"It's not a bad thing at all Star-chan." He said, smirking lightly. He brought Zangetsu out, but he wasn't going to spar with them at the moment. "Sorry if I scared you, but when I think of Zangetsu, and this might be lame, but I think of a giant shield. Not only can I protect my friends and family, but at the same time I can dish out a ton of damage to protect them as well."

"Careful Straw-chan, people might start to think you're getting soft..." She teased, causing him to scowl at her.

"Oh hush. At least you're starting to become a real dragon, being able to breathe fire and all..." Ichigo said, teasing her. He didn't think that he'd stop teasing her about it anytime soon. "Actually, if we ever go to Soul Society, remind me to let you meet Toushiro. He'd get a kick out of this conversation. He's cool, calm and collected at all times...you could even call him a stiff. The fact that he has an ice dragon as a zanpakuto also helps our conversation..."

" I'm starting to understand now why my zanpakuto is a little girl. I tend to get along pretty good with those in that age range . Dad says I should be a teacher someday. Do think we might have to go there sometime Ichigo?" Hoshi had just thought that. Why she did she wasn't sure yet. She had a feeling things were going to get worse .

"We might, but it would only be in a rare case, why? Is something bothering you about Soul Society?" He asked, knowing that she could sometimes get hunches that usually proved to be correct. He didn't know that she already knew about Aizen yet.

" I just had that thought when you mentioned it. I don't know why I did . Maybe just a crazy thought ." Hoshi hoped it was , but something kept bugging her. That and why did she think her dad was involved in all this?

"Alright, if you say so," was all that Ichigo said.

((timeskip?))

((sure))

It was almost time for Tetsu to pick Hoshi up . They had did a little training before they had to leave . Hoshi was getting nervous about asking her dad difficult questions . She hoped she was able to tell him her secrets. Hoshi was glad her friends were going to be there to support her. She was back in her body now getting ready to go back to Ichigo's house. She wondered if Rukia was alright , but trusted that she was.

Rukia stepped out of the portal and noticed Tetsu making his way towards the Kurosaki clinic. "Tetsu-san, can I talk to you for a few minutes?" She asked as the man turned around and looked at Rukia. She didn't know what was going to happen, but she thought she would at least try. Using his name from during his time in the Gotei 13 seemed like a bad idea.

Ichigo and the others were talking, waiting for Tetsu to come and pick Hoshi up, and hopefully answer all questions that both the Kurosaki males, Tatsuki and Hoshi held.

"Sure , Kuchiki -san. Is everything alright. ?" Tetsu said wondering what was going on. He stopped to talk to her. He had a feeling it was about his past. He wouldn't run this time. He knew he couldn't run anymore. But to convince him to go back was another thing. Did this have to do with the change he felt from Hoshi also?

Rukia sighed lightly and shook her head negatively. "I wish I could tell you differently Tetsu-san, but those Hollows are starting to make a reappearance, the same Hollows that you faked your death for. We need the information that you gained...the information that has you targeted by Aizen," she said, waiting for his response.

Tetsu stopped walking and thought for a minute on what to say. " I knew last weekend they were back. I sensed that one was in my yard that Saturday Hoshi spent with you and Ichigo. Aizen has been taunting me ever since I got back. I will give the information you need, but I can't go back. I need to protect Hoshi. Those hollows were created using the souls of Seers. How was I supposed to know my ability to strengthen reiatsu would be used to create them?I thought when I was still a fourth seat I was doing the right thing by building up my Captain's strength in battle. I found out I was being used . I had to leave to find out how I could stop them . I had no idea until I mistakenly read some papers saying that Aizen wanted to destroy what he was supposed to protect. I know my request for investigation was denied twenty years ago. Even if it was accepted I already had a new life. He told me he intended me to run. He wants Hoshi for both abilities . He's stronger than I remember." Tetsu stopped and took a breath. He had no choice but to tell Rukia. Anything to stop Aizen. Anything to protect his Star.

Rukia listened as Tetsu talked, knowing that no amount of persuasion would bring him back to Soul Society. Nothing, not even her older brother would be able to persuade him...and heaven help Aizen when he comes after Hoshi. "I think your daughter is in safe hands sir," she said as she told him how he achieved bankai within 3 days to help save her and that she was starting to talk to her Zanpakuto spirit about gaining bankai herself. She noticed that they were in front of the Kurosaki clinic.

"I know she's in good hands. I want her to be able to defend herself too. I know you'll be able to achieve bankai Rukia . At least your spirit is willing to talk about it . It took me ten years to convince mine to even agree to talk about it. We should go in . " Tetsu said getting tense. He didn't want the wrong person to hear he himself achieved bankai . As far as he knew, Aizen didn't know Tetsu did achieve it. He was starting to trust Rukia more. He knocked on the door of the clinic .


Hoshi knew her dad was here. She gathered as much courage as she could. Things were about to get interesting.

Aizen knew Tetsu was back in Karakura now. He would wait till tomorrow to talk to Hoshi. He had to do it while no one was with her. He then figured out the perfect time to strike.

Isshin heard the knock at the door and went to get it. He grinned when he opened the door to see both Rukia and Tetsu. He knew that Rukia was a shinigami as well as rooming within Ichigo's room, but decided to keep quiet about it. "Hey there Tetsu-kun, Rukia-chan," he said, as he ushered them inside.

Ichigo sensed Tetsu and Rukia heading inside. "Ready?" He asked Hoshi.

"Just don't forget, no matter what, we're here for you and will do whatever you ask...within reason of course," she said, causing Ichigo to chuckle lightly.

Hoshi shook her head yes. When she saw her dad , she got out of the chair and rushed to give him a hug. She needed him to know she still loved him, even if he did hide things from her. "Why didn't you tell me dad? " she said.

Tetsu was glad to see Hoshi was safe. "I wanted to tell you for so long . I know about you being able to see ghosts for a while . It has hurt me badly not being able to help you sweetie. " He put his hand on her head. " I promise no more secrets . How about we sit down? I want to explain everything . "

They sat down and Tetsu told the events that had lead to him leaving. Hoshi had to know . He wasn't going to hide from her. He would answer any questions and suggestions the group had. He needed all the help he could to fight Aizen.

Everyone listened to the events that unfolded between Tetsu and Aizen. After he was done, each thought about what he said in silence. A few minutes passed before Ichigo broke the silence.

"I can't believe that he would stoop that low...creating Hollows from the souls of Seers..." he growled out, mentally adding another thing to the list of reasons why he wanted to kill Aizen. The list was almost as big as wanting to kill Grandfisher, but he needed more experience and skill before fighting him once again. "To even kill Star-chan's mother..." He growled out before being stopped by his father.

"It has been a while since I've been out of my body...I might be able to help, but I'm not sure how well off I'll be. It's been a while since I've been in a battle with my Zanpakuto. I'm surprised that Kisuke hasn't come to me yet..."

"Why do you say that dad? Ichigo asked as Isshin replied that Kisuke, Tessou and Yoruichi were all exiled from Soul Society due to Aizen's manipulations. "This guy just doesn't know when to stop, does he?" Ichigo pondered, getting several nods from the people who met with Aizen.

Rukia remembered how scared she felt when she was in front of the execution block, and when Aizen took the Hoguyzu from her body...she was annoyed and voiced it to Kisuke when she got back. "He even tried to kill me to get what he wanted," Rukia sighed as she took a few minutes to lightly compose herself. "When you think about it, Aizen is behind most, if not all, of our problems." Her revelation got several nods from everyone present.

"I think it would be a good idea to not leave Hoshi alone. I may not know Aizen like you do seeing as I'm new to all of this, but it sounds as if he would take any opportunity he'd be given, especially if it fueled his crazy plans. Also...I think it may be a good idea for anyone who doesn't know bankai to start thinking about it."

"Maybe. You would have to discuss it with your zanpakuto's, but I have a feeling both would think you're still too green with shikai and would want to get more experience under your belts." Rukia said with experience, sensing both Tetsu and Isshin nod lightly at what she was saying.

Hoshi was saddened at her dad's story and how Aizen was the one who killed her mom. This made her resolve to fight stronger.

" I'll do anything I can to help Tatsuki-chan and Hoshi train with their shikai. They need to be able to handle any kind of attack. I'm sorry I won't go back to Soul Society, but I will if I'm asked to testify and if I can return here. "Tetsu said. He would help get the girls trained to fight Aizen. He would talk to Byakuya about what he knew . The captains needed to know, as did the Central 46. This was going to be a tough battle for all of them.

Isshin nodded at Tetsu's story, resolving to help the girls as well with training them. "And if they don't allow you to come back, I'm sure me and my son will make sure that you get back here in some way or another."

"I'm going to need some training soon as well..." Ichigo murmured, not liking the fact that he had to say as such in front of his friends. "But not from you dad," he quickly said as he noticed his father about to speak up, surprising everyone at the table.

"Training in bankai or something else?" Isshin asked as he looked at his son with serious eyes.

"Something else," he said, not wanting his father or anyone else to know about his inner Hollow. Speaking of which, he noticed that his sisters weren't home. "Dad, where's Karin and Yuzu?"

"They're with Aunt Riza. She didn't want to take them at first, but she warmed up to the idea, especially after when I explained that they would be in danger if they stayed here." Isshin calmly explained, knowing that his sister would protect his daughters or die trying to do so.

Tetsu was glad his best friend was willing to help him if he needed it. He wondered what Ichigo meant by training if it wasn't for bankai. He hoped it wasn't what he suspected . " I'm glad you are willing to help me Isshin-kun. Thank you for listening today. I'm sorry I've kept so many secrets . " He stopped for moment . " We better be heading home. Ready Hoshi?" He smiled at her.

She shook her head yes and went to get her school bag. Tetsu pulled Isshin aside." When do think would be the best time for training? I have weekends . Let me know if I can do anything to help you and Ichigo." Tetsu said.

"Weekends would probably be best, unless the kids don't have school. We don't want them getting behind in their studies after all," Isshin said.

"We might be able to cut a few classes from time to time pops, if needed. I'm pretty sure Tatsuki and I could miss a few days here and there throughout the year. I don't know about Hoshi-chan, but we could come up with an excuse..." Ichigo said, musing on it.

"It would have to be a last resort though, or we could rotate through the work week, making up an excuse as to how Isshin-san needs help around the hospital, or something else that would explain why we're out a day each week," she said as she had her finger to her chin in thought.

"I hate to say it, but I think the weekend should be how we do it. I understand that we need to train, but at the same time, we all have responsibilities as well. I'm not saying that saving the world is more important than going to school but..."

(I hope a timeskip to monday is okay)
"Isshin is right. I dont want you kids to fall behind in your school work. We have to at least maintan some normalcy . So next weekend we start . I'm going to talk to Kisuke about it also. " Tetsu knew he would agree to help, it gave him an excuse to see his old friend again. "Thank you all for the support. I'll do anything to see Aizen pay for what he has done .

Hoshi had heard what was said . She didn't want to fall behind but she would skip if she had no choice. "Thank you guys for helping me this weekend. " She said with a small smile. "I'll see you tomorrow at school.

Hoshi and Tetsu waved good bye and headed home. They talked on the way there but about how her dad's conference went. Tetsu didn't want to risk being over heard by the wrong people. Once they arrived home, Tetsu let Hoshi ask him questions. She also told him that she was a shinigami now. He knew that but he wanted to hear it from her.He was proud of his little star for wanting to fight. He still would worry about her. She had alot to learn . Hoshi went up to finish her homework. She hoped she would be able to gain some strength . She slept soundly hoping that the week would be uneventful .

((a timeskip is fine))

Ichigo groaned as Rukia woke him up for school. He hated Mondays the most, especially since it took him longer than normal to get up. He would have to see how Tatsuki and Hoshi dealt with Hollows during the school day, if any showed up. He slowly got up and took a shower. A few minutes later, he came out awake and clean. He quickly put on the school uniform before heading off to school, a piece of toast in his mouth as he went.

Hoshi woke up that Monday feeling scared. She was worried something bad was going to happen. She showerd and got dressed for school. Her dad was in the kitchen waiting for her. " Do you want me to drive you today ?" He said looking concerned.Tetsu noticed she was looking worried . " Worried about walking alone?" She shook her head yes. She was going to ride with him today. Hoshi finished her toast and grabbed her bag and went to the car.

Tetsu drove off from the school after dropping Hoshi off. He didn't want to give Aizen the chance to talk to her. He didn't know how she would react if he did.

Hoshi waited for her friends to arrive . She wondered how she would react if a hollow were to appear .

Tatsuki saw Ichigo heading towards school as she was leaving her apartment. She giggled lightly when sshe noticed him yawning. "Still not awake Straw-chan?" she asked, teasingly.

"You know I'm not a morning person Ryu-chan..." He grumbled out as they both headed towards school. He wondered how the others in the group would respond to know that they now have two more Shinigami, but mentally shrugged. They would find out later.

Hoshi waited for her friends . She was in an area where there were more students. Usually she would wait in a less crowded area, but given the circumstances, she felt she was safer here. She didn't want to give Aizen a chance to contact her. She was terrified that he would. She had to keep a brave face on while she was at school. She looked toward the enterance hoping to see someone she knew.

Rukia saw Hoshi standing by herself and waved to her, heading towards her location. "Hello Matsuda-san," she said, instantly noticing she relaxed just a little with the presence of the shinigami.

Ichigo and Tatsuki appeared on the school grounds a few minutes later. Tatsuki spotted Orihime, Rukia and Hoshi talking to each other.