Life Itself

Rated M - Graphic violence, cursing, potential for slash, its up to you guys really.

Summary - Ichigo ends up being a permanent resident of Spirit World sooner than intended. But he's a long way from Soul Society. Major Plot changes, OCs, Secrets, Maybe some slash (that's up to you guys).

Ok Basically this story is my complaint that I thought Soul Society was way too small for being an afterlife. There just HAS to be more than that? Right? So I did some plotting and made a thing. I'm not sure what direction I'm going to take it just yet, but I'm open to ideas, pairings(im very open to this) etc. Ahhhhh I want to explain more but I feel like that would ruin the surprises in the story! I can say I will be changing a lot of canon plot. I'm not even sure if I want to put in the 1000 year blood war. We'll see how it goes. Enjoy!

Chapter One

-Death-

Fate worked in mysterious ways.

Kurosaki Ichigo glared at his plane ticket and sighed, glancing down at Yuzu who was hugging him tightly around his waist."Ichi-nii! Why can't you be on our flight instead of Papa?" Her eyes were big and watered slightly at the hint of tears. His father, nearby guarding their luggage squawked dramatically. "My darling Yuzu! Why do you not want your loving and supportive father?!" Ichigo stared deadpanned at his idiot dad but said nothing, looking back to his baby sister and giving her a pat on the head.

"Well one of us needs to watch over him. Do you really think he would do well by himself in a fancy first class plane? I need you to watch out for him and make sure he and Karin don't cause the pilot to turn the plane around." Yuzu's pout turned into a tiny giggle, giving Ichigo one more squeeze of a hug before letting go. Karin was pushed forward by her twin much to her agitation so Ichigo could give her a hug as well.

A lot had happened in the past six months. Nearly dying, becoming a substitute Shinigami, rescuing Rukia and uncovering a bigger plon that her death sentence. The betrayal of Aizen was a blow to everyone, and his nefarious and mostly unknown motives troubled all those involved. But at the time there was little they could do. A week later in Soul Society time, Ichigo and company were back home and going to school like normal. Or at least at first.

Somehow, the Kurosaki family had won a random drawing in the mail. They were suspicious at first, Ichigo in particular. But it was very real and they could thank sweet little Yuzu for it. Whenever she was given money to get groceries, the store always asked her if she'd like to enter in their companies contest that was being hosted at all their store locations in Japan. It was free after a certain paid purchase which Yuzu always met with getting her family food so she thought nothing of it and always agreed to being entered. Most prizes for winning were basic; vouchers for the store, tickets to the zoo, even a cash prize. If their family ever won anything, they always thought it would be something basic as that. Not once did they think they would be the one out of ten family homes picked for a round trip to Europe.

It was shocking that was for sure. But after the shock wore off, Ichigo decided it would be a much deserved break away from current events. And so, not even a week after their pleasant surprise, the Kurosaki's flew to Europe for a two week vacation. And the highschooler had to admit, it was one of the best memories with his family. They visited a little of everywhere; London, Berlin, Prague and ended their journey in Venice. It was a tiring but amazing experience, especially for a family that had never left the country before. It was nice to get away. All things Shinigami were left behind at home, no school, no worries.

Those two weeks came and went in the blink of an eye. And here they were about to be separated in an Italian airport. Despite winning a round trip to Europe together, the company that gave the tickets didn't have control over the airline they used, especially when said airline accidentally overbooked their flight. It wasn't that big of a deal. The staff were being very apologetic about the whole situation and offered a first class ticket for the next flight after. And naturally, being the big brother that he was, Ichigo volunteered to take it so his father wasn't separated from the girls.

Ichigo blinked out of his thoughts and looked down to see Karen trying to squirm out of his hug. He grinned and let her go. The tomboy huffed and folded her arms. "Your flight better not be late! I don't know how much I can put up with the old man after being cramped in a plane with him for hours." Isshin whined pitifully in the background at how cruel her words cut but his complaints were drowned out by the terminal speakers announcing it was time for boarding.

Ichigo ruffled his sisters hair and nudged her off with Yuzu and his father. "I'll be right behind you guys, see you soon!" And with a final wave, his family walked away, dispersing into the crowds lining up to board. Ichigo sighed and decided to go wander to a café he saw earlier to bide his time until his flight in the evening. It was a bit dull, but he appreciated the quiet after being around family for two weeks straight. Buying a sandwich and tea, he settled in a corner to finally open a book he bought back in London and began to read. He zoned out for the next few hours until he heard the speakers announce his flight.

He packed up what little belonging he had on his person into his messenger bag and neared the terminal, offering his ticket to the woman at the desk. No problems entering the gate, Ichigo walked in the hall beyond the desk and was seated into the plane. First class sure was cushy! He had the much needed leg room at least. He buckled up and settled into his window seat, gazing out the window and the setting sun. He was not looking forward to the jet lag after this. But that was a problem to deal with later. For now a nap would suffice. As the remaining passengers were finally seated, doors sealed closed and engines roaring to life, Ichigo closed his eyes and slept through the take off.

It was night when he woke again. The highschooler grimaced as he checked his watch. Nearly eleven at night now. He yawned and a flight attendant paused at his seat, seeing him finally awake. "Ah, welcome aboard sir~ Would you like refreshment?" she spoke in English, which Ichigo had a decent understanding of. "Tea please?" The lady smiled nodding before walking off to the back of the plane. He sighed and rested back in his seat, thinking about Karin and Yuzu. They would be landing before him, in the middle of the night… Maybe they could find a place in the airport to sleep a bit while they waited for him?

The plane jerked a little suddenly making the orange haired boy frown. He decided on their way to Europe that he hated plane turbulence. But he put on a brave face for Karin and Yuzu when they clung to him during the rough wind. But Karin and Yuzu weren't here with him now so all he did was grip the arm rest tightly.

The plane jerked again a bit more roughly and Ichigo's nails dug into the leather arm rest more. There was… a rattling sound. Ichigo blinked and looked around. It sounded like it was coming from the side of the plane… the wing perhaps? The rattling was getting louder and the hum of the engines were seeming to struggle.

A figure rushed by, the flight attendant from earlier. Her and two others walked swiftly past to the captain's cabin, one hitting the button for all passenger to put on their seatbelts. Something was up… This wasn't just turbulence.

Ichigo's stomach began to sink as the plane dipped to one side in a sharp turn. Passengers cried out in alarm and a flight attendant got on speaker. "We apologize for the inconvenience but we will have to land at the nearest airport-"

Her words were drowned out by the deafening explosion on the outside of the plane. The plan dipped and screaming began. The lights began to flicker sporadically. The overhead popped open with those emergency masks the flight attendants always demonstrated. But people were ignoring them, screaming, crying, terrified as the plane was trying to stabilize itself and clearly failing. They were falling. They were going to die.

Helplessness. Hopelessness. There was nothing to be done. Nothing he could do except wait for impact. He was sitting in a tin can in the sky and no one could save him. Worst of all he couldn't save himself. All his work as a Shinigami and he had nothing to show for it now.

He fumbled and pulled out his phone. No signal. He couldn't even say goodbye.

The plane descended quicker as did Ichigo's panicked thoughts. 'I don't want to die… Karin… Yuzu.. Pops… I don't want to die. But… at least you get to live. I don't want to die but…I know what happens next…right? Death… There's more after this right? I'll go to Soul Society…I'll see everyone again…'

His desperate words tuned out the screams and terror around him. His ears rang. The plane rattled. The lights flickered more and more rapidly and then out for good. The windows were dark with night. He couldn't see the end of it, know when it was coming. Ichigo clung to his messenger bag and closed his eyes, a hint of tears building up. He pretended to be anywhere, anywhere but here, ignore what was about to happen. He pictured his sisters, pretended the bag he was clinging to was one of them, one of their hugs.

And then he knew no more.

Fingers twitch.

Eyes unfocused.

Floating? Cold. Confused.

Voices.

"Hurry… poor souls…find peace…."

"This one… strange…."

Something. Someone by his side. Kneeling. Touching his face. Whispering. Comforting.

"Rest easy. You'll live beyond death."

Warmth on his forehead. Light... Weightlessness...

Peace.

Do I still got your attention? You still interested? Yay~ I got chapter two almost done and it will explain a lot more about what's going to happen.

Ah as for this chapter, it was difficult to figure out how anyone, let alone Ichigo would react to knowing they're going to die and nothing can stop it. So I found inspiration from a song I've been addicted to as of late. 'Panic Room' by Au/Ra. It's essentially about anxiety, but it fits well with the idea I was working with.

Well I'll see you all in the next chapter. Favs and Reviews make me write faster, I'd love any and all feedback!