Ch. 4 The Older Brother's Wish, The Younger Sister's Wish

Ichigo woke to the incessant prodding in his mind by Shiro, saying he was bored and thought Ichigo slept enough. 'Annoying, whiteout bastard…'Shiro blew a raspberry in response, making him roll his eyes before sitting up and stretching. He looked over to see Uryu still asleep. Seeing how he wasn't able to go back to sleep, he got out of bed and grabbed some clothes to take a shower. Ichigo wondered what time it was as he got out of the room and looked to the clock above the bookcase to see that it was about 6:30, a little earlier than his family was meant to wake up (which was odd since he was never up earlier than his family, especially Yuzu and his dad). 'Guess yesterday really wore everyone out. Can't blame them though, especially Orihime…'

Once he was finished, he got out of the bathroom just in time to see his father sneaking towards his and Uryu's room. Isshin froze, seeing how he was caught by his son and a little surprised to see him awake at this hour. Ichigo raised a brow and his father grinned mischievously putting a finger in front of his mouth in a shushing manner. Ichigo snorts before walking away towards the door to make some coffee, Shiro cackling away in his head. Luckily, he grabbed his sword and moved Uryu's glasses farther away on the desk, predicting something like this would happen.

'Four Eyes is about to get a rude awakening.'Said Shiro, Ichigo practically feeling him grinning. Ichigo snorted as he headed out into the halls but paused when he heard it happen.

"GOOOOD MOOOORRRNIIIIIIIIINNNNGGG, URYUUUUUU!"

"YAAAAHHH!" A crash was heard, putting the orange head into hysterics. It just got worse when doors slid open and everyone looked towards the end of the hall in confusion. He waved to some of his friends when they looked to him questioningly before walking away. Renji saw him and decided to go with him, seeing as he was the first one assigned to the teen as his security detail.

"Morning!" he greeted. Ichigo nodded.

"Morning. Did you need something?" the redhead shook his head.

"Nah, security detail remember?"

"Ah right, forgot about that. Are my friends and family involved in the detail as well?"

"Yep. The Head Captain assigned us all to be yours, your friends and your family to be guarded 24/7 until we're finished here. We circle and exchange guards every day. The captains and lieutenants get one of you guys, but the lower ranking officers that are here don't really get assigned unless they have to since a couple of them are not strong enough to fight against a captain or lieutenant. Captain Ukitake organized the list himself, and I got you as my first watch."

"Great. Lucky me…" he muttered as he looked at the screen on the wall to make sure that he was going in the right direction before moving on.

"The only ones that aren't assigned are obviously Captain Kurotsuchi and his lieutenant, Nemu Kurotsuchi."

"Obviously. Any relation between those two?" the teen inquired as they made it into the dining area and walked towards the coffee maker. Renji looked uncomfortable, looking like he didn't want to say anything.

"She's, eh, sort of his daughter." Ichigo raised a brow at him for that before making his coffee.

"'Sort of'? What is she adopted?"

Renji rubbed his neck awkwardly at that. "N-no…Basically, Captain Kurotsuchi used his DNA and…cloned himself a daughter." Ichigo nearly dropped his coffee mug at the statement and turned to the redhead incredulously.

"What?! He clonedhimself a daughter?!"

"Yeah…But from what I heard in the rumor mills, he doesn't treat her as a daughter though. He practically (or literally) programmed her to be the perfect servant for him, one that doesn't disobey him and follows his every order no matter what. He even abuses her and mistreats when she doesn't get an order right! I even heard an officer almost caught him kicking her to the ground in broad daylight while she was injuredwhen she didn't exterminate a Hollow fast enough. In his words, 'I made you strong enough to kill a Hollow instantly, and you can't even do that! It's your fault for getting that injury in the first place!'" he quoted angrily. Ichigo stared in shock.

"Seriously, how is this guy not even arrested? And clone or not, he's abusing his own daughter! And what about her? Why didn't she testify against him or any of his subordinates?" the redhead turned away in frustration.

"Me and the rest of the lieutenants tried to help and support her as best we could, even tried to convince her to have him arrested but she wouldn't budge no matter what we did. She literallydoesn't have a mind of her own (you can practically tell just by talking to her) and she's devoted to him, always saying 'Master Mayuri this' and 'Master Mayuri that' and it makes me want to just shake her and bang my head against the wall! And no one in his squad wants to testify; they're too scared of him to do anything. And the ones that aren't in his squad informed their captains, but when the captains went to Central 46 about it, they get shot down because of 'insufficient evidence'." He scoffed in anger and disgust. "It pisses me off every time." Ichigo stared in horror and couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor girl.

"My god…" he sighed in frustration, ruffling his hair. "Is there anything we can do to help her?" Renji sighed but brightened with an idea.

"Well yeah. You're a member of the Royal Family and a Shiba. And Central 46 answers directly to the Soul King, therefore you and your family. When we get back, you can basically order them to build a case against the psycho and have him arrested." Ichigo thought on this as he poured his coffee before nodding.

"Okay, I'll talk to my family and see what we can do. Don't worry, Renji, I've seen cases like these back at home when my dad treats abused children. Though not as bad as this case, but I've heard something like this before when I helped my dad at the clinic; we'll nail the guy." Renji sighed in relief.

"Thanks, Ichigo." Ichigo takes a sip of his coffee. Renji sniffs and looks curiously at the drink. "Hey, what are you drinking?"

"Coffee." Renji blinked in confusion.

"...Cof-fee?" Ichigo balked.

"You're kidding, right?" when the other just stared at him confused, he bursts into laughter. Just when Renji was about to retort, the door automatically opened to Uryu walking in with a disgruntled look on his face, Rangiku skipping in behind him as she shouted good morning. Ichigo laughed harder when he caught his expression. Uryu scowled harder as he walked up to them and punched him in the shoulder, but that just made Ichigo laugh more. "H-hey, I warned ya to expect it."

"Shut up." He mumbled before pouring himself a mug, adding some sugar and creamer.

"Hey, get this. Renji says he's never heard of coffee before." Uryu balked.

"You're kidding, right?" Ichigo laughed.

"That's exactly what I said."

"What's coffee?" asked Rangiku. They both stared at her, then turned to each other before they both burst into hysterics. The other two just looked more confused. "I don't get it, what's so funny?"

"Oh man! You guys must be waybehind the times if you guys never heard of coffee." Said Ichigo through his chuckles.

"Stagnant is more like it." Uryu added in amusement as he took a sip.

"WELL, WHAT IS IT THEN?" Shouted Renji. Uryu explained it the best he could as the twins and the rest of their family filed in with more Soul Reapers accompanying them before going into the kitchen to make breakfast while the rest of the people came in to meander around the dining room patiently. Some looking to be dead on their feet.

"Oh, so it's another type of beverage in the World of the Living that gives you energy." Said Rangiku, smiling excitedly. "I wanna try!"

"I gotta warn ya though, it's an acquired taste. Its bitter to drink it alone." Said the hybrid.

"What do you mean 'alone'?" inquired the redhead.

Uryu answered. "Some people like to drink the beverage straight, while others like to add sugar, milk, or creamer to sweeten it a little and make it easier to drink. You can even add chocolate, caramel, vanilla, or cinnamon in it to spice up the flavor. There's practically a bunch of different ways to make coffee and a variety of flavors to add to it. For me, I like to add a little sugar and creamer in mine."

"As for me, I like it straight. Or black, which is the preference we humans like to call it."

"Heh. Well if that's how it is, I'll try it black." Said Renji, looking interested too.

Rangiku hummed in thought with a finger to her mouth. "Mm, I think I'll play it safe and pour mine with sugar and milk. And maybe a bit of caramel wouldn't hurt." They then poured themselves a mug as breakfast was served, Yuzu giving him his usual buttered toast and asking Uryu if he wanted anything specific. Uryu replied that he just wanted some cereal and thanked her kindly.

Renji brought up his mug but hesitated to take a sip. "You sure you don't want to add anything in it?" asked Ichigo with an amused grin. "Not many people like it like me; nobodies gonna judge you." The male Soul Reaper scowled at him taking it as a challenge.

"Shut up! I'm not some sissy." The raven growled under his breath with thin lips, his eyebrow twitching. "Eh, no offense of course." The teen just sipped his drink. With a deep breath, he slowly took a sip of his drink. Not a second later, he spat it out to the side. The three moved out of the way while everyone looked over to see what was going on. The two teens burst out into laughter as Renji coughed and stuck out his tongue in disgust and horror. "What the hell is this stuff?! It tastes terrible! Why do people drink this?!"

Rangiku sipped hers slowly and smiled. "Really, Renji, it's not that bad if you sweeten it a little. Takes a little getting used to if you drink it slowly and get past the bitter taste." Renji looked uncertain to believe her but considered it anyway. After all, he never back down from a challenge.

"Yeah, I think you're right." With that, he started adding some sweeteners. He took a tentative sip and when it didn't taste as terrible, he grinned and started to drink it more confidently.

"Try not to drink too much of it or you'll be bouncing off the walls all day and night." Ichigo warned. Once breakfast was over, they all began to congregate back into the theater and sat down in their usual seats. Orihime gripped the front of her skirt anxiously. After yesterday's drama, she couldn't go to sleep and when she did, she had nightmares of her brother's Hollowfied form attacking and telling her that it was all her fault that he was like this. Orihime wasn't afraid to admit that she was scared to watch this, she didn't want to find out what happened next, at all. Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and looks over to see Tatsuki giving her a comforting smile, knowing what she was thinking. Orihime looked to her friend, finding strength in her smile before giving a small smile in return. She took a deep calming breath before looking away, her back straight and her eyes full of determination as the lights dimmed. 'I can do this. I WILL do this! If not for me, then for my brother."

BUZZ!

Noise began to filter into the audio as the scene shows outside of a college campus, showing students milling around and parents saying goodbyes and promises to their children as they send them off. "And here we are a Karakura Tech University!" Said Isshin as it seems he is the one manning the camera. He then turns the camera to his son, Ichigo, where he's hugging a much older Yuzu and Karin. His hair is not as long as in the last clip, only going as far as reaching his shoulders. Karin's and Yuzu's hair are much longer as well. Karin's done in a high spiky ponytail; still looking as tomboyish as ever. Yuzu's much longer going past her shoulder with her signature hairpin in place on her bangs.

"Hey look, Karin! It's us!"

He then faces the camera towards himself with proud tears in his eyes. "My little boy is all grown up. Masaki! Our little boy is now becoming a man!" He then weeps into his arm sobbing loudly.

"College, huh? Looks like I made it in." said Ichigo with a small smile.

"Congratulations, Ichigo!" said Orihime, glad for her friend and at the fact that they were starting off on something light.

"Nice work, Ichigo." Said Karin.

"We knew you could do it, Big Brother." Yuzu chimed in. Uryu nodded with a grin happy for him.

"Thanks guys." Said Ichigo with an embarrassed smile, glad for everyone's support. The happy moment took a nosedive once his father opened his mouth.

"MASAKI! Our son is not a total failure after all! Soon enough, he'll be off getting a job and married one day! I'M GONNA BE A GRANDPA! GAH!" SMACK! Ichigo smacks him in the face with Zangetsu, an embarrassed blush on his face.

"KNOCK IT OFF ALREADY!"

"Dad come on! Knock it off, you're embarrassing yourself and us. And do you have to film this?" Ichigo complains in the background before the camera is panned to him. Ichigo scowls as usual into the camera before Isshin walks up to him and gets into the shot as he wraps an arm around his son's shoulders.

"Ah, come on, Son! Lighten up and give your old man a break. It's your first time really away from home and I don't want to miss a single moment of this. Makes me feel like your mother is right here watching with us." Ichigo rolls his eyes before consenting with a small smile.

"Yeah, alright. I get it, Dad." His father grins broadly, patting him on the back.

Ichigo smiles at the thought of his mother watching over him as he goes to college.

"That's the spirit." He backs away just as Yuzu and Karin come into the shot, both looking equally sad but happy.

"Now you promise to come visit once a month, right Ichigo?" Yuzu asks hopefully with tearful eyes.

"Right?" the girl repeats tearfully to her brother.

"Yuzu." Ichigo shakes his head fondly over his more emotional sister before rubbing her head comfortingly.

Ichigo gives her a comforting smile. "I promise, Yuzu. After all, your cooking is the best."

"And you promise to call home every weekend, right?"

"Of course." Karin gives him a tap on the shoulder.

"You better. Otherwise, I'll drag you back home myself."

The orange chuckles along with his future self at his other sister's response.

Ichigo chuckles before giving them both a hug before letting go. "Right, I'll hold you to that." Isshin then begins to laugh obnoxiously in the background.

"Don't worry, girls! Because even though your brother will become the ladies' man of campus, you'll both will always be his number one!" Ichigo glares into the camera.

"Shut up, you old pervert!" the teen shouts at the same time as his onscreen self.

"Shut up, you old pervert!" Isshin just laughs before turning the camera to the side. There in the shot shows Uryu talking to his father, Ryuken with his usual emotionless mask but you could tell in his eyes and the slight tilt of his mouth that he was concerned.

"Hey check it out. Looks like we'll be going to the same school." Said Ichigo, but when Uryu didn't reply he looks over to see him staring at the screen in stunned silence at the scene before him. Ichigo looked at him in concern but Uryu just continued to stare. He wasn't shocked that he made it into college and was a little surprised that he was going to the same school as Ichigo. What really got to him was that his father was there with himof all people and not at work like he would expect, let alone sending him off to college. His cousin nudges him and whispers, "Hey, Uryu, you alright man? Who is that?"

"My…my father…" Ichigo's eyes widened in shock.

"That's your dad?!"

"Yes…I think?" the other raised a brow a little confused.

"You think?" Uryu tries to answer the best he can.

"W-well it is him, it's just that…I've never seen that expression on his face before. A-and I never thought in a million years that he would be there to send me off…nor did I expect anyone to be there to send me off…" he replies weakly. Ichigo gives him a sad look and comfortingly puts a hand on his shoulder. Uryu shows his appreciation for the support by giving him a weak smile.

"You have everything you need, correct?" Ryuken inquired in corncern Uryu nods with a slight smile.

"Yes, Father."

The raven looks startled as he watches himself interact with his father so normally, as if they were a normal family. Father…Uryu hadn't called Ryuken father in so long and when he does he always says it with disdain towards the man.

The man begins to fuss with his son's collar and shoulder bag. "You have your bag? All of your school supplies and essentials for your dorm room." His son nods again.

"Yes, Father."

"Mm. And if you need anything, or if something happens – "

"I will call you immediately, I promise Father."

This was starting to scare the bifocaled teen. He never thought he would see the day his father practically dotingon him; he didn't know how to feel about that. Ichigo, feeling his distress, squeezed his shoulder harder to let him know that he was here for him. Uryu barely felt it, feeling numb all over. Isshin saw this and looked concerned for him. 'That boy is gonna snap…'

Ryuken, looking satisfied, puts his hand on his son's shoulder. "Good." He then gives a slight smile. "And Uryu, I know I haven't always been the best father to you (especially after what happened to your mother and grandfather) and I haven't always been there when you needed me the most. Just know that no matter what I've said and done in the past, I have always been proud of you no matter what decisions you've made. And I've never been prouder to be your father and to be here today to send you off to college. And if your mother and grandfather were here right now, they would be just as proud of you."

Uryu's hands started to twitch and shake, so he tried to steady them by gripping his black slacks. His foot was tapping the ground rapidly and he felt as though he couldn't breathe. His ears were ringing, and his heart was beating too loud and too fast, but he could hear everything his father was saying on the screen. He tried to blame it on the coffee but knew that wasn't it; the Quincy was to having an anxiety attack.

Uryu looked shocked for a moment before he smiled as he started to tear up. "Thank you…Father." Ryuken brought him into a hug, Uryu hugging back.

That did it. And before Uryu knew what he was doing, he was up and running towards the door and down the hall. "Uryu!" without hesitation, Ichigo ran after him. Rangiku and Renji were about to go after them since they were their charges, but Isshin stopped them shaking his head. The two needed a moment alone. The two lieutenants looked unsure and turned to their respective captains who just ordered them to guard the door, letting them know in hushed tones that they were watching Kurotsuchi and his lieutenant closely. They nodded hesitantly before posting themselves at the door. Everyone muttered under their breath, wondering if the teen was okay. Isshin stared at the door sadly, wondering once again what he was going to do about his old friend. 'Ryuken…what did you do?'

Mayuri scoffed and sneered at the two lieutenants that were in the way of his prize. He knew that they were only doing security details because of him and Nemu; the Head Captain letting him know quite plainly of this matter. To say that he was outraged was an understatement. No matter, it was no concern of his that they were doing this ridiculous guard detail to keep him away. It was just another obstacle in his plans and in the end, he always gets his way.

Uryu was running. He didn't know where he was going, he just knew that he had to get away. Away from that, away from it all, and away from everyone! The halls were just a blur the faster he ran, though that could just be the tears in his eyes. He was breathing so hard and he didn't know if it was because of how hard he was running or if it was his anxiety attack (probably a mixture of both). "Uryu!"

"Go away, Ichigo!" he yelled back as he tried to run faster.

"Uryu, slow down!"

"Leave me alone!"

"Not gonna happen!" with a burst of speed, Ichigo finally caught up and tackled the other teen to the ground. Ichigo locked his arms around his shoulders as Uryu began to struggle against him grabbing at his arms.

"Let go of me! Let go!"

"Not until…you calm down!" They rolled onto their backs as the orange head repositioned his arms quickly to hold down the other's.

"Don't tell me to calm down! Just let me go! Let me go, please!"

"No way!"

"LET GO!"

"CALM! DOWN!" with one last struggle, Uryu finally slumps against him in defeat. But the moment he did, his breathing started to become erratic. Ichigo looked at him worriedly. "Uryu. Uryu, hey!"

"I can't breathe." He gasped out. "Ichigo, I can't breathe!"

"You're hyperventilating. You need to calm down and slow you're breathing." The raven shook his head.

"I can't…I can't…"

"Here, breathe with me. In. And out. In. And out." Uryu tried but it wasn't working. "Come on, you can do it. Just focus on my voice, focus on it okay?" he hesitantly nodded. "Take a deep breath in, do as I do." he did. "Then slowly let it out." He let it out slowly. "In." he did. "And out." He let it out, starting to calm his heart. "That's it, you're doing good." They kept on doing this until Uryu finally was able to breathe normally. Once he was calm enough, they sat on the floor for almost five minutes in silence. Slowly, Ichigo retracted his arms and hesitantly put his hands on his shoulders. "…Uryu?" That seemed to make him snap out of it as Uryu slapped his hands away and got to his feet in seconds, not once looking at his cousin. Ichigo, a little stunned, slowly got to his feet and keeping his arms out a little incase he tried to run again. The teen would usually be pissed at the treatment he received but right now wasn't the time for that. He slowly approached the other as if he would lash out like a wild animal, which wouldn't be that far off. "Uryu…"

"Why?" Ichigo didn't answer, not sure if it was a rhetorical question or that Uryu was talking to himself. When all he got was silence, he asked again with more anger. "Why?!"

"…Why what, Uryu?" he answered back hesitantly. The raven whipped back around with angry tears spilling out, looking like he could spit fire with how much anger and sadness was in his eyes.

"Why, if he was soproud of me, did he not once. Not once! Tell me to my face?!" he then angrily punched the wall and Ichigo stepped a little closer, looking about to restrain him again so he wouldn't hurt himself. But the other didn't punch the wall again. Instead, he leaned his forearms against the walls with his head bowed down; Uryu looked so dejected Ichigo couldn't help but feel sorry for him. "I – "he tried to get out as he choked on a sob before taking another breath. "I've spent…my whole…entirelife…to have my father acknowledge me. TO MAKE HIM PROUD!

He shuddered out a breath before continuing. "…But not once in my life…has he ever told me he was ever proud of me…or tell me he loved me…" he said the last part quietly but Ichigo still heard him as he tentatively put a hand on his shoulder. That just made the raven sob harder as his shoulders shook. "All I've ever g-gotten from him was how d-disappointed he was in me or how I wasn't good enough…H-how that I was FOOL for honoring our Quincy heritage." He turned around laughing humorously under his breath as he ran his fingers through his bangs. "I-I mean, I did EVERYTHING he wanted in me. I-I I gave him good grades, I became number one academically in class, I've never missed school once in my life nor do I get into any fights or-or get detention. It's not my fault I don't want to give up the only thing that I have left of my grandfather…a-a-and that makes me a disappointment?! WHAT MORE DOES HE WANT?!"

With that last outburst, he leaned into Ichigo's shoulders collapsing into sobs. Ichigo was surprised at first but got over it and slowly wrapped his arms around the distraught boy, knowing his cousin needed the comfort that was denied to him for so long and rubbed his back. Uryu cried harder into his shoulder as he hugged back tightly, as if he were afraid that he would vanish. Ichigo let him, feeling pissed at Ryuken for putting his son through this. What kind of father does this to their own son, make them feel so unloved and so unwanted? Especially after two losses and make him go through it all alone. He gets that you have to go through grief in your own way, he knows that more than anyone. But that's still no excuse to act so cold and take it out on your only family member. To try to strip away the only connection they have left of the person they loved and that ever made them feel loved. That just made him appreciate his dad and sisters more. His family would never even thinkof doing that to him.

"I don't know, Uryu. I don't know…" with one last shuddering breath, he backed away wiping his tears. His face was red from either sobbing or embarrassment; Ichigo didn't say anything.

"I just…Gah! I just don't get it! How could he tell me up therethat he was proud of him from the beginning when I've never once heard him say one nice thing to me."

"…I don't know, Uryu. I can't tell you what to think or tell you how your father thinks. You're just gonna have to confront him yourself when all this is over." Uryu snorts as he wipes a stray tear angrily away.

"Easier said than done. That man is as stubborn as me."

"Look, Uryu…I'm not going to make any excuses for him. Now what he did to you was wrong, I won't argue with that. But if I learned something after my mom died…is that there is always a reason for everything and I'm sure your old man has his reasons too; shitty reasons but reasons enough."

"Right…" the raven sighed before leaning against the wall and slid down to sit on the floor. Ichigo sat on the floor with him.

"Will you be okay?" Uryu took off his glasses and rubbed his face tiredly before replacing them. He nodded.

"Yeah…Yeah, I will be."

"…Do you need a minute?" another nod. "Do you want to be alone?" the raven glanced at him out of the corner of his eye before shaking his head hesitantly. The orange head put his hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "I'm here for you if you need me; the rest of our friends and family too." Uryu grabbed the hand and squeezed back.

"Right…" Uryu looked up to him. "Thank you…Ichigo." The other just smiled back, not needing to say anything else. They both sat there for a few minutes before deciding it was long enough and walked back to the theater room.

When they got back, they found everyone still talking amongst themselves. Some getting up to go to the restroom or get the occasional refreshments at the table. The whole time not once did anyone give them a single glance in their direction since they came in, which Uryu was grateful for as Ichigo guided his cousin towards their seats.

They stayed in that moment for a minute but was broken as Isshin burst into sobs in the background. "That…That was the most beautiful moment…I have ever witnessed in my entire life!" the blonde gave the man a cold glare as he separated from his son and adjusted his glasses.

"It is very rude to intrude on another family's private moment, Isshin."

Uryu flinched at the word "family".

Isshin, in response just walked up to him and faced the camera to the both of them and put an arm around his friend. "Come on, don't get cold on me. We're all family here."

"Through marriage." he waved it away.

"Same thing, so whether you like it or not you're stuck with me forever!"

Ryuken sighed. "Unfortunately." he suddenly elbowed him in the gut hard. Isshin making a bug-eyed, pained expression. "Oops, muscle spasm."

"Liar…" the man moaned out before him and the camera began to fall to the floor.

Some people snickered; Uryu even gave a small amused smile. Ichigo saw and was glad that his cousin was starting to feel better.

BUZZ!

The camera is then shown of Yuzu's face as she checks if the camera is alright, then turns the camera to show her father on the ground holding his stomach looking miserable. She then turns it onto her brother and cousin who are standing in front of the school with small smiles on their faces. "Well, this is it you guys." Said Ichigo. He then turns to his companion. "You ready, Uryu." Uryu takes a deep breath before letting it out to get rid of his nerves.

"As I'll ever be."

"Alright. Well then…" suddenly he grins mischievously and before Uryu knew it, Ichigo pushes him to the ground before running off cackling towards where the dorms are. "FIRST ONE IN GETS TO CHOOSE THE BED!" In a mad dash, Uryu angrily runs after him.

"ICHIGO, COME ON! THAT IS SO IMMATURE!"

Everyone laughed good naturedly, glad that the tense atmosphere is practically gone. Ichigo laughing the hardest when Uryu punched him in the arm.

"Bye guys! Have a good semester!" Yuzu calls after them as she films their disappearing forms before turning away towards her twin. Karin sighs before looking fondly in the direction the boys went.

"Boys will be boys no matter how much they grow up." Yuzu giggles.

"Yeah, no kidding." Karin muttered in agreement.

"There they go." She turns the camera onto the other men in their group. Her father gave a proud smile. "Off to make a life for themselves. We did good, huh Ryuken?" when he doesn't get a response, he turns questioning eyes on her uncle. "You alright, man?" Ryuken looks after the direction they went with slight worried eyes.

"…Do you think they'll be alright?"

Uryu stared stunned. He's never seen his father look so worried on his behalf.

Isshin just chuckles before squeezing his shoulder comfortingly. "Of course, they will. They'll be just fine…I know it." Ryuken glances at him before nodding in consent.

BUZZ!

Uryu stared at the screen in amazement before he jumped when he felt a squeeze on his shoulder and looked to see Ichigo's hand still on his shoulder. Ichigo gave him a soft smile and Uryu couldn't help but give a small smile in return before he turned back to the screen.

[OPENING THEME SONG: Asterisk]

[The scene shows a playback of the last episode where Hollow Sora is shrieking in Ichigo's room as he takes a swipe at Ichigo but misses. Ichigo jumps back before bringing up his Zanpakuto.]

Ichigo: You're mine! [He cuts into the mask but it's not deep enough.]

Rukia: Too shallow.

[Cracks form on the top corner of the mask, revealing parts of Sora's face. Ichigo gasps in shock as Hollow Sora roars in pain.]

Ichigo: What? [Sora screams before leaving through the ceiling in a garganta.]I got a look at that thing's face. [He turns to Rukia with a look of disbelief.] And it was Orihime's dead brother.

[Sora moans in pain as the mask reforms and shrieks before the screen switches to a picture of Orihime with "Bleach 03". The scene switches back to Ichigo in his room looking shocked.]

Ichigo: I just don't get it. Why did Orihime's brother attack us?

Rukia: Not us, just you. Judging from the last Hollow you killed, I would guess there's a more powerful Hollow behind this that wants to consume your spirit energy. It probably has several Hollows under its control. It knows where you are now and is sending other Hollows here to carry out its orders…That would explain why Orihime's brother has come to attack you.[Suddenly, Ichigo lunges forward and grabs the front of Rukia's shirt angrily.]

Ichigo gripped his Zanpakuto angrily. Grande Fisher making other poor souls to go after him just because he missed his intended target the last time, and all because of his hunger and greed. It makes him sick and pissed off. 'Well just try it, you freak! Because when I see your ugly face, you're mine…'he could feel in his soul that his Zanpakuto spirits agreed with him wholeheartedly on this.

Ichigo: Did you expect me to kill him now? There's no way I could do that. [She swipes his hand away.]

Rukia: You have to do it. You haven't got a choice. If you don't kill him, he'll wander around forever. [He looks away, unsure.]

Orihime flinched at the word "kill" and the mention of her brother in the same sentence.

"Uh, you mean purify right?" Ichigo corrected blandly, making Rukia glare at him.

"Yes, I meant that."

Rukia: And he'll keep coming after you again and again until he gets your soul. [Her eyes widen in realization.]Wait, you aren't the only one in danger.

Ichigo: Who else would he want?

Rukia: …Orihime, his sister. [Claw marks streak on the screen, turning back to Orihime and Tatsuki at Orihime's apartment.]

Orihime: Wow, that was just the best dinner, wasn't it?

Tatsuki: Yeah, it really was, thanks. You got any dessert? [Scene switches to the pink bear on the shelf.]

Orihime: [OFFSCREEN] I'm out of ice cream. But I do have some bean sprout and some eggplant jelly we can pour over that.

Everyone but Rangiku and Orihime turned green at the imagery.

[With a flash, a tear appears on the top of the bear's head.]

Orihime gasped in horror. "Oh Enroku!"

Tatsuki: [OFFSCREEN] Ew, no thanks. [Orihime laughs as the bear falls to the ground. They look over in confusion.]

Orihime: Huh?

Tatsuki: Did you hear that? [Orihime gasps before crawling towards the bear and picking it up.]

Orihime: Poor Enroku fell down. Oh my gosh, how'd you get this big rip in your head?

[Suddenly, a crash is heard from outside and they look up in confusion, wondering what that was. The sounds continue before the scene switches to Ichigo leaping off the roof of buildings with Rukia on his back as they head towards Orihime's apartment. Ichigo running along on telephone wires.]

"Sweet! You really are like a super hero!" Keigo exclaimed excitedly. The orange head rolled his eyes

Ichigo: So then Hollows will attack their own families?

Rukia: Brothers, sisters, even children.

Ichigo: So, explain, why would they do that?

Rukia: Hollows are fallen souls, souls that were not guided into the Soul Society by a Soul Reaper. Souls that were not protected from other Hollows. Abandoned, they fall and lose their hearts and become Hollows themselves. Now that this Hollow has failed to devour your soul, I'm sure he will go after his sister, the person he loved the most when he was alive. Remember the bruise we saw on Orihime's leg? She said it was from being hit by a car. But I've seen marks like that before. [The scene shows a shot of Orihime's leg, showcasing the bruise before switching back.]That mark could only have been left by a Hollow.

Ichigo: So, you think her brother's already tried to kill her once. And he's about to try it again?

Rukia: That's very possible.

[With a grunt, he leaps off the wires before the scene transitions back to the apartment. The two girls looking apprehensive as Tatsuki looks around with heavy footsteps sounding in the background as they come closer. They turned towards the doors as they wonder what is approaching. Blood drips to the floor causing Orihime to look down to see blood on her hand coming from the neck of the bear. Her hand trembles as she shudders in disbelief at the sight.]

Orihime: What? Is this blood? [Suddenly, she gasps as the screen freezeframes and shows a clawed hand coming out of the bear and going through her body. Orihime's body falls backwards with blank eyes as Tatsuki watches in confusion and fear.]

"Orihime!" shouted both Tatsuki and Ichigo while their friends and the twins gasp in horror. Orihime watches with wide eyes filled with fear. The rest looked on with calculating looks and tense shoulders.

Tatsuki: Uh, Orihime? [A shadow falls over and she looks over to see nothing when suddenly a force pushes her. She falls with a scream and grunts as she bounces off the wall to the floor. She shudders in pain as blood drips from her shoulder. Tatsuki holds it in confusion.]

Orihime gasps. "Oh no, Tatsuki!" 'Brother, no…'

Tatsuki: What happened? And why am I bleeding?[Suddenly, the force pushes her harshly away and she grunts as she tumbles around painfully on the floor. Tatsuki moans before getting up on her knees and looks around fearfully before seeing an invisible Hollow Sora towering over her, his figure nothing more than a warbling signature.] Somethings here. But I-I don't see anything. [Tatsuki is pushed to the ground and she puts her arm up, looking as if she can hold off whatever is holding her down. Terrified, she tries to look for her attacker as a clawed handprint is shown on the floor beside her.] What's happening? Who's there?

"Brother no! Don't hurt her!" Tatsuki brought her into her arms, but she was just as scared for Orihime as Orihime was for her.

[The girl shakes and whimpers in fear as the screen finally shows Hollow Sora leaning forebodingly over her. Orihime's soul watches fearfully from the other side of the room, her Chain of Fate linked to her body.]

Orihime's Thoughts: What's going on? What is that-that monster? And what is it doing to Tatsuki? [The screen shows Orihime's point of view as she watches her brother leaning over Tatsuki. When his tail moved, she sees her body on the ground with her chain linked to it before moving out of her point of view.] Who's that?

Orihime: That's me. But how? [Her chain rattles and she look down, finally noticing her chain connected to her chest. She gasps as she grasps it.]Where did this come from? [She pulls.]

"No, don't do that!" Rukia yells out in worry.

Orihime: I-I can't breathe.[Tatsuki yelps when Hollow Sora grips her neck.]

"Tatsuki!"

"Damn it!"

Orihime: Tatsuki! [She gets to her feet.]I can't just sit here. I've got to do something. [Orihime runs towards them and with a yell, she shoves away his arm freeing Tatsuki from his hold before falling to the floor.]

Orihime sighs in relief, glad that her friend was safe for now.

[Tatsuki coughs as she breathes, Orihime crawling to her and comfortingly touches her.]

Orihime: Tatsuki! Are you okay?

[Tatsuki, not being able to see her friend, only sees an invisible hand on her shoulder and yanks away with a scream before backing away into the wall shaking. Orihime watches her concerned beside her.]

Tatsuki: Ah! Get back! Stay away!

Orihime: What are you screaming about Tatsuki? It's just me. What's wrong?

"She's screaming because she can't see you." commented Momo, feeling sympathetic towards the girls.

Sora: It's useless talking to her now Orihime. She can't hear us. She can't even see us. [Tatsuki faints.]

Orihime: Tatsuki! Why not? And how do you know my name? [The screen gives a close up of Sora's eye, looking angry and sad.]

"Sora…"

Sora: That makes me sad Orihime. Have you forgotten my voice? How could you? It's me, can't you tell? [He gets close to her, but she backs away.]

Orihime: What are you talking about?

Sora: It makes me sad Orihime, very, very sad.

[Hollow Sora, in anger lunges her hand towards her. Orihime shields her face with her hands and closes her eyes as she waits for the impact.]

"Orihime!" her friends shout.

[But when nothing happens, she tentatively opens her eyes and looks up.]

Orihime: Huh? [The scene shows Ichigo in front of her holding back Hollow Sora's hand with his Zanpakuto.]

They all sighed in relief. "Thank goodness." Said Tatsuki.

Orihime smiled at the orange head in gratitude. "Thank you, Ichigo." Said teen just looks back and smirks, making her blush slightly.

Ichigo: I am the one that you're really after. Leave her alone and fight me.

[With a grunt, he pushes back hard enough to cut and draw blood from the Hollow's hand.]

Orihime gasps and covers her mouth at the sight of the blood but knows that it is necessary in order for her brother to pass on. Didn't mean she had to like it.

[Hollow Sora roars as Ichigo lunges towards him, but the Hollow backs away into a garganta as he escapes. Ichigo holds his Zanpakuto at the ready, waiting to see if he comes back as Orihime watches him in awe. Ichigo looks over at Tatsuki's unconscious form on the ground.]

Ichigo's Thoughts: Damn Tatsuki, how did you get caught up in all this?

"Wrong place at the wrong time I guess." She answered back unhelpfully. 'Or right time. If I wasn't there to distract Sora, Orihime would be dead by now before Ichigo could make it.'She didn't voice it out though since she knew how her childhood friend would react.

Orihime: Ichigo.

Ichigo: Huh?

Orihime: Thank you for rescuing us from that thing. But where did you come from?

Ichigo: Whoa, hold on a minute. How in the hell can you see me?

Orihime: Why shouldn't I?

[Suddenly, it dawns on him as he sees her Chain of Fate on her chest that's connected to her body. His eyes widen in shock.]

~ Flashback ~

Rukia: Soul Reapers are spirit beings. And as such, no ordinary humans will be able to see you. Only other spirit beings can see you.

~ Present ~

"Wait, if that's true does that mean Orihime's dead?!" exclaimed Tatsuki, her friend except Uryu also having a worried look.

"Don't worry, as long as her chain is still linked to her body she won't die." Said Renji, causing them to sigh in relief.

Ichigo: Then she's –

Sora: That's right. She's a spirit being now. [The area above them where Hollow Sora disappeared in wavers like a ripple in water before smoke appears from it, revealing the Hollow.] In other words, Orihime is dead. [Ichigo screams as he lunges again at the Hollow and swings but misses. Hollow Sora dodges away and grabs Orihime's chain, yanking her up with him.]

"Orihime!"

[The teen swings his sword again but is blocked by the tail and pushed away out the window with a grunt, Rukia watching him from outside. He skids to a holt in the air by solidifying the reishi under his feet. He lets out a breath as he crouches, looking up to see Orihime in her brother's grip.]

Sora: Stay back.

Orihime: [SCREAMS]

"No!" yelled Tatsuki.

Rukia: [GASP]

[Hollow Sora swings his tail downwards towards the teen, knocking him to the ground with a grunt.]

Ichigo: Hi-yah!

"Sora, no! Don't do this!"

"Ichigo!" His friends and family yelled out in concern.

Rukia: Ichigo! [The Hollow slithers back inside as Rukia runs to him in concern, kneeling down to his form.] Ichigo! Get up! Ichigo! Ichigo!

Orihime: Ichigo, no! He's hurt. I have to go help him. Let me go.[She struggles in his grip.]Let me go!

Sora: Orihime, have you forgotten me? [She turns to him before looking into his eyes, realizing who it is.]

Orihime: Sora? …Is that…you? [Cut to Ichigo and Rukia.]

Rukia: Ichigo, come on, get up. [With a groan, he gets to his knees as he holds his head painfully. Blood runs down his face from his forehead.]

"Oh no, Ichi-nii you're hurt!" Yuzu exclaimed tearfully. Ichigo rubbed her head comfortingly.

"I'll be fine, Yuzu."

"But – "

"Trust me." The light-haired girl paused before nodding.

Ichigo: I'm trying.

Rukia: This is not going to be easy. So where are you hurt?

Ichigo: Like you care. Forget about it, I'm ok.

Rukia: Good, because you've got work to do. Listen carefully. That Hollow may have been her brother once. But now it's nothing but a monster. You've got to stop it. It has no heart. So, put aside all your feelings and destroy it.

"You mean send it off." Mizuiro corrected. The midget's brow twitched in annoyance.

"Yes." She gritted out.

[The scene cuts back inside where Hollow Sora puts his sister back down.]

Orihime: Are you…really Sora, my brother?

Sora: Yes Orihime, it's me.

Orihime: You're lying. My brother was gentle. He would never do these things you're doing.

Sora: I was so lonely.

"What?" Orihime mumbled.

Orihime: Oh.

Sora: You were beginning to forget about me sister, a little more each day.

"What? No, Sora, that's not true. I would never. I –"

[Scene fades as it shows a younger Orihime kneeling on the floor praying to Sora's photo.]

Sora: After I died, you prayed for me every day. I watched you. It was your prayers and your thoughts that gave me peace. It relieved me of my loneliness. [Cuts back to Hollow Sora.] But after a year had gone by things changed. You became friends with that girl.

"Tatsuki?"

Orihime: Huh?

[Scene shows the younger Orihime and a younger Tatsuki running and laughing together as they held hands. It then shows them hanging out in the background with Sora's picture in the forefront, looking lonely and dejected looking.]

Sora: And then, I saw that you began to pray for me less and less. [Scene then shows Orihime in the present, surrounded by some of her classmates as she smiles and laughs.] Then, when you entered high school, you stopped praying for me completely. [Cuts to Sora's photo before a light shines on it and causes a glare to refract, replacing it with his Hollowfied face.] That's why I was so lonely. [Cuts back to Orihime, looking distressed.]

Orihime watches with tears in her eyes. "No…that's not true. Sora, you don't understand…"

Orihime: Sora, you don't underst- [He grabs her shoulders.]

Sora: Just listen to me Orihime. If you still have even a shred of love for me, you will not betray me again. Do exactly as I say. I will deal with him. It won't take long. I shall devour this Soul Reaper and put an end to this.

"No! Don't, Sora!"

[Hollow Sora is about to go outside but Orihime stops him.]

Orihime: No! Don't! This doesn't have anything to do with Ichigo. Leave him alone. It's not right for you to hurt him just because –

Sora: Shut up Orihime. Don't tell me what's right when it's your fault I've become this monster. [He suddenly grabs her and starts to squeeze the life out of her.]I should kill you first for the way you've abandoned me, for choosing this girl and Ichigo over honoring my memory. I'll kill you.

'What…? So, this is…all my fault? I did this to him?'she thought this as tears streamed down her face. Suddenly it all made sense now. Tatsuki didn't think so.

"That's not true! It's not her fault that you – "

"Tatsuki, don't!" the teen paused and looked to her friend in shock.

"But Orihime – "

"Sora's right, it is all my fault that he's the way that he is." She sniffled and dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief she had in her pocket. "If I…if I hadn't asked him to stay with me, he would've been at peace by now. If I hadn't been so selfish and felt like I needed him with me…he wouldn't have felt so lonely."

"Orihime…"

The girl covered her face and sobbed into her hands. "Oh Sora, I'm so sorry." She cried.

"…That's not true, Orihime." Said Ichigo.

Orihime paused and wiped at her eyes. "What?" she looked up to see Ichigo and Rukia staring at her with serious frowns. "Ichigo…what do you mean?"

"I'm saying stop blaming yourself; it's not your fault. None of this was ever your fault. Plus, it wouldn't have mattered since Grande Fisher is targeting me specifically."

"What…?"

"He's right, Orihime." She turned her eyes onto the small raven. "Even if it wasn't your brother's soul to turn into a Hollow and go after Ichigo, another's poor soul would have been turned into one and sent off to attack him regardless. The only thing that makes this different is that Ichigo knew your brother before and Grande Fisher knew that he would hesitate to attack him. That Hollow took advantage of this knowledge and used it against Ichigo. So, whether or not you asked your brother to stay it wouldn't have mattered anyway; the results would've been the same if it was different soul."

Orihime took in a shuddering breath. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "So…what that means is…"

"It was never your fault, Orihime." Ichigo said sincerely. Orihime burst into new tears of relief as Tatsuki rubbed her back soothingly.

"Thank you…Ichigo…Rukia…"

Ichigo: No, you won't, you freak. [Ichigo stabs into the Hollow's tail and he shrieks in pain as he struggles to dislodge the teen. The teen holds on with a yell before stabbing him again and again. Hollow Sora wails as he lets go of his sister in the process. Orihime lands on the floor with a grunt. Hollow Sora reaches for her again but is intercepted by Ichigo who slices his hand clean off. The teen kneels down to the other as Orihime coughs.] Let me ask you something Captain Overbite. [He stands and faces the Hollow.] Do you know why Big Brothers are born first?

Lots of people became confused, wondering where he was going with this. Rukia wanted to know too.

Ichigo: There's a reason. They're born first so that they can look out for their little brothers and sisters and protect them. [Just then, Rukia appears at the front door.]

Rukia: Ichigo!

Ichigo: And here, you threaten to kill your own sister, even a dead man doesn't ever have the right to say that.

'To…protect them…'the small raven glanced at her brother questioningly at this. Rukia looked away quickly before he would notice. 'I see…'

Sora: Shut up. You don't know what you're talking about. Orihime is mine. I was 15 when she was born. And I raised her when our parents abandoned us. To me she has been more like a daughter than a sister. [Cuts to Orihime looking down in sadness.]Orihime, come with me now, back to when it was just you and me, happy together. [She looks up as he holds his hand out to her.] If you'll come, then I promise I will spare these other souls.

"No, Orihime! Don't listen to him!" shouted Tatsuki.

[Orihime gets to her feet with a tear streaking down her face, looking about to consider his offer but Rukia stops her.]

Rukia: Wait, it's a trap. You can't believe him because he doesn't have the feelings of a brother anymore.

Orihime: Are you sure? [The screen closes in on Orihime's hairpin, catching her brother's interest as his eyes widen.]

Sora: That hairpin.

Orihime touches her hairpins unconsciously.

~ Flashback ~

[The scene shows a toddler Orihime running and laughing with her arms outstretched before transitioning to Sora from when he was alive. He's kneeling down to her fondly before it transitions back into her as a child laughing and running with her arms outstretched again. It shows them in front of a school with Orihime standing proudly with a school uniform. Once more it shows her as a preteen running and laughing before showing them hugging.]

Orihime: I love you Big Brother.

~ Present ~

[The scene fades back as it shows Sora struggling internally, the red in his eyes slowly receding back to their normal color.]

Sora: [GROANING] Brother? [With a grunt and a shake of his head, he slams it into the wall as he groans in pain.]

"Brother!" everyone else looks either shocked or intrigued by this development in a Hollow.

"What's happening?" Ichigo inquired.

Gin grinned in interest. "How very strange. Even though this Hollow is still brand new, I've never would have guessed that the soul inside would actually try to fight the Hollow from within. And over a silly piece of jewelry…" He hummed in thought. 'Very intriguing indeed. Hmm…I wonder if dear Lord Aizen thought this into his precious plans when he sent Grande Fisher to that Kurosaki prince…?'

Izuru looks at his captain in confusion. "Captain?"

Orihime: [GASP] Brother!

Rukia: What is this? [Hollow Sora's shoulders shake before he backs away from the wall slightly.]

Sora: Orihime. Is. Mine! [With a lunge he tries to take a bite out of Ichigo, but the teen blocks him by using his sword and lodging it in between the jaws with a grunt. Ichigo struggles to push back.]

Ichigo: Orihime doesn't belong to anyone, [GRUNTS] and least of all, to you. [With a yell, Ichigo pushes Hollow Sora with enough force to thrust him outside through the hole in the wall. Hollow Sora falls out before taking to the skies, Ichigo right behind him before they begin to collide.] Ah! [The Soul Reaper in training raises his sword and has him right where he wants him but hesitates.]

"What are you doing, you idiot?! Kill it already!" shouted Ikkaku, causing Orihime to whimper and Ichigo to throw an empty bowl of popcorn at his head for his insensitivity.

"How about you shut the hell up, Chrome Dome!" The bald Soul Reaper was about to lash back, but Yumichika grabbed his arm before he did something stupid. The flamboyant man gave him a pleasant smile.

"My apologies for my friend, Your Majesty. My name is Yumichika Ayasegawa, Fifth Seat of Squad 11 and this here is Ikkaku Madarame, Third Seat of Squad 11. Please don't be angry with him, Ikkaku sometimes doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut but I can assure you that he means well." Ichigo scoffed but nodded.

Rukia: Do it! What are you waiting for?

[Unfortunately, he hesitates for too long as Hollow Sora opens his maw and spits out this green fluid at his hand, causing it to burn with a hiss. Ichigo grunts in pain causing him to let go of his Zanpakuto and fall towards the ground, the Hollow's tail colliding with his back to make the impact go faster. Luckily, Ichigo was able to land on his feet and wobbly stands up, not realizing that Hollow Sora was flying towards him until it's too late.]

"SORA, NO!"

[The Hollow opens his jaws with a shout and clamps down but doesn't reach its intended target. In his place is Orihime, her shoulder in his jaws as she hugs his head. Ichigo stares in shock.]

"NO, ORIHIME!" Shouted Tatsuki as her classmates and the twins gasp in shock. Orihime on the other hand sighed in relief, glad that she made it in time.

Ichigo: Orihime…

[In a state of disbelief, Hollow Sora lets go causing her to collapse to her knees but doesn't let go of her brother's head.]

Sora: Orihime, why did you do that?

Orihime: Sora, I had to save Ichigo. Because this is all my fault. The reason you're this way…it's because of me. Because I begged you not to leave me alone.

~ Flashback: Three years ago. ~

[Scene shows back to the night of the accident. Sora on a stretcher and being wheeled into the ambulance, Orihime beside him.]

Orihime: [SOBBING] Sora, don't die. Don't leave me all alone brother. You can't. You can't.

~ Present ~

Orihime began to cry anew at the terrible memory of that night.

Orihime: That's why…you weren't able to find peace. And it's all my fault.

Sora: Oh, Orihime.

Orihime: Since you died, I've always had the sense that you were watching over me. Because I asked you to. Even yesterday, when that car was about to hit me, [Cuts to the yesterday where the car was about to hit her before fading back to the bruise on her leg.] you protected me didn't you? I have this mark because you pulled my leg to get me out of the way in time. That was you, wasn't it? [Rukia approaches.]

Rukia: That explains it.

Orihime: Then one day I realized that if I kept depending on you to stay by my side, you'd never be able to rest in peace.[She looks up to him with a sad smile.] But if I showed you… [SHUDDERS] that my life was really happy and that you didn't need to worry about me anymore you could pass on. I never dreamed of it would make you sad and lonely. [SOBBING] I would never want to do that to you Brother. [She lets go and collapses, Sora looking panicked.]

"Orihime!"

Sora: Orihime – [He then begins to struggle internally as his mask transitions from his face to his mask and back again.] [SCREAMS] [Ichigo stares in disbelief while Rukia watches calmly.]

"Sora!"

Ichigo: Rukia. What the hell's happening to him?

Rukia: The part of him that's still human is fighting the Hollow for control. Evidently this one didn't become a Hollow by choice. He must've been taken over. [The screen showcases Sora struggling.]

Ichigo: [OFFSCREEN] Taken over? By who?

Rukia: [OFFSCREEN] A soul that is devoured by a strong Hollow is manipulated by that strong Hollow.[Cuts to when Sora was running through Hueco Mundo and being devoured by the Hollows before cutting back.] And that Hollow desires your spirit energy. So, it took over this poor soul planning to use it to attack you. It hoped that since you knew this soul in life you would hesitate to fight him, which, in fact, you did. Right now, the brother's soul is desperately fighting that Hollow for his sister's sake.

Sora: [MOANING] Orihime! [With a pause, the mask finally shatters and revealing Sora's face. Orihime watches with tears in her eyes before collapsing.] No.

"Sora…" Orihime smiled in relief.

Ichigo: Orihime! [He starts to run to her but Rukia stops him as she approaches.]

Rukia: It's all right. Fortunately, the Chain of Fate is still connected to her chest. As long as it's attached to her, she will not die. I need to treat her. Stay back. [She kneels down and turns Orihime on her back.]The power of my Kido should be able to save her. [Rukia's hand glows green as she starts to heal Orihime's shoulder. Sora's eye catches Orihime's hairpin again and he gasps.]

Ichigo: That hairpin she's wearing was a present from you, wasn't it Sora? [Sora leans down to her with a sad reminiscent look.] She told me that once. That's why she wears it every single day. [Sora looks on with a shuddering breath before closing his eyes with a look of resignation and stands up.]

Orihime looks up confused at what her brother is doing and gasps.

[He slowly turns away and slithers towards the fallen Zanpakuto that's embedded to the ground. Hesitantly he grabs the sword and holds it up, the large sword looking normal in his hand. Ichigo watches confused.]

Ichigo: Hmm? What are you doing?

Sora: I only have a short time before the Hollow overwhelms me again and changes me back into a monster. So, while I'm sane and can still think clearly, I'll end this. [With both hands he holds it towards his throat, Ichigo trying to stop him.]

Ichigo: No, wait, don't do that.

Rukia: Ichigo. [He turns to Rukia who is still healing Orihime.] It's all right. He made the right decision. Once you become a Hollow you can never go back to what you were again. Passing on is the best thing for him.

Ichigo: But Rukia –

Rukia: It's ok. You'll learn that exorcising a Hollow is not the same thing as killing it… You're cleansing its soul and allowing it to enter the Soul Society. That's why Soul Reapers exist in the first place, to help all souls find their way and finally rest in peace.

Ichigo stares blandly at the screen. "Again, you could have just told me that in the first place."

Rukia growls in annoyance and stands up glaring at him. "I KNOW THAT, ALREADY! SO, YOU ALL QUIT REPEATING IT EVERY DAMN TIME!"

"Well, if you want me to do your stupidjobyou should've given me all the necessary information that I needed in the first place!"

"He's got a point there."

"SHUT IT, RENJI! IT'S NOT MY FAULT THAT YOU'RE BAD AT FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS!"

"ARE YOU CALLING ME STUPID?! WELL IF THAT'S THE CASE, THEN YOU'RE INCOMPETENT! SO, DON'T BLAME ME BECAUSE OF YOUR BAD TEACHING!"

"HOW DARE YOU?!"

"WOULD THE BOTH OF YOU JUST SHUT UP ALREADY?!"

"STAY OUT OF IT PINEAPPLE/RENJI!"

Ichigo: Huh… Huh?[He looks up to see Sora nodding as he hums in agreement. Just when he was about to do it, he was stopped again.]

Orihime: Wait. I have to tell you something.

Sora: Huh? [He looks down to see Orihime awake and turns her head towards him with a soft smile.]

Tatsuki sighed in relief, glad that she was okay.

Orihime: This hairpin, remember the argument we had about it…the day you gave it to me? [Sora looks at her with pained eyes.] I said I didn't like it because I thought it didn't look grown up enough for me. [The scene fades to when the argument happened.] I knew I hurt your feelings. And you left without saying anything else. [It then cuts to when he died on the stretcher with Orihime crying by his side before fading back to the present, her hairpins gleaming.] And it was the last time I saw you alive. So now I want to say what I should have said to you when you went off to work that day. [Orihime slowly gets to a sitting position, with Rukia helping to steady her, before giving him a final sad smile to her brother with tears flowing down her eyes.] My brother…have a good day.

Orihime smile tearfully, happy that she was finally able to properly say goodbye to her brother.

Sora: Thanks…Orihime.

[Sora gives her a smile in return before closing his eyes in peace as he fades away in a shimmer of light. The sword slowly drops to the ground with a clink as Sora's spirit particles fade up to the heavens like stars. Orihime watches on still with that sad smile before bursting into sobs of grief and relief into Rukia's shoulder.]

Lots of people had tears in their eyes at the sad but happy ending between the siblings, some even dramatically bursting into tears as they hugged the nearest person (cough Izuru and Shuhei cough). Yumichika delicately brushed a tear away. "What a beautiful ending." Suddenly he heard whimpering and glanced beside him to see Ikkaku's bottom lip trembling as he tried in vain to hold in his tears. The other grinned. "Oh my, Ikkaku. Are you crying?" the bald man blushed in embarrassment and glared at his companion.

"NO, I'M NOT! I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!" he replied defensively.

Yumichika began to laugh. "Oh ho ho, that is so precious!"

"SHUT UP! I'M NOT CRYING! MEN LIKE ME DON'T CRY!" Ikkaku said stubbornly with tears still in his eyes. His friend patted him in faux sympathy.

"Awe, that's okay Ikkaku. It takes a big man to admit that he did."

"I SAID SHUT IT!" Yumichika just laughed on.

[The scene then transitions to the next day where Orihime and some of her female classmates are having lunch on the school roof.]

Michiru: No way.

Orihime: Really. What happened was a Sumo wrestler with a gun blasted a hole though the wall into my room last night. [Her friends stare at her, not believing a word of it.]

"Huh? Wait, I'm confused." Said Keigo scratching his head. Everyone else just sweat-dropped at her thought process.

"I don't understand; that's not what happened?" said Orihime looking just as confused as her classmate.

"I must've erased both your memories of that night." Said Rukia. Orihime and Tatsuki looked scandalized.

"What?! That's not fair!" said Tatsuki, outraged.

"But why?" inquired Orihime.

"It's necessary protocol to do so when anything supernatural happens in the World of the Living." Shunsui informed regrettably. Orihime looked sadden by this.

"So…that means I won't remember saying goodbye to my brother?" Rukia sadly shook her head.

"I'm sorry, Orihime, but if a human doesn't have enough reiryoku to withstand the memory replacement there is nothing we can do; it has to be done." The female teen looked down sadly but accepted the fact. Ichigo, not liking how sad she was becoming, tried to cheer her.

"Wh-hey Orihime, look on the bright side. Since we're in this dimension and watching this, that means we don't have to forget any of this." Orihime looked up hopefully at him.

"Really?" he nodded

"Of course. After all, what would be the point of watching our future if we're just gonna forget it later? We're here to change the future right?"

"Hey yeah, you're right." Tatsuki said positively and soon everyone began to give their agreement to this logic. And really, what would be the point of all this?

Mihana: Huh? Please, Orihime, if you're going to make up stories at least make them sound realistic. Like, maybe a pro wrestling match spilled out of the ring.

'That still wouldn't have made sense…'Ichigo and Uryu thought with sweat-drops.

Michiru: [LAUGHING] She got you.

Chizuru: Don't listen to them Orihime. I like your wild Imagination. [From the background, Ichigo and Rukia watches them from where they're standing on the roof with blank looks.]

Orihime: But it's not a made-up story. I swear. It really happened. Right Tatsuki?

Tatsuki: [OFFSCREEN] Well, yeah. I remember something last night. [Ichigo glances over to Rukia.]

Ichigo: So that's what you did yesterday, huh?

Rukia: [NODS] Mm-hmm.

~ Flashback: Last night. ~

Orihime: Ichigo, what's with these monsters and that big sword? And WAH! [Rukia holds what looks like a lighter in her face and with a click a puff of smoke blows up in Orihime's face. With that, she faints to the ground as a duck head on a spring pops out of the device as it swings back and forth. Ichigo stares in shock.]

Ichigo: Orihime! What did you do to her?

Rukia: Memory replacement. I wiped out her memory of the night's events and gave her a new one.

Ichigo: Memory replacement? [Rukia just walks away before dragging over Tatsuki's unconscious form next to Orihime.]

Rukia: Unfortunately, there's no way to predict what her memory will be replaced with. So tomorrow we'll find out what she thinks happened tonight.

~ Present ~

"Okay, I get that and all. But why did the device have to be so dorky looking?" said Ichigo. Rukia glared at him.

"It is not dorky, it is a kikanshinki! A standard issued memory replacer that is given to every Soul Reaper that is deployed to the World of the Living!"

Ichigo shrugged. "Yeah, but couldn't you make them look cooler or something like the ones they have in the 'Men in Black' movies?" Uryu snorted into his hand while others that knew what he was talking about either snickered or laughed. Rukia and the rest of the Soul Reapers just looked confused.

Ichigo: You used the same thing on my family the other day, didn't you?

Rukia: That's right, I did. [When he doesn't say anything back, she looks at him in concern.] …What's wrong?

Ichigo: I'm still not ready to actually commit to this or anything. Heh. I'm not so noble a person that I can promise to risk my life for a complete stranger just like that. On the other hand, though…I could never just stand around and watch while someone else was being hurt. So, I'll help you. [He holds his hand out to her for her to shake.] At least, I will for now, with this work of yours, as a Soul Reaper. [Rukia stares at him for a moment before smiling, glad and taking his hand in acceptance. The scene closing to the sky and fading to white.]

Rukia: Good, I'm counting on you.

[CLOSING THEME SONG: Life is Like a Boat]

When the song ended, everyone applauded as green texts appeared on the screen.

WE WILL HAVE A SHORT INTERMISSION! THE NEXT EPISODE WILL SHOW IN TWO HOURS!

Isshin stood up and cracked his back. "Well, looks like we're getting a break. In the meantime, Jushiro! Unohana!" the two captains turned to him. The former captain waved them over as he walked towards the door. "Come on! I'll give you that examination that you wanted yesterday." Jushiro and a few others looked excited at this while Unohana looked pleased as they stood.

"Do you want me to go with you, Captain?" asked Sentaro. Kiyone looked incensed at this.

"Hold on, Idiot! Who said you could go with the Captain?" he glared back at her.

"Well nobody asked you that you could go, Pipsqueak! You'll just get under everyone's feet if you went!"

"Well nobody asked you neither, since you'll obvious be more in the way with that big head of yours!"

"What?!" suddenly, they paused when they felt a chill down their spine and an ominous aura behind them. They slowly turned around and what they saw made them pale. Ichigo was standing over them in the seat behind them with a clearly annoyed and scary expression, a dark aura surrounding him and making him terrifying. The two started to tremble, permeating sweat.

"Um…" they mumbled in sync. With a twitch of his eyebrow, Ichigo knocked both of them on the heads causing them to grow large bumps. "OW!" He growled threateningly, making them hold each other in fear. "EEP!"

"YOU'LL BOTH BE IN THE WAY IF YOU TWO GO WITH THEM AND DON'T SHUT THE HELL UP! HOW ABOUT YOU GO DO SOMETHING ELSE AND LET MY DAD WORK!" The two screamed in terror before they started bowing repeatedly.

"We're sorry! We're sorry! We won't be in his way, Your Majesty!"

"Heh, that's better." Everyone just watched as they either laughed or stared in amazement, especially Rukia and Ukitake. No one but Kaien has ever made those two idiots stop arguing before. Ichigo ignored some of the stares as he made his way towards his friends. Getting out of their stupor, everyone began to leave to do their own thing.

Suddenly, Yuzu and Karin walked up and grabbed either side of Toshiro, startling him as he was just minding his own business. He looked between the two in confusion and a bit of panic. "Come on, Toshiro! Let's go and find the Game Room we passed yesterday!" Said Yuzu. The young captain looked surprised at this.

"What? But – "

"And don't even think about getting out of this." Karin warned before they rushed off towards the door with the two kids in Urahara's group following after them. Lieutenant Hinamori and Kira followed as well since they were assigned to the twins. The ones that were assigned to each of the teens stayed in the room with them waiting patiently with Rukia being the exception.

"IIIIIICCCCHHHHIIIIIIGGGGOOOOO! BAH!" Ichigo, knowing that this would happen eventually, held up his foot causing Keigo to smack face-first into it before collapsing to the floor. The Soul Reapers that were here were dumbfounded, not sure what to make of this. Though seeing as how the teens didn't even bat an eye clearly stated that this was a normal occurrence. Like a springboard, the boy got up and started whining and weeping to the other with a shoeprint on his face. "Oh, come on, Ichigo! It's bad enough that every time I greet you at school you abuse me and now, you're doing it here in front of all these Soul Reapers! How could you be so cruel?!"

"Normal people don't try to jump people every time they want to say 'Hello', Idiot." The other stated blandly. Keigo gasped in horror, and just when he was about to reply Tatsuki karate chopped him on the head.

"Enough with the drama, we're wasting minutes here. Unlike you all, I want to get a better look at this place before we come back here." The others shrugged.

"Sounds good, be nice to know the layout of this place and know what's here." The orange head looked over to Orihime who just stared at the ground. "Orihime." She looked up. "You okay with that?" she gave a hesitant smile and nodded. He nodded then turned to the Soul Reapers that were talking amongst themselves. "Yo, guys!" the Soul Reapers looked over. "We're gonna be exploring the place, and since you're our security detail you might as well come too." Tatsuki scoffed under her breath but didn't say anything, knowing that it was necessary. They nodded in assent.

"Rukia, would you like to come with us too?" Orihime asked and the raven smiled.

"Sure, sounds fun."

"ALRIGHT! MYSTERY PARTY!" Keigo cheered. He continued cheering until Ichigo bonked him on the head before the group left out the door. They checked in each and every door to see what was inside as they all made light conversation and properly introduced themselves.

"So, tell me about yourself, Lieutenant. Which Squad are you in?" Ichigo asked after opening a door that led out to a pool. Shuhei stood proudly at attention in the presence of the prince.

"I'm Shuhei Hisagi, lieutenant of Squad Nine. It's an honor to meet you, Sire."

Ichigo, pretty much used to the honorifics by now (with the occasional eyebrow twitch of course), nodded as he opened another door that led to a Zen garden. "What does Squad Nine primarily do?"

"Our main duty is to be the security force of the Seireitei, but on the side we're also the art and cultural department. We even own our own issued magazine."

"You guys have your own magazine?"

"Yes we do, Sire."

"Sweet! I wanna see it!" said Keigo as he got in the man's face excitedly popping out from out of nowhere. Shuhei stared in shock not sure how the teen snuck up on him like that. "Do you have the latest issue on ya?" Shuhei sweat-dropped at the weird boy.

"Um, yes? …I-I have one right here." He reached into his shihakushou and brought one out. Keigo practically snatched it out of his hands with a "Thanks!" before he ran back over to Mizuiro to show it to him. The man blinked, not sure just what happened. "Um…"

"Don't worry about him, he's a nut job. You get used to him."

"Right…"

"By the way, who's your captain? Is he the big guy in the mask that's with us?" the orange head asked, gesturing to the biggest Soul Reaper who stood diligently like a silent statue behind Chad.

"Um no, Your Majesty. That's Captain Komamura of Squad Seven. My captain is not actually here right now." said the raven in a slightly dejected voice. Ichigo's eyes widened in realization.

"Oh, so you're one of the lieutenants without their captains here." The man nodded sadly. "Toshiro told me that there were two here that didn't have captains. Are you feeling alright without them here?" Shuhei looked a bit a surprised that someone as important as Ichigo was concerned about a regular lieutenant like him.

"I'm doing alright, considering the situation we're in. Captain Tosen mentored me enough to the point where I can run Squad Nine myself when he is not available. Though I can't say for Lieutenant Hinamori, of course. She practically idolizes her captain."

"That's a bit sad for her."

Shuhei shook his head. "Don't concern yourself too much about her, Sire. Momo can take care of herself; she wouldn't be made lieutenant if she wasn't capable." Ichigo shrugged.

"Alright then."

"Hey guys! Check it out!" everyone looked over to see Keigo and Mizuiro by a door looking excited. "We found the Game Room! Let's take a look see." The others just shrugged before going up to the door as it slid open. They all looked around to see they were in a large room that was filled with all sorts of games ranging from old board games to video games. There were some tables spread out everywhere and one lounging area in front of a 40" flat screen with different gaming consoles surrounding it on the other side of the room. One of the tables were actually occupied by Ichigo's sisters with the other two kids, Toshiro, Izuru, and Momo. They looked to be playing a game of Monopoly and judging by the two lieutenants faces they looked a bit confused.

Ichigo walked over to see how they were doing while the rest of the group either milled around to check out some of the games or followed him because they had to (Renji and Rangiku) or weren't interested enough. "Hey guys, what's up?"

"Hi Ichigo! Hi Uryu!" Yuzu greeted while Karin nodded.

"Hey, Toshiro."

Toshiro nodded as well. "Your Highnesses." The teen narrowed his eyes at him. "I-I mean Ichigo. Uryu." Izuru and Momo stared at him stunned.

"Wow Toshiro, not only are you allowed to call the princesses by their names, but you're also allowed to call both the princes by their names too?!" Momo exclaimed. Rangiku, Renji and Rukia snickered under their breaths while Toshiro stared blankly at her.

"I told you before, I was given permission by both the princes and princesses. And how many times do I have to tell you to address me as 'Captain Hitsugaya'?"

"And who are you guys?" the teen inquired. The two lieutenants tensed at being addressed before immediately getting to their feet at attention and bowed, nearly knocking over their game much to the small redheaded boy's chagrin.

Momo blushed in embarrassment as she stuttered out her response. "M-my apologies, M-My Lieges. I sh-should've introduced myself immediately once you and Prince Uryu came into the room! I-I-It won't happen again!"

"As should I, Sires! I am deeply ashamed of my actions!" both Ichigo and Uryu sweat-dropped at the overdramatic behaviors feeling uncomfortable while Rangiku, Renji and Rukia were having a ball as they laughed to the side.

"Uh, it's…alright, I guess? Really there's no need to be so formal with us; we don't really care. Right Uryu?"

The other adjusted his he glasses. "Of course not, there's no need to worry over something trivial such as formalities. All we asked for were your names."

"I told you that there was nothing to worry about, you two." Said Toshiro as he rolled the dice. The two sighed in relief as they stood back up.

"My name is Lieutenant Momo Hinamori of Squad Five. I'm also Captain Hitsugaya's childhood friend and his adopted sister. It's nice to meet you, Your Graces."

"Oh, so you're the other lieutenant without their captains." Said Ichigo. She nodded dejectedly. "Toshiro told me a bit about you. Don't worry, I'm sure after this you'll see your captain soon." She nodded with a small smile.

"I am Izuru Kira, lieutenant of Squad Three. It's an honor to meet you both, Sires."

"Nice to meet ya."

"Great, we're all friends here. Now sit down already, it's your turn!" the redheaded boy rudely said. Ichigo narrowed his eyes, not liking his rude attitude.

"Hey, kid."

Jinta glared. "What do you want?"

"What's your name?"

"What's it to ya?" Karin sighed in annoyance as she took the dice.

"Just tell him your name already; it can't hurt." He glared at her.

"Don't tell me what to do, Tomboy! I don't care if he is your brother or a prince!"

"Hey!" Ichigo reached out and pinched the boy harshly on the cheek, causing him to yelp. "Don't talk to my sister like that, ya little brat! Apologize, right now!"

"Ow! Let go of me, ya Weirdo!" Ichigo tugged harder while everyone just watched.

"Jinta, I think it's best if you do what he says." Ururu meekly said.

"Ow! Fine! I'm sorry!" Karin rolled her eyes as the teen let go.

"That's better, now what's your name?" the boy glared as he rubbed his cheek.

"…Jinta Hanakari." He grumbled out.

"See, now was that so hard?" Jinta pulled his eyelid down and stuck his tongue out. Ichigo flicked his tongue for that.

"Ow!" the orange head rolled his eyes and turned to the little girl with a gentle smile.

"And what about you?" Ururu nervously looked up at him.

"I'm Ururu Tsumugiya. It's nice to meet you." She replied.

"Nice to meet you, too." He looked over to Toshiro who was concentrating on the game. "So, Toshiro, my sisters helping you relaxing?" the young captain smiled pleasantly.

"Yes, it's the most relaxed I've been in years. Yuzu and Karin have basically made it their mission for me to have 'fun'."

"That's good, you need it. So, who's winning?"

"We've sort of just started. Can you believe these three have never played Monopoly before?" inquired Karin.

"The rules are a little confusing." Said Momo and pointed at one of the properties her piece landed on. "Do I buy this property, or do I pay you for it since you own it, Your Highness."

"You pay me." She answered and Momo sighed as she handed over the play money. Karin glanced blandly at her brother and raised a brow. "As you can see, it's a work in-progress in order to have fun."

"Though Toshiro is doing pretty good for his first time playing. He's like a pro!" Yuzu complimented with a big smile. Said Soul Reaper shrugged.

"It's not that hard to play once you understand the rules."

Ichigo smiled as he ruffled his hair. "Hey, that's great." Toshiro just blushed slightly with a small smile, not minding one bit. Izuru and Momo just gaped in shock at the sight. Just as Ichigo dropped his hand, Rangiku suddenly glamped her captain catching everyone but the lieutenants and Rukia by surprise.

"Aww, Captain! You're making friends already!" Toshiro growled under his breath as he tried to get out of her arms with an embarrassed flush.

"Get off of me, Rangiku! I'm trying to concentrate here!" the strawberry blonde pouted as she consented.

"Oh, alright. You don't have to be so mean about it." she whined.

"I wouldn't have to be if you didn't try to suffocate me all the time or do your share of the workload back at home instead of drinking all the time!" Ichigo and his family as well as the two kids sweat-dropped. From the Soul Reapers' expressions this happened a lot. Shiro on the other hand was a different story.

'Ohh, I wouldn't mind her trying to suffocate me like that…'Ichigo blushed at the perverted comment.

'Quiet you!' Shiro cackled in amusement. Ichigo internally groaned. 'Great, of all the Zanpakuto spirits I get the perverted one.'

"Hey, Kid. Whose Big Boobs here and why is she calling you 'Captain'?" Ichigo was about to smack the kid but Rangiku ignored it.

"Hi, I'm Rangiku Matsumoto! I'm Toshiro's lieutenant." She replied brightly. Jinta stared at her before bursting into guffaws.

"No way is this kid a captain, and you're just an old lady!" suddenly, the room got darker as everyone backed away slightly. Rangiku's eyebrow twitched as she dawned a scary look. Jinta stopped laughing as he suddenly paled.

"'Old…lady'?" Jinta gulped before his ear got tugged painfully by the enraged woman.

"OW! Not the ear too!"

"Now look here, Kid. That kind of attitude might be ok back home, but I won't stand for it here and I won't hesitate to put you over my knee in front of everyone. You're not gonna make any more friends with that sort of behavior and you do not under any circumstances call a woman old, do you understand me?"

"Yes, okay! I'm sorry! I won't call you old again!" he cried out desperately. She let go.

"Good." Jinta rubbed his red ear while everyone just stood around awkwardly.

"Okay…well you guys have fun. We're gonna go back to exploring." His sisters said their goodbyes while the others nodded, bowed, or scoffed at him before the small group took their leave.