Chapter 18: Fight to the Soul Society
Hey everyone! It's me, sakuraphoenix, and I'm back with a new chapter! I know, I'm terrible with the updates! I've been busy! The good news is, I have time this week to work on my fanfics, so you should expect more updates! Anyway, disclaimer time.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. I also do not own Shizuku. He belongs to Lyokowarrior1994
Enjoy!
Ichigo Kurosaki, what the hell have you gotten me into now?! I swear to god, if Kisuke and his sword don't kill me first, I will! Seriously, for a shopkeeper, he knows how to use a sword!
"Hey, not bad, considering you're using a little kiddie sword." Said Ichigo
"Oh, a complement student. Don't expect me to go easy on ya!" exclaimed Kisuke
I was running for my life! I don't know what strawberry's thinking, but nevertheless, that's one sword I don't want to cut me! Oh, speak of the devil, he just got cut by it. Wait, got cut?! Aw crap, that's a zanpaku-to!
"You let your guard down. You thought because I'm not a Soul Reaper I couldn't have a zanpaku-to, and you're thinking there's no way I can hurt you. You are so naïve. Awaken now, Benihime." Said Kisuke
Benihime? That name… I've heard it before somewhere! But that's not the point! His cane just changed into a legit zanpaku-to!
"I assure you, this is a real zanpaku-to. Very real." Said Kisuke
Kisuke called his zanpaku-to Benihime, and that Hinata chick called her zanpaku-to Inori no Mizu. The only thing in common with the two… is that each of them have a name, while I couldn't even ask my zanpaku-to spirit her own name.
"A name? From our zanpaku-to's?" I wondered
"Yes. Each zanpaku-to carries a unique name, and this one is Benihime, the Red Princess. Let us show you." Said Kisuke
He swung his sword, and I jumped into the air to avoid that hit! Dang that was close! Until he began to charge in! All I had was part of a sword to defend myself! Well, better than nothing!
"I'll give you credit for not running away at least, and for parrying with that broken stump. You're not short on nerve, just the same. Benihime is much too fierce to let a blade like that stop her." Said Kisuke
When I saw his blade cut through mine like it was butter, I took that as my cue to make for a break for it! And Ichigo just had to be the idiot to protect me!
"Don't you get it you two? Your swords have no concentration of spirit energy in them." Said Kisuke
Ichigo just blindly swung his sword, but missed.
"It has size but that's all it has. It carries a zanpaku-to shape, but none of the necessary internal strength, so I can cut it… just like that." Kisuke said as he sliced Ichigo's sword
I hid behind a large rock, and held the hilt of my zanpaku-to close to me, like a child holding a stuffed animal on a rainy night and it's all thunder and lightning with the wind outside. What can I do?
"Now you no longer have any sword at all. Do you plan to continue attacking me with nothing but the hilt? I suppose you could still manage to knock my hat off with it, but this time Ichigo, you and Karen are gonna need a lot more than blind luck or courage. I think it's only fair to warn you, if you two try to go against me with that inferior weapon, I will kill you, and Karen." Said Kisuke
I gritted my teeth out of frustration. I wasn't going to let my friend die because of me, or anyone die for any reason. If there's something still worth protecting, then I will protect it!
"That's the spirit Karen." Said Sakura
"You've found your reason to fight, and now we will help you." Said my zanpaku-to spirit
"You can do that?" I asked
"Well, it'd be easier for you to use her real name, but… I think it's better for you to learn it when the time is right. My spirit energy has been fused with your zanpaku-to the same time I died 100 years ago. I won't turn into a Hollow, but my existence is tied solely to yours. The moment you die, I die as well, but not only that, my memories are also important, and the moment you say her true name, you'll see them all, whether you want to or not." Said Sakura
"Sakura, just… what did you mean back there, your zanpaku-to spirit? She said that I can't hear her name, yet I've heard it all my life. What does that mean?" I asked
"It'll be revealed in time." Said my zanpaku-to spirit
"But now it's time to face forward and protect those who are precious to you. Now, it's time!" exclaimed Sakura
"Call us out!" Sakura and my zanpaku-to spirit exclaimed in unison
"Zangetsu!" exclaimed Ichigo
"Summon forth the light…" I started
Kisuke just stood there, watching us as we both released a strong blast of spirit energy, and I saw my broken blade begin to transform. Don't worry Ichigo, I've got your back!
"Tsuki no Sakuramori!" I exclaimed
My blade turned into a Japanese slapping fan. Not a lot, but I can work with it at least. Nothing like Ichigo's blade, man, talk about huge!
"Well, it's about time, now that you two have managed to draw your zanpaku-to's, time for lesson number three. Are you two ready for that?" asked Kisuke
"Don't take this the wrong way Mr. Urahara…" started Ichigo
"Huh?" wondered Kisuke
"To be honest, you better dodge this." I said
"What?" asked Kisuke
"Because we can't control it yet!" Ichigo exclaimed as I felt a rise in Spiritual Pressure
Kisuke had a shocked look on his face as I got into a fighting stance with the harisen.
"Scream, Benihime!" exclaimed Kisuke
Ichigo then released his spirit energy into a massive attack from Zangetsu, and with Tsuki no Sakuramori, I had used her like a Tessen Fan, and gotten rid of some of the local rocks so Ichigo could have a better shot. Man, she could take some punishment, but I'm not doing anything like that for a while.
"Phew, good thing I protected myself with my Blood Mist Shield. Without it, I probably would've lost an arm just now. But that wasn't very nice you two. I do believe you killed my hat. Impressive you two, I didn't expect you could do that with a single swing of your sword Ichigo, and you Karen, your harisen is full of surprises, one of which has been revealed. Ichigo, Karen, you two are two frightening kids, you know that?" asked Kisuke
"Yeah, he gets that a lot, so do I. Speaking of surprises, for some weird reason, my harisen feels heavier now. Got any ideas about that?" I asked
"Hmm… at the moment, no. So, how about it Ichigo?" asked Kisuke
He was out like a light! Oh great, am I gonna have to call him Sleeping Beauty now?!
"Lesson three, cleared." Said Kisuke
"Forget your stupid lesson! Don't tell me Ichigo and Zangetsu did all of that!" I exclaimed as I looked at the damage left behind
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Well, it's been a week of training, and I've finally gotten the hang of Tsuki no Sakuramori. After 'lesson three', Kisuke looked kinda bummed, but I wasn't going to ask why. The music contest on the other hand, well, I actually did pretty well. I was one of the top three musicians in Karakura, so in about a month, I'll be participating in the nationals, which will also be hosted here. But for now, I have to wait until tonight before the gate to the Soul Society can open, so here I am, at the fireworks festival, for what could be my last summer vacation.
"Isn't this exciting everyone?! We're finally here at the fireworks festival!" exclaimed Keigo
"You're so enthusiastic." Mizuiro said while sweat-dropping
"Why not?! Who doesn't love to watch stuff on fire and explode?!" exclaimed Keigo
"Hey, don't forget about me. In fact, Kazuki and I slept over there in sun last night in order to save the very best spots." Said Isshin
"Just follow us, and we'll go there now!" exclaimed Kazuki
I just drowned them out and watched as they ran over.
"Well… might as well. Guess I'll go too. Sorry guys, it's always like this. You two don't have to come along if you don't want to." Said Ichigo
"Oh, don't worry about me Ichigo. I'll probably catch up with everyone later. You just go ahead and have fun." Said Tatsuki
"Yeah, me too. Besides, I'd like to be alone for a while to think." I said
"Alright, see ya." Ichigo said before walking off
I began to walk to the spot near the river where I regained my sight. As much as I hate Grand Fisher, in a strange twist of fate, I also have to thank him. He's the reason I was able to see again. I learned a lot from you Shizuku, and you're the reason why I'm going to the Soul Society. If you're dead before I can ever tell you my feelings, I'd never forgive myself. Music may be a part of my life, but you're a part of it too, and once a person is a part of my life, I never forget that person. The fireworks soon started, and I had my mind made up. Wait for me… Shizuku.
Later that week…
I opened my window to let in some fresh air while holding a sleeping Mana in my arms. I guess I am a sucker for cute things. It's been a week since Urahara last spoke with me and Ichigo. It's almost 1 AM, and my window's open.
"You know, I've got a really bad feeling about this." I said to myself
And then, I could've sworn I heard something, and the next thing I knew, something crashed on my bedroom wall! The message read 'Urgent, meet us outside the Urahara Shop immediately.' I nearly screamed out of fright.
"Who the hell contacts people like that?! This is like some TV crime scene message written in the victim's own blood! This had better not stain my wall!" I exclaimed
I squinted my eyes at a P.S.
"What now?" I asked
This part read, 'P.S., if you're thinking this message is like some 'written in the victim's own blood' cliché from some TV show, then you obviously have no sense of humor.'
"Oh shut up!" I exclaimed as I threw a pillow at the message
After making sure that everyone was asleep, I snuck out. I guess, this is good-bye, for now, at least, I hope.
"Good morning… Karen!" Kazuki exclaimed as I side stepped to avoid him falling onto me
That's gotta hurt.
"This is how you say 'good-bye?!' What the hell is wrong with you?!" I exclaimed
"Thing is, before ya left Karen, I wanted to make sure you had this with you." Said Kazuki
He was holding a Cherry Blossom charm on a charm bracelet.
"What the hell am I supposed to do with some charm bracelet?" I asked
"Watch your mouth. It was something your mother wanted you to have a long time ago." Said Kazuki
"Mom? Then why the hell are you giving it to me now?! I can't keep this!" I exclaimed
"'Course ya can! Who said I was giving it to you forever?! Just make sure you give it back before Homura knows that I gave it to you." Said Kazuki
"Okay, fine, whatever. See ya around, and don't bother to follow me." I said
I walked to the Urahara shop, and arrived just as Ichigo and Chad did apparently. Ichigo, I can understand, but Chad?! What is he doing here?
"Well, well, if it isn't Karen, and right on time too. Welcome to the club." Said Kisuke
"Chad? What are you two doing here?" I asked
"Rukia and Shizuku saved me once. I want to help them out if I can. I'm going too." Said Sado
"Huh?" I wondered
"What's the matter? Are you hard of hearing or something?" asked Uryu
I turned around and saw Uryu, and fought the urge to laugh. What the hell is he wearing?!
"Uryu." I said
"I don't take defeat well, especially when it's at the hands of a Soul Reaper, so I'm going to." Said Uryu
"What?" wondered Ichigo
"So I guess we're all present and accounted for!" exclaimed Orihime
No way, her too?
"Orihime?" I asked
"Yes, I got the message too." Said Orihime
"Uh… okay. But please, can someone explain to me what's going on?" I asked in complete shock
"You and me both." Said Ichigo
"You're a little slow on the uptake, aren't you?" asked a male voice
"Yoruichi!" exclaimed Orihime
"Don't tell me you kids didn't notice the increase of the hidden powers in these three friends of yours. There have been so many clues. You two need to be more observant than that if you want to survive. While you two were training and training to regain your Soul Reaper powers, the three of them were also training in their own way. Instead of asking stupid, meaningless questions, you ought to be thinking now." Said the cat
Did… the cat… just… talk?
"The freakin' cat just spoke to us!" Ichigo and I exclaimed in unison
"His name is Yoruichi. He's not just a cat." Said Orihime
"It is hard to get used to." Said Uryu
"I'm still adjusting to it myself." Said Sado
"Alright, alright, come on everybody. Let's take this little party inside the store. There are things we can't talk about out here in the open." Said Kisuke
"Oh come on, it's almost 2 in the morning? Who the hell's awake at this time besides us?" I asked
We headed back inside the store, and into the training grounds.
"Wow! This is so incredible! Who knew there was something this humongous below the shop?! Isn't it amazing?!" exclaimed Orihime
"I guess." Said Ichigo
"What a warming reaction. It's such a pleasure to have you on this trip my dear." Tessai said while crying
"The pleasure is all mine Mr. Tessai." Said Orihime
"Alright everyone, your attention please. All eyes, right over here. Voila!" Kisuke exclaimed after he snapped his fingers to make some kind of gateway appear
Am I supposed to be impressed?
"This is the gate that leads to the Soul Society. It's called the Senkaimon, or a tunnel-world gate. I'm gonna tell you all how to successfully pass through it, but first, we need to change two things." Said Kisuke
He used his cane on me and Ichigo, and turned us into Soul Reapers. Sheesh, I did not expect that, and I was pissed off as is.
"Hey, how about giving us a little warning next time Urahara?!" exclaimed Ichigo
"Ugh, you're impossible, ya know that?" I asked
"Alright, listen up. Unlike normal gates, this one has a spirit particle conversion machine." Said Kisuke
"What the hell are you talking about?" asked Ichigo
I whacked him on the head for that comment.
"Use your head strawberry! Orihime, Chad, and Uryu don't have spirit forms like we do! The converter turns their physical forms into spirit forms so they can safely make it into the Soul Society without turning them into souls!" I exclaimed
"Well, someone's on the ball today. Passing through the conversion machine will allow you to stay in your present forms." Said Kisuke
"Alright, we understand! Let's get going… ow!" Ichigo exclaimed as Kisuke jabbed him with his cane
I owe ya one Urahara.
"But there's a catch. The window of time the gate can be kept opened for you is… four minutes long." Said Kisuke
"Hold it, four minutes?! I don't even know if we can make it." I said
"An old friend of mine could make it in two, but she mapped out the paths ahead for years, so that's how she knew the way. But with you guys, four minutes is all I can give you. After that, it'll close, and anyone who hasn't made it through yet will be trapped forever in the Dangai, the Precipice World between this world and the Soul Society." Said Kisuke
"How will we ever make it?" asked Orihime
"Go forward. Remember what I told you about the connection between heart and soul. You must have no doubt, have no fear, do not think of those you are leaving behind, the will to go forward will be your guide, and don't look back. Only those who can do these things can follow me through the gate and survive." Said Yoruichi
"We all know this already, or we wouldn't still be here. Quit with all your preaching and let's do this thing now!" exclaimed Ichigo
"And you understand that if you lose, you can never return to this life again, right?" asked Yoruichi
"Then I guess losing isn't an option." I said
"Exactly." Said Yoruichi
The gate then opened, and I was getting goosebumps.
"So, everybody ready? As soon as it opens, run in as fast as you can." Said Kisuke
"Right." Said Ichigo
"Good luck." Said Kisuke
Shizuku… wait for me, please.
Done and done! Man, talk about taking forever, but above and all, I'm finally done! Please review, and until next time, I'm sakuraphoenix, saying I heart you, signing off for now. Kan dao ni!