A Shattered Cross

by CoOkIe MoNsT4Z

Ichigo was the boy that didn't fit into this world. Once the world took everything from him, what could he possibly have left? Waking up in a new world, to a new life. What will he do? Everything he's told and give in or follow his own path and make his own choices. After losing everything what will it take to reforge his shattered cross. Quincy Ichigo/Harem! AU, with some OOC.

2. Afflicted

"Normal Speech"

'Ichigo's Thoughts/Talking to Shiro'

"Shiro Talking"

"Now you're going to try and summon your spirit weapon," Yhwach announced.

"Okay, how do I do that Yhwach?" asked Ichigo.

"To start hold onto your cross, then start putting your Reiatsu into it. Your weapon will start to form and it might take a few tries to get it to fully form." Answered Yhwach.

"Okay." Mumbled Ichigo as he went to grab onto his cross. Slowly Reiatsu started coming from the cross and eventually made a small sphere in his palm.

Walking closer to Ichigo, Yhwach said, "Now let go of your cross and imagine you are still pouring Reiatsu into the weapon instead of the cross."

'This is a bit more complicated than I thought it would be.' Slowly directing even more Reiatsu into the sphere in his palm, it slowly got bigger. Once it was covering the majority of his palm it started to become unstable and exploded. Resulting in a cloud of smoke covering his hand, looking down at his hand Ichigo just sighed.

Walking over Yhwach put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder and offered, "It might take a few tries Ichigo, don't get to worried."

Ichigo mumbled out, "Okay, let's try this again." Grabbing his cross once more, he tried the process over again. Once the sphere of Reiatsu stabilized itself Ichigo let the cross fall, going back to its place around his neck. The sphere became bigger and bigger, however yet again it became unstable and exploded.

Ichigo just throw his head back and said, "Fuck."

Yhwach insisted, "It takes practice Ichigo, let's try it again that's the only way you'll get it."

Taking a deep breath and calming himself Ichigo grabbed his cross yet again, pouring Reiatsu into it. The sphere formed and he dropped the cross.

"Kid, just pour a certain amount into it. No need to keep pouring in this small amount until it forms. Just pour in what feels right and it should fully form, instead of this stupid slow ass process."

'That could work.'

"Could work, it'll definitely work. Just try it, and when it forms and doesn't explode in your face I expect a thanks."

'Whatever Shiro. Guess it really couldn't hurt to try though.'

Looking down at the ball Ichigo thought, 'It'll probably take about four or five times this much. That shouldn't be too hard to do.'

A sudden burst of Reiatsu came from Ichigo and then an explosion of his Reiatsu and smoke went everywhere. Coughing Ichigo waved his hand in front of his face to clear the smoke. Yhwach proposed, "You must have used to much Reiatsu at once, it will eventually come to you though. Let's give it another try shall we?"

'Well there is some kind of weight in my hand that I wasn't feeling before. Does that mean it worked?'

"Just pull your hand up, if a weapon is in it then it worked."

Going with what Shiro said, Ichigo pulled his hand up. The weight was still there and followed it as his hand moved. Pulling it out of the smoke, there was a weapon in right hand. It looked like a M4A1 Assault Rifle. The majority of it was red and didn't seem to be as solid as the rest, while some parts of it where black and looked to be solid.

It was fairly heavy probably about ten or fifteen pounds, but it didn't seem like it would hinder him at all. The parts that were black and seemed to be more solid than there red counter parts were the handle he was holding onto but the finger groves were red. The stock was mostly red, but the butt of it was black with a red swastika in the center. It had a magazine that looked to hold around thirty rounds or so, the outline of it was black and the rest of it was red. There was a reflector sight on top, which was all black. Looking at the lens it had a reddish tint to it and there was a black v in the center for an optic.

Lifting it up to get a better look at the rest. The majority of the body was made of red Reiatsu and only had a few hints of black in it. Looking further down the barrel, there was a black grip on it. The bottom of it was black and faded into red towards the top. Lastly the barrel was black with a red compensator at the end.

'This looks fucking sweet.'

"You could say that again kid. Damn look at her, she's perfect."

Surprised Yhwach said, "That is quite impressive indeed Ichigo, your weapon definitely is unique. I've never seen one that looks like it before, there are others with guns but nothing like this."

"It's cool, it looks just like one I would always see in shows I watched." Stated Ichigo.

"Well it's good you're familiar with it that should help you when it comes to using it. Now why don't we get into some target practice?" Asked Yhwach.

"What are we going to use, this place is empty." Looking around to an empty room Ichigo made his point clear.

"Don't worry about that Ichigo, we have a system already made for that. Just come with me and we'll get it set up." Then He turned around and headed towards the left wall of the room, not even looking back to make sure Ichigo was following. Running after him Ichigo finally caught in stride with the man as they made their way to the wall. Once there Ichigo asked, "So what exactly are we doing?"

He didn't answer just put his hand up to the wall. A blue light flashed around it. Then he stated, "Now we can get to your target practice."

"How, nothing even really happened?" Questioned Ichigo.

"Turn around Ichigo."

Turning around Ichigo noticed the change the room had made. The once empty room was full of a completely different environment. It looked a lot like an outside firing range with a table and firing area. Looking down the room, there were markers scattered around at different ranges. Some on top of little dirt hills other mostly tucked behind some brush or blending in with the ground.

"This is crazy. How on earth did you do this?" Ichigo asked not understanding how you could possibly change the room.

"That is something you wouldn't understand right now Ichigo. Just know that you have the ability to alter this room however you see fit. From a target range like this, to a battle field, or even into an underground facility. Anything and everything you can image as a place to train you can make it." Exclaimed Yhwach.

"That is even more insane." Said Ichigo while he was still looking around taking everything in.

"It is quite impressive that is for certain. All you have to do if you wish to alter the area is touch one of the walls. Imagine what the new area will look like and once it configures it the room will change. Now why don't we start this training?"

"That sounds good with me," Still not paying full attention Ichigo was still too busy looking around the room.

'Hard to believe I can alter this room however I want.'

"Yeah this room is pretty fucking sweet, I've got a few ideas for what we should change it into later."

'I don't know if I'll listen to you, but maybe.'

"Let's get this under way Ichigo." Said Yhwach as he walked over to Ichigo.

~ Line Break ~

Ichigo spent what probably felt like days target practicing until he was able to shot just about anything. Changing through several rooms, all of them being different environments. Yhwach even changed the targets into people that were trying to fight back after a few hours. The one that sticks out the most was an old run down mine of sorts, it was on a hillside and the building was falling apart.

This was the first one that felt more like a simulation than a target practice. Having to go through the whole area being shot at and having to fight back. This was also the first time Ichigo ended up getting hit by something. An arrow ended up catching him through the right shoulder and tearing its way out the back.

Falling to his knee and holding onto his shoulder Ichigo cried out in pain, however it only lasted a few seconds. Looking at his shoulder it was like someone took a red marker or something and drew a design around the entire area. Yhwach stopped the simulation at that point and came over. He took a good look at it for a second and it looked like he could almost smile. "I should have expected you'd be able to use this technique without even trying." Yhwach seemed to be almost blown away, but quickly calmed himself.

Ichigo asked, "What technique is it?" While still holding onto his shoulder the cross pattern was slowly fading away.

"Blut Vene, it is used to stop blood flow after being inflicted. It normally takes a lot of practice for someone to develop the ability to use it, and there are some that will never learn how to use it." Explained Yhwach.

"I'm glad it stopped the pain, for that I think it's pretty cool," Expressed Ichigo.

"Yes it is Ichigo." Yhwach admitted.

After that they went back to training and if Ichigo got hit from then on, Blut Vene kicked in. Ichigo still didn't really seem to control it, it just seemed to be an instinctual reaction. Once they were finally done for the day or week Ichigo didn't really know, the two walked back to the living room and Ichigo passed out on one of the couches. Yhwach just gave him one last glance and walked out of the room, locking the door from the other side.

~ Line Break ~

"Wake your ass up kid, its training time"

Ichigo slowly got himself up and looked around, not finding himself in the room he passed out in Ichigo asked, "Where the hell am I?"

Getting up he scanned over the surrounding area and it just looked so weird. It seemed like Ichigo was standing on the top of a huge skyscraper and hundreds more were scattered around. After looking around Ichigo slowly walked over towards the edge and looked down, the building went down for a good hundred feet or more but after that it was just black. It was like they were all floating in a sea of black, yet above was this peaceful sky.

"Done gasping over this place yet?"

Turning around a man was just floating in the air above one of the skyscrapers. His skin looked white, and he had long white hair. On the right side of his head some kind of helmet or something covered it and on the side of it a black horn protruded out. It didn't look anything like an animal it looked much more like a devil horn out of an old book. The entire thing was black except for two white lines running the length that covered his head and the horn was completely black.

The man looked like he was only in his twenties physically. Looking at his eyes he was even more different, his left eye was black with a yellow iris while his right was white with a blue iris. 'How does he have two different eyes?'

The outfit he wore was simple enough. It was basically a solid white cloak or robe of sorts, which went down to his ankles. It opened in a 'V' over his chest and other than that it covered basically everything. It sported a bushy black fur collar and two black fur cuffs, lastly being somewhat frayed and torn at the bottom towards his ankles.

"I said are you done gawking over this place yet?"

'Shiro?'

"Come on kid, who else would it be?"

'I don't know? What are we doing, and where are we?'

"Where we are isn't that important right now. However what is important, is training."

Without hesitation Shiro held his right hand out and red and black Reiatsu started forming around it. It didn't even take a second for it to form and he was holding onto an exact copy of my spirit weapon. 'How?'

Without any answer Shiro started firing towards Ichigo, bullets missing by only a few inches. Turning around Ichigo quickly started running, looking back Icihgo asked, 'What the hell Shiro?'

"Stop running and fight back!" Shiro yelled.

'Fuck oh fuck.' Quickly Ichigo grabbed his cross and stared pouring Reiatsu into it. Letting it drop, a second later his weapon formed in his hand. Turning back around Shiro was now on the ground holding his gun to the side.

"Finally your taking this seriously, if you waited any longer I might have killed ya kid."

'What the fuck was that for? You just attacked me out of nowhere.'

"Don't get too riled up kid, I did what was necessary. You've never been in a situation even close to the one you were just in. However I know you're going to be in a lot more just like them, but they'll actually be trying to kill you instead of just taking pot shots."

'So it was a test?'

"Of course it was, I needed to know you'd it least try and defend yourself. Your life isn't what it used to be, there are going to be people that want you dead. There will be some that would do anything to make sure you are dead. So that's why I started off with that, because you have to know how to react in those situations."

'Okay, I get it Shiro.'

"Good, now it's onto lesson two."

Without even bringing his gun up fully Shiro started firing towards Ichigo's feet. He didn't hit him with any of them, but he got really fucking close. Ichigo couldn't react though, he just stood there. 'What do I do?'

Letting out a sigh Shiro walked up closer. "You were supposed to dodge kid. You'd be dead if I was actually aiming. Let me guess, you didn't know what to do did ya?"

'Yeah, I had no idea what to do.'

"Figures, can't be helped though. Come on follow me, not going to need your gun for a while either." Turning around Shiro started walking to the other side of the building. Ichigo quickly let his gun fade back into Reiatsu and started walked after him.

'So what are we going to do?'

"I'm not going to be doing too much, you're the one learning this."

'Awesome.'

"No need to be a smart ass kid, this isn't actually all that hard. It'll just take some time, think of it like when your started forming your spirit weapon."

'So this is just another thing that is going to take practice?'

"Exactly, now I want you to jump from this building over to that one." He pointed over to the closest building, which was still about ten feet away.

'I'd never make that! It's suicide.'

"Man I didn't even tell you how yet."

'What do you mean how? There's only one way I know how to jump long distance and no way it would work.'

"You think you can only use Reiatsu to summon your weapon? It has a lot more uses than that."

'So what, I use it to go faster?'

"In a way yes it makes you a lot faster. You can go as fast as you can make your Reiatsu move. Since you are riding it, the faster your Reiatsu goes the faster your go."

'How could I ride my Reiatsu?'

"To start just imagine there is a small platform of Reiatsu built up under your feet. This is the easiest way to start, also it lets you stand or float in the air like I was doing earlier."

'Okay so I direct it towards my feet and then act like it's building up under me?'

"Basically kid, go ahead and try it out a few times. It will probably take a few tries to get it down right."

~ Line Break ~

It took Ichigo a while to get the hang of this, however he eventually did. He isn't anywhere near a master but he knows the basics of using Hirenkyaku. He can move short distances fairly quickly, and he knows how to use it as a platform to stand in the air with. Overall he is a novice and still has a lot to learn.

Shiro has been watching Ichigo practice for a couple of hours now, just watching his technique and trying to find ways to improve on it. Getting up from his platform he jumped over to were Ichigo had been practicing. Walking over he said, "Ichigo take a break for a minute I need to talk with ya."

Stopping in the middle of a jump Ichigo looked over, getting distracted he missed the landing. Hitting hard on the ground a let out a sigh, slowly getting up he walked over to Shiro. Who greeted him with a small smile, "You are starting to get it Ichigo."

"Yeah, it still takes almost all of my concentration though. Like what just happened, if I start focusing on something else I just lose it."

"Don't worry about that Ichigo, it will eventually come to you. Soon you will be able to travel great distances in an instant, without even having to really think about it. That's enough of that though, I needed to talk with you about something that is more important at the moment."

"What is it Shiro?"

"Before your Quincy power was awakened I was much different than I am now. The main thing being my appearance, I didn't look like this. That's all thanks to your Quincy powers though."

Looking up to the sky he paused. "When your power was awakened there was a manifestation brought with it. In a normal situation Quincy and Hollow powers could never exist in the same being. As you know your aren't a normal being. The way we worked around this was becoming one, forging both powers together to create a single one. During the incident, my power was being called out more than your Quincy power. That's why my conscious took control over the manifestation, I did however gain some of their characteristics. So when I said I was your hollow that's only half true, I'm also your Quincy powers."

By now Ichigo was at a loss for words, he was just staring at Shiro trying to say something. He couldn't think of anything to say and even if he probably couldn't get himself to say it. Seeing this Shiro put his hand on Ichigo's shoulder, "I know that it is a lot to take in. I also know it is probably confusing, I just want you to know that I'm always going to be here with you Ichigo. Nothing in this world could tear us apart. No matter what path your chose, or what you have to do I'll always stand behind you."

Ichigo wrapped him in a hug and laid his head down, 'Thank you Shiro.'

Putting his hand on his head Shiro said, "Your welcome Ichigo."

Slowly Ichigo's body began to let of a small glow, then he was gone. Shiro looked back up towards the sky and smiled, "I hope you'll say the same thing once we are done Ichigo."

~ Line Break ~

The whole time Ichigo's body had been laying on the couch, finally waking up he slowly opened his eyes. Looking around he was mostly on the couch, well his legs were still on the couch. He ended up either falling or sliding off during the night, then slept with on the floor with his legs hanging onto the couch cushions. Swinging his legs off he slowly got up and stretched, cracking his back and neck from the painful position they were in.

Letting out a yawn he made his way to the bathroom. Brushing his teeth and then taking a shower. Once he was done he headed to his room and grabbed a new set of clothes. Putting everything on. He did the same thing as yesterday, tucked his moms cross into his shirt and let his own hang freely. A loud knock on the door broke him out of his new routine and he made his way back to the living room. The entire time several knocks were coming from the main door. Walking up he tried to open it, however it didn't even budge and there isn't a way to unlock the door rom this side.

'Who would it be that couldn't open the door?'

"Remember Yhwach said that there is basically an army that lives here. I think it would most likely be someone that is a little curious."

'That makes sense, they wouldn't be able to open the door either.' Reaching for the handle once more the door was quickly pulled open. Yhwach was standing there and quickly made his was in, shutting it behind him. Before he did though Ichigo saw who else was there, most likely banging on the door.

A group of girls, all his age or younger. The tallest looked to be around nine and had long green hair that went past he shoulders, with green eyes to match.

The one on the far right was the shortest and probably youngest maybe around seven, she had short blade hair and brown eyes.

Between these two was a black haired girl, her hair went down to her lower back and she had two strands sticking up on the top of her head. She had bright blue eyes and looked about ten as well.

The girl in the front also had black hair but much shorter, it only went to her shoulders. She had blue eyes like the other just darker, lastly she looked to be the oldest probably thirteen like Ichigo.

The last girl was the second tallest and had curly pink hair that went to her shoulders. To match she had bright pink eyes and was probably eight.

For the second that they saw each other Ichigo looked over them all the best he could. They all seemed to be surprised and somewhat amazed in the case of the girls. Ichigo noticed that they were all wearing a similar outfit to each other, looking like a military uniform. However they each had a personal touch to them that the others didn't.

When the door closed Ichigo just kept looking at the door almost like he was trying to look through it. Yhwach walked up and put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention. Turning around Ichigo asked, "Who are they?"

Looking up waiting for an answer Yhwach didn't say anything, he just turned around and headed towards the training room. Again this time louder Ichigo asked, "Who are they?"

Stopping Yhwach sighed, "They are not important to you in the slightest. They are nothing compared to you, so stop thinking about them. You will most likely never see them again anyway."

"What do you mean by that? How are they not important?"

"They are members of my army, however young and training similar to you. The different is they haven't shown any kind of real growth. They most likely will just be Soldat, nothing of great prowess. You on the other hand will be my successor, you also have shown great growth. Almost as much as them in the single day we have trained while they have trained for months some of them close to a year."

Looking back to the door Ichigo asked, "So they are not important because they haven't shown greatness yet? What if I don't show this greatness you expect from me, while I become something you don't care about?"

Shaking his head Yhwach said, "I have never said that Ichigo. No matter what growth you have or what you finally become you will be important."

"Then why can't they be important as well?"

"That isn't something for you to be concerned about Ichigo. When the time comes if they are still alive you might be able to do something about their greatness. For now you need to focus on your own training and your own future."

"Okay, so what are we doing today?"

"We'll do some target practice and then move onto some other techniques."

"Okay Yhwach."

~ Line Break ~

The five girls just sat there staring at the door. It was only for a second but they were certain about what they saw. They all just kept looking at the spot they saw the orange haired kid. He looked to be older than some of them but not by too much. He was in an outfit they have never seen before as well. The oldest girl was the first to speak, "I guess they were right."

The other black haired girl walked up to the door and leaned against it. Sliding down to the floor she put a hand on the door, "Bambi you saw him didn't' you?"

The oldest answered back, "Yes I saw him Giselle, we all did."

"Oh he's so cute, why does he have to be so close but far away from me. I want him as my zombie."

The smallest girl walked up and hit Giselle on the back of the head, "Would you shut up. Yhwach said we can never come back here, ever. You remember right?"

Giselle was lightly crying and turned around, "But, but., zombie. Liltotto."

She just shook her head. "Why do you have to be so obsessed with that?"

The girl with pink hair walked up the Giselle and helped her up. Looking over at the girl with green hair she asked, "He was cute wasn't he Candi?"

Crossing her arms Candice said, "Whatever Meninas. He looked kind of cool, his outfit was kind of badass to."

Giselle pointed over at her and started shaking her arm, "See, see even Candi thinks he's cute."

Candice shouted, "I never said he was cute!"

Giselle dropped her hand and just looked at her. Before they could do anything else Bambietta said, "We should go. There isn't anything we can do anyways, there isn't any way in and Yhwach is in there. Maybe we could come back some other time and see if we could talk with him."

~ Line Break ~

Yhwach had Ichigo training all day mostly consisting of training with his weapon. From the normal target practice they had been doing to running and maneuvering with it. They ended with him shooting at long rang targets, that were set up on the other side of the facility. Once that was done Yhwach let Ichigo be done for the day.

Walking slowly back into the kitchen Ichigo got some water and something to munch on from the fridge. Yhwach was at the door and said, "I'll be going now. I'll be back in the morning to start tomorrow's training."

Ichigo offered the best wave he could and went back to his food. Satisfied with the day Yhwach walked out and locked the door behind him. The metal door rang for a minute from being shut, once it stopped the entire room was silent. Ichigo finished up his food and drank the last of his water and made it to the couch again before passing out.

Ichigo had been sleeping soundly until a knock came from the door. It wasn't too loud but enough to wake him up. Opening his eyes Ichigo looked over, 'What was that?'

Again a knock came from the door. Sitting up Ichigo stretched and then got to his feet. Walking over he tried to open the door again to no avail. That not working he asked, "Who is it?"

You could hear a couple of people talking back and forth but couldn't make any of it out. It just sounded like background chatter, being muffled out by the door. Again Ichigo asked, "Who is it?"

Taking only a second to respond, "We're Quincy in His Majesty's army. Who are you?"

'Who am I? What should I tell them, can I just tell them my name?'

"I don't see any harm be telling them your name."

Loud enough to hear he said, "My name is Ichigo I'm also a Quincy."

Again there were several voices coming from the other side of the door, none of which were loud enough to be heard. After the voices stopped a second later the original one asked, "So where are you from and how old are you?"

"I'm from Karakura town and I'm thirteen."

A loud shriek came from the other side and Ichigo jumped back a little. One of the people shouted, "Would you shut the fuck up Giselle."

"Sorry about that. It's cool to meet you, we saw you this morning but we couldn't really say anything."

'There the girls from this morning. Why did they come back?'

Hesitantly Ichigo asked, "Why would you come back?"

This time there wasn't any talk amongst the people on the other side it was just silent. Ichigo sat down and brought his knees to his chin, wrapping his arms around them. He laid his head down and looked over at the door, waiting for some kind of answer.

It eventually came, "We came to talk with you, and we wanted to know who you were."

"I'm not anyone special."

A second of talking came from behind the door and then they said, "How couldn't you be special if Yhwach is doing all of this just for you. He doesn't train anyone else."

"Well I don't feel that special." Leaning his head against the door Ichigo looked over the room. It was true Yhwach was doing all of this for him, who knows how long it took to make all of it. Yet the reason to why is still a mystery to him.

After a few seconds one of the girls asked, "So when did you start training to be a Quincy?"

Ichigo answered, "I only started two days ago. That's also when I learned I was in fact a Quincy."

The reactions of the girls showed they were surprised by this, "We thought you had been training for a while. So Yhwach is the only one that has trained you?"

"Yeah he is." Even though Ichigo tried not to show emotion with saying it, it was obvious that this question hit him hard compared to the others.

That's how it went for another hour or so, the girls would ask a few questions, Ichigo would try and answer what he could. Sometimes Ichigo would ask them a few things, mostly about the place they were. After they said their goodbyes the girls said they would be back tomorrow around the same time to talk some more. Once they did leave Ichigo went back and passed out on the couch, thoughts of the new Quincy's he meet.

A loud bang of metal rang through the room startling Ichigo, who shot up from the couch. Frantically looking around Ichigo saw Yhwach closing the main door and turning back to him. "Tired I see, I guess I'll have to give you a bit more time to sleep from now on. We'll be starting your training in twenty minutes so get yourself ready and then meet my in the training room."

With that Yhwach left Ichigo and headed to the training room. Ichigo just fell back down onto the couch and looked at the ceiling. 'Why didn't you have me train with you last night Shiro?'

'I just figured you could use one night to sleep. Anyway we'll do some more tonight, before your friends show up of course.'

'I don't even know if you could say we are friends. They just wanted to know who I was really.'

'Oh how silly of me, I guess I just imagined the hour and a half you guys talked. Even if you guys aren't friends yet they are the closest things you have. I'm sure when this is done your guys are going to be friends. That isn't really my business though, it is your love life after all.'

Shooting back up from the couch, Ichigo had a small blush on his face, 'What! It isn't a love life, I don't even really know them.'

'Whatever kid, you only have another ten minutes or so until Yhwach is going to come and get you. Might want to hurry up and get ready.'

'Yeah I know Shiro.'

~ Line Break ~

The training with Yhwach went similar to the past two times. Mostly target practice with more movement and distance this time around. At the end Yhwach started to teach Ichigo Hirenkyaku. Ichigo acted like he didn't know the technique, this idea coming from Shiro. He didn't want to throw the fact out there that they already had this worked out yet.

So Ichigo pretended it was the first time learning about it and how to do it. Of course he got tired of faking after a while and slowly put more and more effort into actually doing it. In the end he didn't go as fast as he could but fast enough to show Yhwach he knows what he is doing.

After that Yhwach decided it was enough for the day and left Ichigo to do what he wished. Ichigo took a shower and got changed then had something to eat. Spending more time than normal doing both so he could enjoy it a little more. Laying down Ichigo drifted off, a minute later waking up on top of a skyscraper in his inner world.

'I should have guessed.'

'I already told you we would be doing this, there isn't any guessing involved. Now come on get up.'

Getting up Ichigo looked around finding Shiro floating above him about twenty feet. 'So, what are we doing?'

Shiro used Hirenkyaku and appeared in front of Ichigo, 'We will be training of course.

~ Line Break ~

Once Yhwach left Ichigo he went right back to the throne room. He has been sitting on his throne while contemplating over things. The door slowly opened and Haschwalth walked in, stopping in-between the throne and the door he gave a small bow. Looking back up he asked, "So what is it you needed your Majesty?"

"I have been thinking over several things as of late Haschwalth. Some have started to trouble me."

Walking closer to the throne Yhwach asked, "Does it have anything to do with Icihgo?"

With a small sigh Yhwach said, "Yes it does. His growth has been giving me several questions. While I am glade he is growing at a fast rate it doesn't make sense."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Today near the end of our training was the first time I have shown him Hirenkyaku before and it took him only an hour to be able to use it. While he isn't a master, he is better at the technique then several of the others."

"So what about this growth are you questioning?"

"I think that he has had contact with his hollow or manifestation of his power, which one I'm not certain. However I do know it is time to start bringing it out."

"So you already want to do this?"

"Yes he has the best chance of doing it now than any other. It will also give him more time to control this power. We will start this tomorrow, I will expect you here at five."

"Very well you're Majesty. Are there any preparations I need to make?"

"No everything is already arranged for the process. There is one other thing, I want you to keep an eye on the girls. The girls were at Ichigo's door and I have a feeling that they now of his presence here. What they know of him I'm not sure, but I would like to know if they have been returning. If it comes to it we will move Ichigo for a time."

Taking another bow Haschwalth said, "If that is all I will go."

"That is all, you may go." Then Yhwach waved him off. The sound of the door closing rang through the room, echoing off the walls. Yhwach just sat there and starred at the door. After a few minutes he got up and left the room. The sound of the door closing rang through the room again and once it stopped the room was dead silent.

~ Line Break ~

Haschwalth made his way down one of the long corridors of the building, passing by several doors. Stopping at what seemed like a random one he walked in. You couldn't see anything inside the room, it was just black. Stepping in he closed the door behind him, a second later the lights came on. The change of light made him flicker his eyes to adjust.

Looking around the room there was a table in the very center, it looked to be made of metal and had several leather bands laying on it. Around this large table was a stool and a few smaller tables with a drawer. The walls were lined with some kind of white sparkling stone, which reflected some of the light. The only other thing inside the room was the light that was ganging down from the ceiling two feet on a cord.

Walking up to the table he started moving around the leather straps when the door opened behind him. Turning to look Yhwach walked in with Ichigo laid over his shoulder. He walked up to the table and laid him onto it. "You know what to do Haschwalth, his hollow will eventually show itself to keep him alive. When that time comes join me in the other room."

With that Yhwach left the room. Haschwalth got to work binding Ichigo's hands and feet with the straps. Once that was done he started rummaging through the drawers, fulling several things out. Syringes, blades, a hammer, and a silver piece of metal.

Turning back to the unconscious Ichigo he whispered, "I'm sorry you have to go through such pain, however it is necessary for your growth. I hope you will come to understand that the pain you will suffer from here on out is for you to grow."

Then Haschwalth got right to work, he didn't even hesitate. Taking one of the blades he placed it onto Ichigo's thigh and shoved it through. Instantly the cries of pain came from Ichigo's body and his eyes shot open. Haschwalth grabbed a piece of cloth from a drawer and wrapped it around Ichigo's head to cover his mouth. It muffled the cries slightly but they still roared through the room.

Tears wear building up in Ichigo's eyes as he looked at Haschwalth for some kind of answer. Nothing came from him though, he didn't even stutter from this and went right back to work. He slowly turned the blade and Ichigo's cries got louder as it ripped apart his flesh. He did this for a little while until he pulled it out of his leg and threw it onto one of the stands.

He then turned and grabbed the syringe. Gripping it in his hand he punched it into Ichigo's chest and pushed the liquid into hit muscles. The veins around the injection started to budge and push against the skin. While the skin itself slowly was turning black from the puncture outwards.

Once Haschwalth did this Ichigo's body started to release Reiatsu in huge amounts. It was coming off of him and looked like it was trying to latch onto life. It was like it was dying by being inside of him. More and more started pouring out and rotated around the room. Haschwalth wasn't affected very much by this though, he still had more to do.

Taking a second Haschwalth watched Ichigo's body as it fought of the acid he just injected into it. It wasn't something that attacks the body itself, no it attacks and latches onto the Reiryoku inside of them. Weakening it while also forcing it outside of the body, making the person weaker as a result.

"I will stop all of this once your hollow starts making itself known to me."

~ POV SWAP ~

As Ichigo laid on the table he could barely move his body, the pain from his leg and whatever Haschwalth injected into him taking away his strength. All he could do know was try and withstand the pain he was feeling.

"Icihgo, there isn't any other choice we have to do this. I have to take control for a little while, it's the only way."

'Ichigo couldn't even answer him. Not taking even a second Shiro's Reiatsu started to pour out from Ichigo's body as well. Increasing the power of it greatly, making Haschwatlh have slight trouble standing against it. The scream that had been coming from Ichigo's body slowly started to get louder and deeper as it turned more into a roar of a beast than a scream. Haschwalth just turned and left the room, leaving Ichigo.

White liquid slowly started coming from Ichigo's eyes and started moving over his face. It had cover the entire ride side of his face when it started to solidify. Creating a white bony mask that covered the right side of his face, while more of the liquid made its way to cover his left. It slowly started solidifying more and eventually the mask covered his entire face.

It was mostly white and looked like bone. The mask formed into the shape of a mandible from the cheeks down. Creating a complete jaw, with several razor sharp fangs. The eye holes were somewhat rectangular, but also had a curve to them. Lastly the very top was were the markings started. Black lines came from the top two running all the way to the bottom, forming over the two eyes. While two others ran down to the forehead and came to a sharp point.

Once the mask completely formed everything stopped, all the Reiatsu in the air dissipated. The injection spot on his chest had turned back to normal, and the wound on his leg was slowly closing in on itself. Once the wound closed a small amount of smoke came from it. Then everything was quite.

In the adjacent room Yhwach and Haschwalth sat and watched the display from a one was window. Yhwach got up and walked up to the window and stared at Ichigo's still form. "Only his mask formed, that is interesting. Haschwalth how strong was his Reiatsu before you left?"

"It was actually pretty strong, enough to put a weight on me. Probably low Sternritter level, maybe a little more."

"That's about what I expected from him. Now there is just the question of how this transformation will end. If Ichigo can't fight off the hollow then he'll be worthless to us."

~ Line Break ~

Ichigo opened his eyes to find himself yet again laying on the top of a skyscraper in his inner world. He sat up and starred at his leg putting his hand on it he winced a little. 'I thought I had a hole in my leg.'

"Yeah you did, but once I took over it healed."

Turning to look Shiro was standing behind him with a small smile on his face. 'So what happened?'

"Well you got kind of fucked up. Once I thought it went too far for you to handle I took over. I started giving you access to my Reiatsu and your mask formed. Now your body is just lying there, I was going to kick the shit out of Haschwalth but he left before I could."

Ichigo just laughed at that. Looking up to the sky Ichigo asked, "So what do we do now?'

"That's your decision Ichigo. You can take back control whenever you want and see what Yhwach wanted. You could also take back control and try and get out of here. Either one you chose I'll support you however I can. Just now that we are going to have another aspect for your training. I'm not going to stop training you until you become a master of your mask."

'Well I'd like to stay here for a little while it least. Maybe take a nap or something I'm pretty tired.'

"That makes sense kid, I'll keep your body safe until you decide you're ready. I just want to tell ya one thing."

'What Shiro?'

"We can't fully trust them anymore. I'm not saying we need to do anything crazy, just don't get to comfortable around them. They might end up doing something like this again or maybe something even worse. I hate to say it but you're not a kid anymore, you can't afford to be one. If we are going to survive in this world we need to be as strong as possible. Strong enough to rival anyone, that's exactly what I plan on you becoming. Someone that can stand against anyone or anything."

After not getting an answer for a while Shiro turned to look at Ichigo, who was fast asleep.

"I'll always be here for you Ichigo, never forget that."

Standing back up Shiro disappeared.

~ Line Break ~

Yhwach had been watching Ichigo for an hour now since the transformation started. He had already sent Haschwalth to do something else, so now he's just sitting by himself. Ichigo's body hasn't moved since the mask formed, it has just been still. "I wonder what you are doing in there Ichigo? Perhaps you are struggling more than I thought you would."

Getting up Yhwach walked out of the room and headed for the one Ichigo was in. Walking in everything was still calm. He closed the door and faced Ichigo, that's when the Reiatsu crushed him. Crimson red Reiatsu coated the air, suffocating it. All the while Ichigo let out a loud hollow like roar.

Looking at Ichigo Yhwach saw the bindings were already almost broken, "I get what you were doing." Yhwach took a slow step forward, the pressure from the Reiatsu already showing its effect on him.

He was half way to Ichigo when he broke from the bindings. Ichigo stretched his arm out and formed his rifle, jumping at Yhwach while letting bullets fly. Yhwach reacted quicker than thought possible, grabbing Ichigo by the throat at the same time reading his sword. In an instant Ichigo's body was slammed onto the ground and Yhwach shoved his sword through Ichigo's chest pinning him to the ground.

Ichigo let out another loud roar and lifted his head up to Yhwach. His blood red eyes piercing into Yhwach's. Before Yhwach could react Ichigo readied a Cero in his left hand and fired it right at Yhwach's chest.

Smoke engulfed the two as the cero broke through the wall and continued on through the building. As the smoke cleared Ichigo stood up and the wound on his chest was already starting to close in on itself. Again he formed his rifle in his left hand and mad his way through the destruction his cero caused.

Stepping through the last wall he found himself outside and the sun blinded him. He flickered his eyes for a second to get used to the new light. Around him was basically a city, several buildings all similar in design but different in size. The thing that was surprising was there were several people standing around just starring at him.

Looking over the crowd he stopped once he saw people he recognized. The girls from the other day, all of them huddled together just starring at the display. He starred at them for a second until he heard Yhwach, "It's time to get this over with."

Looking to his right Yhwach was walking towards him, sword in hand. Ichigo opened his jaw and a small amount of steam came out followed by a predatory growl. Yhwach stopped for a second and looked around, seeing all of his men looking on in mostly fear.

Haschwalth quickly appeared next to him and asked, "Would you like me to take care of him sir?"

Putting a hand on Haschwalths shoulder he said, "No Haschwalth, I don't think you'd be able to stop him quick enough."

Ichigo didn't hesitate he quickly readied a cero in his right hand, before he could release it Yhwach appeared next to him and cut his arm off. The energy from the cero dissipated quickly and Ichigo let out a roar. Yhwach didn't stop there he delivered a kick to Ichigo's chest and sent him flying. Landing hard on the ground Ichigo picked himself up to his knees and used his gun to balance himself.

Looking to his left he landing right in front of a large group of Quincy's. The five girls from earlier being only a few feet away from him. They all just starred at the thing in front of them, as its crimson eyes pierced into them. Looking down Ichigo let out another small amount of steam from his mouth, before pushing himself to his feet. It took a second to get his balance but he eventually steadied himself.

Staring over at Yhwach he let out another roar as Reiatsu swirled around him. Then he brought his gun up and started firing, bullets started flying towards Yhwach. Who started using Hirenkyaku to get passed the barrage. Reappearing right in front of Ichigo he slashed him across the chest.

Ichigo coughed up a large amount of blood and fell onto his back hitting the ground hard. Yhwach just said, "You shouldn't have tried something like this, you wouldn't stand a chance against me at the moment even with your mask." Turning to look at everyone still there Yhwach just went over and picked Ichgio up. He slung him over his shoulder and started walking off. His mask was starting to crack and fall off. All the other Quincy's had already started leaving but the girls watched as Yhwach left. Before he disappeared the remains of Ichigo's mask shattered and fell off.

The girls all just looked on with wide eyes as the two disappeared. Even after they were gone they starred where they used to be, all in shock of who it was. Giselle was the first to say anything, "I can't believe it was Ichigo, he so fucking hot."

Bambiette just sighed, "So it was Ichigo, doesn't mean anything to us."

Giselle just went big eyed, "How could you say that, this is awesome. We're friends with a badass."

Candice shouted, "Just shut up Giselle. From what just happened I doubt we will even see him again. He might even be dead for all we know?"

Bambiette said, "We should just drop it Giselle, let's go."

"Okay, we can go."

~ Line Break ~

Yhwach threw Ichigo down onto his couch and got ready to leave. "My time training you is over. That hollow of yours seems to be training you already, so I'll see just how much he teaches you." Walking out of the door Yhwach shut it and while it echoed through the room he locked it from the outside.

After a while Ichigo slowly opened his eyes, 'What happened?'

"I got somewhat carried away with everything, for that I apologize. I fucked up pretty bad, and without even really thinking I changed your life."

'What do you mean?'

"I fought with Yhwach, and it didn't go as great as I hoped. I overthought our abilities at the moment and thought he was less than what he is."

'You actually fought him, so it didn't go that great huh.'

"No I got beat down pretty bad, and in turn you are the one that gets to live with it."

'What am I going to have to live with?'

"Yhwach cut off your arm during the fight. I had started healing it but I had to focus on healing the wound that you got on your chest. I ended up using all of my energy healing that and I couldn't heal your arm. I don't know if it will be able to be healed anymore."

Looking down at his arm Shiro was right, Ichigo was missing his right arm from his elbow down. It was now just a stump. Ichigo just starred at it and looked over it in shock. "Ichigo we might be able to heal it, but I'm not sure."

Ichigo was just silent and kept starring at his arm. 'Shiro do you know how we got back here?'

"Yhwach took us, then he dropped us off here."

'Did he say anything?'

"He said he is done training you, since your hollow already is doing it. He said he's going to see what kind of progress you make."

'Fine, well show him what kind of growth we can make. If he wants someone as strong as him then we'll give him one.'

"Are you sure you want to go down that path Ichigo?"

'I'm sure Shiro, he showed me how he truly thinks about me.'

"Very well Ichigo we will start training soon, for now please just rest for a while."

'Okay, I could use some sleep.'

Laying back down Ichigo closed his eyes and passed out.

~ Line Break ~

Yhwach went right back to his throne room after leaving Ichigo. Walking in he found Haschwalth waiting there. Taking a small bow Haschwalth asked, "What would you like me to do about this situation your Majesty?"

"Have repairs started. Other than that there isn't much to do, I already have taken care of Ichigo. For now we will just wait to see his progress."

"Very well I will get some Soldat together to start the repairs. Is there anything else you need?"

"No you can go, I just need some time to think things over."

Haschwalth offered another small bow and left Yhwach to think.

~ Line Break ~

Bambiette, Giselle, Candice, Meninas, and Lolitto all went back to their room after witnessing Ichigo's display. Giselle was still kind of upset but not showing it to everyone else. Bambiette and Candice were both laying down ignoring the others. Meninas was trying to cheer Giselle up as much as she could but to no avail. Lastly Liltooto was too busy eating.

Candice looked up at everyone else and decided to ask, "So do you think we'll see him again?"

No one answered for a while, until Medinas said, "We could always try and talk with him tonight. If we go we might be able to talk with him, maybe learn about what happened."

"We definitely could do that, the only thing is Yhwach might be watching him."

"That is true Candice."

Bambiette got up from her bed and asked, "So who wants to go and try talking to him?"

Candice said, "Yeah I'd like to see what's up with him."

Liltotto just offered a nod and went back to her food.

Meninas said, "I think we should go and see how he is doing."

Lastly Giselle said, "Can we please go, I want to see him."

Bambiette just shook her head to this but said, "Okay then let's go and see what's up with him."

As they made their way to Ichigo's room they passed by the area him and Yhwach destroyed. After that there was a lot of talk amongst some of the older Quincy, some really wanting answers to what happened. They also knew that answers might now come and if they didn't there wasn't anything they could do about it.

Walking past there was still a lot of people just looking around the area and coming up with their own ideas of what really happened. The biggest speculation seemed to be that Yhwach was having experiments done on Quincy's. Splitting them with Hollows to see what would happen, others thought it was just the Quincy's Vollstandig.

They finally made it close to Ichigo's room when a loud scream came from down the hall.

~ Ichigo's Dream ~

Ichigo opened his eyes to find himself back in the back of the ambulance he was in. His mom and Tatski both sitting next to the past version of himself laying on the stretcher.

"Mom, Tatski?"

Neither one of them answered him though, they didn't even know he was there. They just kept talking with the Ichigo that was laying down. Looking at them Ichigo could see their mouths moving but he couldn't hear anything. Glancing back at his mom she pulled a small box wrapped in blue wrapping paper out of her pocket.

Instantly Ichigo remembered what was going to happen. He shouting at the driver, "Stop!"

It didn't stop everything just kept playing in front of him, until impact. The ambulance violently wiped to the right and sent everyone inside flying. Ichigo didn't budge though, like he wasn't even a part of this he just stood there with no effect from it.

In front of him his mom went flying over his copy laying on the bed and crashed into the opposite wall. Tatski was whiplashed and her head smashed against the wall. Now he could hear them, cries of pain ripped through Ichigo's ears as he witnessed this. A second later the back door opened and things went flying out the back.

Once again their cries ripped through his ears as he watched them both hit the road. Ichigo just watched and listened as their cries slowly faded into nothing. Once they stopped he walked up to the two and tears slowly fell from his eyes.

A sound from the ambulance got his attention. Looking back the copy of himself was waking up and getting up from the bed. Ichigo slowly made his way back towards the ambulance and stopped at the door. He watched as the copy struggled to get up and stand. In a whisper he said, "Why are you so weak?"

His gaze falling to the ground a few more tears fell. Until he looked back up and shouted, "How the hell could you just let this happen?" He didn't even notice that his mask was slowly forming around his left eye and growing out. "You couldn't even protect the people you loved! You just let them die, you didn't do anything!" By now his mask was fully formed. Now in a deeper and raspier voice he yelled, "How the fuck can you live with yourself!"

~ Real World ~

Ichigo shot up letting out a loud scream, he was covered in sweat and breathing heavily. 'What was that?'

"It was just a dream Ichigo."

'It felt so real, like I was actually there.'

"I know Ichigo, but you were just imaging it all. Please calm down Ichigo."

Taking a few deep breaths his breathing slowly calmed down. 'Is that going to happen again?'

"It very well might happen again Ichigo. I can't say for certain but hopefully it won't. If you ever want to talk about it I'm here Ichigo. I know it will be difficult to talk about so I'm not going to force you. Just know I'm here if you need me."

'Thanks Shiro, it means a lot.'

I changed a lot of things from canon I know, I like to put my own twist on things. The big thing I wanted to talk about was Shiro. I'm making his character more like Tensa Zangetsu that Ichigo fought to get the Final Getsuga Tensho. The only real difference is he has some of the characteristics of the canon Shiro. He started off as canon Shiro but like I said he merged with his Quincy Manifestation (A.K.A. Zangetsu) so he acts a little different. I just didn't feel like Ichigo should have both of them being a manifestation if he doesn't have Shinigami powers. To anyone I upset for this I'm sorry, but I do this kind of stuff in my stories.

Thanks to everyone that has read and I hope your enjoying. Next update will come out eventually, just not sure how soon. I'm still working on my main story and then I have life to worry about so time is something I don't have. I'll try my best to get it out soon though, bye for now.