Okay, we will now finally kick off the mess that will be me jamming three arcs and a movie into one. I've been going back and rewatching the arcs in question and rewatched the movie as well, so I can get this as correct as possible. However, as you might have guessed, I won't be following canon. I will be using the arcs and movies and changing them to my liking, in order to create what I hope will be an enjoyable arc, but could also become a great big heaping mess… wish me luck.
Enjoy the chapter!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Bleach anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou talking'
"Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 15 – Restart
Sosuke Aizen was no doubt an intelligent man. He was skilled in all forms of Shinigami combat. He was well versed in the finer aspects of deception and evasion. He also had intimate knowledge of his own unique abilities, afforded to him by his Zanpakutou. However, even he couldn't understand what had just happened. Souls were just that: souls. Once a soul had been consumed, it would break down into energy. This energy could no longer reform back into the original soul. For this reason, seeing Masaki Kurosaki, a woman who had just accomplished the impossible and reformed from energy, was truly fascinating.
'Interesting. Very interesting. I never thought the Hougyoku would be capable of such a feat.' Commented Aizen, even as Ichigo stared at his mother in shock.
'What is so interesting?' Asked a man with pink hair.
'Well, it seems the Hougyoku is capable of reforming matter into consciousness.' Explained Aizen, causing the man who had asked the question, to gasp in shock.
The pink haired man was not the only one that was surprised, no, Gin Ichimaru, a man who never revealed his emotions to anyone, was currently doing just that, as he stared at the scene with his eyes wide open in shock.
"Aizen… what is that thing you now hold… capable of something like this. Ridiculous." Thought Ichimaru in shock, before schooling his features again.
'Come on, Ichigo, give your mother a hug.' Said the newly formed Masaki Kurosaki, holding her arms out towards her son.
Ichigo's fingers trembled, as he slowly raised his arms. Hesitantly taking a step closer, Ichigo allowed his eyes to examine the being in front of him. It looked like his mother and sounded like his mother, but Ichigo couldn't be sure, not yet. For her part, the being in the form of Masaki Kurosaki didn't move, waiting for Ichigo to reach her. Tentative steps brought the orange haired teen closer and closer to her. The teen hesitated, stopping just outside arm's reach, before taking one last step, as the brown haired figure took a step of her own to meet him. Ichigo delicately wrapped his arms around the being in front of him, as if it was made of the most fragile piece of glass in the world, where only a single touch would shatter it. The figure, matched Ichigo, carefully wrapping their arms around the teen's torso, just under his own arms, due to her shorter height. As the embrace was complete, the two stood there in silence.
Most of the surrounding Arrancar watched on in idle curiosity, not really caring about what had just happened, but watching nonetheless. Ulquiorra held a more confused gaze, wondering why the boy who had piqued his interest was acting so… oddly. Nel was watching in childlike curiosity, quite interested in what had just happened, but not having an idea all the same. The three Shinigami watched the two embracing with calculative gazes, each for different reasons. For Tousen, it was of his old friend and the wonder of if the Hougyoku would be able to bring her back to life. For Ichimaru, it was of what it meant that the Hougyoku had recreated a person's soul. For Aizen, it was what the Hougyoku could truly do and if it could do the opposite of what they all just witnessed.
The three were brought out of their thoughts, as Ichigo finally spoke.
'It really is you.' Whispered Ichigo.
'It is.' Said Masaki softly, rubbing Ichigo's back soothingly.
'What does this mean though… are you… alive?' Asked Ichigo tentatively.
'I think so.' Said Masaki, causing Ichigo to grip her tighter.
'I missed you.' Said Ichigo.
'I know. I missed you too, but I'm back now and that is all that matters.' Said Masaki, tightening her grip slightly.
'Not that this isn't truly touching, but I must ask, exactly what happened when the Hougyoku affected you?' Asked Aizen.
The two didn't answer immediately, continuing to enjoy their embrace. Aizen for his part, waited patiently, allowing the two to slowly separate from each other.
'That thing… the Hougyoku, do you even understand what it is?' Asked Ichigo, after he let go of his mother.
'It is a device capable of breaking down the barrier between Shinigami and Hollows, no?' Asked Aizen in return.
Ichigo looked at Aizen for a moment and saw something which made him laugh.
'Of course, if that is what you desire.' Said Ichigo, leaving the statement hanging in the air.
'So you do understand the Hougyoku. That makes me curious though, why did you not seek more power?' Asked Aizen, hiding his burning curiosity.
'I don't want more power. I never wanted power for the sake of having power, I only wanted it to protect those I care about.' Said Ichigo.
'That is one of the stupidest things I've ever heard.' Commented a blue haired Arrancar.
'Foolish indeed, power is everything. You are such a child.' Scoffed the Arrancar, who looked like an old man.
'I think that makes perfect sense, you guys are so dull.' Added the brown haired Arrancar, who looked to be on the verge of falling asleep.
The Arrancar quieted down after that, allowing Ichigo to speak again.
'I already have enough power to deal with you two if I wanted to anyway.' Said Ichigo, causing the two to growl.
'Ichigo! I taught you better than that, now apologise.' Ordered Masaki, thwacking Ichigo over his head, much to his shock.
'Wha- mum?' Spluttered Ichigo in shock.
'I don't care how strong you get, manners are important.' Lectured Masaki.
'Haha, neutered by a powerless woman, what a joke?' Laughed the blue haired Arrancar, only for a burning pain to lance across his cheek which was uncovered.
'Woman I may be, powerless I am not.' Said Masaki, letting the Reishi she had gathered dissipate.
'Not so funny now.' Mocked Ichigo, only for Masaki to clear her throat loudly.
'Sorry.' Mumbled Ichigo, getting a grunt from the elderly Arrancar, while the blue haired one continued to glare at the two Kurosaki's.
'Anyway, we will be going now. Say your goodbyes, Ichigo.' Said Masaki.
'Yeah, see you later. I'm sure it won't be long.' Said Ichigo, getting a smirk from Aizen.
'Perhaps, but you should enjoy yourself while you can.' Said Aizen, getting Ichigo to raise his guard.
'Why?' Asked Ichigo defensively.
'There are things that will be set into motion soon, Ichigo. Unfortunately for you, your positon is quite precarious and each side has their own interest in you. You would do well to be careful.' Said Aizen, causing Ichigo to narrow his eyes.
'In any case, I wonder how you will return to the human world now.' Said Aizen.
'Oh, I can take him Lord Aizen?' Offered Nel, raising her hand in the air.
'By all means.' Said Aizen, getting Nel to beam.
'Actually, I can handle that. Sorry Nel.' Said Ichigo, as a Garganta opened up behind him, causing Aizen to look at him with a raised eyebrow and Nel to pout.
'How exactly did you manage to open a Garganta in your human body, if you don't mind me asking?' Asked Aizen.
'I didn't want power, I wanted the ability to protect others, I'm sure a smart guy like you can figure it out. Oh and Aizen, I'll be back, as you still need to explain why you slated Rukia for execution. Don't think I forgot about that. Come on mum, goat chin will freak when he sees you.' Said Ichigo, sparing one last glance for the traitorous Shinigami.
'I'm right behind you.' Said Masaki, prompting Ichigo to leap through the spatial tear.
'I'm watching you...' Started Masaki, narrowing her gaze on Nel, before swivelling her gaze to Aizen.
'…And you as well.' Finished Masaki, before going after her son.
'How interesting, things are picking up it seems.' Said Aizen, before turning to his Espada.
'Now though, let us have tea.' Said Aizen, before walking back to his seat.
-line break-
Ichigo emerged from the Garganta in the middle of his bedroom, causing him to smile.
'Ichigo, you're back!' Exclaimed Kon, walking over to Ichigo, his plush feet squeaking against the ground.
'Yeah and not alone either.' Said Ichigo, confusing Kon, only for a woman he had never seen before, to appear out of the Garganta, just before it sealed itself.
Kon stared at the woman with a scrutinising glance. She appeared to be in her mid-teens and was quite beautiful. Looking up, Kon saw two somethings that caused him to smile and leap at the woman.
'Sister!' Cheered Kon, only for Ichigo to slap him to the ground and stamp his foot on his back.
'Oh no you don't! Don't even think about trying that with my mum of all people!' Ranted Ichigo, causing Kon to freeze.
'Your mother? She looks sixteen, how is that your mother?' Exclaimed Kon, escaping Ichigo's foot and pressing his head to Ichigo's.
'It's a long story and I don't have to explain it to you anyway!' Growled Ichigo.
'I didn't know you still played with stuffed toys, Ichigo.' Commented Masaki, hiding her smile behind her hand.
'Eh? This isn't a toy, it is a mod soul, I called him Kon.' Said Ichigo, grabbing the plush lion and holding it out to his mum.
'Well, nice to meet you, Kon. Ichigo, should we make our way downstairs now.' Said Masaki.
'Aha, I knew I heard a girl's voice in here. I've got you now Ichi…go…' Laughed Isshin boisterously, kicking the door down with a fly kick and preparing to engage in a bit of rough-housing with his son, only to freeze, at seeing the girl in the room with his son, was his dead wife as she appeared when he first met her.
Isshin's kick fell flat and dropped to the ground awkwardly, before quickly leaping to his feet.
'What is this?' Exclaimed Isshin in shock, pointing at his previously dead wife.
'Hello Isshin, it has been a while, hasn't it?' Greeted Masaki.
Isshin blinked in shock for a few seconds, before grabbing Ichigo by his shirt and shaking him like a rag doll.
'What the hell did you do, you idiot son of mine?' Shouted Isshin, gaining the attention of two other people.
'What is all the yelling about you old… man…' Muttered Karin in annoyance, before spotting what Isshin had moments ago.
'You've grown up so much, Karin.' Said Masaki, squatting down slightly to look Karin in the eye.
'Y-Y-Yuzu, come up here!' Shouted Karin shakily, her form trembling in uncertainty.
'Karin, I'm making dinner, what is it?' Asked Yuzu, drying a ladle as she reached her twin, only to drop it in shock.
'So you've been taking over the cooking have you, Yuzu? Well, don't worry, I'm here to help now.' Said Masaki.
'Get off me old man! Let me explain!' Shouted Ichigo, grabbing the attention of his two siblings.
'B-big brother, who is that?' Asked Yuzu, with Karin nodding in agreement.
'Well, to make a long story short, it's our mother, only as a teenager.' Said Ichigo.
'Yep and I'm sure that creepy lolicon is thrilled about that, aren't you Isshin?' Teased Masaki, as she stood back up to her full height, getting her husband to splutter in shock.
'Lolicon?' Exclaimed Isshin indignantly.
'Did you forget that you are hundreds of years old?' Pressed Masaki in amusement.
'What do you mean?' Asked Karin, having regained her composure somewhat.
'So you never told them… even when Ichigo got mixed up into all of this… *sigh* well, I suppose you managed at least. In any case, let's all go downstairs and have a nice long chat together, like a family.' Proposed Masaki.
'Yeah, let's do that.' Said Ichigo in agreement.
Masaki walked over to Karin and Yuzu and dropped down to their level again.
'Don't worry, I'll explain everything.' Said Masaki, giving the two a gentle smile.
Karin and Yuzu stood there for a moment, before both started to tear up and leapt into the woman's arms. Masaki picked them up with ease and decided to make her way downstairs with the two.
'We'll be waiting.' Said Masaki, before leaving the Kurosaki men alone.
'Ichigo, what the hell happened?' Asked Isshin seriously.
'Long or short story?' Asked Ichigo.
'Short now, long downstairs.' Answered Isshin quickly.
'Aizen and the Hougyoku.' Said Ichigo, causing Isshin's eyes to narrow.
'I see. Well, let's get to the bottom of this then.' Said Isshin, walking out of the room as well.
'Come on Kon, you can come and hear all of this too.' Said Ichigo, picking up the stuffed plushie.
-line break-
'Does anyone know why we were summoned here?' Asked Ukitake.
'It seems none of us know what is going on right now.' Commented Kyouraku.
At that moment, a mist started to roll in atop the site, which was formerly known as Soukyoku Hill. The collected Shinigami, consisting largely of Captains and Lieutenants, raised their guards at this. As the mist started to clear, the sight of an elderly man, with silver-grey hair and a short black moustache was revealed. The man was walking towards the group and many of them relaxed slightly at the familiar face.
'Lieutenant Sasakibe, what have we been summoned for?' Asked Ukitake, only for the man to collapse.
Unohana and her Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu quickly rushed to the downed man's side.
'You have been summoned, by me.' Spoke a voice, which none of them could locate the source of.
'Show yourself!' Demanded Captain Hitsugaya, to which the voice let out a small laugh.
'As you wish.' Acquiesced the voice, before a tall, thin man, with pale skin and shaggy, dark brown hair appeared.
His turquoise-coloured eyes stared at the group, reflecting contempt at the gathered Shinigami.
'Who are you?' Asked Shunsui, angling his straw hat upwards slightly.
'I am Muramasa and this is the end of your tyranny over Zanpakutou Spirits.' Declared Muramasa.
-line break-
'So, let me see if I understood this right. You are the soul of our mother, brought back to life by some weird jewel, which has the power to grant desires and both you and the old man have the ability to not only see souls and other things, but to fight them as well. Not only that, but all of us here have the same potential and there is a chance that we might get powers as well, like Ichigo, who has apparently fused his soul, with the soul of the thing that nearly killed you and forced you to settle for goat chin. Then, to top it all off, there is apparently some war brewing between a bunch of these different souls and we are somehow involved in it. Is that about right, or did I miss something?' Asked Karin.
'No, that is most of it Karin. Like I said, there are a few more things going on as well, but, well, they seem to have stopped for now.' Said Masaki.
'Does this mean you are back now?' Asked Yuzu tentatively, not wanting to ask the question in case the answer was a negative.
'As far as I can tell, yes.' Said Masaki.
'So what now?' Asked Karin.
'Well, that is a question now isn't it, especially since I technically was dead for a while… hmm, well, we'll figure something out, I'm sure. In the meantime, why don't the two of you tell me a bit more about yourselves? Since I've been inside Ichigo's mind for the past few days, I've already managed to glean quite a bit from him and his spirits. Which reminds me, Ichigo, we will talk about all of these new friends you've made, especially the friendlier ones.' Warned Masaki, causing Ichigo to sweat.
'On the bright side, you've at least got your mind back.' Interjected Zangetsu.
Ichigo was saved from responding from two large bursts of spiritual pressure, one seemed to be coming near a bus station to the south, while the other occurred somewhere along the lake.
'Kon, take over!' Said Ichigo, grabbing the startled toy, pulling out it's very soul and throwing it into his mouth, causing his own soul to pop out of his body.
'And there he goes.' Said Yuzu, watching as Ichigo ran out of the house.
'Wait, you can see him too, Yuzu?' Asked Karin in surprise.
'Hmm, yes, why?' Asked Yuzu in confusion.
'Since when could you see souls as well?' Asked Karin, causing Yuzu to tilt her head to the side slightly.
'It isn't a soul, it is big brother.' Said Yuzu, causing Karin to sweat drop.
'R-right.' Said Karin, while the parents of the three children shared a look.
'Karin, how long have you been able to see spirits for now?' Asked Masaki.
'A few weeks.' Said Karin, causing Isshin to frown.
'This could be bad then. With all five of us here together, spiritually aware and practically brimming with spiritual energy, we are more or less a massive target.' Said Masaki, causing Isshin to stand up.
'I'll go see Kisuke, he owes me at least one favour now.' Said Isshin, before following his son's example and separating his soul from his body, causing his body to slump to the floor.
'Kon, could you please help me move Isshin to the couch?' Asked Masaki, getting a nod, from the soul currently inhabiting Ichigo's body.
'In the meantime though, why don't you two tell me a little bit more about what I've missed. How has Isshin been?' Asked Masaki.
'A pain.' Commented Karin, getting her twin to pout.
'Karin, that's not very nice. Dad has been trying his best.' Defended Yuzu.
'That's why he still has that poster of mum up there.' Said Karin, pointing to the large picture.
'Hmm, well, I suppose we can take it down now since I am back. Honestly, your father was always weird that way. You should have seen him when I first met him.' Thought Masaki in amusement, before giving a small giggle.
'Although, I suppose I was quite strange myself.' Added Masaki, before feeling his son's Reiatsu begin to rise.
"Be careful, Ichigo." Thought Masaki, a frown of worry temporarily gracing her face.
-line break-
'What the hell are these things?' Asked Ichigo, as he pushed away a weird, ghost-like spirit, with a pale red tuft on its head. The spirit, aside from the red tuft, was completely white and it wasn't alone. There were dozens of the spirits floating around, seemingly aimless, before the red tufts on their heads darkened and they converged on Ichigo's position.
'What the hell?' Exclaimed Ichigo, as the souls dogpiled him.
'Ichigo, do you hear it?' Asked Y.
"Hear what?" Asked Ichigo, as he pushed back against the souls.
'Tch, just ignore it old man. We can deal with it later.' Said Zangetsu, getting a nod from his partner in Ichigo's mind, after a bit of thought.
'Indeed.' Said Y, before the two refocused on the situation.
'Oi, just blast those things away already, we have more important things to deal with!' Shouted Zangetsu.
"What are these things?" Asked Ichigo.
'Who cares? They are trying to kill you if you didn't notice.' Growled Zangetsu.
'Fine then, Getsuga Tenshou!' Roared Ichigo, cleaving through dozens of the white souls, before spinning, sending out a circular blade of energy, allowing him to destroy hundreds.
'Whoa… that was insane.' Commented Ichigo, at the increase in power his attack had received.
Regaining his focus quickly, Ichigo thought he saw a hint of green among the swarm of white and quickly focused on it, seeing what appeared to be a white haired man, with a scar on his face, before a new voice gained his attention.
'Bring them to the Twilight, Mirokumaru.' Said the voice, which appeared to belong to a female Shinigami, who was floating in the air atop a typhoon, with numerous brown leaves trapped within and spreading outwards.
The Shinigami then raised her newly transformed Shikai, taking the form of a Khakkhara with a pointed tip and launched a cyclone out from the tip, which she directed to wipe out the white masses below her. In a matter of seconds, the mass of white had been cut in half and the spirits decided to retreat, seeing they were outmatched.
'Oh no you don't, Getsuga Tenshou.' Said Ichigo, launching a sickle of blue energy out at the fleeing souls, wiping them out.
Once the area was clear, Ichigo looked up and noticed the girl preparing to leave the scene, only for Ichigo to quickly Shunpo up to her.
'Who are you?' Asked Ichigo, scrutinising the purple haired girl.
'Isn't it rude to ask for someone else's name before giving you own?' Asked the girl, with a bored look at the hybrid.
'Ichigo Kurosaki, nice to meet you.' Said Ichigo, causing the girl to beam, her amber eyes glistening in amusement.
'Wow, you're surprisingly obedient.' Said the girl, before giving a small bow.
'Senna, nice to meet you.' Added the girl.
Before Ichigo could say anything else, he felt a familiar spiritual pressure drop to dangerously low levels.
'Rukia! Tch, hey, come with me.' Said Ichigo, grabbing the startled girls arm.
'Wait, my Gigai!' Protested the girl.
'We can come back for it, now let's go!' Said Ichigo, before the two disappeared, in a burst of high speed movement.
-line break-
A somewhat injured Rukia dropped out of the sky, emerging from the World Penetration Gate, otherwise known as the Senkaimon, quickly rushing towards the ground. Landing on the slightly damp grass, Rukia gave a tiny groan, as she started to rouse herself. With a bit of effort, the girl managed to get herself to her knees, only for another Senkaimon to open up behind her. A mist started to cover the ground, causing Rukia to hasten her attempt to rise, in which she was successful. Turning around, Rukia looked at her pursuer, a pale skinned woman, with lavender hair and icy blue eyes. As the woman stepped onto the grass, it froze instantly, turning into little shards of ice, which quickly spread outwards in a circle around the woman. Rukia raised her sword in preparation to defend against an attack, only for a wave of ice to rush at her. The petite Shinigami quickly dodged to the side, but her leg was still clipped by the attack, causing her to drop to the floor in a heap.
'How unseemly.' Commented the taller woman, as Rukia crawled away, trying to reach the sloped hill, to regain a vertical base.
The pale woman prepared to attack again, cupping her right hand and bringing it to her mouth, only for a new spirit to appear in front of her target, causing her to pause.
'You.' Said the woman, a tinge of bitterness in her tone.
'Rukia, are you okay?' Asked Ichigo.
'Do I look okay you fool?' Growled Rukia.
'Senna, look after her for me, this won't be long.' Said Ichigo, before disappearing, confusing Rukia.
'Hi, I'm Senna, nice to meet you.' Said the girl, before picking up the smaller girl and moving away from the scene.
'So you came. Of course you did.' Said the woman, a hint of annoyance in her tone.
'Who are you and how do you know me?' Asked Ichigo, getting the woman's eyes to tighten.
'Really, even after how you used me, you don't know who I am?' Demanded the woman, bristling with anger.
"Zangetsu?" Thought Ichigo questioningly, seeking an answer from his inner voice.
'Give a bit of thought, even you can figure it out if you try.' Said Zangetsu disinterestedly.
Ichigo focused on the woman in front of him, as she carried out the attack she had been preparing and blew a gust of icy wind through her hand at Ichigo. Ichigo leapt into the air, before disappearing in a flash and reaching the woman in an instant, an overhead slash bearing down on her. The woman raised her blade and it clashed against Ichigo's, causing Ichigo's eyes to widen slightly.
'You're Rukia's Zanpakutou! Why are you attacking her?' Asked Ichigo in anger.
'Of course someone like you wouldn't understand. A mindless brute who keeps his own spirits shackled to himself to cover his true weakness. You are nothing without your Zanpakutou, even needing to use my own power, without my permission I might add.' Said the manifestation of Sode no Shirayuki, before pushing Ichigo away.
'I don't use my Zanpakutou spirits to hide my weakness. I know I am nothing without them. However, we work together. Rukia hasn't done anything to deserve for you to turn on her like this.' Said Ichigo.
'Oh, so just giving my powers to some lowly human is okay? She can't do anything without me and constantly acts as though she is the powerful one, when it is I who is powerful.' Said Sode no Shirayuki.
'If you think you are so powerful, then take this, Getsuga Tenshou.' Said Ichigo, launching yet another blast of blue energy, directly towards the spirit.
The spirit raised her hand to her mouth once again, before blowing another wave of icy wind at Ichigo, meeting his attack head on.
As the two attacks collided, an explosion of cold air was released, sending a small chill down Ichigo's spine. Once the two attacks had dissipated, Ichigo had noticed the woman was not where she was previously. A quick look around and Ichigo noticed the woman was leaving through a new Senkaimon. The two locked eyes, each sensing this fight wasn't over, before the door closed and the gate disappeared.
'So, Ichigo, what do we do with her?' Asked Senna, getting Ichigo to look back at Rukia.
The petite Shinigami was now unconscious, but her Reiatsu seemed stable.
'Let's just take her to Urahara… man, what a day.' Grumbled Ichigo, as he took the dark haired Shinigami in his hands, before he and his new acquaintance left the scene.