Chapter 6
As Ichigo sullenly followed behind Renji and Captain Kuchiki, Sode no Shirayuki was lost in thought. The world around her, the city frozen in time and snow, gave her no answers to her questions. It wouldn't, of course. Her questions had much more to do with things outside of her control. Such as, in this case, what her former partner's brother was planning. Sode no Shirayuki had her theories and had done her best to keep Ichigo calm about the situation. For all of that, however, it didn't do much to keep her calm about it.
She understood more than Ichigo did. She knew Renji Abarai and Byakuya Kuchiki better than he did.
It was, for this reason, that she paced alongside the inverted skyscraper. Snow crunched underfoot, as her pale eyes stared down at frosted over glass. Her reflection stared back, pursed lips and all. What was the endgame, here? What did Captain Kuchiki want from Ichigo? For all his protestations about honor or about not hurting Rukia, he could have simply tried to remove her by force. Sode no Shirayuki didn't know what the result of that would have been, of course. She had chosen Ichigo and he had chosen her. There was no way to say that she would return to Rukia now, and that trying to take away Ichigo's powers wouldn't just...destroy her.
"What are you planning, Captain?" Sode no Shirayuki's question was soft, lost in the wind of the Inner World. She placed a hand on her brow, and frowned just a little. "I would like to believe you actually care for Rukia, yet..." She let her hand fall and gave what would otherwise be an undignified snort. A soft one, yet proof that Ichigo was rubbing off on her. "You have a very strange way of showing it. Though, perhaps, I have no room to judge."
After all, I abandoned her. I left her alone. I do not regret my decision, yet I would not blame Rukia at all if she cannot find it in herself to forgive me. We are more alike than different, and I never forgave her for abandoning me.
Shaking her head slightly, the zanpakutō returned to pacing. "If I assume that you truly do care for your sister, I have to ask why you are helping Ichigo. It would have been far simpler to hand him over to Central 46 and let them interrogate him. Attempt to tear us apart. Why bother helping the boy who took your sister's powers?" That was the question that really got to her. It didn't make sense. "What are you doing, Captain Kuchiki?"
She could have just asked Ichigo his opinion, of course. Sode no Shirayuki knew their connection was unrivaled, and it was simply a matter of asking. But, with purse of her lips, she decided not to. She saw no need to burden him with her questions.
Ichigo had more than enough to worry about without her dragging him in like that.
"I will simply have to wait and observe. Captain Kuchiki will reveal his motives eventually. I have to trust in that. For Ichigo's sake, if not my own." I will not be the cause of this boy's death. Not after he showed such trust in me.
Biting out a small sigh, the Zanpakuto spirit crouched her lithe legs and jumped away from the window. She was getting nowhere like this. Perhaps exploring this world, whilst Ichigo marched to the dueling grounds, would give her the distraction she needed. She had never truly explored it. Not when it had been the City alone, and not since her mountains had started to merge with it.
Perhaps the answers she sought could be found out in the rushing snow.
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Ichigo, of course, was completely unaware of the questions eating at his zanpakutō. All he felt of her was the comforting sensation of her blade, resting in his hand once more. It didn't matter to him that it was only for this fight, or anything like that. So long as he had Shirayuki in his hand, that was all that mattered. He felt like he could win any fight with her by his side.
It didn't matter that they hadn't known each other that long. He trusted her.
"So, why're you letting me do this, anyway?" Ichigo had some ideas, and Kuchiki had at least said he was curious about Shirayuki. But the rest of it? Didn't make a single bit of sense. "Not that I'm complaining about getting a rematch here, but this doesn't seem like something you let a prisoner do. Things different here than they are back home?"
Kuchiki didn't stoop to looking over his shoulder, simply staring straight forward and continuing his brisk pace as he responded. "No, you are correct that this is far from a normal occurrence. As I have already told you, I am curious as to how you use my sister's zanpakutō. Nothing more. Nothing less." Still not once changing pace nor turning his head, Kuchiki's smooth voice continued. "Had Renji not asked for this duel, I would have simply found some other method to answer my questions."
So because Renji's a sore loser, you want to take advantage of that? Eh. Fine by me. You stopped me from kicking his ass the last time, and I'm not going to give up a chance at a rematch.
Part of Ichigo did remember the words of Shirayuki and the stoic Captain. That the Renji he had fought had only twenty percent of his power to use. It didn't really scare him, though. Maybe it worried him a bit...but not too much. He trusted Shirayuki and she had said they could win together. If she said that, Ichigo believed her. They were partners and partners trusted and believed each other.
Plus, as he glared over in Ichigo's direction, Renji was a bit of a smug prick. Even if he was angry on behalf of Rukia. Yeah, not going to complain about a chance to beat him properly, this time. Asshole.
"This is the training arena." Kuchiki spoke up, finally coming to a halt. His white Haori swishing around his body, as the man turned and stared at Ichigo with his cold grey eyes. "Enter, boy. Renji and I will follow."
"Not letting me try and make a run for it, eh?" Ichigo snorted and sent his usual scowl at Kuchiki, who didn't so much as flinch.
Renji, of course, didn't let that slide. He gave a derisive snort of his own, and rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't get five feet before we killed you if you tried, brat."
"I'd like to see you try, Renji." Ichigo shot back, turning his scowl on Renji. Yeah, he was going to enjoy this little 'duel'.
Ignoring the response, the teenager walked into the training arena. It was just like a kendo dojo back home, wide windows allowing in bright sunlight. Racks of wooden swords adorned the walls and mats had been laid out across the floor. The kind of place that, unlike everything else about his situation, felt comfortably familiar. He got the distinct feeling they weren't going to be using any of those practice swords, though.
Just a feeling.
"I will officiate this duel under standard Squad Six rules." Kuchiki's voice drew Ichigo's attention from the room, as the Captain stood before a circle marked out in the center of the room. Renji stood inside, his hand already holding Zabimaru in a loose grip. Kuchiki gestured at Ichigo, pointing him to move before Renji. "No strikes to kill, nor permanently maim. Shikai is forbidden until, and unless, I provide express permission. If this rule is broken, the duel is immediately forfeit. Do not try my patience."
Warily stepping into the circle, Ichigo sent a brown-eyed glance at Kuchiki, while one eye watched Renji. "What the hell kind of rule is that? Why give me back my zanpakutō if I can't even-"
"That blade is not your zanpakutō, not yet." It was, perhaps, telling that Kuchiki did not blow up like Renji did. On the other hand, his cold eyes narrowed into flints as he placed a hand on the hilt of his own blade. "To answer your question, however crass it may be, the usage of Shikai is only allowed in certain circumstances. A Shinigami should never use his or her Shikai for something as simple as a duel. It is reserved for proper combat, and even then, only should it become necessary."
So Renji thought he had to use his on me, then? Guess he's not as tough as he thought he was. Ichigo internally smirked, even as he looked down at his own blade. So. He couldn't use Shikai. Well, it's not like I have any real idea how to use Shirayuki properly yet anyway. Still bugs me.
"Yeah yeah, I've got it." Ichigo waved his free hand at Kuchiki, and turned a fierce look on Renji. "So, let's get this over with, then. Think you can beat me, Renji?"
Renji just drew Zabimaru, the blade dully reflecting the sunlight, as he pointed it at Ichigo. His own face wearing a similar scowl to Ichigo's own. "You're a cocky one, aren't you, brat? You really think you can beat me when my power's aren't limited? Let me tell you something, kid."
Faster than Ichigo could blink, Renji's sword was falling towards his face.
"You're a century too early to think you can beat me!"
It took everything Ichigo had to bring Shirayuki's blade up fast enough to meet Zabimaru, and he was still sent flying back by the force of the blow. Just like he had been the first time they fought. Gritting his teeth, the teenager forced his feet into the rough floor, skidding to a halt, his legs shaking from the exertion. What the fuck was that? He'd barely seen Renji move! He'd barely been able to block the force of his blow!
"...fine, you're stronger this time." Ichigo grunted, shaking his head. No playing around then. "I'm stronger too, you know! And I'm not about to lose to you, asshole!"
"Prove it!" Renji shot forward again, Zabimaru held in a low grip as the blade swept up at Ichigo.
Shirayuki came down to meet the other blade, sparks flying as Ichigo and Renji crossed swords. Both straining to push the other back, glaring at each other all the while. Ichigo's glare was stronger, even as his arms began to be pushed back. Renji was overpowering him. Damnit!
I'm not losing like this! I won't!
Ichigo grit his teeth and put more strength into his arms, sweeping his blade and pushing Renji back. It was his turn to charge forward, Shirayuki slashing and stabbing in amateur angles of attack. His swings were wide, and his stabs telegraphed. Renji, of course, noticed that. He smirked confidently, and ducked and wove through each of Ichigo's attacks. Zabimaru came up and blocked a couple, sure, but Renji didn't even bother with most. He just smirked and dodged.
This, unsurprisingly, got under Ichigo's skin.
"Hold still, damnit!"
Renji didn't bother, simply catching Shirayuki's blow and tossing Ichigo back with a press of his arms. The Shinigami snorted dismissively, as Ichigo stumbled to his feet. "You're too used to that big-ass sword, kid. You don't have the slightest idea how to use a proper zanpakutō do ya?"
Spitting out a wad of blood, Ichigo glared at Renji. "So what? I don't need to know how to use a 'proper' sword to kick your ass!"
"...I feel like I'm kicking a puppy." Renji rolled his eyes, dropping back into a ready stance. "Come on then, kid, show me you actually know how to fight. I'm feeling insulted for Rukia's sake, here!"
There wasn't a point in responding to that barb. Not verbally. Ichigo placed both hands on Shirayuki's hilt, and swung forward. He deliberately tried to compensate for the smaller blade, but every swing he made was too wide. He was too used to the massive zanpakutō he'd always been fighting with. He'd only used Shirayuki's proper blade all of once, and that was her Shikai. He'd never fought with a normal sized sword.
As Renji left a gash on his arm, he was starting to regret that. Gritting his teeth at the sudden pain, Ichigo went for broke and lashed out with a kick, nailing Renji in the leg. The Lieutenant bounced back, cursing under his breath. "What the hell?! Who kicks in a duel?!"
"Whatever it takes to beat you, Renji!" Ichigo smirked, even as he winced a little from moving his arm. "So, you getting whatever it was you wanted out of this? Or are you just having fun trying to beat me again?"
The room became silent at that question. Renji glared at Ichigo, his eyes drifting from Zabimaru to Shirayuki and back. Ichigo simply stood and stared back, though part of him was waiting for Shirayuki to chime in with some sort of helpful insight again. As for Kuchiki?
He stood in the same position, the same pose, as he had the entire time. His eyes never once leaving the blade in Ichigo's hands. Whatever he was thinking, whatever he felt, well-hidden beneath his emotionless and stoic facade.
"...I'm getting the feeling that you aren't lying." Renji finally spoke up, bitterness suffusing his voice. And annoyance, as his eyes narrowed at Ichigo. "And if you're not lying, I've got more reason to beat you down. Then you'll have to tell me why Rukia's sword would pick you over her!"
Ichigo glared right back, returning Shirayuki to a ready pose. "You'll have to beat me first, Renji!"
And so, the two returned to their dance of combat. Only, now, Ichigo was slowing down. And Renji was speeding up. For while Ichigo was tiring, his swings getting sloppier and sloppier, Renji had a goal now. Zabimaru vibrated in his hand, growling in his head with each clash with Sode no Shirayuki. Renji couldn't hear what his blade was saying, nor could he really get a strong feeling from Rukia's. He didn't need to. He could feel what Zabimaru felt, and his blade was telling him- in its own way -that he had to beat Ichigo.
It was the only way he would know why Rukia's blade would betray her like that.
"What's the matter, Renji? Can't beat a 'kid'?" Ichigo, despite his weakening arms, remained confident. He wasn't experienced enough to see how Renji was doing, only knowing that he hadn't lost yet. He slid Shirayuki's blade along Zabmimaru, managing to finally land a blow on Renji's own arm. Red blood decorated his sword's blade, as he spun away. "I thought you were going to make me tell you everything?"
Renji glowered at Ichigo, "Don't get too cocky, kid! I'm going to beat you and I'm going to make you tell me everything! I'm going to get Rukia her powers back, even if I have to kill you to do it!"
Before Ichigo could so much as blink, Renji had moved again! And this time, he wasn't holding back. Zabimaru flashed out in a rapid series of cuts and slashes, that knocked Shirayuki clean from Ichigo's hands and sent the Substitute flying back into the wall of the dojo.
Kuchiki, in the first move he had made the entire time, reached a hand out and caught Shirayuki's blade. He looked down on the sword in his hand, the barest hint of curiosity in his expression.
"Renji has won this match." His smooth voice echoed out into the room, as the redhead in question sheathed Zabimaru and strode back to his Captain. "Kurosaki, as per the agreement you made prior to the duel, you must now explain to us why my sister's blade chose you."
From his position, crumpled into a near-broken wall, Ichigo looked down at his hands. He'd...lost. Again. Damnit. Damnit. Damnit!
Why couldn't he win? What was he missing? He'd been able to push Renji back the last time they fought. Sure, he'd needed his Shikai and sure, Renji had been limited in power. But how had he lost so badly this time? He had...he had trusted Shirayuki that they could win, and he had let her trust him in turn. That he'd win and she wouldn't have to tell her secrets. How could he forgive himself for that? He'd let her down, despite the trust she put in him.
'Hey...Shirayuki? If you don't want me to tell them anything, I'll keep quiet.' Ichigo whispered into his mind, as the two Shinigami walked towards him. 'Just let me know, okay? Not like they can do anything more to me than they already have.'
There was silence at first...before Sode no Shirayuki replied, a soft sigh in her voice. 'No...you don't have any idea what they could do, if you really tried to resist. It is...alright, Ichigo. You may tell them. However much you feel comfortable with sharing.'
'Like hell. I'm only going to say what you're comfortable with, Shirayuki. You saved my life. I'm not going to do that to you. Just tell me if I need to stop, at any point. Yeah?'
Sniffles were the only answer Ichigo would receive, as he looked up at the approaching pair of Shinigami. A defiant expression crossing his face, even as blood rolled down his forehead. If they thought he was going to roll over and do whatever they wanted, they were damn wrong. He wasn't going to do anything that hurt his friends. And, whatever else she was, Shirayuki was a friend now. A part of him. And he wouldn't do anything to hurt her.
Never.
"I'll tell you what she's comfortable with. Take it or leave it." Ichigo stared up at the pair, daring them to say anything.
Renji, for his part, looked ready to snap again. Kuchiki, on the other hand, merely held a hand up. His redheaded subordinate cut off whatever he was going to say. As for the Captain? He stared at Ichigo, and inclined his head, ever so slightly.
"Very well. That is acceptable, boy." Kuchiki sent a look at Renji, when it looked like the Lieutenant may protest. Before turning back to Ichigo. "Your answer may shape your time here in the Soul Society. For your sake, I would hope it is a good one."
What the hell does he mean by that?
Ichigo had no idea what he was going to get himself into, once more. But...then again...hadn't that been the story of his life, the entire time he'd been here? What was one more question, really. It wasn't as if he could do anything else.
As for Sode no Shirayuki? She was hoping that, in answering Kuchiki's questions, she could find answers for her own questions.
AN: 2020 was a hell of a year, which I don't think I need to remind anyone of. I'm impressed I got as much writing done last year as I did, and a lot of things that I wanted to work on, fell by the wayside. I'm not entirely pleased with this chapter, even, but I wanted to get something up. Hopefully, with the anime returning 'sometime' this year...that'll help keep me in the swing of things.
We'll see, I guess :V
(I decided a long time ago that Ichigo would lose here. He has no training, hasn't gotten any help from Kisuke, and is using a regular sized sword instead of a massive one. In addition to being weaker than he canonically was when he fought Renji again. He wasn't going to win this.
Though, admittedly, I'm also planning on making Renji a much more relevant character so there's that, too. The Vegeta to Ichigo's Goku, if you want. Though it's weird to write early!Renji when he was much more...snappy...towards Ichigo. He'll mellow out. Eventually. )
I'm also going to go over what Shirayuki found in the snow, in the next chapter. Suffice it to say that she's not alone in Ichigo's head...but I'm not about to break out Zangetsu this early again. Or say what form he's in.
