Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach and RWBY. Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo. RWBY is owned by Rooster Teeth and the late Monty Oum (rest in peace you saint of a man).
A question one would ask why type this up? Simple – why not?
Chapter 16: This is not Goodbye
Everyone of Soul Society took their own way of dealing with Aizen's betrayal. The Squads associated with the traitors were devastated that their own captains that they looked up to left them. Squad 4's base was filled to the brim of shinigami who were fighting each other from the mass confusion beforehand and now proceeded to heal wounds between each other. Squad 6, the group of shinigami that basically worshipped the law of Soul Society, were absolutely livid that they were manipulated like such.
Squad 11 was... whatever the hell Squad 11 is.
Speaking of law, the authority of Central 46 fell to Yamamoto as he stood in the barracks of Squad 1. Of the captains present, Captain Kurotsuchi and Kuchiki were the only ones not present, still recovering from their wounds. Captain Komamura was absent as well to treat emotional wounds from Kaname's betrayal. Now the old man kept a rarely constant open-eyed stare at the two Rioka who carry the unknown reiatsu that basically burned around their bodies like a shield. They were Ruby Rose and Lie Ren, strange humans with shinigami powers like Ichigo Kurosaki that were impressively captain-class just in Shikai. Juushiro and Ukitake were paying special attention at Ren since he held a dual Zanpakuto. Ruby was sweating bullets on the spot beneath Yamamoto's gaze.
"Ruby Rose and Lie Ren." said Yamamoto, "Two Rioka who carry reiatsu of a shinigami much like Ichigo Kurosaki. Quite impressive power you have as well, and if I had the courtesy I would allow you to join the Gotei 13 as replacement captains."
That statement earned a few raised brows from the current captains. Especially from Captain Hitsugaya. He of course could feel their reiatsu that admittedly exceeded him in Shikai, but it still surprised him coming from the Head Captain.
"However," said Yamamoto, gaining a wince from Ruby, "you along with the other Rioka broke into the Sereitei, fought through all of Squad 11, and even wounded several seated officers and captains. I will look over this for your actions in stopping the traitors known as Sosuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Tosen Kaname. But one thing intrigues me and it is the unfamiliar reiatsu you carry. Where are you from?"
'Oh crap, what do I say?' thought Ruby in a panic.
Ren answered, who somehow kept his composure under the old man's gaze. "We are not from any realm you would know. We come from a different world of the living called Remnant. We are trained as Huntsmen and Huntresses and use the power of our souls that we have named Aura. My companion and I no nothing else since we are new to this world as well."
That gained some apprehensive whispers in the room. Yamamoto's eyebrows only heightened but nothing else in his expression changed.
"I see." said Yamamoto, "However, I cannot help but wonder of the anomaly known as Pyrrha Zaraki since she bears the same powers of this 'Aura'."
This time Ruby answered. "Pyrrha is from our world. She...died not too long ago on our world. Whether it is natural that people who die come here or not, I honestly can't say anymore."
"If that is the case," said Hitsugaya, "then why haven't we noticed this until now? If you don't come here, then your souls must go somewhere."
"I-I don't know." said Ruby softly.
"Do all of you humans possess this Aura?" asked Yamamoto.
Ruby nodded, and the old man sighed.
"Do I need to explain to you what a Hollow is?" said Yamamoto and Ruby shook her head. He continued, "If it is possible to travel through your world to ours, then it can be done by Hollows. They would hunt every human since you all have a higher than average spiritual pressure."
"Actually," said Ruby, "I don't know if this is important, but we Huntsmen and Huntresses are trained to fight against our enemy the Grimm. They are hordes of monsters who do nothing but kill and eat humans. Since they are soulless, it is right we use the power of our souls to fight them."
"They sound alot like Hollows to me." said Shunsui.
Ruby shook her head. "I know it does but Grimm and Hollows are very different. Grimm don't have souls as far as I know, but the older they are the stronger and smarter they get. They are I believe are led by a sentient being named Salem. That's all I know and that is more than most."
"Hmm." hummed the Head Captain in thought, "Still the threat of Hollows is a possibility. If you could travel back to your world, then so could they. I heard from former Captain Yoruichi that you are affiliated with Kisuke Urahara and that he is building a portal back to your world. We wish to do the same once he has completed the task. With your consent of course."
Ruby and Ren gave widened eyes of surprise back at the Head Captain.
"Why?" Ren simply asked.
"It is our duty to purify the scourge that are known as Hollows." said Yamamoto, but elicited a downcast look from Ruby from the statement. Just because someone is a monster doesn't mean they deserve death on the spot, right? Grimm were different, they are constructs of flesh and bone lacking a soul. But these Hollows were once people. For now, Ruby pushed those thoughts aside. "We cannot allow Hollows to consume the souls of the living, and your world will be in danger under their gaze. We ask that you allow us to travel into your world so we may initiate our duties and protect your people from them."
"I...I." Ruby was panicking. Ruby knew that the shinigami weren't exactly the best as they claimed to be. They could easily be corrupted, and that worried Ruby since they were a few people who could stand up to them. On the other hand, if Hollows did exist or were able to come to Remnant, the results would be more cataclysmic than anything in history. Ruby was not prepared to face an event more horrible than the Battle of Beacon. "I have to think on this. I don't know what the state of Remnant is right now. But when I do decide, I get to set my terms. Is that, uh, okay?"
Yamamoto nodded his head and closed his eyes. "That is acceptable."
Ruby let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. They were beckoned to leave, and the pair of Remnanties walked between the aisle of captains. One in particular named Soi Fon gave Ruby a venomous stare seeing her wearing the same commander-in-chief outfit as she did. Ruby kept her eyes straight and away from the scary lady before she would break down.
Once they left far from the barracks, Ren spoke. "You handled yourself well in there."
"Really?" squeaked Ruby, surprised.
Ren nodded. "I can see why Ozpin chose you as a team leader. Maybe you could be more than that."
"Are you saying that I could totally be one of them in that room?" said Ruby, and Ren nodded in response.
"I really don't see it." Ruby replied, "I really wouldn't want it. This place isn't the best I've seen. People are here are still corrupt and I'd say the fact those three betrayed them was bound to happen. I don't want to be a figurehead in a world that still has a lot of problems going on. I just want to stop it."
"Well said." said Ren, and they took their separate paths.
Squad 11 Barracks
Ikkaku Madarame was just out of the hospital and already had a defeated opponent at his feet. He had bored expression on his face. Not one member would last a minute. No wonder they were beaten by a few Rioka.
"Alright, who's the next sucker?" shouted Ikkaku.
"Watch what you say." said a feminine voice, a rarity in Squad 11, "You may choke on them."
Ikkaku turned to the voice and his ego melted into a cold sweat. Standing on the other side of the dojo was his superior Pyrrha Zaraki. Those piercing green eyes screamed 'You are worthless'. Gulping downs his fear, Ikkaku made his stance against Pyrrha, but she stayed relaxed.
"Prepare yourself." stated Ikkaku, "This time, I will take my place as one of the strongest after I beat you. Now, let us begin."
"Hmm, did you say something?" said Pyrrha casually.
With bulging veins of fury, Ikkaku charged down Pyrrha with all his might and anger in that one attack. The entire time, Pyrrha just stood there calmly without a worry in the world.
BONK!
Ikkaku's face planted into the floor with a red bump. Pyrrha didn't even use a wooden sword, and just punched Ikkaku right on the head.
Pyrrha sighed. "Honestly, you leave yourself wide open in your excitement. The same goes for every single one of you. If we are truly the strongest of Soul Society, then don't let anyone get the better of you. Prove you are stronger every single day. If that is all, who has the courage to test themselves."
"I will."
Pyrrha didn't recognize that voice in her Squad. She looked at the other side to find Ichigo Kurosaki with his default scowling expression. The redhead cracked a smile and took a stance.
"You're Ruby's friend right?" said Pyrrha, "I hope you meet up to her standards as she lets on. What brings you here anyway?"
"I just got bored." answered Ichigo, taking his stance.
"Hmph." said Pyrrha, "Well then, bring it on...strawberry."
A tick mark instantly formed on Ichigo's forehead at that nickname. "Ruby..."
A tension grew in the air as the fighters let off their spiritual pressure. Before any opponent made a step forward, the doors of the dojo opened to the massive figure known as Kenpachi Zaraki.
"What is going on here?" Kenpachi asked.
"Good morning, Captain." Pyrrha greeted with a bow, "I was just...disciplining our squad for their failure. That is until Ichigo came here and challenged me."
"Ichigo is here?" said Kenpachi as his one eye turned to Ichigo.
"Oh, hi Ichi." squeaked Yachiru from Kenpachi's shoulder.
"What do you wa-"
Ichigo was cut short from his sentence when his wooden sword was cut by a quick slice from Kenpachi's very real Zanpakuto. A fanged grin marked his face.
"Good, now I get to fight you again." cried Kenpachi, slamming down his blade.
On point of impact, a crater formed at his feet. Instead of Ichigo, he found his sword struck on Pyrrha's shield, who called upon her Zanpakuto with her Semblance.
"Wrong one, Father." noted Pyrrha, pointing to the side, "He's over there."
Ichigo went passed the doors, kicking up dust as he ran for his life.
"Screw you." cursed Ichigo, "No way I'm fighting that freak again."
"Hey, get back here and fight me Ichigo!" snarled Kenpachi.
Pyrrha gave a pout with a mad glint in her eyes. "Why don't you fight me instead?"
Her words went on empty ears as Kenpachi gave chase to Ichigo. She sighed, knowing Kenpachi's chase is futile since Yachiru would just lead him in the wrong direction. But still, she actually fight and she was just as strong.
It was one of those times she missed Jaune for how different he is.
'Men.' thought Pyrrha.
Squad 4 Barracks
Renji looked for his captain since the incident. He no longer had any ill will toward Byakuya; they were all manipulated like puppets. Still, the lieutenant needed to face his captain if just to even any tension between them.
However, when he opened the doors to his room, he was greeted with a sight that would mark his mind.
There was Byakuya - smiling. Smiling, and that wasn't the weirdest part! The one thing that caught Renji's attention was the person sitting next to him sharing tea that Renji's mind processed as Byakuya's younger brother he didn't know until now. The visitor looked so much like a Kuchiki, no, so much like a younger version of his captain. He had the long black hair, the narrowed cold eyes, the pale skin, and that straight posture that just gave off an air of authority and power his "older brother" showed.
For a few seconds, Renji just stood there unblinking until they turned to him with the same exact composure. It was then Renji noticed the only difference standing out was a strand of megatte in the younger "Kuchiki's" hair.
"Renji," spoke Byakuya, "what do I owe this visit?"
"Uh, my apologies, sir." said Renji, "I didn't know your younger brother was here to visit."
The "Kuchiki" paused drinking his tea and looked back at Renji. "There seems to be a misunderstanding. I am not a Kuchiki. My name is Lie Ren, one of the Rioka. It also surprises me how much I look like a member from the Kuchiki Clan."
"After our conversation," said Byakuya, "I wouldn't mind adopting you into the house. You would prove to be a great member."
"It is a tempting offer." said Ren, "I will take my leave. I feel as though-"
"Hey, has anyone seen Rukia?"
All eyes turned to Ichigo who was crouched over the window of Byakuya's room.
"Did you seriously just climb four stories just to get to this room?" said Ren, "You could've just checked in to visit."
Ichigo had nothing to retort and just switched back to the subject.
"So I'll ask again," said Ichigo, "do you know where Rukia is?"
"Isn't she supposed to be with you?" said Renji.
"I even looked at the Kuchiki manor." said Ichigo, "If she wasn't at there too, then there is one place she definitely is." Ichigo then noticed Ren in the room. "Oh, hey Ren. Do you know where Ruby is too?"
"I would imagine she's trying to cheer up Captain Komamura." said Ren.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "And why?"
"Ruby has a very soft spot for anything dog related." Ren elaborated. That was an understatement. In the short time he saw Zwei and Ruby together, it makes Nora's attachment to Ren child's play.
Shiba Household
"Aha, I knew I'd found you here."
Rukia turned around to find Ichigo and Orihime. "Ichigo? Orihimi?"
"Sorry for interrupting your little chat." said Ichigo, "But you need your rest to leave tomorrow. In the morning, they are going to open a gate for us to go to back to Karakura Town."
Rukia sighed and averted her eyes away from her friends in shame. "I have to tell you something. I've decided, Ichigo, to stay here in the Soul Society."
"WHHHHAAAAAAAT!?" screeched a high-pitched voice of a girl Rukia didn't have the courtesy to have met yet. The trio looked in the direction to the Shiba household where a dust cloud was approaching them. The next thing Rukia knew, she was being held up by the girl she saw fight Aizen. She now noticed her silver eyes and how much power they radiated from just a glance. Rukia remembered her name being Ruby from Ichigo.
"After all the stuff we went through," screamed Ruby, "you're just going to just not go back? We literally almost died to get you. I almost had both my arms cut off at one point, and nearly sliced in half by a maniac with an eye-patch. Yet after all that you still-"
"RUBY!" cried Ichigo for the fifth time.
"WHAT!?" snarled Ruby.
"I'm okay with it." said Ichigo calmly.
Even Rukia was surprised by his response. To Ruby, it looked like she flipped a switch and her angry scowling was replaced with realization.
"Oh, uh." Ruby settled Rukia onto the ground and wiped any dust on her shoulders, "Uh, sorry about that."
"I-It's fine." said Rukia.
"Let's start over." said Ruby, holding out her hand, "My name is Ruby Rose."
"Rukia Kuchiki." Rukia accepted Ruby's handshake.
"Rukia," said Ichigo with a very rare smile on his face, "I'm fine with it. Like you said, this place is your home, and as long as I know you are safe then I don't mind. It was... a good experience getting to know you."
"Thank you, Ichigo." said Rukia, "I'll-I'll make sure to come and visit."
"I'd expect nothing else." said Ichigo, taking his leave with a wave of his hand, "Take care, Rukia."
Ruby smiled and bowed her head to Rukia. "It was nice to meet you. I can see why Ichigo wanted to save you so much."
Rukia watched as the duo human shinigami walked to the distance. She didn't know why but a smile stretched her face.
"This isn't goodbye." muttered Rukia, "We'll meet again Ichigo... and Ruby."
"There you are." Somehow defying the laws of the Soul King, Kukaku appeared before the shinigami duo, "So you're checking in and leaving tomorrow, huh? Then stay and have dinner with us."
"Well sorry but-"
Ruby winced as Ichigo was dealt a Yang-level punch to his face. She was slightly impressed he didn't fall off his face and got out of it with a nose bleed.
"Wrong answer." growled Kukaku, "You should say 'Yes, I would love to have dinner, Kukaku.'"
"Yes, dinner does sound nice." Ichigo said in submission.
Kukaku turned to Ruby with a sweet smile. "How about you, little rose?"
Ruby visibly paled under the menacing aura she was giving off and raised a shaky hand to her forehead in a salute. "Y-Y-Yes, m-m-ma'am. Dinner with y-you should b-be w-wonderful."
"Good." said Kukaku, "Where is your other friend? Ren, I believe his name was."
Ruby answered. "Oh, I think Ren was invited to the Kuchiki manor for some reason."
Kukaku sighed and beckoned them to follow. Ruby could hear her grumbling something about 'freaking Kuchikis'.
(Time-Skip)
The next morning, the Rioka left through the Senkaimon. Captain Ukitake handed the shinigami trio badges that marked as "substitute" shinigami. Ruby might've complained a bit and opted for a new name, and so dubbed themselves, or rather herself, pseudo-shinigami.
The moment they entered the Dangai however...
"WHAT THE HELL, YORUICHI?!" screamed Ruby and Ichigo.
They were instantly on the run from the cleaner. Of all the times for it to appear, it just had to be that time. All parties ran for their lives and found themselves in a very familiar setting: up in the air above Karakura Town.
"Landing-"
Unfortunately, Ren and Ruby had no need to initiate a landing strategy when they found themselves on a flying rug commanded by Mr. Urahara and Tessai. Ichigo ranted on at him about putting something as dangerous as the Hogyoku in Rukia, and the man apologized. Good thing Ichigo doesn't hold grudges.
Urahara dropped off the rest of the group until it was Ichigo wanted to get off by a river. Ren decided to stay at the shop, but Ruby hopped off and followed Ichigo. She found the orange-haired shinigami looking at the river. Even though his back was turned, Ruby could feel the mix of emotions from him.
"Hey, Ichigo." said Ruby, slightly nervous, "You, uh, you okay? Is there something wrong?"
"No, nothing is wrong." answered Ichigo in a relaxed tone, "Just that, well, this is where... my mother died."
Ruby felt like she was struck by lightning, and muttered "stupid" under her breath for asking a very sensitive question. She can understand Ichigo's pain on a level. Summer had died when she was a little kid barely starting to walk. There weren't any memories, but she could still feel the pain of the loss.
"I-I'm sorry if I-"
"Seriously, I'm okay." Ichigo interrupted, turning his head to Ruby, "I moved on from it. I just wanted to come here, you know. I know she would be proud."
Ruby smiled. "I'm sure she is."
'Come on, Ruby, this is your chance.' spoke Summer.
'It's not what you think!' screamed Ruby in her mindscape with a blush coloring her pale cheeks.
'Remember who's your Zanpakuto in your mindscape.' Summer corrected, making Ruby's blush deepen.
'Now I know how Yang was able to tease so well.' replied Ruby.
'She learned from the best.' said Summer.
Ruby managed to compose herself, and Ichigo only shrugged off Ruby's sudden weird behavior a moment ago.
"I don't know how much to thank you for helping me keep Rukia safe." said Ichigo.
"I-I'm just glad everyone came out okay." Ruby replied nervously and thought, 'Dammit Ruby stop being a stuttering mess.'
Ruby added. "Besides, I'll always have your back Ichigo. You're my friend after all."
Ichigo smiled. "Thanks. I hope you find a way to return home, and if there's any trouble over there I'd be glad to watch your back."
Ruby lowered her head slightly, a small blush coming back. "I'd love to."
"I'm going to head home." said Ichigo, "Hey, where's your gigai."
Ruby's mouth made an "o" and she reached into her pocket to find a soul candy. Ichigo raised an eyebrow as Ruby popped it into her mouth. Once there was a crunch, her Aura flared brightly around her. When she emerged, she was in her human body and had on her signature red hood with the battle skirt she arrived in Karakura Town.
Ruby explained. "Mr. Urahara made a soul candy that reacts with my Aura to create a human body from it. It takes a lot from my reserves, but I regenerate from it quickly."
"At least you won't have to hide your body." said Ichigo. He disappeared from sight and landed on a roof top. After jumping across the rooftops toward his home, Ichigo noted the sound of shunpo. He stopped abruptly and found Ruby behind him.
"Why are you following me?" asked Ichigo.
Ruby laughed nervously and poked her fingers. "I, uh, forget where Mr. Urahara lives."
Ichigo gave a look that spelled 'Seriously?'. After a few moments looking into Ruby's sad silver eyes, he sighed in defeat and beckoned Ruby to follow. He narrowly avoided getting pounced by the Remnanty in a hug.
Now the only thing to worry about on Ichigo was what the hell to do with his dad when he finds out about this. It was going to take more than applying more than a few bruises on the old idiot's face.
And that's a wrap. In the next chapter, it won't be anything too much, just some of the characters getting to know each other. I still don't understand how Ichigo spent a month in the Soul Society and did nothing else for the next two months, so I'm just going go with that being chased by the cleaner sped up that process in the Dangai and they came home at the end of summer. How will Ruby do joining Ichigo in his high school?
Which arc do you want to start?
-The Bount Arc.
-The Memories of Nobody.
Up next is Chapter 17: Boiling the Blood of a Rose (a.k.a Keigo does something extremely stupid)
Stay in touch. Please, please leave a review.