A/N: Edited on September 17, 2021

Chapter 4: Origins and Preparations

"You called for me, Master Makarov?"

Ichigo entered the office of the guildmaster, unsure of what was needed of him. As he opened the door, he saw that Makarov wasn't the only one present. Inside the office were Laxus, Mirajane, Macao, Erza, Lucy, and two individuals he hasn't met yet. One was a young male that looked like he was in his late teens wearing a black three-piece suit with blue-tinted sunglasses. The other was a tall, muscular man with red-orange hair in his late forties.

"Come in, my boy," Makarov urged the Soul Reaper to enter. "Take a seat."

"What is this about, Master Makarov?" the Kurosaki asked.

"I know that you have been with us for a while now and that you and your family have made a good impression on everyone in the guild. That said, since a guild is a family, I don't think it's healthy to hide who you are or where you came from. We will accept you regardless."

Ichigo sighed. He knew this day would come. "I'm guessing pretty boy over there already told you what I am and where I come from."

Loke's eyes widened in surprise. "How'd you know that it was me?"

"You're not human. You're a being made of spiritual energy with a magic container. That only means you're a Celestial Spirit."

"That's correct, Ichigo," that lion spirit admitted.

The Soul Reaper then looked to the rest of the wizards in the hall. "Then I'm assuming you already know about the Blood Wars?"

The old guildmaster nodded. "We do. We also had to inform Macao and Gildarts here since they were both guildmasters before I retook the position."

"I see. Well then, what do you want to know?"

"Let's start where you come from," Macao suggested. The rest of the mages nodded in agreement.

"Ok. Well, my family and I came from a reality made up of three dimensions. Each one was an integral part of keeping the balance of that reality. You already know of the living world where all living beings exist. The others were known as Soul Society while the other was known as Hueco Mundo, otherwise known as the Hollow World."

"Hollow World?" Lucy questioned. "Is that where hollows come from?"

"Yeah," Ichigo replied.

"We already know about Soul Society thanks to Loke," Makarov mentioned. "We also have a gist about Soul Reapers and Quincies. That said, we were wondering how you got here in the first place."

"It'll be a long story, old man. You sure you want to hear it?"

"We do, Ichigo."

"Alright then. I presume you know the conflict between the Soul Reaper and the Quincies?" He earned nods from the wizards. "The early stages of the Blood Wars saw the deaths of many Soul Reapers as well as the destruction of a great portion of Soul Society. The greatest loss, however, that Court Guard 13 suffered was the death of Head Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. The enemy forces were led by Quincy Emperor Yhwach himself. When my wife and I were called to fight back, I faced him and was soundly defeated. He managed to break my zanpakūto and left me for dead. That early strike left much of the Court Guard in shambles. We were lucky we managed to launch a counter-offensive against Yhwach and his forces later on. During that war, I along with four other Soul Reapers were heavily monitored by the Quincy army since we were individuals who can turn the tide of the battle with our involvement. We were dubbed as the 'War Potentials'."

"And who might the others be in the War Potentials?"

"First is me because of my mixed heritage. The second was 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki for his unrivaled fighting strength. Next was Ichibe Hyōsube who was the oldest Soul Reaper. He was monitored for his great wisdom. Then there was Sōsuke Aizen who was once an enemy of mine. He was included for his intense spiritual pressure that could disintegrate any weaker being. Finally, we have my mentor, Kisuke Urahara. He was the smartest and most devious individual in my world. His inclusion was because of his unequaled intellect."

"Question," Gildarts raised his hand. "What is this zanpakūto you mentioned?"

Ichigo took his two swords and showed them to the mages. "This is a zanpakūto."

"So, it's a sword."

"It's not just any sword. This weapon right here is the very manifestation of my soul."

"Manifestation?"

"That's right. A zanpakūto is the Soul Reaper's soul given physical form. It holds all of the wielder's emotions, desires, goals, and beliefs. Before it became a zanpakūto, it was first an asauchi or a blank slate that takes the form of a simple katana. For it to become a Soul Reaper's zanpakūto, he or she needs to pour spiritual energy into the material. No zanpakūto is similar among Soul Reapers. There are exceptions, but ultimately a zanpakūto is unique to each Soul Reaper. While it's true that the weapon is my soul given physical form, its true potential is unlocked when you find out its name."

"How can knowing the name have to do with it?" Laxus questioned.

"Everything," Ichigo answered like it's a matter of fact. "The name holds great significance because once a Soul Reaper discovers the name of his zanpakūto, it awakens the initial powers that he can obtain known as Shikāi."

"Shikāi?"

"It means 'Initial Release'. The zanpakūto changes its form and amplifies the Soul Reaper's power. Zangetsu right here is already in its shikāi state."

"Can you reseal it back to an ordinary katana?" Erza inquired.

Ichigo shook his head. "No. My zanpakūto is always in its released state."

"Why is that?"

"That's because I don't have good control over my spiritual energy. I have too much that it constantly leaks out of my body. The size of the zanpakūto is equivalent to how much spiritual energy the Soul Reaper has while unrestrained. If I didn't have the level of control, I have now, my zanpakūto would've been the size of a skyscraper."

The mages could only stare wide-eyed at the reaper. Even Gildarts was surprised at how much power Ichigo was packing.

"The more the Soul Reaper uses his zanpakūto, the more he becomes connected with the sword and in essence, himself. Once true understanding between weapon and wielder is achieved, the final form of the zanpakūto is released. We call it the Bankai."

"What makes this final release different from Shikāi?" Makarov asked the orange-haired man.

"The zanpakūto's true form is unleashed, and the power level of the Soul Reaper is raised by about five to ten times. In the olden days, it was called Shin'uchi or 'True Strike'. Only the most powerful of Soul Reapers manage to attain Bankai, usually those around Lieutenant to Captain-class, and even then, they're only limited."

"You said ten times, right?" Lucy questioned, still unable to believe what she heard. "Not two times or three times?"

"Yeah."

"I…s-see," the blonde stuttered.

"If you were to estimate your strength, what class would you be?" Makarov asked.

"I guess I'm captain-class," Ichigo replied, still unsure of his estimation. "Maybe even the same level as Head Captain Yamamoto now that I've had fifteen years' worth of training."

"I understand. Now, there's the matter of how you ended up here in Earthland."

Ichigo's face took on a somber look. Whatever this story was, it's something not worth remembering. "Well, after I was revived by the Soul King's elite guard…."

"Soul King?" Mira curiously raised.

"That's the other name of the Great Keystone," Loke replied.

"As I was saying," Ichigo continued, "…the Royal Guard, also known as the Zero Squad, took me under their wing and trained me. They revealed that the zanpakūto I was using wasn't the real one. Ōetsu Nimaiya of the Royal Guard, who was the creator of all zanpakūto, reforged Zangetsu into the two weapons you see before me.

"With my new weapon in hand, our forces made a last-ditch attempt to defeat Yhwach, but sadly, we were annihilated. The remaining captains of the Court Guard 13 were killed. My friends. My comrades. They all died. I wasn't able to save them. Somehow, the captains, as well as my father Isshin Shiba and my mentor Kisuke devised a way to send me, my sisters, and my wife away from the conflict. They punctured a hole through the Dangai or the Precipice World and that's where we made our escape. I wanted to fight, but my father told me to leave and start anew."

Lucy, Loke, Laxus, Makarov, Mira, Macao, and Gildarts can hear the sorrow in Ichigo's voice. All of them had had troubled lives before they joined Fairy Tail, but it was nothing compared to the tragedy that Ichigo went through. To lose everyone you care about. To lose your entire world to a mad god was something none of them could ever hope to move one from.

"I still remember that day. That day when my father and my mentor pushed me into the void," Ichigo muttered as a tear traced down his cheek while remembering the day they left their world.

***FLASHBACK***

"NO!" Ichigo yelled as Orihime held him back from the ongoing battle. "Let me fight! I don't want to stand by and see you all get killed!"

"Live on, Ichigo!" Isshin yelled as Ichigo was clinging to a crying Yuzu. "Live on for Orihime, Yuzu, and Karin. Start anew. Don't let this loss bring you down. You have the chance to do better than us. Train Karin in the ways of the Soul Reaper while Yuzu in the Quincy arts. Protect Orihime with your life like how she risked everything for you in the war. Make me and Misaki proud!"

"Ichigo!" Kisuke appeared in front of the father and son. "Take this!"

The teenaged Kurosaki reached out and grabbed the object. He looked in surprised at the object in his hand. "Is this…!?"

"The Hōgyoku! It'll come in handy soon. I also encoded the entire history of Soul Society as well as the Quincy. All my research is also stored there. Use it to be better than us. Give your sisters and Orihime a fighting chance in the new world you're about to enter. And finally, don't ever change, Ichigo. Remain as the protector you always have been. You've done enough for us, Ichigo. It's time for us to do something for you this time."

The words from his father and mentor made Ichigo shed tears of regret. He had failed to protect everyone. He wanted power to protect those he cared about. He didn't want anyone to suffer the same sadness he felt when his mother, Misaki, died. Yet now, he was forced to retreat, to stand back and watch his friends fight and die for him. It wasn't supposed to be like this. He wasn't supposed to run. He wanted to fight to the bitter end, but they wouldn't let him. To them, he was the future, and that meant he was the most precious thing in the world.

Ichigo looked away, still unable to accept that he had done enough. "I'm sorry, everyone."

"Don't be, Ichigo," assured Isshin. "Now go!"

Those final words remained in Ichigo's mind as the Dangai began to collapse. Kisuke knew that the only way to make sure the Wandenreich would never reach Ichigo, his sisters, and Orihime was to destroy the Precipice World and cut all connections to their realm.

"DAD, PLEASE!" Yuzu cried while struggling to reach her father.

"DON'T LEAVE US!" Karin reached out to Isshin.

"My girls, go and live. Be strong like your big brother. Be strong for me and your mom." Isshin then looked at Orihime, who was crying at the scene. "Orihime, be the sun to Ichigo's moon just like Masaki was to me." Finally, he looked at his son one last time. "I'm proud of you Ichigo…and goodbye."

Isshin extended his hand and sent a strong spiritual pulse that pushed the teens into the darkness.

"DAD!" the siblings cried one final time before disappearing into the void.

The Dangai finally collapsed, and the Soul Reapers and the Sternritter doing battle was consumed by forces, ultimately leading to their demise.

Meanwhile, Ichigo, Orihime, Karin, and Yuzu were falling rapidly in the vast darkness. The void forces were so strong that their entire body felt like it was being warped into an event horizon.

"KARIN! YUZU! ORIHIME!" Ichigo yelled as he willed himself to reach out to the others.

"ICHIGO!" Orihime responded. She managed to get a hold of the younger twin and quickly held her close.

"KARIN, GRAB ON TO ME!" Ichigo stretched out his hand and saw Karin grab it. With a mighty heave, he quickly pulled his sibling into a tight embrace. "ORIHIME! TAKE MY HAND!"

The woman got a hold of the last Soul Reaper. Ichigo quickly took her into his arms and shielded the three most precious girls of his life from whatever may come their way. Suddenly, the energies of the void became stronger. The pulling sensation became more intense as the four survivors feel the otherworldly forces pulling them closer and closer to the edge. From afar, they could see the light shining through the blackness. This was it. This is where they'll pass.

"HANG ON!"

Like a whisp, all four of them plummeted faster than light. The very end shone brightly that it blinded them so much. Finally, the light disappeared, and everything became clearer. The sky was dark, and the stars were flickering in the sky. It was nighttime. Ichigo held on to the girls as they braced for impact.

THUD!

Rocks, dust, and dirt all flew away as they landed in a clearing in the middle of a forest. Their landing site was a small crater about ten feet wide. Ichigo lay on the ground with his arms open wide. Orihime was on top of him while the twins were in her arms. They all groaned from the ungodly sensation of being inside the void while recovering.

"Yuzu? Karin?" Orihime managed to call the twins.

"We're fine, Orihime," Yuzu replied while rubbing her head.

"How about you, Ichigo?" Karin asked her older brother but got no reply. "Ichigo?"

The three young women saw the Soul Reaper with an arm over his eyes. Tears were leaking out as he sobbed furiously. He tried to sit up and fight the tears, but it persisted. Orihime saw the look in his eyes and can't help but shed some tears herself. Those were the eyes of someone who lost hope, the eyes of someone defeated.

"Orihime," Ichigo mumbled.

The look in his eyes was just too much for her to bear. Quickly, she wrapped her arms around him and buried his face in her chest.

"I'm sorry, Orihime," Ichigo muttered. "I'm sorry, Yuzu. Karin. I couldn't save them."

"Ichigo," she said his name under her breath. "It's ok. You did your best, Ichigo. That is enough for everyone."

"That's the thing. My best wasn't enough. I failed them. I failed all of them. They're gone because I wasn't strong enough."

Orihime began stroking Ichigo's orange locks, trying to ease his sense of guilt. "It's not your fault. You always give everything you had for everyone, and they acknowledge that. It was their turn to give their all for us…For you."

"Ichigo."

The orange-haired teen turned around and saw his sisters clinging to him. Their faces were still sporting tear stains from all the crying from earlier.

"Ichigo," Yuzu began as she wiped a tear off her face. "You don't need to beat yourself because of this. It's not what Dad would want."

Karin sniffed a bit. "She's right. Everyone wants us to live. They did all that because they knew we could do better. Don't let their sacrifices get wasted because we can't move on."

"Ichigo."

Ichigo looked to Orihime, who had sympathetic and caring eyes.

"You don't have to be strong all the time. Sometimes, it's ok to let the tears fall. You can let it out, Ichigo. Let it all out."

Those words finally shattered the barrier that prevented him from releasing all his emotions. All the sadness, the guilt, the despair; it all leaked out of him in the form of tears. He clutched onto Orihime that it seemed his life depended on it. The three girls could hear the heavy sobs and the wails he let out in Orihime's bosom.

"I will protect you."

The three women look at the sobbing form of Ichigo. They've heard him say something but were unable to hear it.

"Yuzu. Karin. Orihime," Ichigo began as he lifted his head and gazed at the three women in his life. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect the three of you. I will not let anything or anyone harm you. This is my promise as we try to live in this brave new world for our friends and loved ones. We will live for them and their memories."

***FLASHBACK END***

"Our allies sent my sisters and me here because of our lineage. My father was a Soul Reaper from one of the Five Noble Families, while my mother was an Echt or pure-blooded Quincy from a noble clan. That's the reason Yuzu is a Quincy. As for Orihime, she is a Fullbringer with the power of the Shun Shun Rikka or the 'Six Princess Shielding Flowers.' Her abilities involve mostly healing, but that's just the tip of her true power.

"When we came into this world, we didn't have anything to start over. We were strangers in an equally strange world. We don't know anything about it and communicating with the people was difficult because of the language barrier. So, all four of us decided to learn everything we could about Earthland, from its socio-political and economical systems to the language. We tried to live in isolation at first but eventually, money became a necessity. To support ourselves, we took on extermination jobs from nearby towns. Although we interact with people, my family and I still preferred to live in seclusion. During our stay here, I trained Karin in the ways of the Soul Reaper while Yuzu followed in the footsteps of our mother and trained in the Quincy arts thanks to the artifact my mentor left me. Orihime also trained herself to better understand the limits of her already impressive powers. A year later after we arrived in this world, Orihime and I got married, and two years after we that, Kazui was born.

"We did our best with what we had at that time and somehow managed to survive in this strange world for fifteen years. That is, until a week ago when Kazui saved Wendy. The rest is what you say…history."

The mages in the room contemplated on the story the black-robed reaper told them. One might say that it was far-fetched. But the sorrow in Ichigo's eyes while recalling his life before coming to Earthland was clear. Emotions don't lie, and his eyes while telling his story was that of pain and guilt. To lose not just those whom you care about but your entire world to a power-hungry god was just too much.

Mira and Lucy were tearing up after the story ended. Makarov and Macao felt sympathy for the Soul Reaper before them. Erza, Gildarts, and Laxus stayed silent, pondering the tragic event this poor man went through.

"My boy," Makarov began as he looked at Ichigo with a fatherly gaze. "Fairy Tail was made to be a home for those who are lost and broken, so we understand the pain where you're coming from. But I must admit, what this guild went through is nothing compared to the anguish you and your family experienced. Still, Fairy Tail treats its members as family, and like all families, everyone is here willing to help you."

The frown on Ichigo's face began to falter and was replaced by a small smile of gratitude. "Thank you, Master Makarov."

"Anytime."

As Ichigo left the office, Makarov turned to the mages present in the gathering. "That boy has suffered far more than any of us combined," the wizened mage remarked. "Yet, we can see the conviction in his eyes and the wisdom he gained all these years living in our world."

"Indeed, master," Erza nodded. "All that power is used to protect those he cares about. I think I've never seen a man so broken yet so righteous and pure."

"I'll say," Laxus interjected.

"To think that he went through so much," Lucy muttered, still wiping the tears off her face.

"We'll help them any way we can," Mira said.

"What do you think, Gildarts?" Macao asked the ace of the guild.

"Does his name have any meaning?" Gildarts asked no one in particular.

"It does. His wife said it means 'Protector'."

"It's fitting. He lives up to his namesake."

Makarov smiled at Gildarts' little comment. "Indeed."

"It's over…."

"We're screwed…."

"Give us back our time!"

Three months.

That's the amount of time Fairy Tail had to prepare for the Grand Magic Games. Each of the members who returned from Tenrō Island all went out to train themselves. It wasn't any different for Team Natsu. In their case, they decided to go to the beach with Ichigo, Kazui, Team Shadow Gear, and Juvia tagging along. Wendy wanted Kazui to come along, and the boy thought it'd be a great idea. Being the protective father he is, Ichigo went with the trip to watch over his son…and maybe insert some training while they're at it.

It was all going well until Virgo showed up, claiming that there's a crisis in the Spirit Realm. Taking the news to be something serious, the mages and the two Soul Reapers all went to the Spirit Realm, thinking that they'll be fighting some eldritch entity. The mages wore Spirit Realm clothes so they could survive in the dimension. Kazui and Ichigo didn't need it since they were spirits in their Soul Reaper form. To their surprise, it was all a ruse to set up a "Welcome Home" party for the survivors. Everyone enjoyed the gathering as they ate, danced, and talked to the Celestial spirits.

After the festivities, they returned to the Living World only to find out that they have stuck in the Spirit Realm for nearly three months. They only have three days of training left because they thought that time was slower in the Spirit Realm than in the Human World instead of the opposite. They wasted all that time with no proper training done whatsoever. Ichigo and Kazui didn't mind since they've always had training every day and a good vacation was a welcome change of pace. Still, they felt sympathetic for the wizards who lost all hope for winning the upcoming tournament.

"WAAAAAH," Wendy cried as she dropped to her knees.

Natsu, Grey, and Erza all fell face-first into the sands like tree stumps. The sheer disappointment in their faces was evident. Lucy, Levy, and Happy were comically shedding tears of regret. Carla was pinching the bridge of her nose at the stupidity of everyone and at the fact that everyone dragged her into it.

"How are we going to recover our strength now with what little time we have left?" the white cat asked the rest of the mages.

"I have no idea…," Erza replied sullenly.

Wendy kept on crying like a baby who got her favorite toy stolen by a bully, which perfectly describes her situation. That said, someone placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and saw the orange-haired boy looking at her with a caring smile.

"It's ok, Wendy," Kazui assured the girl. "Dad and I can help you train. Isn't that right, Dad?"

"I don't know, son," Ichigo approached the two children. "If you're referring to the three-day training I went through when I was younger, it wouldn't work since it only applies to us. Not only that, but it can also kill anyone who isn't strong enough."

Wendy's look turned from hopeful to sullen after hearing what the adult reaper said. If there were any way for her to get stronger in three days, she'd gladly take it, even if it means undergoing extreme pain.

"Is that a messenger pigeon?" Ichigo asked no one in particular as a white pigeon flew to him and landed on a hand he just held out. He noticed a small piece of paper strapped to its leg. Curious, he untied the paper and let the bird free before opening it to see what was written. "Hey guys!" he called to the comically sobbing mages. "Look at this."

"What is it?" Levy asked.

"A message."

"What does it say?" Natsu asked from behind Ichigo.

Fairy Tail, we heard that you will be participating in the Grand Magic Games and that you have little time to become stronger. We can help you with that. If you desire our aid, look for us near the broken bridge on the western hill of the island.

"What do you think?" Gray asked Erza who was their de facto leader.

"I have my doubts," the redhead replied. "Still, with the time we wasted, we don't have much of a choice."

"I say go for it," Ichigo suggested. "What's left there to lose?"

"I think this is a trap," Levy said.

"I agree," Lucy added. "This has trap written all over it."

"We'll just have to see," the redhead declared.

"ALRIGHT!" Natsu yelled in excitement. "I was hoping you'd say that!"

It didn't take long for them to reach their destination. The bridge was indeed destroyed, so crossing the ravine that separated them from the other side would be difficult.

"Well, this sucks," Grey muttered. "How are we supposed to cross this ravine?"

"HEY!"

The mages looked to see Kazui happily waving at them while standing in thin air in the middle of the ravine. Aside from Team Natsu, all mages were bug-eyed at what seems to be an impossible sight.

"Is he flying?" Levy asked in confusion.

"No, he's just standing there," Ichigo replied to the confused mages before his image vanished and appeared beside his son. He flicked a finger on Kazui's forehead, getting the boy annoyed.

"Dad! That hurt," the boy pouted.

"Then don't go running off like that," Ichigo countered.

"How are you floating?" Jet asked while shakily pointing the finger at the father and son.

"We're standing on a platform made of spiritual energy," the orange-haired adult replied.

Suddenly, the broken bridge began to glow. The next thing that happened was the bridge pieces that were at the bottom of the ravine rose and reassembled like some jigsaw puzzle. After a while, the once-broken bridge was now fixed like it was built yesterday. The whole thing reminded Ichigo of Orihime's Sōten Kesshun.

"The bridge is fixed! Wow!" Kazui exclaimed in amazement.

Ichigo held a soft smile at Kazui's antics that remind him of his wife. He then looked at the bewildered mages and shouted, "Go on! The bridge is safe!"

"Are you sure it won't collapse on us?" Juvia question doubtfully.

"Whoever did this wants to see all of you. Besides, the bridge was restored to the way it was when it was first built. I've seen this before since my wife can do it."

"I don't know about you guys," Natsu exclaimed, "…but I'm going to cross that bridge to get stronger." He then ran off to the bridge. The pinkette ran through the wooden structure as the thing rocked a bit. This caused him to feel a bit of nausea, but he ultimately crossed the bridge.

The rest of the mages followed and were on their way further into the forest. From behind, Ichigo watched the surroundings as they went deeper. He felt three signatures closing in on them. It seemed that those who wanted to see them would finally reveal themselves.

"Stop," Ichigo ordered.

"Huh? What for?" asked Droy.

"Three people are coming towards us," replied the adult reaper. "Looks like the ones who sent the letter will now show themselves."

Just as Ichigo said, three figures were slowly approaching them. They can't make out their faces since these people were wearing blue hooded cloaks. However, they can tell that the one in front was a man while the two behind were women.

The Fairy Tail mages were on alert at the approaching individuals. They don't know whether these people were friends or enemies. That all changed, however, when the three unknown people pulled down their hoods and revealed themselves. Leading the group was none other than Jellal Fernandes. The other two were former Grimoire Heart members Ultear Milkovich and Meredy.

"It's been a while, Erza," Jellal greeted his childhood friend.

"It's you," the redhead muttered.

"I take you've heard of my recent prison break?"

"I did."

"Please understand that it wasn't my intention to escape."

"Meredy and I didn't give him much of a choice," Ultear joked about livening the mood.

"That was all you, Ultear," Meredy claimed. "Don't lump me into your criminal schemes."

"Meredy?"

The female pinkette looked towards Juvia, who was astonished at her transformation from seven years ago. With a smile, Meredy waved at the Water wizard and greeted her back. "Hey, Juvia. Long time, no see."

Juvia can't help but be happy that the once melancholic and broken girl has grown into a beautiful and cheerful young woman.

Lucy and Natsu were still apprehensive about the new arrivals. They were enemies before, and who knows what the former criminals' intentions were. Gray noticed this and subsequently calmed the two wizards down.

"Relax, you two," the Ice mage told Natsu and Lucy. "They're no longer enemies. Isn't that right, Ultear?"

"Yes," replied the time wizard. "I've committed many sins as part of Grimoire Heart; so many I doubt that I'll be able to redeem myself. So, I've dedicated myself to bring some measure of peace to the people I've hurt."

"Let me guess," Ichigo interfered, "…one of them is Jellal."

"That's correct. I haven't seen you before. Are you new to the guild?"

"I am. The name's Ichigo Kurosaki and this is my son Kazui."

"You owe me nothing, Ultear," Jellal said. "We were both possessed by darkness. It's in the past now."

"Jellal," Erza called the blue-haired man. "Have your memories returned?"

Jellal's look became sullen. "It has. Every last one of them, including my sins." Erza gasps at this revelation. "Six whole years. I've been living my life repenting for the atrocities that I've committed." He then looked at the scarlet-haired wizard. "I'm sorry, Erza, but words cannot heal your pain."

"I was the one responsible for the Tower of Heaven incident," Ultear said. "I am the one to blame. Besides, Jellal has suffered enough."

"I could either live in prison or lose my life and be done with it. Either way, my penance would've been paid."

"You're free now," Kazui exclaimed. "Use this chance to do something noble."

Jellal looked to the orange-haired boy. "I am, young man. Although, I wouldn't say our cause is noble."

"The three of us formed a guild of our own," Ultear began explaining. "It's an independent guild that is neither affiliated with anyone nor officially recognized. We call ourselves Crime Sorciére or 'Witch's Crime'."

"We've heard of your guild before," Jet exclaimed. "You took down a bunch of dark guilds."

"However," the Ark of Time user interrupted, "…our one true goal still eludes us."

"…Zeref," Jellal finished. "Dark guilds, and any evil force in the world. We will purge them so no wizard will be possessed by his darkness ever again."

"That's a seriously righteous goal!" Lucy praised.

"I'll say," Gray added. "With all the good you've done, I'm surprised the Magic Council hasn't accepted you."

"That's because they won't have the freedom to move like they are now," Ichigo explained. "If they were accepted as an official guild, then they won't be able to go after dark guilds with the Magic Council breathing down their necks."

"He's right," Jellal agreed. "Besides, I'm an escaped convict."

"While Ultear and I were former members of Grimoire Heart," Meredy sheepishly admitted.

"Anyway," Ultear interrupted, "…as much as we love catching up, we brought you here to ask a favor. Is it true that you're entering the Grand Magic Games?" this earned her a nod from the mages. "We can't get near the colosseum without getting in trouble. If all of you are willing, we'd like for you to do something there."

"Oh, I get it," Natsu concluded. "You want someone's autograph!"

A vein popped on Ultear's temple. "I'll pretend you didn't say that."

"Every year, we sense magical power gathering in the capital city of Crocus," Jellal stated. "We want you to find out what's behind it."

"But won't there be a lot of magical power in there with all the wizards gathering?" Lucy questioned.

"Don't you think you might be a little paranoid?" Levy added.

"True, but we wouldn't be asking this from you if we weren't certain," Jellal answered. "The magic is not only evil but also very reminiscent of Zeref."

"Zeref!?" the mages gasped.

"Are you sure?" Erza asked.

"Yes. I believe that our prior involvement with the dark wizard gave us the ability to sense any trace of his powers."

"Now do you understand why ascertaining the truth is necessary?" Ultear questioned the doubtful mages.

"If you can track down the source of the mysterious energy, it'll help us locate him," Jellal requested.

"…And you'll be compensated just like any other guild," Meredy added. "Discretion is important. We don't want the culprit to know we're onto them, so we'll be rooting for you in the shadows."

"It sounds like a wild goose chase but we'll do it," Erza finally agreed.

"You sure?" Gray questioned, still doubtful.

"We don't have much of a choice. Wizards from all over Fiore will be gathering. This could be trouble for us too."

Ultear smirked. "Did we mention we'll be paying upfront?"

Instantly, Lucy, Natsu, and Happy surrounded the time sorceress and yelled, "FOOD MONEY!"

"Please. It's nothing so material." Ultear then took out and showed her a crystal ball. It projected some images that will help her explanation. "I've had years developing my Ark of Time magic. I can now use it to enhance your abilities." The prospect of becoming stronger caught the attention of the desperate wizards. "It's common knowledge that wizards possess a magic container that determines how much magic power they can have. Though it's depleted with every spell you cast, the body naturally absorbs ethernano from the atmosphere and continues to do so until it becomes full again. But recent research has revealed that there is a part of this container that goes unused. A hidden reservoir of power."

"You're referring to Second Origin, aren't you?" Ichigo asked.

"Yes, that's right. You know of it?"

"A bit. It's a hidden reserve that can only be accessed through experience and training. But, there is one thing that those researchers you mentioned missed when studying Second Origin."

"What is it?"

"It is directly linked to the human soul."

All mages, including Crime Sociére, looked at Ichigo in confusion.

"The soul itself is a powerful source of energy. It breathes life into our physical form and can affect it in many ways. Unlike me who can directly use spiritual energy, your souls act like the opposite poles of a magnet, attracting ethernano from the surroundings. I'm assuming that you'll be forcing their Second Origins to mature." Ultear nodded. "You can naturally develop this hidden reservoir through experience and training. I've discovered through my research that the soul directly affects the magical power of a wizard, and ultimately a strong soul developed through experience and training will unlock the channels that lead to Second Origin. This is because a stronger soul will want to absorb more ethernano, and if it absorbs more than the current magic container can hold, the body will naturally unlock this second container."

"Wow!" Levy exclaimed in surprise at Ichigo's knowledge. "How'd you know all that?"

"My mentor was a researcher. I picked up some of his habits and his research notes, and began comparing ethernano and spiritual energy."

"You're very intelligent, Mr. Kurosaki," Ultear complimented the reaper. "What he said is true. If you can access this second container, not only will you be able to store more magic power, you'll also be able to use more powerful magic and keep using it for longer periods."

"That said," Ichigo interrupted, "…forcing the Second Origin to mature will cause excruciating pain."

Lucy and Levy shivered at what Ichigo said. They then took a look at Ultear and saw she had a sinister look that her eyes were glowing red.

"I do, however, have a special training method that can lessen the pain once you undergo the process."

"Really!?" the Fairy Tail wizards asked in anticipation.

"Yes," the orange-haired adult replied. "We need to get to the beach though if we're going to do this. After that training, you'll then go to Ultear and have her unlock your second magical container."

"ALRIGHT!" Natsu yelled in excitement.

"We'll be able to travel faster if we use this," Ichigo suggested. Curiously, the wizards looked at the Soul Reaper. Ichigo stretched out his right hand and gathered some spirit energy around it. "My right hand is the stone that bridges worlds," he began chanting, raising some eyebrows. "My left hand is the blade that ties reality. The black-haired shepherd is hung from a chair. Stratus clouds come, and I strike down the ibis. Keikaigi."

Suddenly, something that looked like a tear appeared in the air. Slowly, it got thicker and darker until it opened up like an eyelid revealing a portal wide enough for ten people to go through.

Team Natsu and Crime Sociére were surprised and a little creeped out at the sight of a portal tearing the fabric of reality and opening out of nowhere.

"What the heck is that?" Meredy asked, a bit shaken.

"This is a Garganta," Ichigo casually replied. "It's a portal that lets me and my family travel instantaneously through long distances. Come on in, it's safe. I already stabilized the turbulence of forces within it and created platforms of spirit energy to walk on." The Soul Reaper then went inside the black void-like portal, which his son then followed.

"Wait for me, Kazui!" Wendy called the boy, who immediately took her hand and guided her through the portal.

"We should follow them," Jellal suggested, though he was still hesitant to enter the blackness.

"I agree," Erza concurred as she and Jellal followed the trio.

"I guess we don't have a choice," Meredy said as the remaining mages followed suit and entered the Garganta.

The mages and the Soul Reapers managed to get to the beach quickly, thanks to the Garganta. Once outside, the mages, except for Jellal, Ultear, Erza, and Wendy, all sighed in relief after exiting the eerie tunnel.

"That was the most disturbing this I've experienced," Lucy muttered.

"No kidding," Levy agreed.

"I never want to go through something like that again," Carla said, a bit shaken.

"So, what is this training plan that you have?" Erza asked the Soul Reaper.

"First, I need a volunteer," Ichigo requested after getting his combat pass. Unsurprisingly, Natsu offered himself without thinking. The carrot-top then placed the badge onto the fire mage's stomach, and to the surprise of everyone, another Natsu appeared. The difference of this one was the chain attached to the center of the Dragon Slayer's chest.

"What the hell did you do to me!?" Natsu asked angrily.

"I used my combat pass to eject your soul from your body," Ichigo said calmly. "That chain attached to you is called the 'Chain of Fate'. Don't try to pull or break it, otherwise, you'll end up dying."

Natsu stopped tugging the chain after hearing the consequences. Suddenly, his breathing became labored as he fell to his knees and gasp for air.

"This reaction is natural for a soul that's out his body for the first time," Ichigo assured the rest of the wizards who were worried for the pinkette. "Our training is simple: Avoid and Evade." He tossed what looked like a white headband and some gloves.

"What's this?" the pinkette asked.

"You're going to use that," Ichigo replied before looking at his son. "Kazui, kick his ass."

The kid disappeared via Flash Step and appeared behind Natsu. With a cocked fist, he struck the Dragon Slayer, but his target managed to escape.

"What the hell!?" Natsu yelled. He tried to summon his fire, but nothing appeared. "The hell!?"

"I forgot to mention that you can't use magic in spirit form, so you might want to wear the things I gave you."

Natus then put the headband on and inserted his fingers into the gloves. "Ok. How does this thing protect me?"

"You've got to say these words as loud as you can, 'AMAZING HEADBAND OF JUSTICE IN PLACE! AMAZING ARMOR OF JUSTICE, PROTECT ME NOW! Go on say it!"

"Ok. Amazing Headband of-…OH, THIS IS STUPID!" the pinkette yelled as he threw the equipment to the ground. However, he quickly picked it up and ran like heck when Kazui came in and tried to punch him.

"Interesting how the fear of imminent death can change one's mind."

"Alright, here goes. AMAZING HEADBAND OF JUSTICE IN PLACE! AMAZING ARMOR OF JUSTICE PROTECT ME!"

Ichigo covered his mouth, holding a snicker. "Wow. I can't believe he said it."

The rest of the mages burst out laughing at the ridiculous situation the Fire Dragon Slayer put himself into. Even Crime Sorciére started getting in on the prank pulled.

"I wanted to do that for years," Ichigo commented while suppressing his laughter.

"You're going to frickin' pay for that!" Natsu yelled at Ichigo.

"Look out behind you," the elder Kurosaki warned before Kazui came landing in and crashing where Natsu was standing.

Kazui kept on chasing Natsu across the beach like a predator while Natsu ran like prey with his tail between his legs. This kept on happening for about ten minutes before Ichigo called to stop the whole chase.

"How do you feel?" Ichigo asked the fire wizard.

"Afraid for my life!"

"Anything else? How about your breathing?"

"Huh?" Natsu paused for a moment and realized something. "I can breathe normally now!"

"Then we have successfully increased the strength of your soul. With a strong soul, your ethernano absorption would be more stable compared to undergoing Ultear's magic without this session."

"Sweet! So, how do I get inside my body?"

"Visualize yourself merging with your physical body. Once you do, you'll feel a pulling sensation drawing you into your vessel."

Natsu did just that, and finally, he now merged his soul and body once again. "I'm back…and I'm all fired up!"

"Take a rest while I get the others ready," Ichigo told the hothead before looking at the rest of the Fairy Tail wizards. "Who's next?"

A/N: I had a hard time writing the circumstances that led Ichigo and his family into Earthland. I wanted that scene to be something he will never forget and haunt him for the rest of his life and that it will change him to be a more unrelenting fighter. I hope that his origins will be received positively by all readers.

As for the training session, I wanted to give a connection between ethernano and spiritual energy. In a way, I likened it to magnets. In this case, they attract each other, spiritual energy pulling ethernano close to it but never mixing. For the Second Origin thing, the idea of it expanding due to the soul absorbing more ethernano felt like the most appropriate step to take.

As always, leave a comment if you like the story and if you have suggestions for improvement, I'd appreciate it.

Until next time.