Hello everyone :)
Chapter XVI out and ready for reading.
Usual disclaimer, reminder and warnings. Nothing new, but needs to be written.
Friendly reminder: this story will be slightly AU and some characters might be OOC. For anyone who is not into YAOI, please do not read any further, this is not going to be your cup of tea :) Although, by now, I am sure most of you know what you're getting into x3
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters, they all belong to Tite Kubo-Sensei etc., etc.
WARNINGS: Spoiler alert for anyone who is not up to date with the manga and only watched the anime! Somewhere along the way might contain but is not limited to include dark themes, suicidal thoughts, heavy sexual contest, yaoi (again xD) and some other themes not suitable for under-age reader. Read at your own risk and discretion! And if you don't like, please don't hate too much :3
I think I forgot to mention, I chose the name "Ichirou" for Shirosaki instead of the classical Hichiro for a purpose since in Japanese it means first son :3
The reason behind my ramble will be explained in a later chapter.
It's been a while since the last time I dedicated a chapter to someone.
This one is for LiceSand. You don't seem like the person who has enough time for oneself. I can see you've been reading and reviewing chapter by chapter as you read.
Thank you for the reviews.
I do so wish you could have some more time for yourself. If this story somehow brightens your days even for a little when you read, then I am humbled and happy :D
Hope you continue and someday find this little dedication ^.^
Chapter XVI
Masaki woke up from her restful sleep. She had the most bizarre dream of being transported from place to place by a dense darkness. She should have probably been more afraid, but it was so cozy and for lack of a better word, safe. All in all, the positive feelings outmatched the negative and she just enjoyed being enveloped by that warmth. Who knew shadows could be so comfortable?
Once she stretched, she saw she was still in her new dress. Ops! Masaki jumped out of bed and rummaged through the many bags inside her luggage. What could she put on? There were so many choices! A bit of guilt ate at her conscience. Kurosaki-sama had been so generous and patient during their shopping spree. And yet, she was selfish enough to want to stay at the Ishida's. That reminded her, she had not seen Shirosaki-san since yesterday morning.
'I wonder what Shirosaki-san will think? Will he agree or will he be upset? Hmm… I don't know anything about him and here I am wondering what his reaction would be.'
She giggled at the course her thoughts decided to ran around in her head. It did not matter much. After all, Heika was more lenient and so kind. It was thanks to him and his support that she took the decision so quickly. She wondered, not for the first time, just what connected these two souls. Was there anything she could possibly do to make them feel any better? She had wanted to keep them happy, yet she was about to abandon them. Guilt was eating at her again.
She heard some noises coming from Shirosaki's room. They appeared to be grumbles.
'Hehe. Sounds like Shirosaki-san doesn't like to rise early in the mornings. Reminds me of dad. Mom was always the first one up.'
Those thoughts only brought her down even more. She shook her head a few times. It was not the time to be wallowing in self-pity. She had to be strong as not to be a burden. Yes, she could do that much. Completely forgetting about the clothes, she still had to pick, she went toward Shirosaki's room in an attempt to brighten the others mood up.
"Good morning Shirosaki-san! Did you…sleep…well?"
When she opened the door, she was surprised to see no traces of Shirosaki. She could have sworn she heard grunts from his room. Where could he have gone? Looking around, she noticed an open window.
'Maybe I was wrong. Could it be Shirosaki-san likes mornings like mom? But those murmurs were so similar to dad's mood when woken up. Oh! Could it be he went to see a lover? Or did he go to escort someone home? I wonder what kind of person Shirosaki-san would find attractive?'
Just like that, any negative thoughts were removed by curiosity. The mind of a young teen is a mystery. Jumping from one conclusion to the other. Anything to keep busy and away from gloomy clouds.
She closed the door and moved back to search for something to wear. She pulled out a rose chiffon V-neck blouse. The sleeves are mid-length and adorned by porcelain silk nets. Wanting to go light, she also took a wrap, cotton buttermilk long skirt and white sandals. Happy with her selection, she promptly went to the restroom to shower and do the needed. Coming out of the bathroom fully dressed and refreshed, the girl could not contain her cheerfulness.
"Ah. Nothing starts the day better than a nice shower." Murmured Masaki while stretching. She took the liberty to order some breakfast for all three, believing her two companions would join her when they got a whiff of the delicious meals. It didn't take long at all and there was a knock on the door. Before she could hope to put her hand on the handle, she got startled by a voice speaking right behind her.
"What are you doing Masaki-chan?"
The poor girl jumped out of her skin. Turning around, she was met with the eerie gold on black eyes of Shirosaki-san.
"Ah! Shirosaki-san! Oh, good morning. Wait, I thought you were out with a… never mind. You are a big meanie you know? Scaring me to death like that! You want to send me to the afterlife prematurely?"
Shirosaki had a hard time not laughing. After the irritating Getabōshi, Masaki's rambling was a welcomed change. He did take the opportunity to check who was behind the door, ignoring Masaki's outburst.
'Ah, a server. Then where was that delicious smell of breakfast coming from? Hmm, must have been from a nearby room or most likely my imagination. Guess that means I'm running low on reserves.'
He placed a reassuring hand on Masaki's shoulder.
"Sorry squirt. It was not my intention to frighten you. But you were about to let someone in, yes?"
How easy it was to break the little ones' concentration. Having been reminded that someone was indeed waiting, Masaki turned and opened to door for the bellman. It was the same kind guy from the other day. He looked to be trying hard not to smile himself.
"A very good morning young Miss and young Lord. I brought you your breakfast. Oh, I took the liberty of adding a little treat, it's on the house. I… I hope it will be to your liking. It's the pastry chef's specialty."
When he mentioned the dessert, the young man was looking at the little lady and blushing furiously. Must have been taken by Masaki's charming attitude. Shirosaki had to try and keep his inner demons at bay, else the bellman would have to consider what kind of coffin he would like to be buried in. That is, if Shirosaki would allow him the grace of getting one in the first place.
The ever-cheerful Masaki, graciously thanked the bellboy and hurried him out of the room. She was inexperienced in many things and had a long way ahead of her. But she was not so blind as to not notice Shirosaki's murderous glare. She could not fathom why he would get upset over a treat. Maybe he didn't like sweets?
Closing the door behind the server, she turned to look at her companion and asked Shirosaki the first question that popped in her head in hopes of changing the man's temper.
"What do you think about my outfit Shirosaki-san? Do you like it?"
Ok, she asked two, but it was the easiest thing she could come up with. It worked. Shirosaki, shook his head and only then took notice of the blouse and skirt. Somehow it screamed Masaki. He approved and nodded a few times.
"Not bad, you actually look like the little girl you are."
Masaki could see the Hollow was just joking and trying to get a rouse out of her, so she went along with it and started complaining.
"You are such a meanie. If you behave like this, no dessert for you."
Shirosaki smirked at that and raised his hands in the air, as though admitting defeat. Right, like that would ever happen.
"Ok, ok, hot-shot. You win, I'll behave. By the way, is Ossan awake yet?"
The small victory dance Masaki was performing was abruptly stopped at Shirosaki's question. She shook her head in the negative.
"I did not see him coming out from his room yet. Do you think he is tired? We went shopping and that took a while. Then we did stay until late at the Ishida's. It was so nice. They have a really nice garden and a huge library. The selection of books was amazing. Oh, and there is also this guy who needs to loosen up a bit. Then there was Katagiri-san, I think she is around my age, maybe a bit older. But she was so sweet and…"
A sudden heavy reiatsu flooded the room and their surroundings, preventing Masaki from telling Shirosaki about the adventures and events of yesterday. Shirosaki immediately recognized the reiatsu and embraced Masaki, who was having a hard time breathing.
"Masaki-chan, look at me. Everything is fine. Just breathe with me. Slowly, take a breath in and let it out. Repeat. Again. Good, now once more. That's it, you're doing great."
It took two full minutes for Masaki's breathing to return to normal. She had never been exposed to such strong reiatsu. It was unbelievable. A most terrifying experience. Like you were drowning in a deep sea with no way of reaching the surface. Looking at Shirosaki's calm face, she wondered if he was affected at all.
Shirosaki could tell there was something wrong with Ossan. It was not everyday Ossan lost the grip on his reiatsu. Either something was really wrong or he was having a nightmare. If this continued, the barrier they had placed to ward off Masaki's reiatsu would not be able to keep up. He needed to check him out and stop his output before Hollows and Shinigami alike surround them. But, the little one was not strong enough to withstand the force of Ossan's reiatsu. An idea came to mind. He removed his moon dragon necklace and held it in front of Masaki.
"Masaki-chan, listen, I have to see what is causing Ossan to release so much energy. I will give you my necklace. It will block Ossan's power so it does not make you feel sick. Keep it safe, for me this is a very important object."
Masaki was surprised at the knowledge that this power was coming from one person alone. Heika sure was as amazing as the stories she had heard growing up. She looked at the item Shirosaki held for her and gently grasped it. It felt as though the pendant was offering comfort. So weird, Shirosaki-san was not affected and the necklace he had, provided a soothing aura. Just how strong are these two?
Seeing Masaki was fine, Shirosaki proceeded toward Ossan's room. Opening the door, he could sense just how upset the other was. Ossan was trashing around in bed.
'So, a nightmare after all. Better than a threat. What dream could cause you so much distress Ossan? Are you immersed in the past? Well, it's not surprising. We've been thinking and talking about him much more often these days. I should have seen this one coming. Guess I've got to wake you up before we do end up in serious trouble. It would probably be a good idea to move out again.'
Shirosaki approached the sleeping man and started to shake him awake.
"Ossan. Ossan! Wake up! Wake up you moron! Come on. Want to get us all in trouble? Just wake up already! OSSAN!"
If someone asked Juhabach when he fell asleep, he would not be able to give a proper answer. It had taken forever. But once he did fall in a deep sleep, memories assaulted his exhausted mind. One of the worst was from the day his Ray of Sun shined for the last time.
He was rushing through the green plains toward the dark of the forest. The same forest next to the palace. He had been so blind, so foolish. How could he miss such an obvious trap? What's worse, he had sent him in that direction.
He really wished he had not lost the gift of precognition. It was his newest ability, but a very useful trick. Though, since he freshly gained that particular skill, there had been no time to use it to the fullest. Which resulted in getting sealed away along with that power. Now he risked losing his sunshine.
He would never forgive himself if something happened to Ichigo. Using Hirenkyaku, he pushed his speed to the utmost limit, only to crash into someone and tumble to the grassy ground.
"Uh! What in the world? Shirosaki! What are you doing here?"
It seemed he run straight into the Hollow. He would have never imagined a day when he would be sprawled on the ground with Shirosaki below him. Limbs entwined with the panting Hollow whose white Shihakusho was slightly opened revealing smooth and strong pectoral muscles. The uniform was stained with patches of blood and grass.
"Ouch…" harsh breathing. "The hell?" More heavy breaths. "Ossan! Watch where you're going next time, will ya? It's no fun to smash on a hard body you know!" Shirosaki was still gasping, trying to fill his lungs with much needed oxygen.
Managing to remove himself from the Hollow, Ossan offered a helping hand to the other which was reluctantly taken.
Still trying to gather himself, Shirosaki looked at Ossan "…So, you too, huh? Huff…huff… Got into trouble at your destination too? Did you figure it out on your own or did you squeeze the information out of a miserable pawn?"
Ossan gave him a one of a kind glare, which spoke volumes on its own.
"Now is not the time for idle chatter. Keep up or I'll leave you behind. Hurry!"
Even before finishing his sentence, Ossan was gone with an impressive Hirenkyaku.
Shirosaki was fuming, first he got knocked down and now he was being challenged.
"Che! Right, like you could ever match my speed!"
In no time at all, Shirosaki caught up with Ossan and together they moved in unison toward their goal. Having reached the forest, they were met with a new obstacle. A rather sturdy Kido was blocking their path.
They were already irked enough and a useless barricade was now in the way? Shirosaki was getting really mad now. They were in a hurry, damn it! Without consulting Ossan and with no hints of hesitation, Shirosaki materialized Zangetsu and removed the black cloth wrapping his sword.
"Stand aside Ossan, I'm blowing this thing all the way to Soul Society and them some more! Getsuga Tensho!"
A condensed light sapphire blue blast protruded from Shirosaki's blade, hitting the Kido and exploding upon impact. Needless to say, the barricade was no more, along with a large portion of the forest. Well, Shirosaki was not kidding when he said he would send the barrier flying.
Ossan sent a blank look Shirosaki's way with a raised eyebrow, supposedly saying 'Really?'
Shirosaki noticed the gaze and rolled his eyes.
"What?! The passage is open again, isn't it? So, I took a few trees in the process, big deal."
That earned him no reaction or change in demeanor whatsoever. A large tick formed on Shirosaki's face.
"Argh! You piss me off!" An exasperated sigh escaped his lips. "Let's just go on ahead. We're in a rush, right?"
It's the small things that bring most satisfaction in life and poking the Hollow was always a welcomed entertainment in Ossan's books. Although, Shirosaki was right. They were about to rush on, when they felt a huge clash of energies. The battle must have already started and based on the reiatsu signatures, they belonged to Ichigo and Soren.
Shoot! They were running late and out of time. The two began racing in the direction of the fight. Halfway to their destination, they were intercepted by a group of twenty Shinigami. Each one adorned with an unusual mask fragment and gold eyes sitting in a pool of black ink. All had their swords in hand and at the ready as though imploring confrontation.
Apparently, their arrival was the bell signaling the beginning of round one. Assaulted from all sides and by so many opponents, Shirosaki and Ossan took a stance back-to-back in what could be described as an instinctual reaction.
Swords clashed, the ringing of metal against metal reverberated in the usually silent woodland. Flashes of bright light were accompanied by explosions, compliments of Kido spells cast by some aggressors sitting in the back lines.
Shirosaki had no patience left for these weaklings. His beloved was fighting against a trickster known for playing dirty. He pushed his opponent with his sword a few meters away from himself and charged another Getsuga, obliterating most of his adversaries. Behind him, Ossan had called forth his two swords, slicing and dicing his foes with such grace he may have been dancing.
Of course, that was only the first round. While they got rid of the weaklings, the Kido specialists managed to summon forth chains in an effort to stop the two enraged men. Unfortunately, the strength behind those enchantments were stronger then expected and both Shirosaki and Ossan found themselves frozen for no more then a couple seconds. Those precious moments were all the attackers needed to finalize their incantations and reinforce the previous ones.
Talk about going to the rescue. Now they were the ones in trouble. Again! One of the Shinigami approached Shirosaki and placed a white collar around his neck. For whatever reason, it had no effect or so he thought. Not that Shirosaki would tell the idiots and formulated a plan to break through the many Bakudo blocking his movements. He quickly glanced at Ossan, who seemed to be doing something very alike. He smiled and concentrated.
One of the Shinigami took out a device of some sort and was moving it on a string between Shirosaki and Ossan. Neither seemed to understand what that thing was supposed to do and their enemies were not very talkative. They were grunting and making hissing noises.
"Ossan, I think these guys are under the influence of a Hollow or something. All these weird sounds they make are the same as the rumbles weak Hollow do. And the mask pieces… I bet they could even roar like Hollows if we hit them in the right spot."
Ossan was shocked and stared at Shirosaki. It did make sense, but it was not possible, or was it?
"Do you think they are being controlled?"
Shirosaki thought for a moment and replied.
"No, I don't think so. I am sure. It fits perfectly. That's how those attacks happened! I wager Soren somehow found a way to put some Hollow powers into Shinigami and these guys. Most likely, he is using them as puppets."
They were interrupted by a loud growl which was emitted by the device dangling in front of them.
"Hah! Told ya! Oh, man. Come on! For your information Ossan, whoever was on the other side of that little thingy, just ordered our execution. Mind doing something about the situation or should I take the initiative?"
Ossan looked pensive for a second, while the Shinigami-Hollow puppets moved to finish them off.
"There will be no need. I've got us covered."
As he spoke, Ossan's restraints shattered only to be absorbed instantly along with the chains holding Shirosaki in place. He summoned a huge bow high in the sky and a rain of arrows fell upon the assailants, destroying them on impact.
Game over. Their battle ended with their victory. That's when they felt a change in the air. Soren's reiatsu was dwindling, while Ichigo's was erratic, pained, but worst of all dropping at a fast rate. A cold sensation filled their veins and for some time, they were unable to move from their spots.
Shirosaki broke the silence with a whispered. "King."
That one word broke them out from their stupor. They bolted, adrenaline and fear streaming through their very core. Pushing them that much faster.
Horror filled their bodies at the sight that awaited them upon arriving at the place where the battle took place. Or at least what was left of it. The dense forest was no more. In its place stood a crater the size of a large lake. There were no more green surroundings, only dirt and the smell of burnt wood. Nothing.
What terrified them the most was the view of the two male figures lying on their faces at the bottom of the crevice. Neither moving or giving sings of life. Any traces of reiatsu were already dispersed through the air.
There was a dissembled man at the furthest corner of the crate. His back burnt with a myriad of blisters, cuts and scrapes. The left hand was gone, along with most of his lower body. The hair must have been either blown or set on fire as nothing but a few burn marks and blisters were left in its place.
The other male was at least still in one piece, however, still hurt. What used to be a black and white Shihakusho was naught but tatters. The upper part was missing completely, the Hakama were reduced to barely shorts, feet were bare, with the occasional scratch. Several deep cuts and gashes were scattered through the entire frame. But the highest point of concern was the large hole in the abdomen. Blood was covering the entire form and leaking from some of the wounds.
Shoulder length orange locks instantly gave away his identity. A unison cry broke from Ossan and Shirosaki.
"ICHIGO!"
Shirosaki, being the fastest of the two, was the first to reached the young man. He fell to his knees and gently turned the body of his love around, softly holding him by his head and back, Ossan at his side. They took in the damage the boy had taken. Most bones were broken and the dreadful gap in the stomach was no laughing matter either. They were met by hardly open, soft chocolate eyes and harsh panting breathing.
A tender tenor, barely audible, spoke. "Shi…Shiro…O…Oss…san…I'm…s…so…sorry."
Pain overcame the two men. Ossan looked at his dying sunshine with eyes filled with hurt and sadness. Shirosaki even more so.
"Hush King. It's all right. You're fine. We… we'll fix ya."
Petal pink lips covered in blood, calmed their large intake of breaths and formed a small kind smile. Taking harsh breaths through his nose, Ichigo slowly raised his left hand toward Shirosaki, caressing his right cheek. The tender touch and gaze showcased all the love he held for the other man. Same hand was lowered to rest on Shirosaki's neck at the white collar.
A frown marred Ichigo's face. He abruptly closed his eyes and grunted a few times, taking large intakes of breaths through his mouth, before he resumed talking with a slightly higher voice than before.
"This…is…a…bomb. When…he…dies…it'll blow."
Ichigo opened his eyes again, there was a golden hue in those chocolate pools. Determination and a resolve strong enough to bring the heavens asunder brimmed in his stare. The palm of the hand took a golden glow, while the choker started to vibrate and tremble.
Panic overwhelmed Ossan and Shirosaki.
"Wait! Ichigo. What are you doing? Concentrate on your wounds, I'm fine. Stop wasting your energy."
Ossan was about to react and forcibly stop Ichigo, but the apologetic smile sent their way, prevented him from moving from his spot. Ossan understood. Ichigo knew he would not survive. Undoubtedly something was preventing Ichigo's high-speed regeneration. The only thing that was keeping him alive was his Blut and stubbornness. Even so, he would not make it for much longer. These were his last moments.
"Hush Shiro… It's ok… I…I promise, I'll…find a way to…to come…back."
Tears started to fall freely from Shirosaki's eyes, obscuring his view. He could barely see Ichigo who continued smiling while concentrating on his task.
Soon, too soon, the collar disappeared from Shirosaki's neck. It was absorbed by Ichigo whose body started to shake and tremble. Ichigo coughed a few times, while his hand fell back down to his side. On the other side of the gap, Soren exhaled his last breath and with it the choker commenced its preassigned task.
Ichigo's whole body shined in the golden hues of a star. He looked at Ossan and his reddish-brown eyes, a silent message shared between the two.
'I leave Shiro in your care. Please watch over him as you would over me.'
There was no way he would refuse or negate. On that day, Ossan vowed to protect Shirosaki with his life. He sent his mental response back with a reassuring and distraught face.
'Don't worry. I'll keep an eye out for him until you return.'
A quick nod of the head was all he got from Ichigo, who once again looked at the weeping Shirosaki. Small grunts of pain mingled with a barely there laugh.
"You know Shiro… It's unbecoming… for a Hollow… to cry, even more so… if it's you. Don't worry… May the Worlds break and reform, should everything crumble to dust and nothingness, even if it takes an eternity I'll still find you. I won't… uh… let it end like this. Nothing can keep us apart forever."
Those words stirred something within Shirosaki. They displayed all the force and strength behind the man he loved. It was those characteristics and that fire that he adored the most about his Ichigo. That passion which consumed him wholly and made him fall hard for the younger man. The one and only person who ever saw him for who he is and not what he is.
That was his Ichigo, his King. The same who bestowed him with a portion of his name. Shirosaki quickly rubbed his eyes, even knowing it was in vain.
"Idiot… I'm not crying… Hollows don't cry… Just something in my eyes… Stupid King. You better keep your promise King. Who will I bug if you don't come back? Ossan here is not nearly as much fun as you are."
A tired smile was the only comeback Ichigo had. His breaths were coming in small puffs now. He could feel his body disintegrating from the inside. Absorbing the choker and making it a part of himself was a good idea as he would turn to reishi instead of making a huge bloody mess.
"Shiro… I entrust… you with… Ossan… Thank you… for… for… everything… I… I'll miss you… I love you my Shiro…"
One last smile graced Ichigo's features a tear spilling from the corner of his left eye. Shirosaki could not bare it anymore. He bent down and kissed his beloved with all the love and passion he had. In a futile attempt to share his strength and soul.
Ossan himself was not aware of the wetness staining his cheeks. He saw when Ichigo stopped responding to the kiss and stilled. Shirosaki was not deterred and continued for another moment longer. When the connection of lips parted, that was the time Ichigo's shining body exploded in a burst of light. The reiatsu particles fell delicately on the two grieving men, encompassing them with a soft glow. Trying to bring comfort to the ones left behind.
Screams… Shirosaki's and Ossan's cries and shouts could be heard for miles and miles away. Their tears cascading down their faces, washing the very ground where he had fallen. Their agony immense.
Ossan was swallowed by that aching hurt and pain. He was swimming in a black abyss of despair, searching for his sunshine, only to be reminded that he was gone. His Ichigo had been ripped away from him, from them. Later they discovered a lab and Soren's diary. The cursed choker was supposed to break the reishi particles of the captured soul. Reducing it to less then ashes. A soul destroyed in such manner could never be reformed or returned. And yet, he still held onto Ichigo's last words and his promise of return.
He was fighting the darkness. He wanted… No! He needed his Sun back. He could hear murmurs far in the distance. Someone was calling for him. But who? Wake-up? He could not recall falling asleep.
He soon found what the commotion was and was yanked away from the shadows, when he felt sharp pain cross his face followed by a loud yell.
"WOULD YOU JUST WAKE THE BLOODY HELL UP OSSAN?! ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US CAUGHT?!"
Another chapter done ^ . ^
Ok, this was my first death scene. Since this is my first story, for me, there are still a lot of uncharted territories. Although, personally, this was the hardest thing I have ever written up to now.
Hope I did a decent job and if not, sorry, I don't think I could bare to do it again. I already felt horrible at having said Ichigo was dead. To actually kill him, was awful.
For all those who are waiting for Ichigo's rebirth, worry not! I'm getting there and it will be worth all the trouble Ossan and Shiro have gone through :D
Looking forward to any and all criticism, by now I'm getting the feeling you don't hate and for that I give plenty of love in return :3
Reminders: Hakama are Shinigami pants.
English is still not my mother tongue. So, if I made any mistakes or any errors, please let me know. I am the writer and the spell-check person all in one, not an easy job. I know this is getting old. But better safe than sorry xD
Wishing everyone an amazing day/night ahead :D