Chpt 11 - Changes
Ichigo stared at the tall figure before him, his eyes vibrant that seemed to sparkle with a hidden knowledge. His hair tousled slightly and an ever so slight hint of smile adorning his face - this man was no doubt Urahara himself, the mysterious soul reaper.
"So... you are Ichigo and Sayuri." Urahara asked after taking one look at them.
Ichigo nodded slowly, still too stunned to speak out loud. Sayuri simply stared at the stranger before her.
I've been informed of your situation by Rukia and I'm here to offer assistance."
"What would we need help with?" Ichigo inquired with doubt.
Urahara offered his smile. "My goal is to teach you all about being a soul reaper and its duties and responsibilities.
Sayuri was intrigued to learn of what was transpiring; but she asked, "But exactly does that entail?".
"It means that with my help, you two will become powerful soul reapers who can protect your friends and loved ones," Urahara said. "You will be able to use a variety of spiritual techniques, such as manifesting spirit blades, sensing spiritual energy, and even the rare but powerful soul reaper transformation."
"Yet you must also understand the weighty responsibility that comes with being a soul reaper; soul reapers do not possess invincibility, so there exists a risk of danger and death on their path of duty."
Sayuri gasped in surprise.
Ichigo began to object, but Urahara held up his hand. "Don't worry. I will be here to guide and protect both of you and ensure that your powers are used with wisdom and caution," Urahara assured them.
Sayuri smiled warmly and thanked Urahara profusely. "Thank you."
Urahara nodded his head. "Yes. I've been away, but now I'm eager to start training you both. Are we ready?"
Sayuri and Ichigo exchanged glances before turning back toward Urahara and responding in unison: "Yes."
Urahara gave his nod of approval, nodding enthusiastically: "Let the training commence."
Urahara then spent several hours discussing with Ichigo and Sayuri the various aspects of being soul reapers: from keeping their powers and identities hidden to strength and courage requirements of becoming one, spirit classes/reapers classification, potential dangers from dark spiritual power sources as well as other elements related to being soul reapers.
After Urahara had finished speaking, both Ichigo and Sayuri felt as if they had gained an abundance of knowledge. Both felt excited to start their training sessions immediately - something Urahara could detect instantly.
Urahara said, "Very well. Your first lesson will take place tomorrow. I will be here to assist and advise. In the meantime, take time off and prepare yourselves."
Urahara had disappeared back into his house. Ichigo looked over at Sayuri with a smile as they gazed into each other's eyes.
"Think You Are Ready?"
Sayuri smiled back at him and nodded her head, acknowledging that they were both there for each other. "Yes, I am," Sayuri answered him firmly.
•• ━━━━━ ••✾•• ━━━━━ •••• ━━━━━ ••✾••
Training was going smoothly despite Sayuri being at square one with her memories.
Urahara and Sayuri stood on a rooftop under the moonlight, casting shadows onto the walls below them. The air was still and tranquil; only occasionally could one hear rustlings of breeze in the distance from where their city lights illuminated the night sky.
Urahara held his breath, his face unreadable. Slowly kneeling in front of Sayuri, her eyes widening with surprise at what she was witnessing. Urahara held something in his hands as his gaze was strong and sure.
He spoke sternly and authoritatively: "This is yours, Sayuri." As he approached her with his gift - an elaborately decorated katana complete with intricate etchings and embellishments on both its hilt and scabbard - they exchanged looks.
Sayuri's breath caught in her throat as she took hold of the sword in both hands and felt its weight and warmth radiating off it.
Urahara continued, "This is Aazessai, your zanpakuto. When your memory faded away, I took her from you but promised to return her as soon as you could recall who you were; now seems like an ideal time though."
Sayuri was struck by Urahara's undying devotion.
"Thank you," she remarked softly.
Urahara stood up and took two steps backwards.
"Urahara smiled back and replied: "However, please understand I am more than just your mentor - in fact I knew both of your parents, they made me your godfather when you were born."
Sayuri's eyes widened with surprise at Urahara's nod of recognition and smile; her expression changed dramatically again as Urahara smiled without comment.
Sayuri nodded her head slowly, her emotions shifting between joy and mystery. As she looked down at the sword she held in her hands, she sensed a peculiar aura emanating from it - She sensed its power as well as any hidden mysteries it held within it.
Sayuri looked down at her sword with renewed appreciation. Her fingers ran over its intricate engravings and embellishments, providing a source of comfort in an object she held so dear.
"Aazessai," she whispered softly as her name of her zanpakuto was revealed. A strange and powerful energy enveloped her, like some long-forgotten memory just out of reach.
Sayuri turned back to Urahara. His dark eyes studying her intently. He had been observing her for some time now.
"What are your thoughts?" he asked softly, his voice smooth and steady.
Sayuri suddenly felt her heart race as she remembered what he had mentioned earlier about her parents.
"Well," she began, her voice barely audible above a whisper, "I'd like to know more about my parents and background. What can you tell me?"
Urahara took a moment before answering. "Haven't you gained your memories back yet?" he questioned.
"I can't recall much," she replied slowly with her gaze cast downward, "but lately, I have been having these bizarre dreams of an unknown place that could possibly be home. Perhaps you could help me figure out what it all means?"
Urahara nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving hers; they seemed to search her face as though searching for something hidden within.
After some silence, he spoke: "I can't promise you anything; that isn't my place; but I can offer some advice."
Sayuri's heart skipped a beat. "What kind of advice?"
"You must be willing to open your mind and your heart to the possibilities of the unknown," he said. "You must be willing to accept that there are things in this world that we cannot understand. As you search for your memories, you will find yourself on a journey that is both wondrous and dangerous. Be brave, be strong, and never forget who you truly are."
Sayuri's eyes widened at his words, her heart heavy with emotion. She wanted to believe him, but she was uncertain how she could possibly face such a daunting task.
"Thank you," she said softly. She searched his gaze, wondering if she had the courage to follow his advice.
Urahara smiled, gently. "You can do it," he reassured her. "I have faith in you."
Sayuri nodded slowly, feeling a wave of determination wash over her. She had a purpose now, and she was ready to follow it.
"Thank you," she repeated, her voice strong and sure.
"You're welcome," Urahara said. He stood up and motioned for her to follow him. "Come, let's get you home."
•• ━━━━━ ••✾•• ━━━━━ •••• ━━━━━ ••✾••
It was the weekend, and Ichigo and Sayuri decided to take a break from training. Just after walking home from watching a movie, Ichigo heard an odd noise and stopped walking immediately - yet nothing could be seen or felt nearby except an intense spiritual pressure that suddenly appeared.
Sayuri was taken aback when her eyes suddenly widen with terror as she saw a shadow, prompting her to demand an explanation as it passed over them. "What is that?" she exclaimed with shock.
Ichigo responded with, "I don't know," feeling an instant chill run down his spine. His protective instincts kicked in as he moved closer towards Sayuri to protect her from harm.
Ichigo realized the figure slowly approaching was both Hollow and a spiritual force combined; its face contorted into an expression of pain and anger with its white eyes focused directly on Sayuri. She quickly recoiled in fear while experiencing sharp head pains that caused her to gasp for air and breathe harder than normal.
Sayuri was left speechless as she collapsed to the ground unconscious.
Ichigo quickly grabbed Sayuri into his arms while the Hollow was screaming with fury before gradually subsiding and ceasing any attacks against them. With that accomplished, Ichigo took a deep breath confused at what just happened before looking down upon Sayuri who now lay peacefully within his embrace.
He carefully removed some hair from Sayuri's face before gently hugging her tighter, whispering "it's okay, Sayuri", until her eyes opened, and she gazed upon him with an uncertain smile.
"I'm fine," she replied quietly, her voice still quivering slightly.
Ichigo smiled as he helped her up. With his arm around her shoulders, they slowly started walking.
Sayuri was visibly confused at what had just transpired and inquired "What happened?" with wide-eyed wonder.
Ichigo hesitated for a moment before uttering, "It was a Hollow." His voice barely audible.
Sayuri nodded as they continued walking silently. Ichigo knew this would only be the start and that their lives would change significantly from here on out; he saw the fear in Sayuri's eyes just like he felt it himself.
