Getsu tracked the many shadows that had been brought to life by the other Zanpakuto's Shikai, his hackles rising the longer he watched them slither around on the tatami floor. His instincts of both battle and survival were screaming at him—Danger! Run! Attack!—urging him to do something before Katen had the chance to act and—
Calloused but slender fingers wrapped around his left hand and gave it a firm squeeze to disrupt the train of thoughts that was speeding down the tracks of insanity. The familiar Spiritual Pressure of his counterpart filled the cracks of his crumbling rationality and eased the growing hysteria in both his core and mind.
This wasn't a fight. Katen wasn't using her Shikai to hurt them, that wasn't the objective of this game she had suggested. All they had to do was be honest or decline to answer so there was no reason to lie, to begin with. Even the punishment that hang over their head if they were dishonest was harmless meaning there was absolutely nothing to worry about.
'Do you have a question you would like to ask her?' Tensa asked softly.
Getsu nodded, aiming his eyes at the Zanpakutō across from them. 'How does yer Shikai work?'
'I believe I already answered that question, I even gave a demonstration', Katen replied. 'Unless you think me a liar?'
'I dunno, are ya a liar?' Getsu asked back. 'In case yer forgot, we only met an hour or so ago, we don't know shit about ya. And while I don't think ya've lied to us yet, I wouldn't be surprised if ya kept some important info to yerself'.
'Ah, I see. That is indeed a reasonable concern', Katen agreed. 'Very well, I don't mind sharing a little more if that will put your minds at ease.
'My master and I are quite the enjoyer of games, specifically the more simple ones. As such, our ability is to make those games, or rather their rules, real to all who are within Shun-kun's Pressure'.
'Could you give us an example of a game other than what we're playing now?' Tensa asked.
'Certainly. Are you familiar with Daruma-san ga Koronda? It is also known as "Red-light, Green-light" in some circles'.
Both Getsu and Tensa nodded in unison. How could they not know it when their wielder had a child?
'Let's say we would be playing this game instead and you were marked as "it", in that case, I would not be able to move whenever you are looking at me, doing so will inflict severe harm upon me or can even kill me'.
'That doesn't sound very fair', Getsu noted.
'Well, the whole point of using Shikai is to turn the fight in your favour', Katen reasoned. 'That aside, the rules apply to us as well. If I were to succeed in sneaking up on you then the harm will be dealt to you instead'.
'And you can do that with every kind game?' Tensa questioned.
'No. There are a lot of games in existence—some I do not even know about—and not every game is suitable for combat purposes. Having said that, my interest lies in the simple games like the ones that children can play in the street, as their rules are easy to understand and quick to learn', Katen explained, her expression growing sombre. 'To be honest with you, Shun-kun doesn't like to play with me as much anymore, says it is too much of a hassle to work around whatever game I end up choosing'.
'You choose the game and not your wielder?'
Katen nodded, 'I observe the battle and choose a game that I believe will make it the most interesting. Unfortunately, "interesting" isn't something that Shun-kun is after much these days'. She let a small sigh pass her lips, 'Alas, that is not something I should burden you with. Have I answered your question to your satisfaction?'
Getsu gave a shrug, 'Guess so'.
The smile that spread across Katen's face once the turn had been passed to her was almost predatory, 'Then it is my turn'. Her eye locked on Getsu, who bared his teeth at her in response. 'Who and what are you?' she asked. 'Are you truly the Zanpakutō Spirit of Kurosaki Ichigo? Is Zangetsu the name you awakened with? Is that all true despite you being an Inner Hollow? Please, I would love to know'.
'I thought we could only ask one question', Getsu growled.
'She did'.
Getsu gave Tensa a look, 'Ya deaf or something? She asked four—'
'Three of which will be answered by answering the first one', Tensa explained. 'It's just one question'.
'Tch'. Getsu turned back to look at Katen. 'From ta moment Ichigo awakened his powers—awakened us—we've been the way we are. Zangetsu is my name and I am Ichigo's Zanpakutō just like he is', Getsu said, jerking his head in Tensa's direction. 'But I ain't an Inner Hollow, never have been'.
'Urahara once explained to us that an Inner Hollow refers to a separate entity that exists beside the Zanpakutō Spirit', Tensa elaborated. 'Like a Zanpakutō, they are a personification of power, representing only the Hollow nature the Soul has been "infected" with later in life'. He gestured between his counterpart and himself, 'We, on the other hand, have been the way we are since the moment Ichigo awakened his powers; therefore, that term would not apply to us'.
'Oh, whatever term would apply, then?' Katen questioned curiously.
'Urahara found that "Hollow Zanpakutō" would be a more accurate descriptor', Tensa told. 'An entity that can form when a Soul inherits both the powers of a Shinigami and a Hollow from their parents. The Hollow would merge with the Zanpakutō Spirit, making them a single being that personifies both powers'.
Katen nodded, 'That would mean that your master's situation is different than those of the Vizoreds, correct? As they had their Hollow powers forced upon them later in life'.
'That is correct'.
'But if the two powers merge to become one, why are there two of you?' Katen asked.
'We are two aspects of the same being', Tensa replied without missing a beat. 'We do normally share a single body, switching form and control depending on who Ichigo needs most. When the need arises, we can both exist simultaneously but not indefinitely'.
Katen hummed, nodding along to the information given. 'Thank you for such a detailed answer. I will pass the turn back to you'.
'As the Zanpakutō Spirit of one of the oldest taichō in the Gotei Thirteen, I presume you know your peers—and can judge their character—very well', Tensa began. 'Which taichō and fukutaichō would defend us, which are impassive, and whom would rather see us dead?'
Katen sighed, 'That's quite the question'.
'We have time', Tensa replied. 'You do not have to give an elaborate explanation for everyone, an estimation will be more than enough'.
'Very well', Katen relented. 'Then I shall share my judgement per Division.
'It will come as no surprise that both the sōtaichō and his fukutaichō rather see your master purified. Though, even if that would ever happen they do not appreciate the stubbornness and attitude he has—nor the many friends and allies he keeps—so they most likely rather have him be taken out of the equation completely to be spared the hassle.
'Soi Fon taichō would rather you do not exist, however, she follows the law to the letter and won't strike unless ordered to do so by the sōtaichō. She will ignore your master but seize the legal opportunity to be rid of him if that ever presents itself. Her fukutaichō is all bark and no bite, he will badmouth your wielder but not dare to raise a finger in his direction in his presence.
'Then there is Ōtoribashi taichō. He is more difficult for me to predict as he has not been a taichō for long but I suspect him to be against you. After all, he did agree to the purification process without argument. His fukutaichō, Kira Izuru, is neutral but inclined to be against you. Unohana taichō, on the other hand, will defend you and your master. Isane fukutaichō is neutral but, like Kira fukutaichō, is inclined to be against you.
'Then we have Hirako taichō. He was quite eager to cleanse himself of his Inner Hollow and thus be likely to be against you as well. He does like your master well enough and will stand by him in other matters. Hinamori fukutaichō will be against you and your master. Kuchiki taichō and Abarai fukutaichō are likely to defend you if your master does so as well as they trust his judgement—'
'Wait, what?' Getsu interjected. 'Yer saying that stick-up-his-ass-sama trusts Ichigo's judgement? Ya sure about that?'
'Quite so', Katen said. 'He may not show it but he truly holds your master in high regard. How much his imoto has played a role in that view, I do not know'.
'Ichigo did prevent Rukia's execution', Tensa noted. 'It wouldn't be unfathomable to assume that has put him in our debt'.
'Hm... They do get along now, don't they', Getsu reluctantly agreed, referring to the two Kuchikis. 'Guess I just assumed he despised me'.
'You didn't kill him'.
'Only cuz Ichigo intervened'.
'Hence why he trusts Ichigo to keep you in line'.
Getsu hummed, not quite convinced but willing to let the matter drop.
'After Kuchiki taichō we have Komamura taichō of the Seventh Division', Katen continued. 'I believe he has a positive opinion of your master, as it is due to him that Aizen's betrayal, and that of Tōsen, had come to light. Still, I wouldn't count on him to defend you out of trust or loyalty. His fukutaichō is neutral and might be swayed either way.
'Then we have my master and his fukutaichō. Shunsui would defend you, I'm certain. He likes your master quite a bit and after today, I believe he doesn't believe you to be a threat, either. His fukutaichō is impassive however and likely to side against you.
'Muguruma taichō and his second fukutaichō, Kuna Mashiro, have a bias against you but like your master well enough. Kuna fukutaichō, however, did not appear to harbour the same resentment towards her Inner Hollow as her fellow Vizored, as she was sad to have to cleanse it. You might be able to sway her opinion and that of Muguruma taichō by extension. His first fukutaichō, Hisagi Shuhei, is against you.
'Then we have the Tenth Division. Hitsugaya taichō likes your master well enough but I do not know if he would defend you. His fukutaichō is impassive towards your master but is afraid of you.
'Kenpachi taichō will vow for you regardless and the same goes for his fukutaichō and most of his seated officers'.
'Tch, figures'.
'I would stay far away from Kurotsushi taichō, he wants your master on his operating table. His fukutaichō is impassive but would follow his orders.
'And lastly, we have Ukitake taichō of the Thirteenth. He will defend you, as will his fukutaichō but I presume you knew that already'.
'That is…much better than I had anticipated', Tensa admitted.
'We need two more if it ever came down to a vote, though'.
Tensa hummed in acknowledgement. As it stood, it was more likely that the neutral parties would be swayed to be against them. However, it also meant that they—well, Ichigo—only needed to befriend two more people, maybe three if he could manage it. A task that would be a lot simpler than changing the minds of the captains who were set against them.
'If you're satisfied then I believe I've earned an answer to a more personal question'. Katen leaned forward a bit with that unnerving smile of hers, 'Have you ever hurt your wielder?'
The annoyed and slightly hostile attitude Getsu had been putting up faltered, eyes losing their harsh focus and shifting away. Tensa was more proficient at maintaining indifference, the shade his hood cast over his face only aiding him in his deception.
'I take that as a yes', Katen said, her eyes slowly drifting to Tensa. 'For the both of you, that is. Was it intentional?'
'Yes', both said in harmony.
'Do you regret it?'
'No'.
It was Tensa who elaborated, 'While we wish we did not have to hurt him, we know that there are times when it is unavoidable. Each time we've hurt him—may it be with our blade or words—we were of the opinion there was no other way to obtain the same result in the time available'.
'Is that true for you as well?' Katen asked, aiming the question at the pale spirit across her. Getsu didn't respond vocally, simply nodding in agreement. 'Mind elaborating a little?'
'I've got nothing ta say he hasn't said already', Getsu grumbled. 'We hurt him cuz we had to and we'll do it again if we need to but not because we want to'.
Katen pouted, 'I wish you were more willing to divulge information but I guess it is a rather personal question. You may take your turn'.
Tensa glanced at his counterpart to see if he wanted to ask another question of his own. When Getsu made no sign of speaking Tensa spoke, 'Does the Gotei Thirteen have a plan for our wielder once he passes on from the Human World and if so, what is it?'
'There is', Katen confirmed. 'From what the sōtaichō has divulged, the plan is to find your master as fast as possible once he has crossed over and enrol him into the academy. If all goes well for them they think they can convince him to undergo the purification willingly'.
Getsu scoffed, 'Yeah, right. Like that's ever gonna happen'.
Tensa wanted to agree but withheld at the sense of foreboding that settled heavily in his core. Like his other half, he was one hundred per cent certain their wielder would never agree to the purification. Ichigo loved them—faults and all—and he would never risk losing them again.
Losing them again?
A shiver ran up his spine and his blood ran cold along with it. He felt eyes drill into him and that's when Tensa realised his control had slipped from his grasp. Panic claimed his core and he took longer than he would have liked to get a grip on his wavering Pressure. He dared one look at Katen and prayed to whatever god above that was feeling benevolent to grant him a small miracle.
Katen met his eyes with a slight cock of the head, a small smile appearing on her face.
'Hey'.
Battle-worn fingers pressed against his cheek and Tensa found his view redirected to face his other half.
'What's the matter?' Getsu asked and how could Tensa give an answer to that question without it ending with a destroyed Shōten?
'Nothing'. As the lie fell from his lips the shadows reacted. They surged towards him and Getsu growled, pulling him close as if that would protect him from being punished.
'It wasn't yer turn!' Getsu snarled at Katen.
'Have you forgotten? Every lie in response to a question will be punished. I have told you so at the very beginning', Katen reminded.
Getsu growled at her in frustration before he looked at his other half, finding their chin and forcing him to face him. Just like with Katen prior there were big strokes of red painted across Tensa's face spelling the kanji for "liar".
'Ya okay?'
'I'm—' The red paint glowed. '—no. No, I'm not'.
'Does it hurt?'
'No, it merely burns a little— Don't!' Tensa grabbed Getsu by the shoulders to keep him from lunging at the other Zanpakutō. 'It doesn't hurt!'
'I fail to understand why you are directing your anger at me, I'm not the one who lied to you', Katen said.
'I don't care!' Getsu hissed. 'Make it go away!'
'It will vanish once he has answered the next question honestly'.
'It isn't her fault', Tensa insisted. 'I shouldn't have tried to lie to you'.
Getsu growled. He didn't mind when the other lied to him because he knew he was being lied to. They both did. Sure they could downplay things but outright lying to each other's faces had become near impossible. Lying had become a way of saying "let's put a rain check on the truth" for them. It wasn't even really lying anymore so for Tensa to get punished for it was unfair.
But Katen didn't know that and the shadow don't care. The fact remained that a lie was spoken and the dishonesty had to be laid bare. They were both right, he knew but that didn't make it any easier for Getsu to ignore the rising desire to tear into the woman across of them.
'Ask your damn question then!' Getsu hissed. 'The quicker we get this over with the better'.
'Hmm, let's see...what to ask, what to ask', Katen mused, tapping her chin with her finger as if she didn't have all her questions prepared. 'Let's go for an easy one. Who is the most important person in your—'
'Ichigo', Tensa and Getsu said simultaneously. Getsu kept his eyes trained on Tensa's face as he gave his answer, his anger simmering down when the vibrant bold strokes faded away.
Katen chuckled, 'You didn't even let me finish my question'.
'I'm willing to elaborate', Tensa offered.
'If you don't mind', Katen said. 'Is his life or his happiness more important to you?'
'Both have become equal', Tensa told. 'I no longer want him to merely survive, I want him to live his life. I want him happy'.
'Is the same true for you?' Katen asked, turning her eyes to Getsu.
'I rather have him alive', Getsu responded. He was tired of this interrogation charading as a game. All he wanted was to lay in bed with his other half, have him there to keep the memories and cold away. Preferably Ichigo would be there too but Getsu knew that his wielder had a child to take care of who needed his attention and supervision. 'But I ain't the one doing the living'.
Katen nodded, accepting the answer.
'Our turn', Tensa said. 'Do you agree with how Soul Society and the Gotei Thirteen are run? What would you and your wielder want to see changed?'
'That's a rather wide question', Katen noted. 'Alas, it is one we have an answer to.
'Soul Society had grown stagnant and ignorant to change. In the last few decades, a lot of our views have been challenged and what we have learned from that needs to be passed on'. She gestured to them, 'For example, having Hollow powers does not make one a villain. They could be obtained naturally and the person will have complete control over them'. She shook her head, 'Shun-kun wishes to see progress made in the minds of the new generation. Especially to those who are different we need to be more understanding and accepting'.
The shadows didn't react.
'Your turn'.
'Why are you in Bankai, still? Katen questioned immediately, keeping her eye on the hooded spirit who tensed up in response. 'You didn't believe no one would notice, did you? It is clear from your signature'.
'I hoped', Tensa admitted in a murmur. 'I'm sorry but I can't answer that question to your satisfaction'.
'You can try', Katen said. 'If you don't answer then I will win'.
'I rather lose a game than gamble on this', Tensa replied.
'Perhaps I will be satisfied with whatever you can divulge?'
'I pass'.
Katen shifted her gaze towards the Hollow Zanpakutō, 'What about you? Are you willing to—'
'No', Getsu cut off.
'Very well…' Katen said with noticeable disappointment. 'Why did your master learn another language for you? I doubt he would do so just because you don't feel like speaking on occasion'.
Getsu grumbled a little, giving his other half a nudge with his elbow. 'Cuz he's got a bleeding heart, that's why'.
'Hollowfication has a negative effect on his vocal cords', Tensa explained. 'Speaking becomes challenging with the mask on. Complete Hollowfication makes it near impossible'.
'Truly?' Katen eyed Getsu curiously, 'That seems quite the design flaw, doesn't it?'
'Those are the cards we have been dealt with, there isn't much we can do about it', Tensa said, giving the closest arm a squeeze when he felt the muscles tense.
'I suppose that, with how Kurosaki-san's Soul is built, it is a wonder that he is even alive', Katen agreed. 'My next and final question, then. Which memories do you hold closest to your heart?' she asked. 'What is your most fond memory that you cherish and which one do you fear? Let's start with the most feared one so we may end on a positive note'.
'The Saigo no Getsuga Tenshō...' Tensa pulled at his hood, 'He used it to overpower Aizen at the cost of his powers. I never want him to use it again'.
Getsu hummed, 'Yeah that sucked'.
'I take it yours is different then?' Katen questioned.
'That emo-bat fucker, Ulquiorra', Getsu told, crossing his arms. 'One of Aizen's Espada. Asshole killed Ichigo like twice in an hour, blew a fucking hole the size of a soccer ball into his chest'.
Katen nodded, 'I can imagine those moments to be ones you would like to avoid reliving, maybe even wish never happened. So, let's not dwell on them too much and move on to your most fond memory'.
Tensa let his hands slide down the rim of his hood, fingers curling around the cords and riding them down to the knots to play with the frayed ends. 'There was this certain fight between Ichigo and me. I believe it was the first one I was able to fully enjoy'. Even though his face was obscured, it was no secret Tensa had a smile on his face. 'He won, impaled me right through the abdomen'.
Katen's eye drifted towards the other spirit, who appeared to be deep in thought.
My fondest memory? Getsu scowled. 'Could ya ask the question differently?'
'If you can give me a reason why', Katen said. 'It wouldn't do if you want to try and find a loophole after all'.
's'Not that', Getsu said. 'I don't—no, I do, but—' he sighed and shook his head. 'Use a different word than "fond"'.
'Ah'. Katen nodded. 'What memory do you think back on most positively? Which one is the most important for you? I want to know what moment in time means the most to you'.
'I asked for a different word, not two more questions', Getsu said.
'I only need one answer'.
Getsu hummed. What moment meant the most to him? Aibō calling me by my name? He pursed his lips, frown settling. He wished it were that moment. It did mean a lot to him, it was a milestone in his relationship with his wielder. Yet, the circumstances around it more or less ruined it. He wasn't able to enjoy it then and even when he thought back on it the moment was ruined because that bucket hat-wearing son-of-a-bitch was right there doing experiments on them.
So probably not that then.
What about... the Sign Language? Getsu gritted his teeth. No, he had ruined that himself. Too emotionally handicapped to appreciate and understand Ichigo's reasoning for what he had done. While it warmed his heart to know his wielder had learned a language for him, the memory of his own reaction was less than positive.
Well, what else is there? Was there even a memory that wasn't fucked up in some way or another? Something he could think back on and smile. Their first meeting? Their reunion? The nightmares? Training? Cleaning? Maybe but wasn't there—
Oh…
'Are you embarrassed, Zangetsu-san?' Katen asked.
'No. Why t'fuck would I be?'
'Your silence and colour lead me to believe you don't want to share'.
'Shaddup', Getsu huffed, crossing his arms and balancing his elbow on his knee. 'It's a no'.
'Can I have some context to that "no", Zangetsu-san?'
'It was the first time that old fart asked Ichigo ta come over, wanting ta discuss some things now he got his powers back and shit. One of the subjects that he wanted ta talk bout was his "Inner Hollow" and Hollow powers. The second he mentioned it Ichigo got all defensive, kept his hand on us the whole time, too.
'He wanted Ichigo ta purify himself, saying I wasn't trustworthy cuz I was "tainted", yada-yada-yada. He didn't even hesitate to tell that fucker where to shove it'. The most fragile of smiles tugged at his lips, 'It's that moment he said "no" for me'.
With the last answer given to satisfaction, the life drained from the shadows. Katen smiled in victory and fulfilment, sealing her Shikai now her power was no longer required.
Tensa heaved a deep but soft sigh in relief. Somehow they had managed to get through this without any casualties of both the material and Soul variety. Even his mistake had gone over much better than he had feared it would go in the moment.
Giving the hand he still held a gentle squeeze, Tensa looked at his other half. 'Are you doing alright?'
Getsu didn't respond to him, gold swirling in his eyes that stared straight ahead, focused on something only he could see. He began to hum, the sound gradually evolving into a growl that even Katen could hear.
'Is there something amiss, Zan—'
Her words died in her throat as the Hollow Zanpakutō moved. His hand twisted to take hold of Tensa's instead and pull him along to his feet.
'H-hey!'
Getsu ignored him, dragging his other half along to the door which he opened up with more force than required.
'W-wait!'
#
To Be Continued
