AN: This is takes place after the events of Borderlands 2 and (Waaay after) the fight between Aizen and Ichigo. So needless to say this will be AU territory.
I don't know how long this fic will last but I hope to at least make a good few chapters.
On another note I am thinking of re-writing The Daddy Dragon and am putting The Hollowed Titan and Legend of the Dragon Kin up for adoption.
Anyways let's start my new fic.
Soul Society: 10 days after Aizen's defeat.
Ichigo Kurosaki had been cooped up in Muken covered from head to toe in spiritual pressure suppression/consuming seals and cuffs for close to 10 days, why you ask? well maybe some context is needed.
Just as Ichigo was about to use the final getsuga tensho Aizen had began to convulse and his body began to disintegrate into dust, why? Well it turned out that the Hogyoku didn't like being subjugated and had rejected Aizen as it's master, it had weakened Aizen to the point that his own crushing spiritual pressure poisoned and crushed him, but Ichigo was unaware of this, all Ichigo knew was that Aizen had died in the most terrifying way possible, having your own body be reduced to dust and being alive to watch it happen.
Ichigo watched in horror as Aizen faded from existence all the while cursing the marble in his chest and on top of that he swore he could hear a child like laugh taunting the would be god before everything went silent, the hogyuku floated in mid air before flying into Ichigo's chest, Ichigo's body felt like the fires of hell burned in his chest then he went numb... Ichigo's world faded to black as he fell face first on the floor.
The next thing Ichigo knew he was sat infront of what he assumed was central 46 bound to a chair and wrapped in black bandages, he could hear them murmuring to them selves, Ichigo let out a pained groan gaining the attention of those present within the room, "Finally you're awake ryoka boy" Said the head of central 46.
"What happened? Why am I here?" Ichigo asked confused and disorientated.
Central 46 once again murmured between themselves once again, Ichigo heard some members say 'Execute him' but some said that he deserved some lenience, but before he could get more context the head member spoke "You are here because we have deemed you to be too powerful and a treat to the status quo of the soul society, we have half a mind to have you executed to prevent a future uprising, however, we have spoken to the captain's and they have convinced us to take a less extreme approach, consider yourself lucky you have friends in high places".
Ichigo looked up a burning rage within his eyes but decided to keep his mouth shut, for once shouting his mouth off was not an option, this was a delicate situation and needed to be handled with care, so with a sigh Ichigo spoke calmly "I see, can I at least know how and why you came to this decision?" Ichigo asked.
With a short nod the head of central 46 explained the reason behind his incarceration, "To be blunt with you Kurosaki the soul society has been keeping a very close eye on you and in turn so have we, we watched your bout with Aizen and it's conclusion. The Hoguoku has merged with you and that is of great concern to us. While your behaviour is erraric and based on your own personal ideals you have always fought for the betterment of Soul Society and for that we are greatful but the potential threat you now pose is greater than Aizen could ever hope to achieve, that is why you are here".
Ichigo listened carefully while taking in the information, he honestly didn't know if he should be offended or not so that was put into the back of his mind but now Ichigo had another question, "If that's the case what are you going to do to me?".
After another bout of murmuring Central 46 went silent "That is up to you Kurosaki, the captain's may have convinced us not to execute you however we may still be convinced otherwise, personally for all it's worth I'd rather not have the blood of a hero on our hands so your fate will be determined by your words so choose wisely, Kurosaki, are you our enemy?" He asked in a booming voice.
Ichigo went silent for a moment, he really had to chose his words carefully now, he knew he had no intention of becoming an ememy but the slightest slip of his tongue will convince them that he is, when everyone thought he wouldn't respond Ichigo spoke up, "No I'm not an enemy, even though I have no real obligation to the Soul Society I do feel loyalty to it and it's people. Before I became a Soul Reaper I had no purpose, no goal in mind, I was just an angry teen-ager fighting his was through school but then Rukia came along and changed my world and I can't thank her enough for putting her life on the line for me, for my family and when she was taken away I had to save her, maybe that wasn't my best decision but in the end it all worked out" Ichigo answered honestly and ended with a small laugh before continuing "After thay as I got to know the everyone better I found myself thinking of Soul Society as a second home, even if it doesn't seem that I do, I really respect everyone here, they are my friends and even if I know that they don't need me too I'd protect them in a heart beat... I know it sounds cheesy cliché but that's my god honest truth". Ichigo concluded with a sad smile.
Central 46 were forced into stunned silence, never before had they heard such a heartfelt confession of respect and loyalty from anyone, even their most Loyal captains haven't spoken so passionately about the Soul Society but this boy a mere baby conpared to them had welcomed the Soul Society into his heart flaws and all, when they were about to respond Ichigo spoke again, "My name is Ichigo Kurosaki, my name means 'One guardian' the name was given to me by my mother who died saving my life, in her memory and with these powers I strive to live up to the name that was blessed onto me and should I ever forsake it I shall burn in hell for all eternity!" Ichigo shouted out and was panting by the end.
Ichigo was met with even more silence until clapps could be heard behind him, Ichigo turned his head to see Yamamoto, Retsu Unohana, Byakuya Kuchiki, Sajin Komomura, Shunsui Kyoroku, Toshiro Histsugaya, Jushiro Ukitake, Kisuke Urahara, Youruichi Shihoin, Renji Abari, Rukia Kuchiki and Hanataro Yamada standing there giving him a standing ovation with a mixture of expressions, sadness, pride and confliction being the major main players, this went on for a few seconds before the head of Central 46 demanded silence.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, your words have determined your fate. As promised we will not execute you but rather seal you away..." Shocked gasps filled the air, no one had expected this outcome, they had expected Ichigo to have his powers removed and then safely returned to the world of the living, this was not what they wanted but before they could protest silence was ordered, "You will be sealed away and hidden in the world of the living for 100 years after that your human life will have ended and you'll be permitted to live in the soul society full time".
Ichigo stared in horror at the judgement that had befallen him, he could have accepted exile, hell even outright banishment to Hueco Mundo but having his life robbed of him was close to murder, what was he to do? No, what about his family? His friends? What will happen to them, this can't happen but before he could respond the binding around him tightened and covered his entire body silencing him.
This is where we Find Ichigo now, Laying on a thin matress in Muken awaiting to be sealed away like a threat, even though Ichigo was thankful for not being outright executed via the Sogyoku still didn't dampen the slight feeling of betrayal he felt deep in his heart but alas his thoughts were cut short by his cell door opening and captain Soifon enterig the room, "Get up Kurosaki, it's time" Soifon said emotionlessly.
Ichigo stood up slowly and walked to Soifon with his head held high, we wasn't going to show weakness not now, Ichigo looked Soifon straight in the eyes and spoke resolutely "Bring it on".
Soifon's emotionless mask faded and she actually let out a small laugh, a small genuine friendly laugh that lasted a good five seconds "Tough to the end Kurosaki, I dare say I'm going to miss you" Soifon said in a uncharacteristically soft tone.
Ichigo smiled at her warmly and nodded "I'll miss you too captain Soifon".
Soifon snorted but retained her smile "You never bothered with manners before so don't start now, I like the rude Kurosaki better".
"Thank you" Was all Ichigo said as he was led away to Sogyoku hill.
When they arrived Ichigo saw all the captians and lieutenants as well his other friends within the soul society, his human friends, Kisuke, Yoruichi and his father waiting for him, Ichigo smiled at them and waved, their expressions were sorrowful and it broke his heart but over the course of ten days Ichigo had convinced himself that being sealed was for the best and had hoped that they thought so too but it was hopeless as Orihime with tears flowing like a river ran and hugged Ichigo with crushing force, second by second Ichigo's will was crumbling, with an equal amount of force Ichigo returned Orihime's hug as tears began to flow from his eyes.
"Ichigo please don't go" Orihime cried.
"I'm sorry Orihime but this is for the best" Ichigo reponded sadly.
"NO IT'S NOT! How could you say that?" Orihime yelled in sorrow.
Ichigo gave a sad smile and hugged her tighter "We'll see eachother again Orihime, when I'm unsealed you'll be here and we can catch up okay? So please don't cry".
Orihime with tears still running down her facr silently nodded and backed away letting the others talk to him. An hour passed as everyone gave their own parting words and condolences the last person to speak to Ichigo was his father Isshin Kurosaki who approached him with the typical Isshin smile, "Don't look so sad son 100 years to a soul reaper is nothing, it'll pass before you know it" Isshin said with faux optimism that Ichigo never caught on to.
"Yeah I know just look after Karin and Yuzu okay Goat chin" Ichigo said with a smile.
Isshin nodded as he bought Ichigo into a bone crushing hug then backed away as Kisuke and Yoruichi approached him with sad smiles, "By the order of central 46 I'll be sealing you Ichigo, I hope you can forgive me". Kisuke said with tears threatening to spill from his eyes.
Ichigo gently smiled and bought Kisuke in for a hug, "There's nothing to forgive Kisuke after all I can't be mad at family, uncle".
Kisuke's eyes widened comically before the tears fell from his eyes and he returned the hug "Uncle Kisuke, that sounds nice Ichigo thank you".
Ichigo then looked towards Yoruichi who already had tears streaming down her ebony cheeks, "Please don't cry Youruichi I hate to see my motherly figure so sad" Ichigo said quietly but loud enough for her to hear.
Yoruichi let out a sob and hugged Ichigo tight "I didn't know you felt that way about me" She cried.
"I do... Can I say something, please?" Ichigo asked quietly.
"Anything" Yoruichi replied.
"Can I call you mum, just this once?" Ichigo asked in a rare moment of shyness.
Yoruichi cried tears of happiness and hugged Ichigo harder "Of course you can".
"Thank you mum" Ichigo said happily and hugged Yoruichi tight.
After a few minutes the tears and goodbyes ended, Ichigo stood up tall and with a sigh he nodded to Kisuke "I'm ready".
Kisuke nodded and placed his palm on Ichigo's chest "The kido I'm going to use on you was meant to be used on Aizen if defeating him became impossible, it is for the sole purpose of sealing away transcendent beings such as yourself, it is indestructible so no one can accidentally break it and kill you, also during the past few days I took the liberty of implanting special kido that will bestow upon you soul reaper knowledge while you are sealed away so by the time you are released you will be a fully educated soul reaper with knowlege taken from the academy curriculum and from the underground archive, you'll be captain material when you're unsealed and we'll welcome you back with a party to end all parties" Kisuke explained briefly.
Ichigo silently nodded as Kisuke began the sealing, Ichigo at this point broke down unable to keep his emotions in check, "Thank you all, thank you for everything, I may not say this enough but you all are very good friends and I love you all as family, I..." Ichigo was cut off as the Kido finished sealing him away.
The seal resembled a 3D snowflake with spikes on top of spikes jutting out in every direction and his zanpakuto not being completely encased stuck out like the legendary Excalibur from the old english sword in the stone legend.
Sadness filled the air as Ichigo was carted away by the kido corps to the world of the living where Ichigo would spend his sentence, little did anyone know that they would never see eachother again as forces beyond all control would force them apart forever.
For eighty years Ichigo lived in permanent darkness, the only company he had was the kido that fed information into his brain, Ichigo was somewhat aware of the world around him, he knew that occasionally he'd have a visitor but never knew who it was, he was aware of the animals that traveled near to inspect his tomb, Ichigo was also aware of the humans that ventured close to him but they never got close, however one day it just stopped, nothing visited him anymore and Ichigo felt lonely, this went on for a furthur ten years before his seal was rattled greatly and he felt a great force send him flying.
The feeling of inertia seemed to last for an eternity before he felt himself crash then nothing, Ichigo once again slipped into peaceful oblivion, completely unaware of the world around him had changed.