Here's the next part of the 3-Chapter starter package for this story.
Date of update: 1/7/25
Chapter 2
Missing Pieces
Yusuke awoke the next day in his room. Everything was as normal as ever…except for the soreness and aches he was feeling. It had been so long since he'd used his Soul Reaper powers that his entire body was out of tune with them. He thought his human body wouldn't feel the effects his spirit form would but he was so wrong.
He looked at the time. It was 7 in the morning. Yusuke was about to go back to sleep until he recalled that he had a new housemate.
He inspected his house first, ensuring that everything valuable was where it was supposed to be before making breakfast. He enjoyed cooking. He just wished he could get a hold of more diverse and authentic ingredients rather than imitations.
As he cooked breakfast, he heard Ingrid exit her room. She entered the Dining Room, still in the same clothes she'd slept in.
"Good morning." Ingrid's tone was more casual and softer than before.
Yusuke wondered if she was more willing to trust him now. To be frank, he didn't care as long as she didn't shoot him while his back was turned.
"I have a spare toothbrush in the bathroom in the drawer. Why don't you get washed up while I finish breakfast?"
After eating their meal, Yusuke laid out his suggested plan for the day.
"So, seeing as how we can't have you walk around in Quincy clothes, how about we do some shopping?" Yusuke asked.
"I don't have any cash right now." Ingrid replied. She looked mortified just saying that.
"I'll foot the bill." Yusuke didn't hesitate to say that but he wasn't chipper either.
Once again, Ingrid looked at him in bewilderment. It probably seemed crazy. And no, Yusuke knew he wasn't simping or whatever it was that the young people were calling it these days. He just knew that somebody needed help.
Yusuke and Ingrid spent a good chunk of time venturing around clothing stores for her. During that time, he noticed that she was beginning to warm up to him…he hoped. She didn't glare at him, for starters. If anything, she looked neutral so Yusuke considered that progress.
On one stop, Yusuke sat around waiting for Ingrid to finish trying on clothes. He observed his surroundings in that time. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was lurking nearby. It was rather difficult for him to pick out what was going on around him at times.
London wasn't just plagued by Hollows but also 'Dragons'. They weren't exactly like how folklore portrayed them…well, maybe they did. Some Dragons looked like their mythical stereotypes and some didn't. The textbook definition listed them as supernaturally occurring creatures that nearly destroyed Britain centuries ago, thus they were rounded up and managed by the Wing Bind Organization.
The problem Yusuke had was that they exuded negative energy much like Hollows. However, Yusuke hadn't nary an idea of how Dragons felt most of the time. Each one was slightly different from one another. Every now and then, he'd feel a new sensation but he never had an answer as to what it was. Hollows, however, felt like a cold itch on his skin.
"So, what do you think?" Ingrid's voice snapped Yusuke from his thoughts.
She had opened the curtains to reveal that she was sporting a navy shirt with a black jacket. Her new grey skirt reached her knees, leading to the sight of her black boots.
Yusuke found it ironic that she was wearing colors reminiscent of Soul Reapers instead of Quincies.
"I think you look great. Very biker gang." Yusuke nodded.
Ingrid looked satisfied and proceeded to gather her shopping list. Yusuke couldn't help but notice that she'd only grabbed a few outfits, barely enough for a week.
"You wanna get some more? You're gonna be doing laundry twice a week with only that much."
"No, that won't be necessary." Ingrid shook her head.
"I insist. If you're worried about my budget, then don't worry." Yusuke wasn't trying to sound rich since he wasn't, but money wasn't a worry for him, not for the next 2 decades, at least. Not to mention, he had full-time work for the next four weeks.
"Yusuke, we're just strangers." Ingrid softly reasoned.
"But we're not enemies. It's not like I'm gonna hold a shopping trip against you." Yusuke grinned to try and get her to relax.
Ingrid took a deep breath, as if she were relenting against herself. She ventured back toward the racks and settled on a few more outfits before Yusuke paid for them.
"Thank you, Yusuke." Ingrid bashfully smiled as the duo left the clothing store.
"No worries. Now, how about we get something to eat?" Yusuke hated and loved that fact that he always had to get something to eat whenever he went out.
"Uh…" Ingrid didn't look very enthusiastic when the topic of food came up.
"Don't worry, I'm taking us to legit eateries, not those fake 'authentic' restaurants." Yusuke snickered.
He knew that people loved picking on the UK's food. That was why he'd spent so long scoping out which places had legit food. He took her to his favorite Japanese restaurant. It was one of the only places where he could find some kind of connection to his Japanese roots.
Ingrid stared at the menu.
"What should I get?" She looked at him, clearly asking for a recommendation.
"I like the miso ramen. There's just something with how the chef makes it that has it taste better than anything you'd get at the store."
"Sounds good."
Before long, 2 bowls of miso ramen were set down.
Yusuke watched with anticipation as Ingrid took her first bite.
She smiled sweetly the moment the food touched her tongue. It pleased Yusuke that someone liked his suggestion. He could now enjoy his food too.
"Do we have to get ramen this often?" A young lady's annoyed voice reached Yusuke's ears.
"Why not? Besides, it's my treat today." A flatter, cooler woman's voice replied.
"But why Japanese food every time it's your turn, Niiha?"
Yusuke reckoned the conversation wasn't important so he tuned the duo out and focused on his meal.
"So, what do you do every day?" Ingrid asked.
"Summer break's just started so I pick up some more shifts for a few weeks. I just laze around when I'm not working. What about you? What did you do before this all happened?" Yusuke returned fire.
"I was pretty much the same. A year ago, I was just a regular high schooler. I had friends and hung out with them after school. I was even in the top 10 of my year. That all changed when some strangers came knocking." Ingrid's fond smile morphed into a morose frown.
Yusuke could relate quite a bit to her obvious pain.
"Well, at least we're still here, eh?" He wasn't sure what to say. He wasn't that great at spouting wisdom but he felt compelled to say something to her at least.
Ingrid didn't respond and merely resumed eating. Clearly, Yusuke's words gave no comfort.
After lunch, Yusuke and Ingrid made their way home. Staying out for too long was begging for trouble. He noticed that Ingrid was constantly looking behind her shoulder every few minutes. He didn't blame her. Considering the shape she was in yesterday, Yusuke reckoned the past year had been nothing but chaos for her.
He could also feel the negative sensation around him growing stronger too.
"Come on, Ninny!" That cool voice from before darted past him. It was a young beautiful dark-haired girl his age. Now that he thought about it, she was wearing his school's uniform.
"Don't need to tell me!" The higher-pitched girl from the ramen shop was right behind her.
The two disappeared around the corner and into a flash of blue light. When Yusuke and Ingrid passed by the alleyway, the two were gone as if they hadn't gone in in the first place.
"What was that?" Ingrid murmured.
"Don't know. Best not to." Yusuke shrugged.
"Hey, it's You-Suck-Eh." A brash voice hollered from around a corner.
Yusuke clicked his tongue in annoyance. He turned around to see that it was a familiar gang of delinquents from school.
"Come on." Yusuke urged Ingrid away but another few teens were behind them.
Yusuke sighed. He didn't have the patience to deal with these bullies today.
"Got some cash today?" The Head Delinquent held out his hand.
"You already know the answer." Yusuke sneered.
"Easy, man. Don't wanna get roughed up again, do you?" Someone shoved Yusuke from behind.
Yes, it was true. Yusuke never fought back. He was never fond of pointless fighting. He knew that fighting could lead to a landslide of trouble and he didn't want to garner any attention.
"Looks like he has a friend today." Someone leered at Ingrid lecherously.
The Quincy merely glared back. Yusuke cleared his throat and shook his head. No matter how much these asses deserved a beating, using their powers would just attract supernatural attention. Ingrid merely shot him a look of disappointment.
Yusuke stood up and brushed himself off.
"Guys, I'm in a hurry today. I really mean it. There's trouble coming and I think we should all get outta' here."
"Oh?"
"Yusuke…" Ingrid looked at him urgingly. Was he truly not going to fight back?
"You finally gonna stand up for yourself?" Someone slapped Yusuke upside the head.
"If you leave your friend, you won't have to pay up. This would be the first time, actually. Before you'd run away like a bloody shit-faced bloke." The Head Delinquent slapped Yusuke across the face.
'Doesn't matter, jackass. I've taken beatings from scarier people.' Yusuke had to rein himself in. 'Meanwhile, I've got a bad feeling getting closer.'
"I'm sorry, Ingrid…" Yusuke turned toward her.
She looked at him, completely uncertain and even accusational.
"But…" Yusuke gripped her hand and yanked her away with him. "RUUUUUUUUUUUN!"
The two sped off like missiles. Yusuke turned around to give one last warning to his tormentors. Thankfully, that dark feeling stopping trailing from behind and moved away. Hopefully, his and Ingrid's presences would pull that ominous presence away from the thugs. Even if they were idiots, Yusuke felt that whatever was coming was too much even for them to suffer.
"You guys better get outta here! There's gonna be trouble if you stick around too long!"
"Is that really all you're gonna do?!" She barked.
"I don't want people getting close in case things go South. Even if they're bullies, I don't want them getting attacked."
"By what?" Ingrid asked.
"Couldn't you sense it? There's a Hollow nearby. They tend to prey on places with a lot of negative emotion in London." Yusuke explained.
Just as the two entered a more inconspicuous area for a shortcut, Yusuke paused. He could feel a cold sinister sensation looming above. He looked up to see 2 Hollows lunge downward.
"Watch out!" Ingrid yanked Yusuke backward.
Yusuke landed square on his rear to see her trying to form a Quincy Bow from Spirit Particles. Once again, they burst into particles, much to her blatant frustration.
The Hollows descended on her like a pack of lions ready to eat a gazelle.
"Ingrid, run!" Yusuke shouted at her.
Ingrid tried to do just that but she clicked her teeth in frustration. Yusuke could tell from her stance that she was trying to do something like Flash Steps but her reaction made it clear that wasn't going to work.
Yusuke didn't even think and dove at her, earning him a slash across the back. He flinched as the sharp hot pain crept across his shoulder blades.
"You okay?!" Ingrid grimaced as she saw his injuries.
"Come on, get going." Yusuke helped her up before whipping around.
He tried to reach into his pocket but realized that he'd forgotten his Soul Reaper Badge.
"Of all times!" He growled.
As a consequence of his distraction, Yusuke was slammed into a wall by a hulking Hollow.
"Soul Reaper? No…you're odd. Mixed." The Hulking Hollow leered at him like he was a piece of steak.
"This one's different too. A Quincy?" A spider-like Hollow licked her lips.
"Finally, real food. We've been feeding on scraps for weeks. That gang of dumb shits were so gross. At least I won't be hungry for a bit." A third Hollow crept up into the alleyway.
Yusuke gasped lightly at the sight. The 3rd Hollow was still munching on someone, specifically their arm. He recognized the ring on the hand; it belonged to the Head Delinquent from before. They hadn't heeded him at all and that Hollow was too much of a glutton to ignore them.
"Since you ate those kids, we get these two." The Spider Hollow turned back toward Ingrid.
"Stop it!" Yusuke snapped.
He opened his hand to begin casting Kido.
"Bakudo 21: Sekienton (Red Smoke Escape)!" A burst of red smokescreen erupted from Yusuke's hands.
"Damn brat knows Kido!" The Hulk Hollow lost his grip on Yusuke.
"Hado 33: Soren Sokatsui!" Yusuke held his hands together to cast a burst of blue and white Spiritual Pressure at the Spider Hollow.
"Now!" Yusuke grabbed Ingrid by the hand and began running. Each step was painful thanks to the injury on his back but he nor Ingrid were in any shape to be fighting.
"You're not getting away!" The Spider Hollow opened her mouth, spewing 2 tendrils of web that engulfed Yusuke and Ingrid.
"Damn it!" Yusuke tried to wrestle free. Ingrid tried to form a bow in her hands again, just to fail once more.
"I don't like meals that struggle. I'll just eat you now instead of preparing you." The Spider Hollow snarled.
"I'm afraid that won't be happening." A voice came from above.
Everyone looked up to see that it was Urahara. He came down like a guillotine, eliminating 2 of the Hollows with one strike with his sealed Zanpakuto. He turned around toward the 3rd Hollow, who was already running away.
Within the blink of an eye, a blur passed him by before the Hollow dispersed into particles.
Yoruichi was now standing in its place.
"My, my…I didn't expect this to happen." Urahara sheathed his sword. "Let's get you two home."
"There, all better." Urahara had finished wrapping a bandage around Yusuke's torso before he produced a bracelet from the box.
It was rather simple, being a black and white accessory with coiling streams of sapphire on it.
"I asked Mr. Ishida to help out with the design. It should mask the presence of any Quincy. You'll seem like a normal human." Urahara handed the accessory to Ingrid.
"We reckoned trouble would find you two since you don't have Gigai to mask your presence. That device will help you avoid more of the trouble you just endured." Yoruichi elaborated.
"Thanks, you two." Yusuke winced as he put a new shirt on.
Urahara then leaned in to whisper.
"He also said not to disclose your guest's identity to anyone. She's a completely unknown factor that even the Ishida Clan doesn't know about. For better or for worse, we need to keep an eye on her. If you're intent on helping her, then this is the least we can do. After all, you've yet to achieve Bankai nor mastered your other skills."
Yusuke didn't get the feeling that Ingrid had malicious intent but took Urahara's warning nonetheless. He was right. Yusuke wasn't anywhere near strong enough to handle all threats.
"I…don't get you all. Why so helpful to a stranger?" Ingrid called over from the other side of the Living Room.
"Well, maybe I'm just being a good Samaritan. Besides, since Yusuke has chosen to help you, it's sort of my responsibility to aid him. I am his legal guardian." Urahara laughed lightly.
"You being responsible with teens?" Yoruichi cocked a brow at his expense.
"Now, now, I did do alright with Ichigo and his friends. Not to mention Jinta and Ururu." Urahara's grin faltered.
"So, you two are really just hanging out in London? Hell, where're the other employees? How'd you two even find us?" Yusuke finally remembered Tessai and the others.
"Business has been picking up after we introduced some new candy and remodeled. Heheheh! So, Tessai and the others are watching the place." Urahara proudly cackled.
"I see."
"We sensed you when you were firing off Kido. Kisuke and I were nearby since he wanted to see the Dragons firsthand. Sadly, it didn't pan out." Yoruichi was kind enough to answer Yusuke's 2nd question.
"Speaking of business, Yusuke, think you've got some time to spare? I wanted to speak to you in private." Urahara pointed toward the basement.
Yusuke felt sweat already forming on his temple. He knew where this was going.
When the two entered the Underground Training Room, Urahara immediately swung at him with his cane. Yusuke barely dodged in time to avoid a laceration on his nose.
"We're already starting?!" He barked.
"Bakudo 37: Tsuriboshi (Suspending Star)." A splat of blue rubber magic smacked into Yusuke, pinning him to the floor like a web.
"Damn it!" Yusuke tried to wrestle free.
"That was disappointing, Yusuke. I thought I trained you better than this. Even after one of my previous students lost his powers for over a year, he could still do better." Urahara sighed as he walked over with his cane.
"Hado 31: Shakaho (Red Fire Cannon)!" A red ball of Spiritual Pressure tore a hole out of the Kido trapping Yusuke.
"At least you can still use competent Kido." Urahara's disappointed glare softened a little but not by much.
"Training again?" Yusuke whined.
"Indeed. You've chosen to take up a very risky burden. Your decision will just be bluster if you don't back up your words with the strength necessary for them. Your guest is a Quincy and she's clearly at risk and is a risk, herself. Hollows were attracted to her and will continue to pursue her. Who knows what else will come after her. What will you do since she can't fight? Bark at the enemy? Run like you did before?"
"Have you been watching me?!" Yusuke was outraged that Urahara had even done so.
'I'm your guardian. I'm supposed to watch over you but that doesn't mean I'll fight all your battles. I was watching when those delinquents beat you. You didn't fight because you didn't want to. You just took the beatings. You've allowed yourself to be a coward."
Urahara's words cut deep. He was right. Yusuke was already tired after only one night of training. How was he gonna do in a real fight?
"Yusuke, I promised your family that I would help prepare for trouble. I have no intention of going back on my words. Now, are you going to keep running or will you take my test?" Urahara held up his cane threateningly. "Awaken, Benihime (Crimson Princess)."
The cane morphed into the familiar sword with no pointed edge that Yusuke had learned to be weary of.
"Cry, Benihime." Urahara slashed a red wave of Spiritual Pressure at Yusuke.
The teen somersaulted out of the way. Once Yusuke stopped rolling, Urahara tossed his Soul Reaper Badge to him. He knew that with Urahara it was always do or die. He slapped his Soul Reaper Badge onto his chest, transforming his body from human to Soul Reaper.
Yusuke drew his sword and attacked. He swung with the same motion he used to draw his sword but Urahara sidestepped with ease.
"Awfully confident. Not gonna use Flash Steps?" The scientist grinned mockingly.
"Defy, Ransha!" Yusuke's Zanpakuto still wouldn't transform.
"Hm…" Urahara sighed once more. He Flash Stepped backward to gain distance.
Yusuke stood ready against his mentor, gripping his sword tightly.
"I knew your skills had gotten rusty but I didn't think it'd be this bad. Yusuke…can you even hear your weapon anymore?"
"Huh?"
"Can you hear him? Can you even access his powers anymore? Can you hear what he's saying, what he's feeling? Can you use the powers that he's offered you?" Urahara calmly yet sternly glared at him.
Yusuke had to admit it…he couldn't feel the same connection he once had with Ransha. His blade didn't hum in resonance with him. When he swung, there was no battle-cry emanating from each swing. Ransha didn't emanate any of the power it normally would. It felt like any old slab of metal in his grip. It wouldn't even go into Shikai for him.
"As you are now, Ransha is nothing more than a metal stick. For us Soul Reapers, our connection with our Zanpakuto is essential to maximize our potential. You can use Kido, Flash Steps, and Hakuda, but not your sword's power. Yusuke, your words from before really are just bluster now."
Urahara slashed another wave of red Spiritual Pressure at Yusuke, who dodged out of the way.
"You've become afraid. Now that you're facing someone who's an actual threat to you, you can't act as well as you could. You reek of fear. You're afraid of fighting. You're afraid of getting hurt. You don't want to hurt others, either. You're in the middle of nowhere. All of that will kill you. Anyone that you get involved with could be killed by indecision and a wavering heart. You've even given up on hunting for clues for your parents' murderer."
Yusuke hadn't the nerve to talk back because he knew it to be true. He was ready to attack but Urahara eased his stance.
"Yusuke…you've failed my test." Urahara sheathed his weapon away and adjusted his hat. "I'll return in one week. If you fail to pass the retry, then I'll be taking this matter into my own hands."
"Why's that?! How?!" Yusuke asked.
"As of now, Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the Quincies are trying to solidify their treaty. Naturally, there will be discontent. Having Ingrid around as an unknown factor will represent a very real danger to that peace since she's an enigma. You're not competent enough to deal with the trouble that could follow you both and your failure will jeopardize everyone if she proves dangerous. Do you get what I'm saying?"
"…Yeah…I do." Yusuke knew that he saw Ingrid as a stranger too but there was just something deep down that was telling him to help her. It wasn't infatuation or anything like that. It was something else. Sympathy?
"Think hard on what you're missing, Yusuke. Think about your past and what you need to reinforce. You've become aimless and that's no way to live." Urahara patted him on the shoulder as he left.
Yusuke followed him back upstairs and found that Yoruichi was staring at Ingrid at the Dining Table. Ingrid, on the other hand, was awkwardly avoiding eye contact with her.
"Is…something the matter?" Urahara asked.
"No. You two done?" Yoruichi muttered.
"Yes. Like I said, we'll be back in a week, Yusuke. I hope you'll surpass my expectations by then." Urahara promptly left with Yoruichi.
That left Ingrid alone with Yusuke again.
"You okay?" Ingrid asked.
"Yeah…I'm good." That was a lie. Yusuke was feeling disappointed and lost. It was hard to face one's own weakness. Having someone else coldly hold it into his face was even worse.
"How's your back?" Ingrid inquired.
"Healing." Yusuke sighed.
"Do you get attacked often?" Ingrid asked.
"I rarely get attacked since my body is human. As you know, Hollows prefer to go after spiritually aware people since they taste 'better'." Yusuke even air-quoted 'better'.
"I'm sorry." Ingrid looked downcast.
"What for?" Yusuke was perplexed by the apology.
"I'm sure they were following me. Ever since I got to London, Hollows have been approaching me." Ingrid stood up to leave. "It's better if I leave, after all. You owe me nothing after today."
"Hey now, if you're being hunted down by Yhwach's loyalists, then wouldn't it be better if you entered protection through the Treaty? If not them, then you can still stay here." Yusuke didn't know why he was saying all this.
Well, maybe he did. How long had it been since he'd helped someone?
Not just that, but maybe just having someone else inside his home for a change was something he needed. How long had it been since he'd spoken to someone outside of work and school? How much time had passed since the monotony of his life was broken? When was the last time he was finally able to make a difference for someone else?
"I can't trust Soul Society. It's suicide to go to Hueco Mundo. The Human Realm has no influence on the Spiritual. That being said, staying here also puts you in danger."
"My home has barriers and other measures to keep it hidden. Trust me, Hollows would've attacked me a long time ago without all that. Besides, you need help. When was the last time you could sleep somewhere and not worry about being attacked?" Yusuke asked.
When Ingrid looked back at him, he could've sworn he saw her obscured left eye glimmer behind her hair? Was it from a tear?
"I…" She trailed off.
"I also know what it's like to be hunted by monsters. Believe me when I say that I know what it's like to be alone and to want some kind of security." Yusuke walked closer toward her.
"Yusuke, what if I'm not what I say I am?" Once again, the uncertainty of her identity came up.
"I won't ask you about that. I just know that you look like you need help. I'm willing to offer it if you want it as long as you're not trying to create chaos." Yusuke stopped right in front of her.
"I…" Ingrid trailed off yet again as she stared at the floor. After several minutes of evident internal struggle, she answered. "Thank you, Yusuke. I promise I'll leave once my powers return."
"Welcome aboard."
The two tried so resume a degree of normalcy, starting with new standards, courtesy of Ingrid.
"Since I'll be staying here, I'll help do the housework. Since I can't go out and all that." Ingrid bashfully scratched her cheek.
"So, are you sure there're no Quincies chasing you?" Yusuke had to ask. He wasn't fond of locking Ingrid up inside his house. It made it feel like he was keeping her prisoner rather than harboring her.
"Not that I know of. I dealt with the last one. I made sure not to leave any chances of being tracked. That's why I was so messed up when you met me that night. I got a little to zealous and took hits." Ingrid replied.
"Then that concealment bracelet should be all we need for now." Yusuke felt some relief with knowing that.
"So, I've been meaning to ask but…since you're a Soul Reaper and clearly know how to fight like one, don't you have a Zanpakuto?"
Ingrid's question was justified but Yusuke wasn't in the mood to explain. Not yet.
"It's complicated."
The Quincy immediately understood his stance and relented.
"I see. Well, it's late. Shall we have dinner?" Ingrid walked over to the stove.
"Wait…when did you make that?" Yusuke hadn't even noticed the pot.
"I was doing this while you were training with Urahara."
"How'd you know that?" Yusuke realized the obvious answer and felt stupid.
"I could sense the Spiritual Pressure firing off downstairs. Yoruichi said that he mentored you and your dad." Ingrid's tone was very matter-of-fact.
"Yeah. Urahara was my dad's Captain. His banishment was one of the reasons for why my dad was disillusioned by Soul Society."
"I see. Well, get seated. I made Bauerntopf." Ingrid handed him a full bowl with bread.
Yusuke wasn't sure if it was just him but the food tasted extra delicious. Maybe it was because it was someone else's home cooking for a change instead of take-out or his own. He could feel the warm stew seep throughout every cell of his body. It was like eating endorphins.
"How is it?" Ingrid looked proud, as if she already knew the answer.
"Does this answer your question?" Yusuke showed her his empty bowl.
"There's plenty so help yourself to more." Ingrid smirked as he did so.
Yusuke felt that if this was true, if there was no deception, then living with others wasn't so bad.
However, if he was to be serious about housing Ingrid and helping her, then he needed to pass Urahara's test. Yusuke had made a promise and now needed to keep it.