Twilight Hallucinations

Shards of Spirit - Ch.3

2008-04-17T04:41:26Z

Shards of Spirit
Fandom: Bleach
Characters: Ichigo X Rukia
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, now go read.
Spoilers: Up to current arc.
Summary:Do we ever get a second chance? An option to redo what we did wrong? And if we did, would we know what to do when it was given to us? When a mistake threatens to cost Ichigo the thing he never realized was most important, how far will he go to get it back?
Gravely injured, hovering at the brink of death, Rukia remains trapped within her mind, a prisoner to her own inner demons, while Ichigo, determined to restore her, faces not only her own darkness but the fears and illusions in his own heart by journeying into her mind itself to find her and bring the pieces of her soul back together.

At first, there was nothing but blackness. Dark, inky, all-consuming. And then the blackness closed in even more and there was the sensation of freefall, as though he was falling, plummeting towards some unknown destination. Closing his eyes against the encroaching darkness, Ichigo focused inward, reminding himself why he was doing this, why he was subjecting his very soul to something that, for all intents and purposes, may have been futile. Only... he wouldn't let it be futile, wouldn't let it become totally useless. He couldn't afford to let that happen. Not after he'd already failed her...

"Ichigo.... open your eyes."

It was a familiar voice, and one he hadn't expected to hear -- especially not HERE, of all places. But as soon as his mind registered the familiar tones, it also registered another thing. That he had stopped falling. Slitting open one eye, he backpedaled with a startled yelp to find himself -- for all intents and purposes -- floating. Not suspended in midair, as if in one of those antigravity rooms his science professor had shown them a video of, but just... there. As though he stood on a floor he couldn't see, in a room he also couldn't see. Scratching the back of his head for a moment, Ichigo tentatively tapped his foot against the "ground". It was disconcerting, the way it felt like floor, but made no impact noise, no echoing, no.... nothing. Glancing up, he nodded at the other figure who seemed to float in the same manner a few feet in front of him.

"Old man Zangetsu....."

The black-garbed form of his materialized zanpakutou simply nodded, his demeanor the same usual stoic as always. It was strange, at least to Ichigo, to see him in this state. Afterall... this was supposed to be Rukia's mind, right? Unless.... he was still in his? His momentary thought to put that very same question to words was interrupted by Zangetsu's next words.

"This is as far as I can go, Ichigo. From here on... I won't be able to help you. Are you willing to take that risk?"

Narrowing his eyes for a moment, Ichigo nodded. "Yeah... I am."

"Very well, then. Be careful. Remember, this place you journey to is a place where you have only the control that she gives you. Reality itself will bend to her will, and in this case, possibly the will of what you seek. Good luck."

The corners of Ichigo's mouth turned up slightly, not really a smile in the traditional sense, but it was about as close to one as he ever got as he simply nodded. And then, Zangetsu was gone. And it was cold. Glancing around, he squinted for a moment and rubbed at his eyes. He was.... in a village? Only, it wasn't like any other village he'd been in before, and not only because this one seemed to look like something straight out of one of his history books. Which it did.

This village.... was abandoned. Much like the cityscape that made up his internal world -- maybe that was the way it went with these whole "inner-universe" things -- it was as silent as a cemetary, save for the low whisting of the wind that blew through the frosted landscape. Snow blanketed the ground, ice dotting the skeletal trees and eaves of the small cottages scattered throughout and amidst what looked almost to be ruins, remnants of old crumbling edifices of stone and wood. It seemed as though the whole town was abandoned, had been that way for a long time. The ice was frosted and thick, and the snow smooth and undisturbed. But the most disturbing -- he would have said downright weird -- aspect of the entire scene was the spots of colour that dotted the landscape. Large, ornate blooms of brilliant crimson so deep as to be the red of blood sprang from cracks and crannies, seemingly unaffected by the frigid environs that wrapped around them, glistening black stems and leaves in stark contrast to the pristine glow of the snow and ice. The only other colour in the entire scene spran forward in a riotous tangle of green and red, heavy thick vines and lush leaves wrapping around corners and edges, as though they were serving as a thread to hold the very fabric of the world together.

Those are..... strawberries?

Taking a hesitant step forward, Ichigo leaned down to take a closer look at one of the spindly vines wrapping around the edge of a porch. Pushing a few leaves aside, he studied the swollen red fruit hanging off of the vines. Strawberries, like he'd thought, but significantly bigger than most of the ones you could get at the store. They reminded him of the imported ones that Yuzu had bought one year and dipped in chocolate for him even though he'd scowled and professed his distaste for the fruit. Tracing fingers over the bumpy skin of the strawberry, he stepped back, letting the leaves drop with a frown. It really... didn't make sense. He'd always assumed that all shinigami must possess one of those inner-universe things like he had, but he'd always assumed Rukia's would be something cute and girly, likely covered in rabbits and possibly with some sort of giant Chappy-like thing in the center. Not.... this wasteland of ice and silent flowers.

"They weren't always there, Kurosaki-sama."

He whirled at the voice, strange and yet somehow familiar to him. It had a bell-like tone, echoing in the landscape slightly despite it's soft timbre. In a way, it sounded like Rukia's voice, only with an added dimension of cold brittleness and formality to it, as though the words themselves were frozen ice in the twilight sky. It wasn't hard to find the source of the voice, a small girl, no bigger than Rukia. She seemed almost to blend into the landscape in her pristine white kimono, skin the same ghostly white. Her eyes were bloodred orbs in a childlike face that eerily resembled Rukia's, long white hair pulled up into an ornate style on her head and held in place by an intricate black metal clip studded with gems that looked made of crystalized blood. Studying him with those eyes, she raised a hand to her lips, bloodied nails cupping one of the strawberries as red lips curled back from pearly teeth to take a delicate bite of the fruit.

"The strawberries, Kurosaki-sama. They were not always a part of Mistress' world."

She spoke with a clipped manner, as though it were merely a matter of fact and he was a fool for not understanding it earlier. Growling, he backpedaled, one hand automatically reaching for Zangetsu, a string of curses pouring from his lips to find it absent from it's usual position against his shoulderblades. The girl regarded him with an almost bored expression, simply continuing to eat the strawberry as though he wasn't even there. Which, of course, only served to piss him off more as he glared at her.

"Who the hell are you? And where the hell is this? Where's Rukia?"

One white eyebrow raised slightly as she finished the berry, licking thick droplets of juice off of her fingertips and shaking her head slightly. Really, such awful manners, what did her mistress see in the boy? Taking a step forward, seeming to glide soundlessly across the landscape, she stopped a short distance in front of him.

"I am Sode no Shirayuki. And this is the world of my Mistress' mind. As for Mistress herself, she is... hidden. I cannot find her, which is why I have allowed you into this place."

Sode no Shirayuki... that was the name of Rukia's zanpakutou, his mind vaguely supplied for him as he simply stared at her, taking in her words. The seconds ticked by before he began to relax. She wasn't an enemy. At least... she didn't seem to be one. Gesturing with one hand, he glanced around at the frozen world around them.

"So.... is it always like this? And what the hell did you mean about the strawberries?"

Turning her head as if to regard him again, she gave the boy a long look. Though it was the first time she'd seen him herself, she knew who he was, knew everything about him that her mistress did, and probably a good deal more than Rukia realized about the relationship between the two. And because of that, she knew that if anyone was to have a chance at restoring this world to it's proper balance, it would be the orange-haired teen that her mistress held in such high esteem.

"If you refer to the snow and the ice, then yes. It has always been this way. The flowers as well, although they grow more abundantly in brighter times. And the strawberries have only been here recently."

She paused in her steps to turn back and regard him again with that same level, penetrating gaze, as though she were looking through him, not just at him. Was he really unable to make the connection between the pervasive vines and himself?

"Since you became a part of her life."

He froze midstep as her words registered, the shock of what he'd just heard blowing past even the unconscious part of his mind that rose up in outrage at the comparison of himself to said namesake. He.... he'd caused this? No.... she hadn't said he'd made the world like this, just that the strawberries were there because of him. But... why? Why would he have such an impact on her inner world?

"Because it is the bond she shares with you, Kurosaki-sama, that holds this world together when her own strength fails her."

Ichigo hadn't even realized he'd spoken his query aloud until her response made him almost trip over his own feet. He'd always known that he was important to Rukia, hell she was important to him too, but he'd never really had to face the possibility of just HOW important he was to his pint-sized companion. Really... he'd avoided thinking about it, just as he'd avoided thinking about a lot of things. Glancing back, he realized that Sode no Shirayuki had kept moving on without him and with a scowl he sped up, catching up with her -- she could move fast for such a little person. Opening his mouth to not only protest the fact that she kept leaving him the hell behind but to get her to stop saying weird shit, his attention was drawn to a momentary flash of colour, a deviation from the stark white and vermilion of the small village. A child, peering out from behind a wall. Looking closer, he was surprised by the realization that it wasn't a child -- at least, not a normal one -- but rather a young Rukia, looking around 4 or 5, wrapped in an almost oversized pale blue flowered kimono and sporting a pair of white rabbit ears on her head.

It wasn't even a conscious thought, more like a compulsion that moved his feet as he took off towards her, one hand outstretched as she flitted away like a frightened bird, something in his mind telling him that this was right, this was the right part, something that was important that had to do with that little girl.

"Wait! Don't run away, it's me!"

Giving chase, he stopped short as Sode no Shirayuki reappeared in front of him in a whirlwind of ice chips and snow, white hair falling pristinely back into it's smooth style in spite of the wind. He stepped back with an outraged scowl at her interference, it didn't make any sense, why the hell was she stopping him? Hadn't she said she needed his help in the first place? Crazy bitch, he couldn't help but assume she must have picked it up from Rukia. Or.... Rukia got it from her. Or.... something. Trying to get around her, he watched as the little girl vanished into the snow before rounding on Shirayuki with a snarl, fingers gripping her shoulders tightly so that he could yell at her properly.

"The hell did you do that for?! She's what I've got to find, isn't she? Then why the hell'd you stop me?!"

Punctuating his outbursts with violent shakes to her slight figure, he gave a hiss of pain, jerking back hands as though they'd been burnt, brown eyes glaring murderously at the girl who simply stood there, the frost receding from her shoulders. The fool, forgetting she wasn't a normal girl. Raising her chin in haughty imitation of the same expression her mistress often used on him, she regarded Ichigo with a calculating and cold demeanor.

"You would do well to understand, Kurosaki-sama, that no one but Mistress bears the right to touch me thus. It is a fact that you should grow accustomed to during your stay here. As for the child, she is indeed an important aspect of this all. However, it is not so simple as you would make it to be. You will doubtlessly face the foe which has ruined this world and caused Mistress' disappearance. And for that... you will need this."

She held out her hand as the ice swirled up, condensing and thickening into a shape he recognized. Zangetsu, it's gleaming black metal dwarfing her smaller figure, it's point buried in the snow at her feet. Tracing one small fingertip along the edge of the blade, she put the finger to her lips, sucking at the blood welling from the cut.

"It is not your true blade, Kurosaki-sama, merely a facsimile of it, created by my power. It will allow you to fight in this place. Now... are you ready to face this fight?"

It was probably pointless to really ask him that, as what she'd seen of Kurosaki Ichigo through the eyes of her Mistress would lead her to believe that he wasn't the sort to back down from a fight. Even when it was a fight he probably should back down from. But this... this was different. Her Mistress was at stake. And to set things right, she had to be able to trust him.

Looking at her a moment, he brushed past her with a scoff, grabbing the blade out of the ground. She was asking stupid questions she already knew the answer to, just like Rukia. Figured. Slinging the blade onto his back, he glanced back over his shoulder at her.

"So, we going or what?"

Shards of Spirit - Ch. 2

2008-04-17T01:20:06Z

OMG finally found my book that I keep my fic outlines in and couldn't wait to get the next part of this done. Anyway, chapter 2 of my chaptered IchiRuki fic, Shards of Spirit.

Shards of Spirit
Fandom: Bleach
Characters: Ichigo X Rukia
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, now go read.
Spoilers: Up to current arc.
Summary:Do we ever get a second chance? An option to redo what we did wrong? And if we did, would we know what to do when it was given to us? When a mistake threatens to cost Ichigo the thing he never realized was most important, how far will he go to get it back?
Gravely injured, hovering at the brink of death, Rukia remains trapped within her mind, a prisoner to her own inner demons, while Ichigo, determined to restore her, faces not only her own darkness but the fears and illusions in his own heart by journeying into her mind itself to find her and bring the pieces of her soul back together.

If anyone had ever said that Kurosaki Ichigo didn't brood, than they obviously didn't know him very well. Hell, even people who didn't know the orange-haired shinigami very well generally had little trouble recognizing the fact that "brooding" was one of the many descriptive terms that could aptly be applied to his personage. But right now that was beside the point, seeing as there could be little mistaking the thick and oppressive aura surrounding him, an aura comprised somewhat of frustration and anger but almost moreso of a despair that was unusual for him. Despair, worry, concern... those were all emotions that Ichigo didn't have an easy time dealing with and for that same reason usually kept bottled up within where others wouldn't see. But in this case, something else had overridden that reflex action and laid them bare for others to see.

Her.

Or rather, her current status, which was to say the fact that said female shinigami was lying motionless and unresponsive a few rooms away, and there was fuck-all he could do about it. Ichigo didn't do well with situations like that, he wasn't used to not knowing what to do, to the feeling of powerlessness that seemed right now to be dragging him down into depths he didn't want to revisit. It was too much, too similar to that last time, when he'd been just a kid -- innocent, most would say, in spite of his own feelings -- and he'd been powerless against the unseen force that had taken his mother from him, completely unable to do anything against what he would learn years later was a Hollow. That day had haunted his dreams for years since, as he could never escape the guilt that he heaped on himself. And now it was happening again.

But this time, he wasn't going to be powerless. Setting his face into it's familiar scowl, orange brows drawing together across his forehead, Ichigo pushed himself up off of the floor, one hand grabbing Zangetsu as he stood up. Slinging the blade onto his back, he loped down the hallway in search of the one person who might perhaps have an answer for him.

It didn't take long to find the tall figure leaning against the wall of the back porch, Yoruichi sitting crosslegged a few feet away as both stared out at the evening dusk. It would have been a rather picturesque scene, the two longtime friends -- and he suspected something a bit more, though he'd never voiced any opinions -- enjoying a quiet evening amidst the fireflies that flitted through the summer night, but amidst the almost romantic setting was interlaced a heavy atmosphere that reeked of concern and tension. Yoruichi's eyes flickered towards him as Ichigo stepped out onto the porch, amber-brown gaze focused unerringly on the figure of Urahara Kisuke leaning against the wall and sipping nonchalantly from a cup of tea.

"Oi. Getaboushi. How do I fix her?"

There was no hesitation in his words, no hint of doubt or concern that there might not be a way to fix her. Because in Ichigo's mind that was never an option. There WAS a cure, there just had to be. And if there wasn't... then he would make one. The orange haired shinigami bristled slightly as a chuckle dropped from the older man's lips as he lowered the cup, leaning blond head back against the polished wood to slant blue-gray eyes at his younger protege. It was admirable, in more ways than one, how devoted the boy was to Rukia, and while he knew better than to press the young man about it -- though he had to admit it was amusing to watch Ichigo squirm, he had to envy Isshin the ability to do it so well -- Kisuke was no fool. Monogamy -- at least in the generally thought of terms -- may not have been his forte, and he certainly wasn't one for excessive emotions, but he knew love when he saw it and he hadn't had to point out to either Isshin OR Yoruichi how much the boy was like his father at times. Turning his head slightly, he raised an eyebrow at the younger Kurosaki.

"And what if I told you there was a way? Would you be willing to try it, no matter what the cost? Even if, were you to fail, your own soul would be the price you paid in addition to losing hers forever?"

Kisuke had to give him credit, seeing as there was only a momentary hesitation in those angry eyes before his jaw set and he nodded, fists clenching by his side. It spoke not only of courage, but of resolve and depth of feeling that the boy was so willing to place his life on the line yet again for someone close to him.

"I won't let that happen. I'll do it. Whatever it takes."

With a nod to Yoruichi, Kisuke turned and brushed past Ichigo to continue down the wall, sipping his tea as he went, not a fraction of his mannerisms in any way exhuding hurry or urgency. So steely-calm even in the wake of all that was happening, but maybe that was just Kisuke, who never seemed surprised by anything, as though everything in his world was somehow carefully measured and fed and wired through a complex interconnected web that he exercised and maintained complete control over. Completely in contrast to Ichigo, who was the picture of tension. Hands balled into fists at his sides, teeth gritted and eyes hard and angry with determination -- or was it irritation at Urahara's seeming lack of urgency -- and the resolve or stubbornness that always seemed to carry him through anything.

They made their way back to what had become Rukia's room, Kisuke simply settled himself down on the cushion beside Orihime. Taking the girl's wrist from her friend, he took a quick count of her pulse before setting it back down and pulling out a familiar dark blue glove. Or at least... it looked familiar until he pulled out a second one, tossing it past Ichigo's head to Yoruichi who caught it and plopped down on the other side of Rukia's head. Frowning for a moment, she cocked her head at Kisuke, as if to say "are you sure about this", and in another moment of seemingly soundless conversation between the two, she simply nodded before the former 12th division captain turned his gaze back to Ichigo.

"Do you know what happens when a shinigami shares their powers with another?"

It didn't seem to be a very pertinent question, especially given that they weren't talking about that, they were talking about Rukia. A fact which Ichigo began to crossly point out before he found his head forcibly planted in the floor by Yoruichi's hand as she told him to "be a good boy and shut up when someone was trying to help him out". Growling at her, he nonetheless did as she said, scowling back at Urahara and rubbing the back of his head. Bitch. How the hell was any of this supposed to help Rukia?

Seeing as his audience was now captive again, he continued, using his everpresent fan as emphasis, though to what extent was anyone's guess.

"Now, as I was saying, shinigami sharing powers with humans -- or other souls for that matter -- is an extremely rare thing. But when it occurs, a connection is made between the two souls. A reiatsu connection. In essence, it acts as a resonating frequency, causing the two soul-pulses to resonate in harmony with one another."

Ichigo had to assume that it was obvious to everyone else that he wasn't quite getting it, as Yoruichi's fist bopped him on the head with another exasperated sigh. "Pay attention, Ichigo! It means that you and she have similar reiatsu."

As much sense as her words made, he wasn't about to actually admit he hadn't understood to begin with. Dire straits or not, he had his pride as a man. So he instead scowled at the dark-skinned woman with a snarl of "I knew that!" and turned his attention back to Urahara.

"So what's that got to do with any of this?"

"Because. The only way for anyone to help her is to figure out what happened to her. In essence, to go into her soul and put the pieces back together and fix what's broken. Like working a puzzle. And the only one who can do that, is someone with harmonic reiatsu."

All of the words might not have made sense to him, but his eyes widened anyway as the overall message sank in. He could save her. By some freak twist of fate, the very thing that had brought them together in the first place was the only chance she had. Lips pressing together in a harsh line, he simply nodded.

"Then do it."

There was a moments pause as the two looked at each other before Kisuke bent over Rukia, gloved hand pressed to her forehead for a moment before he slowly drew it back, pale greenish energy collecting in his palm like a whisp of foxfire curling around his fingers, pulsing faintly with the same rhythem as the slow rise and fall of her chest. His eyes were so focused on her that he barely registered Yoruichi's palm impacting his forehead with a soft tap until he jerked back in startlement at the same green glow curling around her palm. Eyes wide and fixed on her hand, he simply watched as she pulled the whisp of green away from his head, pausing for a moment before turning and clapping her palm against the other ball of softly-swirling green in Kisuke's hand. And then, everything went black.

Orihime let out a yelp of surprise as Ichigo's body slumped forward, the only thing keeping his larger form from potentially crushing Rukia's the barrier of Chad's arm as it shot out to catch him and then lay him back beside the smaller form, chests moving in tandem. Brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, she turned to Yoruichi, a look of concern in her gray eyes.

"Is.... is Kurosaki-kun going to be alright? And... what about Kuchiki-san?"

Yoruichi's eyes remained trained on the two unconscious figures as she resettled herself on the floor, recrossing her legs and slipping off the glove. "Only time will tell, Orihime. So all we can do now is wait. And trust Ichigo."

Quizzes and Crap

2008-04-04T18:34:47Z

You Are 66% Evil

You are very evil. And you're too evil to care.

Those who love you probably also fear you. A lot.

How Evil Are You?

You Are Smores

Unusual and unconventional, you make your strange ways work for you.

You've got personality - no one's denying that!

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

Your Birthdate: June 6

You tend to be a the rock in relationships - people depend on you.

Thoughtful and caring, you often put others needs first.

You aren't content to help those you know... you want to give to the world.

An idealist, you strive for positive change and dream about how much better things could be.

Your strength: Your intuition

Your weakness: You put yourself last

Your power color: Rose

Your power symbol: Cloud

Your power month: June

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Bleach 317 Theories

2008-04-04T18:10:49Z

So... new Bleach chapter up. EPIC WIN!! Now I'm going to rant about it, so I'll cut it for those who haven't read.

Alright, so got to say first off, splashpage is a WIN. Totally confirms that not only is that "mystery captain" actually Kensei, but that Lisa IS Shunsui's vice. I'm waiting to see when we'll see Hachi and Mashiro. Since they didn't show up with the rest of the captains, I'm assuming they're probably vice-capt. level.

Ok, so on to captains. Am I the only one who noticed a Kuchiki standing there beside Yoruichi? The only thing that makes me wonder a bit is that there's no kenseikan, but it srsly looks like an old Byakuya, complete with the scarf. So if it isn't a Kuchiki, than it's obviously someone from a noble family because they're the only ones who wear that. And Yoruichi as 2nd division captain is kickass because I always wondered if Special Mobile Forces and 2nd division were linked. Because when we got Soifon's backstory they never really stated it, so there was the question as to whether SMC was it's own little thing in and of itself. It's nice actually to know otherwise, seeing as how I completely believed she was at captain level. That means she not only has a zanpakutou, she has a bankai. We haven't even seen her zanpakutou except in that one flashback moment where she and Kisuke are racing. It's got a square-shaped guard and a short blade, wakizashi-length as far as I can tell. She's never used it, but hopefully in her upcoming fight we'll finally see it. It would be one more piece of prop for my Yoru cosplay.

And Hiyori, loveable little Hiyori. Acting like her normal self and kicking Kisuke in the balls and punching him in the face. I like that my assumption that she and Kisuke wouldn't get along is right, and it's kindof neat to think of Kisuke as having been 3rd seat of Yoruichi's division. I'd never taken him for the combat sort, but obviously there's a lot to Urahara Kisuke that we don't know. One thing that I'd be very very interested in finding out is more about Hiyori and Shinji's backstory. The way they're familiar with each other, and he understands her so well, makes me wonder if perhaps they had a similar childhood perhaps to Rukia and Renji, that of growing up together or at least being in Academy together and being friends -- as much as you can call it that -- before either of them ended up in their respective positions. And she really does just run around barefoot, which will be seriously amusing when I get a new wig to do longer-pigtails shinigami Hiyori. I'd really love to be able to do that again for AZ, but it'll depend on money. I've GOT to get another job, I'm still looking for one, hopefuly it'll pan out soon. I'd like to see a bit more about Hikifune, Kisuke's predecessor, but I doubt that'll be the case. If anything, we'll likely only see her in some confrontation with the royal guard. And I also wonder about Isshin. He's not there among the ranks of "old" captains, so perhaps that means HE was one of the 0 division? That could explain why no one recognized Ichigo, thought "kid looks a bit like _____". Of course, there's also the issue of Isshin changing his name and taking Masaki's last name, but still.

I like how Hirako, despite thinking Kisuke's a few cans short of the sixpack, is still giving him some advice about dealing with Hiyori. That's another reason I kindof hope we find out more about Hikifune, seeing as she was apparently a big part of Hiyori's life. And OMG WHAT THE FUCK is up with Hirako just ripping the hell out of Aizen's illusion?!?! That is probably the single most badass thing that I've seen him do. And the fact that he knew he was there the whole time? Man, that's hot. Which brings me to my Aizen arguement. Also known as "Neko's Plot Theory".

So here goes. We all agree that Aizen is powerful. He's shown that numerous times in the past, when he stopped Ichigo's bankai with 2 fingers, or when he uses Black Coffin on Komamura, etc. So there's no doubt that he's a formidable man. But is he really as powerful as he lets everyone think? We have never, not once in the series, seen him actually engaging in a fight with anyone. Really, the only thing that's impressive he's DONE, outside of being able to do Black Coffin, is stopping Ichigo's bankai like that. What's so impressive about Aizen is his MIND. Every single other thing that he's done has been a matter of subterfuge and underhanded mental dealings. Everytime there has been the possibility of an actual fight, there's been something to get in the way. Attacking Renji when he was trying to kill Rukia - he used Kyouka Suigetsu's abilities to show Renji how futile trying to run was. Attacked by Hitsugaya - Gin gets in the way of any attack. Facing down Soutaichou and everyone else - the Menos drag him into Hueco Mundo. But other than that, we haven't seen Aizen himself actually demonstrate his strength. His edge, his advantage, is in his brain, his intelligence. And because of that, I can't help but wonder how strong he REALLY is. Consider this, what if 80% of what you see of Aizen's "power" is nothing but masterful use of Kyouka Suigetsu. And Aizen, being the brilliant strategist that he obviously is, makes use of his brains and his cunning to perfectly camoflouge that with his Arrancar and his alliances and such. In a way, he never HAS to fight for himself because there is always someone who -- for one reason or another -- is loyal enough to get in the way.

Now, going back to Kyoukai Suigetsu. We know what it does, and we know how powerful it is. We know that Aizen demonstrated his zanpakutou's release for the gathered captains. Perhaps rather than being a simple demonstration, this was actually the point at which he was demonstrating his abilities to gain his captaincy. It would be something that he'd only be able to do without Hirako around, seeing as his own captain was obviously able to easily see right through it and actually dispel it as well. That would mean that the reason why Aizen never fights his own battles is because he has actually cheated and snuck his way into the position he holds, achieving what he wants through sheer cunning rather than actual skill. To me, that's the only way it will make sense such that one of our plucky heroes would actually be able to defeat him which, seeing as Bleach is a shounen anime, we know will happen at some point. And in fact, if that's the case, I would have even MORE respect for Aizen if it turns out that much of his "power" is in fact sheer unbridled cunning and mastery of his zanpakutou. That being said, I've compiled a little "outline" for my assumptions as to what happened/will happen in regards to the Vaizard's connection with Aizen and Kisuke.

Kisuke assigned as 12th captain. Hirako is growing suspicious of Aizen's "snooping", as evidenced by his response to finding that Aizen is eavesdropping on his conversation with Kisuke. Kisuke founds the research and development department in the 12th division, turning it much into what it is today, as the fact he had to alter the captain's room indicates to me that Hikifune was not of a scientific mindset nearly to the same level, if at all. So Kisuke begins doing his experimenting and such, developing such things as the Hougyoku and the untraceable gigai. I'm sure that, given his brilliant mind, he was likely able to construct other forms of gigai, perhaps other untracable ones that DON'T drain reiatsu. This could explain why the Vaizard are visible to everyone else yet still have full access to their power in spite of the fact that Seireitei seems unaware of their presence. So, let's say that Kisuke is doing his development stuff, and approaches his fellow captains, probably his new friend Hirako, about a new procedure he's developing, something to potentially increase the power of a subject's zanpakutou or the like. He offers the other captains and vice-captains a chance to voluntarily participate in this procedure/study because no captain wants to have his division trying/being subjected to anything that he hasn't tried first to make sure it's safe. Some volunteer, others don't. This explains the reasoning why some of the other captains and vicecaptains who DON'T make up the Vaizard were never included in this. They opted out, or weren't ever consulted. So let's say Kisuke takes his cluster of captains and vicecaptains and they start testing and such. It doesn't have the effect they desired, instead it creates the Hollow. Kisuke confides in Yoruichi, who he's trusted all along, perhaps Aizen overhears, or perhaps he finds out somehow from his captain, maybe having an encounter with Hollowed Shinji when he's still learning to control it. Either way, he sees his chance and takes a hand in seeing that Soutaichou learns what's going on. Vaizard and Kisuke go into exhile, Yoruichi goes with them. Vaizard either keep in touch with Kisuke, or somewhat blame him for this and break ties with him. I would suspect the latter, seeing as Kisuke makes mention of it when he's talking to Isshin. How "They" have contacted Ichigo. Makes me think he's known about them all along. Aizen, seeing as his captaincy is vacant, appeals to Shunsui or someone else for a recommendation. Takes advantage of the situation to utilize his sword's abilities and fool everyone into his illusions, gaining his position. It makes sense to me, because we know from canon that at some point Aizen gathered all of the captains together and demonstrated his zanpakutou's power. That in and of itself doesn't seem to me to be something that one would just do for no reason. Especially not someone cunning, like Aizen. You don't reveal your abilities flagrantly like that. However, it DOES seem like the sort of thing that might could have been used in order to showcase ability to make a case for a promotion to captain. And Shinji's being able to dispel it like that makes me wonder whether what Aizen says about everyone being susceptible to it is really true or if it doesn't have a lot to do with the power of suggestion. In essence, Aizen tells people that everyone is susceptible to it and remains permanently in it because the illusion itself is more powerful if those things are believed by the ones caught in it.

That's my take on what likely might have happened. Which leads into my theory about how things might go down. I'm sure that at some point, Ichigo will be facing off with Aizen, probably getting his ass beat bc, despite how much i love the berry, Aizen seems able to pwn him pretty bad right now. So let's say for a moment that Ichigo goes to fight Aizen and Shinji steps in the way. Along the lines of "no, I've got an older score to settle here". Because I imagine he not only feels like he knows Aizen and Aizen's fighting style better than anyone, but I also wouldnt be surprised if he feels somewhat guilty for not recognizing Aizen's bad character a long time ago and doing something about it. But Aizen will have obviously gotten better and stronger in the last hundred years, not to mention HE also knows Hirako's fighting style and such. That would make it a rather difficult battle, Shinji'd probably be having a tougher time seeing as he's essentially been out of commission for years -- though we don't know how much training he's done -- and I'm sure Ichigo will try to jump in and take over. He's the sort to rush headlong into things, claim it's not Shinji's place to take HIS fight away. In which case Shinji will likely either go "oh, fine. Here." And rip apart Aizen's illusions, or even perhaps show Ichigo how to do it himself. I think the first option is almost more likely, seeing as how Ichigo really is not that good with things like kidou and the like and it seems that's more what it would be in order to do that.

Yeah, I'll jump on the bandwagon too

2008-03-30T14:36:14Z

a. Post a list of 10 fandoms.
b. Have your friends list guess your favorite character from each one.
c. When guessed, bold the line, include the character name, and write a sentence about why you like that character.

1. Bleach: Kuchiki Rukia - My favourite character of all time, I simply love how complex her character is, as well as the way she interacts with everyone around her, especially Ichigo - precto
2. Naruto: Hyuuga Hinata - A shy-type character, not the sort that I usually enjoy, but there's something I find very admirable about the way that Hinata keeps striving to change herself. - precto
3. Fate/Stay Night
4. Gundam SEED: Lacus Clyne - Lacus is a neat character in and of herself because she has a tendancy to seem very simple on the outside, almost flaky at times, but that appearance conceals what is in actuality a very smart person. - precto
5. Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
6. Sailormoon: Tomoe Hotaru - Hotaru is such a tragic character in a lot of ways, and I always identified a great deal with the way she is misunderstood and caught up in circumstances that she can't control. - precto
7. Full Moon o Sagashite
8. Vampire Knight
9. Air Gear
10. Fantastic Children

Vaizard Backstory FTW!

2008-03-29T14:29:19Z

Alright, so WTF?!?!

I have SO much Vaizard love, so it was totally kickass to actually be getting backstory about them. I'm glad to see Shinji in a captain's position, seeing as how he always struck me as someone who had likely been of that sort of power level. Hiyori as a vicecaptain doesn't surprise me either, but WTF 12th division!? I srsly would have thought she'd be more likely in 11th than 12th, but I suppose it's not outside the realm of possibility that at that point in time 12th wasn't so specialized into research and development as they are now. To me, that makes sense seeing how Kisuke founded the Research and Development Beureau. On that note, if I've got the timeline right as I see it, that would mean that Kisuke was only a captain for 10 years or so before he was exiled. To me, that's pretty impressive if you consider all that he did within that short amount of time. It doesn't really seem that surprising to me that Kisuke managed to get himself in trouble within such a short time-frame but really. The man's obviously a genius and this just goes to show it even more when you consider his accomplishments in such a shallow time-frame.

Shinji as Aizen's captain was something I completely hadn't thought about, but I guess that's because I always assumed Aizen had been there a good long time to become as powerful as he is. I mean, it seems pretty obvious to me that even at this time he was plotting, as his musings about Kisuke seeming to be missing a few screws is a pretty clear indication to me of him making plans within plans. I have to wonder now, if Aizen may have been instrumental in the :"exile" of the Vaizard. Not in a sense of him causing it, but I could very well see him pulling strings and such, being a whistle-blower, etc. And potentially in regards to Kisuke's exile as well. I don't want it to be a ZOMGAIZENPWNSALL!!! or anything like that, but it's hard to imagine that, seeing how intricate and convoluted everything Aizen's done so far is, that he wouldn't have had some sort of hand in this part too.

Shinji looks surprisingly good with long hair, though I like the short better. Either way it means that Hirako needs to buy a new wig so we can cosplay their shinigami versions properly. I'll need a new wig for Hiyori too, seeing as her pigtails are longer than they are in her current appearance. It's a little ironic though, seeing as how Hirako just arbitrarily decided that Shinji should be 5th division, he just set him at 5th seat instead of capt. XD. Can't decide if the unnamed captain is supposed to be Kensei, as he looks a bit like him just with longer hair. Hopefully not, there's enough Vai captains already. Make some of them lower-level, dammit! Even it out!

I'm a little iffy about the fact that 4 out of the whole group of Vaizards are vicecaptain level or higher. I'm really hoping that KT will offer us some reasoning for it, like saying that to actually BE a Vaizard your power level has to be at a certain level or something like that. Otherwise, it's going to be a bit of a cop-out if ALL of them turn out to be such high level. I think the only other thing that I could say that would justify it would be if we found that Kisuke was actually instrumental in the creation of the Vaizard and the reason why so many high-ranking shinigami are included is for the simple reason that they were his friends and perhaps aided him in testing whatever process led to the result. Especially seeing as the current flashback is 110 years ago, but we don't know yet how long after THAT the Vaizard actually left SS.

It's the Icon-Meme Again~!

2008-03-27T19:32:28Z

I love this meme, it's so much fun.

This is actually one of the first icons I ever had at LJ, aside from my old default one that I made myself. Hinata's one of my favourite Naruto characters and she used to be the theme for this journal.

Sode no Shirayuki, the shikai form of Rukia's zanpakutou. I have a lot of Rukia and IchiRuki icons overall, but this one is one of my favourites because it's just so simple and elegant with the black and white contrast.

Byakuya = sexy man. Pool = sexy game. I'm sure most people can do the math. >D

Bankai, done with the Bandai logo, because bankai is way cooler than bandai.

So very true. I'm a pretty ballsy girl, and I have met so many people who, despite having actual balls, really don't seem to have much at all

What can I say? Kisuke just really pwns most everything else entirely. How could there not be enough of him to go around?

Just for Neko's Use

2008-03-24T15:36:06Z

Opening Credits - "Somewhere I Belong" - Linkin Park

At-The Coffeeshop Scene - "The Middle" - Jimmy Eat World

Love-At-First-Sight Scene - "Chemicals Between Us" - Bush

Waking-Up Scene - "I Want You to Want Me" - No Doubt & Save Ferris

Average-Day-At-School Scene - "Spiderwebs" - No Doubt

Seeing-Your-Ex Scene - "The Day You Went Away" - M2M

Wanting-Someone Scene - "She's So High" - Tal Bachman

Best-Friend Scene - "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" - Cindy Lauper

Love-Scene - "Deliver Me" - Sara Brightman

Fight-With-Friend Scene - "Complicated" - Avril Lavigne

Fights-At-Home Scene - "Figure" - Linkin Park

Heartbreak Scene - "How Can I Not Love You" - Joy Enriquez

Mental-Breakdown Scene - "Papercut" - Linkin Park

Almost-Suicide Scene - "Easier to Run" - Linkin Park

Lesson-Learning Scene - "Live Your Dreams" - Save the Last Dance OST

Flashback Scene - "First Love" - Utada Hikaru

Party Scene - "A Praise Chorus" - Jimmy Eat World

Drugs Scene - "Push It" - Garbage

Regrets Scene - "Mirror Mirror" - M2M

Happy-Dance Scene - "Still In My Heart" - Naoki

Long-Night-Alone Scene - "Miracle" - Vertical Horizon

Determination/Resolve Scene - "Song of Mana"

Pissed-off Scene - "Break Stuff" - Limp bizkit

Rough-Day-At-Work Scene - "Oh Goddamnit" - Hot Hot Heat

Closing Credits - "Everything You Want" - Vertical Horizon

You can click if you want to, that's my old "personal OST" from a few years ago, it's just copied over here so that I can get the categories and such later when I'm back home with my music collection to look through and stuff.

My Battle-Cry?

2008-03-24T15:32:53Z

A Note to Those Who Consider Themselves My Friends

2008-03-23T22:01:52Z

I really feel as though I say this a lot, to a lot of different people. But maybe I just don't say it in the right places or times. I really love my friends. All of them. Even the ones who have stabbed me in the back. I'm grateful for every friend that I've been lucky enough to make and even for those who have hurt me. But sometimes I wonder how many of them really give much of a damn about me.

They say things they assume I won't hear. That I'm flighty, or insensitive. Or that I'm impossible to contact, that I'm irresponsible. That I live in my own little world, or that I take too many risks. And then, when I do hear them, they cover them up with a mantle of worry, claiming that it's just because they care. Because they're concerned. But I wonder....

..... if you're really worrying, really caring. If you really ARE concerned.... then why is it so hard to simply ask? To simply approach and say "I'm worried for you."? Apparently, it's very difficult. Too difficult to place that ahead of the potential for discomfort. Is it because they worry about how I'll react? Maybe. They say they dont want to upset me, or that it's because I "have an explosive temper". Why would I be upset with honesty? With the knowledge that someone cared enough for me to say what was hard, to risk the possibility of hurting me to tell me what they truly feel? I respect that, I respect it so very much. I'm not going to say that I'm perfect, or that I might not get irritated at what they say, but hurting me? No. It hurts me far more to know that those I hold dear don't have enough respect for me to take the harder path and be truthful.

Do I have an explosive temper? Sometimes. I won't deny that. But it really depends on what you do. I have a flash-temper. It explodes and then fizzles and goes away. And there aren't nearly as many things that set it off as people think. I don't care if people have different opinions than me, or if they don't agree with what I say or think. All I care is that they respect the fact that I feel differently and don't try to convince me otherwise. But I guess it's too much trouble for people to actually pay attention to that.

I really try not to be flaky. Or flighty. I can't help the fact that I have ADD and thus a really short attention span. Neither can I help that it's simply in my nature to flit from one thing to another. I'm a free spirit, in a lot of ways. And for a long time, I had my wings bound. I was in pain, I was held down by my own inability to move forward. And maybe people just got used to that. Used to the needy Neko who was too afraid to let go of what she had to risk the chance to find something better.

Or maybe it's that they just can't understand that right now, when I'm trying so hard to find a good job, one that I can use to go back to school, to get my debt paid off, to get things in my lift straight, I HAVE to focus only on myself. I can't go and spend time with my friends, I can't take the time to talk and socialize and hang out the way I used to. But no one understands that. They don't see that things aren't like that because I WANT them to be. Honestly, I hate that it's like that. I want to be able to go out, and see my friends, and spend time with the people that I care about. I love Hirako very much, really I do. And I'm so very glad I get to spend my life with him right now, but I don't want to spend every day with him. Not because he isn't special, but because there are so many OTHER people in my life who are special to me and I don't want to become one of those people who only ever spends time with their significant other.

There's a reason why I'm hard to get in touch with, and it's not really that complicated of one. I don't pay my phone bill, so I try very hard not to make many calls at all during the day. I'm trying to do that even more right now because my family is tight for money and my dad still helped me out of a jam. I owe them at least that much. But no one even bothers to ask that. They try and get in touch with me and then when I'm simply not available, for whatever reason, they get angry. They act as though it's somehow my responsibility to be at the beck and call of whoever wants me. And I hate that. I feel like I'm being used, like I'm some sort of commodity and it's my duty to be available for everyone's whims. It's hurtful, to be honest. Just like it's frustrating to have the same person call 5 times in a row, as if that will somehow make me magically appear and be able to talk. If it's so important, why not just leave a message? Contrary to popular belief, I DO actually check my voicemail nearly every day. But honestly? If you ping me 6 times, I'm probably not going to call you back. Especially if you didn't leave a voicemail, seeing as it must not have been something very important. And then people get angry with me? Because I'm not available when they want me to be? 9 times out of 10, I'm much easier to get ahold of online, so you can always try that way. Otherwise it probably means I'm at work. Or that I might have gone to bed.

Do I live in my own little world? Probably so, to an extent. But that's because I have so few memories of my own past. And the memories that I DO have slip away a bit more every day. There are days where I wake up and for a moment I can't remember who I am or what I'm doing. When I don't know where I am or who the face I'm waking up next to is, just that it looks familiar and I feel safe with it there. But no one really cares about that. They just care that I'm not acting as they'd like me to, or that they don't understand. Well here's something to understand. Neko is slipping away. The thoughts and memories and personality that make her up are chipping away bit by bit with every breath that she takes. And why? Because Neko isn't an entity who was meant to live a long time. And so instead of dwelling on what I don't have, the memories and sense of self and dreams for a long-term future.... I choose instead to dwell on what I DO have. My fantasy world, the people I love, the here and now. When you can feel the wick on the candle growing smaller and smaller every day, you tend to do everything you can to distract yourself from that.

It's hard for me to get close to people, it always has been. I never really wondered why, I always figured it was just because I grew up without having a lot of friends but maybe it was fate. Maybe it was because some higher power always knew that I'd lose my childhood, lose my youth. Lose myself. And thought that it would be kinder that I didn't have so many close ties, so many things to break and sever as all the things making up "me" melt into a puddle of colours and fade away. It's even harder when I know that so many of the people who are my "friends" talk and say things behind my back. They always cover it up with the justification that they're just worried about me, but it's hard to accept that when they tell everyone but me.

Maybe they're somewhat right and I do take too many risks. But it's hard to really do much about that when you're such a faded memory of yourself as I am. When half the time when you say you can't understand a feeling it's because you honestly can't. Not because you're unable to sympathize or understand the words or the description but because no matter how hard you try, how hard you search for it, you can't recall what that feeling is supposed to feel like. You're hollow, like an empty shell. But you don't feel empty. You don't feel a knawing hole there, as though there's something that should be there and isn't. You feel... the way someone who's been blind since birth feels when you ask them if they wish they knew what the sky looked like. There's a slight sadness, a whistfulness because yes. It would be nice to know that. But having never seen it yourself you can't connect with the sensation of lacking that would come had you seen it once before.

Do I need therapy? Probably, though it really isn't anything they can fix. And honestly, I'm not opposed to the notion. I just don't think it would do any good. Really, what I feel that I need, is for those who claim to care, who claim to worry and to be concerned... to try to understand. To try to understand that I'm not the way I am because I necessarily wish to be that way. But that I hold myself together as best I can in an existence that feels even more tremulous every day as my grip on it slips even more. As the spasms get worse, it gets harder to breathe, I realize I've been staring at the same space for 5 minutes aimlessly, I forget that something I thought was real wasn't.

So before you judge me... before you decide that you understand... perhaps you should take the time to actually ASK. To actually find out and try to see what really goes on. I may be a private person, I may not be the type to volunteer information. I may even be the defensive type at times because I've been hurt a great deal. But really... all you have to do is ask. Show me that you really do care. And I'll let you in.

Letter #11 - Ichigo to Rukia

2008-03-23T18:15:12Z

Title: Forgetting
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kurosaki Ichigo to Kuchiki Rukia
Author's Notes: Just fyi, the premise that I'm writing these on is a post-canon situation where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to America for a semester abroad, and he and Rukia are writing letters back and forth (at her demand)

Rukia -

You really are an idiot, you know. Of course those two are together, wasn't it obvious? Or are you just that thick? And I could so get a girlfriend if I wanted one, shut up about that! Inoue just says shit like that, you know she doesn't make much sense sometimes. But I dunno what it means, it's probably just that same sort of random crap she says. I guess it's good for Ishida though, but I don't think anything can get the stick out of his ass. Kinda like your brother, it's shoved so far up there now it'll never come out.

The hell are you talking about, with that stupid "forever" shit? You sound like one of those dumb sappy girls crying over the fact that some guy won't ask you out. Just forget that crap, forever's forever, it's only got one definition and who cares if you live a long time or a short time. And it's irritating, so cut it out.

Look, um.... you shouldn't talk like that, ok? All that.... "not gonna be happy", and "don't deserve that" and all that other crap you're always saying when you get emo. It's stupid, so just forget about it. Stop acting like you don't get to run your own life, that's that stupid Kuchiki bullshit your brother's always saying. It's not like you. Forever isn't.... it's not supposed to be about how long you life, idiot. It's supposed to be about never forgetting someone or something, even after they're not there anymore. Sheesh, I thought girls were the ones who were supposed to know that.

And my face wouldn't break if I smiled, I just don't smile, alright? So quit whining about it. There's different kind of doctors to treat different kinds of sickness. Some doctors treat everything, others just do surgery, some work with kids, or they specialize in other things like cardiology or epidemiology or something.

You can't go because you just can't! Besides, you don't want to go out with Keigo, he'll just paw you all night. I'm just saving you the trouble of beating him up. And I do so know what the hell to do on a date, I've been on lots of dates before, probably more than a skinny little midget like you! You're probably just jealous because you don't know anything about it. Heh, no wonder it looked so gay on him, though I guess Renji must not care about that. Doesn't he wear a pink bathrobe or something like that? Guess it just goes to show who the real men are.

The fuck are you going back there for, can't they take care of things themselves? I thought they were supposed to be all powerful and shit. Guess not, seeing how easy I beat them all when they wanted to execute you. So what do they want this time?

Oh, Matt says hi.

-Ichigo

Letter #10 - Rukia to Ichigo

2008-03-23T17:20:42Z

Title: Growing Up
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kuchiki Rukia to Kurosaki Ichigo
Author's Notes: Just fyi, the premise that I'm writing these on is a post-canon situation where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to America for a semester abroad, and he and Rukia are writing letters back and forth (at her demand)

Ichigo -

Since when do you listen to me anyway? And I'm sure it wasn't what it looked like, you're such a baby sometimes. Just because someone likes music or stuff that you don't understand doesn't mean they worship demons. That's a good picture, it looks just like you. Same sour face and everything like you usually do, don't see what your problem is with it.

They look like nice people, and I'm sure Matt's more likely to get a girlfriend than a sourpuss like you. At least he's smiling in the picture, you look like you just sucked on a lemon. Oh, that's right. Your face would break if YOU smiled. I almost forgot.

Oh, speaking of girlfriends, did you know Ishida and Inoue were a couple?! When did that happen, I don't remember anything. I'm glad for them, though. They seem happy together. You know, like the sort of happy that could last forever. At least, the way you humans talk about forever. I guess it's because humans have such short lives, forever seems like a much more attainable thing to you guys. That's why shinigami usually don't get married. It's just... not something we tend to think much about, I guess. "Forever" isn't really that great of a thing, you know.

Inoue's acting weird though. She hugged me, not that that's really out of the ordinary, but then she said something about how she "believed in me" and how she "knew things would work out". Any idea what she's talking about, cuz it makes no sense to me. But it obviously made sense to her and I guess that's what matters. Ishida seems less uptight since they came to an understanding too, so it's a good thing. Just... weird in a way.

How should I know there's different kinds of doctors? That doesn't make much sense, a doctor is a doctor, they all take care of people and heal sickness don't they?

The hell do you mean I can't go? You don't own me, I can go where I want and with who I want and it's none of your business you ass! Maybe I will go out with him, I'm sure he'll be nicer than you. Not that you'd know what to DO on a date anyway, so it's really a moot point. And don't insult my Chappy scarf, I just loaned it to Renji because he didn't have one. And HE was nice and grateful for it, unlike someone who said he'd rather freeze than wear the hat I so kindly offered.

Oh, I'll be heading back to Soul Society for a little bit so the next letter might be a bit late.

-Rukia

Letter #9 - Ichigo to Rukia

2008-03-23T16:41:06Z

Title: Snow-day
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kurosaki Ichigo to Kuchiki Rukia
Author's Notes: Just fyi, the premise that I'm writing these on is a post-canon situation where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to America for a semester abroad, and he and Rukia are writing letters back and forth (at her demand)

Rukia -

Remind me never to listen to you again. And just forget what I said about Renji, it's not anything important. Or go ask HIM, I'm not his damn keeper. So yeah. NOT gonna be friends with the roomie, he is NOT an interesting person. At least, not that sort of interesting. I walked in yesterday and the guy's having some sort of freaky ceremony, all talking in weird voices and shit. Probably drugged out of his mind or some other shit. Either way, not going there.

Oh yeah, Matt and his girlfriend -- how the hell does a guy like that have a girlfriend anyway?! -- made me go to some stupid club thing. She's just as crazy as he is, see the picture? He's the guy with the blond hair, the one wearing the stupid-looking goggles. Yeah, that's his "epic invention" you were all excited about. And if you want to know why I look like that, it's because I just wanted to escape. Seriously, a room full of people like them? Not my thing.

And NO, I am not bringing Matt home for Christmas, and he doesn't have a stupid show so don't get your hopes up.

Clinical-path is clinical pathology. It's basically figuring out what makes people sick. Like, what sort of bacteria or other shit actually causes the disease. Matt's a pathology major, that's his specialty. And it's not that weird, there's lots of different kinds of doctors you know. People used to do that sort of crap, before they made colleges and stuff. Called "apprenticeship". They just don't do that now. And even if I would learn from my dad, which I won't because he's annoying, I don't wanna be a general practitioner.

I am NOT an idiot and I can decide shit for myself no problem I don't need some crazy midget making all my choices for me.

You moron, he wasn't asking you because of that, he was trying to get you to go on a date with him. Which you can't do.

Tell Inoue thanks for the picture. Looks like you guys had fun, Ishida looks gay as always and tell Chad hi for me. And what the hell is Renji doing there, doesn't he have work to do or something? And what the hell is up with his scarf, it's pink. He looks almost as gay as Ishida. Cept Ishida's got the hots for Inoue so I guess he just looks gay.

Oh, it snowed today, tell Yuzu I got a hat so she won't worry, it's irritating when girls worry like that.

-Ichigo

Letter #8 - Rukia to Ichigo - Theme: "Epic"

2008-03-23T15:18:17Z

Title: Stepping Foreward
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kurosaki Ichigo to Kuchiki Rukia
Author's Notes: Just fyi, the premise that I'm writing these on is a post-canon situation where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to America for a semester abroad, and he and Rukia are writing letters back and forth (at her demand)

Ichigo -

Shut up, my drawings are NOT that bad! I've even been getting in a lot of practice, seeing as I decorated your room with them.

What's that supposed to mean, why else would he do it? You're not making sense, but I guess that's nothing new. And stop insulting me, how was I supposed to know it was for some specific sort of problem. The guy on the TV kept talking about it like it was the greatest thing ever.

Fine, I'll tell her. Then at least you won't have to feel bad knowing your poor, sweet, considerate little sister has been worrying herself so much over the welfare of an ungrateful oaf like yourself. Aren't I generous? I thought so. So his name's Devon? At least that's a start, he's probably an interesting person. And plenty of people do that, Nii-sama sits like that when he's praying for Onee-san's spirit. Maybe he's just mourning a loved one. You're so thick you'd probably completely miss that if it were true.

I am NOT going to get into trouble, stop looking down on me like that! I can take care of myself and unlike you, at least I don't rush headlong into things and get myself hurt all the damned time the way you do.

Oh, cool. Does he have a show too? I bet his invention will be something way cooler than anything you've ever made. Probably something epic that will make a huge difference in the world. And then everyone'll laugh at you because you doubted him. You should bring him home for Christmas, I bet he'd get along great with your family. What's "clinical-path" anyway? Is that some sort of American hobby or something?

Yeah, I guess that makes sense, I mean if you don't have the spiritual power to become a Shinigami then you just live out your life as best you can. And if you want to learn how to do something, you find someone who already knows how so they can teach you. It just seems strange that you guys all have to go to special schools for that. Why not just find someone who knows how to do what you want to do and have them teach you? I mean, couldn't your dad just teach you how to be a doctor? That seems like it would make a lot more sense than going halfway around the world to learn the same thing.

Yuzu loves the box, she says she's going to cook some of the things in it when you come back for Christmas. And I decide things for you because you're an idiot and you'd wait until the last minute or decide something stupid if I didn't do it for you.

Almost everyone came home last weekend, something about "winter break", and Inoue made us all go out in the snow. It was nice, a bit like before everyone went to school in different places. I put a photo in, so you could see. Keigo said if he'd had longer before he had to go back, he'd have taken me out for dinner, but I don't know what for. We don't really know each other that well or anything. I guess he probably wanted to know how you were doing and stuff like that. Oh, your dad says send another picture.

-Rukia

Letter #7 - Ichigo to Rukia - Theme: "Creation"

2008-03-23T14:46:53Z

Title: Stepping Foreward
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kurosaki Ichigo to Kuchiki Rukia
Author's Notes: Just fyi, the premise that I'm writing these on is a post-canon situation where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to America for a semester abroad, and he and Rukia are writing letters back and forth (at her demand)

Rukia -

I do NOT enjoy your drawings, I feel like I have to open this thing with tongs so I don't infect my fingers or something. And do you seriously think that's why he does it? God, you're dense. Whatever, I'm still not gonna do what you want so no point in trying. Heh, fine. You "moved away". The same way a Hollow "moves away" from me when I'm killing the damned thing.

The hell are you watching on TV?! That twelve-step thing is for alcoholics, you moron! Stop saying crap you don't understand, someone might actually believe you. And it's not "Nyuu", it's NYU. New York University. And no, it's not snowing here and it's not THAT cold.

NO. I am NOT wearing that thing. Tell Yuzu I'll just buy a hat if I need one. And I don't want to be friends with him, he creeps the hell out of me. I think the guy like worships demons or something, he sits there at night with a candle and talks to the wall. Then looks at me. I wish he'd just stay in his little tent-thing he made. His name's Devon, I found that out. You happy now?

Get Renji or someone to help you out if you think something weird's going on, you need someone to make sure you don't get in trouble if they try to pull something. And then your brother can't get mad at me over something stupid. Matt's not a bad guy, he's just fucking irritating. He's like Don Kanonji, remember him? All loud and shit and claiming he can see ghosts and track spirits with his little tape recorder and stuff. Only Don Kanonji actually could see shit. Matt can't. He just thinks he can. At least he knows his clinical-path. He's making something, some "creation" he calls it, that's apparently going to help him "prove to the world that ghosts exist". Dunno what it is, but I doubt it'll do anything worthwhile. His last "invention" didn't, so no reason why this one would.

Oh, Tatsuki wrote? Cool. And we don't all go to the same place because not everyone learns the same thing, moron. Like how NYU has a medical program and Tatsuki went to that community college on a sports scholarship. If everyone went to the same place they'd all be doing the same thing. Guess you guys only have one place to go because unless you become a Shinigami you're just a normal soul.

The little box is for Yuzu, it's got some recipes in it. I got her the pink one with the flowers because it was the only one so she doesn't need to make some big deal over it. It's not like I picked it out or anything. And stop doing that, I can make up my own damned mind about that sort of shit so stop deciding for me! Of course I'm coming back for Christmas, as long as I can get enough work done so don't go telling my family I'm some sort of jerk!

Keep your stupid Chappy hat, you'll probably forget to wear anything yourself and then I'll have to listen to you whine about catching a cold.

-Ichigo

Letter #6 - Rukia to Ichigo - Theme - "Cold"

2008-03-23T14:22:10Z

Title: Turning Chill
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kuchiki Rukia to Kurosaki Ichigo
Author's Notes: Just fyi, the premise that I'm writing these on is a post-canon situation where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to America for a semester abroad, and he and Rukia are writing letters back and forth (at her demand). Those who are keeping up with the series will notice that their letters are slowly starting to have more actual content and less bickering as they start to realize that they actually do miss getting to talk to each other and spend time together.

Ichigo -

If you aren't an asshole, you certainly do a good job acting like one. And what the hell is that supposed to mean, of course Renji likes me. He's my friend, we grew up together. Hell, we're practically like siblings. Of course he likes me. But that doesn't mean I'm spoiled. And I didn't run from the airplane, I just moved away from it because it was noisy, idiot!

You really should join that whiner's club. It might help you. Like that thing I saw on the TV, that program with the steps in it. Twelve of them, I think. Maybe you should go to that too. Or maybe just talk to him, you might find that he's actually a decent person. Just.... weird.

And just because of that, I AM going to join it, to prove you wrong. So there.

It's getting cold here, Inoue says it might snow tonight if the temperature drops enough. Is it snowing where you are too? Ishida said Nyuu has about the same climate as Karakura, so it's probably cold there too I guess. Yuzu's worrying that you don't have enough warm things so I told her I'd put a hat in the box for you. I made sure it's the Chappy one, you should be grateful. I wouldn't let just anyone wear it.

Hunting's going about the same as usual, but it's almost a little bit too quiet at times. Makes me wonder if something's brewing again. Hopefully not, we don't need to deal with anything like that again anytime soon. Matt doesn't sound like he's that bad of a guy, you should try and make friends with him. If he really can see spirits, you know, he's potentially in danger.

Oh, a letter came for you from Arisawa, I put it in here too since I guess she forgot that you're over there until March or so. It's strange, the way all you humans spread out and go so many different places. Why doesn't everyone go to the same place to learn, the way it is in Seireitei? That would make a lot more sense.

Yuzu says thank you for the picture and that she'd love some recipes. She also wants to know if you're going to be coming home for Christmas or not. I told her only jerks wouldn't come home for Christmas so you don't have to worry about deciding anything since I did it for you. Oh, and this time I drew on the letter too, just so you could enjoy my drawings~

-Rukia

Letter #5 - Ichigo to Rukia

2008-03-23T02:28:13Z

Title: New Hobbies
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kuchiki Rukia to Kurosaki Ichigo
Author's Notes: Just fyi, the premise that I'm writing these on is a post-canon situation where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to America for a semester abroad, and he and Rukia are writing letters back and forth (at her demand)

Rukia -

I am NOT an asshole. And what the hell do you mean, I should take lessons from Renji?! There's no WAY he's better than me at anything. And you're an idiot if you think he's gonna pretend to enjoy something like that. ~~He only does it because he likes you....~~ You just think everyone's gonna pretend like they like shit to make you happy. You're like some spoiled kid.

I did NOT run from it, you bitch! Not the way you ran from that airplane. And you can't kick me from across the ocean, idiot. Not that I'm afraid of you anyway.

I swear, if you painted that stupid rabbit's ugly face on my wall....

I do NOT whine all the time! And I only care if he paints the stupid room black because it's MY stupid room too and I have to look at it all the fucking time. At least he leaves my tea alone. He's addicted to coffee, but it's not like I care what he drinks. Just as long as he keeps his damned nailpolish out of MY part of the bathroom. It's irritating enough that he drinks about 8 cups of the stuff a day, the whole place smells like it constantly and I have to listen to that stupid pot bubbling all the time.

Tell Inoue thanks for the keychain thing. It's..... purple. And don't join the sewing club, that's totally gay. Besides, anything that you make'll just come out looking like crap. Like all your drawings. Speaking of which, the hell'd you have to draw all over the damned envelope for, I don't want to see that crap all the time, especially not after I got away from it.

It means just what I SAID, moron. "How's the hunting going?". And I bet you are sitting there trembling. Bet you're wishing I was there already.

I'm NOT writing to my dad, so just tell him to shut the hell up and leave you alone, you know you don't have to be so damned nice to him all the time. Especially not since he already knows who you really are. You're just being stupid. Tell Yuzu thanks for the picture, I sent one back for her. It's this thing called the Empire State Building, in New York. It's a pretty neat building, you can go all the way up to the top the same way you can in Tokyo Tower, but the architecture's totally different. Matt made me go -- he's that crazy guy in my lab class, the one who thinks he sees ghosts. I just went to shut him up -- and he apparently likes to take stupid pictures.

Anyway, I don't need it, so Yuzu can have it. Tell her I'll send her some American recipes if she wants.

-Ichigo

Letter #4 - Rukia to Ichigo

2008-03-23T00:05:01Z

Title: New Hobbies
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kuchiki Rukia to Kurosaki Ichigo
Author's Notes: Just fyi, the premise that I'm writing these on is a post-canon situation where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to America for a semester abroad, and he and Rukia are writing letters back and forth (at her demand)

Ichigo -

Fine then, be an asshole. Not as though I expected anything different afterall. You really should take some lessons from Renji, at least he knows how to act like he's enjoying something even if he isn't. And I was NOT scared of that.... airplane thing. I'd just never seen one before, and how would you react to something that big and that noisy that you'd never seen before? Or don't you remember the first time you saw a hollow? I bet you ran like a little kid. And I swear if you do anything to Chappy I'll come over there and beat you for it.

That IS my box, I told you it was my box when I found it, that I was going to put my tea in it and you just nodded and didn't care. So that means you can't just decide that you care now after I'm already using it! Oh, and I painted Chappy on your wall, seeing as how I can't come there and paint it on your room-mate's~. Aren't you so grateful? You should be, I wouldn't do that for just anyone.

So what do you care what colour he paints his room, it's not like he's painting your half of it, you know. You ought to just quit whining about it. You whine too much, you know that? It's a really bad trait, you should work on that. Oh, the little keychain thing with the letter is from Inoue, she wanted me to put it in. I think she made it in that sewing club she and Ishida are in. They want me to join, Inoue said I could even make my own Chappy doll, but it seems a little weird. I never did any sewing except what I had to do in Rukongai to make sure my clothes stayed in one piece. Oh well, it'll give me something to do I guess. Maybe you should join a club too. How about the Whiner's Club? That sounds like it would fit you.

The hell is that supposed to mean, "how's the hunting going?"? Like you thought I'd be sitting in the room all trembly going "oh no, Ichigo isn't here, whatever will I do~?" or some crap like that. Get over yourself, it's fine. I managed just fine before you came along, you know and don't you forget that!

Oh, Yuzu wanted me to send this picture to you, and would you PLEASE just write to your dad so he'll stop sulking and pouting whenever I get something in the mail and he doesn't?

-Rukia

Letter 3 for 10_letters

2008-03-22T22:54:32Z

Title: Settling In
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kurosaki Ichigo to Kuchiki Rukia
Author's Notes: Just fyi, the premise that I'm writing these on is a post-canon situation where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to America for a semester abroad, and he and Rukia are writing letters back and forth (at her demand)

Rukia -

So your bitchiness isn't limited to in-person? I said I'd write the damned letters, I didn't say I'd be happy about it, you know. And stay the hell away from my shampoo, I'm not a fucking strawberry! And don't even make threats about.... that. It's not funny. And no I didn't think there's more than one Soul Society, I'm not an idiot. At least I'm not afraid of the airplane because I think it's some sort of monster. You know you almost got us all thrown out of the airport?

I didn't take your damn tea, and that's NOT your box. You just decided it was. Like you just decide that everything's yours. So don't take over my fucking room while I'm gone, midget.

Meeting new people is seriously over-rated, they're even crazier HERE than at home. Even my room-mate's some sort of weirdo. Like, weird weird. The guy moved in yesterday, finally, and he painted his whole half of the damned room black. Who the hell paints their room black? And then he fuckin covers half the black walls with some goth-metal poster crap, turned his bed into a tent and sat in it staring at me. Freak. And then he calls ME weird. The hell? When he's the one painting his fingernails and wearing black lipstick and punching holes in his lips?

You know, I didn't mind black before, hell I was used to it by now, but I'm really getting sick of it now. If you were here I'd get you to paint some stupid pink Chappy in the middle of his wall. Just to fuck with him. And those brownies better not have bites taken out of them when I get them or I'll send you a picture of Chappy's severed head. And there's NO WAY I'd make Yuzu cry, so just shut up about that!

How's the hunting going? I never actually thought I'd miss putting up with that shit, but I guess I've just gotten used to the stupid badge going off all the damned time. Must not be as many hollows here, since it hasn't gone off at all since I got here. Either that or it's broken. Whatever. Oh, and you can just leave Kon in there as far as I'm concerned. Not like he needs to breathe or anything. Gotta go, class time.

-Ichigo

tasogaretaichou @ 2008-03-21T19:36:00

2008-03-22T00:42:25Z

So...... I quit my new job today. Yeah, the one I just got the other day, that I was so excited about. Honestly.... I hate being in sales. I don't like the idea of spending 10 hours busting my ass and I might not even make enough to cover the gas I spent to drive to the event. Not to mention that since we were merchandizing for DARE, and my county doesn't HAVE a DARE program, I'm ALWAYS going to have to travel to a diff. county. 3 tanks of gas per week? I think not. Anyway, so I quit after 4 days, but it's alright. It just means it wasn't the right job for me, so I'll find something else.

Oh, for those who pay attention to my fanfiction, I added a couple more writing communities to my list, and I actually even created one of my own. So anyone who is interested, go join 20_blankets. It's in the same vein as 30_kisses and takes it's gist from the old "blanket scenarios" that I'm sure many veteran fanfiction-readers are familiar with. Basically, for every one of the 20 themes in the list, you write a fic that involves 2 characters + 1 blanket. They can use the blanket however they want, but it has to be in there. The same way every fic in 30_kisses has to contain some sort of kiss.

I made a big table-post in my own journal to keep track of all the comms, if anyone else wants table code feel free to barter souls, your firstborn, pr0n, etc. bc it's a pain in the ass to make.

tasogaretaichou @ 2008-03-16T09:58:00

2008-03-16T15:05:42Z

You are 83% 4chan material.

You're an average 4channer - far from being a newfag, with plenty of knowledge of our subculture and various memes, and the potential to be downright hilarious at times. Yet you've managed to keep a few shreds of your sanity, and aren't the out-of-hand Anonymous that makes it to those news reports. In other words, you are the best kind of 4channer.

How 4chan are you?
See All Our Quizzes

tasogaretaichou @ 2008-03-14T19:57:00

2008-03-15T00:58:25Z

OMG I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!

OMG I MIGHT HAVE A JOB!!!

2008-03-13T23:34:47Z

OMG I GOT ASKED BACK FOR A SECOND INTERVIEW!!!!!

Letter #2 - Rukia to Ichigo - Theme "Bitter"

2008-03-13T23:31:01Z

Wow, these are easy to write. It's like just writing a dialogue and breaking it up. XD. That being said, I'll probably churn out a nice chunk of them here so enjoy. You can check the table-post for all of them as I write them.

Title: Adjustments
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kuchiki Rukia to Kurosaki Ichigo
Author's Notes: Just fyi, the premise that I'm writing these on is a post-canon situation where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to America for a semester abroad, and he and Rukia are writing letters back and forth (at her demand)

Ichigo -

So you can complain even in a letter? Somehow not surprising. You act like I made you go on a date with Ishida, you baby. Really, how hard is it to write a simple letter? And don't think I won't make good on what I said. I know where you hide it, and I WILL make sure everyone knows if you don't shut up and just write the damned letters. As for your question, no we don't have college in Soul Society, moron. We just spend about 7 years in Academy and even then it's not like you can GO somewhere else to learn. What, did you think there's more than one Soul Society or something? Hah, bet you did.

Why did you throw out my special pink limited edition Chappy tea and put your own nasty crap in the box? That's MY box, get your own! I don't want to drink that gross bitter stuff you like, I actually have taste buds unlike you, you oaf. You know I hate that bitter kind. Don't do it again or I'll put strawberry Kool-Aid in your shampoo bottle and then you really will be a strawberry.

So the guy's crazy, I thought you said lots of humans are like that. Besides, it's good for you to meet new people. Maybe you might actually learn to be nice. Wouldn't THAT be something. And besides, the hell are you implying by saying he and I would get along great? What, because I'm used to dealing with YOU, so it'd just be like switching one head-case for the other?

I'm not going to do something stupid, and I DON'T need Renji to go hunting with me! I can take care of myself just fine thank you, especially without all your overprotective macho bullshit getting in the way. It'd serve you right if I ambushed the man who delivers the letters and took all those brownies Yuzu's sending you, you asshole. But..... don't get killed over there or anything. You'd make Yuzu cry, and I don't think you want to be that much of an asshole. And you'd better bring me some Chappy stuff, I bet they have things there they don't have other places.

Oh, and Kon says "hi". In.... his own way, though it's hard to tell seeing as I locked him in the drawer.

-Rukia

Letter #1 - Ichigo to Rukia - Theme - "Amuse"

2008-03-13T20:17:03Z

So, joined a new writing comm, thanks to Kan-chan for suggesting it. It's called 10_letters, and you can write 10, 30, 50, or 100 letters either from 1 character or between a pair of characters. I took IchiRuki for my claim (surprise, surprise, right? XD) Not just bc it's my fav. OTP, but bc I actually had a cute idea for a fanfic and I want to use these letters to play into it. Basically, the premise that I'm writing about is a post-canon setting where Ichigo is in college and has gone off to study in America for a semester and Rukia has demanded that he write to her. The letters will lead up to the fic that I want to write, set when he comes back, like an epilogue or something.

Title: Changes
Rating: PG for language
Fandom: Bleach
Character: Kurosaki Ichigo to Kuchiki Rukia

Rukia -

God, this feels dumb. The hell did you make me promise to do this shit anyway, you know it's not like I'm gone for good or something, it's just for a semester. Sheesh, don't you guys have college in Soul Society? Or at least.... something like it? It's really not some big deal. Besides, this is a pain in the ass. But uh.... yeah. America's alright I guess, at least my hair blends in better here than it does at home. Hell, some people here actually tell me it looks cool.

So..... guess things are pretty boring there without me, that you want me to do this so bad. Heh, or maybe you just miss having someone around the abuse all the time? Oh, you'd get a kick out of the guy who sits next to me in chem-lab. Guy's totally mental, right up your alley. And by mental, I mean seriously off his gourd. For one thing, he's convinced he sees spirits. And NO, he can't actually see them, he doesn't even know what they look like. I mean, the guy's sitting there talking about bloody chained corpses looming over my shoulder and there's not a fucking thing there. Real idiot type. Likes cute things, go figure.

It's irritating, but kinda funny at the same time. Wonder what he'd do if he actually saw something. Probably shit himself. At least that'd be more amusing than that paranormal crap he always tries to drag me to. Anyway, uh.... yeah. Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone, NO I'm not bringing you anymore Chappy stuff, and tell Dad and Karin and Yuzu not to worry. I'm FINE, so they can stop calling every damned night. And... take care of yourself. Don't go get yourself hurt being dumb. Get Renji or someone to go hunting with you.

-Ichigo