Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach and never will.
As no one seems concerned with the chapter warnings anymore, I'll be forgoing them. Though, if you'd like them back, feel free to leave a review telling me so. ^^
-DIVIDER-
Kurosaki Ichigo's POV...
I step away from the edge, as if repulsed by the powerful sound that fades into a deep rumble. My expression sours, as does my general mood. My initial joy from seeing Zangetsu again leaves me, instead replaced by a sense of dread and unease.
"You're afraid," Ossan anounces in a monotone voice.
I look at him out of the corner of one eye…
"Why?"
"I'm not afraid," I deny.
"As it should be," he agrees. Or does he? He may be suggesting.
To this I say nothing and I draw away from the edge slowly. I'm NOT afraid. I have no reason to be. I faced my fear- literally, and came out the victor. He can't hurt me now…
Just like he can't help me.
I shake my head free of the thought. No, I'm not afraid, but still, there's a gnawing sense of… something at the edge of my psyche that sets my nerves on edge, and makes my stomach churn. I suppose that I'll always have that distant feeling, whatever it is, from now on if it doesn't fade with time.
"Zangetsu…" I turn further away from the edge and walk towards the solemn figure, tall on his unwavering poll. He doesn't react to my approach, just regarding me silently with what seems to be curiosity. It's always been hard to read him, if not near impossible. "I don't know if you've realized this, but something is wrong out there. Very wrong. We're not…" I search for the words to explain the impossible. "...where we are supposed to be. Or even when, I think." I look at him uneasily from underneath my bright orange bangs.
"I've seen flashes…." the rumbling voice trails off. He proceeds to explain how he is in his sealed form, and without me having proper training and experience in Jinzen (whatever that exactly is), he has been "regrettably, almost completely unable to keep tabs on your progress". Then, "Please, tell me what you know." I do. From the very beginning of this mess with the car accident (of all the things to do me in!), all the way to what that bastard Ichimaru has done to me... and the Nakashimas' less than willing betrayal. That still stung, even though I understand they didn't really have a choice… Not with the likes of Ichimaru.
Speaking of Ichimaru… "We're not dead, I'm guessing?" I inquire, half expecting the skyscraper we stand on to crumble to pieces any moment and the gravity of the world to suddenly go bipolar. Suffice to say, I'm keeping light on my feet.
"In what way?" He asks somberly.
I hesitate. Just great… "Both," I say out loud, expecting the worse.
"Your spirit is fine. The drug administered, true to his word it seems, has only put you into a deep state of unconsciousness."
"And the other way?" I ask, even more hesitant. There is a lengthy pause, as if Ossan is trying to decide the best way to say something.
"Your human body is dead, of that much I am certain," he reveals reluctantly.
I wince, anxiety rising. I'd expected this for awhile now, but hearing it confirmed is nearly a different thing altogether. "Does that mean I'm only a Vizard now?" I manage to inquire. It's a weird thought. The Vizards would have a field day, even if they would sorta feel bad for me at first. I really would be one of them, then...
He shakes his head, much to my relief. I really appreciate what the Vizards have done for me and would defend each and every one of them (even the violent, foul mouthed midget), but I don't fancy the idea of living in abandoned warehouses for the rest of my life. I guess, when I get back, I could ask Urahara for gigai to stay with the Living… But I dread to think of what the man will ask for in return...
"No; against all odds, your spirit still exhibits signs of humanity." I swear I can hear distinct relief in his voice, something I mirror, although more openly.
I visibly perk up, hope rising in me. "What exactly does this mean? And how so?"
He pauses. "It is… difficult to explain. For now, you must just accept what I've told you."
I grimace, but nod slowly. This isn't the time to be theorizing about these things. "Alright… At least there's hope." Zangetsu says nothing. I grimace even further, but try to turn my mind to other matters. "So what do you think happened to us? After we… died."
Zangetsu responds carefully. "We seemed to fall into the Cycle of life and death, like a plus soul would after a shinigami sends them away. However, something interrupted the flow and… pushed us off course. Something powerful. Beyond that, I do not know." He seems at loathe to admit it.
"Powerful enough to fling us into the past?" I ask.
"Apparently so, if that is indeed what has happened," is his grave reply.
There is a beat of silence. "I wonder what the hell he's doing out there…" I ponder out loud, my chest tightening at the thought. What if I don't even get a chance to wake up? What if the sicko and his boss takes me apart piece by piece in that nearby lab Okubo Meiji told me about? There must be something interesting about me, if Mayuri offered to do it often enough… I decide that I'd rather not be so interesting. "Is there any way to wake me up?" I look to Zangetsu, who proceeds to shake his head slowly. My mood worsens. If I wasn't so used to this type of stress, I'd probably be having a panic attack right about now. "Is there anything we can do?" I question with a hint of desperation.
"Nothing beyond what is already being done."
I slump, sitting down hard on my part of the sideways skyscraper. My hands form tight fists, frustration at my helplessness mounting. I've never been the best at planning ahead; I usually leave that up to Ishida- and if I have to, Urahara. I'm not stupid by any means, but at the same time I'm not a genius like them. With Ichimaru, although I hate to admit it, I'm in way over my head... That guy… I just… "I don't get that guy." I grumble in reluctant admittance, tracing a finger on the cool glass below. "After what I've seen him do for Aizen, why would he spare the Nakashimas? I know what that weird contraption does- I've seen Rukia use it often enough; it's suppose to replace short term memories." Zangetsu gives a grunt of agreement. It's almost weird- I don't think I've ever had this long of a conversation with my zanpakuto, not that I'm complaining. I go on. "Is he that confident that whatever exactly that thing does will stick?"
"Perhaps."
"I mean… I'm not complaining- better that than the alternative, but I didn't expect Ichimaru to be merciful in any way. Why leave something up to chance if there's an easy way to solve it?" The words are bitter in my mouth, but I think it's an important question.
Ossan seems to agree, as he answers readily enough. "Ichimaru Gin is a complex being who we know very little about."
I scowl deeply. "Complex? What is there to know about his character? From what Meiji-" my voice wavers for a moment, remembering the fate of the man I couldn't save, but I press on with my point. "...told me, the guy was raised by Aizen. Can you imagine being raised by that psychopath?" I almost feel sorry for Ichimaru. "No wonder fox-face is so screwed up..." I mumble. I think of those squinting eyes and leering grin. It fits.
Ossan, disagreeing, shakes his head reproachfully at me. "Ichimaru Gin is a master of a deceit, and you are only seeing what he wants you to see. I suspect him not be nearly as loyal to Aizen Sosuke as he would like everyone to believe."
I stare at him in unabashed, incredulous wonder. "What makes you say that?" I pipe up without hesitation.
"Do you remember fighting him?"
"Of course!" I frown. "Although, it was less of a fight and more of a… I dunno. More like he was toying with me? But…" I chew on my bottom lip, and Zangetsu motions me to go on with a slight inclination of his head. "...he didn't take any sadistic pleasure out of it. In fact, it was like he was barely paying any attention…. His mind was somewhere else completely, going over…"
"Plans behind plans," he finishes my sentence. "Whatever Ichimaru Gin may be- a mindless, blindly loyal follower he is not. He has his motives and reasons for following Aizen so closely."
"Like what? He was brainwashed by Aizen as a kid! Isn't that reason enough?" I exclaim loudly, quickly straightening my posture.
"Doubtful," Zangetsu replies in his own even voice, standing by his convictions. I shake my head some. This shit is way too over complicated. The way I look at it though seems common sense and pretty straightforward to me…
Ossan makes a small 'hm' sound at my obvious skepticism. "Do not close yourself off from me, Ichigo. Listen to what I have to say. This is your life at stake, and any shred of information on the enemy is invaluable in such cases."
I let out my breath in one quick, heavy sigh and reach up to massage my forehead with one hand. "Alright…." I agree wearily. "What…" I wave my other hand in the air slightly, as if fishing for the right words. "reasons could Ichimaru have for following Aizen, if he's above brainwashing?" An idea comes to me. "Do you think he actually believes some of what Aizen is spouting about becoming God 'n all, but actually plans on backstabbing him and taking his place?"
"Power hungry? Perhaps…" But Zangetsu sounds dubious.
Frustrated, I throw my hands up in the air. "What, then?! What else could possiblydrive someone so intelligent to follow a mass-murdering madman on his quest to become God?!"
"There is much about Ichimaru Gin that we have yet to learn," Ossan simply repeats with that unshakable calm of his. It's starting to piss me off, honestly.
"Well, this has been a lot of help," I snap back snarkily, then rear back at the harshness of my own voice. Zangetsu doesn't seem surprised. "Er… I'm sorry, Zangetsu," I apologize a tad shakily. "That was… I think the stress actually is getting to me, though that's a crappy excuse really." He must be under the same strain, if not more so since in the end he can only offer his advice and strength to my efforts of getting us out of tough situations. I dunno how he can stay sane with this intense helplessness he must always be feeling…
Thunder booms from far below, and the irony of my thought suddenly hits me. I shift uneasily in my spot.
"It is expected. Think nothing of it," he replies, tone not even altering in the slightest as he easily forgives and brushes off the apology. I find myself extremely relieved and grateful. The last thing I want to do is upset the one entity I can rely on in all this mess. I give him an appreciative smile.
"What should I do then?' I ask him, smile dipping. For once, I find myself actually feeling like a lost child so many people claim me to be, and at the same time, so often forget.
Ossan regards me solemnly. "Run." The one worded answer chills me to the bone- or whatever makes up one's "body" in an Inner World. "It's too dangerous to linger without knowing his true motives, and equally as dangerous to try and fight him. As soon as you get the chance: Run. And if you do not get a chance…" I feel the weight of his gaze. "Make yourself one."
-DIVIDER-
Hitsugaya Toshiro's POV…
"I'm sorry- Hitsugaya-kun, was it?" I nod mutely, looking up at the beautiful young lady I saw yesterday with the person I am currently trying to find. "I'm sorry Hitsugaya-kun, but Ichigo-san left yesterday evening soon after he came back inside from talking with you."
"Oh," I say offhandedly, masking my disappointment. That mercenary, Ichigo-san, is the only other person I can think of to talk too. I told Granny everything about my surprise midnight meeting with the shinigami Matsumoto Rangiku of course. She told me to follow my heart, to pave myself a destiny on my own merits, free of the prejudice of others. All things considered, the shinigami academy seems like a good place for that with the way Momo has described it. She said that nobles are given some special treatment, but that is to be expected. All in all however, you are judged only on your skill and abilities. Granny also pointed out I would also be able to see Momo again…
But do I really want to leave Granny? Is there a way for me to still make a living here while simultaneously taking care of Granny? If I don't, who will? Granny is well respected by the people of the city, and they will help her if she asks, but she doesn't like to be a "burden" as she puts it... So if not me, who will watch over her?
Then there is the deciding factor. If I can't find a way to control this, this power, I'll kill the person I'm trying to care for… and it's getting worse. When I woke up last night, the floor and blankets were covered in a thin layer of frost. It seems then like I have no choice. I either risk hurting someone I care about, or go with the shinigami, who said she would be back to check on me in a few days.
Still, I don't want to jump into this without at least trying to get a second opinion, and this Ichigo's opinion is as good as any other I guess. He wasn't nearly as bad as I thought he would be after our initial meeting in the market place, and I have a strange feeling that he'd understand my predicament, and even try to help...
"Do you know where he went?" I ask, hoping he is just trying to find another client in the city, but the brunette only shakes her head regretfully.
"He didn't say." A pause. "Would you like to come in? I know my uncle and I won't be able to help you the same way you would probably like Ichigo-san to, but we can offer you some tea and some nice company…"
I smile at her appreciatively and give small, grateful bow. "Thank you; that's kind to offer, but perhaps another time?" I'm too nervous to sit down and talk with complete strangers with what's on my mind. If I do, I'll surely mess up in someway. Maybe though, if by some miracle I can stay, I'll take them up on the rare offer later.
She nods curtly. "Of course. My name is Nakashima Hatsu, by the way. Just stop by whenever you feel up to it."
I thank her and leave the little lodge, dragging my feet just a bit as I make my way back to the main street. So that's that then… I think darkly. After everything Granny has done for me, I'm just going to up and leave… and if I were to stay, I'll probably end up killing her. Figures. This is what happens to people who adopt freaks.
"Excuse me," I jolt to a stop, looking up to see- what… who…
"Ichigo-san?" I say out-loud, gawking.
Ichigo blinks down at me, arching an eyebrow. "Sorry?"
...He moves fast… I think in surprise, spying the beautiful young woman standing a respectful distance away, though unlike Hatsu this one is short in stature, with short, raven black hair instead of long, flowing brown. And did he dye his ha- No, wait, this guy looks older, doesn't he? And he's not even scowling, not even a little bit. I shut my mouth quickly. "Um…. Can I help you?" I inquire quietly in confusion, curiosity piqued. Their clothes appear average for someone moving here and they are carrying traveling bags… They seem normal enough. Meanwhile the pair are sharing what I can't help but feel to be a knowing look. Not-Ichigo looks back down at me and offers an overly friendly, cheeky smile that instantly puts me on edge. Something's not right here…
"Yeah, actually… Mind repeating that name you said earlier please?"
-DIVIDER-
Ossan's POV…
"Well, Zangetsu, what do you want?" Comes the familiar dual toned voice as I make my way through fog and rolling storm clouds- the sound is mocking, and laced with repressed anger. I'd left Ichigo to rest and gather his strength awhile back, and while he did so I decided it is time to learn what we all need if we are to have any hope of surviving.
"You know what I want. I must know." I state firmly as he comes into view. Before me, stringed up like some type animal for the slaughter, is the pale, amber eyed carbon copy of my wielder. Black chains radiating barely tolerable heat are clamped around his legs, wrists, waist and shoulders, making red imprints on his otherwise pale white and deathly cold skin.
"Why should I tell you anything?" He taunts, defeated yet still spirited.
"Without it, he will die." I note simply.
"Again, why should I tell you? Let 'im rot." He dismisses offhandedly.
"It is your life at stake as well." I point out, countenance warning cautiousness.
"If you haven't noticed yet, Zangetsu, I don't have much of a life to stake either way," he sarcastically replies, sneering at me.
"... I've never taken you for a quitter before." Is my deadpan response.
"Are you complaining?" The being seems amused, neither agreeing with nor denying the unsaid claim.
"Hollows are driven by hunger. Shinigami and humans- by many things."
"You want to know what's been driving me, hm? I thought that would be obvious."
I say nothing.
"I want my freedom."
"I cannot give you that."
"I know. I just want another fair shot at it. Next time he cries out like a pathetic bitch for my help- tch, he even begged for it- loosen these chains."
My jaw clenches. "No."
He snorts, taking a brief moment to gather his thoughts before making his case. "I get why you hate me so much- it's natural, and believe me, the feeling is mutual. But think for a moment. I'm guaranteeing you something for something I'll only get a chance at… And so what if I win this time? It's not as if I'm like him. I'll crush him- and you; Sure. Grind you both to dust so he'll know his place. But. I won't chain or lock either of you away. He's more than welcome to try to retake the crown if he's so inclined. Heh! When he's not being a complete wimp, he can put up one hell of a fight! I wouldn't even mind coming down here to entertain him every once and awhile... It's more than he's ever done me... And, with me as King, at least you won't have anything to fear but me… Not even death."
"You're not invincible. Ichigo has proven that."
"Maybe not here; I underestimated him. Expected him to just stand there and take it like he'd been doing like an idiot for practically the whole fight, if it can be called a fight up until that point. A mistake I'll never make again… Besides," he leans forward as far as his bonds will allow, leering at me and grinning cheekily. "You know that things are much different out there, and you have to admit... When it comes to survival, I'm our best bet."
"...My answer has not changed."
He pulls back, chains rattling and expression souring. "...Then good luck keeping him alive on your own." I study him closely, but for all intents and purposes, he seems intent on (if not at all pleased with) his suicidal ways. Is he truly willing to just say nothing and let us all die if he doesn't get his way?... If there is one thing this creature is not, it's a liar. Then again, there is a first time for everything...
"Are you asking for my help?" I change tactics, challenging his already wounded pride.
"No; you are asking for mine," he shoots back flatly, not taking the bait.
"..." I'm in a difficult position. Without this, what hope does Ichigo have? With this, I must ask the same question. Should I lie? Would he be able to tell? He's more intelligent than someone of his kind should have the right to be, and if I break my promise, will the temper tantrum he'll wreck be worse than what he'll do if I indulge him? Probably not, I'm more than enough to satisfy Ichigo's needs, but it would be… troublesome none the less. So many possibilities, yet time is running short, and he knows it.
"So~ What will it be?"
-DIVIDER-
Kurosaki Ichigo's POV…
Consciousness fades in and out. I try to cling to it, but my eyes are heavy and body so sluggish… "Wakey, wakey~" A couple light slaps on one cheek finally jolts me to total awareness. I recoil at the first sight that greets me- that bastard's grinning fox-face. The grin dips slightly. He sits across from me on a backwards metal chair without armrests, his arms slung lazily over what usually would be the backrest and his legs rest on either side of the chair, like one would sit to ride a horse. "Aww, don' gimme that expression. I haven't even hurt a hair on your head, now have I?" He reaches out a hand to ruffle my hair and I pull back sharply, accidently leaving a small strand of hair behind. He glances at it unconcernedly. "Nevermind…" He lets it flutters to the ground as he trains his squinted gaze on me. I look around warily, taking in my situation. Sure enough to my suspicions I had in my Inner World, I am indeed in some form of a lab. The entire interior is white, painfully so, like whoever made this place has an obsession with the color. Ichimaru fits in here fine, besides his definitely fukutaicho, black uniform. I'm strapped to hefty metal chair. The restraints, while also metal in appearance, don't worry me. It the strange, blinking, electronic looking bracelet strapped to my left arm that has me worried. "Do ya know why you're here, Ichi-chan?"
"That's not my name," is my immediate response. One-chan? What type of nickname is that…?
"Hm? It's not?" He goes on without waiting for a reply. "What about Strawberry-chan, then?" Whatever expression I make at this seems to amuse him. He chuckles under his breath. "I guess not. What about Kurosaki Ichigo?"
I'm about to say yes and insist that he calls me that from now on when it occurs to me… This is not the Ichimaru I've already meet. He shouldn't know me. So how does he? "No…" But I had hesitated too long before answering. I'm not even sure why I'm lying, considering that I technically haven't even been born yet if Toshiro's still a kid, and that name shouldn't connect me to anyone… But agreeing to it still doesn't seem like a good idea, just the same.
"It's not polite to lie, Ichi-chan." He teases lightly.
I say nothing, figuring the less I say around him, the better. He's obviously fishing for information… At least for now. Fear starts to creep up on me and I try to subtly glance around for anything that even remotely looks like surgical and or torture devices. Fortunately, I find nothing. The medium sized room with a strangely high ceiling I'm in is pristinely clean, counters void of anything. There is a medical cot a few feet away, but it's empty and also clean, free of any blood or other signs that would lead me to thoughts of sinister motives… If there is anything worthwhile in this room, it must be in one of the tall cabinets that hang above counters along the edges of the the room. Something also of note, I don't see a door… The thought unnerves me, especially considering how Meiji told me the closest lab is supposed to be underground.
"Am I tha' boring?" Ichimaru asks drily, my wanderings not going without notice. He seems a tad annoyed.
I return my complete attention to him and answer bluntly. "You're as creepy as hell. What are you doing kidnapping some guy and locking him away in a lab? That should answer both of your comments." Both of his eyebrows rise, and I get the distinct satisfaction of actually managing to surprise the fox-faced bastard.
"A lab? Like for science experiments? Oh no, Ichi-chan. This is just a medical facility…"
"Bullshit."
"What makes you say that?"
"Where's the doors?" I ask dryly.
He grins at me.
"..."
"Do you know who I am, Ichi-chan…?" he asks in lazy, easy-going manner that would be more suited for his friends…. if he has any.
"You are the fukutaicho of the fifth division…" I say, nodding toward his badge. "And stop calling me that…" But my order is an empty one. For now, I have no way to back it up. Where's Zangetsu...? Damn it...
"That's right. Do you know my name?"
I hesitate, but remembering how I spat his name out in a fit of rage back at the Nakashima's lodging, I figure there's no harm in repeating. "Ichimaru…. Gin…"
"Mmmm…." He leans forward slowly, so much so that his chair tips forward and he has to keep his feet from falling down. This man has no sense of personal space…. I think. Or maybe he just does it to put people off balance…
"Have we meet before, Ichi-chan?"
I blink owlishly at him, the random, serious question throwing me in for a loop. "Uh, what….?"
"Have. We. Meet. Before?" he enunciates again slowly, as if trying to talk to someone particularly young or dimwitted. I scowl.
"Have we?" I echo, for lack of anything better to say. Could he actually remember something of me? Was I wrong? Did I not really travel back in time? No, he admitted to be lieutenant of the fifth division….
He taps one finger against the backrest of his chair. "That's not an answer…."
"I don't have one for you," I reply honestly enough. He scrutinizes me closely and I stiffen, feeling like a deer caught in the headlights… I scowl even further, countenance screaming back off! Surprisingly enough, he complies. He pulls back, allowing his chair to fall back to all fours again.
I'm almost afraid to ask, but… "What do you want from me?"
He spreads out his hands in a pseudo-innocent manner. "Nothing."
I sweatdrop. "Don't kid around. Shinigami don't kidnap people for the hell of it, so what do you want?"
"What'd I just say? I want nothing at all from you… And you would know so much about the Shinigami, hm~?"
I balk some. "The hell's that supposed to mean?" I ask, trying to keep him distracted while behind my back I work on finding a way to free myself from my bonds and that weird bracelet hooked to my left upper arm... The metal-or whatever it is, is unyielding, but if I manage to scuff my wrists up enough to bleed, I may just be able to slip free…
-DIVIDER-
Ichimaru Gin's POV…
"That's my line really…. but I'm tryin' to be nice with all of this, so why not return the favor with a bit of respect?" My smile tightens a bit, not in rage but in clear warning. Really, it wasn't my original intention to interrogate the kid, I was gonna just get my orders over and done with, but… Something doesn't sit right with me about the boy. When he had said my name before succumbing to the poison, it was as if he knew me personally, and not once did I hear my former third seat physically describe either Aizen or I to Kurosaki. For all intents and purposes, from what I could hear, it seemed like Ichigo knew of us already... Aizen may be content to wait for word from his contacts concerning the boy while dealing with Kurosaki as soon as possible, but I don't have any contacts in the world of the living… and I don't trust Aizen- never will, leaving me to get what information I can from Kurosaki himself, now and quickly, before I'm missed.
"I know enough to realize that they're supposed to be the defenders of the afterlife," I hear Kurosaki say. "And not some- some crazed pedophile." His face goes blank as soon as he says it. Apparently he let his anger get the best of him.
My full attention snaps away from my thoughts at this, and to the kid in front of me. Did he seriously just say what I think he did? My countenance becomes more strained, though I still hold that light tone. "Sorry, what? I didn't hear that last part…"
He glares at me, seeming to figure if he got away with it once... "I said some crazed-" There is a brief gust of wind in this windowless, closed off room. The boy stiffens, as if frozen on the spot. A small droplet of blood runs down his cheek from the slightest of cuts. I doubt he even saw me move.
"Oh- I'm 'lots of things. A leader, a subordinate, an ally, a friend, a prodigy, mischief-maker, people-watcher… killer. But two things I'm not are," I hold up one finger. "Crazed and," I hold up a second finger, "-pedophile… The second is disgusting, and the first is just plain not true~" I lean forward somewhat, demeanor relaxed yet menacing. "Understand?" He nods mutely, but beyond that appears defiant. How did I describe him to Aizen? Bullheaded. Yes, that about sums it up, though hopefully my little, ehm, demonstration knocked some sense into him. If at all possible, I want this meeting to go swiftly and painlessly. I say as much. "Now look, I know we both want this meetin' of ours to go on as short and painless as possible…" I pause for a moment, as if suddenly becoming thoughtful, and I tilt my head to one side. "Well, you probably want it more, now that I think of it. So in that case, let's just lay everything out in the open and get this little chat over with, hm?"
He doesn't respond. Seems like he's back to the silent treatment, though that didn't last long the first time and I doubt it will this time around too. "I know your name is Kurosaki Ichigo. I know you've very recently, ah, departed from the human world and your life there. I know therefore that you're jus' a kid," he doesn't seem to keen to being called a child, but I pay it no mind. "-though I don't know your exact age… So why don't we start there, with something easy?" I don't wait for a reply. "How old are you, Ichi-chan?"
His expression is blank, lips pursed and refusing to say a word.
I hum for a moment in disappointment. "Would it help if I introduce myself first?" Nothing. "Hi, I'm Ichimaru Gin, fukutaicho of the Fifth Division! I'm one hundred an eleven years old," I say helpfully in an indulging manner. His expression doesn't change, not even the slightest. "Does that surprise you?" I inquire. He shrugs nonchalantly. "...You're a scary kid, you know that, Ichi-chan?"
At this, he quirks an eyebrow. "I'm scary? I'm not the one who is drugging and kidnaping people for no apparent reason." To his credit, he keeps his head, speaking the words in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Yes, you. Normally a newly arrived plus soul would shocked by that information, and normally, they wouldn't show up as a shinigami. Any reason why it's different for ya?" The kid shrugs his shoulders, looking me straight in the eyes. "C'mon, you must h've some idea…" He shakes his head. I huff some. "See? This is what happens when we don't start with the easy questions. Back to square one. How old are you? And don't-" I stop him halfway into the act. "-even try to shrug your shoulders. I know you at least know that much…" My hand drops to hang at my side, then idly tap Shinzo's hilt. The act does not go unnoticed. He shifts ever so slightly. Nervous. Good.
"Fifteen…" His voice so quiet, I can barely hear it.
I beam at him. "Good ta know! Fifteen, whew! I remember when I was that young!" Drunken mother. Absent father. Dirty. Ragged. Starving. Your average Outer Rukongai sob story. "I had so much fun!"
"Good to know…" He can't help but saying. "I'm a bit envious," he reveals, hinting oh-so-subtly at his current circumstances.
"Sarcasm! Really though, don't be," I tell him, tone sickeningly sweet. "Movin' on~ Where are you from?"
"Does it really matter? I'm here now."
"Sure it does~"
"Why?" he challenges, and I oblige.
"'Cause it seems that from wherever you lived in the world of the livin', you found out 'bout a certain death god named Aizen. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?" I keep rapt attention, alert for the tiniest tell in his expression or manner.
"...who?"
"Aizen. You really shouldn't act stupid, Ichi-chan." You don't need to act out something you already are, I am tempted to say, but that's not really fair! With a little kid, how much can you really expect?
"I said stop calling me that."
"Oh? Then what should I call you?"
"Kurosaki Ichigo." At least that's something; we're making progress.
"Good to hear you finally claiming y'r own name, Ichigo-kun." He rolls his eyes at the added suffix and I smirk. "But that still won't help you get out of answering my other questions."
-DIVIDER-
Kurosaki Ichigo's POV…
Managing to even make a cut with my metal-esque bonds turns out a lot harder than expected. I didn't take into account my durability in spirit form when I came up with the idea. Frustrated, I nearly decide just to try and skyrocket my reiatsu and rip the bonds that way. It feels like my spiritual being is being…. Stifled, suppressed, but I'm almost sure I can overcome it. From what I've been told, in hollow form I was even able to rip out of some pretty high kido… Though whether or not it'll work now remains to be seen, especially with my zanpakuto sealed and missing (stolen, the thought makes me seethe)… Then there is Ichimaru. I doubt he'll just stay still as it happens. Him, unlike the Vizards, probably are not to keen in keeping me alive if I get that out of hand.
Speaking of Ichimaru, I'm currently doing my darndest to keep up with his mind games. One moment he'll be chatting with me about the most inane things, and the next he'll ask a serious, intuitive question that leaves me speechless. So far I've been able to get off with half-assed answers and sometimes with just silence, but I can tell he's getting annoyed. If not with my response, then with my lack of concern to his slowly rising reiatsu. Yeah, I notice it, which can't be good. Apparently it took all of the vizards combined to make me notice where they're at… Then again, Ichimaru is not half way across town and I could just be hyper aware of what's going on, considering the circumstances…
I just... wish I could speak with Zangetsu. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up, especially with everytime I give a less than stellar answer, Ichimaru raises his spiritual pressure by several degrees. His newest intimidation tactic since the cut to my cheek…. Speaking of that… I barely saw him move, and forget about having time to react. Even if I could, I wonder what I would do? The chair I'm sitting on is stuck to the floor, how I'm not sure. It's not like it's nailed down to the floor or anything… Even the room is giving me trouble now! No entries or exit ways, unexplainably stuck chairs… How am I gonna to get out of this mess if I can't even find an exit? If I can't find Zangetsu? One thing at a time, Ichigo… I tell myself firmly and twist my wrists faster. Finally, I feel my efforts pay off and it's all I can do to keep a straight face as I use the newly running liquid to try to slip my hands out. Blood runs down my wrists and hands, dripping to the floor. I try to keep the conversation going with Ichimaru so he doesn't hear the quiet, rhythmic sound.
It works, and for several minutes I manage to slip out centimeter by centimeter… but I don't take into account one thing…
Ichimaru cuts himself off mid sentence, straightening from his slouching position to… sniff the air? "Hum? … blood?" I barely hear him mutter and my breath catches as his squinted gaze swings toward me.
Shit.
His smile slowly begins to grow and tighten.
Shitshitshitshitshit…. Now or never. I come to the conclusion. My reiatsu, after a brief delay, skyrockets in a blaze of blinding, bright blue.
-DIVIDER-
Girl-of-Action- Hey everyone! Thank you for your patience with me and kind words for the last chapter! This was a rather long wait, but after thinking of the future chapters I have yet to post but already have written, I decided that I could do something better. I went back and revised a fair bit of what I had, sending back my update schedule several days since I like to stay a certain amount of chapters ahead… So, sorry about that, but hopefully you enjoyed this chapter? I finally got to write about dark Ichigo, so I'm pretty happy with this one~ ^^
Review response time!
Guest 1- Glad to hear it! Thanks a bunch for reading and reviewing! :)
KK- Yep! I hope I managed to keep that 'fast paced' feeling for this chapter and the ones closely following. I know we had a sort of breather when Ichigo was speaking to Ossan, but bringing dark Ichigo into the mix should've brought things back up to speed. :)
Thanks for the reviews, guest or otherwise! And, of course, thank you to all of those who have read/followed/favorited the story since I last posted! You guys rock and make me so happy! Over 18,000 views total? I about had a heart attack when I read that.
As always, please leave a review on your way out! Friendly constructive criticism is welcome! Until later then. Ja ne~ (Cya~) :3