Chapter Four
Death is Only the Start
Keigo tried to breathe and found it difficult. He didn't know why it was so hard to breathe at that moment, but then something clicked. Didn't that guy kill him?
He opened his eyes and looked around. He glanced down and realized there was a chain hanging from his chest that looked to be connected to the floor. He looked at it for a minute then realized it was connected right beside his body. So, he was dead after all. He blinked and looked over to see Ichigo lying on the floor nearby. Keigo didn't see the guy that killed him.
"Ichigo!" he called and Ichigo's head raised a little and his eyes widened a little.
"Keigo? You're still here?" Ichigo managed to move to a sitting position with a little effort. Keigo could see his hands were bound in front of him.
"Yeah, I guess, I just woke up, or whatever you call it," he said, looking around. "So, this is death, huh?"
"I'm sorry. It's my fault you're dead," Ichigo sighed.
"What? No, it's not. That other guy killed me." Keigo knew that for sure.
"But if I hadn't gone against him, or if I'd managed to kill him first, you would still be alive. I messed everything up," Ichigo said, looking down at his hands.
"But why am I still here?" Keigo said, looking around. He tugged on the chain. "And why am I chained to this place?"
"You were murdered, so you died with regrets about it, that connected you with the place of your death. That means…" Ichigo's eyes went wider. "That means someone will come give you a konso!"
"What's that?" Keigo wondered.
"A Shinigami comes and lets you pass over. But that means someone will find me and Sho! Maybe I can at least do something good yet and get Sho to pay for his crime!" Ichigo looked elated at this thought.
Keigo nodded. "Yeah and rescue you! What is this guy doing with you anyway? And why aren't you in that black outfit with the sword like usual when you're like this?"
Ichigo cleared his throat. "He's obsessed. He says he loves me, but he just wants me to belong to him like some physical thing. He knows all my friends and family and told me if I resisted him or tried to run away, he'd go after them. Last night, I tried to kill him with a screwdriver I found but he woke up. I'm powerless right now because of this stupid collar his partner put on me."
Keigo sighed. "Well, at least I get to go to see Soul Society, huh?"
"Yeah, you might even get into the Seireitei someday," Ichigo said with a slight grin.
"Of course, I will!" Keigo affirmed.
Ichigo still looked sad, though. "Hey, Ichigo, it's okay that I'm dead. It isn't really the end, and you know that better than anyone else."
"But your sister and your parents…" Ichigo looked at him. "They won't see you again."
"I know but I still get to see you, so that's good, and I'll make new friends and family in that Soul Society place," he smiled and hoped Ichigo would stop being so sad about it.
Just then, through the wall stepped a Shinigami. He was shorter with dark hair and what looked like three RCA cables hanging in it. Keigo stared at him for a minute.
"Ichigo?" he said, coming in and walking up to him.
"Rikichi?" Ichigo asked, looking up at him. "You came for Keigo's soul! Please, send him across and get Renji or Rukia to come help!"
Rikichi nodded. "Of course!" he said and turned to face Keigo.
"Wait, I want to make sure Ichigo gets out of here!" he yelped.
"I'll make sure," Rikichi nodded, turning his Zanpakutō backward and touching the end to Keigo's forehead. "Go to the Seireitei."
Then, Rikichi turned to Ichigo after Keigo's soul passed over. He knelt down and undid the binding on his wrists quickly.
"Hurry," Ichigo said softly. "I have to kill him. Otherwise, he'll go after my family!"
"What's this?" Sho's voice came from the doorway.
Rikichi turned and looked at him. Ichigo didn't know what to do right then. His hands were free, but what would that matter if Sho escaped and went for his family? Somehow, though, he doubted that Sho would leave him for long.
Sho motioned again, and the steam came from the vial at his neck, this time directly at Rikichi. He gasped, stepping back as it burned him. He still had his Zanpakutō out, but he glanced over at Ichigo.
"I'll get help!" he said and escaped through the window.
Sho glared at Ichigo. "How did he find you?"
"You murdered someone in this room!" Ichigo growled. "He showed up to send the soul to Soul Society because he didn't pass over peacefully."
Sho stared at him for a moment. "Let's go," he said walking over and grabbing him by the arm.
Ichigo followed him, having no choice but to go with him right then. As they got outside in the light, Ichigo heard a welcome sound.
"Roar, Zabimaru!"
The expanding sword wrapped around Ichigo and pulled him back as another voice intoned, "Sai!"
Sho's expression of frustration was immediate as his hands were bound behind him. "What!"
Renji's weapon came away from him and Rukia ran up to him. "Ichigo! Are you alright?"
Ichigo sighed, dropping to his knees where he stood out of relief. "No, but I'm better than I was."
Renji went over and grabbed Sho, pulling him over where Rukia was hugging Ichigo. "Let's get you help," she said, running a hand over his head.
"Don't touch him!" Sho growled, glaring at Rukia. "He's mine!"
Rukia turned to him and narrowed her purple eyes. "He doesn't belong to anyone!"
Sho, though wasn't deterred as he fought against the binding spell. "I'll do what I promised, Ichigo. I'll kill them too!"
"Too?" Rukia said. She turned and looked at Ichigo. "What happened. Rikichi said he was here doing a Konso and found you bound. He just said he was attacked, and you needed help."
Ichigo felt tears in his eyes. "The konso, it was for Keigo."
"Keigo? He killed Keigo?" Rukia gasped, turning to see Sho smiling.
"Yeah, and when I get free, I'll kill more of his friends and family. Anyone I can! He's mine, and I'll do what I have to do to make sure he stays that way!"
"Kami, Ichigo. I'm so sorry," Rukia said, hugging him again. "He's not going anywhere from now on. Your powers are sealed, right?"
"Yeah, some sort of collar I can't get off," Ichigo said, reaching up and trying to find a way to get his fingers under it at least. Instead, it felt molded to his skin.
"Let's get you to Urahara's," Renji said and yanked Sho with him. "We'll figure out what to do with this guy."
"You'll let me go!" Sho insisted.
"No way, you just threatened Ichigo's family and friends, and you murdered Keigo," Rukia glared at him. "You're going to pay for what you've done."
Ichigo was barely conscious of what was happening as they walked to Urahara's shop. He was present in reality very little, and several times, ran into Rukia. She didn't seem to mind, but he tried not to do it. He kept himself as far away from Sho as he could, and it seemed Renji understood this because he kept him apart from Ichigo.
When they arrived at the shoten, they saw people already gathered there. Immediately, everyone came toward them, and Ichigo sighed with relief. It was Chad and Ohma as well as his dad and a man he didn't know.
"Ichigo!" Chad said, coming over and putting hands on his shoulders.
Ichigo managed a smile and then Chad pulled him into a bear hug suddenly. Ichigo gasped, not sure what to do, but not expecting such a response from him. He relaxed into it, though and put his arms around him. He stifled a sob because he wanted to start crying and he wasn't sure why. Chad stepped back and looked at him.
"What's wrong?" Chad asked.
"He killed Keigo!" Ichigo managed, tears starting to slip down his face. "Rikichi sent him to Soul Society, so he's there now, but he killed him, and it was my fault!"
Chad glanced over at Sho and then shook his head. "No, Ichigo, he's at fault for what he's done. Not you."
Ichigo nodded, tears still leaking from his eyes as his father came over and embraced him. "Son," he said softly. "I was worried."
"It's only been a day, right? I don't know, I lost track of time," Ichigo muttered as Isshin held him.
"It doesn't matter, but you're safe now," Isshin said, releasing him and stepping back.
"What are we going to do about Sho?" Ichigo asked, looking over where Renji still held him.
"He'll go to Soul Society like Seibei. We'll all go just to make sure you're alright with Unohana. She's expecting you," Isshin said.
Ichigo looked over at Chad and Ohma. He swallowed. "Can Chad and Ohma come too?"
"Of course, and I think Setsuna would like to see Soul Society, too, after our talk last night," he said, indicating the dark-haired man. "Yuzu loves him, by the way. She thinks he's beautiful," Isshin smiled a little and Setsuna bowed his head a little toward them.
Setsuna looked at Urahara. "May I make a phone call first?" he asked.
Ichigo wondered who he wanted to call, but they all went inside while he made a call. Ichigo didn't catch the whole conversation other than he was talking to someone named Shion and he said to tell Tomoko he'd be back soon.
They got ready and Rukia sent for enough hell butterflies to take them through the senkaimon. Rikichi had already returned to his duties in Karakura Town, leaving the situation up to Renji and Rukia. They made it through and headed immediately to the fourth where Ichigo was to be seen to by Unohana. Renji took Sho to be incarcerated, despite his protests that they couldn't do this to him.
-oooooo-OOOOOO-oooooo-
Niko had been a Shinigami now for a short time. He'd shown quite a bit of spiritual power when he arrived in the Rukongai, and thus it had not taken long for him to find his way into the ranks of the Shinigami.
"Did you hear about that hollow the third took down yesterday?" Toshimichi Nagai, one of Niko's fellows in the eight division, said to him and the others as they walked through the Rukongai. They were headed back to the Seireitei after a routine patrol.
"A hollow's a hollow, what's the big deal?" Hoitsu Hiraoka sighed, looking over at him. Hoitsu had rather beady eyes and Niko thought he looked like a rat.
"Yeah, but this one gave them one hell of a fight," Toshimichi continued, waving off Hoitsu's protest. Niko rather liked Toshimichi. He had long, stringy blond hair that fell down past his shoulders. "It was on this island called Ganryu."
"Never heard of it," Suko Chiziwa, the lone female Shinigami of their group commented.
"Yeah, well, this hollow just seemed to get stronger when it was damaged, and it was like it was enjoying it," Toshimichi said sagely. "Took them the whole day, and at least five Shinigami to finally purify the thing."
"That has to be an exaggeration," Hoitsu said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I don't believe it."
"They said it was the toughest hollow they'd ever encountered!" Toshimichi reiterated.
"Well, there's all kinds of hollows, right?" Niko said, looking at them. "I mean, I know I'm new to this, but it seems like some souls would be tougher than others."
The other three looked at him for a moment and Suko winked at him. "You're right, Niko, of course. Basic hollow knowledge, boys," she said, putting an arm around Niko's shoulders as she was nearly as tall as him.
Hoitsu glared at them, and Niko knew it was pure jealousy that burned in that man's heart. He held a flame for Suko, and had a terrible time hiding it.
"Hey, you! You, Shinigami guys!" they heard, and all turned around.
Running toward them, was a young man with brown hair. He had the air about him of someone new to the Rukongai, so he was probably a soul that had recently crossed over. Niko tilted his head to the side and watched as he approached.
"You guys are harder to find than I thought," he said, looking at them.
"What do you need?" Hoitsu growled, still obviously annoyed at Suko's friendliness with Niko.
"Well, I need in the walled part."
Niko looked over as Suko then back to him. "You need in the Seireitei?"
"Yeah, that's what you call the place you all go, right? Seireitei? Whatever it is, I need in there," he said, putting both hands on his hips.
"Well, you can't just go in there," Toshimichi said, looking at him with a frown. "Only Shinigami and those invited can enter the Seireitei."
"Okay, well, I have to get in there to find out if Ichigo is okay!" he said, looking frustrated.
"Ichigo?" Niko said. "Who is that?"
"He's one of you! And he watched me die, and I'm afraid he's gonna think it's his fault, and I got to see him!"
"This is highly unusual," Toshimichi said, glancing at Niko. "What do we do?"
"We don't do anything," Hoitsu groused. "We leave him in the Rukongai where he belongs and go about our business."
"No, wait, there's something about that name, though," Suko said, crossing her arms over her chest. "Seems like I should know it from somewhere."
"Of course, you do, he's risked his life for you people and always gets involved in your affairs even though he's human!" the young man said. "If it weren't for you all, none of this would have happened!"
"Human?" Suko said. "Wait, you mean that substitute Shinigami that defeated Sōsuke Aizen?"
"That's him!"
Niko had heard of this person in the academy. They had learned about the betrayal of Sōsuke Aizen and the Arrancar army he had created. He knew that the one to finally bring him down had been a human substitute Shinigami that had originally been nothing but a human. He was also rumored to be the son of a powerful Shinigami, though that wasn't something they learned in classes.
"We should call this in," Suko said, a frown creasing her forehead.
"What? There's nothing to it!" Hoitsu said, rolling his beady eyes at them.
"I agree with Suko," Toshimichi said. "What about you, Niko?"
Niko looked at Suko, then Toshimichi. "I think we should let Kyōraku-taichou decide what to do with him. I say call in and ask."
Hoitsu snorted and looked away, while Toshimichi radioed in to see what to do about him. "What's your name?" he asked.
"Keigo Asano," he said with a nod of his head.
After a few minutes, they were told to hold their position. Niko thought that was odd, because usually they'd be given some instruction to go ahead back to the Seireitei or something like that.
"So, uh, how do you know this Ichigo?" Toshimichi said as they waited.
"He's one of my best friends," Keigo said, nodding. "He got kidnapped by this Fullbringer that was obsessed with him, and he killed me to make Ichigo behave, I think. At least that's what I gathered before that guy with the cables in his hair came and touched me with his sword."
"Ah, a Konso," Suko said, nodding.
Things were quiet for a time, and they just waited. Then they heard a familiar voice.
"Ah, Keigo, you did find your way," Kyōraku-taichou said as he slowly wandered up to where they were standing.
"You!" Keigo said, rushing over to him. "Take me to Ichigo!"
All four of the Shinigami were stunned to hear anyone talk to a captain like that. What was even more stunning, was their captain's reaction to it. He chuckled and nodded slowly before he tipped his hat at Keigo.
"Of course. I'm sure he'll be very glad to know you crossed over successfully. He's at the medical division being seen to right now. I'll take you to him," Kyōraku said and gestured to Keigo. "Oh, and Tokita, you may wish to come along too. I believe you'll be familiar with someone accompanying Ichigo."
Niko blinked, frowning but looked at the others with a shrug and followed the captain and Keigo.
-oooooo-OOOOOO-oooooo-
"I'm telling you, other than this stupid collar, I'm fine!" Ichigo growled, glaring at the medical Shinigami that was trying to examine him.
Unohana stood in the doorway and watched. "Ichigo, please cooperate," she said.
Despite his reluctance, her presence was enough to make him do as she asked. Like everyone else, he thought she was scary. He sighed and let the fourth Shinigami continue going over him. Urahara, his father, Chad, Ohma, Setsuna, Renji, and Rukia had all come with him, but right now they were all told to wait outside for Unohana to do what she needed to.
"Other than superficial wounds, there are no major issues," the Shinigami said and looked at Unohana.
"Very well, thank you," she said, and the other Shinigami left.
"Alright, so can we figure out how to get this collar off?" Ichigo asked, rubbing at his neck where he still couldn't even feel the collar.
"I'm more worried about your condition, Ichigo," she said, looking at him seriously.
"You heard him, I'm fine! A little beat up, I guess, but that's all. The bastard didn't do anything that can't be fixed," he said, looking at her.
"I don't think that's true, Ichigo," she said, coming into the room and standing beside the exam table where he was sitting.
Ichigo swallowed noisily. "I don't know what you mean."
"I think you do," Unohana said, reaching out and taking his hand. "Please, let me help you with this."
Ichigo shook his head. "There's nothing that can't be fixed."
"Ichigo, I've been told what happened. This Setsuna you brought with you spoke to me while you were being brought in. He didn't have time to tell me much, but he did let me know what happened to you with this Fullbringer." Her voice was warm and soft, and Ichigo couldn't help but feel a bit comforted by it.
"What he did, it's okay. Really, I'm fine," Ichigo said softly, looking down at his hands.
Unohana squeezed his hand. "No, you're not. He violated your body in such a way that there is no easy way through this."
Ichigo swallowed again. "I'll be okay," he said, but his voice had no strength.
"You can talk about how this is making you feel," she said gently.
"Feel? I feel useless!" Ichigo snapped, squeezing down on her hand in response. "I couldn't stop it from happening, not one time!"
"You couldn't stop him, Ichigo. You were cut off from you powers and weakened," Unohana said, not seeming to mind the grip Ichigo now had on her hand.
"Yeah, but I should have fought harder! I should have tried to get away sooner. I should have killed him when I tried, and now…Keigo's dead because I failed."
"You did all you could," she said, placing her free hand on his shoulder. "Look at me, Ichigo." Ichigo looked up from his hands. "You did what you could. Understand this."
Ichigo wasn't sure that he could believe that, but then he heard a familiar voice yelling his name. He frowned and looked out the door in time to see Renji coming after Keigo. Ichigo gasped.
"Keigo!" Ichigo said, and Unohana stepped back as Keigo ran into the room.
"Ichigo, you're here!" he said and threw his arms around Ichigo.
Ichigo returned the hug and looked over to see Shunsui standing in the doorway with Renji.
"Keigo, how did you find your way here?" Ichigo asked as he released him.
"I found some Shinigami and told them I had to find you, and this captain of yours brought me here with one of them. I had to make sure you were okay!" Keigo said, smiling. "I was afraid when I crossed over that the guy would come back and do something bad to you again."
"He was going to move me again, but Renji and Rukia found us first, and they brought him to lock him away. He's in a cell in the second, I think," Ichigo explained. "Keigo, I'm so sorry!"
"Sorry?" Keigo said, waving it off. "Don't be stupid, Ichigo. That guy killed me, but look, I'm still here!"
Ichigo couldn't help the tears in his eyes. "Yeah, but it took you from the World of the Living, and now you're just here, and you can't go back and see your family or anything!"
"Yeah, they've found my body, I imagine," Keigo said, a little sad looking. "But no matter, it's still not your fault!"
"But Keigo, if I hadn't tried to kill him and failed, he wouldn't have gotten to you!" he lost the fight with the tears, then.
"Oh, Ichigo, stop that nonsense. He is crazy, and there was no telling what he'd do. He told me that you belonged to him and that he was going to show you that. What did he do to you, though? He scared me." Keigo frowned and looked back at Shunsui and Renji.
"Don't worry," Ichigo said, smiling a little now despite the tears in his eyes. "I'm glad you were able to make it to Soul Society."
"Yeah, me too. It's not so bad, this being dead thing, because at least I can still see you." Keigo smiled. "Who knows, maybe I could get to be a Shinigami, too!"
Ichigo smiled and wiped the tears that had escaped. "Yeah, wouldn't that be something."
"Urahara wants to come try and extract that collar," Unohana said. Ichigo hadn't even noticed her leaving, let alone coming back in with Urahara.
"Alright, Keigo, why don't you go out with the others?" Ichigo said, a little nervous about the prospect of removing the collar. He didn't want Keigo getting hurt again.
Urahara came in as Keigo left to go out with Renji again. Shunsui was still standing at the doorway, watching, and Ichigo guessed he was curious as to what was going on with him.
"Alright, let's see what we can do…" Urahara said with a grin.