Chapter 26: Reunion
World of the Living
(All abilities neutral)
The world was grey. Everything felt grey. Time seemed to pass by incredibly fast and yet, painstakingly slowly. Since that day, nothing seemed to matter. Nothing at all. Not his friends staring at him when he grudgingly attended school, not the constant nagging of his teachers, reprimanding him about skipping classes so often, not the constant talks of consolation he got from Tatsuki, Orihime, Chad and even Uryu, not even the efforts Karin, Kisuke, Yoruichi and his old man put in to make him feel better. He wondered if he was going crazy, because not even his own mind left him alone, constantly nagging him from the inside. Strangely enough, the voice in his head sounded so very similar to his voice. Everytime he heard it, he could almost picture his inverted self's menacing smirk, taunting him, demeaning him for being so weak, saying that he should've just left it all to his instincts. To him. And thinking back, Ichigo wondered if he could've saved Yuzu, if he'd simply left it all to him. Because right now, that didn't seem like a bad idea.
His body felt like a loaded bag, filled with guilt, regret and his own powerlessness. Even his own name wouldn't leave him alone, constantly reminding him of the failure of living up to it. Ichigo, the one who protects. And yet, he let his own sister get abducted. How ironic, he thought to himself. It was the one thing he had to remind himself of his mother and by extension, Ruby. For the two were nigh inseparable. They, who always protected him and looked after him. And yet, he couldn't even save a single girl. Out of the twins, she was the one who bore such a striking similarity to his mother. His sister abandoned them to protect them. Ichigo wondered if he should follow suit as well. But such thoughts would quickly go away the moment he thought about Karin.
Both the siblings would rush out the second an opportunity arrived to go out and fight hollows. Be it in between school, after school, or even when they were retiring for the day. Both as a means to sate the irresistible urge, this itch that ate away at them to do something, anything to try and rescue Yuzu and also as a way to train. And when nothing was out there threatening to end the lives of human souls, they were constantly in training, either against their father, the enigmatic shopkeeper, the flashmaster or in Karin's case, against Ryuken. Something all of them reprimanded them for and yet, when they saw their desperation, there was naught they could do. And yet, what perturbed Ichigo and by extension Karin, was the fact that none of them seemed as bothered by Yuzu's disappearance as much as they were.
And to rub salt in their wounds, she was always there, reminding them of that which wasn't to be. After all, it was Yuzu's soul reaper body that was abducted. Her actual, physical body was still here. And until the time came when she could inhabit it again, it needed to be kept alive. Karin absolutely refused to let Kon inhabit her sister's body, saying she'd rather let Yuzu die pure of body and spirit than let a pervert like him inhabit her body. And so, having no other option, her body was now currently in the possession of the soul candy Chappy the Rabbit, the same one that Rukia had always wanted from Kisuke the first time she arrived here in the World of the Living. Yet another remnant of another person that was no longer around.
Today was one such day. Grudgingly waking up from bed, preparing himself for yet another day of mindless searching, fighting and training.
"Goooood mooorninnnngg deeeeaaaarrrr broootheeerrr!" came a shrill war cry as Chappy landed squarely on Ichigo's chest, knocking the wind out of him.
"UFFFFF!" he gasped as a sharp pain shot across his chest. He witnessed a triumphant, smug grin on Chappy's face as she sat on him.
"Ichi-nii, breakfast's ready. I'm not going to call you again if you don't come down in ten minutes" came Karin's voice form beyond the door. "And don't even try to throw it out again, you'll be eating outside for the next week otherwise" she said. He could then hear her footsteps drowning out as she left. Somehow, in the midst of all this, she'd managed to pull herself together, taking over her own duties and her twin's duties. That's how she was. That's how she'd always been. Even when their mother died and their sister left, the two of them had pulled themselves exceptionally well. And even now, Karin had managed to continue on, steeling herself, doing the best she could to get things going. Heck, she didn't bat an eye when Chappy was walking around in her twin's body, even though that should've felt extremely off to her. Ichigo felt pathetic.
"Indeed you are, Ichigo! If you're so done with everything, why not just leave it to me? Don't worry, I promise I'll be a good big brother to her!" came his voice again.
"….shut up" replied Ichigo grudgingly, pulling the covers off of him.
"Whaaaaaat! I come all this way to wake you up and this is how you greet me? Hmph!" replied Chappy pouting.
"Oh please! You call knocking the wind out of me a greeting?! Get off!" he said, pushing her away from him and straightening his Pjs. Seeing 'Yuzu' behave this was something he never got used to, and day by day, it only served to show that the actual Yuzu was gone.
"Tch, who the hell's 'big bro-"
"Ggooooood moooooorrrrrnnniiiiinnnngg Iiiiccccchhhhiiiiggggoooo!" came his dad's annoying voice as he saw him flying towards him, a kick aimed at his face. Ichigo sighed, nimbly stepping aside and plummeting Isshin down to the floor.
"Guuuhhh! I felt that one! Well done, idiot son of mine!" said Isshin, picking himself up and dusting himself. "Ah I see my cute little daughter already woke my dumbass son up!" he said, his expression completely changing.
"Damn old man.. how may times will it be till you start acting like a-"
"Tsk tsk, slacking off in front of your sister is one thing but I simply couldn't let you embarrass yourself in front of cuties like them" said Isshin, moving aside to reveal Tatsuki with a vein popping in her forehead and Orihime with an apologetic expression on her face.
"Who the hell are you calling 'cuties'!" glared Tatsuki, punching Isshin in face. "And stop leering at her!" she said, stepping in front of Orihime.
"Sigh….sorry about this you guys" apologized Karin. "Ichi-nii's not usually like this, by now he's usually up. Oh, and thanks for knocking the dirty old man, Tsuki-nee. Seriously, its hard to believe he was a captain at some point"
"Aaaaahh Masaki! Your daughter's become even more rebellious after becoming a soul reaper!" cried Isshin comically.
*KAWCHACK!*
The loud whack sounded loud and clear as Karin pounded on Isshin with a deadpanned face, and then dragged him by the ear comically to the kitchen below.
"If you have time to complain to mom, then you have time to help me set up breakfast. Tsuki-nee, Inoue-san, Chappy since you're already here, why don't you join us? You guys can leave to school with Ichi-nii once he's up" said Karin, her voice trailing off.
"Ouchie! That mustve hurt! I was only trying to wake up dear brother, I didn't think this would happen" remarked Chappy with a 'cutesy worried expression', irritating Ichigo even more.
"Tch, she's only like that when she's around me! She's doing this on purpose!"
"I WAS up you know" he replied, irritated. This was the last thing he needed, for all of them to see him in his PJs. "You all needn't have come by just for that"
"Neednt have come my ass, what the hell are we supposed to think when you skip class the moment a hollow appears nearby?! It's a pain in the ass every time we've to cover your scrawny behind" growled Tatsuki.
"Sorry about that, Kurosaki-kun, Chappy-chan, we didn't want to trouble you but Tatsuki just…" started Orihime awkwardly.
"Its fine, it's fine, I was just going to get ready. Go on, I'll join you" suggested Ichigo, walking past them and into the washroom.
"Hey! You still didn't answer my question!" growled Tatsuki, but her cries fell on deaf ears. "Damn, he's always like this" sighed Tatsuki, finally giving up. "Sorry to barge in on you Karin, Chappy, Isshin-san" apologized Tatsuki and they say at the dinner table after being urged by the black haired Kurosaki twin. Both of them waved it off, saying that their visits were always welcome and that it was actually a good change of pace for Ichigo.
"Speaking of which...how's Ichigo..? Is he still?" Asked Isshin.
"Tch. He still bails out the second a hollow pops up somewhere nearby and then continues to hunt for those not even in the vicinity for the rest of the time until his head cools off" scoffed Tatsuki.
"It doesn't help that the soul reaper they put in this place is pretty useless" added Karin, munching on her piece of toast. "At times I really have no choice but to bail out and handle it myself. I really have Chappy here to thank for bailing me out"
"Always a pleasure, dear sister!" She replied with a sweet smile.
"So that's what's been going on huh..." Sighed Isshin. "Well, we can tell him all we want and it's not going to change a damn thing. He's still going to do whatever he wants. Sorry for putting you through all this" apologized Isshin, sighing. "In that aspect, he's a splitting image of his mother. I really wish he was stubborn about things other than this"
"It's alright Isshin-san. It's no trouble at all-" started Orihime before Tatsuki interrupted.
"Don't sugarcoat what's actually happening Orihime, you know it's a major pain in the ass when he leaves whenever he pleases and we've to answer to the teachers for him" she snapped. "Frickin ass, if he actually just asked us..."
"Ah…sorry Tsuki-nee" apologized Karin. "Here's some extra portions from Ichigo's share for all the trouble he's put you through" offered Karin, offering her an extra piece of toast. Tatsuki eyed it cautiously, being vary of Karin's not so agreeable cooking but she couldn't refuse her gesture.
"Tch….you don't have to apologize for his immaturity, Kari" said Tatsuki annoyed, munching on her toast. "Hmm, this is better than your usual attempts!" she said, eating some more.
"Ah…thanks. When she isn't here….it's the only way I can do something" she said with a weak smile.
"You know…the same applies to you too. You don't have to always do everything you know" said Orihime. "If you want, I can always help everyone out" she offered.
"It's fine its fine, it's not too much trouble. And besides, if you did that, then there wouldn't be anything left for me to do" she said almost instantly. "Orihime's cooking is…no no, let's not even go there" she thought inwardly. "This is only temporary after all. We'll soon be able to see Yuzu again. We HAVE been training almost whenever we could for that after all. Soon now….real soon. I'm sure we'll get her back"
Noticing the dip in the mood, Tatsuki instantly changed the topic to something more monotonous and small talk. True, it wasn't just Karin and Ichigo overworking themselves. She felt almost hypocritic saying it to the Kurosaki siblings. For she herself was no better, going over to Urahara store almost everyday to train with Yoruichi.
At first, she wondered why powerful soul reapers such as Urahara, Yoruichi and Isshin wouldn't just storm Hueco Mundo to bring back Yuzu. Surely if they had a little help from the Soul Society (which was something they promised anyways), they could rescue her right? She thought. But she was wrong. She'd underestimated the sheer magnitude of such a thing.
"There are so many hardships here that it's not even funny" said Urahara, sighing. "First off, she's with Aizen. A soul reaper who single-handedly thwarted the Soul Society and us by extension for almost a century. Next, he's in Hueco Mundo. A place that's enemy territory and a place where positively oriented powers like those of Soul Reapers and Quincies are dampened. Heck, it's even poison for Quincies"
"Then! What about Yuzu!? She's half quincy right…?!" asked Tatsuki frantically.
"True. But that might just be what saves her. If she was a pure Quincy, this would've been lethal. I imagine that's exactly what Aizen also thought when he abducted her. But the most challenging aspect of this task is the location. Hueco Mundo is stupendously large. And filled with nothing but vast deserts of white sand and no other structures whatsoever. This would make looking for a needle in a haystack child's play. We have no idea where to even start. Given that the number of landmarks in Hueco Mundo to position yourself is almost nonexistent….well, you know where I'm getting at. Imagine invading a country when they have home ground advantage with just a handful of soldiers, all to rescue a single person" he explained. "I'm sorry, there really isn't much else that we can do. In fact, I'd say that you kids are already doing much more for your age than you should be"
And that was that. Tatsuki had no real answer after his argument, and she realized, neither did the adults. But they were being calm about it, thinking, strategizing and cooperating with the Soul Society, doing whatever they could to maintain a calm and collected persona in front of them. But it still didn't help calm her nerves everyday as she was nonchalantly attending school while knowing that the real Yuzu was out there somewhere in a place where she was never meant to be. Tatsuki had no siblings of her own, but having grown up with the Kurosakis, they were no less than family to her.
Soon breakfast was done, and Tatsuki, Orihime, Ichigo, Karin and Chappy left together for school, with the teens going their own way and the twins leaving their separate ways. Yet another day that would just pass by with Ichigo ditching class as usual and Tatsuki, Chad, Orihime or sometimes even Uryu having to explain why Ichigo took so many 'bathroom breaks'. Yet another day when Karin and 'Yuzu' would continue on like nothing ever happened, but always keeping an eye outside for the random occasional hollow that might wander into their vicinity. Yet another day where Tatsuki lay there, pretending like nothing was awry despite not knowing the hardships Yuzu was no doubt facing back in Hueco Mundo. Yet another day she'd spend worrying about her family.
Or so she thought.
It had only been a little more than an hour since they'd arrived in school. When all of a sudden, a massive, torrential spiritual pressure hit them. The pressure was so massive, that Orihime, Chad and Tatsuki actually faltered, struggling to maintain their footing when the pressure suddenly hit them.
"Wh...what the hell…..?!" exclaimed Tatsuki, shivering.
"It's…." stammered Orihime, following suit.
"This spiritual pressure…..there's something strange about it" noted Uryu with a serious expression. "And the intensity of it…this is really bad...!"
"Ah dammit, he's at it again…!" cursed Tatsuki, watching Ichigo rise from his desk and making his way towards the exit.
"Not so fast, Ichigo! Class has hardly started and you're already…!" the teacher stopped mid sentence after watching his expression.
"Bathroom break. I wont be gone long" he said in a low voice.
"Su…sure" was all the teacher could manage to mumble before he went out. Never in her entire life had she felt this scared for her life by a highschool student.
"That idiot…." Growled Tatsuki, facepalming herself, running after him. Orihime, Chad and Uryu followed suit, saying that Ichigo had been sick for the past few days and that they needed to look after him.
"Can I see your Zanpakuto?" asked Ruby curiously. Yuzu blinked, as if she didn't catch what she heard the first time.
"I just realized…..that Ichi and Kari are probably in school right now. Honestly, you should be too. But considering the situation, I thought this might be better. I could still take you home, Isshin-san is probably still there. Or maybe Yoruichi's place…ahh now that's tempting!" thought Ruby with a grin. "But…..I just wanted to take the time to show you around. Maybe it helps in jogging your memory. But before all that….I really want to see….can I?" she asked once more, tilting her head.
"Umm…yeah sure" said Yuzu, showing her the small dagger with the wheat colored scabbard.
"A dagger….how fitting for someone like you. And the guard….a jasmine…? Ah I see…..how wonderful" she said, narrowing her eyes. "Do you know its name? Can you release your Zanpakuto for me?" she asked.
"Yeah…his name is Mangetsu. Shroud, Mangetsu!" The dagger morphed into the familiar bladeless ring zanpakuto. "I know it doesn't look like much but.." She was interrupted midway when Ruby nodded her head.
"Nonsense. This is a truly wonderful weapon. I'm amazed" she said, examining it closer. "I imagine reishi pours out of the groove here" she said, running her hand across the circumference of the ring. "Possibly to form some sort of blade. This weapon is a really shy weapon. One that wont show its fangs unless compelled to….am I right?" she asked. Yuzu was speechless.
"Y…yeah…amazing…you could tell…." Said Yuzu in awe. "But rather than a blade, if I do this" she said, pouring her reishi into her blade, forming a spinning blue shield. "I can form a shield" Ruby's eyes were sparkling at the sight.
"A reishi shield! Amazing!" she said, awestruck. "Truly, a blade fitting the person. 'Shroud' eh? Really, the fact that a Zanpakuto mirrors their owner is just….magic" she said talking to herself. "This is an amazing weapon. You must never think little of him" she advised Yuzu, handing back Mangetsu. "He's the one who'll always be with you, no matter what you go through or what happens. Never forget that" said Ruby, rubbing Yuzu's head.
"Alright, I wont….thank you" she replied.
"Ah…how nostalgic" said Ruby Rose to herself with a satisfied smile to her face. The 5th Espada was walking along the streets of Karakura town, holding Yuzu's hand and admiring the various things she came across. "It's been so long…" she said to herself.
"Onee-chan….?" Called out Yuzu, tilting her head.
"Ah, sorry sorry" chuckled Ruby softly. "I got lost in my own thoughts. So I just wanted to take the time to show you around. This is where you live you know?" she said. "I still remember. I used to take you guys quite often to play. Little Tsuki would come along as well. Your siblings would often get carried away to the point of getting all dirty and muddy while you would stay put in the sidelines most of the times. Whenever Tsuki got mad at Kari or Ichi, they would always come running to me. Fu fu fu!"
"This is…..my home….?" Asked Yuzu uncertainly.
"Yeah. Does anything come to mind?" she asked. Yuzu nodded in the negative. Ruby raised her eyes disheartened, but almost immediately sighed, returning a smile. "It's alright. It'll come to you soon enough. Anyways, this is a sweet shop I used to go often, glad to know they're still around! Ah! That one's an amazing place to eat! And the view is great too! And right around that corner is where Masaki first brought me clothes!" And on and on she went, reminiscing about her past, all while taking Yuzu along. Nobody batted an eye at the curious duo, for none could even see them in the first place. Yuzu was uncertain at first, feeling completely out pf place in a place like this. But as they walked more and more and as she heard Ruby show her around more, she eased up, even coming to enjoy their solitary stroll together. Deep within her, it felt so natural, that doing these with her was just so right. Even more so than her duties as a Soul Reaper. But Yuzu also noticed that as time passed by, Ruby's voice became more and more distant, almost as if she wished she hadn't done all that she did so far. Almost as if…she was talking about things that could never be rather than things that were.
"There's one last place…..I wanna go to" said Ruby, bringing Yuzu along to a nearby park with a few concrete pipes stacked at one end of the park while the other faced the street. It was large enough that a small group of kids could play here. Ruby went and promptly sat at the top of pipes, closing her eyes and reminiscing about something.
"Just like this…everyday, I used to watch the four of you…..just like this" she said with a touch of sadness. "Here" called Ruby, waving at Yuzu with her hand. Yuzu took a seat right next to her, and Ruby put her arm around her shoulder, tilting Yuzu's head against her shoulder. Yuzu didn't know why, but staying there like that, leaning against her, amongst the scent of roses and plum blossoms that came from her and watching the street in front of her tugged so heavily at her. She could feel a single tear escape her eyes. Almost as if she'd been waiting for this for years.
"What's wrong…?!" asked Ruby, concerned.
"No….it's nothing….ah I don't know why but I just….." she sobbed "It feels like I've been waiting for this for a long, long time…" she said teary eyed. Ruby gripped Yuzu's hand tighter.
"Oh Yuzu….….I'm…..so, so sorry…." Was the only thing she could manage to get out.
"No no….please, it's alright" she assured. "I'll be fine. It's just that I just had that feeling…being with you, Onee-chan. But really, I'll be fine" she assured once more, smiling. "But if it's alright, please….let me stay like this for a while more"
"Of course….I'd like that too…" she said.
But no sooner had she mentioned that, a sudden spiritual pressure disrupted the duo. Yuzu immediately shuddered, gazing at the direction she felt the presence.
"This spiritual pressure…the way it feels….arrancar…?!" she exclaimed. Indeed, this pressure felt so very similar to Ruby, Harribel, Nel and the others and yet, compared to their reiatsu, this one was so weak. But even so, it was way beyond her own capabilities. She shivered at the thought. But Ruby was having a completely different reaction.
Because she'd never imagined that she would sense this spiritual pressure the same time she was here after six long years, in the same town nonetheless.
"…."
"Onee-chan….?" Called out Yuzu, sensing that Ruby's expression and demeaner had completely changed. She could feel Ruby's hand quivering.
"…I'm sorry, it seems like there's something I need to handle first. But this time….I wont leave you. Let's go together, shall we?" she said, offering her hand once more, with the same smile as before. And yet, Yuzu could tell that it was not.
"Yeah" she nodded meekly.
"Stay right beside me" she said. "I'll….its nothing to worry about. I'll keep you safe. And no matter what happens, please don't let go of my hand" she requested.
Their expectations and been off. Much more so for Ichigo and Karin than the rest. They stood there, mouths agape and they started at the gargantuan.
"Ahh...I remember the two of you...! You were there...! With that bastard...! I don't see the other one..." He thundered.
"It's...you!" Snarled Ichigo, drawing his Zanpakuto.
"Grand Fisher..." Growled Karin in a similar manner. "somehow he's become even uglier..."
"Grand Fisher...you mean he's the one that killed...?!" Asked Tatsuki, clenching her teeth. Karin nodded.
"What the hell is he...?! A hollow? A Soul Reaper...?! Somehow, I get both spiritual pressures from this guy..." Noted Uryu.
"You're correct, vermin...See this mask….?! And this Zanpakuto…..? I am indeed Grand Fisher now reborn as an arrancar...with this power...I can pay you back for the humiliation the three of you put me through...!"
"A mask….and a Zanpakuto…?!" rasped Ichigo, wide eyed. He knew something felt unsettling the moment he felt the spiritual pressure. When his friends had sensed the spiritual pressure, they felt what most would expect of them; apprehension and fear. However, Ichigo felt familiarity. Because it reminded him so much of that guy. Aizen's words from before he left resonated in his mind.
"…the soul reaper HAS to become a hollow. Or, a hollow can become like a soul reaper. Either way, what is required is the removal of the boundary between the two opposite existences…." And it appeared as if he wasn't the only one that made that connection.
"Is this what Aizen meant…? A hollow….becoming like a soul reaper….This spiritual pressure…..its even stronger than some of the captains…" said Uryu nervously. "And it doesn't even compare to the menos….you're telling me a hollow can become this powerful by becoming an arrancar?!"
"Menos….? Don't even compare me to trash like that. I'm at a completely different level now. After all, I was already powerful as a hollow and with Shinigami powers, I feel invincible! See….?!" He roared, drawing the massive Zanpakuto on his back. The thing was the size of an entire building. "It's clear that your power puny power is no match for my Zanpakuto. The size of a zanpakuto matches one's power. It's clear who's the victor here!" Chad readied his Brazo Derecha de Gigante, and Orihime poised herself, ready to materialize her Santen Kesshun to shield them from harm. Tatsuki materialized her flames and Uryu already had his bow alight, and Karin and Ichigo drew their Zanpakutos.
"Unveil, Shingetsu!" Her zanpakuto transformed into the familiar triangular blade.
"Ichigo! We cant have him swing that thing, it'll cause massive damage around the area!" alerted Uryu. But that was clearly easier said than done. This hollow's…..no, this arrancar's spiritual pressure was immense. And they were at a disadvantage. They cared about collateral damage and this guy obviously didn't. Which limited their movement and how much they could retaliate. And arrancar…..a hollow that crossed over to gain Shinigami powers. It sounded so impossible, so unnatural. And yet, the spiritual pressure said otherwise. Plus, given the situation, none of them had enough time to ponder over it. They needed to get over the current ordeal first.
The most optimum way for this to end would be for Ichigo to go Bankai to finish him off while the rest of them supported him. Orihime by shielding anyone who was about to get hit, while the rest focused on offense. And so, Uryu proposed his plan to the rest, which was unanimously agreed upon.
However, Grand Fisher's end was not going to come about from their hands. For no sooner had they decided to act, both parties were interrupted by a new arrival.
"You wont take anything else from me ever again" came a feminine voice. "You have some nerve showing your face here, in this ugly form in the place where she lived. But thanks…with this, I can get over one of my regrets". Their thoughts were interrupted when someone jumped in front of them, wearing a dark colored hood and cloak. It was hard to make out her features, considering her cloak. But the one thing that was clearly visible was the katana in her left hand. And that her reiatsu was massive, much more than Grand Fisher's and far more unsettling and eviler than his ever was.
"What sickening reiatsu…." Gagged Uryu, covering his mouth. "And that spiritual pressure…there's no way we can…"
"I feel nauseous….." said Karin.
"…..I don't know who you think you are but I have no interest in you. I'm only out for those two, so don't get in my way unless you want to be killed" he thundered. But he was only met with a light chuckle. Ichigo, Karin and even Tatsuki had no idea why, but there was something about her voice. It sounded…..familiar. Nostalgic even. But they, along with their companions watched in silence as Grand Fisher raised his hand, having drawn his Zanpakuto and intending to swing it down on her. But then…
*BZZT!*
*BZZT!*
One second the mysterious woman was right in front of them and the next, she was 'standing' right in front of Grand Fisher's face.
"You took the words right out of my mouth" she said, before stabbing her katana right into Grand Fisher's eye, in a moment faster than they could blink.
"UR….URRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHH!" came the deafening cry from the gargantuan arrancar, as he frantically tried to 'rub' his eyes. But she hadn't removed her sword. Instead, she held it in place, a crimson light charging around her sword. There was a moment's pause where all seemed to freeze in place. And then, a brilliant beam of red light shot forth from her sword, going clean through Grand Fisher's head. The crimson beam continued on towards the sky, leaving a gaping hole where Grand Fisher's head was just a moment ago as the rest of his body started to disappear. The mysterious woman then sheathed her sword.
There was a stunned silence as the onlookers watched everything transpire before them.
"She just…took out that arrancar so effortlessly…." Stammered Uryu. "Careful, it could still be an enemy!"
"Who…..who the hell is….?" Asked Tatsuki, still keeping her arms poised.
"And that speed….I couldn't see it at all…." Said Karin, gripping Shingetsu tighter. "But…if she's really our enemy, we might as well give up….there's no way we can take one someone who just took out that guy in less than a second.."
"Since she killed the arrancar…..doesnt that mean she's on our side…?" asked Orihime.
"…..I wouldn't count on it completely. It could be anything….." said Chad.
Just then, a few more figures arrived at the scene.
"Dad! Mr. Hat and Clogs! And Yoruichi….you're all here…?!" exclaimed Ichigo.
The trio witnessed the scene, with the children standing agape and the woman with the dark cloak standing in the sky with her back turned. They needed but one second to gauge the situation.
"…I thought it might be you…so, you really are back….." remarked Isshin, looking at the woman.
"Looks like we missed the party.." added Kisuke. "So it was your reiatsu I sensed after all….welcome back…" he said, unfurling his fan.
"Wait, you know this woman, Mr. Hat and Clogs?" asked Karin.
"…Dear gods…you have no idea how happy I am to see you…it's been so long…" said Yoruichi in a melancholic tone, one they'd never heard her use.
Whoever she was, clearly the adults knew her. More like they were really familiar from the tone of their voices. But Ichigo, Karin and by extension Tatsuki had to wonder. Because their dad/Isshin seemed to know this woman quite well. And considering they'd lived with him all this time, who could it be..? Whoever she was, her power was way beyond anything they could fathom. And such evil reiatsu. It still sent shivers along their spines. They turned to look at the woman.
The woman stood there, looking up, immobile. She said nothing nor did she even look at them. She seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, evident from the low whispers coming from her.
Ichigo raised Zangetsu, pointing it at her, a bit more confident knowing that the adults were there with them to support them in case things went south.
"Who are you…?" he asked cautiously, furrowing his brows.
And then the woman turned, lowering her hood.
"!"
Ichigo's expression morphed from confusion and suspicion to one of utter disbelief and shock. His arm slowly fell limp, and Zangetsu fell from his hands with a dull thunk. Karin's eyes were as wide as dinner plates, her mouth agape. Tatsuki slumped to her knees, the flames disappearing from her costume. Orihime flinched. Chad and Uryu were surprised when they saw the woman's scarred face.
Standing before them, was a woman in her twenties with short dark hair and red highlights, dull silver eyes sharply focused at them, the upper half of a cheetah's skull on her face. But what stood out most, were the numerous burn-like scars on her face, like a terrible disease.
"Nee…..san….."
Nobody said anything after Ichigo called out to her in such a familiar fashion. The woman too, didn't particularly react to Ichigo. Instead, she was slowly making her way towards them.
"Nee-san…..? Don't tell me…..that's….!" asked Orihime astonished. She knew about her after all. She may not have been with Ichigo as long as Tatsuki had, but they had known each other for a long time. And Tatsuki would often talk about her too. But seeing her in person, like this, had a completely different feeling to it.
"Nee-san? What do you mean by that, Kurosaki?" asked Uryu. But there was no response. It was as if he was too stunned to move.
"Is that…..really you….aneki…?" asked Tatsuki with a quivering voice.
The woman was now right in front of Ichigo, Karin and Tatsuki. And then, with one sweeping motion, she pulled the three of them into a big embrace.
"!"
"Ichi…..Kari…..Tsuki…" she whimpered, hugging them tighter. And that was all they needed to hear from the woman to know that it was indeed their beloved sister. For she was the one….who would always call them that way.
"Ah…..!" gasped Tatsuki.
"Ruby…nee…..! It really is….!" Cried Karin, hugging her back. She, who could shrug off most things without letting them affect her too much now had her floodgates open.
"Nee-san…..is it really….?!" Exclaimed Ichigo, still shivering, still in utter and complete disbelief. It was simply too much. Too much to handle, too much to take in all at once.
"Oh…..oh gods….I…..I've missed you…for so long….…I'm so so sorry…" she continued. They could tell that Ruby was tearing up.
"What's going on….?" Asked Uryu, confused. "Is she really Ichigo's sister…? I know Ryuken told me about her, but this…..I never expected something like this"
"I wonder why…even though she has such an unsettling presence, I don't feel scared at all" said Orihime.
"Nee-san…is it really you…?!" asked Ichigo once more. She let go, looking at them with a pained smile.
"Yeah…." She replied. "I'm so, so sorry that I've been gone for so long. But I'm here now, after all this time" she said.
She then turned to the adults, who were watching everything unfold. She then practically ran to them. To Yoruichi in particular, practically tackling her into an embrace.
"Yoruichi….!" She cried out "I've missed you…."
"Me too kiddo…you have no idea how happy I am to see you after so long" she said, rubbing her head and drawing her in close to her chest.
"Has anyone seen her act that way before…?" asked Chad, confused. Orihime and Uryu nodded in the negative. Ruby then eased herself, looking at Isshin and Kisuke.
"Isshin-san….Urahara-san…" she greeted.
"Whaaa? You come back after so long and only Yoruichi-san gets all the hugs? I'm sad..!" replied Isshin with a corny look. But no sooner had he said that, Ruby put her arms around Isshin just the same.
"Awe…now you're making me embarrassed" he replied, but he had a dreamy look on his face all the same. Yoruichi coughed sharply at Isshin, following which the look disappeared. Kisuke chuckled at the scene, amused. Ruby then turned towards her bewildered siblings.
"I'm sure…..you have a lot of things you want to ask me" she said, almost looking away sadly. "As much as the mountain of things I wanted to talk about. But there's a more important reason for my visit" she said, looking at Urahara.
"An important reason, Ruby-chan? Don't tell me, it concerns Aizen…?" asked Urahara, alerting those nearby. But Ruby nodded her head.
"Well, not exactly but this is something more important. I think it's better you see for yourself" she said. Following that, Ruby went over to the other end of the street, shortly emerging with another figure, who was almost clutching on to her, only peeking out from her side.
"I…..I don't believe it…!" exclaimed Uryu.
"Yuzu….chan….!" called out Orihime.
The wheat haired girl was one that the adults were surprised to see but had somewhat anticipated. Ichigo and the others however, were completely taken aback.
"Yuzu…..!" called out Karin weakly.
"So….you really did find your way to her after all…..damn, it's like Masaki still lives on within you, even after all this time, Ruby…" called out Isshin.
"You were with Aneki….all this time…?" asked Tatsuki, equally shocked. Ichigo was utterly dumbfounded, slowly making her way towards her.
"Yuzu….!" He called out slowly. "Yuzu…! Yuzu…!"
Again, and again and again. He reached out to her with her outstretched hand, not even noticing her apprehensive looks as she shied away from his hands. Karin was the next one to follow, closely followed by Tatsuki and then the rest.
Ichigo and Karin reached out to her, but she then immediately pulled back, hiding behind Ruby once more.
"Wh…what's wrong, Yuzu?! Are you hurt somewhere?!" asked Ichigo.
"You had us all so worried you know? Ichi-nii's been skipping school so many times because he couldn't cool his head after you were kidnapped. Who would've thought you'd be with Ruby-nee?! Ah….there's just so much happening I cant even process everything" said Karin. "Come on, let's get you back to your…?"
"I…I'm sorry but…who are you people…?" she asked meekly.
"Wh…what do you…?" asked Ichigo, his smile wavering slightly.
"I know, you're probably trying to lighten the mood a bit aren't you? Knowing you, you were probably worried how much we would be worried after Aizen snatched you in the Soul Society. But it's alright, I'm just glad you're fine. Let's get you to your body first. Chappy's been keeping it well, be sure to thank her later" said Karin. But she still watched them with vary eyes.
"I'm really sorry, but I really don't know who you are…" she replied again with pleading eyes.
"…Yuzu, you know I never get mad at you for anything. Because you've never given me a reason to, unlike this dumbass here" said Tatsuki, looking at Ichigo. "But I just might if you continued with your little joke. I really have so many questions I want to ask both you and aneki" she said.
"Hold on, Tatsuki" called out Ruby. Then, she turned to Yuzu, looking at her gently. "They're your siblings, Yuzu. Remember? The ones I told you about? Did you..?" she asked, but Yuzu nodded her head.
"She isn't joking" replied Ruby, downcast, looking at Karin, Ichigo and Tatsuki again. "She has no memory of anything that happened after she was brought in by Aizen. She didn't even know that it was him that kidnapped her"
"What…?" gasped Karin softly.
"Lost….her memories..?" repeated Tatsuki distantly.
"Ruby…..are you serious…?" asked Isshin, shocked.
"I'm sorry…if only I had known….." she replied.
Things were really getting chaotic, and tensions were at an all time high. Each one looked as if they would snap in any second. Urahara knew he needed to handle that first.
"My, my, my, what an unexpected turn of events. It would seem that we have a lot of things to discuss and I can see that we all need some time to reconcile. Why don't we meet at my place and go through everything in a calm and composed manner? I'll even put up some tea" he suggested. "I'll let your schools know that you had an emergency, so you needn't worry about that. How about it?" he offered. Though nobody said anything, it was unanimously agreed on by everybody.
The walk to Urahara's place was slow, tedious and painstaking. Ruby absolutely refused to talk or say anything, merely keeping Yuzu close to herself and walking in silence. Ichigo had a million thoughts eating at him. And a lot of whys. Why was she here, now of all times. Why? Why was Yuzu here, with nee-san? Why had she lost her memories? Why did nee-san have a katana, one that felt so much like his own Zanpakuto. Why did she have such evil reiatsu? Why did she disappear, all those years ago, after giving them naught but a vague explanation? And why did his dad, Kisuke and Yoruichi act like this was all within expectations? Likewise, he could tell, that Karin and Tatsuki had similar questions. But for the moment, he could do nothing but follow along silently until the familiar candy store was in sight.
Considering that the space in Urahara's dinky little store wasn't enough to seat the number of people currently present, Urahara decided to bring them all to his underground training room, putting up a temporary place of sorts where they all could sit comfortably while having enough space around them to keep things comfortable.
And so, they were all seated, each one with a difficult, uncomfortable expression on their face, waiting for the other one to start speaking.
"I'll go and put on some tea" offered Tessai, as he always did. Ruby looked away from the questioning and confused looks she got from Ichigo, Karin and Tatsuki. They felt painful and seemed to burn right through her.
"Well then, now that we're all a bit more comfortable, why don't you start, Ruby-chan? I'm sure…you have a lot of things you want to talk about" suggested Urahara. However, she remained silent, as if still pondering on how to start.
"Umm…..if I may ask, Ruby-san…." Started Orihime timidly. "Your face…..those scars…..maybe I should have a look at them. I can heal them" she offered, but Ruby nodded her head.
"Thank you. But these scars are not injuries. I've had them for as long as I can remember. But they don't bother me. Still, I really appreciate your kindness" she replied with a smile. And then things were silent once more. Orihime felt she stepped out of her line, asking something that might have been a personal question to someone she barely knew.
"Sheesh, we'll never get anywhere like this" said Yoruichi exasperated. "I understand why the mood is so heavy here, but come on. Personally, I cant wait to take a nice long bath in the hot springs like we always used to. Especially since you're here after so, so long. Why don't we start right now? There IS one right here after all" she chimed in a mischievous way, even pulling aside her orange robe a little.
"Wh..what?! Have you forgotten that we're still here!" asked a flustered Uryu, referring to himself and the other males in the vicinity.
"For once, I agree with four eyes here. Show some tact, Yoruichi!" Said Tatsuki.
"Hmmm? So? How does that matter? All you boys need to do would be to move away while we girls have our time. Or maybe...don't tell me you actually hoped to join in as well? Go on, admit it. You were, weren't you? Despite your neat appearance, I suppose boys will be boys" she remarked with a naughty smile.
"As if! Don't even make assertions after twisting my statements!" Retorted the Quincy.
"Tch, 'Flash master' my ass, the only thing she's flashing is her-GHWAHGGHH!" cried out Karin as he was pulled into a 'playful death grapple' by Yoruichi.
"Heck...ack...I'm...sorry...I was kidding..." Gurgled Karin as she was continued to be held in place by Yoruichi.
"Pft…..ahahahahahahah! Some things never change, even after many years! Kahahahaha! Really, I think you and mom would get along so well...on second thoughts, having to deal with the two of you..." She shuddered at the thought. "Still, I needed that. Thanks Yoruichi"
"Ah, you give me too much credit. I couldn't compare to Masaki.." replied the flash master, but Ruby nodded her head.
"No, I mean her" said Ruby, showing her Zanpakuto. Yoruichi, Isshin and Kisuke raised their eyes.
"Don't tell me...!"
"Yeah...right after I left to Hueco Mundo, I found...that I was able to speak to mom" she replied.
"You were...?" Asked Yoruichi, wanting to know more details. "And...? What did you?" She asked again, but they were interrupted by Ichigo.
"Wait...wait a minute, nee-san...! What's going on? What do you mean Hueco Mundo...?!" He asked grimacing. "You...you were just a normal human right...? So why...? Why do you have a...a Zanpakuto...?! And Hueco Mundo...what the hell is going on...?!"
"Not to mention…you kinda killed that arrancar like it was nothing…..heck, I knew you were badass, but this is surprising even for me, Ruby-nee" remarked Karin. "I hope you have an explanation"
"...I'll explain everything, in due time" said Ruby, smiling awkwardly when Karin called her a 'badass'. "But you're right. I was getting a bit off track. So why don't we do this" she said. "Ichi...Kari...Tsuki...why don't you all start? In the last 6 years, I want to know. Everything you've been doing. What all you've gone through, and everything you've experienced. Even if it's something small and mundane, I'll be here to listen to it all. And then, I'll have a brief idea of things. I promise, I won't be going anywhere so why don't you do that?" She insisted.
And so, she spent what felt like hours, talking about every single thing, listening and reveling in their experiences and tales, from the smallest things to the biggest events of their lives. Like how Orihime came along to their little group of 4. Their middle school lives. The friends they made there. Isshin's usual antics at home, and how each of the Kurosaki's lived their normal, mundane lives. But Ruby was keenly listening to each word, as if she was listening to one of the best stories Yang would read out to her every night. Responding to them every now and then with sentences like 'Oh, is that so?' or 'Amazing…..I wish I could've seen it' or 'You did? I'm so proud of you!' and other similar such lines. And then, they told her of the fateful day when everything changed. The day when Rukia arrived and the day they awakened their powers as Soul Reaper and Quincies respectively.
"….."
Ruby had gone unusually silent at this point, her expression grim.
"So…it was that long ago…" she said helplessly.
"Aneki…?" called out Tatsuki.
"I'm sorry….I should've been there…I…..no, please. Continue. What happened then?" she asked. And then Ichigo and Karin continued, talking about how that was the beginning of their never ending chronicles in the spirit realm, with Rukia, who was the one who changed their world, filling in the role of a mentor, advisor, friend and elder sister when the situation called for it. And how she practically settled down with the Kurosaki family, helping Ichigo, Karin and Yuzu to cope with hollows, soul reapers and anything regarding the spirit world. Naturally Isshin and Urahara were there too, but it was Rukia who for the most part, could stand at their level, understand them for who they were.
"I see….I'm glad that someone was there for you during my absence. If I ever meet her, I need to properly thank her. Nah, even that wouldn't be enough for what she's done. In a sense, she kept the promise that I made with her in my place. Really…..the only regret I have is not being able to do it myself" said Ruby.
"…where WERE you, Ruby-nee?" asked Karin. "That time…I really thought you'd come back. Both of us did" she said, looking at Yuzu. "And when we fought Grand Fisher and he showed us your face, we learnt tha-"
"Wait, you fought Grand Fisher?!" interrupted Ruby.
"Yeah, but I wasn't strong enough back then.." grimaced Ichigo. "Even with the three of us fighting him, we couldn't do anything….if not for dad…..that bastard killed mom and I couldn't even…!" Ichigo could feel Ruby placing her hand on his shoulder.
"It's alright, Ichi…..it's over. I've taken care of that. He wont ever take anything else dear to me or you guys ever again" she said. "And more importantly" she said, smacking Ichigo with a playful reprimanding smack. "Ichi! Where did you learnt to speak like that! I never taught you to use such words" she said once more with an annoyed pout. "And you too Kari!"
"Owwww nee-san! I'm not a child anymore..!" argued the orange haired soul reaper back and rubbing his head.
"Well, I don't care. To me, you're still my cute little brother and sister who used to run behind me whenever Tsuki punched the heck out of you during kendo practice" she replied, pinching his cheeks.
"Who says I still don't?" asked Tatsuki with a smug grin.
"Urgh, don't remind me, she's just going to rub it in my face late on. But forget that! More importantly, how?! I want to know….nee-san! How?! How could you just fight Grand Fisher?!" he demanded.
"That's…" said Ruby, her expression serious once more.
"Back then…..dad only told us that you left because your reiatsu was so huge that it attracted danger to all of us. It made sense but now that I've seen you kick Grand Fisher's arrancar ass….I really don't know what to think" admitted Karin.
"That's not entirely wrong. Or rather, you really could say that that was the reason I left. I really just wanted you all to live peaceful, normal lives. It was what I promised mom as well. She and I…..never wanted any of you to have anything to do with the spirit world. In the end, technically it was kinda my fault too, for if I had stayed, I could've taken care of you all. And trust me, I wouldn't have thought about it twice. Even now I think about it. But I just wanted to fulfil her wish, as best as I could. Even if it meant I had to leave" she replied.
"Mom's….wish…?" asked Ichigo.
"It's nothing. It's just something she asked me to do long ago. One day, I'll tell you about it. I promise. But for now, please, tell me everything after" she requested. And then, the orange haired soul reaper continued. About how he met Uryu, the resident Quincy.
"You're Uryu….Ishida…? Ishida…?" asked Ruby, raising her eyes. "Pardon me for asking, but when you say last quincy….did something happen to Ryuken?" she asked.
"You know him?" asked Uryu.
"Not personally but I know of him" she replied.
"He's the one who taught us to use our quincy powers Ruby-nee. Yuzu was his favorite though, I always felt I was getting the shorter end of the stick" she sighed. Ruby did so as well.
"Somehow, I'm not really surprised. And I can see why that happened quite clearly actually" said Ruby. "Anyways, what next?"
And then she heard of the various events that transpired after, wherein Tatsuki and Orihime awoke their own abilities, along with Chad. All of which were a consequence of the bait used by Uryu to draw in Ichigo into a match, only for it to end up with them calling in a Gillian. Something which Yuzu, Karin and Ichigo had to work together to stop. With a snap, Ruby turned to face Uryu, her silver eyes glaring at him.
"He..hey! I never meant for that to happen! Besides, I have no idea how that even happened and I've even apologized for it!" said the four eyed quincy.
"Like father, like son, both of you are really stubborn on such things. You were lucky I wasn't there that day" she said with a low tone.
"That comment about my father was-"
"And you!" snapped Ruby once more, looking at Urahara. "How could you just stand there while my darling little siblings were being squashed by a Gillian! With your power, it would've taken you less than a second to handle something like this!"
"~~Oh dear me, I've gone and pissed off Ruby-chan~~" cooed Urahara, hiding behind his fan. "but wouldn't you say that it made them stronger, Ruby-chan? It was training, you know, training. I was standing by to make sure nothing happened after all. Come now, you atleast trust me that much right?" he asked.
"Well, if it was Yoruichi I would have but with you I can never be sure" she said, looking away annoyed.
"~~Aaah you've gone and hurt my poor, poor feelings~~" he cooed, shedding fake tears.
"I agree, I really was bamboozled at the time. Ruki-nee was too" added Karin. "But there was some truth to it. We did grow stronger fighting something that stupendously strong"
"But Tsuki…..in the end, even you….." said Ruby.
"Aneki..?"
"At the very least, I was happy that you were there, supporting them as a normal person, doing regular things and enabling all of us to lead normal lives. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy you became stronger. If anything, I'm happy you stuck with Ichi and the others despite everything that happened. But even so…..I still wanted to remember you as that little girl who I used to have so much fun being around and playing with" she said with a sympathetic smile. Tatsuki looked away flustered.
"I..I'm not a little girl anymore aneki!" she protested with a flush of embarrassment. "In fact, with this, I can catch up to you…! And of course I protected them, they're like family to me after all, same as you!" she said. "Why do you think I've been at Yoruichi's neck all the time?"
"Yoruichi…? You really helped her out?" asked Ruby.
"Yup! After all, I did promise to you before you left right? And it's so much fun to have around as well! Oh oh! And did you know? So there was this dream she had where-"
"ALRIGHT, STAAAP!" roared Tatsuki, practically jumping towards Yoruichi in an attempt to cover her mouth. "YOU PROMISED, YORUICHI!". Ruby watched, half amused and half awkwardly as the two continued to playfully wrestle around.
"I see…it seems I worried too much about all this initially. I should've known you would take care of them even after I left. Then again, that WAS the reason I could still go" said Ruby, placated.
"Yeah. But even they couldn't stop what happened next" she said. And she told Ruby of the time when Renji and Byakuya visited the World of the Living to take Rukia away, and almost killing Ichigo in the process before they left.
"He did WHAT?!" growled Ruby, sending shivers down the children's spines.
"Before you do anything Ruby-chan, it was needed to make sure that the power he absorbed from Rukia-san could leave him so that he could awaken his own powers. Trust me, I really wouldn't have resorted to it unless I had to"
"…."
"I had the same reaction Ruby. Don't be too harsh on him. He's already made amends for that" added Isshin.
"…..fine. If you say so" she huffed, calming herself down.
"Urgh, if that murderous glance was for this, I really wonder what she'd say when we get to that part… gods forbid if Ruby-nee ever meets cherry blossom….sorry Ruki-nee, I really tried but I never knew this might happen….!" thought Karin inwardly.
"Anyways, after that, we just had to go to the Soul Society. Ruki-nee was being sent up to be executed for helping us and it was only us that could help her out. So we went with all of us here, Dad and Yoruichi. Oh and we met our cousins! Dad never told us about them too!" continued Karin, talking in detail about their chance meeting with Kukaku and Ganju, using the canon to invade the walls of the Soul Society and being split in groups only to land in front of different enemies.
"Hi hi! Baldy was no problem, but then Yuzu wouldn't start fighting the other one properly. I really had to coax her hard but she simply wouldn't fight. But….it all worked out in the end though, and I still feel like an ass about it sometimes. It simply wasn't like her to do something like that, and I still scolded her for it" said Karin, sighing.
"I…I fought soul reapers…?" asked Yuzu, shocked that she would even raise her blade against one of her own.
"Sure did. But fought really is a strong word to use here. More like they gave up because you were too stubborn to do anything to them" replied Karin exasperated.
"Is that so….? I'm glad…" she said.
"Truly…..she really is like you in a lot of ways….Masaki.." thought Ruby with a fond expression.
Ichigo then recounted his battles with Renji and Mayuri, one of which was more like a good, solid beatdown between frenemies while the other was outright disturbing and traumatizing.
"It…it was horrible, Ruby-nee…." Said Karin, quivering. "There was blood and guts everywhere…"
"That bastard….he just….his own men….they just….explo…" said Tatsuki, choking mid sentence. Naturally Ichigo didn't leave out the part where his own crazed self made mince meat out of him. Ruby audibly gritted her teeth, the hold on her Zanpakuto tightening.
"Mayuri...Kurotsuchi was it….?" She snarled in a dangerously low tone. A menacing aura could be felt from her. Ruby then got up, slowly walking towards the siblings once more. They couldn't make out her expression. She closed in on them, embracing them.
"I'm sorry…..I know I've been saying it a lot….but words are the only way I can express how sorry I am, for letting you go through all that. I'm sorry….." she apologized, her tone distraught. She then pulled back, looking at Ichigo.
"But Ichi…..you should never have to feel bad about anything that happened. I understand that it might have been overwhelming and I wont ask you to get over that feeling. Because that feeling is what keeps us from becoming like them. Trust me, I'd know. Just like how you should trust me when I say that what you did to him is the not even close to what he deserves" added Ruby with a touch of danger to her tone. "The only thing I regret is that it was you who had to dirty your hands rather than me. Other than that, I don't really see anything wrong with what you did"
"You have no idea….if you were there….you wouldn't have been sane after…" said Ichigo.
"….I don't know about that" said Ruby, almost dismissively.
"What do you mean….nee-san?"
"After all, he's still alive" she said simply, her dull silver eyes looking at them with a blank and cold look. "Something he should enjoy while he's still hidden behind the Soul Society's safe confines" There was a unsettling pause until Orihime continued on, telling Ruby of how their encounter with Shunsui Kyouraku, the captain of squad 8 didn't really go as expected, as in in a negative way.
"Shun-chan…huh…?" said Ruby to herself.
"Shun-chan….?" Asked Yoruichi curiously.
"Ah, nevermind. I'll tell you later. Then?" Ichigo then continued on about how Yuzu, Karin and Tatsuki then ran into Byakuya, who nearly sent them to their makers, only for them to be saved by Isshin and in part by Ukitake.
"Ruby…I know you might be feeling a teensy weensy bit murderous against cherry blossom for daring to hurt your cute little siblings…but calm down….its alright, it all worked out in the end, and besides, things were complicated, and he's also Rukia's brother…..calm down" said Yoruichi slowly, as if pacifying a child whose lid was about to blow any second now. They could see Ruby take in quick deep breaths, with counts in between. She then looked at Karin, Yuzu and Tatsuki apologetically.
"Don't worry…..if anything, I blame myself more than the anger I feel at them" she assured everyone. "But still, if I run across any of them, don't expect me to hold back" she said simply, the finality in her tone indicating that she was steadfast in going through with that, regardless of what anyone says.
"Good grief, at this rate, the entire Soul Society would need to stay away from our Ruby" sighed Isshin.
Following that, things went by quickly, with Karin and Ichigo narrating their experiences with their three day training regimen in between Yoruichi's 'playtimes' following which each one got on with the final stages of the rescue operation; the execution stand, mastery of their shikai, Ichigo learning Bankai, his rematch with Byakuya, which also explained the circumstances of his actions. Something that Ruby cared little for but was willing to put aside for the time being considering everything that this Rukia had done for her siblings. And then came Isshin's own version and his meeting with his old subordinates, which then led to the underground assembly hall where he found Aizen along with Unohana's help.
"Unohana…she's still there then..?" she asked him.
"Yeah..and Aizen too..honestly, I may be rusty, but the bas…..ahem, guy got away without so much as a single scratch. All thanks to his Kyoukasuigetsu" he sighed as he explained the Zanpakuto's frightening ability.
"Ah….so not so different from what I assumed then" remarked Ruby. "Then what happened Isshin?"
Following that, Ruby could guess the rest. Aizen appearing at the hill, confronting her siblings and explaining everything to them, before making quick work of the captains and vice captains and taking Yuzu along with him to Hueco Mundo, even going so far as to throw Ichigo and Karin an invitation to come along and rescue her.
"After that….well, I imagine you know the rest. She somehow found you, and here you are" ended Isshin.
There was a pregnant pause as Ruby was soaking it all in, her world that had changed so much in such a short span of time, all while she wasn't looking. She felt betrayed, cheated that she couldn't be there with them, for them when they were in life threatening situations one after the other. This was exactly what Masaki wanted from her. For them to have someone help them accept the various truths that were thrust upon them. The one single thing she'd ever asked of Ruby. And yet, she'd failed at that too. Sure, there was someone with them, always, to make sure it wasn't completely hopeless. And yet, she wanted to be selfish. She didn't want anyone else to fulfil that role but herself. Because it was the one thing she really wanted to do, for the insurmountable debt of gratitude she owed Masaki.
"There, nee-san, we told you everything. Now it's your turn-" started Ichigo, but then Ruby got up, interrupting him.
"Not yet" she said. "I want to see. I've heard all about it, but I still want to see" she said. "How you've fought, how you overcame your battles, what you've learnt…..show me" she said, her hand on her sword. "You too Yuzu….I want to see"
"Nee-san, you don't mean….you want us to fight you do you…?" asked Ichigo, his eyes wide.
"That's crazy! Why would we ever do that!?" asked Karin.
"Because I simply must know. It's not fair….I didn't even get to see you guys grow up and I agree, it's my fault for not being here. But now that I am, how can I stay quiet when I've heard all that? Don't worry, think of it like a sparring match"
"Still…" said Tatsuki uncertainly.
"I'm sorry, Isshin….Yoruichi…Urahara-san…..can I…just be selfish, just this once…?" she asked. "I know you have a lot of things to ask me but just for a little while.."
"Sheesh, of course you can, and I hardly think that's being selfish" said Yoruichi. "Even I can't resist playing with them from time to time you know, so why would you? They're your darling siblings!"
"Ahaha yeah" laughed Ruby weakly. "But thanks, I promise we'll have a long hot bath after all this, just like old times"
"~~Just try not to make too tease them too much, Ruby-chan~" said Urahara.
"Oy, not you too Mr. Hat and Clogs! Dad! Say something!" demanded Ichigo.
"I don't think I have that option honestly. And besides, what's a punch or two between siblings?" he said casually. "As this shady guy said, just try not to get too carried away"
"This is nuts…"
"Well then, Kari, Ichi, Yuzu, Tsuki….come" she said, taunting them. "How about this? If you agree to have a match with me, I'll tell you what I said I would in the beginning. Otherwise, you can forget about it"
"Hrmm….that's not fair, aneki…" whined Tatsuki.
"….Fine….if it's a match you want nee-san, if it means that you'll finally tell us what happened, then.." he said, reluctantly taking a battle stance. Karin and Tatsuki followed suit.
"You guys should join in as well. I want to see what kind of people my cute little sibling's friends are too. And don't think too much about anything else. Simply focus on me Ichi, Kari, Yuzu, Tsuki. You know I love you guys but that doesn't mean you should hold back. Because…..even if its me, it's a mistake you never want to make" she her ice cold eyes narrowly sharply focused on them, sending them the chills.
They gulped. One who killed an arrancar with such ease, one who had such a disturbing yet soothing presence, one who radiated such danger and yet projected a comforting aura. That is who she was, that was the woman who was their sister, the one they looked upto, the one who was there for them and yet, the one whom they knew so little about. That, was Ruby Rose. And if they had any hope of knowing the woman who was their sister, this was their only way. Perhaps giving in to their request would tell them more about her. After all, Ichigo for one, could always tell. He had a knack for it. And so, he had a feeling that his blade would give him the answers that her words may not.
"Good" said Ruby, welcoming them.
Really, really sorry for the delays but I had good reason for it! For one, I actually was drawing an artwork for how Crescent Rose looks like in this story, you can find it if you google for "Crescent Rose (Zanpakuto Spirit) Bleach x RWBY by sreshtiyer". That is pretty much how I picture her in this story. Hope you like it! That and that I was feeling unwell. So it took me some time to write the new chapter.
Also, something that I felt I should clear up regarding the Aizen vs Ruby fight. The way I wrote it was that it was more of an argument than a fight. Neither was serious and Aizen didn't even attack once. He was completely on the defensive only looking to calm her down. Ruby too, never even used Crescent Rose. So yeah. More on this will be shown in the next chapter.
I'll try my best to put out the next chapter as soon as I can.
Response to reviews:
Spellflame: Eh, kinda. To be fair, cannon never explained it but its not surprising if you consider that when Aizen wants something done, he gets it done. He did say that he modified it for his purposes.
Argorok: Thanks a lot! She will, but when? Time will tell.
AnimeA55Kicker: Yeah true. That was partially the point as well.
L4 of the WEST: Thanks a lot! And I ended up taking longer than usual this time too, sorry about that!
PanKeRio: As a writer, it makes me really happy to see a reader tell this to me! I agree, you could even say that I tend to overthink a lot of things which do reflect in my writing. Naturally I try my best to make it as much of a good reading experience as I can for the readers. I still have a lot of room to improve and I'll definitely continue doing my best with each chapter. Really glad you liked my writing, and hope you will continue to do so in the future too!
Misaka Phenex: Well, true. But people make mistakes now and then. That's just how it is. Especially when one's loved ones are concerned. This is especially true of Ruby.
Kragh: You're welcome!
C3l3st14: Very interesting. The chains are definitely something that portray the hell aspect of Crescent Rose. But I really do like your idea. The sins powers reminds me of Sans's Karma ability. But of course, we still haven't seen her full power yet, so anything could happen!
firewyrm2: Glad to know things are better now. As you saw, this is how it went and it continues on in the next chapter.
Cyan-Snake: Well, people make mistakes, even Ruby. Especially considering that she's very protective of family. And that she knows the consequences of not acting in time when she failed to save Masaki. I just felt this is what would've happened. But she did take her to the World of the Living in the end.
Comic: Thanks! As for aura, I don't want to say much now but think of it this way. It was explained in a previous chapter. Rules of remmant and bleachverse are different and hence so are abilities. Aura is basically like reiatsu, which she does have. So in a sense, she is still using it. Just that it functions and works differently.
10: Thanks a lot! And true, one cant just swing a scythe like that and still be called weak. What I meant was that her shtick was mainly speed and not power.
Crimsongear: Yeah true. But what can you say? In that moment of impulse, there were just so many many thoughts in her head. And no, its not her silver eyes. Remember that in Hell, she was basically tormented with illusions and fake realities in the 4th layer. Something that she learnt the heard way to overcome. It was her keen reiatsu sensing that did it. As for a crossover, we do have a snippet and I'll be sure to post it sometime! Thanks once more!
Vedahzii: Yup indeed, and that's really just what it was. A casual argument more than an actual fight.
Lucian Naruto: True. Barragan would be so badly roasted that even Orihime wouldn't be able to heal that.
Robbie2413: Of course. Neither was serious and at most, it was more of an intense argument than a proper fight. Yeah of course. When the time comes, why wont she show Yang and the others her second home?
Spartastic 4: Umineko is a visual novel, one of the better ones I've read but confusing as heck too at times. Nah, I wouldn't really say she's that powerful. Neither was really fighting, and Aizen didn't even attack her. He was only fending off her attacks, trying to calm her down. They were having an intense argument rather than trying to kill each other. Thanks a lot once more!
michelmmm: Thanks! Hope you liked it!
Xeno01: Hmm, tbh I haven't read Dante's Inferno but some have told me that before. Maybe its time I do check it out! I was mostly inspired by Made in Abyss and Doom for Hell. And yeah, her journey's been really arduous and tough. But the end result of it is that she's always been able to pull through. Really glad you like the Soul Society arc and everything else that followed after too. True, she will definitely have a role to play after all this. Because after all, Remnant arc is still some ways to go. And we're still in Aizen arc.
Zifryt: Thanks a lot, hope you like it! And yeah, that really was what I wanted to show, is that neither was really fighting.
OmegaGodzilla 88: Thanks a lot! And yeah, I knew the movie was canon but I thought that version of Hell was a little too weak to be called Hell. So I went with my own, inspired by Doom, Made in Abyss and a couple of other things.
NEGATARO: Thanks a lot as always!
: As always, thanks a lot for the detailed review, always makes me happy reading it! Very constructive, detailed and helps me improve with each chapter. I only wish I could reply as elaborately as well but know that I do take it to heart! Thank you so so much once more!
Guest: Ah, sorry, as I explained, I was a bit unwell and that I was working on a concept art for this story. But its here now!