A Darkness Rises

GoldDragonZ: This is my third attempt at a story like this. My previous stories were not really that good, and no one really read them. They were rated M as well, yet had very graphic gore and sexual content so I have had to change this up a bit. I hope people really like this story and I want to continue writing them. Please enjoy. This is rated M for mature content.

The following takes place on a different world, where dragons, goblins, elves, dwarfs and wizards lived. Fantastic creatures lived in harmony with the peoples of the land. The tale begins innocent enough as a boy with orange hair was walking home with his mother from school in a neighboring village. They were both wearing cloaks. His was made from blue material and hers from grey material. This boy's name was Ichigo Kurosaki and his mother's name was Masaki Kurosaki. Rain was coming down like cats and dogs. Thunder boomed as lightning streaked across the sky. The boy looked up to his mother.

"Can I hold your hand?" He asked shyly.

"Of course, dear," She said, smiling as she wanted to soothe the boy as he was definitely scared of the thunder.

He was nine years old and taking lessons on how to fish with a spear and hunt with a bow and arrow. They were walking on a hill back to their own village when he saw a little girl walking dangerously close to the water's edge of a river that ran down in the valley next to the hill they were walking on. The banks of the river threatened to overflow and sweep the girl away. Ichigo let go of his mother's hand. He ran down the hill at full speed, his courage coming to him as he wanted to save the girl. His mother called for him on the hill. She dashed for him before he could reach the river. As Ichigo came closer to the girl, he cried out to her as she turned and started walking towards the water's edge. Fear gripped Ichigo as the water roared and he could barely make out the call of his mother before it was too late. The girl disappeared, however there was no splash. Ichigo stopped, and then everything went black.

Ichigo opened his eyes. His mother was on top of him. The rain seemed to be coming down only as a trickle. Ichigo pushed his mother's body, and then he saw it. His hands were covered with her blood...


Ichigo's face was a stoic mask. He showed little to no emotion. His mother's body was wrapped in white linen. Pallbearers took the body into a crypt that was freshly dug. His sisters (Yuzu and Karin) who were four years younger than he was were sobbing uncontrollably. Isshin Kurosaki, their father, had lit a cigarette and was puffing it slowly. His eyes were sad as he watched the grave diggers work. They sealed the tomb. Masaki would be sorely missed. The family wore black. In contrast, wearing white cloaks, there were several Quincy elves that were related to Masaki. Soken Ishida, Ryuken Ishida, his wife Kanae Katagiri and Uryu Ishida were there to pay their respects. Masaki was an elf, and had given up her immortality for life as Isshin's bride. She was now mortal and thus could be killed. As an elf, she had already lived 300 years. As a human, she had spent the last eleven years with Isshin, operating a medical clinic in their small village. Ryuken spoke to Isshin quietly, offering his condolences. They shook hands. Uryu was 5' 10" and stood towering above Ichigo. He looked at the boy and offered his hand. They did not speak. Ichigo could only nod to Uryu as the elf squeezed his hand with compassion. Kanae hugged Yuzu and Karin in a warm embrace, and dried their eyes.

"If you need anything, Ichigo." Uryu told the young boy, "We are here for you. We loved your mother. She was a great elf."

"Thank you, cousin." Ichigo said to Uryu.

Several people from around the village also offered their condolences to the Kurosaki family. Ichigo's friends and their families were also there to show support to the family. There was an unwanted guest among them; however, no one addressed him. His name was Gin Ichimaru. He had purple hair, which was very uncommon in the land. He was wearing a black cloak like the Kurosaki family. His lips were curved up into a smile. His master Sosuke Aizen would be interested in hearing how Masaki met her end at the hands of a special creature that they had created. Gin had been sent to analyze and observe the creature's activities. Gin used magic, and opened a portal. And just like that, using mastery in wizardry, he disappeared without a trace.


They all sat quiet at the dinner table. Isshin had made everyone's favorite foods. Yuzu liked sweet fruits from the market. Karin liked sushi from the fisheries. Ichigo liked hearty soup with oats and meat. But no one moved. They just sat and stared at the plates set in front of them. Yuzu continued to sniffle. Karin tried to be like Ichigo, but could hardly contain herself. Isshin looked solemnly at his children. They had just lost their mother. He had also lost his best friend and lover. He didn't know what to say. He was particularly afraid for Ichigo's well-being. Not showing emotions was just not natural. He could not fathom how his son felt. Isshin reached out his right hand to his son. Ichigo's eyes blinked twice, and then he looked to his father.

"It's okay son." Isshin said. "I'm here."

Tears welled up in Ichigo's eyes. He grabbed Isshin's hand and ran into his father's waiting embrace. Ichigo started sobbing uncontrollably. His sisters were shocked. They got up and joined their father and brother in a bear hug. They were there for each other. They wept. Even Isshin cried for them as they suffered.


The sun rose like it did any other day. There was no gentle shake from his mother. Ichigo woke up by himself. He looked beside him to his sleeping sisters and father and got out of bed. He went to the window and looked outside. Birds were chirping. Dogs were barking. It was a new day. But on the inside, Ichigo only felt hollow. He quietly changed his clothes from sleeping clothes to his outside clothes. He slipped on his hunting boots, and took his quiver with his bow and arrow and went outside. His eyes furrowed. He thought about his sisters and how they were crying for their mother. He thought about his father, who was trying to keep a brave face on. Anger pulsed through his veins. It should have been him, not his mother. He was the one who wanted to save the little girl. He had no idea what had happened to her. Did she fall into the river, or did she just simply vanish? Ichigo needed answers. He walked all the way back to the river where his mother died. There was a wreath of flowers laid beside the river. Ichigo looked around. The blood had dried on the ground. Ichigo shuddered, imagining that the ground itself was moaning from Masaki's life from her blood. Ichigo looked around him. There was no trace of the girl that he saw. There weren't any footprints either. Ichigo could see his foot prints from the days earlier when he ran to save the girl. But there were only his and his mother's footprints. It seemed there was a struggle. His mother's footprints went to his, then went away, and then came back, and went to another direction. It was almost as if she had been dancing. Had his mother been fighting something? And why couldn't Ichigo remember any of it?

Ichigo swore an oath. He would get stronger. He would also find a way to bring his mother back from the dead so that his sisters could have their mother again. He wanted to do this for his family, not just himself. He needed to learn magic. He went back home. He knocked on his house's door and Isshin greeted him, concern on his face.

"Ichigo, where were you?" Isshin asked, concerned for his son. "I was worried sick."

"I need to borrow your horse." Ichigo said, surprising Isshin.

"What for?" Isshin asked.

"I need to go to the Tower of Scrolls." Ichigo said.

"That's a day's trek from here." Isshin said, worriedly. "What could you possibly need from the tower?"

"I'm just interested in learning a little bit of magic." Ichigo said, "I want to know what I can do for mom."

"I don't think it's a good idea for you to wonder around by yourself, Ichigo." Isshin said. "When we decide to go there, like if one of my patients sends for me that is when I will consider letting you go to the tower, if we are in the same neighborhood."

"I won't be gone long, dad." Ichigo pleaded.

"No, Ichigo." Isshin said, putting his foot down. "You're too young to be travelling by yourself."

Ichigo lowered his head and looked at the ground, defeated. He went inside their home, which doubled as the Kurosaki Health clinic. Isshin ran the clinic so that he could dispense medicine and help people who were sickly or wounded. He asked his children for help. He did not want them to feel that they were being pressured to work the clinic, so he asked them instead of ordering them to help him. Usually, Yuzu and Karin would help Masaki look for herbs and spices that would be used for healing. They also spent time foraging for fruits and vegetables in the forest that was just around the bend from their house. But now, it seemed that things needed to change. Isshin could not be everywhere at once, so he needed his children to understand that they needed to be there so that he could watch out for them. They dove into the work. They needed to clean the clinic from top to bottom. Ichigo retrieved water from a well with two buckets. His sisters went through the clinic's inventory to account for all the medicine that they had, and what they needed. It turned out that they needed something from a few villages away. Luckily for Ichigo, that meant that they would need to travel pass the Tower of Scrolls. Ichigo gave the water to his sisters when he came back home. They cleaned the clinic from top to bottom. Isshin fed the horse, and watered the flowers that made up a garden outside their home. Masaki had tended to the garden for as long as they lived in the clinic. Ichigo and his sisters soon finished cleaning the clinic. Yuzu and Karin summarized everything that they needed and told Isshin about how they needed to travel to buy medicine from a neighboring town. Ichigo's eyes lighted up when he realized that they would be going passed the Tower of Scrolls. It was already late in the day, so they had dinner and sat around the fireplace while Isshin told them about how he and his mother had met. Isshin did not want any secrets between him and his family, so he decided to tell them the truth about their heritage.

Isshin's last name had once been Shiba. He had lived life as a soldier and later a general of one of the armies of Karakura. He had learned how to fight at a young age. On a mission to the outskirts of the country of Karakura, he met Masaki, who had been travelling with other elves. They were being pursued by an evil being called an Arrancar. This was a different type of goblin that he had never seen before. The goblin was wearing all black. His skin was black, and his hair was white and wiry. On his head was a black helmet with a white face plate. On the helmet were two horns. His hands were inside gloves and on top of the gloves were black blades. The elves were shooting arrows at the beast, but his armor was thick. He used the blades and slashed the arrows out of the sky as well. Masaki stood up to him, and unsheathed a white sword with a blue hue. She stood defiantly as she wanted to save her fellow elves. Isshin came up beside her and unsheathed his own sword. Together, they fought the Arrancar. He used his blades on his hands to defend against slashes from Isshin and Masaki. The other elves cried out, and Masaki and Isshin immediately dropped to their knees. Arrows flung by their heads. They slammed into the Arrancar's chest, lifting him up off the ground. He flew through the air and then slammed onto the ground. Masaki sprang up and Isshin followed. The Arrancar also got up, and roared like an animal. Isshin wasted no time and ran to the enemy, swinging his sword as fast as he could. Meanwhile, Masaki took out her own bow and arrow. She took out one arrow and knocked it. She aimed and shot the arrow. It slammed through the Arrancar's eye socket. The creature clawed at its face, as it forgot for a second that Isshin was there. Isshin beheaded the beast.

"Are you all okay?" He asked.

"You are valiant man." Masaki said. "No mortal man has ever come to the aid of those of us who are elves. No mortal man has ever defeated these Arrancar goblins. You are truly something special. What is your name?"

"My name is Isshin, of the house Shiba." Isshin answered. "And what is yours, fair maiden of elves?"

"My name is Masaki Kurosaki and these are my kin, the Quincy elves."


"That's how your mom and I met." Isshin said to his children. "I helped her defeat an enemy that she and her kin could not defeat by themselves."

"What happened, father?" Ichigo asked. "How come you are no longer a General?"

"I retired, Ichigo." Isshin explained and then shook his head. . "Taking a life...It takes yours. And forcing people to take lives leaves a foul taste in your mouth. I would rather heal people than hurt people. Remember this, children. Only the most evil of monsters deserve to be killed. I don't want you to worry about battles between good and evil. I just want you all to live well and die with a smile on your face. If you live like that, then I can rest knowing that you all made it."

"If that's the case father," Ichigo said kind of confused. "Why do we hunt and fish? Is that not taking lives?"

"Well yes." Isshin admitted. "But there is the circle of life. We consume plants and animals, and then when we die, our bodies turn into dust, feeding the plants, which the animals eat. We come from the earth and it is to the earth we will return. I'm talking about beings with souls. Fish and animals may not have a soul. Men, Elves, wizards, and perhaps even goblins have souls. That is why I decided to retire from the army."

Ichigo nodded with understanding. Sentient life was valued over other lives. He looked at his father.

"Is it possible to bring back someone from the dead?" Ichigo asked,

"Is that why you want to go to the Tower of Scrolls?" Isshin asked his son. "Do you want to find a way to bring your mother back from the dead? Believe me when I say this Ichigo; playing with that type of magic is very dangerous. You might be able to recreate her body, but her soul is gone. You might bring back something else."

"But father!" Ichigo said. "I have to try. It's my fault. It's my fault that Mom died."

"Ichigo." Isshin said with concern. "No one blames you for your mother's death. You're just a child. I am grateful that you are safe and sound. You could have died as well. I believe Masaki saved you. It was her duty to save you. It is not your responsibility. I will let you learn as much as you can, but you have to know that playing with these dark arts are very dangerous."

Ichigo's eyes widened.

"You mean I can go to the Tower?" Ichigo said.

"Yes son." Isshin said. "The scribes that live there will help you learn as much as you can. I believe that if you want to help people, they will teach you how to heal. You will learn much, and I hope the wisdom they impart to you teaches you about this world."

"Thank you Father," Ichigo said, bowing to show respect...


The horse walked slowly as it had to pull a wagon filled with bags and containers that Isshin was going to use to put medicines, herbs and spices in. He also had bags for bandages that he needed to stock up on. The girls sat with the bags. Ichigo sat up front with his father. They traveled by day and rested at night. They would pull out sleeping mats with blankets and would look up to the stars. The horse slept standing up. Isshin got a fire going and was able to cook a little bit of vegetables and oats for his small children. His children were obedient and did not wonder off. They stayed put and helped Isshin make camp. Isshin sat on his own mat while his children dozed off. He needed to keep watch.

Dawn broke, and the sun rose slowly into the sky. Isshin blinked. He looked to his children. Yuzu sat up, and rubbed her eyes. Karin pulled the blanket over her head, groaning. Ichigo was next to stir. His eyes were puffy. He looked like he had been crying, and yet Isshin never heard him. Isshin got up and stretched his muscles. He went over to Karin and shook her gently.

"Honey, it's time for breakfast!" He said cheerfully.

"Are you okay, Ichigo?" Yuzu asked her older brother with concern etched on her face.

"I'm fine." Ichigo said, wiping his eyes.

Together they started a fire. Ichigo helped put away their sleeping mats and blankets as the girls went into the forest nearby to find fruit. They knew what to look for and did not spend too long as to worry their father. Ichigo helped feed the horse as it too awoke. Isshin poured out oats into four bowls, and poured a little bit of water into each from a flask. He waited for his children to come back to the camp. They joined him and they ate their breakfast, which was oatmeal, with fruit mixed in. The sun was still rising, and it gave an orange hue to the sky. Ichigo sighed. The world seemed not to know that one of the most important people in Ichigo's life died. The world still went on. Ichigo tried but he could not hide the pain from his face. Isshin realized this and started singing a song. His own mother sang it to him when he was a child. He hoped that it would soothe his children as they thought about their dead mother. They finished and traveled to a creek that was nearby. Isshin refilled his flask with water. Yuzu and Karin washed the bowls and utensils as Ichigo got the horse ready to start moving. Soon they were off. Isshin tried to keep humming a happy tune. His children kept an eye out for any danger.

They traveled along a well-traveled road to get to their destination. Soon they could see the Tower of Scrolls from where they were. It was a tall black tower rising high into the sky. Ichigo's heart skipped a beat. He poked his father.

"Father!" He said. "Look, the tower!"

Ichigo pointed to the tower, and Isshin nodded. He looked and saw the tower. They traveled another hour before they met a great wall that surrounded the town that the tower resided. They traveled around the town until they met a gate. Isshin got off the wagon and called out to those who guarded the wall. A man with long white hair looked down from on top the wall. He was wearing dark green armor with gold highlights. He had a spear strapped to his back, and was wearing a black cape which also had red lining underneath it. He also had a scar near his left eye that went down to near his jaw.

"Hello!" Isshin bellowed. "My name is Isshin Kurosaki. I own a health clinic and we are on our way to buy some medicine, ointments and bandages. Would it be possible for my son to stay here and learn what he can from the scribes that live within the Tower of Scrolls?"

"This is not some library that anyone can use to gain knowledge." The guard said. "He will need to prove himself."

"He's just a boy!" Isshin said. "What harm could a little knowledge be?"

"Knowledge is power." The guard said. "Those who are wise and have knowledge can outwit, and outclass anyone that would stand against them. What can you possibly give to me that I can possess that no one else can? If you can give me that, I will consider letting your son enter these premises."

Isshin looked down to his son, whose eyebrows were furrowed.

"Father, let me prove myself to them." Ichigo said, with determination in his eyes. "I will get into the tower."

"Okay!" Isshin called out. "My son will do as your ask. What would you have him do?"

"Tell me," The guard said. "What must the strong do always? What is our duty?"

"We must protect the innocent and defeat evil!" Ichigo cried out. "It's out duty to represent something that can never be destroyed, and that is righteousness."

The guard's eyes widened. A young boy had just said something very wise indeed.

"What is your name, little boy?" The guard asked.

"My name is Ichigo Kurosaki." Ichigo responded. "Son of Masaki, a Quincy Elf, and Isshin Shiba, General turned doctor of Karakura fame."

And then the guard was humbled.

"You should have lead with that, Isshin." The guard said. "My name is Ganryu. Welcome to our walled town that surrounds the Tower of Scrolls."


With respect, Ichigo was let into the town. Isshin and his two sisters hugged him goodbye. They needed to get going to reach the other town that had the items they needed to buy in order to run their clinic. Ichigo would stay here to get knowledge about the magic he wanted to know. Ganryu was the leader of a cult called the Dark Ones. They had once been nomads with no real home. The members were all runaways and mercenaries. They were hired by the scribes that lived within the tower to protect them. The scribes paid them with food, drinks, weapons, magic, and gold. Ganryu met a scribe that was at the entrance to the tower. Ichigo's eyes widened. He never saw clothes that were as white as what the scribe was wearing. The scribe was wearing all white robes, and had a red cone shaped hat on his head.

"Hello, little one." The scribe said, smiling. "How can we help you?"

"I need to learn about magic." Ichigo said. "Is it possible to learn spells that can bring someone back from the dead?"

The scribe's eyes widened and his smile wavered.

"Regarding the dead," The scribe said. "You need to know a lot of magic in order to learn such a spell. It will take years of practice. It will also come at a cost. What can you possibly give us to teach you these spells?"

"My father runs a healing clinic." Ichigo said. "I know how to heal people. I can be there for your guards. I also know how to hunt and fish. I can help feed this town."

The scribe thought about it. Ichigo was just a small boy. He was innocent. And so began Ichigo's learning. The scribes within the tower were all wearing white robes with red hats. Ichigo was inducted into the tower, and had to wear the same uniform. He first learned how to read. His mother had taught him and his sisters how to read, but their lessons were incomplete. Ichigo still had much to learn. Two days went by. On the third day, he was given a break but had to tend to the wounded. He helped the medic of the town and they were able to help several people throughout the course of the day. Ichigo was given a place to sleep within the tower. Isshin and his sisters soon came back, and saw that he was actually studying hard.

"What have you learned so far, son?" Isshin asked his boy.

"I'm learning how to read better." Ichigo said. "It's going to take me a long time to learn as much as I can. I think I'm going to stay here for a while. I need to learn a lot and only these people can teach me. I will get breaks and I will come to visit you guys."

"You mean you're not coming home with us?" Yuzu said, horrified that she would not be living with her big brother anymore. "But Ichigo-"

"I have to do this, Yuzu." Ichigo said. "I have to."

Karin had a frown on her face but she seemed to understand. His heart hurt, but he needed to do this. He hugged his sisters closely and then hugged his father.

"You're becoming a man, Ichigo." Isshin said to his boy. "I will bring some of your things the next time we need more medicine and supplies. Take care of yourself Ichigo."

Yuzu tugged at Ichigo's hand.

"What's up Yuzu?" Ichigo asked.

"I want you to visit us whenever you can." She said. "We're going to miss you lots, okay big brother?"

"I will." Ichigo said. "I promise."

Ichigo walked with his family to the outskirts of the town. Other guards wearing green and black armor were mulling about, waiting for something to happen. They looked to one another. Yuzu's eyes were red with tears. Ichigo hugged her again, squeezing her with affection. Karin joined them. His sisters let go of him. Isshin walked up to Ichigo and ruffed up his already messy hair. Isshin hugged Ichigo and then, they started going apart. Isshin opened the cart with all of the supplies, and let the girls in. He got up on the cart where the horse was pulling it, and he started commanding the horse to go by using the reigns. Ichigo stood there for some time as his family left him in the care of strangers. They trusted that nothing bad was going to happen to him. Soon, his family had gone passed some trees and were out of sight. Ichigo walked back into the walled town, and then went to the tower. The guards closed the gates behind him.


Meanwhile, many miles away, in the center of the Republic of Karakura, there was trouble brewing. The following takes place several days after Masaki's funeral. The Kurosaki family, and the Tower of Scrolls were many miles away, on the outskirts of the country. In the middle of the country was the center, the Seireitei. Powerful wizards, trained soldiers, elves and other beings brought their knowledge and power there. Within the confines of the main palace lived the all-powerful, all seeing, King of Karakura. He was an elf of unknown origin. He did not marry, and had no children. Rumor had it that he could not have children and that was why he was alone. He rarely went outside of the palace walls, and was well protected by his own King's Guard army of soldiers. They were the best of the best, and continued their training. They knew magic spells. Isshin Kurosaki had once lived within the Seireitei, but was not one of the King's Guard. He was still a General, and had a lot of experience. The family of Shiba had been a rich one and they had lived within the walls of the Seireitei for generations. The family was still very much part of the army of Karakura. They still resided in the Seireitei. The leader of the family was named Kaien Shiba, married to Miyako Shiba. Kaien was younger than Isshin. There was also Kukaku Shiba, and Ganju Shiba. Those two were younger siblings than Kaien. Kaien was the lieutenant of one of the armies of Karakura. He was in charge of training those who were new to his army. The general in charge of the army Kaien served was Jushiro Ukitake, head of army 13. He was very sickly, and yet was one of the most respected members of the country and of the army. Kaien took on the role of meeting with the newer members of his army. And thus he met a newcomer, Rukia Kuchiki, who had been adopted into the Kuchiki clan of elves who were predetermined to be in charge of the sixth army. She had been adopted by Byakuya Kuchiki and his grandfather Ginrei Kuchiki. Byakuya's parents had retired and lived across the ocean, on another land. It was up to Byakuya to command his army, and his lieutenant was Renji Abarai.

Renji had lived on the outskirts and met Rukia. They had been a part of a tribe of hunters and wore pelts from animals. Renji wore baboon fur on his back and arms. Rukia and Renji had gone to the academy together and learned about battle. They were partners until the Kuchiki family came and took Rukia away. Rukia was excellent at using spells regarding snow and ice. She wore a white kimono and had two swords strapped to her waist. One was a regular katana with a red and gold hilt. She also used a white katana with a white piece of fabric like a ribbon extending from the hilt of the white sword. Rukia had learned how to use these swords quite proficiently. Now she needed to learn how to work as part of a group.

At first, Rukia felt that she would be shunned as she did not need to write an exam to enter the army. Coming from a privileged family, she was able to get there without the entrance exam. Kaien greeted her like he always did with new recruits. Rukia felt her heart flutter. This man was not impressed by privilege or status. If you knew how to follow orders, and could fight, that is all he needed. He also treated her like a human being. He and Rukia got to know one another. Kaien had similar powers and could use water as she used ice. Kaien's wife Miyako was also a member of the army, serving as another teacher for new comers as well. She was the third seat and Rukia admired her. Rukia learned much from her time with the army. One day, orders came that there was a disturbance from beyond the Siereitei's walls. A small squad of soldiers were asked to investigate. Miyako volunteered. She reassured Rukia and Kaien that she would come back safely. Two days went by. Kaien was teaching a group of soldiers, including Rukia, when another member of their army came running full tilt. It was another member of the squad that Miyako had left with.

"Sir!" He said, out of breath.

"Easy there," Kaien said. "What news from the front?"

"It's bad sir." The man said, painfully. "We were ambushed by a creature. I have never seen the likes of this wretched being in my whole life."

"Where is Miyako?" Kaien asked worriedly, and then he grabbed the man by the shoulders. "Where is my wife?"

"Dead sir." The man said. "They're all dead. No just your wife. Everyone that went with us is dead. I don't know how it happened. It was a little girl."

"What do you mean a little girl?" Kaien asked.

"Your wife saw her first." the soldier said. "Rather, she saw it. We thought the girl was lost as she came close to us. She didn't talk. She only walked up to us. And then, out of nowhere, this giant creature with a massive sword came out. Your wife was shocked, and could not draw her sword fast enough. She was cleaved into two. The monster just roared, and then he sprang at us. I was the only one to get away. I think he let me get away to spread the news about what the creature did to the squad."

"It's called the Grand Fisher." General Jushiro Ukitake said, coming up to them. "We've known about him for some time now. He was never this powerful to defeat one whole squad of soldiers before. Something has changed."

"Sir!" Kaien said, coming to attention, while all the other soldiers got to their feet and stood erect as well. "I request the use of a squad of soldiers to track down this creature and eliminate him."

"Several days ago, your kin was attacked." General Ukitake said. "I believe your family is being targeted, Kaien."

"Who did it attack?" Kaien asked, fearfully.

"It attacked your sister in law while she was walking with her son from one of the villages on the outskirts. I don't know how fast it could travel, but it seems that the more it kills, the more powerful it becomes. It moved really fast. I cannot fathom the level of magic that this being possess for it to travel such a great distance in such a short amount of time. I need to report this to the General Commander, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto . We need to track it down and eliminate it before it kills any more. We need to keep you safe, Kaien. We have no idea what it wants from your family. I will send word to your other family members in order for them to be placed under protection."

Kaien looked back to the other soldiers.

"You're all dismissed." He said, and then he turned to talk to the General Ukitake. "Sir! It's my wife that it killed. I need to find this creature. I need to be the one that kills it."

"I don't think it's a wise move to send you off to your death, Kaien." the General said. "We need other soldiers to go with you to find the Grand Fisher."

"I volunteer." Rukia said, interrupting the conversation. "I have been training for years. I believe that I have what it takes to defeat this enemy."

"I admire your bravery," General Ukitake said. "However, I need to consult with the other Generals as well. I will consider your request, but for now, just be vigilant and get back to the barracks. Kaien, you other soldier; follow me."

The soldiers all fell in line in order to return to the barracks. Rukia felt concern for her commanding officer. Dread filled her entire being. She followed Kaien, General Ukitake and the soldier who reported the bad news to the main meeting hall. Standing at the front of the room was the Commanding General, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Rukia crept around and climbed up one side of the building to a window to listen to what was going on. Ukitake let the soldier speak to the Commanding General. Kaien stepped forward and tried to sell the reason why needed to be the one to track the creature down that had killed his wife. Yamamoto sent word out to all the Generals, who were all presently residing in the Seireitei. Two Generals were unaccounted for as they were on missions with their armies protecting the land. They were Sojiro Kusaka, leader of the 10th army and Sosuke Aizen, leader of the 3rd army.

Yamamoto was leader of the whole army, but mainly took care of the first army.

Soifon was leader of the second army, otherwise known as the Punishment Army that was also in charge of carrying messages.

Yachiru Kenpachi was leader of the fourth army, which was also known as the Medical Healing Corps.

Shinji Hirako was leader of the fifth army.

The elf Byakuya Kuchiki was leader of the sixth army.

Love Aikawa was leader of the seventh army.

Shunsui Kyoraku was leader of the eighth army.

Kensei Muguruma was leader of the ninth army.

Kisuke Urahara was leader of the eleventh army and the Research and Development branch of the army.

Finally, there was Tessai Tsukabishi who was the best wizard they had, and he was dubbed the Sorcerer Supreme of the army. He taught the soldiers the art of magic.

Two messengers made sure to sit and write down the instructions that the Commander would impart as they needed to send work to Generals Aizen and Kusaka.

Rukia listened with intent as the generals discussed what needed to be done. It seemed that someone had something against the Shiba clan. The Commanding General, Yamamoto ordered that all members of the family needed to be put into protection programs. They needed to be moved into the Seireitei where no one could get to them. Kukaku would probably be the most stubborn to move as she lived and operated outside the Seireitei. They would need to convince her that she needed to be protected. As for Isshin Shiba/Kurosaki, he and his family would be left onto their own devices. Isshin had defected from the army of Karakura and could have been deemed a traitor, however, his actions before his defection had given him the ability to retire peacefully. Central 46 was a group of leaders from all 46 districts of Karakura, including areas within the walls of the Seireitei. They would be giving the final order, and all of the Generals needed to do were to wait for their command. The King of Karakura would also hear about this and would be able to give the final order on what needed to be done.


Days stretched into weeks. Still, no word came down from Central 46. Whenever General Ukitake went to ask if there had been any progress, the guards at the gate of the building where the Central 46 all met would say that they were very busy making a decision. Kaien went and convinced his brother and sister that were closest to the Seireitei to follow him and live inside the walled city until further notice. They had to live in temporary accommodations and were limited to how they moved about through the city. It was for their protection. Although several people had survived the encounter with the Grand Fisher, no one knew how it was that he could hide his presence, and only showed a little girl to entice people to follow him or lower their guard. If he could hide his presence, then he could enter guarded areas as well. Tessai Tsukabishi, the sorcerer supreme came up with several spells in order to keep the Shibas safe. He placed a spell over their house. He gave them cloaks that changed the shape of their faces. Only they could know what kind of face they would be using. Rukia was not allowed to go anywhere near them. Her heart ached for Kaien. Whenever she did see him, he walked around with sadness on his face. He had lost the love of his life and was not allowed to avenge her. He needed to stay there for his siblings. Meanwhile, Kisuke Urahara and his army were tasked with finding a way to combat this evil. They tried to piece together the tactics the Grand Fisher used to lower the guards of experience soldiers.

They sent messengers to meet with Isshin Kurosaki on the outskirts, and all he could provide was the tale that Ichigo told him about how Masaki died. Yuzu and Karin were asked to leave the room so that the grownups could talk. No one told Isshin that his sister-in-law had died. He had only thought that he still had friends in Karakura who wanted to offer their sympathies on the passing of his wife. Ichigo was not told or asked anything, and was left to learn all that he could. Isshin could only relay what Ichigo told him. Ichigo had told him about how he thought there was a girl that needed his help. Ichigo only awoke and found his mother on top of him, and they were both covered with Masaki's blood. Isshin told the soldiers from the Seireitei about Ichigo's findings when he went to the area near the river where it appeared that Masaki had fought against something.

The description of the girl, according to what Ichigo told Isshin matched the description of the girl that the squad from Ukitake's army found. Ichigo had faced the creature and lived. However because he was so young, the soldiers tasked with finding out what happened did not want to ask him anything, and had to settle for asking Isshin about what had happened to Masaki. After much talk about what else was happening within the realm, the soldiers had to leave and report to the Head General and Central 46. They were really respectful to the retired general; they made sure to tell him that he was welcome whenever he needed anything from the Seireitei. And thus, they left to file their reports with the proper authorities.


Gin Ichimaru, the Lieutenant for Army Three stood, and keeping watch as the other members of his army were asleep in tents. Other members were also keeping watch; however they were located on the perimeter of the army's camp, facing out in order to spot any trouble brewing. Inside a massive tent was Sosuke Aizen, who was busy attending to other matters. He and Ichimaru had just received word that the Shiba clan was being targeted by the reclusive Grand Fisher. The tent was on the edge of the camp, overlooking a cliff which looked out into the sea on the edge of Karakura. No one saw it, but high in the sky flew a dark figure. It swooped down and barely made any sound to alert the others. Ichimaru was the only being to see the coming creature. It landed at the entrance of the tent that Aizen was in and it opened the flaps to the tent. It transformed from a creature that usually walked on four legs to two. It had a sword sheathed on his back, and had a feather on top of a mask on its head. It entered the tent quietly, as to not wake any of the sleeping soldiers who were in their own tents.

Aizen was smoking a pipe. He was kneeling before a desk, filling out necessary reports to send back to the Head Commander General Yamamoto. He was wearing a sleeping tunic, with white cotton shorts. He looked up to the being that became more human. He transformed completely and looked at Aizen. He bowed humbly.

"I have returned, master." The Grand Fisher said. "I have done as you asked."

"So the boy has been placed on the path of vengeance." Aizen said, smiling. "And his kin are aware that you exist as well, I take it."

"I killed several soldiers and their commander as well." the Grand Fisher said. "They proved to be no challenge for me, my master. I thank you for the power that you have bestowed upon me through the Hogyoku."

"Yes," Aizen said. "You have proven to be most effective. Your task is not over, however. You have one more task, and then you will be free to do as you wish."

"What would you have me do, master?"

Aizen just smiled, his glasses shining in the dim candle light. A plan was slowly unfolding.


Dawn broke upon the land slowly. The sky turned from black to navy blue, to orange with the rising sun. The soldiers within the camp slowly roused. One soldier in particular crept out of his tent. He looked to the sky, and then something caught his eye. There was movement near General Aizen's tent. And then he saw it. It was a massive creature with blood all over his jaws and hands. In its mouth was General Aizen, his body covered with blood. The soldier screamed. Other soldiers rushed out of their tents, swords, spears, axes, bows, arrows, and crossbows were already in their hands. They surrounded the creature that had Aizen's body within its mouth. The creature's eyes glowed red with evil and malice. It spat out Aizen's body and lunged for the nearest soldier. That was Gin Ichimaru. He simply smiled. Something flashed beneath his grey robes. Liquid metal flew from Ichimaru's hand, and it sliced off one of the creature's arms. The creature howled. It had a white mask and a feather on its forehead. It had Greenish brown fur all over its body. Its arms were both red, as if permanently dyed from the blood of its fallen foes. Thus stood the Grand Fisher. The soldiers of the army surrounded the wounded creature. Ichimaru, being the next person to take command, raised his right fist. He had used his magical mastery of his liquid sword to wound the creature. He called out to his men and women who made up the army.

"This is the creature we were warned about." Ichimaru said. "This is the Grand Fisher. This being has been travelling around the countryside, and has killed several members of our army close to home. We need to take it home to make sure it answers for its crimes. I will assume command in General Aizen's stead."

Ichimaru had the Grand Fisher's legs chained to an iron ball so it could not run or fly away. He had what was left of Aizen's body wrapped in white linen. They had to travel back to the Seireitei. Ichimaru sent a raven with the message that the menace had been caught. The raven went right to the Seireitei. Word spread through the Seireitei, and the Shiba clan rejoiced in response to knowing that the Grand Fisher was caught. However there was mourning for the General that had perished. Aizen would be sorely missed. He was one of the most respected generals of Karakura's army. Yachiru Kenpachi performed the autopsy and found that Aizen had died in a struggle against the Grand Fisher. He had defensive wounds on his arms. Ichimaru made sure that the Grand Fisher was placed in a cell within the highest tower. This tower was made up of special stones so that magic could not be used. The Grand Fisher did not speak to anyone.

Kaien, Kukaku and Ganju from the Shiba clan paid off the guards and they stood just outside the cell.

"Grand Fisher," Kaien called out, and then he waited for a response.

They waited several minutes, and Kaien called out again. The monster came to the door of the cell and looked out through the small window.

"You cannot summon me, like some mongrel pup." The Grand Fisher said. "What do you want, human?"

"You killed many people." Kaien said. "You slayed my wife. You killed my sister-in-law. I will see you executed for your crimes."

The monster laughed. Kukaku and Ganju looked to one another but said nothing.

"You think I'm joking?" Kaien said angrily. "Your days of terrorizing this country are over. I will see you executed, even if I have to do it myself."

With that, Kaien turned on his heels. The monster continued to laugh as the three Shiba siblings left him.


The Generals met once more within the confines of the meeting room of the generals of Karakura. Gin Ichimaru was present as he was now promoted to be the General of the third army. The Commanding General, Yamamoto had servants come in and dress the new general with the white coat that all the Generals wore. On the back was the symbol of the third army. The other generals clapped their hands, welcoming the new general to his new post. They praised him on how he captured the menace that had plagued the land. The Grand Fisher was well known within the General ranks as something that had hunted down women and children for many years. Whenever it was confronted, it would overpower those that stood before it, and it seemed that Ichimaru had succeeded where others had failed. It was very curious how it targeted the Shiba clan for some reason. Ukitake would lead the interrogation to find out what the Grand Fisher's goal was. He told Kaien this.

"I can't believe we got him." Kaien said. "I need to be the one to face him. Please General Ukitake."

"Kaien, you know better than to let your emotions rein your actions." General Ukitake said. "You have a personal stake in this, and you might not see things clearly."

"The monster killed my wife." Kaien said, frustrated, "He has to pay."

"I know how you feel, Kaien." General Ukitake said. "Miyako was a good soldier. She knew going into this mission that she might not come back. We all know that about the missions that we undertake, Kaien. And now, General Aizen's been killed by it. It needs to be questioned and we need to find out who sent it after the top Generals of Karakura. They targeted your brother's wife. Your brother was a General of Karakura. It killed General Aizen and Third Seat Miyako who were both high ranking officers of the army. We need to know why, and cannot let you speak with the monster in case it provokes you."

"Oh, I'm provoked alright." Kaien said, "Just make sure that I'm the one who executes him when the time comes."

"Very well," And with that, Ukitake left Kaien in order to meet with Commander General Yamamoto and the other Generals that were present.


Miyako's grave was marked with a white headstone. The grave had been dug. Rukia and the people who knew Miyako best had been present during her funeral. Kaien and his siblings had attended to it, minus Isshin and his children. They had not known. That had been days ago, and now Rukia just stood glumly at her fellow soldier's grave. Rukia had looked up to the woman that was now buried underneath the soil. She was sweet and beautiful, however knew how to use a katana. Rukia looked up into the sky. A lonely hawk could be seen soaring up in the blue sky. Rukia had heard that the army had caught Miyako's killer. She also heard that the creature, this Grand Fisher had killed another high ranking member. She had heard that Gin Ichimaru had been promoted. Being new to the army, Rukia had not spoken to any of the high ranking officers except for the members of her army, General Ukitake, Kaien, and Miyako. She rarely spoke to Byakuya and the elves that had adopted her as part of their family. They seemed to keep to themselves. Several servants made comments on how Rukia resembled Byakuya's late wife, who had died a few years before Rukia was adopted into the family. Apparently they had been sisters, yet Rukia had no recollection of having a sister. She had grown up by herself with kids from the poorer part of Karakura, and of course, met Renji, who was now a lieutenant to the Kuchiki's army. Rukia thought about life and all of her experiences, the good and the bad. She had lost friends to diseases, infections and accidents. She had experienced loss before, but this was new. She had never had a face to be connected with someone's death. Miyako had served the army dutifully. Her sacrifice would be remembered for a long time. Now it was up to those that she left behind to move on. Rukia did not know if Kaien had it in him to move on. He seemed to be lost in thought whenever she did get to see him. His sadness and anger could be felt in the air around him. It was as tangible as the sun's warmth on your body. Rukia knew what Kaien had wanted. He wanted vengeance. Rukia learned from the academy that to be an efficient soldier, let alone a leader that Kaien were, you needed to separate the emotions from your duty. Think with your head, not with what your heart said to do. What would your commanders say for you to do? Rukia stayed standing in front of the grave for a time. She sighed and looked to the horizon. The sun was about to set, and homes around the Seireitei were starting to light candles and lamps. Within the walls, the Grand City thrived. People went out to listen to musicians play instruments or sing, and they would eat wholesome meals. They had no idea what the army would sacrifice to keep this peace intact.

GoldDragonZ: This marks my return to writing. I have some ideas on how this story is going to play out. There will be strong language in later chapters, and maybe gore and sexual situations.