Chapter Eight: Revenge & Going Home
*Six Months after confronting Baraggan*
Takeshi was resting alongside Mila; things had been relatively quiet since the confrontation with supposed king of hueco mundo. The first few months after the whole deal, they thought for sure Barragan was going send more people for them. The only reason they could deduce why he didn't try to kill them, when they had refused him was because he simply didn't see them worth doing it himself.
The weird thing was no more patrols came around their area. It was as if any interest that was had in them had suddenly ceased. They had no idea why, but they certainly weren't going to complain about it.
It only meant it gave them more time to hunt down fisher. While they had yet to find any solid lock on his location. They had finally managed to get some clues as to where his location was, from some other hollows they found and "interrogated".
Takeshi felt that it wouldn't be too long until he finally had his confrontation with the bastard that had de-railed his whole life in a sense. Four years of suppressed emotion over wanting fisher dead, was becoming hard to keep contained. After all Takeshi didn't want to just simply kill fisher, he wanted to make him suffer as much as he could beforehand.
The build to finding fisher had started to take an effect. he had begun to plagued by nightmares about that day four years ago as of late.
*A few nights earlier*
Takeshi suddenly found himself back in Karakura, it was the day his mother had died. It was raining and Takeshi found himself as his 11 year old self standing by the same river. His brother and his mother Masaki off to his side.
Suddenly he saw the same girl from before standing by the river's edge and just like before he caught his brother running off to stop her from falling.
"Ichigo stop!" he tried to yell but no words left his mouth. He tried to run to stop his brother but no matter how hard he tried he never got closer. He reached for his necklace to activate Reaver, but nothing happened no matter how hard he tried. He knew what was happening and yet he was still powerless to do anything about it.
"Ichigo Don't!" his mother yelled and started to take after Ichigo.
"No mom don't go!" he tried to warn his mother but to no avail. Then the worst experience of his life repeated in front of his eyes all over again.
He saw Grand Fisher's terrifying visage appear from the darkness, he shot his clawed hand out impaled his mother clean through her chest in a burst blood.
Takeshi just stared in horror as his mother dropped dead in front of him a second time. His legs grew weak and he fell to his knees, tears falling from his eyes in despair. Despite knowing what was going to happen, despite all his training and power he accumulated. It had meant absolutely nothing, for he couldn't even save one of the people he loved most.
"this can't be happening, it's just can't. not again, please not again." He weakly choked out between sobs.
"whatever do you mean boy?" spoke a sinister voice.
Takeshi's head shot up to see the menacing visage of grand fisher looming over him. He couldn't do anything at all, not even when the hollow grabbed him with one of his hands.
"it's all your fault boy." Said fisher. "your mother died because of you."
"no, no that isn't true, it isn't true." He retorted.
"yes, it is!" Ichigo's voice suddenly rang out. "you saw what was happening and did nothing to stop it!" his brother angrily accused.
"it's not like that Ichigo." Takeshi sadly replied. "I tried, I tried, I really did. You have to believe me brother."
"Brother!?" Ichigo continued. "you're not my brother, you're not my family! Your just some orphan kid my parents picked up! She wasn't even your real mom and now she's dead because of you!"
"I…I….I, please stop. It not supposed to be this way. It's not supposed to be this way." He desperately pleaded.
"it's not supposed to be what way?" a female voice suddenly rang out.
Now standing before while he was still fisher's grasp was Masaki Kurosaki. Her body covered in her own blood, her face expression less, her eyes devoid of any life.
"you let me die Takeshi, even after everything I did for you." she said.
"it's not what you think mom!" he cried out.
"Mom? I'm not your mother. your no child of mine. I can't believe I wasted so much time and effort on you. just so you can fail me, when it mattered most. I don't love you, I never loved you. you're just a burden that needs to go away." She retorted and began to fade away.
"no please, don't leave, don't leave. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please don't go, don't go please!" He roared out in anguish filled desperation.
Suddenly a shadow loomed over him, he looked up to see fisher's open jaws beginning to descend upon him. He looked in petrified horror as the hollow's jaws began to surround the top half of his body.
"No,no,no,no,no,no." he fearfully repeated to himself as the jaws began to close on him. Then they clamped down on him and felt the horrible pain as the hollows teeth crunch and ripped into his flesh.
"NOOOOOOO!" he screamed in blood curdling terror filled agony and everything went black.
"Takeshi! Wake up Takeshi!" a voice called out to him.
He suddenly shot up in shock. He was breathing heavily; his body was soaked in a cold sweat and shaking from the experience of the dream. He looked around and saw Mila right in front of him, with everyone else around him as well.
"Takeshi what's wrong!?" Mila asked very concerned.
"I…it….it was nightmare." He shakily choked out.
"was the nightmare about the night you mother died?" asked Halibel.
He simply nodded his head in response. The others all looked at each other in understanding. The nightmares had become a frequent occurrence as of late, it was always the same thing.
Mila rested her head on his shoulders doing her best to console him.
"everything is going to be fine ok. It was only a dream, it wasn't real. You're going to be just fine." She said in a soft soothing manner.
Takeshi said nothing and merely wrapped his arms around her neck gently and buried his face in her mane as a means to calm himself from the nightmare.
All the hollow women looked at each other and exchanged silent words. They knew that grand fisher needed to be found soon. So their friend could put the matter to rest and have his peace at last.
*Present time*
Takeshi and Mila suddenly heard Apacci call for them. Getting up they entered the main living area to see what the deer hollow wanted.
"what's happening Apacci?" asked Mila.
"Lady Halibel and Sung-sun found a hollow who knows where fisher is. they're on the way back right now. I was sent a head to let you know before they arrived." Apacci replied.
"do they know for certain, that this hollow their bringing back is telling the truth?" Takeshi asked.
"oh yeah, he sold fisher out as soon as lady Halibel threatened to painfully castrate him and feed him to a gillian." Retorted Apacci.
Then before anything more could be said. Halibel and Sung-sun returned and dropped a small rabbit looking hollow in front of them. Takeshi narrowed his eyes, approached the hollow and stared it down.
"so you know where grand fisher is?" he asked icily.
The rabbit hollow looked terrified for its existence, rightfully so all things considered. "yes…yes I do…" it spoke in fear.
"you will take us to him and if you are lying to us. I will do things to you far worse than what was already threatened, understand?" he said with a tone that left no room to doubt his threat.
The hollow rapidly nodded its head in understanding.
"then lead the way." Takeshi commanded.
*Three days later*
It took three days of travel; everyone kept a sharp eye on the rabbit hollow to makes sure it wasn't trying to fool them. Takeshi kept quiet for the most part during the trip. Eventually it led them to small rock formation with a cave in the front of it.
"this…this is…it." the rabbit hollow meekly spoke.
"bring him out." Ordered Takeshi leaving no room for argument in his voice.
The rabbit hollow just meekly nodded and made its way towards the cave, everyone watching it closely.
"Hello?...Grand Fisher?" it choked out as it stopped in front of entrance of the cave. It was quite for a few moments before voice called back.
"what is it that you want!?" came a deep booming voice.
"my…my apologize for disturbing you but I have news on potential targets for you." whimpered the rabbit.
"oh? Is that so? Very well then." Replied the voice.
After a few moments a figure began to appear from out of the cave. Thick green fur, red bird like feet it, an odd bone like mask with a large creepy smile adorning it, plus an appendage of sorts that stuck from out of its head. No mistaking it, it was indeed Grand Fisher.
"so what news do you have for me?" wondered fisher as he approached the rabbit hollow.
"that would be us or specifically me." Announced Takeshi.
Fisher looked up to see three adjucahs hollows. However what really made his blood run cold was the unmistakable sight of a vasto lorde.
"what's the meaning of this!?" he bellowed in anger at the rabbit hollow.
"don't worry about him. I'm your only concern at the moment." Spoke up Takeshi, as he made his way towards Fisher. Glaring at the hollow with all the venom he could muster.
Fisher looked at the person who was approaching. Somehow, he had missed them before. The person had very long, wild black hair, violet eyes, stood at around 5ft 9in, male and undoubtedly human. Fisher looked curiously at the approaching human, something about the boy felt familiar.
"just who the hell are you?" demanded Fisher.
Ignoring Fisher for the moment, Takeshi addressed the rabbit hollow. "get out of here. You've done your part." He ordered.
The rabbit hollow didn't need to be told twice and quickly ran away as fast as its legs could take him.
"Don't ignore me! You damn human!" angrily yelled Fisher.
"you really don't remember me, do you?" spoke Takeshi with calm fury. "I suppose I can't blame you. it's been roughly four years and I was just a little kid at the time."
Fisher narrowed his eyes, trying to remember what the human was referring to. Yet his memory was drawing blanks.
"let me just tell you then, you son of a bitch." Takeshi hissed.
"four years ago in the human world, it was a rainy day in Karakura, Japan. I was walking by a river with my mother and brother. You showed up and murdered by mother in front of me, caused my brother to go unconscious from the shock. I stood by my dead mother in grief then you grabbed me, wanting to kill me next. Then you took off with me to hueco mundo. A took a bite out of your hand, forcing you to let me ago and I fell into the forest of menos. You remember me now!" Takeshi snarled.
Fisher eyes widened in realization as his memory's came flooding back to him. He looked at the human and then at the hollows behind him.
"so you spent the last four years surviving in hueco mundo somehow?" chimed Fisher. "somehow you made a partnership with a bunch of other hollows even a vasto lorde. So, you tracked me down so you can have them kill me for you?" he questioned.
"no, the one who's going to kill you is me. You killed my mother, you hurt my family and I will see you dead for it." he spat out.
"don't make me laugh boy. Your only human, you can't hope to kill me." Chimed Fisher.
"yeah, your right I am human. however you shouldn't underestimate me because of that." Takeshi then reached up and activated his fullbring. He was consumed in a vortex of silver energy and soon dissipated revealing his new state, Reaver in hand. He proceeded to blare his spiritual pressure as high as it could go.
Fisher eyes shot wide as dinner plates, not just from the transformation but more importantly the spirit energy coming off the human. he felt like he was being crushed by it, he was hard to breath, his body felt heavy. However what Fisher felt more than anything, was absolute fear of the danger in front of him.
"how….how is this….possible?" Fisher choked out in fear. "how…can a….human be so…powerful?"
"that's not important really. The only thing that matters is that I'm going to kill you and it won't be fast or painless." Takeshi said with ice cold conviction.
The in a flash, Takeshi was gone and then right behind Fisher. Before Fisher could even process what was happening, horrible pain shot up through his body. He looked in horror and noticed his entire right arm had sliced clean off.
"GAAHHH!" screamed fisher in agony.
Takeshi never even breaking his cold stare, quickly spun around, swung down Reaver and lopped Fisher's entire left leg clean off.
"AHHHH!" Fishers screams of pain continued as he fell over. Blood gushing from the stumps of where his limbs had once been. His torture had only just begun.
Takeshi brought Reaver down and sliced Fishers left arm off. Ignoring the hollows screams of agony, he kicked him onto his other side and loped his last remaining limb. Takeshi's hate filled and venomous glare never letting off for a moment.
"mercy, please mercy." Fisher pathetically begged. That pissed Takeshi off.
He kicked fisher harshly back over onto his belly and approached his front, slicing off the appendage on his head for good measure as he did so. Blood spurted out of the wound, splashing on Takeshi, he didn't care in the slightest bit.
"mercy? You want mercy?" he spat at the hollow. "did you give any mercy to my mother? did you give any such thing to me? To anyone one else you've hurt in your pathetic little existence? No you haven't and you know it."
"please I-" Fisher began but was cut off when Takeshi punch a fist into his mouth, breaking the hollows teeth as he did. Takeshi gripped Fishers tongue and pulled it out. He stared Fisher down and slowly began sawing the tongue off using Reaver's serrated edge until the tongue was removed.
Fisher now couldn't even scream really, with his tongue removed and gargling on his own blood. Takeshi gripped fisher by his head and forced the hollow to look at him as he spoke.
"you ruined everything I had, you bastard. You took my mother, my family, the things I held closest to me away! I despise you with every little fiber of my being, for all that you've done. Your nothing but a pathetic excuse of creature that has never amounted to anything. No cares for you, none will miss you, you will be forgotten by all. Like you never existed to begin with and it's all someone like you deserves. Now die."
Takeshi took Reaver and pointed the tip directly against fisher head and began to slowly push it. he wanted it to hurt and last as long as possible. He watched Fisher's body contort in horrible pain as his blade sunk slowly, inch by inch into is head. Then once Reaver was about halfway in, Fisher's body contorted and rattled one last time before going limp. Grand Fisher was no more.
Takeshi looked down the hollow, not sure what to quite think at the moment having finally achieved his revenge. He took a few steps away and unleashed a getsuga tensho and obliterated the remains of Fisher into non-existence.
He stood there silently for a few moments, looking out into the nothing ness of hueco mundo. He wasn't sure how long that lasted but eventually he deactivated his fullbring and sat on the ground tears coming down his face. Not tears of sadness, regret or even joy but rather relief. After four long years of surviving, struggling and fighting. He had finally achieved what he had wanted to do and now he could finally go home in good faith.
Suddenly he felt a hand gently grip his shoulder from behind. He turned to see Halibel and the others had come over to him.
"how are you feeling Takeshi?" asked Halibel.
"relieved more than anything and also more tired than I've felt in a long time." He replied softly. "I know what needs to come next, but I'd like to go back to our home first for a little bit. I need to think and get some thoughts in order first before I leave. If that's ok?"
Halibel simply nodded her head in understanding and Mila walked to him.
"come on, get on my back. I'll carry you home, just relax. You've earned it." she said caringly.
He simply nodded his head and climbed on, soon the group began their journey back home. He slept soundly and in peace on the way back, the nightmares gone at last.
*A few days later*
Takeshi was laying in the bedroom with Mila as they always did. However this was different, there was a weird tension. Soon Takeshi would be going home and that meant good-byes would have to be had.
Unable to really rest with the tension of returning home building, he spoke up to Mila.
"hey Mila, you awake?"
"yeah, I can't really rest." Replied the lioness.
He looked at the lioness hollow before him. Thinking about all they been through together over the last four years. He took a deep breath knowing he had to speak his mind.
"Mila, you know I'll be returning home soon. I'll be honest, I find it very difficult to leave everyone behind especially you. we've been together since I first arrived in this realm all that time ago. We've seen and done a lot together in that time. I'm gonna miss you, I'm gonna miss you a lot. Hell, I'm gonna miss you more than any of the others if I'm being honest. After all you're the main reason I didn't die my very first day in this world."
Mila took in his words, they filled her with a sense of understanding and sadness. She knew this would one day come, so why did it seem to hurt so much?
"Takeshi." She started. "like you said we've been together a long time and have been through a lot. I owe you more than I could possibly repay. I saved you but you also saved me more than once. you helped me grow far faster then I could have ever dreamed of. Even though I know this must happen, I'm still going miss you more than I think can explain. I'll never forget you though, you left an impact on my existence that will remain forever. You're the person I care about the most in my life and I doubt that will ever change."
Takeshi was moved by her words, he felt a warmth from what she spoke but also grief, grief that they would have to leave one another. Then without really thinking he decided to do something. He held her gently by her chin, leaned over and pressed his lips to her forehead for a brief moment. He leaned back and spoke.
"Thank you for everything Mila. I'll always hold you close to me, no matter how far apart we may be."
Mila was at a loss for words, she never had expected him to do something like that. And yet she didn't mind at all, if anything she really liked it. then without thinking she placed her head on his shoulder and against his neck. She then gently nuzzled against him. She felt as his arms wrapped around her neck gently and hugged.
In that moment neither one focused on the coming separation. The simply took comfort they felt from being in the embrace of the other.
Suddenly a light tapping was heard, looking to where it was coming from. They saw Halibel looking at them from the doorway.
"You two were having a moment, I didn't wish to interrupt until it seemed to be over. It's time Takeshi." She said kindly.
Knowing she was right, he and Mila separated, stood up and made their way too the main living area. Apacci and Sung-sun were already there. They all stood there in silence for a moment before Halibel opened a garganta leading to Karakura.
"we'll this is it." spoke Takeshi. "as much as I wish I didn't have to leave, I know this ultimately how it has to be. I'll miss you all that's for sure.
He walked over to Apacci and Sung-sun, giving them both an affectionate hug.
"despite our rough start, you two have become two of my closest friends and in some ways you're like older sisters to me." He said.
"Good-bye Takeshi will miss you as well. Take care of yourself." spoke Sung-sun.
"You better take care yourself." chimed Apacci.
"yeah, yeah I will. Don't worry about that." he retorted.
Then he walked over to Halibel.
"Halibel I owe a lot to you. I'm only as strong of a person as I am right now because of you. you taking me under your wing and learning everything I have from you. I'll keep that close to me and never forget it. Also, as odd as it may seem. You also helped me a lot by seemingly filling the hole left in me from my mother's death. As weird as this is probably going to sound. You've become something akin to another mother to me. So thank you."
Halibel said nothing at first and simply pulled him into a soft hug of her own.
"Thank you very much Takeshi. I'm glad I could be something like that to you. I shall always remember you fondly." She simply replied and they separated.
Then he went over to Mila. he wasn't quite sure what to say. They had already bled their hearts to one another earlier. So he simply embraced her into another hug.
"Good-bye Mila. I'll hold you the closet and most fondly of all." He simply said.
"I know" she replied. "And I'll be doing the same for you. now go, best not to delay any further before we start having second thoughts."
He smiled at the lioness and walked to the garganta.
"remember, keep your energy focused in your feet and stay on the path." Stated Halibel.
He nodded and stepped into the garganta and waved good-bye, soon enough it closed behind him and he was gone.
All four women stood there in silence, nothing needed to be said. They were all sad to see him go but understood it was for the best. Though no one missed him more than Mila. Halibel walked over to her and placed a hand gently on her.
"I know you are saddened Mila, but we all knew this had to happen. However do not fret, who knows something could change and we could find ourselves together again with Takeshi. Just don't let his departure weigh you down, you know he wouldn't want that." Halibel spoke.
"I know my lady." Mila replied, "Thank you."
*Karakura Town*
It was dark out in the very early morning hours of Karakura. A garganta suddenly opened on the street level of an alley. Out stepped Takeshi, after four long years he was back in his own world at last.
He looked around and felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and satisfaction at being back in own world. he dropped to a knee and chuckled to himself, while he was sad to leave his friends back in hueco mundo. He couldn't help but feel so incredibly happy for finally coming back to Karakura. Taking the sights in a bit more he noticed something right away.
"away for four years and nothing seems to have changed much?" he mused to himself. "that's honestly a little sad."
He took off on foot figuring if things really hadn't changed that much. He should be able to find his home without too much issue. The thought made him stop in his tracks as he realized.
"how the fuck am I going to explain my time away to everyone?" he muttered to himself. "there's no way they'll buy the truth, they'll just think I've completely lost my damn mind."
He was so lost in thoughts on the matter he didn't notice a man in green and white, wearing a bucket, holding a cane approach him.
"well hello there." Suddenly spoke the man.
"Fucking hell!" yelled Takeshi in surprise as he whipped around. He saw who it was standing behind him. He was decent sized man, blond hair and stubble. Wore a green and white outfit with a matching bucket hat and a cane.
"ummm who are you?" asked Takeshi.
Kisuke looked over the young man before him. Dark hair, violet eyes, he wore the tattered remains of a soul reaper uniform from the waist down, he was completely shirtless as well, showing off his well-defined lean muscular build. The thing that puzzled Kiskuke, even though he had parts of a soul reaper uniform. The boy was no doubt human.
"my name's Kisuke Urahara." He said chipperly. "who are you young man?"
Takeshi wasn't sure what to make of the guy but figured that there wasn't any point in being rude.
"Takeshi my name is Takeshi Kurosaki."
This caused Kisuke's eyebrows to shoot up in surprise. No way it could possibly be. After all he had been dragged to hueco mundo as a child. How in the world could he have survived that? similar thoughts ran through Kisuke's head, as he stepped closer and examined the boy. The more he looked, the more his doubt began to fade much to his amazement.
"tell me Mr. Kurosaki. Do you need help with anything?" Kisuke asked.
'well…." Takeshi began. "I could use some help finding my family. I've been gone for a while you see. My father runs a small med clinic that also doubles as our house. He should be there with my younger brother Ichigo and my younger sisters Karin and Yuzu. If there even still there that is, I've been gone for four years."
Kisuke's eyes went wide, he almost couldn't believe it. Takeshi Kurosaki had survived in hueco mundo after all and made it back to the living world. composing himself and pulling out his fan.
"I can certainly help you Mr. Kurosaki. If you'd please follow me." Spoke Kisuke.
Takeshi wasn't quite sure about the guy just but at the same he felt like he didn't have much choice, so he followed him. After some walking, they arrived at some shop that was Urahara's. they walked into a back area and Takeshi took a spot in front of small table.
"Tessai, Yoruichi we have a special guest here." Called out Kisuke.
Takeshi was going to question what he meant by that, but his thoughts were interrupted by the presence of two new individuals. One was a tall and muscular dark skinned man. The other was a woman, who was also dark skinned, had purple hair in a ponytail and gold cat like eyes to boot.
"who's the kid Kisuke?" asked the woman, Takeshi assumed must be Yoruichi. "why does he look like you just pulled him out of a wasteland?"
"well you see Yoruichi, he just happens to be Takeshi Kurosaki." Replied Kisuke.
Yoruichi and Tessai, had their jaws practically slam into the floor from shock.
"are you sure boss?" asked Tessai.
"yes I am" replied Kisuke "he checks out, I want you two to watch him. I'm going to call Isshin. I recommend keeping your questions to yourself until his father arrives to hear everything." With that he stepped out of the room, pulled out a cellphone and dialed. After a few rings, he heard a response.
"Kurosaki residence, Isshin Kurosaki speaking."
"ahhh Isshin good of you to answer." Said Kisuke
"Kisuke why the hell are you calling me at three in the damn morning?" Isshin wondered.
"well Isshin I've discovered some major news about your son Takeshi. I need you to come over to shop though ASAP." Said Kisuke seriously. The line was quiet before he got a response.
"understood, I'll be their soon Kisuke." Replied Isshin and he hung up.
Kisuke walked back out to where he left everyone. They were all sitting around the table.
"well then good news Takeshi. Your father is on his way as we speak. He should be here very soon." Chimed the shop keeper.
"Really!?" Takeshi replied with excitement. He couldn't wait to see his family again. He knew he would have plenty of explaining to do but he didn't care. after a little more awkward waiting. A new voice was suddenly heard coming to the back room of the shop.
"alright Kisuke! Just what exactly did yo-" Isshin began as he walked into the backroom. Only for his words to catch in his mouth, when he saw the person on floor in front of him. He had grown a lot; his hair was long a wild. He knew though, who it was despite almost not believing it.
Takeshi stood up and faced his father.
"Hi dad, long time no see." Takeshi spoke sheepishly.
Isshin was still absolutely floored by shock. He walked over to Takeshi and gently placed his hands on his son's shoulders.
"I….I almost don't believe it." Isshin choked out. "you're really here and you're alive too. Takeshi….my son…you're alive."
Then Isshin threw his arms around his son and pulled him into a tight hug. Takeshi returned the gesture and soon tears of happiness rolled down the faces of them both. This lasted a few moments before they pulled away from each other.
"my son is back! I have my son back!" exclaimed Isshin joyfully. "I almost can't believe your alive. I thought for sure I had lost you that day four years ago."
"it's a real long story dad, though I doubt you'll possibly begin to believe me." Replied Takeshi.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that one" cut in Kisuke.
"what do you mean?" wondered Takeshi.
"Isshin, all things considered. I don't think there's any reason to hide it at this point." Said Kisuke
"what does he mean by that dad?"
Isshin was quiet but then answered.
"you see son, me and everyone else in this room are in fact soul reapers."
Takeshi eyes went wide from the news. Everyone in the room a soul reaper, even his father?
"holy shit." Takeshi muttered.
"yeah, I know. Though looking at you and feeling how strong your spirit energy is. you seem to have obtained soul powers somehow?" replied Isshin.
"not exactly dad, you see I do have spirit powers but I'm no soul reaper. I'm actually a fullbringer."
"fullbringer?" questioned Isshin.
Takeshi simply nodded his head and then activated his fullbring. He was covered in silver energy and then it receded revealing his fullbring form. All the other occupants in the room had their collective jaws drop from surprise.
'holy hell, his power feels like a low level captain!' exclaimed Isshin mentally.
"I know you have your questions but so do I. so how about if I tell my story you tell me yours' dad?"
Isshin simply nodded his head in response.
Kisuke then decided to chime in. "I can help with this actually. I have a nifty device I invented that when connected to you. all you need to do is think on your memories and they will be projected like a movie for all to watch." Said the shop keeper. As he pulled out projector like device with some odd wiring connected to it.
"he always like this?" asked Takeshi unsure about this set up.
"you get used to it after a while don't worry." Replied Isshin.
After a few minutes the device was all set up with the wires stuck to the sides of Takeshi's head.
"alright Takeshi, just simply focus on your memories and the machine will take care of the rest." Piped Kisuke.
"fair enough." he replied.
Takeshi started focusing on his memories starting to when he was first attacked by Fisher. As he focused, the machine began to whirl and shot the motion images of his memory up onto the wall like movie.
He showed the Fisher attack and being taken to hueco mundo. Escaping and landing in the forest of menos, almost being killed and awakening his fullbring, Mila saving his life. Him and Mila teaming up, the valley attack. Saving Mila and her evolution to a gillian. Stopping and killing Ashido, meeting the forest guardian, Mila's evolution to an adjucah's. traveling the desert, finding Apacci and Sung-sun, fighting Halibel and almost dying in the process. Agreeing to join up with Halibel and being taught by her. Confronting Baraggan and finding then killing fisher. Then finally his good-byes to everyone before being sent back home to Karakura.
Takeshi watched the faces of everyone as his memories played out for them to see. He saw reactions of shock, surprise, even horror. More or less what he had been expecting. Once it ended, Isshin was quiet. So Kisuke spoke first.
"now that was quite the journey you went through these four years Takeshi. I must admit I'm actually quite impressed by what you accomplished." Mused Kisuke.
"it wasn't easy, and I almost bit the dust a few times but hey I'm here and alive." Retorted Takeshi. "now, I'd like to hear more about this you being a soul reaper dad."
Isshin took a deep breath. "ok son, let me explain."
He went on to explain how he was a captain in the soul society for many years. How he was the head of a very prominent family in the soul society called the 'Shiba clan'. How he met Masaki in the human world and had to sacrifice his powers in order to save her from a hollow. How they eventually fell in love and married to when they adopted him.
Takeshi was quiet for a while before responding.
"that's nuts dad, but I know your not lying to me. Does anyone else in the family know besides me?" he wondered.
"no they don't, and I'd like it to stay that way for now. You getting dragged into this mess of the spirit world is bad enough. I'd like to spare your siblings from it, it's something you kids shouldn't have to deal with." Stated Isshin.
"I can understand that. besides I doubt they would believe it anyways even if they were told. So what about you and your friends Kisuke?" Takeshi said looking to the shopkeeper.
"well you see." Began Kisuke from behind his fan. "long story short we were all high ranking members in the soul society like your father was. Let's just say we were framed for somethings and had to flee. We've been living here in the living world, hiding out from soul society ever since."
"I see, fair enough then." Replied the fullbringer.
Looking back to his father a thought crossed his mind. "hey dad, how exactly are we going to sell my sudden re-appearance after being gone for four years to everyone at home?"
Isshin started to think himself seriously. "hmmmm, that is a good question."
"I can take care of all that." cut in Kisuke. "give me a few days I can forge all the proper paperwork for his cover story."
"not much other choice I suppose, I can deal with waiting a couple more days if need be." Stated Takeshi.
Kisuke nodded his head. "very well, now then you should get yourself cleaned up. After all you look like you just walked off the set of a mad max movie. If you would follow Tessai, he'll give a you a haircut and set you up with everything else."
"sounds fantastic to me. Lets' do this!" exclaimed Takeshi as he stood up and followed Tessai out of the room. When he was safely gone and out of ear shot, Kisuke turned to Isshin with a serious look.
"Isshin, your son has certainly changed a lot in his time away. I have some concerns about what happened with him while he was in hueco mundo. Mainly pertaining to his powers."
"I know." Replied Isshin. "I imagine it's mostly about his ability to essentially absorb other things into himself."
"mainly, yes. You saw how he was able to essentially devourer other hollows with it. however I'm more concerned by the fact that power also worked on the soul reaper he killed which brings me to my next point. He didn't seem to have that much trouble with doing it to the soul reaper in question. It makes me concerned about his mental state."
"careful Kisuke it makes it sound like my son is somehow some kind of serial killer in secret."
"I'm just saying, living for so long in hueco mundo, traveling with hollows had an effect. I mean hell he fought a vasto lorde and then was taken under the wing of said vasto lorde. Not to mention the way he dispatched Grand Fisher."
"Fisher was a bastard, who killed his mother and dragged him to hueco mundo! The son of a bitch got what he deserved!"
"I'm not arguing that, it's how he did it. you can't deny, whether he deserved or not, the way he eliminated Fisher was overly brutal and malicious. Plus, he obviously took enjoyment in how he killed Fisher. That's not normal and you know it. what I'm basically saying his. He spent a lot of his key formative years in hueco mundo and it had quite the impact."
"I understand what you're saying Kisuke, but I think it's a little early to be judging my son. He just returned after all, give him some time."
"understood, while were on the subject I have another concern. The fact he's very close, with a group of hollows, including a vasto lorde. He clearly has very sympathetic and caring feelings for them. That could become an issue if 'he' becomes involved. I know, I admit it's very surprising to have seen that. he seems especially close to that lioness one, Mila rose I believe her name was. He seemed to be much closer to her than simple friends whether he realizes it or not."
Isshin raised an eyebrow at this statement. "you make it sound like my son is in love with a hollow and doesn't know it yet?"
"from what I saw, I think it's a possibility. If 'he' does get involved he may exploit that."
"I think you might be stretching it a bit there."
"maybe Isshin, but you never know. However back to his powers or rather the strength of his power more accurately. His strength is that of a captain, a low level captain but a captain none the less. I don't think I need to tell you what would happen if soul society found a human running around with captain level strength."
Isshin paused with a look of concern. "you can do something to help with that I imagine?"
"I can work on something to suppress his signature. That brings me to my next point. Even though he's back home, he'll probably still want to keep up on his skills. Not too mention he'll probably go to work on the town's hollows. Whether we want him too or not."
"not doubt about that. He's a Kurosaki after all, protecting others is simply our nature. As for his training, I assume you can also help with that?"
"I'll take care of him in that regard." Piped up Yoruichi. "he'll need someone on his level and higher to help keep his skills sharp. Besides I'm really interested in just how well that vasto lorde woman taught him. I'm sure I could also teach him a few things while I'm at it. It will be fun to have a new student that has real skill and talent to mold. Plus, I've been rather bored lately." She finished with a coy smile.
"Yoruichi is bored, kami help us all." Said Kisuke, which got him a sandal square in the face.
Before anything more could be said, Takeshi walked back into the room with Tessai behind him. His hair had been cut down to just above his shoulders but it was still untamed and wild looking. He was dressed in a simple black t-shirt and grey sweatpants with some socks.
"how do you feel son?" asked Isshin.
"I feel amazing, that shower did wonders and the haircut was nice too." Takeshi replied. "so what's the plan?
"you'll stay here for the next few days and relax. You need it all things considered. I'll work on all the fake paperwork needed for your cover story and some other things. Once it's all in order, your free to return home to your family." Chimed Kisuke.
With all that agreed upon, Isshin walked over to his son and pulled him into another hug.
"just a few more days and you'll be home with everyone else. They'll all be overjoyed to see you again." Spoke Isshin.
"I know it. I can't wait to see them all again. Love you dad."
"I love you too son." Replied Isshin. After few more moments of embrace, they separated and Isshin left back home.
"well then." Piped up Kisuke. "I'll get you settled in a spare room, for the next few days. Feel free to just simply relax and kick around a bit. You deserve time to just have no worries for a while I think."
"Follow me, I'll show you where your room is going to be." Said Yoruichi with a smile.
Takeshi simply followed her to his room for the next few days. He immediately laid himself into the bed. It felt like absolute heaven to him, having not slept on a real bed in four years. Soon enough he had drifted off to sleep, it was the best sleep he had in a very long time.
*A few days later*
The few days at Kisuke's place was a welcome change of pace. All he did was relax, eat and sleep. It felt wonderful to say the least after so long just to be able to relax for real.
Kisuke had forged all the fake paperwork as promised. The cover was a simple one in all honesty. The story was that the night his mother was killed. He had been kidnapped by a group of men who had done the deed. Apparently, this was the story that had already been sold to people years ago as a cover when the incident first happened. After being held prisoner for so long, he had been discovered when feds had raided a compound, he was being held in. now after figuring all the details out who he was and where he came from, he was being allowed to go back home.
Urahara had also given him a special bracelet to wear. The bracelet was made to completely hide his spiritual presence from others even with his power activated. That way he could avoid any unwanted trouble from soul society. He had been told by the shopkeeper that soul society wouldn't take kindly to a human with captain level power running around.
He had also been offered by Yoruichi to be his new trainer of sorts. figuring ahead of time that even though he was no longer in hueco mundo he would want to keep up on his training. Something that was certainly true, Halibel would smack him around if he allowed himself to become stagnant with his training just because he was now home. Plus he was genuinely interested what new things the cat like woman could teach him.
Kisuke was also kind enough to provide him a few sets of new clothes and shoes for the time being. Until he could get a whole new wardrobe of his own, since he had long outgrown any of his older clothes. It was a Friday afternoon and currently he was riding in a car with his dad towards home. Needles to say he was rather nervous.
"relax son. Everything will be fine. Everyone is going to be ecstatic to see you again." Said Isshin trying to quell his son's nerves.
"yeah, I know, I just can't help but be a little jittery about it all. I mean it has been four years after all." Retorted Takeshi. "just what did you tell them anyways?"
"all I said was they needed to come home directly after school and wait for me. They have no idea that your coming home with me, I wanted it to be a surprise."
"fair enough."
A few minutes later they had arrived outside the home that doubled as a clinic. Takeshi stood out front nervously about the impending reunion.
"just wait out here and I'll gather everyone and call you in when it's time son." Stated Isshin.
Takeshi said nothing and just nodded.
"Ichigo! Karin! Yuzu!" announced Isshin as entered the house. "I need you all to gather in the living room!"
One by one all the other Kurosaki children gathered.
Karin and Yuzu arrived first. The now 10yr old twin girls were of average height for their age. Yuzu had the same orange hair as her brother Ichigo and carried herself like a proper lady. Karin had black hair and could be described simply as a tomboy for a lack of better words.
Ichigo was last to arrive. The now 14yr old had short spiky orange hair. He stood at a decent height, just shorter than Takeshi for the moment and had a seemingly perpetual scowl on his face.
"so what's all this about dad?" asked Karin.
"you said it was important." Chimed Yuzu.
"what exactly are you planning here?" wondered Ichigo.
"don't worry kids, all shall be explained soon enough." said Isshin. "Ok! Come on in!" he yelled.
None of the Kurosaki kids had any idea just what was going on. then they heard the door open and close. Then someone walked into the room, everyone immediately went wide eyed in shock and their collective jaws practically fell to the floor.
He was taller than Ichigo, with wild black hair that stopped just above his shoulders, violet eyes. He was wearing a grey t-shirt, blue jeans and some black tennis shoes. No one could believe it, their older brother Takeshi, who they had assumed was gone forever was back home at last.
"hey everyone. Did you miss me?" Takeshi proclaimed.
"TAKESHI!" all three younger siblings' cried out at the same time. They rushed their long lost brother and wrapped up in a family hug.
"where have you been?"
"what happened to you?"
"are you okay?"
Such questions were tossed at him at rapid fire pace.
"I promise to answer your questions as best as I can everyone. For the moment I just want to enjoy being back together with my family." He replied.
For a few moments they all just kept a loving family sized embrace with one another. Nothing was said as tears of joy were sliding down everyone's face.
For the first time in a long time, the Kurosaki family felt in a way, whole again.