Disclaimer: The following is a fan-based parody. 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). Please support the official release.
A question one would ask why type this up? Simple – why not?
Chapter 24: The Vizards Get a Grimm
Yoruichi was leaning her back against the wall just outside the room where Ruby and Ichigo were alone. She cursed her long-time friend Kisuke for making the whole place sound-proof. That thought didn't deter her excitement at the scene she could only hope to imagine. When one would think saving a girl at the near cost of death would get you praising, in a real instance it is a vicious verbal berating followed by a few smacks. And that's not even close to the extreme anger when Ruby flared her reiatsu a few minutes ago. However, it soon turned complacent and calm, and stayed that way for rest of time Yoruichi stood there.
'May as well check on them.' Yoruichi decided in her head.
She quietly slid the paper doors open. What her eyes laid down upon was an even greater sight than she thought. Instead of Ruby beating down Ichigo in a wild fury, the two were making out on the floor. Of course, there was some signs of a rampage if the holes in the walls or the craters in the floor didn't reveal anything. If it wasn't for the orange hair, Yoruichi would not believe it was actually Ichigo the 'Prude King' in a lip-lock with her Red Flash.
A grin split Yoruichi's face that put Gin to shame. Her hand reached into a pocket and brought out a camera. She was shaking to try and hold in her laughter. After snapping the button, the flash of the camera was the warning that the pair on the floor weren't alone.
Ruby and Ichigo parted and their eyes widened on sight of Yoruichi with a camera in hand giving them a smile that sent a shiver down their spines. Ichigo's face turned into his signature scowl with both of his eyebrows twitching.
"A little privacy maybe?" said Ichigo.
Yoruichi's smirk got bigger. "Look at you. You finally grew out of your prude manners, and actually being the man you should be. Speaking of...I know who else would be happy to see this."
Before even an inch of Ichigo's muscles could move, Yoruichi disappeared in a shunpo. Their minds echoed her laughter as she dashed through and to wherever she might be with her speed.
"Looks like you got blackmailed." voiced Ruby after snapping out of her stupor.
Ichigo narrowed his eyes at Ruby. "Don't you mean 'we' got blackmailed? I don't even want to think what Goat-chin will do."
"Uh...oops." said Ruby sheepishly. Her eyes blinked and they hardened with concern. "Do you think you'll get better soon?"
"My body feels numb." said Ichigo, "Probably from any pain-killers Hat n' Clogs put in me. I will most likely not be able to move today once the pain comes back."
Ruby's eyes softened. "As long as you're alright." Suddenly, her innocent aura took a full 180 and her silver eyes bore daggers into Ichigo's skull. "Just don't anything too stupid, okay Ichi-kun?"
"Y-Yeah." Ichigo almost squeaked in fear, "Won't move a single muscle."
"Good." said Ruby, going back to normal and giving a quick peck on Ichigo's lips.
"You should go." Ichigo suggested, "Hat n' Clogs may have found something to help you."
Ruby nodded and reluctantly left Ichigo alone in the room. She returned to where the rest of Team SIRR waited until Senna perked up seeing Ruby for the first time since yesterday. Ruby herself didn't even see Senna till she latched unto Ruby in a hug.
"Thank you so much." Senna praised, "You gave me a chance. You gave me my own life and friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
"Easy there, Senna." Ruby chided, "Just glad you're okay."
"Yep, I'm casting it in." announced Senna, "I vote Ruby to be team leader."
Ruby quirked an eyebrow in confusion. She glanced to Ren, who smiled and raised a hand giving his approving vote.
"Seriously?" said Ruby, puffing out her chest in pride, "Then I graciously accept the position as Team SIRR's leader."
A fake cough caught the trio's attention to Kisuke. He motioned Ruby to follow him to the front of the shop to speak more quietly. They sat on some cushions on the floor, and Kisuke offered a platter of cookies to keep the redhead comfortable. Literally easier done than said.
"So, uh," said Ruby after devouring a few baker's dozen, "do you have a way to help me?"
"Maybe." said Kisuke, then his expression turn serious, "How bad is it?"
Ruby stayed silent for a long while. She casted a downward glance to her hands. Ever since yesterday, not a single part of her felt familiar.
"I," said Ruby, her voice slightly breaking, "I can hear whispering in my head over and over. When I sleep, all I see is her staring right back at me. I'm helpless do anything. Mo - Mazazoru keeps her suppressed but I can barely feel her anymore. It hurts to even think. It's like she has her own roots in my head taking over all that I am. I don't even know if these are my thoughts."
Kisuke unfolded his fan in front of him without a wave. In his mind, Kisuke knew this was very, very bad. Among the Vizards, none of the Hollows could compare to the one in Ruby. It was an enigma itself. Not only is it strong, but it is far more cunning that it knows how to take over without force. At this point, it is a risk for Ruby to continue her shinigami duties. Unless...
Kisuke couldn't stop his smile returning as his genius mind once again produced a great idea. Ruby has no choice to go to the Vizards to suppress the Hollow under her own will. And now, Ruby earning Ichigo's affection, the orange head will most likely accompany her to keep her safe like the gentlemen he is. Killing two massive brids with one measly stone.
Kisuke put on his cheery manner and announced. "Ruby, I know some very good people who would be happy to help you. For now, get some rest for the day until tomorrow while I get everything ready. Also, I would suggest you and Ichigo use your bodies to avoid any complications with the experimental Soul Candy after this incident."
Ruby pouted, but agreed full-heartedly. The annoyance of dragging away one's own body was nothing compared to the fear of being a danger to her friends. Later shortly, Ruby retrieved and entered her human vessel to retire fofor the day. She was never completely there as noted in her step; too distracted by the sadistic and maddening whispers of Gruby.
(Next Day)
Ren and Senna acquainted themselves at Urahara's, and as a team member wanted to know her strengths and weaknesses. After a few friendly spars and reiatsu capabilities, it was discovered that Senna was at best 4th Seat level of average power. Her Kendo was straightforward and defensive, yet flowing like wind, but her hoho and shunpo were very lacking. However, it came as a surprise to Ren that not only was she talented in Kido, she had a higher affinity in the healing branch then Ren did. While Team SIRR was indisposed of for the moment, Ren and Urahara spent the time training Senna up to closer levels the rest of the team are.
Ruby did not bother leaving her apartment for the whole day. Orihime and Tatsuki were nice enough to visit when they noticed Ruby's dull mood. She kindly asked them to leave on the excuse she caught a flu.
Ruby got alert from her depressing mood on her bed when she got a message from Urahara to go to his shop on her matter. At the front of the shop stood Kisuke with Ichigo standing by his side.
"Okay," said Ruby, "What do we do with my Inner Hollow?"
Kisuke smiled. "As I said, I know a group of friends of mine who are very experienced in the matter. They will help you control your Hollow - and with some added benefits."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Ruby, and the pseudo-shinigami present gave Kisuke a glare.
"You'll find that out." said Kisuke not at all intimidated.
Ichigo gave his scowl feeling something off. He stepped closer to Ruby and faced the shopkeeper with an analyzing eye.
"I'm coming with her." announced Ichigo, getting a blush and wide eyes from Ruby.
'Hook, line, and sinker.' thought Kisuke, trying his damn hardest not to smile too much.
"I know you trust these guys, Urahara-san," said Ichigo, his glare boring knives, "but lately your plans have been really lax to say kindly.
"Oh, you hurt me Ichigo." said Urahara, putting on fake innocence, "Since when have my plans ever been like that?"
Before Ichigo lost his temper, Ruby made her presence reminded.
"Enough." Ruby voiced in a monotone manner, "Let's just get this over with."
Ichigo's eyes looked painful looking at the nearly broken spirits Ruby. Ichigo memorized and the pair headed to the designated address to Kisuke's allies. They walked in complete silence for several blocks. The orange-looked to his alternate world girlfriend and saw hidden agony under her baggy eyes, which indicated she didn't get any sleep. She would wince as though trying to block out deafening noise to no end.
His first thought was to comfort Ruby by grabbing her abruptly in a hug. His hollow was having just a tiny bit of influence on him, but his prude nature was still present. Ichigo took a deep breath and broke the silence.
"Are you okay, Ruby?" Ichigo asked.
"I'm good." Ruby lied.
Ichigo gave Ruby a disapproving look. He didn't break contact with Ruby who turned her gaze to the ground. She was brought out of her trance when Ichigo grabbed a soft hold on her hand.
"You can tell me." said Ichigo, "I'm here for you."
Ruby's face contorted in conflict. Her eyes were holding back tears of emotions that were wreaking havoc on her head. Gruby's voice got louder, saying that no one would be with her. No one would love her, not even Ichigo. Glancing back at him, Ruby couldn't avert her gaze from his kind brown eyes that washed away the sting of Gruby's words.
"I hear her everytime." Ruby admitted, "She's everywhere. I don't feel like I'm alone. I don't feel safe. And the worse of all, I don't feel any of you are safe around me. The moment I let go, I won't be coming back."
"Don't say that." Ichigo argued, tightening his grip, "That's just what she wants you to do. Don't give up. I'll be there for you."
Ruby didn't break eye contact, but there was no other change in her mood.
Ichigo continued. "At least smile for me. You look better that way."
Ichigo halted the pair in their walk and wouldn't budge. Once Ruby realized was just going to persist, she summoned up the best smile she could muster despite her despair. It was very small but genuine.
"Thank you." Ruby mumbled.
Unexpectantly, Ruby leaned her weight onto Ichigo's side, relishing the feeling of safety in his close proximity. Ichigo fidgeted at first but relaxed knowing it was Ruby who deserved the right so.
"Can I just stay like this?" asked Ruby.
Ichigo smiled, wrapping his right arm around Ruby to pull her closer. They stayed like that in such an intimate position as they walked to their destination. Ruby's smile didn't grow nor did it fall. The whispers of Gruby became more of a hiss than the sadistic howling. The Remnantie pressed closer into Ichigo's side and let herself fall into bliss.
"We're here." Ichigo announced, snapping Ruby out of her trance.
The pair were standing in front of an abandoned warehouse, at least to the eyes of mortals. To the pseudo-shinigami, there were multiple signatures of strong reiatsu at Captain level. If that didn't do it, there was a Kido barrier right in front of them.
"Uh, what do we do now?" Ruby wondered.
Ichigo sighed. He took a few steps forward and touched the Kido barrier. Ruby, being a wielder of Kido, expected the barrier to burn his hand. When his hand was just a few inches from the barrier, it opened up to a size for two people to walk through.
Ichigo shrugged. "Looks like we are expected."
The pair continued toward the warehouse. The giant metal doors creaked open to them, but they didn't show any reaction whatsoever. There was only darkness waiting for them. Suddenly, Ruby and Ichigo tensed at the increase of several spiritual pressures very close by. The lights came on and the pair widened their eyes in surprise at what can only described as a ragtag group. The thing that shocked them was each and every one of them carried a zanpakuto but also had a hollow's spiritual pressure laced with theirs.
"And I thought I was going to have to go through all the trouble for you to join us, Ichigo Kurosaki." one of them spoke, a lean man with short blond hair and a wide grin, "But fate has put not one but two of you to us."
"Who are you?" Ichigo demanded, leveling a glare at the strangers. Ruby was too sheepish to make herself voiced.
"Now, now, no need to be hostile." said the same stranger, "We aren't here to hurt you or your girlfriend. Allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Shinji Hirako."
"Love." introduced the stranger with the pointy afro.
"Rose, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." answered another with long flowing yellow hair.
"Mashiro." introduced a petite girl with green hair and wide brown eyes.
"Hiy-"
"Just call her Snaggletooth." Shinji interrupted, pointing a thumb to a small girl with two blonde ponytails and a tooth sticking out of her lip.
"It's Hiyori, asshole!" bellowed said person as she threw her sandle hard into Shinji's face. Everyone produced a sweatdrop.
'Hah, she's fun.' Hichigo noted.
'Shut up.' Ichigo bit back.
'Congrats, you have hit rock bottom.' said Gruby.
Ruby said nothing in response but she frowned on the outside.
"Kensei Muguruma." named the tall man with short grey hair and impressive build.
"Lisa Yadomaru." named a woman with black hair tied in a braided pony tail and wears oval glasses.
"And the gentle giant is Hachi." said Shinji pointing to a giant of a man in a green suit, a head of pink hair, and was in a meditative stance.
"Greetings." said Hachi in a small bow.
"How are you supposed to help us?" Ichigo questioned.
"No need to be so mean, even if Kisuke is a slight prick." said Shinji as he put his palm, "It's better to show you."
Ruby and Ichigo forgot to breath when they realized the all too familiar reiatsu of a Hollow and Shinji's skyrocket. Reiatsu gathered at Shinji's hand until it manifested into a Hollow's mask.
The pseudo-shinigami couldn't believe it. He had the reiatsu of a Hollow and its mask, yet he wasn't lolosing control.
"We are known as Vizards." Shinji explained, disspelling the mask away, "Shinigami who have stepped into the realm of the Hollow. You two are our people."
Ichigo and Ruby decided to put away questions about Vizards for now. They had to focus on the situation at hand for both their sakes.
"Say Ichigo." said Shinji, "You coming here means that you two are going to join us, right?"
"No!" Ichigo firmly denied, getting a weird look from Ruby. She couldn't understand why Ichigo wouldn't want to join them. At least, she herself wouldn't mind.
"Excuse me?" said Shinji, narrowing his eyes and his grin dropping.
"We won't join you guys." Ichigo stated, "But we need you to show us how to control our Hollows."
"You shouldn't take us lightly." muttered Shinji.
Ichigo's instincts sent alarms through his body, but he only had enough time to summon his shinigami powers. Instead of ejecting his soul, Ichigo learned to manifest his powers into the real world, putting on the shihaksho and summoning Zangetsu. He just barely drew out his zanpakuto to block a blow from Shinji.
"You are going to have to prove to us if you want to make those demands." said Shinji, his grin gone replaced with seriousness.
"What about silver eyes over there?" asked Hiyori, giving an unfriendly look to Ruby.
Shinji turned to his accomplice with the same look he gave Ichigo. The attitude Hiyori was giving off was suppressed by that look. It meant Shinji was dead serious.
"You heard what Urahara-san said." Shinji replied, "Her Hollow's too strong at this stage to do a safe test of it. You all felt that spiritual pressure that day. She needs it."
'They all think I'm a Hollow?! Hah!' commented Gruby, 'They have never seen anything like me.'
"Good." said Ichigo, "At least I won't have to worry about you guys attacking her."
Ruby watched with worry as the two Vizards clashed about the warehouse, momentarily disappearing with shunpo only to appear again with the clap of steel against steel. It was obvious that Ichigo was on the losing side, especially when Shinji decided to adorn his Hollow mask. Ruby clenched her fists at her side. It may be just a test fight, but Ruby so wished to fight right alongside Ichigo so he wouldn't have to hurt himself for her sake. She didn't want to be weak for him.
Ruby was snapped out of her thoughts by an alarming rise of spiritual pressure from Ichigo. Unlike his usual reiatsu which felt so safe, this one was violent and cold. It expressed a thirst for battle. The left side of Ichigo's face grew a part of a mask with red stripes coming from the eyes and its jaw aligned with sharp teeth. His eyes turned pitch black with gold irises, unlike Ruby's eyes that turned red in her transformation.
The tides of the fight immediately turned on Shinji, and it was awful for him. The possessed Ichigo roared like a Hollow and dashing with such speeds that Shinji couldn't react to. He was forced into the wall and left to the mercy of Hichigo slowly choking the life out of him. The Vizards immediately rushed to their leader's aid, but Hichigo was prepared and swiped Zangetsu behind them, forcing the Vizards back from a wordless Getsuga Tensho.
Shinji's eyes rolled in the back of his head as his life was fading. Ruby swallowed down her shock and finally spoke since she got here.
"ICHIGO!" Ruby called, getting the possessed human's attention. As violent as those golden eyes seemed, Ruby did notice when they softened at her worried expression.
"Just stop." Ruby pleaded, "You won't let him kill anyone. You're the one who's in control, right?"
The maniacal smile dropped and Shinji was released. He fell to the ground with a few coughs while the possessed Ichigo floated down in front of Ruby eyes now filled with regret.
"S-Sorry." Ichigo hissed out, his voice becoming less demonic. His hand went to the mask and ripped it off, showing his true warm brown eyes that Ruby adored. He was about to apologize further until she wrapped Ichigo in a hug.
"It's alright." Ruby said, "As long as you come back to me."
A fake cough from Shinji returned the pair's attention to the Vizards. The floor opened up into a ramp leading down into the ground where light came from. Without need of words, Ruby and Ichigo followed the Vizards into another copy of Urahara's 'basements'.
"Before we get started," announced Shinji, turning to Ruby, "in order to subdue your Inner Hollow, you need to have Bankai to stand a chance. So, Ruby was it? How far are you in achieving your Bankai."
"Almost done." Ruby answered automatically, "I can master it now."
Shinji smiled and gestured to Kensei. He disappeared in shunpo and reappeared a few seconds later with a Tenchintei. Ichigo and the Vizards made room for the Huntress as she stabbed Mazazoru into the doll and poured in her reiatsu. In a puff of smoke, the spirit Mazazoru appeared before Ruby. Ruby noticed that there were bags under Summer's eyes and she didn't have as much energy in her eyes.
"It's been a while." said Summer.
"I know." said Ruby, trying her best to not break her voice, "You know what I'm here for."
"Of course." said Summer with a weak smile. "Just one more lesson."
In a flash of light, a pure white short sword appeared in their sword hand. Mother and daughter crouched in the same stance with the blade resting on their other arm.
"This could be the last time I see you, Ruby." Summer reminded.
"It won't." Ruby denied, "I will get you back."
No other words were spoken. Ruby dashed forward for an opening. Summer parried it aside, and the colliding forces from the blades picked up a sizable gust. Summer straightened her grip and thrusted the blade aiming to nick Ruby's cheek. Ruby twisted around the zapakuto to strike Summer's left flank. In response, Summer twirled the same direction to keep a line of sight of Ruby.
Ruby disappeared in shunpo and reappeared throwing an axe kick above her. Summer raised her free left arm to block the blow, slightly wincing from the strength put in it. Summer used shunpo to avoid a downward stab, but Ruby chased her down at greater speeds in conjunction with her Semblance. The zapakuto managed out of the way from a downward slash that cut a crevice into the ground and blowing up a cloud of dust. Ruby pressed on again with a heavy side swing. Summer parried it and forced the two blades to the ground creating a crater below them.
They freed their weapons and entered a duel of attrition with neither side gaining an edge. Sparks flew off when their steel clapped together. Ruby could feel the toll of the ongoing fight. Her blade felt heavy in her right hand, and her vision blurred except on Summer. Seeing Ruby's winded state, Summer decided to end this. She forced Ruby's blade far from her front and went for a finishing.
Ruby knew her sword would never reach in time. Her defeat seemed inevitable as the opposing blade drew closer. But she was not to fail when in desperation Ruby came up with a stroke of genius. She activated her eyes, the silver flash blinding all the spectating Vizards but most importantly Summer. Her aim nudged away just enough for Ruby to reach behind the sword to knock it out by striking her wrist. Ruby's free hand stole the blade, then she twisted her body around, and stabbed Summer's own blade into her gut.
The proving was over. Ruby gazed to her mother's eyes expecting pain that would hurt her own heart in guilt, but she found a smile. Her form glowed and slowly dwindled away into Ruby's zapakuto. She put a hand on Ruby's shoulder to keep her attention.
"Well done, Ruby." Summer praised, "You have grown up spectacularly. Screw four years at Beacon, you are already a far greater Huntress than I could ever be. I am so proud of you."
Ruby couldn't say anything in return nor could she stop a few tears from dripping down her cheek.
"Remember this Ruby," said Summer, leaning towards Ruby's left ear, "Something that you deserve the right to know."
Summer whispered a few words too soft for anyone to hear. But Ruby caught the message and her eyes widened. Summer returned to level a kind stare with Ruby, her moments dropping as her form cracked.
"Even if you ever lose me, Ruby," said Summer, "know that I will always love you."
Summer kissed Ruby's forehead until she finally faded back into her zapakuto. Ruby did not know how long she stood there until Ichigo caught her attention.
"Are you okay, Ruby?" asked Ichigo.
"I'm good." Ruby answered wiping away any tears.
"So ready to move on?" said Shinji.
"Not yet." said Ruby, "This will be my first time with Bankai. I need a spar to get used to it. How about it, Ichigo?"
Ichigo smiled. "I'm only agreeing soI can break our tie."
The Vizards disappeared again to avoid being collateral damage between two Bankai. Ichigo and Ruby stood on opposing sides, Zangetsu and Mazazoru poised in their stances.
"Bankai."
Black reiatsu laced in red erupted from Ichigo's body. When it cleared, Ichigo's shihaksho changed into a tighter look, and his zapkuto turned into a pitch black daito with a chain.
"Tensa Zangetsu."
(Que "Don't Lose Your Way")
Ruby closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. White reiatsu flared off of Ruby in waves, constantly increasing without end. The ground gave away under the pressure of her power, and pebbles floated up from the sheer force. The whole basement groaned under their combined spiritual pressure, with Ruby's rising to match Ichigo. Her reiatsu exploded into a silver geyser, pushing back any stray wind and flattening the earth around her. It became like a storm surrounding Ruby's form. Cracks of pure power crackled off her body like lightning scorching through the earth around her. Her eyes opened but they were blinding in silver light staring back at Ichigo with a warrior's fervor. She spoke one word. One word of power that shakes the worlds of mortals and gods alike.
"Bankai."
Yes, I am leaving a cliffhanger here. An awesome fight between Bankai Ichigo and Ruby deserves its own chapter. Guess what Ruby's Bankai could be?
Up next is Chapter 25: Bloody Evolution
Stay in touch. Please, please leave a review.