Warning: Violence, language, and mature themes. Some OOC and AU.
Author Note 1: I am not great about having a set time to post new chapters. I try to at least get one out once a month but I don't guarantee anything. I am a big fan of Bleach and do not own any characters or ideas from the Manga or Anime. Please support the original material, you won't regret it. Bleach has been my childhood other than Naruto, but I'll be changing things up. It will be an Au from Canon so if something doesn't seem right please don't worry, I know it's not right.
Ichigo Kurosaki was trying to get his karate uniform to look perfect since his mom would be watching him in his afternoon matches. He glared at his shirt as the collar would not stay down. It was early in the morning of June 17th and everything had to be perfect. He didn't want his mom to help him anymore. Since he was almost ten, he decided to be more of a help than he already was to his mommy. She was the center of his world and perfect in every way.
His father, on the other hand, was a huge goofy ball of energy. How his poor mommy could keep up with him all the time he would never know. His dad had told him not too long ago what his name meant, one who protects. So, after getting into karate and fighting back bullies sometimes in school. His mom was still not too happy about that, but he never started those fights. He made the decision of protecting his mom and family from then on. He would protect their smiles, happiness, and let no one harm them. This was one of the times he could prove to himself that he could do it with the competition. Tatsaki would also be there as well. He was glad to have a friend. He did not have many. Really, it was only Tatsaki.
People took one look at his orange hair and the bruises he had from practicing or getting beat up, and thought he was a delinquent. Though that was ok. Who needed them when he had his mom and sweet twin sisters anyway? Ok, and his dad too. Yuzu was as sweet as their mom with her hair. Karin looked more like their dad but was calm and active. He would always find time to play soccer with Karin or read to Yuzu. He would cook with his mom and help his dad in the clinic. He had the best family.
There came a knock on the door to his room and his mom walked in with a bright smile. "It's almost time for school, Ichigo".
"I know," Ichigo blushes in embarrassment trying to flatten the stubborn collar. His mom just smiles softly and fixes it for him with a kiss to his forehead. Although he wanted to be a grownup, he couldn't help but smile up at Masaki. "Thanks, mommy".
"Always, my baby. Ready?" She stands and walks to the door.
"Yes! I'm going to win for sure this time. Then everyone will know that I can protect you mom". Ichigo said with determination as they left the house. Masaki nearly cooed at how grownup he sounded.
As they started down the street Ichigo caught sight of his dad talking with a man in a green and white striped hat. The man looked weird, but not threatening. Ichigo had a six sense when it came to people. He could tell by seeing and feeling the presence of a person if they were dangerous or friendly. Isshin liked to say it was a family trait apparently. This was also not the first time he had seen the man around his dad. Though he never came around the rest of the Kurosaki family. He might be a friend of his dads but it was still weird.
School at first was alright for Ichigo. Math and history were quiet as kids were starting to wake up. Sadly, it went downhill fast when lunch time began. Tatsaki was hanging out with some girls and Ichigo didn't want to sit with all of them. Girls could be very troublesome in packs. So, he had decided to sit under a tree in the back as he ate his bento alone. Five minutes into the meal he felt rain drops start and then it suddenly down poured. Many people didn't like the rain, but Ichigo loved it. He loved any type of water anyway. His dad liked to joke he must have been a fish in a past life. He retorted with saying he must have been a goat than because of his face. Isshin had started to grow a goatee and needed a haircut at the time. Now his sisters would giggle out the funny name anytime they say their dad, making him go into silly dramatics.
Ichigo would have liked to stay out in the rain but his mom would be upset if he got sick. He never got sick before though. As he walked in an empty hallway, he was pushed inside a classroom by his usual bullies Kaname, Haruto, and Akio.
"Hey carrot, where do you think you're going?" Akio sneered.
Akio and Kaname were both a grade higher and bigger than ichigo. Haruto was in the same class and loved to taunt him.
Kaname pushed him into a desk. "You should really stop dyeing your hair that dumbass color it's painful to see. Then again it's easier for us to find you".
"Can't you guys just leave me alone. This is my hair color naturally and why does it even matter?" Ichigo asked giving him some space. They had left him alone for a while and he practiced hard in the dojo so maybe he could take them now? He hated his mom's worried face when seeing him have bruises when coming home.
As Haruto got closer on his left trying to grab his arm he sidestepped and kicked Akio hard in the shin, knocking him down in pain. This surprised Haruto enough that he did not see the round house kick Ichigo set into his stomach. Ichigo felt satisfaction for once that he could finally fight back and make some hits. Sadly, Ichigo was not used to fighting multiple people at once and Kaname did not stay frozen like his friends. Ichigo felt a hard hit on his cheek before he was knocked out cold by Kaname's fist.
Ichigo woke to a bright ceiling and the smell of disinfectant. He was in the nurse's office again. He could feel the failure of being able to protect himself well up and almost came to tears. He just hoped his dad wouldn't try to make him feel better with his stupidity when he came. Goat face was the parent that usually was able to answer the school and Ichigo was thankful for that. His mom didn't know about a lot of the fights he got into at school or outside it. The few she did see the aftermath of, was heart wrenching for the almost ten-year-old. The amount of worry and concern in her face almost always made him feel like the lowest being in the world. His mom was everything and he did not want her to worry about him.
So, it was a surprise and moment of panic when instead of Isshin, Masaki walked into the room. Ichigo could feel a lump in his throat stopping him from making a sound and panic nearly stop his heart. Anyone but her. Masaki was pale as she looked over the pain and damage to her boy. She wanted to rage at the principal some more for making it seem like he was a delinquent and started the fight. She knew her son. He would never start a fight unless justified and it was three against one. Her son was not stupid to take on that many at once with his training. Therefore, the three kids were bullying her baby.
"Sweetie, are you feeling ok?" She decided to ask with concern in her eyes.
Ichigo looked down and started to play with the white blanket he was under. "I'm ok mom". He said in a small voice.
Masaki smiled softly and took his hand. "Do you feel well enough to come home now?"
Panic set in again and Ichigo's eyes widened. "I have my match this afternoon".
"Ichi, I think it would be best to skip this one. There's always next month. You're hurt and might have a concussion". She whispered softly brushing his orange locks back with her hand.
Ichigo couldn't help the tears spilling over at that. This was supposed to be his chance to show his mom what a good protector he was. That he was getting stronger for his sisters and her.
"Oh, sweetie. I promise you will have your match next time and I am not mad at you for the fight. It was obviously bullying and I will be having a talk with your teachers and principal more about it. I know you, baby boy. You would never fight unless protecting others or yourself. I just wish your father had told me sooner. Your dad isn't the best with these situations and thought it was good training for you in a way. He was raised differently. I'll make sure you're ok and can protect us". Masaki hugged Ichigo close.
Although he was still upset, Ichigo felt warm by her words. She could see he was getting stronger and didn't think he was bad like his teacher's did. He had the best mom ever. He even giggled a little at the trouble coming his dad's way. Ichigo had learned a long time ago that it was best not to hide things from his mom and a part of him wanted her to know. He didn't like her worrying but he also didn't want to be in trouble with her. He was a mama's boy even though he would never admit it out loud to others, only mom.
They walked out of the school with the vice principal. It was one of the weirdest experiences of Ichigo's life. The guy was sweating and flinched every time his mom started to talk to him in a calm whisper. It was like the guy was afraid of her. His mom scary? Never. Wow, the guy was weird. Ichigo never say the sharp look in Masaki's eyes as she smiled coldly at the man who was allowing bullying in his school. The man was lucky she was against harming humans or she would have her bow out.
"So, I believe that the teachers will be paying better attention from now on, right? I don't believe the school needs any more attention in the media about bullying, especially since this is a wonderful elementary school after all". Masaki left the threat there with a wider smile to the man practically shaking in his shoes. She knew the editor of the Karakura newspaper and was a part of the mom's community group. If she told them her son's story the reputation of the school would be under intense scrutiny. No one messed with her babies. Not to mention she was from a wealthy family not including her adopted one. She held a lot of influence in the human world, not just as a former Quincy.
"Y-es, ma'am". The man stuttered out holding the door for them. She nodded in satisfaction and started to walk her son home.
As they walked the familiar streets rain started to fall once again. Masaki took out her umbrella from her purse and kept a tight hold on Ichigo's hand. As a car splashed the two, she stopped and started to wipe his face.
"Mom, I'm ok. I have a rain coat so I should stand near the edge. I don't want your dress to get all dirty. Yuzu loves that dress". Her sweetheart told her bravely. She was about to agree since his puppy eyes were so adorable with such determination glimmering in them, when he froze staring behind them.
"HEY!" Ichigo shouted at the little girl that stood close to the water. What was she thinking? She'd fall in. His protective instinct took over and he ran toward her quickly crossing the road.
"ICHIGO!" His mother screamed in fear behind him. He turned a little as he was about to grab the girl's arm at the scream. Then blackness took over with the feeling of falling.
Ichigo could hear some fighting noises and his mother shouting in the distance. What was happening? He felt so cold. Adrenaline rushed thorough the boy as he kept hearing his mom's distressed voice. Although he could not make out her words. He feels pain in his leg. Then something warm and heavy was over top him nearly crushing him. Other then the cold water of the rain he felt a warm liquid on his chest and arms. He was finally able to pry his eyes open and was shocked at what he saw.
His beautiful mother was lying on top of his body pinning him down. Her blue dress was wet with blood coming from a gaping wound in her back. She was holding his body close and had her eyes wide in concern.
"Mom," He gasped out shaking her lightly. This was a dream, right?
"Mom?" He spoke louder in panic, but she wasn't answering back.
"MOM!" He screamed shaking her enough for her body to move somewhat off of him. He felt sick. He felt hot tears cloud his eyes. No this wasn't happening. Let this be a bad dream. Not his mom. Not his everything.
He was hyperventilating without realizing it. His hands wouldn't stop shaking. What happened? He was supposed to protect her. What happened?
A heavy thudding came from the left of the boy. He turned his eyes off his mom to see a terrifying sight. A large fur monster with a bone face stood not far from them. It was bleeding a little from a wound in its shoulder and looked pissed.
"Damn that bitch! At least I can eat her and that other soul now". The monster screamed out.
Ichigo's breath left in a rush. This monster is the one who did this. He felt such anger, pain, and panic at the thought. He did not realize his body was glowing a little with a blue light. He wanted to kill this thing. He wanted to protect his mom even though it was too late. He didn't want to feel this ever again. With these thoughts came more reiryoku from the boy.
As the power grew Ichigo could feel the reiatsu of the monster and another one that was fading away. It felt familiar like something he should know but couldn't place. Ichigo prayed for the power to stop this monster. He prayed to be stronger. He prayed and something answered.
The monster was a little taken aback as the boy's reiatsu grew around him becoming a blue vortex of wind around him. For once the monster was unsure about this.
"Hmm...I better tell Aizen about this". He knew that his boss was interested in the kid since he was told not to eat him.
Aizen. That name rang in Ichigo's ears. It was dangerous and again familiar. He felt scared hearing the name whispered by the monster. He knew somehow that he had to stop the creature from escaping and telling Aizen. He would be in great danger from the person.
Ichigo stood on shaking legs as the sky ripped open and the monster climbed into the hole. It felt like another hand was over his as he lifted it high in the air and Reiryoku concentrated in his hand. He brought his hand down sharply and a wave of blue power and water ripped the creature in two causing one half to fall into the closing hole and the other to fall to the ground.
As Ichigo fell to his knees in exhaustion. He felt some type of cloth against his arm and looked up. A beautiful woman stood by his side in a mermaid dress. She had long wavy teal hair that fell to the middle of her back with a few braids with shells throughout her hair. It almost looked like she was wearing a crown. Her face was heart shaped and soft with light blue green eyes. Her dress was a mixture of blues that looked almost like waves but did not look like it would restrict her movements. The top of the dress was shoulder less and looked like it was cut in the side since there was a sword sheath on her hip. In her other hand was a trident of crystalline silver that was almost as tall as her. It had a blue wavy tassel up at the top before the three prongs.
He knew this woman. He knew that weapon. Somehow so many emotions and thoughts flew through his head it was impossible to breath or think. Blinding pain was ripping through his head like he had never felt before. He wanted it to end. He gasped out at the woman for help. "Neji-" and was stopped.
She held a hand over his mouth tightly. "You're not ready to wake up. Your soul is still too torn and weak at this time. You need time to heal and grow stronger. I promise you will remember everything in time and say my name, but I cannot allow you to suffer more then you have. I have not been able to protect you well before and am so sorry for that. So sorry for your pain. I will try harder now that I am awake. Sleep my heart I will protect you now and forever". She was crying silently while staring into Ichigo's eyes and he felt suddenly so tired. He didn't want to sleep and miss her though.
He tried hard to stay awake and did not notice he was coughing up blood trying to stay awake. The woman frowned. "You were always so stubborn," She sighed and kissed his forehead. Darkness soon took the boy over.
Ichigo was laid next to his mother and a few minutes later his father was there taking in the sight with dread and panic. Isshin never say the way the water did not soak his son as he checked him over. He was too focused on his pain and his son being alive to notice. Inside Ichigo's soul the woman looked around the vast darkness and to a small lake in the middle. It looked like it was frozen over but as she looked closer there were some small cracks in the ice and light shining from them. She smiled and started to cry again. Her world was coming back along with her master.