Chapter 2: A New Name

The Soul Society

As Squad 11 returns to Soul Society, the home of the Shinigami, they are looking worse for wear, particularly their Captain. Kenpachi sends Yachiru off to the barracks with the rest of the squad, as it is customary for the captain to report in with the Head Captain whenever returning from an expedition.

Kenpachi sighs as he opens the door to the Head Captains barracks, expecting a lecture from the Old Man about losing his captain's coat. What greets him, however, is unexpected: all the other captains standing line and file on each side of the room, making a sort of path towards the Head Captain.

Kenpachi snickers, "Well, can't say I expected a whole-ass welcome wagon."

"SILENCE BOY!" the Head-Captain, Genryusai Yamatoto, roars, which causes Kenpachi to cease any further banter. "We are all here to discuss what you fought in the living world and why you return far later than planned, without your Captains Haori no less!"

Zaraki gives a blank look at the living legend demanding answers from him, "A group of Menos Grande led by an Adjucha attacked us as we were finishing off the weaklings."

This causes an audible gasp from many of the captains present, some of which seem to want to voice their thoughts but are cut off as Kenpachi adds, "Also, there was a Gillian much stronger than any Menos I've ever fought there who gave me the time of my life! Looking forward to fighting it again!"

Nearly all the Captains look jaw dropped after Kenpachi drops this bombshell, beaming as he thinks back on it.

Yamamoto is visibly shaking as he grips his wooden cane as he contains his rage, "Is there anything else you would like to report, Captain Zaraki?"

Kenpachi nonchalantly adds, "It could talk too, I guess".

Before anyone else can express their further surprise, Yamamoto is now REALLY shouting at Kenpachi, "You fool! How could you let such a powerful Hollow get away alive?!"

Kenpachi shrugs, but Yamamoto isn't done. "If such a Menos is allowed to progress into an Adjucha or, Soul King forbid, a Vasto Lorde, it could present a real and dangerous threat to not just the living world, but the Soul Society itself!"

Kenpachi smirks, "Well I think that's a good thing, because it means my next fight with the beast will be even better!"

Yamamoto continues to lay into Kenpachi as most of the captains are still processing the information they've just heard, Squad 5's Captain Sosuke Aizen most of all.

Aizen ponders in his head, "How such a powerful Hollow could escape the notice of both me and my Espada? Especially now that we have nearly complete control over Hueco Mundo… it must be newly born, which means that an especially powerful soul has passed on very recently…"

Aizen then recalls how he arranged for Rukia Kuchiki to head to Karakura Town, home of his favorite side project of sorts: Ichigo Kurosaki. Everything is starting to come together in Aizen's head, which greatly excites him as he looks ahead to the future. But of course, he doesn't let any of this show, as he wouldn't be who he is without his poker face.

As Yamamoto finishes, Aizen raises his voice, "I'd like to know what exactly this Hollow said."

Kenpachi shrugs, "It said 'Protect', I think."

This grabs the attention of some of the other captains.

Aizen nods, "I see… that is odd." Internally, Aizen is saving that information for later.

Yamamoto then addresses all the captains present, "Due to such a new, powerful threat, I will be sending two squads to the living world in the cities around Karakura Town in order to keep an eye out for this Gillian. It is to be exterminated should you come across it, no matter the cost."

Squad 13 Captain Jushiro Ukitake, known for both his compassion and mastery of dual sword style of fighting, something he shares with his oldest and best friend, Squad 8 Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, steps forth. "Squad 13 already has some members stationed in Karakura Town. I would be more than willing to help Squad 11 resolve this problem, Sir Genryusai."

This causes Yamamoto to raise a brow, "Are you sure you are up to the task, boy? Your squad still lacks a Vice Captain…"

Kyoraku adds on to this, "Not to mention the topic of your health, Jushiro. I thought you weren't doing the best these days. It may be best to sit this one out."

Ukitake sets both their worries to rest, "I would have no right to call myself a captain of the Gotei 13 if I made excuses to not fight when a danger is presented to the Soul Society!"

Yamamoto smiles for perhaps the first time in the day, "Indeed! I've truly raised you well, boy! To be able to maintain such a hardened mindset despite your condition and peace-loving nature—you are a prime example of what one of the Gotei 13 should aspire to be like! It would do you some good to be around Captain Ukitake, Captain Zaraki. You might actually learn something."

This causes Kenpachi to snort, as in his eyes Jushiro is unconfrontational, sickly, and overall, not someone who he'll ever get to fight, so he doesn't care.

Yamamoto glares at Kenpachi, "Do you odject to this, Captain Zaraki?"

Kenpachi matches the old man's gaze, "So long as I get to fight, I couldn't care less who comes along."

Yamamoto finishes, "This meeting is hereby concluded. Squads 11 and 13 are to leave for the living world as soon as possible. The remaining Captains are also to brief their squads on this matter!"

As the captains are leaving, many are voicing their thoughts on the Gillian.

Soifon, the rather short Captain of Squad 2, states coldly, "I think the Head Captain wasn't harsh enough on Zaraki for allowing the Gillian to escape!"

Many of the other Captains agree, the most vocal being Squad 6's Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and Squad 12's Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi, although the former taking the stance that order must be upheld, while the latter merely wishes to dissect and analyze its corpse.

Kaname Tosen and Sajin Komamura, Captains of Squads 9 and 7 respectively, discuss what the Gillian said.

Tosen ponders, "It's unheard of to see a Hollow with some sense of justice…"

Komamura to replies to his friend, "More likely than not it was just trying to preserve its prey—the Adjucha."

Tosen nods, "You're probably right."

Toshiro Hitsugaya, the Captain of Squad 10, and youngest Captain in the history of the Soul Society, states his thoughts, "I don't understand why you all see the need to discuss this thing. It's an enemy that needs to be dealt with and that's all that matters."

Gin Ichimaru, Sqaud 3's sly Captain, sighs, "Oh to be young again…"

This agitates the young Captain as if his authority is being called into question based on his age, "Repeat what you just said, Ichimaru!"

Gin instead turns his attention to Aizen, "What do you think about all this, Captain Aizen?"

This further agitates Toshiro, as he is now being ignored, which gives Gin a great amount of joy as he loves messing with people.

Aizen answers Gin's question, "I agree with the Head Captain. This Hollow must be dealt with before becoming even more powerful. A talking Menos Grande in and of itself is something that should be dealt with regardless."

The two continue to walk away until they are out of earshot of anyone else.

Aizen changes his tone suddenly, "I'd like to have a meeting with this Hollow at some point in the future."

His colleague takes the hint, "I'm sure you'll get that chance…"

Gin then flash steps away to an unknown location. Aizen is outwardly beaming in front of the Squad 5 barracks as he states "Ichigo Kurosaki, regardless of if this is you or not, my future plans should prove to be quite exciting…"

Back in the Squad 1 barracks, squad 4 Captain Retsu Unohana is the only one left in the room with the Head Captain.

"What is it you wish to discuss, Captain Unohana?" Yamamoto questions, taking the hint that she's not just here to have tea or something trivial like that.

Unohana gets right to the point, "I'm worried about this new Gillian. Despite all the years of the Gotei 13 existing, never has there been a talking Gillian sighting."

Yamamoto tries to alleviate her worries, "That is exactly why I am sending not only 2 squads to the living world, but also one of my star pupils. This Gillian will die should it dare to show its face in the living world again."

Retsu narrows her eyes, "That alone would normally not trouble me, but considering all the suspicious events that have occurred over the last one hundred years, I suspect something else is at play here."

Yamamoto remains silent for a moment before stating, "I hope you're wrong about that."

Karakura Cemetery

It's a lovely, sunny afternoon in Karakura Town. Birds chirping, cicadas buzzing, and the leaves of cherry blossoms drift through the air. It would be an ideal day to go out and hang out with friends and family, but alas, for the Kurosakis there is only sorrow as they stand in the Karakura Cemetery, as Ichigo is about to be buried next to his mother.

Isshin weeps uncontrollably, while guzzling his beverage in between his weeping. All in all, he looks like a drunken mess, which is understandable given what he's going through right now.

Yuzu is no better, as she seeks comfort in Karin, clutching her hand as she cries into her twin sister's shoulder, "It's not fair that Ichigo's gone!"

Karin struggles to keep her own feelings at bay but manages to prevent herself from crying, as someone needs to keep it together to thank the guests for attending.

Many of Ichigo's friends have come to the burial to pay their respects, including the usually jovial boy with brown hair named Keigo Asano, who now is a crying mess after losing one of his best buddies. Next to him is a boy with slightly shorter black hair named Mizuiro Kojima, another one of Ichigo's closest friends, who pats Keigo on the back to comfort him. Behind them is a large Latino boy, who faced prejudice based on his skin just like Ichigo did with his hair, which caused the two of them to always look out for each other. This boy is named Yasutora Sado, although everyone always calls him Chad, and he is typically not someone to express his emotions but here he cannot help but shed tears as Ichigo was his best and first true friend. They were among the first to arrive for the burial and had already paid their condolences to the family.

Approaching Karin are two girls who were Ichigo's classmates. The first to speak is a doe-eyed girl with long orange, auburn hair, like Ichigo's, who looks like she just got done giving a prayer.

The girl introduces herself, "My name is Orihime Inoue. I didn't know Ichigo that well on a personal level, but I've always had nothing but respect and admiration for how he could stand up in the face of prejudice for his hair color… something I never could do myself."

Orihime hands Karin some flowers for Ichigo and further explains, in a much more somber tone, "I know what it's like to lose an older brother who you cherish. If either of you ever need support getting through this, I'll be more than happy to lend an ear any time."

This reminds all three Kurosakis of a young man named Sora Inoue who died at their Clinic a few years back and a young girl with short auburn hair the same color as hers who cried for her brother not to leave her. Yuzu can't contain herself and springs from Karin into a hug with Orihime as she weepingly thanks her and is sorry she lost her own brother.

Orihime comforts the younger girl, returning the embrace and stroking her hair, "Don't worry about me… it's all in the past now. As much as I may miss my brother, I am here for Ichigo's funeral, not Sora's."

Meanwhile Karin, addresses that other girl "Thank you for coming Tatsuki."

The second girl present looks much more tomboyish than Orihime, with black, spiky hair shorter than all the boys present named Tatsuki Arisawa, who is Ichigo's oldest friend from childhood.

She gives a curt nod, "Of course, I would never have thought to miss this." Tatsuki gives a brief smile at the younger girl before suddenly shifting to a frown, "I can't believe Ichigo is really gone…"

Karin appears to get visibly upset for a split second before returning to a passive face once again and stating nothing.

Tatsuki then reminds Karin of something, "Orihime's offer to talk is not mutually exclusive to Yuzu, nor do you only have Orihime to talk to. All of us want to help you through this if we can." The guys all nod in agreement.

Tatsuki continues, "You can give any of us a call whenever you're ready to talk." The girl then walks over to give her condolences to Isshin.

This causes Karin to look over to the other side of the gravesite, where there are a few people who must be acquaintances of her father are gathered. She frowns as she realizes she doesn't recognize any of them.

Standing next to Isshin is a professional looking, white haired man in glasses, who manages to take Isshin's beer away. Karin swears he heard them mention her mother's name, which makes her contemplate the exact relationship this guy has with her family.

Behind him stands a long dark-haired teenage boy with glasses, who must be his son. He looks squarely out of place here, as if the older man forced him to come to pay respects to a family friend he also doesn't know.

"Well, at least I'm not the only one who doesn't know our parent's connection", Karin thinks.

What she sees next completely confuses her. A distance away from her father is a tall shady blonde man who wears a funny looking hat, a large green Haori, and clogs. He's also balancing on a cane, next to which a small black cat with yellow eyes sits quietly and observes its surroundings.

Next to them stands what appears to be a young, short, raven-haired girl with deep, purple eyes, who is wearing a school uniform. She is wearing a look of pure dread or anguish, as if Ichigo's death was a mistake that wasn't supposed to happen. In fact, Karin thinks that's exactly what it is, as she should have been the one that monster killed that night, not her older brother.

Karin recalls that her father mentioned something about him being powerless the night Ichigo died and how it seemed he knew more about what was going on than what he let one. Karin decides that she'll have to have a talk with her dad once he's sobered again.

As the funeral ends, Orihime and Tatsuki give their condolences one final time before walking back home. A couple more minutes of walking pass before Tatsuki addresses Orihime in a empathetic tone, "You did a good job not crying about Ichigo in front of his sisters, Orihime."

The auburn-haired girl replies, "His sisters, especially Karin, need to know they have an emotional support to go to. That support can't fail under the sorrow, at least not outwardly. I keep my tears hidden for Ichigo's sake."

Tatsuki raises her brow slightly, "You sure? Do you know you're crying right now?"

Orihime drops the act, "Oh Tatsuki… I don't know how I was able to keep these tears back this long…! I'll never get to confess my feelings to the guy I love and admire, much less spend my life with him… it stings!"

Tatsuki continues to give her friend a look of empathy as she continues.

"I thought I was fine after losing my brother! You and Ichigo inspired me and gave me the strength to cope with that, but now both Ichigo and Sora are gone! I… I don't know how I'll bear it!"

Tatsuki hugs her friend, "I'll always be there for you, Orihime. No matter what happens." Orihime earnestly thanks her best friend and dries her tears before the two decide to split ways.

Before Orihime can get much further, she feels a pressure on her entire body, as though her life is being squeezed out of her. She is suddenly hoisted into the air by some unknown force but doesn't see anything. Little does she know that she is being squeezed between the giant hands of the minor Hollow known as Acidwire, who was once her older brother Sora Inoue in life.

He is trying to get through to Orihime, "Orihime! Come with me, so we can be happy once more!"

His calls are ineffective, as she can neither see nor hear him. He realizes he's going to need to kill Orihime to be with her and is about to do so when a sudden blue light rushes towards him, taking nearly the entirety of the right side of his Hollow mask with it. Acidwire screams in pain and drops Orihime to the ground as he grasps at his face, "Who dares come between me and my dear sister?!"

The dark-haired teen with glasses from the funeral earlier stands before the Hollow, "A beast such as yourself is no longer human. You're nothing but a monster now, as you failed to see that the sister you claim to love so dearly was about to die by your hand!"

The teen adjusts his glasses, "Also, you asked who I am? I am the last of the Quincy, and as such, I cannot let an abomination like yourself roam freely in the living world."

A fight ensues between Acidwire and the Quincy, in which the Quincy is completely dominating. Acidwire is thinking about spitting acid at the boy but ceases all further attacks as he sees the raven-haired girl from the funeral, now wearing a Shinigami's signature black Shihakusho, appear behind the Quincy. Realizing he's outnumbered and outmatched, the Hollow escapes through a Garganta, a portal used by hollows to jump between spiritual realms. As the hollow leaves, he makes an ominous vow, "I will return for Orihime! When I do, I will destroy anything that stands in my way!"

The Quincy then checks Orihime's vitals and breathes a sigh of relief, "It is fortunate that she is not in any worse shape…"

The Shiningami questions the Quincy, "Who are you?"

The Quincy glances back at the woman, "Shouldn't you be the one to reveal your name first? It's impolite to ask for someone's name without giving your own."

The Shinigami nods, "Rukia Kuchiki, 5th seat of Squad 13. Karakura Town is under my jurisdiction, therefore I am required to know all the Spiritual happenings here."

The Quincy scoffs, "You seem like a typical, arrogant, entitled Shinigami. Just because the Soul Society butchered my people, that doesn't mean you have a right to occupy our territory or to know our secrets."

Rukia is about to question this, but the boy cuts her off, stating proudly, "I am Uryu Ishida, the last of the Quincy! And I hate Shinigami."

This confuses Rukia, "Quincy…?"

Uryu scoffs once more, "It would make sense that your higher ups wouldn't tell you about us. What they did to my people is not something to be proud of. It should've been obvious from how coldly your people treated my Master… you'd rather forget we ever existed."

Rukia is speechless, unsure of how she should react.

Uryu adjusts his glasses, "In spite of this, I saw you at Kurosaki's funeral. This means that you must have at least some semblance of honor, despite your being a Shinigami… Therefore, I propose a momentary truce between us to deal with the increasing number of Hollows appearing lately. I will protect Orihime and destroy that Hollow that is attacking her when next it appears."

Rukia is about to argue but loses her chance to do so as she receives a call from Captain Ukitake, of all people. Uryu is already carrying Orihime down the road towards the direction of the Hospital as she addresses her Captain. Rukia gasps after hearing her Captain's words.

The Menos Forest

Even after consuming hundreds of other Hollows, the dragon Adjucha is nowhere near satisfied, so continues making rounds flying throughout the Menos Forest. Suddenly, he hears screaming nearby and drops down near where the noise is coming from. Upon further inspection, he can see that it is a serpent-like minor Hollow who has had part of its mask destroyed. Due to this, its ranting voice sounds familiar to the dragon for some reason, so it decides to spare its life for now, and for the first time since its transformation into an Adjucha, approaches another Hollow without any bloodlust.

Acidwire finally takes notice of the Adjucha's presence and is about to run away before the dragon calls out to it, "Wait! I just want to talk."

Acidwire, realizing he won't die, yells at the other Hollow, "Seriously?! An Adjucha has no reason to talk to fodder like me! Leave me be. I must prepare to return to the living world to reunite with my sister!"

The dragon is confused by the notion that just because there is a massive gulf in power between them means that they can't speak with each other. So, the dragon proceeds to ask a question, "Say… what's your name? Do you even have one or…?"

The Hollow grunts, "Down here, we are called by the same name the Shinigami give us, as it is a badge of honor based on how much trouble we've caused for them. They call me Acidwire… but in the living world, I was once known as Sora."

The Adjucha feels yet another sense of familiarity, "Well I admit I forget my name and past while I was alive and have only run into the Shinigami once before… so I don't really have a name."

The dragon is silent for a few moments with a serious look in its eyes, which causes Acidwire to panic a bit before the Adjucha announces something. "I got it! You can call me 'White'. I'd be more than happy to help it out with your sister, by the way. I've been meaning to go back to the living world to investigate my past life anyway."

Acidwire asks, hesitantly, "Are you sure about that?"

White responds, resolutely, "Yeah. I am."

White seems to think about something else in the moment, "I've gotta level with you. I'm devouring other Hollows to find my purpose and perhaps change the way Hueco Mundo is. The way I see it, the Shinigami are our real enemies."

Acidwire agrees, "Yeah. I would rather fight Shinigami than my own kind. They are the ones that prevent us Hollows from doing what we want in the living world."

White releases a bit of reiatsu at this, "Do you intend to prey on humans?"

The minor hollow flinches, choosing its next words very carefully. Acidwire claims, "I have dealt with the kind that take great joy in devouring humans… and honestly, they disgust me beyond all measure—even more so than Shinigami to an extent. I just want to be with my sister again…"

White seems to make a nodding motion, stating in a happy tone, "Tell me about it… Every Hollow I've come across thus far was a dirtbag, so I had to put 'em down. I had a feeling you'd be different!"

White follows up with another question, "So, Sora, could you tell me more about this sister of yours? Why's she so special?"

The minor Hollow explains, "I practically raised Orihime after we ran away from our dirtbag, good-for-nothing parents. After I died, it devasted her. Although, she never forgot about me and prayed for me daily, which made me very happy. But one day, after she met a boy in high school she stopped praying, but rather would only talk about the boy known as Kurosaki. It made me very lonely and bitter… why must she only think about Kurosaki?! After all I've done for her?!"

White watches in mild concern as Acidwire starts getting heated on the topic of Kurosaki. The minor hollow notices White's gaze, prompting it to calm itself down.

The serpent lets out a deep sigh, "…anyway, it got to the point that my soul eventually was turned into a Hollow… although it was with the help of some other Hollows who are my enemies…"

White hums, unable to ignore the who the other Hollow mentioned, "Kurosaki? Sounds familiar somehow… I think I probably knew them in life as well but I'm not sure…"

Acidwire growls, "I hate Kurosaki for robbing my sister's attention from me!"

Acidwire once more forces himself to calm down, "From what I could gather, the boy had just died recently. A shame I couldn't do it myself."

Oddly enough, White doesn't take any issue to Acidwire openly declaring his desire to kill the boy known as Kurosaki. Instead, the dragon ponders on this before seemingly shrugging it off, "In any case, Orihime sounds nice. I'd like to meet her. She sounds like such a breath of fresh air compared to Hueco Mundo, where it's always the strong preying on the weak, y'know?"

Acidwire nods, "You'll get that chance soon enough… when can we leave?"

White replies, "I'm ready whenever."

This prompts the weaker Hollow to open a Garganta.

Author's Note:

Some of you might be wondering exactly how Ichigo/White is able to calm himself down despite the natural bloodlust that comes with being a hollow—this is due to his mixed blood, which allows him to act far more rationally when he chooses to.

Besides which, his better nature always makes him want to help people in need and protect them if he can—that is the core of his character. Of course, being a hollow will numb him to murder, as cannibalism is required to become stronger. This obviously isn't going to do any favors for his mental health later down the line, which is one of the main reasons I chose an M rating for this fic right away…