Hopeless Eternal

Chapter Two



“It’s great Inoue,” Ichigo swallowed the bitter sweet liquid and suppressed the grimace. It was no wonder the girl was always so happy with this much sugar intake. What kind of tea was this? Or what had she added into the mix? He wasn’t rude enough to tell her that his stomach was protesting to the offering. She was kind enough to invite him over so he would make due. He groaned at the very idea of swallowing anymore.

“Thank you Kurosaki-kun,” she poured the tea inside her own cup before sitting down to join him. She was very nervous about this but didn’t want to lose this chance. What would he say if she were to ask him out? Would he go along with her? “Um, have you heard about the new movie that has come out? It’s about robots with special powers that fight like this.”

Surely they didn’t look that obscene when doing so. Ichigo knew which one she was going on about since Karin wanted to see it as well. “Hai, I know the one.”

“Would Kurosaki-kun like to go with me this weekend?” there she had asked and she couldn’t help but blush as his eyes became as large as saucers. Would he say no?

“Okay,” was she asking him out on a date? If they went out it was usually with the others. This was unexpected in a way. He hadn’t thought she’d make a move yet but she appeared to be doing just that. Is this what he wanted? Did he want to go out with her? What could it hurt?


“Really?” She couldn’t believe he’d said yes. This was so great she’d have to tell Tatsuki-chan as soon as he left. “We’ll have a great time since we can go with Tatsuki-chan and Kazuki-kun. She invited me earlier today since they were going.”


“Huh?” Was this to be a date? Then why were they going to go with Tatsuki and someone else? Wait, was it a double date? No, cause that would imply that Tatsuki was going out with that Kazuki guy. Fine, he’d go out with them since he wouldn’t mind seeing it either.


“Hai, Kazuki-san really likes Tatsuki-chan. This morning he was talking to a group of girls and he mentioned that he already liked someone. Since he’s always walking her home, I think they’ll make a cute couple.” Orihime could only guess to why Tatsuky didn’t seem to return the affection. Kazuki-kun was very sweet and thoughtful.


“That doesn’t mean he was talking about Tatsuki, he could like anybody.” What the hell would Tatsuki see in that jerk? Ichigo didn’t buy it, the guy wasn’t their friend’s type. He couldn’t picture what kind of guy would interest her but it sure wasn’t that pansy-assed bastard.


“I dunno he was looking at her when he said it.” Orihime tried to remember and was sure that he had glanced over in that direction. If it wasn’t Tatsuki-chan then who was it? “Is something wrong?”


“No but I think I need to head home soon.” Ichigo wrinkled his nose as she poured herself some more of the tea. How did Tatsuki manage to spend so much time here? It was no wonder the girl was so small if she ate at Orihime’s often. His comrade had many talents and cooking wasn’t one of them. Right now his gut was starting to burn from the tea. His best solution would go somewhere and bring it back up. Of all the things to upset his stomach. “I’ll see you in the morning Inoue.”


“Okay, good night Kurosaki-kun.” She escorted him to the door. Tonight had turned out really well and she had a date with him this weekend. Things were starting to look up for them.


“Night,” he ran a hand through his hair as he jumped onto the street. Why had he just agreed to that? Was it because of what he’d heard earlier today? The only thing he could imagine missing in his life right now was a girlfriend. He was old enough for one and he knew that he was interested in the opposite sex but did he want to try dating one of his friends? It meant getting close to another female and that thought scared him. Did he want to risk getting attached to her? When he thought about being close to a girl the only one that came to mind was Tatsuki. Wait, she didn’t count. They had grown up together so it was only logical that he would feel close to her in a certain way.


There was only a small amount of moon left in the sky. It was so peaceful, would it last? The air held the hint of upcoming rain, the kind that left the ground wet for hours. He should really get home before he got soaked. If he arrived drenched he’d never hear the end of it from his father. Without fail the first drop splattered across his cheek.


What the hell had Orihime put in that tea? The heat was blazing higher in his gut, making it hard to focus on much else. What he didn’t need was to throw up on the pavement. He couldn’t remember that last time he had lost the contents of his stomach. His chest was next to endure the indigestion. He was seriously contemplating going back and asking her what the hell she had used in the tea. What would he do if it didn’t stop? It was tempting to leave his body so he wouldn’t have to deal with it.


He started sprinting forward with every intention of getting home and laying down. His footing faltered making him stumble. It was spreading fast, too fast to be caused by an upset stomach. It’d been months since he’d suffered from this type of pain. It felt like his soul was being ripped out. What the hell was going on? A terrifying voice echoed through a mist of pain. He had to gain control, he had to do something. Why now? This couldn’t be happening, he was still in his body dammit. A growl rumbled from his lips and he was sure that he was hearing things. It was unlike anything he’d heard before. Each ear started ringing, the sinister laughter was the last thing he could make out before darkness overcame him.




The steady beat of rain was doing it’s best to lure her to sleep. Why didn’t she want to sleep? Tatsuki punched the mattress unsure of where the pent up anger was coming from. At this rate she’d end up with dark circles under her eyes. It was getting late. Thunder clapped outside her window brining in an enormous amount of light. How long would the weather hold? It was supposed to stop before morning. She almost felt like it was corresponding with her emotions.


Orihime had called to let her know that Ichigo had agreed to this weekend. She really didn’t want to go but Orihime and Kazuki had cornered her into going. Orihime had jumped at the chance to invite Ichigo along. If she didn’t know any better she’d think she was being set up for a double date. No, because that would mean she’d be with Kazuki. She liked him well enough but that was as far as it went. A great sadness entered her chest at the very idea of getting serious with him. Being cute wasn’t all she wanted. She didn’t really want that in a guy either, she wanted someone she could be herself around.


Why couldn’t she find someone like Orihime? Someone that didn’t mind her serious nature or her temper. A guy she could talk to and feel at ease with. It’d be hard to find a guy that wouldn’t feel uncomfortable with her competitive side. She didn’t want a guy if she could easily kick his ass. That didn’t leave her many options which sucked. Kazuki was one but he didn’t stir any kind of emotion. Was she just fickle? The only guy she’d ever been close to was Ichigo and he would soon belong to Orihime. Was it possible that was what had caused her distress? She had to think about it for several minutes.


What did she want in a guy? Closing her eyes she slapped her forehead when a sulking orange haired jerk came to mind. Did she want someone just like that? That would beat all. How could she want someone that was pig-headed, dysfunctional and annoying? She didn’t want a guy that would keep secrets from her or would act like she was a stranger. It would be nice to be wanted but was there someone out there for her?


The sound of her window suddenly sliding open had her sitting up in a panic. Who the hell? It was too dark to make out anything but an outline. Who would be crashing into her bedroom? Reaching over she found the switch to the small lamp. The illumination made her eyes water for a second. Relief filled her seeing the orange head bent staring at the floor. What was he doing here? When they were younger he had come to her room a few times in the same manner, it had been over two years since the last time. Had he come to apologize now?


“Ichigo?” She would throttle him for appearing like this. He was lucky she hadn’t screamed. What the devil was he doing just standing there? He hadn’t budged since stepping inside. Was he smelling around? That had to be the sniffing she heard but her room didn’t smell any different than it always had. She wasn’t smiling for damn sure, he had better have a good excuse for this. “What are you doing?”


She placed both hands on the edge of the mattress to take a good look at him. He was in jeans and a casual white t-shirt. He was soaked wet and dripping all over her damn floor. “What the hell are you doing? You are soaking my floor Ichigo. You better have a good reason for coming in here this late at night.”


“Exquisite,” his voice trembled when he spoke.


It was strange, he didn’t sound like himself. Tatsuki cocked her face to get a better look at him. Why wasn’t he
acting right? He was never too talkative but this was different. Of all the times for him to get a conscious. He could have come to speak to her any time since he’d gotten back, why tonight? “Hai, Ichigo, don’t just stand there you idiot.”


Something akin to fear coiled in her gut as the orange head finally snapped in her direction. The face wasn’t the usual mask of indifference and a wicked grin had taken its place. What had her wanting to back up were the eyes, glowing amber stared her down. The weight of that gaze was astounding, she couldn’t help but blush. She wasn’t wearing anything indecent or improper but she might as well have been. The t-shirt reached down to her knees covering all of her assets. What was wrong with him?


Trust kept her rooted to the mattress and from running. Ichigo would never lay a finger on her despite the strange expression he was wearing. There had to be a perfectly reasonable explanation why he felt the need to come see her this late at night. Was she going to have to start fussing at him? Taking a deep breath she stood and waited for him to speak. It was disturbing how the silence between them kept getting thicker. The only change in the last few seconds was he’d taken a step forward. Heat coiled in her gut, what was he looking at? There was no denying that he was allowing his gaze to drop south slowly. He had never looked at her like that before, she was positive. It sent a chill down her spine, “Ichigo!”


The shout didn’t have the desired effect. Tatsuki finally panicked as a strong force shoved her against the far wall. It wasn’t painful but struck fear in her heart. There was nothing callous in the move, it was just she’d never been one to like being pinned. Strong hands had her forced back flat along the surface and were now keeping her trapped in between. Hot breath skimmed along her neck, making her tremble. What was he doing? It wasn’t an attack but he wasn’t acting like Ichigo. “What the hell is wrong with you?”


“He really is a stupid bastard.” It was hard to make out the mumbled response.


Tatsuki stiffened at the sensation of teeth clamping down on at the junction of her neck. She cried out reacting to the pain. Instinct picked her target and the howl of pain echoed throughout the entire house as her knee met its mark. Her foot impacted into a heaving chest sending him back onto the floor in the process of grasping his abused jewels.


The menacing glaze in the yellow eyes prompted her next move. Without thinking she jumped out of the open window. Her ankle jarred under the unexpected weight but she didn’t think it had twisted. Glancing around she tried to decide where to run to. What if that wasn’t really Ichigo? The screaming from her room sent a surge of reitsu that she could feel. It was more like a spiritual statement of ire, be it Ichigo or someone taking his form, he was pissed.


Rain pelted her face and she started running down the empty street. Who would save her? If that was indeed Ichigo there was no way she could win against him. There was no doubt that something was wrong with him. Her childhood friend would never manhandle her in such a manner. She almost stumbled around the corner hearing something running up fast from behind. This had to be a bad dream! She’d fallen asleep while thinking about him and this was the outcome of doubting their friendship. Tatsuki swore hearing the mocking laughter only several feet away. How was she going to outrun him? Not only was he naturally faster but she was bare foot and finding it hard to see anything in the pelting downpour. Her hand reached up to wipe the moisture from her eyes, she didn’t notice the puddle until her foot slammed down finding that it was deeper than it looked. Sharp pain pierced the arch and she fell to the unforgiving pavement. Her arms skidded against the harsh rocks. The next time she watched a corny horror flick she’d know better than to talk trash about the chick that was always tripping.


“My, my, you should have done that sooner.”


He was standing right behind her wearing that same smirk. Both arms were at his sides but she wasn’t fooled. Tatsuki winced trying to get back up. Before she could get to her knees weight slammed into her back sending her face down into the puddle. There was no cause to fear drowning because as soon as her face hit the water she was being yanked over onto her back. It pissed her off being treated like a helpless ragdoll. Knowledge of him being a shinigami didn’t halt the feeling only increased it. She wouldn’t allow him to treat her this way.


“Just accept,” he caught the clenched fist aimed for his nose and snorted at the pathetic excuse for an attack. He ignored the nails digging into his clamped fingers demanding he release her.


“Get off of me!” Tatsuki bucked to remove the unwanted bulk on her hips. Was he going to kill her? She could see the blood running down her fingers as nails dug deep into his flesh. Why wouldn’t he let her go? The other hand suddenly snatched the bloody fingers away and dismay had her screaming out. Both of her wrists were pinned above her head. Horror and indignation weren’t the only emotions she felt when he leaned forward bringing the rest of his body closer. She was a virgin but there was no mistaking the hardness that she discovered pressing into her stomach. This had to be some crazy fucked up dream, there was no way Ichigo was about to force himself on her. Ichigo Kurosaki would never think of her in such a crude manner unless someone was controlling him or he was under some illusion that she was Orihime.


“Huh,” she blinked and the weight was suddenly removed. As if it had never been there to begin with, it vanished and there was a loud crashing sound to her left. Tatsuki sobbed but the drizzling threatening to drown her let her know she hadn’t woken up. Had someone saved her or had he come to his senses?


“Tatsuki-chan.” Uryuu was the first to reach for the trembling girl. He was still taking in what he’d seen. He could understand her confusion and how distraught she appeared. What the hell was happening between them? He and Sado had been coming back from Urahara’s when they’d felt Ichigo’s reitsu spike. Not sensing anything else in the area they had run to inspect the cause. This was the last thing they’d expected to find.


“Ishida?” Sado didn’t dare take his eyes off of the large hole that had been made. He had reacted instantly upon seeing what looked to be Ichigo over a struggling Tatsuki. Why would she scream like that? What had it been doing to her? It couldn’t be Ichigo. Their friend would never hurt one of them, especially Tatsuki.


“She’s okay, something isn’t right.” Uryuu glanced at the new construction and frowned. The reitsu was growing in spades. He was sure Ichigo hadn’t been in shinigami form. Rubble fell to the soaked pavement as the menacing form casually walked out of the hole. There was no doubt that was Kurosaki’s reitsu, “He’s being controlled, be careful Sado-kun.”


“Hai, get her somewhere safe.” Sado spared a glance towards the girl. She was completely drenched and two large welts were already forming around her wrists. Ishida had helped her to sit up and to manage some form of modesty. The Quincy had taken off his jacket. What had Ichigo been about to do? What it had looked like made his stomach turn. Now wasn’t the time to worry about that. “Don’t argue, she is our first priority and you are faster than me. We’ll help Ichigo after we help her. You know if he were in his right mind he’d want it this way.”


“Right, I’ll be back as soon as possible.” Uryuu scooped the sobbing female in his arms. It struck a cord to hear the soft sound coming from the girl. She wasn’t the type to cry, she was no doubt upset about the attack. Had Kurosaki been about to do the unthinkable? Dammit, what if they hadn’t arrived in time? He leapt away taking her with him. He felt the wince at the hoarse cry of outrage. He prayed that Sado-kun didn’t get himself hurt in the process.


Tatsuki tightened her hold on the soggy cotton shirt. She’d never been so glad to see the two. What would happen now? Would they be able to help Ichigo? Sado knew that he wasn’t in his right mind but that would impede the large male when fighting. They wouldn’t want to hurt Ichigo but how will he feel when he realizes he was the one to hurt his friends? First, they had to snap him out of it.


“Shit,” Uryuu swore at the approaching reitsu, this wasn’t good. Not worrying if she’d like the ride or not he picked up his speed to put some distance between them. There was no way Ichigo had stayed behind to play with Sado. Another clue that Ichigo was being controlled. The guy would have never passed up a fight to pursue them without a good reason. For what reason had he attacked their friend? The shinigami was definitely following but was being slowed down due to being in his body. It would buy them a few precious minutes but not many. He had to find some place to take her and help Kurosaki. Decision made he turned in the direction of Urahara’s store. If anyone would know what had caused the situation that man would. He was sure there were no hollows around but that didn’t mean one couldn’t be hiding. He felt better feeling Sado coming up behind Ichigo’s presence. So Kurosaki really hadn’t bothered with him. The normal shinigami would have issued a challenge just from the kick that had sent the jerk through a wall. What was so important about Tatsuki-chan that the guy was giving chase?


Where were they going? She didn’t dare try to look with how fast they were moving. Ishida-kun was really impressive, she could sense that they were moving at an amazing speed. Minutes went by before he landed and stopped in a yard she recognized easily. Her face moved from the heaving chest to see what was going on. “Ishida?”


“Urahara-san!” He yelled for the shop owner now that their time was at an end. Somehow he had the impression Kurosaki wouldn’t feel like talking when he arrived. Where the hell was the man? At this rate he’d be forced to fight his friend. He needed to get the girl out of the weather and somewhere safe. He couldn’t chance Kurosaki trying to take her.


Tatsuki allowed her feet to be placed upon the soft ground. Mud squished between her toes and silence greeted them. Was Urahara home? Would the man be able to help Ichigo? Would they be able to find him again? Would Sado-kun be okay by himself?


“Tatsuki-chan, run.” Uryuu shoved her towards the building. She cried out from the force but he’d moved her in time. As she stumbled forward a hand only managed to snatch air. Water splashed as the intruder slid to a stop several feet away.


“Ow,” Tatsuki would have bitched about the treatment but the words failed her. Standing several feet away looking very distraught was a strange Ichigo. A menacing feeling was flowing from him now, even Ishida took a step back from it. What was controlling him? The coat did nothing to ward off the chills or keep her from wanting to run. Should she make for the building? There were no lights on but it was better than staying here. Wait, she couldn’t abandon Ishida-kun.


“Don’t just stand there get inside.” Uryuu was sure he could get to her before Ichigo but that might get her caught up in the fight. Where the hell was everyone? He couldn’t win this fight without seriously hurting Kurosaki. When it came to brute force he would lose even with the shinigami in a human body. He’d have to hold out until help came or Ichigo snapped out of it.


Tatsuki took a step backwards and then he moved. She froze hearing Ishida’s voice screaming in irritation. The Quincy had managed to block the blow that had been aimed for his chest. She could see the reitsu flaring around them both in awe. It was happening too fast for her to see it clearly but several blows must have landed because blood was pouring from Ishida’s nose. “Ichigo, stop!”


“Run,” he was glad that he had been targeted this time around. If it would give the girl a chance to get away he’d take some pain. He wouldn’t allow Ichigo to kill him, he just needed to buy some time. If something was controlling Kurosaki then they’d have to find the source. Dammit, he couldn’t take much more. How was the shinigami able to use this much power without transforming? He realized a mistake as a knee found its mark and the blow had him doubling over in pain.


“Ishida-kun,” Tatsuki rushed forward as the Quincy fell to the ground. Was he okay? That had sounded like ribs breaking. The air rushed from her lugs as she came to a sudden halt as Ichigo turned to face her. The wicked grin was back making her rethink her compassion. Ishida was coughing so he wasn’t dead but what would happen to her if Ichigo caught up to her?


“Time to obey.”


Obey? She wasn’t a dog, she really didn’t like the sound of that. Another kick sent the glasses to the ground and blood gushed from the broken lips of Ishida. Why wasn’t he fighting back? Would Ichigo kill them? What could she do? Fighting would get her nowhere, how could she do nothing? Uncertainty locked her feet to the muddy earth. She closed her eyes as he disappeared from sight. Wasn’t it best to let him do whatever? She was obviously his target and he wouldn’t stop. She couldn’t defeat him so she’d be brave and endure whatever he was going to do. The hard crunching of flesh meeting flesh penetrated her thoughts.


“Yada yada, this isn’t good.” Kisuke hoped the boy would stay down. The blow had been hard enough to knock out a normal human but he didn’t know what was going on. Seeing Ichigo deliver a nasty kick to the Quincy’s face had been enough for him. Not to mention the half dressed girl was shivering from cold and fear. There was nothing he could do for Ishida-kun for now he was certain that the boy would be just fine. “Take care of the girl Yuirichi-san.”


“Certainly,” she placed an arm around the small form. Yuirichi narrowed her eyes as Ishida started to rise from the ground. Was it a dispute between friends? Why was Ichigo’s reitsu raising so high while in his human body? It could be dangerous for him, not to mention it could attract unnecessary attention. “Should I take Ishida-kun as well?”


“He’ll make it on his own besides I don’t think Kurosaki is after the Quincy. Don’t move,” Kisuke took a step to the right to see how the male reacted. While getting back on his feet Kurosaki’s attention focused behind him. If not Ishida, then the girl? The reitsu surrounding the substitute shinigami was quickly changing to a darker color. What was controlling him? What had caused the rage flashing in those .......yellow eyes? He got a better look as the boy rushed in their direction aiming for the two behind him. It couldn’t be helped. “Oh well.”


“Don’t,” Tatsuki wanted to weep as the striped outfit filled her vision. She heard nothing but Ichigo’s grunt. Dreadful silence surrounded them like a haze, she knew it was over. She hadn’t seen what had happened and was thankful. It was horrible noticing how broken Ichigo appeared lying on the ground.


“Do you need help Ishida-kun?” Kisuke walked to where his former pupil was sprawled out in an awkward position. Reaching down he searched for any lingering signs of foreign reitsu, finding none. What had caused the strange behavior?


“Sado can help me.” Uryuu smiled as the large man came running into the clearing with a worried expression. Things had turned out okay in the end. He’d be sore tomorrow but Kurosaki had been calmed - in a manner of speaking anyways. He gladly accepted the shoulder, there had to be several busted ribs.


“Very well, Yuirichi will you take Tatsuki into the back and seen to? I’m sure a nice cup of tea will help.” He picked up the slumbering boy and hefted him over a shoulder. What to do? First he’d have to ask these two what had occurred before coming to any conclusions.


“Tatsuki-chan?” Sado moved slowly as they followed the owner inside. The girl had already disappeared into another room. He’d feared the worst when Ichigo had ignored him completely to rush after the fleeing pair. When had the shinigami ever turned down a fight? What was going on?


“She’s okay, Yuirichi will see that she calms down and rests. I’ll set Kurosaki down while I tend to your injuries.” Kisuke took them into a room and ordered Ururu to go fetch the supplies. “Why don’t one of you tell me why poor Tatsuki-chan is running around scantily dressed?”


“We don’t know, we hadn’t long left here when we felt Ichigo’s reitsu spike suddenly.” Uryuu paused, it hurt to breath. “When we got close we heard Tatsuki scream. I think he was attacking her, I mean she was struggling beneath him.”


“Oi,” Sado didn’t want to openly admit the disturbing expression their friend had been wearing. It still made him want to vomit.


“Really?” Kisuke was astounded that the two males were blushing. What were they trying to not say? Had they come across Ichigo trying to violate a female? “Was he attacking her or being a teenager?”


“What?!!!! What is that supposed to mean? Of course we know the difference and he was on top of her. Ichigo may suck at fighting tactics but I doubt he’d go that far to try out a new style.” The Quincy cringed as the little girl tightened the wrapping around his mid-section suddenly. He knew what he’d seen and he didn’t want to think about it.


“This could be a problem since we don’t know what was controlling him. Is there anything else?” Kisuke was sure that it was being done through his inner hollow but who or what could tap into that power and control it?


“Yeah, I struck him.” Sado was sure he’d dealt a hard blow to the guy but, “Ishida-kun fled with the girl. Ichigo didn’t even look at me. It was like he got upset that the two were leaving.”


“I see, so he was targeting Tatsuki-chan after all and she wasn’t a random victim.” He sat down and waited for Ishida’s injuries to be seen to. “There is a good chance that he will not remember what happened when he wakes up. We need to figure out what caused the behavior, whether if it’s an outside source or him. If this is the case Sado-kun I want you to keep a close watch on him tomorrow. See if he remembers anything and if anything unusual occurs. Ishida you will probably need a few days to recover.”


“And don’t mention anything to him.” Yuirichi stepped into the room to plop down next to Sado. “Do you two have any idea if he is involved with anyone?”


“Um, I don’t know about involved but I heard the girls talking about them going out this weekend. I think Kurosaki was going with Orihime-chan. Why?” Uryuu was glad when the binding was set into place and he was left alone. He wanted to get some sleep and heal.


“From what I can gather he suddenly appeared in her bedroom like that. I was wondering if something was driving him to do it. I hate to say it but it sounds like he was trying to force himself on her.” Yuirichi didn’t think it possible from Ichigo. This was the guy that had been flustered just seeing her naked. “I’d wager something was controlling him because he also bit her.”


“Bit?” Sado had never heard of such a thing. Hollows might bite to eat their souls but why would Ichigo try to eat Tatsuki? “What does it mean?”


“That Kurosaki is a pervert. Owe,” Kisuke winced at the open handed slap across his face. He’d only been kidding, that smarted. Why did she have to smack him? He was only trying to make light of the situation so the two wouldn’t worry so much.


“Be serious.” She’d teach him some manners later. “It’s nothing more than the purest of instincts. It was a form of showing dominance and power over one’s partner. Many animals still do it. If we are correct then he was being aggressive not trying to cause injury.”


“Hai, Kurosaki wanted to get busy.” Kisuke accepted the fist that clubbed the back of his head. She still had a nasty temper.


“Anyways, we’ll keep her here for tonight and see that Ichigo makes it home. I’ll also be keeping an eyes on him to see what I can find out. We need to be alert in case this happens again. I gave her some tea so she’s sleeping soundly, she’s had a rough night.” Yuirichi stood up to check up on the girl. Hopefully Ichigo wouldn’t remember and this wouldn’t repeat itself.





Please read and review!