Author's Note: Oblivion readers! A new chapter has been written and is being beta'd. Rejoice! For the newest chapter will be up soon!
Considering how slowly I'm writing this fic I don't really need a Beta but, if you'd like to offer your services for Do Me A Wrong I'd be glad to get a second person's input. Anyways, here's chapter two and I'd all of you to pay attention to the subtleties within this chapter. Its key to understand or else you'll feel Ichigo is behaving OOC later on.
Hope You Enjoy!
Chapter 2: And Live For Every Breath
Ichigo's eyes drifted open and he was greeted with an all too familiar sight. Familiar…and sorely missed. The skyscrapers were the same as ever. The deafening silence still roamed through the horizon and the sense of tranquility was already imbued within the air.
Although, he noticed there was one startling change from when he was last here. The sky was no longer a vibrant blue. Rather, it was a stark red laced with black clouds. As he noted the amorphous blacks masses pass by, Ichigo noticed something on the edge of his vision.
An ethereal crimson glow surrounded one of the skyscrapers in his mindscape. Ichigo walked over to the edge of the building he was standing on. His hands tucked away in his jeans, he stared dispassionately down at the building.
It was then that he realized, upon getting a better look at it, that it wasn't one of the gargantuan buildings in his soul. Instead, it was the twisted spire of iron that shaped the chess piece that Ichigo had grabbed from Sirzechs. It was the pawn piece, the one Sirzechs had called a mutation piece.
"Quite the eye sore, ain't it?"
Ichigo twisted his waist and cast a glance over his shoulder.
White robes lined with black fur, bone white hair falling to the back of his knees, and a skull like mask with curved horns and tribal markings. A pale imitation of Tensa Zangetsu in his left hand. Exactly the same as he was three years ago.
"Was wondering when you'd show up," Ichigo said with a nostalgic quirk of the lips.
Alabaster fingers rose to the chin of the mask and tilted it back. The all too familiar wolfish grin and flash of teeth were, strangely enough, comforting to Ichigo.
He turned back around to observe the changes to his soul.
"Hey…don't go ignoring me now! This is our long awaited reunion!'
Ichigo's lips quirked as he could hear the scowl in his Hollow's voice. The damn thing hadn't changed one bit. Which was a bit disconcerting as Ichigo felt that a reflection of his soul should have matured along with him. Unless he really hadn't changed in the last three years.
"Where's the old man?" Ichigo asked unconcernedly.
"HaaaH?" His hollow exclaimed. "Seriously! That's the first thing you're gonna ask me?! It's barely been a minute and you're already pissin me off!"
Ichigo turned around and rolled his eyes. Perhaps he did grow up and just shoved all his immaturity to his Hollow. "Well," Ichigo sighed. "Might as well do this."
The Hollow blinked a few times, "The hell you talking bout?"
Ichigo closed his eyes and held out his hand.
His inner world responded.
Behind Ichigo, the massive representation of Sirzechs's hold on his soul gave off an even stronger light. The wind picked up in the mindscape, and the dark clouds drew themselves forward and spiraled towards Ichigo's outstretched hand.
In a rush, the black vapor began to condense itself in his hand. Ichigo opened his eyes and beheld a single black double-edged sword. He examined it closely, as the metallic sheen reflected light. Ichigo cast his gaze back towards the sky. Without the clouds, a mercurial moon hung onto the crimson sky.
"Holy shit…that's creepy as fuck" He heard his Hollow exclaim. Though Ichigo would normally agree with the sentiment, he actually thought that it was quite appropriate.
The silver moon was a perfect reflection of the hollow mask he dawned in his fight with Aizen.
After staring for a few seconds, Ichigo went back to examining his new blade. It was wider than Tensa Zangetsu by more than inch and perhaps longer by half a foot. It was also quite heavier. The most startling difference, though, was the lack of a guard. It only consisted of a hilt wrapped in black cloth. Ichigo twirled the new blade in his hands and gave a few experimental swings.
Ichigo smirked.
Drawing from the depths of the blade, as he would have done if Zangetsu were still in his possession, a dark wellspring of power answered and surrounded him in an aura of pure malevolence. His brown eyes glimmered a deep red and Ichigo flashed out of existence.
The Hollow barely had time to react as Ichigo's black steel crashed into Tensa Zangetsu.
Power flared from both of them as the weight of Ichigo's attack crushed the ground beneath them. The Hollow's surprise was momentary and, quick enough, a maddening grin spread across his face. Crimson reiatsu exploded and the Hollow pushed back against Ichigo. The sheer friction and collision of their aura caused flames to randomly flicker about them, sparks fly and tendrils of electricity to flare.
"Hahahaha!" It laughed maniacally. "Oh you've definitely changed for the better! Show me more!"
The corners of Ichigo's lips curved in answer as his darkened blade bled power. "Getsuga-"
The Hollow's golden irises widened. "Oh fuck yo-"
"-Tenshō."
Sirzechs noted with amusement that Ichigo's body began to leak demonic power and a translucent veil of red light blanketed his newest pawn. Grayfia threw him a concerned glance but he simply dismissed her worries with a smile.
He raised a hand and a small green glow covered the tip of his index finger. He drew a small magic circle in the air and nodded contently. "There," he said. "That should keep any residue from damaging his body by accident."
Grayfia bit her lower lip. "This…is quite unusual."
"He's quite the unusual young man," Sirzechs chuckled. "But that's where his strength lays, I think. I do believe that unconventionality is the norm for him."
Husband and wife stood in silence as they observed Ichigo transition between the realms of life and death.
Sirzechs stole a glance at his beloved and suppressed a quirk of his lips as he witnessed the obvious maternal distress in her eyes. Mothers will forever fret over children in distress. Whether they be their own or not.
Oh yes.
Ichigo Kurosaki would make a wonderful addition to his family.
"Grayfia." He continued when she turned towards him. "Would you be a dear and continue to watch over Ichigo-kun? I have to pay Serafall a visit."
Confusion briefly flitted across her eyes but she quickly nodded her head.
"Thanks." He bent down and brushed his lips against hers. "I'll be back in a couple of hours," he murmured.
He caught one last gaze of Ichigo breathing evenly on the bed before sinking into a magic circle. Soon the young man would awaken and need his help in adjusting into his new existence. Today was turning out to be a very good day. Now all that was left to do was get Serafall to help him come up with a viable excuse to explain to Amaterasu why he just stole her favorite human.
Even as his clothes were torn and ruined, as his body stood marred by bleeding wounds and his bones crept with exhaustion, Ichigo couldn't help but feel a sense of rightness over the entire situation. 'Too long…' he lamented.
The screaming of steel.
The tang of blood.
The flow of death.
'Exhilarating.'
There was no better feeling for life when on the line toeing death. That sheer rush as power gripped his heart and set it beating in thunder. The numbing of his mind, the need to strive. It was survival made manifest.
The will to live.
He missed it.
It was that part which had become so incumbent to his lifestyle. That piece which he was forced to give up for the sake of that which he treasured. It was his again. He had it back.
Instinct!
Tensa Zangetsu was a blur as it barely missed carving out his throat.
The Hollow cackled even as its white robes were stained with blood. Both its own as well as Ichigo's. Ichigo was forced to duck and weave as a wild barrage of stabs were aimed at his head.
He twisted on his foot, barely avoiding the point of the white sword piercing his eye. The Hollow quickly changed its own footing and the stab became a swing that threatened to decapitate him. Black steel screeched against stanch white as he brought up his arm.
They quickly changed their stance and gripped their respective weapons with both hands, pushing against one another in a lock of blades. Sweat and blood caked the grips of each sword, even as their masters poured more and more power against one another.
Leaning his mass into the struggle, a distant memory surfaced to the front of Ichigo's mind. He loosened one hand from his sword even as he subtly began to lose ground, and pointed one finger into the Hollow's bewildered face.
"Cero."
"Mouooouuu! You can't be doing these kinds of things Sirzechs-chan!" The bubbly little Leviathan glowered at him from behind her desk. A desk which, he noted with envy, lacked any paperwork. Of course, the numerous secretaries and interns running around behind him were probably to thank for that.
He sighed internally. Shame Grayfia would never let him get away with something like that. "I've already explained it to you Sera. He was already claimed by Hell. Is it really such a big deal I went one step further?"
"It is!" Serafall childishly pummeled her desk with her small fists.
"Why?" He asked with a tired sigh.
She gave him a pout and said, "It gives me more documents that I need to sign, that's why!"
"Sera…" He said exasperatedly.
"Fine, fine," she snapped as she stood up from her chair. "Everyone!"
All of the numerous staff of the Foreign Affairs department stopped their mad rush to deal with Serafall's responsibilities and looked at their leader. "Out, out!"
There was loud stamping as all the devils who were employed by Serafall's part of government quickly vacated her office. As soon as the office doors shut with a click, the child-like Satan fixed him with a glare and huffed as she sat down. Her form shimmered and where once the infamous magical girl Levia-tan sat, was now a tall woman of haunting beauty and long silken strands of raven black hair that fell to the back of her knees.
Sirzechs raised an eyebrow as he saw that all his old friend was wearing was a racy black gown of sheer lace and silk. "I really hate taking this form." Her voice no longer girlish and instead husky and throaty. "It's so uncute." Her perfect nose wrinkled in distaste.
Sirzechs emeralds locked with Serafall's shadowed azure. "It was a political shit-storm when your boy went on a rampage in Hell, Sirzechs," She said, getting to the topic at hand. "The elders were all clambering for us to take an overtly aggressive stance."
Sirzechs grimaced. He remembered all too well the calamity from three years ago, considering he was the one who had to clean it all up. "It was only made worse when the Shinto faction claimed that they held no responsibility for the kid's action's as he was, all toohuman. Even worse was Amaterasu claiming that he was under her divine protection and that no action could be taken against him."
"I've already dealt with the elders Sera," Sirzechs dropped his chin onto folded hands. "They haven't any right nor authority to complain. Hell is solely my domain. I've made that abundantly clear."
"I know that Sirzechs," Serafall closed her eyes in a silent sigh. "But you blatantly took a human who had the expressed interest of Takama-ga-hara. Not only that but you've dumped him right into the middle of the elders' playing field."
She gave him a worried look. "Do you honestly think that those stubborn fossils will let things go? They will be after the boy regardless of your protection."
Sirzechs smirked as he leaned back into his chair. "They can try but, they're going to be in for a rude awakening when they do."
Serafall raised a delicate eyebrow.
"All they see is a reincarnated human, Sera. What they deem trash. What they don't see is a devil with a deeper connection to Hell than they can ever dream of."
Serafall let a sad smile grace her lips. "If you say so, old friend. Just be careful okay? We can't afford any distractions."
He returned her smile full on. "So you'll take care of Amaterasu for me?"
"Yes I'll deal with her you lovable oaf," Her smile turning into exasperated fondness. "Just know you owe bigtime."
"I'll have Enku take some photos of Sona when he goes to visit Rias in the human world next time," Sirzechs said as he stood up.
"You do that," Serafall chuckled.
As he prepared a circle to teleport away, Serafall called out to him and something in her voice caused him to falter in his magic. "Sera?" He asked with a frown.
"I've been debating whether to tell you this or not but…" She bit her lower lip and her gaze was centered on the ground. "The Vanishing Dragon has revealed itself and there have been multiple sightings all over the world."
"I see," Sirzechs said hesitantly. Most avoided the Heavenly Two like a plague. Nobody wanted to get caught between the berserker battles between each new incarnations. Admittedly it had been roughly a full century since the last clash between the legendary dragons. "I doubt any of our people will be foolish enough to involve themselves with their rampages."
"Sirzechs…" The anxiety in her eyes was all too clear. "Most of the sightings have been centered in Japan."
His eyes went wide as an icy grip clawed his heart. Where ever one was, the other was sure to follow. If the Welsh Emperor and the Vanishing Emperor took their battle to Japan…
'The girls…!'
"I'm sure they'll be fine," Sirzechs said after a moment and swallowing hard. "For all we know, the Red One hasn't even been born yet."
Serafall sagged. "I oh so hope so."
Black and white eradicated buildings and tore through the sky in a bloodstained hurricane while the rest of the inner world trembled under the duress of the battle. Every clash of steel sent shockwaves through the world and caused entire skyscrapers to splinter. Soul shattering cries echoed throughout the scape.
Ichigo heaved his torn body as his blood throbbed and ached in his temples. They never stopped, constantly moving at supersonic speeds. The Hollow had all of his mask disintegrated and sported a bloody gash across his forehead. Ichigo's, meanwhile, had his arm limply at his side, dripping blood all over the ruined structures.
His foot hit the ground and immediately he whirled away in a burst of speed; a single step carrying farther than humanly possible. The Hollow too dashed forward, meeting him half way.
Ichigo swung down with all the force he could muster while the Hollow cut in a wide arc. The two blades met, unleashing a torrent of demonic and spiritual power. The aftershock of each encounter had laid waste to the scenery that the Old Man was once tired of. All that remained, was the jagged piece of twisted metal that represented the Devil's hold on his soul. The mutation piece…and the macabre moon that looked down at the two combatants.
Back and forth, their weapons met, their souls rang in discorded harmony. A look of grim satisfaction etched into both pair of eyes.
The Hollow stepped forward, bringing Tensa Zangetsu down with both hands. Ichigo immediately sidestepped and lashed out with a kick that connected to the Hollow's side, causing it to stumble slightly. Taking advantage, he pressed on and attempted to run his Hollow through however, the white monster quickly jumped back and smacked Ichigo's blade away with its own.
Again, their blades met and the ground beneath was torn asunder. It was then that Fate struck and the Hollow lost its footing. Ichigo rushed and, with preternatural reflexes ducked beneath the lethal white blade. As Ichigo passed the Hollow, golden irises widened in shock.
Reversing his grip on the demonic sword, Ichigo roared as he plunged the blade backwards. There was a cry of shock as metal severed sinew and crushed through bone.
A moment passed between the two as they stood with their backs to each other. Features twisting feral-like, Ichigo's grip on his blade tightened and he savagely tore the blade out of the Hollow's back.
He stood there, underneath a red sky and silver moon, his breathing strenuous and his shoulders completely slouched. His gaze flittered across the horizon. Devastation and ruin lay as far as the eye can see yet, he couldn't bring himself to care. For the first time, in a very long time, Ichigo felt entirely and wholly free.
Exhaling loudly, Ichigo turned around to see the Hollow spread eagle on the crumbling ground. A crimson blanket pooling beneath it. As both labored in their breathing, gold and ruby locked gazes. Even as their swords had contested their wills, their eyes voiced their souls and, what seemed to be an eternity passed, between the two.
"Zangetsu…"Ichigo breathed out, his brow furrowing.
The Hollow laughed, only to fall into a coughing fit. "Urrghh…Figuered it out did ya? Took you damn well long enou-hurk!" Blood sprayed from its mouth.
"Where is he?" Ichigo asked, near casual.
Zangetsu rolled his head on the floor and Ichigo followed his line of sight to the colossal mutation pawn piece. "He was different. Wasn't shinigami nor was he hollow…don't know where he went…maybe cuz you ain't human anymore…"
Ichigo let the words sink and realization floored him. "Are you saying he was…?"
Zangetsu chuckled, only to be rewarded for his effort with more coughing. "How is that possible?" Ichigo mainly said to himself.
"Hell if I know…but I'll tell you this…the Old Man'd be ridiculously happy if he were here now."
"Because I kicked your ass?"
Zangetsu scowled. "No you jackass! What was the last thing we said to you before we taught you the Final Getsuga Tenshō?"
"…What I want to protect is you Ichigo."
"Your dumbass finally got it…ya finally starting to fight for yourself…" Zangetsu had a massive grin on his face even as his body began to disintegrate. "Try not to get yourself killed now, ya hear?"
"Yeah," Ichigo said, a small smile on his face. "I get you."
"Hmph," and Zangestu faded away.
Ichigo stood still as the remnants of his Zanpakutō swirled about him before slowly settling onto and merging with his new sword. There was a flash of white light and Ichigo let blissful oblivion take him.
"Looks like he's finally starting to come out it," Sirzechs noted as Ichigo's power ceased to flare and began to settle down.
With a wave of his hand, he undid the seal he placed on the young man's body and, almost immediately, Grayfia was by his side. Sirzechs chuckled and joined his wife as he observed Ichigo's eyes begin to flutter. His young pawn, stared at the ceiling for a moment before letting out a groan and putting a hand over his eyes.
His smile widening, Sirzechs asked, "Hey there. How're you feeling?"
Uncovering his eyes, Ichigo's eyes flickered to the red headed Devil, to Grayfia and then back to him. "How long?"
Eyes shimmering in amusement, Sirzechs answered. "Were you out? A little under eleven hours."
Ichigo let out another groan and made to sit up. "There goes my morning financial analytics class." Grayfia put an arm on Ichigo's shoulder to steady him. Sirzechs lightly snorted, "I'm sure you'll manage."
As Ichigo stood up, he fumbled and both Sirzechs and Grayfia reached out to keep him standing. "Easy there," Sirzechs said softly. "Don't overdo it. Your body still needs time to adapt to its new adjustments."
Ichigo fixed his gaze to Grayfia. "Sorry about this," He said with a sheepish smile. "I'm Ichigo Kurosaki by the way."
Grayfia acknowledged him with a nod. "Grayfia Lucifuge, Queen to Sirzechs Lucifer and maid of the Gremory family." Then, with a fleeting smile, she added. "It's of no trouble."
"She's also my wife," Sirzechs sighed as he set Ichigo back on the bed. "Yet she always chooses to forgo that one in her introductions."
Ichigo let out a small laugh but Sirzechs had to force himself not to react as Grayfia sharply stepped on his toes. "Do you remember what I told you about the Peerage system?" The Crimson Lucifer said as he subtly flexed toes.
"Queen is in charge in absence of the King, right?"
Sirzechs dipped his head. "Very good. There will be times where I will be too occupied to personally give out orders. I rely on Grayfia to communicate with the others at times like those. Also, any problems you have can be addressed to her. She will do her best to help you adjust to your new life."
"I am always available if you have any inquiries Kurosaki-san," Grayfia said as she stood straight and folded her hands in front of herself.
"Ichigo is fine, Grayfia-san." The young man said. "I'm not really big on formalities."
Sirzechs had to suppress a laugh as his wife's lips twisted in displeasure briefly. "As you wish."
"Now," Lucifer began. "It's best we discuss your living arrangements for the time being."
"Living arrangements?"
"That is correct, Ichigo-kun. Your powers have returned, and while you have a better idea of what you are capable of than I do, you are wholly unfamiliar with demonic powers and how to safely use them."
"I see," Ichigo said as he frowned.
"Which is why I want you to spend the next week here in the Underworld."
Ichigo looked around the room with wide eyes. "We're in the Underworld right now?" He asked in astonishment. Sirzechs lips quirked as he nodded. "It's a lot more…cleaner than I expected."
Sirzechs chuckled. "Let me guess, your thoughts were more along fire and brimstone?"
Ichigo gave a sheepish laugh and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah…sorry about that."
"Anyways," Sirzechs said good-naturedly. "I want you to work on controlling your powers. You probably don't notice it right now but you're leaking a steady dose of demonic power even as we speak."
Ichigo's eyes widened and he placed a palm to his chest. He was? He didn't feel anything at the moment. Then again, he had the same problem with his spiritual powers. He returned his gaze back to Sirzechs. "In the Underworld, other Devils will think that you're openly challenging them if you constantly give off power the way you're doing now. And in the human world, you'd probably hospitalize several humans who'd get very sick simply by standing near you."
"That's…not good…" Ichigo said as his face twisted into a scowl.
"No, not good at all. Which is why," Sirzechs snapped his fingers and a crimson circle appeared on the ground behind him. A man, who only seemed a few years older than Ichigo, rose out of the glowing circle. He had black hair with streaks of blonde that fell in wave around his shoulders. A thin, shallow smile plastered over his lips gave him a very unsettling image. "MacGregor here will be teaching you how to control your new found powers."
If possible, the man's smile become even creepier. "MacGregor Mathers, Mister Kurosaki. A pleasure to meet our newest member."
"MacGregor here," Sirzechs gestured towards the man. "Is my one and only bishop. He's considered a chief figure in the magical community and his abilities are unrivaled. You stand to gain a lot under his tutelage."
"You flatter me, my Lord," the man said with a bow. "I cannot, however, compare in terms of wizardry, to yourself or Lord Beelzebub."
"Well, Ajuka and I have a few centuries on you," Sirzechs waved him off. "I'm sure within another hundred years or so, you'll surpass me, at least in terms of skill."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mister MacGregor," Ichigo inclined his head. However, his face scrunched in confusion for a moment. 'Did I just speak English?'
"Ah, noticed did you," Mathers said with a glint in his eyes. "All Devils have an inborn ability to flawlessly speak and understand any language that is known to their kind. Sadly, this only extends to vocal communication. You will have to learn how to read and write a language on your own."
Sirzechs clapped his hands together and beamed. "See? MacGregor is a natural born teacher. Already he's filling your head with useful information."
Grayfia cleared her throat and grabbed the attention of all three men. "As we have breached the topic of languages, Kuro-Ichigo, it is imperative you learn how to read and write in the native tongue of Devils. You will be forced to carry out several duties in an official capacity as a member of Sirzechs-sama's peerage."
"Very true," Sirzechs cupped his chin. "One of the down sides to this job is all the boring work but, you'll get used to it quick enough."
"Also, while we are on the subject of education," Grayfia said. "I believe it would be best if you switched to online classes. At least for the next few months as commuting between the Underworld and Earth will be rather cumbersome."
Ichigo blinked in surprise. "You mean I'm still going to go to university?"
Ichigo nearly recoiled as Grayfia's eyes flashed with sharpened steel. "Ichigo-kun," She started austerely. "Education is a very important thing. I will not stand for a young man in my care to laze around. Are we clear?"
"C-crystal," he stuttered.
"Hmph, good." She nodded. She turned towards the other two, who both flinched as their gaze met hers. "I must excuse myself. There are many things which require my attention and I expect the both of you to return your respective duties once Ichigo has settled in."
"O-Of course!"
"Yes, m-ma'am."
With one last glare, Grayfia walked out the room and all three men watched carefully. As soon as the door clicked shut, they let out a breath that none of them knew they were holding in. "As frightening as ever," Mathers muttered. "How you managed to fall in love with her is beyond me, my master."
"Sometimes I wonder myself," Sirzechs responded with a chill.
After a tense moment, the older two Devils both turned towards Ichigo. "Well Ichigo," Mathers said. "If you're feeling up to it, we could begin right away. If not, we'll have a servant take you to your quarters and we can begin tomorrow."
Ichigo smirked. "Trust me, I'm all reared to get going now."
"Very good," Mathers smiled. "Let's get going, shall we?"
Ichigo stood, grabbing hold of Mathers's outstretched hand, and a glowing light encircled them. When Sirzechs stepped in with them, both of them looked at him expectantly. "I think I'll join the two of you," he said with a pleasant smile.
Mathers, on the other hand looked very perturbed by the idea. "I'm not so sure about that, sir."
"Don't worry," Sirzechs waved dismissively. "What Grayfia doesn't know won't hurt her."
"It less her getting hurt and more her doing the hurting, that has me worried," the magician said under his breath.
A very unpleasant sensation gripped Ichigo as he felt himself being compressed uncomfortably from all sides. Suddenly the world spun and he was on the ground. "Ah, sorry about that." He heard Mathers say. "It's always the worst the first few times. Don't worry, you'll get used to it."
"That's good to know," Ichigo said, doing his best to keep his previous meal down. As he took notice of his surroundings, he realized that they were no longer in the room he was laying in. Instead, they were in wide clearing surrounded trees.
"Where are we?" Ichigo asked, looking around.
"A few miles away from my personal residence," Sirzechs explained. "The forest is stocked with all sorts of monsters for target practice purposes."
"So," Ichigo said slowly. "How are we doing this?"
"First," Mather's said, holding up a finger. "We'll begin by having you draw upon your power. Once you get the hang of calling it forth, it becomes easier suppressing it."
"You heard him, Ichigo-kun, go ahead and let loose."
"Alright," Ichigo nodded and closed his eyes. He felt that sorely missed hum of power deep within him and let it flood through. As he opened his eyes, the entire clearing was swept in a tide of swirling crimson energies laced with black.
The grass beneath his feet burned away and the ground blackened as it dies. The friction from his power began to scorch the dirt and set deep cracks within the land. "Well," Mathers said, his eyebrows well into his hair line. "I can see why you brought him into the club. He can easily crush probably every High-Class Devil."
"That's quite enough, Ichigo-kun," Sirzechs's expression one of immense satisfaction.
Ichigo nodded as he reigned in his power and drew it back into himself. "Perfect! Right there!" Mathers sudden exclamation startled Ichigo. "Just now, as you brought your power into yourself, that is the key to keeping your power suppressed. It will require conscious effort on your part in the beginning but, eventually it will become like second nature."
Ichigo frowned. It certainly did require quite a bit effort for him to keep it all bottled away. If anything, it felt incredibly disagreeable to his person. "You're having a difficult time because of your great strength, Ichigo-kun," Sirzechs said, as if reading his thoughts. "Most people learn to control the power they have as they gradually gain strength. For you, who grows in leaps and bounds, it is a very challenging thing to do."
Ichigo's face contorted with concentration and he continued to suppress his power within his own body. "Now if you are willing to satisfy my curiosity," Sirzechs said with a wicked smile. "Would you try to draw upon you demonic power and only your demonic power?"
Ichigo frowned but said, "I'll try." He knew how to differentiate between his powers. He was forced to do so when he needed to fight off control from his Hollow. Back then, it became exceedingly difficult to draw on his inner strength without calling out the Hollow.
Reaching deep within himself, he dived into the massive reservoir of power that swam within him. Pulling and twisting it, he slowly tried to untangle the separate fonts that his powers originated from. He could practically feel Zangetsu's displeasure as he unwound it from the mutation piece that gave him his demonic powers. Setting aside the grumpy spirit, he drew on the power of Sirzechs's piece and let it out.
Mathers gave an approving nod.
"Good, now," He pointed towards the trees. "See if you can release only it."
Eyes narrowing in concentration, shadows of Ulquiorra flashed in his mind as he pointed his index finger towards the forest. Smoldering orange and red waves compressed at the tip of his finger until they formed a tight sphere glowing threateningly.
From the corner of his vision, he could see both Mathers and Sirzechs looking on curiously. Ichigo placed his gaze back on the ominous orb in front of his finger. Giving it a slight push, the orb went racing into the trees and Ichigo lost sight of its glow in the darkness.
A moment passed before his entire line of sight was consumed in a flash of bright light as a massive wall of flame erupted and tore into the sky. The wind whipped at gale-force speeds and several trees were uprooted and blown over head. The sheer heat from the explosion caused Ichigo to draw on his power and shield himself. As the surge lessened and the ground stopped trembling, Ichigo turned towards the other two. Sirzechs held a hand aloft in front of his face, shielding his eyes, while Mathers looked on, shock coating his face.
"Oh dear," Sirzechs murmured just loud enough for Ichigo to here. "Wasn't quite expecting that."
"Lucifer's rotting corpse!" Mathers exclaimed.
"Excuse me?" Sirzechs said indignantly.
"That's-that's Hell-Fire! How in the name of all that is unholy can you wield that monstrosity of all things!?"
"I took in Hell's power several years ago. I guess it just stuck with me." Ichigo shrugged.
"What!?" Mathers's eyes bugged out of his head. "You can't do that! No one can do that! Even our master can't do that! It's impossible to manipulate Hell. The only way for something like that…Sweet Lilith!"
Mathers pointed a trembling hand at Ichigo. "D-Don't tell me that Hell accepted you without damning your soul!?"
"Is it really that big of a deal? I mean, aren't Devils the rulers of Hell. Surely there are tons of people who can use this stuff?" Ichigo said in confusion.
"I think you're misunderstanding something Ichigo-kun," Sirzechs drew Ichigo's attention with a wry smile. "While it's true that we Devils have a unique affinity for Hell and that the Underworld is a separate part of Hell that we live in; the reality is that, I rule Hell because Hell allows me to."
"Hell…allows…?" Ichigo was beyond bewildered at this point.
"Hell is far older than our race. In fact, Hell is older than even the mortal world. When my predecessor Fell, he…how do I say it…made a deal with Hell. In a way, it's a sentient entity."
"A deal," Ichigo's face fell into shock.
Sirzechs nodded. "In return for its dark power, our race would serve as the wardens of the Sinners of Creation. The Kushanada may obey me but that's only because I reaffirmed the deal that my predecessor made. You are the only person in all of Creation that Hell ever willingly helped out."
Ichigo continued to look slack jawed at Sirzechs, causing the red-head to chuckle. "Trust me, I may be Lucifer, but you're much closer to the title of Devil than anyone in history. And that includes the Morning Star, himself."
"That…that's not a comforting thought."
"No, I suppose it isn't," Sirzechs sighed, his expression unnaturally grim. "And the Lord of Hell is not one to be denied."
"Wha…?" Ichigo stared at Sirzechs's cryptic words.
"Never mind," Mathers said, quickly shaking his head. "Nothing good will come of that line of thoughts. For now, let us return to your powers."
Ichigo swallowed hard but decided to push down any questions for now. Perhaps, once he learned to control his powers better, he could begin to understand them in depth. "Your demonic powers are advanced. Very advanced. While your massive reserves are noteworthy, what truly stands out is the sheer density of them. I suppose this is the byproduct of 'reiatsu' as you call it."
"Now," Mathers intoned seriously. "Let us see how much of your former powers have returned."
"Yes," Sirzechs agreed. "I am also quite curious as to how much of your spiritual powers have returned. If you can use your demonic powers in tangent to your spiritual ones, I dear say, you'll be promoted to Ultimate Class by the end of the week."
Ichigo acquiesced and once again, dove into his own being. Touching that part of his soul, he gave an exasperated smile. 'Your turn…'
'Chah!'
Ichigo instantly felt a weight appear in his hand. He looked down and beheld a sheathed sword. It was the same one he used to battle Zangetsu in his inner world except…it was bone white now. In fact, it looked disturbingly like an arrancar's zanpakutō. He drew the guardless sword and summoned the power from within the confines of his soul.
A minute passed.
Then two.
At three, Sirzechs and Mathers began to exchange glances.
"Ichigo?" Sirzechs asked cautiously in the face of Ichigo's fluctuating spiritual pressure. "Is there something wrong?"
"I-I…" Ichigo looked utterly lost for a moment.
'I…have absolutely no fucking clue on how to release my Zanpakutō.'
Well this was embarrassing. He knew his zanpakutō's name, he knew its bankai and hell he even mastered it to a point where a super-powered Aizen could only touch him if Ichigo let him. However…he had no shitting way of knowing his release phrase for his shikai. He never needed one!
'Dumbass!'
Ichigo's body moved on autopilot and his aura flared all the way into the dark clouds of the Underworld. Reiatsu flooded the world and Mathers and Sirzechs could only stand by exerting their own capable auras. Arm raised above, Zangetsu in its new form pointing skywards, Ichigo's lips moved of their own accord.
"Resurrección."
Author's Note: Someone asked that I respond to all my reviews...with all due respect, there's no way in hell I'm responding to 50+ reviews. Shoot me a PM and I will get back to you.
I can already tell there will be numerous objections/questions regarding Ichigo's powers and just how strong is he. Well, it'll all be explained in the next chapter.
Here's a list of questions that seem to be the general ones. Hope it helps.
When is Oblivion being updated? As soon as my beta is done editing the newest chapter.
Is Ichigo getting a harem? ...It's a DxD fanfic...what do you think?
Who will be in it? No idea...this a work in progress with no forward planning or I'd love to hear your opinions.
Will it be a massive crossover with numerous bleach characters making an appearance? Hells no. That takes away from the charm of crossovers in my humble opinion.
Will Ichigo be enabling Uber Cheat Codes? Well, he won't be able to OTK Great Red if that's what you're asking.
Want to rant and flame? Go ahead. Something to keep me entertained as I do my residency rounds in the hospital.
Any further questions? PM, I'll be happy to clear up any confusion.
CE-NEX says: Peace Out!
