Well this is a story that i am finishing. The origanl stroyline belongs to panzerraptor, and with his permission I am allow to finish it.
Disclaimer: I dont own Bleach...wish to, but dont. (Start to cry)
On with the story.
A long time ago, in a kingdom ruled by a tyrannical overlord, a young ronin named Ichigo Kurosaki sought to fight its ruler. His shoulders, elbows, and knees were adorned with spiked black armor as his cloth-wrapped blade named Zangetsu rested on his back. Despite his young age, stories of his various accolades have swept through the lands like wildfire for the past few years. He has slain deadly monsters, defeated the most bloodthirsty rogues in the region, and saved countless people from swarms of bandits. However, his reason for fighting was not for the glory or the praise. It was in order to hone his skills for the personal pilgrimage he had undertaken for the past four years. He wanted to fulfill a promise he had made to his childhood love.
Ichigo recalled his childhood days. He was the only son of a farmer and the eldest of three siblings (the other two were his younger twin sisters). However, he did not wish to toil the rest of his year's away growing crops. Instead, he was a boy who dreamed of being a swordsman. Every night, he snuck away from his home to the nearby rice fields. Armed with a bokken he found, the child swung his weapon against his invisible foes. In his young mind, this was a source of both fun and preparation.
One night, when Ichigo was just twelve years old, the young boy was about to start his usual training session. However, he quickly sensed that he wasn't alone. Sitting nearby on an overturned pail wrapped in thick black robes was a young girl around his size and age with violet hair and same colored eyes. Her skin was as creamy white as the moon above. She watched him with a flat expression. The strawberry blonde was speechless. He knew all the kids in his village, but had never seen her before. Especially someone so beautiful. Sensing his confusion, the girl rose to her feet. "Forgive me," she politely said with a bow. "I apologize if I had startled you."
"I wasn't startled!" the young boy quickly replied. "I just didn't know anyone else was here, that's all."
"I see…" the girl said as she pulled up her hood. "If you wish to be alone, I understand."
The girl turned and took a few steps away. Ichigo thought about her as she started to leave. She didn't seem to mean any harm. If anything, the stranger was rather shy. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, the strawberry blonde called out to the stranger. "Hey, wait!" he replied just before she was out of earshot. The girl turned to face the juvenile, her expression still remaining the same. "Why don't you stay for a bit? If I want to be a samurai, I should at least have someone watch me as I practice."
The child smiled. "Yes, of course," she said while nodding in affirmation. She returned to her seat on the bucket and began watching the little samurai in training. "If I may, can you tell me your name? I believe it is a customary practice."
"Uh, sure," Ichigo said. "I'm Ichigo Kurosaki. But you can just call me Ichigo. What about you?"
"My name is Nemu Urahara. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."
"Nemu, huh? That's a strange name. But I like it."
Hearing the compliment, Nemu turned away in order to hide her blush. "T-Thank you, Ichigo," Nemu stuttered. Ichigo only responded with a chuckle.
That was his first encounter with Nemu. Ever since that night, the two became close friends and would meet at the field every night. Ichigo would continue to show off his swordplay while Nemu watched on. Though she was relatively silent, she became more talkative as they spent more time. For the two, it was a well-kept secret that both had wanted to keep.
In time, Nemu decided to tell her dear friend who she truly was. She revealed herself to be a princess who lived within the walls of a nearby castle. Though she lived a lavished lifestyle, Nemu would also sneak away in the shadow of the night to see what life was like outside the walls. For Ichigo, it was quite a surprise to learn that his closest friend was of royal blood. However, such trivial factors as status did not stop end his friendship and loyalty. In fact, he made an oath to become her protector. Nemu was glad to hear that the revelation did not end their childhood relationship. If anything, their bond had become even stronger that night.
A year had passed and the two met once more. They thought it would be like any other night, but that was before everything had changed. Back at the castle, a coup was staged by the Emperor Kisuke's vassal and brother, Mayuri Kurotsuchi (who was Nemu's biological father from his secret fling with the emperor's wife). He sought to overthrow the regime and take over the throne. It was a sudden strike, which quickly led to civil unrest throughout the kingdom. The flames of war spread everywhere, including Ichigo's village.
Once the samurai troop reached his home, everything quickly went to hell. Ichigo had no choice but to grab Nemu and find a place to hide, as his home became a war zone. Smoke and embers danced about the night sky as homes were set on fire. The cries of innocent people drowned the two children's ears as they watched the rampaging samurai murder every bystander in sight. Among the lost was Ichigo's father, Isshin. He managed to fight off three of the marauding men with a garden ho, but the enemy's numbers were more than enough to permanently cease his rebelliousness.
Nemu's arms wrapped around Ichigo as fear covered her face. Ichigo, as terrified as he was, tried his best to keep a serious face. Wanting to survive, the two continued to keep low and quiet. Unfortunately, a wayward soldier uncovered the two children and towered over them. "Well, if it isn't the princess," he said. "Lord Mayuri was looking for you." Nemu was too petrified with fear to say anything. Her irises shrunk in size as the samurai's hand reached forward.
However, it was suddenly pulled back due to Ichigo striking the man's wrist with his wooden blade. The armor-clad man rubbed his wrist as he glared at the strawberry-haired youth. "Get away from her, creep!" Ichigo shouted as he placed himself between the girl and the enemy. He didn't care about his own well being at that moment. It was about keeping Nemu safe.
"Ichigo…" Nemu said in surprise. "But-?"
"Remember what I said to you? I'd always protect you. And that's exactly what I'm doing now!" Ichigo explained. The girl was surprised by her friend's loyalty. She had never witnessed such duty in her life.
"You little bastard," the samurai glowered. He then pulled out his sword, but reversed his grip. "I don't have the time for this!" Before Ichigo could react, he was struck down with the blunt side of the samurai's sword.
As he fell, the boy could hear Nemu shouting his name. "ICHIGOOO!" she called in both panic and fear.
"I'm sorry… Nemu…" was the only thing Ichigo managed to say before his body hit the ground. All he could do was watch as Nemu was hoisted onto the enemy's shoulder and carried away. Then everything became pitch black as he slipped into unconsciousness.
When looking back on the entire affair, Ichigo couldn't help but feel weak. He was unable to do anything against the soldiers who torched his village. He couldn't save his people, including his family, from being slaughtered. Nor could he defend Nemu from the clutches of the soldier. Of course, that was four years in the past.
Ever since then, Ichigo had been on a quest for honor and revenge. He was taken under the wing of a traveling samurai, who raised and trained the boy into a fine young man. Thanks to his teacher, he had learned many abilities throughout his travels. Some of which were possessed by few warriors of this world. When he became a ronin, he roamed the land and fought in countless battles. Each victory increased his combat prowess.
Now battle-hardened and at the peek of his power, Ichigo stood beside his horse at the top of the hill. Below them stood an impressive castle fortress with samurai standing on guard. He knew of this place. It was where Nemu was raised and where she was imprisoned. The only reason Mayuri kept her alive was for leverage in order to also control the men who were still loyal to the previous lord.
Assessing the situation, Ichigo knew that charging in by him would be suicide. However, the ronin was not alone. The guarding samurai were unaware that they were being watched from the nearby woods. Hidings within the brush and in the surrounding trees were an army of patient rebels. These were people Ichigo had encountered on his travels who wished to side with him in order to overthrow Emperor Kurotsuchi. There was nothing they could do but anxiously wait for their leader to signal the start of the rebellion.
This came at sunset as Ichigo galloped from his hill and to the castle. The guards drew their swords, ready to face off against the ronin. However, the orange-haired warrior unleashed his signature Getsuga Tensho. A wave of raw energy ripped through the soil and opposition with little effort. It was at that time the yells of the rebels rang out. They exploded from the brush and swarmed the castle wall. The samurai were now occupied with keeping back the opposing forces, with many more pouring out of the castle.
Even so, this didn't stop Ichigo from riding inside the fortress. As he steered his steed, he slashed at any samurai who dared stepped in his path. Once he arrived past the gates, the blonde swordsman jumped off his equine and slashed through the hoard as he made a mad dash for the castle doors. Five minutes and nearly one hundred samurai later, Ichigo blew open with a swipe of his sword. The large doors and a few bodies flew ahead as Ichigo stepped inside, his sword now resting on his back. It was the entrance hall of the castle, which was decorated with a silky red carpet leading up to a large throne twenty feet away. Sitting in the seat wearing lightweight gold and purple armor was a man with blue hair and a face covered in black and white paint. It was none other than the tyrant lord of the region, Emperor Kurotsuchi. "Well, well," the regal man said. "You must be this Ichigo Kurosaki I've been hearing about. Word of your exploits travels fast."
"Mayuri... We finally meet..." Ichigo snarled as he glared daggers at the man. His hands wrapped even tighter around his sword's hilt.
In contrast, the emperor had an eerily calm and collected demeanor. A malevolent glint shone in his eyes as a demonic smile spread across his face. "So tell me. Is it true that you are the sole survivor of that village I incinerated all those years ago?" Ichigo was stunned from the question and the fact that the man knew of his dirty work. In fact, his tone was a rather casual one. Seeing the orange-haired teen's expression, Mayuri face displayed an amused expression. "Heh. I had a feeling you were."
"You bastard!" Ichigo roared. "You had your men come to my home and then kill everyone in sight. Not even the children were spared! How could you live with yourself!? You sick, monstrous cur!"
"Well, it seems that you're just like any other boy your age. So full of emotional prattle and hormones. But I know why you're here." Mayuri turned to the side and shouted, "Get out here, you stupid girl! We have a guest!"
Ichigo glared at Mayuri as he wondered what the emperor was planning. Suddenly, he noticed someone coming from a nearby hall. He turned his attention to the new arrival and was wide-eyed when he realized who it was. With her braided hair and purple eyes, Ichigo instantly recognized her as Nemu. She was just as beautiful as she was before. She wore a black kimono decorated in red thistle insignia on the back. A purple obi was wrapped around her waist. "Nemu..." Ichigo replied speechlessly. "It's... It's you..." As Nemu turned to face the visitor, Ichigo noticed that something was wrong as he examined her further. Looking into her eyes, the ronin noticed that they were lifeless purple orbs. She stood silently with her arms held in front of her body. Her skin's complexion, which once glowed in the moonlight, had now become dull. She was not the girl he knew. If anything, she seemed more like a shell of her former self. "What... What the hell did you do to her!?" Ichigo hissed in concern for the young woman.
"Nothing, really," Mayuri responded. "Just some strict discipline. You should have seen her when she returned to the castle. The wench cried for you nonstop. 'Help me, Ichigo! Please save me, Ichigo,'" he repeated in a taunting tone. "Bah! It was such a pathetic sight. But don't worry. After a couple years of solitary confinement, she became a much more compliant tool."
Seeing Nemu in her current state made Ichigo start seething in rage. Hate-filled eyes locked on to Mayuri, who was cackling madly. He wanted to make the monster pay for what he done. Still, he knew that he was partially to blame for not being able to defend her like he swore he would. However, from his master's teachings and fragrant lifestyle, the young ronin learned how to keep his emotions in check. Also, he knew that there were other reasons for why he was here. Ichigo couldn't afford to be careless. "Nemu..." the ronin spoke calmly."I know you can still hear me. The kind young girl I met all those years ago. The girl who I've spent my nights practicing with nothing but a stick in a field." Nemu continued to gaze longingly into the young man's eyes. "I wouldn't blame you for despising me. After all, you must have thought I broke my pact. But ever since you were taken away, I swore that I would protect you. Even if it is four years too late, I am here to make amends. But I must confess that saving you is not my only reason for being here. I am also here on behalf of the citizens in this region. I'll make sure that no one will have to live in fear."
"Heh. Are you finished talking, yet?" Mayuri sneered. "You're long winded speech is just as insignificant as you and your so-called cause. Do you think that your little dream will be enough to save your beloved or these lands?"
Ichigo was silent for a brief moment. With a sigh, the ronin prepared then responded to the question. "Maybe it isn't. But that won't stop me from trying! Even if I'm killed in battle and this rebellion is squashed, I will see this through to the very end! Whatever the end result may be, I will be sure that you fall to ensure Nemu's freedom and the freedom of these people! That I swear!"
"I..." a light voice spoke. Ichigo was shocked as he heard to barely audible whisper. He turned and saw Nemu, whose mouth was still open. "Ichigo..." she called again, this time surprising both Ichigo and Mayuri.
"Impossible! This shouldn't be happening!" Mayuri thought. Of course, his reason was justified. The last he heard from Nemu was when she returned to the castle all those years ago. Since then, he made sure to keep her a mute, mindless drone subservient to his whims. "I thought I shut her up!"
"Ichigo... I never... lost faith... in you..." Nemu continued to say in a soft voice, as if she were in a trance. "I always knew… you would keep your promise... And no matter where you were... or how long you've been gone... I just... I just knew you would come for me..."
"Nemu...." Ichigo called out softly. He watched as a teardrop flowed down the purple-haired woman's cheek. He knew it wasn't a tear of sadness or fear. But of joy and relief.
Suddenly, their intimate moment was interrupted by the sounds of slow claps. Ichigo returned his attention to the high-ranked leader with a scowl. "How touching to hear," Mayuri said. "Truly, something as personal and passionate as this would bring tears to even my dark heart." It was at that moment; the emperor stood from his seat and grabbed a sword lying against his seat. By all accounts, it was a bizarre weapon. While the hilt resembled that of a standard katana, the rest was gold colored with the large baby head and praying hands of Ksitigarba at the center. Sprouting from the design were three wavy blades. "However, I was never one for romance. And I'll make sure this does not end in a happy ending."
"I'll make you pay for everything you've done!" Ichigo shouted as grabbed for Zagetsu and lunged at the enemy. Mayuri stood casually as Ichigo rushed at him, waiting for his opponent to come near. As soon as Ichigo brought his blade upon Mayuri, the emperor held up his own sword and effortlessly blocked the youth's weapon. Nemu watched in shock from the side as she saw the two lock blades. It was surprising how Mayuri's smaller, branched sword was able to stop Ichigo's massive cleaver with ease. Even with Ichigo struggling to push forward, the tyrant only stood and watches him struggle. "Was that all?" Mayuri taunted. "I was expecting more than that." He then shoved Ichigo back and attempted to slab the ronin in the stomach. However, Ichigo quickly blocked the strike and backed away, with the lord in toe. The two swordsmen continued to parry against one another's slashes. The sounds of their clashing blades echoed loud with every meeting, muting the sounds of battle outside the broken castle door. Their strikes were fast and vicious, with Ichigo having to use his reflexes in order to defend against his foe.
As they fought, Nemu continued to watch Ichigo closely. Though she seemed stoic, her expression gradually began to shift into one of fear and concern. After nearly four years, she was finally able to meet her love. Four years of waiting and hoping have finally been answered. However, now he was at risk of being lost once more. All for the sake of rescuing her. "Ichigo…" she mentally called. Suddenly, Nemu broke from her entranced state as a geyser of blood flew high into the air.
As her focus was returned to Ichigo, the princess was horrified by the sight before her. The ronin was now kneeling on the floor, his bold red blood painting the ground around him like paint on a canvas. He panted heavily from the slash across his chest and fatigue as Mayuri stood over him. The man took small breaths from the fight as his body was covered in slash marks and his clothes were tattered. As the orange-haired male tried to move, he realized his body was frozen. The only thing he could do was twitching his digits and move his face. "What the hell!?" Ichigo thought in shock.
From the throne, Nemu already knew what was wrong. "Oh no! It's the effect…"
The young woman's thoughts were cut short as Mayuri cackled loudly, as if in victory. "What's wrong? Can't control your body?" he teased as he stalked toward the immobilized ronin. "Heh. It looks like you're learning of my sword's special ability first hand." Ichigo quickly turned his head up, facing the deadly ruler's smile. "The sword you see before you, Ashisogi Jizo, has a nasty ability. Upon contact, my blade can inject an opponent with a specialized neurotoxin, rendering him or her in a state of severe paralysis."
"You… fucking… bastard…" Ichigo said as he fought to speak.
Mayuri only responded with a venomous grin. "It also has another ability which I truly enjoy. It restricts the victim's movements, but…" Mayuri pulled his foot back as he spoke. Unable to react, Ichigo can only watch as the emperor kicked his abdomen as hard as he could. The force of the strike had Ichigo coughing up blood and bile as he rolled back three feet. "It also keeps the user's sense of pain perfectly intact," Mayuri added before he walked over to the ronin's body. "Now what should I do? I can leave you here in the situation you're in. Or I can imprison you for the rest of your life as a living statue..."
Ichigo struggled to turn his head in order to face Mayuri. "Come on, body!" the teen ordered. "Move, dammit!" He wanted to lash out at the foe. Hell, he wanted to speak out. Unfortunately, the poison was spreading rapidly throughout his system. Not only that, but his right hand was starting to feel crushed by the weight of his own sword.
As he internally struggled, Mayuri was savoring his foe's misfortune. "Look at this. The mighty Ichigo Kurosaki valiantly trying to fight for control over his own person. How pathetic." The only thing the ronin could do was respond with a low growl. "Maybe in a different plane, we would be on the same side. After all, a ronin like you would have made a great, if not interesting samurai. Perhaps you can find out as I send you to the next life!"
With that said, Mayuri began to violently stomp upon the still Ichigo. The ronin could feel the damage increase with every blow. He could here his bones crack and his organs bleed. As the punishing assault continued, the light in Ichigo's eyes started to fade. The sinister laughter or the monarch was muting by the second. It wouldn't be long until he would meet his demise. "So this is how it ends, huh?" Ichigo thought to himself. "I came this far, just so I can die like this. So much for keeping my promise. It was all in vain. I'm sorry everyone. But more importantly… I'm sorry Nemu."
For the first time in his life, Ichigo was about ready to give in to defeat. However, he heard someone call for him. At first, the voice sounded like a barely audible whisper. Then it became louder and clearer. "Ichigo!" it shouted. He knew this voice. It was like a reminder from the past. As his eyes regained their focus, the first thing he saw was Nemu calling out to him next to the empty throne. "Ichigo!" the purple-haired princess called. "You must continue to fight!"
"Nemu…" Ichigo thought. "She's back…"
Mayuri stopped his attack before turning to his daughter. "How dare you speak, wench!" he shouted. "I made sure you were silenced! The only time you can talk is when I give you permission!"
"Please, you mustn't give up!" Nemu called as she ignored her blood father. "Ever since that night, I've dreamt that you would come and save me! And you being here is a clear that you can! Not only that, but the people of this land are also depending on you! Will you really let them down by succumbing to death?"
"That's it!" Mayuri shouted as he knocked Ichigo's body to the side. He then began to make his way to Nemu, glaring at her with ill intent. "I knew I should have cut off your tongue. And now I'll make sure to do so."
As the emperor approached, Nemu stood with a hardened face. For her, she would rather be killed then spending anymore time on this world serving this man or watching her beloved die. "If you die, then I will gladly join you through the passage of eternity, my love," she thought.
"You brought this upon yourself, bitch!" Mayuri replied as he held his blade above the young woman's head. As he was ready to strike, the tyrant froze as he felt a sudden surge of energy begin to rise. Nemu was also shocked by the sudden increase in power. Mayuri turned around and saw Ichigo Kurosaki, whose body was blanketed in energy. Not only that, but the ronin was doing something impossible. Fighting through the poison and pain riddling his body, he was now standing on his feet with his sword in hand.
"This… This can't be…" Mayuri said as he witnessed the event. "You can't still be able to move! You're not even supposed to be breathing! What is this!?"
"It's something I learned from Master Yamamoto," the ronin said calmly.
"Yamamoto…" Mayuri replied. He then remembered the name. It was his old sword master who used to train him when he and Kisuke were children. "That decrepit old bastard did train this kid!" he thought, knowing that only a few people knew of such a technique. "So you think that because you learned a trick from that old man, you can beat me!? Fool! I am the emperor of this land! You cannot stop me!"
"We'll see about that!" Ichigo shouted. "Nemu! Get out of the way!" Hearing Ichigo's order, Nemu hurried away from the emperor, who was now charging ahead. His strength was beginning to increase as well. The ronin knew that if he were to finish the battle, he had to use this power to be sure it was over. With Zangetsu raised in the air, Ichigo channeled his energy into the blade as he bided his time for the next attack. Mayuri was still dashing forward with malicious intent. There was no way he would be defeated against this upstart. The emperor was closing in fast as he held his golden blade to the side. However, he was too late as Ichigo's blade was now fully charged with his energy. The dreadlord was only a few steps away before the orange-haired swordsman slammed his blade to the ground, releasing a powerful Getsuga Tensho. Mayuri tried to block with Ashisogi Jizo, but that proved to be useless as his weapon snapped in two followed by his body being engulfed by the energy torrent.
Outside the castle, both the rebels and samurai ceased their fighting as they witnessed the enormous power wave. It was as bright as an explosion and the strongest attack anyone had ever witnessed. Everyone was awe-stricken by the attack, whose force tossed any nearby soldier back.
Once the attack subsided, a large scorching trail traveled through the castle floor. The building itself seemed to have been cleaved in two. Lying on the ground was a weakened Ichigo, whose body still and stiff. The emperor, Mayuri, was nowhere to be found. Hiding in the rubble on the side off to the side was Nemu, who left her refuge and saw the ronin on the ground. "Ichigo!" she replied as she rushed to his side. She sat on the ground and placed the young man's head on her soft lap.
"Nemu... Is it over?" he asked.
"Yes," Nemu replied with a nod. "Emperor Mayuri is no more. You've saved the entire kingdom and ended his rule."
The ronin smiled from the news of his enemy's defeat. "At last. Now with him gone, this land has a chance to start anew with its rightful ruler." The princess nodded in affirmation as a genuine smile formed on her mouth. Ichigo smiled back as he saw the beautiful gesture. "Thank you, Nemu."
"Why are you thanking me? I didn't do anything other than burden you."
"Don't ever say that!" Ichigo replied. "You've never been nor ever will be a burden! In fact, you're the reason why I had strived to become stronger. You are the one person I care deeply for and I have fought the odds to be here with you."
Nemu was taken back by the young man's confession. However, her astonishment was hidden under her beautiful smile. "You don't have to tell me that, Ichigo," she said. "And I also wish to tell you that I have felt the same way about you. And hearing that you were alive was the only thing that gave me hope. Now here you we are, and I couldn't ask for anything more."
"Nemu…" Ichigo tried to will his body to move, but to no avail. The last attack and the wounds had left him weakened. Not only that, but the Mayuri's poison was still taking effect.
Seeing Ichigo's shape, the purple-haired princess dug into her robe and pulled out a small vile. Inside the container was a red liquid. "Drink this, Ichigo. It's an antidote that will counteract the Ashisogi Jizo's toxin." Ichigo weakly nodded as he opened his jaws. Nemu then poured some of the concoction into his mouth. As the ronin swallowed the fluid, he felt his body becoming lighter. The effects of the paralyzing agent were beginning to wear off. However, he was still too weak to move. "Don't worry, my love. I shall never leave your side."
"Nor I yours, my princess." With reddened cheeks, both the ronin and the princess shared a deep, passionate kiss that seemingly lasted for an hour. Once their lips parted, Ichigo rested his body on Nemu's soft lap.
With the war finally ended, the long awaited peace had returned to the land. Areas that were ruined by the constant fighting were being rebuilt. Among them was the castle, which was now being rule by a new monarch. Ichigo Kurosaki, son of a proud farmer and lone samurai, was now the new lord of the region. Sitting by his side was the true heir to the throne, Nemu Urahara. Their rule would last for many years and allow the region to thrive more than ever before.
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