Force of Souls Chapter 5 (Patreon)

Hello friends and fans, Kairomaru is bringing you another Force of Souls Chapter! Ichigo continues training! Orihime and Tatsuki do as well! Rukia, Tatsuki, and Orihime have a talk. Then the first intelligent Hollow appears! He’s a real piece of garbage too!

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Chapter 5 – Parakeet and Sin

People have hope
Because they cannot see Death standing behind them

‘How does this keep happening?’ Rukia wondered, not for the first time. Once again she’d awoken snuggled up with Ichigo. Even with pillows separating them, the two seemed incapable of not seeking each other out in their sleep! Over a week now and every morning she found herself in his arms. She’d literally rolled over the pillows herself this time! At least that was how it appeared, given that she was the one on Ichigo’s side of the bed and the pillow wall was still mostly intact.

The major difference this morning, as opposed to the several previous mornings, was where Ichigo’s right hand was. His warm hand was gently resting on her bottom, his palm cupping a cheek softly. Rukia felt her face burn, but a small part of her enjoyed the closeness. Maybe this warmth and care was just something she sought out because her body needed more Reishi to recover? To be fair, she wasn’t angry or anything, just embarrassed at their position. Ichigo, Tatsuki, and Orihime were in a relationship and Rukia saw them all as friends. She didn’t want to come between them in any way.

Having been a full week since she’d eaten with the Kurosaki family, it was once again their day off from school. Rukia sighed, partly from resignation, partly from contentment. The Shinigami woman saw no point in waking Ichigo just yet. Her Substitute had been working and training hard over the last week. He deserved some extra rest. In the last seven days Ichigo had slain and purified eight Hollows and sent three Pluses to Soul Society through Konsō. He’d had to leave Pupples to eat his lunch at school twice, missed a chunk of time that he was planning to spend with Orihime and Tatsuki after school, and even been woken in the middle of the night again just the night before last.

‘I’ll let him wake up on his own.’ Rukia decided as she turned her focus inward to check on her recovery. Her Reiryoku had recovered a fair amount. Nothing spectacular, but she was able to use simple Kidō without almost collapsing now. The only thing she was unhappy with was the slowing of her recovery the last two mornings. It was still progress, but it wasn’t nearly as much as it was the first couple of nights. ‘It’s almost like I’m hitting a plateau. But I’m nowhere near fully recovered. Ichigo is still supplying the same amount of Reiryoku as he sleeps. So why is my recovery slowing down so sharply? Do I need even more Reiryoku?’

“Mmm…” Ichigo rumbled as he began to stir from sleep. He pulled Rukia closer to his body, the ravenette not resisting as she was pulled flush against his chest. Her eyebrow did twitch however when Ichigo’s hand squeezed her butt! The Substitute gently nuzzled her hair, making her cheeks pink, as he woke up. “Huh? Oh…” Ichigo remarked as he realized their position again. “Ok, this time you’re the one that rolled over the pillow wall.” He chuckled, seeing that Rukia was on his side of the bed.

“So it seems…” Rukia acknowledged as she looked up at Ichigo. “Would you mind removing your hand now?” Ichigo blinked at the request before realizing just wherehis right hand was on Rukia’s body. His fingers flexed automatically, basically groping the violet-eyed Shinigami and Rukia instantly raised her arm, leveled her hand with Ichigo’s forehead, and then flicked him with a bit of Reiryoku behind her finger.

“Ow!” Ichigo’s head moved backwards a bit from the forehead flick. He gently removed his right hand from her nice rear, only to bring it to his stinging forehead. “Sorry Rukia.” He apologized as he rubbed his forehead.

“You’re forgiven.” Rukia smirked at the punishment she’d doled out to her Substitute. The two continued to lay there, Ichigo shaking off the light pain of his punishment while Rukia still had Ichigo’s left arm below her, partially wrapped around her waist. Ichigo lowered his right hand from his forehead and looked into Rukia’s violet eyes.

‘She really does have beautiful eyes.’ Ichigo thought to himself as he looked at Rukia. His right hand joined his left, wrapping around Rukia’s waist slightly. After a minute or so, both just continuing to gaze at each other, Rukia broke the silence.

“So…are we getting out of bed sometime today?” Rukia questioned with a small smirk on her lips.

“I don’t know…” Ichigo seemed to consider her question for a moment. “I’m pretty content here…” Rukia felt his hands on her waist as he pulled her flush against him and hugged her softly. She wouldn’t admit it, but she leaned into this embrace without hesitation.

“We do need to get up though,” Rukia reminded him as the hug ended. She moved back a bit to look Ichigo in the eyes again. “You have training to get to, plus Tatsuki and Orihime might very well come looking for us if we don’t show up on time.”

“Right…” Ichigo let out a slightly over dramatic sigh as he released her waist. “I guess we’ll have to get up then.” Rukia rolled her eyes at him as she rolled over the pillow wall and sat on the edge of the bed. Ichigo’s eyes traveled down to her booty again. Rukia really did have a nice butt. He shook himself of that thought quickly. ‘Damn hormones.’ He thought ruefully. He noticed Rukia looking at him over her shoulder, an amused glint in her eye.

“If you’re done ogling, I’m going to try and grab a shower.” Rukia had a playful smirk on her lips.

“Yeah, I’ll go get breakfast.” Ichigo might have a blush, but he’d be damned if he admitted it! The two separated for a bit, Ichigo dealing with Isshin’s sneak attack and having breakfast, while Rukia used the bathroom and shower quickly. A quick breakfast for Rukia in Ichigo’s room while he took a shower and changed into workout clothes followed. The two were out the door, or window in Rukia’s case, in less than an hour.

“I think it’s time to teach you a bit more Kidō, Ichigo.” Rukia smiled at her Substitute. The two were walking towards the abandoned hospital they’d commandeered as their training grounds. “You’ve made good progress with Hakuda and your Zanjutsu continues to improve as well. If you can perform these next two Kidō well, then I think it’ll be about time to finally introduce you to the last of the Four Shinigami Arts, Hohō.”

“The step method thing, right?” Ichigo asked to ensure he remembered properly.

“Yes, the most defensive of the Four Arts.” Rukia nodded as they continued their walk. “It’s all about foot work and dodging. When you learn the first technique Shunpo, then you’ll be capable of high-speed movement which will allow you to dodge and evade enemies and attacks. Further refinement of the technique will let you use it in combat to take advantage of openings and land a blow with Zanjutsu, Hakuda, or Kidō.”

“Sounds good to me.” Ichigo agreed as the abandoned hospital came into sight. The duo were quick to vault over the fence and head behind the large building. Now out of sight, they started preparing for training. Ichigo gave Pupples control of his body so he could work on Zanjutsu until Orihime and Tatsuki arrived.

“Ichigo! Rukia!” Orihime called and waved to the pair as she and Tatsuki came around the corner of the building a while later. Both were wearing their own workout clothes, sports bras and yoga pants that emphasized their chests, legs and asses. Ichigo lost focus for a bit, taking in the sight of his beautiful girlfriends in such tight clothes. The two teens set out the, now standard, blanket and the lunch they’d prepared.

“Damn…” Ichigo muttered to himself a she beheld the sight of Orihime, Tatsuki, and Rukia in yoga pants. All three were rather blessed in the booty category. The yoga pants were framing those blessings amazingly well!

“Oh?” Tatsuki grinned when she got a good look at Rukia. “Do my eyes deceive me? That’s the face of someone that woke up cuddling again!” She teased the shorter girl with a grin.

“You two just can’t stay away from each other, can you?” Orihime giggled while Rukia pointedly looked away. The flush on her cheeks told the whole story though!

“At this rate we’re going to get you to join without doing anything.” Tatsuki chuckled as Rukia’s blush covered her whole face. “It feels amazing, right? Waking up all warm and cozy, feeling Ichigo holding you close~”

“Tatsuki!” Rukia squawked and the Martial Artist cracked up, laughing brightly while Orihime pulled Rukia into a warm hug. Rukia pouted a bit at the teasing, though she did return Orihime’s hug. It was the fastest way to get out of the sweet orangette’s embrace that she’d found. “If you’re finished teasing me now, we can start training.”

“For now,” Tatsuki grinned unrepentantly at the shorter woman.

“Alright, show me your Reiryoku Control.” Rukia instructed and both Tatsuki and Orihime gained a noticeable hint of Reiryoku around their bodies. Orihime’s was orange-ish in color while Tatsuki’s was yellow-ish, though faint traces of red or orange were seen occasionally. “Good, you’re both progressing well.” Rukia praised her unexpected students. She’d noticed that Tatsuki had taken to Hakuda like a fish to water. The girl was clearly some kind of prodigy in the Martial Arts. Orihime was a hard worker and had progressed well in only a week, as well. The gentle teen didn’t like hurting others, but her techniques were coming along nicely. If she were a Shinigami, Rukia would bet money on Orihime having a high affinity for Kidō.

“Should we keep working on the three techniques you showed us?” Tatsuki asked her current instructor. Orihime was looking curious as well.

“Yes,” Rukia nodded to the pair. “Practice them together for now while I try and teach Ichigo some more Kidō.”

“I wish I were a Shinigami…” Orihime looked absolutely adorable as she pouted, her cheeks puffed out slightly. “I want to cast spells! It would be so amazing!” Rukia and Tatsuki both smiled at the orangette and her airhead moment. She knew she couldn’t use Kidō without Shinigami Reiryoku. But Orihime thought the Kidō were amazing and had wanted to learn them.

“Come on, Hime-chan.” Tatsuki kissed her girlfriend’s cheek. “Let’s go practice a bit. We’ll watch Rukia and Ichigo cast their spells when they get to it, okay?”

“Okay…” Orihime agreed with her pout lessening. How could she be so adorable?! Tatsuki hugged her and led her away to an open spot where they could practice Ikkotsu, Tesshō, and Taketonbo.

Rukia turned to head towards Ichigo, but she stopped and smirked when she caught him watching his girlfriends walk in the other direction. It was obvious where Ichigo’s eyes were. The orange-haired young man’s gaze was firmly stuck on the swaying hips and lovely bottoms of his girlfriends. Rukia stifled a chuckle when he finally broke his gaze and turned to see her watching him. Ichigo raised an eyebrow, as if asking ‘What?’ and Rukia simply shook her head at him.

“Are you ready to try out some more Kidō now, Ichigo?” Rukia gave him a challenging smirk.

“Of course.” Ichigo returned her challenging look with one of his own.

“Very well,” Rukia nodded and began to instruct her Substitute. “We’ll start with Hadō, as you seem to lean more towards it than Bakudō. This spell is number eighteen on the list. It is known as Kaze Kiru or Wind Slash. Coating the blade of your Zanpakutō with this spell, you’ll then swing your sword. From the blade an arc of wind will be launched and slice into or through your target. Alternatively you can use your hand to cast the spell, but its effects will be diminished. This is one of the few Hadō that can be ‘overloaded’ with extra Reiryoku and not automatically explode in the user’s face. More power, so long as it’s properly controlled, will only make this spell stronger.”

“Sounds right up my alley.” Ichigo noted and Rukia agreed with a smile.

“It’s one of the reasons I picked it. That and you need a ranged attack. Not all Hollows fight at close-range. Some will fight at a distance with their own abilities.” Rukia informed him and Ichigo took in the information with a serious expression. “Now, the incantation for this Hadō is as follows. Stillness, silent, the dawn breaks. Rushing forward, the whispers become a roar.”

“I think I’ve got it.” Ichigo ran over the incantation in his head a few times.

“I’ll demonstrate first and then we’ll move onto the Bakudō.” Rukia stated as she turned to face a series of concrete bollards that were set up along the backside of the hospital. Back when the building had been in use, they would have kept vehicles from running into the walls of the building. “Stillness, silent, the dawn breaks. Rushing forward, the whispers become a roar. Hadō Number Eighteen: Kaze Kiru!” Rukia’s hand was enveloped in a tightly swirling gale of wind. With a swipe of her arm the gale leapt from her hand and formed an arc of slightly glowing air. The arc moved at speed and passed through the top portion of the furthest bollard. The arc vanished into the air a half second after striking its target. The top of the bollard slid off and fell to the ground, smoothly and cleanly sliced through by the Hadō.

“Okay, that’s pretty cool.” Ichigo admitted with a grin. Off to the side Orihime’s eyes were sparkling as she watched. Tatsuki stood beside her, holding back a giggle at how absolutely enthralled Orihime was by Kidō.

“Glad you think so,” Rukia chuckled, she was just happy she could use a Kidō of that level again. It was too bad that she’d only be able to demonstrate the Bakudō next and then she’d be out of power for the day. “Are you ready for the Bakudō now?”

“I’m ready.” Ichigo nodded, ready to commit another incantation to memory.

“This Bakudō is fourth on the list. While it isn’t the strongest, it is a very useful spell depending on how you apply it.” Rukia explained as she chose a target. “I’ll demonstrate now, so pay attention to the incantation.”

“Got it.” Ichigo responded as he watched Rukia carefully.

“Bright lights. Threads bound. The autumn is gathered. Bakudō Number Four: Hainawa!” Rukia chanted and a bright yellow rope was formed in her hands. It crackled slightly, being pure Reiryoku converting to Reishi, before Rukia directed it at Ichigo!

“What the hell?!” Ichigo cried out as the Bakudō rapidly twisted around him. With a grunt Ichigo fell to the dirt as his legs were tied together. The crackling stopped as the spell solidified into a Reishi rope around his body.

“Hahahaha!” Tatsuki’s loud laughter was heard. Jerking his head up just enough to see what was going on, Ichigo grumbled when he saw Tatsuki pointing at him and laughing. Orihime seemed a little concerned, though her eyes were brightly shining as she beheld the Bakudō. “That was great, Rukia!” Tatsuki gave the Shinigami woman thumbs up along with a big smile.

“Glad you approve.” Rukia chuckled to the Martial Artist. Ichigo noticed that the petite woman was breathing a bit harder and that sweat had formed on her forehead. It wasn’t hard to figure out that Rukia had already used up her Reiryoku for the day. With a swipe of her hand over his bound form, Rukia released her Bakudō and Ichigo was able to get up.

“Ha ha, very funny.” Ichigo snarked and Rukia gave him a smirk.

“Give Kaze Kiru a try first.” Rukia instructed and Ichigo exhaled to calm himself. He’d get her back when he got his own Hainawa working! She’d never see it coming! With his revenge plotted, Ichigo set to work.

Drawing his Zanpakutō, Ichigo thought back on the incantation, running over it in his head one more time he began to chant. “Stillness, silent, the dawn breaks. Rushing forward, the whispers become a roar. Hadō Number Eighteen: Kaze Kiru!” The condensed gale of wind formed along the length of Ichigo’s blade. With a sideways swipe, the gale formed a cutting arc of glowing air that cut through his targeted bollard without slowing down. Then continued and sliced into the concrete wall of the abandoned hospital behind it! A thin line appeared on the concrete, perfectly straight across the wall.

“Well…” Rukia coughed into her fist. The violet-eyed woman was clearly stunned by the immediate success. “That went much better than I expected. Good work, Ichigo, you do seem to have an affinity for Hadō.”

“That was even easier than Tō Nigi.” Ichigo blinked at his success. “I didn’t have to focus on control as much for that spell. I just focused on the effect, chanted the incantation, and provided Reiryoku. The spell almost seemed to do the rest itself.”

“Then we’ll work on refining your control over it so you don’t accidentally cut anything you don’t want to from now on.” Rukia stated, having gotten over her surprise.

“Ichigo! That was awesome!” Orihime cheered for him, bouncing on her heels. Ichigo smiled at his excited girlfriend. The movement of her breasts, a bit too large to be fully restrained by the sports bra, was very nice. Tatsuki gave him a grin too, before settling Orihime down, the motions of their girlfriend’s assets just as distracting for Tatsuki as Ichigo.

“I might have more trouble with Bakudō. I still can’t make a Shisho that lasts for the full twelve seconds.” Ichigo sheathed his Zanpakutō and did a slow breath, inhaling and exhaling to concentrate. Taking aim at one of the many bollards, Ichigo began to chant again. “Bright lights. Threads bound. The autumn is gathered. Bakudō Number Four: Hainawa!” The bright, crackling rope of Reiryoku formed in Ichigo’s hands. With a push he directed it at his target. The rope lashed out, like a whip, and tore a small chunk out of the concrete pole! Ichigo dispersed the spell and the Hainawa faded away.

“I…I’m not sure what to say,” Rukia admitted as she looked at the damaged bollard. “I know that Kidō can fail, explode, or not work as intended if they aren’t cast and controlled properly. But this is the first time I’ve ever seen a Hainawa do damage like this…” She turned to her Substitute with a bemused look.

“I just performed it like you told me.” Ichigo shrugged, he couldn’t understand why his Hainawa hadn’t worked properly.

“That didn’t do anything even close to what Rukia’s did.” Tatsuki commented as she and Orihime approached the two Shinigami. “What happened?”

“We’re not sure,” Rukia shook her head still looking between the bollard and Ichigo. “But it’s obvious that Ichigo is going to need more practice with this spell than with the Kaze Kiru.”

“Well, it sounds like you have your plan for the day then, Ichigo!” Orihime smiled brightly, she was good at looking on the bright side.

“I guess so.” Ichigo ran his right hand through his hair with a sigh.

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out, Ichigo.” Tatsuki assured him with a confident smile. Ichigo couldn’t help but smile back at his girlfriend. Her confidence in him was always a boost. With that, Ichigo focused and began to practice with Hainawa. Rukia took Orihime and Tatsuki far enough away to be well out of range and began to go over Hakuda with them again.

-Lunch-

As the four were sitting on the blanket and eating together, Ichigo lamented his lack of progress. Hainawa continued to act more like a whip than the binding rope it was supposed to be. He’d broken two of the bollards with his practice already! He just couldn’t figure out what he was doing wrong with the spell.

“So, did you seek him out this time or did he roll over to you?” Orihime asked Rukia about their ‘accidental cuddles’ as she’d taken to calling them. When Rukia blushed and didn’t look like she was going to answer, Tatsuki snickered and made the easy guess.

“It seems like Rukia went looking for Ichigo in her sleep this time.” Tatsuki teased the Shinigami woman playfully. “I can’t blame her though. It’s a nice, restful sleep when you’re cuddled up with Ichigo.” Rukia refused to look up from her food. That just made both Orihime and Tatsuki giggle more.

“Ichigo’s hands wander sometimes when he sleeps too.” Orihime took on an adorable ‘thinking pose’ as she placed her index finger against her cheek. “I like it, but it might startle Rukia-chan.” Tatsuki quickly noticed Rukia start and cough as she was eating. A devious grin made its way onto her face.

“Ichigo, are you groping Rukia at night?” Tatsuki leaned against her boyfriend’s back. Her breasts pressing into him while her arms wrapped around his shoulders and her hands explored his chest.

“It was completely accidental!” Ichigo defended himself, turning his head to meet Tatsuki’s eyes over his shoulder.

“Oh, I believe you,” Tatsuki kissed his cheek. “But you don’t want to rush Rukia. Even if I want to get my hands on her a little too~” She blew against his ear lightly.

“Me too!” Orihime raised her right hand into the air. Rukia hid her face behind her hands!

“You’re both getting a bit forward, aren’t you?” Ichigo raised an eyebrow at his girlfriends. “Rukia’s hiding already.”

“Alright, alright, we’ll be good.” Tatsuki grinned as she kissed Ichigo’s cheek once more before sitting next to Orihime again.

“Thank you.” Rukia spoke up after peeking through her fingers to make sure the teasing was over. She got gentle smiles from all three of her friends in return as they finished their lunch.

After their lunch was done, Ichigo went back to practicing with Hainawa. Unfortunately his attempts weren’t any better than before. The crackling rope of Reiryoku formed fine, but its actions were completely off from its purpose. Ichigo was racking his brain as he tried to figure out the problem. Maybe it had to do with how he thought about the spell? Or was it that he wasn’t forming it correctly?

“I hate seeing Ichigo struggling so much like this.” Orihime remarked with a frown on her pretty features. “He’s trying so hard and it’s just not working for him.”

“Ichigo does seem to hold more of an affinity to Hadō than Bakudō.” Rukia informed the duo with a calculating look in her eyes. “Perhaps his Reiryoku is acting on that affinity instead of the intention of the spell?”

“I wonder if there’s anything we can do to help?” Tatsuki pondered as she watched Ichigo’s latest attempt at Hainawa finally break the bollard he’d been targeting the last few attempts.

“Maybe Ichigo just needs some more motivation?” Orihime tilted her head cutely. “If he had a reason to get the spell right maybe he’d do better?”

“Like a reset for his thoughts, something to help him think differently?” Tatsuki looked thoughtful, wondering if Orihime was onto something.

“What would you do to accomplish that?” Rukia looked intrigued. She wanted Ichigo to succeed too.

“Hmm,” Tatsuki hummed as she thought. She noticed Orihime bouncing on her heels as the orangette tried to think of something herself. Naturally Tatsuki’s eyes headed south to the bouncing bosom of her girlfriend. Watching Orihime’s breasts bounce distracted Tatsuki for several seconds before she shook herself out of it. “Wait… Maybe that could work?” Both Orihime and Rukia turned to Tatsuki with curious looks. Tatsuki gently pulled Orihime closer and whispered into the orangette’s ear. Orihime’s eyes went wide for a moment, then they sparkled, this was followed by giggling and Orihime rapidly nodding.

The two teens walked over to the brainstorming Ichigo. He looked up at them and smiled. Both girls grinned and pulled him into a hug. Ichigo’s arms wrapped around their waists and pulled them closer. The three enjoyed their closeness, just enjoying their time together and everything that meant. With warm smiles they pulled away from each other. Rukia couldn’t help but smile at the love she was seeing. It was sweet and she felt warmth in her chest at the sight. Tatsuki and Orihime said something to Ichigo that made her Substitute jerk back in surprise, it seemed. He looked over at her and then back to Orihime and Tatsuki. More words were exchanged, including some hand movements from Tatsuki. After a few more words, Tatsuki and Orihime retreated back to Rukia’s side, both giggling.

“What was that?” Rukia questioned the giggling young women.

“Oh, we just gave Ichigo some motivation to succeed, that’s all.” Tatsuki chuckled, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Yep!” Orihime was all smiles and giggles as the three of them watched on.

Ichigo’s next attempt at Hainawa ended the same way all of his previous attempts had. The bollard was missing another small chunk from the pole.

“Try again, Ichigo! You can do it!” Orihime cheered her boyfriend on, both hands in the air. The next attempt still damaged the bollard and this time it was Tatsuki that spoke up.

“Come on, Ichigo! Don’t you want your reward?” Tatsuki called out teasingly to her boyfriend. Ichigo squared his shoulders and turned to face them. Rukia blinked at the serious look on Ichigo’s face while Orihime and Tatsuki both chuckled.

“Bright lights. Threads bound. The autumn is gathered. Bakudō Number Four: Hainawa!” Ichigo chanted clearly and with purpose. The crackling Reiryoku rope formed and Ichigo sent it towards the bollard. The spell wrapped around the concrete pole and the crackling stopped as the Reiryoku converted into solid Reishi. The spell stayed in effect once completed, leaving the bollard wrapped in the bright yellow Reishi rope.

“You did it!” Orihime cheered, jumping up and down as she threw her hands up into the air. The beaming smile she sent Ichigo almost outshone the sun!

“Figures he just needed a challenge with a clear goal and reward.” Tatsuki smirked confidently as she and Orihime headed back towards Ichigo at a jog. Rukia shook her head, happy that Ichigo had succeeded, but still confused about what this rewardfrom Tatsuki and Orihime was going to be. She started to walk over at a normal pace by the time the two girls had reached their boyfriend. She grinned as Ichigo kissed Tatsuki’s lips and then pulled Orihime close for a kiss of her own. They were good together, even with her lack of romantic experience she could tell that much.

“So what’s this rewar…” Rukia trailed off. Her face went incandescent. She slapped her hands over her eyes, though she left space to peek between her fingers. She could only see from behind the two girls, but that didn’t prevent her from knowing what they were doing!

Both Tatsuki and Orihime had pulled their sports bras up and let their breasts free to Ichigo’s gaze. Rukia could see the edges of Orihime’s bountiful breasts from behind the orangette! Ichigo’s entire focus was on his girlfriends as he pulled them both close and kissed them. The three lovers quickly got a bit handsy with each other. Pleasurable mewls and coos were easily heard from Rukia’s distance as Ichigo lavished attention on his girlfriends’ breasts. After several long moments of the reward, Ichigo pulled away and Tatsuki pulled her sports bra back on properly. Orihime got a little help from both Tatsuki and Ichigo and was soon clothed properly again too.

“Now that you’ve done it once, you should have no problems doing it again, right?” Tatsuki challenged Ichigo with a smirk. Ichigo smirked back at her and the two engaged in a stare down. After a moment, Ichigo moved forward and pecked her lips. Tatsuki grinned at him before playfully pushing him towards the bollards to practice. The first Hainawa had already faded away while they’d been rewarding him.

“I can’t believe you two…” Rukia was still blushing from what she had witnessed.

“It wasn’t anything bad, Rukia.” Orihime smiled at the petite Shinigami. “We’re in a secluded place that no one will come to. It’s okay to be a little daring, right?”

“Are you two so set on me joining your relationship that you’d show me that?” Rukia questioned as she removed her hands from her face. Her eyes demanded a serious answer from them.

“We think you’d be a good fit, Rukia.” Tatsuki spoke up, her voice even and controlled. No playfulness or hint of teasing. “Orihime and I are only making sure that you know we’re open to the idea of you joining. We wanted you to know that we are serious about that. However, if you do not wish to be involved in this relationship, you only have to say so, all the teasing and offers will stop right then and there.”

“We’ll accept whatever choice you make, Rukia-chan.” Orihime smiled softly at the ravenette. “We just wanted you to know we’d welcome you with open arms.” Orihime and Tatsuki both bowed to Rukia in apology. “We’re both very sorry if we’ve made you uncomfortable in anyway. We hope you can forgive us if we have.”

“It’s fine,” Rukia sighed, before smiling gently at the two teens. “I appreciate the offer, really I do, but I’d like a bit more time to think about this. I’ve never had a relationship before. To suddenly enter into yours would be completely foreign territory for me. I just need some time to get to know you three a bit better before I make any such decisions.”

“That’s not a ‘No’, right?” Orihime looked hopeful, her brown eyes bright with happiness.

“It’s a ‘Maybe’, Orihime.” Rukia chuckled at the bouncy orangette.

“We’ll take it.” Tatsuki smiled brightly, a chuckle escaping her too.

‘They’re not bad or trying to force me into anything.’ Rukia thought to herself with a smile. ‘Honestly, they’re more like a toned down version of a certain voluptuous, orangette, Shinigami I know…’ She shook her head to clear that thought. Imagining the cute Orihime acting like her was just too much!

The last few hours of the day were spent with Ichigo practicing with Hainawa to make sure he could perform the Bakudō correctly. Tatsuki and Orihime both continued with their Reiryoku Control and the three Hakuda techniques. When the sun began to set the four of them left the abandoned hospital together. Ichigo walked Orihime and Tatsuki home, leaving both of his girlfriends with sweet goodnight kisses. With Ichigo’s help, Rukia was boosted up into his bedroom through the window. Ichigo entered through the front door as normal only to have to duck a kick! With a growl he grabbed his dad and slammed him into the floor.

“Excellent work, my son, I have…nothing left…to teach you.” Isshin exclaimed, over dramatically, as he lie on the floor.

“One day, old man, can you knock it off for at least one day?!” Ichigo grumbled at his weird father. The family sat down for dinner shortly afterwards. Ichigo thought he faintly heard the shower upstairs, but the clinic was built in such a way that most sounds were muffled. It was meant to keep any patients from being disturbed that might be in the clinic. Ichigo was just thankful it worked out in his and Rukia’s favor. After dinner, Ichigo took some extra food and some tea up to his room for Rukia.

“Thank you, Ichigo.” Rukia smiled at her Substitute as she sat at his desk to eat.

“It’s no problem.” Ichigo assured the violet-eyed Shinigami. He gathered his pajamas and headed for the bathroom. After a shower, Ichigo spent several minutes just relaxing in the tub. Today had been a good day. He’d learned two new Kidō, spent time with Tatsuki and Orihime, and there hadn’t been any orders from Soul Society about Hollows. All in all, this was a productive day, one that Ichigo felt pretty good about. When Ichigo returned to his room, Rukia was flipping through her Soul Pager. “What’s up?”

“A message about unusual detections in District 3600.” Rukia informed him as she read the message. “Apparently trace amounts of Hollow Reiryoku have been detected on and off over the last two days. Not enough to actually be a Hollow though. It’s odd, but we’ll need to be on the lookout for anything strange. We could have an older Hollow, one that’s intelligent, skulking around Karakura.”

“That’s just what I need.” Ichigo sighed with a grimace. “I think I’m going to turn in early. I used up a good amount of Reiryoku today.”

“That’s not a bad idea.” Rukia agreed and Ichigo climbed into his bed. He was getting the pillow wall set up when Rukia stopped him. “Don’t worry about that.” Seeing the perplexed look on Ichigo’s face she elaborated. “It obviously doesn’t stop either of us. So there’s no point in doing it, right?”

“I guess?” Ichigo shrugged as Rukia placed the extra pillows back in the closet.

“Glad you agree.” Rukia chuckled as she lay down in the bed next to him. In the darkened room the two lay next to each other for a few minutes. “Aren’t you going to do your usual cuddling?” She questioned with an expectant tone. Or that was how Ichigo interpreted it at least.

“Do you want me to?” Ichigo asked as he turned to lie on his side, facing her.

“It’s alright, Ichigo.” Rukia looked at him over her shoulder. Her violet eyes gave him a warm look. To prove her point, she scooted back slightly, closing the distance between them a little.

“Okay.” Ichigo nodded to Rukia with a soft smile. He pressed himself against her back. He carefully placed his right arm around her waist. Their height difference had him gently rest his head on top of her soft black locks. The two both let out small sighs as the warmth between them became pleasant. It was little surprise that they were both asleep quickly.

-Morning-

‘Okay, I admit it, this is nice.’ Rukia thought to herself as she awoke all warm and comfortable again. Ichigo was holding her close, his gentle breaths ghosting through her raven hair. Her Reiryoku had recovered a bit more, but the speed of her recovery had slowed considerably from what it was. ‘I need to figure out why it’s slowing down so much.’

“Good morning, Rukia.” Ichigo murmured into her hair quietly. His arm around her waist pulled her into a hug and Rukia felt a smile form on her lips automatically.

“Good morning, Ichigo.” Rukia returned as she leaned her head back into his chest a bit.

“I guess it’s time to get up?” Ichigo grumbled playfully.

“We do have school today.” Rukia agreed with a chuckle. Ichigo removed his arm from her waist and Rukia sat up. The ravenette moved her legs over the side and stood up. She stretched, raising her arms over her head, and sighed when she got a satisfying pop.

“You’re staring at my butt again, aren’t you?” Rukia questioned without turning to look at Ichigo.

“It’s kind of hard not to when it’s right in front of me.” Ichigo replied with a chuckle as he sat up.

“Orihime and Tatsuki have obviously spoiled you.” Rukia looked back over her shoulder at him with a teasing grin. Ichigo snorted lightly, suppressing a laugh, as he stood from the bed.

“Possibly…” Ichigo admitted as he also stretched, rolling his neck a bit.

The two went about their morning routine after that. With showers taken, Ichigo ate breakfast with his family. He met Rukia a bit down the street and he bought her a breakfast wrap from the same shop on the way. She liked the item and it was, technically, one of the better options for breakfast on the menu. They met up with Orihime and Tatsuki on the way and the four chatted as they walked to school together again.

“Is Chad not here today?” Ichigo questioned Keigo and Mizuiro when he noticed Chad not in his seat.

“Maybe he’s sick?” Mizuiro suggested as they waited for homeroom to start.

“I don’t remember Chad ever being sick before.” Keigo thought back through the time he’d known the tall teen.

“Huh…” Ichigo muttered as he wondered if there was a first time for everything.

-Lunch-

“Oh thank you, lovely Miss Kuchiki, for gracing us with your presence again this day!” Keigo energetically praised Rukia for joining the boys during lunch. Rukia smiled slightly at the welcome, but thought the teen was being a bit overboard in his actions.

“Shut up, Keigo.” Ichigo rolled his eyes at the overly excitable goof. Rukia was sitting next to him, eating the lunch he’d bought for her. Had anyone been paying attention to it, they’d have noticed the two were a good deal closer to each other than last time. They were still at a polite, respectful distance, but bordering on the edge of that strongly.

“Hey guys.” Chad greeted everyone on the roof. The large young man was bandaged up and carrying a bird in a cage, for some reason.

“Chad!” Keigo greeted him with a worried tone. “Dude, what happened to you?”

“I got hit by a motorcycle on the way to school.” Chad shrugged, as if that was just a normal thing to happen. “The rider was pretty hurt, so I carried him to the hospital.”

“Your toughness never ceases to amaze, Chad.” Mizuiro shook his head in stunned disbelief.

“What’s with the bird?” Keigo blinked at the parakeet in the cage.

“Hello mister, my name’s Shibata Yuuichi, what’s yours?” The parakeet greeted Keigo.

“Dude! That’s amazing! It speaks so well! Almost like a person!” Keigo gushed over the talking bird excitedly.

Ichigo froze up when the bird spoke. His senses were telling him something was off about the bird. He stared at the animal with trepidation and his left fist clenched tightly. Rukia’s hand covering his clenched fist snapped him out of it.

“It’s alright,” Rukia gave him a subdued look. “It’s not dangerous, probably just a lonely soul. We’ll Konsō it tonight, so that it doesn’t attract Hollows.”

“Yeah, okay.” Ichigo nodded as he watched Chad feed the parakeet.

A few hours later and school had ended. Ichigo, as normal, had walked Orihime and Tatsuki home. Rukia had decided to make today a break from training. Ichigo needed to rest just like anyone else, after all. As they approached the Kurosaki clinic they both noticed the commotion going on. Moving forward quickly Ichigo entered the clinic and saw multiple people filling the beds in the treatment area. Yuzu and Karin were helping move people into beds or giving them what treatment they could.

“What’s going on?” Ichigo questioned, he’d never seen the clinic so busy before. “What happened?”

“A big car accident down the block!” Yuzu informed him as she rushed passed with supplies.

“We’re running out of space!” Karin called out as she went outside as an ambulance pulled up to the clinic with another injured person.

“What do you mean you can’t take them?!” Isshin yelled into the phone. “We’re a small clinic, we can’t handle this many people! You tell Dr. Ishida that Kurosaki Isshin is asking and he’ll find you some beds!” With that he slammed the phone down. “Idiots!”

“Uh, dad, is there anything I can do?” Ichigo questioned.

“Sit in the corner and stay out of the way!” Isshin replied and Ichigo felt slightly offended that he wasn’t considered useful for a situation like this.

“Guys, I’ve got a big patient this time!” Karin called out from the doorway. Ichigo and Isshin both moved to help and Ichigo started when he saw who Karin was trying to help.

“Chad?” Ichigo questioned his friend as he took him from Karin.

“Ichigo?” Chad responded with a grunt. Ichigo briefly noticed that Chad was still carrying the parakeet in the cage with him.

Several minutes later and Chad was being treated for injuries. Both Ichigo and Rukia, who had stayed out of the way and went, unnoticed in the frantic setting, felt their eyes widen at the wound that was revealed on Chad’s back. It was an angry red, large, claw-shaped mark that was similar to a burn. Rukia knew that kind of injury. That was the mark of a Hollow!

“You’re in rough shape, young man.” Isshin stated as he cleaned the injury and started bandaging it up. He was able to mask his own reaction to the injury, but he knew what had caused it. “You’ll need to take it easy for a bit for this to heal.”

“Thanks, but I’m fine now.” Chad replied as he stood up and tried to put his shirt back on. He seemed to be in a rush, as if he couldn’t stay in one place for long.

“The hell you are!” Isshin put his foot down on the matter. “You’ll stay in this bed and rest, even if I have to sedate you!” Chad was reluctant but complied with Isshin’s demands. The parakeet remained silent in its cage on the side table the whole time. Ichigo and Rukia retreated to his room to talk.

“A Hollow is after Chad? Why?” Ichigo questioned and Rukia looked contemplative.

“He has a bit of Reiryoku, but it’s not so much that he should be able to perceive Pluses. So it’s not like he’d be a target normally.” Rukia considered the situation. “It might be the soul in the parakeet. But I didn’t feel any real strength from it. It feels like a child.”

“Could we track down the Hollow before it strikes again?” Ichigo asked Rukia, he wanted to keep one of his oldest friends safe. He and Chad had been friends since first year of Junior High. He wasn’t about to let some Hollow kill his friend!

“There is a Bakudō for tracking down and locating targets.” Rukia nodded to Ichigo. “But if I use it, I’ll be almost out of Reiryoku.”

Before any further discussion could be had, a cry of shock came from downstairs. Ichigo was out of his room and halfway down the stairs before the cry even ended! Rushing to the clinic he found Yuzu, Karin, and Isshin staring at the empty bed that Chad had been occupying. The parakeet and cage were gone too, Ichigo noticed.

“What is wrong with that boy?!” Isshin demanded loudly. “Ichigo! Go find him and bring him back here! He’s not ready to be up and about yet!” He pointed to the door and Ichigo nodded. He didn’t need any further reason! Without hesitation Ichigo quickly put on his shoes and dashed out of the clinic. Once he was a good distance away, he popped a Gikon into his mouth.

“What do you need?” Pupples inquired as he ran alongside the now Shinigami Ichigo.

“Follow at a distance. I may need to use my body quickly after this is over.” Ichigo instructed the temporary soul.

“Yes sir.” Pupples nodded in understanding as he slowed his own speed until he and Ichigo were almost one hundred meters apart.

“Ichigo!” Rukia called out as she came running out of a side street. “Orders!” She held up her Soul Pager and Ichigo’s eyes narrowed. That proved a Hollow was hunting Chad and the soul inside the parakeet!

“Where did they go?” Ichigo questioned as they slowed down at an intersection.

“The Hollow is on the move, the delay between its movements and Squad Twelve’s sensors is going to leave us chasing shadows!” Rukia grit her teeth, her violet eyes looking down each of the streets of the intersection.

“Then I won’t look for the Hollow!” Ichigo stated as he exhaled and closed his eyes. Rukia felt her eyes widen as shock nearly overtook her. All around her Reiraku, or Spirit Ribbons, were forming as Ichigo reached out with his Reiryoku to sense every soul he could. She noticed Ichigo’s own dark red spirit ribbon. All Shinigami had red Reiraku, so that was no surprise. More and more of the white ribbons associated with normal souls continued to form as Ichigo searched. Rukia even saw her own faded-red ribbon from her diminished powers. It looked very light-red, just a few shades above pink.

“Impossible…” Rukia breathed out. “Are you really going to try and find the child’s soul? It would be partially eclipsed by the bird’s soul… How could you…?” Her muttering was cut off as Ichigo reached out and grabbed one of the white ribbons that had formed. His eyes snapped open and a smirk was on his face.

“Got you!” Ichigo stated as he sprinted down the left street. The Reiraku all dispersed and Rukia dashed after Ichigo. Had she looked behind her, Rukia may have noticed some red among all the white Reiraku.

-Chad-

“It’ll be fine. I’ll keep you safe, Yuuichi.” Chad spoke to the parakeet as he continued to run. The wound on his back hurt, but he could deal with it. Every time this thing came after him, he was able to see a faint haze. It got slightly clearer each time too.

“Mister, please, just leave me behind! Run away!” The parakeet kept repeating as Chad swerved to the right and the wall he’d been running beside was cracked by a strong blow. Seeing the blurry haze again Chad switched Yuuichi’s cage to his left hand and lashed out with his right fist!

“Arrrgh!” Something cried out in pain.

“I hit it?” Chad blinked as the hazy thing retreated from him a bit. It was odd though. He could hit it, but he heard it like its cry was muffled behind something. He didn’t understand what this thing was at all. Yuuichi just called it a monster.

“You can see me?” The muffled voice questioned. Chad threw another punch but the haze wasn’t solid, it was like trying to punch when you only vaguely knew where your opponent was. “Guess not?” A blast went off on Chad’s leg and he took a knee. Blood was running from the injury. “Well, this has been fun, but I’ve worked up an appetite now.” More blasts went off over Chad’s body, leaving the teen a bleeding mess. Still he refused to fall completely, staring defiantly at the approaching haze.

“Yuuichi, you need to get out of here.” Chad spoke to the parakeet as he opened the door to the cage.

“Mister!” The parakeet cried out, refusing to leave the kind teen alone. Chad heaved forward and got as close to the haze as possible. With as much strength as he could manage, he sent and uppercut at where he was sure the monster was at. His fist connected and the haze went staggering back!

“Damn it! Again?!” The hazy monster cried out in pain. “Can you see me or not?!”

“I can see you just fine!” Ichigo roared out as he slashed at the Hollow. It stood at around three or more meters in height. It had an ape-like body and seemed to prefer a quadrupedal stance. It also had shaggy black fur around its neck and shoulders, with two lines arcing toward the center of its chest on either side of its torso.  The Hollow’s mask was vertically long and narrow, with thick and exposed teeth framed by black, flame-like markings, a skull-like nose, a large and circular chin, and a forehead with a half-circle indent at the top.

“Shinigami, huh?” The Hollow chuckled as it leapt away from the attack. “You’ll be number three!”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Ichigo demanded as he faced down the intelligent Hollow.

“I hunt and kill everyone that tries to help that brat!” The Hollow admitted sadistically. “That includes the last two Shinigami that tried to save him! So that’ll make you the third Shinigami I devour!”

“Not if I hack that ugly mask of yours in half first!” Ichigo retorted as he glared at the Hollow.

“You say that as if I’ll let you!” The Hollow mocked and Ichigo noticed multiple small creatures leap over the walls that lined the street. They were green and spotted, with large heads. The little creatures then fired what appeared to be leeches from their heads! Ichigo leapt away and the leeches all landed on the concrete. The Hollow stuck out an oddly forked tongue and produced an odd sound. The leeches on the ground glowed and then exploded, knocking Ichigo back from the force.

“Shrieker, a Hollow on the Bounty List.” Rukia stated and the Hollow looked behind Ichigo to see a young woman with black hair, wearing casual clothing of a blue t-shirt and white pants. “For a relatively young Hollow, he’s made a nuisance of himself.”

“Oh, I’m infamous again?” Shrieker’s eyes narrowed behind his mask. “How wonderful! Just like when I was alive!” He laughed dementedly.

“You remember who you were?” Ichigo’s eyes widened, he’d never met an intelligent Hollow that remembered its human life!

“Of course I do!” Shrieker chuckled darkly. “I was an infamous serial killer. I had eight kills to my name! The cops didn’t have a clue who I was and could never catch me! I was too smart! That brat’s mother was my last score! She was a sweet one! I stabbed her a dozen times and she just kept trying to protect her child! It was beautiful! I chased her out onto the balcony and finished her off! Then I was going to kill the brat too, but he grabbed my shoe and made me trip! I fell five stories and died! Can you imagine how pissed I was?! Offed by a damn brat!”

“You’re sick, you damn psycho!” Ichigo growled at the Hollow.

“Hahahahaha!” Shrieker laughed loudly at the accusation. “I refused to go down so easily, boy! I wasn’t going to let my rein end because of a little brat! I became a Hollow and sucked out his soul! Then I stuffed him in the bird and told him I’d bring his precious mother back to life if he could run from me for three months!”

“You can’t do that.” Rukia stated coldly, already knowing such a thing was impossible.

“Doesn’t matter!” Shrieker laughed maliciously. “He still tries and I get the thrill of the chase again!”

During this lull in attacks, the injured Chad had scooped up Yuuichi’s cage and dragged himself around the nearest corner. The injuries he’d sustained were bad and he couldn’t fight well right now. He thought he heard the monster talking to someone or something else, but it was hard to hear it from up close, so at a distance it might as well have been static to his ears. He needed just a moment, and then he’d stand up and get Yuuichi out of here.

“Now, Shinigami, let’s make you number three!” Shrieker chuckled as the little creatures started popping out of the woodwork! They were everywhere! On top of the walls, on the street, it was a veritable army of the things! They all launched the explosive leeches in a high arc, filling the air with disgusting, writhing masses of living bombs!

“Ichigo, get behind me!” Rukia yelled out instructions and Ichigo, not seeing any reason to deny her, leapt backwards as fast as he could. He heard Rukia chanting, far faster than he thought could be done, as the leech bombs closed in on them. “Ye lord! Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws. Hadō Number Thirty-Three: Sōkatsui!” From Rukia’s palm a bright blue blaze of fire emerged. It filled the street and incinerated the leeches and the little creatures that fired them! The conflagration raced towards the stunned Shrieker.

“You’re a Shinigami too?!” Shrieker screamed as he was engulfed.

“Rukia!” Ichigo called out as she hit her knees and almost collapsed. He caught her as she panted for breath, her face sweaty, and her bangs matted to her forehead. “Are you okay?!”

“I’ll…be fine…Ichigo.” Rukia’s breathing was ragged. She’d poured everything she had into that spell.

“Aaaarrrrggghhh! Hot! Damn it, that hurts!” Shrieker howled as he stumbled out of the smoke. His fur was burned off and he was stumbling in pain. Ichigo’s eyes hardened as he gently set Rukia against the nearest wall. “Damn it! Shit! I’ve got to get out of here!” With that Shrieker revealed that he had wings! With a leap and a strong series of flaps, the Hollow was airborne.

“Where do you think you’re going?!” Ichigo roared as he pointed at the fleeing Hollow. “Bright lights. Threads bound. The autumn is gathered! Bakudō Number Four: Hainawa!” From Ichigo’s outstretched hand the crackling Reiryoku rope formed and was launched at the flying Hollow. The spell easily outpaced the injured Shrieker and wrapped around him.

“What?! No! Get off!” Shrieker howled in defiance. The Bakudō wrapped his wings and arms to his torso, forcing the Hollow to plummet towards the ground and crash into the concrete. He tried to get up, and succeeded in getting to his knees. The Bakudō binding him was stronger than he could break, injured as he was.

“I usually feel good about purifying Hollows.” Ichigo spoke up as he closed in on Shrieker, his Zanpakutō at the ready. “But you, you were garbage before you ever died.”

“Get away! Get away!” Shrieker panicked and tried to hobble away from the Shinigami.

“You feel that? That fear? That sense of helplessness? That’s what your victims felt! Engrave that feeling into your rotten soul and disappear!” Ichigo yelled as he slashed his Zanpakutō through Shrieker’s mask. The mask split and cracked and the Hollow’s body began to break down. Ichigo noticed over a dozen souls, including two that were much larger than the others, leave the dispersing Hollow.

But then something odd happened, something Ichigo had never seen before.

Shrieker’s body stopped dispersing and reformed. The crack in his mask glowed with a bright light. Then that light leapt upwards like a bolt of lightning! In a flash a massive gate appeared. The solid doors had a skeleton on each side. Both skeletons were missing an arm, one the left the other the right. The arms they did have seemed to be holding the gates closed.

“No! Noooo!” Shrieker howled in panic and terror.

“What is that?” Ichigo wondered, only to get an answer.

“Hell…” Rukia replied, as she stood on shaky legs. “I told you once, that the Zanpakutō cleanses a Hollow of sins so that they can enter the Soul Society. But that is the limit of the Zanpakutō. For those that committed unforgivable actions while alive, only Hell awaits them. The gates are opening.”

Sure enough, as Ichigo turned back to look, the skeletons on either side appeared to open the gates. Ichigo felt a bone deep chill fill his body, even as a strange heat poured out of the gates. The gates were blocked off on the inside with thick, giant ropes, each covered in paper talismans. In less than a blink, a massive knife stabbed through Shrieker, silencing the Hollow’s screams. Ichigo noticed two large glowing eyes in the gloom passed the gates. A massive hand and forearm, covered by what looked like Tekkō armor and heavily tattooed, was holding the blade.

“HehehehahahaHAHAHAHA!!!” The being inside the gate laughed as it drew Shrieker into Hell. The gates were closed again and Ichigo felt all of the hairs on his body stand on end while a cold sweat was running down his face. The gates then appeared to gain cracks across their surface. The imposing gateway to Hell then shattered into thousands of tiny fragments that dispersed into black Reishi. The black Reishi quickly disappeared in the dying light of sunset.

“So…that was Hell…” Ichigo muttered and Rukia placed her hand on his shoulder.

“Yes, those that commit horrible crimes in life end up in Hell.” Rukia affirmed as she used his shoulder for support. “It’s always like that. Hell has its own Spiritual Pulse, or Reimyaku, that is far different than the Living World’s or Soul Society’s. It is not a place that any but the condemned should tread.”

“Do they stay in Hell forever?” Ichigo questioned, wondering if such a punishment was appropriate for all those that had been condemned there.

“The Balance of Souls suggests that they don’t.” Rukia shook her head, they both noticed Pupples, in Ichigo’s body, jogging towards them. “While only a very small percentage of souls go to Hell, the number of souls in the cycle very rarely changes. Only the Cycle of Reincarnation takes place as souls find new lives in either Living World or are reborn into the Soul Society itself. It is theorized that once a soul has served its punishment in Hell, it is also returned to the Cycle to be reborn.”

“I see.” Ichigo looked thoughtful. Pupples took Rukia and helped her walk as they moved around the corner and saw the injured Chad and the parakeet.

“It’s time for you to go, little one.” Rukia gave a small smile to the parakeet. A faint light emerged from the bird and formed into a child with brown hair. “The Hollow is gone and will never come after you or anyone else again.”

“Okay.” Yuuichi nodded to her.

“Hey, Yuuichi,” Chad spoke up, his eyes were clear and his consciousness was steady as he looked at the Plus. “Someday, when it’s my time to go over there, do you think I could carry you around again?”

“Sure, I’d like that, Mister!” Yuuichi smiled at Chad. “Thank you for protecting me.”

“No problem.” Chad smiled at the boy.

“Your mother is somewhere over there, kid.” Ichigo smiled at the boy. “I bet she’s hoping to see you again.” Yuuichi nodded as Ichigo tapped the kashira of his Zanpakutō against the boy’s forehead. The symbol formed and Yuuichi disappeared into the blue light as a Black Swallowtail Butterfly fluttered away once the Konsō was completed. Ichigo sheathed his Zanpakutō and then re-entered his body.

“Thanks, Ichigo.” Chad nodded to his friend, the large teen was clearly exhausted and feeling his injuries.

“Let’s get you back to the clinic, Chad.” Ichigo smiled at his friend. “Dad’s going to be pissed that you’re in worse shape than before you left.”

“Sorry.” Chad apologized.

-End Chapter-

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More Fluff! More Kidō! Some communication and understanding! All good things!

Some things are changing more as the butterfly flaps its wings! Where will these changes lead?

Ichigo met his first intelligent Hollow in Shrieker and promptly slayed him and sent the bastard to Hell!

What’s next for the Substitute Shinigami?

Keep reading to find out!

Until I get your reviews, later!