Aquatic Soul
Chapter 1: Appearance
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of the characters involved except for Guardian W. Water.
"My name is Ichigo Kurosaki, for as long as I can remember I've been able to see spirits of the dead. About a month ago I met a 'Soul Reaper' named Rukia Kuchki. She gave me Soul Reaper powers to fight the evil in this world known as the Hollows, and to save those souls who still dwell in this world. A few days ago Rukia was taken away and my powers were destroyed. After getting help from the spiritual shopkeeper Kisuke Urahara, I have regained my powers and now my friends and I are going to break into the Soul Society and save Rukia."
Ichigo, Oriheme, Chad, Uryu, and the small black cat known as Yoruichi were standing in front of a large stone gate in the humongous underground training facility underneath Urahara's shop. At the sides of the gate stood Urahara on the left and Tessai on the right, Ichigo looked at him expectantly.
"Alright, this isn't the normal way to get to the Soul Society, so it isn't entirely safe. I'll explain what kind of dangers you can en-counter while you'll be inside. First of all, you must be aware of the sweeper. It will kill you if it can get a hold of you so make sure that doesn't happen. Be aware for any other spiritual pressures inside. You don't know what kind of guards they may have placed in here since I was last there."
"We'll remember that." Ichigo replied
"Good. Then let's get you on your way." Urahara put his hands to the ground on the left side of the gate and Tessai did the same on the right. A strange purple mist came to life and began to spiral inside the gate.
Ichigo charged forward with the rest of his friends into the gate. Once they were through Urahara and Tessai stopped the flow of energy and the mist slowly dissipated. They stood and stared through the empty arch.
"What do you think their chances of coming back are?" Tessai asked
"Not good, if you look at it statistically, but I have a feeling Ichigo will have some trick to play up his sleeve."
Tessai nodded at this.
Ichigo's group landed inside a dark area. Before them was covered in purple mist.
"Come on. Let's get moving." Yoruichi told them running in a direction
"Right." Ichigo took a step toward the small cat when he felt a large amount of spiritual pressure nearby. He drew his large sword, Zangetsu out of reaction.
"Ichigo! What is it?" Yoruichi asked
"I feel a large amount of spiritual pressure over in that direction." He said tipping his sword just slightly.
Yoruichi followed the gesture before walking off into the smoke.
"Yoruichi!" Ichigo shouted, panicking when he disappeared
"Calm down. The pressure you sensed is right here."
Yoruichi emerged from the mist carrying a young girl in a blue kimono. She had long blue hair and her eyes were closed. At her waist was a blue sheath and from it stemmed the blue cloth-covered handle of a katana.
"Who is she?" Ichigo asked
"If this is the same person I think it is. Then we just got our work cut out for us." Yoruichi replied
"What do you-"
Uryu was cut off as a loud horn blared. In the mist a yellow light appeared in the shadows.
"What is that!" Ichigo shouted
"That's the sweeper. Quickly, run!" Yoruichi shouted as he took off carrying the girl by her kimono in his mouth
The group followed the small black cat and as they would occasionally look behind them they saw a large train with a single light that looked out before it. They picked up the pace and soon they emerged from the world between the Soul Society and the world of the living. They landed flat on their backs on a dirt floor. They were breathing heavily.
"Are, are we safe?" Ichigo asked
"For now." Yoruichi replied
Chad stood up and looked around. He offered his hand to Oriheme who took it and was lifted up by the larger student. Uryu pushed himself up and Ichigo stood. The girl was lying on the ground by Yoruichi.
"Now that I look at her, she seems really young." Uryu said examining the girl's body.
She stirred and made a small noise.
Ichigo put his ear to her mouth "What?" he asked softly
"W-Water…" She said weakly
"Do we have any water?" Ichigo asked
Uryu nodded and produced a water bottle from the bag attached to his waist. He handed it to Ichigo who put it to the girl's lips. She drank slowly and regained enough strength to reach up to Ichigo's wrist and push it away to tell him to stop. She sat up, her long hair cascading down her back smooth as a dawning tide. She looked up at them and they now saw that her eyes were a deep-sea blue. Full of wonder, mystery, and a sense of magical power.
She smiled at them sweetly. "Thanks, but you misunderstood. I didn't want a drink of water. I was telling you my name was Water."
"I knew it." Yoruichi replied
"Hello Mr. Yoruichi." Water replied sweetly.
The small cat sweat-dropped "Hello Water." He replied tiredly
"What's wrong?" She asked
"Nothing. I'm just remembering the last time we met."
"Oh yeah, those weren't the best conditions." Water replied
"Don't mind me asking, but, how do you two know each other?" Uryu asked
"We've worked together before." Yoruichi replied
Water stood gripping the handle of her katana. "So, what are you doing here this time?"
"We're here to save Rukia." Yoruichi answered
"Ah, alright. Mind if I stay around to help?" She asked
"We need all the help we can get."
"What do you mean Yoruichi! We can save Rukia by ourselves!" Ichigo shouted
Water laughed as Ichigo continued to hurl questions at her.