Tamashi no Kiri
Chapter 10: Screaming Souls
Chained by fear and rage
The soul cries out
Longing to be free
Yet afraid of fading away
Like a cloud of mist
"Ichigo, are you alright?" Rukia asked.
Harribel looked at Ichigo. His back was arched and then his upper body fell forward. Something was not right. She looked at Rukia who was approaching Ichigo, her hand outstretched to him. She looked back at Ichigo and looked into his eyes. To her horror there was a brief flash of yellow and black in them.
"RUKIA, GET AWAY FROM HIM!" she cried out.
"Huh, but why?" Rukia asked.
"Because, Ichigo ain't here right now," a raspy voice hissed from Ichigo's mouth. "Would you like to leave a message?"
Rukia looked at Ichigo in horror as a cold hand wrapped around her neck and lifted her into the air, squeezing.
"I hope you're watching, Ichigo. Oh yeah…I hope you're watching," the raspy voice said and began to cackle.
Urahara's Shop
"HOLY SHIT!" Grimmjow shouted as another mirror seemed to grow in front of him.
Grimmjow didn't know exactly what Shirley Wilde's Risveglio was capable of, but he knew enough to know that the mirrors were a part of it. The problem was that they were completely surrounded by mirrors and so there was no possibility of escaping without at least earning a few years of bad luck.
"WHAT ARE YOU SCARED OF?" Nnoitora shouted. "THEY'RE JUST MIRRORS!"
"I'M SCARED OF SEEING YOUR UGLY FACE!" Grimmjow shouted.
He glanced over to where the other Soul Reapers were still standing. Their faces were contorted in horror and he was shocked to see that they were crying blood.
What the fuck's going on?
"Enough of this," Nnoitora said. "I don't care what Kisuke says, I'm gonna try it out," he said and raised his blade.
"Shit, what other choice do we have?" Grimmjow asked as he held his own sword by his side and placed his fingertips on the flat of the blade.
"Pray, Santa Teresa."
"Grind, Pantera."
Karakura Town
"Good evening," Ambrose said as he approached the members of Squad 11 standing before him. "Would one of you happen to be Captain Kenpachi Zaraki of Squad 11?"
"Who wants to know?" Ikkaku said.
"Forgive me. My name is Ambrose Stoker and…"
"And you're my opponent," Kenpachi said as he unsheathed his sword. "I hope you're stronger than you look."
"Then why did you draw your sword?" Yumichika asked.
"That should be obvious. This must be one of those Mangiatori. From what we heard about what one of them did to Hitsugaya's ice dragon Captain Zaraki wants to fight one of them," Ikkaku said. He looked at Ambrose as though measuring him. "He doesn't look like much though."
"You're probably right," Kenpachi said. "However, I want to see what he's capable of at least. So, what are you waiting for? I want you to draw your weapon. I promise I'll go easy on ya."
"I highly doubt that," Ambrose said and sighed. He reached into his pants pockets and withdrew a straight razor. "I would appreciate it if you would send that little girl on your shoulder away. I would hate to accidently hurt her."
"Yachiru, go wait with Ikkaku and Yumichika while I handle him," Kenpachi said.
"Alright Kenny," Yachiru said as she jumped off Kenpachi's shoulder.
"Thank you."
"No problem. I would hate for anything to happen to Yachiru as well."
"Now then, shall we begin?" Ambrose asked as he revealed the razor's blade.
"Fine with me," Kenpachi said.
"Alright," Ambrose said as he put the razor's edge to one fingertip and pressed down.
A small trickle of blood formed where the razor's edge cut into his skin. Then it seemed to rise in the air and spread in a reddish mist. The Soul Reapers looked confused as the blood formed a thin, translucent bubble in the area. Ambrose looked at it and nodded.
"That should keep innocent by-standers from entering this area."
"That's honorable of you."
"Thank you," he said with a bow and then put the blade to the palm of his hand. "But now is the time to show you my Risveglio."
He sliced open his palms and then quickly changed hands and cut his other palm. Blood poured from the gaping wounds as he closed his straight razor and put it in his pocket. He held his hands out as though he was holding onto something invisible. The blood seemed to wrap around his hands and hang in midair.
"Cut, Sangue Spade."
Inoue Residence
"Yummy, that was delicious," Rangiku said.
"I'm glad you liked it," Orihime said. "But then you always like my cooking, Rangiku. How about you, Ulqui, did you like it? I mean, you didn't eat much."
"It was very…unique," Ulquiorra said. "Unfortunately I was not hungry tonight."
He looked down at the odd combination of waffles with bean paste and chocolate sprinkles and bologna. It was obvious that she wasn't too particular about what foods she threw together. He looked at Dr. Fleur who was poking at her meal with a slight frown.
"Too bad you don't have any fried chicken," she said. "Fried chicken with waffles is a very good combination."
"Waffles and fried chicken," Orihime said. "What an odd combination. Well, I suppose since everyone's finished I'll clean up."
Rangiku looked at Ulquiorra and nudged him in the side. He looked at her, confused.
"Shouldn't you offer to help?" Rangiku whispered.
"I do not understand."
"It's polite for guests to help their hosts out."
"Hark who's talking," Toshiro muttered.
"Besides, I've noticed how Orihime looks at you," Rangiku said. "Perhaps you could use the time to talk things over with her."
"I see."
Ulquiorra got up and picked up his plate. He followed Orihime into the kitchen. She was busy scraping the left overs into a container when he walked in. She turned to look at him.
"I…thought I should help out," Ulquiorra said.
"Oh, thanks. Uh…you can just set your plate over on the counter and I'll get to it."
"Are you certain? I can help…wash the dishes or something along those lines."
"I'm fine," Orihime said. "Is there a reason why you want to help?"
"I…want to thank you for allowing us to stay. I hope we are not an inconvenience."
"Oh…it's not inconvenient at all," Orihime said as she put both hands out and waved them. "I…I just thought…"
"I suppose it will not atone for how I treated you back in Las Noches, but…I do want to make amends."
Orihime looked at Ulquiorra. She could not believe that this was the same cold, calculating, and emotionless Arrancar she knew from before. Instead, she saw someone who was trying to figure out who he truly was.
"Alright," she said, smiling. "You can dry the dishes. How does that sound?"
"That sounds fair…I suppose," Ulquiorra said.
Urahara's Shop
Shirley watched as the two Soul Reapers' Zanpakuto changed. Grimmjow looked at Nnoitora's scythe and then at the two gauntlets on his hands. Nnoitora looked at the gauntlets covering Grimmjow's hands and began laughing.
"AH-HA-HA-HA! Aw man Grim-Kitty you can never live down your nickname; not with those little puppet kitties."
"Oh shut up," Grimmjow growled and punched the air in Shirley's direction.
Shirley and Nnoitora watched in shock as the air seemed to shimmer and a heavy gust of wind rose. Unfortunately, Grimmjow hadn't gotten a chance to truly be able to handle it and was forced backward. Shirley dodged the gust of wind and shook her head.
"SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!" he yelled as he went flying backward and rebounded off of one of the many mirrors that were circling the area around Urahara's shop.
"Are you insane?" Shirley asked. "Are you trying to earn as much bad luck as you can?"
"Oh…shut up," Grimmjow moaned as he got to his feet. "Damn it. I'm so not used to this."
"HA! You lose, Kitty. Now it's my turn."
Nnoitora yelled as he rushed at Shirley who smiled and snapped her fingers. A mirror suddenly fell in front of Nnoitora and he swung the scythe's blade into the glass. However, by the time he swung his scythe he had already looked into the mirror. He screamed in terror as the scythe's blade cut the image. The mirror shattered, but Nnoitora backed away from the pieces.
"No, no, no, NO! DON'T…PLEASE DON'T…I'M SORRY…I'M…I'M SORRY!"
"Holy shit, Mantis Boy what's wrong with you?" Grimmjow reached Nnoitora and started shaking him.
"GET AWAY! GET AWAY FROM ME! I…I…GET THE FUCK OFF ME!"
Nnoitora kicked Grimmjow away from him.
"DAMN IT, SCARECROW! I WAS TRYING TO HELP YOU! NEXT TIME YOUR ASS IS IN TROUBLE, I AIN'T HELPING!"
"What are you talking about?" Nnoitora asked.
"You looked in that bitch's mirror," Grimmjow said and pointed to the broken glass. "You went crazy all of a sudden and on top of it, you got seven years bad luck on your ass."
"Oh shut up," Nnoitora snarled and looked at Shirley. "As for you, bitch, I'm gonna get Medieval on your ass."
"Is that so?" Shirley said and snapped both fingers.
Kurosaki Residence
Harribel watched as whatever had taken over Ichigo was strangling Rukia. She knew she had to do something. She looked at Ichigo, focusing at him.
"Bakudo number 9, Geki," she said.
Normally, Geki would engulf the target in red light and paralyze them. However, when Harribel said it, eight arms of red light streamed towards Ichigo from her and wrapped themselves around him. Rukia dropped out of Ichigo's hands and onto the floor. She gasped for breath and looked at Ichigo in surprise and recoiled when she saw the hatred and rage in the black and yellow eyes.
"Do ya think that your li'l spell will stop me?"
"To be honest, I don't really know," Harribel said.
"Well, y-y-y… N-N-NYAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! WHAT ARE YA DOING? YA CAN'T FIGHT ME! YA CAN'T FIGHT ME! N-N-N-N-"
"NOOOOOOO!" Ichigo yelled in his regular voice.
The door burst open and Isshin rushed in with Starrk and Lilynette close behind. Only Lilynette was in her regular Soul Reaper form.
"What happened?" Isshin asked. "I felt…"
He stopped when he saw Ichigo lying on the floor, wrapped in ribbons of crimson light that flowed like water or blood. He was completely drenched in sweat.
"Rukia, what happened here?" Isshin asked.
"H-H-He ju-ju-uh-st…" she gasped and then began coughing.
"Ichigo lost control," Harribel said.
Isshin looked at her and then at Ichigo.
"Damn it," he muttered.
"Hey, what about your Gigai?" Harribel asked Lilynette.
"In Yuzu and Karin's room," Lilynette said. "I made the excuse that I wasn't feeling well and needed to lie down for a bit."
"She's really on top of things," Starrk said. He looked down at Ichigo and shook his head. "This brings back too many memories," he whispered. "I saw weaker Hollows look like that when they were around me too long."
"What do you mean?" Isshin asked. "What's going to happen to my son?"
"I…don't really know," Starrk whispered.
"He's weakening," Lilynette said. "If something isn't done to at least temporarily restore some balance then he'll…"
"Tell me," Isshin said. "What will happen to my son?"
Lilynette looked at him and hesitated. She didn't know if telling him what Zangetsu told her was a good idea or not. However, the look in Isshin's eyes told her that she would have to tell her.
"He'll no longer be Ichigo," Lilynette whispered. "Fortunately there's a way to prevent that…at least temporarily. Unfortunately…it's risky. I mean extremely risky."
"You seem quite knowledgeable," Harribel said.
"She is," Starrk said.
"Tell me," Isshin said. "I'm begging you. How can I help my son?"
"Are you sure you want to know?" Lilynette asked. "The answer is that Zangetsu must, in some way, be smuggled back into Ichigo's Inner World."
"How is that even possible?" Isshin asked.
"That's the tricky part," Lilynette said. "Since Zangetsu is currently in my Inner World, I have to be the one to do it. However…for me to smuggle Zangetsu in I have to go into Ichigo's Inner World."
"NO!" Starrk shouted. "I WON'T LET YOU!"
"Starrk," Harribel said and put a hand on his arm. "If it's the only way…"
"I won't risk losing Lilynette again," Starrk said. "Once…once was enough."
"I know," Lilynette said. "But I have to do this if Ichigo's going to have some chance. However, even if I succeed, it will only be temporary. It could last for as long as a year or as short as a day. It depends on Ichigo's resolve to maintain control."
"Just…just do what you have to," Isshin said. "Please, I…I lost Masaki. But I won't lose another member of my family."
"Starrk," Lilynette said.
"I…isn't there some other way?"
"No, now stop worrying," Lilynette said and hit Starrk on the head. "I'll be fine. If I could beat Apacci in our practice sessions, then I can beat whatever sack of shit Ichigo has in his head."
"I know," Starrk said as he rubbed his head. "But did you have to hit so hard?"
"Naturally," Lilynette said and smiled. "Now, Isshin, I want you to know that I have no intention of killing your son."
"Wait, what are you…?" Isshin began.
However, before he could finish, Lilynette drew her Zanpakuto. She ran Ichigo through the back until the blade stuck out of the other side of his chest. Blood spread along the shirt and down the blade. The others gasped in surprise and Isshin looked as if he wanted to rush over and either draw the sword out of Ichigo or strangle Lilynette or both. However, Starrk stretched his arm out to block him.
"Wait," Starrk said.
"But she's…" Isshin said.
"Mr. Kurosaki," Harribel said. "Her sword is supposed to only have this effect on a spiritual body. So why…why is he bleeding?"
Isshin looked at the blood and then he understood.
"Oh gods," he whispered. "Ichigo's…Ichigo's…"
"No, he's not," Starrk whispered, understanding Isshin's concern. "Lilynette's Zanpakuto is a part of Ichigo's because Zangetsu's living in it. I think that if we couldn't see the Spiritual Realm, then we wouldn't see that blood."
"I…I guess not," Isshin whispered. "But I…I don't like it."
"She's doing this to help your son," Harribel said.
"Mr. Kurosaki," Lilynette whispered. "Don't worry. The blood is completely on a spiritual level. I'm simply making sure he won't lash out against you while I form the link. Now, please, don't interrupt me when I begin. It's a very delicate operation."
"I understand," Isshin said. "Just please, help my son."
"I will," Lilynette said and smiled.
They watched as Lilynette focused. Starrk never saw her focus like that before, but he knew that there must be some reason why she would go to such lengths to assist Ichigo. He just couldn't understand it.
Karakura Town
"Well, that's surprising," Kenpachi said. "I've never seen anything like that before."
He looked at the two shimmering, crimson blades in Ambrose Bierce's hands. Blood swirled around him as though in anticipation for something.
"I should inform you that I'm not the strongest of our group," he said. "I hope that you don't find that upsetting."
"I'm pissed off that I'm not facing the strongest in your group," Kenpachi said. "But you'll do for a warm-up exercise."
"I suppose you're right."
"You ain't like Nnoitora," Kenpachi said. "You ain't bragging about how you're going to cut me down or anything like that. Tch…you'd get along fine with Izuru I suppose, but not in my Squad."
"Did I ever ask to join the Gotei? I have no intention of doing so. You Soul Reapers seem to like boasting about your own strengths and so I don't feel the need to boast. I know my limits. But do you know your own?"
"Enough with the talking," Kenpachi said and grinned. "Let's get to the fighting."
"If you wish," Ambrose said.
Ambrose looked at Kenpachi and suddenly one of the ropes of blood surrounding him lashed out. Kenpachi brought his sword up and cut through it. The blood seemed to lose its solidarity for a moment before the area just above the cut shot out again and cut Kenpachi in the side of the face.
"CAPTAIN!" Yumichika called out.
"Tch…a scratch," Kenpachi said, but smiled. "I wasn't expecting that. But, if you're only going to rely on your long-range attacks, then I'll be bored."
Ambrose nodded and the ropes of blood flowed back to him and seemed to vanish.
"Then I suppose I won't hold back," he said. "I suggest you do the same."
"That's more like it," Kenpachi said.
He rushed at Ambrose, yelling. His sword was raised high and he swung down as he got closer to Ambrose. Ambrose raised one of the blood swords and Kenpachi was surprised to hear the sound of metal clashing on metal. He felt pain across his chest and saw that Ambrose got in a hit. Blood sprayed out of the wound and Kenpachi looked at his adversary and grinned.
"HELL YEAH! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!"
"So, you like getting hit?"
"It only makes things more exciting for me."
"I see," Ambrose said.
"To be honest, I was surprised that you actually cut me. Your spiritual energy didn't seem that strong. Perhaps you're holding back. Any opponent who can cut me…I find them very, very interesting."
"I was surprised that I was even able to cut you," Ambrose said. "Your own spiritual pressure is extremely strong and I was certain I wouldn't be able to harm you."
"He's toying with the Captain," Ikkaku muttered.
"He's not," Yumichika said. "I saw his face when he cut the Captain. He was honestly surprised."
"Heh, ha, YHA-HA-HA-HA! I love it. You had no idea that you could even hurt me and yet you still faced me. I like that. Maybe I was wrong about what I thought at first. Maybe you will prove to be more fun than I imagined."
"How do you figure?"
"You've got guts. I like that."
"Well, at least we agree on something. You're hurt and yet you're willing to fight on. I admire that, Captain Zaraki. However…" Ambrose lashed out again. His blades slashed across Kenpachi's knees and the back of his legs. Kenpachi looked at him in surprise. "…I don't like fighting for the sake of fighting."
"Kenny," Yachiru gasped.
"What the…?" Ikkaku asked.
Yumichika looked in shock as Kenpachi tried to stay on his feet.
"Well, now," Kenpachi muttered. "What's the point of doing that?"
"Every part of the body is vital in any combat," Ambrose said. "How do you expect to continue fighting when your legs are severely damaged to such a capacity?"
"That's easy," Kenpachi said and grinned. "A ZARAKI NEVER GOES DOWN!" he roared and lashed out.
Ambrose backed away, dodging the blade. Kenpachi leapt at him, but his injured legs were proving to be a hindrance. Kenpachi had lost much of his speed and he was beginning to show strain. However, he fought on. Ambrose continued to dodge and lash out when an opening presented itself.
This guy's a Captain? He's giving me too many openings. He seems to be slashing his sword at random. He's treating fighting as if it was nothing more than a brawl. I better finish this quickly before my body decides to give out.
Ambrose knew that his Risveglio could be taxing if it was used over too long a period of time or too many times. The reason was that it was entirely based on his blood and he only had a finite amount. His more powerful attacks required more blood to be used.
"Captain, let's help you," Ikkaku said.
"Oh no," Kenpachi said. "He challenged me to fight. AND I'LL FIGHT!"
Kenpachi charged forward again. His legs wanted to buckle out from under him, but he wouldn't allow that to happen. He roared in triumph as he slashed his sword at Ambrose who looked at him in surprise. He tried to raise one of his blood swords to block the attack, but his moment's hesitation was enough for Kenpachi's blade to slash him across the chest.
Damn it, Ambrose thought.
Blood flew out of the gaping wound and Ambrose fell backwards.
Urahara's Shop
"What the fuck?" Grimmjow muttered.
The wall of mirrors surrounding Urahara's shop began to revolve even faster. Grimmjow noticed that the each level of mirrors moved in the opposite direction as the one above and below it. The result was seeing the same reflection going in two completely different directions and a sense of vertigo came upon him.
"This wall of mirrors surrounding you serves two purposes," Shirley said. "The first is to block off the area from anyone whose spiritual levels is too low to interact with the Spiritual Realm. The second is to ensure that my opponents fall into their worst nightmares."
"What do you mean?" Nnoitora asked, but his face was pale.
"I mean that you will be trapped in your worst nightmares, just like the others. That is the power of my Paura Vera."
"Oh really," Grimmjow said, grinning. "BRING IT ON!"
He struck the ground with a gauntleted fist. The ground began to shake and the sound of boxes falling over inside the shop could be heard.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Charlotte cried out.
"Oh, you're scared," Grimmjow said.
"Damn it. How are you doing this?" Nnoitora demanded.
"It's my Pantera. I figured that if I can create a strong enough earthquake it will cause those mirrors to fall over."
"YOU IDIOT!" Charlotte shouted. "DON'T DO THAT! THEY'RE IN TOO DEEP!"
"Huh…what are you talking about?"
"You idiot, if you knock the mirrors over or shatter them while your friends are still living their reflection, then you'll shatter their minds as well," Charlotte said.
"What?" Grimmjow asked.
"I think she's saying that if you break the mirrors that they're absorbed in, then you'll turn 'em into vegetables," Nnoitora said.
"Oh…OH SHIT! DAMN IT! HOW DO I STOP THIS THING?" Grimmjow shouted.
He removed his gauntleted fist from the ground, but that didn't stop it.
"Sheesh, you tried to use your new Shikai without even knowing how to control it?" Nnoitora asked. "What a dumb-kitty-cat."
"HEY! YOU USED YOURS TOO!"
"I only used the part that I already knew how to use," Nnoitora said. "I didn't try doing the fancy-shmancy shit yet."
The ground continued to tremble. Grimmjow began to panic as he saw that the mirrors that Shirley tried to entrap him and Nnoitora with were beginning to sway along with the mirrors in front of Kisuke and Tessai.
Oh shit, Grimmjow thought. Pantera, if you're there. HOW THE FUCK DO I STOP THIS THING?
Well, I thought you'd never ask me, dumbass, Pantera's voice replied. You obviously are an idiot for trying to use the fancy stuff before getting a true grip on things. Oh well, once an idiot…always an idiot.
HEY!
Never mind that. If you want to stop it then you'll have to reseal me. Just say, 'Go to sleep Pantera' and I'll stop. Got it?
That's all I have to do?
Yep, that's all. Now, if you'll excuse me. I have an earthquake to cause so have fun.
WAIT A MINUTE!
Grimmjow shook himself out of whatever trance he fell into. The earth was rumbling even more.
"God damn it," he growled. "GO TO SLEEP PANTERA!" he yelled.
The earthquake began to subside. The mirrors that hadn't fallen over were becoming steady. Charlotte looked at Grimmjow and sighed in relief.
"Well, that's good. Look, I didn't want to cause any permanent damage. My orders were to only frighten you and your friends."
"Alright then, BRING THEM OUT OF WHATEVER YOU DID TO THEM!" Grimmjow yelled and pointed at the five who were standing in front of mirrors, still whimpering and crying out in horror. "I MEAN, THEY'VE GOT BLOOD POURING OUT OF THEIR EYES!"
"Huh?" Charlotte asked and then looked at Renji and then at the Amaterasu sisters. "OH SHIT! I'M SO SORRY! I didn't want that to happen. I'm so, so, so sorry."
"Uh…look…just…just do whatever to snap them out of it before their brains explode or whatever," Grimmjow said.
"Yes, of course," Charlotte said.
She closed her eyes and breathed. Almost immediately the mirrors faded away with the exceptions being those in which Renji and the others were caught.
"Wait…" Nnoitora said. "You mean all that we had to do to end this was just…just…ASK YOU?"
"Well, you should have pointed out that they were starting to cry blood," Charlotte said. "That usually means that they're accepting what they see in the mirrors as the only reality. I don't like taking it that far unless I must. Look, it'll take some time, but they'll eventually come out. When they do, just let them rest."
"Whoa, why are you helping us like that?" Grimmjow asked.
"It's because we're not bad people. We just want to be left alone and allowed to carry on. That's all."
Grimmjow looked at Charlotte and then thought about what Dr. Fleur told them about what their existence could mean. Whether they knew it or not they were a threat that had to be eliminated. However, that didn't make Grimmjow feel any better about it. For some reason he found himself thinking about his fraccion. They weren't bad people either. However, because of his inability to think things through before acting, he caused their deaths. Now, he almost did the same thing with Kisuke and Renji who he was getting along with.
Shit, he thought. No wonder why my Aspect of Death was Destruction. I just behave like some uncontrollable act of nature. Shit, that's what got me in trouble too many times to count.
Way to go on figuring that one out. Damn it, Grimm, even a kid could figure it out faster than you.
Oh shut up, Pantera.
"Well, I should be going," Shirley said. "Just remember to let those mirrors fade away, otherwise your friends would be in very serious trouble."
"Wait," Nnoitora said. "What would have happened to us if that wall of mirrors continued to revolve like that?"
"I told you. You would have fallen into your worst nightmares," Shirley said and ran off.
"HEY!" Nnoitora called out.
"Let her go," Grimmjow said.
"Why should I?"
"It's because she's not our concern right now. They are. We need to make sure that nothing happens to them," Grimmjow said and sighed. "We owe Kisuke. Without his help we probably wouldn't be able to fight again," he said as he re-sheathed his Zanpakuto.
"Whatever you say," Nnoitora said as he watched Santa Teresa return to her usual Zanpakuto form. "I just want to fight something."
Karakura Town
"Huh…that was too easy," Kenpachi said as he looked at Ambrose, lying on the ground.
"Captain, you won," Ikkaku said.
"Yeah," Kenpachi growled. "Was there any…?"
That was as far as he got before his eye widened. Ikkaku and Yumichika watched in horror as a blood-red spike thrust itself from their captain's chest. Suddenly, tentacles of blood wrapped themselves around Kenpachi's arms and squeezed. The sound of breaking bone filled the night air and then the tentacles pulled. Kenpachi grunted as his lower arms were torn away from the elbows and dangled uselessly to his side. His sword clattered on the ground. Kenpachi looked at it as though unable to understand how such a thing could be possible.
"I thought you were paying attention," Ambrose said from behind him, clutching his chest. "My Risveglio is completely based on my blood. The deeper you cut me or I cut myself, the more powerful my attacks become," he panted. "I really, really don't like using this, but you gave me no other option."
The bloody spike retreated from Kenpachi's chest and out the other end while the tentacles unwrapped themselves from his useless arms. Yumichika and Ikkaku stood in horror as they saw the gaping hole in their captain.
"This…this…won't…" Kenpachi muttered before he fainted.
"KENNY!" Yachiru cried out.
"You…what did you do?" Yumichika demanded.
"I…won," Ambrose said as the blood returned to him.
He began to stagger away. The blood rushing back to him made him feel woozy and weak, but he would not faint. The blood mist wall surrounding the area began to rush back towards him. However, the wound that Kenpachi delivered was not closing right away and blood continued to pour out of it and back into him.
"I suggest you call whatever you consider to be doctors," Ambrose said as he walked past them. "I made sure that the wounds aren't fatal…unless he doesn't receive medical treatment."
When Ambrose was gone, Ikkaku and Yumichika rushed to their captain. Kenpachi was still alive.
"We have no choice," Ikkaku said.
"I know," Yumichika said as he brought out his soul phone. "I really hate to have to do this," he said as he dialed. He put the phone to his ear and began to speak the words that no one in Squad 11 ever wanted to say. "Hello, I need Squad 4 to send a medical team right away. No, this time it's not Ikkaku. It's for…Captain Kenpachi Zaraki."
Inner World
Ichigo felt himself floating. He opened his eyes and saw that his world was no longer like Karakura Town or the side-ways city he knew. It was now a barren wasteland covered in ruins and sand. He looked at the blood-red sky and saw a moon like a black eye with a yellow iris glaring down at him.
"No, this…this isn't my world," he muttered.
"You're right," the hateful, rasping voice said.
He turned and saw his Inner Hollow standing among the ruins. Hichigo was dressed in a long white robe with black trim. He wore a crown made from bone and gold on his head and he held a Zanpakuto with a swastika-shaped cross-guard.
"It's my world now," Hichigo said.
"How did this happen?"
"Zangetsu wasn't here to control me. I became more powerful than ever before when you allowed me full control over you to battle that weakling, Ulquiorra. If Orihime hadn't called out and I answered, you would be nothing but bones by now. It was I who answered Orihime's call; not you. And because I did that, Orihime is mine. She may seem so innocent, but I know. I know the pain and suffering you caused her. It was selfish of you to go to Hueco Mundo to rescue her. Did you ever think that if you died then you would have only caused her more suffering? You were even willing to leave your 'friends' behind and play the hero on your own. DO YOU THINK YOU SHIT ROSES OR SOMETHING? You ain't fucking Gallahad riding on a snow white steed, radiating purity and holiness with flowers blooming wherever you step and the birds heralding your arrival. You're nobody. Did you really think otherwise?"
"I thought I mastered you," Ichigo said. "I thought I was able to beat you when I earned the right to wield Saigo no Getsuga Tensho."
"YOU FOOL! YOU DO NOT CONTROL ME! YOU NEVER CONTROLLED ME! DON'T YOU GET IT YOU PATHETIC LITTLE WORM? You thought that you gave me power? Don't make me laugh. I was the one who gave you power in the first place."
"No, that was Rukia."
"Oh please, all that Rukia did was waking your own Soul Reaper ability. If she hadn't interfered when she did…you would have become a living Hollow."
"What…what are you talking about?"
"Oh no, the Master does not inform the Slave of every detail. Let's just say that before Zangetsu, I was there. I was in your Inner World long before Zangetsu came along and decided to make it more to his liking. No, this world is your true Inner World. It's always been like this beneath the surface."
"I would never have a world like this."
"Yes you would and this was your world for so many years. Look and see. Even though you may say you have hope in something, you never truly hoped because all you really know is fear and regret."
"I ALWAYS HAD HOPE! THIS IS NOT MY TRUE SELF!"
"You didn't always have hope and Zangetsu knew it. He forced you to have hope. However, this world is your true self. I am your true self. You think that who you truly are is all sunshine and roses and puppy dogs? BULL SHIT! Your true self is dark: blood-thirsty, full of despair, and…alone. You always wished to do things alone."
"Yeah, because I didn't want my friends hurt."
"Then you're an even bigger idiot than I thought, or maybe…" Hichigo looked at Ichigo and a wicked gleam entered his black and yellow eyes. "…maybe you did want to see them suffer. Maybe you hoped that you were so badly injured or even killed that they would weep over you and beat their breasts. For shame, Ichigo, for shame, that's not how a 'hero' is supposed to behave."
"YOU LIE!"
"No, I only tell the Truth as far as I know it," Hichigo said with a shrug. "You, however, you're the one telling lies. You lie to everyone in order to, 'keep them from suffering.' Tch…you're only fooling yourself. You hurt them alright. You hurt them all. You hate Uryu and Chad. You hate Rukia for fucking up your life and forcing you down a road you didn't want to go down on. You hate Orihime for holding you back and being so clingy to you. You call them your 'friends'. But they're not. You don't even view them that way."
"No…no," Ichigo moaned.
"You know I'm right. You hate all of them. Why not? They didn't suffer the way you did. They don't know what you are truly afraid of and you hate them for that. You mistake love for hate and hate for love. That's why you'll never truly be king. You can't face yourself. If you want to gain my respect, then look into my eyes and acknowledge them."
Ichigo didn't want to look into those eyes, but he brought himself to do so. When he looked into them, he didn't see black and yellow. He saw brown.
"Now do you understand?" Hichigo asked in Ichigo's own voice.
"Yes," Ichigo replied in Hichigo's raspy voice. "I understand. We are the same creature."
"That's right," Hichigo replied. "We are the same creature."
Squad 4 Barracks
"What happened?" Captain Unohana asked.
"We don't know," Isane replied as she rushed towards her. "All that we know is that Captain Zaraki needs emergency treatment right away."
"Wait, Captain Zaraki?" Unohana asked, clearly confused.
"I know. I couldn't believe it either," Isane said. "Someone actually brought down Kenpachi Zaraki."
"He's still alive, is that correct?"
"Yeah, but barely, Captain," Isane replied. "I sent Hanataro with the message to Captain-Commander Yamamoto. However…"
"What is it?" Unohana asked.
"There was a carriage in front of the Squad 1 Barracks and a crowd gathered. I…I got a good look at the emblem and…"
"What is it?"
"It's…Aruji Enma."
Unohana stopped. First Captain Zaraki got cut down and now it turned out that the Lord of Hell had come to visit. Something was going on and she didn't like it. There was too much uncertainty. She wondered why the Lord of Hell came to visit Yamamoto. However, none of that mattered.
"Isane, forget about Lord Aruji Enma for the time being," Unohana said. "Right now, we have a patient who needs our help and we must see to him. Is that understood?"
"Yes ma'am," Isane said.
"Good, now come along."
Squad 1 Barracks
Yamamoto sat in horror as his mind saw Ichigo strangling Rukia. However, he could tell that it wasn't really Ichigo, but rather the creature living inside him. Aruji Enma looked at him and smiled.
"So, what do you think of this 'Substitute Soul Reaper' and his behavior?"
"That's not Ichigo Kurosaki."
"Of course it is," Aruji said as he leaned back in Yamamoto's chair. "You see, all people are divided. It is their nature to ensure that society reflects that division. That's why the idiots in Central 46 are always bickering with each other about certain things, but the moment that something comes along to challenge their beloved status-quo, they are eager to destroy it."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that my spies have heard…talk in Central 46 about killing the former Arrancars."
"WHAT?"
"They don't like the idea of having former Arrancars in their ranks," Aruji said. "You should hear what they say. 'Will they betray us?' 'We dare no risk it.' 'They must die. They're nothing but filthy Hollows anyway.' 'Then we'll do to them like we did the Inoue boy.' Is it any wonder why poor Orihime, despite the number of times she's been here, has never found her brother? Central 46 had him disposed of as well as the spirits of all Hollows who were purified and sent here. Of course, they did it without your knowledge."
Yamamoto looked taken aback at that.
"That's…that's impossible. The Royal Family…"
"I know more about them than you do," Aruji said, his face darkened. "However, that is not why I'm here. I'm here to tell you that Ichigo Kurosaki is losing his footing. Soon, he will tumble head-long into the abyss. Fortunately, that Lilynette girl is taking the initiative."
"What do you mean?"
"She knows of at least a temporary way to help Ichigo regain equilibrium. That's all that matters. Now, if you'll excuse me. My fans are waiting and I so do not wish to disappoint them."
Karakura Town
"You overdid it," Howard Machen said as he held Ambrose up.
"I took my eyes off him," Ambrose said.
The wound that Kenpachi dealt him was beginning to heal, but he was starting to lose control of the blood and now splotches dotted the empty streets. Ambrose knew that he had the weakest Risveglio because it was the only one that could kill him if he wasn't careful.
"When we get back, we'll get you hooked up and replace the blood you lost."
"Thanks."
"Hey, it's not a problem. You did a good number on that Kenpachi guy anyways."
"Yeah, but I was only able to do that because he wasn't fighting at full strength. And I was also able to take him by surprise."
"Yes," Howard said. "My Precononscenza saw that his spiritual pressure levels weren't as high as they could be, but it showed me what was restraining it."
"What was it?"
"Hi eye patch," Howard said as he adjusted his hold on Ambrose.
"That's…so…" Ambrose began before he fainted.
Howard kept a hold on him and strained as he dragged Ambrose back to their hideout. He was glad that they were relatively nearby. He kept a close watch on the blood and was pleased to see that now that Ambrose was out of it his wound was closing a bit quicker than before. The blood itself began to only trickle before it congealed into a scab.
"Well, it's good to see you'll be alright," Howard muttered. "But it still scares me that you have to faint before you're able to heal properly."
Mangiatori Hideout
"I see," Milton said after Charlotte told him about her experience at Urahara's Shop.
"I'm sorry. It's just that they distracted me and I…kind of overdid it."
"But they'll be alright?"
"Of course," she said.
"That's all that matters now. I don't want to kill unless we have to, but…"
"You're worried?" Sylvia asked.
"I am. I'm afraid that the Soul Reapers will view our actions as an act of war and will only intensify their chase."
"But, we didn't kill any of them, well, except for that group," William said.
"That's exactly the problem. Damn it. I should have thought things through. Maybe it was a bad idea to send Ambrose out to fight that Kenpachi guy after all," Milton said and sighed. "I think I may have made a terrible mistake in that."
"I don't know," Emily said as she leapt backwards onto the couch.
"Emily, please don't do that," Robert said, shaking his head. "You might break something."
"Please, let her be," Milton said. "Go on."
"Well, that Kenpachi guy was running all over town looking for us," she continued. "He would have been a problem."
"Like the boys chasing you at school?" Milton asked.
"I guess," Emily said as she sprawled on the couch. "Only the boys aren't chasing me to kill me."
"No, I suppose they're not," Milton said. "Listen, we'll stay low. However, Emily, you and Harper will continue going to school. I'll be doing the same. That way we can make it seems as though things are still normal for the Soul Reapers who are in school and we can keep an eye on them. As soon as Ambrose and Howard return, I'll give them their instructions."
"Ambrose will have to rest first," Shirley said. "You know that his Risveglio can be taxing on him."
Milton nodded.
"Alright, everyone," he said. "Robert, you can take first watch. The rest of you can get some sleep."
Inner World
Lilynette walked the sands of her Inner World. She looked at the Zanpakuto she held in her hand. So long as neither Ichigo nor his Inner Hollow recognized it as having Zangetsu, then things should be alright. She looked up and saw that the sky ahead was a blood red and a mass of ruins rose out of the ash-colored sand ahead.
Zangetsu, is that…?
It was, Zangetsu replied from the sword. His voice was sad. That means that Ichigo lost too much control.
Well then, we'll just have to give it back to him, but…
What is it, Little Wolf?
I'm scared. I'm scared that I might never come out of this.
Do you wish to give up?
Hell no, I'm not one to just give up for no reason. As long as there's still a chance, I'll take it.
That's good.
Well, we better get this over with.
Lilynette sheathed the sword she carried and stepped forward into Hichigo's Inner World.
End of Chapter 10
Dr. Fleur (V.O.): Profilo Dei Mangiatori
Kon: Alright, today, we're covering two of the Mangiatori. I would like to introduce Ambrose Stoker and Shirley Wilde.
Shirley: Hello.
Ambrose: ZZZZ
Shirley: He's still recovering from having to use his Risveglio.
Kon: So, his Risveglio is called Sangue Spade and uses his own blood as weapons? Is that right?
Ambrose: ZZZZ
Kon: I'll take that as a "Yes." Let's see, it says that his Risveglio command is "Cut, Sangue Spade." Now then, let's see your's is called Paura Vera.
Shirley: That's right, and its command is Reflect. It shows a person what they're truly afraid of.
Kon: So...what did the Soul Reapers who were trapped in it see?
Nnoitora: OH NO YOU DON'T! DON'T YOU DARE TELL HIM!
Shirley: Well, with that one...(points at Nnoitora)
Nnoitora: NO! I'M WARNING YOU!
Shirley: He saw this:
(She holds up a photo of Nnoitora dressed in an evening dress on top of a piano in the spotlight with Grimmjow taking photos to post up for everyone to see while Nel is beating him with his Zanpakuto and yelling "THIS IS WHAT YOU GET FOR SNEAKING UP ON ME! I'LL MAKE YOU MY BITCH!")
Nnoitora: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
A.N.: Whew, this chapter was kind of hard to write, especially the Ambrose Stoker vs. Kenpachi fight, which is the first one-on-one fight I've ever written. I hope I did at least a decent job with it.
Thank you for reading, and please review.