So... after a year and a half of not writing anything, here I go with a new story. First chapter is very short, but they will become longer as the story progresses. I'll try to update as often as I get inspiration. Hopefully you enjoy. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions.

CHAPTER 1: A Familiar Encounter

Ichigo Kurosaki sighed.

Closing the door to his room, he plopped down on his bed and stretched out, exhaling another deep breath. He had been doing that a lot lately.

It's not like he didn't enjoy living a normal life. Having an everyday routine was relaxing, and he savored the peace and quiet he got (when his dad wasn't trying to ambush him).

But 17 months after he had defeated Aizen at the cost of his shinigami powers, he felt something was missing. He didn't particularly miss having to fight hollows, but it seemed like the excitement in his life was completely gone. Although, he admitted, he wasn't a very exciting person to begin with. Still, he had his friends at school; they kept him entertained. He did odd jobs for the clubs at school and made decent money from it too. And he was still sparring with Tatsuki at the dojo every once in a while. He didn't have a girlfriend, it's not like he would go through the trouble to try and find one. He was already living a pretty damn good life, but he still felt incomplete, although he was loath to admit it. Despite his efforts to convince himself otherwise, the truth was that he missed all the friends he had made in Soul Society and wanted to see them again. He thought of the conversation he had the other day with Keigo.

"I wonder what Rukia-chan's up to…"

"What made her suddenly pop into your head?"

"Well it would be nice if she stopped by and said hi every once in a while, wouldn't it? She hasn't shown up once since everything happened. That's cold, isn't it?"

"No, it isn't. She's not even in charge of Karakura town.."

"You don't miss her?"

"There's no reason to."

He tried to tell himself he didn't need them. Tried to convince himself that he was glad it was over. For the longest time he had longed to live a life without the ability to see spirits, and he had finally gotten that wish. But for some reason, now that it had become reality, part of him wished that he could go back. He had been able to help so many along the way and forge so many new friendships, and now everything was gone. He never even had the chance to say proper goodbyes. If only things turned out differently…

Ichigo sighed. There was no point dwelling in the past, right? It was done. His time as a shinigami was passed, and he was destined to live out the rest of his life as a normal person. He had done his part for the spirit world. Like it or not, there was nothing he could do about it now. Deep inside, there was a part of him that envied Karin. Ever since he lost everything, his little sister's spirit powers had slowly been growing… it was all a matter of time before she could also become what he had once been.

Ichigo reached over to the table next to his bed and touched his substitute shinigami badge. It was now just a piece of carved wood; it could no longer separate his soul from his body or do anything else. He felt the familiar notches in the worn pendant and felt a rush of nostalgia. Those days will never come back, he thought. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the thoughts. Quit thinking about the past, he reprimanded himself. What's wrong with you today?

Ichigo placed the badge back into the drawer. He reclined, still thinking about what Rukia and the others. What were they up to now? Did they still remember him?

Not so far away, a black cat emerged from the basement of a peculiar shop. A man, whose striped hat concealed his eyes, got up to welcome his visitor. He grinned.

"It's been awhile. So, what brings you around this time?"

The cat licked its paw. "Hello, Kisuke. Just dropped by to see what's going on. Everything's the same around here, from the looks of it."

"Just about… although things aren't as fun without Ichigo around anymore. But his sister's developing quite nicely…"

"Pervert. I didn't know you liked them that young. Or is it an acquired taste after all these years?"

Kisuke yawned. "Very funny. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go back to sleep."

"I think it might be time for me to pay Ichigo a little visit. I'm sure life has gotten a little dull for him since everything ended…" the cat purred.

"That makes you a hypocrite. And you didn't come here to see me? I'm wounded." The man clutched his heart in mock injury.

"Idiot. But in all seriousness, there's something I have to talk to him about. Something's come up back in the Sereitei."

"I hope it's not what I think it is. And with him not having powers and all…"

"Unfortunately, it is. And yeah, that's a problem, but we can deal with it later. But I have to go talk to him now."

Kisuke nodded and gave a little wave as the cat flashed out of sight in the blink of an eye.

"Well, Ichigo, it looks like Soul Society needs you back."

Ichigo breathed in the cool autumn air. It was nice to sit back and look at the stars. There were just so many of them, and they made him feel at peace. He had taken a habit of going up to the roof every night after helping his sisters with homework, giving him time to think or "brood" as his father would say. He was a senior now… several more months and he would be out of school. He had no idea what he wanted to do in life. For the longest time he was preoccupied with being a Soul Reaper and never thought about his future, but now… how would he make a living and help his family? To Ichigo, it seemed like all he ever thought about nowadays was his past and his future.

His thoughts were interrupted by a slight shift in the wind and a rustle of leaves. He felt a pair of eyes on him, but he couldn't pinpoint which direction it was coming from. Damn. His senses had dulled since the loss of his powers… he was just a normal teenager.

A familiar voice, deep and calm, rang out. "To your left, Ichigo."

Ichigo's eyes widened and something shifted towards him.

"What's wrong, Ichigo? You look like you've just seen a ghost." The voice chuckled. A very familiar cat sauntered out of the shadows.

"Did you miss me?"

"Yoruichi?"