Mad'ouk
Experienced or toughened by life
Hello, everyone, we are here with chapter 38. This chapter deals with Ichigo's therapy, I have no prior experience with therapy, but I have tried my best to do it justice. If you have any advice, or constructive criticism it is always welcome. I hope you all enjoy, read on!
Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo
X = Used to indicate change in perspective or timing/scenery.
Zangetsu-Ossan speaking.
Shiro speaking.
X
Ichigo shifted in the chair he was settled in; it was one of those chairs that were lumpy and sunk like quicksand when Ichigo sat in it. Idly he stared out the window at the pleasant morning brewing on the horizon in splashes of rouge and light blue. In front of him, Unohana was regarding Ichigo with a look of amusement; lightly curled lips forming a small smile that was all gentle motherliness. Ichigo wondered when the female Captain had adapted such an expression for him; perhaps after their first session.
The orange-haired Shinigami sipped from the still searing hot cup of tea in his hands and just sat in the quiet for a minute. Much of the time Ichigo spent in Unohana's office was that, filled with silence, the kind that Ichigo was content to sit and stew in. It was just a silence that was there like the air, lightened with the occasional thread of the female Captain's reaitsu.
Ichigo wondered what they would discuss in this session, the past few sessions had been good, for the most part. It was the reason Ichigo had agreed to come back. he had placed his trust in Unohana, and so far, Ichigo was not regretting the action.
They had spoken, about what Ichigo thought of the war, his own feelings, fears, worries, and not the ones of everybody around him; which had been both refreshing and strange. Sometimes he had to stop himself and wonder what were his own thoughts, and not those that Soul Society posed. What he had wanted to do with his life before Soul Society and how that had changed. What were some of the things he had learned in the war.
And sometimes there was anger, or sorrow that just blossomed in his chest, closed up his throat and left him gasping for breath; all raw wounds. But Unohana had taken it in stride helped Ichigo to calm down with gentle coaching and a reassuring presence.
Just the same it felt like he was walking out of a darkened room, one that Ichigo had pulled the curtains aside to shine light within; but had never found the opportunity to step outside of it. See the pain from a distance, discuss the reasons behind it.
The healer had also given Ichigo methods to cope and how to deal with the panic attacks he sometimes found himself having, how to soothe his restless thoughts. Deep breathing exercises, counting backwards in his mind, repeating the names of his friends; anything to focus on seemed to help.
When Ichigo had mentioned speaking to Kaien about his father, the healer had nodded a sort of pride to the lines of her face. She had encouraged the action; told Ichigo that when he felt like talking about the past than to do it because it was healing.
They had talked about meditation and how most Shinigami when they learned to contact their zanpaktou, they learned first how to meditate. Ichigo had, before the war started, only ever learned how to fall into his inner world. It was after the first war that he had really delved into a deeper kind of meditation.
Still, the women had spoken of different types of meditation, and sometimes just meditative actions, like just flipping mindlessly through a book for half an hour, or stretching in the morning. They had talked about what Ichigo himself felt comfortable with, who he thought his personality was.
It had been strange to look at himself again, really ask himself who he was. Somewhere along the way he had stopped looking, knew he was alright and that had been good enough, but revisiting interests, motives, dreams had been an awakening experience.
Ideals and topics, they were still exploring. Ichigo knew it would be a long time before he could even consider dropping their sessions, but looking up at the healer idly stirring her tea, ebony hair cascading down her shoulders in waves, the youth acknowledged that even then perhaps he wouldn't.
Unohana and Ichigo clicked on a strange level, one that had rarely been present in his own timeline. In both times, it was clear that the women had possessed a slightly mothering touch towards Ichigo; if in his own timeline only because of how often he was in her care (he got injured a lot, through some fault of his own). But here in this timeline, she seemed to have taken Ichigo's healing into her own hands. Idly he had discussed it with Ossan, staring up at the sometimes-perpetual rain clouds of his inner world.
The wise spirit had considered Ichigo for a moment before the corners of his eyes had crinkled in amusement and curvy locks had swayed about his head, as Ossan shook it. He had murmured soft words about maternal presences, and Ichigo's own lack of them with careful eyes. Some of that lingering guilt that always escaped the older spirit's iron control, when he thought of his real-life counterpart.
Ichigo had taken the spirit's jaw into his hand, whispered familiar words till the guilt had passed. He knew that Ossan was not a reflection of that man. Ichigo would save the Masaki of this timeline, he had already made peace with the fate of his own timeline.
"Ichigo?"
Unohana's voice pierced the silence and broke Ichigo from his musings, he looked up to catch the healer's gaze and responded with a sleepy, "Mm?"
The woman laughed all quiet regality, covering her mouth with a dainty hand she continued, "What would you like to discuss today?"
The youth furrowed his brows at the question, unsure about his answer. Usually, he walked in with a question or topic in mind, something he felt they needed to discuss first, but today there was no burning words pressing against his lips. Unsure he shrugged his shoulders with an apologetic gaze.
The healer rolled her eyes in good-natured amusement, shaking her hand laxly to communicate it was alright. She tilted her head and pursed her lips for a moment before asking, "How are the pills working?"
Ichigo thought over the question, the answer was mostly uncomplicated. But as in everything in Ichigo's life that was always some twist. The pills were working as far as Ichigo could tell, sometimes he was left jolting out of bed, mind hazy with whispered dreams. But those were early mornings and few and far compared to the mockery of sleep Ichigo had once experienced. Still, there were a few strange side effects, he often found himself holding onto a latent weary in the morning, as if his body had not yet abandoned the comforts of his bed.
Still, Ichigo supposed they were working their intended purpose. Allowing him to wake up in the morning feeling rested, and able to fall asleep in the evenings. The orange-haired Shinigami wondered why the pills Unohana had administered worked in comparison to the ones Kisuke had prescribed. He assumed that it had something to do with Unohana's medical knowledge in comparison to Kisuke's as well as the content of the pills. Unohana had revealed they primarily relied on herbs, while Kisuke had employed synthetic methods.
Unohana lightly tapped Ichigo's hand to bring his attention back to her. Smiling sheepishly Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck and answered, "They're working, the only side effect is drowsiness in the morning."
Unohana nodded, looking a touch pleased as she pencilled in a few notes on one of her sheets (the folder she always pulled out when Ichigo arrived). She nodded and mumbled something to herself before she sat back in her chair across from Ichigo.
The youth was glad she had chosen the set up they were currently seated in, and not the famous therapist setting seen in the western movies. One where Ichigo would have been left staring at the ceiling, listening to a disembodied voice. Instead, there was a quarter of the desk between them, allowing for a slight barrier, Unohana seated in a chair of the same height as Ichigo's though far lest sinkable, with the youth opposite her.
"Ichigo are you okay with discussing Soul Society, and how they may have hurt you?"
Unohana asked out of the seeming blue, drawing Ichigo from his idle musings, musings that often drifted into his thoughts in the early mornings, and quiet evenings. He considered the question with a drawn-out sigh, and the crease of his eyebrows.
The damage Soul Society had wrought on Ichigo, was a pool that Ichigo stuffed at the back of his mind, and never swam in. he acknowledged the existence of said pool, but he had chosen to remember the better parts of Soul Society, the people, and just actions.
Looking up at Unohana, who was studying Ichigo patient and warm, Ichigo supposed that as this was a therapy session, he could afford to dip his toes into the pool a little. He knew otherwise the issues that sometimes stalked forth in thorny spikes of irritation and rampant bitterness would remain as they were.
Finally, after a moment's more deliberation Ichigo nodded and replied, "I am okay talking about it."
Unohana liked to encourage that Ichigo speak his consent out loud, something about affirmations for both sides. Regardless Ichigo took a sip of the scorching tea to distract his thoughts. They perched together in silence for a few more moments, the sun beginning its lazy ascent upwards as time passed.
She was leaving the silence for Ichigo to speak. It was up to the youth whether he spoke about the past or not, what he chose to speak of. Unohana was only able to work with what Ichigo willingly gave. Otherwise, it was a useless attempt, at least in the healer's eyes. Ichigo thought in dull amusement that she probably also enjoyed the silence, and didn't want to pressure him.
Unsure what to speak of Ichigo turned his attention to Zangetsu, who knew his wielder better than himself, or at least it seemed that way. Sometimes it was best to ask for Ossan's opinion on any matter, the older man possessed a wisdom that was more often than not that of riddles, but also always held the right the answer.
"Ichigo, why not speak of either the time you went undercover or when you… lost us."
The spirit suggested, deep baritone soothing Ichigo's nerves, but hesitating as he drifted over a time that had been a cataclysm within Ichigo's soul, for all parts of him. The orange-haired Shinigami considered his spirit's choices, they were not the only times that Soul Society had caused some deal of harm to Ichigo, but they were perhaps the most devastating.
At least in comparison to the constant negligence shown to the Vizard, or how they handled certain issues… Ichigo took a deep breath letting Zangetsu's presence wash over him, he didn't want the anger associated with those times, it was tiring, and he was past it.
Still unsure of which to speak of, Ichigo decided to broach the topic with Unohana, and gain the female Captain's opinion. Looking towards the healer, from where his eyes had strayed to the window, Ichigo said, "There are two notable incidents… both were devastating but I don't know which to speak of."
There that was done, one less worry off of his chest, Ichigo said more to himself as Unohana considered the orange-haired Shinigami, a kind of weight to her eyes, like that of a divine being forced to watch the suffering of mortals unable to aid them. The healer pursed her lips and rested a hand against her chin for a moment before she responded, "You can speak of both if you want, but I think you should choose the one you are most hesitant to speak of, at least first."
Ichigo nodded and wondered again at what he would speak of. Brushing his hand through his hair Ichigo sighed and decided before he spoke up, "During our war with the Quincy, the time came that we were running out of tactics. In an effort to gain an advantage, someone suggested espionage, another infiltration. The only thing was… no one held a Quincy bloodline, Uryuu was still on the opposing side, but my sisters and I," Ichigo laughed a touch bitterly at the memory, how every gaze in the room had landed on him, as if closing in like one preys on their victim leaving no escape, "I felt trapped… and scared thinking of how I could die there. I wouldn't let my sisters do it, and I was the only one able. At least that is what was parroted my way. I felt they could see my own hesitance, but I pushed it aside because I knew it would aid us.
To infiltrate the Quincy, we staged a murder, one that would involve my zanpaktou as the weapon. It was supposed to be an act of treason; the death of one of the powerhouses of Soul Society. Only a few were in on the plot, maybe three Captains, and a lieutenant. But I was caught in the act before I could even attempt the fake murder… they didn't even doubt. Or perhaps they did but in times of war, everything's blurred.
There was a chase, no time to defend, baying for blood, hounds at my feet. There was such fear and devastation in that moment… my… the women who had served as my lieutenant had stared into my eyes with such betrayal. I had no time for even a word of opposition. Byakuya had nearly caught me; eyes confused, with a touch of betrayal in them. I-I sometimes wonder if that was how it was meant to go down in the upper echelon's plans. It wouldn't be the first time…"
Ichigo paused and took a few deep breaths, counting backwards till he felt like he wasn't going to storm out of his seat and pace her office for five minutes. Relaxing his tight grasp on Zangetsu's hilt, Ichigo let Unohana's reaitsu reassure him, help centre him along with Zangetsu for a moment before he nodded and prepared to continue.
"So, I fled to the Quincy, and they accepted me. It was so strange, always an edge of fear, living in the Siberian fortress, at least Uryuu understood. But it was always cold, blindingly so in that it seemed to steal hope from the air. It was a constant game of cutthroats and backstabbing in the presence of their emperor. His presence was like an unsheathed blade, unforged metal raw and tainted.
I tried to contact Soul Society but was unable to, I couldn't even make it to the outer districts. I felt utterly alone, lost and floating in a sea of enemies. I had brief bouts of contact with Soul Society, where I could see the hate and disgust, such vigour that it made me sick with self-loathing, and doubt. Sometimes I was forcefully reminded of the fact that I was only maybe twenty at the time, and I don't know if that hurts more.
My friends and allies, they had believed I had really done it; not my family, or Rukia, Orihime, Chad, Renji. But everyone else was mostly fair game. And the conspirators of the plot did nothing to dissuade the thoughts, probably could do nothing at the time. not till the infiltration was finished.
Those months were harrowing, constantly watching my back, a sudden enemy on both sides. Bach was always watching my movements, sometimes we talked, and it was like speaking to the void. And there was endless harassment from the Quincy, and I-I had just wanted to go home, for the nightmare to end. If we had followed through with the original plan, the whole of Soul Society would have seen the murder for what it was, things would have been different. But life is cruel.
It was eventually resolved but it took six months before I was able to rejoin Soul Society's ranks once more. And even then, for months afterwards people still stared at me as if in one sudden movement I would turn and kill them all. When I had saved them all before."
Ichigo finished with a shaky breath, hands clenched into white-knuckled fists at his side, breath fluttering in his lungs as if desperate to escape. Taking a moment Ichigo closed his eyes, took a deep breath and just let all of his emotions out with an exhale.
The healer was still silent when Ichigo looked up, her face was closed off, blank and emotionless, like Ichigo sometimes saw in the mirror. But underneath he could see the frown feathering the corners of her lips, the way her eyes seemed to reflect and glow like bronze in sunlight.
After a minute, the fierce expression was gone, and she was considering Ichigo, a thoughtful expression lingering on her features. The female Captain pursed her lips and asked, "Ichigo did you feel betrayed by Soul Society for their reactions, and part in what happened."
"H-For the most part yes. It felt like… it's hard to put it into words, but imagine you are holding a string with another person. They chose to cut the string without your consent, and the only negative effects are on your end. It was far too easy for everyone to fall into the belief that I had turned treason. And I understood why the conspirators of the mission couldn't reveal it, but not why they couldn't to the upper echelon. It just hurts, and I can't help but see their disdain and mistrust sometimes. The lingering fear of my mission, and the desolate solitude."
Ichigo responded slowly, trying to think over his words, analyzing the feelings that seemed to flutter just out of his grasp. He wanted to run away from it all, now that he had said it out loud. It was something that had appeared in misty waking hours to torment him; whispered thoughts of what ifs, and could have been. Saying it out loud didn't change anything of the past, Ichigo knew what had happened, had spent time staring at a cup and wondering, but it took the sting away to say it aloud.
Sweeping a hand through his hair, Ichigo curled back into the chair, hugging the mug tight to his chest, listening to Zangetsu's whispers like a hymn. He just needed time to decompress, let it be within his soul again. In discussing it Ichigo had relived those events in his mind, but experience cast a different light, time made the fear and betrayal distant (and what did it matter in a time that would never exist again, what happened had happened).
Unohana remained quietly seated across from him, a soothing cast to her presence, she had learned or maybe decided that telling Ichigo how wrong Soul Society was for doing whatever action was useless. Not when Ichigo knew it. Perhaps it was not completely useless although it was nice to hear someone agree, but when he talked with Unohana, it allowed him to analyze, take a step back, and just be raw with his emotions.
When he spoke to Kaien, it was of the good memories, soft fond things. Although it hurt to remember them, it was fond nostalgic pain that meant something (someone he knew would have said, to feel pain was to be alive). So, to speak of what hurt, what he didn't want to speak of, it helped to heal wounds that had only scabbed over.
Looking up Ichigo caught the faint impression of laugh lines around Unohana's eyes. Quirking a brow in curiosity at the expression dancing across the healer's features, he caught the Captain's attention and tilted his head in question.
"I am just recalling the times of the early Blood War."
Ichigo perked up at the answer, anticipation trailing along his fingers as they fluttered against Zangetsu's hilt. The female Captain had promised to share some of her life with Ichigo, a life that had seemed shrouded in mystery. She had always seemed that way, even in his own timeline.
As if sensing his curiosity, Unohana gently shook her head and poured herself another cup of tea before gesturing for Ichigo's mug. Handing it over Ichigo let his eyes flash upwards to catch Unohana's own as he received his re-filled mug.
The woman let out a sigh but continued, "War is very much the same, and like you have related we find comrades everywhere. Of course, you've probably heard the Gotei 13 of the past were bloodthirsty, and I was a very different woman then, but nonetheless, I was recalling a time where Isamu thought it wise to challenge me to a contest of strengths. The man was an expert tactician upon the fields, and a master with kido, however outside of battle his brains often abandoned him. He lost horribly, and each time he failed he would parade around and make excuses and boast his strength like a cockerel. It was a show to amuse others and take their minds away from the battle. Lightheartedness and all that.
The time before the Blood War seems strange in my mind, distant like a dream. I suppose it is much the same for you Ichigo. But I think I can recall arriving in Soul Society, and what substituted as Rungokai before then. Holding my zanpaktou for the first time, meeting Yamamoto-san. Time is a completely nonlinear concept."
Unohana finished with a kind of breathless smile, as she considered Ichigo. He acknowledged the information with a wide grin, humorous at the story of her comrade, understanding well her points of war, and gratuitous that she could see time for what it paraded as.
Settling in the seat once more, Ichigo idly sipped at his tea, he wondered how different the past had been, what the first war had been like. While he never wanted to experience it (he was more than happy with the time he had arrived in), he wondered how it had shaped Unohana into who she was.
Peering at the tea Ichigo contemplated speaking of the other event, asking for more of Unohana's life, or simply basking in the morning's quiet. The healer smiled at Ichigo from under the crown of her hair while she idly stirred her tea. The youth smiled in response and decided to let the quiet be for a moment longer before he needed to decide.
X
Kisuke looked up startled as a sudden presence squished itself between where Kisuke and Aizen had been huddled at the hip, heads bent over deep in discussion. His first glance was of disturbingly glaring orange hair and from there most of his irritation dissipated to a sort of dull ire and mostly amusement at the appearance of their young friend. On the other side of Ichigo, Aizen flashed Kisuke an exasperated look as the man shifted to make space on the bench.
The two scientists had encamped themselves in one of the labs in the Twelfth, one buried particularly deep underground, where Kisuke's more radical inventions often took place (he left his office for other more 'safe' inventions). Or where more often than not Kisuke designed prototypes, and returned to the drawing board.
After their return from their little 'hollow' escapade, Kisuke had opened up the lab to the curly haired scientist, with piercing eyes and a threat that left the sometimes-smug looking lieutenant pale and shaky. Benihime had crowed her pleasure at the threat within his mind.
So, he had portioned off a little section (and no he most certainly did not paint a line on the floor for clarification thank you very much Ichigo) and gave it to Aizen for his own experiments. Considering Ichigo would probably frown if Aizen went off and built a giant base in the middle of nowhere (at least not when they already had one).
In any case, they had been studying the effects of hollowfication upon the cells and were still collecting data. It was their pet project of sorts, as they were the main conspirators of the incident (really it was Aizen, but Kisuke was far too involved by this point to care).
Returning his attention to the orange haired menace seated between them, Kisuke noted the open curiosity on Ichigo's features as he read over their notes, brows furrowing every once in a while. Kisuke sometimes forgot, or he supposed didn't remember to look beneath the surface of the youth, Ichigo was incredibly intelligent. Part of it was his knowledge from the future, things they were just discovering in Soul Society, and the other part was a weird amalgamation of knowledge that Ichigo had seemed to randomly absorb like a magnet (ranging from anatomy to poetry).
The blond resisted the urge to swat the youth as Ichigo pencilled in a few notes over their pre-existing ones, adding data they would have no possible way of collecting (like how a hollow matured?) and crossing out a few theories. Sosuke chuckled on Ichigo's other side, that deep velvet laugh that was pleasant and at the same time foreboding. Kisuke could sympathize with the brunette's amusement though, watching as Ichigo destroyed some of their work with reckless abandon, and added new topics of inquisition with a grin that spelt some whispered doom.
"Ichigo perhaps you could enlighten us, as to the reason for your visit?"
Sosuke questioned after a few minutes of watching the youth work, where Kisuke occupied himself with another sheet. It depicted modifications on the mod souls, the ones Soul Society had introduced a near century past.
Ichigo craned his head up, dropping the pencil with a shrug he grinned all teasing flint sharp edges and asked, "What, can't I visit my favourite two scientists in the world?"
Sosuke shot the young man a bland look, and Kisuke shook his head at the cocky response, lingering with the familiar Shiba dramatics. Ichigo pouted at the lack of response looking a millisecond away from falling into a fit worthy of Kaien; though Kisuke doubted Ichigo would ever lower himself to such a thing.
"We're delighted by your presence as always Ichigo."
Kisuke said with a tip of his hat, shadowing his eyes, and voice a deadpan monotone that cracked a smile. He really liked the hat Ichigo had gotten him, had he said that to himself before? Benihime's dry hum of amusement assured Kisuke that the sentiment had been repeated far too frequently for her liking. But it was a lovely hat, great for adding an aura of mystery.
Ichigo grinned at the response, but before he could speak Aizen interjected, "But as much as we love seeing your outrageous hair, perhaps you could tell as to why you decided to grace us with your presence?"
Ichigo pouted again and mouthed 'spoilsport' in Kisuke's direction before the orange-haired Shinigami furrowed his brow in thought for a moment. After a second the youth straightened as if having lit the proverbial light bulb he said, "Oh yeah, I wanted to talk to you guys about the future."
Instantly Kisuke and Sosuke's attention was riveted on the youth at the mention of his rather impressive time travelling abilities. Ichigo blushed faintly under the sudden microscope of inspection at the statement, but otherwise remained seated.
"And why would you like to speak to us about the future Ichi?"
Kisuke questioned, reigning back the hundred other questions perched at the forefront of his mind. Aizen nodded beside Ichigo, pivoting slightly so that he could face Ichigo, and consequently Kisuke. The Shiba lieutenant frowned faintly, as if concerned about his sudden proposition, his eyes flickered between the two before some tension seemed to drain from his shoulders.
"Well as you see, there are some rather big things coming closer in the timeline. And I thought it would be a good idea to discuss it with two rather intellectual friends of mine, rather than try and wing it."
Ichigo admitted with a trace of embarrassment, abashedly rubbing the back of his head as he grinned apologetically at the two of them. Kisuke both felt trepidation and anticipation at Ichigo's words, eager to see and help plan for what would happen. But hesitant about what had happened in Ichigo's original timeline. He also supposed that if they were to have this war council, or rather time council or whatever it was, that they would be able to spend greater time with Ichigo, which was an entertaining idea.
"So, you would like us to aid you in planning out the future events?"
Sosuke asked precisely and to the point, as the man usually was (though he could get quite long-winded about certain topics, then again so could Kisuke). Ichigo nodded, before shaking his head a bit and responding, "It's slightly more complicated than that, but yes, for the most part, I would like your aid in planning the future."
Kisuke nodded at Ichigo's unsure explanation, already on board to aid the kid. Ichigo had earned Kisuke's loyalty the day he had decided to save the Vizard rather than let them suffer for his own motives. He had driven the nail into the proverbial coffin with the lengths Ichigo had gone to for their sakes, and the personality beneath the sometimes-rough exterior (the famous Ichigo scowl, icy enough to make a man's blood run cold).
"So, what do you need us to do Ichi?"
The blond asked wondering how they could aid the youth. Of course, they could provide suggestions, implement their own opinions, or they could help factor and create events. Or if Ichigo wished them to start a war, then Kisuke was sure they could manage that too.
Ichigo thumbed Zangetsu sheathed at his side as he bit his lip before he pulled out a sheet of paper and began jotting things down in a list. Letting the youth create whatever preparation was necessary for his explanation, Kisuke winked over Ichigo's head at Sosuke.
The older lieutenant was peering at Ichigo, watching the orange-haired Shinigami work, with pensiveness and thought in his features. The brunette sighed resolutely at Kisuke's gesture (he was spending far too much time with Yoruichi), before the man scrubbed a hand down his face.
"Okay, so I've created a rough timeline, which you two can look at to get a basic idea of what's coming."
Ichigo said out of the blue, setting down his pencil and passing over the sheet with a tiny yet hopeful smile. Kisuke skimmed the sheet, frown marring his brow as he read of wars, and Bounts, Quincy and Shinigami.
Passing the sheet over to Sosuke, Kisuke continued to reflect on the sheet memorizing pivotal points as best as he could. Sosuke stared intensely at the sheet at Ichigo's elbow; aura dark, Kisuke presumed the enigma was at the part where the Gotei 13 had banished the Vizard, that or the unsettling liminal space of time between when Ichigo became a Shinigami and fought in a war.
Brushing it aside temporarily for further contemplation; Benihime's wordless mutterings drifting like threads throughout his mind. Ichigo snatched the sheet back from Sosuke's hands after a moment, and pulled out another pencil... a pencil crayon? It was bright red, and Ichigo considered the sheet for a moment before he circled a few things and passed the sheet back to Kisuke.
He studied the sheet once more, eyes drawn to the bright red that just glared at him, whispering of foreboding tides. Circled in red were the topics; Winter War, Isshin Kurosaki, Quincy, human world. It was a strange amalgamation with only a few familiar connections. Kisuke recognized the name Quincy, but as that of a race who had been thought of as extinct for centuries. The other name that rang a bell was Isshin's, how anyone could think of anything else knowing the clan head, was beyond Kisuke.
Passing the sheet to Sosuke, Kisuke leaned back against the bench and studied Ichigo, who looked like he wanted to pace around the room to release the nervous energy showing itself in tapping fingers. Sosuke made a faint noise of confusion under his breath, barely audible over the warm running whirl of the various engines and machinery, least to mention the Hogyoku locked up somewhere in the room.
"What would be priority number one Ichigo?"
The older lieutenant asked as he set the sheets down, and rubbed at his forehead. Ichigo furrowed his brow before he responded, "The Winter War will be occurring pretty soon, and is a pretty major issue."
Kisuke thought over Ichigo's words, running them through his head. Identifying the hesitance in Ichigo's voice as he spoke of the war in vague terms, and paused and struggled to describe the issue as it was.
Sosuke was staring at Ichigo, in that way that the megalomaniac (okay partial megalomaniac) seemed to get when he was contemplating something that tilted on the axis between morally right and wrong. Kisuke wondered what Ichigo was planning, to gain a look like that from the curly-haired lieutenant.
Ichigo leant back against the lab bench with a weary sigh, deep and with the weight of the future, before he began, "In my timeline, the Winter War was primarily waged between the two factions of hollows and Shinigami. The hollows were able to evolve into Espada and gain power equal to that of a Shinigami Captain, just so you know. The thing is I think the war needs to happen…"
Kisuke and Aizen turned to face Ichigo, both with looks of surprise, though Kisuke managed to hide some of it beneath the brim of his cap. When Ichigo had invaded their personal space and sat down at their table, he had not been expecting anything remotely close to Ichigo's words.
The concept of the Espada hollows as powerful as Shinigami caught Kisuke's attention for a minute before it was swept away to the final sentence. Ichigo thought a war needed to happen. A war that the veteran had fought in, and lived through. One that obviously had lasting impact, in Ichigo's eyes, and his actions alone. Kisuke wasn't sure how to feel about the sentiment, only knowing that there had better be a reason behind such tremulous words.
"Hear me out. The Quincy will invade no matter what, it's inevitable a thing that will happen. I wouldn't be able to handle the whole of the Quincy regiment on my own. Sometimes that's how the universe is, certain things will come to pass no matter what we try. The Winter War occurred because of the leadership of a rogue Shinigami. However, in this timeline, the rogue Shinigami is sitting here so the possibility of the war is slim.
As much as the war was devastating… it allowed us to gain the power necessary to fight the Quincy. Without that experience, it would have been complete and utter slaughter within a week.
We need that experience, but it doesn't have to be a three-year-long war campaign, it doesn't have to involve the torture and suffering that it held in my time. War has the ability to draw people together, helps them grow. It will encourage training and inner strength within Soul Society, and from the war, we may be able to gain allies.
I don't want to go through another war… but I don't want to see Soul Society fall, more than I care for my own whims. Sometimes there are necessary evils."
Ichigo finished, visage visibly pale and shaky, the youth was breathing deeply gaining control over his emotions. Kisuke analysed Ichigo's words, took the raw truth that hurt in Ichigo's voice but was unavoidable. A sentiment he wanted to vehemently deny, but one that he could not blind himself to, now that Ichigo had made it clear how essential it was that the Shinigami receive that experience.
Ichigo cared so much for his family, for the whole of Soul Society. That he would rather them face a war and be ready for the next than suffer greater injury. It was as Ichigo had said a necessary evil, and it left Kisuke wondering how long it had taken for Ichigo to reach such a conclusion.
Unconsciously his gaze drifted to Sosuke whose own face was shuttered off, eyes betraying the scene whirling with emotion. There had been an acknowledgement over tea, in the quiet morning, that without Ichigo's intervention, Sosuke would have fallen off the deep end, and into the abyss. It was proven in the future Ichigo had lived.
But Kisuke knew, understood it in the way Sosuke sometimes watched the world pass with soft awe and observance that Sosuke would never follow that path now. Because of Ichigo, the man had changed, and Kisuke was glad that he was able to speak with him. That they were on the same side, that the intelligence behind obtuse framed could flourish.
Still to think the youth would go to such measures to save everyone he could. It was something unexpected and yet so completely Ichigo, that Kisuke couldn't find it in his heart to bemoan the youth's course of action (not really).
"How do you propose going about this?"
Sosuke asked in the quiet the lingered, filled with wondering thoughts, and a sorrow for their younger companion and the choices he had been driven to. Ichigo cocked his head up from where it had drifted to stare at the workstation with an absent gaze.
"Do you have a chalkboard?"
Was Ichigo's answering question. Sharing a bemused glance with the older lieutenant, Kisuke pointed out one pushed against a wall and blocked by a ton of scrap metal. Ichigo stood up and paced over to pull out the ancient thing. It was, as he was walking, that Kisuke noticed the zanpaktou strapped to his waist. Ichigo was sporting two familiar blades one on either hip, a long blade that seemed inherently instinctive, and a smaller one with a knife-like shape, all fluid grace.
So, the rumours flying around Soul Society had held truth, for the rare occasion it occurred. Kisuke had heard all about the supposed duel between Ichigo and Shinji, as the Shihōin princess had sprawled in his lap, Kisuke working idly as she spoke (his attention had been one hundred percent riveted to her anyway). She had mentioned Ichigo releasing a new Shikai, one that some might confuse for a Bankai, but there had apparently been no build up, no prior release.
Kisuke and Yoruichi had shared a knowing grin, as she continued to relate the gossip, and the increasingly absurd rumours. The scientist was just happy that Ichigo had finally decided to show the Gotei 13 the true form of his zanpaktou, it had been high time he at least showed a fraction of his power. And who wasn't to say that Ichigo just held a different aura when he walked around with Zangetsu's true form at his waist.
Ichigo with a final huff wedged the board out from beneath the scrap. While Kisuke had been musing on the blades glinting like oil light, Ichigo had picked up a stray stub of chalk and had begun to write.
"Nee Ichigo, finally decided to show everyone Zangetsu?"
Kisuke asked, interrupting the lieutenant's work. Ichigo huffed and ran a hand through his hair, as he continued to write he said, "You wouldn't believe the reactions. Kaien damn near fainted in between all the blubbering, and Taicho stared with this knowing look in his eyes. Not to mention Ukitake-san's joy at another dual wielder."
The scientist laughed at Ichigo's dilemma, mirth painting his features. Ichigo just huffed and continued to work, pushing annoying strands of hair out of his eyes.
The only Captain (though probably not for much longer) glanced over to Sosuke who was also deep in thought. Kisuke grinned and resisted the temptation to disturb the man, instead of letting his curiosity wonder what the man was himself thinking about.
After a minute Ichigo dropped the chalk with a resounding clink and stepped back from the board scrawled with writing, dusting his hands off in the air with a vaguely proud look about his face. Kisuke studied the board, reaching over in a well-practised motion, to tap Aizen on the shoulder and aid him in returning to the conversation.
The two scientists stared at the board analysing its content, as Ichigo shifted beside it, like a child in school presenting their project. On the board was a list of names (and had Ichigo really drawn symbols or faces?) ranked in power, and aligned with their position of hierarchy in the Winter War Ichigo had spoken of. Filling up the other side of the board were randomly jotted notes, or so they appeared, Kisuke was certain they had some purpose.
"Would you care to elaborate for us Ichigo?"
Sosuke asked when they both felt they had adequately grasped all the knowledge held on the board. Ichigo nodded fidgeted a bit, before he straightened and his eyes sharpened into the likeness of a hawk, the previous unsure demeanour gone. It was as if they were really in a war council, and here was an Ichigo who could not afford to make a mistake in his explanation.
"Baraggan Louisenbairn, the self-proclaimed king of Hueco Mundo at the moment. This is merely so because none of the others have bothered to claim the title, or are as of yet not ready. To create a strong opposing force, we will need to use the Hogyoku to speed along the process of evolution and allow the Espada to truly form
We will also need to deal with creating an echelon of sorts within their ranks. Some of the Espada like Harribel, Starrk, Grimmjow, and so forth would never serve under Baraggan, or at least not without good reason. Which the purveyor of time cannot provide.
We however can. And Baraggan is a foolish hollow, one who could be worked to perform like a puppet on a string. Using the Vizard or even just Shiro and me, we can coach the self-proclaimed king into amassing a force of Espada to combat the Shinigami. We pull the strings, how the faction is run, who is voted into power, what training is required. But Baraggan is all most of the world will see.
Some like those I've circled in red will not serve under the false king, and may only ally themselves with us. If we can guarantee a statute of peace for them, or a pardon upon the conclusion of the war they may agree to fight. I can talk to Yamamoto and likely gain these. The only discourse is management once the war begins, as we will need to be present on both sides to coach the war. And we are not repeating a certain faking of someone's death."
Ichigo finished nodding more to himself, likely congratulating himself on saying the whole thing in one piece. Kisuke thought over the words, the set up was a good one, open with need or room for ideas. A good base and Ichigo's wisdom in seeking the two of them out for aid was also good because how the orange-haired youth would have handled the mess on his own, Kisuke had no idea.
Silently Kisuke wondered at it all, the strangeness of planning how to oppose Soul Society for their own good, and the plausible companionship of the Espada Ichigo spoke of. It was all very tricky, a thing that if it went wrong could spell disaster for Soul Society.
Looking at Ichigo's features he could see no hesitance there. Instead, there was a sort of contemplation, and resolution, no matter the outcome Ichigo would face. Or so his features seemed to tell. Turning his attention inwards he focused on Benihime's opinions, his zanpaktou spirit was as cunning as her wielder, but where Kisuke stopped for his (rather shaky) morals, Benihime thought past it.
Resurfacing to notice Ichigo sprawled in a chair, all gangly limbs everywhere Kisuke shook his head in amusement and spoke up, "Ichigo would you be able to leave during that time and not garner suspicion, perhaps state you are visiting the human world?"
Ichigo hummed for a moment in thought before he shook his head. He paused cocked his head and turned to Kisuke and said, "That reminds me, we need to set up in the mortal realm soon. Which I will be helping with. Don't worry we can talk about the details later."
The youth smiled softly at the end of his sentence as if he had not just kindled that deep-seated curiosity about the mortal realm and its sciences, that ran deep in his heart. Shrugging it aside Kisuke nodded in return and banished the slight elation at the thought and listened as Ichigo replied, "It wouldn't work, because certain Shinigami will be stationed in the mortal realm, and could clue into the deception."
Kisuke nodded easily and the simple explanation, curiosity temporarily satisfied, though he could sense more behind Ichigo's words he let it rest. Aizen frowned and ran a hand through naturally curly locks before he spoke up, "How would we control Baraggan? Or are you suggesting the use of my zanpaktou, as well as coercion?" Ichigo nodded his head smiling sheepishly at the faint glare turning Sosuke's lips before the older lieutenant continued, "And the Espada, the ones who don't join what will happen to them?"
Ichigo grimaced but did not pause for a long period of time, as if the answer pained him, but was one already well-known, before replying, "Some will die in the war… one I might kill just because he's a dick. But those who survive may flee into Hueco Mundo to rebuild what they have lost, some will perish in the battles."
"And how will you prevent the death of our allies if you can't be in two places at once?"
Sosuke asked, rapid questions alighting on his face like sunlight. Ichigo grinned that sharp expression that was a mirror of the grin his hollow counterpart wore, and responded, "There is only one of me, but there's also Shiro and Ossan. No one has seen our fully hollowfied form, and they can also meld into Tensa Zangetsu. Which might allow them in the heat of battle to intervene briefly."
As if echoing his words, the air grew heavy with Shiro's presence before it disappeared. Kisuke thought it was a well-planned solution, there were still some kinks in the plan, such as how to fool Soul Society into entering a war but Ichigo seemed to have laid the bones and now they only needed to construct the rest.
Reflecting on Ichigo's words Kisuke chirped out with a grin, "Ma Ichigo your zanpaktou sure does have a lot of forms."
Ichigo bristled defensively for a moment before he deflated and nodded with an easy kind of accepting smile. Rolling his eyes at the youth's actions, Kisuke settled against the lab bench and wondered what Ichigo would speak of next.
The youth turned the chalkboard around so that a blank screen of black was facing them, and scrawled out three subjects in large text; Quincy, Isshin, radiation poisoning. Kisuke assumed Ichigo's reminder of the human world earlier in the conversation had already covered what he had wanted to speak of regarding that topic for the day. The blond quirked his brow at the last point and wondered out loud, "Radiation poisoning?"
Ichigo rubbed the back of his head before he shuffled his hand into his sleeve and pulled out a few notes pacing over to hand them to Kisuke he explained with a sigh, "It's more of a side-project but maybe you two can look at my notes?"
It wasn't an explanation in the slightest, but staring up into pleading amber orbs, Kisuke dangerously couldn't say no. So, he nodded and Aizen deflated and repeated the motion, in response he watched as a small smile blossomed throughout Ichigo's features.
The orange-haired Shinigami padded over and erased the topic of radiation poisoning (really it was a productive day after all), and instead circled Isshin's name. Ichigo hesitated for a few moments occupying his fingers with his sleeves before he explained, "Isshin Shiba is my father. He meets my mother in about forty years I think, maybe fifty. In any case, I think that will still happen in the timeline, but just so you know that's a thing that happens."
The younger lieutenant really seemed to be making a bad habit of dropping unexpected surprises on his friend. It seemed near everyone Kisuke spoke to who knew the youth had experienced it at one time or another. It was mind-boggling to consider the notion of Isshin being a father, but at this point, Kisuke was beginning to accept that the future was a strange place. And that perhaps that was for the best.
Ichigo settled into his chair and curled up into it as if preparing to fall asleep, instead, he kept his eyes on the two of them, and Kisuke acknowledged that it would indeed be a long night. If only because his mind would be computing everything for a few days. Smiling at Ichigo, he received a bright grin in return and decided that at least the future would be interesting with Ichigo there.
X
Thank you all for reading, I hope I did the therapy scene justice, and if you have any tips for improvement (on that scene in particular), it is always welcome. Reviews/comments are always appreciated. Till next time!
Bermuda!