Bleach Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Who will protect me now? The Substitute Shinigami & the Shikon Priestess ❯ Old habits die hard ( Chapter 2 )

“Who will protect me now? The Substitute Shinigami & the Shikon Priestess”

Bleach / Inuyasha crossover fiction

Main Pairing: Ichigo x Kagome

 

 

 

Chapter 2- Old habits die hard

Disclaimer: I do not own the Bleach or Anime series. These characters and the series they are in belong to Bleach - Author Kubo Kite and Inuyasha - Author Takahashi Rumiko.

 

Characters in this chapter:

Higurashi, Kagome; Kurosaki, Ichigo; Sado, Yasutora (Chad); Tatsuki, Arisawa; Inoue, Orihime; Ishida, Uryuu; Kuchiki, Rukia

 

 

 

 

 

Kagome was blushing furiously again. It seemed her face was destined to stay tomato red for the rest of the semester. Making the now familiar walk towards the campus gates to go home for the evening, Ichigo was still holding her hand. It wasn't some much that she minded holding his hand, no, she felt so safe around him. It was the level of discomfort that also came with it considering the type of relationship they had. They were just friends after all, despite the occasional whispers that they were in fact a couple. Didn't he realize that holding hands was just such an intimate thing to do with someone?

 

So now, weeks later, they had fallen into a daily routine. Ichigo always meet her at the gates in the morning and always walked her to the train when their classes were over. They talked and joked about everything and anything and felt like they knew everything about one another. It was obvious that either the intimacy of the situation didn't bother him or he did a damn good job of hiding it.

 

She often wondered if she was being too much of a prude about it. She remembered the numerous times she held Inuyasha's hand. How embarrassed they would both be. But they always winded up holding hands either after a make-up from a disagreement or when either one of them had a close call with death. It was like a symbolic reaffirming of her pledge to always be by his side and his pledge to protect her. Kagome sighed as sadness washed over her when she remembered her time with the Inu-hanyou she had grown to love.

 

Ichigo must have noticed her change in mood because he stopped walking. “Daijoubou, Kagome?”

 

Regardless of how somber her mood might have been, she could always manage a smile for Kurosaki-kun. His presence made her feel strangely at ease.

 

“Uhn…It's nothing I was just thinking about something.”

 

“Well don't daydream and walk at the same time. You know how clumsy you are.”

 

One thing she had realized in the last few weeks of hanging with Ichigo is that he seemed to derive some sick pleasure from teasing her.

 

“Wha…I am not clumsy!” Kagome fumed.

 

“So what you're saying is objects bump into you as you walk?” She's just so adorable when she gets mad.

 

“……” What was he? Like two years old?

 

“What's with your eye? Does it always twitch like that or is that an attempt to scare me?” Ichigo tried to contain his snickers as he watched Kagome's temper flare.

 

“Osuwari!”

 

Before she could stop herself she let the infamous command roll off her tongue. We'll he was acting a little like Inuyasha just now. She wondered how she would clean up her little slip of the tongue.

 

“Kagome, did you just tell me to sit? Like a damn dog!”

 

“Don't tease me and I won't treat you like a puppy needing scolding!” Good save Kagome! She thought, mentally patting herself on the back.

 

“What the hell!? Kagome… that still doesn't explain why…”

 

“Oh…look the train! See you later Kurosaki-kun!”

 

 

~*~

 

 

 

 

 

Ichigo sat at his desk doing the reading for his history class. They were currently discussing the legends of the Sengoku Jidai. As he read through the text he was fascinated by the legend of the great Inutashio, Lord of the western lands and a dog demon. Man, the myths people came up with. A great dog ran the Western lands? It seems so far fetched and laughable. What did fascinate him were the swords he carried. Apparently, one was the sword of man; the second was the sword of heaven and the third was the sword of hell. Interesting swords…their powers resemble the attributes of a Zanpaktou. The thing about legends are despite all the exaggerations in them, some parts of the tales usually hold some truth. “I'll bet this guy was directly related to Shinigami.” Ichigo said as he took notes on the section.

 

A tap on the window came, interrupting Ichigo from his studies as Rukia stepped in through the window.

 

Not adorning her usual Shinigami attire, Ichigo assessed that this was more of a social visit then anything. “Oi, Rukia, what are you doing here?”

 

Rukia was just a little agitated by that. Did she need a reason to come visit? Weren't they nakama? “How are you Ichigo? Is that anyway to treat a guest? And since when do I need a reason to visit?”

 

Adjusting the pink Chappy bag strapped on her back, Rukia stood behind him with her hands on her waist as she waited for a response.

 

“You know I didn't mean it that way but I usually don't see you unless you're here on business from the Soul Society. Besides, if you're here for a visit, why don't you try using the front door sometimes like most normal people?”

 

Rukia thought about it for a moment. “I guess I could try using the front door next time.”

 

A vein popped in his forehead. “You think!? I look like some hentai sneaking girls in the house!”

 

 

 

 

~*~

 

 

 

 

 

Kagome sat at her desk, working on the assignment she was given for her College Algebra class.

 

Math was not one of her better subjects in high school. In fact, she hoped she would not have to see another math problem in her life after she graduated high school. Much to her dismay, College Algebra was a course all freshmen had to take as well at the University. It was just another utterly crap-tackular thing to add to her list of reasons why college sucks.

 

She chewed on the eraser on the end of her pencil as she tried to remember how Uryuu showed her how to solve it. These cursed math problems were just evil. She slammed the book closed and put her head down. She would have to call Uryuu and ask him for more help tomorrow. At least the assignment wasn't due until next week.

 

All things considered, she had learned a lot about her new friends in the short time she had been at the University. Uryuu was not only a wiz with math, but a master at sewing. Tatsuki not only was into several forms of martial arts but also was on the team via scholarship for Karakura U. Orihime was an overall genius despite her weird appetite. She often made the weirdest food combinations. Orihime was also attending Karakura U via scholarship. Chad and Ichigo were considered the loners of the group. Chad was quiet and reserved despite his overwhelming appearance. Most women would probably describe him as tall, dark and handsome no matter how cliché. Soft spoken and a man of few words, Chad was a really gentle soul reminding her of Jineji.

 

Ichigo and she had the most in common. Both losing a parent at an early age, Ichigo was raised by his father who owned a Family Practice, The Kurosaki Clinic in town. He had two twin sisters, Yuzu and Karin, who were around Souta's age. Ichigo was apparently often whispered to be weird because of his hair color. Ichigo revealed that his hair color comes from his mother. Kagome remembered how bad she felt when they first met for staring at his hair. She did think his hair color was a bit unusual but she actually liked it a lot. She had vocalized as much when they were hanging out, not only embarrassing herself but earning a slight blush from Ichigo.

 

 

A soft breeze blew in through her bedroom window.

 

Kagome walked over to the window and leaned out of it resting her arms on the window seal. The night of the new moon…InuYasha human night and period of vulnerability. Sighing, Kagome stared out into the night sky. Despite the gently winds that ruffled the branches of Goshinboku, everything seemed eerily still. Oh how she missed her friends from beyond the well. Sango, Miroku, Shippou, Kaede …InuYasha. She knew it was fruitless to dwell on what she lost, but it did not dispel the pain of longing to see them once more. “You promised to be happy for them…for him.” She softly chided herself. Quickly changing her train of thought, Kagome couldn't shake the feeling that there were things going on, battles being fought in the city beyond that she was unaware of.

 

She noticed it when she first attended University in Karakura town three weeks ago. She knew her new friends were hiding something and she wanted to know what. It was clear they were all spiritually aware and held some type power with the exception of Tatsuki. Yet who was she to ask questions. She held her own secret that she wasn't willing to share yet and truthfully didn't believe she ever could. While the Shikon no Tama may have been wished out of existence, the power Kagome held was not bore from the Shikon no tama as people would have believed. Her power was her own. And now that it was fully unsealed she worried about people finding out about it and using it for their own selfish gains. Seeing the corruption that the Shikon no tama could enlist from a man's heart and soul had taught her the lengths people would go through for power. So she had to be cautious.

 

While she may not be able to share her deepest secret with him, it didn't stop her from wanting to know more about Ichigo.

 

Kurosaki-kun was tall, handsome, and rough in his demeanor. But he genuinely cared about people and was very loyal to anyone he considered a friend. She was often reminded of Inuyasha when being with him. “Which is probably why I want to sit him when he teases me” Kagome mumbled. It worried her since she felt attracted to him and feared she might be looking for a replacement of her beloved hanyou. Knowing how it felt to be constantly compared to another, she promised herself she would never do that to anyone.

 

She was much more curious about his power then the others. Ichigo's reiatsu was the strongest of them all and red in appearance much like Inuyasha youki. And much like Inuyasha's youki, they seemed to blend instead of clash with one another. She wasn't sure what to make of that little fact yet. Blushing, Kagome willed her thoughts not to venture any further into a domain her heart was already struggling with. She would have to ponder that later.

 

Kagome felt a paw brush the back of her calf. Looking down, Buyo meowed softly and brushed against her before lying by her feet. Sighing, Kagome bent down and stroked Buyo when her stomach growled. “…Okay, you lazy fur ball…let's go get some dinner.” Kagome picked up the fat feline and headed downstairs.

 

 

 

 

 

~*~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ichigo and Chad exited the crowded theater laughing hysterically. Uryuu was clearly not amused as he adjusted the glasses on the bridge of his nose. Uryuu's face was as red as a tomato as Chad and Ichigo continued to tease him.

 

“So she told you that she just couldn't see herself dating a man who sewed better than her!?” Ichigo was finding hard to catch his breath from laughing so hard.

 

“It seems a little harsh… She could have come up with a better excuse.” Chad added. “It's like her nice way of calling you homosexual.”

 

Another round of laughter gripped Ichigo and Chad. Uryuu had attempted to ask a girl from one of his classes at the University on a date. The girl mentioned him being in the sewing club. Uryuu was naturally proud of that accomplishment and confirmed he was quite the seamster. Uryuu failed to notice the snickers of her girlfriends behind her and after giving him a lame excuse, the girl flat turned him down. Ichigo and Chad had overheard the conversation and could not stop laughing.

 

Uryuu stopped and looked at the two men incredulously. “Kurosaki and Sado, need I remind you that you are both indeed without girlfriends at the moment. Nor did either of you attempt to talk to any of the many lovely ladies at the theater.” Uryuu turned around and started walking away.

 

“What does that even have to do with your lack of sex appeal with the ladies?” Ichigo scoffed.

 

“Yes, well, that may be your matter of opinion. But the point I was trying to make was that you Kurosaki have three women vying for your affection yet you'd rather spend all your free time hanging around us. That fact alone would make you more likely homosexual than I am in theory.” Uryuu sighed making his assessment.

 

Ichigo's eye twitched and Chad coughed to contain his laughter. After a moment of silence, Ichigo finally conceded.

 

“Yeah, but given our circumstances, it's a little hard trying to date.” Ichigo had to admit the notion having a girlfriend seemed very appealing.

 

Uryuu walked back towards his friends. “Chad, Ichigo…didn't we agree to try to live normal lives for now on?”

 

Ichigo put his hand on Ishida's shoulder. “Easier said then done, you're not on hollow hunting duty.”

 

Ishida brushed his hand off and adjusted his glasses which had slid back down on an uncomfortable spot against the bridge of his nose. “Kurosaki, do not question my honor as a Quincy. We all still play our parts in helping protect Karakura town from hollows, not just you and your fellow arrogant Shinigami.”

 

“Arrogant! Since when do I fall in the category as the other Shinigami!” Ichigo yelled.

 

“Since you decided to continue to associate yourself with the likes of them. And let's not forget the recent discovery that your father was actually a captain in the Gotei 13.” Ishida responded intentionally goading the young Shinigami. It was no secret that the Quincy and Shinigami despised each other. It seemed Ishida was hell bent on continuing that tradition.

 

“So what? You got a problem with that Ishida?” Ichigo replied stepping towards Ishida, ready for a confrontation.

 

“Guys, this is ridiculous.” Chad interjected stepping in between the two. Both men stepped down reluctantly.

 

“Anyway, why don't we start by trying to pickup women like normal guys our age? I for one am tired of hanging around all you hairy legs.” Ishida replied bring them back to the topic at hand.

 

“We do hang around females our age. What about Orihime, Tatsuki, Rukia and Kagome?” Chad interjected.

 

“Heh…no offense but don't count Tatsuki. She just might have hairy legs.” Ichigo added and all three men shared a hearty laugh. Besides Tatsuki and he had more of a brother and sister relationship.

 

“Kurosaki does have a point. That girl has enough testosterone for the whole lot of us. …And we all know Rukia and Orihime only have eyes for our orange-haired friend here.” Ishida offered looking at Ichigo out of the corner of his eye.

 

“… …” For once in his life, Ichigo was totally speechless.

 

And the dead silence hung around them. You could hear the crickets echoing around them as neither of them seemed to respond.

 

“It's that obvious huh?” Damn Ishida was observant. Or was he just in denial? Ichigo finally found the courage to reply. He knew Rukia and Orihime had eyes for him but he tried not to draw attention to the situation. The last thing Ichigo felt he needed was them acting all weird around him.

 

“Does it make you uncomfortable?”

 

Damn, apparently even Chad noticed his avoidance of the situation. This was a conversation Ichigo felt he did not really want to be having. Yeah it was uncomfortable. He wasn't the type of guy who wanted to see two girls fighting over him. But he didn't want to deal with the situation at hand either. He wasn't one to hurt a girl's feelings despite his blunt nature. Ichigo sighed. “Better to come clean with it now. They'd just keep badgering me with it if I don't.”

 

“Sometimes…because their both great women in their own right. But I just don't see them in that way.”

 

“ So I was right…Ichigo doesn't have romantic feelings for Rukia or Orihime.” It didn't come as a surprise to Uryuu as he thought about it. There seemed to be something key missing between Ichigo and either girl. “Perfect! I can pursue Orihime. Unfortunately, now that I am certain he isn't into Rukia I need to make sure Ichigo's interest stays focused away from Orihime. And I think I know a certain someone to re-direct his attentions to. Okay so now to broach this from another angle.”

 

 

“What about Higurashi-san?” Uryuu questioned.

 

 

Hook…

 

 

“What!?” Ichigo replied.

 

“Come on… take the bait”, Uryuu pressed. “We've seen the way you look at her, the way she looks at you. And you two are practically attached at the hip.”

 

“Come on guys we've just become good friends, that's all. She's a really sweet girl. You both know that.” Ichigo countered.

 

“Ichigo, I definitely think Higurashi-san has a crush on you too.” Chad interjected, deciding to help a dense Ichigo out.

 

“Fuel the fire”, Uryuu thought. “Well she blushes whenever he's near and she lets him lead her around campus by hand.”

 

“This is true. I also saw some guy try to approach Higurashi-san the other day being a little too forward. Before, I could intervene, well, let just say, beware of an angry Higurashi-san. She's quite scary.” Chad innocently added.

 

“And what makes you two so sure I'm into Kagome like that?”

 

 

Line…

 

 

“Because, Kurosaki…I can read you like a book right now”, Uryuu taunted in his mind. “The fact that you're smiling like an idiot?”

 

“…You guys really think she likes me?”

 

Chad and Uryuu nodded.

 

 

Sinker…

 

 

“Maybe I'll ask her to a movie with me. Then I won't have to resort to going to the movies with you two hairy legs all the time.” Ichigo proclaimed and smiled.

 

“That's it chase Higurashi-san and leave Orihime to me.” Uryuu had to hide is elation at his accomplishment. “You could always go by yourself…” Uryuu offered. There seemed to be an attraction between Ichigo and Kagome that was noticeable from the day they met. “Now Kurosaki-kun, make your move soon so Orihime can move on.”

 

“No thanks. That be even worst then the sausage fest we currently got going on this outing.” Ichigo quipped.

 

 

 

 

 

~*~

 

 

 

 

Ichigo had a hard time resting his weary mind tonight. Shortly after leaving Uryuu and Chad, he had to take down a hollow chasing a spirit near an old shrine. The spirit was pretty cooperative with the soul burial after the scare with the hollow. Now he laid in bed trying to figure out the best way to ask Kagome to the movies. Uryuu was right earlier. The last few years had been hectic. He never really was the type to drool over girls anyway but with his newly found powers and responsibilities, he had virtually no time to think about the opposite sex. It really was a shame too because he really did like girls, he just wasn't willing to put one in danger by being romantically involved with a Shinigami. Plus, his powers were unstable. Finally getting his Shinigami and Vizard powers under some modicum of control he no longer felt like the weight of the world was on his shoulders.

 

With a decrease of hollow activity, Ichigo felt he could now focus on his normal life. And that included dating a certain raven haired beauty he spent most of his time with at school.

 

“Kagome…” Ichigo whispered her name in the darkness of his room. Staring at the ceiling, he thought back to when they had first met. Shy, innocent, yet bubbly and sweet, Kagome was so different than any other women he had ever encountered. Kagome had just recently started hanging around them and was just trying to fit in and get to know everyone. He never considered it. Could she really like him? He couldn't deny that he wasn't slightly elated by the mere thought.

 

Ever since he had held out his hand in open invitation for her to become their friend… his friend, they had been inseparable at the University. Their first lunch together had proved to be a lot of fun. They went to a WacArnold's nearby, grabbed some burgers and fries and found a nice picnic bench in the near by park to talk. Apparently everyone was from Karakura town except Kagome. Kagome lived in Ryoushuda, which was a small suburban town right outside of Tokyo and east of Karakura town. She took the train in for classes' everyday. Kagome also revealed that she lived at the big Shinto shrine there. None of them had ever visited it personally but heard that it attracted a lot of tourists because of the legend of the Shikon no tama. Kagome was such a kind hearted soul. She wanted to go to school to become a doctor. Hearing her say it, he knew it fit her personality perfectly. She fussed over them all much like Orihime except she also felt like she needed to protect them. He remembered Orihime telling him about some guy trying to get fresh with her in the hallway and how Kagome had stood in between them and begun berating him for not knowing how to treat a woman. Orihime described her temper as scary too. He had yet to see the little spitfire warmed up, but Orihime's description rang in his ears. “She kind of reminded me of you, Ichigo. I know it's weird but I felt protected. Kagome-chan's a really good person. I can tell. Maybe we should try hooking her up with Uryuu.”

 

Okay, he would wholeheartedly agree with Orihime on the fact that she really is a good person.

 

But he be damned if he helped Orihime hook her up with Uryuu.

 

Kagome's soft laughter echoed in his mind and made his heart flutter. Screw that. I'm keeping Kagome for myself.

 

 

 

 

~*~

 

 

 

 

 

Kagome's eyebrow twitched as she attempted to keep from snapping on the snob next to her. The girl had been bragging about how she was the best archer at Karakura U. They were having tryout for the team after school today. Kagome due to her numerous absences, was unable to make the team in high school. Since her quest was over and she had the time she wanted to take advantage of some of the skills she had mastered while traveling between times. There were only four openings but eighteen girls were trying out. The competition was definitely tense.

 

This one particular girl though, she was whispered to be good…and very arrogant about it. Currently the girl was displaying this annoying overconfidence by bragging non-stop. Kagome wanted to tape her mouth shut.

 

To make matters worst, Kagome had the unfortunate pleasure of sitting next to her and the mean-spirited girl bad-mouthed every girl who went up for their turn.

 

Wasn't it bad enough everyone was nervous as it was? Did people need her critiquing their every move outside of the judging staff? Kagome let out a sigh of frustration and got up to relocate herself away from the contaminated atmosphere Miss Wonderful was creating. She walked over to a small patch of grass where some of the other girls sat and took a seat.

 

It soon came time for Miss Wonderful to take her turn. She practically sneered at everyone as she walked up with her bow and arrows and took her stance. Misplaced applause broke out as she did so.

 

Apparently the girl also had her very own cheering squad. Glancing over at the gate it was now apparent they had a small audience.

 

Dragging her attention away from the gate, Kagome watched as Miss Wonderful confidently notched her arrow and took her shot. She hit the bull's-eye dead center. Kagome had to admit the girl was good. Taking her last four shots, the girl managed to land those dangerously close as well.

 

As of this moment, everyone began whispering how Miss Wonderful was a shoe-in for the first of the four slots.

 

“Higurashi Kagome.”

 

Kagome barely heard her name called over all the commotion. Grabbing her bow and quiver of arrows, Kagome walked over to the staging area and took her stance. In the background as she concentrated on her goal she could hear Miss Wonderful bragging about how no one could top her five shots. What a snob! Her ego must be the size of Shippou when he used his Kitsune magic to turn into a balloon. Kagome would have laughed if she wasn't so infuriated.

 

Quickly finding her center, Kagome was ready to start.

 

Notching an arrow quickly, she hit the bull's-eye practically dead center all five times. Almost in-humanly fast.

 

Bowing respectfully to the judges, Kagome waited to be dismissed from the staging area. Kagome could hear the collective gasps and whispers about her performance. Even the snob was speechless. Once she was dismissed, Kagome held her head high and walked back to her seat without saying a word.

 

The coach smiled. After the last girl took her turn, the coach walked up to Kagome and asked to speak to her in private. Stepping away from the other girls, the coach personally notified Kagome that she in fact got the first slot on the archery team.

 

“Check the board tomorrow for the official scores and announcements.” The coach added.

 

“I will and thank you sensei!” Kagome said enthusiastically and bowing.

 

Shortly after talking with the coach, the girls were dismissed. Kagome grabbed her bow, arrows and messenger bag and headed for the gate. Still in her gym shirt and jogging pants, she decided to skip changing and going home as is.

 

“I didn't know you were into archery.”

 

Kagome looked up and lock eyes with a certain orange haired boy. He was casually leaned against the gate, smiling at her.

 

“How long have you been here?”

 

Since you came to the tryout after I realized you weren't where I usually meet you to walk to the train, Ichigo thought. He wouldn't voice that out loud since it made him sound like quite the stalker.

 

“Long enough to see you have amazing skill with the bow. Remind me to never go hunting with you. I might piss you off and wind-up never coming home.”

 

Kagome playfully smacked his arm for teasing her.

 

“I wouldn't do that to you and you know it.”

 

The way her lips puckered and her eyes narrowed when he annoyed her were just adorable. He found himself teasing her quite often just to see her make to cute face. She thought she was being intimidating but all she succeeded in doing was just being damn sexy.

 

“Itai…Wonder Woman! Try not to take this lowly human's arm off!”

 

“Quit teasing Ichi-kun, you know you barely felt that with those deliciously strong biceps of yours.” Kagome teased back while batting her eyelashes.

 

Ichigo laughed. Apparently someone was in an openly flirtatious mood today and he was obviously the recipient of the attention. Yup, definitely keeping Kagome to myself, Ichigo silently agreed.

 

“So my biceps are delicious, Kagome?”

 

“… ...” Kagome paused. Did I actually just say that out loud?

 

“Ummm…” At a lost for a rebuttal after making the very intimate assessment of one of his many attributes, Kagome had the decency to blush before she promptly shut up.

 

As much as he'd like to, after seeing her obvious embarrassment, Ichigo did not press the situation any further. “Come on lets get you to the train station.”

 

 

 

 

~*~

 

 

 

 

 

“Getsu Gatenshou!” Ichigo watched as the last hollow dissipated after his attack cut through it and its mask like hot butter.

 

He sensed the hollow shortly after midnight. He had just barely turned in for the night. Chasing it to an abandoned warehouse nearby, he found that it was after a wandering spirit that had died two days ago. He had been attempting to perform the konsou and send the spirit to Soul Society since he first noticed its presence lingering but it seemed hell bent on not being found. He then felt the presence of three hollows. He followed their reiatsu to the abandoned warehouse where they had cornered the spirit and were attempting to devour it. Had they not been fighting over who would get the soul, they might have seen him coming.

 

Ichigo approached the spirit who seemed relieved and nervous at the same time. “Don't worry, I'm sending you to the soul society now where you can rest and meet up with those you lost once again.”

 

The spirit shook his head and put his hands up to escape the konsou. “Matte!” the spirit yelled. “I need to find some one first. …Can you help me?”

 

Ichigo looked confused and scratched his head. Now that he though about it, the old man did have on the garbs traditionally worn by a Monk. Even stranger were the prayer beads tied around his hand.

 

“Okay, Oji-san, no one can see you so how do you expect to talk to them once you find them?”

 

The old man looked determined. “When we find them, I assure you they will be able to see me. You see, the person I seek is a miko.”

 

Ichigo looked skeptical. Maybe the old man had lost his facilities before he died. He vaguely remembered his mother telling him a bedtime tale or two of mikos and monks, but he always thought the tales of their power were just myth. Now with his own current abilities he couldn't readily dismiss the old man's story. He just wasn't sure if the person he was looking for was an actual Miko and not something else.

 

“Ok. There are a few shrines and temples around the area. Maybe we could start with them?” Ichigo responded reluctantly.

 

It was always in Ichigo's nature to help others. But a sense of unease came over him and he couldn't exactly explain why.

 

“Three days Oji-san. After that, I'm performing your burial whether we find this Miko or not. I don't need you turning into a hollow.”

 

The old spirit humbly agreed.

 

 

 

 

In the shadows, a figure watched the exchange between Ichigo and the old spirit. Smiling like a Cheshire cat, he turned and opened a portal. In a flash, he disappeared through it.

 

 

 

 

 

Authors Note: I know I haven't updated this story in awhile by I had a hard drive failure and lost most of the chapter I had for this story. I also was working on my thesis for graduation so I had to put this on hold. I apologize to everyone who was reading and I hope you will continue to do so as I try to get this story back on track.

 

Thanks for reading and please review.