Alright to as not to have too much confusion here is how I plan on doing things. When Ichigo talks about his home world it will be label like this.
Soul Society
Soul Reaper
Shiro Zangetsu
Old Man Zangetsu
Any other person mention will be informal.
When the same thing is mention in the new world it would be formal
Sereitiei
Shinigami
Prince Shirosaki or Shiro
Titles to match unless otherwise needed.
Warnings: not much really just the usual stuff.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Bleach.
Towers in castles usually went unused but if the castle had a resident mage/wizard then the towers were places that the mages could use to cast spells or keep their tomes. But for the eccentric wizard of Kuro, Kisuke, it was used mostly as a place to sleep and goof off, until now that is. Now he has both the King and Queen plus his only student/ colleague Aizen Sosuke.
"Now were to begin." Kisuke sings out dropping into one of the many chairs now occupying the main floor. He is smiling at the irritated look on Aizen.
"How about how you knew that the boy would even show up." Aizen use to his teacher's antics began. He will not let the man bait him, he can already tell that the information is heavy if Kisuke is starting off a serious conversation this way.
"Yes Kisuke, how do you know that child?" Masaki question.
King Isshin stood behind his wife in silence knowing that to say anything would encourage the blond man to continue on his usual way of flitting around things until either he or Aizen turns murderous. Before Kisuke gets a word out there is a knock at the door. He yells for them to enter. Coming in to the room is a trio of servants, two laden with refreshments while the other holds a tray with a burnt and tatter book and a small purple ball.
"Ah thank you, I can assume that you found these on the orange hair boy?" the blond ask taking the book and ball and placing them in front of the others.
"Yes sir, the healer said to bring them to you. He also said to tell you that the boy is now stable his wounds are being stich up as we speak, but he says to tell you that he is worry about the boys eyes." the servant said
"Oh what about his eyes?" Isshin finally speaking up which caused to servant to jump before falling to the ground bowing.
"Ttthe hhealer wasn't ssure that the bboys eyes could be sssaved ssire." The servant stutter out.
Isshin hid the various emotions he felt but waved for the servants to leave. When the three scurried out of the room and closed the door the King sighed. He hadn't meant to frighten the servant he has tried to have his people see him not as a tyrant like other kings before him it has taken him a better part of a century to have half of his staff look him in the eye. Sighing he looks to his wife who sends him an endearing smile before he looks back to Kisuke.
The blond was enjoying some of the refreshments before catching his Kings eye. Setting down his tea Kisuke picks up the book.
"A year after you lost your son I found a way into another world. Now imagen my surprise when I found copies of us there."
"Copies?" Isshin interrupted
"Yes, well copies of everyone here except I didn't see your wife. But I did see that young man and in that world he was your son." Taking time to sip some of his tea and letting that tidbit of information sink in.
"If you didn't' see Masaki then who was I married too?" the King asked.
"Oh she was there it just that sometime before then, she died." Kisuke said not wanting to get that far ahead.
"What?" the two royals looked back at the blond in surprise
"Yes, during my short trips to that world I was able to piece together bits of information. Ichigo Kurosaki is the son of Isshin and Masaki Kurosaki and had too little sisters. Sometime ago his mother was killed and he blamed himself for it, but what I found so interesting was his ability to discharge his soul from his body and fight what I think were demons." Taking another break before looking to Aizen, "I saw you there and let me just say…you were very naughty young man."
Said man only raised his eyebrow at the other, he was getting annoyed by Kisuke's grinning know it all face.
"Oh?" Aizen ask acting disinterested.
"Yep, you even tried kill young Ichigo."
The murderous glares sent Aizen's way from the two royals had the man sweating and wanting nothing more than to throw his teacher out the tower window. "I' am guessing that since that the young man is here that my counterpart failed?"
"Hmmm? Yes, yes you were defeated by him. But that was the last time I saw in to that world…until two days ago."
The last part had the other occupants lean in closer to the blond as his playful expression turns serious. The blond man having no clear answers for those and he knew that leaving out information was going to come back and bite but he figures that it didn't matter.
"Two days ago I was contacted by my counterpart from that world. Completely stun but not surprised that he tracked me back, I mean it was me after all." The last part said with smug pride, "Well he was also surprise to see me until…something caught his attention, and mine. When your counterpart, your highness, came into the room the other me was in with a badly injured young man. I too thought that it was Mugetsu, so when the other me ask is it possible to send the young man over here I went ahead and agreed to it. Even if you wish that this young man is to be left to his own devices I had plan on making him my new apprentice or let Aizen take him under his wing."
Kisuke lets the words sink in he can guess what the King and Queen will say but it couldn't hurt to add on to the young man's cause.
"Did I mention that he most likely won't be accepted into other countries because of his uniqueness and if Gotei Thirteen find him he might either be killed or brainwashed to be their weapon."
This causes the two royals to stiffen and turn pale at the thought. Aizen for his part look on as if nothing brother him but Kisuke could see the man's fist clinch tight turning them white. The thought of anyone becoming a living weapon turned the rulers and their friends stomachs since it was one of the reasons that they figured that the Sereitiei attack them. It was their bloodline, if other kingdoms could snatch one of the Princes and have them joined their sides, it would create a whole slew of problems. With the death of Mugetsu, King Isshin had closed the boarders and came close to declaring war on the other nation. If he wasn't held back things would have gotten worst, now though things could come to a head with the arrival of Ichigo seemingly taking the place of the fallen Prince.
"I will not turn him away. It will be his choice what he wants after he is healed." The King said after much thought. Even though one look could tell that he wished the boy would stay with them. His wife silently nodding her agreement.
"Alright now about this book-
Hurried footsteps skid to a stop in front of the door before a panting sweating servant barges in, feeling all eyes on him the messenger boy gasp out why he was there ignoring protocol when in front of royals.
"The healer….said the…boy is awake…but he is…
Not letting the boy finish Isshin rushes out of the room shortly followed by Kisuke then at a much slower pace Masaki and Aizen.
oOooOooOo
He felt like he was floating before hitting a hard surface then pain then cooling relief. Ichigo was drifting in blissful darkness that was not part of his inner world, but more due to being unconscious. He is awake but not, he is conscious enough to know that he will get scolded once by his father, then Kisuke, and if it wasn't enough his zanpakuto spirits. He knew that he stressed his body to the point that it couldn't keep up with his injuries and it was why he remain asleep. Memories flow through his mind some more dream then memory thankful that none are nightmares.
He thought that he had heard voices, but one he knew had to be an illusion. Because the owner of that voice had been dead for a while now. A soft hand on his face had Ichigo leaning into the touch before he felt being taken away. The pain he was feeling became a dull ache and again he drifted.
Oooo
A new feeling causes Ichigo to stir, trying to open unseeing eyes that he forgets he can no longer use. He struggles with exhaustion still keeping its grip on his mind. Still new to his blindness the sounds of voices and clicks and clangs causes Ichigo to flinch and groan in pain. The sound although soft is still heard by the head healer.
"He's coming around, go inform the King!"
The flurry of movement and sound has Ichigo's darken world whirling which makes him heave. A set of hands lifts him back on the bed he was on.
"Wha, what is…going on? Wher, where am I?" Ichigo gets out as he feels more hands take hold of his body.
"Your safe now son please let us finish healing you."
"Sir, here is his chart."
"Yes thank you." The healer looking over the chart, "Take some blood and find out what that poison is. I need to check his eyes."
The voice of authority of a season doctor, a tone Ichigo knows well form hearing it from his own father.
"Where is my dad? Kisuke? What about Yoruichi did she survive?" His voice cracking as his throat constricts his energy coming back to him so he can speak clearly. The short time he has been asleep does him some good but he has yet to reach one hundred percent.
Hands grab his head as another pair peel his eyelids back. The action has him acting on instinct. He shoves the first pair pf hands away then the other as he blots off the bed hitting the wall in the process. He back into a corner snarling when he thinks someone is too close.
"Answer my damn questions!" he yells, "Where is my father and friends?"
Having no weapon to defend himself not accounting that he can't see Ichigo can only hope that he adapts to his other senses if he has to fight his way out.
"Ichigo calm down everything will be okay." A low tenor that Ichigo instantly recognizes has him shouting out before the other can get another word out.
"Dad you're alright!"
The shout has the room envelop in silence. Ichigo gets even more confused, why was his dad acting so quiet even when the few times he seen his father serious he was loud.
"Dad?"
"…Yeah, it'll be alright son let the healers help you." The voice said quietly.
Ichigo nods numbly allowing hands he recognizes has his father's lead him away from the wall and back to the bed. He almost relaxes till another voice is heard.
"Isshin is everything alright?"
It sounded so much like his mother that he hopes not a curl trick. A tense silence fills the room before a low stun and confused voice is heard.
"Mom?"
oOooOooOo
That one word that one little word sounding so broken so lost and then hopeful had the Queen wanting to rush over to the stiff and paling teen. Masaki could see the young man stare in her direction but his cloudy eyes could so no more. 'Poor child.'
"Mom? No this this is a trick you can't be here." The orange hair teen was trying to get out of her husband's hold but Isshin held him in place. Though Masaki could see defiance with anger, sadness, and a little bit of happiness.
Thinking back on Kisuke's idea Masaki is quick to toss it out the window, she walks right up to the boy and gathers him in her arms and runs her hand thru his hair. The stiffening of his body doesn't go unnoticed.
"No this is not a trick, but I am not your mother." She said with as much tenderness as she could do. Being truthful was better than lying to someone who couldn't see. She could already see what would have happen if she lied. Ichigo does the opposite of what she expected, he relaxes into her arms and Masaki soon feels warm wetness on her shoulder. She sends her husband a look telling him to give them some space.
"Ichigo will you let the healers finish giving you a checkup?" her voice soft but soothing, only getting a nod from the apprehensive teen. She helps sit up and smiles a little when he refused to let go of her sleeve. "It's alright Ichigo I won't be far." She can see he is not convince but let's go anyway. She gives room to the healers who swarm the young man. She walks over to Isshin who stayed by the doorway.
"Isshin?" the tone of her voice and the look in her eyes adds to what the King was thinking of giving a nod to his wife he leaves the room as Masaki goes back to a growing agitated teen.
oOooOooOo
The King walked out of the healing room, having Ichigo call him dad had surprised him for a bit, to find Kisuke reading the burnt book and tossing the purple ball that came with it in the air carelessly.
"Tell me wizard, what do you know?"
"Hmm, well that depends on what you want to know your Highness."
"Does that book tell you how to help that young man? Why can't he see? Tell me Kisuke!" Isshin almost growl at the infuriating blond.
"I thought it be obvious why he can't see, didn't you hear that some type of poison had gotten into his eyes? As to helping him I think her Highness is doing just fine." The blond man said uncaringly.
"Kisuke." The King warns his patients getting thin as the other seems to be evading his questions.
"Look Isshin." Kisuke's sighs out, "I have been trying to decipher this book but because it's not in the greatest condition it's difficult to read. You saw how he reacted to everything, let the kid calm down before you dump stuff on him. We don't even know what hell he had endure before coming here, and no I don't know remember I was only able to see tidbits every now and then when I peek into that world." The blond having return to his eccentric ways. "Don't forget about your sons either, think how they are going to react."
King Isshin leans against the wall next to the wizard contemplating what he just said. He doesn't want to drive away the boy and he can see that he is responding well to his wife. He can understand what Kisuke means his sons will either react violently or well Isshin isn't sure. He can see how they might think he could be a spy or something else but the feeling he gets from the young man tells him otherwise. That feeling and being back up by Kisuke should keep at least Kaien's feathers from being ruffle, Shiro on the other hand he will be the one to watch. With Ichigo looking so much like Mugetsu Shiro will instantly be specious.
"Do you have any other advice Kisuke?"
"Yeah let this play out." was all he said before walking away the ball tuck away somewhere in the folds of his cape leaving the other in the growing darkness as dusk falls outside.
Near silent steps alert the King that someone was coming up behind him, he tenses a bit before the owner of those steps spoke up.
"Sire I am to inform you that your sons are two miles out and have joined up after they were ambush. Shiro's unit suffer heavy losses, both are fine and had only sustain minor injuries." Aizen read from a crumble piece of velum.
"Do we know who attack them?" Isshin switch to hid King's voice but relief floods him at the news that both of his sons were ok.
"Undetermined your Highness, the so called bandits took their fallen when it seem that they were losing. However Kaien was able to grab a piece of clothing from one, it has some kind of emblem."
"How do we know that they weren't real bandits?" surprised that bandits would do that and not many have emblems only those of the clans have such.
"According to Shinji and Grimmjow they were too well organized, most of the time bandit ambushes aren't so equip to deal with royal guards." The advisor added, "They went after the Princes and ignored the others."
"I see…inform the Captain of the guard to send an escort to meet up with them I want them to have as many extra hands that we can spare. Then I want everyone here on high alert have guards posted near Masaki and Ichigo at all times. If they're going after the royal family Ichigo will be targeted only because of his looks." He was not about to have of repeat of last time nor will he allow someone under his care to die due to a misunderstanding. "Have Ichigo moved near Shiro and Kaien and see if anyone of the guards can act as his second pair of eyes just in case."
Aizen nods committing his Majesty orders to memory. He knows the perfect guard in mind too. "Anything else sire?"
Sighing Isshin couldn't think of nothing else his soldiers were trained good and knew their craft well. He trusted his subordinates to do what needs to be done. His sons could take care of themselves just like today and they have excellent guardsmen but Ichigo, without knowing what he is capable of, Isshin has no idea how to keep the teen safe.
"Actually yes there is." Now that he thought about it, "I need someone to train Ichigo how to fight blinded, according to Kisuke, Ichigo should already have a basic understanding of sword play so this can be seen as adding on to his existing skills."
"I am not sure who there is who can do that but I will look into it. Do we know if he fights with one or more swords?" Aizen questions.
"Hmmm I don't know. We could ask Kisuke." Isshin says cheerfully knowing full well that Aizen rather chew on dried peppers then ask Kisuke anything.
"You do know that it's like pulling teeth to get anything out of him." Aizen with good humor twinge with annoyance.
"Ha ha ha, true very true but he is one of those people who you can't live without at times." Isshin laugh
Aizen sigh in agreement, he gives the King one final bow before taking his leave. He has things to do and less time to do them in plus he needed to talk to Kisuke more about the castles new guest. The brunette was a man of many talents but even he had his flaws, so it's not so surprising that he cannot see the whole picture, yet.
'It might be best to have a chat with the boy later.'
oOooOooOo
Standing outside the healing room Isshin waits a few minutes before going inside. He isn't sure how to address the teen inside. It never came up in any training he went through on how to help those who looked like dead family members.
"Isshin please come in." Masaki called
Heaving a big sigh Isshin heads into the room and over to the bed containing a quiet teen whose head followed his every step.
"Ichigo." Isshin waits to make sure he had to teen's attention, "My name is Isshin Shiba and I am the King of this country. I know that you may be confused but please wait and let us explain."
Getting a nod from the orangette who shifted a bit to face the King. Isshin didn't know where to start so he decided to let Ichigo take the lead. "Is there anything you want to know?"
"…What happen to my dad…and Kisuke, Yoruichi what about her?" Ichigo asked worry evident in his voice. His body was strung tight that the royals thought that the healer might have to give the teen a mild sedative.
"Unfortunately Ichigo I don't know about the last two but as for your father…well…when you were found his body was protecting you and he was badly burned. I'm afraid he did not survive his wounds." Isshin heard the hitch in the others breathing he could see the young body trembling suppressing the heavy emotions flooding his system.
"Why did he send me here? Where is here?" Ichigo finally said his voice a low whisper.
"I can only guess that he was trying to save you from whatever fate your home fell to and to answer you other question this is simply Kuro. Just a small kingdom of outcast and lost decedents of long dead heritages."
"What about my eyes? Have you seen my swords my zanpakuto?" Ichigo started shaking as reality starts to fall on him harder. "What going happen to me now?"
"First let's let you heal then you can figure out what you wish to do?" Masaki gentle tone cutting through Ichigo's torrent of emotions. It amazes the King how his wife is able to calm the other and it saddens him to see the longing on the teens face.
"As for your swords, I did not see them with you." Isshin informs the teen who at the mention of his missing weapons grows distress. Ichigo starts to struggle out of the bed but strong hands hold him in place he hears shouts that seem louder by the second, all goes quiet when a familiar lullaby is heard stopping Ichigo in his tracks. Isshin loosens his hold on the teen as he listens to the song sung by his wife. He watches as the song has Ichigo slumping ever so slightly before he is resting his head on Isshin's shoulder. The warm smile on his wife's face has Isshin hoping that the teen would stay with them when he is healed.
oOooOooOo
Ichigo having been lulled to sleep wakes up in his inner world to the stoic visage of Old Man Zangetsu and the scowling face of Shiro Zangetsu. Both looking as tired and haggard as he felt though much worst.
"Heh, bout time you show up King." Shiro Zangetsu growled as he stomp over to the teen. Glaring at the other he whacks Ichigo upside the head. "Don't pull that shit again idiot!"
Rubbing the sore spot on the top of his head Ichigo scowls at his sword.
"Ichigo." The older being stern voice calls from behind him, "In the future try not to be in a similar situation."
Ichigo nods sheepishly knowing that the other being was right. He should know better by now not to rush into danger without a good idea of what he is facing.
"By the way, how come I can see here but not out there and why do I look fifteen again!?"
"Was wondering when ya would notice." Shiro Zangetsu mutters, "I can only guess that since this is inside yer head that it wasn't or couldn't be affected by the gas when you lost your eyesight."
Ichigo was close to relief till Old Man Zangetsu added
"However your soul form is still affected by it, so even if you could separate from your body you will still be blind. As to why you're fifteen again."
"Blame the shop keeper."
"Oh" Ichigo said dejectedly. "If I see that pervert again I'll shave his head, I don't want to have to go through puberty again." A cloud of gloom hanging over his head.
The teen sits in silence as Old Man Zangetsu takes to standing on his pole as Shiro takes the seat next to Ichigo.
"I'm guessing that for a while my regenerative powers are a no go?"
"tch, what did ya think King?" Shiro deadpan
"Did you see her?" seeing the raised eyebrow from his zanpakuto, "I mean the Queen, she sounded like mom."
Shiro Zangetsu sighs shaking his head, "No I did see her, I can't see outside without your eyes." He says sympathetically "I think it's time for ya to get some real sleep King."
Ichigo silently agrees before going over to the other being, standing in the Old Man's shadow has a calming effect on the young man. It allows Ichigo to slowly drift again.
"Remember Ichigo do not hesitate and listen to those around you. This world is different and the people who live here may not be the same as those you knew before."
"Right" the teen answer before closing his eyes and letting sleep take him.
"Ya think that he be better off here or do ya think he had a chance there?" the Shiro Zangetsu ask the older man in hush tones.
"Hmm to bring him here, those he loved died but if he stayed he would mostly would have lost all hope and still died. Either way he still loses, but here he is alive and he is not alone though the ones here are one the same, I believe that soon Ichigo will be surrounded again by those he cherishes."
oOooOooOo
The sound of hooves and metal disrupt a once quiet dusty road as a group of twenty men and women ride over a hill. Sitting in the center of the group sat two brothers that could pass for twins though one is a few years older than the other and has color. The eldest man has short black spike hair with teal eyes and an ever present smile, his favorite weapon was a trident that he could change to length of. Prince Kaien was love by many and his subordinates would follow him to wherever he asked. For now though he was under the watchful of Shinji and his vizards since his own group was killed off. They were lucky to get away with only a few scraps and nicks. Kaien's wrist was strap in a sling until he could be seen by the castle's head healer.
His younger brother Shrio was almost as tall as him, but with the exception of his eyes, the rest of his body was completely white while his eyes was gold on black. He was fierce in his fighting and his own loyal group was down to only three people. Having lost two in yesterday's ambush. Sporting his own light injuries from little cuts to a good size bruise forming on his left eye.
"Ahh, it's good to be home eh Shrio?" the eldest ask winking at his grumbling brother who was picking at his bandages
"Yeah better here than on the ground." Shrio shot back. "I hate the damn rain."
Kaien, laughing at his brother's sour face shakes his head. "I guess we should see what we were summon home for huh?" Kaien says sobering up.
"I guess." The white Prince says shrugging his shoulders and wishing to be anywhere but here.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter End
Thank you for reading.