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Strawberries are Best Eaten Frozen	By : xenofan Category: Bleach > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 7600 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
The captain became silent once more and turned his gaze through the window at the clouds. "Ichigo...I believe Aizen is targeting you."

Whatever Ichigo expected Hitsugaya to say, it wasn't that. "What, why would Aizen be after me? I mean, sure I have bankai and everything, but I'd think he'd target captains or something."

The white-haired shinigami ignored that last part. "I don't know why, but there is strong evidence. Remember those big Hollow from the other day?"

"Yeah" Kinda hard to forget, Ichigo thought.

"Soul Society calls those Kuji Hollow--Huge Hollow in other words. They are in a different class from their brethren. These are much larger and stronger."

"What, you're worried about a couple of big Hollow? They probably sensed my reiastu or something."

"Normally I'd agree, but these weren't normal Hollow. The ability to mask their reiastu, attacking in a large group, and luring you into the ambush with a stray Hollow. These are all unusual traits, particularly the former. There has never a been a record of a Hollow with that ability, with one exception. A group of similiar Kuji Hollow attacked Renji's class on a training mission. The one that came to their aid...was the fifth division captain: Aizen Sousuke."

Something tugged at the edge of Ichigo's mind. He remembered hearing about this before..."Wait, I think Aizen said something about creating Hollow at the Souyouku stands."

Hitsugaya nodded "Yes, our interview with Rukia told us as much. Aizen had been experimenting with Hollow-Shinigami hybrids for years. One of the products of his research was the creation of Hollow who could hide their spiritual signature. There's no doubt that the Hollow who attacked Renji's class and the ones from yesterday were his. The real question is whether he sent them to you for a reason or simply discarded them after he obtained the Hougyouku."

"So isn't there the possibility that they just went after me coincidentally?"

"I doubt it, all of them banded together and ambushed you. Perhaps Aizen merely directed to them to Karakura Town, but their appearance seems planned." He shrugged. "Well regardless, take them as a warning of what to come: Kuji Hollow are nothing compared to the Menos Grande and the three captains."

Finished with what he had to say, Hitsugaya began making his way back to the classroom to collect his belongings. As he passed Ichigo, the corner of his mouth twitched upwards. "You know, if you continue to stare off into space with that look on your face, you're going to attract attention." He was gone before Ichigo could turn around and snap back.

If I didn't know any better, I'd have sworn he used shunpo to get away so fast, Ichigo huffed.

*******

With his bookbag hanging over his shoulder, Ichigo took his usual route home alongside the stream. And as every time he passed, he stopped at a certain spot alongside the river. The sun was still shining and grass still green but Ichigo felt as if a shadow had darkened the world. This was the spot where he almost died, and would have if not for his mother. His mother who had died protecting him from an unseen danger. Now he knew it to be a Hollow that committed the deed, even the name of the one who did it: Ground Fisher. But still...he couldn't shake the feeling that it was his fault. If he hadn't rushed to the water at the sight of that mysterious boy...if only he had been stronger then. Shaking his head, Ichigo affirmed "Well I'm strong now. And I won't let anyone else in this town feel this sadness...I'll protect them. I'm just sorry I wasn't able to protect you Mother." Bending down, he righted the fallen that to this day remained full of water and a blooming flower.

Ichigo finally reached the family house and went through the gate to the side door, the main one meant for use by emergency patients. Twisting the knob, he loosened his body in preparation for defending himself from an assault that was surely coming. When none came, nor yelling, he stepped in puzzled. From his right came Yuzu who, with barely a cursory glance and "Welcome home brother," disappeared into her room with a suitcase. "Yuzu? What's with all the hussle?"

An exasperated sigh brought his attention to the stairs. "Don't tell me you forgot. Dad has a conference the day after tomorrow in Kyoto, remember? It's only been on the calendar all month."

Sure enough the opened page of the calendar had "Big Meeting Day! Banzai!" written in comically drawn characters on the box for Saturday (well actually the writing spilled over into 5 non-consecutive days). "Oh yeah. But I didn't know you and Yuzu were going."

"Well Dad didn't want to, but I wore him down. A big city should have more interesting things to do than this place. Besides, I promised Yahiko from the soccer team that I'd get him a souvenir. And of course after I wanted to go, Yuzu decided to tag along."

"Ah. But without Yuzu, how will I get my meals?" Ichigo joked, and was immediately ignored by Karin. But the other sister heard and poked her head around the corner "Don't worry brother, I made your meals for the next week already, they're in the fridge, sorted by date."

Ichigo sweatdropped "Oh, er, thank you Yuzu. But it's not like I can't take care of myself..."

Karin pushed him out of the way "If you aren't going help, get out of the way."

Knowing he pushed her far enough already, Ichigo conceded. "Okay, okay, I'll be in my room."

Closing his door, Ichigo sighed in relief. "At least they didn't put me to work. Karin had me repack her suitcase at least 4 times before their last trip."

A rhythm of squeaky footsteps alerted him to Kon's approach. "Ichigo! Do you have any idea what your sister did to me?"

"Huh?" Turning to see the source of the complaints, Ichigo's eyes shot open and suddenly his scowled expression became very hard to maintain. On his floor was Kon, who was once again dressed by his sister. No, not with sparkles or earrings; not with a wig; not even in a dress. This time Yuzu had deigned to put him in a swimsuit. And not just any swimsuit, but a two-piece bikini. It was even pink.

Kon's forehead vein popped (how, as a toy, Kon had veins to pop was something that always bugged him) when he was not immediately greeted with sympathies. "WHAT IS WITH THAT FACE, THINK THIS IS FUNNY?!! That monster squeezed me into these damn pieces of dental floss this morning. She said I need to get ready for the beach, as if."

Ichigo cocked his eyebrow. "Squeezed you? So in other words you need to lose some weight. And be happy she only used one bow" Cutting off Kon's reply with a wave of his hand, he replied "Anyways you're not going. Karin reminded Yuzu that they wouldn't be going to the beach. Although I'm sure she wouldn't mind you keeping the outfit."

Kon turned away with a huff and, distinctly ignoring Ichigo, stomped away cradling the remains of his dignity. Of course the gesture was lost the moment his foot squeaked against the floor.

After hanging his bag on the bag of his chair, Ichigo laid down on his bed to think. Staring up at the ceiling he wondered what would happen next. The pillow crumpled under his hand. This time...this time he wouldn't allow anyone to be hurt.
=======================================

Wow, after about 15 months an update. It�s a miracle!
Alas, Xeno has become ensnared by the evil WoW monster. But thanks for the reviews guys, it really helps me get my ass in gear.
The next chapter is planned out and should be ready next week, and after that we�ll see.
- 5
- 6
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Strawberries are Best Eaten Frozen