'Italics' = Personal Thoughts / Important Thoughts
''Italics'' = Zanpakuto Speech
''Bold and Italics'' = Inner Hollow Speech
''Bold'' = Vizard with Mask Speech
I DO NOT OWN BLEACH, SADLY
Chapter 1: Finding Gems
''Stop her!'' The voice of Soi Fon cried in anger as she and her dogs chased me. With a painful gasp of exertion I flicker into another burst of Shunpo, which didn't even get me that far considering how low my reserves was, it was surprising they could still sense her. Her plan had worked so far, getting all but one of the kids out before she was discovered, forcing her to take the young child in her arms while evading and escaping her own division. The situation?
That bastard Aizen had been experimenting on human souls! She broke into his labs with the intent to find dirt on the fifth divisions captain, but not long after that she found all the survivors of his experiments, all bloody children. Call it female instinct, but she threw all reason out the window in exchange for rescuing the poor children, who lacked any clothing sans rags. Most showed signs of being drugged, needle insertions all over their bodies, markings on their wrists and ankles where they were likely strapped down, and other little details.
After a short internal debate she decided it probably wouldn't do any good to show up at the Seireitei and claim that these seven random children that had been tortured was because of the kind fifth division captain. So she came up with the next best solution; she took them to an old lady she had previous met in the first district of Junrinan and politely asked her to look after them until she returned shortly. The old woman had taken the tired and scared children without hesitation, promising she will keep them in good health without even asking questions, the woman was too kind like that.
As the (now former) third seat of the second division, she had been privy to the information that her friend (and slight crush, not that she would ever say it) had been last seen in the world of the living in a town called Karakura. That report had been a hundred years ago, most of the Gotei 13 searched the area madly but couldn't find, sense or see a trace of them save a trail leading towards Naruki city, which eventually also led to a dead end. However nobody knew Urahara like she did, and she knew it was fake the moment she saw the trail, but faked enthusiasm at following it, intentionally leading them away from Karakura to Naruki city after the former held no results.
In the end the case was dropped after five years of no sightings, buried after fifty years of no activity. She knew that Urahara was somewhere in Karakura, and that if he'd notice it was her from the slightest amount of her Reiatsu, and once he noticed she was alone likely show himself. So she got permission to go to Karakura town as fast as possible, immediately searching for the familiar blonde. After four hours of failure she eventually raised her Reiatsu to a fourth of her maximum, and then it only took a few minutes for him to appear.
Their greeting had been warm, she had full on tackled the man to the ground in a death hug, knocking both the wind out of him and knocking his hat off him. It had been slightly awkward at first, but after an hour or so of catching up it was like old times again, sans his sudden absurd addiction to 'his beloved stripped hat', but she had a limit to her stay in the world of the living. So after they got reacquainted, she got straight to the reason for her directly searching for him. He took my explanation in stride and had seethed (as much as Kisuke Urahara seethed) at the mention of Aizen, but upon getting my request he had laughed.
'Only you would throw everything out the window for children, I'm surprised you don't have your own yet!'.
The joke was good naturedly of course and she laughed, hiding the fact that she hadn't found a relationship because no one beside him appealed to her. Nobles were more snobbier than a century ago, most men were arrogant, too weak, or just non-compatible with me. Nobody appealed to me, and she didn't feel anything for the same sex either.
After explaining what my plan was he wholeheartedly agreed to take not only me but the kids in. You didn't need to be in the stealth force for a century and a half to know that Kisuke didn't do this for anyone, but she and him had been just as close as he and Yoruichi, the trio had been friends with Tessai joining in halfway as a sort of quiet but ever present giant.
So she had returned to the Soul Society and waited until Kisuke opened an illegal Senkaimon near the old woman's house and started smuggling the kids out, it was only a few hundred metres from the house on the hill but Aizen must have spilled some bullshit all over the place, because she now had half of her own division on her ass along with the captain commander himself not far off. What could warrant the captain commander to come after a fourth seat?
So here she was, carrying the silent white-haired girl in her arms as she burned her muscles to reach the Senkaimon. Soi Fon was less than thirty feet off, already tensing in preparation for a bullet-speed Shunpo.
But I had burst into the light of the Senkaimon at the cost of my remaining Reiatsu, the doors shutting behind me thanks to her bucket-hat scientist crush. Even then I sprinted down the Dangai as my legs burned like hellfire.
Scratch that, hellfire wasn't as painful.
So she ran, too weak to use Shunpo without collapsing. The hall of time was silent save for her laboured breathing before she neared the exit, bursting through the blinding light with a cry of relief. I stumbled into the underground training grounds (her initial reaction had been sheer awe, much to the creators pride) and promptly fell to the ground, turning on my back as to not hurt the still silent child.
The last thing I saw before darkness took me was a worried Kisuke and a determined Tessai, followed by a curious Shihouin.
''How is she Tessai?'' I asked as I entered the room, Yoruichi in the other room with the now sleeping kids.
''Most of her injuries have been healed, manager, but she'll have to be careful or her wounds will reopen'' Tessai nodded to him, wiping the sweat from his brow as he sat on his knees to rest.
''Mm, hopefully she wakes up soon, I don't want to deal with all these kids on my own~'' I say cheerfully, though my statement wasn't entirely untrue. My gaze swept over her unconscious form again, she had changed in the century we have been apart. Her chin-length straight black hair had reached her shoulders, her closed green eyes just as bright as he remembered, her chest having grown to a solid C and her body shape growing with age, curves having become more prominent since they first met. She mainly looked more womanly than her more petite teenage-looking body of a century ago, granted she had a lithe form of a viper that being an Assassin required, she was beautiful to put it bluntly.
''Wake up soon, Akemi-chan''.
As if her name was to call her awake, her eyes opened to reveal her large, almost innocent emerald eyes.
''Hi Kisuke'' She flashed him a grin, one that bordered the Cheshire grin of a certain Shihouin he knew.
''Good to see you made it back in one piece'' Yoruichi said as she entered the room fully clothed, a large grin on her face at being reunited with their long-time friend.
''Eh, nearly got stung twice by Captain Soi Fon at least twenty eight times'' She said dryly, a scowl forming across her face ''Aizen must've said something, because when I was moving the last kid I had almost the whole second division on my ass, plus my captain and the bloody captain commander!''.
Despite the slightly grim atmosphere at the mention of the fifth captain, a smile broke out across my face at the comical flail of her arms she did at the mention of the aged commander. However that also gave way to question what Aizen had done to not only stir up a whole division, but also to draw the ancient dragon to the battlefield before the fighting even started.
''How's my little bee been doing, Akemi?'' Yoruichi inquired, interested in her pupil.
''She's well, made it to captaincy as I previously mentioned. She's good as a captain but maybe a tad bit too... bitchy'' Yoruichi cracked up laughing at that, calming herself quickly to hear the rest of the story ''We've had a shitty lieutenant, some ass from the Omaeda clan that rose to power because of social status, I kicked his ass several times but refused Captain Soi Fon's requests to rise to the position instead''.
''You wanted to keep your power low-key'' I presume, to which she smirked and nodded at.
''One does not spend a century growing stagnant under a captain like Soi Fon'' She said ''I've not gotten Bankai, but I'm fairly close to it, I'm around high-level lieutenant at this point''.
''Mm, how have you held up this past century?'' I questioned mildly.
''Not bad, once everyone got their shit together after searching for you guys for five years they promoted a bunch of people who weren't ready for it, I heard rumours that some of the captains didn't even have Bankai, including a certain mad scientist you were familiar with'' Akemi jibbed, pointing to Kurotsuchi ''He's turned the lower ranks of your men into suicide bombs and test subjects, and the twelfth has become a place of fear amongst recruits - hell even the eleventh got more people''.
I sighed ''Well, that's to be expected''.
''What about the kids, Akemi?'' I asked unexpectedly, making the emerald eyed woman give a shrug.
''They've got enough Reiryoku to survive in a Gigai, besides I found that they possess... unusual Reiryoku'' She said uncertainly.
Tessai spoke for the first time ''I have noticed this also, as four of the seven are Hybrids and all seven have unique Reiryoku. One of them is a Quincy-Hollow-Shinigami, one is a Quincy-Shinigami, one is a Quincy-Hollow and another a Shinigami-Hollow''.
''Mm so Aizen's managed to make a stable Quincy-Hollow hybrid? Who knew that was possible, maybe I should've tried with Kurosaki-san to see if it would've worked'' I smiled deviously, rewarding me with a whack on the head from Yoruichi and a punch in the gut from Akemi.
''Anyway'' Tessai continued, completely unfazed ''The last three are individually Quincy, Shinigami and Hollow, though the last one possessed a mask fragment similar to the Arrancar''.
''Oooh, interesting'' I hummed, resulting in a repeated attack from before ''So mean~''.
''So as they grow their powers will also?'' Yoruichi asked and got a nod from the former Kido captain.
''Yes, and their physical age will also develop as they age, since their souls are inherently human'' Tessai continued and got an understanding nod from all of us.
I inclined my head and smirked ''Well, we'll have an interesting time raising them, won't we?''.
Yoruichi and Akemi returned the smirk and Tessai gave a smile in response.
''They're waking up now'' Tessai said, leaning out of the door where the kids lay. In a matter of moments the trio of other residents walked down the hall to said rom, immediately entering it with the large man in tow. Seven futon were on the floor were each kid lay and began stirring, the first of the seven was a young girl of eight, the oldest of the group, and had shoulder length light blue hair. The odd hair colour aside (I thought little Ichigo was weird with bright orange) she had grey eyes and fair skin, said grey eyes were staring at us like she intended to stand up, though by the way she glared at her legs it was obvious her legs were still asleep.
''Hello young one'' Akemi said as she sat on her knees in front of the eldest child, who tensed up.
''Y-Your the one who saved us'' She whispered, voice cracked from disuse that made me wince. Aizen's bastardry knew no bounds.
''That's me, I'm Akemi Natsuki'' Akemi smiled in a soft, motherly voice that seemed to ease the child's worry ''The trio behind me are Yoruichi Shihouin the Goddess of Flash, Kisuke Urahara the pervert and Tessai Tsukabishi the stoic giant''.
''I'm not a pervert'' I whined, getting a 'look' from the other three.
''...anyway, What's your name?'' Akemi resumed and the girl fidgeted slightly.
''U-Um... my name is... Diamond'' She whispered the last part, making me blink slightly. That was odd to be named after a gem, especially since Diamond was rarely used as a name, especially in modern Japan.
''Its a very pretty name'' Akemi smiled, not in the slightest hesitant ''What about the others? Do you know they're names?''.
The now-named Diamond gave a slow nod and gestured to the futon beside her where a young girl with purple hair lay. Her eyes were a bright gold and her skin a chocolate brown, despite the shy look her face showed she looked remarkably like Yoruichi aside from the fact she looked, or possibly was only four.
''I-I'm Amethyst'' The shy girl answered softly for Diamond as a small, nervous smile came to her face ''H-Hi''.
''Aizen-san said that she um... was part of the Shihouin clan'' Diamond continued quietly, a startled gasp coming from Yoruichi. Tessai wasted no time in dragging her out of the room and leaving to the underground training area, less Yoruichi scare the kids with her abdominal anger.
Amethyst looked confused ''Is that a bad thing?''.
''Nah, just that Yoruichi is... excited... to see you'' Akemi continued, faltering only for a moment and too quick for the kids to notice really.
''Oh'' Amethyst responded before hiding under the covers ''I'll just wait under here then''.
Diamond sighed at the other named gem, turning to her right where a girl with long light blue hair (although more noticeably blue compared to Diamond) and bright blue eyes, along with an unhealthily skinny figure and paled skin.
''That's Aquamarine'' Diamond said in a slightly dry tone when said girl hid under the covers ''She's shy... really shy''.
''H-Hai'' Came a soft agreement from underneath the covers. Diamond gestured behind her to a trio of girls all with a different colour of hair, one red, one green and one a deep blue. The three seemed to be in quiet conversation, the red one had yellow-come-gold eyes and fair if not tanned skin, the green haired one had brown eyes and fair skin, while the deep blue haired one had dark blue eyes and slightly pale skin.
''That's Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby... you can guess who is who'' Diamond continue dryly, referencing to the hair distinguishing them.
''And the last one?'' Akemi asked, pointing to the youngest of them all, a far too thin three year old who was blankly staring at them from the right. She had short white hair and startling crimson eyes, her skin almost as white as her hair with lithe fingers.
''That's Crystal, she just does that, I don't think she knows how to speak yet'' Diamond shrugged ''Can you, Crystal?''.
The girl didn't respond, barely even acknowledging her. Hell she didn't turn her head, just continuing to give us a blank stare. Aquamarine came out from under her blanket and waved a hand in the youngest face, successfully drawing the girls attention to Aquamarine. However when Diamond spoke to the girl again she didn't react, simply continuing to stare at Aquamarine's hands before she vanished under the blanket. For a three year old she could be kinda creepy.
''Maybe she's deaf?'' Akemi guessed just as Tessai and a tired Yoruichi came back ''Tessai can you check the white-haired one, Crystal, for any neural deficiencies like verbal impairment, hearing impairment and such?''.
''Of course'' The large man said and knelt down next to the girl, who turned a blank gaze on him as he ran a diagnostic Kido over her. Two minutes later he retracted his hands ''Her body has been... 'modified' by Aizen, unlike most people who have certain deficiencies where their voice box would be damaged, she completely lacks it. Not to mention she also mostly lacks the ability to hear anything, however her sight is at a far higher resolution than most souls''.
''Poor kid'' Akemi smiled sadly at the young child, who was now snuggling back into her futon sleepily.
''That aside, Welcome to the Urahara Shoten~'' I sang, holding a fan in front of my face and making Amethyst giggle shyly.
''Yay'' Diamond said, still using a dry tone.
The first few days had been awkward and the only kids who really attempted to make conversation was Amethyst and Diamond, though the former was usually because she was related to Yoruichi and the latter because she was the oldest. Thing gradually became more cheery and the seven girls became more open, Diamond even asking for training on her abilities, being the mystical Hollow-Quincy Hybrid we were limited to how much we could teach her, but it turns out she did learning on her own, all she needed was a little push.
It seems as if in a flash the years went by as we grew close to the children, and they grew close to us too. Their powers increased over the span of a decade at a rate benefitting of prodigies, and despite their odd names, their hair colour and their respective personalities based on their gem they were named after, they were powerful. Not only that but they had matured over the span of the decade, now instead of children they were teens and had a mind and body of one.
Crystal, formerly three years old - now thirteen years old and standing at 4'6, had maintained her skinny figure since her childhood, either from her genes or from underfeeding. Her white hair had grown long and down to mid-back, her crimson eyes forever prominent against her pale skin. She had never regained the ability to speak and couldn't hear conversation, but instead had surprising skill in lip-reading, paired with her excellent skill in Reiatsu detection she mostly made up for it - though its possible she's begun using sound waves to hear when someone begins speaking, but not the actual words. She, being the only one who possess the power from all three races, was undoubtedly the strongest even if her powers were taking time to be unlocked.
Amethyst had become one of the fastest of them all in Shunpo, considering the Shihouin family being specialized in Hoho and training under Yoruichi herself. Not to mention the boost she got upon unlocking her hollow mask, surprisingly by communicating with her hollow instead of fighting for dominance. Her hair was now in the same fashion Yoruichi had it except with two small braids behind her, stopping at her lower back. Her body had become more curved like the Shihouin women too, her chest nearly as big as Akemi already at the physical age of fourteen and standing at 4'11.
Aquamarine's shy and reclusive nature never left her, even as she grew to fourteen years old. Her straight light blue hair went to her lower back with her bangs cupping her gentle face, large blue eyes like the deep sea. Like the others she retained a petite form from lack of eating in the earlier years, but that didn't hinder her combat abilities in the slightest it seemed. Her Quincy and Shinigami powers had made her stronger despite her lithe appearance, even if she had not achieved Bankai yet. It also turns out she is the only one of the 'Gem Sisters' that had actual blood ties, that being with Sapphire to nobody's surprise as she stood at 4'10.
Diamond was the eldest of the group as always and standing at 5'3, her eighteenth birthday only a few weeks prior. She had grown into a fine young woman, long faded blue, almost crystalline hair that her just past her shoulders, cool grey eyes and fair skin. Much like Amethyst her body gained the curves that came with maturity past the teenage years, her chest matching if not surpassing Akemi and nearing Yoruichi's size. Her ability lay in defence, as shown by how she naturally summoned her Hierro and Blut Vene within the first few weeks of training. However she also had a nasty offense too, further enhanced by her Blut Arterie.
Emerald was only just a Quincy, but a powerful one at that. She stood at 5'1 and a half, her green hair reaching her chin in a straight manner, brown eyes hiding the intelligence behind them. More often than not she has assisted me in experiments, despite the fact she was previously experimented on and should have suffered a sort of instinctive fear of it, but who knows why she likes it. Her form had become lean and regained a bit of colour from her previously pale-ish skin, nimble fingers read to draw her bow in an instant. She was a marksman if nothing else, aim so incredibly precise that she could shoot an arrow through a hollows eye from fifty metres away, while both were moving.
Sapphire was the only regular Shinigami, however just like Emerald she was easily on par with a weak captain. Her deep blue hair stood out as unnatural and went down to her lower back in a smooth, water-like way. She was like a younger Unohana in most if not all respects; she was strong, she was adept in Kido and Kaido, and she could be incredibly intimidating just by smiling, which was creepy since she only stood at 5'1 and I stood at 6'0. Her deep blue eyes reflected her person; beautiful but if you let your guard down for even a moment, death is certain. A perfect analogy for her, for her personality is kind and motherly but also sharp and deadly when she wants to be.
The last one, Ruby, was the only true Hollow of the group, or rather Arrancar. Her spiky red hair remained the same unlike the rest of her, which became toned muscle and a lean form at 5'0. Her hollow-like eyes always burning with the hidden anger towards their former torturer, Aizen. She mainly focused on Hakuda and Zanjutsu, rarely releasing her Zanpakuto after nearly blowing a hole in the training grounds ceiling from the pressure she exerted. However even without releasing she had access to a few abilities besides the natural Arrancar ones, such as fire-based attacks from her Zanpakuto, gaining her a fire affinity and how she gradually became obsessed (maybe a bit too harsh a word) with fire, matching her usual fiery attitude.
She ate the fire, and was alright afterwards. Obsessed I say.
Anyway, things were on track with my plans against the Hogyoku. Rukia Kuchiki had fought and lost against the hollow, resulting in Ichigo Kurosaki gaining her powers through a power transfer. She'll be enrolled at the school tomorrow and I'll be sending Sapphire over there to watch over Ichigo, he's shown to be a good kid despite how he's grown up but one can never be too careful, he might just become power hungry - though I doubt it.
''Sapphire-chan~'' I called and after a few moments of silence the Shoji door to my lab opened, revealing the fifteen year old Sapphire, dressed in Pyjamas ready for bed.
''Yes, Kisuke-san?'' The graceful teen asked politely.
''I need you to watch over Kuchiki-san and Kurosaki-san in your Shinigami form tomorrow until they return to the Kurosaki household, just make sure he doesn't abuse his power'' I smile before quickly adding ''And if he refuses to use the powers of a Shinigami or do Kuchiki-san's duties, then try and convince him please''.
The navy haired teen smiled and nodded ''Of course, Kisuke-san''.
''...so that's why my classmates could see you'' Ichigo concluded.
''Precisely, and so...'' Rukia smiled ''Until my powers return, you will have to do the work of a Shinigami.
''...what?'' Ichigo said, his brain rebooting as question marks flew around him comically.
''Its only natural'' Rukia continued ''You have the powers of a Shinigami, you don't have the right-''.
''I refuse!''.
''...to refuse'' Rukia finished before blinking owlishly ''What?!''.
''I don't want to fight such monsters ever again!'' Ichigo said, putting his foot down both figuratively and literally.
''Ridiculous! You did fine yesterday!'' Rukia exclaimed.
''That's because my family was being attacked'' Ichigo retorted ''But I'm not about to fight for complete strangers. Sorry to disappoint you''.
He turned to walk away when I Shunpo'ed a few feet ahead of him, making him take a reflexive step back in surprise and Rukia to widen her eyes in obvious fear. I smiled warmly at both of them, speaking before they could get over their shock.
''I think you should be wiser about choosing, Kurosaki-san'' I smiled ''After all, what if your family was attacked again? Your large Reiatsu is practically a lantern, not to mention its already beginning to affect your human friends''.
He blinked in surprise and apparently finally noticed my uniform ''Oh you're a Shinigami?''.
I nodded ''My name is Sapphire Urahara, nice to meet you Kurosaki-san''.
Before Ichigo could respond Rukia did ''You're related to that perverted shopkeeper?!''.
I chuckled, holding a hand over my mouth to dim the noise ''No, I'm not related to him, he merely allowed me to use his last name since myself and my sisters lacked one, it is nice to see you too, Kuchiki-san''.
''You know us?'' Ichigo said with a suspicious frown, though my own expression didn't change.
''Of course, even if you weren't connected to the spirit world it wouldn't be too hard because of your reputation'' I chuckle again when he scowled ''I am merely here to recommend you take up the mantle of a Substitute Shinigami, as it is not permanent and offers you a better ability to protect your friends, Kurosaki-san''.
He frowned, though it was clear I was getting through to him so I continued ''If you would like, I could assist you in controlling your powers more and unlocking your full power, which I know is far beyond your current strength. Do not feel pressured to take up my offer, merely keep it in mind... I've left the address on your desk at home''.
Before he would inevitably burst about me stalking him, I leave the area in a burst of Shunpo.
It was six thirty in the evening when a now-familiar Reiatsu came to the Urahara Shoten, and I of course went to the door to answer it ''Welcome, Kurosaki-san, have you decided to take up my offer of some training?''.
''Yeah'' Ichigo said, already in his Shinigami form as I led him to the back of the store. We went undisturbed as I led him to the trapdoor and we both went down to the bottom, and when we did his eyes widened and jaw went slack.
''How the hell is there all this under here?!'' He bellowed in shock and I laughed behind my hand.
''Imagine what it was like when I was five, it took me almost twelve hours of walking to reach the other side of this place on foot'' I paused before smiling wryly ''Then again I may have gotten lost a few times, so give or take a few hours''.
''How long have you guys been here?'' He said in innocent curiosity ''You said you and your sisters weren't related to the Urahara guy, so how are you here then?''.
''A kind woman named Akemi saved us, and brought us here, we've been here for ten years'' I say and winced ''Its a rather touchy subject, if you don't mind''.
''Of course, sorry'' He said sympathetically and I smiled.
''Anyway, we'll cover the basics first'' I say and sit down on a slab of rock, gesturing for him to sit on the one opposite me to which he complied ''There are three main types of spirit energy; Reiatsu, Reishi and Reiryoku. The easiest to understand is Reishi, which is energy that is in the very air, think of it as the oxygen of the spirit world. A race of spiritually aware humans, known as Quincy, can use Reishi to create weapons from them, mainly bows. Following me so far?''.
He nodded so I continued ''Reiryoku is the energy within all spiritual beings, sans regular plus souls. This Reiryoku is used on almost every spiritual-based use, such as using Kido, using your Zanpakuto's power if it is non-melee, and the high-speed movement Shunpo. Reiryoku is essential to a Shinigami's survival, because if you have absolutely no Reiryoku left a Shinigami will either die or go into a comatose state until their Reiryoku levels are back to full. Stronger Shinigami have larger Reiryoku reserves, and you yourself have quite a large amount, far more than people who have lived for a century''.
He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment making me chuckle before moving on ''Reiatsu is the gravitation force exerted by a Shinigami. It is tied to Reiryoku in that the stronger someone is, the more their Reiatsu will affect those around them. For example if I were to unleash my own Reiatsu on you...''.
I unleash only half of my full power down on him, caught off guard he hunched over as the breath left his lungs. It only lasted a few moments before I recalled it back to me, the weight disappearing in an instant. I waited patiently as Ichigo regained his breathing to a decent extent before resuming my speech.
''That was only half of my full power'' That made his already wide eyes go even wider, if possible ''As you can see, Reiatsu creates a gravitational force around the person. Reiatsu can be countered by one flaring their own Reiatsu, however if it is insufficient to counter their opponents then it doesn't affect the Reiatsu, however if you do possess enough to reduce the force of the Reiatsu it will remove some of the strain''.
''Damn that's powerful'' He grumbled, adjusting his position back on the rock.
I smiled ''Would you like me to continue?''.
''Yeah, sure'' He nodded attentively, and I was pleased to see he was actually taking this seriously.
''Alright, next are Zanpakuto - like the one you are holding. Zanpakuto, believe it or not, are actually sentient. They are born from their wielders soul into an Asauchi, in other words a nameless sword. Zanpakuto have their own unique names, personalities and everything a Shinigami has. To learn their name the Zanpakuto usually has some kind of test for their wielder, to see if they are worthy of earning their name''.
''But if they're born from our soul, why wouldn't they give us the power anyway? Because if we died then they would to, right?'' Ichigo inquired and I nodded.
''That is true, however look at it like this; Why is it when you get a job, you aren't immediately given large amounts of money on the first few weeks or months of the job?'' I asked.
He blinked and a thoughtful look came over him, it lasted only for a few minutes before he said ''Because they don't trust you?''.
''Close'' I smiled ''They wouldn't pay you because they wouldn't know if you'd work hard and earn that pay. The same applies to Zanpakuto; while they know of their wielders potential, they will only give their name once they think their wielder will be committed to it, and not just give up halfway through. Another reason for this is that if one gains access to too much power right off the bat it could have serious side effects, most likely death of over-intoxication of Reiryoku''.
''Zanpakuto have three states; Sealed, Shikai and Bankai. The sealed state are simple, traditional swords that vary in forms, such as Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto and Nodachi most commonly. In sealed form they lack usually lack any actual abilities besides the ability to Konso dead plus spirits and use it as a melee weapon. In Shikai they will gain abilities unique to each wielder, for example I will show you mine''.
I stood up and Shunpo backwards around twenty feet, drawing my blade. I slowly began spinning it by the hilt, slowly going faster and faster as it glowed a bright gold and it grew longer, and I smiled when I noticed the look of awe in Ichigo's eyes.
''Rankle the seas and heavens, Nejibana'' I called as my Zanpakuto fully transformed into a trident, water lapping around me ''All Shikai are unique to their wielder, some are elemental like Nejibana, while others are melee types that don't have any ranged attacks, while some are Kido-types that mainly use energy-based attacks, its a pretty diverse system''.
With that I resealed Nejibana and sheathed her, Shunpo'ing back over to Ichigo and sitting down before continuing ''The final release of a Zanpakuto is Bankai, to earn the final release you need to manifest your Zanpakuto Spirit in the physical world and defeat it in either a battle or sometimes a challenge, then from there you've achieved Bankai. It doesn't stop there however, as you will continue to improve as time goes on and with it your Zanpakuto''.
''So how do I talk to my Zanpakuto?'' Ichigo asked, looking at the hilt of his sword over his shoulder.
Smiling I sat in the Jinzen position and placed my Zanpakuto across my lap, pulling out an Asauchi from seemingly nowhere and throwing it to him, when in actuality it was behind me the whole time behind a Bakudo ''Just do this and calm yourself, it should happen by itself after a while''.
Nodding, the orange haired man mimicked my position with the new Asauchi and waited patiently, minutes turned to hours as I waited. He went into his inner world near the one hour mark and it was now the second hour mark when his eyes reopened. I waited for him to speak, to which he did after a few moments of silence.
''I found him, his name's Zangetsu'' He grinned in a prideful manner making me blink.
''You heard his name?'' I questioned and he nodded. I blinked several more times before nodding to him ''Well... it seems like you're far stronger than I could've guessed, Kurosaki-san''.
''Eheh, thanks'' He said, rubbing the back of his head in an embarrassed motion.
''Does that mean you can use Shikai or...?'' I trailed off and was mildly surprised when he shook his head.
''Nah, they said while I can hear their name I need to get stronger to wield my Shikai'' He shrugged.
''They?'' I questioned incredulously, only two Shinigami were known to possess two spirits, and they were duel wielders...
''Yeah, one of them is an old guy in a coat and the other was a white doppelganger of me, who hates it when I call him Shiro Zangetsu'' He grinned and I continued to politely blink in stunned surprise, before my brain caught up to one of his earlier statements.
''You said you needed training?'' I ask and he nodded ''I have a brilliantly dangerous idea then''.
He paled and I laughed into my hand, before regaining my composure ''Seven days straight combat, no breaks for sleep, no break for food or water, nothing but straight combat. Its guaranteed to bring your skill level up to a pretty high degree, so you'll be good for when Soul Society comes knocking''.
His protests died on his lips at the last remark ''What do you mean? The Soul Society is where souls go right? Why would they come here?''.
''Apologies, I forgot to mention'' I smiled apologetically ''I shall explain the Gotei 13 later, but to keep it short Kuchiki-san is in trouble because she gave you her powers, since it is technically illegal. Its not only possible but quite likely that she'll be given a heavy sentence, given that she is, as you humans say, royalty for all intents and purposes - meaning since she is part of royalty she'll basically get the punishment much more harsher because she's a noble''.
''But that's bullshit! She helped me defend my family!'' He argued and I nodded patiently.
''Soul Society is very traditionalistic. They still have the same laws from centuries ago, some from even a millennium ago'' I chuckled ''The man who runs the Gotei 13 - the military - is almost as old as soul society itself. He's at least three thousand years old, and he formed the Gotei 13 two thousand years ago''.
''Damn'' Ichigo acknowledged ''How strong is he?''.
''Hm, basically he could kill you when you're in his presence from almost a forty feet away'' I say and his eyes widened ''He's the commander of the Gotei 13 for a reason; no Shinigami has ever been born stronger than him, so he remains the commander, but back onto the topic''.
''Well I can't just up and leave my friends, they'll get suspicious - not to mention I can't leave my family alone'' He argued dismissively with a hint of bitter resignation and sadness.
''My sisters can look after any Hollows that appear and protect the town while we train'' I offer ''And I'm sure you could find an excuse for your family... perhaps that their is a school trip out of town for seven days? I need to talk with Isshin-san anyway''.
He perked up ''You know my dad?''.
I smiled, the lie rolling off my lips ''Yeah, my little sister gets her medicine from the clinic often, however she is just as often unwell so I go in her place''.
''Please tell me he didn't do anything ridiculous'' He grumbled.
''He only faked crying to Yuzu-chan several times... in front of an audience'' I smirked lightly and the teen groaned ''Come on, lets go...''.
''Isshin-san has important stuff to tell you''.
''WELCOME HOME ICHIGO!''.
Said teen grabbed the doctors ankle, immediately slamming him into the wall comically ''Hey dad''.
''You're getting b-'' He paused upon seeing me in my Gigai, eyes glinting between familiarity and confusion.
''Hello, Isshin-san'' I smiled ''I've come for more of my sisters pills, the ones you got in stock yesterday?''.
Isshin looked confused for a moment before he sprung up ''Of course! Follow meeeee!''.
His cry carried with him as he ran through the house into the medical wing of the building, with a grumbling Ichigo and me in tow. Ichigo swiftly greeted his sisters and I offered a polite smile and greeting, to which Yuzu returned and Karin sceptically did so, as she had never met me. Ichigo gestured to the door and just told me to go get the medicine and he'd be at the Shoten tomorrow, with water-like movement I slid to the door and quickly entered the office, following up by putting a silencing Kido around the room.
Isshin sat at the desk with a serious face on, I only came to visit when something in the spiritual world was related. So with a small sigh I sat down at his desk on the opposite chair.
''You need to tell him, Isshin-san'' I said softly, looking at the man ''He came to me for training... he's already learned his Zanpakuto's name. Granted he hasn't learned Shikai because his Zanpakuto prohibited it, but he said there was a pure white copy of him and an old man, and I'm sure you can guess who they are given his heritage''.
Isshin sighed ''I know, Sapphire-chan, its just... how will he react? To that I kept a secret from him that would've allowed him to save his mother, he'll get pissed at me and then pissed at himself''.
''But its better to hear it from you and your reasons, than from his spirits, is it not?'' I asked quietly ''If he knows of his heritage, I can train him to better as can my sisters, make him stronger and more able to handle when soul society comes... and a better chance at killing Aizen''.
He grimaced ''Fine... but stay here while I get him, I'll need help for this''.
''Of course'' I smiled to ease some of his worries, which worked slightly as he returned the gestured. He opened the door and poked his head through the invisible sound Kido and called out to Ichigo, the teen joining us in seconds.
''What's up?'' He asked with a frown upon seeing me still present.
''Isshin-san wanted to have a talk with you, and deemed it necessary for me to be present'' I answered smoothly as Ichigo dragged up another chair after the door was shut ''This is important, and don't go freaking out on us okay, Kurosaki-san?''.
He sighed and nodded ''Yeah whatever, now spit it out old man''.
''Your mother...'' Isshin began and Ichigo tensed immediately ''...was no ordinary human''.
Ichigo widened his eyes ''What?''.
Isshin raised his gaze to his only son, his seriousness showing through his aged eyes ''I used to be involved in the spirit world, Ichigo... I never told you because I didn't want you to be involved in it, its a dangerous place, and if soul society knew I had left because I wanted to marry a human girl I would be executed on the spot''.
''Y-You were a Shinigami?'' He stuttered in shock.
''Mm, former captain of the tenth division of the Gotei 13'' He replied and he lowered his eyes ''I lost my powers a long time ago, sacrificing them to protect your mother from a Hollow, that's why I never showed you, and another reason why I never told you - I'd have no proof I was telling the truth''.
''Your mother was a Quincy'' I carried on, giving Isshin a break ''I never knew her well when I myself was a child, only seeing her in passing and exchanging few words with her. She also lost her Quincy powers shortly after your father lost his... it was a hollow who killed your mother, Kurosaki-san...''.
Ichigo looked at his feet ''This... is a lot to take in''.
I smiled and patted his shoulder ''I know it is, but the reason we wanted to tell you was so you knew your origins; that your father is Shinigami, your mother is Quincy and you inherited both their powers along with...''.
I stopped and looked at Isshin, who carried on ''Masaki was infected by a hollow, that's the reason I lost my powers - because I sacrificed them and my position in soul society so she would survive, as at the time Kisuke Urahara hadn't been able to successfully find a way for a Quincy-Hollow hybrid to exist, since if a Quincy is infected by a Hollow they die, their soul literally exploding''.
Ichigo eyes widened at that before he frowned slightly ''You imply that he now has''.
''Mm, my eldest sister Diamond is a Quincy-Hollow hybrid and my youngest sister Crystal is a Shinigami-Hollow-Quincy hybrid'' I smiled at the teen.
''...are you guys all named after gems?'' He asked perturbed making me chuckle behind a hand.
''Yes, we are'' I said with a smile ''Anyway, continue Isshin-san''.
Said man nodded ''I locked away the hollow in Masaki's soul with my powers, however after she was killed by a hollow... my seal disappeared, since she had died. What nobody expected was the hollow to be passed onto you, becoming part of your soul permanently''.
As Ichigo's eyes widened in apparent fear and worry, I squeezed his shoulder reassuringly ''Don't worry, some of the others also have inner hollows too and they've coped, and if we can at the age of seven, then I have no doubt you can. Besides, if you die, he'll die. So just befriend him, he'll probably kick you around, but he'll never kill you''.
Apparently reassured at that, I released his shoulder and allowed his father to finish up ''Basically son, you're a hybrid of a Quincy, a Hollow and a Shinigami. Sapphire-chan and her sisters can help you control that power, since my own is still recovering. I'll see you in a week son''.
I blinked ''You knew of my plan?''.
He grinned ''Kisuke sent a message ahead''.
I sighed ''Of course he did''.
''Why did you come again Rukia?'' Ichigo grumbled as Rukia trailed behind me as we climbed down the ladder.
''Because I need to be near you encase a Hollow appears'' Rukia retorted.
''That will not be needed, Kuchiki-san'' I remark, not looking behind me ''My sisters are covering the town for the week, though I will not deny you access at watching us training''.
''Sure'' Rukia replied, she was obviously still sceptical of me.
We jumped the rest of the way down, which was only like five feet. At the bottom was Crystal standing motionless beside the ladder with her usual blank stare, upon us landing she turned to us but continued to stare blankly, creeping my guests out.
''Crystal'' I call and the girl turned her bright crimson eyes on me ''I want you to fight Kurosaki-san for seven days straight, alright?''.
''Seven days?!'' Rukia exclaimed with a look of horror on her face.
The girl merely nodded and ejected out of her body without so much as twitching, Ichigo doing the same a moment later. Both stared at each other for a moment before Crystal was suddenly gone, right behind Ichigo with a blade in each hand. Ichigo barely reacted in time, rolling to the side with a surprised gasp as he jumped back to avoid a roundhouse kick from the petite girl. She wore the Shinigami Shihakusho but with a sheathe on each hip and two across her back in an X shape, totalling up to four swords.
''I-Impossible'' Rukia muttered with wide eyes at the sight of four swords, the ones from her hip already drawn ''Captain Ukitake and Captain Kyoraku are the only two Shinigami with duel wielding swords, no Shinigami has ever been recorded to have four swords!''.
''Well Crystal has them'' I say and whistle, making the mute girl cock her head in my direction, both blades still pressed against Ichigo's larger one ''If you are not careful Ichigo, she will kill you. If you do not perform at your absolute best, then you will find four blades pierced through you. Good luck, you'll definitely need it''.
With my message said I give a gentle but dismissive wave and Crystal resumed her task, lashing out unpredictably and ruthlessly with her duel swords. Ichigo couldn't even attack, for she was attacking far too quick for him to even move.
''You have to stop this! You'll kill him!'' Rukia screeched at me.
''He's fine'' I replied calmly ''The soul develops faster in the wake of its termination, therefore fighting an opponent who comes at you with cold killing intent puts it into overdrive. Crystal is mute and deaf, its also possible she has some mental deficiencies as well that limit emotions, but we've never found any proof of it. Despite that she is the strongest of my sisters, undoubtedly powerful enough to face against a few Captains at once''.
Rukia gave a disbelieving look but remained silent, returning her gaze to the fight,
Three days had passed, and Ichigo already looked ready to pass out. Despite that he kept fighting, and he kept getting stronger each time he got his second wind. He had yet to unleash his Shikai, yet he was slowly gaining ground against Crystal.
With a growl he shoved the far smaller teen back, only for her to come back with all the ferocity of a rabid tiger. She raised his large blade over his head to block the two downward strikes, their blades rattled as they pushed against each other and Crystal was the first to break off, doing a flip backwards as she abruptly threw her both of her katana at me. With a surprised yelp I jumped back a few feet so they landed in front of me, only for Crystal to appear again and pick one of them up and put it in her mouth, the blade pointing to the right.
She drew her remaining two blades from over her shoulder, immediately using the last katana as a springboard to launch herself at me. I raised my large blade up and blocked the attack, but I was still sent skidding back from the force she exerted despite her lithe frame. She abruptly put all her weight into her right blade, contorting her body around so her back was exposed yet disabling my ability to hit her. She brought the left blade around and swung at me and forcing me to tilt my body uncomfortably to the side. I was surprised as she used the blade she was holding in her jaws to lash out at my head, missing by less than an inch as I tilted my head.
A soft metallic clank was heard and I momentarily darted my eyes to it, revealing it to be the Asauchi Sapphire had given him. Before I could even begin planning how to draw it without lowering my defence, Crystal apparently continued her unpredictable onslaught. She twirled in a quick spin, her right katana sending off sparks against my larger one as she took her weight off it to continued her momentum, her left blade coming inside my guard and hitting the back of my blade and sending my blade forwards, though I retained it in my grip.
Her right blade came in viciously as she followed the momentum of the initial spin and pierced through my right shoulder, her mouth-katana dragging a short but deep line down my back. Mercilessly she retched the blade from my shoulder and bounced back with deadly grace, giving me a breather. Despite the pain in my shoulder she didn't strike anything that seriously encumbered my arms movement, so I drew out the Asauchi and held it in that hand with the larger one in my left. The differences in size made the weight feel off and I took a few moments to adjust my weight distribution to get used to it.
I had only a handful more seconds to catch my breath before she came at me like a viper, eternally blank expression withstanding.
Seven days had now passed, and Ichigo felt like a brick. He was barely even thinking at all anymore, only reacting to the stoic girls onslaught out of survival, even then he had yet to score a cut on her and when he did land a hit, he never drew blood, instead creating sparks.
He rolled to the side just in time to avoid the blade that came flying at him, seems like she had a habit of doing that. With a burst of power he used a bastardized version of Shunpo, dodging a sudden slash from the speedy girl. She rapidly began jabbing out, thrusting the two swords in her grip forwards repeatedly like bullets as he had to continuously backtrack to avoid them, lashing out myself with the Asauchi like a Tanto while using his oversized Zanpakuto he got from Rukia's power like a shield, as it was too large for close quarters.
Just as abruptly as always she changed rhythm, blocking the Asauchi with her right and pushing the larger sword (Can it even be classified as anything?) away from him and leaving him exposed, to which she took full advantage of by creating a long cut down his front with her sword that remained in her mouth, despite the logic her grip should be weak.
Ichigo grunted and took a step back, rearing his leg up and attempting to kick her. He barely brushed against her clothing before she moved back again, rolling back. He felt a rush of abrupt power fill him and his large Zanpakuto, so he raised it overhead and swung in a cleaving motion, creating a large crescent wave of energy to fire at the petite girl. If she was surprised by the newly learned attack she didn't show it, if she could show it in the first place. She merely rolled to the side, avoiding the large beam as it tore through the ground and a large rock formation before dissipating, leaving a long crater across the ground.
With an audible thud, Ichigo fell to the ground unconscious, his Reiryoku reserves incredibly low and his body out of it. Sapphire appeared in a blur and put his Asauchi back into his sash and his larger sword over his back before hefting him up. Crystal watched blankly before sheathing her swords, turning and heading towards the ladder. She sat down next to the ladder and put both of the swords on her hips on her lap, closing her crimson eyes and entering Jinzen.
When said crimson eyes reopened, the rocky underground area was gone and replaced by an eternally white plain. It was like a blank piece of paper; pure whiteness, no scenery, no skyline, nothing, just blank white. In a flicker the only other being in this world appeared, her form nothing more than a white body of a nameless man, bright purple eyes and thin, brown eyebrows above said purple eyes.
I nod to the man, mentally saying in my head 'Hello, Hogyoku-san'.
The man inclined his head at me, also mentally replying ''Hello Crystal-san, what do you need of me?''.
It was funny in a way, I was originally a Quincy that Aizen turned into a Hollow-Shinigami-Quincy Hybrid via the Hogyoku, yet what he apparently didn't factor in was that I would unintentionally absorb part of the Hogyoku into me. I was only three or less at the time, so I barely knew I had done so, only that there was a faceless man in my head who spoke through telepathy. It was when I turned seven did we actually form a sort of partnership; I wanted Aizen dead, he wanted to be free from Aizen. It started as a mutual benefitting agreement, and now it was friendship - the only person who could truly understand me.
My powers derived from him, and as such I attained Bankai by fighting him, since he listened to my desire to become strong he became my Zanpakuto. She attained a Quincy release called Vollstandig by fighting him one-on-one with only Quincy techniques (Who knew the Hogyoku could use Quincy powers?) and I obtained Resurreccion through a similar manner, only with hollow powers. I never told Kisuke about it, as the Hogyoku felt that while Kisuke was a nice man, he was too Aizen-like for the Hogyoku's tastes, so I obliged and kept his presence a secret, passing off the occasional lie to the man when writing my replies, saying my inner world was a forest.
'I require nothing at the moment, merely needing a sparring partner' I replied as I drew both of my blades from my hips.
''Very well, I shall oblige'' He responded coolly as in a flash of light a pure white katana formed in his hands.
And we clashed in a flurry of sparks.
One day later, Ichigo opened his eyes with a tired groan and alerting the rooms occupants to his awakening.
''Ichigo!'' Rukia cried in relief.
''You mustn't be so loud, Kuchiki-san'' Sapphire lightly chastised, making the Kuchiki sent the Kurosaki teen an apologetic look.
''Hey'' He groaned, sitting up and running a hand over his face ''I feel like I was just hit by a train''.
''Crystal doesn't really fit the description of a train'' Sapphire smiled, eyes twinkling with silent mirth ''But welcome back to consciousness, Kurosaki-san''.
They were in one of the spare rooms in Urahara's store, and as such Sapphire continued ''Tessai-san healed you up with some healing Kido so you won't reopen your wounds, but you'll feel a bit stiff. Anyways I think its best to leave you to get changed for school''.
Ichigo blanched ''EH?!''.
Sapphire smiled in an almost coy manner ''Well your friends are probably missing you right now, and you've completed your training for now''.
''But I feel like crap'' He tried to bargain.
Sapphire smiled but the temperature dropped several degrees and brought out what was universally known as the Unohana smile ''Is that so? Well perhaps I just need to give you some motivation?''.
Shivers ran down Ichigo's spine ''N-No, its fine...''.
The temperature returned to normal ''Good, the shower is connected to this room. Lets give him some privacy, Kuchiki-san''.
Ichigo grumbled as he walked through the halls to school, he had a shower and gotten dressed at the Shoten, and a large and admittedly intimidating man called Tessai made him breakfast, which I thanked him for.
''Ichigo!'' Keigo cried as he turned the corner, running into my elbow, intentionally or not.
''Hey Keigo'' I say, continuing our morning routine ''Hey Mizuiro''.
''Good morning Ichigo'' Mizuiro replied as me and him walked into class. I sighed and sat down in my desk, giving passing greetings as Inoue, Tatsuki, Chad and Rukia entered and sat at their respective desks. Ochi-sensei entered the room and shushed the rest of the class, smiling brightly at us which only meant one thing; more transfer students, she had an overly good day yesterday, or she'd found something to insult her students with.
''We've got three more transfer students today class!'' She smiled widely and turned to the door ''Come on in girls!''.
With a slight sinking feeling in my stomach I watched as Sapphire walked into the room, followed by a girl with (slightly) bright green hair who held a stoic look, while a girl with an almost fiery red spiky set of hair followed, a scowl on her face. The trio lined up at the front of the class, and Ochi-sensei asked for their names.
''I'm Sapphire Urahara, pleased to meet you all'' Sapphire smiled in her usual gentle way, getting quite a few guys looking at her in a similar manner to how they did Inoue, then she found my eyes ''Good morning, Kurosaki-san''.
Ignoring several surprised looks/glares I gave a nod ''Morning, Urahara-san''.
Continuing on, the green haired girl spoke ''I'm Emerald Urahara, good morning''.
'Kinda cold' I mentally mused dryly, noting how it effectively dissipated several leers or stares.
The flame-haired girl grunted, scowl withstanding ''Ruby Urahara - and if any of you insult our names I'll beat you to a pulp''.
I took mild amusement from the multitude of gulps around the class, leaving almost nobody looking at her in a perverted manner. Ochi-sensei directed the trio of girls to their seats, probably not by coincidence Sapphire took the seat behind me, Ruby took the one near the window and Emerald took one near the front of the class.
Joy...