The house was louder than usual—not in a way that was cheerful but in a way that felt forced.

Everyone was trying to distract themselves, keeping up meaningless chatter, turning the TV's volume up a little too high.

Because tomorrow was a day they all dreaded.

A day they could never forget.

As the night settled in, Ichigo sat by the window, arms crossed, her expression hard to read.

Her face wasn't angry or upset, but it wasn't calm either.

She was just staring—lost in thought, eyes reflecting the moon outside.

For a while, the room was quiet.

Then—

"Rukia."

Ichigo's voice broke the silence, making Rukia glance up from where she sat on the floor.

"...What?"

"Can I take a day off tomorrow?"

Rukia froze.

Her eyes widened slightly, as if she couldn't believe what she just heard.

"A day off?! Are you serious?! You think Hollows take days off?!"

Ichigo didn't even flinch at her tone, still staring at the glass.

Before she could reply, Y/N beat her to it.

"Rukia."

His voice was calm but firm, enough to make Rukia pause mid-rant and turn toward him.

"Give her a break."

Rukia's mouth opened—but then she really looked at Ichigo.

Her defensive stance dropped slightly, her voice quieter. "...Why?"

Ichigo finally turned away from the window, looking at Rukia directly.

"It's the anniversary of my mom's death."

A small pause.

"...No."

Her jaw clenched.

"The anniversary of when she was killed."

The room felt heavier.

Neither Y/N nor Rukia had anything to say to that.

Because what could they say?

The Weight of the Past

"It was my fault."

The words left Y/N's mouth before he could stop them.

Rukia, sitting beside him on the hill overlooking Karakura, glanced at him.

"...What?"

She followed his gaze, watching Ichigo from a distance—alone at the cemetery, placing fresh flowers at a well-maintained grave.

"You said Ichigo couldn't have hurt her own mom, right?" Y/N murmured, his hands clasped together.

"That's true. She didn't. But... her death wasn't an accident, either."

Rukia's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Y/N exhaled through his nose. "It wasn't human."

Rukia stilled.

"It could've been a Hollow," Y/N admitted. "Masaki Kurosaki died protecting Ichigo... and someone else."

Rukia's entire demeanor shifted.

"...I see."

Her fingers tightened slightly around her sleeves.

"I shouldn't have spoken so casually earlier," she muttered. "I didn't know."

Y/N shook his head.

"You're fine."

Because the truth was, he didn't blame her or anyone else for not knowing.

He only blamed himself.

Because that thing wasn't after Ichigo.

It had been after him.

The night was quiet, the cool air brushing softly against their skin as Rukia and Y/N sat together on the rooftop of the Kurosaki Clinic.

Karakura Town stretched out beneath them, its streets illuminated by dim streetlights, yet neither of them really focused on the view.

Instead, Rukia let out a small breath and, without thinking much of it, leaned her head against Y/N's shoulder.

Y/N glanced down at her, surprised at first, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he exhaled softly, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her just a little closer.

Neither of them spoke.

Neither of them needed to.

Y/N just let himself breathe, let himself exist in this fleeting moment of peace.

But unbeknownst to them, someone else had seen it.

Ichigo stood a short distance away, frozen in place, her breath catching in her throat.

Her chest tightened, and she wasn't sure why.

Her fists clenched at her sides.

She turned sharply on her heel and walked away, her footsteps quieter than usual.

She didn't stop, didn't look back—she just kept walking as something unfamiliar boiled in her stomach.

The night air felt colder now.

As Ichigo strode toward the house, her mind tried to push away whatever had just stirred in her chest.

But before she could even begin to make sense of it—

"YUZU!"

Karin's voice pierced the air, shrill with panic.

Ichigo's eyes snapped forward, and her stomach dropped.

Ahead of her, Yuzu was struggling, lifted off the ground, a snake-like appendage wrapped tightly around her throat.

Her legs kicked weakly, her hands clawing at the monstrous limb holding her in the air.

A Hollow.

A massive, grotesque Hollow loomed over them, its eyes glinting with cold amusement, watching its prey slowly lose air.

Ichigo didn't hesitate.

In a single movement, she popped the pill into her mouth.

Her soul was ejected from her body, and before her physical form could even hit the ground, she was already moving.

"BASTARD!"

Her blade gleamed under the moonlight as she lunged forward, swinging with everything she had.

"You're the person who was by the river six years ago! What the hell are you doing here?! Why are you with a Hollow?!"

Ichigo's voice rang out sharp and demanding, her grip on her Zanpakutō tightening as she took a step forward.

The raven-haired spirit standing beside the massive Hollow turned her gaze toward Ichigo, tilting her head with a bemused smirk.

"Six years? That was a long time ago..." Her tone was almost mocking. "I don't seem to remember. However... it seems that you've seen me before."

Ichigo gritted her teeth, her frustration boiling over.

"So, what?! Are you some kind of slave to that thing?! Is it controlling you?!"

Her knuckles whitened around her blade. "Start talking. Now!"

The spirit let out a quiet chuckle, and in an instant—her body began to shift.

Her once human-like form distorted, her limbs elongating grotesquely as her body morphed into a Hollow, its movements fluid and unnatural.

With a single leap, she soared upward, twisting in midair before attaching herself to the massive Hollow's back like a parasite—her new form acting as an antenna that pulsed with spiritual energy.

"Grand Fisher..." Rukia and Y/N had heard the noise and had rushed over quickly,

Rukia's voice was grim, her eyes narrowing as she stood beside Ichigo, her fingers already hovering near her sword.

"That's his name." Her tone was clipped, precise. "The decoy you see sprouting from his head is used to lure in victims—usually those with strong spiritual energy."

Her brows furrowed in frustration. "He's managed to outwit the Soul Reapers for fifty-four years... but no more!"

Beside her, Y/N remained silent.

His eyes were locked onto the creature before them, his breath steady, his shoulders tense.

Because this was it.

The thing that had changed everything.

The monster that had stolen a life.

The reason he could never forget that night.

A nearby tombstone cracked under the weight of Grand Fisher's energy, shattering into pieces as one of his massive arms shot toward Ichigo.

She darted to the side, dodging just in time—her sword already cutting upward toward his chest.

But her blade didn't land.

Another appendage shot out, wrapping tightly around her wrist and slamming her into the ground with brutal force.

"Too slow."

His voice was a low, mocking growl as Ichigo gritted her teeth, forcing herself back onto her feet.

Y/N stood frozen.

His grip on his weapons tightened, trembling with restrained anger.

He knew he could step in.

He could interfere, end this faster—but he didn't move.

Because he knew Ichigo.

If he took this moment away from her, she'd never forgive him.

Even if she got hurt.

Even if he had to stand there and watch.

Revenge was a strange thing.

He had spent years thinking that when he finally saw this Hollow again, he'd feel hatred.

But standing here now, watching Ichigo fight for her mother's memory—

He realized something.

He didn't hate anyone.

Not even this creature.

Because hate required energy.

And after all these years...

He just felt tired.

Ichigo gritted her teeth, struggling against the tendrils wrapped around her, the Hollow's grip unrelenting as it slammed her into the ground.

"Too slow."

Grand Fisher's mocking voice sent a wave of fury through her, but before she could retaliate—

"Boy."

A voice, deep and commanding, echoed through Y/N's mind.

Poseidon.

Y/N breathed in sharply, his hand tightening as a familiar azure glow formed at his fingertips.

"Yeah, yeah. I got it."

As if on instinct, a golden trident manifested in his hand, humming with raw power.

The air crackled around him as he spun it once, the weapon radiating divine energy, currents of water-like energy swirling at his feet.

Then—

He thrust forward.

A surge of force erupted from the spear's tip, its energy blasting straight through Grand Fisher.

The Hollow's lure was severed instantly.

"GRAAAAHH!"

The creature let out an agonized scream, its massive body reeling backward, its tendrils loosening around Ichigo.

Ichigo snapped her head toward Y/N, her eyes widening as she saw the aftereffects of his attack—but she quickly shook her head, refocusing on the fight.

"I don't need backup."

With a growl, she charged forward, her Zanpakutō slashing across Grand Fisher's torso, tearing into its flesh.

But even after taking both hits, the Hollow was still standing.

"Persistent bastard." Y/N muttered, twirling his spear again, preparing for another strike.

Grand Fisher's massive frame trembled, its severed lure twitched, trying to regenerate itself.

Ichigo's eyes narrowed.

Then—

A voice.

Soft. Familiar.

"Ichigo...?"

Her body froze.

Her breath hitched.

Because that voice...

It was her mother's.

Her heart pounded painfully against her ribs as she turned, her hands shaking as she saw the lure regrow, shifting—

Taking the exact shape of Masaki Kurosaki.

Her eyes.

Her hair.

Her warm, gentle expression.

"I-Ichigo... help me..."

Grand Fisher's grinning mask twisted in delight as he watched her hesitate.

Ichigo's hand wavered over her sword, her breath shallow.

"Tch. I knew it."

The Hollow moved—lunging straight toward her.

But before the blow could land—

"ICHIGO, MOVE!"

Y/N shoved her out of the way, taking the full attack head-on.

"Ghk—!"

A sharp, piercing sound filled the air as Grand Fisher's massive claws tore through Y/N's side, sending blood spraying across the ground.

"IDIOT!"

Poseidon's angry voice boomed in his head.

Ichigo hit the ground hard, rolling over to see Y/N stumbling, blood dripping from his mouth.

Her chest tightened painfully.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" she screamed, scrambling to her feet.

Rukia, watching from the sidelines, felt panic crawl up her spine.

She wanted to help—needed to.

But her hands clenched helplessly at her sides.

She knew this was Ichigo's fight.

And Y/N?

He was fighting on pure instinct.

Even injured, Y/N gritted his teeth, gripping his spear as he twisted his body forward—

And stabbed his weapon straight through Grand Fisher's gut.

"AGHHHH!"

The Hollow let out another pained howl, its body convulsing as it tried to remove the weapon lodged inside of it.

It staggered backward, its massive claws clenching into the earth, its mask twisting in fury.

Then, with a final snarl, it ripped itself free, leaping away.

"This isn't over!" it roared, its voice filled with hate.

"I'LL COME BACK!"

Before anyone could react, Grand Fisher's massive form disappeared into the shadows, fleeing into the night.

Y/N swayed slightly, his knees feeling like lead beneath him.

His vision blurred, but he could still make out Ichigo's furious expression as she ran toward him.

She grabbed his collar, shaking him violently.

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?!"

Y/N coughed, blood staining his lips, but managed to give her a weak grin.

"I was thinking you needed a reality check."

"BASTARD!"

Rukia, finally stepping in, grabbed Ichigo's wrist, stopping her before she could shake Y/N into unconsciousness.

"Ichigo."

Her voice was steady, but worried.

"...He's already hurt."

Ichigo gritted her teeth, but let go of his collar.

Y/N, now slouching forward, let out a deep breath.

"Not my best decision... but hey, you're alive."

Ichigo looked at him—really looked at him.

Then, with a frustrated growl, she turned away, her fists still trembling.

Rukia let out a soft sigh, before glancing at Y/N.

"You need treatment."

Y/N chuckled weakly, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, I hear you."

But his eyes flickered toward the spot where Grand Fisher had fled.

The Hollow had escaped.

For now.

And next time?

They would finish this.

Y/N stirred awake, his body feeling lighter than it should have.

His side was heavily bandaged, but there was no pain. In fact, as he shifted slightly, he could tell that most of his injuries were already gone.

A voice chuckled in his mind.

"Hah! Lucky bastard. Not only do you heal faster than any normal human, but you wake up sandwiched between two beauties. Life must be good, boy."

Y/N groaned, rubbing his face with his hand. "Poseidon, for the love of everything, shut up."

The God of the Seas merely let out an amused hum. "I'm just saying—some men would kill to be in your position."

Still half-asleep, Y/N blinked as his mind caught up to where he was.

Sure enough—Ichigo was on his right, and Rukia was on his left.

Ichigo was turned toward him, her face peaceful, soft breaths escaping her lips, her orange hair slightly messy from sleep.

Rukia, on the other hand, had her arms crossed even while asleep, a faint frown on her lips, as if even unconscious, she was ready to scold someone.

Y/N stared at them for a moment, his grogginess fading as he took in the sight.

He smirked a little. Not bad.

Carefully, he slipped out of the middle, making sure not to wake them as he sat up.

For a moment, he just stood there, looking at them.

Something about this—the quiet, the peace, the way the moonlight still faintly touched their faces—felt... nice.

"Beautiful."

The word slipped out in a whisper, barely audible even to himself.

Then, shaking his head, Y/N stood up, staggering toward the bathroom.

The mirror reflected a half-tired, half-amused version of himself as he unwrapped the bandages around his torso.

As the last of the fabric fell away, he stared at the scar across his side—a wound that had been lethal hours ago, now already fading.

He traced his fingers over it, the skin still warm, the faint glow of Poseidon's energy pulsing slightly.

Regeneration, huh...?

With a small sigh, he leaned against the sink, his reflection staring back at him.

Then, after a pause—

"Well... another day, huh?"

He exhaled, standing straight again.

No time to dwell.

It was morning now.

And they had school to get to.

By the time Y/N returned to the room, Ichigo was grumbling awake, rubbing her eyes as she kicked off the blanket, looking around blearily.

"...Ugh. What time is it?" she muttered.

Rukia was already sitting up, stretching her arms above her head, seemingly unbothered by the fact that she had fallen asleep next to both of them.

Y/N smirked, leaning against the doorframe. "Time for your daily dose of disappointment, Kurosaki."

Ichigo glared at him through one eye. "Screw you."

Rukia, fixing her sleeves, glanced at Y/N's side.

"...You're already healed, aren't you?"

Y/N rolled his shoulders. "Mostly. Feels like a bad muscle cramp now."

Ichigo clicked her tongue, shaking her head as she stood up. "Freak."

"Aw, Ichi, I didn't know you were into those."

SMACK.

Y/N stumbled slightly as Ichigo punched his shoulder, already heading toward the closet for her uniform.

Rukia sighed, standing as well. "Hurry up, you two. We're going to be late for school."

Y/N let out a small chuckle, rolling his neck.

Right.

Back to normal life.

For now.