Volume IV: Little Town of Chaos, Part 1
Feb 15, 2015 14:01:55 GMT -6
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Post by msgrrtasticdiva1982 on Feb 15, 2015 14:01:55 GMT -6
When we last parted, a battle was initiated between the daring Ichigo and the seeker of naught [Insidious]. “Take this! Getsuga Tenshou!” After witnessing [and experiencing] the ruin of chaos, Ichigo unleashed his patented Getsuga Tenshou [Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer] technique. At the instant of a slash, Ichigo’s Zanpakuto [Zangetsu] absorbs and condenses his Reiatsu [physical force] before releasing it at the tip of its blade, magnifying its slash, which flies forward. This slash takes the shape of a crescent moon or wave, which Insidious welcomes with open arms. That’s it, boy! Give it to me! Give me all you’ve got! Ichigo can feel the pressure building up by the second, sensing the insanity of the seeker of naught all at the same time … (“This guy … He’s just standing there … Something’s seriously off about him.”) Then, in the blink of an eye, the Getsuga Tenshou seems to part the seeker of naught right down the middle; however, as Ichigo lands, he lays eyes upon the eeriest development: chaos strings from Insidious’s bisected body parts, pulls them back together and regenerates them in an instant! (“What the …!?”)
This mind-boggling turn of events has psyched Ichigo to complete and utter silence. “Humph. What was that, boy, a parlor trick made to amuse me?” The seeker of naught’s nonchalant behavior reinforces the young man’s defenses, steadying his blade before him. “I believe the people of this world call this type of energy ‘Reiatsu’ … Interesting stuff, boy. But I can tell you haven’t mastered the art as of yet. Perhaps I could … assist you with a little ‘*personal* training’?”
“Sorry, but I don’t take candy from strangers. And just who the hell are you, anyway?”
“Who am I, you ask?” The seeker of naught brandishes manly yet provocative posture. “Call me … ‘Sensei’.”
Minutes away from the ensuing conflict, Aquila touches down upon a [spacious] pasture that seems much too out-of-place in a location such as this one … When all systems are stabled and deactivated, the sentient spaceship releases a loving meow, followed by opening her entryway and lowering her boarding ramp … Moments later, Zephyr and his guardians [Curtis, April, Joe and Noel] descend the ramp and ground themselves upon the [awkwardly-placed] pasture. Ironically, the keeper of souls immediately senses a [terrifying] dark presence that freezes him in his tracks! “W-What in heaven is …!?”
The guardians are alarmed by his sudden behavior. “What’s wrong?” Curtis wonders. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Everyone … This world is *overflowing* with unseen chaos.” Zephyr’s response sends a wave of shock through his guardians, as a gentle wind brushes the pasture. “This field … It used to be a beautiful metropolis rich with life, prosperity, and advanced technology, much like Victory City. Legend says chaos ‘reverts everything back to its beginnings,’ before destroying it completely. However, should a world already be corrupted by chaos, it instantly disappears. But this world …” The keeper of souls gazes into the distance, noticing what appears to be Ichigo’s hometown. “There’s a great source of light here. One just as potent as the chaos patiently lying in wait. Whoever wields this light holds the fate of this world in his or her hands.”
“Hey, just to let you know.” A call from the captain of the ship turns everyone to the ramp’s summit. Syd approaches them with sizable swagger for his age. “We’ll be placing Baby’s cloaking systems up while you explore the area. Also, take these.” Upon arrival, he hands everyone a special wristwatch, which immediately confuses them. “They’re comms watches with a storage and cloaking function.” Zephyr and the guardians retrieve their [respectively-colored] communicators, and place them around their left wrists. Curtis’s comms watch is passion red; April’s is aquamarine; Joe’s is emerald; Noel’s is violet; and, Zephyr’s is jade. The captain of the ship helps the lattermost put on his comms watch, which seems to fascinate the keeper of souls. “We need to cooperate throughout this journey; in teams that is. This time around, you guys take the field, while we support you from the shadows. Should you need us, press the buttons on your watches. Furthermore, we’ll also provide tactical support during difficult situations.” Syd [sincerely] gazes into Zephyr’s heterochromic eyes. “Good luck out there, mates.”
The keeper of souls smiles upon Syd’s courtesy and concern. “Thank you, my friend.” After a line of communication is successfully established, Zephyr and the guardians part from Aquila, and head into the unknown town. (“In all my life, never have I felt this manner of chaos. It’s … unfathomable.”) The chaos emission inhabiting the unknown world [Planet X] is, as Zephyr contemplates, beyond anything he’s ever felt in his life. An unseen blanket of naught in waiting that, if released, will raze the entire world and corrupt all its inhabitants. As the keeper of souls, it is Zephyr’s duty to prevent this worst-case scenario from happening at all costs. (“O hallowed spirits of the cosmos, keep watch over our unsuspecting souls.”)
Unbeknownst to both the oncoming keeper party, the daring Ichigo and the seeker of naught, another battle ensues in the commercial district of the mysterious town: twelve Shinigami loyalists has been [aerially] pit against [Dragon] Soulless under the command of three vigilant insurgents [Aizen, Ichimaru and Tosen]. From the standpoint of the lattermost, perception deems the foremost incapable of overcoming the middlemost. Despite the resilience of their blades, the Shinigami loyalists find great difficulty in keeping up with the [Dragon] Soulless---deadly spawns who, while large in size, possess incredible speed and even more incredible fire-breathing power. Their deftness doubles the difficulty of the encounter overall.
Toshiro utilizes his Zanpakuto’s [Hyorinmaru’s] ice-conjuring ability to immobilize and counter his Soulless opponent. Unfortunately, he can only do this in small quantities, as his Shikai [released form] allows him limited control of his Reiatsu. Pathetic halfling. Your resilience will be the death of you. Aizen [silently] mocks Toshiro from his standpoint, perceiving futility in the Shinigami’s every endeavor. “Souten ni zase, Hyorinmaru! [Sit upon the frozen heavens, Ice Ring!]” Humph. As if reciting your Zanpakuto’s Kaigo [release call] will do you any good now. Fortunately, Toshiro is more experienced than Aizen believes. “This is where you will fall!” With a passionate [horizontal] slash, the noble Shinigami creates an immense amount of spiritual power which overflows from the tip of Hyorinmaru’s blade, creating a flow of ice shaped like a Chinese dragon. Toshiro’s ice dragon circles him, before pursuing the [Dragon] Soulless and [instantly] freezing it upon impact.
Kenpachi succeeds at closing distance with a [Dragon] Soulless via inhuman aerial dexterity, and engages the flying creature with his Zanpakuto [Nozarashi (Weather-Beaten One)] alone. Each slash the towering Shinigami executes exhibits a sense of [unfathomable] insanity quenched only by the theaters of war, reinforced by his monstrous Reiatsu that makes it virtually impossible for the [Dragon] Soulless to penetrate his skin. “I don’t care who I have to fight. However, if you ain’t gonna give me what I want …” The towering Shinigami bifurcates the [Dragon] Soulless for boring him. “Then, I’m going to *MAKE you put in work*!” Kenpachi turns to finish the [Dragon] Soulless’ bifurcated body with a focused Reiatsu shockwave from his swinging Zanpakuto; unfortunately, the Soulless are far more resilient that he originally believed. Unsophisticated swordplay will not fell that which cannot be cut. Aizen mentally mocks the towering Shinigami from his local standpoint, an arrogant smirk spread from cheek to cheek, as the [Dragon] Soulless completely recomposes and continues its attack on Kenpachi. These creatures are much different from the Hollows you’re accustomed to engaging. They are of an ilk of which none of you can understand, and that is why they’ll see all of you … dead. (“Would you put a can on your pointless thoughts, you little chicken shit?”) Aizen himself is mentally put in his place by Kenpachi’s unconventional mindset. Oh, my, I forgot what type of man you are. My apologies, Kenpachi. (“Humph. Don’t act cordial now, chicken shit. You were a pain in the ass for centuries, then you decided to betray us, and now you’re trying to be smug about it when you can’t even fight your own battles?”)
Rangiku charges her Soulless opponent using her unreleased Zanpakuto [Haineko]; however, the [Dragon] Soulless returns her fervor with a breath of [smoke-colored] fire from its opening jaws. Rangiku shows intelligence by executing Shunpo [flash steps] just in time to escape the Soulless’ flames. She reappears just above its head, buries her blade in the [Dragon] Soulless’ skull, and incites a great wave of pain through its body, causing the creature to roar angrily. “Unare, Haineko! [Growl, Ash Cat!]” Rangiku’s Kaigo causes her Zanpakuto’s [Haineko’s] blade to turn to ash, which expands and shreds the [Dragon] Soulless from the inside out! With a flick of Haineko’s hilt, Rangiku scatters the ashes and creates a protective barrier around her body, as the [Dragon] Soulless quickly recomposes and re-engages her. (“Take a good look at us, Aizen!”) The lieutenant Shinigami’s demanding thoughts turn the leading insurgent’s eyes to the remainder of the party. Each member displays incredible resilience against enemies of which they were ill-prepared to encounter, and even though their defenses are incapable of felling them, the Shinigami loyalists have yet to fall. (“We may only possess the power of Shinigami, we may bleed and feel our wounds, but we’ve got something to fight for. As long as we have a reason to push forward, *nothing will be able to stop us*!”)
Rukia successfully evades the ardent offenses of her Soulless opponent via Shunpo. She recovers from her Shunpo movement, holding her Zanpakuto out in front of her. Rukia then turns it in counter-clockwise. While she turns it, the blade, hilt, and tsuba turn completely white. The tsuba becomes a hollow snowflake-like circle, and a white ribbon forms from the pommel. “Mae, Sode no Shirayuki! [Dance, Sleeved White Snow!]” This Shikai transformation is accompanied by a rush of cold air in all directions! (“I didn’t mention it last night, but …”) Rukia reflects on the previous moments spent with her friend Ichigo, whom she grew attached to during their former trials. Visions of friends who’ve been heavy on her mind appear one by one. (“Sado, Uryu, Orihime, Ichigo’s family … I haven’t felt their presence in quite some time.”) That is because we turned them into the Soulless at the end of your blades. A sudden revelation from the contemplative Aizen astonishes the Shinigami loyalists. Rukia mentally [and angrily] interrogates him. (“What did you say!? You turned everyone into these … *cold-blooded monsters*!?”) As the Shinigami loyalists continue their struggle, Aizen [mentally] explains his party’s unseen endeavors. While you were sleeping, I gathered my brethren and commenced imbuing every home in this town with a touch of chaos. What you see before you is a fragment of what was once called “Karakura Town”. This, my friends, is an alternate dimension of which we have complete control over. (“Alternate dimension!? What did you …!?”) Exactly what I said, which caused after-effects that were beyond our control; however, this became an even greater advantage on our part. Now that Karakura Town has become our personal theater of death and ruin, where only those with strong souls can survive, we will enjoy … killing you all!
The Shinigami loyalists retreat from their respective battles via Shunpo, having never thought such a development possible. This battle has been won on the enemy’s behalf, having established a psychological hold on their former affiliates. “They’ve fled to rethink their strategy. One should never enter a battle unprepared, but *these* fools---I only expected as much.” Ichimaru’s cold statement rouses annoyance in Aizen, but just slightly. “Sorry, leader. I just *had* to say something.”
“Of course you did, Gin. Nothing ever changes with you.” Ichimaru is thrown off by Aizen’s clever remark, before the latter issues a command to the idling [Dragon] Soulless. “Dragons! Find the Shinigami and destroy them, along with any who would dare impede our plans. And most of all, seek the one named ‘Kurosaki Ichigo’.” A murderous expression develops from Aizen’s cold mien. “You should know him well … Kill him on sight. Is that understood?” The [Dragon] Soulless confirm their understanding with a mighty roar, physically decompose into chaos, and translocate from the area in a fleeting breeze. “I suppose they have absolutely no idea where they are.” Aizen mentions the keeper party, earning the [silent] intrigue of his brethren. “The inconsequential bunch that failed to save Victory City has landed upon these soils. How they managed to enter this world is beyond me, but it matters not. We will simply eradicate them, and bring an end to their meddling.”
We return to the theaters of war occupied by the fervent Ichigo and the composed Insidious … The latter has shown great resistance and endurance throughout their skirmish, implementing evasion and precise counter-movements to goad the former into overexerting himself. Upon chance contact with Ichigo’s Getsuga Tenshou and its variations, which bifurcates his body each time, Insidious recovers using his [retrospective] Chaos Regeneration method. As the seeker of naught, Insidious has complete control of his chaos-manifested body; thus, he can use his life force to regenerate himself and recover from even the most serious injuries. This attribute has seen a lengthy battle for Ichigo, who recovers by using his Zanpakuto [Zangetsu] as a recovery post. The seeker of naught gleefully taunts him for his efforts. “All that energy. All that youth … Such a waste.” Ichigo glares at Insidious for mocking his fatigue. “Come with me, boy.” The youth man is confused by this offer, especially upon seeing Insidious give him an inviting right hand. “Your Reiatsu is teeming with the sweetest, sweetest darkness. Hone this ability well enough, and you could become a colossus among all. I can give this to you, boy. All you have to do … is take my hand.”
Ichigo lowers his head with burning ire. “Get … your filthy hand …” In the blink of an eye, Ichigo closes space with Insidious via Shunpo, and bifurcates through Insidious with a rushing [horizontal] slash! “Away from me!” Unfortunately, as he recovers, so does the seeker of naught via Chaos Regeneration. “You keep piecing yourself back together over and over again. But!” The daring young man turns, positions his blade before him, and fills it with [ebony-colored] Reiatsu. “That doesn’t mean I can’t cut you down until you *tire yourself* out. I … don’t know what’s going on … just like that time …” Ichigo mentions the precursors of his life as a Shinigami Daiko [Substitute Death God], when he encountered his [eventual] friend and temporary teacher Kuchiki Rukia. The slaying of their first Hollow---corrupt spirits with supernatural powers which devour the souls of both living and deceased humans---initiated it all. Ironically, it all happened by chance. “I haven’t regretted a single moment. And I won’t start now, especially …” Suddenly, Ichigo executes a variation of his Getsuga Tenshou with a horizontal swipe of his Zanpakuto, which the seeker of naught negates with his physical chaos pressure alone. “Especially … after I smelled blood on your hands … I woke up this morning alone in my own home, and I know *you* have something to do with it!”
“Human assumption. Such a cute and lovable trait.” Insidious turns to the fervent young man, chaos emitting from his frame like a gentle black flame. “Unfortunately, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I only arrived here just recently, and my only victims thus far are the humans that *once* inhabited your little, whittle classroom.”
“I saw you … Don’t lie to me!”
“These lips lie when they want to, but not this time. Fabrication is pointless under these circumstances.”
“Then, if it wasn’t you …” A cruel mixture of anguish and rage becomes apparent in Ichigo’s every mannerism. His grip upon Zangetsu becomes shaky with frustration. His head lowers and his breathing becomes heavy with pent-up tears. “Who … took them away … from me …” The broken young man advances upon Insidious [via Shunpo], forcing the latter’s inhuman agility before he’s bifurcated once again by Zangetsu! “Who took them away!? Answer me!” The dueling pair dance across the courtyard skies; one-sided slashes are exchanged on behalf of Ichigo, while Insidious avoids his every attempt via physical chaos manipulation. The carefree manner in which the seeker of naught moves serves to taunt Ichigo, who quickly succumbs to Insidious’s combative mockery. “Damn you! Stop running away, and fight me like a man!”
Suddenly, the young man gets the answer of a lifetime, as the seeker of naught catches the blade of his Zanpakuto with his right hand alone! What!? He just caught Zangetsu without even damaging his hand, he mentally shocks, having never witnessed something like this since his [retrospective] battle against Captain Zaraki Kenpachi. “If I *do* choose to take this fight seriously, *boy* …” The malevolence seeping from Insidious’s tongue earns Ichigo’s undivided attention, imbuing him with uncertainty. “I promise you this: you won’t live to talk about it. Stop swinging your blade and think clearly. Or would you like for me to perform an emergency brain surgery procedure on you? If so, I must forewarn you: *I have absolutely no prior medical training*.”
Scarily enough, Insidious’s grasp begins damaging Zangetsu’s blade, forcing Ichigo to retreat! Then, a curious approaching roar from the south attracts the combatants, revealing the oncoming of a monstrous spiral of fire, water and earth, encircled by a funnel of [violet-colored] wind, which repels Insidious from his standpoint! He endures the pain … no, even worse---the seeker of naught is enjoying it! His laughter echoes beyond the roar of the combined elements, which crushes his body into the courtyard grounds! The elemental onslaught ceases, amid the shock of the daring Ichigo, who observes the smoky collision point, before hearing the arrival of a destined few. “Are you alright?” He is then stunned by the sound of a familiar voice, which turns him to the image of … the arrived seeker party [Zephyr, Curtis, April, Joe and Noel]. “That man is a menace. If you’re engaged in combat with him, he has undoubtedly antagonized you in some manner. Correct?” Ichigo’s eyes widen with remembrance and fascination, but he composes himself well enough to affirm Zephyr’s question with a nod. “That’s all we need to hear. Please, stand down and recover your strength, while we deal with this lascivious monster.”
As if it weren’t expected, [hysterical] laughter emerges from the seeker of naught’s razed collision point, which alerts Ichigo and the keepers. They return their attention to the said area to notice Insidious has recovered, and is gazing them down with a look of insanity. “Well, well, well! If it isn’t my darling little star, and his loyal band of *sycophants*.” Insidious’s cruel statement rouses the keepers’ anger, proven by their annoyed miens. Zephyr approaches the seeker of naught with determination in his every gesture, silent and maliciously intent. “My, my, Zephyr. The more you persevere, the darker your heart becomes. Hmm, yes … I must say, I fancy this *delicious* transformation.” Insidious opens his arms, welcoming the keeper of souls with embracing character. “That’s it. Give me all your anger. All your rage! Submit to the chaos within, Zephyr, and become *mine*!”
Upon arrival, Zephyr delivers a [shockingly] powerful slap to the seeker of naught’s face! Ichigo recalls this moment from his nightmares: the [echoing] strike to Insidious’s face that served as a precursor to an incredible journey … Just recalling the many sleepless early morning’s he’s had in the past months casts a mild shock through his body. “I sense depression and distress from this boy, Insidious.” The keeper of souls’ heterochromic eyes glare his nemesis down. “Tell me. What did you do to him?”
Insidious faces Zephyr with amusement in his every gesture. “Let’s be honest here, love. Telling you the truth wouldn’t change your overall opinion of me. Not one bit. So, I must decline your query. Please, try not to hate me too much, okay?” This guy addresses Zephyr so casually, as if they’re friends or even lovers, but that’s obviously not the case here. Ichigo observes from a safe distance, noticing the negative effect Insidious has upon the keeper of souls. There’s something sick about that guy. I can’t tell if it’s psychosis or not, but it’s definitely not normal. It’s like he has some sort of mental hold on Zephyr, and uses that as an advantage to get him to mess up. Insidious … He’s definitely one hell of a scumbag. Suddenly, the seeker of naught intently eyes Ichigo, freezing the young man where he stands. “Seek the rebellious Aizen Sosuke.” Insidious’s statement succeeds at earning Ichigo’s attention, and reviving a deeply-rooted aversion towards the said insurgent. “I knew that would spark a flame in that stripling body of yours. Perhaps this burning intent could be put to some good use.” In a flash, Insidious dissipates into chaos, translocates to a safe distance due east, and whistles to gain everyone’s attention. “Yoo-hoo! Hey, here I am!”
“Running away again, are we?”
“No, love. My time here has been spent, so I’m going to rest for a while.”
“Evil doesn’t rest.” Zephyr advances upon Insidious via a soul-charged lunge! “Until it’s been vanquished!” Unfortunately, he’s not fast enough to catch the seeker of naught before he dissipates into fleeting chaos, and escapes the area. The keeper of souls recovers from a mild slew, falls to his knees, and [angrily] punches the ground. “Coward! Always running away …”
“He didn’t do anything.” A sudden statement from from the keeper of tides confuses Zephyr.
“April … After all he’s done …”
“I know, and I haven’t forgotten. None of us have. But the chaos inhabiting this world has nothing to do with Insidious. ” April places her hand upon her bosom, feeling a curious cool sensation that whispers to her mind. “The wisdom of the High Priestess allows me to discern the origins of chaos … I sense it: what Insidious said was true; it’s this Aizen guy’s fault, not his.”
“That’s why we didn’t continue our attack.” Curtis seconds April’s standpoint. “It’s pointless. Doing so would make us no better than Insidious, and you know how much we can’t stand that guy. You’re right, he is a menace, but we should be hip to his game by now.” Though it pains him to admit his guardians’ words are correct, Zephyr can’t say or think otherwise. His temper has led him down the wrong path once before, as did his naivete, and these are mistakes Zephyr can’t afford to make a second time. “We can’t let that creep deviate our mission again, so let’s compose ourselves, and put a lid on this Aizen character.”
Zephyr stands from his recovery spot, sleeves his hands before him, turns and faces everyone. His countenance still seems fiery, as if he’ll snap at any given second. “My apologies, everyone. That lecher … has a bit of an affect on me.” The guardians approach their charge, along with the curious Ichigo. Zephyr notices the latter and smiles, noticing he bears the same facial expression. “You seem like a very serious young man. When the lecher mentioned this Aizen fellow, your entire demeanor switched from traumatized to resentful. Do you by chance know this Aizen fellow?”
Ichigo nods. “Unfortunately, yes.”
“If you harbor such anger towards him, perhaps it would be best if we joined you.”
“I can’t let you do that.” The young man’s stubbornness takes the keeper of souls by surprise. “It’s so that bastard won’t kill you. And …” Suddenly, Ichigo’s entire demeanor undergoes another shift---from serious to sentimental. This quick change slightly confuses everyone, but they’re not without humanity. “Would you believe me if I said I’ve had dreams about all of you for the past several months?” His confession surprises his company. “I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. And, as of now, I can’t let you face that … that monster … not after what I’ve seen …” Ichigo looks into Zephyr’s eyes with serious intent, earning a look of admiration from the keeper of souls. “My name is Kurosaki Ichigo, and I am destined … to be your guardian.”
“You are, are you?” Zephyr giggles, holding his chin with contemplative posture. “Where have I heard that one before?” A quirky and doting image of Syd pops in his head, giggling, Hey there, mate, before the keeper of souls awakens from his thoughts, and properly addresses Ichigo. “Alright, if this is what you wish, so be it.”
“Don’t take it personal, guys.” Ichigo turns and addresses the guardians. “I’m not underestimating any of you. I’m only going by what I can sense. Your powers are great, but they’re no match for Aizen. He’d cut all of you down in an instant. But there is something all of you can do for me.” The young man draws a photograph from his robes that immortalizes an image of him, his family, and their friends. He hands the photograph to Noel, who gladly accepts and views it. “These people are precious to me. They’re somewhere in town; I can sense them, but I can’t find them. Could you handle this for me?”
As someone who has lost people precious to him, Noel knows exactly how Ichigo feels. However, he can’t find it in his heart to just stand by, performing search and seizure duty, while others risk their lives to save the world. Though he’s nowhere near being rude or heartless, the transcender has to resort to forthrightness in order to reach Ichigo. “I learned this during my time as a hunter: when you’re out on the field and you encounter a colossus, if you feel the need to go at it alone, you better be damn well prepared.” Ichigo bears expressions hinting the phrase, Is this guy serious right now, confessing a sense of immaturity he has yet to reveal. “You said your name is ‘Ichigo,’ right?” The young man nods, initiating a statement that sets the tone for the journey he’s dreamt of for months. “Don’t walk into a monster’s mouth without a plan B or someone to cover you. Even if you’ve faced and defeated it before, never expect the same tactics, and never expect the same results. Understood?”
“Been doing that for a while now.” Ichigo proceeds past the guardians, facing the keeper party in his direction. “I may be a kid to you guys, but I’ve had to grow up quite a bit since becoming a Shinigami Daiko.” He halts, looks over his shoulder and reveals a clever smile to his acquaintances. “You guys are just as intent and serious as you were in my dreams. Makes me feel like I’m living *another* bizarre boyhood fantasy … I’ll save the retrospects for later. For now.” The young man faces the impending conflict in the distance [due west], which he’s sensed for the past few moments. “Find my loved ones. Please … And when you’re done, if you think you can hang against a monster---hunter or not---join me. Later.”
Ichigo flees the area via Shunpo, obviously headed towards the skirmish in the distance. Noel observes the photograph Ichigo gave him, feeling a [vague] sense of duty. “He felt comfortable giving that to you.” A sudden statement from Joe earn’s Noel’s attention, rousing phantoms of innocence from him. “You two are around the same age, so he felt comfortable giving that to you the most. In return, you mentored him. You may not notice it, but you just bonded with that ‘Itchy’ kid.”
April giggles underneath her breath. “It’s ‘Ichigo,’ stupid.” Curtis is apparently just as tickled. Joe, Zephyr, and Noel ogle confusedly, not realizing what has been happening as of late. “Noel, you may not want to believe this.” April composes herself well enough to speak, sporting her casual spunky nature. “But in our world, you and Ichigo are really popular among certain subcultures.” Noel is taken for a loop of confusion, thinking, Is she pulling my leg, without saying a word. “Let’s just say every moment is a ‘fan-girl moment’. Don’t want to sound too strange, but yeah.”
Joe expresses a little knowledge as well. “Yeah, I just can’t get that kid’s name right. I like anime, but I suck as pronouncing some of these characters’ names. Brotha got problems, ya know.” Even the keeper of souls, who [momentarily] remained silent, is utterly confused by what’s happening here. I don’t know what they’re talking about, but it sounds like … Noel and Ichigo exist in their world, too? How is something like that possible? “For now, let’s help the Itchy kid find his friends and family.”
“I agree.” Zephyr steps forward and conveys his thoughts. “I don’t know the relation between Ichigo, Noel, your world and this ‘enema’ you speak of.” Curtis and April whisper anime under their breath, coughing to obscure their fandom. “But, I can say that I’m willing to help the young man. His nobility and sense of responsibility are quite admirable.” The keeper of souls approaches Noel, and extends his right hand. “Please, hand me the picture. I’m going to locate them via meditation.” The transcender complies. Zephyr presses the photo against his chest, closes his eyes, and focuses his cosmos … His meditation enables him to spiritually analyze the area, which reveals to him an accurate reading. “I can sense a large and a small group of souls nearby. Both are currently idle … Also, a Soulless spawn approaches due west … Ichigo is on a crash course with the said spawn. He possesses the power needed to dispel them; however, there’s something curious about these beasts.” Suddenly, the photograph releases an eerie pulsation of naught, which causes Zephyr to nearly drop it out of his hands, upsetting everyone in the process! “By the heavens! This horrible chaotic pulse … This isn’t good!”
Curtis speaks up. “What’s wrong, Zeph?”
“Ichigo’s family and friends … We have to chase after him, at once!”
“Are you saying …” Before April can finish her sentence, she and the rest of the guardians are stunned by what this means.
Zephyr rallies his guardians. “No time to explain. Everyone, let’s go!”
“Man, I can’t believe those guys, stooping so low like that.” In the confinement of an abandon building’s summit located some miles away from the insurgents’ theater of war, the Shinigami loyalists take time to rethink their strategy. “That stripling’s beloved almost died because of us. If we had gotten serious …” Shunsui reflects on what tragedies would have befallen Ichigo if his party had completely released their Shinigami powers. His friends and family would be dead, slain by those revered as death gods; a most ironic end. Ichigo’s heart would be shattered, his trust in the Shinigami forever severed. “It’s obvious we can’t free those people with kaido [healing kido]. Their transformation is unlike anything we’ve encountered in the past.”
Rukia suddenly recalls a former account when the beasts’ name [Soulless] was mentioned. They’re not like Hollows or Arrancar. They’re different, she recalls him confessing a few weeks ago, on a night just like the last. They’re not alive or dead. They just exist, and the more you feed them your anger and rage, the stronger they become. Ironically, battle can’t be fought without these emotions. Things like murder and suicide, and even euthanasia, require some sense of hatred. Loving them won’t work either … To defeat them for good, it takes “something else”. As a Shinigami lieutenant, Rukia has always used passion, strategy and resilience to win her battles. To her, without some manner of anger or rage, war could never be won against people like the Shinigami insurgents, let alone the Soulless. (“To defeat them for good, it takes ‘something else’.”) This statement settles in her spirit and rouses her thought process. (“The opposite of anger and rage, but not love. That can only be …”) It suddenly comes to her---the strongest weapon one could use against the Soulless and their commanders. “Serenity!”
Her statement earns her brethren’s attention. “Serenity?” Byakuya, her brother, wonders. “What nonsense do you speak?”
“Weeks ago, Ichigo relayed a nightmare he had---one where he aided a group of noble warriors called ‘keepers’ against the Soulless. He said defeating them would take ‘something else’. Something that’s the opposite of anger and rage, but not love. So, I thought about it, and the answer I came up with is ‘serenity’.” The Shinigami loyalists are surprised to hear such words come from Rukia, who is usually cold, composed and lethally intent during combat. “I know. Hearing this from me is a surprise. But I’ve decided to believe what Ichigo told me.” She stands from her resting spot against the eastern wall, faces her brethren, and motivates them. “Everyone, we can’t stay here any longer. If we idle, the world will be ruined before nightfall. After learning what Aizen did to the planet, can we *really* afford to sit around and plot like a bunch of scheming old fossils?”
“Not like being all calm and quaint is any better.” Kenpachi, despite being an apparent extremist, supports Rukia’s motivational speech. “But to beat the enemy, you not only have to think like them, you also need to outsmart them. Besides, if that brat says it’s the only way, then so be it.” His pronounced cheeks widen into a [crazed] smile. “Just as long as it’s fun!”
Rangiku giggles derisively. “That’s just like you, Kenpachi. Typical musclehead.” Toshiro, on the other hand, is much more stern than his brethren. His displeased behavior earns his lieutenant’s attention. “Something wrong, Captain?”
“Aizen still has an advantage: he’s a master strategist. We’ll have to exercise this plan with the utmost precaution.” Toshiro directly addresses Rukia. “Lieutenant Kuchiki, what of these ‘keepers’ you mentioned? Who are they exactly?”
Rukia retraces the pages of her memory, and conveys her knowledge. “Keepers are much like Shinigami, only they’re responsible for preserving, purifying and delivering souls, not slaying them; hence, their moniker. They possess the abilities of deities called ‘arcana;’ dominant beings of unknown origin. At the most, their power rivals that of Captain-Commander Yamamoto.” The 13th division lieutenant’s confession surprises her brethren, as the aforementioned Shinigami is the head of the entire Gotei 13. To be compared to such a person garners a mixture of respect and naysay, until proven otherwise … Suddenly, Rukia senses several sizable energy levels approaching the Shinigami insurgents’ theater of war. She relays her findings to her brethren. “I sense five incredible Reiryoku [spiritual powers], besides Ichigo’s, headed this way. That must be ‘them’.”
A man of opportunity, Shinji conveys his “witty two cents”. “Somebody grab the handbag. Big haul’s a-comin’ in.”
“Shinji …” Kisuke tips his hat with annoyance. “Stop that.”
“What? Can’t take a joke, old timer?”
“Don’t start, you two!” Yoruichi refocuses everyone’s attention on the matter at hand. “Anyway, let’s get out of here.” She addresses Shuhei and Sajin, as the group begins departing from their hideout, recalling their close relationship with Kaname of the Shinigami insurgents. “You two. Stay focused out there. Kaname isn’t the man he used to be.”
Sajin remains silent and intent. Shuhei, however, cannot. “No need to worry, Yoruichi. The past is the past.” Unfortunately, Shuhei can’t say the same about Rangiku, who was once a very close friend of Gin of the Shinigami insurgents. He’s well aware that her feelings haven’t changed, especially upon recounting a private moment they shared just recently. Ever since the insurgency began, I just haven’t felt the same, the 10th division lieutenant confessed, as they observed the star ocean of the Soul Society. Call me a fool all you want, but I can’t help it. I treasure him just as much as I do my captain. He’s my friend, but … in a way … he’s like a brother to me, as well. The 10th division lieutenant’s sentiments ring heavily in his heart, reminding him of the humanity behind his stern facade. (“Lieutenant Matsumoto … Can you really face him like this?”)
Meanwhile, on the desolate road towards Karakura Town’s inner city district, a curious aura of evil intent comes upon the hastening Ichigo! (“This reiatsu … It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before!”) The intensity of this aura is most disconcerting, proven by an expression of disbelief upon Ichigo’s youthful mien. (“It … It’s getting closer?”) He gazes into the distance from his [progressive] airborne position, and notices an oncoming [Dragon] Soulless swarm; the same one employed by the Shinigami insurgents! The young man is speechless, beyond thoughtless, never once believing such power was obtainable, let alone real. Ichigo! Stop us, a most familiar voice calls out to him, beckoning his assistance. Aizen was too much for us. He attacked everyone, and turned them into these … things! (“No! I don’t believe it … It can’t be …”) … He can feel it … the reiatsu of his beloved [his father, his sisters, and his friends (Orihime, Sado, and Uryu)]! Orihime’s voice is loud, almost as if it were a scream in his ears. Please, change us back, I beg of you! Ichigo! (“This is horrible! Everyone … Aizen … did this to you!?”) His anger knows no end … Ichigo has never felt such rage in his entire life. “Aizen … Aizen, you … How DARE you … *HOW DARE YOU*!” Ichigo’s anger manifests as Hollowfication: the process by which the strength limit of a soul is increased by removing the boundary between Shinigami and Hollow. Hollows are creatures which are born from Human souls who, for various reasons, do not cross over to Soul Society after their death and stay in the Human World for too long. They are corrupt spirits with supernatural powers that devour the souls of both living and deceased Humans. The aforementioned process allows one to gain tremendous power if their Hollowfication can be controlled, which is personified by an "inner Hollow" reflection of the person in their inner world. A Hollow-like mask appears when entering this state. The term is synonymous with the act of donning a Hollow mask, which is what Ichigo is doing at this very moment. “Damn it! I … don’t know any other way, but to cut right through you!”
The enraged Shinigami Daiko lifts his Zanpakuto [Zangetsu] to execute the Soulless, seeing no other way to set them [the souls of his beloved] free. “No, don’t, you must compose yourself!” Fortunately, before he swings his blade to commit the ultimate mistake, a familiar voice sounding from the distance behind him halts his aerial progression: the admonishments of Zephyr upon a soul cloud expanded wide enough to transport a party of five. No way! They chased after me, the Shinigami Daiko [mentally] exclaims, before recalling his former demands. Oh, right. I asked them to help me find my family and friends. Guess they’re keeping their promise. Utilizing the variability of his arcana, the keeper of souls constructs a remote [impromptu] barrier before Ichigo, which succeeds at warding the Soulless off [via martial and cosmic manipulation]. “These Soulless were made using the souls of your loved ones. If you slay these creatures, the contained souls will die along with them.” The conveying soul cloud arrives, as the Hollowfied Ichigo faces the keeper party with cold [and intent] bearing. “We agreed to bring them back, while you dealt with the Aizen fellow. I hate to be rude, but saving them requires a power of which you have yet to realize. There is absolutely nothing you can do here; thus, it would be best to stick to the original method of action.”
“Humph. Nothing at all, huh?” Ichigo sets the back of his blade over his right shoulder, and faces the warded [and agitated] Soulless through his Hollow mask. Save us! Save us, please! Orihime’s voice sounds from the leading Soulless, bearing emotions so strong that they manage to resonate with the keeper party. “You hear that? That’s the voice of an old friend of mine. Along with her are my father, my twin sisters, and two close buds. All of them … They mean a lot to me. And I’m told there’s nothing, absolutely *nothing* I can do to help them?” The young man’s [ebony-colored] reiatsu emanates from his frame like a calm storm, silent and [fiercely] intent. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but I *don’t* believe you.”
Noel draws his blades from their sheath, as the keeper party joins Ichigo at his side, standing upon [unseen] columns of air sustained by cosmic manipulation. “We already knew that.” The transcender poises his blades for battle, as the remaining keepers martially reinforce in their own right. “There are other people out there, and they’re about to face Aizen, which will give us enough time to deal with these Soulless. But it’s not going to be easy.”
Zephyr places his left hand against his chest. “I’m going to save them … by performing the Soul Rite!” A look of incredible determination lies in the eyes of the keeper party, emotion that resonates vibrantly with Ichigo. The keeper of souls prepares his guardians, and the willing Shinigami Daiko, for a most strategic approach. “Curtis, April, Joe, Noel, please, keep the Soulless occupied to the best of your abilities. Ichigo, I need for you to cover my front … Are you up to the task?”
Ichigo’s youthful frame animates with willingness and vigor. “I’m not your yes-man.” He holds his Zanpakuto before him, ready for action. “But if you need me to back you up, I have only one condition: don’t get in my way.”
“Thank you, Ichigo. You won’t regret this.” It’s happening just the way I dreamt it. My nightmares are beginning to fall into place, Ichigo contemplates, as Zephyr [remotely] desiccates his soul barrier [via martial and cosmic manipulation]. After the keepers save me in the battle against Insidious, they help me save my friends. I don’t know if things will turn out the same, but … Upon retreating the last of his barrier, the keeper of souls passionately rallies his comrades. “Everyone, go!” Zephyr, the guardians, and the willing Ichigo advance into battle with the Soulless spawn. For everyone’s sake, the lattermost contemplates, as he charges towards the Soulless ahead the chanting keeper of souls. Dad, Karin, Yuzu, Sado, Uryu, Orihime … “O gentle haven of solitude resting within, shine your light, and welcome all lost souls into your ever-loving womb. Heed my voice, o beautiful creatures of this world: follow the light.” The keeper of souls’ incantation generates a void of cosmos from his chest, which somehow magnifies the potency of his guardian’s power: Curtis’s agility increases, and he’s capable of casting and manipulating even stronger flames; April’s intelligence magnifies and her water manipulation develops a secondary ice attribute; Joe’s strength and defensive power triplicates, and his earth manipulation can now reach longer distances; and, Noel’s deftness and cunning further sharpens, allowing him to command the winds with even deadlier accuracy. Among the Soulless spawn, the creature possessing Orihime’s soul attacks Ichigo and Zephyr with a furious breath of fire. If you can hear me, please, follow his voice. Follow his light! The noble Shinigami Daiko lifts and drives his Zanpakuto into the flames, generating a coating of reiatsu upon its edge and expanding it to cancel the breath’s progression. “Whether you choose to be freed by it, or take it as refuge or even protection, all your choices are welcome. Let this light be your beacon of hope amid a chaotic age!”
The light expands and becomes … a vivid generation of an actual constellation! No, even more … The generated body is a depiction of the arcana representing Zephyr and his guardians: the Magician, arcana of flame and new beginnings; the High Priestess, arcana of the sea and infinite wisdom; Strength, arcana of the earth and indomitable fortitude; and, Justice, arcana of the sky, logic and reason. Ichigo can feel it … a sensation like a cooling, revitalizing and empowering springtime breeze. This power … This is the wills of Zephyr and his guardians combined as one. A cosmic sanctuary, Ichigo [mentally] marvels, as the surrounding Soulless dissipate and desiccate into fleeting chaos that gives way to small clusters of light. He did it! Everyone … they’ve been turned into orbs! The clusters of light [called orbs] expand into humanoid forms, before taking the image of Ichigo’s [aforementioned] beloved. Zephyr calms his cosmos, before descending to the pavement below with the remainder of his company. “You did well, everyone.” Orihime steps forward, cups her hands and bows. “Thank you so very much. We’re forever in your debt.”
Orihime stands upright and smiles charmingly. “You’re welcome. Now, you’ll need sanctuary for the time being.” Zephyr extends his concerns with an impromptu spell. “This should suffice in our stead.” The keeper of souls holds out his right hand, closes his eyes, and compacts a small portion of his cosmos into an orb in his extended palm. He opens his eyes, as the orb ascends into the air. “Follow it. My soul fragment will guide you to a place where you’ll be safe. Its glow is all the proof you need.”
Isshin, Ichigo’s father, extends his own concerns. “Wait. Where are you kids, going?”
“We’re going to act as back-up, while Ichigo confronts the Aizen fellow.”
“You’re …” Isshin overflows with worry. “You’re going to do *what* now!?”
Ichigo confronts his father [most stubbornly]. “Hey, old man! Are you doubting my worth as a warrior!?”
Isshin [truculently] returns the gesture. “Of course not! I’m just worried about you, that’s all!”
“Then, stop bellyaching like a hairy housewife!” Are they really doing this right now, the keeper of souls [mentally] questions the sanity of the quarreling twosome. His guardians and their company seem to be in agreement. Seriously, now is not the time for petty familial spats. “Aizen wouldn’t be the first *homicidal maniac* I’ve had to face, so stop pulling on my hakama [pants]!”
This is utterly ridiculous, the keeper of souls approaches them to mediate the situation. “Yeah, well, from what I’ve heard, *you* barely escaped with your skin intact each time!” Isshin argumentatively persists. “Kurosaki Ichigo, Aizen is a monster! What makes you think you can beat someone like him when he *easily fooled you in Soul Society*!?”
Zephyr arrives and stands between the two. “Enough, already! You can have at each other *after* we finish taking care of the Aizen fellow. Please, and thank you.” Ichigo and Isshin shoot each other heated glares, before the former turns [sharply] and parts for the inner city area. “Thank you, sir. I can tell you care about him a lot.” Zephyr’s sudden statement earns Isshin’s attention, as the former’s guardians join him at his side. “We promise to bring your son back alive. You can count on it.”
Karin, Yuzu, Uryu, Sado and Orihime join Isshin at his side, as the lattermost humbles himself before his acquaintances. “Just don’t let him get too overzealous. My son takes after me a lot, so I know he can be a bit … well … brash.”
“Most boys his age are. Ichigo’s trying to ‘find his way;’ thus, he is prone to irrational and unfounded behavior.”
“Yeah. Guess you’re right about that.”
The orb descends from the sky, as its creator [Zephyr] parts a handsome smile at Ichigo’s beloved. “Follow it to safety. These are dangerous times, and the last thing Ichigo needs right now … is heartbreak.”
“Right. And thank you.” Isshin leads his daughters and their friends to safety, using the orb as a guide.
“Alright, everyone.” The keeper of souls rallies his guardians. “Let’s go.” The latter follows the former without a word; however, the keeper of souls is not without personal doubt, given the circumstances at hand. (“A dark cloud of uncertainty looms above me, one much wider than usual. I wonder …”) Zephyr’s [worried] countenance speaks for itself, as he follows in [the intent] Ichigo’s footsteps. (“What manner of power does this Aizen fellow possess? Hmm … My, how curious.”)
In the inner city district, the Shinigami insurgents await the return of their former affiliates atop a local building, all the while plotting an alternative. Chaos’s influence has become quite apparent: naught has distorted several buildings in the area, making them appear dilapidated, derelict, and obscured by naught. “The chaos has begun to fester. Quite beautifully might I add.” The vigilant Ichimaru extends his thoughts, as he steps forward to get a better look of the area. “Humph. That guy, what’s-his-name … Insidious.” The fox-eyed insurgent curiously folds his arms. “Sosuke, tell me. What quarrel do you have with him?”
“I care not for Insidious because he is *a fool*.” Aizen’s harsh reply puts Ichimaru and Tosen at attention. “His every effort is to empower the keeper of souls. Despite his shrewdness, the seeker of naught is ultimately a hopeless romantic.”
Tosen wonders. “Are you saying …?”
“Yes … Insidious *loves* the keeper of souls.”
“Love? How is that possible?”
Ichimaru seconds Tosen’s confusion. “Exactly. Sounds like anything *but* love, if you ask me.”
Aizen’s unfading smile loses a hint of its shine, as he closes his eyes with contempt. “He lurks the shadows, stalking the keepers, antagonizing them instead of destroying them. Insidious possesses incredible power, yet he instead chooses to leisurely pester and tease his victims … He has absolutely no ambition beyond personal amusement.”
“He gets off on pestering the keepers? Feh … How petty.”
Tosen lowers his head with brewing theories. “The ancient philosopher Hanabishi Saisyu once said, ‘He who is without completion seeks fulfillment. Likewise, he who is fulfilled craves more’. It is safe to say this Insidious fellow lives the life of a ‘seeker,’ as he covetously searches for some manner of substance from the keeper party---mainly, amusement.” His statement is partially correct, Aizen reopens his eyes, knowing well the ambitions of the heart of chaos. Insidious’s intentions delve much deeper than mere amusement, let alone fulfillment. That man … “seeks” something the keeper of souls is unwilling to give him. No … even more than that … Insidious seeks something that heartens the boy. An element that maintains his existence. “Sosuke, we have company.”
Tosen’s prompting turns Aizen’s attention to the southwest, where he [along with his brethren] notices the forthcoming of the Shinigami loyalists. “Well, well, well.” Ichimaru snickers malevolently. “Here comes the cavalry, and just in time too.” The loyalists deftly advent, halting several feet away from their former affiliates. The insurgents present themselves to their pursuers, standing side by side against people who want them dead. “Welcome back, everyone! Let me guess: You managed to regather the scattered pieces of your pride, and now want to surrender. Yes, this *has to be* a formal apology … for daring to cross us an initial time.”
Rukia speaks up for her party. “Don’t patronize us, Ichimaru. Have some class for a change.”
“Huh?” Ichimaru [mockingly] places his hand to his ear. “What was that? Thought I heard a rat or something.”
“That’s quite enough, Gin, Sosuke, Kaname!” Toshiro steps forward and attempts to reason with the insurgents. “Look at this world, and the state its fallen into. This place was once home to humans and animals who did nothing but try to live normal lives. Now, look at it … a barren wasteland on the verge of extinction. Seriously, what do you hope to accomplish from all of this?” What I hope to accomplish also goes beyond understanding, beyond reason and normality, Aizen answers Toshiro’s curiosity with a drawing on his Zanpakuto, which provokes the loyalists to do the same. Look at them, behaving like frightened dogs. If they persist, none of their numbers will leave this place alive. Here I was hoping they’d understand that by now, but leave it to a pack of fools to forget their limits. “So, you want to fight, is that it? Fine! But I warn you: we won’t hold *anything* back this time!”
An expression of amusement develops on Aizen’s face, after hearing such resilience from Toshiro. “My, that’s rather cheeky of you, Snowy.” The insurgent’s statement angers the loyalist, as he detests being referred to with such terms. Tosen draws his Zanpakuto, as does the vigilant Ichimaru. “You speak as if your lot possesses the power to defeat us. Heed my words: You may have resolved to *not* ‘hold anything back,’ but for your sake … pray that our resolve … is highly antithetical.”
~*~ To Be Continued ~*~
This mind-boggling turn of events has psyched Ichigo to complete and utter silence. “Humph. What was that, boy, a parlor trick made to amuse me?” The seeker of naught’s nonchalant behavior reinforces the young man’s defenses, steadying his blade before him. “I believe the people of this world call this type of energy ‘Reiatsu’ … Interesting stuff, boy. But I can tell you haven’t mastered the art as of yet. Perhaps I could … assist you with a little ‘*personal* training’?”
“Sorry, but I don’t take candy from strangers. And just who the hell are you, anyway?”
“Who am I, you ask?” The seeker of naught brandishes manly yet provocative posture. “Call me … ‘Sensei’.”
Volume IV: Little Town of Chaos, Part 1
Minutes away from the ensuing conflict, Aquila touches down upon a [spacious] pasture that seems much too out-of-place in a location such as this one … When all systems are stabled and deactivated, the sentient spaceship releases a loving meow, followed by opening her entryway and lowering her boarding ramp … Moments later, Zephyr and his guardians [Curtis, April, Joe and Noel] descend the ramp and ground themselves upon the [awkwardly-placed] pasture. Ironically, the keeper of souls immediately senses a [terrifying] dark presence that freezes him in his tracks! “W-What in heaven is …!?”
The guardians are alarmed by his sudden behavior. “What’s wrong?” Curtis wonders. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Everyone … This world is *overflowing* with unseen chaos.” Zephyr’s response sends a wave of shock through his guardians, as a gentle wind brushes the pasture. “This field … It used to be a beautiful metropolis rich with life, prosperity, and advanced technology, much like Victory City. Legend says chaos ‘reverts everything back to its beginnings,’ before destroying it completely. However, should a world already be corrupted by chaos, it instantly disappears. But this world …” The keeper of souls gazes into the distance, noticing what appears to be Ichigo’s hometown. “There’s a great source of light here. One just as potent as the chaos patiently lying in wait. Whoever wields this light holds the fate of this world in his or her hands.”
“Hey, just to let you know.” A call from the captain of the ship turns everyone to the ramp’s summit. Syd approaches them with sizable swagger for his age. “We’ll be placing Baby’s cloaking systems up while you explore the area. Also, take these.” Upon arrival, he hands everyone a special wristwatch, which immediately confuses them. “They’re comms watches with a storage and cloaking function.” Zephyr and the guardians retrieve their [respectively-colored] communicators, and place them around their left wrists. Curtis’s comms watch is passion red; April’s is aquamarine; Joe’s is emerald; Noel’s is violet; and, Zephyr’s is jade. The captain of the ship helps the lattermost put on his comms watch, which seems to fascinate the keeper of souls. “We need to cooperate throughout this journey; in teams that is. This time around, you guys take the field, while we support you from the shadows. Should you need us, press the buttons on your watches. Furthermore, we’ll also provide tactical support during difficult situations.” Syd [sincerely] gazes into Zephyr’s heterochromic eyes. “Good luck out there, mates.”
The keeper of souls smiles upon Syd’s courtesy and concern. “Thank you, my friend.” After a line of communication is successfully established, Zephyr and the guardians part from Aquila, and head into the unknown town. (“In all my life, never have I felt this manner of chaos. It’s … unfathomable.”) The chaos emission inhabiting the unknown world [Planet X] is, as Zephyr contemplates, beyond anything he’s ever felt in his life. An unseen blanket of naught in waiting that, if released, will raze the entire world and corrupt all its inhabitants. As the keeper of souls, it is Zephyr’s duty to prevent this worst-case scenario from happening at all costs. (“O hallowed spirits of the cosmos, keep watch over our unsuspecting souls.”)
Unbeknownst to both the oncoming keeper party, the daring Ichigo and the seeker of naught, another battle ensues in the commercial district of the mysterious town: twelve Shinigami loyalists has been [aerially] pit against [Dragon] Soulless under the command of three vigilant insurgents [Aizen, Ichimaru and Tosen]. From the standpoint of the lattermost, perception deems the foremost incapable of overcoming the middlemost. Despite the resilience of their blades, the Shinigami loyalists find great difficulty in keeping up with the [Dragon] Soulless---deadly spawns who, while large in size, possess incredible speed and even more incredible fire-breathing power. Their deftness doubles the difficulty of the encounter overall.
Toshiro utilizes his Zanpakuto’s [Hyorinmaru’s] ice-conjuring ability to immobilize and counter his Soulless opponent. Unfortunately, he can only do this in small quantities, as his Shikai [released form] allows him limited control of his Reiatsu. Pathetic halfling. Your resilience will be the death of you. Aizen [silently] mocks Toshiro from his standpoint, perceiving futility in the Shinigami’s every endeavor. “Souten ni zase, Hyorinmaru! [Sit upon the frozen heavens, Ice Ring!]” Humph. As if reciting your Zanpakuto’s Kaigo [release call] will do you any good now. Fortunately, Toshiro is more experienced than Aizen believes. “This is where you will fall!” With a passionate [horizontal] slash, the noble Shinigami creates an immense amount of spiritual power which overflows from the tip of Hyorinmaru’s blade, creating a flow of ice shaped like a Chinese dragon. Toshiro’s ice dragon circles him, before pursuing the [Dragon] Soulless and [instantly] freezing it upon impact.
Kenpachi succeeds at closing distance with a [Dragon] Soulless via inhuman aerial dexterity, and engages the flying creature with his Zanpakuto [Nozarashi (Weather-Beaten One)] alone. Each slash the towering Shinigami executes exhibits a sense of [unfathomable] insanity quenched only by the theaters of war, reinforced by his monstrous Reiatsu that makes it virtually impossible for the [Dragon] Soulless to penetrate his skin. “I don’t care who I have to fight. However, if you ain’t gonna give me what I want …” The towering Shinigami bifurcates the [Dragon] Soulless for boring him. “Then, I’m going to *MAKE you put in work*!” Kenpachi turns to finish the [Dragon] Soulless’ bifurcated body with a focused Reiatsu shockwave from his swinging Zanpakuto; unfortunately, the Soulless are far more resilient that he originally believed. Unsophisticated swordplay will not fell that which cannot be cut. Aizen mentally mocks the towering Shinigami from his local standpoint, an arrogant smirk spread from cheek to cheek, as the [Dragon] Soulless completely recomposes and continues its attack on Kenpachi. These creatures are much different from the Hollows you’re accustomed to engaging. They are of an ilk of which none of you can understand, and that is why they’ll see all of you … dead. (“Would you put a can on your pointless thoughts, you little chicken shit?”) Aizen himself is mentally put in his place by Kenpachi’s unconventional mindset. Oh, my, I forgot what type of man you are. My apologies, Kenpachi. (“Humph. Don’t act cordial now, chicken shit. You were a pain in the ass for centuries, then you decided to betray us, and now you’re trying to be smug about it when you can’t even fight your own battles?”)
Rangiku charges her Soulless opponent using her unreleased Zanpakuto [Haineko]; however, the [Dragon] Soulless returns her fervor with a breath of [smoke-colored] fire from its opening jaws. Rangiku shows intelligence by executing Shunpo [flash steps] just in time to escape the Soulless’ flames. She reappears just above its head, buries her blade in the [Dragon] Soulless’ skull, and incites a great wave of pain through its body, causing the creature to roar angrily. “Unare, Haineko! [Growl, Ash Cat!]” Rangiku’s Kaigo causes her Zanpakuto’s [Haineko’s] blade to turn to ash, which expands and shreds the [Dragon] Soulless from the inside out! With a flick of Haineko’s hilt, Rangiku scatters the ashes and creates a protective barrier around her body, as the [Dragon] Soulless quickly recomposes and re-engages her. (“Take a good look at us, Aizen!”) The lieutenant Shinigami’s demanding thoughts turn the leading insurgent’s eyes to the remainder of the party. Each member displays incredible resilience against enemies of which they were ill-prepared to encounter, and even though their defenses are incapable of felling them, the Shinigami loyalists have yet to fall. (“We may only possess the power of Shinigami, we may bleed and feel our wounds, but we’ve got something to fight for. As long as we have a reason to push forward, *nothing will be able to stop us*!”)
Rukia successfully evades the ardent offenses of her Soulless opponent via Shunpo. She recovers from her Shunpo movement, holding her Zanpakuto out in front of her. Rukia then turns it in counter-clockwise. While she turns it, the blade, hilt, and tsuba turn completely white. The tsuba becomes a hollow snowflake-like circle, and a white ribbon forms from the pommel. “Mae, Sode no Shirayuki! [Dance, Sleeved White Snow!]” This Shikai transformation is accompanied by a rush of cold air in all directions! (“I didn’t mention it last night, but …”) Rukia reflects on the previous moments spent with her friend Ichigo, whom she grew attached to during their former trials. Visions of friends who’ve been heavy on her mind appear one by one. (“Sado, Uryu, Orihime, Ichigo’s family … I haven’t felt their presence in quite some time.”) That is because we turned them into the Soulless at the end of your blades. A sudden revelation from the contemplative Aizen astonishes the Shinigami loyalists. Rukia mentally [and angrily] interrogates him. (“What did you say!? You turned everyone into these … *cold-blooded monsters*!?”) As the Shinigami loyalists continue their struggle, Aizen [mentally] explains his party’s unseen endeavors. While you were sleeping, I gathered my brethren and commenced imbuing every home in this town with a touch of chaos. What you see before you is a fragment of what was once called “Karakura Town”. This, my friends, is an alternate dimension of which we have complete control over. (“Alternate dimension!? What did you …!?”) Exactly what I said, which caused after-effects that were beyond our control; however, this became an even greater advantage on our part. Now that Karakura Town has become our personal theater of death and ruin, where only those with strong souls can survive, we will enjoy … killing you all!
The Shinigami loyalists retreat from their respective battles via Shunpo, having never thought such a development possible. This battle has been won on the enemy’s behalf, having established a psychological hold on their former affiliates. “They’ve fled to rethink their strategy. One should never enter a battle unprepared, but *these* fools---I only expected as much.” Ichimaru’s cold statement rouses annoyance in Aizen, but just slightly. “Sorry, leader. I just *had* to say something.”
“Of course you did, Gin. Nothing ever changes with you.” Ichimaru is thrown off by Aizen’s clever remark, before the latter issues a command to the idling [Dragon] Soulless. “Dragons! Find the Shinigami and destroy them, along with any who would dare impede our plans. And most of all, seek the one named ‘Kurosaki Ichigo’.” A murderous expression develops from Aizen’s cold mien. “You should know him well … Kill him on sight. Is that understood?” The [Dragon] Soulless confirm their understanding with a mighty roar, physically decompose into chaos, and translocate from the area in a fleeting breeze. “I suppose they have absolutely no idea where they are.” Aizen mentions the keeper party, earning the [silent] intrigue of his brethren. “The inconsequential bunch that failed to save Victory City has landed upon these soils. How they managed to enter this world is beyond me, but it matters not. We will simply eradicate them, and bring an end to their meddling.”
We return to the theaters of war occupied by the fervent Ichigo and the composed Insidious … The latter has shown great resistance and endurance throughout their skirmish, implementing evasion and precise counter-movements to goad the former into overexerting himself. Upon chance contact with Ichigo’s Getsuga Tenshou and its variations, which bifurcates his body each time, Insidious recovers using his [retrospective] Chaos Regeneration method. As the seeker of naught, Insidious has complete control of his chaos-manifested body; thus, he can use his life force to regenerate himself and recover from even the most serious injuries. This attribute has seen a lengthy battle for Ichigo, who recovers by using his Zanpakuto [Zangetsu] as a recovery post. The seeker of naught gleefully taunts him for his efforts. “All that energy. All that youth … Such a waste.” Ichigo glares at Insidious for mocking his fatigue. “Come with me, boy.” The youth man is confused by this offer, especially upon seeing Insidious give him an inviting right hand. “Your Reiatsu is teeming with the sweetest, sweetest darkness. Hone this ability well enough, and you could become a colossus among all. I can give this to you, boy. All you have to do … is take my hand.”
Ichigo lowers his head with burning ire. “Get … your filthy hand …” In the blink of an eye, Ichigo closes space with Insidious via Shunpo, and bifurcates through Insidious with a rushing [horizontal] slash! “Away from me!” Unfortunately, as he recovers, so does the seeker of naught via Chaos Regeneration. “You keep piecing yourself back together over and over again. But!” The daring young man turns, positions his blade before him, and fills it with [ebony-colored] Reiatsu. “That doesn’t mean I can’t cut you down until you *tire yourself* out. I … don’t know what’s going on … just like that time …” Ichigo mentions the precursors of his life as a Shinigami Daiko [Substitute Death God], when he encountered his [eventual] friend and temporary teacher Kuchiki Rukia. The slaying of their first Hollow---corrupt spirits with supernatural powers which devour the souls of both living and deceased humans---initiated it all. Ironically, it all happened by chance. “I haven’t regretted a single moment. And I won’t start now, especially …” Suddenly, Ichigo executes a variation of his Getsuga Tenshou with a horizontal swipe of his Zanpakuto, which the seeker of naught negates with his physical chaos pressure alone. “Especially … after I smelled blood on your hands … I woke up this morning alone in my own home, and I know *you* have something to do with it!”
“Human assumption. Such a cute and lovable trait.” Insidious turns to the fervent young man, chaos emitting from his frame like a gentle black flame. “Unfortunately, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I only arrived here just recently, and my only victims thus far are the humans that *once* inhabited your little, whittle classroom.”
“I saw you … Don’t lie to me!”
“These lips lie when they want to, but not this time. Fabrication is pointless under these circumstances.”
“Then, if it wasn’t you …” A cruel mixture of anguish and rage becomes apparent in Ichigo’s every mannerism. His grip upon Zangetsu becomes shaky with frustration. His head lowers and his breathing becomes heavy with pent-up tears. “Who … took them away … from me …” The broken young man advances upon Insidious [via Shunpo], forcing the latter’s inhuman agility before he’s bifurcated once again by Zangetsu! “Who took them away!? Answer me!” The dueling pair dance across the courtyard skies; one-sided slashes are exchanged on behalf of Ichigo, while Insidious avoids his every attempt via physical chaos manipulation. The carefree manner in which the seeker of naught moves serves to taunt Ichigo, who quickly succumbs to Insidious’s combative mockery. “Damn you! Stop running away, and fight me like a man!”
Suddenly, the young man gets the answer of a lifetime, as the seeker of naught catches the blade of his Zanpakuto with his right hand alone! What!? He just caught Zangetsu without even damaging his hand, he mentally shocks, having never witnessed something like this since his [retrospective] battle against Captain Zaraki Kenpachi. “If I *do* choose to take this fight seriously, *boy* …” The malevolence seeping from Insidious’s tongue earns Ichigo’s undivided attention, imbuing him with uncertainty. “I promise you this: you won’t live to talk about it. Stop swinging your blade and think clearly. Or would you like for me to perform an emergency brain surgery procedure on you? If so, I must forewarn you: *I have absolutely no prior medical training*.”
Scarily enough, Insidious’s grasp begins damaging Zangetsu’s blade, forcing Ichigo to retreat! Then, a curious approaching roar from the south attracts the combatants, revealing the oncoming of a monstrous spiral of fire, water and earth, encircled by a funnel of [violet-colored] wind, which repels Insidious from his standpoint! He endures the pain … no, even worse---the seeker of naught is enjoying it! His laughter echoes beyond the roar of the combined elements, which crushes his body into the courtyard grounds! The elemental onslaught ceases, amid the shock of the daring Ichigo, who observes the smoky collision point, before hearing the arrival of a destined few. “Are you alright?” He is then stunned by the sound of a familiar voice, which turns him to the image of … the arrived seeker party [Zephyr, Curtis, April, Joe and Noel]. “That man is a menace. If you’re engaged in combat with him, he has undoubtedly antagonized you in some manner. Correct?” Ichigo’s eyes widen with remembrance and fascination, but he composes himself well enough to affirm Zephyr’s question with a nod. “That’s all we need to hear. Please, stand down and recover your strength, while we deal with this lascivious monster.”
As if it weren’t expected, [hysterical] laughter emerges from the seeker of naught’s razed collision point, which alerts Ichigo and the keepers. They return their attention to the said area to notice Insidious has recovered, and is gazing them down with a look of insanity. “Well, well, well! If it isn’t my darling little star, and his loyal band of *sycophants*.” Insidious’s cruel statement rouses the keepers’ anger, proven by their annoyed miens. Zephyr approaches the seeker of naught with determination in his every gesture, silent and maliciously intent. “My, my, Zephyr. The more you persevere, the darker your heart becomes. Hmm, yes … I must say, I fancy this *delicious* transformation.” Insidious opens his arms, welcoming the keeper of souls with embracing character. “That’s it. Give me all your anger. All your rage! Submit to the chaos within, Zephyr, and become *mine*!”
Upon arrival, Zephyr delivers a [shockingly] powerful slap to the seeker of naught’s face! Ichigo recalls this moment from his nightmares: the [echoing] strike to Insidious’s face that served as a precursor to an incredible journey … Just recalling the many sleepless early morning’s he’s had in the past months casts a mild shock through his body. “I sense depression and distress from this boy, Insidious.” The keeper of souls’ heterochromic eyes glare his nemesis down. “Tell me. What did you do to him?”
Insidious faces Zephyr with amusement in his every gesture. “Let’s be honest here, love. Telling you the truth wouldn’t change your overall opinion of me. Not one bit. So, I must decline your query. Please, try not to hate me too much, okay?” This guy addresses Zephyr so casually, as if they’re friends or even lovers, but that’s obviously not the case here. Ichigo observes from a safe distance, noticing the negative effect Insidious has upon the keeper of souls. There’s something sick about that guy. I can’t tell if it’s psychosis or not, but it’s definitely not normal. It’s like he has some sort of mental hold on Zephyr, and uses that as an advantage to get him to mess up. Insidious … He’s definitely one hell of a scumbag. Suddenly, the seeker of naught intently eyes Ichigo, freezing the young man where he stands. “Seek the rebellious Aizen Sosuke.” Insidious’s statement succeeds at earning Ichigo’s attention, and reviving a deeply-rooted aversion towards the said insurgent. “I knew that would spark a flame in that stripling body of yours. Perhaps this burning intent could be put to some good use.” In a flash, Insidious dissipates into chaos, translocates to a safe distance due east, and whistles to gain everyone’s attention. “Yoo-hoo! Hey, here I am!”
“Running away again, are we?”
“No, love. My time here has been spent, so I’m going to rest for a while.”
“Evil doesn’t rest.” Zephyr advances upon Insidious via a soul-charged lunge! “Until it’s been vanquished!” Unfortunately, he’s not fast enough to catch the seeker of naught before he dissipates into fleeting chaos, and escapes the area. The keeper of souls recovers from a mild slew, falls to his knees, and [angrily] punches the ground. “Coward! Always running away …”
“He didn’t do anything.” A sudden statement from from the keeper of tides confuses Zephyr.
“April … After all he’s done …”
“I know, and I haven’t forgotten. None of us have. But the chaos inhabiting this world has nothing to do with Insidious. ” April places her hand upon her bosom, feeling a curious cool sensation that whispers to her mind. “The wisdom of the High Priestess allows me to discern the origins of chaos … I sense it: what Insidious said was true; it’s this Aizen guy’s fault, not his.”
“That’s why we didn’t continue our attack.” Curtis seconds April’s standpoint. “It’s pointless. Doing so would make us no better than Insidious, and you know how much we can’t stand that guy. You’re right, he is a menace, but we should be hip to his game by now.” Though it pains him to admit his guardians’ words are correct, Zephyr can’t say or think otherwise. His temper has led him down the wrong path once before, as did his naivete, and these are mistakes Zephyr can’t afford to make a second time. “We can’t let that creep deviate our mission again, so let’s compose ourselves, and put a lid on this Aizen character.”
Zephyr stands from his recovery spot, sleeves his hands before him, turns and faces everyone. His countenance still seems fiery, as if he’ll snap at any given second. “My apologies, everyone. That lecher … has a bit of an affect on me.” The guardians approach their charge, along with the curious Ichigo. Zephyr notices the latter and smiles, noticing he bears the same facial expression. “You seem like a very serious young man. When the lecher mentioned this Aizen fellow, your entire demeanor switched from traumatized to resentful. Do you by chance know this Aizen fellow?”
Ichigo nods. “Unfortunately, yes.”
“If you harbor such anger towards him, perhaps it would be best if we joined you.”
“I can’t let you do that.” The young man’s stubbornness takes the keeper of souls by surprise. “It’s so that bastard won’t kill you. And …” Suddenly, Ichigo’s entire demeanor undergoes another shift---from serious to sentimental. This quick change slightly confuses everyone, but they’re not without humanity. “Would you believe me if I said I’ve had dreams about all of you for the past several months?” His confession surprises his company. “I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. And, as of now, I can’t let you face that … that monster … not after what I’ve seen …” Ichigo looks into Zephyr’s eyes with serious intent, earning a look of admiration from the keeper of souls. “My name is Kurosaki Ichigo, and I am destined … to be your guardian.”
“You are, are you?” Zephyr giggles, holding his chin with contemplative posture. “Where have I heard that one before?” A quirky and doting image of Syd pops in his head, giggling, Hey there, mate, before the keeper of souls awakens from his thoughts, and properly addresses Ichigo. “Alright, if this is what you wish, so be it.”
“Don’t take it personal, guys.” Ichigo turns and addresses the guardians. “I’m not underestimating any of you. I’m only going by what I can sense. Your powers are great, but they’re no match for Aizen. He’d cut all of you down in an instant. But there is something all of you can do for me.” The young man draws a photograph from his robes that immortalizes an image of him, his family, and their friends. He hands the photograph to Noel, who gladly accepts and views it. “These people are precious to me. They’re somewhere in town; I can sense them, but I can’t find them. Could you handle this for me?”
As someone who has lost people precious to him, Noel knows exactly how Ichigo feels. However, he can’t find it in his heart to just stand by, performing search and seizure duty, while others risk their lives to save the world. Though he’s nowhere near being rude or heartless, the transcender has to resort to forthrightness in order to reach Ichigo. “I learned this during my time as a hunter: when you’re out on the field and you encounter a colossus, if you feel the need to go at it alone, you better be damn well prepared.” Ichigo bears expressions hinting the phrase, Is this guy serious right now, confessing a sense of immaturity he has yet to reveal. “You said your name is ‘Ichigo,’ right?” The young man nods, initiating a statement that sets the tone for the journey he’s dreamt of for months. “Don’t walk into a monster’s mouth without a plan B or someone to cover you. Even if you’ve faced and defeated it before, never expect the same tactics, and never expect the same results. Understood?”
“Been doing that for a while now.” Ichigo proceeds past the guardians, facing the keeper party in his direction. “I may be a kid to you guys, but I’ve had to grow up quite a bit since becoming a Shinigami Daiko.” He halts, looks over his shoulder and reveals a clever smile to his acquaintances. “You guys are just as intent and serious as you were in my dreams. Makes me feel like I’m living *another* bizarre boyhood fantasy … I’ll save the retrospects for later. For now.” The young man faces the impending conflict in the distance [due west], which he’s sensed for the past few moments. “Find my loved ones. Please … And when you’re done, if you think you can hang against a monster---hunter or not---join me. Later.”
Ichigo flees the area via Shunpo, obviously headed towards the skirmish in the distance. Noel observes the photograph Ichigo gave him, feeling a [vague] sense of duty. “He felt comfortable giving that to you.” A sudden statement from Joe earn’s Noel’s attention, rousing phantoms of innocence from him. “You two are around the same age, so he felt comfortable giving that to you the most. In return, you mentored him. You may not notice it, but you just bonded with that ‘Itchy’ kid.”
April giggles underneath her breath. “It’s ‘Ichigo,’ stupid.” Curtis is apparently just as tickled. Joe, Zephyr, and Noel ogle confusedly, not realizing what has been happening as of late. “Noel, you may not want to believe this.” April composes herself well enough to speak, sporting her casual spunky nature. “But in our world, you and Ichigo are really popular among certain subcultures.” Noel is taken for a loop of confusion, thinking, Is she pulling my leg, without saying a word. “Let’s just say every moment is a ‘fan-girl moment’. Don’t want to sound too strange, but yeah.”
Joe expresses a little knowledge as well. “Yeah, I just can’t get that kid’s name right. I like anime, but I suck as pronouncing some of these characters’ names. Brotha got problems, ya know.” Even the keeper of souls, who [momentarily] remained silent, is utterly confused by what’s happening here. I don’t know what they’re talking about, but it sounds like … Noel and Ichigo exist in their world, too? How is something like that possible? “For now, let’s help the Itchy kid find his friends and family.”
“I agree.” Zephyr steps forward and conveys his thoughts. “I don’t know the relation between Ichigo, Noel, your world and this ‘enema’ you speak of.” Curtis and April whisper anime under their breath, coughing to obscure their fandom. “But, I can say that I’m willing to help the young man. His nobility and sense of responsibility are quite admirable.” The keeper of souls approaches Noel, and extends his right hand. “Please, hand me the picture. I’m going to locate them via meditation.” The transcender complies. Zephyr presses the photo against his chest, closes his eyes, and focuses his cosmos … His meditation enables him to spiritually analyze the area, which reveals to him an accurate reading. “I can sense a large and a small group of souls nearby. Both are currently idle … Also, a Soulless spawn approaches due west … Ichigo is on a crash course with the said spawn. He possesses the power needed to dispel them; however, there’s something curious about these beasts.” Suddenly, the photograph releases an eerie pulsation of naught, which causes Zephyr to nearly drop it out of his hands, upsetting everyone in the process! “By the heavens! This horrible chaotic pulse … This isn’t good!”
Curtis speaks up. “What’s wrong, Zeph?”
“Ichigo’s family and friends … We have to chase after him, at once!”
“Are you saying …” Before April can finish her sentence, she and the rest of the guardians are stunned by what this means.
Zephyr rallies his guardians. “No time to explain. Everyone, let’s go!”
“Man, I can’t believe those guys, stooping so low like that.” In the confinement of an abandon building’s summit located some miles away from the insurgents’ theater of war, the Shinigami loyalists take time to rethink their strategy. “That stripling’s beloved almost died because of us. If we had gotten serious …” Shunsui reflects on what tragedies would have befallen Ichigo if his party had completely released their Shinigami powers. His friends and family would be dead, slain by those revered as death gods; a most ironic end. Ichigo’s heart would be shattered, his trust in the Shinigami forever severed. “It’s obvious we can’t free those people with kaido [healing kido]. Their transformation is unlike anything we’ve encountered in the past.”
Rukia suddenly recalls a former account when the beasts’ name [Soulless] was mentioned. They’re not like Hollows or Arrancar. They’re different, she recalls him confessing a few weeks ago, on a night just like the last. They’re not alive or dead. They just exist, and the more you feed them your anger and rage, the stronger they become. Ironically, battle can’t be fought without these emotions. Things like murder and suicide, and even euthanasia, require some sense of hatred. Loving them won’t work either … To defeat them for good, it takes “something else”. As a Shinigami lieutenant, Rukia has always used passion, strategy and resilience to win her battles. To her, without some manner of anger or rage, war could never be won against people like the Shinigami insurgents, let alone the Soulless. (“To defeat them for good, it takes ‘something else’.”) This statement settles in her spirit and rouses her thought process. (“The opposite of anger and rage, but not love. That can only be …”) It suddenly comes to her---the strongest weapon one could use against the Soulless and their commanders. “Serenity!”
Her statement earns her brethren’s attention. “Serenity?” Byakuya, her brother, wonders. “What nonsense do you speak?”
“Weeks ago, Ichigo relayed a nightmare he had---one where he aided a group of noble warriors called ‘keepers’ against the Soulless. He said defeating them would take ‘something else’. Something that’s the opposite of anger and rage, but not love. So, I thought about it, and the answer I came up with is ‘serenity’.” The Shinigami loyalists are surprised to hear such words come from Rukia, who is usually cold, composed and lethally intent during combat. “I know. Hearing this from me is a surprise. But I’ve decided to believe what Ichigo told me.” She stands from her resting spot against the eastern wall, faces her brethren, and motivates them. “Everyone, we can’t stay here any longer. If we idle, the world will be ruined before nightfall. After learning what Aizen did to the planet, can we *really* afford to sit around and plot like a bunch of scheming old fossils?”
“Not like being all calm and quaint is any better.” Kenpachi, despite being an apparent extremist, supports Rukia’s motivational speech. “But to beat the enemy, you not only have to think like them, you also need to outsmart them. Besides, if that brat says it’s the only way, then so be it.” His pronounced cheeks widen into a [crazed] smile. “Just as long as it’s fun!”
Rangiku giggles derisively. “That’s just like you, Kenpachi. Typical musclehead.” Toshiro, on the other hand, is much more stern than his brethren. His displeased behavior earns his lieutenant’s attention. “Something wrong, Captain?”
“Aizen still has an advantage: he’s a master strategist. We’ll have to exercise this plan with the utmost precaution.” Toshiro directly addresses Rukia. “Lieutenant Kuchiki, what of these ‘keepers’ you mentioned? Who are they exactly?”
Rukia retraces the pages of her memory, and conveys her knowledge. “Keepers are much like Shinigami, only they’re responsible for preserving, purifying and delivering souls, not slaying them; hence, their moniker. They possess the abilities of deities called ‘arcana;’ dominant beings of unknown origin. At the most, their power rivals that of Captain-Commander Yamamoto.” The 13th division lieutenant’s confession surprises her brethren, as the aforementioned Shinigami is the head of the entire Gotei 13. To be compared to such a person garners a mixture of respect and naysay, until proven otherwise … Suddenly, Rukia senses several sizable energy levels approaching the Shinigami insurgents’ theater of war. She relays her findings to her brethren. “I sense five incredible Reiryoku [spiritual powers], besides Ichigo’s, headed this way. That must be ‘them’.”
A man of opportunity, Shinji conveys his “witty two cents”. “Somebody grab the handbag. Big haul’s a-comin’ in.”
“Shinji …” Kisuke tips his hat with annoyance. “Stop that.”
“What? Can’t take a joke, old timer?”
“Don’t start, you two!” Yoruichi refocuses everyone’s attention on the matter at hand. “Anyway, let’s get out of here.” She addresses Shuhei and Sajin, as the group begins departing from their hideout, recalling their close relationship with Kaname of the Shinigami insurgents. “You two. Stay focused out there. Kaname isn’t the man he used to be.”
Sajin remains silent and intent. Shuhei, however, cannot. “No need to worry, Yoruichi. The past is the past.” Unfortunately, Shuhei can’t say the same about Rangiku, who was once a very close friend of Gin of the Shinigami insurgents. He’s well aware that her feelings haven’t changed, especially upon recounting a private moment they shared just recently. Ever since the insurgency began, I just haven’t felt the same, the 10th division lieutenant confessed, as they observed the star ocean of the Soul Society. Call me a fool all you want, but I can’t help it. I treasure him just as much as I do my captain. He’s my friend, but … in a way … he’s like a brother to me, as well. The 10th division lieutenant’s sentiments ring heavily in his heart, reminding him of the humanity behind his stern facade. (“Lieutenant Matsumoto … Can you really face him like this?”)
Meanwhile, on the desolate road towards Karakura Town’s inner city district, a curious aura of evil intent comes upon the hastening Ichigo! (“This reiatsu … It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before!”) The intensity of this aura is most disconcerting, proven by an expression of disbelief upon Ichigo’s youthful mien. (“It … It’s getting closer?”) He gazes into the distance from his [progressive] airborne position, and notices an oncoming [Dragon] Soulless swarm; the same one employed by the Shinigami insurgents! The young man is speechless, beyond thoughtless, never once believing such power was obtainable, let alone real. Ichigo! Stop us, a most familiar voice calls out to him, beckoning his assistance. Aizen was too much for us. He attacked everyone, and turned them into these … things! (“No! I don’t believe it … It can’t be …”) … He can feel it … the reiatsu of his beloved [his father, his sisters, and his friends (Orihime, Sado, and Uryu)]! Orihime’s voice is loud, almost as if it were a scream in his ears. Please, change us back, I beg of you! Ichigo! (“This is horrible! Everyone … Aizen … did this to you!?”) His anger knows no end … Ichigo has never felt such rage in his entire life. “Aizen … Aizen, you … How DARE you … *HOW DARE YOU*!” Ichigo’s anger manifests as Hollowfication: the process by which the strength limit of a soul is increased by removing the boundary between Shinigami and Hollow. Hollows are creatures which are born from Human souls who, for various reasons, do not cross over to Soul Society after their death and stay in the Human World for too long. They are corrupt spirits with supernatural powers that devour the souls of both living and deceased Humans. The aforementioned process allows one to gain tremendous power if their Hollowfication can be controlled, which is personified by an "inner Hollow" reflection of the person in their inner world. A Hollow-like mask appears when entering this state. The term is synonymous with the act of donning a Hollow mask, which is what Ichigo is doing at this very moment. “Damn it! I … don’t know any other way, but to cut right through you!”
The enraged Shinigami Daiko lifts his Zanpakuto [Zangetsu] to execute the Soulless, seeing no other way to set them [the souls of his beloved] free. “No, don’t, you must compose yourself!” Fortunately, before he swings his blade to commit the ultimate mistake, a familiar voice sounding from the distance behind him halts his aerial progression: the admonishments of Zephyr upon a soul cloud expanded wide enough to transport a party of five. No way! They chased after me, the Shinigami Daiko [mentally] exclaims, before recalling his former demands. Oh, right. I asked them to help me find my family and friends. Guess they’re keeping their promise. Utilizing the variability of his arcana, the keeper of souls constructs a remote [impromptu] barrier before Ichigo, which succeeds at warding the Soulless off [via martial and cosmic manipulation]. “These Soulless were made using the souls of your loved ones. If you slay these creatures, the contained souls will die along with them.” The conveying soul cloud arrives, as the Hollowfied Ichigo faces the keeper party with cold [and intent] bearing. “We agreed to bring them back, while you dealt with the Aizen fellow. I hate to be rude, but saving them requires a power of which you have yet to realize. There is absolutely nothing you can do here; thus, it would be best to stick to the original method of action.”
“Humph. Nothing at all, huh?” Ichigo sets the back of his blade over his right shoulder, and faces the warded [and agitated] Soulless through his Hollow mask. Save us! Save us, please! Orihime’s voice sounds from the leading Soulless, bearing emotions so strong that they manage to resonate with the keeper party. “You hear that? That’s the voice of an old friend of mine. Along with her are my father, my twin sisters, and two close buds. All of them … They mean a lot to me. And I’m told there’s nothing, absolutely *nothing* I can do to help them?” The young man’s [ebony-colored] reiatsu emanates from his frame like a calm storm, silent and [fiercely] intent. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but I *don’t* believe you.”
Noel draws his blades from their sheath, as the keeper party joins Ichigo at his side, standing upon [unseen] columns of air sustained by cosmic manipulation. “We already knew that.” The transcender poises his blades for battle, as the remaining keepers martially reinforce in their own right. “There are other people out there, and they’re about to face Aizen, which will give us enough time to deal with these Soulless. But it’s not going to be easy.”
Zephyr places his left hand against his chest. “I’m going to save them … by performing the Soul Rite!” A look of incredible determination lies in the eyes of the keeper party, emotion that resonates vibrantly with Ichigo. The keeper of souls prepares his guardians, and the willing Shinigami Daiko, for a most strategic approach. “Curtis, April, Joe, Noel, please, keep the Soulless occupied to the best of your abilities. Ichigo, I need for you to cover my front … Are you up to the task?”
Ichigo’s youthful frame animates with willingness and vigor. “I’m not your yes-man.” He holds his Zanpakuto before him, ready for action. “But if you need me to back you up, I have only one condition: don’t get in my way.”
“Thank you, Ichigo. You won’t regret this.” It’s happening just the way I dreamt it. My nightmares are beginning to fall into place, Ichigo contemplates, as Zephyr [remotely] desiccates his soul barrier [via martial and cosmic manipulation]. After the keepers save me in the battle against Insidious, they help me save my friends. I don’t know if things will turn out the same, but … Upon retreating the last of his barrier, the keeper of souls passionately rallies his comrades. “Everyone, go!” Zephyr, the guardians, and the willing Ichigo advance into battle with the Soulless spawn. For everyone’s sake, the lattermost contemplates, as he charges towards the Soulless ahead the chanting keeper of souls. Dad, Karin, Yuzu, Sado, Uryu, Orihime … “O gentle haven of solitude resting within, shine your light, and welcome all lost souls into your ever-loving womb. Heed my voice, o beautiful creatures of this world: follow the light.” The keeper of souls’ incantation generates a void of cosmos from his chest, which somehow magnifies the potency of his guardian’s power: Curtis’s agility increases, and he’s capable of casting and manipulating even stronger flames; April’s intelligence magnifies and her water manipulation develops a secondary ice attribute; Joe’s strength and defensive power triplicates, and his earth manipulation can now reach longer distances; and, Noel’s deftness and cunning further sharpens, allowing him to command the winds with even deadlier accuracy. Among the Soulless spawn, the creature possessing Orihime’s soul attacks Ichigo and Zephyr with a furious breath of fire. If you can hear me, please, follow his voice. Follow his light! The noble Shinigami Daiko lifts and drives his Zanpakuto into the flames, generating a coating of reiatsu upon its edge and expanding it to cancel the breath’s progression. “Whether you choose to be freed by it, or take it as refuge or even protection, all your choices are welcome. Let this light be your beacon of hope amid a chaotic age!”
The light expands and becomes … a vivid generation of an actual constellation! No, even more … The generated body is a depiction of the arcana representing Zephyr and his guardians: the Magician, arcana of flame and new beginnings; the High Priestess, arcana of the sea and infinite wisdom; Strength, arcana of the earth and indomitable fortitude; and, Justice, arcana of the sky, logic and reason. Ichigo can feel it … a sensation like a cooling, revitalizing and empowering springtime breeze. This power … This is the wills of Zephyr and his guardians combined as one. A cosmic sanctuary, Ichigo [mentally] marvels, as the surrounding Soulless dissipate and desiccate into fleeting chaos that gives way to small clusters of light. He did it! Everyone … they’ve been turned into orbs! The clusters of light [called orbs] expand into humanoid forms, before taking the image of Ichigo’s [aforementioned] beloved. Zephyr calms his cosmos, before descending to the pavement below with the remainder of his company. “You did well, everyone.” Orihime steps forward, cups her hands and bows. “Thank you so very much. We’re forever in your debt.”
Orihime stands upright and smiles charmingly. “You’re welcome. Now, you’ll need sanctuary for the time being.” Zephyr extends his concerns with an impromptu spell. “This should suffice in our stead.” The keeper of souls holds out his right hand, closes his eyes, and compacts a small portion of his cosmos into an orb in his extended palm. He opens his eyes, as the orb ascends into the air. “Follow it. My soul fragment will guide you to a place where you’ll be safe. Its glow is all the proof you need.”
Isshin, Ichigo’s father, extends his own concerns. “Wait. Where are you kids, going?”
“We’re going to act as back-up, while Ichigo confronts the Aizen fellow.”
“You’re …” Isshin overflows with worry. “You’re going to do *what* now!?”
Ichigo confronts his father [most stubbornly]. “Hey, old man! Are you doubting my worth as a warrior!?”
Isshin [truculently] returns the gesture. “Of course not! I’m just worried about you, that’s all!”
“Then, stop bellyaching like a hairy housewife!” Are they really doing this right now, the keeper of souls [mentally] questions the sanity of the quarreling twosome. His guardians and their company seem to be in agreement. Seriously, now is not the time for petty familial spats. “Aizen wouldn’t be the first *homicidal maniac* I’ve had to face, so stop pulling on my hakama [pants]!”
This is utterly ridiculous, the keeper of souls approaches them to mediate the situation. “Yeah, well, from what I’ve heard, *you* barely escaped with your skin intact each time!” Isshin argumentatively persists. “Kurosaki Ichigo, Aizen is a monster! What makes you think you can beat someone like him when he *easily fooled you in Soul Society*!?”
Zephyr arrives and stands between the two. “Enough, already! You can have at each other *after* we finish taking care of the Aizen fellow. Please, and thank you.” Ichigo and Isshin shoot each other heated glares, before the former turns [sharply] and parts for the inner city area. “Thank you, sir. I can tell you care about him a lot.” Zephyr’s sudden statement earns Isshin’s attention, as the former’s guardians join him at his side. “We promise to bring your son back alive. You can count on it.”
Karin, Yuzu, Uryu, Sado and Orihime join Isshin at his side, as the lattermost humbles himself before his acquaintances. “Just don’t let him get too overzealous. My son takes after me a lot, so I know he can be a bit … well … brash.”
“Most boys his age are. Ichigo’s trying to ‘find his way;’ thus, he is prone to irrational and unfounded behavior.”
“Yeah. Guess you’re right about that.”
The orb descends from the sky, as its creator [Zephyr] parts a handsome smile at Ichigo’s beloved. “Follow it to safety. These are dangerous times, and the last thing Ichigo needs right now … is heartbreak.”
“Right. And thank you.” Isshin leads his daughters and their friends to safety, using the orb as a guide.
“Alright, everyone.” The keeper of souls rallies his guardians. “Let’s go.” The latter follows the former without a word; however, the keeper of souls is not without personal doubt, given the circumstances at hand. (“A dark cloud of uncertainty looms above me, one much wider than usual. I wonder …”) Zephyr’s [worried] countenance speaks for itself, as he follows in [the intent] Ichigo’s footsteps. (“What manner of power does this Aizen fellow possess? Hmm … My, how curious.”)
In the inner city district, the Shinigami insurgents await the return of their former affiliates atop a local building, all the while plotting an alternative. Chaos’s influence has become quite apparent: naught has distorted several buildings in the area, making them appear dilapidated, derelict, and obscured by naught. “The chaos has begun to fester. Quite beautifully might I add.” The vigilant Ichimaru extends his thoughts, as he steps forward to get a better look of the area. “Humph. That guy, what’s-his-name … Insidious.” The fox-eyed insurgent curiously folds his arms. “Sosuke, tell me. What quarrel do you have with him?”
“I care not for Insidious because he is *a fool*.” Aizen’s harsh reply puts Ichimaru and Tosen at attention. “His every effort is to empower the keeper of souls. Despite his shrewdness, the seeker of naught is ultimately a hopeless romantic.”
Tosen wonders. “Are you saying …?”
“Yes … Insidious *loves* the keeper of souls.”
“Love? How is that possible?”
Ichimaru seconds Tosen’s confusion. “Exactly. Sounds like anything *but* love, if you ask me.”
Aizen’s unfading smile loses a hint of its shine, as he closes his eyes with contempt. “He lurks the shadows, stalking the keepers, antagonizing them instead of destroying them. Insidious possesses incredible power, yet he instead chooses to leisurely pester and tease his victims … He has absolutely no ambition beyond personal amusement.”
“He gets off on pestering the keepers? Feh … How petty.”
Tosen lowers his head with brewing theories. “The ancient philosopher Hanabishi Saisyu once said, ‘He who is without completion seeks fulfillment. Likewise, he who is fulfilled craves more’. It is safe to say this Insidious fellow lives the life of a ‘seeker,’ as he covetously searches for some manner of substance from the keeper party---mainly, amusement.” His statement is partially correct, Aizen reopens his eyes, knowing well the ambitions of the heart of chaos. Insidious’s intentions delve much deeper than mere amusement, let alone fulfillment. That man … “seeks” something the keeper of souls is unwilling to give him. No … even more than that … Insidious seeks something that heartens the boy. An element that maintains his existence. “Sosuke, we have company.”
Tosen’s prompting turns Aizen’s attention to the southwest, where he [along with his brethren] notices the forthcoming of the Shinigami loyalists. “Well, well, well.” Ichimaru snickers malevolently. “Here comes the cavalry, and just in time too.” The loyalists deftly advent, halting several feet away from their former affiliates. The insurgents present themselves to their pursuers, standing side by side against people who want them dead. “Welcome back, everyone! Let me guess: You managed to regather the scattered pieces of your pride, and now want to surrender. Yes, this *has to be* a formal apology … for daring to cross us an initial time.”
Rukia speaks up for her party. “Don’t patronize us, Ichimaru. Have some class for a change.”
“Huh?” Ichimaru [mockingly] places his hand to his ear. “What was that? Thought I heard a rat or something.”
“That’s quite enough, Gin, Sosuke, Kaname!” Toshiro steps forward and attempts to reason with the insurgents. “Look at this world, and the state its fallen into. This place was once home to humans and animals who did nothing but try to live normal lives. Now, look at it … a barren wasteland on the verge of extinction. Seriously, what do you hope to accomplish from all of this?” What I hope to accomplish also goes beyond understanding, beyond reason and normality, Aizen answers Toshiro’s curiosity with a drawing on his Zanpakuto, which provokes the loyalists to do the same. Look at them, behaving like frightened dogs. If they persist, none of their numbers will leave this place alive. Here I was hoping they’d understand that by now, but leave it to a pack of fools to forget their limits. “So, you want to fight, is that it? Fine! But I warn you: we won’t hold *anything* back this time!”
An expression of amusement develops on Aizen’s face, after hearing such resilience from Toshiro. “My, that’s rather cheeky of you, Snowy.” The insurgent’s statement angers the loyalist, as he detests being referred to with such terms. Tosen draws his Zanpakuto, as does the vigilant Ichimaru. “You speak as if your lot possesses the power to defeat us. Heed my words: You may have resolved to *not* ‘hold anything back,’ but for your sake … pray that our resolve … is highly antithetical.”
~*~ To Be Continued ~*~
