The Gateway
Chapter 2 – Reunion of Demons
To avoid confusion about what is what:
A = Demons talking within Irang's Mindscape
A = Thoughts/Flashbacks/Myth Telling
It has been a few days since the horde of Hollows began to run around the city which unlucky for Irang got himself pulled into the thick of things and revealing the reappearance of the demons. But it seems nothing really changed nor did his demons care this was going to happen regardless.
However the only change he didn't like is well... "Oi Irang mind coming up to the roof with us?" Said a voice, it belonged to Ichigo.
He eyed Ichigo silently then looked at Orihime, Chad, Uryuu, and Rukia. He closed his eyes slowly taking out his phone and earbuds which he used to tune out noise. "Sorry I just want to enjoy my lunch al-"
He was grabbed by the ear twice within days by Rukia. "Don't be silly Irang you can't be eating alone~!" Rukia stated in her 'innocent' voice. He knew it was fake.
"What are you talking abo- Of course I ca-" He was cut off by an arm wrapping around his neck as slowly being dragged from his seat by Chad.
"Sorry." Chad says simply as he only saw grins and smirks from the others as he was dragged out of the classroom.
"O-Oi put me down Sado!" He shouted trying to pull off the arm around his neck but he was completely out matched by Chad's strength by a mile.
"Keep it up Chad we are almost to the roof!" Ichigo stated as they soon reached the roof where Irang was soon let go.
Irang coughs a bit as he slowly got up cracking his neck a bit. "Gah... No I'm fine Tenebris darn this is what I get for not staying hidden." He looked to the other silently. "So what did you all want to talk about?"
Irang leans back against the fence along the roof watching the others crossing his arms. "About you of course. You and your demons." Uryuu stated.
"So in general The Gateway. You should already know about the demon part. I mean you hear about them every day especially in Japan." Irang stated simply.
"Yes I suppose that is true but that doesn't explain their immense power and why they suddenly appear again. Including an explanation about yourself." Rukia stated.
"Come on Irang stop being a kid and just spit it out already what is the point of hiding that anyways?!" Ichigo stated.
Irang eyed Ichigo and Rukia specifically as the others were just quiet making him sigh. "For one the demons didn't JUST appear they have been around longer than even Shinigami and the Hollows. All of this time they have been in hiding, does that answer your first question?"
"No not entirely what do you mean longer than Shinigami and Hollows? That isn-" Rukia was cut off by Irang.
"Possible? I am talking about Demons here Rukia. Even your own records have a time of beginning. Demons don't cause they have been here since the dawn of this universe." Irang stated as he points at his eye.
"You can ask Tenebris that." He stated simply.
"Then-." Rukia began but was stopped by Ichigo.
"Thats enough Rukia. How about we move on to yourself then. When did you get caught up into this?" Ichigo asked.
"Since I was born. The Gateway chooses its host when that host is born sealing it self within the host with a part of their body being used as The Door to The Gateway. I was the one chosen to host it, along with the contracts from the demons that reside inside of The Gateway." Irang explained.
"Contracts?" Orihime asked.
Irang nodded. "Its the exchange for The Gateway using my body. They have me as a host and in exchange I can call forth the demons selected to defend it though most of them are dormant right now."
"Dormant as in asleep?" Rukia asked.
Irang nodded. "Meaning there is more than what I have that are locked. Plus I can create new contracts with stray demons as I see fit." He sat down glad he grabbed his lunchbox at the last second, he opens the lunchbox and pulled out his chopsticks and began to eat his lunch.
"O-Oi are you seriously eating right now?" Ichigo asked.
Irang stared. "Why not its our lunch period and I was just about to eat when you rudely interrupted me."
Chad sweats a bit. "Sorry."
"Not your fault Sado you can blame Ichigo instead for all of this." Irang stated as he eat getting a shocked Ichigo.
"Blame me?!" Ichigo yelled.
"Of course, it was you who approached me first so I can only think you thought up the idea first." Irang stated getting a chuckle from Rukia.
"Seems like your plans are easy to see through Ichigo~!" Rukia teased.
"You shut up!" Ichigo shouted at Rukia.
Irang shook his head softly as he ate his lunch silently. "Did you parents make you that?" Orihime asked sitting down with him as Rukai and Ichigo bicker. Uryuu and Chad joined them.
"No I make my meals myself. Unlike spiritual pressure that is hidden from humans. Stuff like my eye and demons are not so lucky in terms of not being seen... They distance themselves from me." Irang stated softly closing his eyes as he ate.
This made the others go silent looking at each other, Orihime understands somewhat of Irang's feelings of being alone but the others didn't have such issues. "Hmph.. Stupid parents... Leaving their child to fend for themselves is all kinds of wrong!" Ichigo a bit angry said getting up.
"I'll go teach them a lesson." Ichigo said rolling up his sleeves but Irang puts a hand out telling Ichigo to stop. "Irang?! Why-" Ichigo was cut off.
"For one thing they are across the ocean in America and that is where they now live at. I live here with a small allowance and away from them. I don't mind living like this, its for the best anyways." Irang stated as he got up before getting grabbed by Ichigo being pinned to the fence.
Irang stared calmly at the Substitute Soul Reaper. "Why do you put yourself through this pain alone?!" Ichigo shouted his friends about to get up to stop him before Irang stated.
"Because then no one will get hurt!" Irang shouted back.
Ichigo stared at him. "All for that?! That shouldn't matter they are family! People you are close to-" Ichigo was shouting but got cut off.
"They were never close to me!" Irang shouted shocking Ichigo and the others a bit with that.
"W-What did you say?" Came the stuttering response of Ichigo.
"You heard me. Now let me go Ichigo." Irang stated not wanting to be apart of this any longer.
Ichigo hesitated a bit before letting go of Irang who fixed his shirt then began to leave the room eyes closed. Rukia was about to pursue him but was stopped by Ichigo as Irang disappeared.
Irang sighed mentally spending the rest of the day depressed in class looking out the window in thought. His demons all shut themselves away from his mind so he can think along to himself. He was already ahead in classes so he didn't have to pay attention to the current lessons which made it easier to think to himself.
Ichigo's group did attempt to talk to him again but he only gave them silence when they tried then the bell rang before they could pursue trying. He sensed they were going to try again once classes end but he figured he could avoid them somehow.
Though his demons did interrupt him about something. Theres a spy near the school. Irang narrowed hearing Tenerbis's his eyes looking along the buildings across the road from the school since the window gave him that kind of view.
His contacts made it hard but he began to notice a light blur along the top of the buildings looking this way. He stared and watch the blur until the bell rang and people began the move obscuring his view for a moment before from what he could see the blur had disappeared.
That was definitely a spy Irang. I don't like this at all could it be from that Rukia girl? Irang was unsure himself hearing Tenebris staring at the buildings more before turning away then he sweats forgetting the plan he made and now was surrounded by Ichigo's group.
"Something wrong Irang?" Rukia asked but was met with silence and Irang looked out the window then back to the group.
"No nothing just thought I saw something is all." Irang stated noticing doubt in Rukia but shrugged it off but seemed there was something off about Rukia but this time not due to the spiritual pressure she was giving off. More like an air of uneasiness.
Seems she is trying to avoid something. Could the blur relate to that a bit? Glacia inquired as Irang stared at the others.
"So you all are being rather persistent mind telling me what you are planning?" Irang stated crossing his arms leaning into his chair.
"Nothing just that..." Orihime began then elbowed Ichigo.
"Ow! Okay I get it!" Ichigo rubbed the back of his head. "I'm sorry for what I said okay. You have your own thing to deal with I shouldn't have said what I said."
Irang just stares at Ichigo sighing a bit. "Apology accepted." He was putting his stuff away.
"So how long did you know about us for?" Uryuu asked.
"You? Just yesterday. Same with Sado and Orihime. Ichigo and Rukia I noticed something strange ever since Rukia transferred into the school." Irang stated.
"Then why didn't you-" Rukia began.
"Confront you? Follow you? I didn't have a need for it until Ichigo and Uryuu's exchanged felt strange to me. I was going to follow them and see what they were planning then leave." Irang stated.
"Even if the hollows appeared?" Asked Ichigo.
"If they appeared in that quantity I would have been there anyways. But now you all and that green hat know about the existence of demons." Irang stated then look to the buildings again narrowing his eyes.
"Definitely a chance others do as well" Irang continued looking back at the group.
Rukia followed his eyes eyes widening a bit then looking back at Irang. "How did you-"
Ichigo looked to Rukia. "Whats wrong?" Rukia went silent shaking her head.
"N-No its nothing major." Rukia stated then looked to Irang who just shrugged before getting up.
"Whatever it might be. Your matter doesn't concern me I'm trying to lead a normal life here the best I can." Irang stated picking up his bag then staring at the others.
"Your gonna act like that whole thing didn't happen?" Uryuu asked.
"Yep. Even if I have to try." Irang said throwing the bag over his shoulder. "I'm not a fighter. I'm akin to a summoner. I probably wouldn't fit in this other life you are now apart of."
"You never know until you try you know." Ichigo stated.
"You do have strong beings with you. I highly doubt you have much to worry about." Uryuu followed up.
"Yes strong beings who have a clock to how long I can use their power for and have a limited number of." Irang stated looking at the two making them sweat.
"W-Wait really?" Ichigo asked.
"That appears to be the case from what he told me and Urahara." Rukia stated.
"It is the truth though. But at the very least I'm fully stocked right now so if something did happen I would be fine." Irang stated then started to leave.
"Right... You sure you want to be alone though?" Ichigo asked making Irang stop.
"No but for now it is what I wish for if you don't mind." Irang stated back then left fully.
Ichigo grins. "At least it isn't a no I'll take it."
"I think we all will take that as better than nothing Ichigo." Orihime stated happily before the group itself disperses along with a concerned Rukia.
Urahara yawned sitting at the back of his shop waiting for his favorite customer to come by or at least someone. His friend Yoruichi who was the small black cat next to him was lounging and in disguised. It was a slow day today but he didn't mind much.
"Sure was active yesterday maybe thats why it is so inactive today." Urahara stated waving his fan then closing it hearing footsteps at the front. Yoruichi raised her head staring at the door before the sliding door opens revealing it to be Irang.
"Oh welcome Irang-kun what are you doing here?" Urahara stated surprising Yoruichi that the former captain knew this boy, furthermore the barrier seemed to have ignored him. Irang looked around in thought.
"Browsing for something." Irang stated closing the sliding door then began to check what Urahara had for sale.
"Oh what would that something be?" Urahara inquired standing up walking over.
Irang looked at Urahara then the cat then back at the green hat. "My contacts get annoying when I am at the school. Do you have something that can allow for detection of spiritual energy? A radar of some kind?"
Urahara rubbed his chin sensing Yoruichi was confused but focused on his new customer. "I see... I don't have a radar but maybe I can improve on your contacts maybe?"
Irang was silent then nodded removing the contact from his eye then puts it in a container before handing the said container to Urahara. "You can try."
Urahara was excited being able to work with the contacts that sealed away the presence of Irang's eye."Demon technology being worked on by a Shinigami. I'll get this done asap I will be one moment. Oh right the black cat is Yoruichi you might want to say hi to her before she gets more suspicious."
"I am aware of that green hat." Irang stated then turned to the black cat in question. "Yoruichi right? Is that transformation or your real form?"
Yoruichi was just staring before yawning then there was a poof of pink smoke eye twitching Irang looked away. "Right right young boys and naked bodies one moment." A female voice stated.
After a brief wait the tanned skinned purple haired girl was clothed as Irang waited for his contacts. "So what or who are you? The barrier didn't do a thing."
"Well of course it didn't. I'm just a human to it so long as I have my contacts in. Even then I highly doubt it can block demons out." Irang stated.
"Demons... I heard Urahara mention it called him a myth believer but who would have thought he was telling the truth. Why do you care about a lousy upgrade like that though?" Yoruichi pressed.
Irang was silent rubbing his head. "In class I saw blurs across the street of the school. I figured it was spiritual related so I wanted an upgrade so I can clearly see said things."
"Blurs?" Yoruichi asked thinking then connecting the dots it seems. "Seems they are here sooner than I thought."
"Who is here sooner?" Irang asked.
"Since you already know about Urahara... I guess you can say a retrieval squad of some sort here to take back Rukia." Yoruichi stated.
"Disobeying orders?" Irang asked.
"Big time. Giving a human her Shinigami powers is a crime. She was able to hide it for months but seems that time is up. She will be found, taken back to Soul Society, and then executed. Guess that incident the other day made things complicated." Yoruichi stated.
"Even more important to get that upgrade then. If word of that got out then I will need the upgrade, she won't be the only one hunted down." Irang stated crossing his arms.
"Thats why I hurried." Said Urahara as he came in with the container. "There ya go. The original effects and design should be there with the ability to see Shinigami and Hollows."
"Thank you Urahara." Irang stated taking out a wallet but was stopped.
"No payment needed. You will be repaying me later in a different form." Urahara stated making Irang sweat.
"Huh? What is that suppose to mean?" Irang asked.
"Oh nothing. Also:" Urahara pulled out a worn out box opening it. Inside was a small box that was thrown at Irang.
"Something related to the Demons. Inside is a certain number of pills." Urahara stated.
"Pills?" Irang asked looking inside shocked to see small black marked pills. "Demon Soul?" Irang asked as he looked inside the box more.
"Demon Soul?" Urahara asked.
"Apparently its an ancient item that generated a pill to extend the time of contract usage. Its harmless he stated." Irang noticed something within the pills pulling out black rectangle that gave a dark aura.
"Then what is that?" Yoruichi asked a bit defensive.
"A... Demon container? It has a sealed demon inside Tenebris states..." Irang looked at the front of the seal seeing a skull with a spikey cloth circling it before the dark aura glow and flowed into Irang's eye scaring Irang.
"Urahara whats going on?!" Yoruichi asked before Urahara waved off the event.
"I think this is how The Gateway absorbs demons and forces them into a contract." Urahara stated calmly but sweated a bit unsure himself it seems. Shortly the event ends Irang held his eye and head being relaxing again.
"Dix. The Shadow Demon is what he is called. Great name." Irang stated sighing.
"Are you okay Irang-kun?" Urahara asked noticing the container in Irang's hand eradicated into nothing.
Irang looked at his hand then to Urahara. "I'm fine. Just a new demon is all. Anyways thank you for the gifts. Let me know what... Your repayment idea is later."
"Won't be long of a wait I promise. Have a good day and please come again~!" Urahara stated before Irang left.
"Yoruichi what do you think?" Urahara asked.
"The demons sound strong but the issue is more about..." Yoruichi began before Urahara cuts her off.
"...the host's ability to fight as well huh? I wonder..." Urahara began to think to himself before going back to his daily routine.
Irang sighed contacts on with the items her bought in his bag. Dix. You were sealed in there this whole time? Tenebris asked as Irang walked through the park it was already dark it seems.
You can't imagine how dark and lonely that prison was! A Shinigami just randomly pops up out of no where and forces me into this. They were a Captain with glasses from what I can tell. Dix sighed the new Shadow Demon.
Not much you can do. Be glad we found you when we did. At the very least we added to The Gateways arsenal plus the Demon Soul. Ingis stated.
I was in the Demon Soul? I am a disgrace as a reaper! So how much does this kid know about the extent of our powers. Dix inquired getting silence.
Only how much time he can have each of us out for. We haven't done much in the way of tell him how much we can do or what the Gateway can do. Glacia stated getting a sigh from Dix.
I understand but now that you caught me up to speed its only a matter of time befor- 'ICHIGO!' Goddamit see what I mean?!
Irang ran through the park quickly expecting to see a hollow but as he was coming to a set of stairs he stopped seeing Uryuu at the base of the stairs on the ground bleeding then looked around noticing two mean with similar black robes as Ichigo.
Then his eyes widen seeing Ichigo on the ground face down cut up badly from his view. He gulped then ran down the stairs checking on Uryuu seeing Rukia run by towards Ichigo. "Uryuu you okay?!"
Uryuu looked at Irang surprised to see him. "Odd timing Irang. Just a stab but I-Ichigo is the one in trouble."
Irang eyed Uryuu's injury it wasn't that seriously despite the other injuries Uryuu had before this. Irang stood up then looked to Rukia before quickly seeing her being thrown to a nearby stop sign by an injured red haired guy.
"Stop Rukia! You will only make things worse!" The man stated.
Irang stared at Rukia then eyed to his right at the body of Ichigo then noticed the man standing over Ichigo's body hearing Rukia's crys.
"B-But I-I got Ichigo killed! Its my fault!" Rukia shouted, it seems the red hair was hesitant but at that moment Irang heard Ichigo's voice.
"Hey I'm not dead yet. Why are you talking like that?" Ichigo was slowly stating to the man who was standing over him. Irang could only say the black hair color matched Rukia's but he had a white drape looking thing around the black robe.
A Shinigami Captain. Not the glasses guy but thats a Captain alright. Dix stated in Irang's head. Irang watched the scene then somehow Rukia noticed Irang.
Irang shared eye contact with Rukia wondering if she was asking for help or simply was just unsure what to do.
"Guess you won't be needing that arm of yours." The black haired man stated.
Rukia was about to run but someone was faster. Much faster a black cloak and blur rushed and pushed the man away from Ichigo surprising everyone at the scene except Uryuu who was right there with the culprit of bringing the myth itself into the fray.
The Shinigami Captain was pushed toward the red hair and Rukia who turned to see who caused it to be face to face with the glowing red eyes of Tenebris himself his cloak flowing behind him the red eyes look behind them then back at the Captain.
"Ichigo is badly injured Irang. Probably an hour's time but he will live after we are done here and get him some help." Tenebris stated making the Shinigami Captain and the red hair look to their right to see Irang there crouching with Uryuu.
Irang sighed. "But hes not dead thats the good part." Irang stood up staring at the two Shinigami and Rukia.
"So your the retrieval squad I heard was taking Rukia away. Not only that but you hurt two of my friends in the process." Irang crossed his arms calmly staring at the two.
"For a simple retrieval squad making it this bloody seems to be a horrible job for Shinigami to do." Irang shrugged.
"Oi you human! Shut your mouth before I!" The red hair went silent feeling something coming from the boy when their eyes met then looked to Tenebris. "C-Captain.."
"Yes... I can feel their power but this black one... He feels much stronger than you right now Renji." The Captain stated gripping his Zanpakutou. "But if we get rid of the boy or at least capture him then there should be a problem."
Rukia was scared looking between Ichigo and Irang who was with Uryuu two people were already hurt and now Irang was in danger. Even with the strong demon Irang had theres no way Tenebris could match a real Captain.
"Oh?" A voice drew the attention of Renji and the Shinigami Captain. They turn to see it was Tenebris again. "You think since I am all the way over here I can't protect my contractor? You underestimate a demon." Tenebris stated narrowing his eyes.
"D-Demon?! Impossible!" Renji yellow. "Isn't that right Captain!?"
"Demons have long been extinct there are no more. He could just be a simple hollow." The Captain stated.
"That would be a laugh if you haven't noticed already my powers are no where near that of a Hollow." Tenebris stated before launching at the Shinigami.
"Running head first into battle. Amateur." The Captain flash steps but was stopped by a hand gripping his quickly drawn blade aim at Tenebris's gut before a punch was landed to the Captain's gut pushing the Captain back.
"C-Captain?!" Renji was shocked to see the Captain get hit.
"How did you..." The captain began to say slowly.
"Easy. Your 'shunpo' is only a fast moving ability. I just have to stop you. But even if you did land a hit I highly doubt you can scratch my armor." Tenebris stated.
Renji stared at Tenebris shocked then turned to Irang. (We can't let this boy stay alive or even be here. We need to kill him or capture him alive.) Renji thought in his head looking to the Captain who nodded.
Renji nodding then was about to flash step before a blast cuts him off making his eyes go wide same with the Captain. Straight from Tenebris's hand came a beam of energy. "You will not touch Irang. You will turn around leave Rukia here and go back to Soul Society." Tenebris stated.
"Renji. I'll attempt capture prepare a gate." The Captain stated getting a nod from Renji gripping Rukia tightly then running away.
"Oh no yo-" Tenebris's eyes widen seeing the Captain raising his weapon staring at Tenebris. "You... Your Shinkai..."
"So you caught on... Yes my Shinkai would give me the ability to take you on and knock out your contractor. Now demon. Do you risk it?" The Captain stated.
Tenebris stared at the Captain then to Irang he wanted to beat the Captain before that could happen but he needed to secure the safety of The Gateway first it was his orders. "Irang I can't go for Rukia I'm sorry!" Tenebris shouted before Irang nodded surprising Tenebris.
"Its fine!" Irang shouted then looked to the Captain. "You have your priorities Tenebris. Not like this will be our last chance to save her!" He shouted getting a nod from Tenebris.
"Right..." Tenebris stared at the Captain before the gate opened Tenebris watching the Captain moving back sheathing his blade before leaving stop to stare back at Irang. "We will meet again kid you will be our next target." The Captain started before the gate closed. Rukia and Renji were gone as well.
"Well Tenebris... Think Urahara can help?" Irang asked.
"I'm sure he can. We must hurry though." Tenebris stated sighing at his failure but knows there will be another chance.