A/N: When I was writing this at around 6k words I wrote down like 2k words on the Don Kanonji scene, and I clicked a button on my keyboard by accident and ALL OF IT WAS GONE! I had to rewrite the entire chapter! So if this chapter seems badly written it was because I got pissy at my computer for having to redo all my hard work. This can be seen especially at the Kon Kanonji scene, since I just wanted to speed through it so I cut out a fair bit of dialogue.
Note: I write this in advance, meaning that on the day I post this (12/02/2016) I have write maybe 2k words for chapter 3 and then hit writers block. As of this moment I am trying my hand at a RWBY-BLEACH Crossover, so I may post that up even if just to give a show of work or to inspire others to base their ideas of my story and grow the community of RWBY-BLEACH crossover, it needs more love.
'Italics' = Personal Thoughts / Important Thoughts
''Italics'' = Zanpakuto Speech
''Bold and Italics'' = Inner Hollow Speech
''Bold'' = Vizard with Mask Speech
I DO NOT OWN BLEACH, SADLY
Chapter 2: Building Bonds
As the bell for lunch resounded the classrooms cleared as all students, spiritually aware and not, cleared out of the building to go eat their lunch. The trio of gems also did this, Ichigo having invited the trio to join him and his friends. Sapphire agreed, Emerald politely declined and Ruby just came because she had no-one else to talk to. As the sea haired and crimson haired teens followed after the strawberry they attracted quite a lot of stares. It was one thing for someone to have orange hair, but when you got down to it, it was plausible - but blue and red? Nada.
They didn't pay them any mind, well Ruby glared at a bunch of people with a silent threat in her eyes and they all shied away like expected, so they went uninterrupted as they got to the roof. Only a few moments later did Keigo, Mizuiro and Chad appear, Rukia nowhere to be found.
''What the hell Ichigo?! You're hogging all the hot new girls?!'' Keigo exclaimed as Chad sat down silently, Mizuiro sitting closer to the girls.
''Hello, Urahara-san's'' He said, implying the 's' to include both of them.
''Hello, Kojima-san'' Sapphire smiled and Ruby just grunted, too busy stuffing her face with rice as everyone ignored Keigo's outburst ''Are you feeling better today, Yasutora-san?''.
''Mm'' Chad grunted an affirmative.
I blinked ''Did something happen?''.
''A Hollow attacked Yasutora-san'' Sapphire whispered so only I could hear, though I was too stunned to notice how close she was ''Ruby dealt with it, but Yasutora-san is now spiritually aware, and is slowly developing powers by feeding upon you're massive Reiatsu, which permeants the very air''.
''Oh'' Was my only response.
''A Hollow also attacked Orihime Inoue and Tatsuki Arisawa, but Ruby dealt with it before it reached Inoue-san's house'' She informed swiftly as she returned to her original position.
''Oh'' I repeated, as it was the only logical reply.
The soft padding of footsteps over grass made Ishida look up, mildly surprised to see the new girl Emerald there. She caught his eye for only a moment before wordlessly sitting against the tree he was lying against.
''You shouldn't hate the Shinigami for what the evil ones do'' She said smoothly, opening her Bento and intentionally missing his shocked face ''Many of the lower ranks are admittedly guilty, as are the political figures, but not all Shinigami are evil''.
Before he could ask her how she knew this information, and if she was a Shinigami herself, she held out her wrist to show the Quincy bangle on her wrist without even looking at him, her eyes on her Bento as she calmly ate ''You are not the only Quincy left, although I know three others who are hybrids''.
I raised an eyebrow ''Hybrids?''.
She gave a disinterested nod and replied quietly ''Mm, either part Hollow, part Shinigami, or both. It enables them to use the powers from both races, pretty handy at times''.
''I see...'' I say, taking in this information as I picked at the remains of my lunch ''If I may ask, why did you come to speak with me?''.
''...I wanted to ask if you'd like to train...'' She mumbled, a tiny amount of pink dusting her cheeks ''I've never had the chance to see how strong other Quincy are, since my siblings that possess Quincy powers either have Shinigami or Hollow mixed in, making them stronger''.
''Sure'' I said as nonchalant as possible, though it also came out as a bit of a mumble ''Where do you want to meet?''.
''We could go to this underground training area which is owned by someone I know'' She proposed, giving a small smile.
I pushed my glasses up, making them glint to hide the tiny dusting of pink ''Sure''.
''Hello Urahara-san'' Ichigo greeted with a nod as Sapphire led him into the store.
She gave a polite but dismissive wave off a hand ''Please just call me Sapphire, you'll just mix me and my siblings up''.
She chuckled into her palm at the apparent thought and I followed up to her remark ''Just call me Ichigo then''.
''Sure thing, Ichigo-san'' She smiled amicably as we descended down the ladder, abandoning my body in a small room next to the ladder. She took a similar position as yesterday, instead standing on a slightly elevated rock platform while throwing something I just managed to catch.
''Remember how Isshin-san mentioned you inherited Quincy Powers?'' She asked and I gave a nod, putting the cross on my wrist and letting the bangle hang as she continued ''That bangle, titled a Quincy Bangle, allows you to manifest a bow made from Reishi, to fire Quincy arrows from. However unlike a Shinigami's Zanpakuto, Quincy arrows permanently destroy souls, not allowing them into the cycle of Reincarnation''.
I frowned ''Isn't that a bad thing''.
She nodded patiently ''That was the cause of a massive war between the Shinigami and Quincy one-thousand years ago, politics and stuff like that. While they do destroy souls there is a potential to remedy that, though only Quincy-Shinigami hybrids can solve it since it will allow the souls to not be destroyed''.
''For the basics of manifesting the Quincy Bow, simply focus on the particles in the air, like Oxygen, and focus on drawing them towards your bangle. Being a Quincy is mostly around mental fortitude, for the stronger you are mentally the stronger you are as a Quincy''.
Nodding I closed my eyes, breathing deeply as I mentally tried to reach out for the air, yet I felt nothing. There was no pull or resistance, just nothing. I frowned as I persisted, but after the minutes ticked by without result I opened my eyes with an irritated huff.
Sapphire, completely unfazed, simply smiled ''Its harder than its sounds, Hm? It takes time and patience to learn the Quincy techniques, let alone master them. I'll leave it up to you to train with them, and I will assist you as much as possible''.
A tint of pink dusted my cheeks at her smooth but unwavering promise ''Thanks...''.
She nodded ''Now, I think we should try some Kido, as I can see you using Hado quite often in the future...''.
''Yo! Yasutora!''.
Said large man turned around, watching as Ruby Urahara jogged up to him. The duo were under the bridge, coincidently where he and Ichigo had first met.
''Urahara-san'' He greeted with a nod, he knew why she was here - she was the one who proposed sparring sessions between the two of them so that his spiritual ability had a higher chance of manifesting, so he could fight alongside Ichigo. She had come to him personally, without her sisters or mentors consent, to train him. Her reasoning for this was because she respected his strength, especially when he fought the hollow 'Shrieker' blind.
Without further fanfare they both fell into combat stances, his naturally more defensive and hers more offensive. Using only their natural speed they ran at each other, engaging and beginning their fourth spar.
And that became the usual routine for the trio for weeks to come. Ichigo would head to the Urahara Shoten on a daily basis for a few hours training with Sapphire, come home and chat with Rukia over idle things, and over a stuffed doll that had apparently housed something called a Mod-Soul, after Ruby used it for her Gigai and came back to it fondling itself, making Kisuke Urahara her official punching bag for the next century. She gave it to Rukia after said Shinigami asked for it, and then she put it in a doll to keep around so Ichigo could eject from his body without her assistance.
Sapphire herself fit in with the Kurosaki family fairly well, due to her frequent interactions with the twins' brother and occasional chit-chat with Isshin. She and Yuzu got along well, talking about cooking and exchanging recipes and other things along those lines. Karin wasn't as close, but still held a good relationship with the navy haired teen, who acted almost like an older, motherly sister.
Sado met Ruby under the bridge on most days, sparring with their natural strength and leaving Ruby commenting his Reiatsu was getting larger by the day. He himself also felt a tingling sensation on his arm, but it always ceased after their fighting died down. Their interactions outside of that were uncommon to prevent suspicion, though they did chat often and Ruby occasionally helped with an annoying bunch of brats who tried to take him down.
Ishida and Emerald got along well, mostly meeting up at lunch or for after-school projects. They both possessed Quincy powers and similar tendencies, meaning they got along well. The only thing that was a major difference between the duo was their outlooks on life, though this never started any fights or anything, just leading to one side huffing and accepting the others view before moving onto different topics.
All and all, they were happy with the arrangement. Even Rukia had come to view the 'Gem Sisters' as friends, mainly Sapphire for her kind and ever-patient nature that reminded the Shinigami of a certain captain of the healing division.
But then, that day came around.
The group of five, consisting of the Kurosaki family and Sapphire, tread up the hill to Masaki's grave. Sapphire had been invited along because of her close relations with the family, and that while she had not known Masaki well, she could come with the family. She accepted kindly, idly talking with Yuzu and Karin as the trio walked up ahead of the two Kurosaki males.
Karin was wearing simple white shorts and a blue-and-white short sleeve shirt, a pair of trainers and a cap. Yuzu, always the more feminine one, wore a hooded pale yellow dress and red shoes, along with a small satchel. Sapphire was wearing a long navy blue sleeveless dress, reaching just below her knees and matching her white and blue shoes.
''This hill is so steep!'' Yuzu whined, holding a hand to shade her eyes from the sun.
''Speak for yourself, this hills no problem'' Karin replied coolly.
''That's because you're a very sporty person, Karin-san'' I chide playfully, making the dark haired girl to huff but held a small smile.
''YOU CAN DO IT YUZU! HANG IN THERE!'' Isshin yelled, drawing attention to him as we turned to look at him ''SEE? DADDY'S ON HIS HANDS!''.
''Just ignore him, or else he'll never stop'' Karin grumbled, walking up the hill again ''Giving guys like him attention only encourages them''.
''You're wrong about that'' Isshin said, eyes glinting ''I'm automatically encouraged even if you ignore me!''.
''Look out Yuzu!'' Karin yelled as Isshin sped past us, the wind kicking up Yuzu's dress. I put a hand over the front of my dress so the wind doesn't blow it up, which succeeded in stopping said wind and Isshin was kicked back down the hill past Ichigo. I frowned at his lamenting face as he walked, obviously distracted and deep in thought. I could see the pain behind his eyes, buried so deep nobody but those closest to him would be able to see.
I wonder if I would be similar if Akemi had died, and it was indirectly my fault? Despite us being nothing more than experiments by Sosuke Aizen, Akemi saved us from our horrid fate and gave us a life in the human world with her friend Urahara. The first year or so was tentative at best, all of us constantly fearing that Aizen would suddenly appear and snatch us away, as our young child-like minds had seen things no child ever should have seen. But we eventually settled down, Akemi being a motherly figure to us while Kisuke was an eccentric but good father, Yoruichi and Tessai being like aunts and uncles, or in the formers case more like pet.
Ruby had steadily grown into what Ichigo was like; scowling and unapproachable but kind at heart... mostly. Emerald had become more of a bookworm, studying and determined to help their surrogate father with any experimentation, regardless of the background we came from that should've left some lasting fear of science on her. I took after Akemi, determined to help my own surrogate mother to become like her, as she was everything I envisioned as true strength; kind, polite and caring but dangerous and brutal when needed.
Aquamarine had become quieter as time progressed, or maybe it just felt like it. She was always jittery, and I had a feeling she never really got over the experiments done to her. She usually helped Ururu because of their similar personalities, and helped Tessai when he needed it with her best efforts. Amethyst had grown under Yoruichi after she found out the young girl was from a branch of the Shihouin clan, and like many of the Shihouin house her Hakuda and Hoho was at a considerably high level, boosted by her ability to summon her Vizard mask. While she was shy and reclusive at the start of her life, now she was very much like Yoruichi; flirty, teasing, playful, etc.
Diamond was the eldest of all of us, actually having a real job too as a freelance writer and, surprisingly, boxer. National champion for two years in a row, her writing career having wrote and sold three best-selling novels. She was cold and collected to others, and warm and sisterly to us. Crystal was the youngest of our little family, being mute and possibly deaf. Despite that she was the strongest of us, whether it was because she was a hybrid of all three races, or if it was just natural strength.
I was brought out of my thoughts as Ichigo rushed past me, dragging a waving Rukia off into the woods.
I sighed quietly before following them at a more languid pace, sparing a glance at the twins ''I'll make sure he doesn't lost track of time catching up with her, you two go on ahead''.
Both gave a shrug/nod and went down the path to the graves while I walked up to where they were standing, Rukia standing defiantly and Ichigo slouching. I stood behind a tree, spotting a Shinigami hiding in the bushes. He caught my eye and I held his gaze for a moment before I returned my gaze to the duo, the man doing the same just in time for us to hear the conversation pick up.
''...listen, about your mother... I heard you mention that someone killed her'' She said with a frown and I felt my breath hitch slightly, this was a seriously touchy subject for the Kurosaki family, especially Ichigo from the looks of things.
''I don't remember saying that'' Ichigo said sternly, his posture rigid.
''You never said who killed her'' Rukia persisted, and I considered knocking her out before she did something she would regret.
''Listen just drop it, okay?'' Ichigo said, his tone taking a frosty edge to it that held back the ocean of despairing sadness.
''When I first met you, you said you've been able to see spirits since you were very young'' She said and I seriously began debating knocking her out ''Ichigo, I need you to answer one more question; Your mother, could she have been killed by... a hollow?''.
His eyes darkened as his hair obscured his eyes and I felt a pang of sympathy for the teen, nobody as young as him should be forced to carry such burdens.
''Do you think that its possible? If your Reiatsu was that strong as a child then there may have been a hollow who sensed you when it came after you-''.
'And I thought Inoue was oblivious, she's just giving -him grief right now and she doesn't even realise it' I frowned at the Kuchiki teen, admittedly annoyed with her just a bit as I watched Ichigo interrupt, silencing Rukia.
''Why does everything have to be about Hollows with you anyway? There was no freaking Hollow that day alright!'' He said, his voice just short of a yell as he gripped his pants, making me want to wince from his white-knuckled grip ''You'll never understand the pain and suffering I have to live with every. single. day''.
''So, sorry to break your theory about all the usual suspects, like Hollows, serial killers, thugs'' He said, voice deceptively calm ''They're not to blame''.
''I am'' He said and took off in a jog, hair masking his eyes.
''Wait Ichigo!'' Rukia called out but didn't make much of an effort to catch up with him. The Shinigami in the bushes stealthily followed the Kuchiki, his eyes occasionally darting to me. When he did I put my hands up as a universal sign of 'surrender' or 'I mean no harm', this case being the latter. He only raised an eyebrow and gave a lazy nod before following the Kuchiki once more.
With a frown I tracked Ichigo through the forest, unlike Rukia I took the right route and followed him down the path until he eventually stopped, his face nearly blank except the emotions dancing in his eyes, distant as if deep in thought. With soft steps I walked up to him, standing a few feet behind him when I spoke.
''You aren't to blame for your mothers death'' I said and he jumped slightly, turning to look at me with a surprised expression.
As if registering my words his face fell into a scowl ''Then who is? Eh? Even Rukia just said it was my fault!''.
I stood unwavering as he yelled the last part ''What Kuchiki-san said was uncalled for, she was raised where Hollows are view as nothing more than monsters, when some are clearly friendly. The person who is at fault is not you, but a Hollow by the name of Grand Fisher''.
''So you agree with Ru-''.
''No, she meant a random hollow did it. The Grand Fisher is a powerful Hollow, possibly Adjuchas-class, and that girl you saw was his lure, which transforms into different people as a trap'' I interrupted, his eyes going wide at this information before they knitted into a deep frown.
''How do you I saw his lure?''.
''...Kisuke Urahara, the man who owns the Shoten and my surrogate father, detected the Hollow when he first appeared. Myself and the others were too young to fight a hollow of such calibre, and Kisuke was the only one in the Shoten. By the time he got there it was too late, I had been walking by when I saw the scene'' I say honestly, looking him in the eye to convey it ''I had fired a Kido, Byakurai, into its arm when it attacked. It reduced its penetrating power and would've saved both of you... only I didn't know Masaki-san was a Quincy at the time, meaning she died from the Hollow Reiryoku in her system before my surrogate father could get to her, akin to a heart attack''.
I lowered my gaze sadly ''I'm sorry I couldn't-''.
I was stunned and my speech cut off as I found myself wrapped in his arms, my head against his chest and making my cheeks take on a pink tint.
''You say I aren't to blame, then you go and blame yourself'' He said quietly, but his tone had a touch of amusement.
I giggled softly ''Mm... guess I'm a hypocrite''.
''Maybe'' He replied with a quiet chuckle ''Come on, Yuzu will be worried''.
He released me from a hug and I smiled ''Yeah-''.
I cut myself off and my eyes widened ''That Reiatsu...''.
''Sapphire-san?'' He asked in confusion.
''Grand Fisher!'' I whisper-yelled, making his eyes widened ''Its by Karin and Yuzu!''.
I fish out my Gikon dispenser from my dress pocket and pop a pill into my mouth, popping one out for him as well. With a quick command the two mod souls bodies began to walk towards the shrine where Isshin was (at least, where his Reiatsu was) and the two of us rush towards the hollow. Ichigo's anger actually fuelled him, rising his Shunpo speed to match mine despite the fact I was faster, though I wasn't going maximum granted.
Muttering an incantation under my breath, we burst into the graveyard where Yuzu and Karin were being held by Grand Fisher, noticing us a moment too later. I rose my palm and cried out the attack, sending a full-incantation Shakkaho into his face. He roared in pain as me and Ichigo snuck past and got the twins away from the bastard hollow.
''Sapphire-san, let me deal with him'' Ichigo said quietly as I held the twins close.
I nodded at him ''Don't die, Ichigo-san''.
With that we split ways, him to the fight and me to take his sisters to safety.
After depositing his sisters I tracked the duo down, hiding in the treeline as I watched the fight. It was a standoff, both had numerous wounds but both refused to give. The only problem was that as long as the Grand Fisher has enough Reiryoku he could create a Garganta and just flee, while Ichigo had no such escape method.
With an angry roar Ichigo fought on, hacking and slashing at the extendable hairs and succeeding in removing one of the Hollows hand/legs. The Hollow hissed in pain as the limb regenerated, lashing out and scoring a large cut along his chest. I winced as the teen gasped in pain, stumbling back and falling onto one knee. Surprisingly the Hollow didn't attack, instead its lure changed...
...into Masaki Kurosaki.
His mother.
His dead mother.
The nerve of some Hollows.
Ichigo stared wide-eyed at her, rain streaming down his face as he stumbled to his feet. The copy said some words that I couldn't here or lip-read, as it wasn't my specialty. I felt dread grow in my stomach as he stumbled over to her, the large blade dragging a line in the dirt as it was held in a limp grip. The woman put her hands on his shoulder and smiled beautifully, Grand Fisher grinning madly as he slowly creeped up to the teen.
I drew my sealed sword out, just encase Ichigo wouldn't be able to dodge or block a fatal shot. However I was surprised when the teen spoke, his voice quiet but filled with so much power it radiated throughout the clearing, allowing me to hear it over the patter of the rain.
''You... you are not my mother'' He growled ''My mother... WOULD NEVER SAY THAT!''.
With an almighty swing he brought the blade up, cutting through the lure and disintegrating the image. Before the Grand Fisher could ever hope to escape, Ichigo swung back down, his blade glowing blue.
He roared furiously, his swing created a curved arc of pure blue energy, screeching as it tore through the ground and after a moment, Grand Fisher himself. With an audible gross splat, the Grand Fisher was carved into two pieces, slowly disintegrating into nothingness.
I smiled sadly and reached for the umbrella I got from Isshin, opening it up and holding it overhead as I walked out into the clearing. Ichigo was on his knees, uncaring as hot tears ran down his face that were mixed with the cold rain. I stood over him, the large black umbrella covering him from the rain. With elegant grace I fell onto my knees with him, keeping the umbrella above us.
He looked at me out of the corner of his eye, I smiled softly at him and pulled him into a tender hug, one that he sorely needed after todays events.
''Just let it all out'' I whispered to him, tightening my hold on him to show I wouldn't leave. We stayed like that for what felt like hours as he silently took me up on my offer, hot tears running down his face as he emptied his heart out, relieving him of the sorrow that has plagued him for years.
It was a full thirty minutes later when he quietly, almost inaudibly, said he was done. I wordlessly raised to my feet, smiling at him as I helped him up. No words were passed between us, instead we began to trek back to the small temple where the others were waiting.
Then life continued as normal.
''GOOD~ MORNING~ ICHIGO~'' Keigo cried as he ran at Ichigo, getting a bicep to the face.
''Morning Keigo'' Ichigo said flatly ''Morning Mizuiro''.
''Good Morning Ichigo'' Mizuiro said, mimicking Keigo's sentence but in a much more calm tone. The trio walked (Keigo = limped) into the room, with me casually sitting at my seat. Mizuiro stood to my left, listening as Keigo ranted as he tapped his phone repeated. Keigo was sitting on the desk in front of me, facing me and Chad, who just arrived, stood next to me also just listening and occasionally speaking.
''Good morning, Ichigo'' Sapphire said smoothly as she passed his desk, smiling at him in her usual gentle way.
Noticing that she dropped the usual '-san' suffix she used with everything, I just nodded back ''Morning, Sapphire''.
''Are you feeling better today?'' She asked kindly and added ''That monster of a man hurt you pretty bad''.
Do you feel better now?
I noticed the hidden meaning behind her words and gave her a small, real smile ''Yeah, you're pretty good at stitching up wounds''.
Thanks, I needed it.
She smiled, getting the message ''Its fine''.
You're welcome.
With her words said she sat at her seat, Ochi-sensei coming in a moment later and dispelling the gaping Keigo and curious Mizuiro. I noticed Tatsuki and Inoue watching our exchange from across the classroom but pretended not to, focusing on the teacher.
As the bell for school rang, groups and clusters of people leaving the main building and heading towards the gate. One such group was of Sapphire and Ichigo, with Emerald having stayed behind with Ishida, and Ruby up and disappearing.
''Are you ready for your Kido training today, Ichigo?'' Sapphire asked cheerfully.
''Yeah, I'll be over in two hours or so'' I nodded at her as they walked down the road by the riverbank, his head unconsciously looking at the glistening sea.
''I wonder where Rukia is?'' He said as an afterthought.
''She'll be at the Shoten, she came by this morning asking for adjustments to help her recover her powers faster and she should be back at your house any minute now'' Sapphire said smoothly, also pausing on their walk to view the sunset ''This part of Karakura is always very pretty, don't you think?''.
''Mm'' I hummed and gave a nod, resuming our walk home.
The next day was quite a... unique one, was the only real word for it.
Sapphire had woken up, showered, got dressed for school and eaten breakfast, then headed out with her two equally odd hair-coloured sisters. Emerald, always the quiet distant one, parted ways with us to meet up with a Quincy called Uryu Ishida for some questions before the test tomorrow. The weird part started when her and Ruby started seeing random students crossing their arms over their chests and saying 'Bohahahah!' and everyone laughing. It was kinda creepy.
However as she walked down the hall she caught sight of her recently made friend ''Hello Ichigo''.
He turned and gave a nod of greeting and a tiny upwards twitch of his lips as we proceeded to class, Ruby silently following behind in boredom. When the Kurosaki teen opened the door however we were greeted by Orihime, who did the 'Bohahahah' at them. Ichigo's face vaulted as his mind almost audibly screeched to a halt. I merely smiled and chuckled at my sisters face, which was a very literal meaning of WTF.
Eventually the young teen was chaperoned away by her friend Tatsuki, myself and Ichigo proceeded to our desks when Sado, Mizuiro and Keigo appeared out of thin air - how exactly? - and also did the 'Bohahahah' thing. Again Ichigo's mind slowed down and I had to give him a little nudge to get it working again as I went to my desk, getting out the necessary notes for the class. Ichigo moved to the window, staring into space until Keigo eventually turns up and bugs him, stating that 'the show' is of great importance.
A slight beeping from my phone drew my attention, and I was slightly surprised and a little concerned to see it was Kisuke who had texted me. Although upon opening it I felt like giving the Urahara Shoten owner a very, very 'nice smile'. Unohana would be proud, if she knew her of course.
'Aquamarine and Amethyst want to go to Don Kanonji's show, as such I am sending you and the rest of your sisters, sans Diamond of course - she's out of town at the moment'.
Sighing, I concede to do so.
''I wasn't expecting to see you here, Ichigo, Kuchiki-san''.
Said teen turned around with a slightly surprised look on his face. Behind him was Sapphire, dressed in a knee-length sleeveless black dress with her long blue hair styled into a braid over her left shoulder. Behind her was Ruby dressed in black slacks and a dark red shirt with black gloves on her hands. Emerald, not surprisingly, wasn't present with the duo - she apparently disappeared often.
Beside Ruby was a dark skinned teen with purple hair fashioned into two braids behind her, her golden eyes shining like a cat. She wore a loose-fitting black top that was probably better fitting than a regular shirt, considering her large chest. She also wore black skirt and matching stockings, slightly fancy black shoes with it. Next to the dark skinned teen was a young girl, roughly Karin's and Yuzu's age judging from appearance, who was quite the opposite of the other teen. Her hair was a snow white and went down to the middle of her back, bright crimson eyes and a blank expression on her face. The young girl was wearing something similar to Sapphire, a plain white knee-length dress with a red trim and black shoes.
Beside the child-like girl was a slightly older girl holding her hand, probably a year or so older. She had teal/light blue hair that went down to her lower back, large blue eyes and a pale skinny figure. She wore a blue and white shirt, the colours being split down the middle. Like most of the other girls she wore a skirt, a teal one with white trainers as footwear.
''I could say the same to you'' I smiled faintly and she chuckled.
''Mm, Amethyst and Aquamarine wanted to come, so the rest of us tagged along'' She said, smile withstanding as she gestured to her sisters ''Amethyst is the one with purple hair, Aquamarine is the one with teal hair - you've already met Ruby and Crystal''.
The dark skinned girl grinned at me ''Yo''.
''H-Hi'' Aquamarine said sheepishly.
The white haired girl didn't say anything, just continued to stare blankly.
Sapphire filled us in ''I'm afraid Crystal is mute, and mostly deaf''.
''Ah'' I nodded in understanding and Rukia did the same.
We watched as the announcers spoke, followed by the large man pointing to the sky was Don Kanonji jumped out. I contemplated if he was just going to hit the ground and end it all, but sadly he had a parachute. He descended easily and discarded the parachute to one of his co-workers, who took it away from the stage.
''And how is everyone tonight? Hold onto your seats my babies its time again to hear the spirits cry!'' Don Kanonji announced, making both me and Sapphire sweat-drop.
'We aren't sitting on chairs...'.
''So tell us, what do you think of this place?'' The female announcer asked Don Kanonji.
''The stench of the spirit world hangs in the air, it smells like...''.
''SMELLS LIKE BAD SPIRITS!'' The crowd cheered.
After some annoying rabble about 'spirits are always with you' he was engulfed in smoke, with an presenter saying it was time for commercials. We were chaperoned down to the front of the hospital, though Sapphire pulled me aside.
''I think there is a Demi-Hollow within the building'' She said quietly, glancing around to make sure nobody was listening.
''Demi Hollow?'' I frowned.
''A Plus Soul who is close to Hollowfying and cannot leave a place or location because of ties from when they were living'' She explained as Ruby handed her a black wallet ''We need to find it, Konso or purify it, then we're done. Otherwise it could turn into a Hollow and could very well massacre all of the humans watching''.
''So how do we do this?'' I asked and she opened the wallet, handing me a Gikon.
''Easy, we head to the roof'' She said and popped the pill in her mouth, ejecting from her body and invisible to bystanders as I followed ''Lets go''.
Nodding we both kicked off, using the Reishi in the air to support us. It was kind of hard because she had only trained me briefly in it, but I managed to make it to the roof with her, unaware of a certain auburn haired girl and her best friend watching.
Sapphire looked around us with a frown ''Unless he's in the basement, I don't know where the spirit would be-''.
Suddenly there was an abruptly loud footstep of a worker, and immediately a loud, half-human and half-hollow roar echoed through the air. It continued several times as we looked over the edges of the building, ending at the front where we found the Demi-Hollow. He wore a purple outfit and had a hairstyle that looked like it was from the 60's.
Oh, and he was ranting to people who couldn't see him. Wonder if this hospital was for the mentally ill? Especially considering the chains covering him.
''Huh... seems like we don't need to bother until after the show'' Sapphire sighed, sitting on the edge of the building ''It will be months before he becomes a Hollow at this rate''.
''This hospital belongs to me! I'm not giving it up for anyone so don't even think about trying to come in here!'' The spirit ranted on.
''Yeah well he sounds like a dumbass'' I grumbled, taking a seat next to Sapphire, nodding in Rukia's direction when she waved cheerfully.
''I think the show's about to get started'' Sapphire informed as lights flicked on and the crowd cheered ''If anything we get a good view-''.
She cut herself off, like many times before, when Don Kanonji stabbed his staff into the spirits hollow hole!
''Well that changes things'' Sapphire frowned and I sighed in frustration, trying to block out the spirits cries of pain. Taking a chance I jumped off the roof, landing beside the crazy-looking man and shoving him, knocking the staff out of the Hollow Hole. Sapphire landed behind me softly, smiling like always.
''What's wrong with you kids?!'' The man questioned furiously.
''Well then I guess he can see us too'' I say flatly.
''Its to be expected'' Sapphire said with a light laugh.
''Of course I can! I'm the centuries premium spiritualist!'' Don proclaimed, before understanding flashed through his eyes ''Oh I get it you're dead but you're a fan aren't you?''.
I had a sword at his neck in an instant ''..Don't make me kill you...''.
''Um... Ichigo'' Sapphire said, drawing my attention to her and the now-roaring spirit, who began to gather cracks on his face ''I think we may be a bit late...''.
He roared once more before glowing a bright orange, disappearing with an expulsion of air.
Sapphire let out a quiet, almost inaudible curse ''We've got a problem now - above!''.
Looking up I narrowed my eyes at the glowing ball of energy, absorbing random particles as it formed into a frog-like creature. The spirits' face was on it, only for a white gel-like substance to explode over his face, forming a lizard-come-frog mask. He reared his head back and let out a hollow roar, Sapphire's blade slowly being brought out from her sheath, showing the seriousness of the situation.
''I'll handle it'' Sapphire assured ''Keep Don Kanonji from doing something he would regret''.
''Wait, girl!'' Don said as he tried to stop Sapphire from engaging the Hollow, only for her to jump into the air, rising up to the glaring Hollow's level.
''Hello, Hollow-san'' Sapphire smiled politely as she put her index finger and middle fingers on the flat of her blade, her stance widening as her face shifted to a serious expression ''And goodbye, Hollow-san''.
The hollow merely growled angrily as it charged her blindly. Sapphire sighed momentarily before with a rough flick, jerked her hand along the blade and sending a purple flame at the Hollow.
''Hado #54: Haien'' She said as if it was an afterthought, watching with pity as the Hollow writher and eventually disintegrated to Reishi. She sighed and sheathed her blade, lowering herself to ground level gracefully ''Apologies for that, Kanonji-san, but you did not send Hollow-san to the afterlife, rather you made him into a monster''.
Don looked slightly shocked by this revelation, but his expression quickly became sullen ''Oh...''.
Sapphire's face did a whole 180 as she smiled again ''Try tapping the spirits in the head, and willing them to go to the afterlife - that will solve it, since stabbing their hole will make them into monsters''.
''I see... thank you for telling me this, Spirit-san'' Don Kanonji said with a respectful nod to Sapphire ''So... I will make you my number one apprentice!''.
I gaped ''That's a downgrade!''.
Sapphire on the other hand just smiled politely ''Thank you, Kanonji-san, but I myself have other duties to attend to, and as such will not be available very often - I wish you luck on your future shows''.
''And I wish you luck on your future endeavours, Spirit-san!'' Kanonji announced, getting the crowd to cheer at the (to them) invisible spirit. Sapphire merely smiled and nodded, flying over the crowd and beckoning for me to follow. When we get to the back of the crowd we swift re-entered our bodies, Sapphire's sisters guarding our Gikon-inhabited bodies.
''Well, that was interesting'' Sapphire said, always the optimist.
''At least he won't be an idiot anymore'' I sighed.
''Hopefully'' Ruby interjected dryly, getting a chuckle from us.
''Are you sure this is a good idea, Uryu-kun?'' Emerald asked as she walked out of the shadows, Ishida having just revealed himself to be a Quincy to Rukia and Ichigo. The strawberry fool seemed to forget to mention he was a Quincy himself, and Ichigo never wore his bangle when he was in his human form. Mentally she sighed, she would have to tell Sapphire to remind Ichigo to tell Ishida that he was also part-Quincy.
Ishida sighed, looking at me and adjusting his glasses ''I believe so. It will provoke Kurosaki into stalking me, and I will challenge him to a duel with the Hollow Bait''.
''Very well, I'll join you after it starts'' She smiled at him, they had grown to be friends over the short course of their time knowing each other - with her being more bold to befriend the normally quiet teen, getting on first-name basis relatively quickly ''Just try not to do die until then''.
He chuckled quietly and nodded, a small smile gracing his lips ''Of course, Emerald-chan''.
''How long do you intend to follow me, Kurosaki?'' Ishida said sternly from the top of the stairs.
''Guess I'm not as sneaky as I thought I was'' Ichigo said flatly as he walked up the steps himself ''So when did you first notice me?''.
''From the time you and Inoue-san saw me in the classroom, you've been ducking in and out of shadows ever since'' He replied, a hint of dryness in his tone.
''Huh, that long? That's impressive''.
''You're careless by letting your Reiatsu leak out even a monkey would've noticed'' Ishida replied.
''Oi! I'm working on it!'' Ichigo barked irritably ''It doesn't help that it keeps growing!''.
Ishida raised an eyebrow at that, but said nothing.
''I also know Rukia Kuchiki's true identity'' He finally spoke up again, making Ichigo narrow his eyes, only for them to widen as white ribbons suddenly appeared around Ishida.
''Spirit Ribbons!'' Ichigo said in a whisper-yell.
''For a change, you're right. Spirit Ribbons are the physical manifestation of a persons Reiryoku'' He said as a red one appeared in his hands, leading to Ichigo's chest ''Did you know, that Shinigami's Spirit Ribbons are red instead of white?''.
He released the ribbon and it faded away to shreds before dissolving into Reishi ''Why don't we play a little game Ichigo Kurosaki? Lets have a duel to determine who is stronger, the Quincy or the Shinigami. I'll show you just how unnecessary Shinigami really are in this world''.
''...So when is this duel between us supposed to take place?'' Ichigo finally asked reluctantly, not happy with it.
''Right now''.
After a long pause Ichigo abruptly yelled ''That idea is ridiculous!''.
''Why do you say that?''.
''Because it would be a waste of time and I've got nothing to prove to you. I've never heard of Quincy's before and I don't know what you have against Shinigami but it has nothing to do with me!'' He explained irritably.
''What a surprise, you're afraid to fight'' Ishida goaded.
''Forget trying to goad me into it, besides I'd mop the floor with you'' He jabbed back.
''Oh now I get it, you don't have permission. I forgot, your Shinigami powers came from Kuchiki-san, you're actually just a substitute Shinigami, that probably means you can't so much as lift a finger on your own, you have to have her permission to duel, don't you?'' He goaded again.
''That does it'' Ichigo growled lowly.
''Ichigo!'' Sapphire called as she Shunpo'ed beside the team, slicing through several Hollows with graceful ease.
''Sapphire!'' Ichigo replied as he knocked a Hollow back, slashing through another's arm ''You okay?''.
She replied with a melodic laugh ''Of course I am, myself and my sisters are here as back-up. You should've seen Ruby, she practically ran out of the Shoten with her blade drawn''.
Despite the situation I grinned ''Just like her it seems''.
''Mm'' Sapphire agreed as she pointed at a small cluster of Hollows ''Hado #31: Shakkaho!''.
The red orb shot at the three hollows, exploding and destroying the centre one and wounding the two others, which swiftly met their end by her blade.
''I am so gonna beat the shit out of Ishida'' I grumbled, Sapphire replying with another chiming laugh.
Ishida sneezed ''Why do I feel like somebodies talking about me?''.
''After what you pulled on Kurosaki, I wouldn't be surprised'' Emerald smirked as she pulled back the string of her bow, unleashing a storm of Reishi arrows on the swarm of Hollows, acting like a fly swatter as she eliminated the airborne hollows.
''I have a bad feeling about that'' I frowned, nodding towards the large crack in the sky.
''I hear you'' Emerald sighed as she cut down hollows with ease, only firing with one hand now to show how bored she was - a skill I realised I desperately needed to learn.
''Yo! Sado!'' Ruby grinned as she landed next to him, out of her Gigai for once. Unlike the others who were dressed in Shinigami Shihakusho, she dressed herself in black cargo pants and a black vest, a splatter of fiery red on the vest like a flame. Black gloves were present on her hands and the Shinigami footwear on her feet, her Zanpakuto over her back and out of the way.
Without pause she jumped up and smashed her foot into the mask of the Hollow who was pursuing him. She did a backflip and landed beside him, giving a toothy grin and a thumbs up. It was now the large teen noticed the fact that she had a hollow hole in her stomach and a part of a hollow mask on the left side of her forehead, taking the form of a curved rectangle of bone with four spikes protruding upwards, around three to five centimetre.
She noticed his gaze and shifted slightly, looking away with a light scowl on her face ''Its... a long story. I'll tell you after this shitstorm passes, 'kay?''.
Sado merely nodded, turning towards the hollows surrounding them as he ran at them. After the intense sparring sessions with the tomboy, who naturally radiated Reiatsu, he had gained enough Spiritual Awareness to fully see the Hollows, unlike when he fought Shrieker alongside Ruby. He threw a punch at a Hollow, and upon contact his right arm suddenly flared to life, radiating power as it transformed.
After the smoke cleared, he smiled and gave a thumbs up to Ruby.
''Heh, an armoured arm?'' Ruby grinned ''Good! Now it'll make our spars more interesting!''.
''I'm sorry!'' Aquamarine said to the now disintegrating Hollow, out of reflex she ducked and slashed through another ''I'm sorry!''.
''I don't understand why you are apologising'' Amethyst said flatly. They were guarding the school, and had done a pretty good job so far.
''Its a habit...'' Aquamarine said softly, using Shunpo to get behind a Hollow and bisect it ''I'm sorry!''.
''I should make an 'I'm sorry' jar for you'' Amethyst smirked ''Ten Yen every time you say it''.
''I'm sorry!''.
''I'm sorry!''.
''Okay this is just getting ridiculous...'' Amethyst twitched ''You owe me two thousand and ten Yen''.
''O-Okay'' Aquamarine stuttered, though a Hollow caught her eye - it had snuck past them ''Below us!''.
Amethyst immediately turned and narrowed her eyes at the Hollow, it had done something to the students, and the only one standing was an auburn haired girl. She started to move towards the school when the girl shouted something, and a golden projectile shot at the Hollow, killing it before returning to the girl like a boomerang.
''Don't worry about them, Amethyst-chan~ - and Kuchiki-san is back at my store~'' Urahara sang as he appeared in the air with them, then he was gone again, down at ground level with them.
I rolled my eyes ''Whatever''.
''HA! I FOUND YOU, BASTARD!''.
Ishida turned around just in time to get kicked in the chest, sending him rolling into the wall.
''I was waiting for something like that to happen'' Emerald to say flatly and Sapphire just sweat-dropped.
''Um, I believe we should focus our attention on the Hollows'' Sapphire alerted and the other three immediately looked skyward, to where a Garganta was slowly forming. Ishida immediately ran towards it wordlessly, Emerald tailing him as she formed her bow.
''Lets go, Ichigo'' Sapphire said as she also followed, Ichigo following right behind her as a genius idea came to mind. Remembering what Sapphire told him about Quincy Bow's, he mentally tried to grab the air around him, to draw it from him. Again nothing came from it, so I tried again, and this time I actually managed to form a bow, albeit it flickered several times.
''Good job, Ichigo'' Sapphire smiled and her comment drew the other two Quincy's attention on him, Emerald nodding to him and Ishida gaping. Before Ishida could explode Emerald drew him aside, possibly to inform him of what happened.
''We may have a problem...'' Aquamarine suddenly said, appearing next to us in a blur, Amethyst appearing behind her with a serious look on her face. Again we turned our eyes to the sky where the crack in the sky was, only to see a large Hollow Mask coming out of it.
''A Gillian?'' Amethyst rolled her eyes ''No problem''.
''I give it five seconds'' Emerald added flatly.
''Five... four... three... two...'' Sapphire counted, only for a glowing red projectile smashed into the Hollows mask, shattering it and sending it hurling back into the crack into the side. The projectile turned out to be Ruby, who grabbed the sides of the crack and pulled them together and close the Garganta before appearing beside us in a buzz.
''Well that's that'' Emerald sighed, rolling her shoulder joints ''This'll definitely draw the attention of Soul Society...''.
''Heh, good'' Ruby grinned, a dangerous glint in her eyes ''I have a need to kick their stuck-up asses, several times over''.
We just sweat-dropped.
''Damn it Rukia!'' Ichigo cursed as he sprinted through the streets in his Shinigami form, occasionally using a bastardized Shunpo to move forward faster. While my large Reiatsu was constantly a problem, multiple lessons from Sapphire and eventually Emerald as well led me to be able to at least sense others, even if only slightly.
I turned down a street, just in time to see some guy with red hair styled into a ponytail cut Rukia's cheek. Growling I appear between them in a burst of Shunpo, drawing my large blade and swinging in a wide arc at the surprised man, who tried to dodge back but only got a long cut across his chest, though it wasn't too deep.
''Bastard'' I growled at him and he glared.
''Who the hell are you?''.
''Ichigo Kurosaki, the guy who's going to kick your ass'' I said to him, only making him narrow his eyes.
''What squad are you with?'' He interrogated, stepping towards me in an attempt to be intimidating.
''None, Ichigo Kurosaki... Substitute Shinigami'' I said confidently as I drew my blade, pointing it at the man ''And I won't let you take Rukia back to the Soul Society!''.
From her spot in the bushes, Sapphire winced as Ichigo got cut. She had grown close to the teen, moving to first name basis relatively quickly and actually gained his trust. So to see such a close friend get injured hurt her, though she knew it needed to be done. So she and her siblings (Although not related by blood) waited on both sides of the road, hidden in the shadows waiting.
Ichigo fired a Byakurai at the surprised lieutenant, striking him through the shoulder ''Heh, how'd you like that you bastard?!''.
''Cocky brat'' The redhead growled as he put his hand on his blade, sweeping it across ''Roar! Zabimaru!''.
Ichigo grimaced, knowing he probably couldn't match him without his own Shikai - which he hadn't gotten yet.
''You're a thousand years too young to match me!'' Renji roared as he swung his Shikai, surprising Ichigo as it split into segments and got lodged into his shoulder. Ichigo gasped in pain as he fell to his knees, barely managing to hold onto his Zanpakuto. Renji raised his sword to strike again, only to bring it down to block a sudden sneak attack from Ichigo, who had a painful grimace on his face.
The two split off from each other as they prepared to re-engage, only for Byakuya Kuchiki to flutter past Ichigo at a speed the teen wouldn't be able to even see. With a outtake of breath as the oxygen left his lungs, Ichigo fell.
''You are slow, even when you fall'' Byakuya stated coolly ''You will lose your Shinigami powers and remain a normal humans, if you don't bleed out that is''.
Following Kisuke's instructions I appeared beside Ichigo in a blur of Shunpo, smiling at the two suspicious Shinigami and the stunned/worried Rukia.
''Hello Lieutenant-san, Kuchiki-dono'' I say respectfully, giving a low bow to the latter ''If it is of no trouble, I will be taking young Ichigo here with me''.
''Who are you? His friend?'' Renji sneered as he glared at the both of us.
''Mm'' I agree and sit down next to Ichigo, a healing Kido glowing through my hands as I ignored the lieutenant and looked at the Kuchiki Head ''Tell me, is that snake still within the Gotei 13 as a Captain?''.
Byakuya narrowed his eyes at me before frostily asking ''How do you know about Captain Ichimaru?''.
I shook my head softly, my braid following its movements ''No, he is a fox... a snake wears a smile to disguise its treacherous nature, not openly display it''.
''Do you remember the incident about Akemi Natsuki?'' I asked and both men tensed up, including the young Kuchiki ''Take the number from her former division, and add the number for Gin Ichimaru's division. The captain of that squad is the snake. I'm sure you will not believe me, but if you do not, then the snake will bite you sooner or later''.
With my words said I scooped up Ichigo as much as I could, taking off in a blur of Shunpo as my sisters quietly followed from the shadows.
When Ichigo woke up again I gave a polite wave to him ''Hello again, Ichigo''.
''Sapphire?'' He said in confusion before his eyes widened ''Rukia!''.
Before he could spring up I put a gentle but forceful hand on his bandaged chest ''She was taken back to Soul Society, please do not open your wounds again''.
He grimaced from both the pain and the realisation that he failed, flopping back down as he stared at the ceiling.
''We will save her, we can get to the Soul Society before she is executed'' I inform and once again prevent him from springing up, cutting him off before he could form a word ''But! You must train under Kisuke-san for ten days to regain your Shinigami powers, okay? That way you'll get your Shikai and be able to fight against the Soul Society''.
He scowled and nodded ''And what will you be doing?''.
''I myself will be training for my Bankai, and I'm sure my sisters who are capable of it will also attempt to do so'' I informed him with a smile ''I'll leave you to rest, Kisuke-san will come here when its time for your training... do try to get some rest, and good luck''.
With that, I took my leave.
''Hey Uryu-kun'' Emerald smiled as she walked into the forest clearing.
''Hello Emerald-chan'' He smiled back and had a confused look when I tossed him a small box, only for his eyes to widen upon seeing its contents.
''The Sanrei glove, one that your grandfather gave to Kisuke-san to help relations between the Quincy and the Shinigami. It will allow you to achieve the more recent version of Letzt Stil, Vollstandig, by firing as many arrows for seven days as possible'' Emerald explained coolly ''I myself will be training, so I wish you luck on achieving Vollstandig, Uryu-kun''.
He smiled and nodded ''Thanks''.
''Yo Sado!'' Ruby grinned as she and the giant met in the old industrial district ''You ready for training?''.
Sado nodded and Ruby grinned wider at that ''Good, I'll try teaching you Sonido to increase your speed and some other Hollow techniques like Cero, kay?''.
Sado merely nodded, mentally noting to ask why she was a Hollow later.
Amethyst felt the tug on her soul and grinned at the now-manifested form of her Zanpakuto, a pure reverse coloured version. Pure white skin, gold and black eyes, blue tongue and snowy white hair. Her Zanpakuto had also become her Hollow, and vice versa after Aizen got to her.
''Yo, Queenie'' Her counterpart grinned ''You ready to fight for Bankai?''.
''Hell yeah!'' She grinned as they both drew the sealed state of their Zanpakuto, a Wakizashi.
They clashed, grins withstanding.
''C-Can we f-fight for Bankai?'' Aquamarine stuttered, looking up at the manifested form of both her Quincy and Hollow Powers. She took the form of an ice dragon, with a long snake-like body and two large wings that had clawed hands on them and a narrow head, with cool teal eyes staring at me.
''Of course, though it depends on whether or not you can achieve it'' The dragon questioned, voice cold but like a chime.
''I will!'' She exclaimed with determination burning in her eyes.
''Very well'' The dragon acknowledged, encircling her entire body ''To achieve my Bankai, you must survive the cold that I exclude. That is how to attain it, fight for survival''.
Aquamarine nodded, sitting down to conserve energy.
Akemi sighed, taking a sip of her tea as she looked at Kisuke ''You know I can't let them run off to the Soul Society alone, right?''.
Said man sighed ''You're planning on going with them''.
It wasn't a question ''Of course''.
''Hm, well I best come with you to make sure you don't get into any trouble'' He teased playfully and I laughed.
''It would be best'' Yoruichi smirked as she entered the room in her cat form, hopping up onto the table ''Diamond has returned and is spending time with Crystal, the two of them are already ready to go''.
A/N: So the next chapter will be onto the Soul Society ARC, I will skip the training bits for two reasons;
1) It'll be kinda boring.
2) If I'm having more than 5 people training in tandem and I have to write a fair bit on their training, then that'll take up half the chapter probably and just be a waste. Because lets be honest, the SS ARC is more interesting than the time when Ichigo regained his powers. In this fic he'll regain them through the shattered shaft, although I will say he'll get his duel-wielding Shikai that is in the manga instead of his normal anime cleaver.
Anyway how did you like the scene with the Grand Fisher? I wanted to make it a touching moment between Sapphire and Ichigo. As for pairings in this fic I will reveal some (though mainly because most of you can connect the dots);
Ichigo x Sapphire
Ishida x Emerald
Sado x Ruby (POSSIBLY)
