Hey guys meme12 here! I know I have been away from writing for a long time… (Carefully pushing the gun pointing at her face by pissed avid reader) but there had been a lot of personal issues going on and it took me a while to resolve them while handling other…roadblocks that were in the way (Karate kicks the signboard with the word EXAMS) therefore the delay. Without further a due, I present to you the continuation of Picking up the pieces…
Picking up the pieces: Who are the monsters
Warning: Contains yaoi, contain torture descriptions in the following chapter.
Disclaimer: meme12 does not own Bleach or any of their characters
Previously: Shiro sacrifices his life to heal Ichigo.
"SHIRO!" Ichigo screamed as he sat up startling Renji and Orihime. "W-What…?" "Ichigo!" "Kurosaki kun are you alright?" The orange head stared stunned at his lover and friends before his focus immediately went to the scramble of healers running into Shiro's room. "No…no… Shiro!" Ichigo screamed as he dashed towards the room but was prevented entry by the healers. "Please sir you can't go in!" "I have to please just… Shiro!" the orange head screamed as Renji immediately came forward and wrapped his arms around his lover's shoulders. "Ichi please, they are trying to save him." "Renji you have to let me go in there. Shiro got hurt because of me… I have to call out to him…!" "Ichi…" "I have to tell him…" "Ichigo!" The orange head immediately stopped mid ramble and the red head pulls him close. "It's ok." The orange head was silent before his shoulders trembled as sobs escaped the male as he slumped in his husband's arms. "Shiro… I'm sorry…please just come back to me…"
First Division meeting room
The atmosphere was tense as the elderly soutaicho levels his gaze with Kyoraku. "So you are insisting that there is a need for a re-trial?" "With the level of evidence we have, it should be possible to re-open a trial to judge what Mayuri has done and to clear Shiro's name." The old captain glares levelly at his captain. "Mayuri will receive punishment for attempting treason but there isn't a need for the re-trial of the Hollow." Kyoraku takes in a breath to quell his anger. "So he gets away with the death of an entire village and he gets away with illegal experimentation and abuse?" "His experiments are incredibly useful and yes, the villagers were… unforeseen circumstances but they are necessary sacrifices… As for the Hollow wise…" The soutaicho stares back impassively at Kyoraku. "It is just a monster that needs to be eradicated and has no rights. It should be glad that I have not sent any orders to have it annilated just yet." Kyoraku felt a surge of anger so strong that all that was keeping him calm was the pain of his nails cutting into his skin in his clenched fist. "I see… I have never known that you will stoop so low old man." "Maintaining the order in Soul Society is the top priority, nothing else is more important than that." Kyoraku stared back murderously at the Soutaicho. "So ignoring the torment you have subjected on an innocent being and letting his abuser go with a slap on his wrist is your idea of maintaining order?" The soutaicho gaze back at Kyoraku impassively. "He is not a shinigami…he is a hollow." Silence fell between the two and the straw hat clad shinigami reiatsu rises as he shifted his stance. "I suppose words can't make you change your mind…then perhaps actions…" The ever loyal first division vice-captain immediately stepped forward but was stopped by the soutaicho who rose. "You are prepared to die Shunsui?" The straw hat clad male flared his reiatsu in response. "Get ready old man."
Fourth division
Time trickled by as Shiro's room door remained shut and everyone else waiting outside was anxiously waiting for someone to come out and tell them that Shiro was alright. Eventually, a blood covered Unohana emerge from the room. "Unohana san… Is Shiro…?" The female captain sighs as she looks at the worried faces. "We have managed to stabilize him but he is on the verge of touch and go and I cannot safely say that he will survive." Orihime tries to hold back her tears and Rangiku wailed in anguish while Renji and Ichigo's face turned pale. "What…" "Kurosaki san, please be prepared for the worst…" At those words, Ichigo felt the very last hope in his heart shatter and the fear biting numbness returned once more. "Ichigo…" Renji murmured worriedly as his lover's lack of response and watched as Ichigo approaches the glass window. Gazing into the room, he sees more bandages wrapped around Shiro's emaciated frame. More bags were also connected to the albino and Ichigo could barely see the rise and fall of Shiro's chest through the glass. "Ichigo…" "Unohana san…let me in there." "Kurosaki kun?" "Ichigo!" Unohana turns to face Ichigo noticing the determination burning in those orbs for the first time amidst the sadness and hopelessness. "Ichigo san, what do you intend to do?" "I don't know but I know I have to be near Shiro… I have to call him back to me…" "But…" "Let him do it."
The group turned to see a familiar green and white striped hat male made his appearance. "Hats and clogs…?" The male ignored the greeting and gaze into the glass where Shiro lay. The male was silent as he observed Shiro before pulling his hat lower slightly. "…Gomen Shiro kun, for being so late…" Urahara murmured before turning to Ichigo. "Yare, yare it seems you are in a pinch Kurosaki san." Ichigo inwardly winced at the formal tone Urahara used but pushed that aside. "Urahara san is there a way to save Shiro?" "I wouldn't be here if there wasn't after all… I'd even make one if necessary but I will need your help for something that may or may not work at all…It could even kill you…" The blond levelled his gaze with Ichigo. "Will you still do it then?" "You are asking something stupid aren't you?" Urahara flipped his fan shut. "Then let's begin."
It didn't take long to arrange for the necessary preparations and both males prepared to enter the room. "Ichigo." The orange head immediately looks at his worried red haired husband. "Renji I have to do this. I owe him too much…" Renji opened his mouth to argue but eventually surrenders knowing how stubborn his husband could be before resorting to pull Ichigo into tight embrace. "Yeah I know, just come back to me ok?" Ichigo couldn't help but smile back at Renji before kissing his husband on the cheek. "I will…I promise…" "Chop, chop Kurosaki san! Time is of the essence here!" With that, Ichigo determinedly strode in. "Ichigo Kurosaki." The orange head glances at Rangiku who had remained silent until now. "Matsumoto…" "… You have better bring him back or I will hunt you down and skin you alive with Haineko no matter where you run…!" To emphasize her words, Rangiku flared her reiatsu despite the disapproving look on Unohana's face. "Rangiku…!" "Rangiku, I promise I will bring Shiro back." With those words, Ichigo entered Shiro's room with Kisuke and Unohana following close behind. The room door closes leaving the trio outside to wait anxiously for the news that everyone would be safe and sound.
As the room door closes shut, Ichigo gaze focused on the bed where Shiro laid. As he took in the various tubes and wires connected to the emaciated albino; the orange head felt sick to his stomach. Everything he had done to Shiro flash through his mind and he found himself unable to move. "Kurosaki san?" The orange head snapped out of his thoughts as he sees Unohana staring at him worriedly while Urahara remained silent. Ichigo eventually approached Shiro's bed, trying to blink away the tears that had begun to form as he gazes at Shiro. The shinigamis behind him were silent knowing fully that Ichigo did deserve the pain from the guilt but at the same time they were torn to seeing a friend breaking down to this extent. Kisuke eventually broke the silence with a snap of his fan. "We should start Kurosaki san after all time is not on our side." The blond steps forward and hands Ichigo a smooth moon coloured pendent. "What's this?" "It's a device I've created hopefully it will help to stabilize Shiro's very fragile soul. I suppose you saw that Shiro has shattered before you in your mind?" Ichigo nodded numbly as his mind recreated the same image before him. "When a zanpakuto spirit has been pushed to the very limit, it gradually begins to break. Of course the spirit can recreate itself but each time with every physical and mental trauma the spirit starts to weaken and come apart. Shiro had reached that limit and had finally shattered. Normally, that would be the end but this little gadget will hopefully gather the bits and pieces of Shiro and hopefully bring him back."
Ichigo glances down at the pendent as Kisuke continues. "Well like I mentioned before it can get very dangerous after all. You are entering into Shiro's inner world that had already changed dramatically during these 10 years. It's either you wandering there lost forever or being overwhelmed by the emotions and don't come back as the same man with or without getting Shiro back." The orange head slips the stone into his shihakusho and gazes back at Shiro before turning to face Urahara with the familiar determination burning in his eyes. "What are we still chatting here for?" Urahara smirks a little before continuing to instruct the orange head. "Take Shiro's hand and call out for him. His mind is very fragile so we need him to let you in instead of trying to barge our way in. From then on, it's up to you. We will stay here to monitor Shiro's condition." Ichigo nods and turns to face Shiro when Urahara called him. "Ichigo." Ichigo glances back noting the rarely seen sternness on Kisuke's face. "Please…bring him back safe." Ichigo's eyes softened in understanding and he nods determinedly.
The orange head proceeds to settle down at Shiro's bed side. With the utmost care, Ichigo slips his hand underneath Shiro's. Inwardly, Ichigo winced at how icy cold it was and almost devoid of life. He took the opportunity to gaze at Shiro's hand. It was noticeably smaller and emaciated; bandaged up to his knuckles, exposing the fingers which had tiny scrapes and cuts from his desperate escape to find him…to protect him. Grasping the hand tenderly, Ichigo carefully brought Shiro's hand to his mouth and tried to warm it by blowing his breath over the pale hand. The effect was only short lived and Shiro's hand remained icy cold. Smiling sadly, Ichigo presses his lips against the bandaged knuckles trying to hold back the tears tempting to spill over and calm himself down before he spoke. "Hey Shiro, it's me… It's Ichigo." There was no response and Ichigo gaze at Shiro's sleeping expression. It was a peaceful almost relieved expression and Ichigo wanted to just let him be… To just let Shiro have the peace he didn't give him but if he did…Shiro will…
Burying the fear deep in his mind Ichigo continued speaking "…It must have been so tiring and scary… All the pain and tears... Just to keep me and everyone safe…all by yourself…with these hands." Ichigo felt himself choke on his words and his tears trickled onto Shiro's hand. "In the end, I'm such a selfish master… I know that you are so tired but I still want you back with me… So please…Shiro I just…want to see you again…" At those words, Ichigo felt the familiar tug of being shifted into his Inner World as the pendent begins to glow. The glow faded and Ichigo slumped slightly in the chair; his grip still around Shiro's hand. "Is he?" Urahara nodded in response. "We can only wait and hope for the best now." The braided haired captain nods as she glances over at the two beings; praying that both of them will return safely.
Shiro's Inner World
Ichigo felt himself falling in to a seemingly endless drop. It was dark and he couldn't see his limbs. The fall ended abruptly and Ichigo coughed as he felt something grainy entered his mouth. "Is this…sand...?" Ichigo murmured with a cough as he slowly sat up. He gasped as he saw the scenery before him. A crimson, moon with cracks illuminated countless dunes of black sands as far as he could see. Ichigo slowly stands as he took in the barren, desolated land. It was dark, cold and painful and Ichigo felt his guilt build once more. "Did I…change his world to such a barren space…?" A tanned hand fisted the black sand that had gathered beneath him. Straightening himself, Ichigo gazes forward determinedly before advancing into the desert. Shiro had saved him so many times and now it is his turn to do so.
First division quarters
Shunsui coughs a little as he slowly pulled himself out of the rubble while the lower rank shinigamis scatter to avoid being dragged into the fight. "Yare, yare…guess I'm in quite a mess now…" Shunsui mutters as he re-positions the straw hat over his face with his uninjured arm. The Eighth division captain had always known that the soutaicho was strong after all that man had personally train him and to be honest the laid back male knew that the soutaicho had never revealed his true powers during that period. "Juu chan is going to scold me for this…" Shunsui murmured just as the tremendous reiatsu appeared. The smoke cleared as the soutaicho step through it. "Will you yield?" Shunsui smirks. "Never old man." The elderly male was silent. "Tell me Shunsui, what has that hollow said to you that is causing you to act against me with such clouded judgements?" Shunsui was silent as he tipped his hat forward slightly. It was a while before the younger captain spoke again. "He told me nothing." The soutaicho raised a brow. "Then there is no need to help him now isn't there?"
Kyoraku was silent but his pulsating reiatsu clearly expressed the anger that he was feeling. "He didn't have to tell me because I could see it." The elderly captain watched as Kyoraku stood slowly. "You once told me that Hollows cannot feel, that they are nothing but monsters driven by madness…but Shiro…he was nothing like them. He was a hot head definitely with a sharp tongue but he remained loyal to the boot especially when it came to his King…to Ichigo." Shunsui pointed his sword at the Head Captain. "Tell me…if Shiro is a mindless monster…would he have tried so hard to protect his friends? Would he have shouldered the abuse and experiments by Kurotsuchi because of the threats that man made to Ichigo and his family!? Most importantly, if he was a mindless creature would he have been able to love!?" Shunsui roared at the elderly captain who remained silent before he continued. "We let a mad man torment an innocent being, break him down physically & mentally and now we are letting the culprit walk while the victim continues to suffer… Tell me…who are the real monsters here?"
Shiro's Inner World
Ichigo had no idea how much time had passed as he trekked through the cold, harsh desert. The strong winds were so cold and sharp that it cut through his skin but the male pushed on. "I won't give in…not until I find you again Shiro." A harsh wind knocked the male to his knees and he tries to stabilize himself in the loose sand. "Come on, we have no time for this. I have to get to Shiro." Ichigo mutters to himself as he tries to stand only to have the winds whip around him faster. Gritting his teeth in determination, he draws out his sword and trust it into the sand to stabilize his footing. "…I'm not falling here… I promised to find you and I will…! Shiro!" Ichigo roared out within the sandstorm just as the pendent hidden in his shihakusho glowed. As quickly as the sand storm had arrived it dispersed under the bright glow leaving a slightly rumpled but unharmed Ichigo. Honey brown eyes widens as he found himself staring as a white, ruined castle that stood out from the black sand dunes. Immediately, Ichigo shun po towards the castle arriving at its humungous gates. There was no hesitation as Ichigo placed a hand on the gates intending to push them open only to see the gates creak open at his touch.
Ichigo blinked in surprise but nevertheless took the opportunity to enter the castle, the large gates closing behind him as soon as he entered. Once again, Ichigo found himself in darkness but it was only temporary as flames lit up the space. The bluish flames reflected a dreary hall, with cracked faded walls indicating that the castle had once seen better days. There was nothing but silence except for the shuffling from Ichigo's sandals as he strolls through the castle hall. "Is he here…? Shiro! Can you hear me?" There was no response except for Ichigo's voice echoing through the empty hallway and the orange head tries once more. "Shiro please call for me if you are here! Please!" The pendent flickered and Ichigo noticed a familiar figure seemingly gliding down the hallway. "Shiro wait!" The pale being continued moving down the hall way, showing no indication of having heard Ichigo's call. "Shiro!" Ichigo immediately took off after the translucent figure who kept moving forward down the seemingly endless hallways.
Ichigo struggled through the endless hallways with its random twists and turns. He had almost lost track of Shiro but the flicker from the stone and just the fleeting glimpse of a white shihakusho kept him on track. The final turn led him to a large wooden door where he sees Shiro's translucent figure passing through the closed doors. Ichigo immediately followed suit, intending to open the door. Blackened roots shot out of the earth and Ichigo leaps back, attempting to draw his sword to defend himself. Instead of lashing out, the roots begun to spread across the large wooden doors creating an additional barrier further sealing the doors. "Shiro!" Ichigo screamed as he draws his sword slicing through the roots only to have more shoot out from the earth to cover the door. "Damn it! Getsuga…" Ichigo was cut off as one of the roots knocks him backwards. Stunned for a moment, Ichigo soon found himself immobilized by the black roots. "Damn…it! Let…go…!" Ichigo gritted his teeth as the roots tightened his grip on him. "Shiro…I just want to talk to you… Please!" Ichigo gasp out as he tries to free himself, feeling the dread built up in himself once more at the seemingly hostile treatment. "Is it…too late for me to be forgiven…?" Honey brown eyes gazed at the sealed door as Ichigo tries to stretch a hand for it. "Have I hurt you…so much that you can no longer…trust me…?"
The orange head shuts his eyes. He felt like an idiot… He has hurt Shiro so much, turned his Inner world into a cold barren world… How could he be forgiven…? Ichigo contemplated just giving in…after all he had to pay for his sins one way or another and if it meant dying…so be it. "…D" Ichigo's eyes snapped open at the voice. "…Don't…go in…hurt…" "Shiro is that you!?" The orange head shouts as the stone begins to glow brightly. "Don't go in…you will be hurt…" Ichigo's eyes widens at the message and his eyes flash in determination. "Shiro you have to let me in!" "I can't…let you see it…you will…be hurt…" Ichigo growled in frustration. "What is it you can't let me see Shiro!? There is nothing that can…" Ichigo pauses mid shout as he realizes what Shiro does not want him to see.
Caramel brown eyes softened, he should have known… All Shiro wants to do is to keep him safe from any form of harm, both physically and mentally. He glanced down at the roots holding him down. Despite its strength, the roots were withered and gnarled reflecting Shiro's already delicate mind set. Gently, he shifts his hand to pat the root. "Hey Shiro… It's ok you know. You don't have to protect me all the time… I can take it… Your fear, sadness, anger, pain…everything." The orange haired male smiled softly. "Let me protect you this time…Shiro…" There was a pause before the roots slowly released its grip on Ichigo. As he straightened, the roots on the door slowly begin to pull back to reveal the doors it had hidden away in its grip. There was another pause before the gate slowly creaked open and Ichigo steps in, fully determined to face whatever comes his way.
Fourth division
Both shinigami captains were watching over Ichigo and Shiro in silence. "Do you think that Ichigo can find him?" Kisuke remained silent as he stares at the two males. "To be honest, I believe the chances are higher with Ichigo after all…he is the most important person to Shiro but…it is also the same emotion that will hinder the process." Unohana raised a brow at Kisuke. "What do you mean?" "If Shiro truly believes the lies that he is a monster that should be destroyed…then chances are he will rather fall than to be saved due to the belief that destroying himself is the best way to keep the one he loves safe." There was a stunned moment of silence as Unohana gazed back at Shiro while Kisuke's gaze hardens. "It's up to him right now."
Shiro's Inner world
Ichigo found himself in darkness once more as the door closes behind him. He squinted his eyes trying to see where he was. The pendent glimmered briefly just as Ichigo took a step. "Shiro are you here!? Shiro!" The pendent glowed brightly and Ichigo had to shield himself from the light. When he reopened his eyes, he found himself in his own home at Karakura Town. "What's going on?" Caramel brown eyes widen further when he sees himself with his friends playing a board game while a very familiar albino was gazing at him from his spot at the window sill. "Is this…Shiro's memories…?" He murmured to himself as he watches himself curse and that ever familiar grin split on Shiro's face. "Ya lousy Ichi." The orange head watched himself scowled at his counterpart. "Why not you come over and help me." Shiro shrugs. "Hey I'm no good either, you will only get even more mad when I win." Ichigo watches himself scowled and focuses back on the card game at hand while the others laugh. Watching the scene, Ichigo notices that Shiro's gaze had softened and the albino's gaze was just fixed onto his back while his attention was focused on the game. Ichigo felt his heart ache, he had never realised Shiro's longing and affections for him and he had unconsciously hurt him without realising.
The pendent glimmered and the scenery changed; this time he found himself in his inner world. Looking up, he sees Shiro just staring at an ever familiar orange rose. The gold on black eyes soften as Shiro just wordlessly gaze upon the rose. "A penny for your thoughts?" Ichigo resisted the urge to laugh at Shiro who had jumped when Zangetsu and Tensa both appeared behind him. "Tch, none of ya business." Tensa smirked a little. "I suppose you have yet to tell Ichigo about your feelings…" Shiro's cheeks flushed red. "I'm not in love with tha idiot!" "Your face is red." Zangetsu deadpans and Shiro just scowls as he turns back to stare at the rose. "You should just tell him about your feelings." Shiro scoffed at Tensa's words. "Like he will trust me… I'm his god damn hollow side, hollows don't have a heart." "You know you do have one right?" Shiro was silent at Zangetsu's words before he gave a rather empty smirk. "Words from the guy who try to kill him. That's really smart old man." "You have already changed for the better Shiro even Ichigo can see that." The albino remained silent before Zangetsu speaks up again. "Are you scared?" "I ain't scared!" Shiro shrieked back as the two spirits wince at the high decibel shriek. "If you weren't scared, you would have told Ichigo how you felt already." Shiro's face flush pink once more as he turns away to look at the orange rose on the pedestal. "D-Do you guys…really think it will be fine?" Zangetsu blinks in surprise while Tensa just grins. "You are scared." "For the second time I'm not!" Shiro screeches back in embarrassment while Tensa and Zangetsu just grin in amusement. "We can only say to tell him, everything else is up to you." Shiro 'tch', trying to cool his reddening face. "…Yeah I know… I know…" Ichigo couldn't help but chuckle a little at how Shiro was behaving but as his mind drifts back to Shiro's condition right now; a twang of pain struck his heart. "…Shiro…if only I had known…"
The memory fades and this time Ichigo found himself in a familiar shop. "What can I do for you today Shiro?" The albino's gaze flickered to the shop keeper standing there. "I need ta ask ya somethin." The shopkeeper flicks his fan open. "Ask away." The albino shifted his feet slightly before he asks the blond shopkeeper. "If I ask ya if there's a way ta keep me from eatin souls, could ya help me?" There was a stun silence from said shopkeeper before he sighs softly. "Shiro, what did they say about you?" "It's not them k, I just…wanna stop eatin souls…" Kisuke sighs again. "We had this talk before Shiro. Even though you have been separated from Ichigo, you are still half-hollow and you need those souls to maintain your reiatsu levels." Shiro frowned and looks away. "…I just hate it when they talk about King because I eat souls…" Kisuke's eyes soften in understanding. "I suppose you really do care about Ichigo a lot." Shiro flushed pink as Kisuke gave a wry smile. "Well I will give it a go, but it won't be easy and there could be side effects…" Shiro just grinned in response. "Bring it on. It can't be that bad."
Another flicker and this time Ichigo finds himself watching Shiro strolling down in Karakura Park. "Shiro over here!" The albino smirks back a little and Ichigo couldn't help but feel the sinking feeling in his stomach as he watched the albino walk towards his memory counterpart and his friends. How could he forget this day…? This was the day he broke Shiro's heart unknowingly. Shiro glanced around before he smirks at his memory counterpart. "What's up with the tea party king? Decided to join Rukia to become a Chappy fan?" Ichigo watched himself rolled his eyes but smiled good naturedly at the joke. "Not really Shiro I've got an announcement to make?" Shiro tilts his head curiously. "You are gonna go retire to the Bahamas with your secret cash stash?" The comment resulted in a swat to the albino's head. "No Shiro, I'm dating Renji now." Gold on black eyes widen as he sees the orange head entwines his fingers with the larger red head. The news brought squeals from the girls and congratulations from the guys while Shiro remained stunned. Ichigo watched as Shiro fist tightened momentarily before relaxing just as the attention was directed back to him. "Shiro?" The albino was silent before a maniacal grin took over his face and he grab both Renji and Ichigo into a head nodgie. "Shiro!" "I never saw that coming but it's totally fine because a strawberry and a pineapple are totally meant to be together!" "Hey!" Shiro released the two of them cackling madly and ran to avoid a mad Renji while Ichigo watched himself cheer on the male to catch the albino. Eventually, the trio had calm down for the celebratory picnic. Watching as a spectator, Ichigo could notice the clear sadness in those gold on black eyes and it pained him as he saw Shiro cracked multiple jokes and played around in order to conceal the pain deep inside.
The memory shifted once more and Ichigo found himself once more in his inner world. Dark cloud roam over the inner world as Shiro just stood silently, his bangs covering his eyes. Ichigo watched as Tensa reappears behind the albino. "Shiro… I'm sorry." "What's there ta be sorry about? You and Zan had no clue any way…" "Shiro…" The albino let out a strangled laugh. "Well, at least king won't have ta worry bout havin ta deal with people bout me right?" Tensa frowns at the rarely heard depressed tone. "Shiro…." "I need ta be alone for a bit. Catch ya later." Shiro shun po off without waiting for a response from Tensa. The albino shun po to an ever familiar green house before entering it. Re-materialising the orange rose, Shiro stared at it for a long time before he formed a crystal orb around the orange rose. Silently, he placed the crystal orb on the pedestal with a sad smile. "…Omedatou Ichigo." Shiro whispers just as a water drop trickled onto one of the white roses. One drop turn into two before it had literally started raining within the greenhouse. Shiro finally let his tears fall, allowing his happy façade to break away as he cried his heart out for his broken heart and the broken future of what it could have been… Ichigo immediately stretches a hand out to reach for Shiro only to have the memory fade before his eyes.
Within another memory, Ichigo sees Shiro fighting a rather low level Hollow. The albino was barely dodging it and was seemingly running low on steam. The hollow lunged and Shiro barely blocked its attack resulting in him loosing his footing. It would have been the end if another black zanpakuto had not stepped in to destroy the Hollow. "Shiro you alright!?" "Yeah I'm fine King." "Have you been slacking off in training? This is quite a low level hollow…" The albino rolled his eyes. "Chill king, I'm just testing out a theory." The orange head watched himself raise a brow. "What's the theory?" "Training to use more tactics rather then hittin them full blast…what?" Shiro questioned as he sees Ichigo looking at him stunned. "Oh my god Shiro do you have a concussion? You are actually using tactics for once instead of just blasting around." Shiro rolls his eyes at the sarcasm as he drew his sword back. "Very funny strawberry, shouldn't you be planning your wedding instead of being out here?" The orange head shifted nervously on his feet while Shiro kept his back turn to Ichigo to try and hold emotions back. "Yeah I am, I just…wanted to ask you to be my best man." Shiro turns around to face the orange head. "Are ya serious King?" The orange head smiled. "Yeah Shiro, it's really easy. You just have to be at the rehearsals and stuff and just make a speech on the wedding day…" Ichigo watched as a flash of sadness shone in Shiro's eyes but he had been too excited at that time to even notice how much he was hurting Shiro. Ichigo watched as Shiro shut his eyes for a minute before re-opening them. "King, ya crazy…there are so many sane people out there you can ask to be your…best man whatever. Why me?" Ichigo just smiled. "You understand me better then anyone else Shiro and trust me you deserve this role…"
Shiro remained silent at the words and Ichigo watched himself blabbered on trying to persuade Shiro but he had never noticed how Shiro was trying not to break down before him. He watched as the albino took in a breath before plastering a reluctant look. "Alright, alright I will do it! Chill will ya king!" Instantly the albino found a happy Ichigo draped over him. "Thanks Shiro, this means so much to me!" Shiro's eyes soften in sadness as he returned the hug; using those minutes to try and piece together his shattered heart. As Ichigo pulled away, Shiro plants an evil grin. "So I am in charge of your bachelor party?" Ichigo watched himself smacked Shiro upside down on the head at some idea he suggested but the amusement had all been lost from the memory. "Shiro… I'm so sorry…"
The pendent glimmered and Ichigo found himself at his wedding reception where he sees Shiro taking a sip of his drink and was watching him and Renji dance from a corner. "Well done best man." Shiro glanced over and smirks a little at Kisuke. "Thanks, but the rest were all Rukia…not me." The shopkeeper nods in response before gazing at Shiro sternly. "How have the pills been working?" Shiro smirks as he takes out the mint container. "Like a charm. Ya pretty good Hats & Clogs." The shopkeeper was silent. "You have lost weight Shiro." The albino laughs it off. "Ya said side effects remember? I will grow into it." "Shiro I'm serious. I feel that we should stop this…! The weight loss, the lethargy, appetite loss…You are already showing all the signs of severe reiatsu depletion…the supplements are not working and if this goes on…" Shiro just takes another sip of his drink before he looks at Kisuke's concern expression. "I'll be fine." "Shiro…" "Chill Hats & Clogs, I know what I'm doing…it's Ichi's big day, let's not ruin it…" Kisuke looks at the happy couple on the dance floor before he looks back at Shiro. "He doesn't know?" Shiro takes another sip of his drink before giving his trademark smirk. "King doesn't have to know everything Kisuke. He just needs to be happy…end of story." "Shiro…" "I'm fine seriously… I have to be cause a king can never do without his horse right?" "His happiness at the price of your life?" Shiro looks at Kisuke who was looking sadly at him. "…It's a fair trade right?" Kisuke open his mouth to retort but fell silent while Shiro continue watching the happy couple. Ichigo could only stare numbly as the memory faded away. He hadn't realised all this time…Shiro had been suffering alone…just for his sake…
The pendent glimmered once more and his heart froze at the memory being played before him. This was the day Shiro had been trialled…the day he had abandon the other half of his soul. The captains all stood there staring at Shiro who was covered in blood while Mayuri carried on his explanation in glee. "As you can see, we have outstanding evidence that the hollow here has lost control and slaughtered the poor villagers." Shiro had growled, his eyes flashing in anger. "Like I said, I didn't kill them ya shithead. Ya set me up an ya know it!" "Silence hollow! You were found in that village; covered in their blood, their flesh in your nails how can you explain this!?" The head captain bellowed and Shiro scowled. "If I had a clue I would tell you and I was heading back ta my home the next thing I knew I wake up here!" Mayuri sniggers in joy. "How dangerous you are… Not even remembering of losing control…" Shiro growls and the Head Captain slams his staff for attention. "Enough! The verdict is obvious, the court shall now decide the Hollow's fate. Bring him down to the cells." Shiro hissed as he was tugged down and thrown unceremoniously into the cell. "FML…" "Enjoying your stay?" The albino turns to see a familiar orange head looking at him from the outside if the cell. "King! You have got to get me out of here!" "You know I can't Shiro, you need to face your crimes." The albino eyes widen in shock. "What…?" Gold on black eyes widened at the cold gaze from normally warm caramel brown eyes. "I trusted you… I believed you had change but then…you went ahead and killed those people…" "I'm tellin ya king, I never killed anyone! I don't even know how I got there please King!" "Shut up! Just shut up you damn Hollow!" Shiro eyes had widen in shocked, pain and sadness illuminated in those golden orbs and Ichigo knew the words that came out next. "They were right…" Ichigo watches himself whispered as he looks up to face Shiro. "I should have gotten rid of you… You monster!" There had been a stunned silence as Ichigo turns to leave and Shiro stretches a hand through the bars. "H-Hey King, you didn't mean that right? King… Ichigo, I didn't do this… I didn't do this please Ichigo!" As the memory faded, Ichigo slumps to the ground, he was finding it harder to breathe. Shiro's emotions and his guilt was threatening to overwhelm him. Gritting his teeth, Ichigo forces himself to his feet. He needed to finish this…it was only through the memories will he ever be able to find Shiro again.
The pendent glimmered as he finds himself in a metallic looking room. He sees Shiro being strapped down onto the table and his blood ran cold as Mayuri casually strolls up to the bound Hollow. "Hello hollow, enjoying your stay?" Shiro sneered. "Like hell I am! So I end up being your science experiment? What a f"£%$ing joy!" Mayuri sniggers as he strolls forward and grab Shiro by his hair and yanks his face up. "Don't you dare fight me or I won't make it…less painful." Shiro's response was to spit in the captain's face earning him a slight concussion as Mayuri slams his head back down on the metal table. "Well what should we start with? Let's start with the regeneration curve shall we?" Shiro glares frostily at the captain. "Bring it on sicko!" Mayuri grins evilly as he holds up his scalpel. "Oh I so intend to enjoy this…" Within a second, Ichigo felt warm blood splashed onto him while Shiro screams and Mayuri roaring with laughter with one of Shiro's organs in his grasp. "Well we always start with the heart…" Ichigo numbly touches his face, his fingers bringing back red as Shiro's screams and Mayuri's sick laughter haunted him. "No…" Ichigo cries out as he tries to block the onslaught of memories of the experimentation of a sick scientist.
"Crack…!"
"Stop it…" Mayuri laughter seemingly grew louder with every second as he rips Shiro's reiatsu out of him while zapping him with electricity... Ichigo fell to his knees at the memory.
"Crack…!"
"Please it's enough…!" Ichigo watched as Shiro fend himself from Mayuri's failed experiments who tried to rape him while Mayuri watched on laughing in glee.
"Crack…!"
"Don't hurt him…" Shiro covered in wounds lying in his cell, his golden eyes dulled and listless as tears trickled down his cheeks while Mayuri's laughter echoes…
"Crack!"
"STOP IT!" Ichigo screamed as he clutches his head and the memories shattered leaving him crying in darkness...
To be continued
Meme12: Hi I'm back guys!
Yakumi/Kaze: OMG! We missed you!/Woof! (glomps meme12)
Meme12: There, there, I'm so sorry about that…many things had happened… (Petting their heads)
Yakumi: We thought you weren't coming back anymore! (Crying a waterfall)
Meme12: Dude you're a guy. (Hands him a tissue)
Yakumi: Thanks, sniff.
Meme12: No problem. Oh its good to be back… Wait what's that? (Point to the corner of the room where a photo of meme12 was placed with flowers and offerings)
Yakumi: Erm…people thought you were kinda dead since you didn't post for so long so…theysetupanaltarandwearesosorry!" (Runs away)
Meme12: Get back here you guys were suppose to be in charge! (Chases after them with a nerf gun)
Hope you guys have enjoyed this chapter, please read and review! This is meme12 saying sayonara matta o!