Chapter 3 - The Alpha

Zangetsu was perched over the side of a skyscraper looking down into the darkness. Moments ago he had pushed Ichigo down into its depths and now could only wait. Wait for one of two outcomes. The first, Ichigo succeeding in fending off the beast once more and returning. The second and far less desirable is what has been in the back of Zangetsu's mind for some time. Ichigo losing for the first time and in turn the beast finally gaining the control it's been looking for.

As a faint blue light shined up Zangetsu felt relief upon many things. 'You have all the power you need to win. I cannot be there in person but remember I'm always with you in spirit Ichigo.' When he looked back down the blue light had already faded away and the darkness had once again reformed.

Down below Ichigo had just released a Getsuga Tenshou which missed its mark. Once he realized it missed Ichigo jumped back and brought his sword up to defend himself. To his surprise, there was no counter attack. Not feeling safe to let his guard down Ichigo began scanning the area for the beast that moments ago went for him.

Looking slowly Ichigo caught a glimpse of the white mask to his left and instinctively brought his sword in that direction. Holding his blade firmly in front of him Ichigo watched as the white mask slowly broke through the black wall and the beasts body began to take shape.

As it began to walk towards him Ichigo put his left hand on the face of the sword just in case. As it was only ten feet away it opened its mouth and a small trail of smoke escaped once again.

Crouching down the beast looked up towards Ichigo and began to snarl. As it did the first time it pounced towards Ichigo once again. Crashing into Zangetsu the force pushed Ichigo back a few inches before the weight of the animal forced him to a knee.

Using both hands to keep his sword between him and its claws Ichigo tried to catch his breath. To his surprise, the beast shifted its weight to one side of the massive blade which sent it crashing down into the ground and leaving Ichigo wide open.

It quickly got on top of Ichigo pinning him down by the chest and head. As its claws began to dig into his skin, Ichigo felt his blood run down his face and into his mouth for the second time in his life.

With his right arm, Ichigo reached out and tried to grab Zangetsu's handle. The more he tried the more force he was pushed down into the ground with. With one more try, Ichigo grasped a hold of the chain that hung from the end of Zangetsu's handle. Tugging it towards him Ichigo grabbed the handle and with one swift motion hurled it up hitting the beast on top of him.

Lying on his back Ichigo whipped the blood away from his face and caught his breath. Using Zangetsu as a post he picked himself up. Across from him, the demon-like beast was also picking itself up. Favoring it's right side once it was one its feet small traces of blood began to run down its front left leg.

Ichigo just cracked a half smile and thought, 'Luckily it nicked him a bit. Never thought I'd draw blood with Zangetsu's base form. Don't have any time to waist now.'

Pointing Zangetsu forwards Ichigo grabbed the handle with both hands and braced himself. As Ichigo's Aura began to form around Zangetsu's blade it started to darken. The soft blue color was completely taken over by a deep red. In one outwards burst all the Aura dissipated and revealed a slim blade.

The large cleaver-like blade was now a pitch black katana with a red laced handle. While it was the same length it had a much smaller surface. Bringing the long blade down to his side the long black chain from the base of the handle hung low.

Looking at the new form of his blade up to the beast across from him Ichigo asked, "Are you going to mock me like last time?"

As no answer came Ichigo stepped forwards and once again asked, "Why don't you have any comments to make this time?"

Hearing this the beast looked up and in a low voice said, "There isn't much to say. Whoever wins lives and whoever loses dies. What else is to be said?"

Tightening the grip on Zangetsu Ichigo said, "I should have expected something like that from you. I guess it's time to finish this then Shiro."

"It is, I've waited long enough to finally end this. If you beg I'll kill you quickly."

"That won't happen. I'm going to give this everything I have from here on out to make sure you never gain control again."

Ichigo's body was tossing and turning around in his bed uncontrollably. Zangetsu's blade on the wall has also turned into the slim black sword and small hints of red Aura were coming from the edge. Without warning the Aura in the blade flashed and Zangetsu fell to the floor. As it rattled on the ground all the Aura around it disappeared.

The loud sound of rain muffled the sound of Ichigo's body tossing and turning. Outside of the school, a strong thunderstorm had been forming. The moonlight was completely blocked off by the dense black clouds hanging up above. As the rain fell a loud clash of thunder ripped through the sky. All around the school, several students were woken by the loud clash. Team RWBY was woken mostly from Blake's reaction to the loud thunder.

Sitting up Ruby rubbed her eyes and looked over the room. Below her, on the bottom bunk Weiss got up and turned the light on. Looking to the other bottom bunk Blake was leaning against the wall and looking at the window. Ruby jumped down onto the floor and asked, "You okay Blake?"

Blake quickly snapped out of her panic and said, "Yeah I'm fine."

From the top bunk, Yang hung down and said, "You jumped pretty bad, I think you moved the beds."

Blake just ignored her and got up, heading to the door she said, "I'm going to the bathroom."

As she left Ruby looked out the window as a large flash of lightning lite up the sky. "This is going to last almost all day isn't it."

Behind her, Weiss said, "Yeah it's almost six, we probably won't be able to go back to sleep either. I'm going to go and take a shower might as well be early on the first day of class." With that Weiss quickly left as well leaving just Ruby and Yang who was still hanging off the top bunk.

As another loud crack of thunder ripped through the sky Ruby looked back out the window. It was hard to see anything with the rain beating against the glass and the little light outside. But from the corner of her eye, she noticed a faint red light. Looking there was a red glow coming from a window further down the building.

"Yang come look at this."

As she walked to the window Ruby pointed towards the window and asked, "What do you think that's coming from?"

They sat there and watched it for a few seconds and the light suddenly flashed several times brighter and then was gone just as fast. The two girls just sat there for another minute before Ruby got up and headed to the door, grabbing her weapon she opened the door. Behind her, Yang called out, "Where are you going Ruby?" When she didn't answer Yang grabbed her two golden bracelets from a nightstand and ran after her.

Ruby made her way down the dark hallway quickly, looking for any sign of that light. As she stopped and looked from a window she heard Yang call out for her. Finally catching up with her Yang asked, "What are you doing?"

Ruby just kept looking out the window and once again the red light began as a faint glow. The sound of someone else quickly making their way down the hallway got their attention. Looking down the dark hallway the didn't notice anyone until they were almost next to them. Ozpin went right past the two of them and continued on down the hallway at a quick pace.

Looking at each other the two sisters ran after him. As they caught up Ruby asked, "Where are you going Ozpin?" Not hearing them Ozpin continued down the hallway at an even faster pace. As he broke away from the girls Ozpin quickly opened a door and went in. When Ruby and Yang made it to the door they stopped and looked at each other. Putting her hand in the handle Ruby asked, "Think we should go in?"

The decision was made for them when the same red light began to shine from under the door out into the hallway. Opening the door they quickly made their way inside to find Ozpin trying to hold down Ichigo.

His body was moving in uncontrollable spasms and was covered in dozens of cuts that were letting off a red glow. The most surprising thing was his entire head was covered by a dense red Aura and it was hard to make out his face.

Looking to them Ozpin said, "Come here quickly." Pointing down he said, "Watch out for his sword."

On the ground by the wall, Zangetsu was stuck into the floor. The dark black blade was beginning to be covered by the same red Aura.

As the three of them tried to hold down Ichigo's body the red Aura that was covering his head began to spread down to his shoulders. Ozpin cursed under his breath before saying, "I need you girls, to find Mrs. Goodwitch. Can you do that for me?"

Ruby nodded without saying anything but still sat there watching Ichigo's body. It took Yang to get her to go and the two began running back down the hall to Goodwitch's office.

As the two left a black crow landed on a low branch outside the window. It watched for a few moments before it quickly flew away once again.

Panting Ichigo leaned against his blade and wiped away the blood running down his face. 'Was he letting me win, giving me confidence only to crush it? I'm still this weak against him?'

As Shiro pounced at him, Ichigo was quickly brought back to reality. Rolling to his left Ichigo dodged the attack. By the time he looked back Shiro was already on him. Pinning him to the ground by his shoulder Shiro dug his fangs into Ichigo's left shoulder.

As Ichigo cried out Shiro put more force into the bite. As he ripped completely through Shiro went to his right side and bit down on his bicep. Tearing into the muscle an intense pain filled Ichigo's senses. When Shiro hit Ichigo's humerus the bone quickly cracked under the intense pressure.

Pulling away Shiro stood on Ichigo's chest and leaned down giving a silent growl in his face.

All Ichigo could see was those blood stained teeth as the pain began to turn into numbness. Starting with his right arm and then his left it didn't take long for most off his body to go numb.

Using his left arm to prop himself up slightly he watched as Shiro began to walk back to the darkness. Feeling around on the floor Ichigo grabbed Zangetsu's handle. Lifting it up as high as he could he pointed it towards Shiro. From the guard red Aura began to cover the blade. As the force began to increase Ichigo's arm started shaking more and more.

"It's over Shiro, I won't let you have control again." Holding his hand still as much as possible Ichigo yelled, "Getsuga Tenshou."

In a giant red arc, the attack ripped through the ground and collided against Shiro. As it crashed into him it exploded into an inferno.

Ichigo watched as the giant ball of fire raged on with a faint smile. It didn't take long for Ichigo's grip to fade and for Zangetsu to fall from his hand. As it hit the ground it changed back into its previous giant form. Falling into his back Ichigo thought. 'Thank you Zangetsu. I'll see you soon.'

The thunderstorm around the school was growing more intense by the minute. The winds were becoming uncontrollable and several smaller branches were being ripped straight from their trees. Once again a black crow landed on the tree outside of Ichigo's window and stared in. As another flash of lightning lit up the sky it reflected off its pitch black eyes.

Inside the room, Ozpin was still trying to hold Ichigo down. The red Aura that had been spreading over him was slowing down but now covered most of his upper body. As the Aura reached his stomach Goodwitch followed by Ruby and Yang came through the door.

Goodwitch quickly ran over to the bed and helped Ozpin. Grabbing a hold of his legs both Goodwitch and Ozpin started to form their Aura around their hands. As they did Ichigo's red Aura stopped spreading, a few seconds later it began to dissipate.

As the last of it disappeared from his face there was a small circle around his eye looking to be made from bone. Ozpin reached down and as he touched it the bone shattered. "Thank goodness." Leaning against the wall Ozpin just watched Ichigo's still body.

Turning to the girls Goodwitch said, "We will discuss things later, for now, do not talk about what you saw."As the two girls offered a nod Goodwitch began walking them out of the room. Stepping into the hallway a scream from the room got them all to turn back around.

Once again Ichigo's body was restless but in a much different way. He was curled up against the headboard and his head was shaking as he mumbled.

Sitting next to Ichigo, Ozpin put his hands on his shoulders. "Ichigo it's okay, it's okay I'm here Ichigo."

Ichigo yelled, "No!" As he did he woke up and pushed himself up against the wall. Breathing heavy he looked down at his hands and his breathing became even more labored.

Reaching out Ozpin grabbed Ichigo's shoulder only to have him jump back. Turning to look Ichigo just stared at him. "Ichigo it's okay."

Ichigo quickly wrapped his arms around Ozpin and laid his chin on his shoulder. "I don't know what to do."

Pushing himself into Ozpin's shoulder Ichigo tightened his grip. In a muffled voice Ichigo said, "I don't know how it does it but it made me see it all over again. It tore them apart, I couldn't even do anything."

Ozpin sat there holding onto him and couldn't do anything. Everything else was blocked out by what Ichigo was saying.

"I don't want to see them die again. I've seen it so many times over and over. I can't take it anymore dad, I can't."

With that everyone was silent, making the sound of Ichigo's cries and the storm outside seem even louder.

By the door, Goodwitch put a hand on the girl's shoulders and whispered, "It's time for us to leave."

Turning them around the three of them walked out of the room, behind her Goodwitch softly closed the door. Out in the hallway, Ruby and Yang asked, "What's going on?"

Glancing back at the door Goodwitch said, "Let's take a walk and I'll explain what I can, on two conditions. The first is you cannot tell anyone about this. The second is you can never and I mean never ask Ichigo about anything involving this or what just happened in his room."

Offering a nod Ruby said, "We won't talk about it with anyone."

"Very well, then the first thing you should know is Ichigo was born outside of Vale or any of the other three Kingdoms. His family lived on a small farm and from what I've been told Ichigo was fighting Grimm from a very young age."

Putting her arms behind her head Yang said, "Well for how badass he is I'm sure he started when he was really young."

Shaking her head Goodwitch continued, "What Ichigo was referring to when he said having to watch them die was his family. When he was twelve a large group of Beowolves attack his family's farm and killed them and almost killed him."

Holding a hand up to her eye Ruby quietly asked, "That's why he wears the eyepatch isn't it?"

Nodding Goodwitch said, "Yes, Ichigo's wounds were very severe, if he wasn't found when he was I'm sure he would have died. Other than losing his eye he also suffered a bite on his chest, which broke several ribs and punctured his lung."

Ruby just held onto her side and asked, "So what exactly happened? Why was his Aura doing that and how did it change color?"

Goodwitch stopped and said, "I'm not allowed to tell you exactly what happened today, all I can say is every time it's happened Ichigo's grown more and more distant. I made a promise to both Ichigo and Ozpin not to bring that up with others unless they approve."

Glancing down the hallway Goodwitch said, "The only thing I can say is Ichigo has had a very hard and lonely life. Ichigo's honestly the only person that could tell you everything you want to know. Just don't ask him, if he feels comfortable discussing it he will."

Offering one last smile Goodwitch left the girls and headed back to her office.

Yang put a hand on her sister's shoulder and pulled her into a hug. "It might be better to stay out of this Ruby."

Ruby just held onto her sister's arm and sighed, "You remember what we were like when we lost mom. Ichigo lost his entire family in front of his eyes. He needs someone to support him, even if it's just to share the burden."

"I know what you're trying to say Ruby, it's just we don't know everything. We can't pretend that we do. If you really want to try and help you're going to need to find a way to get him to open up. Which might be pretty hard from what we do know about him."

As they kept walking back to their room they had to pass Ichigo's room once again. Ruby stopped just past it and said, "I need to know Yang."

Turning back to the door she knocked and waited. Several seconds passed without an answer and she knocked once more.

Again no answer. Pushing her ear up to the door Ruby heard some commotion from inside. As she pulled back from the door it opened which caused her to jump back. On the other side of the door, Ichigo was dressed in his normal combat attire and had Zangetsu attached to his back. His face was blank and emotionless and without even acknowledging them Ichigo closed the door and headed down the hallway.

Looking to Yang to two quickly made their way back to their room. Bursting through the door they found Weiss and Blake already dressed. They both quickly grabbed their clothes and changed.

Weiss and Blake just watched them as they fumbled with their clothes and weapons. Standing up Weiss asked, "So what are you guys doing?"

Before they answered a knock on the door got all of their attention. Ruby and Yang both looked at each other before opening the door. In the hallway team, JNPR was standing there, looking to Ruby Jaune asked, "What's with all the commotion?"

Ruby bit her lip and hesitantly said, "Well it's something with Ichigo. We need to hurry or we're going to lose him."

With that, Ruby and Yang ran passed Jaune and headed back down the hall. Everyone just watched them leave with a puzzled look. After getting back up Jaune said, "Let's go guys we can't just let them go by themselves."

Running after them the rest of team JNPR followed and shortly after so did Weiss and Blake.

They finally caught up to Ruby and Yang at the entrance to the school. Walking up to them they were watching Ichigo walking in the direction of the Emerald Forest. As he walked he completely ignored the rain that pounded down onto him and the cries of the thunder and flashes of lightning above.

The group watched as he disappeared mid-step and began looking for any sign of him. Pulling up her hood Ruby ran out to where Ichigo was and started looking for a sign of what direction he went. With no luck, she let out a sigh and walked back to the group.

Behind them, Ozpin walked up and looked over the group of students he asked, "You're trying to follow him aren't you?"

Turning to him Ruby was surprised to see him but nodded.

"You'd never be able to on your own. He's set his mind on something and there isn't anything that'll stop him."

Raising his hand Jaune asked, "And what exactly is he doing?"

Letting out a sigh Ozpin said, "Going to see his family. He made tombstones for them a few years ago. It's all he can think to do right now."

Ruby said, "We should go he needs some support."

Shaking his head Ozpin walked out into the rain in the same direction Ichigo went. A few seconds later he turned back and said, "What are you waiting for? I'll excuse you from your classes today."

After traveling through the city for a half hour Ichigo was getting close to the edge of Vale. In one large burst of his semblance, Ichigo cleared a good half mile. When he reappeared the wet ground made him lose his balance and he was sent crashing into the ground.

Landing on his chest the force easily knocked the air from his lungs and he began hyperventilating. It took a minute for his breathing to finally calm down and he could catch a breath. Picking himself up to his knees he looked around and found himself in a very different place than he planned. He was still in the city to his disappointment and the water covered cobblestone was a hard surface to stop on.

Looking around he shook his head and asked, "Did I lose that much focus that my semblance was thrown off?" Putting his arms behind his head Ichigo looked up and sighed, "Still have little ways to go, just stay focused Ichigo."

As he teleported once again a black crow landed on top of a high tree branch and watched as Ichigo teleported away. It looked over the area Ichigo was before silently flying away.

Ichigo made short work of the distance, usually, a huntsman would have to go through a checkpoint to make it out of the Kingdom but Ichigo found a way around that a long time ago. With his semblance, he could easily sneak past a checkpoint without being detected.

After making it past the wall Ichigo found himself in a large plain. Taking a moment to get his bearings he started running towards a far tree line. As he ran he looked around the large plain and found several Grimm scouting the area. About a mile to his left was the largest group, made up of Beowolves.

Seeing them Ichigo reached back to grab Zangetsu but hesitated. "Ichigo there's no need to engage them, I'm guessing they just want to get out of the rain."

Releasing his grip on Zangetsu's handle Ichigo kept running. The wet grass was keeping Ichigo from wanting to teleport again. While he has experience in wet conditions it takes much more concentration than normal. So he was stuck running through the flooding grass.

Nearing the tree line Ichigo stopped and caught his breath. Shielding his eyes from the rain Ichigo scanned the area. 'It should be around here somewhere.' Without seeing anything Ichigo kept making his way towards the tree line which was becoming closer.

Making his way up a small hill a smile began to creep onto his lips. Further down the other side, there was a young tree that was growing all by itself in the open. 'I'm glad it's still there.'

Slowing making his way down the hill to avoid falling Ichigo couldn't stop looking at the tree.

Once off the hillside, Ichigo ran as fast as he could in its direction. As he got closer he could make out the five large stones that were formed around the trunk. Slowing down Ichigo had a smile on his face but was also trying to keep back tears.

Touching one of the stones it was freezing. Wiping the water away from the face of the stone Ichigo quietly read, "Isshin Kurosaki, Amazing father, and husband that was taken from them."

Reading it Ichigo kneeled down and laid his head down. "It's been awhile, dad." Holding his palm to the stone Ichigo couldn't hold it back anymore. It was hard to notice from the rain but tears began to run down his check. "There is so much I want to talk to you about and just as much with mom and the girls. Honestly, I came because I don't know what else to do."

"I told you about Shiro and what's happened since he showed up. Well, it's gotten worse and I honestly think he let me win the fight we just had. I can't explain why, but I just have this feeling that he did. I just don't understand why he would, he's always been trying to take control but this time, everything was different. The fight itself was nothing like it was the first few times."

Pulling his hand back Ichigo said, "I'm just hoping you might have some kind of answers for me."

Closing his eyes Ichigo wiped the water and tears from his face. Looking to the other tombstones Ichigo let a smile creep onto his face once again. "I love you guys so much and my life has been so much different without all of you."

As Ichigo talked a feeling of someone touching his shoulder made him freeze. Looking down Ichigo quietly asked, "Dad I know that you're always there, every fight I've been in I've felt you there. With you gone I meet someone else that points me in the right direction like you always did. I hope you can understand why I call him dad too."

The force gave a soft tug on Ichigo's shoulder and then was gone. Turning around Ichigo saw everyone standing there. In front of the group Ozpin offered a nod and said, "We're here for you Ichigo."

Standing up Ichigo shook his head and said, "You really let first years out of the Kingdom, that's supposed to be against the rules."

Ozpin just shrugged his shoulders saying, "It's fine, they're under the protection of a Headmaster and a high ranking huntsman."

Ichigo just laughed and pulled Ozpin into a hug. After pulling apart he said, "Thanks for coming, it does mean a lot. We should probably get back to school, classes start today don't they Ozpin?"

"I delayed the first day until tomorrow, I have much more pressing matters to attend to."

Shaking his head Ichigo saw a flash of white out of the corner of his eye. Looking in that direction he yelled, "Everyone get down." Looking over the group of students they all ducked down and Ichigo teleported next to Ruby and wrapped himself around her. As he did Ichigo felt the force of the giant Nevermores claws drug across Zangetsu's surface.

As the giant Grimm flew off it let out a loud cry and flew around the air above them. As it circled the group Ichigo asked, "Is everyone alright."

As he and Ozpin looked over everyone Ichigo was surprised when he heard Ruby's voice, "I'm okay Ichigo, you can let me go."

Blinking a few times Ichigo realized he was still holding her close to him in a protective stance. Letting her go he whispered, "Sorry, don't know what came over me. I just kinda reacted without thinking."

Fixing her clothes Ruby said, "It's fine and thanks, Ichigo. I heard its claws grind against your sword if you weren't there it would have torn into me."

Offering a smile Ichigo looked up and the Nevermore had disappeared into the black clouds. Looking to Ozpin Ichigo asked, "So what are we doing?"

As he asked a loud roar ripped through the air, overtaking even the sound of the thunderstorm. Both Ichigo and Ozpin looked to the tree line where the roar came from. As the sound of trees breaking could be heard Ozpin said, "We need to get the first years out of here now."

Pushing Ozpin in the direction of Vale Ichigo said, "Get them out of here, I'll hold him off as long as possible."

Turning back Ozpin grabbed onto Ichigo's cloak and said, "No way am I leaving you here to hold an Alpha off. I don't care if you could take one or not I won't leave you to try."

As the two argued the students just watched and looked to each other for answers. Shaking his head Ichigo said, "Ozpin just get them out of here, you know I can always use the mask if I need it."

Watching the tree line a large white skull similar to a Beowolves broke through, followed by the massive figure of a Beowolf.

It's shoulders, knees, hands and feet were covered in the same white bone as the skull mask was made of. As it walked on its hind legs it stood twenty feet at the shoulders and looked over 400 pounds.

Dropping down on all four it let out another loud roar like howl as dozens of Beowolves came out of the tree line around it. Standing back up it starred at the group with bloodlust.

Drawing Zangetsu from his back Ichigo stepped in front of the group. "Ozpin you know what I have to do." Letting his Aura cover Zangetsu is transformed into its sleeker black form. Taking several steps towards the Alpha Ichigo began to build up his Aura in Zangetsu's blade.

The students all looked to Ozpin for answers. Taking a moment Ozpin said, "There is a rare chance a Grimm is born with more power than an average one of its kind. In that case, it becomes what is known as an Alpha, capable of being four times the size and 10 times as strong as a normal Grimm of the species." Pointing towards the giant Beowolf he said, "In this case, it's Ulfur an old and experienced Alpha."

Watching Ichigo Rein asked, "Ichigo is challenging it isn't he?"

Nodding Ozpin said, "Yes if he didn't then Ulfur would take it as a sign of disrespect and attack us all. Based on the display of power Ichigo gives will determine its next move."

Watching Ruby noticed the Aura gathering around Ichigo and his blade and asked, "He is going to fire one of the attacks he used against the Nevermore in the forest isn't he."

"That is correct Ruby, but this time, it will be much different. This attack will have almost all his power behind. The attack you saw was him holding back. If Ulfur decides to accept Ichigo's challenge prepare yourselves for anything. If it goes wrong you'll see exactly why Ichigo is regarded the way he is."

I'm sorry for how long it's been since an updates been out. I was not ready for school to start and have been really busy. I've also only been able to write on my phone so it takes a bit longer than on my computer. So there might be a few more mistakes than normal just because I can't edit as much on my phone as I'd like.

I also rewrote this chapter because I didn't like how it was at first. I think this version is much better than the first.

I'm getting into my school schedule and I've found time all be able to write so I'm going to try and push the next chapter out within a week. That's the only way I can really think to make it up for the long wait.