Hello everyone, we are here with the final chapter for this part. I apologize for not posting last week and leaving y'all on a cliffhanger. This chapter refused to be written, but here it is regardless. Eventually, sometime in the near future (hopefully), there will be a second part that will start off from chapter one Bleach; so, when Ichigo is fifteen. Until then I hope you enjoy!

Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo

X

Kensei shuffled into the room after a few minutes, his spirit, Tachikaze, hovered behind his wielder almost menacingly. Ichigo wasn't quite certain who the spirit was attempting to menace. Lisa had just stalked out, so, maybe that explained Kensei's hesitance. But in Ichigo's opinion, the session with Lisa had been fruitful, a lot had been aired and there may have been a table thrown but at the end of it all, the normally stoic Vizard had seemed happy.

The grey-haired Vizard glanced once at the doorway as if contemplating escape before he settled on the couch Love had dragged in. The first meeting after everything had been in the living room, it had been chaotic with the spirits yelling and talking, their wielders mimicking the same action. It was better for everyone to do it privately where there were no outside distractions and where Ichigo could focus on one spirit at a time.

It was weird. Here he was, a nine-year-old attempting to give counselling to a couple of Shinigami who were centuries old. It sounded like something out of a reality show. But it was working, they were beginning to open up to their spirits and it in turn had opened a whole new world for the Vizard. Ichigo suspected that even without his intervention they would have eventually reached peace and negotiations. But he acted as a mediator where no one else could.

He wanted to help the Vizard and their spirits; his family. Seeing a weight lifted off their shoulders, the smiles that rang true, the way their spirits didn't just hover. It felt justified, and worth it. After all, they had done the same for him. Scrubbing a hand through his hair Ichigo smiled in a welcoming manner at Kensei who returned the gesture with a faint curve of his lips.

"So, do you want to start with how you realised the bond between you two was wrong? We can try and go from there."

Ichigo suggested, noting the way Tachikaze was refusing to look at his wielder. It seemed that unlike Mashiro, who was an outlier and should not be counted, there was still some buried hurt. Kensei huffed a bit at the request but nodded, his own eyes following Ichigo's line of sight for a moment before it strayed to his own hands.

"We were fighting, beating each other bloody. And it just felt futile. It always happened that way, we didn't speak often before; it was all communicated with intent. I guess I realised that my intent had never been to accept it or to understand. It had been to win, dominate, as you said. I fought; I didn't let Tachikaze win because that wasn't the answer; that was submitting. Instead, we came to a draw."

Kensei spoke slowly, searching for the words, in a manner that hinted at his penchant for thought that few knew of. His story reminded Ichigo of what the other Vizard had told him of their own struggle to find a place of balance within their souls. It had all been about acceptance, taking away the cycle of hate and revenge, and apologizing. It was interesting how often they physically surrendered or tipped the power imbalance in their inner worlds; Kisuke would probably have a field day just theorizing about it all.

Shinji had accepted Sakande's blade, Lisa had let her spirit kiss her (he didn't really want to know or understand that one), Rose had succeeded the melody to his spirit to create a harmony, Love had a let his spirit crush him into the ground, and Hachi had made tea. Hiyori wasn't there yet, and Ichigo wondered if her relationship with her spirit would ever improve. Mashiro had already established contact with her spirit long before he had been kidnapped but his kidnapping had been an impetus for her.

"I think in fighting to a draw you re-established your relationship. It became a partnership again, you are equal."

Ichigo stated, something seemingly obvious, but Ichigo found that spelling it out sometimes helped. Kensei furrowed his brow as he acknowledged the words something like realisation sparking behind his eyes. Tachikaze stared at his wielder the plates of armour that had once tightly bound him were gone, in their place was something lighter like chainmail; weaved strands of pale stalks that seemed to shift with an invisible wind.

"Kensei," Tachikaze started and Ichigo understood he would soon be playing translator, in the real-world communication seemed easier. The large spirit continued, "In the many years of silence between us, all that I could feel was hate. It was internalized in both of us to the point where I too was blinded."

Ichigo relayed the words carefully, feeling the weight of the spirit's gaze sombre and honest in equal measure; testing and exacting of Ichigo. Zangetsu curled around Ichigo glared protectively over his head like a cat and he resisted the urge to laugh as he watched Kensei process the words. The Vizard across from Ichigo straightened and for a moment he could see an echo of what had once been a Captain of the Gotei 13.

"I'm sorry."

Kensei said and the words were heavy with reaitsu as the Shinigami stared at his hands and the hilt of his zanpaktou. Tachikaze blinked at the words, his appearance visibly rippling and shifting momentarily before the spirit nodded and spoke in return. Ichigo had a feeling everything would turn out all right between the zanpaktou spirit and wielder.

An hour later, Ichigo stretched as he stood up from the couch, Kensei had already left his eyes red as he searched out Mashiro. Slipping the door shut with a quiet click Ichigo basked in the warmth of Zangetsu's arms around his shoulders as he entered the living room.

Shinji was leaning against the kitchen counter; the lamp overhead cast his hair and the tint of his eyes in gold as the man conversed with Lisa who looked five seconds away from pulling her zanpaktou on the man. Love and Rose were sandwiched together on the settee arguing with Hachi over something, probably someone's taste in something. Mashiro was sitting upside down on the couch petting Kensei's thigh where the man was determinedly pretending to read a book and wasn't looking at anyone. Hiyori was in the kitchen and Ichigo was vaguely worried at the loud banging and the faint smell of smoke drifting from that area.

"Ichigo, which is better? Human vs Human? Or Human vs Nature?"

Love called in greeting flashing a bright grin as he waved at him. Ichigo furrowed his brows as he thought over the question and glided towards one of the seats. He was certain they had talked about this class at one point or another. Or Benihime had lectured something along the same line. Eventually, to a waiting audience, he answered, "Man vs society."

"Aw man, that's just not fair. That wasn't even an option."

Love complained even as Rose grinned triumphantly and Hachi shook his head with a demure grin. Ichigo smiled unrepentantly at the trio earning a resigned look from Love who shook his head and commented, "We'll agree to disagree for now."

"Are you still coming down to train with us Ichigo? Or will your father be upset?"

Rose questioned with a smile a beat after Love's surrender. Ichigo nodded and beamed at the two as he responded, "Definitely you promised you would show me how you disarmed Hiyori last time. Besides I have a new technique I want to show you."

"And your father?"

Hachi added his deep voice rumbling and filling up the room in a way that echoed home. Ichigo squished his lips together in a vague frown before he added; "It shouldn't be a problem since tomorrow there's no school. In any case, Karin has a soccer game tonight, so I need to leave to catch that."

They nodded and returned to their conversation so Ichigo let his gaze sweep once more over the room. He felt safe, there were people, his family around him, it was warm and there were furniture and posters around him. He was home. He was safe.

If Ichigo needed to keep reminding himself of that if he woke up from nightmares of utter isolation if he couldn't help but touch everything to see if it was real. Well, Ichigo knew that he would get better with time.

Jumping to his feet, Ichigo padded over to Shinji and Lisa, the latter of which had descended into a cold glare at the blond. Shinji turned to him with a grateful smile masked behind a grin and slung an arm around Ichigo's shoulder.

"Hey Ichigo, we were just talking about ya."

Shinji stated in a tone that clearly conveyed that he had not been the subject of conversation. Lisa frowned at Shinji, but her expression softened upon landing on Ichigo and she tussled a hand through his hair.

"How are you doing?"

Lisa asked softly bending so she could look into Ichigo's eyes, the reflection of light on her glasses highlighting the barely-there smile at the curve of her lips. Ichigo shrugged and glanced away for a moment, his eyes searching out Zangetsu. Lisa didn't press instead she ruffled Ichigo's hair once more whirled around and glared at Shinji before stalking off. Ichigo giggled into his hand at Lisa's actions as Shinji scowled at her retreating form.

"You sure ya okay Ichi?"

Shinji questioned, his eyes were elsewhere, and his fingers tapped an uncertain beat on the counter. Ichigo hummed for a moment before he replied, "I think I will be which is what's important."

The man in front of him huffed a shaky laugh and bent down to wrap his arms around Ichigo, his reaitsu pulling itself close like a blanket. Ichigo ignored the dampness on his cheeks as Shinji whispered, "We're not ever going to let that happen again Ichigo. We'll protect you, and make sure you can protect yourself."

Shinji pulled back for a moment and grinned, broad and full of teeth. Ichigo wiped away his tears and smiled back.

X

Uryū felt Kurosaki's eyes on him throughout the class, they were there piercing the back of his head as he dutifully noted their sensei's lecture on the water table and its economical variations. His notes were even and neat, perfect almost, and Uryū vindictively reminded himself that his father probably wouldn't care if his notes were the equivalent of chicken scratch. His eyes flickered towards the clock as he continued to feel the gaze of his classmate, Kurosaki's reaitsu; which had always been a large presence, had been hidden somewhat recently but it was there nonetheless, focused on Uryū.

The bell rang sharp and shrill; the teacher halted in her lecture and glanced about lost for a moment before dismissing the class. Uryū placed his supplies away slowly, meticulously and prepared to pull out his lunch before he decided that it was better to have Kurosaki confront him elsewhere so the whole class wasn't there to witness it. Uryū tugged his backpack over his shoulders; leaving it alone for even a minute is a temptation too tantalizing for the local bullies to resist.

Kurosaki and his large friend, Yasutora, followed behind Uryū in a manner that was far from inconspicuous, Uryū doubted it was on purpose. The young student paused outside the school gates and waited dismissively for his classmate to arrive. Briefly, he wondered why Kurosaki was seeking him out. They had never spoken within school, and Uryū only vaguely recalled seeing Ichigo at his aunt's funeral. Though they were cousins it was hardly acknowledged among either family.

Though there was the insistence a few weeks past where Kurosaki's younger siblings were at their house for a night, and Kurosaki wasn't at school for a few days. Perhaps it was related to that. Maybe the boy, in an idea of honour had come to thank him for looking after his sisters. It would suit Kurosaki's character.

The orange hair was visible from a mile away, as was the hulking form of Yasutora. Kurosaki halted in front of Ishida with an expression that was closed off but a contrast to the harsh frown he often sported in school.

"Kurosaki. Yasutora," Uryū intoned raising a brow in question. Kurosaki frowned and glanced around the area his eyes sharp in a way that reminded Uryū of his father for a brief moment.

"Is there anywhere private we can speak Ishida?"

Uryū was suspicious and it must have shown on his features for Kurosaki frowned and added, "It's about spiritual stuff."

It was slightly surprising that Kurosaki knew about the spiritual world, he had never given such an inclination in their previous interactions. Uryū supposed it had something to do with his father or Uryū's heritage. Still, there was the question of how Kurosaki knew that Uryū was also aware of that world's existence. Nodding with a muted sigh Uryū adjusted the glasses on the bridge of his nose and led the two into a small alleyway before turning to face them with an expectant gaze.

Kurosaki frowned and stared at the opposite wall, Yasutora was a silent support behind the smaller boy, Kurosaki sighed once his eyes dark in the shade of the alleyway before he began, "I suppose you noticed I was absent for a few days a couple of weeks ago?" Uryū nodded, Kurosaki continued, "Well to put it simply I was kidnapped by a not-so-nice Shinigami and taken to Hueco Mundo."

Uryū processed the information with a wide-eyed stare. Kidnapped, Kurosaki had been kidnapped the idea felt ludicrous and yet Uryū couldn't doubt the sincerity of Kurosaki's words. His thoughts warred with each other for a moment before he gestured for Kurosaki to continue. Yasutora settled a hand on Kurosaki's shoulder and the smaller boy smiled gratefully at the giant of a boy and he began again, "Why I was kidnapped isn't so important right now. When I was there, I escaped and I ended up in the middle of Hueco Mundo with a Shinigami who had been there for a century alone, fighting the Hollows. An army of Hollows appeared; I was fighting the Hollows and one snuck up on me. It probably would have killed me but my reaitsu did something… different. Ossan, my spirit, suggested I speak to you about it."

It hadn't been obvious Kurosaki had been part of that world, the one his grandfather trained him in but hearing Kurosaki's words he realised that the boy in front of him was likely far more involved than Uryū, and with the Shinigami. He couldn't help the bitterness that settled into his gut at the thought of them but pushed it aside long enough to satiate his curiosity. It seemed that Yasutora was also aware of that world for he showed no surprise at Kurosaki's story. Sighing Uryū adjusted the glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, he wondered what he was getting into, and said, "Show me."

Kurosaki blinked as if he hadn't expected Uryū to agree to his request; with a nod the boy held his hand in front of him. Reaitsu coiled in the air, familiar blue reaitsu appearing in his palm; it flickered like a small flame before guttering out. It made sense Uryū supposed if one knew anything about biology, which with his father's profession Uryū knew more than a little. Kurosaki's mother had been a Quincy (he knew this only because of the book with the family tree) so the likelihood of Kurosaki inheriting that bloodline as the firstborn child was extremely high.

"I think you've managed to manifest the Quincy portion of your inheritance."

"Again, plainly please?"

Kurosaki requested even as Uryū could see some sign of comprehension in Kurosaki's brown eyes. Sighing Uryū reiterated, "Your mother was a Quincy. You know about our race, don't you?" Kurosaki nodded with a half-smile that suggested very little knowledge, and he continued, "It is likely that blue reaitsu, different from your regular reaitsu in whatever way you've identified, is from your mother."

"My mom."

Kurosaki stated in a tone that was familiar though Uryū refused to acknowledge such. Uryū supposed it would be wise to at least introduce Kurosaki to Sōken so that his grandfather could decide if Kurosaki had any potential. Uryū didn't hate Kurosaki, but he wasn't familiar with him as well. However, if Kurosaki had any potential as a Quincy then it was Uryū's duty to try and preserve the tradition and culture of their race.

A roar sounded at the end of the alleyway surprising them all, for a moment Uryū hoped it was the school bell ringing and signifying the end of the conversation. He knew it was otherwise as he turned and materialized his bow, blue reaitsu shifting unstably as he tried to form a proper bow. Kurosaki stared at it for a moment with wide awed eyes before he also turned to face the Hollow an unsealed katana materializing in his hands, Yasutora covered the rear staring sightlessly at the alleyway before flicking his gaze to Kurosaki.

The Hollow lumbered forward, fast even for its large size. Uryū waited and watched as Ichigo darted forward kicking into the air only to narrowly avoid a large fist as he kicked off the brick wall. Uryū gathered his reaitsu and released the arrow; it split the air and lodged itself in the Hollow's arm. It moved quickly in a blur and tossed Kurosaki overhead at Uryū, Yasutora rushed forward to stand in front of Kurosaki arms held in front of him.

Kurosaki pointed and spat out hasty directions and Uryū watched somewhat astonished as Yasutora's fist landed a blow to the Hollow's abdomen even as he readied another arrow. A roar split the mid-afternoon air as in a burst of reaitsu Kurosaki leapt above the Hollow and let his blade cleave through its mask.

With a howl of wind that whistled through the alleyway, the Hollow dissipated leaving only the sound of their panting to fill the silence. The katana in Kurosaki's hand disappeared as the boy flashed a bright smile at Yasutora and Uryū, eyes alight with adrenaline and something else. For a moment, Uryū couldn't help but smile at his cousin's contagious enthusiasm. Yasutora hummed with a nod and stepped closer to Ichigo to check the boy over for injuries.

In the distance, Uryū could hear the school bell ringing, summoning them back to classes. Uryū wanted to be mad at Ichigo who had occupied all of Uryū's lunch but the knowledge they had prevented a hollow from consuming an innocent soul eased the irritation. Ichigo turned to face the school building before his eyes flickered to Uryū questioning and open like an outstretched hand between them.

Adjusting the glasses perched on the bridge of his nose Uryū sighed and stated, "I suppose I should take you to meet my grandfather."

X

In the low-light of the Shōten, the steam wafting from the food spread over the table whispered like smoke. Ichigo smiled proudly at the spread of mouth-watering food, misty miso soup ladled into small bowls, rice clumped together with pork laid out over it still sizzling, vegetables crispy collected into smaller serving dishes, a bright burst of colour against pale grey cutlery, and a table full of people who were important to Ichigo.

Yuzu who was sitting beside Ichigo was also smiling; they had spent half the day in the kitchen together listening to Benihime's stories as Ashido's spirit hovered nearby. The others stared impressed and Ichigo wondered if this was how his mother had felt whenever she prepared a meal for them. He hoped she was proud of the meal of the way they were showing their love for their family.

Karin, squished beside their father, flashed the two of them a smile, the expression shifting her features from the frown that normally resided there into something youthful and bright. Their father was beaming and Ichigo held little doubt that if they had been at home the man would have been blubbering in front of the giant poster of their mom. Ashido, seated to his left stared at the food with wide disbelieving eyes, as if the sheer quantity alone was shocking; it probably was.

The door slid open with a clack and Kisuke entered fluttering a fan in front of his features even as his eyes widened with pleasant surprise at the spread on the table. Behind the man came Tessai holding Jinta and Ururu under each arm. They were the same age as the twins and had simply appeared one day; Benihime wouldn't tell him if they were real children though they certainly acted like such. Yoruichi entered last, as if an empress gracing mere mortals with her presence, she winked at Ichigo and glided to a seat.

"Ma this is quite a spread thank you Yuzu, Ichigo."

Kisuke stated as he settled into his seat with a flutter of his haori. Ichigo grinned in response as Yuzu ducked her head with a blush. Jinta and Ururu settled into their spots, Jinta with a wide grin as he devoured the table with his eyes, and Ururu with a shy smile directed at the twins, Tessai settled between the two with a nod at Ichigo.

With everyone seated they began eating, the food was delicious but Ichigo preferred to observe as everyone around him enjoyed the food. He listened silently to the adults quietly confer about new security measures they had placed on the town; Kisuke's inventions, kido barriers, the occasional sweep, and guard-duty. He listened to Ururu and Yuzu discuss the food and their favourite TV show while Jinta and Karin argued over which sport was the best. Ashido on Ichigo's side leaned over and ruffled a hand through his hair gathering his attention.

"Thank you."

The Shinigami said quietly and earnestly, his features open in the happy atmosphere of the Shōten, his spirit hovered beside him pale grey cloth that seemed to shift into nonsensical patterns. Ichigo grinned at Ashido and replied quietly, "Your welcome. Try the tempura."

Ashido laughed the sound hearty and deep bounding from his chest above the light chatter. Ichigo was suddenly inexplicably happy that the Shinigami had agreed to stay in Karakura town at the Shōten. Ashido's dedication to his squad was more than admirable, it was something men as great as Kisuke would likely never accomplish and Ichigo respected Ashido immensely for it. But everyone needed to return home.

Eventually, the dinner wound to a close, the plates were cleared, and light chatter filled the air as Tessai returned from the kitchen with a tray of tea and coffee. Wordlessly Karin and Yuzu began to gather the dishes speaking to each other without words and glaring at Ichigo when he tried to stand and help. The steady sound of water through a tap lingered in the background as Yoruichi began to debate with Tessai and Ashido over the proper way to cast kido.

After a moment, Ichigo felt his father's hand on his shoulder. There was something warm in the eyes that gazed down at him, they had never been close, Ichigo had always had mom and the twins had dad, but he knew his father still loved him. The crinkle at the corner of his eyes seemed to say it all before his father turned away and headed into the kitchen to bother the twins.

Kisuke slipped out of the room with a near silent click that was only audible to Ichigo above Jinta and Ururu's conversation because he had been watching his mentor. Glancing at his hands for a moment Ichigo shifted in his seat, his gaze flickered and casually observed everything. Eventually, to Zangetsu's gentle prodding Ichigo rose to his feet and slipped out the same door following Kisuke.

The porch was illuminated in golden light from a nearby lantern and the silhouette of Kisuke, pale smoke curling in front of his features, and the Veridian of his haori and hat held a tranquillity that Ichigo couldn't place. He settled beside Kisuke in silence, feeling the chill of the night seeping through his t-shirt in the quiet between them.

"Do you think he'll come after me again?"

Ichigo questioned tugging Zangetsu's haori closer to his chest in the cool air of the night. Kisuke beside Ichigo shrugged off his haori and placed it on Ichigo's shoulders his gaze was on the stars above them, some already gone though they weren't able to see it. An invisible death so close to what Ichigo had almost experienced.

"Almost certainly…But, not for a little while. He'll need to recreate his forces, and he'll have to tread carefully. Soul Society is aware that something happened in Hueco Mundo, it's likely someone there knows the exact details, and besides that, the Vizard are now able to use Hollow based techniques. It certainly won't be easy for the man even with his zanpaktou."

Ichigo nodded and ignored the disappointment the answer brought, he didn't ignore the fear because it was real and there was no point in ignoring reality. He would just become strong enough that he wouldn't have to fear Aizen. Kisuke seemed to sense Ichigo's thoughts for he was staring at him with those eyes that almost twinkled if they were not so cutting and added, "We'll protect you, do everything in our not inconsiderable power to prevent it from happening again. And we'll make sure you're prepared."

"Soul Society will get involved too won't they?"

"Yes, the chips will fall, now, ten years, a century, who knows? But this cold war has been brewing for a long time Ichigo and perhaps it runs even deeper than Aizen, a systematic problem rooted in Soul Society itself. It's hard to say. But because of who you are, what your heritage entails… I'm sorry Ichigo but you will be involved. It's how you choose to act that matters. Just know that we will support you every step of the way"

Ichigo nodded and leaned into Kisuke, the smell of tobacco faint as the embers glowed like fireflies. He would protect his family, and if that meant going up against Soul Society and every other entity in the world Ichigo would do so. A hand ruffled through Ichigo's hair and he gazed at the graveyard of stars and promised that his family wouldn't be eternal, but they would live and be all the brighter for it.

X

Thank you all for reading! I hope you all enjoyed the first part of this fic, it was really fun to write, and I want to thank LittleUnknownFighter for requesting me to write this. A Special thanks to everyone who reviewed and commented, you guys made this fic amazing! The next part as stated earlier will start when Ichigo is fifteen. Until then, thank you all!