[ SOMEWHERE IN THE SPIRIT WORLD]
Darkness grew a senseless void. There was nothing but emptiness, just piles of snowy landscape among the valleys of the Blue stream gate. The other collosal man of the east had allowed them to leave along with the others.
Ships and boats, from different shapes and sizes, were placed at the harbour and they picked one of the fastest. Furthermore, they're accompanied by Amabi type entities that swam through the streams, no matter the temperatures of the water. Now stranded in the river stream, with no morning light peeping through yet, Shunsui let Yoshimura to fall asleep and walked away from her. Even though she hadn't closed her eyes.
Outside of the wooden sailboat, Jushirō was standing near the prow and against a mast. He was observing the view amid the dimmed light sky, followed by ghostly presence of a foggy snow. Wondered if whether Mayuri kept his promise to protect his only son, his wife could've defend herself without him around, or something terrible might have happened to them, Jushirō regretted it, but there was nothing he could do.
Their only mission was to go to the Heavenly Dragon gates for help as if they hadn't visited there for a while. Shunsui went to his friend and exhaled when he found him outside of the blistering cold winter.
" Hey, buddy. Still worried about them? I mean, you are my closest friend. You're not trusting Captain Kurotsuchi on bringing them back safely, are you?" he asked, ignoring the arctic blue fur cat entity in their sailboat.
" To be honest, I have no idea. It's not like I trust him, I'm worried if Captain Kurotsuchi will deceive me. Should anything happened to them.... I'll never forgive myself." Jushirō answered, rubbing around the nape of his neck and his eyes darted to Shunsui then back.
As his great old friend, Shunsui placed his left hand for comfort.
" Hey, stop stressing yourself. It's not good for your health either since you're recovering right now. Your wife and kid are safe wherever they are in the Soul society and right now, Mayuri is protecting them. We'll meet them once we've reached there." He replied, which eased Jushirō's tension.
" Thank you, Shunsui. I guess you're right. Maybe I should stop worrying myself and hope they'll arrive safely."
Shunsui was happy to cheer him up when all seemed tough. Yet, a sense of dread and uncertainties were cloudy storms about to be erupted. As soon as Yoshimura slowly burst the door open, she looked around and noticed she's in the middle of nowhere, assuming she further away from the Soul society.
As if she woke up with a cold sweat, Shunsui and Jushirō noticed she hadn't been asleep this whole time.
" Captain Kyōraku, sir? Where are the others?" Yoshimura asked looking around, feeling anxious.
Shunsui went to her and managed to talk to her by telling her they'll be there and told her about the location on where will they meet again.
It all seemed to have going well, until Yoshimura bit inside her cheeks and placed her hands over her ears, all while giving her a sense of doubt.
" How long would that take?" She asked. Neither both of the captains could give her the answer, yet the Amabi simply squeaked with a reply:
" In about 2 to 3 shinigami weeks. Which means this might take us a couple of human years to get here."
" Wait, that's how long it'll take us to get to the Heavenly Dragon gates?!" Jushirō exclaimed.
" Positive, Lord Ukitake." It responded, all while clinging a strongest rope in its mouth.
" GRRAAHH!!!! This is hopeless!" Yoshimura grunted, enraged with her head down. Though no tears had fallen down on her cheeks, only her eyes were closed shut as she grew uneased by her twin brother and sister, moreover, their safety are in the hands of the Soul society now.
' I will never find them. ' she thought.
When she turned her gaze to the blue arctic cat on the side of the balcony, she clenched her fists as her mind engulfed by rage.
" YOU! " , she thundered, storming off towards the arctic blue cat, " THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!"
The anger and hatred she felt at herself for not stopping Byakuya from taking her and Ichitarō with her became worse as she gripped the arctic blue cat by its upper body. The arctic blue cat yowled in fear, struggling to wriggle freely from her.
Hearing the commotion, both captains tried to stop her from doing something reckless. Moreover, trying to tell her that everything that happened wasn't her fault as well.
" Young lady, what are you doing? Quit taking your frustration to that cat!" Jushirō pleaded, but it fell on deaf ears.
" I have to! None of this would have happened if I didn't follow it and now they're gone!" Yoshimura shouted.
By the time she's going to flung it over the sailboat, its unusual tiny, yet mature voice stopped her.
" NO, DON'T DO IT!! IF YOU THROW ME OFF THE BALCONY, YOU'LL ALL GOING TO DIE!!! " It shouted.
Yoshimura's eyes glowed in icy blue and placed the arctic blue cat away from the balcony, yet the Amabi overhead on what it said, abruptly stopped the sailboat with panic and pulled back with an unimaginable strength causing everyone to crash on the sailboat.
When Yoshimura's eyes were normal again, she looked at the arctic blue cat again with astonishment and trapped in puzzlement.
" Wait, you can talk?" She asked, placing her anger aside.
" Of course I can. Otherwise you would all be frozen by now if you throw me to the river. I know I like the cold air and snowy grounds, but this is too much of a torture." It explained.
Shunsui went to the Amabi, who was frightened by words of being killed. He first wondered to himself if they'll able to reached the location. But when he asked if it could continued their journey, it simply nodded yet told him it needs time.
As soon as he returns, he told everyone that the Amabi needed time, whereas he wasn't sure when they'll reach to the Heavenly Dragon gates, the arctic blue cat shook its head of disagreement.
" You can't do that. " It protested and everyone turned their attention.
" Huh?" Yoshimura asked.
" What do you mean by that? They're our only allies that we have. The relationship between the Soul society and the Heavenly Dragon gates are in the good path as we speak." Shunsui explained, but it still refuses.
" Going there could risk of more casualties, slavery or worse. Surely its one of the strongest, but doing so might cause more devastating effect. I suggest we should head to the Maiden Light castle instead." It responded.
Puzzled by what it meant, Jushirō ask: " The place where the Dark lord lives? Are you sure we'll ask him for help?"
It stayed silent for a moment and without retorting Jushirō, the arctic blue cat entity leaped to the Amabi, whose now calmed. At first it was frightened by the blue arctic cat's presence, but almost immediately noticed it.
When the early morning light was slowly rising, the Amabi understood the arctic blue cat and pulled the rope to march forward. By then, it turned towards the others and replied to one of Jushirō's questions.
" You have to trust me, dear children. If anyone can protect the spirit demon and knows how to defean his territory from Kazumi, it's him." It answered, which shimmered Yoshimura's eyes. As if she was bonded by it.
" What are you?" asked.
" The true question is " who are you?". ", the entity whispered, then introduced itself with its soft feminine voice, " My name is Frost."
~~~~~~~~~~~
[ MEANWHILE ]
[ SOMEWHERE IN KARAKURA TOWN ]
On the road, distant away from Tsukishima's house, were laid by piles of dead gargoyles and above their lifeless bodies where the members of the Urahara shop, furthermore they're all exhausted from the fight, though they saved Chad, Orihime and even Ichigo's friends and his sisters from Tsukishima's control.
Ichigo was spotted hovering above the sky, while Tsukishima was down on his knees in the icy road. He was covered in bruises and slashes due to the fight he had with Ichigo. He staggered to his feet and chuckled in his amusement:
" Look at you, Ichigo Kurosaki. I would have finished you off if your little friend of yours didn't interrupt me. I would have been victorious." Ichigo, however didn't say a single word to him.
Instead, he raised his sword into the sky and his spirit energy increasingly nimbled in an incredible speed. As soon as the wind blew harshly and combined it with black and red spirit energy, like a powerful tornado ready to destroy the vulnerable houses, he was ready to strike only to be disturbed by Tsukishima's voice.
" As someone like you in your age, you're quite strong. We could be stronger and take down our common enemies together. And those common enemies are the Soul society. Can't you see, Ichigo Kurosaki? If we destroy them together, we'll be legends and you'll make a name of yourself and you'll be the greatest protector in your own story." He spoke.
" I'll make my own path by protecting everyone whom I cherish. Even if I kick your arse, I won't be working with you!" He shouted. With a tip of his blade all the way to the guard, his bombastic scream echoed throughout the town, leaving Tsukishima in a frantic position.
❲ GETSUGA TENSHŌ!!!! ❳
" KKKKKYYYYYAAAAA!!!" he screamed with a devastating chant. The moment he swung his blade, a wave of his spirit energy drew closer towards Tsukishima as he wasn't expecting to see Ichigo's most overwhelming attack. He thought he would have defeated him. However it was too late for him as Ichigo's energy wave blasted Tsukishima. Although it did killed him, it left him with a devastating scar on chest, as such revealing his lungs, heart and a some meaty flesh and bones.
Once the morning light slowly brightens the world of the living, Ichigo closed his eyes and thought his powers had been restored and now he had a way of taking Ichitarō home. Then his fire orange coloured eyes were opened. Minutes later, he saw Rukia helping one of Ichigo's sisters ran to meet her. What's more to him, he hadn't seen her for nearly a year was surprised to see her again.
When she saw Ichigo again, she was stunned to see him again. What would she say to him? That she failed to protect Ichitarō and his sisters from harm? Was she good enough? Whatever her questions were, she'd to face the consequences even if it wasn't entirely her fault.
Finally, after 17 months of not seeing each other, Ichigo and Rukia were reunited, all while being welcomed by cold winter morning breeze. As if the gods were pleased.
Rukia's hands were shaken with guilt as if her heart was throbbing loudly into her chest. When she swallowed her dried up saliva, her voice nearly cracked.
" Ichigo, I____." She said, wanted to tell him about Ichitarō and the Soul society. However, Ichigo gave her a big hug and scooped her small, yet petite body right next to his.
" Rukia, do you have any idea how much I've missed you after nealy 2 years?" Ichigo chimed happily. Joy was contagious to Ichigo's sad heart now that she's back from the Soul society. His big smile stretched so far and wide in his face, that it even ` spread ` towards Rukia as well.
" I... I do. " She whispered, as her contented love for Ichigo blossomed from despair. On the contrary, their moment were disturbed once again when an emitted cough was heard. They immediately separated themselves to see Ichigo's friends and his sisters standing near them.
" So, that's your girlfriend? And she's just like you, huh?" Asked Keigō, making Ichigo blush in embarrassment.
" Huh, who told you that? It's not that loudmouth Tanjirō, isn't it?" Ichigo nearly stammered.
" Come on, Ichigo. Tanjirō isn't the only one who knew all those stuff. Unless, he's lying to us that you're a soul reaper or we're too blind." Stated the girl with a short black hair.
" Karin! I told you not to listen to Tanjirō's delusional words!" Ichigo answered with embarrassment.
" Wait, Ichigo is one of them too?" Another girl with light butterscotch coloured hair squeaked.
" Yes, Yuzu. As you could see that." She answered.
" Hey, guys. Calm down. I'll explain to you all later. Just hang on a moment." Ichigo replied when he noticed his phone rang in his pocket. He reached towards it and saw Tanjirō was calling him nonstop.
From notifications of missed calls to messages and voicemails that are constantly never-ending, Ichigo remained annoyed, but at the same time worried if he's still inside the bar where he and the rest of the Xcutions left him.
Just as he picked up his cellphone, he was surprised by Tanjirō and the way he responded.
« About time you called, Ginger. You think you can leave me here all alone, in a place where you can drink wherever you feel like it?» Tanjirō called.
« Getting comfortable there?» Ichigo replied.
« Yes, in my own home where I should be. Your new friends should be grateful, otherwise I would have called a police officer for help. »
« YOU FUCKING DUMBASS!! HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO ESCAPE!? YOUR STUPID DECISION WILL GET YOU KILLED!! » Ichigo demanded furiously and Tanjirō laughed.
« See it from yourself, asshole. »
With Tanjirō ending his contact towards Ichigo, he nearly cursed out when Rukia insisted he should see him. He agreed with her decision and as soon as they're about to leave, a young girl in Ichigo's age with a pixie black hair, stopped him.
" You still owe us the truth." She insisted. Alongside a simple nod by him, both Ichigo and Rukia left them just to figure out on Tanjirō's actual intention.
~~~~~~~~
{ ICHIGO'S POV }
Few meters to his home, Rukia and Ichigo leaped from one rooftop to another. To Ichigo, now that his powers had been restored, thanks to Kisuke and the Soul society, he felt more alive than ever before. He does have that same feeling he had when he was a soul reaper, all before he sacrificed his powers. Now that he'd them, he'll probably be more responsible for it. Moreover, he'll protect the people he loves. Starting with Ichitarō and his sisters.
When they had nearly reached to the same street as Ichigo and Tanjirō lived, Rukia nearly tripped due to the fatigue after defeating gargoyles and their doppelganger power as the Xcutions. Ichigo noticed it and instantly grabbed Rukia.
" Can I carry you, if you don't mind?" He asked. Rukia was stubborn and wanted to continue, but exhaustion betrayed her body. She then agreed, as Ichigo scooped her tired body again, but like newly married couple would do in their honeymoon and her face turned red, not knowing if it was either embarrassement or she was entirely admired by Ichigo's generosity.
" Thank you for helping me. I hope someday I'll repay you." She said.
" You've done enough, Rukia. It's my time to find Ichitarō and bring him home. My goal is to protect my friends and family. Ichitarō and his family are one of them. Whatever happens to me, I truly don't care. As long as Ichitarō is safe. " Ichigo replied with a smile on his face.
Rukia was elated to Ichigo and how much he'd grown. It's as if he's changed after not having his powers for so long. With a soft and tender smile on her face, she simply chuckled :
" You've matured so much, Ichigo."
Just as he was about to answer her compliment, Ichigo spotted the Kagami house and wondered if Tanjirō was lying to him. The only way to find out was
enter his own home. Just as he was about to open the door, Tanjirō opened it and Ichigo was stunned that he'd gotten out of the bar. Yet, it was obvious.
" So, Sargent Kurosaki. How did it go, now you have your powers back? Did your girlfriend, Chappy helped you out?" He joked, which annoyed Ichigo.
" Haha, very funny. So, your mom got you out of here?"
" It's an obvious question, Ginger. Get in, before you'll catch unnecessary attention."
Though it wasn't their first time in the house, they realised that Ichitarō's parents weren't around. Maybe, they went to work or something. Not knowing they were visiting Kisuke to relocate where Ichitarō and Yoshimura were.
To their surprise, Rangiku was placing everything for Ichitarō and her sister's needs in a larger raven black coloured gym bag, including Yoshimura's stuffed penguin wearing a samurai armour. Just as she was done, Rangiku squeaked in terror and realised that Ichigo and Rukia were there.
" I heard Chappy has been taking care of my little siblings in the Soul society, even when it's in a war crisis or something. I don't know if it's true." he said. Ichigo then reckon what Tanjirō said before he was interrupted by the Xcutions. Meanwhile, the panic- stricken Rangiku rushed towards Ichigo.
" Ichigo, I'm so glad you're here, but I need your help. These men that are stronger than the soul reapers. They tried to kill Ichitarō, Yoshimura and me. I don't know why they would do such a thing." Rangiku panicked and accidentally knocked down one of vase to a dark brown credence table. But then, a miracle happened when Rangiku's hands were glowing dust pink in colour and the vase was as if it was floating.
That was just a spirit energy coming from Rangiku alone. When she telepathically lifted the vase with only her first psychic power, Tanijirō calmed her down and carefully instructed her to placed the multicoloured Japanese style vase. Eventually, she exhaled and began to control her powers, placing safely to the credence table.
" Are we supposed to go to Kisuke's place and ask him for help?" Rukia asked.
" Fear not, Chappy. I have a foolproof plan that doesn't involve anybody." Tanjirō chirped with an answer, in which puzzled both Ichigo and Rukia.
" A plan? What are you talking about? Wait, w...what are you planning?" Rukia asked, preparing herself for the answer.
" With this." Tanjirō explained., " It may be an ordinary skeleton key, it'll take you to whatever place in your heart's desire. But, be careful. I know my gut feeling that Yoshimura had one. If it get destroyed, there's no guarantee that you'll all return to the human world."
" Quick question. How the hell did you _____?" Ichigo asked, but Tanjirō quickly stopped him.
" That's not a point here. The point is, I have resources and I can see bull shit in here and this is the way to help you guys." Tanjirō explained, then paused when he placed an ordinary key onto the end of the kitchen door. They had supernatural power, after all. Just need to flesh out their newly discovered powers.
Once he's done, Tanjirō gave the key to Ichigo and requested:
" Any questions? Very well then. Find them before I'll find you, Ginger and take care of Rangiku for me, alright?"
" Sure." Ichigo simply answered.
Ichigo placed the skeleton key inside the keyhole and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and sighed, hoping to find Ichitarō first, then he'll worry about Yoshimura. Once he opened his eyes, he turned the keyhole to the right and removed it.
As soon as Ichigo opened the door, a portal appeared. Except there was a forest filled with snow and icy trees. Rangiku didn't waste time to go in there as she wants to reunite her siblings again. Ichigo and Rukia looked at each other, surmising it was their first time they'll be doing the mission together - without the involvement of Ichigo's friends, Kisuke nor the Soul society.
" I guess it's just you and me, then?" Rukia inquired, in which Ichigo answered before both of them faced the portal and disappeared:
" Me and you, till the end."