one thin'… He's deployin', and very soon at that."

Captains, Acting Captains, Lieutenants, and Acting Lieutenants alike gathered under a large tent on the Eastern most hill of Karakura town, the highest one over looking all four pillars and the faux town. Ichigo and Uryu accompanied Byakuya and Renji, standing next to each other and in between Komamura and Mayuri. Every now and again Ichigo would catch Rukia's violet blue orbs with his own, daring her not to smile. The staring contest ended as soon as Uryu slapped Ichigo back into reality, whispering harshly that they were about to conduct a meeting about the appearance of the friendly Arrancar.

Toushiro had witnessed this display from across the table that rested between the two lines of high ranking Shinigami officers, trying his best to ignore it and pray for the entrance of the Head Captain. His prayers were answered only a moment later as the distinct sound of canvas being handled made its way to his trained ear.

The first people to enter were expected, causing no deal of shock or terror if such things could be felt by this group of powerful beings. Yamamoto in all his silent power entered, stopping just in front of the dividing table, his Lieutenant flanking him in his unquestionable obedient way.

Shortly after, Nel and her group appeared on either side of the Two, this, so to speak, caused a bit of shock to those who had not had the distinct pleasure of meeting this fine group of warriors.

Toushiro's eyes were wide, dominant hand reaching to draw his sword, his peripherals picking up on several other captains and lieutenants following his example.

"Everyone, please calm down. We are amongst friends!" Yamamoto shouted, demanding and firm yet respectful. Nel stood on one side of him, now dressed in proper Shinigami attire, eyes closed and a light smile gracing her lips, remaining silent. The rest of her group kept their previous attire, theirs not sustaining as much damage as the former Espada's.

Toushiro was hesitant to let go of the hilts of their Zanpakuto, him and Komamura both were. Their gazes never left the group of Arrancar, waiting, wondering, why the Head Captain would let them even trod this ground without so much as a guard.

"I know what some of you must think and believe me, I sympathize," Yamamoto started, "however this group of Arrancar could mean the turning point for us. Two of them are Ex-Espada."

Toushiro's eyes grew even wider at the news. He looked to Ichigo who smiled quietly along with Ishida. Byakuya seemed unsurprised and hard to read as usual and Mayuri, well, he played with his finger nails. "But head Captain, this could be a…"

"Trap?" Yamamoto interrupted, "Yes that was the first thing I thought of Captain Hitsugaya. However, with the blessing of four Captains, one of them being Unohana the second eldest next to myself and with the fact that Aizen is not that brainless I chose to permit them audience." He pauses a minute looking over the assembled officers before continuing, "I ask some of you to take in these few as if they were fellow Shinigami."

Four Captain's, Hitsugaya thought, How in the hell did a bunch of Arrancar, especial two ex-Espada get on the good side of four Soul Society captains? Toushiro sighed at the though, closing his eyes, Perhaps I'm being too hard on them. If Byakuya seems comfortable around them then I should put my prejudice aside. They may have once served Aizen but they aren't the man himself and that is truly who I'm after.

"Also!" Yamamoto started again, waving his free hand towards the busty beauty next to him, "Miss Oderschvank here has made it very clear that Aizen is readying himself for deployment and we should expect a battle within four weeks at the most… Now do I have any volunteers to take in our new allies?"

Ichigo was ready to volunteer himself but the deadly loud voice of Kenpachi beet him to it. "I'll take the lot of 'em," Said the fight loving Captain, a toothy grin obviously aimed directly for Nel. She couldn't help but smile back and shake her head. The Orange haired Shinigami wasn't surprised, he knew Kenpachi had taken a liking to her ever since Hueco Mundo and it didn't bother him, sure she was beautiful but he had Rukia and he would trade that for the world. Besides, maybe it would get the giant oaf off his back once and for all.

Kyoraku raised a hand, eyes closed, a smirk on his lips, "Wait just a minute the 11th Division Captain. I've heard a lot about the one named Gantenbainne from Sado." He opened his eyes briefly directing them towards Ichigo, " Sado says he's sorry, he knows he was supposed to keep the details of your allies in Hueco Mundo a secret but he thought it would be information I'd need." His eyes then glided towards Yamamoto, "I'd be honored to take in a former Espada."

Ichigo cleared his through, surprised at the trust between Sado and the Shinigami Captain. He simply nodded letting the rest of the meeting play out.

Gantenbainne responded to Kyoraku's offer with a respectful nod, "If Yasutora Sado trusts you enough to know his secrets then I'd be happy to fight along you, sir."

Kyoraku gave a thank you in the form of a curt nod, letting Yamamoto wrap up the meeting.

"Urahara informs me that his group will be ready to join our ranks in a week or so, that included the Vizards. I hope you will be as accepting of them as you are of our new allies." The Eldest Shinigami lectured. "If that is all, then please, train until you are worn thin. There is nothing but the most trying time ahead of us… dismissed."

Sure it might have been easier to have Shunpoed back to the 13th Division Head Quarters, but Rukia Kuchiki decided it was too nice of a night to give up a chance of walking though a deserted city. She had begged her would be boyfriend to walk her back and enjoy the evening with her after the meeting but Byakuya had been dead set against it, something about training and cutting Ichigo to pieces with Senbonzakura. She didn't mind as long as the two played nicely.

She pondered several subjects. Like the look on Ichigo's face when she told him that he and Ganju were cousins or for that matter even related. The news had sent him strait to the bathroom. She also thought about Karin and Toushiro and what they were really doing inside that tent Karin had pulled both of them into after the meeting… ah well, she was sure it wasn't too bad of an act; they defiantly weren't old enough for that.

"Evening Miss Kuchiki…" A distinct male voice said from Rukia's side. To say the least she jumped, scared out of her wits, a scream almost escaping her pretty pink lips.

"Oh Miss Kuchiki, I didn't mean to alarm you I thought you would have felt me coming." Meiyotou apologized, bowing his head over and over again.

Rukia blinked a few times, "Acting Captain Takahashi… my apologies for being startled… I should be on guard at all times, my mind was just wandering."

"Please, just Meiyotou will do. I never did like formalities." Takahashi said, giving a chuckle and a smile. "Would you mind if I walked with you a little?"

Rukia's eyes widened a minute, blinking with confusion. "Um well, alright." She accepted with caution before continuing on her way down the street, Meiyotou in step right next to her.

"I don't suppose your brother ever told you that you look like your sister?" The acting Captain said after a few moments of walking in silence with the short raven haired women next to him. The statement caused Rukia to look down towards the ground, remaining silent. "I guess that's a no…" He chuckled, "Well you do and you're everythin' she'd hoped you'd be."

Rukia's eyes soon found Meiyotou's, "How would you know a thing like that?"

"I knew Hisana for a very long time, a good long time before your brother. In fact it's because of me and Yoruichi that Byakuya even met her. Sometimes I regret…" He pauses a moment, "Never mind… I just wanted you to know, she loved you dearly."

"I know…" Rukia replied simply.

"If you ever need anything, I'm always just a Flash step away," Said Takahashi, "Even though you have a boyfriend and a brother to go to, I feel like I owe Hisana that much. So I figure I'd offer to be there for you."

Rukia smiled softly at the man walking next to her, "Thank you Meiyotou… It means a lot, especially from someone who knew my sister."

Meiyotou chuckled, "Well… anyways… tell me about Inoue Orihime?"

Ichigo held Tensa Zangetsu tight as he faced Byakuya and Senbonzakura. The Stubborn 6th Division Captain refused to yet again release his Bankai, but this time it was to gain more power. Captain Kuchiki let another wave of pink pedals fly towards Ichigo who simply deflected it with an unvocalised Getsuga Tensho. "Come on Byakuya… it's not guna work."

"It will, in time." Byakuya disappeared for a moment, reappearing a few inches in front of Ichigo, his sword materialized once again. He brought the weapon down in a swift strike which was simply blocked by Ichigo. After several hacking and slashing techniques, Byakuya withdrew, breathing heavily. "Fine, Bankai it is."

The 6th Division Captain proceeded to drop his Zanpakuto into the ground. "Senbonzakura Kageyoshi" The Two rows of blades appeared shortly after, dispersing into a million different pedals of pink light. "Senkei…" He wasted no time forming the encirclement of pink swords, "Alright Kurosaki… let me see the hollow." Byakuya stated as he called forward one of the many swords surrounding the two opponents.

Ichigo nodded, "Alright…" This is it, trust my hollow powers, don't be afraid of them, they can only help me. With a whirlwind of black riatsu Ichigo transformed, though not into his normal vizard mask, but into something completely different. A skull like helmet with horns formed in the place of his mask, red markings symmetrically dotting it. His chest and arms were now covered in what could only be described as Arrancar hierro.

The look on Byakuya's face was priceless, not just because of what he was seeing, but the immense power he felt radiating from the 5th Divisions acting Captain.

"Alright Byakuya…" Ichigo said in that broken hollow voice, "I'm not sure what this is but it feels good."

A/N: So yeah, sorry it took sooooooooooooo long. I know half of my characters past are rubbish after the pendulum arch but hey, this is fan fiction right? Well anyways I wanted to post this earlier but I was having trouble logging into my account… it works now so here you go. As always, thanks for the reviews and until next time r&r.