Disclaimer: Still not mine
Pairing poll is up cause I can't decide.
This chapter is the last of the prewritten stuff so expect slower updates from now on.
Chapter 3
He felt warm, safe, protected…he didn't want to wake, to be back in the room, alone and cold. He burrowed into the warmth and then felt a hand gently brushing through his hair and golden eyes snapped open as he pulled back, waiting to be attacked, arm up to protect his mask instinctively. When nothing happened, he slowly lowered it to see a familiar man in front of him, he looked around to see everyone and relaxed from his defensive stance. They hadn't killed him, purified him, why hadn't they? He'd thought maybe they were being kind, to do it in his sleep. He wouldn't fight, he deserved it for giving in, not fighting harder to stay human.
Isshin didn't move as Ichigo jolted back, an arm raised protectively, and was relieved when Ichigo seemed to recognise him and relaxed. Yet there was still confusion in his son's eyes, they were harder to read set behind the mask and the colour of a Hollow, but he knew his son. "Good morning Ichigo," he greeted calmly. "How do you feel?"
"No….ki...pu'fy?" he struggled to make himself understood and shook his head, frustrated, hands coming up to grip his head. Why couldn't he talk! He cried out, pulling at his hair and felt hands grab his.
"Ichigo!" Shinji yelled. "Calm down, it's okay." He had the sinking feeling he knew what the kid had been trying to ask. "No one is killing you, we weren't waiting for you to sleep to do it. You are sill Ichigo." The Visored snapped, glaring at him, ignoring the gasps form Orihime and Rukia as they heard that Ichigo had expected them to kill him while he slept. Even Uryū looked unsettled to hear that, he didn't think much of Kurosaki's survival instincts, but this was crazy even for the guy who took on a Menos with nothing but a sword. "We are all going to help you, understand?" Shinji pushed and Ichigo looked away to the others.
Rukia was shocked that he had expected not to wake up or to wake to the last seconds of life as a blade sank in. That…That was Ichigo. "Idiot!" she yelled and golden eyes snapped to her, but she did not back off or down, no matter what her instincts screamed, if she'd had any doubt this was Ichigo it was gone now. "How could you think we would do that!" And yet, hadn't the thought crossed her mind, that he would have to be killed?
"Ru…kia." It was broken but it was her full name. He watched as she marched right up to him, hands on her hips and a thousand memories flooded him of her in that exact stance when he failed to understand something every Shinigami knew. He wanted to go back to that! He wanted…he screamed and clawed hands gripped his mask, not noticing as they all froze, watching in hope. And then he was shoving at the mask, falling to his knees. It hurt! No…he wanted it off!
Shinji yanked her back as power built up around Ichigo, Tessai and Hachi throwing barriers up to be safe.
"What's happening?" Ishida demanded as his bow materialised but then he dismissed it. If Ichigo died it would not be by his hand, his soul would not be obliterated.
"He's fighting the mask." Shinji answered even as Ichigo screamed, the sound sending shivers down their backs.
Inside the barrier Ichigo fought against the pain, hands clenched around the mask, feeling it begin to break, pieces falling to the ground, as he finally pushed it off with a last scream. Pieces of white mask fell around him as he fell onto his hands and knees, gasping for breath.
The barriers fell as Ichigo's power overwhelmed them and they all stood far enough back to hopefully not crowd him. They couldn't see a thing from all the dust that had been kicked up but as it faded, they saw the outline of a figure on hands and knees. The Visored kept the others back, while it wasn't exactly the same, they remembered how overwhelmed they had been by everything the first time they called their masks after the initial transformations. They could hear the harsh pants of his breath, see his whole-body heaving from the force, and Shinji pushed Rukia back before slowly moving forward. He was the one Ichigo had the best first reactions too, so he figured he was safest. There was no way to know how this new transformation had affected his mind. "Ichigo?" he called softly, dropping into a crouch not too far from the other, not wanting to tower over him, even if it put him in a vulnerable position. This close he could see long orange hair spilling over bare skin that was no longer white. It wasn't his old skin tone, but it was a human shade and then Ichigo lifted his head and Shinji found himself staring into amber eyes before spotting the mask fragment shoved up and to the side of his head. Glancing down he saw Ichigo still had a Hollow hole and…yeah, his hakama hadn't survived this power surge. "You in there?" he asked gently as he quickly moved his gaze upwards.
Ichigo blinked dazedly, he felt…strange. At the sound of his name he looked up to see Shinji crouching in front of him, felt his eyes run over him before speaking again. Ichigo opened his mouth and then swayed, suddenly exhausted, before blackness claimed him and his body crumpled, he didn't feel Shinji catch him.
Seeing Ichigo's eyes roll back, Shinji lunged forward, just keeping his head from slamming into the ground. He pulled Ichigo into his arms but couldn't see anything wrong.
"Shinji?" Kisuke called sharply, unable to hide the concern.
"He's out cold." Shinji answered so Kisuke moved in to look him over.
"Uh…clothes?" Orihime squeaked, going red.
Kisuke shrugged out of his coat and Shinji held Ichigo up so his arms could be slipped through the sleeves and the coat tied shut around his limp body.
Isshin joined them, taking his sons slack form from Shinji. Other than the long hair and Hollow hole, he looked like Ichigo again and he felt a little warmer as well. "Why is he unconscious?" he demanded, gently rocking his son as he had when he was a baby.
"He just expended a lot of energy, energy he didn't have spare after fighting Aizen, healing Shinji, well you get the idea," Kisuke explained.
"What do we do now?" Orihime asked.
"I suggest we return home, our absence will be noticed soon if it hasn't already," Ishida spoke up. "If Soul Society decides to check then we need to be where expected unless we want them suspicious."
"He's right, Ichigo will be okay, we'll stay." Shinji assured the other two teens.
"Nii-sama will be expecting me back soon…but what do I say?" Rukia asked, she couldn't tell anyone about this. They would not accept Ichigo like this.
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"They escaped?" Gin was surprised, how big of a group had come to rescue the kid? Pity he hadn't been around to see for himself, but he'd been out recruiting.
"Ah, I underestimated Kurosaki," Aizen admitted grudgingly. "There is surveillance form when Urahara and Hirako first entered his room, ensure it finds its way to Soul Society."
"Easy." Gin left Aizen to get the footage, watching it himself first. Seeing this, he didn't doubt for a second, they would turn on the boy despite what he had done for Soul Society.
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Byakuya intercepted the message easily, taking it to his office. It was marked for Kurotsuchi, but something told him that would be dangerous. He watched the footage inside and paled before getting up and moving out. "I am leaving, ensure your paperwork is completed." He informed his lieutenant, not mentioning where since he didn't want Renji following him and he would since Rukia could be in danger, before heading home to use the private Senkaimon. He had to get his sister out of there before anyone else found out. Had Urahara and…he wasn't sure, but the other figure looked like Hirako, survived? Had Kurosaki killed them? He stepped out underneath Urahara's shop to find a good-sized group, all surrounding a dark-haired man cradling Kurosaki's limp form.
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Hearing the opening they spun, hands on Zanpakutō, Isshin shifting to protect Ichigo with his very body as the Visored moved to be between them and anyone coming through. Kisuke mentally berated himself for allowing Soul Society access to the underground training room but it was the most out of the way place for them to arrive at. That secrecy and convenience may just be about to cause a serious problem, not only exposing the Visored but Ichigo's new form.
"Nii-sama?" Rukia asked, mentally swearing, this was not good. Yes, he had warmed a little to Ichigo since her near execution, but he was still a Captain.
"I intercepted a surveillance tape that showed Urahara and…" he looked at the blonde man standing with a hand on his blade, it really was Shinji Hirako, although with much shorter hair than he remembered. "Hirako entering a room with a Hollow, I came to see what had happened. The Hollow bore a startling resemblance to Kurosaki." And they were blocking his view of the boy. "What has happened?" he had thought the Hollowfied Captains and Lieutenants would have been dead decades ago and he knew he would have to report their survival and presence here, but…the Soutaichou seemed to have no issues working with Urahara and he had been exiled over their Hollowfication. With Aizen's betrayal he had the sick feeling that Urahara and Tsukabishi had been wrongly convicted. There were instances when the law could and should be ignored, Kurosaki had helped him to see that.
"As you know, Ichigo was kidnapped during his last battle with the Espada, we went after him and as you can see, we have rescued him. Time can flow differently between the Worlds, we aren't sure exactly how long he had Ichigo but from the scars on his skin it was not a pleasant stay."
"What aren't you saying Urahara? Why hide the boy from my view?"
"That is none of your business Kuchiki."
Byakuya frowned, he knew that voice. Hirako knelt and took Kurosaki as another stood, the man who had previously been holding him. As he turned Byakuya's eyes widened slightly. "Shiba Isshin…you died." And then he looked from the man to where the boy lay, and it hit him, why Ichigo's appearance had been such a shock to those of the Thirteenth Division. If Isshin was his father than Kurosaki was actually a Shiba, explaining the resemblance between him and the dead Lieutenant as they were cousins.
Rukia looked form her brother to Ichigo's Dad, Shiba? Then that meant... Ichigo was related to Kaien somehow. That was why they looked so much alike, there went her faint hope that Ichigo was Kaien reincarnated for a second chance at life. She was glad Ichigo's friends had returned home, especially Ishida with his hatred towards many Shinigami. It explained why Ichigo had adapted so well and was so powerful. She'd never met him in Soul Society, but she'd heard about the old Captain of the Tenth and yes, Ichigo's father did fit his description.
"Do not attempt to distract me," Byakuya decided Isshin's survival and obvious relationship with a living human could wait. "What has happened to Kurosaki that you are trying to hide?" from what little he could see the boy was human so where had the Hollow that appeared similar come from?
Of course, with their luck that was when the newborn Arrancar began to stir in Shinji's arms. He looked down to see Ichigo's brow furrow as his head rolled. "Easy Ichigo, you're safe," he whispered, running his hand through the long hair to sooth him. Ichigo made a soft, sleepy sound of pleasure, pressing into his touch, something the old Ichigo would never have done, he'd never shown any want for human contact when training with them. Ever so slowly amber eyes blinked open and Shinji grinned at him. "Hey sleepyhead." He teased gently, even as he hoped this latest evolution hadn't undone the mental progress Ichigo had made.
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He felt warm and safe and he really didn't want to wake up…there'd been so much pain…but now there was a gentle hand in his hair and he couldn't help pressing into it as a familiar voice called to him. He slowly opened his eyes, blinking up at a familiar grinning face, hearing his voice again. "Shinji." He blinked, a hand going to his throat, he'd spoken! It sounded like himself too, normal. He moved to try and push himself up and felt Shinji shift to help him even as his head spun. He saw his hands pressed to the ground and his eyes widened in shock. He lifted one to his face, flexing his fingers as he stared at human coloured skin and a lack of claws. Had it been a dream? No…he knew he wasn't human or a Shinigami anymore even though he wasn't sure how he knew, but what was he? It was like the word was on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't remember. He lifted his head and looked around, the Visored were surrounding him but not close enough to make him feel crowded, something told him that would be bad. "I…" he pressed a hand to his head and felt the remains of a Hollow mask in his hair. He looked up again and saw Rukia watching him with wide eyes and he frowned in confusion before his eyes widened. "Rukia, you're alright?" he demanded, eyes scanning for any sign of injury.
Rukia stood still as Ichigo spotted her amongst those around him, it was good to see him looking more himself again, even if he would never be that Ichigo again. But they didn't know how becoming an Arrancar would affect him and how he saw them all. Though his reaction to waking in Shinji's arms was reassuring and his voice sounded more like Ichigo as well. And then he spoke to her, not the broken words of earlier but a sentence, a demand to know if she was alright. But why…oh, the fight. "I'm alright Ichigo," she smiled for him and was happy when he relaxed, taking her word for it.
Ichigo looked around, had he imagined…no, there. "Dad? What are you doing here? You can see me? But…." Ichigo pressed a hand to his forehead, there was something about that…
"Hey, don't try to force it," Shinji tugged his hand down gently.
Byakuya watched and listened carefully. It appeared Kurosaki was having memory problems, a result of torture? The mind could do strange things in an effort to protect itself. And it would explain why the majority were keeping their distance so as not to crowd him and possibly trigger a flashback. Though that did not explain keeping him hidden from him, preserving his pride? Had he been badly injured, mutilated, scarred?
Isshin moved to kneel in front of his son. "I can see you Ichigo. I am sorry, for never telling you the truth of your heritage, after your Mother…it was too painful." He admitted.
Ichigo frowned, Mother…he…he couldn't….his breathing picked up. "I don't, I can't remember her…why don't I remember…" he knew it was important, that she'd been important, but it was blank.
Isshin's heart broke for his son at his panicked words and he reached out, Ichigo falling into his arms in a way he hadn't since he was very young. "It's alright Ichigo, if you can't remember her then your family will help," he promised softly, holding his son close. He did not care what Ichigo was, he was still his son and anyone who tried to harm him would find out how much of his powers had returned to Isshin.
"As for why, it is likely that you clung to the memories of those alive. With what you experienced…it is a miracle you remember as many of us as you do. Do you recognise everyone here?" Kisuke asked, he wished he could be the playful, cryptic shopkeeper he usually portrayed himself as with Ichigo, but this was serious. Depending on his memory loss, they would need to have someone with him at all times in case he came across someone he knew but no longer remembered. Even if he could return to his body, he would have trouble returning to a normal life with missing memories. They could pass it off as an accident involving a head wound perhaps but if he had forgotten too much then school might be out. And there was one thing they were all avoiding, what would Ichigo need to eat? Could human food work? Or would he need to hunt Hollows? Perhaps food from Soul Society would do?
Ichigo got his breathing under control and pulled back, looking around at everyone, spotting even Byakuya at the back, watching him in return. "Ah, yes."
"Could you please recite our names, just to be sure?"
Ichigo sighed. "Geta-boshi, Dad, Shinji, Rukia, Byakuya, Rose, Love, Kensei, Hiyori, Mashiro, Hachi, Lisa," he recited, looking at each as he said their name.
Shinji laughed at the name Ichigo had given Kisuke. "Geta-boshi fits him, but what is his actual name?"
Ichigo looked over at the shopkeeper. Part of him was mad every time he looked at him, but he didn't know why. His name wasn't Geta-boshi? No….it wasn't…it was…he shook his head. Another thing that he knew he should know, that was on the tip of his tongue.
"Well, Geta-boshi is better than nothing," he smirked, tipping his hat over his eyes. It was better than nothing, even before he had tried to use that name when he could barely speak.
Ichigo got his legs under him and pushed up to his feet. It felt…strange, standing on two human legs…he'd had a tail? Yes, he'd been a Hollow and had a tail and he'd eaten other Hollows because he was hungry, and something had pushed him to, to gain power but now he wasn't hungry, not really.
Byakuya watched Kurosaki stand up but as he did the coat fell open enough to show his chest…and the hole within it. Byakuya's eyes widened in shock. A Hollow hole…and a mask fragment in his now long hair…with a human appearance. It wasn't possible, was it? "Arrancar."
Ichigo heard, he could hear more now, his head turning to look at the Shinigami. Arrancar…his eyes widened, remembering the fight at Rukia's side against…Arrancar, Espada…Hollows who gained Shinigami powers by taking off their masks…like he had. "Arrancar…I…" his hand went to his chest and he felt it, a Hollow hole. He'd thought when he woke up with human hands maybe they'd fixed him somehow while he slept again but nothing had changed, he was still a Hollow, still a monster. "Dad?" he reached up, feeling the mask fragment again.
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Byakuya watched, hand on the hilt of his Zanpakutō, ready to strike, but the Arrancar looked away from him to Shiba, looking more like a confused child than a Captain class Hollow. He had never seen Kurosaki so vulnerable, even lying unconscious in the Fourth Division after Aizen had practically cut him in half. It could be an act but…it felt real. What had Aizen done to the boy? "Rukia."
"Yes Nii-sama?"
"Tell me everything."
She blinked, seeing something in his face even as his hand moved away from Senbonzakura. So, she nodded and moved to join him, speaking quietly of everything she knew had happened to Ichigo since he had been taken by the Espada.
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"How long was I…gone?" Ichigo asked, pulling the coat tighter around him but then Lisa tossed him a bundle of cloth Tessai had retrieved for him earlier. Ichigo nodded and glanced around before seeing a rock and going to move behind it before hesitating and looking back at Shinji who grinned and followed him, turning his back to give Ichigo privacy, even if he had seen it all earlier, as he changed into casual pants, shirt and shoes, all designed to be worn by a Spiritual Being, since his Shihakushō was gone. When Ichigo reappeared from behind the rock they could almost fool themselves into thinking nothing had changed, he looked almost back to his old self in modern clothes. Then he shoved his hair back and a few couldn't help smirking before a band almost hit Ichigo in the face and he looked at Hiyori in surprise before trying to get the mess under control. Shinji chuckled and took the band, quickly pulling the mass into a ponytail, being careful of his mask as he did. "Thanks."
"It has been three weeks since the battle in which you were taken Ichigo," Kisuke answered when no one else did.
"Only three?" he asked bewildered.
"Time is not always constant between the worlds, it was likely longer for you. I am sorry," Kisuke fell to his knees before Ichigo as he had when they had returned from rescuing Rukia. "I could not find you sooner, no matter how I searched."
Ichigo stared at his bowed head, this was familiar…oh. The ghost of a smile touched his lips. "Get up Geta-boshi, there's nothing to forgive. You came for me, you got me out. Even when…I attacked you, didn't I?"
"At first, it was obvious you did not recognise us and so we dodged until you did remember."
"You screamed my name…I was going to…I was aiming a cero at Shinji." He looked at Shinji who laughed.
"You think we always get on?" he pointed at the other Visored. "Not the first cero that's been tossed my way and you stopped." He did wonder if Ichigo remembered what else he'd done but he was not going to mention nearly being eaten, especially in front of a Shinigami Captain who might decide to kill Ichigo for it.
Ichigo studied him before nodding, glad Shinji wasn't mad at him for that. He would ask forgiveness for what else he'd done in private, he'd seen the glance at Byakuya and he knew telling him he'd bitten and almost eaten someone was not a good idea.
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Byakuya listened as Rukia finished the story of what they knew had happened and what Aizen had admitted during the fight with Urahara and Kurosaki. He could not imagine the agony of having his soul forcefully turned into its opposite form. This obviously went further than Hirako and the others transformation…unless they had their holes covered as well? "Hirako," he called.
Shinji turned to face the Captain he remembered as a third seat in the Sixth under the previous Kuchiki head. He did not appear confrontational, so Shinji stepped away from Ichigo, Kisuke slipping in with Isshin. He walked closer to Byakuya and grinned. "Belated congratulations on the promotion."
Byakuya was surprised but nodded. "Thank you," there was no reason not to be polite, even if he hadn't been vastly outnumbered here. "I must ask a delicate question."
"We aren't Hollows," Shinji knew what he wanted to ask. Seeing the look in his eyes he sighed but unbuttoned his shirt to reveal smooth skin. He really needed a new shirt, one not covered in his own blood and ripped up. "Kisuke managed to stabilise our souls after what Aizen did to us. Arrancar are Hollows with Shinigami powers, we're their opposite."
"Shinigami with Hollow powers." Byakuya offered and Shinji nodded. "Why have I never heard of this?"
"Because we were summarily ordered to be executed for what had happened and Aizen placed the blame on Kisuke and Tessai. If not for Yoruichi getting them out, we'd all be dead. We learned to control our Hollow sides and powers and have lived in exile since."
"Are you Soul Society's allies in this fight?"
"No," Shinji shook his head. "We will never trust Soul Society. We are Ichigo's allies. You think we'd risk discovery to save just anyone?"
"What is he to you?"
"He was one of us." That knowledge couldn't hurt Ichigo anymore.
That was not as much of a shock as it may have been, he remembered their fight at Rukia's interrupted execution well, including when Kurosaki had lost control. It explained much. "It is likely the tape I intercepted was sent by Aizen in order to have Kurosaki killed or throw dissention among us. As long as Kurosaki continues to be in control of himself, I will remain silent. Should he prove a danger…."
"Understood." Shinji relaxed as Byakuya turned to leave.
"Say farewell Rukia." Byakuya ordered as he moved to open the doors.
Rukia quickly headed for the group. "Ichigo?" she called softly, and he focused on her, head tilted curiously to the side. She walked up to him and held her hand out and he reached back to her. His skin was cooler than she remembered but otherwise felt the same. "Nii-sama and I must return to Soul Society for now before we are missed."
Ichigo was happy when Rukia reached out to him, she'd kept her distance, even when yelling at him before. He took her hand carefully in his, the claws might be gone but he wasn't sure how strong he was at the moment. He listened to her explanation and wanted to say no, to keep her here where he could keep her safe, but he pushed that reaction back and nodded. "You'll come back?"
His question made her smile slightly, she hadn't been sure if he'd want her around considering they were now technically enemies if you went by species. "As soon as I can." She promised and then stepped slowly closer, giving him time to back away, wrapping her arms around him. She felt him tense at the move and went to let go but then his arms wrapped cautiously around her in return. They'd never really done this before, not even when he had saved her, she'd been too scared he was going to get himself killed and then he'd thrown her and yeah…"I'm glad they saved you," she whispered before moving to her brothers' side.
Byakuya watched, tensing as Rukia got so close and then she hugged him! He relaxed as Kurosaki hugged her back, it was obvious he was being very cautious of his every move, he'd read the teams report on the Espada and physically they were very strong, so it was good Kurosaki seemed aware of that strength. As she joined him, the Senkaimon opened and they walked in.
Ichigo watched them go, wanting to call Rukia back, instinct screaming Soul Society wasn't safe. But he fought it down, it wasn't safe for him, but it was her home. He then looked at the others, not sure what to do now.
"Well…first thing first," Kisuke called, having left and returned while they said their goodbyes, he lay what he had been carry down to reveal Ichigo's body. "Let's see if you can still get in." If not he'd have to work out a gigai that would retain his human appearance rather than his Hollow one.
Ichigo stared at the body, that was him? He shifted closer and then looked up at Kisuke. "How?" Surely, he'd done this a lot as a Shinigami, but he didn't remember how.
"Just lie down on top." Isshin offered.
Ichigo nodded and carefully lay on top of his body. He suddenly felt heavy and constrained and slowly he lifted his arm, clenching his hand into a fist a few times before slowly sitting up, his Dad and Shinji at his back in case he needed help. He got to his feet and frowned at suddenly having to look up at people. "I shrank?"
That got some laughs. "Your Arrancar form is taller than you were before, as long as you synchronise properly with your body you should find it hits a sudden growth spurt and your hair may also grow very quickly to match your soul form." Kisuke explained and Ichigo nodded.
"Where are Chad, Orihime and…" he frowned, there was someone else…someone…"Uses a bow?" that his instincts screamed was worse than a Zanpakutō.
"Ishida," Isshin offered. "He is a Quincy, that is why he uses a bow."
Ichigo nodded, Ishida. He took a cautious step and then another, working on adjusting to being in a body. It was his body but…it didn't feel like it, didn't feel right.
"Your friends went home, they did not want to alert Soul Society to anything being wrong. They should be back soon though," Shinji promised and Ichigo nodded again.
It felt awkward, everyone watching him like he…like he might attack. He flinched slightly, hunching in on himself. Of course, they were, he was a Hollow, a monster, even if he did look humanish he wasn't one anymore.
Shinji saw the small flinch, the way Ichigo seemed to shrink in on himself and flicked his hand at the other Visored. They hesitated but then slowly moved off even as Shinji gently knocked Ichigo's arm with his own. Ichigo started and looked at Shinji and Shinji grinned, happy when Ichigo relaxed a bit. "It's okay Ichigo," he promised.
Ichigo looked over at where the others had gone and were talking. "Are…" he swallowed, biting his lip without realising it.
"Are what?" Shinji asked.
"Everyone keeps staring, like they think I'm going to attack them," he admitted.
"Hey, no," Shinji shook his head. "No one thinks that, hear me?" he demanded and Ichigo looked from him to everyone else, obviously not sure. "What you've gone through…none of us can imagine it. That you've come out of it sane and with any memories of your human life, it's beyond a miracle and a testament to your strength of character. It's going to take for everyone to adjust, including you. They just don't want to crowd you."
Ichigo nodded slowly, feeling his cheeks grow warm…blushing, he was blushing. He could still do that? Huh. Shinji's grin said that he was definitely blushing. He looked over at where his Dad and Kisuke were talking and then frowned. "Shinji?"
"Yeah?"
"He's my Dad…but other people don't call him that, do they?" this was something he should know, and he hated admitting he didn't, but Shinji wouldn't make fun of him or think he was weak.
"Kurosaki Isshin," Shinji offered quietly and Ichigo shot him a grateful smile. Shinji bit back a sigh, just another sign of how different Ichigo now was and he found he missed the old Ichigo who scowled all the time but that Ichigo had died in agony in Aizen's base because there was no way that transformation had been painless.
Isshin…there was something almost familiar about that name which was better than the black hole in his mind where memory of his Mother should be. He knew what a Mother was, knew as a human he had to have one, he just didn't remember her at all. Who else had he forgotten. "Yuzu and Karin…are my only siblings?" he asked nervously, and Shinji nodded, well that was a relief. "Can I see them?"
Isshin heard since he was approaching and part of him wanted to scream no and keep the girls away, but he stomped it down, hard. He hated that there was any part of his mind that would even think Ichigo would ever harm his sisters. He knew his son would die to protect them, he could have that night Rukia transferred her powers to him. Looking at Ichigo, back in his body, he looked so normal, other than the lack of scowl. "They're at school son. They think that you are away at a camp." It as a weak story and he knew it from the looks the girls gave him, but he hadn't been able to bring himself to tell them their brother had been captured and was likely dead. If they came here, they would have to be told, then again, they would be able to tell Ichigo was very different and Karin could see spirits…she would likely sense the change in Ichigo's Reiatsu.
"Can I see them?" Ichigo asked again, he would never hurt his sisters! Surely Dad knew that?
TBC…
