STOP ME WHEN YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH

Wow, That's Cold

This only brings up more questions, unfortunately. What's Mizuiro's strongest asset? And how much is Ichigo truly capable of? He just realized he's been fidgeting with his mother's cross.

"My fairies said I can look him over without doing anything," Inoue reveals, bringing Ichigo back to the present.

"Give it a shot."

They step away from Mizuiro, giving Inoue plenty of room to work her power. Instead of activating her healing pins, like they thought she would, she merely replaces Rukia's hand on Mizuiro's forehead. Inoue blinks, and her eyes are replaced by a gentle, orange glow. They gawk at the appearance of her power. Ichigo can't help thinking of Inoue. She really is something else, huh?

Rukia's hand finds his. Wow, she's colder than usual. Maybe it's because Sode no Shirayuki? That would explain why Mizuiro was so content when her hand touched his burning forehead. Ichigo holds her hand, bringing her closer to him. It's like she's made of ice, yet it brings him an odd sense of comfort.

Inoue hums in confusion, her head tilting. Tatsuki inches closer to the brunette girl, and Keigo has to be held back by Chad. Keigo is really worried for his best friend. Tatsuki - well, she just cares for Inoue.

"How's it looking, doc?" Ichigo jokes, trying to relieve some of the tension.

Inoue smiles at the nickname. "It's his power."

"Do you have an idea what it could be?" Uryū inquires.

"No, but there is something else here. Something that's not supposed to be," she states.

"Like?" Mizuiro croaks.

She removes her hand, and her eyes return to normal. "I found traces of Grimmjow in your blood stream."

"What?"

"What do you mean, traces of Grimmjow?" Tatsuki asks softly.

"I, uh, I don't really know how to explain it. I just know it's Grimmjow's DNA in Mizuiro's blood," Inoue stutters.

"What a minute," Ichigo cuts in. "Grimmjow - he's got blue eyes and sharp teeth, right?"

"Yeah?" Uryū quirks an eyebrow.

Ichigo mulls over the information. The characteristics, the physical contact, the pain. The pain. Mizuiro said his stomach hurts. He's hugging himself, trying to comfort the ache he feels.

"Mizuiro, lift up your shirt."

"What," Mizuiro stares.

"Do you want the pain to stop or not?" Ichigo prompts.

The dark brunet grumbles under his breath, but he lifts his shirt up nonetheless. There, in the middle of his stomach, is a gaping hole.

"What the fuck!" Mizuiro panics.

Ichigo is immediately right there to comfort him. "Hey, hey. It's okay."

"The hell it is!"

"You're not a Hollow or anything. You just copied Grimmjow's characteristics."

Mizuiro frowns in confusion. Uryū, however, lights up in understanding.

"Your power is to copy other's abilities," he proclaims.

"Are we sure that's what's happening?" Rukia questions.

"Let's find out. Mizuiro, follow my instructions carefully," Ichigo orders.

After a brief conversation, Mizuiro is taught how to use a bala - a cero with less power. Ichigo has never used one personally, but the voice in his ear is enough to help him explain what it is.