The Double Edged Sword

"Come here Child." A strong yet gentle voice boomed from the white walls in which I played. It wasn't uncommon for grandfather to speak to me like this, but normally he preferred to watch my play training sessions.

Quickly I set my wooden sword down in front of the practice dummy and smirked at its horrible condition. Which truly was awful; missing both arms, half its head, chest cavity ripped wide open and both bottom limbs were badly damaged. It hadn't lasted very long like uncle had promised, but I guess I am pretty mean with my toys.

'Perhaps I've been playing to roughly again. I'll have to ask Uncle ken-chan to bring me another.' An image of said man popped up in my five year old mind making me giggle. He was definitely my partner in crime, even if he didn't like to show it sometimes.

With a skip in my step and a smile on my face I rushed to the older scarred man who was sitting against the wall. Coming to stand just before his large chair I bowed; like I had seen the others do. My long mop of hair flopped over and dangled in my face while touching the floor in front of me.

A deep sigh of disapproval filled the air and caused my smile to turn to a frown. Glancing up slightly I could see him tilt his head to the side and study me through my messy purple fringe while I continued to bow. I had cut my hair the day before and it really was choppy, but that's how I liked it. I did a pretty good job for a first time thing if I do say so myself.

"Child tell me, why do you bow?" He grumbled using his cane to lightly tip my head back up. He nodded slightly at the sight of my face then removed his cane. I cocked my head to the side in confusion feeling my mop of thigh length hair do the same. He raised an eyebrow at me expectantly before returning to his original position.

"What do you mean gramps?" I asked confused after a moment, his mouth twitched upwards slightly before he opened his eyes and made contact with my electric blue ones. I stared on while waiting for his reply, grandfather didn't normally open his eyes fully unless he was speaking over something very important.

"Hold your head high child, your face is much too pretty to be kept hidden." He said calmly before he closed his eyes once more and breathed deeply.

I felt an embarrassed blush cover my face and I puffed out my cheeks. 'He was always doing this, always treating me differently!'

"But gramps! Everyone else bows! Even uncle Kisuke and sometimes uncle Ken-chan!" I stomped my foot angrily; ignoring how my hair flopped along with the movement. I knew that I was being bratty but I didn't care.

'He is so embarrassing!'

"Enough child." He said firmly, quickly quieting my tantrum. "You are my grandchild and that makes you even more-"

***

"Miss. Yamamoto! Would you please read the next chapter!"

And suddenly my face made contact with the floor. Successfully awakening me from my memories and as always everyone laughed while I rubbed my nose. But I guess that's what I get for always being the 'class clown'.

"H-hai sensei." I stood and read the chapter with a scowl and a red nose.

'There it was again. The memories of my dear grandfather who sent me to the mortal world.'

"Good, you may sit. It would do you good to pay attention in my class." The class once again snickered. I sighed heavily before the bell rang, unleashing the flood gates and causing everyone else to begin packing up to leave.

"Hai sensei." I muttered gathering my bag and moving to the exit.

'It was an early memory this time; I was still just a kid there.'

...

"What the!? You want us to get out of here!? You just showed up!" An obnoxiously loud voice screamed up the road from me catching my attention. I sighed heavily and looked farther ahead to see what was going on.

"You wanna die kid! What were you thinking kicking our bro over like that!?" And just up ahead I see three people, one of which I know all too well. His orange hair stuck out in my favor and I picked up my pace.

"Say something you lil-" one went to swing at the orange haired boy but was stopped by my hand. I caught his fist and squeezed hard till I heard a crunch; I doubt I broke anything but I definitely popped his joints.

"Izumi!? What're you doing here?!" My childhood friend exclaimed and just then I ducked when the thug swung his other fist at my face; to the thug's amazement, the orange haired boy's foot connected with his face sending him backwards.

"Aye Ichi, I'm just savin your ass as per usual." I smirked and winked before dodging another hit. Ichigo smirked as well and we stood side by side while he lectured the thugs. At the moment I was happy for the distraction; at least now I don't have to think about grandfather anymore.

"Question number one: Why do you think there's a vase here?" Ichigo growled pointing at one of the thugs who looked like he was gonna piss himself. I raised an eyebrow while glancing around at the area wondering what could have set Ichigo off now; looking around there was only one thing that really caught my attention. There was a little vase knocked over to our left, and a visitor who really didn't belong lingering around Ichigo.

The boy had always been a magnet for the paranormal, and was notorious for having too big of a heart. I'm convinced he's gonna really get hurt one of these days and it'll be my job to pick up the pieces afterwards. Crossing my arms and shaking my head I sighed heavily before looking back at the attackers in front of us.

"Ah um, it was an offering to the kid who just died here recently..." the guy mumbled out shakily making me raise an eyebrow.

'Ah that must be the kid over there' I thought glancing over at the young child hiding behind Ichi's back. Sometimes I wished these spirits would find a different outlet; there were others with abnormal spiritual pressures in this world. I wish they'd find someone else to cry to.

"Great answer!" Ichi round house kicked him in the face sending the thug flying. I covered my mouth to hide my laugh. Leave it to him to leave an impression; even if that impression was a foot print.

"Question number two!! Why is the vase knocked over?" Glancing over at the telephone pole I observed the small vase of flowers that had been spilled without a care and immediately felt my anger skyrocket. I know I try to just ignore these spirits until I have time to deal with them but even so, the ignorance of some people really does make my blood boil. I glared fiercely at the small object before dragging my gaze back to the remaining thugs still standing.

"You scumbags!" I dropped my bag without a care before stepping closer in a threatening manor. "With that knocked over she cannot rest peacefully!" They gulped and stared at me in fear.

"I'll repeat my question: why was the vase knocked over?" Ichi repeated matching my raging aura. The two of us have quite the reputation in these parts, and most people don't stick around to see the out come whenever we both get angry.

"I guess we k-knocked it over when we were skateboarding.."

"I see.." Ichi grumbled before glancing at me. Then we both pointed towards the poor girl and together we roared.

"THEN SHOULD'T YOU APOLOGIZE TO HER?!?"

Then the young spirt made herself visible to the them and they screamed an apology before running away. I sucked in a breath to calm myself before letting it out and shaking my head; some guys are just idiots.

"Thank you so much." The young girl cheered to Ichi and I just gave a soft smile before gathering my bag and continuing down the road slowly. I didn't like to stick around when it came to spirit business like this.

'I'll have to return later tonight and pass that child on to the Soul Society..'

"Aye! Izumi, where ya going!?" Ichi called after me but I just threw a lazy wave over my shoulder. I knew he'd probably chase after me if that little girl hadn't of been there, but right now I'm far too damn tired to stick around and waste my time. I've got training and homework to do before I can even think about resting.

"That's not my show Ichi, I'm going home." I called back and continued to walk. I just don't have the time for that mess.

....

I can feel it. A strong spiritual presence. One that's way to close to Ichigo's.

Without my gigai, I shot up from my sit up workout and ran to my window staring over at the Kurosaki residence in front of my own home. Focusing heavily on a lit bedroom window I saw Ichi sitting on his bed glaring heavily at a woman dressed in black. My heart raced in my chest and the sound filled my ears. Both excitement, and terror filled my being as I continued to stare at the woman in black before my eyes widened.

"A-a Soul Reaper!?" The question rolled out of my mouth before I jumped straight out my two story window taking off in a sprint. The window had been open to let in a nice breeze, but unfortunately Ichigo's window was very much closed.

I continued and ran straight across the air to his closed window; seeing no other option other than crashing straight through it. Before I made contacted I turned slightly and blocked my face as I took out the glass as well as the frame itself; the damage was completely ignored as I tackled the girl to the ground away from my friend.

"I-Izumi!?" Ichigo yelled startled from his spot on the ground. He was bent in a funny position with a poorly drawn mustache on his lip. But I didn't have time to check him, just seeing him alive was enough for me for now. Glancing at him quickly I took in his appearance before grabbing the woman by her shoulders and holding her down as I sat on her torso.

"Who are you!?" I screamed at the girl as she struggled to get away. She had dark hair and eyes; a small part of me thought she looked a tiny bit familiar but other than that I didn't know who she was or what she was doing here. But I'll be damned if the soul society thinks they can come for him now.

"Unhand me human! Who do you think you are grabbing me like this?!" She glared into my raging yet hopeful blue eyes. I knew I needed to protect Ichigo, but a small part of me hoped that she would be able to give me information. Ignoring her demands, and the fact that she thought I was a human, I balled my fist in her robe and shoved her down hard against the floor. Thinking over my actions I concluded that it might be better to allow her to her feet first before asking the questions; it might work in my favor that way.

"Answer my question!" I growled before jumping off of her completely and standing next to Ichigo's hunched over form. Trying to regain my composure for a moment I assessed Ichigo's situation with worried eyes. It seems he wasn't harmed, he's just stuck in place.

'A binding spell?'

"Im-impossible! There are no reports of another Shinigami in Karakura town! State your name!" The dark haired girl grabbed the hilt of her zanpakuto resting on her waist and stood in a defensive stance. I observed her while thinking over her statement; that means that grandfather is unaware of my whereabouts which works in my favor. But if that were the case then why on earth did this woman show up for Ichigo? He reads as nothing more than a human.

Taking in her hostility I rested both of my hands on the hilts of my swords; since I have double zanpakuto, I have two separate blades resting on each side of my hips . The girl seemed to only register that fact after she watched my hand placement; her eyes widened and she looked completely bewildered. I stood still while continuing to watch her body language, and gage her facial expressions. She hasn't identified herself, and until that information is given, then I too will refuse to give anything away. We stood for several minutes in an intense glare; both daring each other to make a move. I wasn't about to put Ichigo or anyone in the Kurosaki residence in any more danger than they already were with this girl here; I needed to make her leave.

The last thing I wanted was for the girls to be involved, or worse hurt. This soul reaper needed to leave, and she needed to leave right now; Karakura town didn't need her sniffing around.

"Hey you idiots! Can't you hear that outside!?" Ichi screamed gaining both of our attention; I glanced at him while also trying to watch the girl for any sudden movements. Though my focus was broken when a deafening roar cut our exchange short. Not wasting a second I immediately jumped from the window meeting the hollow straight on. It wasn't anything I hadn't seen before however nothing could have prepared my heart for the scene in front of me.

I landed just in front of it, and I felt my eyes widen.

"Yuzu..." the name rolled from my tongue as I felt a sudden change in Ichi's spiritual pressure to my left. I cringed as a stinging sensation came over my body as he emerged from the house not paying any attention to me and was focused souly on the monster who held his sister.

Feeling his pressure become stronger, I felt my knees becoming weaker as the stinging sensation became stronger. Wincing I decided to jump away to the roof of my house to observe. If I stayed down there I would just get in the way. I need to focus on Ichigo's pressure right now.

....

"If it's my soul you want! Then come and get it!" Ichi screamed at the hollow and I felt my heartbeat quicken as I watched on.

"You idiot!" I screamed and was about to intersect the hollows attack but the girl beat me to it. She was closer after all. She took the entire blow like an idiot and her shoulder and midsection were badly damaged. To be honest I'll be surprised if she lives.

I watched as she crawled away and leaned against the outside of my house. Ichigo had come closer to her to try to help and to see just how badly she was hurt. They were exchanging words I couldn't understand until Ichi grabbed hold of her blade lining it up with his chest. A scream was gathering in my throat but it didn't get the chance to leave. Before I could stop him, he ran it through his chest, successfully transferring the girl's soul reaper power into him. A wicked stinging pain gripped hold of my entire being and I sucked in a deep breath as an image of a damn appeared in my mind; a damn that was now leaking a considerable amount of liquid.

I sucked in a deep breath and held in a scream as I stared up at the sky while holding my chest. After a moment of staring upwards, I quickly refocused on my best friend who had vanished from sight. In a flash the hollows arm was amputated and the limb fell to the ground before slowly vanishing. Standing just in front of the limb was Ichi, with an abnormally large Zanpakuto. I sucked in a small breath while continuing to clutch my chest; god damn him.

'How can he be so cool?' The pain surged in my chest again but I just coughed and then smirked. If the soul society wasn't looking for him before, they sure as hell will be now; this was the worse then the worst case scenario, but I guess part of me had always wondered what my boy would look like dressed in a Shihakusho.

"You never cease to amaze me Ichigo Kurosaki." I sighed before jumping down to the now defenseless soul reaper. She laid there in nothing but a small white robe showing that her powers were indeed gone; she glared at me before passing out. I rolled my eyes before dropping to a knee and clutching my chest again. I breathed heavily before grabbing hold of the girls arm.

"I'll take you to uncle Kisuke, maybe he'll know who the hell you are." And with that I quickly vanished with the girl out of Ichi's sight. I'll trust him to deal with the mess before I come back and check on him; for now I have other things to worry about.