Ichigo could still recall his first encounter with Hell in avid detail. From the time of day to the words that were spoken; everything had been etched into his memory. It acted as a warning. A glimpse of what would await him if he were to give in to his deepest and darkest desires.
He hadn't even known Hell existed at that time. Which, thinking back on it, was naive of him to not have considered. If Soul Society exists-a place for good souls to go-it only stood to reason there would be a place for the bad souls to pass on to, as well.
But could anyone blame him? He had been a fifteen-year-old boy at the time. One that had been caught up in business he was never supposed to be aware of. A mere child that was entrusted with a responsibility no living soul should carry.
He had been acting as Rukia's substitute for a short while. Only had her basic training and teachings to fall back on. Was still coming to terms with the fact this was all real; that there was an afterlife, that Soul Reapers existed and fought corrupted souls who had become monsters called Hollows.
All while juggling his family, friends and school at the same time.
When was he supposed to have the time to think?
And then they had appeared. Without warning and without preamble. Large and intimidating, looming over him and he could only stare. Watch, as those doors opened and drowned him with the twisted nature of the damned it kept contained.
Fortunately, Hell only appeared for those who had committed the worst of atrocities. During his life, Ichigo could count the number of times he had seen the doors personally on two hands. That said, he had sensed them more times than he was willing to remember.
There was something about Hell's atmosphere that spoke to his Hollow heritage. Like a Siren's song did it call to that darker power within him, trying to tease it to the front and into control. Had it not been for Getsu's loud cursing and Zan's ever steadfast presence, Ichigo was sure he would have hollowfied a handful of times.
The universe must hate him, truly despise him for existing. For why else would it force Ichigo to go to the belly of the beast?
His time in Hell was a mess. Nothing but blurry snippets jumbled together in some nonsensical order. All he knew was that Karin's physical body died, he had hollowfied, and Hell had helped him punish those responsible and escape.
Every memory he had around Hell was filled with pain and despair. Yet, here Ichigo found himself; hovering above a prison, awaiting the passing of a soul.
You would think Hell's doors would be a near-permanent feature in the sky here, Ichigo mused as he checked his denreishinki. He had been waiting six hours so far.
Should've gone to China or Korea, Getsu said. They still have capital punishment, right?
Ichigo grimaced, So does Japan. Besides, I rather not trespass into the territories of other After Lifes.
Why not? Could be fun.
I highly doubt that.
Shouts of panic, anger and fear rose from the building below him. Ichigo quirked a brow, tugging the cloak tighter around himself.
Getsu nearly slammed into his conscious, causing Ichigo to drop a few feet before he regained his control. Oh~ a riot! Let's go take a look!
Alright, alright! Ichigo didn't fight the smile that tugged at his lips. After the weeks they've had, Getsu's enthusiasm was a welcome reassurance. I'll take a look! No need to be pushy.
Letting the platform beneath his feet come undone, Ichigo dropped into a free fall. He phased through the ceiling, spiritual body unaffected by material things like concrete and steel if he so chooses. Floor after floor, the noise of chaos grew louder and louder.
Ichigo called the ambient spiritual particles back to him. Gathering them beneath his soles and halting his descent. His waraji touched down on a white tiled floor, the scent of blood heavy in the air.
It was a massacre. Inmates were lashing out indiscriminately, using anything they could get their hands on as a weapon. The guards were helplessly outnumbered and severely under-equipped to deal with a riot of this calibre.
Ichigo watched the scene unfold, waiting patiently for the first victim to fall. Getsu was hovering close and Ichigo stepped back, allowing his Zanpakutō to share front. One of his eyes changed, turning bright gold on abyss black.
'And? Is it fun to watch?' Ichigo asked aloud.
The muscles in his face moved without his input, settling into a barely amused lilt of his lips. It was his own voice that answered him, speaking in a manner Ichigo doubted he could ever imitate.
'Wouldn't call it fun but… it's entertaining, at least'.
An inmate lunged through them from behind, stabbing another in the eye with the handle of a spoon.
Ichigo grimaced while Getsu grinned.
'Now that's more like it!'
Ichigo shrugged, 'I've seen better ways to handle a spoon'.
Getsu's cheer died down while Zan's amusement grew.
'Aibō...'
'What?' Ichigo asked with fake innocence. 'He could have handled it better'.
Getsu groaned and retreated, annoyed at both Ichigo and Zan, who were both chuckling. I hate you, both of you.
Yeah, yeah, we love you, too, Ichigo waved off. When he turned his focus back to his surroundings, he found an inmate staring at him. Eyes blown wide and a chain hanging from his chest. Behind him, a few other souls were fighting amongst themselves. Clearly, they hadn't caught on to the fact they were no longer alive quite yet.
Huh, I have heard of the phrase "kill you dead" but this takes it to a whole new level.
Fuckin' Hell- I swear, I'll kill you if you make another pun! Getsu roared in frustration, lashing out at Zan when the Quincy Zanpakutō let a chuckle slip.
Ichigo sighed with an amused smile. He unsheathed Zan's blade-as Getsu was still annoyed-and sped past them. Zig-zagging between the souls with short leaps of shunpo, Ichigo tapped them all on the forehead with the head of his sword.
The fighting stopped. All inmates freezing in place as the emblems pressed on their foreheads started to glow. The air changed and Ichigo watched as the doors of Hell appeared.
Finally! Getsu exclaimed, rising to the front. About damn time!
Breaking out from their shock, the inmates began to panic. Ichigo paid them no mind, knowing they couldn't escape from Hell now they have been Konsō-ed. He was more concerned about the reaction of his core. The doors hadn't even opened and he could already feel the heavy atmosphere that seeped through the cracks pull at his Hollow side.
Oi, whatcha waiting for? Getsu asked. Go!
Will you be alright, though? Ichigo asked, ignoring the spears that lynched the inmates' souls around him. I mean... you've only just recovered and last time we were in Hell-
I'm fine! Getsu shouted, loud enough-and annoyed enough-to make Ichigo physically flinch. Now get in there before I take over and make you!
By now, Hell had captured every soul that deserved punishment. Some were stabbed, others caught with chains. All were dragged back, one by one pulled inside the large doors.
If it truly bothers you so, may I offer two alternatives?
Really? You too, Old Man?
Getsu, let him talk.
You guys are blowin' this way out of proportions! Getsu protested. I wasn't even injured, only exhausted!
You were out for nearly two weeks! Ichigo snapped. I wouldn't call that only exhaustion, Getsu.
When the spirit didn't respond beyond a sense of annoyance, Ichigo turned to Zan. What are the options?
If you both were to use the mask in advance, it will be less of a strain on you, Zan reasoned. And now we aren't separated, I will be able to mediate.
Ichigo nodded, already liking this option. And the other option?
Our true bankai, Zan said. I am fairly certain Hell's atmosphere will barely-
Wow, we ain't using that bankai, Getsu interjected, voice almost a screech of panic.
Wait, why? Ichigo asked. Is there something wrong with that bankai?
There is nothing wrong with it, Zan assured.
Oh no, it just has a side effect that may, or may not, be permanent, Getsu spat at his counterpart.
Side effect? Ichigo echoed. What side effect? Why am I only hearing about this now?!
Later! Getsu snapped. We ain't got the time to unpack this now. Just use your mask and get in.
Ichigo scowled, Alright, fine. But you better explain it to me later. Rising his hand to his face, he tore it back down. Whisps of black spiritual pressure flared from his fingertips, sticking to his face and covering it fully. His Hollow pressure skyrocketed, turning his whole signature dark and heavy.
Before his mask had solidified, Ichigo took off with sonído. In one step, he slipped through the crack of the doors before it closed completely. Instantly, Ichigo felt the atmosphere press down on him. It pushed and pulled at his sanity, whispered sickening promises into his ears. Attempting to seduce him to give in to his darkest fantasy.
Taking a deep breath, Ichigo forced himself to relax. As Zan had theorised, the use of the mask prior to entering did take the edge off. He didn't have to fight off his darker nature from taking over. All Ichigo had to be mindful of, was to not get swayed. Which he had a few decades of experience off at this point.
Allowing the air to escape his lips, Ichigo turned part of his attention inwards.
You good?
All he got was a sense of annoyance.
He is fine, Zan said. Focus on the task at hand, I will let you know if something is amiss.
Ichigo nodded, taking off in a lazy shunpo. The first thing he had to do was gain Hell's attention. He had a suspicion Hell was already aware he was here, but it never hurt to make sure. A simple greeting to one of the guards should suffice.
It took him less than a minute to find one of the Kushanāda that roamed around the first level. Without hesitation, Ichigo sped up to it. Either it would try to kill him or it would be of help. Which, since Ichigo both outpowered and out-sped them, made not much of a difference in the end.
He stopped before the face of the Kushanāda, Ichigo waved at it until its eyes focussed on him. 'Hey, any chance you can help me out?'
The guard stopped. Staring at Ichigo without actually seeing. It then shook its head and continued its way, forcing Ichigo to sonído aside. Huh, no help and not trying to kill me, he mused. Didn't expect that.
'Kurosaki Ichigo'.
Ichigo pivoted, his blade just a centimetre shy of touching the skin of the person behind him.
It was… a woman?
Daring to let his eyes take a quick sweep down, Ichigo took in the soul before him. The woman wore the same pure white yakuta as the rest of the condemned in Hell. Her skin was dry and showed signs of age, crow's feet lining the corners of her-
Her eyes. They had no irises. They didn't even have pupils. No, this woman's eyes were two unblemished pools of bright white. Eyes that hadn't even blinked when a sword was pointed at her throat.
Even now, the warm smile that graced the woman's features didn't waver in the slightest. It was almost as if she was happy to see him, even though Ichigo had never seen her in his life.
Realisation dawned and Ichigo lowered his blade, 'Hell?'
The woman let out an amused chuckle, one that didn't quite suit her. 'In the borrowed flesh'. Hell cocked their head, 'I will be honest, I did not expect you to return here in this life'.
Ichigo let his eyes stray away from Hell's white gaze, 'Yeah… I- I didn't think I would, either'.
A frown settled on the woman's features. 'I see you have been murdered since we last met. My deepest condolences for your early passing'.
'Uhm…thank you?'
The woman's head angled down and back up, the bright white eyes taking in the appearance of their guest. Grey eyebrows knitted together in disapproval, lips pursed into a thin line. 'And yet you still have not given in to sin...' they mumbled under their breath.
'Excuse me?'
'My offer still stands', Hell said. 'Become my warden and I will provide you a safe haven again those who have wronged you'.
'Wait'. Ichigo took a step back, 'How do you know-'
'I know the thoughts of all who enter here. Know their deepest desires and their darkest, most close-kept secrets', Hell told. 'And you. You bear so much hatred in you. So much anger towards those who betrayed you. It's almost tangible the pain they have caused you'. The woman stepped closer, placing her hand over the one holding his zanpakutō. 'Yet, you do not wish to harm them. Because your loved ones, those who fought for you, are between them. You wish to protect them still. You would still fight for them if they asked you to'.
Ichigo looked the woman straight in the eyes. 'I do not appreciate you looking through my head like that'.
The woman took a step back, removing her hand. 'Pardon me. I will keep that in mind'. Hell backed up a few paces more, giving Ichigo back his personal space. As they did, the woman waved a hand to the left. A door appeared.
'You are free to leave whenever you wish', Hell told. With a snap of their fingers, a ring of fire erupted around them. Separating them and the door from the rest of the floor. 'If you are still interested in my offer, I invite you to sit down with me'. The woman knelt down on the ground, hands neatly on her knees.
Giving the fire a curious glance, Ichigo knelt down across from Hell and removed the mask from his face. He turned it over in his hands, staring at the red stripes that ran down the porcelain white. With his thumb, he gave the cheek an appreciative caress before placing the mask in his kisode.
'I have two questions I need answered before I even consider listening to your offer', Ichigo stated. 'First of, will I still be affected by the atmosphere here, should I accept?'
'No', Hell answered. 'Your sanity, and that of your Zanpakutō, will not be influenced'.
Ichigo gently caressed the hilt of Getsu's blade as the woman's gaze shifted down. Somehow, her white eyes managed to express sad compassion. One that was solely aimed at the Hollow Zanpakutō.
It was…refreshing.
Hell aimed their attention back at the wielder of the blade. 'And what is your second question?'
Ichigo let his thumb continue to rub along the crossguard. 'Will I still be able to leave to visit my friends and family?'
'Yes', Hell answered. 'Unless you are needed, you are free to go wherever, whenever you want. If you are away, I do expect you to return immediately if problems arise here'. The woman angled her head, 'Does that sound reasonable?'
Reasonable? That's more freedom than I've had in decades, Ichigo thought. 'Yes'.
The woman smiled at him, 'Have my answers satisfied you enough to listen to my offer?'
'You aren't just saying what I want to hear, are you?' Ichigo asked, accusation tinting his voice more aggressive than intended.
His question wiped the soft smile off the woman's face, almost turning into the complete inverse. 'No, I am not'.
'How can I be sure?' Ichigo pressed.
'I cannot answer that for you', Hell replied. 'It is up to you if you trust me to be honest with you'.
They are not lying, Zan told.
How do you know? Ichigo demanded.
Because nothing so far made me believe otherwise, Zan replied. They have had ample opportunity to do their worst. If they truly had bad intentions, they wouldn't go through the effort of trying to recruit you like this.
What about the Head Captain? Ichigo shot back.
He was pressured into making that decision by the two noble families, Central Fourty-Six and the many Soul Reaper that made false claims about you. He did his best to make sure it wouldn't pass, Zan reminded. Also, Getsu wants me to relay that you can always leave. You do not need to make a decision today.
Ichigo eyed the door, wondering if it would even open if he tried. Closing his eyes, he drew comfort from his Zanpakutō and settled back down. What is your offer?' he asked.
'Shepherding the damned', Hell told. 'Preventing them from escaping and retrieving them, should they succeed'.
'A warden', Ichigo summarised.
The woman nodded, 'Yes'.
'That's all?'
'That is all I require of you, yes', Hell said.
'So, there is no paperwork of keeping an overview who's in here?' Ichigo asked.
'No'.
'I don't need to punish them?'
'Only if you want to', Hell said.
'Food?'
'You won't require any food if you were to accept'.
'Sleeping?'
'Not required, either. However, if you need a space to call your own, I can arrange something'.
Ichigo couldn't find more words. Not understanding how Hell was asking so little and yet promised so much freedom.
Getsu wants to remind you Hell is not a person, Zan relayed. They exist with the sole purpose of containing souls who have committed atrocities with the task of punishing them fairly. They do not have any other agenda.
You don't know that, Ichigo countered.
'Have I said something wrong?'
Ichigo closed his eyes, cursing himself for being so openly distracted. 'No…no, you haven't'.
'Is it this form?' Hell then asked. 'She was the first one to volunteer but I can look for someone else if-'
'No, I don't have a problem with that either', Ichigo sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. 'It is just-' he paused, thinking over his next words. 'Your offer so far sounds too good to be true. And from past experiences I have learned that it is usually the case', he said. 'Is there something you're not telling me? Some sort of risk I am not aware of?'
That sad expression settled on the woman's face, once more. 'Corruption', Hell said. 'Even if the atmosphere does not affect you, the job can mess with your head. I will let a few minor transgressions slide but if you step out of line, it will be you who is reborn a sinner next'.
'How high of a risk do you surmise that is for me?' Ichigo asked. 'I don't think you would have offered me if I am likely to be corrupted'.
Hell was amused.
'A very astute observation', they said. 'Yes, I do deem the risk for you relatively small. Even if you were to fall, a few days away would set you straight. Which is why I proposed this to you'.
They have an answer for everything. Ichigo gripped the hilt of his zanpakutō, trying to keep his mind from spiralling down.
'You don't have to make a decision right now', Hell told. 'Why don't you leave and sleep on it?' they proposed. 'You can always return here and ask more questions if you wish. There is no need to rush this'.
'Y-yeah. That might be best', Ichigo agreed.
The woman appeared before him, holding up a golden chain. 'May I?'
Hesitantly, Ichigo nodded.
Hell wrapped the chain around his left wrist. The chainlinks merged, creating a continuous loop. 'If you want to return here, simply open a door with this hand'.
Ichigo held up his hand, 'What if I open a door with this hand by accident?'
'Close it and try again with the other?'
Second-handed amusement made his lips twitch. Good to know someone finds this funny.
Ichigo ignored Getsu and turned to the door. With his right hand, he pushed down the handle and opened it. It was pitch black.
'Where does this lead?'
'Where do you want it to go?' Hell asked.
'Home'. Home sounded real good right now.
'Then go on'. The woman gently nodded her head to the doorway.
Not allowing himself the time to second-guess, Ichigo stepped through the doorway. Bright light assaulted his eyes the moment he passed the threshold. Ichigo brought up his arm, shielding his face as he took a step back.
A push between his shoulder blades had him stumble forward.
The atmosphere of Hell pulled away from him and the familiar air of Soul Society embraced him. At once, his Hollow power was stripped away from his subconscious hold, the weight of his mask vanishing from his kisode. The abrupt change had Ichigo open his eyes in shock, only to be served another one: He was in his room at the Shiba Estate.
Straightening himself, Ichigo turned around. Finding his open closet door behind him. Breathing out a confused "the fuck?", Ichigo looked inside the closet, only to find his clothes neatly folded on the shelves, waiting to be worn.
Stepping back from the closet, Ichigo rubbed his face with his hands. The adrenaline had kept him going but now he was back, his fatigue came crashing down. Guess this is what I get for ignoring captain's orders. He dragged his fingers down his face, I hope it will be worth it.
'Ichi-nii?'
Ichigo whipped his head around, finding Karin peek into his room. The surprise on her face warped into concern the moment they locked eyes. His sister stepped into the room, approaching him in a much more reserved manner than was the norm for her.
'Are you okay, Ichi-nii?' she asked. 'You look a bit pale'.
'It's nothing… just a little tired', he admitted, allowing his sister to take his arm.
'You sure?' she pressed. 'You know what Captain Kotetsu said-'
'I know, I know', Ichigo assured, flicking his sister's ponytail because he knew she didn't like that. 'Zangetsu wouldn't let me do anything I can't handle, even if I tried'.
'I suppose that's true', Karin conceded. They can be more smothering than you in that aspect'.
'Wha- I am not smothering!'
Karin hummed in that "yeah-sure" way that only ruffled Ichigo's feathers more. 'When did you come home, anyway?'.
Ichigo eyed the open closet, 'Just now'.
She frowned, 'But I didn't sense you coming. How did you-'
'Karin', Ichigo interrupted. 'I will explain it all later, alright?'
'So you did overdo it', Karin accused, giving her brother a gentle punch in the shoulder.
'Maybe a little bit', he allowed. 'But I'm just a bit overwhelmed, nothing a nap can't fix'.
'Alright'. She gave a quick rub before stepping back. 'I'll leave you alone. Should I wake you for diner?'
'Please'.
He had a lot to think about.
#
END
BLEACH – Tite Kubo
#
Again, this wasn't the story I intended to finish! It is, however, one that will set right after it. So I am getting closer, at least.
My New Year's resolutions for 2022 will be:
Finishing the story that I wanted to get done since November.
Updating the ones I already have uploaded so they will be consistent when it comes to spelling, term usage, ect.