Welcome back everyone! BTW, the previous chapter has been updated to now include an Omake at the end featuring Ichigo's sisters, so check it out if you haven't already. Without any further ado, enjoy the story!
Chapter 6:
Katen Kyokotsu
A certain orange-haired substitute was running along at high speed, following the directions being given to him by Sogyo no Kotowari, who were still perched on his shoulders. Suddenly, he ground to a stop when he felt that they were no longer alone. He rapidly jumped to the side when a Chinese scimitar emerged from his shadow and tried to slash him. Keeping his guard up whilst setting the twin zanpakto spirits to the floor, he gripped Zangetsu's hilt and continued to observe as two feminine figures rose up and took form. Sogyo no Kotowari pouted when they recognised the new arrivals.
"Katen-chan and Kyokotsu-chan," acknowledged Sogyo in an irritated tone.
"Why did you just try to attack us?" demanded Kotowari in a matching voice.
The older looking girl, whose purple hair was styled in two drill on either side of her head, answered them. "You were leading Ichigo Kurosaki, a soul reaper, through our base. It seems rather traitorous, doesn't it?"
Sogyo puffed up his cheeks in childish anger. "We were having fun with Ichi-nii! His spiritual power feels really warm and comfy too! Besides, didn't Muramasa mention that he needed him to break the seal anyway?" In the next second, he felt a hand tightly grip the back of his head.
"So let me get this straight," began Ichigo in a dangerous voice. "The two of you were trying to lead me into a trick?"
"Wah! Sorry Ichi-nii!" pleaded Kotowari, frightened tears spilling from his eyes as he regarded Ichigo's angry scowl. "But we were telling the truth about wanting to play with you, and we really were leading you to where the head captain is!"
The orange-haired substitute released his hold on the other twin with a sigh. "Geez, it's hard for me to even stay mad at you." He turned to face the two new zanpakto spirits. "Look, I don't really want to fight you guys, especially since if I damage you too much you'll literally break. Is there any chance that you'll let me pass unhindered?"
Katen sent him an amused smirk. "My, how polite. Unfortunately, you are an intruder and we're not going to let you off so easily." She readied her blade and pointed it towards him for emphasis.
Ichigo gripped his own zanpakto's hilt, causing the cloth bindings to unravel, but didn't remove the oversized weapon from his back. "Do you guys really believe Muaramasa? If you ask me, he sounds seriously shady. Even Zangetsu agrees with me, and he's already encountered him." As soon as he said that, the spirit of his sword manifested beside him, his dark cloak billowing as usual despite the fact that there was no wind. Suzumebachi and Sogyo no Kotowari looked at him in awe.
"I must ask you to reconsider your stance with Muramasa," Zangetsu requested politely. "I have been subjected to his power previously. He whispers into the back of your mind, influencing you to do what he wants. I have a strong feeling that he is merely using all of you as a means to his own agenda."
"I'll investigate that after dealing with your wielder," remarked Katen coolly. She then noticed that her other half was no longer at her side. Rather, Kyokotsu was now stood in front of Ichigo, staring at him calculatingly.
The petite zanpakto spirit tilted her head slightly as she continued to regard the spiky-haired hero. On one hand, Ichigo was tense in case she launched an attack. On the other hand however, he couldn't help but be reminded of his younger sisters, particularly Yuzu, when he saw the way she was looking at him in genuine intrigue mixed with a strange sense of innocence and naivety. Kyokotsu took a step closer and gently prodded him with her finger experimentally.
"Hey, what do you think Kyokotsu-chan's doing?" Kotowari asked his twin.
"Maybe she sensed how Ichi-nii's spiritual power is nice and fuzzy like a campfire and is trying to learn more about him," Sogyo replied.
The ninja girl withdrew her hand and hazed at Ichigo's face, tilting her head further. The mask prevented the teenage soul reaper from seeing her expression, but her eye seemed to show an odd mix of comfort and confusion. He gently let go of Zangetsu's hilt and slowly rested his palm atop her head, making her lone visible ocular widen ever so slightly.
"Don't worry," he assured soothingly, lightly ruffling her purple hair. "I'm not going to hurt you. Suzumebachi and Sogyo no Kotowari can attest to that. Sode no Shirayuki too, even though she's back with Rukia, as well as Haineko and Tobiume."
"Wow Ichi-nii, you're really popular!" exclaimed Sogyo.
Suzumebachi sat up in his hair with a wide grin. "Well, he's such a considerate and friendly guy that it's hard not to like him. Plus his spiritual power makes you feel all nice and cosy, like a warm blanket around you."
Kyokotsu leaned into his touch, closing her eye contently, a ghost of a smile visible under her mask. Katen sighed and put her scimitar away. Zangetsu had already disappeared back to Ichigo's inner world.
"Well, I suppose I can't do anything against you when my other half is already so fond of you," remarked the physically older zanpakto manifestation. "Very well, let's go to where Muramasa and the head captain are. We'll see whether Zangetsu was right or not." Her mouth formed a smile. "I must admit, your spiritual power really does feel quite pleasant, more so than my lazy bum of a master's."
(Elsewhere):
Kyoraku suddenly tensed for no apparent reason before tears cascaded from his eyes comically.
"Katen-chan, why do I feel so betrayed?"
And finish! Sadly, this fic will probably be ending in a few more chapters. Although, I may add on bonus chapters or make a spin-off, so suggestions are more than welcome! As usual, please review/comment!