Sage Soul

by Arowen12

Bach opened his eyes that night where the riverbanks rose up like the rain and swallowed the sun. He heeded the call of a child with bright orange hair, in doing so a spark of events unfold differently. Powers that were once dormant are changed and through life a different soul treads.

2. Chapter 2

Hello everyone, I'm here with the first (real) chapter! I would like to caution everyone that this story will likely not see any action till the end of June as I am balancing exams, culminating activities, and school in general. But once I have the time I definitely plan to continue writing this fic. I hope you all enjoy!

Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo

X= Used to indicate change in perspective or timing/scenery

X

Ichigo sat on his bed familiar sheets below him, his eyes stared unblinking ahead as shadows flickered around the room cast by the sparse objects lining his walls. A somber aura seemed to hover above the Kurosaki clinic cloaking it in grief and it was all Ichigo's fault. After all he was the reason the light of his family's world was gone, the cause for his mother's death. He had been foolish, he had seen that girl hovering by the river and heedless of frantic calls had rushed towards her.

It was his fault he knew it even if his father cast no blame aloud, grief hung in coffee coloured eyes like the weight of the world had descended on the enigmatic man's shoulders. The girls were too young to understand but Ichigo was sure if they could they would blame him as well. Ignoring the voice that whispered at the back of his mind Ichigo continued to stare ahead unable to sleep since that had happened five days ago; he hadn't allowed himself to cry in that time either.

Why should he cry he didn't deserve the right to grieve when he has stripped the world of the vibrant soul that was his mother? Feeling the weight of the past five days on his eyelids Ichigo turned to glance out the window blinking away a moistness that seemed to cling to his eyes no matter how valiantly he struggled to banish it. The moon was full and luminous in the sky like a goddess watching over them from her ethereal palace, that light shone on Karakura town illuminating the paved streets and collection of sprawling buildings.

Slowly Ichigo eased his body back into the pillows and comfort of his bed though it felt nothing of the sort rather like he was lying upon cold stone. Everything seemed dull and tasteless in her absence as if the vibrancy of life was stripped from his heart the moment her last breath left her lips. Trembling Ichigo brought a hand up to the light gliding in from the window, the appendage was shaking and Ichigo heaved a soft sigh. Gently he brought his hand to his cheek tracing it over the warm flesh in the same way his mother once had, and the way his father never had. Isshin couldn't stare at his son for long before grief saturated his eyes, much less console the young child in a warm embrace, it was as if some great divide had opened between them and Ichigo saw no way of crossing it.

Closing his eyes with a final shudder Ichigo tried once more to pull the veil of sleep over his mind but it refused to heed his call. Remembering kind words and a warm tone guiding him if ever his sleep troubled him Ichigo took in a few calming deep breaths. He let his mind settle all thoughts flowing past him along a stream of clear water he acknowledged each thought as they passed before he let it go like a leaf carried by the breeze in the autumn caught in the stream.

A strange feeling rippled throughout Ichigo and the free sensation of falling overtook him before he felt hard surface beneath his spine. Eyes snapping open from where they had drifted shut Ichigo glanced up into the eyes of a storm. Swollen clouds of silver and ebony clashed over head and sparks of lighting lit them from within casting gruesome shadows, rain poured from the heavens above heavy and cold it touched Ichigo's face with the gentle caress of a lover. Heaving himself into a seated position Ichigo glanced around in awe. He was no longer in his bedroom where shadows chased his thoughts and memory plagued him.

Surrounding him and rising far into the distance were tall skyscrapers reaching towards the sky in endless spires, cool metal coloured glass adorned their walls though it appeared cracked on the buildings close enough for his eyes to see and many of them were missing panes as if they had fallen below. Where ground should have resided, a sea frothed and crashed against the base of the buildings it was a rolling mess of dark blue almost grey and cloudy with some unknown depth that frothed and spat. Clusters of green peaked scarcely from the buildings looking around his own area Ichigo could see curling vines and writhing branches cloaked with leaves of pale green sprawled across one corner of the building.

Amidst the patter of rain voices made themselves heard and Ichigo tottered to his feet adjusting to the strange ground beneath him lacking any feel as if he was walking on the air itself. Wishing he could see the owners of the voices Ichigo looked around, a distinct tugging in his naval pulled Ichigo forward and when he opened his eyes breathless at the sudden travel he was met with three figures.

One was tall and imposing with chiseled features and icy blue eyes hidden behind yellow wrap-around sunglasses that perched on his nose, curly chocolate coloured hair rested against his shoulders, and a deep robe of ebony with white resting against his neck lined his lithe form ending in tattered tears where flashes of crimson peaked out from underneath. The second figure was pale and cloaked in white, his upper half was bare and a large hole resided in the center of his chest, ink coloured lines spread outwards from the hole tracing the figure's arms and trailing towards his hips. Red tufts of fur bunched around his wrists and neck, a bone mask rested on his features shading them from view, sharp teeth splintered the mask and crimson lines traced its shape, from within the eye sockets two eyes of burnished gold stared out from a miasma of black, two horns protruded from the mask angling sharply upwards, finally orange hair the colour of Ichigo's own cascaded down the figure's back in rich waves.

The final figure stood separate from the others; hair of black at the roots threaded with indigo faded from grey till the tips were stark white, a helmet shielded his face curling around the shape of his features and leaving only the tip of his nose to be seen along with the pale glimmer of a smile and crimson eyes. Traditional clothing cloaked his figure the material dark black and floating upon an invisible breeze, peaking out and interchanging the wispy clothe was plated armour. It crossed the figures chest in sharp x's repeated again at his wrists and across his thighs and neck.

The three figures turned with varying degrees of shock upon their features as they stared at the small child curious and yet grieved. They seemed unsure as what to do and the figure with the yellow glasses muttered, "Impossible he shouldn't even be able to journey here."

Ichigo's caramel eyes swung to the tall figure lost and curious he tilted his head innocently, the man with the helmet regarded the kid for a moment his attention snapping between the chocolate haired man and Ichigo before he padded forward soundless against the skyscraper below. When he was before Ichigo the man crouched down the shadows masking his face cleared slightly and Ichigo was met with noble features and crimson eyes that glowed both ferally and fondly.

"Ichigo can you tell us how you arrived in this place?"

The man's voice was soft a bare whisper against his ears yet it resounded with strength untameable. Ichigo looked wide-eyed into crimson orbs blinking in thought the boy said, "I-I couldn't sleep and so I tried to calm my mind like m-mom used to help me do and I woke up here. Where is here? And who are you three?"

The figure with the mask cursed and stalked away to the edge of the building in a petulant manner casting glares over his shoulder at the other two figures, the armoured man sighed and stood up walking back he conferred with the man wearing yellow glasses. Ichigo could hear some of their whispered conversation as the armoured man exclaimed, "We can't keep him in the dark! He's already here that means his powers are developing faster than we thought."

"He's not ready! Ichigo deserves a childhood and a carefree life!"

The being with yellow glasses countered, the armoured man glared and replied, "Like his father plans? Keep him ignorant? He doesn't need to know everything yet but if we don't teach him control he will die! Ichigo's reaitsu is already too powerful what do you think it will attract in the future. Things are already difficult as it is… what happens when he recovers? I know you want to protect him we all do. But keeping him ignorant won't save him or aid him it will only condemn us."

The chocolate haired man let out a heavy sigh eyes swinging from behind his spectacles to alight on Ichigo as he stared at the two in wonder and curiosity his gaze snapped back to the armoured man and he nodded. The armoured man ran a hand through his hair before he stalked forward hesitantly he kneeled in front of Ichigo and said, "Ichigo there are three realms. The afterlife known as Soul Society where a united front of souls called Shinigami protect the balance. Hueco Mundo a vast wasteland where creatures called Hollows dwell. Finally, the human world where humans live alongside beings of like manner called Quincies." The boy nodded eyes accepting and understanding the man continued, "The Shinigami protect the afterlife and human world from hollows. Hollows seek to devour souls and Shinigami use a blade called a zanpaktou to purify the corrupted soul, for that is what a hollow is a tainted soul. Quincies also seek to destroy Hollows except their power does not maintain the balance as their weapons and reaitsu destroy the soul.

We are in your inner world right now. And we are the spirits that represent your powers. Yes, your power, you were born of a Shinigami trapped in a human body and a Quincy with a hollow lingering in her soul. All this was passed onto you. The being over there wearing the yellow sunglasses represents the Quincy powers inside you, call him what you wish as no name has he received. The pale figure sulking over at the edge of the building is the hollow of your soul he represents the powers and instincts you wield, be wary as hollows can be fearsome creatures even though he is loyal to you alone. I represent the Shinigami portion of your powers, I am your zanpaktou spirit I would tell you my name but I doubt you can hear it," Here the armoured man paused staring pensively for a moment into Ichigo's wide amber orbs before with a small sigh he continued, "My name is Zan*****"

Ichigo stared in thought comprehending all the information shovelled onto his young shoulders. Silence resounded throughout the inner world disturbed only by the soft downfall of rain dampening Ichigo's hair and clothing. After a few moments, the child spoke up again eyes wide he said, "But I hear your name! or at least some of it… I heard Zan so that's what I'll call you. And the hollow portion of my powers shall be Shiro because I'm Kuro and he's cloaked in white, and I hear by dub you the representative of my Quincy powers Ki.

But does this mean my father was a Shinigami? And my m-mom was a Quincy? If my father was a Shinigami why is here in the mortal world? Was it a hollow that killed my mother? Do Yuzu and Karin have the same powers as well? What do you mean I'm in danger?"

The questions burst from the child's mouth in a dizzying rush of words and questions that left his spirits spinning. Shock coiled on Zan's face even as Shiro purred content with his new name in his place against the far corner he stalked closer to regard the young orangette. Ki regarded Ichigo with an amused light fondness radiating from icy blue eyes hidden by yellow lens.

"Y-you heard part of my name?"

The spirit questioned in disbelief eyes wide and voice quivering, Ki turned to face the spirit slightly concerned he noticed the utter lack of functions as the spirit was trying to comprehend Ichigo's words. Taking it upon himself the Quincy portion of the boy's powers spoke up, "Yes your father was a Shinigami a captain of the Gotei Thirteen, they serve as the ranks for Shinigami with captain being the highest one can achieve excluding the zero squad. Your mother was an Echt Quincy a half blood but her reaitsu was incredibly pure. The story of how your parents met is for another time one that your father should share with you though I doubt he will easily part with it. A hollow did kill your mother one that disguises itself a normal soul before tearing away the veil. Yuzu and Karin will have far less power and they will not posses a hollow, as you are the first most of the power was bequeathed to you. You are in danger even now because of your reaitsu- spirit energy it is wild and untamed drawing in hollows and sensitives alike. Unless you learn how to control this power you won't likely reach you're fifteenth birthday."

Ki's voice was a deep baritone that rumbled and heaved with the lilt of his voice, it was a pleasant yet firm voice that settled Ichigo's frayed nerves. Zan had finally stopped spluttering by the end of Ki's speech and was now staring contemplatively at the small child staring up at the tall figures around him.

"Am I the reason my mom is d-dead?"

Ichigo spoke quiet and somber hands trembling as they folded themselves against his chest. Shiro let out a harsh growl beginning to stalk forward before an armoured arm shot out stopping the hollow in his path. Sorrow lit the other spirit's features and Zan instantly drew close to his wielder Ki a step behind the younger looking spirit. Before Ichigo could protest the sudden contact the young child was swept into a tight embrace, the soft plates of armour digging faintly into his skin were forgotten in the face of such love as the sword spirit spoke, "Aibou how you could ever think that I will never know. It was not you fault, your mother died to save your life. It was her choice alone to make. You didn't know, how could you that the girl by the river wasn't a spirit but a hollow? Child of shadows let this bitter anger and self-hate go holding on into will only sink you further in grief until you can barely breath without pain. You deserve so much more than that because you are strong, and even now as you falter and show weakness we are here for you to support you, guide you. We will always stand behind you and we will always protect you. Do not let your mother's sacrifice be in vain live your life the way she would want you to live it, never forget her always remember he kind words and view of the world but let the grief of her passing go."

The child stilled in Zan's arms at the potent speech before with a small shudder salty tears began trailing down his cheeks and he finally allowed himself to weep great heaving gasps leaving his lips and chocking his breath. Zan's arms tightened around the figure and Ki drew closer wrapping his reaitsu around the boy even as he allowed a warm hand to wipe away the tears and stroke his cheek with fondness. Shiro prowled over caution lining his figure, waiting for approval from his king to step forward, tentative reaitsu reached out to ruffle the boy's hair and he gladly welcomed it. The hollow took the last few steps pale alabaster hand reaching up to comb soothingly through orange locks.

Their reaitsu rose about them surrounding and cocooning Ichigo in warmth and assurance, the child took in laboured breaths and opened his soul to them accepting the tremulous mix of reaitsu that flooded his system and calmed his aching heart. Warmth blossomed along the bonds that connected the spirits to the child even as tired brown eyes were hidden behind slowly closing eyelids the child drifted to sleep for the first time in five days, for the first time since his mother's death. The three-shared knowing looks even as Zan settled into a cross seated position cradling the child against his chest. They would protect Ichigo and guide him with every fiber of their being.

X

Ichigo jerked awake chest heaving in the force of some untameable nightmare his eyes cast wildly around his room trying to acquaint himself with his surroundings. Unfamiliar daylight trickled in through the windows by his bed forcing Ichigo to blink rapidly trying to adjust to the sudden influx of light. Alarm flashed through his mind as the events of the night before came soaring to the forefront of his thoughts, he wondered if it was all a dream. The thought terrified him, left him to wallow morosely for a second at the mere thought that he could be forgiven for causing his mother's death.

"Ichigo! Did we not tell you, it is not your fault? We will always be here for you, we are never leaving you."

Zan's voice spoke in Ichigo's mind firm and resolute striking the fear that clouded Ichigo's thoughts from his mind. Tense shoulders settled slightly and Ichigo took a few calming breaths attempting to stop the heaving of his chest. A soft sigh was heard before Ichigo felt reaitsu envelop him it's tender caress tussling orange locks and drying tear trails that lingered on his cheeks Ki spoke, "Ichigo we are a part of your soul. To separate us would be to divide your soul."

Ichigo nodded the faint grumble of Shiro's approval tickled his senses as Ichigo threw back heavy covers and stepped onto the cool hardwood floor below. Turning Ichigo faced the rising sun it's early rays peeking out over Karakura town and casting the city in hues of bronze. Ichigo felt lighter as if since his mother's death he had been carrying great weights on his shoulders pushing him into the ground and dragging his every step like the mythological figure of Atlas straining under the weight of the world.

Closing his eyes to Zan's gentle encouragement the boy let his reaitsu wrap around him swarming him in it's warmth he felt it flow over his skin and brush against his nerves almost ticklish in sense. Approval echoed from within his soul and Ichigo's lips tilted upwards slightly.

"Ichigo the power you feel around you is your own. Feel the immenseness of it, like a well with no bottom it thrives in your soul. But leaving your power in the open is dangerous as it attracts hollows and other beings seeking powerful reaitsu."

Ichigo frowned at the information Zan had revealed if what the zanpaktou spirit said was true (and Ichigo didn't doubt it for a moment) then he was putting his sisters in danger. He would not put them in danger! It was his job as an older brother to protect them. He would protect them in honour of his mother and because of the beliefs of family she had in stowed in him. A pang went through his heart as he thought of his mother, her kind smile, radiant eyes. He could easily admit it now, he missed her but the accompanying guilt that had haunted him had finally abated and all he felt was the deep sense of loss.

Tears began to roll down his cheeks once more but Ichigo didn't stop them simply letting himself grieve in a way he hadn't allowed himself to. It felt both painful and a relief to let it go his emotions pouring from his eyes and heart. Their reaitsu flowed around him comforting him and guiding him as his reaitsu raged around his small form with his emotions.

A calm overtook Ichigo as the sun began it's ascent and he stared at the sky basking in the emotions that wreathed him and the light that hovered on the edge of his perception. Turning his mind away from the grief and sorrow he thought of Zan's words and asked, "I don't want to draw anything to me. You make it sound as if I can hide my reaitsu?"

Ichigo felt approval both from his Quincy powers and his Shinigami powers, the two seemed to be conferring as silence reigned for a moment before Ki piped up speaking in the deep baritone of his that managed to both settle Ichigo's emotions and yet spark fire in his soul at the same time, "Yes, it is possible to as you say "hide" your reaitsu. In actuality you are keeping it contained within yourself. Any being of spiritual power can accomplish this."

Ichigo nodded head brimming with questions once more, valiantly he tried to tame the aching curiosity and instead turned his attention to the small digital clock by his bed. Reading the time Ichigo remarked to himself that Isshin would soon be rising as he had his work at the clinic. The man had finally rolled out from the blankets of grief covering him and was shouldering his way through it to care for his children. Rolling his shoulders Ichigo pushed back the flow of questions to the amusement of his zanpaktou and turned to face the door which seemed large and more intimidating than any night spent cowering under the covers. With a soft push of determination Ichigo walked forward opening the door and with the silence of a mouse he crept down the stairs no sound whispering of his presence.

The kitchen seemed cold in it's solitude, without the warm bustle of someone cooking and the hearty atmosphere of a family bubbling over, the Kurosaki clinic seemed distant. Head snapping up Ichigo glanced up the stair case to where he knew his sisters were sleeping curled together with the evidence of their grief staining their cherubic cheeks. Ichigo felt disappointment at himself for allowing his sisters to see his weakness. He was supposed to be stronger than that and he would be.

Shaking himself from morose musings Ichigo entered the kitchen and began bustling about familiar with the layout and mannerisms of the kitchen. As soon as he could walk he had been in the kitchen with his mom, breakfast, lunch, and dinner it didn't matter he was always there ready to assist. When Isshin had thrown a tiny tantrum over Ichigo doing more manly things his mom had put her foot down given him the famous Masaki glare and he hadn't mentioned it again.

As Ichigo grew he was allowed to help more and more with the cooking from handling the knives to stirring the pot Ichigo knew the inner workings of cooking well. He doubted he would ever be able to make anything close to as amazing as his mom's food but he would try (it would be better than Isshin's peculiar attempts that somehow more often than not ended up burned). Humming a soft tune under his breath Ichigo set to the methodical task of preparing breakfast.

Isshin lumbered into the kitchen near twenty minutes later resembling a sleeping bear in his movements. Zan had just finished introducing Ichigo to the topic of how reaitsu worked going over some of the basics as well as touching on a few other brief topics like, Zanjutsu, Zanpaktou, and Ki had interrupted often enough to mention the many weapons utilized by the Quincy. Ichigo was considering their prompting of taking kendo in real life as to be strong in soul one must be strong in body. Or at least Ichigo assumed it was something of the sort.

Pouring the steaming coffee into a forest green coloured mug Ichigo slipped out from the kitchen and brought it to Isshin a familiar tune still being hummed under his breath. The man looked up in a daze eyes going from the coffee cup to Ichigo repeatedly in slow motions before sluggishly he took the mug into his hands cradling its warmth to his chest. Ichigo nodded and turned away mind distracted and focused on another conversation as he checked on the rice before continuing on.

As such Ichigo didn't see Isshin's coffee coloured eyes so much like Ichigo's own brighten as caffeine hit his system. Nor did he see the incredulous looks the man was shooting his vibrant haired son who only yesterday had been morose and a wraith of his former self. Now the nine-year-old was bustling around the kitchen with a familiar grace, a soft tune hummed under his breath, and the tired shades of his grief lightened.

Taking slow sip of the steaming coffee Isshin savoured the taste, better than any brew he had yet to accomplish with a certain spice unique to Ichigo's cooking. The man drained the cup staring at the kitchen through the doorway watching his son bustle around in his own world. Peaceful silence hung over the first floor of the Kurosaki household even as Isshin swallowed down the melancholy that rose in his throat and misted his eyes slightly.

Isshin's mind began to wander into familiar territory wishing he could have been there to save his wife, her lovely smile and warm amber eyes haunted his nights as much as the cold emptiness of his bed. The grief and guilt that swirled in his soul was all consuming and Isshin pushed forward only for his children who had lost their mother. Some distant whisper of his zanpaktou comforted him but Isshin could sense nothing as he was now.

Ichigo came out of the kitchen laden with plates balanced on his arms and held aloft in his hands. The heavenly smell of the food invaded his senses and sharp eyes assessed his son once again as Ichigo set the plates down leaving a place for himself before he hurried to the kitchen. it was as if his son had grown overnight or experienced an epiphany but Isshin doubted anything of the sort had occurred it was likely the young boy had found a way to hide the guilt in his heart.

Ichigo came back at a more sedate pace eyes distant in some far reach of his mind he settled into place and methodically began eating. Isshin sighed the motion racking his chest before he looked at the food set below him. It was an appetizing spread of food though thankfully not a banquet merely simple and easy breakfast foods that when cooked right were perfect comfort foods. Hefting his chop sticks Isshin began to eat eyes flicking up to scrutinize Ichigo before returning to his own meal in thought.

The food was delicious and better than anything Isshin had attempted to cook, grudgingly and of no offense to Ichigo he compared the meal to Masaki's cooking that seemed blessed by the heavens above. Ichigo's in comparison was delicious a meal that left warmth and content flushing his system even as his mind bitterly remarked on his late wife's cooking. A faint cough drove his attention away from morose thoughts and Isshin looked up to see soulful chocolate eyes staring into his own questioningly. Isshin realized he had been neglecting his son with his silence and guilt piled onto his shoulders once more. Rubbing the back of his head in an abashed motion Isshin smiled apologetically and said, "Ah I'm sorry Ichi my head's in the clouds, the meal tastes great…she would be proud."

Ichigo smiled and Isshin felt his breath catch in his chest at the curl of Ichigo's lips. It was the kind of smile reserved solely for Masaki the smile that kindles one on your own lips and left your heart lighter. Isshin wondered where his son had found the light to smile like that. The boy tilted his head for a moment listening to his own thoughts before he spoke, "It's okay I understand that you're grieving and need time to deal with it. Thank you for the compliments of the meal."

Isshin stared when had his son grown up? Where did this sudden wisdom come from? Isshin nodded dumbly to Ichigo's words watching as the small boy sprung from his chair collecting the plates and bringing them to the sink. The dull roar of water in the background left Isshin to his thoughts once again though now they were focused on his tangerine haired son washing dishes in the kitchen,

Pushing himself from the table Isshin crossed over to the archway peering through the doorway he watched as Ichigo continued to scrub and wash the dished methodically a quiet tune hummed under his breath. Reluctant to disturb Ichigo's work Isshin gazed for a few quiet moments before he called out, "I'm going to head into the clinic now Ichigo, when the girls wake up can you feed them? Mrs. Sato has kindly offered to take care of the girls for the day. She should be here around twelve."

Ichigo nodded his head turning caramel eyes peeking from beneath a tangle of orange locks, Ichigo tilted his head for a second before he asked, "Is it okay if I go on a walk?"

Isshin nodded seeing no harm in letting his son roam Karakura's streets the orangette knew better than to walk in darkness and Kisuke had his eyes out. Smiling in thanks the boy turned back to the dishes beginning to hum the same tune under his breath. Isshin regarded his son for a moment longer before he turned and exited making his way to the clinic part of the building, as he passed a blank stretch of the wall he wondered on placing some piece of art on it's surface.

X

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I look forward to the chance to write more. Reviews/comments are always appreciated and I will see you all when life grants me the chance to write!