Here we are ladies and gentlemen, the final chapter of 1 year and 5 months.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach in any way or form. I do own some original characters like Masaoka Shiori or Silva.

Karakura Town:

Karakura High School

Tuesday

11: 15 AM

"You will be responsible for this on the exam," the teacher said. His expression was stern and his voice was strong, leaving no room for argument. It was evident that he commanded the classroom through sheer will alone. The scribbling of pencils onto papers echoed throughout classroom. All the students swiftly transcribing every other word he said. Final exams were only a week away. They were fast approaching without delay, although most students wished they could halt them.

It was almost criminal to be inside on such a beautiful day, but it couldn't be helped. The world wouldn't stop just because the skies were vibrant blue or that the refreshing breeze was blowing. The world kept spinning. No one could put a halt to that any more than they could put a halt to the final exams. Staring out of the widow longing to be outside wasn't doing her any good. She exhaled quietly not wishing to draw her teacher's ire. She forced herself to walk away from daydreams where she had wings and soared through the skies along with the birds and UFOs. She forced her attention back to her teacher. It was time take down more notes.

Inoue Orihime

Age: 17

As Orihime jotted down the rest of the page numbers that the exam would cover her eyes couldn't help wander around the classroom. Ishida-kun was attentive as always. She envied his ability to keep focus. How could his mind never stray even once? It was no wonder he was still ranked first in their class. She would never get ahead of him no matter what he said about needing to watch her since she took the second spot of the junior class last term. The way he moved his hand was both quick and elegant. Ishida-kun was something else.

Hair Color: Orange

Eye Color: Hazel Brown

Profession: High School Student/Part Time Bakery Shop Employee

Her eyes roamed the room until they landed on spikey, bright, orange hair that she knew all too well. She looked on with a tenderness that was reserved only for him. He was completely disinterested in what their teacher was saying, though he made sure to write down whatever he could. His hair was short again. She was going to miss long mane he had grown out, but even with short hair he still looked hot. He looked so cute even when he was being apathetic. Of course to her he looked cute no matter what he did. Tatsuki would have been annoyed at her fawning and called her a lovesick girl, which in a sense she was. They had been together for a little over a year now and she was still head over heels for the scowling boy who won her heart. Sixteen months ago she would never have thought that Kurosaki Ichigo would be her boyfriend outside of her fantasies. Wonders never ceased. A lot of things had happened during the last sixteen months. There had been so many changes.

She can see spirits, but….

The smile gave way to a small frown. She never got used to not sensing his reiatsu. After all this time it still felt too odd not to sense anything coming from him at all. Not all the changes in the last sixteen months were welcoming. Ichigo's lost reiatsu was one of those unpleasant changes.

Her boyfriend cannot see spirits

She missed his reiatsu. It always felt so comfortable and protective. It acted like a blanket for her. No matter how bad things got or what troubles came their way she always felt like it would end well whenever she felt his reiatsu. It was her beacon of hope. She missed it dearly. 'No. I'm not going to be gloomy. Ichigo-kun's shinigami powers might still be gone, but it's not the end of the world. Everything has been going great. There hasn't been any real trouble since the Privaron Espada. Junior year was one of the best years of my life. Ichigo-kun and I have been together for over a year now. I'm even a part of his family. There is no reason to be sad. I know that his power will return to him eventually. It will just take more time.'

She had to be positive. Ichigo would eventually get his powers back. In her heart she knew that to be true. She wondered if he thought they would return though. Whenever the subject of the supernatural world came up Ichigo became very reserved. She had first noticed this on the anniversary of Aizen's defeat. On the day of the anniversary Urahara-san invited their small group to a small get together. They all celebrated and relived the good times. Ishida-kun even came out of his shell in celebrated more freely than he did at the last party Urahara-san had thrown at New Year's Eve. Ichigo was the guest of honor. While everyone celebrated and remembered the good times they had Ichigo became reclusive. He didn't partake in the celebration and barely talked to anyone, including her. It was the anniversary of Aizen's defeat to them it was the anniversary of Ichigo losing his shinigami powers to him. When she realized the day was perhaps not a happy one for him she made an excuse for them to leave the party early. It was a gesture he appreciated. They spent the rest of the day at her apartment.

As the months went on he became less and less inclined to discuss anything involving the past. It was reaching the point where she saw that he almost refused to acknowledge his past as a shinigami. He didn't even want to hear about her letters from Kuchiki-san! He always made up some excuse about not reading it or changed the subject. She knew he was determined to be content with normal life, but by refusing to look back on the past wasn't healthier than if he was dwelling on it. It was starting to worry her. Orihime tried to talk to him about it, but he just said he wanted to enjoy the peace for as long as they could so they live like normal teenagers. It was a fair request. They had reclaimed peace. She wanted to enjoy it just as much as Ichigo did. If he didn't wish to talk to her about yet she wouldn't force him. He would come to her in his own time just as he did in the past. He just needed space and time to figure things out on his own. They had formed an unspoken agreement that she would not pester him about it and wait for him to bring it up to discuss it. Orihime had faith in him. This time she would not waver from it. If he doubted his powers would return she would just have to have enough faith for the two of them. She would be his other half, give him strength when he faltered, and be his ears when needed someone to listen to him.

Knowing her beloved Kurosaki-kun he would want to check her notes to make sure he got everything down. As diligent of a student as he was he didn't always get everything written down. Their teacher went fast and rarely repeated himself. If she didn't have all the notes down he would have to go to Ishida-kun. That was one explosion waiting to happen. It was better for all of them if she paid attention. It wouldn't hurt for her to have notes for the exams.

"I swear that our teachers are trying to kill us with this material!" Keigo cried to his friends. He threw his arms in the air in visible frustration. School had ended. Students were racing to get away from the building as fast as they could. Only his friends remained behind in the courtyard, leisurely walking to the gate. None of them were in a hurry. As the final exams approached so did students' apprehensions. Many were feeling overwhelmed by the sheer workload that their studies required. Keigo was one of those pressured students. "I did all the work this year and studied my ass off to improve my scores, but all that won't mean crap unless I do well on this exam!" he whined. It was way too unfair! He went to the trouble of bringing his grades up and now this final exam was going to sink him!

"You have nothing to worry about if you have really been doing all the work," Uryu said.

Keigo pouted almost identically to the way a seven year old would. "That's easy for you to say. You've ranked number one since we started high school!" he continued to whine. The Quincy rolled his eyes. Asano could be so melodramatic at times. The way he carried himself was erratic and loud. He was so very, very loud. His eardrums would weep in agony.

"If you have really been doing the work and making an effort as you say than you will do fine," Uryu repeated.

"That's what I thought, but the review we had in class today made me realize how much stuff I have to remember." The thought of having to remember everything they learned that the whole year was enough to reduce Keigo to tears. He knew he wasn't the only one. His class was creaking under the pressure. "I'm so screwed!"

"Yeah, you probably are," Mizuiro interjected. He did like messing with Keigo's head. It was easy, but still amusing.

"You aren't helping at all, Mizuiro!"

Uryu was losing what little patience he had for Keigo. While he was contemplating a way to silence him for good an equally aggravated Tatsuki shouted, "Will you shut up already?!" It did the trick. Keigo instantly shut his big mouth. His posture straightened out. Uryu wondered if Tatsuki was a military commander in a previous life to elicit this response from their hyper active friend. "You aren't the only one worried about final exams. I don't need to hear your stupid voice whining about the same thing over and over again!"

The stress of exams hadn't just infected Asano. Even level headed people such as Arisawa were starting to lash out. Unlike Asano she had to balance out school with an after school job. Her time for studying was significantly less than Asano's, which was why she lashed out at him.

"I'm so far behind on studying that I'm not even sure I'll get caught up for the exams," Tatsuki groaned. "I managed to get the next couple of days off, but I don't think it will be enough."

"You can always study with Kurosaki-kun and me," Orihime offered. "You don't mind do you?" she asked her boyfriend.

"I have no problem with it," he said truthfully. He might have bickered with Tatsuki from time to time, but she was still one of his oldest friends. If he could help her out he would. It would help to pay off the debt he owed her for borrowing her notes so many times last year. All the business with the Arrancar War really was a pain in his ass. Tatsuki furrowed her brow and shot them a very unattractive look. It unnerved him. "What is with that look?"

"The last time I studied with you two you and I kept getting into arguments. We hardly got anything done."

He had forgotten about that. He had no idea how he could have forgotten. It was a bad. Basically it was a shouting match between the two of them with poor Orihime caught in the middle trying to appease both sides. He couldn't even remember why they were butting heads so much to begin with. "Well this time will be different," he assured. Tatsuki remained skeptical. "It will," he insisted.

"No offense to you, but were not good together under the pressure of exams. Every little thing we do sets each other off. I need a study partner who won't piss me off by breathing."

"How am I not supposed to take offense to that?!"

"You know what I'm saying is true. You get pissed at me for so much as erasing anything I write down."

"That's because you always write something than erase it soon after and keep repeating it. That is so annoying and loud. It's totally aggravating!" he huffed.

"The sound of your sighing gets under my skin." Tatsuki's voice rose a little more.

Before a new shouting contest could begin Orihime and Uryu stopped the two friends from coming to blows. "If you need someone to study with I can always help you out again," Uryu offered.

"Are you sure? I don't want to always bother you every time I need some help studying." The last thing she wanted to do was become a parasite, leeching his time from him when he had his own studying to do. The Quincy gave her a charming smile. 'Did I just think his smile was charming?' she asked herself. When did she think his smile was charming? She needed to keep it together. He was looking right at her. She didn't need to make a fool of herself in front of him. When did she start to care about that?

"It's no problem at all. I'm already helping Kojima-kun study as well. The three of us can all study together." He heard a loud gasp. He forgot Asano was still there.

"You offered to help Mizuiro study, but not me? I asked you for help a week ago and you said you were too busy!" The archer pushed his glasses up without so much as sparing him a glance.

"I was busy with hollows last week. This week there hasn't been much hollow activity so I am free." Now he was free. It was funny how when he asked Ishida last week for help that there were hollows, but now this week he was free when Mizuiro and Arisawa asked. That four eyed creep lied to him! He thought they had become good friends after all this time. He even offered to let him borrow manga!

"I take it that means you'll help me this week then," Keigo said much louder than he needed to.

"Yes." Keigo could hear the reluctance in his tone, but he didn't care. With Ishida's help he actually stood a chance of passing the final exams. He would take being a burdened if that was the case. He was going to be a senior next year.

Strangely enough Tatsuki felt a twinge of disappointment instead of relief. Ishida was a good tutor. He always managed to help her in the past. She knew he could help her catch up on her studying. She usually had him to herself. Learning that Asano and Kojima would be there as well didn't sit well with her for some reason.

"Sado-kun, do you want to join us as well?" Uryu thought it was fair to extend an offer to their silent giant. He was the only one who was left out.

"I can't make it today. I have to work a construction job in about an hour. I'm not scheduled to work tomorrow though. Does that work for you?"

"Tomorrow will be fine with me. Since exams are coming up all the clubs and student council have stopped meeting. I have a lot of free time on my hands at the moment." His time was own only if he wasn't called by Urahara to handle a hollow attack. There had been an increased frequency of hollow activity recently. However, unlike when Silva had been sending hollows these attacks had no pattern or any hint of consistency. These attacks were unrelated from each other. They were just random hollow attacks. It was actually a relief not to have mastermind behind the scenes or a bigger threat looming than mere hollows looking to feast on human souls. Urahara suggested that the increase of spiritual aware people within Karakura Town was what was drawing large number of hollows. That made more work for him. After all they couldn't leave things only to Kurumadani. He was somewhat effective against small number of mediocre hollows, but he was nowhere near fast or skilled enough to handle the more powerful and cunning ones.

The last couple of weeks had been very busy for him. At least had had adjusted to nightly routine better than he did when he first became Kurumadani's partner. The man was still insufferable, but he had gotten a little more tolerable. He at least now recognized the significance of the renewed Shinigami-Quincy plan. That was all that mattered in the long run. He would put up with any arrogant or overbearing shinigami to make his grandfather's dream come true.

"You are certainly being generous," Ichigo said. His rival shot him a questioning glare.

"You say that like it is surprising," Uryu said.

Ichigo snorted loudly. The action only caused Uryu's glare to worsen. "You are so stingy with your notes. It takes a lot just to get you to actually share let alone have you actually tutor so many people."

"I am not stingy. I just don't give my notes freely."

"That's pretty much the same thing you know," Ichigo pointed out.

Typical Kurosaki, he didn't see the difference at all. Stingy implied that he specifically didn't share his notes because he placed high value on them. That wasn't the case at all. If he shared his notes with everyone who asked what would encourage them to pay attention in class? He had too many lazy classmates beg to copy his notes as it was. They had no interest in actually learning for themselves. They just expected someone else to do the work for them. He was appalled by people like that. "While I'm selective about who I lend my notes to I generally help those who have proven themselves deserving."

The former vizard groaned internally when Ishida said he lent notes to those that had proven deserving. He sounded like a more arrogant and twisted version of a teacher. "I guess when I asked to borrow your notes when I woke up from my coma I was undeserving," he mocked.

"I thought that went without saying." Kurosaki made it so easy sometimes. He set him up for that one. The sound of ex-substitute growling caused a smirk to emerge.

They were at it again. Tatsuki exchanged glance with Orihime. While the boys' bickering had become less frequent there were times when it would flare up. They had taken it upon themselves to quall it. Orihime would attend to Ichigo and Tatsuki would try to rein Uryu in. They were pretty effective they found out.

"When can we start studying?" Tatsuki asked the archer. "I don't know about Asano and Kojima, but I would like to start as soon as possible."

"We can start now if you want. We can just head to the library."

"Kurosaki-kun, did you call your boss and tell her that you won't be in?" Part of her felt bad for invoking Ichigo's boss of three months, but she was one of the people who could immediately stop him from what he was doing at hand. The woman could even make him forget about sniping Ishida-kun without fail. Her choice had proven correct. Orihime could see the cold sweat appear on his face. She felt really bad now. She had to make it up to him later.

"I-It's fine." He sounded unconvincing even to himself. Orihime wouldn't be fooled for a second. Those doe-like eyes widened by curiosity. He couldn't blame her. Every time he had flaked on his boss it ended badly for him. God did it end badly for him. Last month when he ditched work his boss found him when he was hanging out with Tatsuki. She dragged him off kicking and screaming with a stunned Tatsuki frozen. The only reason Tatsuki didn't call the police is because his boss informed her of her identity and even then she didn't look too convinced until she called his dad to confirm it. Ichigo wasn't allowed to leave until midnight. Unagiya Ikumi was not someone you could truffle with lightly.

He dreaded having to talk to her about time off after that incident. He felt Orihime take his hand as she often did to put him at ease. He found himself drawn to her encouraging stare. Suddenly he found strength to talk to his boss. "I'll call her and ask her from time off to study." She rewarded his honesty with small yet loving smile. He loved that smile. After all this time it was a smile she reserved only for him.

"You better call your boss," Tatsuki warned. "You know how she can get if you try to ditch work." She thought Ichigo's boss went overboard with abducting him just to get him to go to work. She almost called the police when she saw her friend thrown into the back of a van. Calling Ichigo's dad first to confirm her story of Ichigo being her employee was against her better judgment.

"Is your boss strict?" Uryu questioned.

Uncharacteristically Ichigo laughed out loud, provoking uncomfortable stares from his friends. "You have no idea."

3 months ago

Karakura Town was in the middle of a fierce winter. People were huddling and hurrying to the insides of building to collect warmth. The mall was one of the places people were swarming in the most. Ichigo and Orihime were among that number. They went to the mall to shop for Christmas gifts for Yuzu and Karin. It had been a long and strenuous journey, but the carrot top couple has found gifts. Just as they were getting ready to call it a day they ran into Masaoka. The three of them caught up.

Ichigo had made up with his former co-worker months ago, but now that weren't both working at Nakamura Electronics he saw less and less of her. He hadn't planned on it. They just lost touch. To his surprise Orihime had kept in touch with the woman she once considered a rival. Before Ichigo knew it he had been dragged to lunch with the two women.

"Ichi-kun, have you found another job?" Shiori asked.

"I'm working a bunch of odd jobs at the moment." He had taken summer off to spend time with his friends. Once school started back up he started to sell his services to clubs and teams again. It was actually profitable. His skills were in demand after people had witnessed him in action in both baseball and basketball. The kendo team acquired his services more than a few times. Business slowed down now that winter was here and school activities were put on hold for winter finals and upcoming break.

"Nothing stable then?" Shiori smirked.

He never liked it when she got smug. She got all high and mighty and never let a person forget about it. He would never understand how Orihime ever feared he would be attracted to Masaoka. "I do alright," he defended weakly.

"Kurosaki-kun takes on jobs from sport teams and clubs at our school. They pay him well." It was his turn to smirk. His girlfriend came to his aid without him needing to ask. The best part was while she revealed what he did she didn't let on to how business had slowed. His Hime had his back.

Masaoka smile widened. "I would love to see one of your games." She never would have pegged Ichigo to actually play on a team. She was right in a way, since he was only selling his services to teams, but he was still playing. Seeing her stuck in the mud former co-worker actually play a sport that required him to be active and energetic would be worth any price.

"No way," Ichigo shot down immediately. He sure as hell didn't need Masaoka teasing him. He had a reputation to protect. If word got that she called him Ichi-kun all his female admires would be calling him that for the rest of high school. It may not have bothered Orihime, but it would bother him.

The blond face fell. "You're such a stick in the mud," she complained.

"I don't care," Ichigo said.

"Orihime, is he any good?"

Orihime nodded. "He is very good. He is usually one of the best players on the team he is on."

"I bet he is." She had caught a glimpse of his physique. She knew the boy was in great shape. Shiori didn't doubt Ichigo was a sensation in his own right. "It's winter now though. I can't imagine you are you getting too many jobs now."

He cursed at his former co-worker's deductive skills.

"If you need some money until your business kicks up again I know someone who is establishing a shop here in Karakura Town."

Orihime lit up, while Ichigo was intrigued, but allowed his expression to remain neutral. "The shop is right up your alley. It does odd jobs for clients. That's pretty much what you do now, except you would be required to do a wider range of jobs. I'm good friends with owner. I've known her since I was a kid. She was my sister's friend, but after my sister's problems they lost touch. She kept looking out for me and kind of became like my older sister in her place. I can put in a good word for you."

"That sounds great, Masaoka-chan!"Orihime clapped her hands lightly.

It sounded too good to be true to Ichigo. "What's the catch?"

"Kurosaki-kun," Orihime scolded.

"You are a suspicious guy," Shiori stated, not hiding her astonishment and irritation at his response. "There is no catch. I should warn you that the owner can be intense and she's no pushover. You can't just bs her, but don't that fool you. She's really a caring and nurturing person at heart. It's what makes her a good mom."

It was easy to detect the fondness in Masaoka's words. Orihime could see it by how Masaoka's eyes lit up when she talked about her friend. "She sounds like a wonderful person."

"She really is," Shiori said. "Ikumi-san is a wonderful person."

"Ikumi-san?" The name was familiar. He knew he had heard somewhere before. He just couldn't remember where.

"Yes, her name is Unagiya Ikumi-san."

Hit him like a ton of bricks. He remembered the woman he had helped, the one who beat up two punks on her own, and called him Ichigo-chan. Masaoka knew her! "You know that woman!?"

"Wait, Ichi-kun you know Ikumi-san?"

Who could have known that the woman he met once would have been close friends to someone he knew? Masaoka set up a meeting between them. Ikumi did recognize him. His association with Masaoka and her own personal experience with him is what won him his current job. Ikumi wasn't only intense, but violent and with some crazy to go with it. He found out very fast she was not someone to cross when he saw her punch out a man twice her size for unwisely made advances on her. Ichigo almost felt sorry for him. His boss wasn't so much strict. She was a fierce beast. He was definitely going to call her.

6 days later

"Hello there, Inoue-san!" greeted the eccentric and energetic Urahara Kisuke. He sat in his favorite place at the back of his shop, drinking tea as Ururu guided his favorite healer to him. "It's good to see your lovely face. You really are a sight for an old man's sore eyes."

A blush ignited and spread across Orihime's face. Urahara-san always showered her with compliments. She never gotten used to it. "Hi, Urahara-san." He invited her to take a seat. Not wanting to be rude sat down.

"Would you like some refreshments?" The kind hearted healer turned down his offer. Ururu became scarce before he could say anything. She was getting good at slipping away without being noticed. He wondered if Yoruichi had been teaching her stealth. "Do you have another letter for me to give to Kuchiki-san?" He had agreed to be the bridge between Rukia and Orihime. It was no trouble. It gave him an excuse to bug Mayuri whenever he went to Soul Society.

"Yes." She carefully placed the letter in front of him as if it was a scared relic.

"You have great timing. As luck would have it I just received Kuchiki-san's response to your last letter." Almost out of nowhere the letter materialized in his hand. Orihime wondered if he had used Kido for such a simple trick or it was sleight of hand. "Here you go." He handed it to her. She eagerly, but respectfully took the letter.

This was exciting. It had been a month since she sent off her last letter. The truth was she was afraid that Kuchiki-san had forgotten to respond. At the same time she didn't want to be pushy, especially since Kuchiki-san could be busy. Now that she was a vice-captain she had much more responsibilities than before. Orihime opened it up.

Dear, Inoue

I am sorry for taking so long to respond to you. I have been busy helping train some new recruits we received. Things have been hectic over here. Captain Ukitake's illness has been acting up again, so it's been up to me to help run the division. Fortunately Kotesu and Kotsubaki have been a great help. Their experience with running division has helped me out tremendously. We have successfully doubled our number without too much hassle. To answer the questions in your last letter the Seireitei has been peaceful for the most part. There was a quite a disturbance about three weeks ago when Vice-Captain Hisagi brought a motorcycle from Human World over here. He must have brought it here from his last mission over there. It was so loud! He made such a ruckus. The fool crashed into 8th division barracks. If it weren't for Captain Kyoraku being so forgiving and Captain Muguruma smoothing things over with the captain commander I'm sure he would have lost his badge. It doesn't seem like he and Kuna make a good combination. From what I heard from Renji she egged him on. I'm not sure if it was wise for Captain Muguruma to have invited her back to the 9th division. She's a bit out there from what I have seen. I'm not sure how Ichigo could have trained with her without losing it. I supposed the other vizards helped him there. Renji is doing well. He told me to tell you and the others hi. Yes, Matsumoto also wanted me to tell you hi. Actually she wanted me to ask you, personal questions about your relationship with Ichigo. I'll reframe from asking them for your sake. I hope you enjoyed your one year anniversary. You seemed very excited about it when you wrote me in your last letter. Please tell me Ichigo did something nice for you. I hope you are continuing to do well. I am eagerly awaiting your next letter.

-Rukia

She was thankful that Kuchiki-san didn't ask Rangiku's questions. She could only imagine just what type of questions Rangiku had in her mind. What if she wanted to know about her passionate moments with Ichigo? Dear lord she could never write any of that down! Who knew who could read it!

"Is something wrong?" It was just then she remembered she was under Urahara-san's watchful eye. He looked at her with a curiosity that was befitting his inquisitive nature.

"No! It was just that Rangiku-san told Kuchiki-san to um ask me something, but she didn't write it down…." The shop owner comprehended immediately. He didn't inquire any more of her. He met Rangiku. He understood the type of questions she might ask. He certainly knew Orihime well enough to know how private she was about those types of questions. "Everyone in Soul Society seems to be doing fine. Kuchiki-san hadn't written to me in a while, because she was busy training new recruits," she explained.

"I see. The captain commander did seem determined to build up the Gotei 13 the last time I talked to him." He took a sip of his tea. "Would you like me to still send your letter or would you like to write a new one in response to the letter you just received?"

"No. I mean could you please still send my letter. I'll work on writing a new letter to respond to the one I just got later." She already wrote about her one year anniversary/Valentine's Day date with Ichigo. The ice elemental did say she wanted Orihime to tell her that Ichigo did something special for her.

"Sure. It is no problem at all," Kisuke said merrily. "How is Kurosaki-san? I haven't seen him around here in a long while."

"He is doing well. I think he is feeling a little depressed that his shinigami powers are still gone."

"There hasn't been a change at all?" the ex-captain inquired.

"No."

"I see. His spiritual power hasn't shown any signs of returning at all?"

Why would he ask her that again? She told him that nothing had changed at all. In fact Urahara-san was the one who told them that her beloved would be unlikely to ever get his power back. "No."

"That is a shame. I was hoping that his body would at least start to produce its own spiritual energy again." He was talking to her his focus seemed to be somewhere else. It was unnerving to see Urahara-san act so irregular. He gave off a weird aura. "Inoue-san," he called to her. "Would you mind doing me a favor?"

For the first time ever Orihime felt uneasy with the way Urahara-san was talking. He didn't sound like his normal gleeful self. It sounded more forced than usual. "What kind of favor?"

"Could you tell me if anything odd happens to Kurosaki-san?"

"What do you mean by odd?"

"You know." He tried to speak in the same overly cheerful manner, but it was anything, but that. The auburn princess tensed. "If anything out of the ordinary happens to or around him could you please keep me informed? It is important right now that remember in his current state he's vulnerable. We wouldn't want someone to take advantage of the situation would we?"

She really didn't like how said vulnerable. It felt menacing almost. "N-no, we wouldn't want that." She wasn't sure what else to say. The whole situation made her feel uncomfortable. She wanted to leave as soon as she could. "Thank you again, Urahara-san. I will see you later. I need to study for finals." He bid her a farewell. The healer couldn't shake the odd feeling.

It seemed his line of questioning had pushed Inoue-san away. He supposed he could have been more subtle. The important thing was that he knew he still had time.

Next morning

"Urahara-san made you feel weird?" Ichigo asked. "What do you mean by weird?" He could see the change within in his Hime from her usual ecstatic nature. She felt disheartened. He was feeling anger at Urahara for making her feel that way.

"I don't know. I can't describe it with words. The way he was acting felt very bizarre," she did her best to explain.

Ichigo would have normally jested that was normal for Urahara, but he didn't want to make light of her when that had obviously affected her this much. "What was he doing?"

She debated on telling him the topic not sure how he would take conversation about his disappeared powers, but she didn't want to lie to him. Ultimately the truth won out. "He asked me if there was any sign of your power returning." Orihime almost winced when he stiffened. This wasn't going to be a pleasant experience. She was going to have to power through. "He wanted me to tell him if anything out of the ordinary happened to you." He was just as baffled as she was. At least she knew it wasn't just in her head.

"What is that supposed to mean?" The healer shrugged her shoulders. Apparently they were both clueless. The orange haired boy knew that trying to understand Urahara's thinking was next to impossible. He agreed with Orihime on the ex-captain's behavior was bizarre, but a lot of the things Urahara did he found bizarre. "I'm sure it was nothing. You know how Urahara-san is. The man is always scheming and planning for the worst. Maybe he was just trying to make sure nothing happens to me."

That was true. She hadn't considered that. Urahara-san did remind her that Ichigo's current condition made him vulnerable to otherworldly enemies looking for payback. Why did her stomach still churn when she thought back to their conversation?

"Hey, if you're bothered I can talk to Urahara-san about it."

He would forever be her protector. When she looked into his chocolate colored eyes she could see affection. If he could he would attack the world if it offended her. He would probably do succeed at it too. He had knack for doing the impossible. "No, it's nothing. I was probably just being silly."

"If it made you feel uneasy then it is something," he declared. "I don't want you to ever feel uneasy. If I can do something about it than I am going to do it." His fingers ran through her silky red-orange strands, a gesture he knew she was fond of. It helped easy her nerves. "Remember I promised I would protect. If that means I have to kick Urahara-san's ass I'll do just that." That earned a laugh. Her jovial nature was restored. He was responsible for that. He much rather make her laugh than cry. He hadn't done the latter in quite some time.

"Thank you for wanting to protect me, but I don't want you to hurt Urahara-san for my sake." They both knew he had a volatile relationship with the shop owner. He was looking for a reason to attack him. "I'm glad you listened to me. You were probably right. I might have overreacted. Let's not make a fuss about this. If it happens again than we'll do something about it." She wanted him to accept her compromise. His spirits feel briefly at losing his opportunity of laying a hand at their benefactor, but agreed to her terms. "I love you," she said automatically. Everything in their lives was perfect at the moment. She was content. There was no need to find problems where there wasn't any.

"I love you too." Those words came out of his mouth so easily now. It was hard to imagine a time when it was difficult to say those words to her or even know if he loved her or not. When his eyes fell on her he remembered everything about her that he fell in love with. Her gentle heart, her selfless nature, her beauty, both inner and physical, and way she felt in his arms, he loved all of it. "Are you ready for finals?"

"I think so," Orihime replied uncertainly. They approached the gates of Karakura High hand in hand. This was it. Today was the start of their final week as juniors. If they passed their exams they would become seniors. This was the first step in the next major chapter of their lives. "As long I can be by your side I'll be fine." She smiled at him, which he returned. She was happy at the journey they took. It had bumpy roads and difficulties in the end it brought them to where they were now, holding hands. "Ichigo-kun, I'm happy to be here with you."

That is the end of 1 year and 5 months. It's hard to believe this fan fiction has been going on for almost four years now. This November will make it officially four years old. It was a long, long, ride that took a lot of twists and turns. I know I lost some people along the way, but to readers who kept on reading and actually like what I wrote I have to say I'm pretty surprised. I was surprised this story got over 530 reviews. Seriously I want to thank everyone who has been reading or read this. Even the people who dropped the story I'm thankful that you were initially interested in it to begin with. When I started the story I saw a few stories centered during the 17 month time skip. I wasn't sure anyone would be interested in it at all.

All of you guys proved me wrong. I was very happy to see I was wrong. I know the story shifted from romance and friendship into a more action based one in the end and I knew not everyone would like that. I did have some idea that there was eventually going to be action in later chapters as my way to justify Uryu, Chad, and Orihime started training again. I tried to keep it balance and make the villains a bit more two dimensional. Again I wasn't sure if people would take to them, but again I was surprised by people approval. I tried to keep the set villains believable power wise for the Ichigo's friends to handle on their own and not make them be overpowered. I didn't want them to be Aizen level. I tried to keep it grounded in reality and tie into how power vacuum Aizen's defeat left. I'm not sure how successful I was. When the manga finally started revealing what happened to Arrancars and Hueco Mundo I did my best to try to bridge the gaps as best I could. You guys even enjoyed the battles I wrote, which again surprised me. I have to say when you write them out you really start to hate it or you feel like your repeating words that you just hate it. A lot of you seemed to have found the battles acceptable. I was grateful for that.

I did the best I could to try to keep the characters in character as much as possible. There were moments I felt they were getting out of character, especially Ichigo. I worried about trying to keep him in character and in a relationship. I know by the end Ichigo is not the same as canon, but if I did my job right the progression was slow enough that it was believable. That was a part of why this story was so long. I wanted to avoid Ichigo and Orihime falling instantly in love and calling each other nicknames. Even some the Beloved Kurosaki-kun or His Hime stuff I was careful to never have them say it, but more feel it, since that seemed more natural to me. I tried to have arguments in there, small stuff and at least one big one near the end to at least try to make the relationship more real. I was surprised at how many reviewers assumed I was going to break them up after that argument or introduce a love triangle toward the end. After I had Masaoka not be the typical boyfriend stealer I would have thought you guys would expect I was going to try to avoid it.

For the most part I wanted to use characters that were usually underutilized and given them some spotlight. That's why I ultimately decided not to restore Ichigo's powers, so his friends would save the day on their own. I had fun using Isshin, Ryuken, and the vizards, especially. They are some of my favorite characters that don't get much spotlight. I tried my best not to fill in their backgrounds so when they showed up again in the manga that I wouldn't contradict much. For the most part I think I may have succeeded in that. Don't be surprised if we see more of these characters in the next story.

I know this story isn't perfect. I am really sorry for the bad grammar. I know I'm going to have to get a beta reader and clean this up one day. If you guys have any beta reader recommendations for the next story I would love to hear them. Lord knows I need one. Once again I want to say thanks to all the readers who stuck with me. To reward all of you for reading my ramblings I have this treat:

The night breeze was refreshing. This was the perfect time of the year to Sado. Winter was over and spring was in its youth. It wouldn't be too hot or too cold. He didn't mind taking a nightly stroll. He was big enough that most people didn't bother to mess with him. He had just left Keigo's place. The two of them had agreed to study at his house, since his family had snacks for them to eat. He hadn't gotten the chance to go shopping recently, so he was thankful that Keigo offered his place to study.

The first day of their finals had ended well enough. Sado knew most of the questions he was asked. He wasn't second guessing any of his answers. He decided to take that as a good sign. Ishida's help last week had narrowed down a lot of the study material. The silent giant was positive about his chances for tomorrow's exam. A flood of dread swept over him. "A hollow here of all places!" Did his high reiatsu draw the beast? This wasn't good. There were still some people out and about. If the hollow went after him someone could be caught in the crossfire. He broke out into a run. He needed to get somewhere private and fast.

He turned the corner he nearly ran right into a man. His reflexes were fast. Sado stopped himself before he ran the man over.

"Whoa there big guy," man said. "What's the hurry?" The man was shorter than him Sado could tell he was tall. The man was clad in black. He wore black pants and a black jacket with a white fur collar. Underneath the jacket he wore a white shirt. Hanging from his neck was a pendant necklace. He had shoulder length black hair. He wore a smile full of confidence. The man oozed of nothing, but confidence. That wasn't the most remarkable thing about him. He felt something was off about his aura. "Hey, big guy," he called. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"You need to get out of here."

The man looked at him dumbfounded. "Why the hell should I?" he challenged.

"There is no time to explain. You need to…." The hollow crashed down behind them. This was the worst time for it to appear. The man was going to get caught up in the fight.

"Don't tell me that is what got you freaking out."

He could see it. The man could see the hollow! How could he see it? No, that wasn't completely unheard of. All the events of their adventures had served to make more people spiritually aware. The ability to see spirits was becoming more common spread. The question he should be asking himself is not how the man could see a hollow, but why was he so relaxed. Being able to see the creature of despair should have instilled fear in the heart of normal person. After all it was coming face to face with a monster in real life. The man stood there almost as if he was relishing the ordeal.

The man walked past him. Was he going to the hollow? That was madness. "Stop!" he urged. His warning went uncalled. The man continued to walk as if he was taking a stroll in the park. The masked beast let heart stopping roar that would have sent any unsuspecting man to an early grave, but this man. Sado saw his thin lips curl upward slightly. He was relishing this. What was wrong with this man? He was going to get himself killed. He summoned his Brazo Derecha de Gigante. He would finish it in one blow. He prepared to attack it when a bright flash of light distracted him. The man light came from the man. What he saw stole his breath. The man was carrying a sword. How was that possible? How could the man do that? No normal man should be able to do that.

'Who is he?'

The hollow pounced at the man and it was over in a flash. The masked beast was beheaded. The only evidence that man had moved at all was his blade was now resting on his shoulder. Whoever this man was he much more than an ordinary man. The way he acted made it obvious this wasn't his first time. What interested Sado the most was the reiatsu now radiating from the man. It was different from anything he had ever felt before. It almost felt like Sado's reiatsu.

"That's an interesting power you have there," the man told him. "I'm surprised that my first night in town and I run into you already."

"Do you know me?" Sado became on guard.

"I heard of people with spiritual power gathered near this area. You are part of Kurosaki Ichigo's group right?"

"How do you know about him? Who are you?"

"That's an interesting question. I guess you could almost say were cousins." The man smirked. Sado wasn't amused in the slightest.

"I tell you what. I'll answer all your questions if you come with me."

"I'm supposed to trust you?"

"No. I don't expect you would. How about I give you this instead?" He handed him a black calling card. It did nothing to lessen the suspicion in Sado. "Call the number on the card whenever you want to talk. You should be sure to call. It would be a shame to lose talent such as yours."

"What do you mean by that?"

"It's as I said before. We're almost like cousins. Your arm and my sword here come from the same line. I can teach you everything you need to know about it. I can show you things about your powers you probably haven't even imagined were possible."

He didn't trust this man. Something felt off about him. He knew about Ichigo and about him. Who knew what else he could know. At the same time he still oozed of confidence. He acted as if he knew that in the end Sado would do as he wanted. It was grating he knew that if he walked away from this man he wouldn't get any real answers out of him. Right now he needed to know if he was a threat. 'Damn. It looks like I'll have to play along with him,' he mentally cursed. He looked down at the card he was given. "X-cution?"

"That's right," the man answered. "Welcome to our Xcution."

The pendulum starts swinging again.

Sado's first meeting with Ginjo. I thought it would serve as a good teaser and tie things together. The manga never went into detail of how or when Sado met Ginjo. I imagined Sado knew Ginjo for some time before Ichigo met him. It will ultimately work better for me I think if I do it that way. Thank you for reading 1 year and 5 months. If you are actually interested in a sequel based on Lost Substitute Shinigami/Agent arc be sure to keep an eye out for 17 months later: The Lost Ones.