Hello wonderful readers, I know it's been a really, really long time since I updated this story but I have a good reason. I had finished the last couple of chapters a very long time ago and only had to edit them when suddenly one day when I came to double check them the entire chapter was gone. I'm not sure what happened to it. Anyway because of that I had to rewrite it and it was literally two years ago that I finished off this story but because all the data was lost and I had a hard time remembering what I wrote it took me a while.
So now I hope you enjoy.
"Where are we?" Sakura asked looking around
"This" Aura gestured around her to the grey, dull world surrounded by giant vines of thorns that promised pain to anyone that got tangled up in it. "Is where you will learn to control the power within you?"
Sakura looked around, finding it hard to believe that this was where she would learn to control the Hougyoku; there was nothing here other than a giant thorn patch making path-paths that lead in different directions.
"You have to go through this maze" Aura said
Sakura raised an eyebrow, after everything else she had to go through when she came into this world all of this seemed a little easy...too easy.
"Is that all?"
"You sound so disappointed, this maze will prove to be one of the hardest tasks you may ever have to overcome in your life; it was made to protect the dormant power of the Hougyoku. There will be a challenge in there unlike any other and if you fail...
"I won't" Sakura said with determination in her eyes "I've come too far now and there is nothing that I won't be able to come not with what's at stake."
Aura nodded "Then I leave it to you."
With that she vanished and Sakura was left in the eerie place to walk a path she may never return from.
"Here I go."
Returning to a world that seemed to be barely holding onto a thread of existence was something that would usually set a person off but Ichigo looked on in still calmness starring at Aizen with an ever so rare passive expression as opposed to his usual frowning face he wore when he was about to fight. His tall figure holding onto Sakura and his father who were both unconscious for different reasons; he also spotted his friends watching him with shocked expressions Tatsuki; Keigo, Chizuru, Mizuiro and Don Kanoji. How they were awake, he wasn't too sure but that was something he could think about later.
"Is that Ichigo?" Keigo asked in shock "It is him, why is his hair so long?"
Turning around he placed his father and Sakura before closing his eyes feeling for Yuzu and Karin all the way back at their home where he concluded they were alright. He turned back to face his friends with a small smile.
"Tatsuki, Keigo; Mizuiro, Chizuru, Don Kanonji."
All of his friends stared at him in silence
"Stay still and don't move."
"What do you mean by that?" Keigo asked
Tatsuki continued to stare at Ichigo in complete and utter shock; she wasn't able to feel anything from Ichigo. From Aizen she was able to sense his spiritual pressure but for Ichigo...there was nothing.
"Ichigo Kurosaki." Aizen said looking directly at the young soul reaper but Ichigo's eyes were trailing elsewhere.
To Gin who was lying completely still on top of the rubble and hovering over him was Rangiku with tears streaming down her face. It was obvious he had missed more than he bargained for but he was about to make up for it.
"Are you really Ichigo Kurosaki?" asked Aizen starring at him.
Ichigo looked back with an ever so stoic expression "What exactly do you mean?"
"Well if you really are him, I'd say you're disappointing." Stated Aizen "I don't feel a thing; you have no spirit energy. Even if you were suppressing your energy, I would still be able to sense it. You have failed to evolve, you let the final chance I gave you slip away what a waste of time."
Gin opened his eyes for what would be his final moments he was sure to look at Ichigo though he could sense nothing from the boy; he saw a look in his eyes that held more power assuring him that he was now at a level where he would be able to die in peace leaving the rest to Ichigo.
"Regrettable, for you-
"Aizen" Ichigo called before casting his eyes away "Let's not do this here; I'd rather we fought somewhere else."
Ichigo's mind was on all of the sleeping citizens of Karakura that would become tragic casualties if they fought here, he knew that neither of them would be able to help it.
"An impertinent suggestion" said Aizen "Only someone who has the power to give me a real challenge has the right to make such a request. There is no need to worry, I will not destroy Karakura town, you will-
Before Aizen was able to utter another word; he was grasped roughly in the face by Ichigo and moved through the air along with Ichigo at such speed he was barely able to comprehend what had happened before Ichigo shoved him to the ground of a mountain side, taking them far away from Karakura.
When the dust cleared Aizen was crouching down holding his face in shock.
"How could he...impossible."
Ichigo landed on the opposite side of Aizen starring at him "Now let's do this Aizen; I'll end this in an instant."
Aizen stared at him "End this in an instant?" he looked at Ichigo's form and smirked "Now I see; it's all become clear to me. I know why I didn't sense your energy. You didn't lose your spirit energy; you discarded it. I don't know how you did it but it seems you took all you spirit energy and converted it into your body's physical strength, arms strength, leg strength, your strong grip. The power in your running and throwing; so in exchange for this drastic improvement in every single one of your physical abilities you chose to discard you remaining spirit energy. You've given up fighting against my spirit energy with your energy but that won't help. You will learn that new physical strength you're counting on is inferior compared to the breaches of my own power."
The Hougyoku began reacting inside of Aizen's chest as the giant wing like structures on his back rose. Ichigo stared at him calmly
"You done?"
There was a flash of light before Aizen vanished and reappeared behind Ichigo swinging his sword in the his direction but Ichigo has seen it as well and blocked with his sword that appeared bound onto his arm. As they moved back the impact coursed and entire mountains top to break and crumble.
As they separated Aizen watched him carelessly "You bared that well but you still must be rather shocked. The landscape changes with a single slash of my sword, my power are growing; honestly I didn't know my abilities actually improved so much until you decided to show up thanks to you I'm quite happy, you see with you here I can test my powers that transcend those of hollows and soul reapers to my heart's content."
Aizen went in for another attack and began clashing swords with Ichigo once more, the landscape around them crumbing with every swing of their swords. As Aizen came in for yet another attack Ichigo flash stepped away.
"I'm not finished" Aizen said "Did you really think I wouldn't be able to predict your movement?"
Aizen came down towards Ichigo for another attack but Ichigo was able to evade him yet again.
As Ichigo blocked Aizen's sword again he spoke "What an odd coincidence, it seems we have both reached a similar evolution which I see as the truest form of the zampakuto, through introspection our right arms have almost completely fused with our zampakuto."
Looking at Ichigo's arm Aizen smirked "What's so funny?" Ichigo asked
"You know I just realised something while we clashed, it's clear your evolution and mine are at very different levels. If I decide to, I have the power to shatter your zampakuto with one swing!"
With that he swung his sword towards Ichigo with full intent of doing as he stated but in a shocking relapse Ichigo stopped the sword...with his bare hand grasping it calmly.
The ground behind him shook and the earth broke apart becoming a deep crater as Aizen stared in disbelief.
'Impossible...he caught it? I can understand moving out of the way although with my sword coming at him with such a speed he shouldn't be able to do that; by dodging my slash he would've eliminated the risk of getting hurt but he chose to do this instead. He caught it with his bare hand.'
Ichigo's voice brought Aizen out of his shocked stated "You look surprised. Was it really such a mind blowing thing to you? Yes I caught your sword. Does that scare you that something you can't comprehend happened right before your eyes and you couldn't stop it?"
Aizen laughed humourlessly "Very funny Ichigo Kurosaki"
Jumping back Aizen spoke "Something I can't comprehend or stop you say? Don't talk as if you've already won this fight; what just happened was simply a moment where your physical strength temporarily exceeded mine, miracles do happen like that from time to time but I am a being who surpasses even the miraculous. I will make sure and anomaly like that never happens again by crushing your form with kiddo!"
A dark purple light began to envelop Aizen as well as the area around him as he chanted "The oozing crest of corruption; the arrogant vessel of madness. Deny the seething urge to let things stun and flicker; disrupt the sleep. The crawling princess of iron, the eternally self destructing doll of mud unties, repulse, fill the earth and know your own powerlessness. Pado number 90 Kurohitsugi!"
A giant wall of black began to grown around Ichigo as Aizen watched with arrogant eyes.
"A full incantation Kurohitsugi performed by one who transcends both hollow and soul reaper it's power unleashes enough gravity to warp time and space. The likes of which you can never even comprehend! Perish Ichigo Kurosaki!"
Ichigo stood calmly allowing the giant wall to engulf him entirely, it stood several feet tall as a building, Aizen watched in satisfaction as he had taken care of the orange haired soul reaper now all that was left was to take care of was the pink haired soul reaper that was still sound asleep.
His thoughts were interrupted when there was the sound of shattering and Ichigo become visible through his spell as it shattered like glass.
"You still don't realise it do you?" asked Ichigo "The power I have right now is greater than the power you possess; that huge force that erased that entire mountain; that was my sword. Now it's my turn Aizen."
With an attack too quick for the eye to catch Ichigo slashed across Aizen's shoulder watching blood splatter.
"It's as if this maze has no end and I can't jump up to see where I am." Sakura hissed as she looked around the eerie thorn vines; she had been walking for what literally felt like hours but she continued to push on doing her best to map herself out but she had lost track of herself a while back now she was simply walking through with no idea of where she was going or what exactly it was she was supposed to be looking for and find. Aura had warned her that this place was dangerous but she hadn't fully explained to Sakura what kind of dangers would be lurking in here.
There was no turning back now though and she was certain that Ichigo was in more danger which only fuelled her determination to help him in any way that she could.
There was suddenly a cracking noise that caught her attention; turning around Sakura saw that the maze had begun to close in as the large bushes of thorns began merging together getting closer to her, Sakura started to break into a faster run sprinting through the maze as it began closing in on her. Paths were becoming blocked so she had to stop and turn in a different direction several times.
'What's happening?'
The maze continued to close off more paths as Sakura ran, she felt an odd rush running through her filing her with excitement as she dashed through.
"This is easy!" she exclaimed as she continued to duck and doge the bushes taking swift turns to the cleared paths until finally she reached a clearing. She found herself standing in some kind of clearing but the mazes paths continued, she was about to make another run for it when the paths shut closed on her. Sakura gasped and looked around frantically.
The entire maze began closing in on her and there was nowhere for her to run anymore. Sakura looked around frantically but there was promise of little way to escape. The vines started to move in a tentacle like manner and wrapped around her, she winced as the sharp thorns pierced through her skin like it was butter.
'No...'
Reaching out his hand Aizen touched the wound that Ichigo had inflicted on him not only a few moments ago.
"What a strange feeling" said Ichigo "When I backed away from you in our last battle, you asked me why. But now you're doing the exact same thing. So let me ask you the same question. Why did you back away just now?"
Aizen stared at Ichigo, his eyes blazing with clear fury as the hand fused with his sword shook "I see, you're pleased that you stopped my sword? Are you pleased that you overcame my kido? Are you pleased that you put a scar on my body? DON'T BE SO FULL OF YOURSELF HUMAN"
The dark mark on Aizen's forehead cracked and revealed a white sphere that looked like an eye which began dripping red. Ichigo watched as there was a blast of purple dark energy from Aizen sending a huge gust of winds, a clear light shooting so far out into the sky you couldn't tell where it ended hearing Aizen scream as something white shot out of his back; blood visible. The pillar of light then broke splattering a huge amount of red that could only be identified as blood all around and from within it revealed Aizen who had gone through yet another transformation. He no longer resembled anything close to human; his entire body transformed to white, his wings with visible skull like structures and the Hougyoku more visible than anything within his chest.
"Yes" he said in a rough voice looking down at Ichigo "This is inexcusable isn't it Hougyoku? That I, let a human get the better of me."
Aizen sent a blast right at Ichigo that almost cleared the entire landscape and no matter how far they were the wakened residents of Karakura could see and feel the heat of the blast from there.
Ichigo emerged from the flames with his cloak burnt halfway and his left arm visibly burned.
"You too that attack with so little damage, but your left arm is no longer usable."
Aizen flew towards Ichigo grabbing him by the throat and flying through the flames as his wings spread around Ichigo and the skulls opened their mouths forming purple rings that became white. Surrounding Ichigo in his grasp.
"Can you hear me Ichigo Kurosaki?" called Aizen as he continued to hold the teen at the neck "Indeed for a moment, you broke the boundary between hollows and soul reapers to become a transcended being. But that power is no more. You're not worth trying to understand anymore. I, a true transcended being will kill you. By killing you I will completely break free from both soul reapers and hollows alike. It's over Ichigo Kurosaki."
Ichigo spoke up surprising the being that was once known as a soul reaper "Over, you say?"
Aizen gasped as Ichigo looked him right in the eye "Is this all you've got?"
With a swing of his sword Ichigo evaporated the rings that were surrounding him and Aizen.
"Let's end this already Aizen, I've grown sick...of your arguments" he pointed his sword at Aizen "I'll show you. This is the final...Getsugatensho"
A large blue light shot up into the sky so bright it was almost blinding following a line of black streaks that complete hid Ichigo.
"What is this?" asked Aizen "This form?"
As he looked at Ichigo his form had changed now, his hair was no longer bright orange but instead became black and fell all the way to his waist, his upper form was covered in gray bandages as dark lines ran along his one arm that wasn't covered; there was dark energy around him that looked like black flames. His eyes had turned red.
"The final Getsugatensho is me. Becoming Getsuga myself."
"The final Getsugatensho"
'If I use this technique' Ichigo thought 'I will lose all of my soul reaper powers, that's what 'final means'
Aizen watched Ichigo with slight concern 'I still can't sense his power. I have evolved into a being beyond that of a soul reaper or hollow. Just as two-dimensional beings can never interact with three-dimensional beings, no soul reaper or human could ever detect my spiritual pressure. Unless I deliberately brought down my powers to their levels of awareness...could it be possible that he... is at an even high level than myself?"
Aizen instantly became enraged with the very thought of such a thing being true, it had been on probability he refused to consider or think about.
"ABURD THAT CAN'T BE POSSIBLE A MERE HUAM CANNOT SURPASS ME! THAT CAN'T BE"
Ichigo raised his arm that had become engulfed in the black light as Aizen watched fear entering his being for the first time since this battle had begun.
"Mugetsu"
A black flame so large it could be seen for miles ran a straight path, hitting Aizen head on and leaving a large thin line in the ground.
When Sakura opened her eyes once again she was surrounded in darkness, she recalled the maze trying to swallow her whole and after that everything was a blank. She looked around in confusion.
"Where the hell am I now?" she asked though all she was greeted with was an echo that was until...
She heard giggling, the darkness began to fade around her and she found herself in a forest looking around there was no one she could see in the mist. But she heard voices.
Familiar voices.
"You're not coming back anymore?"
"I can't, it's too dangerous."
"But I want you to stay."
"I wish I could Sakura."
Gasping Sakura saw two figures emerge from mist walking hand in hand, the first was a young man dressed in a soul reaper uniform and she recognised him as...
"Kyo?"
And there was a young twelve year old girl with him holding tightly onto his hand, a girl dressed in a red Chinese style dress with forehead protector on her head as a band.
"Why can't you come see me anymore?"
"Things have gotten really dangerous back in my world and I can't risk anyone finding me here." He said "If they did it would put me and you in grave danger. Do you understand Sakura?"
Sakura gasped as she stared at the pair watching them but they didn't seem to see her at all even though she was right in front of them.
"So you're done testing it?" asked the younger Sakura glancing up at Kyo.
He nodded smiling down at her "Yes, in fact."
Stopping in the middle of a grass field Kyo reached into his pocket to revealing a small bluish-purple orb.
"Here, think of it as a going away present."
Sakura gasped starring at it "But that's it's the-
"I know Sakura, but it would be better off here than back in my world where it could course some serious damage. I need you to protect it. Looking after it. Can you do that for me?"
Sakura nodded slowly as she took the Hougyoku from Kyo's hands.
"This is what you use to come here..."
"Yes but like I said I'm not going to need it anymore."
Sakura started crying as she held the orb in her hand "But that means...I'm really never going to see you again..."
"That's not true"
She looked up at him with blinking emerald orbs.
"Remember what this is capable of, one day when the time is right make a wish and you'll be able to see me again. This time maybe you could even visit me in my world."
Sakura smiled wiping away her tears nodding "Uh ha"
"Why'd I go through this?"
"Because you wished for it"
Sakura gasped hearing the voice.
"I wished for this?"
There was another flash and a change of scenery, Sakura found herself back within the darkness.
You made a mistake
You lost everything
You wanted to live again
You didn't want to die
So you made a wish
A wish to be reborn
A wish to have more power
A wish that would-
"Kill me" Sakura murmured
The blackness around her started to crack and she found herself back in the maze, the thorns around her untangled and unwrapped from her form as she struggled against them vigorously. When they subsided Sakura stood in the centre of the maze and fell to her knees. Tears streamed down her face.
"Now I understand...
As Ichigo's from reverted back to normal and the dust began to clear he spotted Aizen's form lying on the ground but he was regenerating already from his attack. Ichigo appeared in front of him and watched as Aizen picked himself off the ground. Ichigo felt his power weaken and his hair reverted back to its natural orange before he fell to his knees.
"Crap...My soul reaper powers" Ichigo grimaced as he glared at the ground before he heard a shuffling and looked up to see Aizen already standing. He was breathing heavily as he looked down at Ichigo.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, you lose" he held up his broken sword "Behold, my zampakuto is breaking away. You should know what that means. The Hougyoku has determined that I no longer need a zampakuto! Like you I have become one with the zampakuto and its powers. In fact, you no longer have that power, while I reach a level that is far beyond yours! It's over! Ichigo Kurosaki!"
Suddenly Aizen felt a burning sensation within his chest and little beams of red light became to appear from his body.
"What is this?" he asked "Kido? But when was I attacked?"
"Seems it's finally taking effect" a familiar voice cut through the air
Kisuke appeared before the two watching with a calm demeanour.
"Kisuke Urahara, this is your doing?" shouted Aizen
"Yes" he replied "Before you were completely transformed, when you were most vulnerable, I planted a kido inside another kido and shot it into your body. It's a seal. I figured that once you fused with the Hougyoku, killing you would be nearly impossible. So I invented a new kiddo to seal you off."
"Is that so?" asked Aizen "I hate to disappoint you."
He held up his breaking zampakuto "At this moment, I am about to evolve even further. You can't seal me off with this level of Kido!"
Aizen's form began breaking apart once more but this time instead of another evolution his human form began to appear beneath the white cracks. He looked at his hand in disbelief and confusion.
"What is this?"
"It is the Hougyoku's will" said Kisuke "The reason the seal that I shot into your body is taking effect now is because your powers have weakened. It's all thanks to Ichigo; he fought so hard and pushed you to your limit. The Hougyoku is saying that it does not recognise you as its master anymore."
"That's impossible" Aizen said starring at his hand "That can't be, I should have control of this power-
"You're wrong"
Everyone stopped to look towards the figure of the new voice that entered and there stood a being with the unmistakable voice but an unrecognisable form. The figure was tall and slim with sliver-light purple tinted long hair with dark purple eyes, her entire form was snow white, the covering around her looked like nothing more than skin minus her bottom half that was covered by a white long skirt like material, there were visible purple marks running along her face to her chest, a light purple kind of flame surrounded her. While the form wasn't recognisable, her voice was.
"S-Sakura?" Ichigo whispered starring at her in awe.
She looked at him as if to confirm her identity "Ichigo"
Sakura looked back at Aizen as she started walking towards him "You're wrong Aizen, you have no control over the Hougyoku any longer, and it wishes to return to its true master. It always has"
"W-What, that's impossible! How can you be-?
Sakura smiled sadly "I finally understand now."
"What are you talking about Sakura?" Ichigo asked still confused.
"Kyo...he was a soul reaper. He created the first Hougyoku but he knew it was too dangerous so he discarded it and put it within me. It all makes sense now." Sakura looked at Aizen and held up her hands "All of Kyo's hard work, being made a mockery of. You're not its true master, he entrusted the first one to me. He shouldn't have his work used for purposes like this. I refuse to let it!"
Sakura appeared right in front of Aizen, her hand snapping forward straight into his chest and pulling out the other orb.
"The Hougyoku will be restored to its rightful place and no one will be able to use it for such vile purposes ever again." Sakura murmured as her eyes flashed and she started to absorb the other orb within her own body.
"What is happening?" asked Ichigo
"She's absorbing the other Hougyoku, thus stripping any hold Aizen had of it forever. Kyo...that name." Kisuke said in wonder
Sakura pulled back away from Aizen feeling the power flowing within her, a searing pain shot through her entire body as she became engulfed with the purple flames. She felt like the skin would melt from her flesh as the pain in her chest increased until finally it became nothing but a dull ache. Sakura stepped back feeling her form return back to normal. She swayed slightly; her vision blurring.
With the Hougyoku removed from Aizen the seal started to take full effect and began covering his entire form. Aizen glared hatefully at everyone but especially Kisuke.
"Urahara" he hissed "Kisuke Urahara, do you know how much I despise you? With your great intellect why won't you take independent action? Why do you choose to subject yourself to that thing!?"
"By that thing, do you mean the soul king?" he asked back calmly collected "I understand now. You saw didn't you? Without the existence of the Soul king, the soul society would split apart. The Soul King is the keystone. Without the keystone in place everything would fall apart easily. That's how the world is."
"That's an argument only a loser would make!" Shouted Aizen as the seal continued to engulf his form.
"A victor must always speak of how the world should be rather than how it is! I..."
Before he could continue the seal had finished and surrounded him completely cutting him off and turning into a giant white cross.
Sakura watched as Aizen vanished, sealed away.
It was over.
The sun started to come out from under the clouds, a breeze of peace washed over everyone and they also knew that it was finally over.
Ichigo stood up from his crouched position and limped over to Sakura looking down at her without even offering a smile.
"Hey"
"Hey" she responded in the same tone
Kisuke took the two young reapers away from the area and back to the outskirts of the town. Ichigo and Sakura were staring up at the sky together; they had yet to say a word to one another that had any form of endearment or concern. They heard shuffling behind them and saw Kisuke returning.
"Urahara, where's everyone?" asked Ichigo standing up first
"I sent them all home." He said smiling "They all seemed to want to talk to you guys but they also seemed hesitant about approaching you."
"You didn't erase their memories did you?" he asked
"No. Not this time."
Ichigo gasped softly before closing his eyes on contentment "I see. That's good." Ichigo smiled "I was tired of hiding things from them. When I get back, I'll personally explain to them."
Kisuke nodded smiling himself before looking back at the two seriously "Aizen's cross seal was taken back to the Sereitei. Central 46 will make a decision soon about what to do with him."
Ichigo looked down "I see."
Sakura remained quiet and passive at the two.
"Why the solemn look?"
"I don't know" Ichigo replied honestly
"You both saved everyone's life and this world, because you risked your life to battle and defeat Aizen."
Sakura averted her eyes 'Risked our lives...maybe that's true for Ichigo but for me. I-I didn't risk my life.'
"I know that." Ichigo said softly
"You did the right thing. There's no reason for the two of you to look like that."
The two remained silent both for their own reasons.
"Say Urahara...was Aizen...was Aizen really rejected by the Hougyoku?"
Sakura stiffened slightly at the mention of the object that had created this disaster.
"My dad told me that the Hougyoku's power is to take in the heart surrounding itself and manifest its desires. If that's the case could it be that Aizen lost his powers of his own will? After I attained enough power to battle Aizen on even terms; I was able to feel his sword. There was nothing but loneliness in his sword. If his powers were superior from the moment he was born; perhaps he was searching all this time for someone he could regard as his equal. Then ever since that moment he gave up thinking he'd ever find such a rival, he's been wishing somewhere in his heart that he could become a mere soul reaper."
"Perhaps it was Sakura that started the rejection-
"No" Sakura interjected quickly "It wasn't me...I only removed it from Aizen."
"That's what I thought too." Ichigo said softly
There was silence between everyone for a while once again.
Then there was the interruption of another familiar voice.
"I-Ichigo...Sakura?"
The two turned around to see Orihime who had called out to them and she wasn't the only one there. Rukia, Renji, Uryuu and Chad also stood there healed from their injuries and watching the two.
"Orihime, Uryuu, Rukia, Chad, Renji...what's up with you guys? Is it okay for you to be up already?"
Sakura scoffed "You should be the last one asking that question"
Ichigo glanced back at her as she stood up wincing slightly "And you're no better."
Kisuke smiled, it looks like those two were quick to return to their normal selves.
Rukia stepped forward "What about the two of you? What-
A sniffing cut Rukia off as she looked over at Orihime who had started to tear up at the sight of them.
"It really is you two after all; you hair's longer so I thought maybe it wasn't you..."
Sakura gave a reassuring laugh "I don't think you'll get anyone around here with this colour hair Orihime."
"I'm glad, I'm so glad" Orihime cried
Ichigo smiled "What's with that look? Well I guess my hair is pretty long I'll cut it short again-
As Ichigo stepped forward he suddenly fell to the ground with a thud causing everyone to rush over to him but Sakura was the first to reach him.
"Ichigo what's wrong?"
It wasn't long though before Sakura felt a searing pain in her chest once again and dark spots filled her vision. Before she knew it, she was out cold as well the last thing she heard was their friends screaming their names.
"Hi; I'm Sakura Haruno nice to meet you"
"Don't worry yourself; Kurosaki I can take care of myself and I don't need any knights in shining armour"
"Cut it out carrot top"
"Please tell me everything about soul reapers."
"I did this because….I owe you"
"That's what I've decided; I'm going to help you"
"Thank you; Ichigo..."
'SAKURA!'
Ichigo's eyes snapped open and he found himself starring up at an unfamiliar ceiling with his friends hovering closer over him.
"Ichigo" Orihime sighed in relief
He started looking around in confusion "Where am I?"
"We brou4ght you to my house" Rukia explained
Ichigo got a better look at all of his friends and noticed that they were all alright "What happened to your injuries?"
"We all healed a long time ago" Uryuu explained pushing up his glasses
"What are you talking about?" asked Ichigo
"You've been unconscious for the last ten days Ichigo" Rukia explained "You and Sakura passed out."
"You've gotta be kidding..." Ichigo muttered "My powers are they gone?"
There was silence among everyone for a little while before Rukia broke it.
"Don't worry, they haven't faded away yet."
"So you already know?"
"Yes Kisuke told us everything"
"I see"
Orihime looked at him with concerned eyes "Are you alright Ichigo?"
"It was very strange at the moment we all reunited you and Sakura collapsed and we had no idea what happened."
Thinking back Ichigo recalled falling unconscious.
"Kisuke said there are several stages you can expect to go through when losing your powers."
"What did he tell you?" asked Ichigo
"Everything" Rukia explained "First you lose consciousness and the time your body spends in the press of this world immediately begins to flow in reverse. Did you notice your hair is shorter?"
Ichigo looked up and realised that it was.
"Your height has returned to what it used to be and your spirit energy is stabilised and of course you still retain your soul reaper powers eventually however it will move to the next phase. When that happens you'll lose your powers for good, we don't know when it's going to happen however."
Ichigo smiled looking back from the window "Oh well when that time comes it comes."
Everyone looked like they should get the nurse for Ichigo.
"Ichigo are you..." Orihime trailed off
"Don't worry; I'll be alright Orihime, more importantly I'm glad all of you are ok."
"Wait a minute" Orihime said
"What the hell are you talking about? How can you act like it's nothing you're about to lose your spirit energy you know!" Uryuu exclaimed
"Calm down Uryuu" Chazz said
Uryuu groaned "These two I swear..."
"Two?" Ichigo asked
Rukia nodded "Ichigo, I told you already. Sakura collapsed to."
Ichigo gasped; he had heard that but he assumed it was because Sakura had exhausted her spirit energy.
"What are you saying?"
"Ichigo...Sakura's going to lose her spirit energy as well."
Sakura stared out towards the horizon with a solemn expression; she was sitting on a tall hill looking over at the district. Three days, it's been three days since she has woken up but her orange haired companion was still unconscious and she was honestly worried. She hoped that Ichigo woke up soon. After Sakura regained consciousness Kisuke had immediately insisted on doing a check up on her himself since he wanted to make sure there wouldn't be any dangerous side effects of the Hougyoku and what he found he believed to be a cause for concern. Sakura on the other hand hadn't been surprised to hear about what he had discovered in fact she was suspecting it.
The Hougyoku's power was being suppressed now within Sakura's body.
She was holding it within her, to destroy it. Once and for all. Kisuke had said that it was a dangerous tool and she knew he was right. So why not destroy it. The Hougyoku was now a part of her and she would be able to destroy it for good.
'But when that happens...' Sakura trailed off from her thoughts closing her eyes as she felt a flicker of fear course through her.
'Promise me that you won't tell anyone else about this especially Ichigo."
"You friends should know-
"Please, nothing will change the outcome so...I don't want to spend the last of my days having them look at me like I'm broken."
"If that's what you want Sakura."
The pinkette felt a tear slide down her eye 'Until then I suppose there's nothing else I can do, no point in telling anyone else after all nothing will change the outcome anyway.' Sakura smiled sadly
'I'll be fine...' truth be told she wasn't entirely sure that as true but she had to say something to convince herself that she was right.
"Sakura!"
Turning around swiftly Sakura caught sight of Ichigo running towards her. She stared at him with slightly wide eyes. Seeing him already on his feet as if he hadn't nearly died in battle or came from a war was unbelievable. She had gone to check on Ichigo every day and night since she had woken up but that hadn't been much since there was still a lot of concerns about her conditions.
'Yet they allow him to run out on the first day he wakes up.' Sakura thought pouting slightly before she realised Ichigo had reached her. He stopped right in front of her panting slightly looking like he had been hunting for her.
"Hey where the heck have you been? You weren't supposed to leave the house without telling someone!" he said frowning
Sakura gave him a look "Since when am I obligated to do that? I'm not a little child."
Ichigo narrowed his eyes "You sure got the attitude of one shouldn't you still be resting, waking up after three days isn't that much recovery time."
Sakura gaped at him and gently punched his arm "Reality check, you just woke up today! You should be in bed resting."
"I'm fine; I can handle this sort of thing."
"And you're implying that I can't?" Sakura asked crossing her arms over her chest
"I didn't say that!"
"You implied it" Sakura stated haughty
Ichigo glared at her "I didn't mean it like that! I'm sorry for worrying about you okay!"
Sakura went silent after he said that and gave a slight pout before diverting her eyes back towards the sunset muttering something under her breath.
"What was that?" Ichigo asked leaning forward.
"Stupid; should've rested" she said again only slightly less softly as her eyes softened. She turned away from Ichigo, she heard him sigh and step closer towards her.
"Is there...is there something you want to tell me?"
Sakura glanced at him and did her best to remain passive "What are you talking about?"
Ichigo closed his eyes "I heard from the guys that you're going to lose your soul reaper powers."
Sakura nodded "That's right, I am."
"But how, I don't get it."
"Ichigo" Sakura whispered "When I was transformed and absorbed that Hougyoku from Aizen I gave the Hougyoku an order...over a time period my spiritual pressure is going to destroy the Hougyoku and I'll lose my spiritual powers."
Ichigo gasped "W-What?"
"The Hougyoku will be destroyed within my body and we'll never have to worry about anyone coming after it again." Sakura reassured Ichigo smiling.
Ichigo gave her an odd look "You're going to destroy it within yourself? What about you?"
"What about me?" Sakura asked
"How will this affect you?"
Sakura bit her bottom lip before speaking "I'll lose my powers as a soul reaper, that's it but you know I do have an idea of when I'll lose it."
"How" Ichigo asked
Sakura smiled feeling tears brim her eyes "It still manifests desires and my desire is to lose my powers...when you lose yours Ichigo."
Ichigo's eyes softened "Sakura..."
"Once the Hougyoku finishes evaporating with you spiritual pressure Sakura, your bodies next."
The pinkette continued to smile looking out to the sunset "That way no matter what nothing will change between you and me."
"What are you talking about Sakura?" Ichigo asked
She giggled "I've only just realised this myself but...we've been together for a while now. Human or soul reaper; we've got this much in common I didn't want losing our powers to put a boundary up between us." She felt tears sting her eyes again as she left out the one important detail she knew she should mention to Ichigo but couldn't bring herself to say.
"We've been Ichigo and Sakura for a while now and I just...don't want that to change." she said softly "I really like it..." she started crying "I really like being I-hick-Ichigo and S-S-Sakura."
"Sakura..."Ichigo trailed off looking at the pinkette, he felt that there was something about this he was missing but he didn't think much on it. He only focused on the pinkette that had risked her life so many times for him and his friends only having known them for such a short time.
Ichigo's thoughts trailed back from when he first met to this moment now. They had come a long way. She couldn't turned around any time she wanted, none of this was her fight yet she stayed by him all along even when she said she wanted nothing to do with this.
With a slightly nervous hand Ichigo pulled up the courage to bring his hand up onto her shoulder and pull her closer. Sakura looked up at him with confused tear filled eyes.
"Ichigo..."
He smiled "You know; I kinda like the idea of Ichigo and Sakura as well."
Sakura stared at him with wide eyes as he looked at her.
"Though I do have one problem with what you said."
"What's that?" Sakura asked
Without warning of any kind Ichigo swooped down and his lips connected with her own, she stood there awe struck for a while. This kiss was different than what she had experienced before with him. The first kiss they shared was swift and simple but this one was more demanding and Sakura felt herself melting into it. Ichigo's hand gently stroked her face as he felt Sakura grip onto his kimono.
When they finally pulled back both were blushing feeling their hearts pound against their rib cages.
Sakura felt Ichigo pull her into an embrace and whispered to her "You said you didn't want things to change between us but I do."
"W-What are you talking about?"
"Ichigo and Sakura back then were just friends. I want something more than that."
Sakura blushed when she fully understood what he just implied.
"What do you say?" Ichigo asked feeling his face flush further, it was clear both of them had absolutely no experience in the romance department in fact both were naive when it came to this sort of thing but Ichigo was willing if she was.
"I-I" Sakura smiled shyly looking down "I think I'd like that to."
"FINALLY"
Ichigo and Sakura nearly jumped off the hill when they saw Rukia, Orihime, Renji, Uryuu and Chad appear from hiding behind a rock.
"What the hell are you all doing here?" Ichigo glared at them
Sakura on the other hand was embarrassed "H-How long have you guys been there?"
Judging from the smug grins on their faces-a while.
"Not too long" Renji said "Just enough to catch that sentimental confession of Ichigo's and a bit of that kiss-
"YOU BETTER START RUNNING" Ichigo yelled as he started to chase his friends around the field as they begged him for forgiveness.
Sakura watched them with a cheery smile.
'I'm glad, I can't afford to waste precious moments like these anymore. So I'll cherish them forever.'
And that's all folks-Not! Now that the winter wars over things are going to really get interesting. I kinda rushed this chapter but I realised it's been way too long since I updated so I hope you forgive me but at least the ribbons been tied on this chapter and I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter.
See you soon.
Don't forget to review-if you have any ideas for what Sakura and Ichigo should have to deal with when they get back please tell me in a review or message me.
Bye-Bye!