(Day 7)
Having learned from her mistake-and the scolding she had gotten from Rukia-Isane knocked on the door and waited for a reply. To her surprise, the door was opened up. At first, she thought it had done so on its own. That is, until logic kicked in and brought her eyes down, finding her patient.
Ichigo was standing on his tiptoes, barely able to hold on to the handle. His other hand was up to his face, a single finger pressed against his lips.
Understanding the request, Isane nodded. She put her hand on the handle, keeping it down so Ichigo could let go. He did, stumbling a bit backwards but regaining his balance before he could fall. His hands were raised to chest height, fingers moving in set patterns Isane's mind translated to words.
"Moon is sleeping".
Moon? Isane pursed her lips, I assume he means his Hollow Zanpakutō. Which, if true, stirred up disbelief.
It was no secret how opposed the spirit was to sleeping. Aside from the loss of consciousness, the Hollow Zanpakutō had been pushing himself to stay awake. It wasn't like he didn't need it, either. The dark circles beneath his eyes and the change in colour of his irises betrayed his fatigue.
Taking a step into the room, her vision expanded to the corner that had been previously blocked by the door. The sofa caught her attention and confirmed Ichigo's claim.
Despite his best efforts, exhaustion had finally caught up to the spirit. He laid sprawled out on the couch, body covered by the fluffy overcoat. From what she could tell, he was on his back, the steady rise and fall of his chest indicating he was fast asleep. One arm and leg had fallen off the sofa, exposing a clawed foot and hand. His head rested on his counterpart's lap, face mostly hidden by Tensa's clothes.
The position didn't look particularly comfortable but it was clear it was enough for the Hollow Zanpakutō. In the past days, Isane had never seen the spirit as relaxed as he was now. Even his spiritual pressure was calm. It pulsed in gentle waves, intertwining lazily with that of his other half and their wielder.
It seemed Tensa shared her opinion. He sat perfectly still as to not disturb the other's sleep. The hooded spirit briefly glanced at her over his book before resuming to read.
The scene was a stark contrast to the days prior. It almost felt like she was intruding-which she probably was-on such a peaceful moment between the three. Maybe I should come back later.
Small hands tugged her attention down once more. Ichigo started to sign again. "Time for check-up?"
Isane opened her mouth, the beginnings of a response vibrating in her throat before she remembered silence was requested. She gave a nod in reply, searching her mind for the signs she needed.
"Yes, unless you prefer I come back later?"
Ichigo shook his head, "Now is fine. We just need to stay quiet".
That they could do.
Closing the door behind her, Isane was once more surprised when she turned back to face the room. Ichigo already on a chair, legs swinging idly as he waited for her to come over. He was quick, no longer showing signs of fatigue.
"It has been a while since I last used Sign Language", Isane signed as she walked over. "Not many people know it".
"I learned it for Moon", Ichigo explained. "Moon has trouble speaking sometimes".
Isane looked back at the sleeping spirit. With some dismay, she noted that the Hollow Zanpakutō had shifted when Ichigo moved away. Hopefully, he won't wake. "How come?" she asked.
Ichigo's fingers twitched but didn't start signing straight away. After a moment, his hands moved. "Someone did that to him".
"Someone?" How could someone do permanent damage to another's Zanpakutō Spirit?
"I don't remember more".
"I'm sorry".
"Don't be". Ichigo looked over his shoulder, his eyes changing slightly as he observed his spirit sleep. "Not your fault".
Isane recognised the look Ichigo gave his Hollow Zanpakutō. She had seen it often in the eyes of Soul Reapers who visited their injured friends. The ones who hadn't been so lucky and would suffer for the rest of their afterlife. The regret of not being at their side, the sympathy towards their friend's fate.
She looked away, granting her patient this brief moment. Her eyes wandered through the room, landing on the cork board behind the bed. It had been covered in drawings, made by the patient himself.
Ever since Rukia had given him pencils and paper, Ichigo had been drawing non-stop. The first few had been messy. Which, Isane reasoned, was because Shiba had still been getting used to his smaller body. After the sixth drawing, the work had improved significantly. While simple, the lines were straight and the colours kept neatly within the borders. It may not be Rembrandt but she could see these kind of illustrations be used in a children's book.
Isane looked at the wall, smiling at the things Ichigo had drawn. Most were of his family. She spotted Orihime and-who she assumed to be-their son in quite a few.
These are new. Frowning slightly, Isane walked towards the bed. She looked at the three newest additions to the collection. One in particular caught her attention.
Turning around, she found Ichigo looking at her with a smile. Isane took a step aside and pointed at the drawing. "Who made this one?"
"Moon did", Ichigo signed, bouncing in place. "Isn't it pretty?"
Isane looked back at the drawing, her stomach twisting into a knot. "He drew this?"
"I challenged him", Ichigo explained. "We both drew sunrises".
It was then Isane noted the colours used for the sky in the three drawings.
"They are very nice", Isane signed.
"I love the one Getsu made", Ichigo smiled broadly. "I am gonna frame it".
Isane offered a smile, "I think that's a lovely idea". Channelling the needed kaidō and placed her hand on her patient's torso. Ichigo shivered a bit and Isane smiled in apology.
A wave of spiritual pressure washed over her and Isane looked at the couch. The sleeping spirit was starting to become restless. His face no longer burried on Tensa's stomach, instead, turned towards them. His brows were knitted together, showing discomfort.
'Are you almost done?' Ichigo whispered. His eyes flickering towards his spirit as well.
With a slight shake of her head, Isane focused back on her task. 'Almost'.
At her voice, the Hollow markers became more pronounced. The spirit's hand was twitching, fingers flexing sporadically.
'You are doing very well. I think you will be better before long. Maybe even tomorrow', Isane concluded.
Ichigo nodded, anxiously shifting left and right. 'Can I go now?'
'I don't know if that's wise, Kurosaki-san', Isane said. 'Maybe it's better to wait until he wakes'.
'No', Ichigo shook his head. 'He's having a bad dream'.
'I know, that's why you should wait', Isane told. 'I have seen many people get hurt when trying to wake others who suffer from nightmares'.
'No, you don't understand', Ichigo said. His hands clasped around hers, his eyes staring straight into hers. 'This has happened before. If I don't interfere, it will only hurt him more. Please, let me help him'.
Isane stared back, mouth slightly ajar. Ever since Shiba had woken up, his speech had been off. His "r" sounded more like "w" and his choice of words was less compliced. This time, his speech had been clear.
It hadn't been the three year old who had made this plea.
'Alright'.
Ichigo slipped from the chair and made a beeline for the sofa. His fingers wrapped around the outstretched hand, placing it against his chest. 'I'm here', Ichigo assured. He overexaggerating his breathing, allowing the spirit to feel the rise and fall of his chest. 'I'm fine'.
The spiritual pressure retreated, intertwining obsessively with those of its counterpart and wielder. Ichigo winced as he felt something pull at his heart. It didn't hurt but it wasn't comfortable either.
A hand landed on the white haired head, the thumb gently caressing the forehead. 'We are both alright, Getsu', Tensa said.
At those words of promise, the Hollow markers became less dominant. Getsu groaned, his brows knitting together as he fought against his eyelids. Eventually, his lashes parted to reveal golden irises.
Ichigo smiled relieved, 'Hey there'.
Tired eyes stared unseeing at the child's face. Incoherent mumblings tumbled from pale lips as the spirit pulled his hand back, forcing Ichigo to come closer.
Hands beneath his arms had Ichigo yelp. Looking up, he found the captain smile back at him. Carefully, Isane raised her patient up and lowered him on top of the spirit. Getsu wrapped his other arm around Ichigo's back, trapping the boy on his chest.
The tension in the pale face eased up. The spiritual pressure resuming to lazy waves that was barely worth noting. Ichigo yawned, finding the new arrangement quite comfortable. When Isane draped the overcoat over him, Ichigo was out like a light.
'I see you have changed your mind'.
The voice startled the captain. Isane looked at the hooded spirit, able to see a smile on his face.
'That's what you wanted, wasn't it?' Isane stepped back, leaning against the table.
'It is what I hoped to achieve, yes', Tensa said. His fingers continued to gently course through the white tresses of his counterpart, earning a contented sigh from Getsu.
Isane had to admit, the sight the three of them made was quite adorable. It was hard to believe any one of them had the power to destroy a God.
'I can't believe it took me so long to see past it'.
'Do not be too harsh on yourself', Tensa said. 'Few are able to see past the Hollow exterior. The fact you were able to speaks volumes'.
The spirit's words soothed the guilt Isane felt. She nodded.
'I just don't understand. Why would you go through all this trouble?' Isane asked.
Tensa pursed his lips, thinking how to properly explain the problem with the purification. 'Could you hand me a few pencils, please?'
Isane quirked an eyebrow but did as requested. She took the basket of colouring pencils and some paper and brought it over to the spirit.
Tensa grabbed a red pencil and raised it. 'Let's pretend this is the soul of an ordinary Soul Reaper'. Tensa drew a red line across the paper. He then tapped the tip and the lead fell out. 'If they are hit in their vitals, they cannot use their powers anymore'. When he went over the paper again, there was no line. 'However, the soul itself remains intact'.
Tensa put the lead back into place and took another pencil, a black one. 'This is what happens when a Soul Reaper is "tainted" by a Hollow'. Isane's eyes widened as Tensa wrapped the black pencil around the red one like it was a piece of rope. He swiped it across the paper, leaving two stripes. 'Hollows, by nature, have a need to devour. If left unattended, it will destroy a tainted soul'.
Isane watched how the black pencil tightened around the red pencil. Small cracks appearing in both of them. 'But, what about the Vizoreds?' she asked.
Tensa pulled the two pencils apart, leaving them in perfect condition. 'The Vizoreds lived because Urahara found a way to prevent the soul from dying'. He took a blue pencil and switched the lead with red. 'He injecting them with Quincy spiritual energy, which balances out the soul'. He then wrapped the black pencil around again and this time, it didn't break. Tensa then made three swipes on the paper. One with only the red, another with only the black, and one with both. 'Still, removing the Hollow isn't difficult'. Tensa shifted his hold and the black pencil slipped off.
'And Shiba-san?' Isane asked.
Gathering the three pencils and their lead, Tensa covered them with his hands. 'Ichigo is not like the Vizoreds. He has been born with his powers'. When he removed his top hand, Isane's eyes widened. The three pencils had merged into one. Tensa drew a line, angling the lead to change the colour as he went. He then offered her the pencil. With slight hesitance did she accept. The pencil was heavier than a normal one, a lot firmer as well.
'Dare to take a guess how that pencil would look if I removed only the black?'
'Swiss cheese?' Isane answered as she handed it back.
Covering the pencil again, Tensa shook his head. 'I wish. That would be a kinder fate'. When he moved his hand, he had two pencils. A black and red one, and a red and blue mix. He offered her the new pencil the last one.
The second Isane held it between her fingers she heard it crack on the inside. It was brittle.
'Try to draw a line with it'.
Isane did as asked. Once the tip touched the paper it crumbled to dust. The captain stilled as realisation drew upon her. Her hand twitched, ever so little, but the pencil broke in her hand.
'It would be a slow and painful death', Tensa said.
As if hearing his words, Getsu shifted. His arms tightening their hold on their wielder, face burrying in orange hair. A string of incoherent mumblings tumbled from his lips.
Her heart ached.
'I-is there anything I can do?' she asked.
'Whatever you feel you need to', Tensa said as he put the pencil back in the basket. He picked his book back up, opening it where he had left it. 'If you don't mind, I'd like to enjoy the time I have with them'.
Isane wanted to press the spirit for ideas but she didn't want to take more of his time. His limited time. Instead she nodded, 'I will... I will be back around dinner'.
The spirit didn't acknowledge her further, already deep within the story of the book.
With a heavy heart did Isane leave the room. She would have to do something. She just needed to clear her head and think.
#
TO BE CONTINUED
BLEACH – Tite Kubo
Magic?
No, Tensa just manipulated the spirit particles of those pencils. Since Quincys have been seen absorbing literal buildings and even people, this shouldn't be too hard.
