A/N: A big 'thank you' to those that reviewed: "anon," Dragon and Sword Master, Assault Godzilla, KitElizaKing, Generalmayhem02, and Iceflame55. And thank you to all those that put this or its author on their lists.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Bleach characters, manga, anime, movies, etc. They belong by copyright laws to Tite Kubo et al.
Consequences of War
Depression Can't Win
When Ichigo returned from his inner world he was fatigued in both body and mind. He felt every bruise, cut, and stab wound his duel natured Zanpakutou spirit had inflicted. Standing with a groan, he tucked his swords away and turned to the assembled company. "Renji?" he asked, surprised at seeing the redhead.
"Did you forget I came too?" his friend snorted, a piece of tempura half way to his mouth.
"Yeah, I guess I did. Zabimaru?"
"Good as new. Better even. Zangetsu?"
"Way weirder than he was but good to go. It took me a while to get used to using both blades. Did they catch you up on what happened?" Omi and Mera sat on the opposite side of the table from the lieutenant.
"Yeah. I never imagined we'd be lucky enough to find something to defeat the "Almighty" power with. I thought we'd just have to keep fighting until either he died or we did."
"Me too," the substitute agreed and limped forward before sinking down in relief at the table. He nodded in thanks when one of the girls poured him a cup of tea and began eating whatever was put in front of him.
"When you are full, we will go," Omi said, her tone commanding. "I am anxious to stop my brother's insanity."
"Sure. How do we get back?" Ichigo asked. It hadn't been easy getting to the Royal Realm and he doubted returning to the Seireitei would be any simpler.
"Normally you'd have to go through our usual methods but Omi-ojousama tells me she can create a portal that'll open right up to the Seireitei. You're lucky as I doubt you have the time to waste walking down the stairs that would return you. You could have just jumped down but that would break the barriers protecting this place and that may be one of the things Yhwach is counting on." Mera didn't like the thought but it was one of things that had occurred to her superiors while Ichigo struggled to master his Zanpakutou.
"He'll want to kill our father and use the power he absorbs to reshape the universe. Even with his 'Almighty,' he can't do that without the powers of the Soul King. No doubt he'll take the powers of all of his Quincy when the time comes just so he can defeat Father."
"Well then, let's screw up his day," Ichigo stated, eyeing what was on the plate in front of him with misgiving. It looked like something Inoue had cooked. With a shrug he ate it anyway, knowing that the Royal Guard wouldn't purposely poison him.
"I'm all for it," Renji agreed, chugging down a glass of water.
"Well then, if you're finished eating, perhaps you should go. My comrades and I will do what little we can to prepare," Nimaiya said from the doorway. He was visibly fatigued from fixing two Zanpakutous and the younger Shinigami frowned at him in worry. "Pay me no mind and go rejoin your friends."
"Yes, sir," Renji responded. The man had been a captain, he couldn't disobey. Ichigo, Omi and he rose, the princess following the males at a slower pace. "So, where do you want to make this portal?"
"The courtyard will be fine. I just need to get my Zanpakutou." Omi looked around her, the outer halls different from the last time she was awake. "Perhaps I left it in my chamber?"
"I didn't see any sword with you in the coffin." Ichigo scratched the back of his head, hoping that the woman hadn't misplaced it.
"Well, that makes things a bit difficult. Please stand back, I will have to call for it." Closing her eyes tightly she pressed her palms together and began to chant. The words made no sense when strung together, leading Ichigo believe that she had been the one to come with the idea of making kido spells sound like gibberish.
"Now I know who to blame for all those spells," Renji muttered.
"Spring forth and shine, Shinri no Tankyū-sha!" Omi shouted before Ichigo could respond to the other man's comment. They watched as she pulled apart her hands, a slim and deadly-looking blade appearing within a white light. After they could see again, they studied the sword. The blade glowed with an inner light, a soft pulse of power brushing up against their senses.
"A little thin, isn't it?" Renji commented, his head tilted in thought.
"It is not the size of the blade that matters," Omi scolded softly. "Let us go and I will show you just how powerful my truth seeker is." Stabbing the air like the Shinigami did to open a Senkaimon, she twisted it and they heard a loud click. One after the other doors opened, more clicks echoing through the courtyard as they did. Finally, when the last was open, Omi turned to them and smiled. "You must be careful going through this passageway. There are no Hell Butterflies to guide you and there will not be any light but the light created by the path you make. I will go first and show you so do not tarry and do not stray from where I step. If you do, you will end up in limbo for all eternity."
"Great, another death trap," Ichigo complained but followed after her obediently. Renji brought up the rear, stepping slowly and far more carefully than he ever had before. "So, out of curiosity, how long is it going to take to get there?"
"I do not remember. It has been millennia since I left the Royal Realm. As long as a day, possibly. Certainly long enough for you to crave the light."
"Joy…"
Chad and Orihime sank to their knees in exhaustion, sweat pouring off of them in rivers. They leaned back against the rocks, each drinking deeply from the water bottles that they'd brought with them. Tsubaki and the other flowers floated in the air while their wielder tried to catch her breath. Both of Chad's arms were still transformed, the markings looking different and more complex than when he'd begun his training.
"You're not giving up now, little girl, are you?" Tsubaki goaded, arms crossed as he studied the young woman.
"Of course not but if I don't rehydrate, I'll collapse."
"There's not going to an opportunity to take a break for a drink if you come up against a Quincy," the camellia reminded Orihime. His tone wasn't as harsh as usual and she took it to mean he was actually concerned for her.
"I know. That's why I'm going to do all I can to end a fight quickly. I don't want anyone getting hurt that doesn't have to."
"You're going to need to be quick and decisive. No more hesitation. The power in both of these new shields is too great to pull back from. Once I'm in motion, the slightest pause on your part will kill me."
"I know," she answered again and got to her feet. Cupping the flower spirit in her hands, she kissed his forehead. "No more hesitating, I promise."
"Oh, knock off the mush. Let's get back to work, missy." The other flowers chuckled at Tsubaki's blush and he chased after them while both Chad and Orihime looked on.
"All right, let's get to work. Are you ready, Chad?"
"Aa," the large teen answered and looked over to their other friends. Rukia was dancing with her Zanpakutou, the manifested spirit telling him she was near bankai. He knew that she would reach it soon and that it would be something powerful. No doubt it would also be dangerous and he could only hope it wouldn't harm her as Ichigo's had at first.
"Do your worst, Chad!" Orihime called, smiling brightly. She would get the hang of her newest shield and refine the one she'd discovered while Ichigo had been powerless.
"El Directo!," Chad called, following it up with a silent attack from his left arm. They were trying to speed up their attacks as well as their reaction time. By calling on their powers silently, they hoped to be able to catch the enemy unaware.
"Shiten Kōshun!" Orihime returned, her mouth in a grim line while her flowers absorbed both of her friend's attacks. The amount of spiritual energy Chad threw her way would be hard to redirect but she believed that she could do it in a way that would increase her ability to fight. From their brutal assault on the Seireitei, the healer knew the Quincy would not hold back. The power behind the blast was reflected back to Chad who barely dodged it. It continued on to the wall of the cave they were training, creating a large hole.
"Try it now, Orihime!" she heard her flowers chorus and after one large breath, Orihime took the largest chance of her life since allowing Ulquiorra take her captive.
"Seikuriddoshīrudosupia!" All six of the flowers formed a shield larger than any she'd ever made before. The force of the blast from Chad tore her clothes which were immediately repaired by the two flowers in charge of reversing damage. It was then absorbed back into the shield where it was centered upon Tsubaki and launching the attack flower at unseen speeds back at Orihime's opponent.
Chad, sensing that he only had a split second to defend himself, transformed his right arm as fast as he could and deflected Tsubaki with all his might. The flower's course was diverted but not before taking a chunk out of his shoulder.
"I did it, I did it, Chad!" Orihime laughed, running up to her friend. "It's not a lot different from Shiten Kōshun but it's way more powerful."
"You said it will take the energy of any damage done to those behind the shield as well as the energy of the attack itself and send it back at the enemy through Tsubaki. Despite it being similar, it is the best shield to use in this case, I believe. The attacks we've seen the Quincys use have a wide radius and if the entire amount of energy of an attack can be used instead of what just hits the physical shield, then I believe you will have an advantage over your opponent."
"True," she agreed and immediately set about healing Chad's shoulder. "Although, I do wonder why they didn't teach me one that uses just five of them instead of all six."
"Perhaps that one would not be affective for attacks. You will have to ask them at later date. I do suggest finding another way to call it forth, though. That name is far too long to utter in the heat of battle."
"I'm working on that," she sighed, her brows scrunched in concentration. She was glad of Chad's advice, the usually reticent teenager helpful with his insights. "You're lucky you had your shield. Tsubaki would have done you in had you transformed any slower."
"Of course I would have!" the male flower boasted, finally back from the cave wall. It had taken him a while to get unstuck. "Don't be getting full of yourself, missy! Succeeding once doesn't make it a sure thing."
"Yes, Tsubaki," Orihime agreed to placate him. About to go back to her place, an explosion of power in Rukia's direction stunned both teens. They turned towards her and found a woman in white staring back at them.
Rukia was clothed in white, a long sleeved kimono gracing her figure. Her once black hair had been turned white and the dark purple eyes that they knew so well had been leached of their color until only the palest lavender remained. A half crown framed the back of her head and her once pure white sword was now completely made of ice. She was a sight to behold and both Karakura High students couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
"Kuchiki-san!"
"Stay back," Rukia whispered slowly, hoping they could hear her.
"Is that your bankai?" the healer asked, halting her advance. She had a feeling it would be a very bad idea if she touched her friend at that moment.
"Hakka no Togame."
"It's beautiful."
"Deadly. Absolute zero. If you touch me, you will die."
"Then we'll just wait until you're done with your training. Chad and I still have some practicing to do and then we should check on Ishida-kun. Let me know if you need healing."
"Will do," Rukia replied, smiling as much as she could without cracking. She watched her friends return to their training before continuing on with her own.
Now it's time to teach you how to use it, Shirayuki whispered in her mind.
"I am in your hands."
Good. The sword spirit took a breath and began to teach her final release's ultimate attack. Shirayuki couldn't help but feel empowered and was a bit saddened that she couldn't share her triumph with Senbonzakura. I hope you are proud of us, the Zanpakutou thought before returning her attention to the matter at hand. Thoughts of the ones that had passed could wait until the war was over.
Survival was what mattered most now.
Ishida had no idea what was going on around him. He was lost in what he was sure was his "inner world," something he'd thought only Shinigami could access. Until that moment he was sure that they were the only ones to have such a thing but he supposed that any creature with enough spiritual energy to manifest a weapon would also be able to meditate to a point where they could see something resembling their innermost thoughts.
"So the prince has found me," a voice proclaimed, its tone slightly mocking. The Quincy Archer turned around from his place on a hill and saw a figure that looked suspiciously like the Quincy king not far off.
"What are you?" Ishida demanded, summoning his bow on instinct.
"Don't you mean who? I'm exactly who I look like."
"No, you're not. You're only taking that form to put me on edge."
"Is that what you think? Even though you are my successor you should bow to me." The being smirked slightly, irritating the young man.
"I see, you represent my power. I have heard from Kurosaki and the other Shinigami about their Zanpakutou taking a physical form in their inner worlds. That's where I am, isn't it? You are a piece of the king that he gave to my ancestors. You are the power of the Quincy that I yield. The one piece that he couldn't take back, either time he tried."
"Yeah, well, I don't feel like going back. I like it here better. You're a bit uptight but you're a lot better than that old man." The spirit's visage changed and he became young, his face narrowing to resemble Ishida's more.
"I don't want my powers taken either. If we are in agreement, tell me how to change the way you work in order to make sure he can never use you again."
"Are you sure? You could never call yourself a true Quincy again if I do. To change my power would to be make it like a Shinigami's. You wouldn't be able to destroy souls anymore."
"I never enjoyed destroying souls. Destroying Hollows, yes, but not the souls that made them up. I could never change that fact until now, though."
"I see. Very well, then, I guess I'll teach you. I warn you, it won't be easy. This could easily kill you."
Ishida raised his bow, pulling reishi from the air until it was an arrow. "Do your worst."
"You're going to have to face all manner of things. Dark things that hinder your ascension," the spirit tried once more in warning.
"I will face them and I will defeat them." For many years he had allowed the death of his mother and grandfather to shape how he saw the Soul Society and the Shinigami that lived there. He had used his abilities as an escape from the pain their deaths had brought and had never thought of a way to ensure that he could stand toe to toe with the Shinigami and prove his way of exterminating Hollows was better. He knew that his powers destroyed souls and it had been the one thing that he'd lamented. His grandfather had wanted the Quincys to be a frontline for the Shinigami so that innocents could be saved and no souls destroyed.
Here and now Uryuu Ishida would find a way to become that frontline. He would make his grandfather's dearest wish of Quincys and Shinigami working together come true; and above all, he would transcend the present condition of his powers and bring it to a whole new level. A new level that would ensure he would never have to fear Yhwach again. A level that meant he would never have to regret defeating another Hollow for as long as he lived.
"Very well. Let us begin," his opponent said and summoned a bow of his own.
"After you."
When Ishida returned to consciousness, he was unaware of how much time had passed. Cuts and bruises graced his body in a tell-tale sign that he had fought hard. While there was physical evidence of him having fought a part of himself, there were also mental wounds that were not so apparent. With a heartfelt groan he rose from the cross-legged position he'd been sitting in, his legs numb from having been crossed for so long.
He stumbled and would have fallen if a large, familiar hand had not caught him. "Thanks, Chad," the student body president whispered, his voice hoarse from lack of water. He'd also done a fair amount of screaming and was surprised his physical body mirrored his mental one so much.
"Sure," Chad responded, helping his friend sit on a rock. Orihime came forward, holding a bottle of water. She called forth her shield and began healing him, wanting to ask if he'd succeeded but not wanting to intrude.
"Did you do it?" she asked finally, her voice soft with her unwillingness to intrude.
"I did. I faced things that had been holding me back and I found out why my powers had never been taken from me. Despite whatever my father may have done to prevent it, the piece of Yhwach that had been passed to be through my ancestors didn't want to return. It seems that that part is what remains of the bastard's humanity. By remaining with me and transforming the very nature of my power, I can prevent, or at least help prevent Yhwach from achieving his goals."
"You're not afraid of him finding out?" she asked, studying his face. There was something different about her friend now.
"No," Ishida stated firmly.
"Your gaze is clear," a new voice said from behind them and they all turned to see Rukia approach.
"Yes," he answered, wondering how she knew.
"You and your cousin are so alike."
"My cousin?"
Rukia blinked, pausing to consider whether she should let the cat out of the bag. Finally shrugging, she smiled and nodded. "It seems that Masaki Kurosaki was your father's cousin."
"Masaki… But that's Kurosaki's mother's name…" Ishida paused, thought about it for a minute and then groaned. "I'm never going to hear the end of it," he stated before sighing.
"Oh, I doubt Ichigo's given much thought into the matter at the moment. Once this is all over he might think about it some more and then complain but for right now you're safe. So, is everyone ready?"
"As much as we can be," Ishida replied.
"Good, because I do believe Ichigo and Renji have returned. And if I'm not mistaken, they've brought a guest." Tucking her sword into her obi more firmly, Rukia led the way out of the training ground so that they could meet up with their friends.
Orihime, still focused on healing Ishida as they walked, kept pace with him, sneaking glances at him every few minutes. "Inoue-san?" Ishida questioned after catching her for the third time.
"You're not depressed anymore either," she said quietly.
"Depression can go jump off a cliff. I'm done with being depressed. It would only stop me from doing what I must and that I will not allow. I will not let what happened here happen again and I will most certainly not let the other Quincys hurt our friends back home."
"I'm glad," she returned softly and smiled to herself when he quickened his pace. Watching the set of his shoulders, she nodded and hurried to catch up. He was right; depression stood no chance against their determination.
Their resolve was much too strong.
A/N: I gave Omi's sword the name "Truth Seeker," which according to Google Translate is Shinri no tankyū-sha. Seikuriddoshīrudosupia supposedly means "Sacred Shielding Spear." Now for those that remember the briefly mentioned fourth shield of Orihime's in the Fullbring arc, the Shiten Kōshun uses the three shielding flowers and adds Tsubaki to the mix, allowing a reflection of an attack to rebound onto an enemy. So, using that as a basis, I extrapolated on what a shield using all six flowers might do and came up with her new power in this chapter. Of course, I had to use Rukia's actual bankai which means "Censure of the White Haze." Or "White Haze Punishment," depending on if you go with Viz's translation or not which is the latter. Personally, I like the word "punishment" more because her bankai kills the opponent not just injures them.