On The Other Side

Part 1

They all felt it. Captains, lieutenants and soul reapers all paused. There was a sizzle in the air and they felt something tug at their very core. Rukia was in the middle of practicing her kido when something within her seemed to snap. She lowered her arm and glanced around. Nothing seemed out of place yet she felt as if something important had happened that very moment. She closed her eyes and reached out with her senses, trying to determine where the feeling came from.

There were no strange spiritual pressures in the area, no sounds or smells that didn't belong. Finding no outwards signs that anything was wrong, she turned her attention inwards. Her spirit energy was normal, flowing through her body at a steady pace. Sode no Shirayuki was her usual self, pressing gently against her mind. Yet the zanpaktou had clearly sensed that something was amiss too.

Despite everything being normal, Rukia's chest felt heavy, as if a great force was pressing down on her. She was surprised when she felt something wet on her cheek, and raised her hand to swipe it away.

Why was she crying? What was this terrible feeling that had taken place in her heart?

"Rukia?" Her long-time friend Renji said. The tall redhead had been in the near vicinity when he too had felt the strange sensation of losing something very important. He had sensed her nearby and immediately rushed to her side, worried that perhaps she was the reason he was feeling like this.

But his petite friend seemed fine, except for the fact that she was crying.

"Rukia, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" he asked again and put a hand on her shoulder. She shook her head and looked up at him.

"I'm fine, Renji," she replied. "But something is wrong," she continued and turned her gaze towards the Seireitei. The city appeared calm and serene on the outside, yet there was a feeling of apprehension surrounding it, as if it was holding its breath.

"Come, we need to find out what is going on," she said. Renji nodded and they both took off, using flash step as they speed forward. As they ran through the different division barracks, they became even more aware that something was truly wrong in the city.

Some soul reapers appeared confused as they stared absentmindedly ahead of themselves. Others would mumble to themselves and clutching the front of their uniforms. Rukia's worry increased.

What could have happened to cause such a reaction? she wondered. The heavy feeling in her heart only increased the deeper into the Seireitei they moved. She suddenly sensed a familiar presence ahead of them.

"Brother!" She called and rushed forward.

Byakuya Kuchiki, captain of the 6th division, turned slightly when he heard Rukia call out.

"Captain, what is going on?" Renji asked when they caught up to him. Byakuya sent them both a cool look. Neither of them seemed hurt, so this strange feeling in his chest wasn't because of them. Not that he believed anyone would be foolish enough to attack either Rukia or Renji. Both were skilled and powerful fighters, but more importantly, they both belonged to him in some way. Rukia was his family and Renji his lieutenant and friend. To hurt them would only ignite a terrible fury and ensure certain death. No, none in the Soul Society would be stupid enough to hurt them while he was here.

"I'm not sure," he said and began walking. "The Captain Commander has called a captain's meeting to find out what is affecting us all. So far, it seems most of the Seireitei is under some sort of influence."

Rukia was about to ask another question when a loud bell tolled once. Byakuya turned away from them.

"I must go. You will both wait here until you are called upon," he said and disappeared before either could protest. Rukia and Renji both frowned. They wanted to know what was going on, but they didn't dare eavesdrop on the meeting in case they were discovered. The consequences would not be pleasant.

Instead, they opted to wait as close to the captains' meeting hall as they dared. They were soon joined by other lieutenants.

"He guys, do you know what is going on?" They looked up and spotted Rangiku and Shuhei walking towards them.

"No idea, but whatever it is, its powerful," Renji said.

"Yeah, my chest hurts and not because of my boobs," Rangiku said. Such a response would normally have been said in a teasing tone, especially if her captain was present. But there was nothing teasing about her now. A frown marred her face and she worried her lower lip. Shuhei seemed just as edgy. He rubbed the back of his neck constantly and tripped from foot to foot. No one knew what to say or how do describe exactly what they felt, so they stayed silent, waiting for their captains to come back.


Head Captain Yamamoto slammed his staff into the hardwood floor a single time.

"Silence!" He said in his deep voice. His 13 captains immediately stopped talking among themselves and turned their attention to him. He looked at each of them, satisfied that they were all paying attention, although some looked irritated at being called here.

"As you all know, an unknown force struck the Soul Society not too long ago. We have as of yet had no reports of casualties or damage," Yamamoto said. "However, that does not mean we can relax! We do not know the nature of this attack nor do we know who is responsible. Captain Kurotsuchi, have you been able to discover anything regarding this?"

The captain of the 12th division stepped forward.

"My department has not detected any strange activities or energies within the Seireitei. We are of course still looking." Kurotsuchi said. His eyes were glowing with the prospect of discovering something new he could analyse and dissect!

"Be sure to inform me immediately if you find anything," Yamamoto said, sending the scientist a stern look. He was well aware that if given the chance, Kurotsuchi would hide evidence if it meant being able to keep it for himself.

"In the meantime, I'm assigning teams to search The World of The Living as well as Hueco Mundo and the Seireitei. We need to find the one responsible as soon as possible. You are all ordered to approach this case with caution. Should you encounter the one responsible, proceed with extreme prejudice!" The final order was followed by a loud thud as Yamamoto slammed his staff into the ground.

The cold bit through his thin clothes, gnawing at his bones and chilling him to his very core. He didn't know how long he had been walking; only continuing to move in the hopes of getting warm. He had tried calling for both Zangetsu and his Hollow, but none of them had answered him. Teeth clattering, he continued on through the endless greyness that surrounded him.

When he had first come to, Ichigo had no idea of who he was. His own body seemed alien to him and he had poked his limbs, trying to figure out his form. When he was finally able to stand, he had spent long moments simply looking around. All he could see was greyness, stretching out around him and keeping him trapped. The silence was so dense it made his ears hurt. He pressed his hands to his head, trying to ease the throbbing that made everything hurt.

Unable to stand the thought of being trapped in this silent world, he had begun to walk. Each step, hesitant and weak, made his body hurt, especially his chest. It ached with step forward, throbbing in time with his beating heart. He pressed his hands to his chest, trying to stop ache.

As he continued on, the grey world seemed to shrink and press down on him, slowing him down until he could barely walk.

I'm just like a wandering spirit trapped between the World of the Living and Soul Society.

The thought had come out of nowhere, and he had no idea what it meant or why he would have such a thought. What was a spirit? And Soul Society?

His head began to hurt, and all he wanted to do was lay down and rest. Maybe the pain would go away if he did.

No. I don't give up like that! I always push forward, no matter what!

The thoughts came from a place deep within him that was so familiar to him it hurt not being able to remember. His legs quivered weakly but he forced himself to take another step.

I have to warn them! Rukia and Renji and… the others…

As he continued to press on, more and more names appeared in his head.

Kisuke. Yoruichi. Byakuya. Kenpachi. Ikkaku. Yumichika. Hitsugaya. Shinji.

More and more names flashed through his mind followed by faces and voices. The pain in his chest intensified as memories flooded his mind in an instant. His head felt like it was about to explode, but through the storm of images and voices, one name stood out.

Ichigo Kurosaki.

Who was that? And why did it hurt so much just thinking that name?!

Ichigo Kurosaki.

Who are you?! Why do you hurt me? he yelled. Despite his weakened state, he began to run, desperate to get away from that name that seemed to haunt him.

Ichigo Kurosaki.

Stop it! Why do you keep saying that name? WHO ARE YOU?!

Who are YOU?

Ichigo nearly stumbled.

Say it! Say your name!

Ichigo gasped for breath. His lungs were burning and his heart pounded widely.

I don't know! he screamed.

Say it!

I-I don't…

SAY IT!

"ICHIGO KUROSAKI!"

As soon as the name left his mouth, he fell, slamming into the cold ground. He rolled to his side and curled up, panting for air. He remembered! His name, his family and friends, everything that had happened up till now.

He remembered the person that had attacked him.

He jerked upright, groaning softly. His limbs were still stiff as a board, and something was sealing away his powers. He could feel them simmering just beneath his skin; an active volcano on the verge of erupting.

He had to find a way to get and warn the others of the danger lurking in the background.

But that was easier said than done. He had been wandering and wandering, calling out until his voice became hoarse.

Damn it! What the hell is this place?

As he continued to walk, fighting both the cold and his tiring body, Ichigo was unaware of the shadow that followed just behind him.


Rukia and Renji, along with their captains and several soul reapers from squad 6 and 13 had just arrived in Kurakara Town when Yoruichi appeared in front of them. The beautiful and fierce fighter, whose eyes normally glowed with amusement, looked ready to kill.

Her body was tight, ready to do battle, and her eyes were as cold as an arctic winter. She gazed at them before speaking.

"So, you came," she said. Rukia sent her puzzled look. Had Yoruichi been expected them? She was sure no notice of their arrival had been sent in advance.

"Why are you here?" Byakuya asked and stepped forward. Yoruichi turned her attention to him. He was surprised to see the violence simmering in that golden gaze.

"Don't you feel it?" she asked them all. Rukia stretched out her senses.

"The stillness, the silence, the emptiness," Yoruichi said. Rukia frowned. She had noticed that something was missing as soon as they had arrived.

"Where is Ichigo?" she asked. She would have expected him to show up as soon as he had sensed them.

Yoruichi did not answer.

"Come with me," she said.

"We are here on an official mission," Byakuya began.

"I'm not asking," Yoruichi interrupted. "If you want to know, then follow me." She took off across the rooftops, not waiting for them to follow. Ukitake sighed.

"We best follow. She seems to know what is going on," he said and took off. The others followed close behind.

Yoruichi did not speak as she led the across town towards a familiar shop.

"Why are going to Urahara's?" Renji asked.

Said man was waiting for them outside as they landed in front of his shop. His face was devoid of any feelings, and Rukia felt her sense of unease increase.

What was going on? And why wasn't Ichigo here?

"Why have you brought us here, Yoruichi?" Ukitake asked. It was Urahara who answered.

"I'm sure all of you sensed a great disturbance not too long ago," he said. Ukitake nodded.

"Indeed, but we have yet to determine the cause. That is why we are here," he explained. Urahara shared a look with Yoruichi.

"Do you know what is causing this?" Byakuya asked and narrowed his eyes. Something told him that those two knew exactly what was going on.

"Ichigo."

Rukia felt cold spread from her chest to the rest of her body.

Byakuya frowned.

"What do you mean by that?" he demanded to know.

Urahara sighed and Yoruichi looked away.

"Ichigo is dead."