Bleach: The Alternate Tale

by blackout2010

We all know that Ichigo Kurosaki was a human who became a Shinigami, but what would happen if he was always a Shinigami when the events of bleach happened, perhaps an altered story. Very minor crossover with Sakura Wars. A/U A/T. Contains incest in later parts.

6. A lasting feeling!

Author's Ackowledgement:

To Unknown reviewer known as The Man (who I assume is a man...but i've been wrong before)

Thank-you for your review, umm hopefully next time you'll sign in so I can hear what you have to say in a PM instead of this. Anyway thanks, and the same goes to everyone else there such mentions include Mako-Hero-san, Zathol, Umbra8191, and Arrankor. Thanks for reviewing me and letting me know at least some one(s) out there reading this, hopefully I'll be able to live up to your expectations. Without further Ado the usual prefic banter.

---

Aizen: Greetings mindless peons it is I, the great one, Sosuke Aizen with an Announcement.

Blackout2010 (gagged): Mmph! Mp!

Aizen: For you see due to budget cuts we will now require you all to subscribe to the fic, as well drop $5.99 into my bank account since this will also become pay-per-view. Yes we will charge you, per chapter.

Ichigo (walking in): What are you doing?

Aizen: Ahh, if it isn't the protagonist. I was merely advertising to gain funding for my vastly growing future empire

Ichigo: What empire?

Aizen: You see Ichigo, I plan on ruling the world.

Ichigo: (Better get this one record) How do you plan on doing that? [starts untying Blackout2010]

Aizen: Well I'm already half way there for you see it was ME who sank the US economy so I could buy up all the important business on Wall Street as well as start the War in Iraq.

Blackout2010: That's not true! That was that one guy…ahh Osama Bin laden!

Aizen: Foolish little man there is no Osama Bin Laden only Kyoka Suigetsu, and her beautiful illusion that trick the mindless mass of America. In fact, I am secretly on my way to becoming future president of America, as well as buying up sizable land shares in Kuwait, Siberia and Tokyo, plus I am pulling the strings behind the Chinese government. So I essentially run the world.

Ichigo: why are you telling us this?

Aizen: Simple. Because… You. Can't. Stop. Me.

Blackout2010: (Monster!)

Aizen: I'm feeling in an exceptionally good mood now, so I'll let the service charge drop…for now

Disclaimer: I don't own anything…though Aizen might…check your local listing to be safe

---

Chapter 6: A lasting feeling!

Several weeks had passed after the incident at health land and no explanation had been found or given to the public, while the hollow that had gotten away earlier remained at large. The strange gem found in the hot spring water was apparently a new experimental development in the R&D, which blocked spiritual powers from escaping to help when they performed…less than legal experiments, nevertheless when it was found out the Sou-taicho ordered an immediate end to the development, captain Mayuri didn't seem to care all that much about seeing as most of the data around it was flawed anyway.

Ichigo had also heard what Zangetsu told him about Aizen when he met him, and did admit it was weird so he made an effort to avoid going anywhere near the Taicho of five's office at least until his paranoia went away or could be explained. When he brought it up to Shinjiro and Subaru they both told him to be cautious of him and if possible stay away from him, at he assumed by their behavior meant all cost, both mentioning that he must have reached Taicho on some level of skill and not just on people relation, the tone the two took when they told him was full of suspicion and sub-seated contempt, that Ichigo decided to not press since he rarely ever heard them talk like that about another.

His interactions with Soifon had become much friendlier, while they still maintained their Commander-Subordinate relationship while at the workplace, whenever Soifon visited the Kurosaki residence with or without her surrogate siblings they would speak a tad more casual almost like friends, though her reservation remained not that Ichigo held it against her since she was still wary of being used for her political status although it was quickly passing, as she had taken quite a liking to his mother Masaki to his secret pleasure but open annoyance.

Ichigo smiled while walking through the halls of the second division, feeling that things had overall been going great despite his initial reluctance with the people of second, it slowly started to feel more like home with each day, not that he didn't love the tenth along with Toshiro and Rangiku, since they always made things interesting.

"Ichigo-san!" a voice called out to the strolling forth seat, and when he turned around he saw the rapidly approaching Hanataro looking peppier than normal

"Hey Taro, what's up?" He said ignoring the 'san', since for the life of him he couldn't no matter what he tried get the kid to stop it and just say plain Ichigo or Ichigo-kun

"W-we've got to see Soifon-Taicho, we've got a mission!" said the timid boy flailing his arms about to seemingly further emphasis the need to hurry up and move

"But you're not part of the second…" He said casually, semi-ignoring the boy's excited/nervous tone

"She said she'll explain once we get there."

So the pair went over towards the Taicho who was knee deep in paper work, Shinjiro was walking from one side of the room to another carrying a stack in each of his hands, while Subaru was sitting on the floor near the wall organizing the paperwork into piles, such as domestic affairs, reports, field information and security. The well organized anti-paper work team stopped temporarily when the pair entered giving them their undivided attention.

"Good to see you made such a speedy return, Yamada" Soifon praised, which the seventh seat gave a sheepish thanks Soifon-Taicho "First things first, Kurosaki here." She threw something at Ichigo who caught it in his hands, turning it over he saw a small triangular shaped pendent that had the kanji for Substitute on it.

"What's this for?" he questioned as he continued gazing at the strange object in his hand

"I'm getting to it. Now Kurosaki you and Yamada ~with the approval of Unohana-Taicho~ have been selected to go into the human world, for some experience. From what I've heard from speaking with Hitsuguaya-Taicho, you we're originally set to go on one earlier unfortunately with your little problem springing up he felt it unsafe for you to go." The captain informed to the fourth seat who nodded in return having remembered his friend bring it up a few weeks prior to everything "Now that we've managed to control you're power to a safer degree you should be ok to enter and not cause too much trouble, though you will have a limiter put on you to be safe."

"Ok, but I don't see how Taro or the device fits into all of this."

Subaru looked up from her document sorting "That device is Soul Societies substitute soul reaper badge. You see Ichigo most new Shinigami tend to go to the human world usually after a year or so in service, unfortunately since they are inexperienced and have trouble getting in and out of their Gigai's safely, that device in your hand assists in forcing the souls out, to fight hollows. That particular one is a self use only, allowing the bearer to enter and exit at a moment's notice." She explained sorting another document leaving Shinjiro to continue the briefing

"The device is really meant for whoever is in the Gigai at the time of use, since we don't want to risk sending both of you in Gigai's since your both inexperienced one of you will remain in Shinigami form constantly while the other remains in the Gigai until being called out. Which brings us to why Hanataro-kun is going, he'll be there to address any serious wounds you may incur, while assisting you with adjusting to human interaction for whenever you may return there. You, Ichigo, will be assisting in Hanataro's training and more than likely do most of the killing." The samurai said giving further insight as to the how and why of things

"B-but isn't this a bit much?" the shaking form of Hanataro stuttered "What if a bunch of strong hollows come out of nowhere and attack us!" knowing that no matter how strong Ichigo was he could only fight so many before being overwhelmed

Soifon shook her head in disagreement "No, the place you two are going is a designated 'trainee area' called Karakura town. While it is strange as the people of the city seem to have higher than average spiritual power and awareness, powerful hollows rarely visit, in fact only regular hollows ever show up and they are few and far between."

"All right well that doesn't sound too bad" the confident Ichigo said, he then glanced back at the small device in his hand, and his curiosity got the better of him "Hey, Taicho why is this called a substitute badge? We're real Shinigami aren't we?"

"For all intents and purposes yes, the only reason we, meaning Shinjiro, Subaru and myself, are calling it the substitute soul reaper badge is because I can't legally promote you to fuka-taicho, on the grounds that one of the bi-laws of fuka-taicho-ship set eons before myself in general states, the selected individual must have experience in the human world at one point or have served at least five years within the Gotei 13, and working up through all the other seated positions."

"I thought the quickest way to become fuka-taicho in the second was to defeat the current fuka-taicho in combat in a sanctioned match with the current Taicho as the referee" grumbled Ichigo as he still wanted to put Omeada in his place

"Yes well, the Sou-Taicho's rulings take precedence over our own ruling" pointed out Shinjiro "So the requirements are being apart of the division, knowing your Zanpaktou's name while being adapt at Shikai, and have human world experience or dedicated effort in Seireitei."

"But still how exactly does this device relate to being fuka-taicho?"

"You've shown your skill during your stay here to not only the individuals in this room but also to a vast number of others in the division. Most feel that you should be fuka-taicho, and I do agree with them, however since I don't want Omeada to be ordering you around or otherwise goading you into a fight and have his family use their power to inhibit or prevent your proverbial climbing of the ladder. I appointed you as 'Substitute' so you fall under internship which means you report only to the Taicho, me, and those whom I allow. That way he can't touch you without going through me." The smug woman said happy to know she was going to finally get a confident and competent replacement for the fat oaf who had disgraced her presence long enough

Ichigo felt his face heat up a bit, seeing that she literally went out on a limb to prevent his career from being cut short cause of Omeada's stupidity "So when do we leave?" trying to keep his head in the game

"Tomorrow in the morning, you will meet at the squad two training field section A, if there are no more questions you are dismissed!"

The two Shinigami bowed before leaving the room and separating each going in different directions one to the fourth to pick up any medical supplies need as well as the super nutrition tablets for when he got tired, the other to get Zangetsu and head over to the cafeteria for a quick bite to eat.

When Subaru no longer felt the reiatsu of the two boys, she put down her paperwork and turned a noticeable sly grin to her sister, who sweated slightly afraid to find out what she was going to say "So Shaolin when exactly did you decide to make him your new fuka-taicho?"

"What are you trying to imply exactly?" the twin banded captain said defensively "I've been eager to lose Omeada since he joined, you know that."

Shinjiro spoke next adding on the pressure "But for him to be fuka-taicho, he'll need to stay in the second division otherwise you'll just have to reappoint Omeada again since no one else can fill the position."

Soifon looked between the two, feeling frustrated and annoyed they were ganging up on her "So! Losing Omeada for a day is worth it!" she exclaimed trying to get them off her back, with seemingly little luck

"If there's one thing I've come to know about you sister dearest." replied Subaru, as she whipped out her hidden fan and started to fan herself lightly "Is that you don't like wasted effort, all things must produce some result even if it's a failure. As failure provides learning experience for the failuree, you have done some kind of plan to ensure all the efforts we've done for you in terms of extending your inner circle hasn't gone to waste."

"So I don't like things going to waste what's this have to do with anything?" said an irate Soifon, who still tried to play the fool

Subaru sighed at her sister's denial and lapse in memory "Lin-chan, I run a spy network remember?" She smiled when her sister's expression changed from annoyed to impassive to flush "I know all about your little meeting with what was it 'Shiro-chan' that Hinamora calls him? About how you would like to request that Ichigo Kurosaki be permanently transferred from the tenth division over to the second"

"Really now Su-chan?" said Shinjiro playing along with his wife, seeing Soifon sputtering explanations and denials of her accusations "Do tell! How was she able to convince the young genius?"

"Of course dear, in fact let me tell you using her own words." She said oh so tenderly, before changing her voice to sound close to Shaolin's "Ahem, Hitsuguaya-Taicho, I feel that it may be beneficial to my squad to have one formerly sixth seat now fourth seat Kurosaki Ichigo transferred indefinitely to my regiment. He is a remarkable soldier and Shinigami, and has earned a place in my squad as well as gained it's respect. While I understand that it would be difficult to lose one of such caliber to another, I feel my squad is in a constant state of distress with it's lack of surviving Shinigami, and so I feel with Kurosaki around the standard of the second would be raised and promote stronger more efficient people to propagate in the future."

Soifon was burning red with embarrassment through the retelling, she wanted nothing more than to find a rock and crawl under it forever. She turned away from the devious duo and back to the stacks of paperwork beside the desk wondering if she knocked them all over would it be able to hide the dead bodies of her sister and brother. "Ok look, I admit-"

"No you didn't I had to say it." corrected Subaru who looked as if she was recalling the incident, as if it had happened a millennium ago and was just brought up from the past

Soifon really wanted to strangle the woman "as I was saying, that ahh meeting did happen" her red face burned even brighter than before "But I really just wanted him as my fuka-taicho, that's it honest no ulterior motives."

"You know when people say all that other stuff at the end Shaolin; other people tend to think otherwise." commented Shinjiro

Soifon closed her eyes and took a few breaths in to calm herself. She knew that she didn't need to be all riled up, because of their words or her action. She just needed to stay calm and controlled. Easy. "Look, I just didn't want to lose a friend ok?" the woman opened her eyes "I was afraid that if he went back to the tenth he'd just leave and never look back, just like 'Her' ."

"Sis, the tenth division is only one massive building over from me. It's not the other side of the afterlife." The samurai said running his hand through his hair "besides Ichigo doesn't strike me, as being quite like 'Her'."

"I do trust him but how are you so confident about that?"

"Simply, he is 'your number one guardian'" Subaru teased and then switched to loving sister mode, as she placed a hand on Shaolin's cheek "all kidding aside, he has his priorities and unless I'm wrong your one of them."

"…"

"Come on cheer up. He wouldn't want to see you so distressed"

Soifon gave a weak smile "I suppose, even though you two are the cause of it."

"That's what family is for."

"Well I'm glad." replied Soifon a wide smile on her face, as she got up from her desk and she calmly walked over and knocked down two rather large piles of paperwork over, causing it spill everywhere "Now you two should really pick all this up as I have a meeting with Unohana-Taicho in five minutes, so I must be off too, so long!" and disappeared in a flash step leaving the two third seats bawling at the fact they would have to reorganize the paperwork.

All 19,726 sheets of it

(Soifon)

Soifon arrived at the office of Captain Retsu Unohana at the scheduled meeting time, and entered with permission from the room's occupant. While Soifon was not particularly close to the woman aside from being a S.W.A officer and the only other female Taicho currently in the courts, she could always rely on her to give good solid advice on matters that sometimes required someone outside her inner circle to know, and with the whole doctor-patient confidentiality mandate she could rest easy knowing such things wouldn't ever get out, unless Soifon wished to share such information.

"Greetings Soifon-taicho, would you like to have a seat?" the kind captain asked extending her hand to the chair beside her, to which Soifon accepted. After being seated Unohana got up to close and lock the door, for the private meeting the short woman wished to have with her.

"So what may I ask brings you to call this private meeting with me?"

"You promise you won't tell a soul right?" asked the younger captain, even though she did know what Unohana's response would be given her nature.

"Of course. Now if you would."

Soifon sighed "Do you remember when Yoruichi Shihoin betrayed Soul Society?"

Unohana nodded her head as she had seen Soifon constantly by the goddess of flash's side "Yes, you were the fuka-taicho at the time of the betrayal."

"Correct, and after that incident, I'd had completely given up on interacting with others but because of the support of my family and friend, I regained a small measure of trust."

"So is your measure of trust being threatened by something?" the doctor asked concerned, having saw firsthand the sorry state she had been in for a whole month straight, after the betrayal. Pure anger during the day, crying herself to sleep at night according to Shinjiro and Subaru.

"I'm not sure." She straightened herself up in her chair "When Ichigo Kurosaki was first transferred into my division. I didn't give a damn about him."

"And now?"

"well…ahh..umm…" Soifon squirmed in her chair trying to find a good way to put it without saying something incriminating or worse "he…I believe I trust him, but the problem is that it feels empty"

"Empty?" quoted Unohana who was starting to think of a few different things that could make the stoic captain feel so strangely about someone else yet feel it threaten her trust with the person

"Again, I'm not sure myself. I do trust him but I still feel empty. Shin, Su even Suzumebachi suggest that maybe, I might have a crush." Admitted Soifon

"Hmmm, well I personally have met Ichigo and his mother on multiple occasions, and the boy while a bit rough around the edges, has a very kind heart." Unohana diagnosed "Those whom you trust, have noticed a change in behavior and have pointed out what seems to be the most logical conclusion."

"But does that mean I'm really…?" her voice trailing away, not wanting to say it out loud

"No, I wouldn't say that" Unohana paused "At least not yet or I don't think. I'd say you are extremely curious about Ichigo, he possesses very noble qualities similar to Shihoin-san but has not betrayed the trust you hold in him unlike the latter."

"So what should I do?"

"I suggest a date" she said and silenced any protest that came to her with a fierce smile and small release of reiatsu "as friends. From what I can see there is nothing wrong with you physically or mentally, the problem is that you've actually taken an interest in someone and you're in denial about it."

Soifon turned her gaze to the floor "But, I can't l-l-l" she closed her eyes trying to force the word out "Like! Someone, it makes you weak, and gives others a weakness to exploit." She said a bit worried she might say…love

Unohana smiled gently "Is that what you believe?" she placed a gentle hand on Soifon which made the girl raise her eyes to see the healer "Listen, one's own strength can only take you so far but when that strength is added together with others, once impassible gates open and close just as easily as any door. " she retracted her arms and began to write something down on a sheet of paper, handing it over to Soifon, who smirked at what was written 'Doctor's orders: Soifon is prescribed one date with Ichigo Kurosaki to help her rehabilitation with others'

"Oh before I forget!" Unohana got up from her chair and went over to the room that connected into the office. Unohana walked in and went over to the closet that was next to her bed, and pulled out a beautiful red kimono, that had a grayish-white butterflies design on several areas. It also had a beautiful dark blue obi with three small pink carnations flower designs on it. "Ahh here it is." She carefully grabbed the dress and put it in a small white box and left the room.

"Here, you might want to use this to show a bit more of your hidden side." She said giving the other soon to be woman, the package

"Thanks." said Soifon holding the white box with the utmost in caution and delicacy

"Not a problem."

Soifon then flash stepped back to her division, specifically to Ichigo's room so she could do the 'doctor's orders'

(Same time Ichigo)

After being dismissed Ichigo went back to his room, to prepare for his departure to the human world. It had been a long time since he was this pumped for adventure and excitement, and wasn't going to miss this chance to see the human world for the first time in his life.

'Hey King! I got something I need to say.' Hichigo barked out to his Shinigami half

'Alright shoot' Ichigo replied as he started to think about what to pack

'Your bosses all said you leave tomorrow right?'

'Yeah, what's your point?'

'I'm getting there!' The hollow snapped 'They didn't say how long you'll be gone for right?'

'They'll probably say tomorrow morning' he mentally replied as he grabbed some underwear for the trip

'That's NOT my point, my point is this you won't be seeing your woman right? So why don't you leave her a lasting impression, you get it?'

Ichigo stopped what he was doing and actually thought hard on what his dark side was saying. He had a point he wouldn't see most of his friends especially Soifon for quite a while, and he had to say that did make him a bit unhappy, and his finally sunk in realization of his crush for his captain was most certainly not welcome. 'So what do you have an in mind?'

The hollow took up a mock thinking pose 'I've been thinking you've been getting a lot shit handed to you and it's about damn time that you took the initiate and Oh I don't know, maybe ASK HER SWEET ASS OUT FOR A DATE!"

'As much as I don't like that you think with your dick, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea. I do remember there's a festival to commemorate the building of Shino Academy today.' thought Ichigo having remembered it was the forty thousandth year celebration. His dark side just grinned wickedly; as he was gonna guarantee that he got some action before this night was over

'You know, I don't know if I ever told you this, but I like you, you make me smile!'

Ichigo just groaned at Zangetsu's stupidity 'Look, she could still decline' the boy tried to bring reality back to order

'Bullshit! I bet you half this goddamn city that after you sleep with her, she'll be coming back begging for more!' The monster laughed wickedly, before changing his voice to sound more feminine 'Oh, Ichigo, right there, oh yeah. Ohhh~, so good ahh goshujin-sama~! (1)'

Ichigo blushed heavily at the noise, the damned monster was making, though he suddenly couldn't undo the mental picture of a cute looking Soifon saying some of those things. 'No, I am not a pervert.' He chided, attempting to stop his thoughts from going any further especially with her

The hollow rolled his eyes 'You might not be but I am!' He paused before his smirk returned in full bloom 'Actually since I am, by extension you are too, welcome to manhood Ichigo!' The doppelganger laughed

'SHUT UP! I'll ask her! Not that she'd say yes because she's a very busy woman, even though it would be kind of nice.'

A knock on his door and Ichigo's conversation was put on hold. He walked over and opened the door and standing there was the object of both his affection and torment.

"Greetings Kurosaki" she said determined to not look at him in the face, lest she say something she couldn't take back

Ichigo gulped, because while he was afraid to be rejected since he had done so to a few girls in the past, he needed to tell her what he wanted "umm, s-s-Soifon..."

Soifon noticed his arms were shaking a bit and was wondering if she was too since this was also a bit uncomfortable as well. They both unknowingly close their eyes at the same time trying to work up their nerves before they both blurted out at the same time

"I would like to ask you something!"

"Would you indulge a request of mine?"

The two looked away from each other as they had practically yelled at each other at the top of their lungs. Soifon after years of learning to control and restrain emotions recovered first "P-please speak your mind, I can wait Kurosaki." She informed uncharacteristically allowing someone else to make the first go before her own self

"Soifon." Ichigo started "I…was wondering, maybe, I don't know, ahh."

"Yes…" she nervously answered, her heart rate beating the better part of 120 beats per second

Ichigo scratched the back of his head. Who knew this could be that hard "if you're not doing anything, ahh tonight. Would you…"

"Y-yes" she said completely anxious as to what he'd say next

"Please go on a date with me!" he yelled. When Soifon gave him the deer in the head lights look he quickly added "a-as friends of course, I mean if you got plans or something it's never mind." He looked away his face burning in shame

"No! That's ok, I don't mind at all." She blurted out, not wanting to say that she was going to do the same thing

Ichigo smiled, his apprehension relieved "Great, I'll pick you up at your office then at five."

"That is acceptable, until then Kurosaki." She flash stepped away as quickly a Shinigamily possible

"Wait! You forgot to tell me what you were going to say!" he called unfortunately his words fell on silence.

"Well, at least I have a date and a place but what the hell do I do between then?" Ichigo whispered out

'That's my man. Now close that door, and let good old Zangetsu help you out on your little 'excursion' The Zanpaktou soul said slyly

(Soifon)

Soifon was walking at a very brisk pace, borderline running, after her quick escape. The only thing going any faster than her was her heart rate. 'I cannot believe what I just did. Did I really do that? Was that for the best? What was I thinking?' she thought racking her brain to its fullest potential, practically ready to start tearing her hair out from what she got herself into, even though she was going to ask anyway.

'Hey, easy Soifon! The more you worry and over think things the more the wind picks up in here! I'm only a small bee, I'm not the queen yet!'

Soifon quickly tore down another hallway in route to her office 'He asked me out! ME! I'm very pleased for reasons I'm not entirely sure are romantic but, now I'm nervous beyond reason. Ooooh what do I do! I don't have any dating experience!'

'Easy! Calm down before you blow a circuit woman!' The Zanpaktou reprimanded, which was a bit of irony since it was usually the other way around 'Deep breaths CALM DOWN! Now look let's go see Shin and Su tell them before we do anything else.'

Soifon stopped and took a few huge gulps of air to calm her nervous before proceeding calmly to the office, when she entered she was relieved to know they were still in here fixing the paperwork from earlier even if she had to ignore the death glare they were giving her.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath "Guys, I need you to stop what you're doing and listen. I have something I really need to inform you guys on."

The two lovers exchanged a curious glance at each other, before letting the paper they were holding either drop back down on the floor or placed to the side "You seem kind of giddy. Is something wrong?" asked Shinjiro, since she was acting stranger than normal, since she usually told them things as they worked if they were present

It was now or never "I've been asked out on a date." She said bluntly, hoping they wouldn't overreact

Silence consumed the room entirely to Soifon's surprise she could in fact hear the steady breathing of the other two occupants. Soifon was about to say it again to make sure they heard her, when Shinjiro tore over to the calendar searching to see if it was April first, while Subaru went deep into thought wondering what made her say yes since she always said no going over mental simulations in her head and was slowly coming to the possibility she was being black-mailed.

Deciding she really didn't have time to waste and needed them in gear she brought them back to the task at hand "Enough!" Shaolin commanded, regaining the attention from the two "Yes, I was asked out on a date by Ichigo Kurosaki, as friends. No, it is not April fool's Shinjiro I'm being serious. And yes I really need your help so please!"

The seriousness of the situation went through the roof in both the surrogate sibling's of Shaolin book. Her saying the words please and need help, meant she was in dire straits. "What do you want us to help you with, Shaolin?" the younger brother asked in complete seriousness, his usual cheery demeanor forgotten behind

"Arghh, everything." She groaned in frustration "You know the way I was raised, I'd be completely inept to do a simple date." Her dread growing more by the second making her wish she hadn't taken the offer or listened to Unohana's advice 'This day is going to hell in a hand basket.' She though sarcastically

"You said it was Ichigo correct?" asked Subaru who received a confirming nod from Soifon "Then there is not much of problem or rather date wise. The problem is your concern for your lack of experience correct?" again another nod "Well just do a changing of persona."

"'Change in persona?' You mean change my personality."

"Correct."

"So what should I do exactly? Because I refuse to be something I'm not for anyone." The captain said fiercely opposed to the thought of being some kind of door mat person to cater to someone else's wants in another person, especially out of someone of her stature.

"No, you stay you." Shinjiro spoke up to amend what Subaru meant "What we're saying is that instead of going as 'Soifon the Ice queen of Seireitei' go as 'Shaolin the kind noble woman of Fon'."

"You mean show my weak side?" she asked incredulously, not believing they were telling her to be a weak little girl "I'd be a laughing stock and it goes completely against what I've built myself as now, the perfect assassin"

"Even assassins have days off." Shinjiro countered knowingly

Shaolin wanted to say something in response but she swallowed her pride, since she did ask for their help. Soifon's frustration immediately turned to puzzlement as something dawned on her. "Pride…" she whispered out. She started to think on the word. Was it her pride that was actually holding her back, her pride to seem intimidating, strong…unapproachable?

She lowered her gaze and sulked her head in admittance. It was her pride and ego, which was getting in the way of her strange but new found happiness. "You do have a point. But to show that side of me to someone else, is a bit daunting."

The samurai shook his head in disagreement "No, we're not saying for you to be completely Shaolin. More like…be a bit more Shaolin than Soifon. Show Ichigo a bit more your kinder side, it's still in you sis you just got to let it out."

"I guess." She said unconvinced

Subaru sighed "Look, sis if he can't accept you for who you are in your entirety then there's no point in holding up this charade. But don't not give him the chance to see you for who you truly are." She walked over and placed a reassuring hand on her sister shoulder "When it comes to true companionship, you must show your true self eventually not all at once. Be yourself and let your heart be your guide, you won't go wrong."

"Thanks." Said Soifon "Heh, here I'm supposed to be the older sister yet you are helping me."

"It's only because we want to see you happy." said Shinjiro hoping to encourage her more. His attention was then turned towards the small white box on the inside of her Haori "Hey what's that?" he pointed to it shifting the topic of conversation

Soifon reached into her jacket and pulled out the box "Unohana-Taicho gave this to me after I asked her what I should do. I'm not sure what's in it yet." She set it down on the table and carefully removed the lid and saw a very beautiful kimono greeting her. A kind smile appeared on Shaolin's face as she turned back to face the pair "We'd best hurry. I have a date to prepare for."

The two third seats both grabbed her hand and took her to her room, so they could get underway of turning her into something special.

(Later that day- Ichigo)

Ichigo was pacing back and forth, in his room going over everything he, Dark Zangetsu and Toshiro, Rangiku, both of whom he went to see, could come up with when it came to the date. Rangiku was very curious about who the lucky girl was as it would definitely bring not only new gossip but also be worth investigating and bring up at the next S.W.A meeting, Toshiro somehow managed to get her to focus her energy on what he should do rather than who the girl was, which relieved the orange haired Shinigami to no end.

Ichigo was currently dressed in his favorite kimono. It was a vivid light green, and had swirls of autumn leaves dancing and falling down on it and on the middle of his back was the kanji for life on it, which rested just above the blade of Zangetsu when it was strapped to his back.

Ichigo looked at the clock "It's almost time." He whispered to himself, getting even more nervous that so much time seemed to fly by when he really wanted things to go slowly so he could gather his thoughts.

'Don't even THINK about getting cold feet! Or so help me…' Hichigo threatened since they had come all this way

"Yeah, yeah…" he waved off his hollow for the seventh time this hour.

'Ichigo, there is no need to hesitate. Just proceed as you've always done' The other older Zangetsu advised, as his partner's constant worrying over this was making the clouds gather, which meant rain if left unchecked.

Ichigo walked into the bathroom, and splashed some water on his face. "Alright, let's do this." He picked up the towel and dried his face before walking out of the room, picking up the small flower that he bought much earlier that afternoon.

As Ichigo walked through the hallways of Squad two he was amazed at how empty it was, normally people were always coming and going but now it seemed so lifeless and full of tense energy, as he half-expected someone to jump out and say surprise.

"Ichigo" a voice called

Ichigo nearly jumped out of his skin from the unexpected voice calling out to him. He calmed himself by closing his eyes and breathing in, having seemingly jinxed himself, as he reopened his eyes he saw Shinjiro, who was wearing a plaid jerkin of gray and a faded yellow which had the symbol of courage embroidered into the back with a blue hakama and wore a red shirt underneath with a pair of sandals and socks on his feet, standing in the entranceway of his date's office which seemed just as terrifying as any hollow at the moment.

"What's up Shin?" he asked trying to keep the nervousness out of his voice

"I'm keeping you out for a second" he said and pointed at the door lazily "The girl's aren't quite done yet."

"Oh really? Well thanks for stopping me."

"Not a problem" the boy waved off, he took a good look at him "You nervous?" he asked rhetorically

"I'm asking your sister out on a date, who is also my commander. So yeah, I am." Ichigo said with good humored sarcasm

Shinjiro laughed "Don't worry, my first date with Subaru, I was completely and utter nervous or so she tells me, but hey I didn't die so you should be fine."

Ichigo gave a nervous chuckle, since he could tell Shinjiro was trying to help him "Anyway, Ichigo as a favor as friend could you do something for me?" The boy requested speaking much more seriously

"Anything, Sempai." responded Ichigo, as Shinjiro rarely ever made requests of Ichigo or others

"Could you please make sure that she enjoys herself? I ask because…" he went over and whispered into his ear "You're her first date…ever."

Ichigo turned his head away to stare back at the door "I understand, and truth be told she's mine." He admitted sheepishly "But I'll treat her right."

"Thanks, I'm glad I can always count on you." The appreciative samurai said clasping his hand on his friend's shoulder "I think this has been long enough so good luck."

Sure enough, Subaru walked out in a very odd get up by Ichigo's standards that captivated his imagination and perhaps gave a small sneak-peek to what his friend date looked like herself.

She had a strange jacket like coat that had the chest area in the shape of a star, the shoulders and outer edges of the star were a lighter violet it had a few buttons on it similar to a stage or marching band director and a black zip up shirt underneath. She was also wearing long white gloves that extended past her elbow and wore black pants with a pair of white boots, her face mask she usually had was gone revealing her face to the fullest, making her seem more womanly in comparison to what she normally wore.

"Excellent, so Shinjiro was able to stop you. That's good to know." The recently emerged woman said approvingly "Well, I think we should get going Shinjiro. We have much to do and only a limited amount of time to do it in."

"Right." He concurred and moved back a few step to hold her hand as they then walked around Ichigo to go along their own merry way "Oh, Ichigo I almost forgot to give you this."

In her left hand a pair of tickets was sticking out "If you get the chance during your date perhaps you could visit us at the central pavilion grounds later on as we are holding a play and I would appreciate it if you could come. However if you can't it is understandable, as I'm sure you'll be busy with Soifon, so I'll leave it at your personal discretion."

"We'll definitely be there. I'm sure Soifon and I would love to see the show." He said gratefully taking the offered tickets from the oddly dressed third seat

Subaru bowed "Thank-you. Now please go, sister awaits you with bated breath." They pair turned and walked away leaving the building for their play and possible date.

Once they were gone, Ichigo took a deep breath and worked out the kinks in his neck, legs, shoulders and back 'Alright, Ichigo you can do this.' "(Whew) lets go."

He walked up to the door and knocked "Soifon, it's me Ichigo may I come in?" he calmly asked, his nerves no longer getting the best of him

"Please enter, Kurosaki." A rather serene almost melodious voice called from beyond the great Taicho's door, that Ichigo recognized definitely belonged to Soifon's but wasn't entirely the same too, and it perplexed him, almost urging him on to see what truly lay ahead.

With a steady hand he grabbed the handle and turned the door knob before taking a step back using his body to assist in the task. In one swift motion he entered the room and closed the door, his back to the rest of the room while he faced the door. He willed himself around and was witness to a beautiful and very rare sight.

A smiling though very small and a bit of the shy variety, but still smiling Soifon greeted him. She was wearing a beautiful well kept form fitting red kimono that had white butterflies landing upon vine branches and leafs; her dark blue obi had four small pink carnation flowers at the center, in a line a stark contrast to the sash but fitted nicely together. Gone were her usual twin bands of hair with the gold rings instead one single ponytail that went down behind her before coming back up and resting over her shoulder another small flower at the tip to complete it all.

Ichigo blinked his eyes in disbelief that this was the very same woman he saw on a day to day basis, barking orders at Omeada and the others, training in the combat field with him and…the one he had recently realized crush on.

His hollow let out a low whistle in Ichigo's mind 'Hey Ichigo, she cleans up nicely. Maybe you could ask her to doll herself up some more in the future!' The crazed maniac cat called practically drooling at the sight of the extremely beautiful girl.

Oh yes, tonight he was gonna bring home the gold. Maybe even Platinum.

Soifon's cheeks flushed a vibrant red under the gaze of her 'friend date' "What are you staring at exactly?" she said trying to be a more Soifon, since she apparently did too much Shaolin

"You." He said dazedly

Soifon's face flushed further at his words but couldn't stop her smile from widening even more no matter what she tried. "Let's just go ok."

"R-right." He extended his hand out to her while he opened the door with his other. Soifon looked at it unsure of what to do, since Suzumebachi wasn't on her she was literally thrown into the lion's den by herself "What are you doing exactly?"

"On dates the guys always hold the hands of the girl. It lets other people know their together, and prevents them from being separated." He answered using the line he got from Toshiro

She looked at him skeptically "I...see" but grabbed it regardless as she was in no way the expert when it came to such things.

The pair walked through the door and Ichigo closed it behind him. When Soifon stretched out her hand again, Ichigo paused in search of something "What are you looking for?"

Ichigo pulled out the small rose from earlier "I wanted to give you this, you know before we actually got there." He got closer to her and moved to put it in her hair

Soifon was unmoving under the act, her face flushed at the kind treatment and how close Ichigo was to her. She could hear the steady breathes he took and smell the rather sweet smell of his body, and found it was a rather intoxicating scent.

'Maybe this is the reason all those other girls threw themselves at him. He's…nice to be around.' The beet red girl thought

"There all done." Whispered Ichigo, slowly backing away from his captain

Soifon was about to complain but caught herself before her mouth betrayed her. "You're pretty good at this. I would think you frequent women often." She lightly teased, assuming it was normal friendly behavior on a night out

'Well, he might not but I prefer to keep an open side of the bed sweet heart!'

"Maybe you underestimate me, Soifon." He said slyly once again ignoring the peanut gallery "Let's go." He took hold of her hand and the two began to walk towards Shino academy.

(Festival Grounds: Shino Academy)

When Ichigo and Soifon arrived at the academy grounds they were marveling at the multiple spectacles going on around them. The streets were alive with many different souls from all over either vending their goods, other visitors in kimono's enjoying the events or shows going on, or people in strange costumes or masks moving through the crowd or above on the school's roof tops.

"Wow, Shino academy is really going all out this year." commented an impressed Ichigo, as some kind of ninja jumped from one building to the next, which he assumed was some kind of live action show

'Maybe I should come to this more often, when I need to recruit people for squad two' the captain in red thought, seeing a karate match going on a few yards away to the right

Ichigo saw that her eyes had wandered over to the bout going on "Hey, would you like to try? It's open to anyone."

"Oh really?" she said interested but decided against it "Though I suppose I shouldn't. After all not a single soul there could stand up to me."

Ichigo winced slightly before he commented casually already expecting her reaction "I think you should, because they don't think women can be strong." Ichigo's smile widened a bit when he saw her narrow her eyes dangerously at the ring

"Really now? Perhaps a lesson is an order." She said with an evil smirk, almost determined to turn someone into a pretzel. Almost.

"After you Soifon-sama" He bowed out of the way extending his hand generously at the ring, to which she nodded her head in acceptance

Once Soifon started walking away, he closed his eyes 'Hey, stop influencing me like that! This is MY date damn it!'

'Woooh! Someone's edgy, sorry king just wanted to help get the ball rolling. I'll bow out; just make us proud in here!'

Ichigo started to catch up back up to his friend, while Soifon was busy dealing with the official to be allowed a match.

"CAN NO ONE STOP HIM! Akaze Inkino is currently 49 and 0." The referee/announcer yelled out to the crowd, getting them more pumped up for the next possible match "That's right folks 49 wins straight and he seems to be rarin to go. Will no one answer the challenge to fight him!"

One of the officials got into the ring and whispered something to the announcer. The announcer looked at the official in disbelief but the official merely nodded his head before walking back off the stage. The announcer looked back at the crowd and shrugged since it wasn't his job to stop people from entering

"Well Ladies and Gentle souls we just got another challenger!" The announcer yelled out as the crowd roared "But I must say I'm a bit disappointed in the guys out there since you sent in such a dainty little flower to fight for you."

Said dainty little flower narrowed her eyes to mere slits, while her clenched fist shook in rage, as the rest of the guys looked around in confusion, though the announcer didn't see it. "Presenting our 50th opponent of the night, the 'mysterious female flower'! Throwing his hand out in Soifon's direction as she entered the ring, getting some 'oohs', 'ahhs' and 'good luck' from most of the crowd and some lecherous looks from some of the men and a few of the women too, both of whom they wished she could do to or with them.

As Ichigo approached the ring closer to cheer her on, he couldn't help but smirk as the announcer was burying himself and the other guy even deeper in the hole. "Go get 'em!" he cheered, knowing not to say Soifon in case they'd stop the match and prevent her from 'bringing the hammer down' on the poor sap.

Soifon turned her head when Ichigo started to cheer and quietly walked over to the edge of the ring her shoes making inaudible tapping noise due to the crowds murmuring with the odd behavior, and occasional boos since they thought she was throwing the match already. When she was in front of where he stood, Soifon kneeled down to his eye-level, with a gentle look on her face and reached into her hair and pulled out the rose he gave her earlier "Hold on to it for me. I'd rather not run the risk that it gets destroyed during the match."

Ichigo nodded his head dumbly entranced by her, clutching the rose in his palm gently so as not to damage it, while ignoring the 'Oohhs', 'ahhs', and 'how romantic' from the crowd members who happened to overhear the exchange.

Almost as if a switch had been flipped, Ichigo saw the Soifon he knew become the Soifon soul society knew. She calmly and purposefully walked back to where she had been moments ago. Her eyes hardened once again, and her smile gone replaced with a dark frown.

She started to analyze her opponent and decipher his possible moves and her most effective counter-measures 'Target: Is a male seems to be about 5'7, with more mass on his shoulders. No doubt an offense kind of man, like Ichigo, but it seems he's neglected his foot works so he'll be slow on his movements'

Soifon tsked, knowing all the strength in the world meant nothing if he couldn't hit his target. 'I am one-hundred percent confident Ichigo could defeat him without his Shinigami powers or training. Then again not all souls work to cover their weaknesses. He'll just have to learn the hard way.'

Akaze stepped forward with a swagger in his step "Well well, beautiful. How about after the match, you give me that flower you gave that chump earlier instead?"

"Keep dreaming" she replied settling into a stance, her rage now increasing by the moment

The man laughed "Whatever toots. Let me show you what a real man is and how he fights." as he got into a boxing stance

The announcer looked at both of them "Are you ready?"

"Course, but I won't rough her up too much."

"Let it begin, so I can break him."

The announcer backed away a bit at the viciousness the girl was showing, while Inkino was a bit turned on at the display. The announcer turned and faced the crowd "Alright the opponents are ready! Everyone start cheering let them hear your words so as to raise their fighting spirit!"

The roar of the crowd was deafening, but Soifon's sensitive ears could still hear the lone voice of Ichigo encouraging her further. 'I don't need their cheering. So long as Ichigo supports me I'll be fine. Wait what did I say? Arggh, so stupid! J-just concentrate on this loser before I think about him again. I mean! Damnit!'

"AAAAANNNNNNDDDDD! Begin!" yelled the announcer quickly jumping away from the two, the start of the match bringing Soifon back to full focus once again.

Akaze took a fierce step forward as he launched his right fist at Soifon who stood there not even blinking 'Heh. One punch I guess. But she tried.'

To his shock once he got close, Soifon quickly ducked under the attack and grabbed his arm and jumped off the ground her leg planted firmly on his abdomen and flipped him and her over three times before they came back down to the mat.

A resounding thud was heard, as Inkino hit the ground hard, with Soifon now standing on him like it was the most natural thing in the world. She delivered a quick kick to the side of the head while he was down to add insult to injury.

The entire crowd minus Ichigo had their jaws dropping at the sight. They all had the same thought. 'Just who IS this girl!'

Soifon stepped off of him folding her arms over her chest and turned to the still reeling announcer "Hey, aren't you supposed to start counting or something?"

The announcer finally got himself out of his stupor after being reminded by her, that he was the ref so he started to do the count for knockout.

'Geez, I wanted to show him the error of his ways.' She sighed before glancing back 'I didn't even try to knock him out. Oh well hopefully he learns'

"6, 7, 8" the announcer stopped when Akaze started to slowly get back unto his feet from having the wind knocked out of him in one blow

The announcer moved the microphone away so the audience couldn't hear "Are you alright? Can you continue?"

"Yeah. Let's go." He said eager for some pay back

Soifon turned around though she wasn't very surprised that the 49 time winner was back on his feet. After all she didn't put any power or strength behind the counter, it was all gravity and him.

'Hmm. Perhaps I should have moved my foot so I could have dislocated his shoulder, with a quick tug of my arm.'

The boxer took a few steps closer and got in his stance "You got lucky, there won't be a next time woman."

Soifon was holding back the urge to laugh at the pitiful man before her, who clearly didn't know a thing about not only being beat but outclassed "You're correct there won't be as I need to return to my date."

"If the fighters are ready begin!"

Inkino tightened his guard up a bit and didn't rush in like last time, less he allow her to perform that flip again. Soifon took a step forward to see what he would do, and when nothing came she quickly swept the boxers feet from under him.

He hit the ground and started to roll away when she rushed forward to exploit her opening. 'Gotcha!' he thought as he threw an underhanded left to her midsection.

She again astonished the crowd with her martial arts skill and flexibility, as the punch was thrown, she used the out stretched arm to flip herself over her target and behind his back, while in the air she again grabbed him courteous by the shoulders and flipped him backward using her Chinese quipos to dig into his back for support.

Once the man hit the ground again this time on his stomach she deliver a concentrated yet fierce spiritual enforced punch to the back of his head, forcing it to collide with the ground at break neck speed, completely knocking out the man and possibly killing him.

Soifon once again got off the man but this time kneeled down and placed her hand against his neck checking for a vital sigh, and smiled when she found it knowing the man was still alive if not beaten and humiliated and her as of yet unnamed move was slowly being perfected as this guy was just another stepping stone in the process. "Well, I shall take my leave then. Hopefully now you know the strength a woman possesses." She proceeded to walk off stage as the announcer announced that the winner was the 'dainty little flower'.

She easily met up with Ichigo again since the crowd gave her a wide berth of space and the man stuck out with his vibrant orange hair.

"That was amazing Soifon." He said placing the flower back in her hair so they could continue their date 'So beautiful…I mean amazing yeah.'

"Yes, well, as I said earlier I felt the need to teach him and anyone else who hold such a notion otherwise." She stated firmly, resisting the urge to say it was fun or thank him for point out such an injustice to her.

Ichigo laughed "That you did!" he then grabbed her hand again "Come on let's see what else they got going on."

Ichigo and Soifon continued down the street passing a few stands when Ichigo spotted a huge crowd next to an even bigger stage with spotlights and a big screen that read 'Karaoke singer Science club'. Ichigo smiled since that seemed to be something people would do on a normal going out/date "Hey, Soifon. How about we try that next." Pointing to the stage where someone else was singing a song.

"You can sing?" Soifon asked her date, since she never figured him of all people to be a singer.

Ichigo glanced away abashed "Well…not really, but it's usually fun."

"I think I'll pass." She said determined to not be up on center stage singing, in front of a whole crowd of people

Ichigo picked up on something he otherwise might not have noticed in his Taicho's normal behavior. She had her eyes definitely placed on the stage, even though they occasionally flickered elsewhere but it was definitely on the stage, and the way she said 'I'll pass' sounded so weak. Almost like she was nervous.

A sly smile broke out on Ichigo's face at the thought that she was actually afraid to do something. Not like it was ineptitude but more like hesitation. So he did what he did best bring stuff out of people "If I didn't know any better Soifon, I'd say you were scared."

Soifon caught unawares looked at him in incredulously, that he was insinuating that she, a Taicho of the Shinigami courts who had lived through countless battles against hollows and even a menos grande, was frightened at being on stage in front of other. "Is that what you think Kurosaki? I'll have you know I can sing quite well, much better than you certainly." Getting a bit defensive since she could sing…if she felt like it

"Then how about a contest between us." He offered knowing she was already hooked "We'll each sing one song and we'll see who did better."

"Fine then you go first." She said a little eager to start this contest 'Maybe it might be fun after all.'

So the challengers went back stage to try their voices, and were assigned a number and apparently were also entered into a special contest that happened after Soifon sang, so the pair sat back both confident in their choice of song and eagerly awaiting to come out on top.

"Number 15." One of the stage works called out "Number 15. It's your turn."

"Well well, looks like I'm up." Said Ichigo eager to show off to Soifon

"Hmph! I'll be sure to be on standby with some paper towels when they throw the vegetables." She said snidely, her confident smirk growing wider

Ichigo rolled his eyes "Ha! Whatever." as Ichigo started to walk away Soifon called back to him, getting his attention. Her previous cruel smirk gone and a much gentler look showing itself "Hey Kurosaki!...thanks for signing me up and good luck."

"Course!" he said triumphantly as he walked out on stage.

As he approached the MC, his hand jutted out to the side as his hand caught an object that was thrown towards him from the crowd. Upon closer inspection it turned out to be a…rubber chicken? He glanced back at the MC who was laughing his head off. He then turned to the crowd to address them "It seem the rubber Chicken has been thrown in that mean, this man here contestant number fifteen will have to sing one of our joke songs! And the title selection is!" he said pointing at the monitor which read 'The Beer Song by March of the Toreadors' "The Beer Song! Contestant fifteen your lyrics will appear on the giant screen behind you good luck" he handed the mic to Ichigo who while he didn't want to sing this song not that he heard of it, took it all the same.

Once the music started up he started to sing the words that appeared on the screen

"OH what's the malting and liquor? What gets you drunk quicker? And what comes in bottles or in cans?" Ichigo seemingly asked to the crowd, reading the lyrics off the screen

"BEER!" the crowd yelled enthusiastically

"Can't get enough of it!(BEER!) oh, how I really love it!(BEER!) Makes me think I'm a man!" he sang moving from one side of the stage to the other to at least put on a good show despite his reluctance and force of song

Beer!

"I could kiss and hug it (Beer!) But I'd rather chug it (Beer!) Got my belly up to here! I cannot refuse a (Beer!) I could really use a"

"Beer, Beer, BEER!" the crowd chanted saying the word three more times

The pace of the song slowly changed to that of a small ballad and Ichigo saw that the MC had another microphone in his hand and he pointed at the screen which said 'duet'

Ichigo:"I can't remember how much I have had. I drank a twelve pack with my dad."

MC:"That's my son the drunken manly stud. I'm proud to be his bud."

Ichigo:"Here have some pretzels"

MC:"No! I'll call it quits. Those things give me the shlits."

Ichigo:"HAHAHA!"

Everyone:"Drink with your family drink it with a friend. Drink till your fat, stomach distends"

Ichigo:"BEEEEER is liquid bread it's good for you."

MC:"We like to drink till we spew ewww!"

Ichigo:"How cares if we get fat?"

MC:"I'll drink to that!"

Together: "As we sing once more!"

"What the malting liquor? What gets you drunk quicker? What comes in bottles or in cans?" Ichigo asked to the crowd now that he was back in solo mode, since the songs pace picked up again

BEER!

"Can't get enough of it (BEER!) oh how I really love it(BEER!)Makes me think I'm a man"

Beer!

"I could kiss and hug it"

Beer!

"But I'd rather chug it"

(Beer!)

"I could really use a (Beer!)I really need a (Beer!)The most wonderful drink in the world hurray!"Said Ichigo as he finished the last line of the accursed song, while he did admit it was bit catchy since the crowd was cheering him, he never felt more embarrassed to have to sang such a song. He mentally noted that whoever made the song must have been drunk off their ass. No Pun intended.

He was about to walk off stage to quickly exit the area, when the MC reminded him that he and the person after him were selected for a special contest afterward, so he get taken over to the edge of the stage and sat down on the floor waiting for Soifon, who no doubt heard his…performance.

Sure enough as soon as Soifon came from back stage, she had a very satisfied look on her face which Ichigo could easily tell was because she had probably been laughing her ass off back stage. As she approached the MC herself a Giant R appeared on the screen getting their attention. The MC once again turned back to the audience "Well ladies and gentleman it seems that the computer had decided to randomly select a track for the young miss here to sing." He announced before handing her the Microphone and instructed her everything. "Now let's see the song chosen."

The screen went black as white words appeared on it that spelled out 'Eyes on me (almighty remix) by Faye Wong'

Soifon took a quick breath of air and looked at the screen when music began to play. When the first words appeared she started to sing "Whenever sang my songs, on the stage on my own. Whenever say my words, wishing that they could be heard"

She moved forward towards the crowd with the mic close to her mouth "I saw you smiling at me, was it real or just my fantasy? You'd always be there in the corner of this tiny little bar…"

"My last night here for you, same old songs just once more, my last night here with you? Maybe yes, maybe no."

She looked over towards Ichigo section when she said the next line of lyrics "I kind of liked it your way, how you shyly placed you eyes on me…But did you ever know that I had mine on you?"

She quickly turned away after saying it, incase Ichigo thought she was saying this specifically to him "Darling, so there you are. With that look on your face, as if you've never hurt. As if you've never down. Shall I be the one for you? Who pinches you softly but sure. If frown is shown then, I will know that you are no dreamer"

She paused during the musical interlude to catch her breath, and restrain her emotions for the next part of the song. She turned back to the screen and began to sing again "So let me come to you. Close as I want to be, close enough for me to hear your heart beating fast, and stay there as I whisper 'How I loved your peaceful eyes on me but did you ever know that I had mine on you?'"

"Darling so share with me, your love if you have enough, your tears if your holding back or pain if that's what it is. How can I let you know? I'm more than the dress and the voice? Just reach me out then and you will know that you're not dreaming." She sang with her eyes closed letting the song absorb her

"Darling so there you are, with that look on your face"

"As if your never hurt, as if your never down."

"Shall I be the one for you, who pinches you softly, but sure. If frown is shown then, you I will know that you are no dreamer…" she finished softly, as the song finally came to an end. When the crowd cheered her performance, she feeling very awkward and embarrassed from being forced to sing a romantic song bowed quickly, in hopes of getting off the stage all the sooner.

Unfortunately the MC stopped her as well, and pulled her over next to Ichigo, before he addressed the crowd once again "Ok, everyone we must admit they gave a great performance the both of them but now it's time for them to compete against one another inn!" he turned around and pointed to the screen "A boasting contest! Now contestants please take center stage and boast away."

Two spotlights lit up Ichigo and Soifon, who were very wary and cursing that they actually did this, so the both proceeded to center stage, and began to think of something to show off with. The crowd watched expectantly at the two, who seemed to be struggling to come up with something.

Suddenly an idea hit Soifon who brought the Microphone up to her face as she looked at Ichigo "Anything you can do I can do better!" she said confidently

"Ha!" Ichigo chuckled harshly

"Anything you can do I can do better. I can do anything better than you." Soifon claimed

"No, you can't." Ichigo disputed

"Yes, I can." Soifon reassured smugly

"No, you can't." Ichigo said again, as he rolled his eyes

"Yes, I can." She said a bit more annoyed

"No, you can't." he said again feeling his temper starting to rise

"Yes, I can, Yes, I can!" she said leaning in closer each time

Ichigo snorted as he leaned away from her "Anything you can be I can be greater. Sooner or later, I'm greater than you."

"No, you're not." Soifon said not believing the audacity he had in order to say something like that

"Yes, I am." He said with a million dollar smile now

"No, you're not." She shot back, refusing to believe he could be a better Taicho than her

"Yes, I am."

"No, you're NOT!." She said forcefully

"Yes, I am. Yes, I am!" he said aloud while the crowd was getting more and more excited at the way these two were going. Ichigo turned to face the crowd, with a triumphant look "I can shoot a partridge with a single cartridge." As he shot a kido spell into the night sky, trying to prove his claim

Not wanting to be out done Soifon made her claim "I can get a sparrow with a bow and arrow." As she pulled out some senbon needles and threw it at a bird perched on a nearby roof top

"I can live on bread and cheese." Said Ichigo, since he was just out done

"And only on that?" Soifon questioned curiously, ready to slam him

"You bet." Said Ichigo, waiting to hear her counter that boast

"So can a rat!" she deadpanned, getting a laugh from the crowd. Using the momentum she just gained she decided to continue with this strange charade now enjoying herself "Any note you can reach I can go higher. I can sing anything higher than you."

"No, you can't." he shot back a bit higher

"Yes, I can." She said with a smirk

"No, you can't." He returned taking a step closer to her also enjoying himself

"Yes, I can." She said higher in pitch

"No, you can't."

"Yes, I can."

"No, you can't."

"Yes, I can."

"No, you can't." he said again nearly breaking his voice

"Yes, I CAN!" Soifon replied again easily, and saw that Ichigo couldn't counter so she chalked it as a win for her

Ichigo after rubbing his throat decided to approach things a different way "Anything you can say I can say softer. I can say anything softer than you."

"No, you can't."

"Yes, I can." Eager to one up Soifon

"No, you can't."

"Yes, I can." he barely said, that even with the microphone nobody heard him

"NO, YOU CAN'T!" she yelled seeing as how she lost that one while Ichigo smiled and went on ahead

"I can drink my liquor faster than a flicker."

"You can drink it quicker and get even sicker!" she amended as she knew for a fact he was only sixteen and couldn't legally drink

Ichigo gritted his teeth at being caught "I can do most anything!"

"Can you bake a pie?" she asked curiously

"No." he admitted with a sideways glance

"Neither can I." she also admitted, and sighed when she couldn't think of anything else to say.

The MC picked up on it and raised his hand to get the crowd's attention "Well it seems they've run out of things to say, but let's give them a warm round of applause for our two contestants!"

The crowd gave a loud roar of approval, while Ichigo and Soifon waved back mechanically as they had kind of forgotten they were on stage in the middle of their strange argument. As they were escorted off stage, the two came to the agreement that they'd pretend this part of the date didn't happen and to forget the competition between them, though Ichigo did compliment her on her singing voice and she him though she did throw around a comment of strange tastes in music.

After completely leaving the music area the two went and hit up a few of the sights, such as the rather ironic haunted Shino Academy, in which when they reached the torture chamber, Soifon started to rant about all the things wrong with it and started to give advice on what should be done which got a roar of laughter from Ichigo and some disturbed looks from the other souls. At a gold fish stand, Ichigo was very surprised when she was actually highly skilled at catching the fish though she commented she had practice, a lot of practice. In the ring toss game area Ichigo did impress Soifon with his skill in speed and accuracy of small targets, though she gave the prize he gave her to a less fortunate soul saying the flower was more than enough and a face paint stand that Soifon had entered alone but refused to tell what she had painted or where it was painted since it wasn't visible to Ichigo at all.

Ichigo had to admit he was having a lot of fun with Soifon, and vice-versa. Right now they had stopped at a food vendor to grab some shiskabob.

"Here ya go." said Ichigo, handing her a shrimp and vegetable kabob after hearing from her that she didn't like certain types of meat, but wasn't a full on vegetarian

"Thank-you." She replied giving thanks to her date before digging in to her food, so they could proceed to enjoy something else on their outing together

"What are you doing here!" A loud voice called out to them from behind. The pair looked back and quickly turned away when they saw the fat fuka-taicho of the second division looking at them, specifically at Ichigo. They both inwardly panicked, since they didn't know he would actually be here since it was 'too low class for someone like him' as he always said about events that happened outside of fancy manors.

"Hey, Soifon. I'll try and handle this as for you just don't look at him and walk away" Ichigo whispered to her and she mouthed an 'ok'

Ichigo turned around his face armed with a scowl since the man was ruining a rather nice evening for him "What do you want Omeada?" all pleasantries gone from his voice

"That's Omeada-sama to you peasant!" the arrogant man sneered

Ichigo rolled his eyes "Whatever, if you've got nothing to do with me get lost." ending the conversation as he sensed Soifon's presence slowly begin to die away.

However just as familiar Ichigo was with Soifon's spiritual pressure so too was Omeada. The man turned his head away from Ichigo and faced the back of the slowly retreating girl "Hey you halt." He commanded since this woman felt surprising-like Soifon-Taicho

Soifon stopped, and Ichigo felt a small barely noticeable spike in her spiritual pressure for just a moment before she quietly turned around to her fuka-taicho "Can I help you sir?" she asked feigning ignorance

Omeada's eyes opened in both disbelief and excitement 'It's it's her! Soifon my love it's her! And she's all dressed up for me!' The hulking man took a step forward towards the girl "Soifon-taicho, it's a pleasure to see you again. Would you care to accompany me this evening?" he asked his muse almost lecherously, knowing this could be a once in life time opportunity

"I'm afraid you have me mistaken for another. My name is Lyn, short for Lyndis." She replied with a small respectful bow, staying in character as the polite but mistaken individual

Omeada looked at her curiously. He considered what she said, she looked almost exactly like his love, but her personality was just a bit more different, more polite. He could grow to like this girl, she was like Soifon only better. His thoughts then drifted to what if he had this girl AND Soifon. He smiled lecherously at having the two women in maid outfits at his beck and call always addressing him as 'Omeada-sama' or 'Goshujin-sama'

Ichigo saw that Omeada was going into fantasy land which wouldn't bode well so he moved in front of him keeping Omeada at bay from Soifon "Hey, back off! She with me, asshole!" defending his date and giving her a chance to get away again

Omeada snapped back into reality having his lovely little world disturbed once again by the stupid strawberry in front of him. "Ha! You wouldn't know the first thing about treating a woman, STRAWBERRY!" he bellowed out his mortal enemies nickname hoping to embarrass the girl for going out with such a feminine man and come over to him, but it only served in infuriating the sixteen year old Shinigami and annoy Soifon fiercely for insulting her friend for no reason "I however have enough wealth to keep her happy indefinitely!"

"Wealth doesn't equal happiness. Believe me I know. Anyway I suggest you leave now before I show Lyn here an unpleasant side of me." He threatened, though he knew 'Lyn' really wouldn't mind and might actively help him

"Ha! You don't even have your Zanpaktou with you! Are you gonna beat me with your fists!" The man roared, as his hand tightened around the hilt of his own

"I'm sure he could if he wished" said 'Lyn', who already knew his skill at it first hand and improved just a bit since he, still preferred his Zanpaktou to do the job, to which she agreed it was more for subduing rather than killing.

Usually.

The fat man laughed again at the woman's defense of the man, he was about to respond when he suddenly halted in his movements, his eyes opening wider when he felt the spiritual pressure of his captain right behind him. 'How?'

He turned around and saw a very short figure in a captain's Haori standing on top of one of the roof tops with their head looking down directly at the scene they were making. Two bands of hair went down the figures back and ended in two gold rings that dangled in the wind, and had a Zanpaktou firmly planted across it's back. Omeada couldn't see the persons face as the figure had a white bull mask on but with given the person's stature, spiritual pressure and way they were carrying themselves only one person came to mind.

"S-Soifon-Taicho g-good evening Ma'am!" Omeada saluted in respect as the figure jumped down to the ground landing just five feet away, while Ichigo was giving an odd look at this development wondering what was going on

"Shut the hell up fuka-taicho Omeada!" the masked squad two captain yelled effectively intimidating the people around her "I just saw that you were trying to pick an unprovoked fight with Sloppy-Kurosaki over a GIRL. How disgraceful can you be!"

"B-but T-taicho-" he spoke trying to save the situation

"Are you interrupting me!" she suddenly flashed stepped over, grabbing him roughly by his shirt to pull him in closer to her, just begging for a reason to unleash hell on him

"No Ma'am!"

"I didn't think so! Now get the hell out of my sight, and if I so much as THINK you're troubling anyone else be it Shinigami or not I'll personally show you my displeasure. Am I clear!"

"y-yes" he said weakly, seeing how angry his Taicho could apparently be even on festive days such as this

"I couldn't hear you! Speak louder, Am I clear!" she yelled again, his weakness in his answer making her stomach churn in disgust

"YES!" he yelled as the person let their iron hard grip on his hakama go

"Good now get lost." Omeada didn't waste a second as he ran as fast as he could away from the bull masked captain of two, Ichigo swore he heard a 'fat ass' muttered from the individual. The masked captain turned to Ichigo and Lyn "And you two don't cause any more trouble, understood?"

"Got it." said Ichigo puzzled, unsure if he should say Taicho at the end, while his companion merely bowed in apparent appreciation. The captain then flash stepped away not wasting another second with them.

Once the coast was clear, Ichigo turned back to Soifon with a look of expectance "What was that all about? And how did you do that?" he questioned since he clearly knew there couldn't be two Soifon's running around Soul Society

Right?

"Why don't you tell me what you personally think happened Kurosaki, and then I'll fill in the blanks for you." She said mysteriously wanting to hear his answer to this surreal riddle he had unknowingly just played a part in

Ichigo pondered for a minute all the detail he could remember starting from when they met earlier "Well I know that you were with me, the whole time and even if I wasn't next to you when you fought, you didn't use flash step so you didn't switch with anyone." He recited "You also weren't expecting the singing thing so you couldn't have left then."

"Go on."

"I don't think you did anything weird or strange except when Omeada spotted you. I sensed your spiritual pressure rise for just a moment, but I know you didn't leave the spot you were at."

"Ok, so what happened?" she said with a smile, while she crossed her arms over her kimono intrigued on how he was working it out rather so well at this point

"I'm getting there." He said hastily, not wanting to be rushed "That captain looked like you, but the voice was familiar to me…I think that was an imposter, since she, he, or it said 'Sloppy-Kurosaki' and ever since February eleventh you don't call me that anymore."

Soifon laughed "Very good. To answer your question that person you saw in the second division clothing was none other than my sister, Subaru with a few hair extensions."

"That was Subaru!" he asked incredulously, point to the spot 'she' had been just a moment ago

"Yes. She's very good at acting though I think she got a bit too into it. Anyway when I released my spiritual pressure for that brief instant that you had sensed, it was actually my special distress call for Shinjiro and Subaru. Subaru quietly arrived and observed what the problem was before disappearing and putting on the second division garb. And well…you saw the result."

"I'm very impressed by your sister. Her acting was so good I thought it was you, but how did she mimic your spiritual pressure like that?"

"That was actually me releasing my power, while she was here. So it was more convincing for Omeada."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow curiously 'off or on the battlefield they are always there to support the other.'

"Well let's go pay her and Shin a visit than. I got a pair of tickets to the show so let's go watch."

The couple proceeded to the central pavilion and were a bit shocked to see that the play was already going, when Ichigo asked how did she leave from there back to the squad two barracks, help them and make it back before she was called in again, Soifon laughed and said she wasn't the third fastest woman in all of soul society history, with herself being the second for nothing. When Ichigo asked who the first was Soifon seemingly ignored it and said the play was starting up again, which made Ichigo wonder why she avoided his question.

As the play continued, Ichigo had learned the name of the play which was 'Mononoke-hime', he also learned and was a bit surprised that Shinjiro was playing the leading man named Ashitaka, while Subaru was playing the role San the human daughter of the wolf goddess Morro.

In the current Scene San (Subaru) was fighting against the leader of Iron Town in a fight to the death. Subaru's outfit he saw her in from earlier that evening was ripped up a bit and her hair was thrown wildly about, she was clutching a serrated butterfly knife in her hand, while the other woman (the leader) had a strange shaft like weapon mounted on her shoulders.

As San charged forward eager to rip out the enemy's throat, the leader's weapon made an exploding sound as smoke was fired from it, while San was thrown back and hit the ground lifelessly.

The other villagers on stage gathered around her getting a bit closer to San but the leader threw her arm out to halt them "Wait, even a wolf whose head has been cut off can still bite. Get me another fire lance."

One of the villagers ran off stage to get another one, while the crowd and leader were distracted San jumped back up and charged again knife in hand ready to cleave the leaders head off. The leader rolled under the out stretched arm and commanded a sword be thrown to her.

San narrowed her eyes at her target, blood thirsty "You've been destroying the forest that is my home, my mother's home as well as all the other creatures of the forest! Blood unto blood! Now we'll take your home, so you'll know our pain, human!"

The leader brandished her sword "You seek to end us, when you are in fact one of us 'Mononoke-hime'. How ironic." She said snidely "But you'll have to forgive me for wanting to keep my head atop my shoulders"

The two women clashed a few times, making the crowd gasp at their movements. Ichigo and a few others from the crowd saw out of the corner of their eye a person on the roof top behind the leader with a 'fire lance' aiming at San. Ichigo and the crowd warned her to look out having gotten caught up in the show, but it fell on deaf ears as the fire lance was launched and struck San from behind after she had made another pass at the leader.

The leader walked up to finish San when Ashitaka (Shinjiro) dropped down from one of the nearby roof tops and caught the blade with his bare hand "No! I won't let you kill her!"

"And what would you have me do! She aims to kill me and save her home while I aim to take her land so our town may prosper. Someone will have to pay in the end."

"Violence doesn't solve anything! Answering hate with hate, only leads to more hate and more killing!" Ashitaka roared, seemingly struggling to hold the blade back

Slowly San stirred "What are you doing here?" she groaned as she got to her feet knife still in hand

When she saw that her opponent was defenseless since Ashitaka was holding her sword she tried to stab the leader but Ashitaka got in the way and took the attack into the back of his shoulder causing some in the crowd particularly Ichigo and Soifon by surprise. An audible gasp was heard when Ashitaka pushed the leader back and spun around punching San in the gut and knocking her out, which made Ichigo and Soifon frown as they knew that must have been hard for Shinjiro.

Ashitaka slung the unconscious San over his shoulders and began to walk away before he disappeared off stage he said one last line "This is far from over." And walked off back to the forest

"No, no it isn't." the leader replied as the curtain came down across the stage.

"Thank-you all for coming out today!" the narrator of the story said to the crowd "Please come back tomorrow for the death-defying conclusion!"

The crowd let out a round of applause over the performance, and most vowed to come back tomorrow to see the ending of the show. Ichigo was enthralled by the show but was a bit sad at the fact he wouldn't be able to see the ending. He turned back to Soifon. "Pretty good show even if we were late."

"Quite." replied Soifon also having enjoyed the show "Let's go back stage and see Shin and Su before we leave." She requested since the show was supposed to start late that evening

After getting clearance to go back stage, they saw a sweating Subaru sitting back thoroughly exhausted from all her running around she had to do that night, Shinjiro still dressed in his all white stage costume was in just as bad condition since he not only helped set up the stage, but also had to take tickets AND perform on said stage.

The tired lovers said they were fine and thanked them for showing up, Subaru even pointed out she heard both of their voices trying to warn her about the 'fire lance' though an embarrassed captain ferverently denied such claims of concern. They said they'd stay here for a bit to rest up before returning to the barracks, letting them know not to wait up for them. To which the pair gave their farewell before walking away.

(Later)

Ichigo and Soifon found themselves back outside the Taicho's office sooner than either would have liked. Ichigo walked up and opened the door for her, which she nodded her head in approval. When she got into the door way she stopped and turned around to her date.

"I would like to thank-you for a very…pleasant night out." She said "I thoroughly enjoyed myself despite the appearance of Omeada."

"I'm glad you liked it, Soifon."

"Perhaps, I might call upon you to perform such things again at a later date." said Soifon turning her head away, to hide her blush since it would probably be visible in the dark second division corridors

To her surprise Ichigo took her hand and kissed it gently and spoke "I would enjoy that very much myself." He then let her hand go before giving her a hug, causing both people to blush at the closeness of the other.

'That's a bit forward!'

'Damn it Zangetsu, stop messing with my body!'

Once they separated Ichigo backed away slowly so as to try and make it seem like a normal dating thing. "Ahh, b-bye Soifon." He said hoping to leave before the repercussions of his action registered to her, as he turned to leave Soifon stopped him.

"Good bye and Good night Ichigo." She started to close the door again

"Good night Soifon…" he said dreamily back to her disappearing image.

Once the door closed he turned around and started to make his way back to his room, new thoughts floating around in his head both about his mission tomorrow and his Taicho.

(Soifon)

As soon as she closed the door, she almost wanted to run back out to him and hug him back. She slumped down on the nearby chair, her thoughts racing in her head about today's events. She pulled up one of the sleeves of her kimono revealing a small strawberry tattoo that she had gotten at the face paint stand. She looked at it in contemplation wondering why she had gotten it but never showed it. She hated wasted effort to the core and leaned against her other arm, with a faraway look "Ichigo…" she whispered not really knowing if she was saying the name of the fruit or the man

---

Author's note: I have uploaded the pictures that gave me the influence for Subaru, Shinjiro and Soifon/Shaolin appearance on my profile incase it's difficult to picture. It will be under 'Illustrative picture for Bleach: The alternate tale' if you wish to view, and use for any fics you create

I also hope you enjoyed the karaoke part as that wasn't there originally as I had added it when I performed my semi-daily re-editing of the chapters I had done.

I don't own the songs: The beer song, Eyes on me, or anything you can do I can do better.

I don't own Miyako Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke. (Though I own a copy of the movie)

Goshujin-sama = master (in the kinky way)

Ex. Would you like a blow job Goshujin-sama?

---

Blackout2010: So ends this chapter, and I'm done with that bitch of another chapter.

Ichigo: Well you do have to go back and edit and what not so...

Blackout2010: Yes...I know this. (sigh) I wish it wasn't so #%$&%* difficult!

Ichigo: Easy with the language it's not M yet...

Soifon: Expect to wait a while before you see us again in the next chapter. Till then farewell.