Hopeless Eternal

Chapter Three


She was so cold! Tatsuki snuggled deeper under the cover but that wasn’t helping. Over twenty-four hours had passed since she’d sat up to find Ichigo standing in her room. She’d missed out on school today. Her mother had accepted the lie about not feeling well. How could she face him? She didn’t know what to do. Urahara had promised to figure out what had caused him to act that way. Even with how upset she was she knew that it hadn’t been Ichigo’s doing. There was no way he’d do something like that. He wouldn’t try to seduce her, much less force his attention on her person.


The only good thing that had come out of the entire incident was the ache in her shoulder had gone away. It was replaced with the soreness of her neck though. She couldn’t win for losing. Neither could compare to the ache in her heart. How could she look at him and not think about it? She wasn’t scared of him but how could she forget the look in his eyes or what she’d felt? Her stomach cramped at the recollection. Something might have been controlling him but she had distinctly felt his erection pressing into her abdomen. Her cheeks had to be turning scarlet by now. Something had wanted him to do something unforgivable. Why didn’t that knowledge stop the funny feeling consuming her? She was a mess!


She jerked up as her pulse soared to life as a familiar aura jumped outside. It couldn’t be! The covers were thrown aside and she raced for the window. There was no way he’d come back, it was a case of being jumpy. Urahara had promised that he wouldn’t bother her again. It was hard to see in the darkness, yet the strange sensation stayed with her while she searched. Nothing could be seen out there or moving. What would she do if he showed up at her window? Dammit, why was part of her anxious? Any sane person would be worried about what would be causing the episodes.


Taking a deep breath she moved away from the window and settled back down. Minutes ticked by with nothing happening. The aura didn’t dissipate but that didn’t mean anything. Most likely Kurosaki was fighting a hollow somewhere, that’s why he could be felt so clearly. Was last night just a one time occurrence? Some relief had her relaxing and getting comfortable.


Sado-kun had stopped by to speak to her after school. He had assured her that Ichigo didn’t remember anything, had acted completely normal. No one had questioned her absence except Orihime. She’d been assured that Ichigo didn’t seem to be distressed that she hadn’t shown up for class. She wasn’t sure if that should make her feel good or not. She shouldn’t expect him to care if she came to school or not but it still left a bad taste.


A loud crash made the window pane shake. She rushed back towards the window uncaring that it was letting in the cold night air. The panel was slid open to get a better look. What was taking place outside? Once more nothing greeted her vision. What had caused the vibration? Her brow shot together as the reitsu spiked before going slack. It was still out there but felt calm. He must have finished off the hollow.


Knowing she was being silly she closed the glass before she caught a cold for real. If not for whatever they had given her she was positive she’d have spent the entire day with a fever and runny nose. Her reflection caught her attention. If she were the type of person to frighten easily she would have just pissed herself. There was no way she’d be able to return to class looking like this. She groaned and flopped ungracefully onto the mattress. A few more hours her mother would be coming inside to inquire about her health. What could she say? ‘Sorry Mom, but I’m still tired. No Mom, I just stayed up all night waiting for Ichigo to come into my room.’Just fucking peachy! The covers were yanked back up but now she felt hot. Her body was pulsing with eagerness, she was a moron. She didn’t want a repeat of last night so what did she want? If only they’d find out what had happened so she could stop worrying. Wasn’t Urahara supposed to be smart or something?



Uryuu read the sentence for the tenth time before closing the book. He couldn’t even pretend to read dammit. He was very tired and it was all Kurosaki’s fault. The only signs of last night were the dark marks under Ichigo’s eyes. Other than that he was acting normal and still hadn’t questioned Tatsuki-chan’s absence. This was the second day she hadn’t returned to school. Even that Kazuki guy had rushed over during lunch to inquire with Orihime. The two had talked for several minutes before he left smiling.


Tonight was Sado’s turn. They were just lucky Ichigo sucked at detecting reitsu. He’d easily been able to hide his all night up until the change had occurred. He hadn’t been able to see it exactly but had sensed it. A second later Kurosaki had fled his room via window to head out. This time he had known Uryuu was waiting and slipped away. Thankfully someone had been watching over the girl to take care of it. They were to try to discover what caused the possessions while Yuirichi saw that Tatsuki-chan wasn’t disturbed or any other female. Tonight they’d see what happened and they’d know for sure if the target was random or set.


“Ishida,” Sado took a seat down next to the Quincy. Tonight was his turn and he had thought of something. He’d been informed this morning that it had repeated itself once more. Luckily Tatsuki hadn’t been forced to witness the display. “I’ve thought of something.”


“I hope it’s good because I’m beat. Yuirichi-san said last night was rather bad. If he keeps doing it then he could permanently damage himself. There is also the chance that whatever is doing it might decide to turn into a shinigami next time assuming it knows how. Someone could seriously get hurt,” Uryuu wondered how long it would be before it happened.


“Hai, this morning I asked Ichigo if I could stay over at his place tonight. I told him my place was being fumigated.” Sado saw the tiny bulb pop over the Quincy’s head. “Let’s hope I can see exactly what happens. This might help us figure it out.”


“Well said,” he pushed his glasses back up and made a mental note to punch Kurosaki when the guy least expected it. He had been forced to order a new pair yesterday because these were now loose. “I’ll find a way to get there also.”


Ichigo cocked his head and wished he could read lips. What were the two talking about over there? Ishida still had a bruise under his jaw and looked as tired as he felt. He must have slept hard last night with how sore he was. He needed to catch up on his sleep but he wouldn’t be able to tonight. Chad had already asked for a place to stay, which meant hanging out for a bit. Where was Tatsuki? Was she really sick? He had heard the teacher comment on Arisaw still being ill. What was wrong with her? He couldn’t ever remember her being ill. He was sure she was fine or Orihime would be upset. Instead the girl was sitting next to him happily talking about... something. He sighed and tried to doze off. He was seriously contemplating on skipping the rest of the day, get a nap in before Chad came over.


The moment his eyes closed her regretted the rash decision. An image suddenly popped up in his head but had a strange effect. He was sure it was Tatsuki lying in bed sleeping. What the hell? As soon as it flashed it was gone, he had to be tired. His mind was making him imagine her being sick. Was his conscious trying to force him to go see her? That could be it but he still had no idea what to say to her. It was best to let her approach him then he’d apologize. She wouldn’t want him stopping by to annoy her anyways.



The timid knocking on the window was barely audible. Dusk was beginning to fall, she had just fnished dinner. Tatsuki was just glad it wasn’t her phone ringing again. Twelve people had called to ask why she’d missed three days in a row. Being in a foul mood she hadn’t felt like talking. Why hadn’t Ishida or Sado called her yet? They had promised to do so this morning. They had stayed with Ichigo last night and were supposed to find out what was going on. What the hell was taking them so long? She hadn’t heard or seen a sign of Ichigo so she was going to assume that he was still having the episodes, if not then the matter would have dropped. What other girls had been targeted? Fear entered her gut when she thought of poor Orihime.


“Coming,” she set the book down to slid off of the bed. Going over to the window she was shocked to find Urahara staring at her wearing a stupid grin. What the hell was he doing? Someone might see him. She quickly unlocked the pane and slid it open. “Get inside before my brother sees you.”


“Oi, so rude Tatsuki-chan.” Kisuke entered the small bedroom and looked around. It was rather bare but was all Tatsuki. It was nowhere near girly. He indicated that she should take a seat. “I asked Ishida to let me be the one to speak to you.”


“Okay, so have you found out what happened to him? I haven’t heard from him.” Tatsuki retook her seat and crossed her legs Indian style. She wasn’t about to ask him to take a seat on her bed. He seemed to be fine standing, besides how much could he talk?


“Of course you haven’t. Yuirichi-san has been keeping him away form you.” He saw that the news surprised her. She must have been sleeping soundly if she had not been aware of how close Kurosaki had come to her last night. “Kurosaki’s target hasn’t changed. The last two nights he has tried to get to you.”


“Are you sure? I mean if he doesn’t remember anything he could be going for anyone. A lot of girls live around here,” Tatsuki shivered at the thought. Why would he single her out? Did someone want her dead? She didn’t have many enemies, none that would go that far. Or was someone trying to make him hurt those that were close to him? Why had she been picked first or was she just lucky? “Is he going to kill me?”


“Oh nothing of the sort. Ah, how to start. We are positive it’s you, the second night he was almost to your window when Yuirichi removed him. Last night was an ever closer call, he was coming inside. I’m going to assume you weren’t in the room because he paused briefly but it was long enough for Yuirichi to get to him. I don’t think you were a random target, there is a reason for it. Did you notice anything strange about him?”


“Besides the way he was acting?” Tatsuki didn’t have to think about it. “His eyes, they were strange. I’ve seen him in his shinigami form before but his eyes were never that color. Is something wrong with him? Can you help him?”


“Sadly no, it’s something he has to handle himself. It is true Kurosaki is a shinigami but he is also a Vizard. A shinigami that has tapped into the powers of a hollow.” Kisuke was glad when the only reaction was confusion instead of fear. It would make things worse if she suddenly became afraid of him. “He is half shinigami- half hollow. Before the war started he was able to start controlling his inner-hollow. His control is remarkable for someone so inexperienced. There were a few times that his hollow has taken completely over and that is what scares him more than anything.”


“I see,” Tatsuki got the basis of what was being said, it was hard to digest. Ichigo was part hollow? It would explain those eyes and why he had kept that a secret. If he couldn’t tell her about being a shinigami he sure the hell wouldn’t share this kind of painful secret with her. “Wait, so you’re saying you think it’s his inner- hollow that has been controlling him?”


“I believe so. Which is rather odd because before now it would only appear when his life was in seriously danger and that hasn’t been the case lately. Let me explain a few things. Most hollows react out of instinct or rage. I don’t think his is incapable of rational thought since it has the same mental capabilities as Kurosaki. It is nothing more than the darker, more primitive side of Ichigo’s soul. This brings about my next conclusion, this is why you have been targeted.”


“What? You’re telling me his evil side wants to rip off my head? I didn’t think I’d hit him that hard.” She felt the harsh sting of tears at the revelation. The dark side of Ichigo was out to get her? She had said some harsh things but that went beyond holding a grudge.


“No, don’t misunderstand. He’s not wanting to kill you. Think about it Tatsuki-chan. If Ichigo really wanted you dead you would have been the first night. Besides Orihime you are probably the only other female that is here that he is close to. Well, there is Rukia-chan but I don’t think it would matter if she were close either. How do I say this politely? Kurosaki is at an age where some instincts are starting to awaken.”


“You mean he’s hitting puberty?” Tatsuki frowned as the old fart actually blushed at the statement. Really, wasn’t he a little too old to be pussy footing around the topic. “You mean he’s at the age his balls have dropped.”


“Precisely,” he was so glad she was easy to talk to. “I believe Kurosaki is starting to date Orihime but I don’t think he and his inner-hollow share the same tastes. I’m not entirely sure what kind of girl’s Ichigo likes but I don’t think Orihime would appeal to that side of him.”


“Why not? I mean it’s still Ichigo’s soul and he loves Orihime.” Tatsuki knew it was true just like everyone else did. Orihime had taken up the large gap that had been left by his mother. It was in the way he looked at the girl. “But what does that have to do with these episodes?”


“That was my point. Orihime is very timid, shy and kind. Although Tatsuki-chan is kind, she is strong, passionate and has a wild streak. Perhaps your aura has more appeal than Orihime’s. That is the reason why you have been selected. Two sides to every coin, it is most troublesome. To be blunt his inner-self desires Tatsuki-chan.”


“Don’t say it like that. You make it sound like it settled for the left-overs.” She growled when he dodge the pillow. He had a point but it didn’t mean she had to like it. Ichigo love Orihime but this hollow side would probably find the ditzy girl repulsive and distasteful. “So what is going to happen?”


“Hm, Kurosaki is the kind of person that will take his time wooing the woman of his heart but I’m afraid that is the problem. They share the same instincts, yet he will not react on his due to principles. I’m afraid we have run out of time because his inner-hollow isn’t going to wait or be patient. When Kurosaki mastered becoming a Vizard he in a sense merged with that other part of himself. Which will allow it to take over as long as Ichigo allows it to.”


“Why would he? That doesn’t make any sense. Ichigo would never do something so reckless.” Tatsuki couldn’t believe that he was implying such a thing. They might have gotten distant over the last few months but he would never release something that could possibly harm her. It couldn’t be true.


“You misunderstand again. He is sub-consciously allowing it to happen. As a matter of fact he isn’t aware that it is happening at all. What I’m saying is that deep in his sub-conscious he is longing for a female companion. He hasn’t accepted the instinct or desire but that doesn’t stop it from existing. Since they both share this desire his sub-conscious allows the inner-hollow to take control. He isn’t consciously aware of what is going on. He won’t until he accepts that desire.”


“So you mean I have to avoid his fucked up side until he gets up the nerve to seduce Orihime? That is bullshit, in which case I’m screwed.” Tatsuki crossed her arms in indignation. Just because Ichigo was too much of a tight ass he couldn’t get around to making a move on Orihime she was shit out of luck because his dark side thought she’d make a nice consolation prize.


“That is putting it rather crudely but about sums it up. Are you ready for the bad news?” He smiled knowing he’d soon win this bet. The Quincy had thrown a tantrum hearing his solution to the problem. Both Ishida and Sado thought the girl would never go for it. He believed there was more to Tatsuki than what they saw. “Until it gets what he wants he will continue to pursue you every time Kurosaki drops his guard. The times are limited since there has been no need for Kurosaki to turn into a shinigami since his return. It is difficult for the hollow to manipulate his human body, which drastically affects his power. Since he has no idea what is occurring Kurosaki will not hesitate to leave his body should the situation call for it. It is feasible to believe that the first chance he gets it will take over then. Up until now we have been able to prevent him from reaching you again. It pains me to say this but if he were to go hollow even Yuirichi and myself will have a problem stopping him.”


“You mean you’d have to seriously hurt him to do so or is he that strong when he’s like that?” She didn’t want people getting hurt because of her. So Yuirichi had been fighting him the last two nights to make sure she wasn’t bothered. It had been them two outside her window the second night.


“Hai, I wasn’t there for their side of the war but Ishida-kun reported to me fully upon return. Ichigo completed his transformation into a hollow while fighting Ulquiorra. As a Vizard he was able to fight to stay alive against the espada. A complete merging took place allowing him to dispose of the espada without much effort. This is the situation we must prevent. I think you can help.”


“How? I don’t think he’ll listen to me. Maybe we should try talking to him. If he learned to control it before, he can do it again.” Tatsuki wasn’t sure what she could do. She barely understood what was going on. When she thought of hollows it was the monsters that had tried to kill her. Something even stronger reminded her of when the one had tried to suck out her soul. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to put Ichigo in that category, he was just Ichigo. The stupid little crybaby she had punched in the face the first day she’d met him.


“Give him what he wants Tatsuki-chan.” He dodged the next pillow and waved his fan to cool her jets. “Now, now don’t get angry. Yuirichi can keep an eye on him but we have no idea how long it will last. I don’t think telling him is the best course either. Last time Ichigo was having trouble he went in a depression. He would become melancholy if he were to learn that he had already injured one of his friends and tried to molest the other. The only way for him to help himself would be to give into his deeper desires for Orihime-chan.”


“And he would never ask Orihime to sleep with him for such a selfish reason.” She knew this, so did Urahara. Ichigo would be reckless and pigheaded before asking the girl to debase herself in such a manner. So their only options were to try to hold Ichigo off until he got around to being with Orihime OR for her to give in. If she didn’t give in then someone could possibly end up getting hurt or worse. How could she tell him that he had to do something foul and disgusting like rushing his relationship with Orihime so she wouldn’t have to worry about his dark side? He didn’t even have any idea, maybe it was better this way. “Okay but are you sure that is what he wants?”


“Hai but to be on the safe side I will be nearby. Don’t worry I won’t peak but if you feel the need I will hear.”




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