Ok, I've completed this today. The chapters will come out every two/three days or so because I've already double-checked them for grammar mistakes and the likes, sorry if I have missed some, which is most probably what happened. I'm not sure about the plot, you know? It seems a bit flat to me, but... Well, to you readers the sentence, I hope no one gets upset with it :) Seven chapters in total.
SUMMARY: A new Hollow is born in Hueco Mundo, consumed by hunger. By the time a brown-haired Shinigami and a white-haired one appear, he has become a Vasto Lorde. When he is turned into an Arrancar, he was given a name... Ookami.
WARNINGS:
- KisukexIchigo, mention of GinxToushiro. Yaoi.
- I've done my researches but I can't be sure about some things that concern the canon because it's been a long time since I've last read Bleach, I apologize in advance if there are mistakes.
- As the summary implies, the main character is dead, so Ichigo is dead, Hollow!Ichigo.
- Mate system, but not for humans and not with alpha/omega/beta.
- op!Ichigo, he's already strong when he is born in Hueco Mundo, further details in this first chapter.
- mpreg, first time trying this.
DISCLAIMER: I obviously don't own anything beside the idea.
Words: 3715.
Enjoy!
01 – Ookami
He felt… He felt… empty… void…. useless… purposeless… Lifeless.
It was strange, because, at the same time, a new, unprecedented, raw fury was cursing through his limbs… Odd limbs. He didn't remember having… He couldn't remember… What, exactly?
Who was he?... What was he? Where… How… What were those things that didn't stop attacking him?...
Why was he eating them…
They were not even tasty and were not sating his hunger… Not at all. He couldn't stop defending and he supposed that not eating them would have resulted in him being covered by corpses…
Where did this strength come from, anyway? He had… a feeling… it wasn't like that… originally… As if… there was another beginning, besides this massacre of… creatures.
He couldn't remember.
Didn't matter what, he couldn't. Maybe it was not important to begin with, what was he to do about that? He couldn't do anything.
He moved his focus on the attacking creatures and noticed just then how his hearing was slowly coming to him. There were screams of pain, yells of incoming attacks, shouts of anger… But one word was the most heard.
Hollow.
Void, exactly how he felt. Perhaps, he was one. A Hollow. It fit. He didn't like it, but it fit.
He saw how, in that endless darkness, more and more creatures were arriving upon him. He suddenly felt overwhelmed and a surge of power flew from his mouth, hitting several Hollows. Some more shrieked in fear of that light, but came back soon after.
He didn't wait for them to recover too much and started shooting more of those flashy rays. It didn't take long to get rid of them all, but he managed to barely eat their remnants before another wave attacked. He honestly didn't understand what was going on.
How many were there? Why were they attacking him? Why did he keep eating them? Why, with every limb digested, did he feel stronger? It was strange, but felt natural, felt right.
So, he continued. Without rest, without thinking too much, without asking too much. He could talk, he noticed after a while, but no one listened. The waves decreased in numbers of Hollows, time after time after time… What was time? He didn't know.
The waves stopped completely after a long while, he just knew it was long. Nothing more. Then, he started searching for food, as many called himself. No one really managed to give him a scratch, figures a… bite, was it? No, they weren't really that strong. Small fries, though… he knew it was strange for him to be that strong.
It was also a surprise when other, larger Hollows began to approach him, but without the usual fighting spree. They strangely… mixed with his body. And then, the voices came.
Anger, pain, fear, envy, greed… everything swirled in his head as if his own thoughts. He was quick in chasing them away, but, for an instant, he felt the control over his body slip away. He didn't like it. He focused on repelling them as much as he did in hunting.
They increased, increased, increased… until his mind was so full that he had to suppress them completely to maintain his sanity… Did he have one, to begin with? He was eating creatures like himself, after all…
Still not knowing how time passed, given the eternal obscurity, he hadn't quite noticed that his limbs had become furry. It was during one of his meal, when he tore apart the body of a Hollow, that he felt different. He watched carefully how it was easier to rip off the corpse's tendrils of limbs and he noticed how he was not doing it with his arms, but with his mouth. He looked at his arms and… they were not arms anymore…
His skin was not black, like the other Hollows, but covered in black, long fur with orange and red reflections. His body was that of… an… animal… He had paws, very big paws with pearl-white claws. What was he, now? An animal, as his mind advised, but… which?
He searched his fragmented, if not inexistent, memories while killing another Hollow. Which animal had this kind of fur and was on four paws?... Tiger, but it had stripes… Cats, but they were a lot smaller… Which one… There were more… He somewhat knew there were more.
Not finding his answer, he tried to listen to the voices… But they were not there anymore. They had disappeared… Why? When? Had he finally showed them he was stronger? Maybe.
He went on. His hunger was still not quelled. But some things changed, too. The bigger Hollows stopped trying to be absorbed and, instead, they showed some kind of respect, of fear. Smaller ones then completely ran away at his sight… but the ones that had a different body, different just like himself, wanted to fight. To seriously fight. He didn't know why, but he counted them. He was stronger and won easily, devouring them right after.
It was at the count of twenty that, once again, something shifted in him. Something not visible, not from his point of view, anyway. And that was also when he found out… He was not hungry anymore.
He stopped. He sat. He looked around. Emptiness, just like the one in his chest. His mind supplied another word, a sad word… Loneliness.
He looked down for one moment, then stood and started exploring. He hadn't really done anything till then other than kill and eat. All around him, sand, rare rocks and dark ceiling… Sky. No lights, but he could see. No one he met dared to fight him anymore and he travelled without rest, sometimes running and feeling the muscles under his fur cry of joy at the movement.
Who knew how much time passed. He ignored every Hollow he passed by and fought the stronger ones to train, because he liked it, somehow. He didn't stop for the stronger, but still fearful, ones that wanted to talk, he didn't even know if he still could. He hadn't tried for a long time. He didn't want to. So, to be left alone, he learned to mask his presence, to hide it completely.
And, as if he wanted problems to replace the old, solved ones, his first mating season came…
Apparently, he was in the right age to choose a mate, so Hollows started to flock to him and he was forced to kill them as each tried literally to fuck him or be fucked. It was disgusting. As he felt it, mate meant something deeper than just someone to have children with. But, he'd learnt during his journey, the weaker Hollows were not smart, only driven by malicious desires.
He did not mate with anyone, even though, maybe, that could have made him peaceful, and the rumour of what he did to who tried to force him reached every corner of the land. They stopped trying. And his mating season finished, leaving him more… hollow… than before.
One thing that improved, too, was his knowledge. Listening, every once in a while or when his mind helped him, made him learn new words. Something he dearly appreciated.
But then… He found two strange creatures wandering around. He sat silently, observing them. They were unlike any other he'd met. Humanoid, his mind offered. The one in the back had white hair and closed eyes, he was thin, tall, giving a sharp feeling from his features. He was smiling, he noticed, but in a strange way. The other, slightly forward, had brown hair and eyes, but strange square things shadowing them. The two had… black clothes covering their bodies… and weapons… Swords.
They didn't feel him, though he wasn't really suppressing his presence, so he stayed put and observed how they talked in hushed tones. He could have heard what they were saying, but he was not really interested in that as he wasn't in talking. The stronger, because that could be the only reason why he was leading, turned to look around and finally saw him. His eyes widened a fraction, but it was hard to be sure because of the squares. His mind gave him another help, glasses.
"Well, I didn't expect to meet a Vasto Lorde so soon."
He tilted his head in slight confusion and curiosity. The weaker one lost some of his smile.
"Why aren't you attacking us?" The stronger asked.
He wasn't really in for a conversation… but he was bored, so… What was bad in answering? He found he didn't need to open his mouth to talk.
"Should I?" His voice was strange, he didn't recognize it.
The other chuckled, maybe… pleased? "I'd prefer not. Bored?"
"What a strange Shinigami you are." He didn't let his surprise at the new word transpire. "That's true, I'm bored. What are you two doing here?"
"I guess you can call this a reconnaissance expedition…" He paused, thoughtful. "I'd like to live here, frankly."
He almost snorted. "What's in here for you? Emptiness is all I see."
The other smiled ferally. "What if I can give you something to quell your boredom?"
He growled. "Speak clearly, Shinigami, I'm not interested in your games of deception." When did he learn what these words meant?
"Very well…" The weaker was smiling more while the other chuckled. "I plan to free you Hollows from this world of loneliness. Would you like that?"
He stood and approached them. They didn't move but the weaker one flinched subtly. That one instinctively knew he was stronger. He left some space and started sniffing the air around them.
Death, blood, deception, betrayal, greed, a bit of anger… Determination and sadness, from the weaker one. He looked at him and the Shinigami nodded in a show of respect. He then moved his gaze on the other. There was much more to unveil about those two… Better keep a wide eye on them… Better yet, on the stronger.
"You want my strength."
His smile stretched. "Exactly."
He already missed his boredom. "Make it worth, Shinigami."
The other chuckled, visibly pleased. "Of course, Ookami."
"Ookami…" There it was… He was a wolf. "I'll keep it. You, though, are named…?"
"Ho' impolite o' us… Ma name is Ichimaru Gin, call me Gin." The sad one bowed, so he nodded.
"That is right, I am Aizen Sousuke, you can call me how it pleases you."
He thought about it for a moment. "I guess you'd prefer something like Aizen-sama." The other nodded. "So be it, words are only words."
Aizen-sama seemed overly pleased, but Gin… Gin had seen through it. He was scanning Ookami with piercing, icy-blue eyes.
Like that, Ookami gained a name, a Boss, a purpose not truly his, a companion in the form of Gin, a home called Las Noches, the promise of being gifted more power. The latter, he really wasn't looking forward to. From his experience, the more power one had, the more one was alone.
He liked his new name, it was something that categorized him better than 'animal' or 'creature'. He was a wolf. He recognized the features in the mask he was wearing when he found a mirror in his appointed room. It had a '0' written on the door, he didn't know its meaning. His mask was black, with ears that outlined his real ones, only the long fur protruding further up. The muzzle was so detailed in carving and shades of colours that it seemed ripped off from a real wolf. It covered his entire true muzzle, even his eyes that still could see, only the jaw was visible when he ate. He couldn't take it off, he knew, but he also didn't want to. Something in the back of his mind told him so.
Oh but, really, he was much bigger than a wolf. Right about double the normal size. He didn't exactly know, but maybe there was another race or something like that to call his… breed? Whatever. He rather liked his new body, better than a mere Hollow.
Aizen-sama was almost always missing, setting in motion some plan of his. He didn't like him so much, thus why he had accepted, but he had some sort of respect for him. After all, it was strange for a Shinigami to not fear someone like himself, especially when he knew he was the strongest in Hueco Mundo by then. He respected that a lot.
Gin, on the other hand, was far more guarded. He was hiding many things, like his Boss, his Master, but his secrets seemed more important. The sad man passed a lot of time in Las Noches, and in Hueco Mundo, sometimes bringing in new Hollows he didn't have the desire to meet. But, the thing Ookami appreciated the most were the silent hours spent in the library, where Gin sometimes read out loud for him. He found out he could read, but he was a bit rusty at it. He didn't let Gin know, he was far more relaxed the way things were.
Las Noches was… not really homey. It was cold in its white and square forms. It had a different sky, but the peace he'd once found all over the place was beginning to fade and recede only in his room and in the library. And, there, only when Gin was present. The other… Adjuchas and Vasto Lorde clearly feared him and Aizen-sama… A new reason to stick with them.
Once, a new Shinigami tagged along with his Master. Tousen Kaname, a dark-skinned blind man with black, braided hair. His get-up was also slightly different from the ones Gin and Aizen-sama normally wore, but he couldn't care less. He didn't really like this one. Too subdued, too silent – even though he didn't talk much either – and too slimy. In his personal opinion. He totally ignored him after the polite introduction, settling down on a couch of the library while Gin resumed reading. Aizen-sama just chuckled and shrugged off the peculiar attitude.
"That's how Ookami is, don't take it personally."
"Yes, Aizen-sama."
See? Too subdued, made him almost puke. Gin snorting with laughter the instant they closed the door made him notice that he had understood his feelings.
"I to'ally agree." He'd whispered.
He had huffed in approval.
When Aizen-sama appeared without his annoying glasses – he knew they were just useless – and his hair combed back, he understood that his plan was getting up a step.
Gin entered his room, where he was relaxing on the large bed, with a troubled smile. He was wearing the same clothes, but with inverted colours, and carrying two more sets.
"Aizen-taichou demands your presence in the Throne Room."
Ookami rolled his eyes behind the mask but stood and followed his companion of sort to the annoying room. It was wide, with a table at one end and a flight of steps to the white throne on the other. Their Master was sitting there with a strange orb in his hand. Tousen was at his side like the faithful dog he was proud to be.
"No use delaying this anymore." He whispered, not to find conversation.
Gin nodded and Ookami strolled calmly to the Throne. He climbed the stairs with a jump when Aizen-sama motioned to come nearer.
"I am comforted to see you again, Ookami."
"Likewise, Aizen-sama." He sat, his tail moving once or twice. "I hope you're pleased with the outcome of your plans."
"They've gone so smoothly I can't even believe it." He smiled. "In fact, this little thing is the one I've wanted for centuries."
He eyed the orb. "I suppose it's more than what meets the eye."
"Clever as always, my friend." He resisted the urge to scowl at the last word. "Yes, it's much, much more." He held it in front of Ookami and smirked. "This thing is the key to new powers for both you and me."
He eyed it again. "I see." A pause. "You called me to test it, right?"
Surprisingly, Aizen-sama shook his head. "No, my friend. I would not endanger your life with something I have not tested yet. You're my most important asset." … Not so surprising, then.
"Who's the guinea pig?"
"Stand at my side and he shall be let in."
Ookami nodded and moved to sit at his free side, his right side… Quite strange… Oh, Tousen was glaring at him, poor faithful dog. Gin's smirk widened a fraction at that before opening the main door and letting in an Adjuchas, almost Vasto Lorde. He'd seen this one before… Something like… Grim… Gromiw… Whatever.
"Grimmjow." Ah, that was the name… something easier would have been better. "Come forth."
The panther arrogantly strolled to the end of the flight of steps and stopped, tail moving nervously. He couldn't talk.
"The time has come for you to embrace new powers, are you ready?"
The panther nodded stiffly. Ookami laid down, muzzle on his crossed limbs, comfortably waiting. Aizen-sama chuckled at that and stood to go down. He stopped in front of the sitting Adjuchas and held high the orb. It lit brightly, but Ookami didn't move. Grimmjow, on the other hand, stiffened to not retrocede. The orb floated and flew to the panther, engulfing him in a white light. Loud growls of pain got slowly replaced by louder screams. Ookami huffed and sat to better observe the result. The light vanished and a man was left, kneeling on the floor. The orb flew to Aizen-sama's hand and stopped glowing.
The blue-haired man was naked, panting, sweating. He had a piece of his mask on the right jaw and cheek, resembling the teeth of the panther. A sword was at his feet. Gin threw him one set of robes, that the… whatever it was, wore slowly.
"You are now an Arrancar, Grimmjow." That… didn't ring any bell in his mind, it was a new word. "You have now the powers of a Hollow and the powers… of a Shinigami."
Oh… that explained it… A new breed.
"Aizen-sama." He called, standing and calmly strolling down.
"Yes, Ookami."
"May I know what that orb is?"
The man motioned to Grimmjow, by then almost completely dressed, to leave and he did. Gin closed the door and approached them.
"It's called the Hougyoku. I won't bore you with unnecessary details, but it can break the boundaries between Shinigami and Hollow."
He nodded, thoughtful. "I see." That was dangerous.
The world had an order. That order was kept by boundaries and limits. Breaking them meant chaos. This was highly dangerous. He'd done well in accepting Aizen-sama's offer, that time…
"Was the experiment successful?"
"It was, Ookami. It's your turn, if you may." The man held his hand high and asked for a silent permission.
He nodded. The Hougyoku flew to him and he became suddenly engulfed in darkness. It was strange, because Grimmjow had been alight, not dark. He felt something push and pull in his body, somewhat painful, but stayed silent and still. He closed his eyes, focusing on the changes his body was going through. Longer and larger limbs, disappearing fur, his muzzle was stretching and decreasing in length and width. The mask did not vanish.
The power of the orb was seeping into him, it was big, wide, almost overwhelming… But somewhat peace-inducing. It was too much for anyone to achieve or gain.
He felt the change stop and opened his eyes. The darkness subsided and he stood from the position he used as a wolf. He brought up his hands and clenched his fingers, testing the new limbs. They seemed… useful. He was naked too, slightly shorter than Aizen-sama, and he could see tight muscles on his body. He nodded at Gin when he took the clothes and the Shinigami helped him get dressed. Ookami hadn't really interested himself in those things, but he observed the movement and understood how to do that next time. This body seemed definitive, after all.
He took the long, black, thin sword from the floor and didn't unsheathe it, just acknowledging it as a new part of his new, humanoid body.
"Magnificent." Aizen-sama clapped twice his hands. "Your change has gone perfectly, I don't think any other will go through it like you did. Marvellous."
"Thank you, Aizen-sama."
"No need to thank me, my friend." He smiled his usual way. "I'm surprised your mask is intact, can you take it off? I'm curious."
Ookami knew he could, this time. He still didn't want to. "I fear not. Has it not changed?"
"Na' one bit, Ookami." Gin said. "But tha' suits you jus' fine."
"Well, can't disagree." Aizen-sama gripped lightly his own chin in thought. "Go rest, Ookami, you must feel tired."
He really didn't, but he needed time to think. "Yes, Aizen-sama." He nodded once and left.
Gin followed him silently. He tested his new legs and found them strong, though a bit untrained. They arrived at his door and he invited the other in. Gin was the only one to ever enter there. He was quite territorial.
"How ya feeling, Ookami?"
"Different." He sat at one of the chair circling the little table. "But definitely stronger." He surveyed Gin as he nodded. "You should really hide your sadness better, Gin." He flinched. "He's too excited to notice, but I am not."
"Can't fool ya, right?" His smile became bitter. "Why d'ya follow him?"
The camp he was stepping on was mined. "I'm bored."
He lifted his hand and sneaked it under his mask. It moved, detaching from his face, and he used a finger to scratch his nose. Gin smirked.
"Rest well, Ookami." That said, he left.
It was a big risk, he knew, letting Gin know he'd lied to Aizen-sama. But… He had a feeling it was the right thing to do. The right step in the game. They both knew something about the other that could undermine the relationship with their Master. Tricky, but necessary.
That Hougyoku, though… Its danger was true, it needed to be destroyed. He had a hunch what Aizen-sama truly wanted to do with it. Creating an army of Arrancar? Yes, but not the whole truth. Nothing was ever the whole plan with him.
YaMi: Thanks for reading. *bows*
Let me know what you think! See ya!
