Brothers

Chapter 8

Ichi: Oh, look, another original tittle. 

This is how it's going to be for now. I think it adds a bit of mystery. They can't guess what's coming. 

Naru: That is really smart. Oh, who were those people in the last chapter... at the end? 

Oh. They were from the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise. I'm writing a spiritshipping book. Could always use more Jesse and Jaden. 

Jesse: Ya'll call?

No! Not yet! *shoves Jess back into other book*

ForeverFic is a new idol of mine! Go check them out! I personally recommend the book Ebon Phoenix and Cracked Ice.   

--------------------------------------------  

Ichigo had finally calmed down completely, finding himself at peace again. Ichigo swiftly made his way back to the leaf, and as he passed the gate, a large, black mass plummeted into him. Ichigo was knocked on his rear, a familiar laugh breaking through the  air. Ichigo chuckled as Kurono licked at his face, giving him all her love and affection. Ichigo threw the wolf off gently,  got off the ground and dusted himself off. 

"Sup, Ichi?" Naruto grinned. 

"Nothin' much, Fox. What's up?" Ichigo answered. 

"Place hasn't been the same. You need two to commit a crime you know," Naruto gripped. 

"Well then, partner, lets reek havoc!" Ichigo grinned back mischievously.     

-----------------------------------------

The two we now sitting in the Hokage's office with no regrets. Bright smiles were on their faces. Tsunade massaged her temples and glared at the two boys. They had caused utter chaos, and the villagers were asking for their heads. 

"Why?" was the simple question. 

"We were bored," they answered simultaneously.  

"Can you do anything other than-" 

"Nope," they sounded, popping the 'p'. 

Both looked each other and snickered. Both were being held down by anbu, who couldn't help but shake their heads. Only then did anyone notice that Ichigo had started disappearing. 

"Hey, Ichi," Naruto addressed. 

"I know. My home needs me, I'll be back, don't worry." 

With those parting words, Ichigo disappeared, most likely taking Kurono with him. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rukia stood slightly slumped over, holding her shoulder. The large hollow in front of her had gotten the jump on her, and tried to swipe at her arm. A bright light made her blink and guard her eyes. Before she opened them, the hollow roared angrily. 

"You should take anger management. They did nothin' for me, but I think you should still try," a voice teased. 

Familiar orange hair came out of the dust that had been riled up. A large, black sword that was wrapped in a white cloth. A tan hand rested on the hilt, ready to draw. 

"Ichigo," Rukia breathed in recognition. 

"Sup, Rukia," the teen greeted, waving his left hand, his right now gripping the sword. 

Zangetsu elegantly unwrapped himself, showing his sleek, white blade. Ichigo made quick work of the hollow. Ichigo turned to Rukia, looking down at where she was standing in the air, clicking Zangetsu into place on his back. A howl came from below, and Ichigo smiled. The orangette's eyes slowly began to close, his head starting to spin. 

"Ichigo!" Rukia called, heading for the other reaper. 

She hurriedly rushed to catch him before he fell out of the sky, and only then did she notice. There were black bands creeping around Ichigo's skin, and they seem to be causing the reaper pain. She gently placed him on the roof of the building below them, and undid the top part of his kimono. The bands were swirling on his skin, and Ichigo was panting now. A howl was once again heard, and wanting the wolf to be quiet, she brought the hound to her master. Kurono started to whine, nudging him with  her nose. 

"You know what this is, don't you, girl?" Rukia asked quietly. 

Kurono whined again, rubbing her head into Rukia's unharmed shoulder. Ichigo's eyes opened, but they weren't his. The whites of his eyes were pitch black and his normal melted chocolate were now a liquid gold. Rukia gasped. She had seen those eyes before, and they brought nothing but trouble. 

"Ichigo! Whatever this is, fight it!" Rukia pleaded. 

"What do we have here?" 

Rukia turned, finding Urahara and Tessai walking closer. 

"Hat...n' Clogs," Ichigo huffed. 

"Yup. What's up Ichigo?" Urahara smiled widely. 

"My... curse won't," Ichigo tried getting out. 

"Curse?" Urahara questioned, bending down. 

Tessai watched the wolf walk swiftly over to her master, close to his head, and gently pawed at his shoulder. Ichigo's breath hitched in pain, quickly making the wolf stop. Urahara quickly shooed the hound, and moved the cloth by the curse mark. As he did this, the marks that twisted around his frame seemed to recede into the mark, and Urahara watched in awe. Ichigo slowly regained his breath.  

"I've never seen anything like this. Is this from the other world?" Urahara questioned, getting a nod.    

Urahara gently grazed the mark with his fingertips, the skin sizzling under his touch. Ichigo hissed, and swatted his hand away and sat up. Ichigo held his heard gently, finding it pounding to the point of spitting. 

OW.... 

So that didn't hurt just me, then?

Yes, but I'm surprised that it hurt that much.

Ichigo silently agreed. He pulled his kimono up into place again, sighing as the cool cloth hit his burning mark. 

"Do you know how it works?" Kisuke asked in wonder, Tessai grunting in agreement. 

"Whenever I exert power, it does what it just did. It cuts into my spirit pressure," Ichigo answered. 

"Your power? That can only mean bad things," Rukia piped up. 

"How did you get it?" Tessai asked. 

Ichigo massaged his temples, finding that his head was pounding. He didn't even hear Tessai speak. Kurono whined, rubbing against Ichigo, gaining his attention. 

"Sorry, my head is killing me," Ichigo apologized. 

"Yeah, and your burning up!" Rukia reported, placing her hand on his head. 

"We should get him to the shop. It's not that far," Tessai advised, addressing Rukia. 

She nodded, and Tessai helped Ichigo up. His legs refused to carry his weight, so Tessai carried him. Kurono huffed, concerned. Rukia massaged the large wolf's head, Kurono leaning into her hand. All of them tool off for the shop, hoping to cure their friend.