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 Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:00 pm
Title: Paradise City
Rating: T
Author/Artist: Claire Chaplin (cmc42 )
Set: Some time after Perfect Paperwork (Making Ichigo 21 in this fic)
Pairing: Renji/Ichigo
Written for: 30_ballads community on LJ using the Mixed Theme (Rock#5 : Paradise City)
Disclaimer: Don't own Bleach. Just borrowing the characters for some fanfic.
Summary: Ichigo is frustrated at being dragged along for a family weekend but changes his mind at the site of a familiar face. Only problem is Paradise City isn't really living up to its name...
Paradise City
Ichigo looked round at the strange city his idiot of a father had insisted they must visit. Apparently this city had earned the status of paradise, but to Ichigo this city at the moment looked as dull as any other city he'd ever been in.
His mood changed from not wanting to be there into suspicion when his Dad mentioned that he'd arranged for someone to meet Ichigo at the hotel. What the hell does he think he's playing at? He drags me out here not really telling me what we are supposed to be doing and he's damn well arranged for someone to meet me at the hotel? Well whoever it is I hope they don't mind if I tell them to get lost.
At the hotel, Ichigo immediately changed his mind, this hadn't been what he was expecting at all, and judging by the familiar face's reaction it wasn't what he'd been expecting either. As Isshin handed him the room keys, Ichigo grabbed the other man by the hand, not saying a word, and ran up the stairs to their room.
The room was quite spacious and obviously one of the more expensive rooms in the hotel. Ichigo wasn't paying attention to the surroundings, as he locked the room door, however; his eyes were still locked onto the crimson-haired shinigami who he hadn't seen for several weeks.
"Would you like to tell me what the damn hell is going on?"
"I know about as much as you do, Renji."
"Why is this place known as Paradise City?"
"Well I don't know the real reason but any city where you and me are together is paradise to me."
Renji grinned as Ichigo looked into his eyes, a glint of mischievousness behind them. He pulled Ichigo into a kiss.
Ichigo pulled away from him a few minutes later, one thing puzzling him. "What are you doing here anyway?"
"Well Rukia said that-"
Ichigo sighed, he'd half-expected this to have something to do with her. "Stop right there Renji, I don't want to know. She set this up so we could spend the weekend together didn't she?"
"You complaining?"
"Hell no." Ichigo smiled and pulled Renji down onto the bed. Maybe my Dad wasn't being quite as idiotic about this weekend as I thought.
What's making that beeping? Damn they've got to be kidding me right?
Ichigo sat up, not really awake, the sound of his substitute's licence beeping ringing through his head. He immediately came to his senses however when he noticed something missing. Not wanting to waste another moment he slammed his licence against himself and transformed into a shinigami. Leaping out of the window his thoughts were on one thing only. Where the hell is Renji?
Paradise city? For who? These damn hollows I suppose?
Renji was getting frustrated, the amount of hollows gathering was ludicrous; If any more come then I wouldn't be surprised if they attracted a menos.
Caught unawares by an attack from behind while despatching the hollow in front of him, Renji winced at the pain caused through his left arm. Trying to turn round he was confronted by several hollows heading from the side towards him; damn there's too many to despatch like this.
As he tried to get out of the way a blue light despatched all the hollows to his left. Using this to his advantage Renji swung round and despatched the hollow behind him, but not before it managed to get a claw into his leg.
Gritting his teeth at the seething pain, Renji couldn't stand any longer he fell to one knee.
"Renji!"
Renji looked up; Ichigo was looking down at him, concern in his eyes.
"Ichigo? So that's what that blue light was. geutsgo tensho eh? Damn so much for Paradise City."
"Are you ok?"
Renji nodded, but the frown remained on Ichigo's face; he could see that Renji wasn't ok, but there was no time to argue as the hollows had started to gather again. Ichigo offered his hand to Renji, who gratefully took it. Helping him up they turned once more to face the hollows.
Later, back at the hotel, Ichigo was wrapping bandages round Renji's injured leg.
"We were damn lucky a menos didn't show up after all those hollows. Where the hell were they coming from?"
Ichigo didn't bother answering, instead his thoughts were focussed on the wound on Renji's leg.
"This cut very deep Renji. You sure you're ok?"
"I've had much worse. I'm fine Ichigo. You sure you're alright to be doing that? That last hollow threw you rather harshly."
"Why didn't you wake me? If I hadn't have heard my substitute's licence then -"
"I tried. You seemed so exhausted though; you were muttering about something. Ichigo is there something you aren't telling me?"
Ichigo sighed and sat down beside Renji on the bed. Putting his good arm around Ichigo, Renji looked into his eyes.
"You can tell me what's troubling you Ichigo, you know that don't you?"
"It's nothing, really."
"Ichi-"
"Just a dream that's all. It's so vivid though that it makes me wonder whether it's something more, but that's silly isn't it?"
"No Ichigo, it isn't. The reason I came here was to get rid of one myself. Rukia had mentioned Urahara which was why I was so surprised to see you here. Ichigo I -" Renji hesitated, unsure whether to tell Ichigo of his own dream.
"Renji?"
"Does... does your recurring dream feature me by any chance?"
Ichigo nodded in way of reply. Swallowing he slowly explained what exactly he had been dreaming of and how real it had all seemed, right down to the damage the hollows had seemingly caused. As Ichigo seemed to be becoming more distressed the more details he went into, Renji cut him off by pulling him into a kiss.
Pulling back away Renji looked into Ichigo's eyes. Ichigo frowned as he saw the amount of worry in Renji's.
"Renji I -"
"Shh. Ichigo you don't need to tell me any more. That dream is exactly the same as mine, with one major difference: mine features you."
"Renji what the hell is going on?"
"I wish I knew Ichi. What I do know is we're not the only shinigami to have had this dream."
Ichigo looked up at Renji surprised, his frown now deeper.
"So much for paradise city eh?" Renji interjected trying to lighten the mood, but it was clear that they were both very disturbed by this.
"I'm gonna have to go to soul society to let them know that it's affecting shinigami who are here as well."
"Oh won't you please take me home?"
Renji looked round at Ichigo, a look of puzzlement on his face.
"Home, Ichi? You don't want to be in your flat all on your own like this do you?"
"No Ren, home. With you."
"You want to come over to soul society?"
"I want to get to the bottom of this as much as you do." Ichigo forced a smile at Renji. And I also need to know that you are still ok.
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Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:15 pm
Title: My Worst Fear (part 2 of Paradise City)
Rating: T
Author/Artist: Claire Chaplin (cmc42 )
Written For: 30_ballads on LJ using the Mixed Theme (Country#27 : My Worst Fear)
Summary: Ichigo and Renji go back to soul society to work out more about the dream...
My Worst Fear
Ichigo had never been able to read Byakuya, and as far as he was aware very few people could. This was why it came as such a shock when he accompanied Renji to report.
Byakuya's expression for once wasn't blank, but it wasn't one of distaste either. Ichigo frowned, something was obviously troubling Byakuya; he'd been expecting the usual distasteful looks in his direction because of him being over here. For some reason those had become less since he and Renji had got together during the incident with the Infiltration creatures.Maybe he just doesn't want Renji to be upset, after all I'd imagine he wants to keep someone productive as Lieutenant. What is Byakuya so worried about at the moment though?
Ichigo looked up at Renji who was calmly giving his report, seemingly unfazed by his Captain's unusually worried expression.
"I see. Renji, I'll inform the others - if anything else comes up let me know."
"Of course, Captain Kuchiki."
Ichigo looked questioningly up at Renji when they were a few yards away from the 6th squad office.
"He's one of the one's who has had the dream."
Ichigo blinked, finally understanding what was going on. His frown deepened; Byakuya was that affected by the dream? Just what the hell is that thing? Someone or something is damn well causing this...
Ichigo snapped out of his thoughts as he felt Renji squeeze his hand.
"You alright Ichigo? You haven't said a word for the past fifteen minutes. Did you even hear me ask you -"
"Sorry Ren, was thinking. What did you ask?"
"Whether you wanted to get checked over by 4th squad? I'm gonna get them to look at my leg; I know you'll only damn well keep worrying about it if I don't."
By the time they got to Renji's quarters both of their minds were filled with similar thoughts, namely what was causing the dream. They hadn't said a word since they had been in the quarters; Renji's leg was still in a bandage, as 4th squad were unable to get their healing techniques to prove effective, and this was troubling Ichigo greatly. Renji was obviously worried as well, but like Ichigo he was thinking and wasn't sure what to actually say.
"Renji, who else has had that dream?" Ichigo asked, finally breaking the silence.
"I'm sure there's some people here too damn stubborn to admit it but of the ones I know: Captain Kuchiki, Hitsugaya, Matsumoto, Rukia -"
"Renji did you just say Rukia?!"
"...Yeah. She was pretty shaken about it the first night."
"Did she...did she say who featured in hers?"
Renji nodded, trying to work out the best way to word what he wanted to say.
"The first night it was me, she's admitted that sometimes it's you though."
Ichigo didn't know what to say to that, though it was becoming clear to him that this dream deliberately put those closest to you in it.
"Did anyone else say who they dreamt about?"
"What you'd expect, Hitsugaya mentioned Hinamori, Matsumoto mentioned Gin..."
"Gin, still, seriously? After all that b*****d has done?"
"Apparently."
"What about Byakuya?"
Renji sighed, his expression now one of frustration "I don't know Ichigo. I've damn well tried to get him to tell me but he just won't say."
Ichigo looked at Renji, a worrying thought suddenly occurring to him.
"Ichigo? You ok?"
"Is this dream only affecting shinigami or is it affecting people with high spiritual energy?"
"Hell knows. As far as we're aware it's only shinigami but - oh I see what you damn well mean. Don't worry I'll get in touch with Urahara and ask him to check up on them."
"Your dream appears to be playing you your worst fear, king."
"I had kind of figured that out horse. Leave me alone will ya?"
"Ichigo?"
Ichigo snapped his eyes open and looked up to find Renji leaning over him concerned.
"You ok? You didn't have that dream again did you?"
"No just arguing with my inner hollow, he can be a right pain sometimes. Did you speak to Urahara?"
"Yeah. It appears only shinigami are affected - including him though."
"Yoruichi?"
Renji nodded, and laid down beside Ichigo on the bed. "Lets try and get some sleep, eh?"
Ichigo sat bolt upright as he awoke, sweat running down the side of his face. He turned to face Renji only to find that he was in as bad, if not worse, state as he was.
"You had the dream?"
"Yeah... didn't feature you this time."
"Mine didn't feature you either - do you think it's because we're this close we'd know that it couldn't be the case?"
Renji nodded slowly, obviously disturbed. Ichigo reached his own shaky arm around him.
"Am I right in thinking that we both..." Ichigo swallowed, trying to get the words to come out "...that we both dreamt about the person who has dreamt about both of us?"
Renji nodded again, it had been a while since Ichigo had seen him this disturbed about something.
"Ren you ok?"
"Y-yeah. Dammit sorry Ichigo, I know it's a dream I shouldn't get so worked up about it but it seemed so re-" Renji stopped as his phone rang. He hastily picked it up.
Renji stiffened and dropped the phone to the floor, fear now clearly showing behind his eyes.
"Renji? You ok?" Ichigo frowned as he got no response or any indication that Renji had even heard him.
"Renji? Ren? Who was on the phone?" Still getting no response Ichigo placed his lips to Renji's, and he finally snapped back into reality.
"You ok?"
"I... that was Captain Kuchiki on the phone. He wanted to know if...if..."
"If what, Renji?"
Renji swallowed and looked directly at Ichigo. "He wanted to know if we'd seen Rukia."
Ichigo's face went white. If Rukia isn't at the Kuchiki household then was the dream just a dream or something more?
"We... we have to try and find her."
They eventually found Rukia up on Sōkyoku Hill. Both of them frowned; this area of soul society was at the centre of a lot of unhappy memories.
"Renji, Ichigo, what are you doing here?"
Renji and Ichigo glared at Rukia who was calmly looking at the sky.
"The dream - Rukia what are you doing here?"
"Had a hollow report on my phone but when I got here, nothing."
Ichigo and Renji tensed, both now looking around very alert; A while ago in the real world there had been and invisible hollow, and as Ichigo went back over the dream in his head he realised that for the attacks to work there had to be one of those hollows involved. Glancing at Renji, he could tell from his expression that he had worked it out too.
Rukia was getting frustrated at them as neither were paying any attention to her anymore and she wanted to know what was going on. "There's nothing here, I'm fine. You Idiots do know that that dream is just that - a dream?"
"Dumbass the reason we came was because Captain Kuchiki asked whether we knew where you were!"
"Nii-sama did? You're not seriously telling me that his version of the dream features me are you?"
Ichigo nodded in way of reply, but kept his back to her. He was still looking around, trying to place the invisible hollow. Rukia hit Ichigo on the head and he finally turned round. "Ow what was that for?"
"Why are you two looking around? I already said there's nothing here."
"A while ago in the real world there was an invisible hollow it -" Ichigo cut off as Renji involuntarily yelled with pain, and fell to the floor.
"Renji? You ok?"
"...Damn. My leg it -"
Rukia moved over to him looking concerned, Ichigo was still looking around to make sure no hollows were there.
"Didn't you go see 4th squad about this?"
"We did but none of their healing techniques worked. Rukia stay here with Renji; I'm gonna try and find this damn invisible hollow."
Renji looked up at Ichigo "You can't, you need someone with a Zanpakuto that can attack from a distance. You know the trouble that one in the real world caused us. Ichigo I-"
"Enough Renji. I'll go." Byakuya stepped out of the shadows and looked across at Ichigo, who nodded in understanding. They flash stepped away.
Rukia blinked; Did Nii-sama really just readily agree to fight alongside Ichigo?
"Nii-sama!" Rukia rushed to the injured form of Byakuya. She and Renji had headed to the far end of Sōkyoku Hill after Renji had felt a surge in spirit force. He had insisted that they go and check on things and find Captain Kuchiki and Ichigo; Renji was still frantically looking around for the latter. He froze as he saw a glint of a black blade in the light, quite clearly Ichigo's bankai.
Renji flash stepped over and knelt down beside the prone form of Ichigo.
"Ichigo?" He tried not to let the worry show in his voice, but the familiarity to the dream was alarming. He was glad that Ichigo had been using his bankai; As long as he didn't let go of that it meant it probably wasn't life threatening.
"Renji..." Ichigo opened his eyes but quickly shut them again as blood poured down from a wound on his head. Noticing this, Renji took his headband off and wrapped it around Ichigo's head, allowing it to soak up some of the blood. Ichigo reopened his eyes, managing to give Renji a weak smile in way of thanks.
"What the damn hell happened?"
"Ren careful... can't be sure if there's any more invisible hollows about. I -" Ichigo winced at the pain through his body, especially at the gash down his right side. Renji put his arm carefully around him.
"Just... just tell me if you decide to go back to shikai eh?"
"Yeah. Renji I-"
"Don't talk, rest." Renji's leg suddenly caused a shooting pain and his heart skipped a beat. If 4th squad couldn't heal my leg then what if these also cause that problem. My worst fear would be to lose Ichigo here like this after all we've been through. Hell, this isn't even someone like Aizen; This was just a load of damn hollows. Dammit if I had been quicker earlier I could have avoided that leg injury and helped you here...
Renji was jolted out of his thoughts as he felt Ichigo go limp in his arms.
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Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:21 pm
Title: Toxic (part 3 of Paradise City)
Rating: T
Author/Artist: Claire Chaplin (cmc42 )
Written For: 30_ballads using the Mixed Theme (Pop#2 : Toxic)
Summary: The reason why 4th Squads healing techniques aren't proving effective comes to light..
Toxic
"He doesn't look good."
Renji looked up, Rukia was standing behind him. She put her hand on his shoulder. "Lets get him and Nii-sama to 4th squad."
"What if -"
"I know what you're worried about Renji, it hadn't escaped my attention either. Which is why I was just on the phone."
Renji looked questioningly at her; Who would she want to phone at a time like this?
"Imbecile! If there's one person who might be able to help if 4th squad can't then it's her."
"It's who?" Renji wasn't thinking clearly, all his thoughts were full of concern and worry for Ichigo.
"Stupid, she's talking about Inoue."
Renji couldn't help it, he sighed with relief at the sound of Ichigo's voice, despite how weak it sounded. "Dumbass, I thought I told you to rest."
"Ren... keep me talking please... I feel like I'm fading away I need to stay conscious...Renji I-" Ichigo put his left hand up to his mouth as he coughed. When he drew it away it was covered in blood.
"s**t Ichigo we need to get you seen to as soon as possible. Ichi-" Renji stopped as he glanced down, immediately regretting it. "...Ichigo did you decide it was better to go back to shikai?"
He looked back down at the now unconscious Ichigo, and swallowed, trying not to let tears fall. "Ichi...please..." Renji's voice was cracking; He stopped as he felt Rukia's hand back on his shoulder. She knelt down and looked into his eyes "I know this is hard but we need to get them to 4th squad. Delaying this any further may make it a certainty."
Renji managed a nod in way of reply, and stood up with Ichigo in his arms.
They walked back over to where Rukia had left Byakuya sitting up, he'd let her go find Renji when it seemed that it had been too long for everything to be ok. Rukia helped him up.
"Renji, I'm sure it'll be ok."
Renji looked at Byakuya surprised; Is he actually trying to console me?! What the hell?!
Byakuya smiled slightly through his injuries, that had had precisely the effect he had wanted. Now his Lieutenant was puzzled instead of an utter wreck.
"Nothing seems to be working. Renji-san I -"
"Not your damn fault Hanataro. Any idea why 4th squads healing techniques don't seem to be working yet?"
"There seems to be some kind of Toxin infecting the wounds. It may just be a case of analysing that."
Renji sighed, 4th squad were trying their hardest, even Unohana was actively trying to heal Ichigo, but it was clear that it was indeed the same as his leg injury. A Toxin that needs analysing? Damn that means research bureau, and that means Mayuri. I don't want him damn well prodding me, but I'm the one least injured who's been infected with this stupid toxin...
He shook his head of these thoughts, he needed to help Ichigo in any way possible and if that meant letting Mayuri 'investigate' then so be it.
Rukia was furious. On recommendation of not letting the toxic spread to people in the real world, the order to temporary suspend soul traffic had been passed. This meant that even if Orihime could help she couldn't get over to this side. She knew there was no way she'd persuade them to reopen it yet, so her problem at the moment was how to tell Renji that if they couldn't find anything to work over here then that could well be it. If I hadn't tried to get both of them a break from this sort of stuff for one weekend in the real world then Ichigo would still be safe over there and we might not be in this mess.
"Rukia, none of this is your fault. Renji didn't tell you what exactly happened in the real world did he?"
"Nii-sama, you think that I did the right thing?"
"I cannot condone your actions of making a situation up purely to get Renji to go to the real world for a surprise meeting. However misplaced that was though - if they hadn't been there during that mass hollow attack, then the real world would have had a problem on it's hands. There's something you want to have a word with Renji about isn't there? Go on go, I'd rather rest anyway."
Rukia nodded, slightly surprised that Byakuya was being this forthcoming with her, but his usual formality was still there. She exited the room in the 4th squad building and headed down the corridor.
Eventually, she found Renji standing outside Ichigo's room, feeling helpless at being unable to do anything, as Unohana tried yet another technique to try and keep Ichigo from degenerating any further.
"Renji?" When she didn't get a reply she didn't repeat herself, she could see how worried he was. Eventually he registered that there was someone else there and turned to face her.
"Sorry Rukia, how long you been there?"
"About twenty minutes, it doesn't matter though. I understand. Renji-"
"Is Inoue coming?"
Rukia sighed, that was what she had just been trying to tell him. Trying not to let her frustration show she looked calmly into Renji's eyes. "Due to this Toxin they've decided to temporarily suspend soul traffic."
Renji turned away from Rukia and stared back into the room once more "I see."
Rukia frowned, Renji was clearly distressed. If I find out who or what is behind the dream and probably this attack... they've caused great pain in different ways to two of my best friends.
Clenching her fist in frustration, Rukia turned and headed back towards Byakuya's room; It was clear to her that Renji currently wanted to be alone.
Renji looked back over briefly at Rukia leaving; He had turned away because he hadn't wanted her to see that his eyes were now filled with tears. This can't damn well be happening. Not now. Not after all we've been through. Ichigo can't lose to a load of damn hollows it wouldn't be right. Hell he's still human, I never should have agreed to him coming back over here with Soul Society like this. Dammit this is my fault.
"Ah there you are Lieutenant Abarai. Don't worry this won't hurt - much"
Renji gritted his teeth as Mayuri took a sample from his leg. Don't lash out at him no matter how much you want to, this is for Ichigo. And Captain Kuchiki. And the future of soul society.
"Hmm very interesting. I've never seen anything quite like it; this is going to prove most enlightening."
Renji kept his eyes down to the floor, mentally stopping himself from snapping at Mayuri who seemed to be enjoying this far too much.
"My, my, yes most interesting." Mayuri wandered off muttering to himself.
Renji slid to the floor, partly from pain through his leg, but mostly because he was exhausted. Leaning back against the wall outside Ichigo's room, Renji closed his eyes and a solitary tear ran down his face.
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Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:28 pm
Title: Bring Me To Life (part 4 of Paradise City)
Rating: T
Author/Artist: Claire Chaplin (cmc42 )
Written For: 30_ballads community on LJ using the Mixed Theme (Rock#31: Bring Me To Life)
Summary: Can Renji help the one he loves...
Bring Me To Life
"Abarai-san?"
Renji opened his eyes and looked up at Unohana. He swallowed, and his heart skipped a beat, as he wondered whether time had finally run out.
"...How is -"
"I believe I've managed to stabilise his condition, though this is probably only temporary. He needs to know that there's someone here for him, that there's something worth hanging onto despite how much pain he's in. Abarai-san even though Kurosaki Ichigo is unconscious I believe a few words from you would help."
Renji nodded in understanding and stood up, entering Ichigo's room.
Kneeling down beside Ichigo's bed, Renji put his hand on top of Ichigo's. He gulped at how cold it felt, but managed to gather himself enough to say something.
"Ichigo I know you probably can't hear me but you can get through this. You'll pull through this and then we'll find out what damn b*****d caused this. There's no way that was an ordinary hollow attack and no way that that dream is just a damn coincidence. Ichigo please... please hold on...I... I love you." Renji's voice was soft and was cracking under the worry, but he persevered relaying fond memories and he could feel Ichigo's currently weak and distressed spirit force calm slightly. Maybe he had registered some of it then. I hope Mayuri damn well hurries up.
Renji pulled his hand away sharply from Ichigo's as he felt a stinging sensation. "What the hell?!"
Unohana moved back into the room and took her healing apparatus out once more. "Abarai-san I said that stability may only be temporary; That spark you must have just felt was the technique I was using fading away. I'm sorry but I'm going to have to ask you to leave this room. Maybe you could go and see how Captain Kurotsuchi's research is progressing?"
Renji nodded, at the moment that was all he could manage. Unohana sighed quietly to herself as Renji departed, she couldn't even offer him a glimmer of hope at the moment.
"Nemu! You silly girl. Don't get in my way." Mayuri shoved his lieutenant to the floor as he moved to a different lot of records. "If I wasn't so interested in this unusual toxin this wouldn't be worth the bother."
Renji was standing in the doorway to the research centre and glared at Mayuri's back. He was furious, but didn't dare say anything as he needed Mayuri's research to turn something up, else there might not be a way to heal Ichigo or Captain Kuchiki. Instead he silently helped Nemu up and then moved over to Mayuri.
"You found anything?" Renji asked, pretending that he'd never overheard what Mayuri had said.
"Ah Lieutenant Abarai I'm glad you're here."
Renji shuddered slightly, he didn't like Mayuri's tone. Glad? He's never pleased to see anyone unless he thinks they'd make a valuable research subject.
"I might be able to analyse this better with a bigger sample."
A bigger sample? What the hell is he gonna do? chop my whole damn leg off?!
A beep from one of the machines stopped Renji from saying anything in reply.
"Mayuri-sama I think we've found something?"
"Why didn't you say so? Move out of my way." Mayuri pushed Nemu away from the computer, and looked excitedly at the information.
"My oh my, so it requires something like that to heal it. Well, well this is certainly different." Mayuri printed the page out and handed it to Renji.
"Now get out of here, I want to do some more investigating into this, this is most most interesting."
Renji didn't dare look at the piece of paper, he went to thank Mayuri but he was now ignoring him. Shaking his head in frustration at the Captain he headed back to 4th squad's base.
Unohana took the piece of paper and read over it, her eyes changing to one of surprise.
"Is it...is it possible?"
"It is but this could be dangerous for you as well Abarai-san."
Renji frowned and looked questioningly at her.
"For this technique to work it requires borrowing reiatsu from someone who really cares for and trusts them, and preferably someone the other feels the same way about." Unohana calmly explained. "Abarai-san this'll be painful for you and it might not work are you sure -"
"It will be a damn site less painful then living my life without Ichigo thinking... thinking that there might have been a way to save him. Dammit look at the state I'm in now, geez I should be able to cope better than this."
Unohana offered one of her calming smiles at him and Renji shook his head to clear his thoughts. "How... how is he?"
"I've run out of techniques to keep him stable, Abarai-san if you're sure you want to go through with this I suggest we start now."
Renji managed a nod in acknowledgement, as Rukia came rushing down towards them.
"Renji, I've just heard about the healing technique from Nemu. Are you going through with it?"
"I can't damn well stay in this state and I'm not gonna let Ichigo die because of this. I... I dunno what I'd do without him." Renji didn't care anymore how soppy that sounded because it was true, even when he and Ichigo had first become friends and spent most of the time arguing they could snap each other out of a depressed state better than anyone else.
Rukia put her arms around him. "I understand Renji. Good luck." Letting go, she turned back to Unohana. "When are you going to be starting this?"
"In a few minutes, we can't delay any longer."
Rukia nodded in understanding and headed back down the corridor.
"So you understand the dangers of this?"
"That borrowing someone else's spirit energy is gonna make you both feel the pain of the other? Also that the reactions to the others reiatsu afterwards may well be stronger, possibly even enough to make you feel their pain? Yeah I understand but this is for Ichigo. However slim the odds are I can't let whoever damn well caused this win."
Unohana nodded in understanding and gestured for Renji to lie down on the second bed she'd asked to be moved into the room.
She busied herself connecting the equipment. Renji's heart was beating fast, if this didn't work then there'd be a real problem.
"You ready Abarai-san?"
Renji nodded, the worry stopping him from actually saying anything. Unohana switched the machine on and Renji yelled at the sudden pain.
Ichigo felt different, he could feel a new energy spinning around him and though his sensing of spirit force was still not very strong he could tell exactly who it belonged to. Renji I hope you know what the hell you're doing. Don't risk yourself for me. Ichigo screamed as he got a flash of the emotional pain Renji had been feeling at Ichigo being in this state.
Unohana turned round sharply at Ichigo screaming, if he was conscious then that was an improvement. Renji yelled as the extent of Ichigo's injuries and their pain showed through in his spirit force. s**t Ichigo hang in there we can do this. You gotta trust me though.
Ichigo didn't understand what was happening. What he could tell though was that this was causing great pain to Renji. He could just make out his surroundings of that of one of the 4th squad rooms, but as he tried to focus more another surge of energy hit him and the room swirled.
When Ichigo looked again he was in his inner world. It was raining and there was something distinctly different, Ichigo tried to place it and then realised that his inner world lead to a darker red similar world. Standing on the other inner world was Renji. Ichigo moved over to the edge of his inner world and looked at his lover, frowning.
"Renji what's going on?"
"Damned if I know. Mayuri never mentioned that something like this might happen. Ichigo this is a healing technique of borrowing my reiatsu to heal your injuries. It's painful for both of us but you gotta trust me."
"Of course I trust you Renji. Just don't put yourself through agony purely for me."
They were as close as they could be without crossing over into each others inner world now. Renji wasn't sure whether it was safe to reach out into the other but after thinking that he wouldn't be able to talk to Ichigo again he just had to risk it. He never got the chance as it was Ichigo who reached his arms around him and pulled him into a kiss. Their spirit force glowed around them and the pain was replaced with utter relief and joy. Neither knew what was happening, it was the best they had ever felt, and they never noticed that their spirit force had changed from red and blue to purple.
Ichigo looked on in horror as Renji stopped kissing him and fell to his knees.
"Renji!"
"Ichi... I love you."
Renji's inner world disappeared, and Ichigo frowned. Dammit Ren you better not have pushed yourself too far for my sake.
Unohana looked round at the machine, something was very wrong. At first glance it looked like all of Renji's spirit force had been borrowed by Ichigo, but as she investigated further she found that she could no longer tell the difference between them. Unohana made a note of this for when they might need to use this technique again later but as it didn't seem to be causing any problems currently she let them be. That was until Renji screamed in pain, a lot louder than before. Looking over at Ichigo and finding his wounds now completely healed she hastily switched the machine off.
Ichigo sat up slowly and looked across the room.
"Renji?!"
Ignoring Unohana, who was recommending that he stayed lying down for a little longer, he moved shakily over to Renji's side.
"Ren...please...what the damn hell happened?"
Renji opened his eyes and slowly sat up, turning to face the worried Ichigo. "Sorry. That last pain share was a little too strong."
Ichigo sat next to Renji and put his arm round him. Both of them had tears in their eyes, mainly from relief. "Stupid you don't need to apologise you were the one who found me and agreed to this healing technique. Thanks you must have put yourself through hell to do this Ren I-"
"Dumbass you don't need to thank me either. It's my damn fault that you're over here in the first place."
Unohana smiled, it certainly looked like the technique had been a success. "Much as I'd like to leave you alone to recover there is one piece of information that is puzzling."
Renji and Ichigo looked at Unohana, their expressions a mixture of puzzlement and worry.
"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, Abarai-san did anything happen that you weren't expecting to?"
Renji nodded "Somehow our inner worlds joined. Is there a problem?"
"I don't think so no. Did you cross into each others inner worlds?"
Renji blushed "Well we erm..."
"I see. No there's not really anything to worry about it's just that it appears you've managed to link your reiatsu permanently. In other words if one of you is in pain or distressed the other is likely to feel it."
They looked at each other, shocked expressions on their faces. They'd always been good at reading each others feelings anyway, but now they'd probably feel them as well. Renji smiled slightly. If an attack like this happens again I'll be able to get to Ichigo quicker and help before it gets to a near death situation.
Ichigo looked into Renji's eyes, a frown on his face. He could feel that Renji was still shaking from that last pain share. Don't you dare push yourself too far for my sake. I insisted that I come over here if this is anyone's fault it's mine.
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Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:36 pm
Title: Your Rescued Me (5th and final part of Paradise City)
Rating:T
Author/Artist: Claire Chaplin ( cmc42 )
Written For: 30_ballads on LJ using the Mixed Theme (Country#23 : You Rescued Me)
Summary: Ichigo realises there's something wrong when his spirit force starts making him feel odd...
You Rescued Me
Ichigo was talking to Rukia outside 4th squad base a few hours later. She had helped Unohana use the same technique on Byakuya, this time there were no oddities. Renji had left half an hour ago to sort out paperwork in 6th Division, but Ichigo was still worried about what had been causing that dream. He suddenly screamed and fell to the floor; Rukia was beside him in an instant. "Ichigo are you ok?"
Ichigo snapped his eyes back open, his breathing slightly heavy. "I'm fine Rukia."
"Then what was that about?"
Ichigo sat up and looked at her, he hadn't told anyone about what had happened between him and Renji yet. "During that healing technique mine and Renji's reiatsu somehow got linked. That... that wasn't my pain just now, it was his. Rukia go and tell Byakuya what's going on I'm going to see whether I can find Renji."
With that Ichigo flash stepped away, not giving Rukia a chance to say anything in reply. Linked Reiatsu? Just what is going on?
"Wandering around on your own when there's a dream featuring people getting badly hurt. That wasn't the best idea was it? I ought to just go and report the results to Aizen-sama but a little bit o' fun can't hurt first."
s**t. Can't move. Still too drained from earlier, plus the couple of invisible hollows I got rid of before HE appeared. Dammit where the hell did you come from Gin?!
"You...b*****d. You're the one who's been causing all this aren't ya? The dreams, and the attack that nearly killed Ichigo earlier... it was all your doing wasn't it?" Renji was having difficulty breathing and was gritting his teeth at the pain running through his body where Gin's zanpakuto had originally struck.
"Little o' me? Why would I want to do a silly o' thing like that?" Gin's creepy smile grew wider, and he redrew his zanpakuto.
"Shoot to death, Shinso" Gin's zanpakuto extended towards Renji, who didn't have the energy left in his body to dodge. There was a clang of metal touching and Renji looked up to find Ichigo standing in front of him, blocking Gin's attack with Zangetsu. Ichigo knew he couldn't fight Gin in this state, though his wounds had been healed he was nowhere near recovered yet and he could feel from his reiatsu just how badly hurt Renji was. His hold on Zangetsu begun to slip and Gin's smile grew bigger.
"Oh not your usual self then?"
"Shut the ******** up." Ichigo glared at Gin, but his arm finally gave out and zangetsu clattered to the ground. Ichigo knew he'd have time to dodge but with Renji behind him he didn't dare move. He waited for the impact of Gin's Zanpakuto but felt none.
"Ichi...you're...still recovering...don't try to...damn well...protect me in that condition." Renji managed to gasp, clearly in pain.
Ichigo looked round, Renji had managed to push him to the side slightly and Gin's zanpakuto had connected with Renji's shoulder instead.
"Oh interesting. So you two have a little o' problem of linked reiatsu? Aizen-sama will be most interested in this." Gin smiled once more and then he flash stepped away.
Ichigo turned round to face Renji as he coughed. "Renji you shouldn't have pushed me out of the way you were already in a bad way."
"And it would have connected with you somewhere more damn dangerous than your shoulder. Ichi I -" Renji stopped as he gasped for breath.
Ichigo knelt down beside him "That wasn't the first time Gin used his Zanpakuto was it?"
Renji shook his head, still struggling to breathe properly.
"Ren we need to get you to 4th squad. Wherever the original strike hit it caused a lot of damage. I was with Rukia and it filtered through into my reiatsu strong enough to make me collapse."
Renji went to say something in reply but ended up coughing instead.
"Renji? Can you get up?"
Renji shook his head and Ichigo put his arm round him.
"Do you want me to carry you?"
"Can't... breathe...Ichi-" Renji's eyes started to dull and Ichigo felt another surge of pain through his reiatsu.
"Stay with me Ren." Ichigo registered what Renji had implied when he had spoken. s**t Gin's zanpakuto punctured something that important? There must be something I can damn well do.
"Need...air...I-"
Ichigo suddenly worked out what he could do. He frantically located the wound; Using his hand to block it he locked lips with Renji deliberately sharing air. Hold on Renji I'm gonna damn well get you out of this.
"Kurosaki Ichigo you can stop doing that now. You're going to run out of breath yourself if you keep that up."
Ichigo pulled away from Renji at the sound of Unohana's voice, and looked up to find Byakuya and Rukia were also there. He felt dizzy after giving Renji the nearest to CPR he could manage in the state Renji's body was in and the pain mingled in their reiatsu was making him feel faint. He staggered as he stood up to let Unohana get nearer to Renji. Rukia stopped him from falling.
"Ichigo what happened?"
"...Gin."
Unohana looked round from healing Renji "His lung got punctured by Gin's zanpakuto. I've healed him as much as I can here - it should be safe to move him now."
Ichigo nodded in understanding but due to exhaustion and the pain echoing through his reiatsu from Renji's, he fainted into Rukia's arms.
Ichigo's vision slowly cleared to show that of one of the 4th squad rooms. Rukia was looking over him.
"You ok?"
"Yeah. How's Renji?"
"Unohana's just healing the less serious of his injuries. He's in the next room."
Ignoring the slight dizziness Ichigo stood up and went to the other room, only stopping momentarily to flash Rukia a slight smile in way of thanks.
"Renji you ok?" Ichigo sat down beside the bed and put his hand on top of Renji's. He smiled slightly when he felt Renji intertwine his fingers.
"Yeah. I wouldn't have been if you hadn't have damn well turned up when you did."
"That was our linked reiatsu. Renji I'm sorry."
"Dumbass whatever for?"
"For not getting there sooner."
"Ichigo you rescued me it doesn't matter how late it was. What damn well matters is that you're still ok."
The dream and invisible hollow attacks had stopped, but Ichigo had remained in soul society till Renji had fully recovered. Aizen had obviously wanted those details for something, but for the moment there was nothing they could do about that.
Ichigo and Renji were sitting on the balcony of the hotel in the city known as paradise once more, this time enjoying a wonderful view of the sun setting. Renji needed to go back to Soul Society soon to sort paperwork out and with the possibility of Aizen on the move once more there was no possibility of taking leave. Ichigo lent his head on Renji's shoulder as he put his arm around him, smiling as Renji ran his hand gently through his hair. Sitting there with Renji, watching the sunset over the sea, Ichigo felt the calmest he had for days. This city truly could be paradise and for one night they could forget all about soul society. If they had known what would happen in a few months time, neither of them would have been so calm, but for now everything was peaceful.
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