Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Monday, 2016

Sleep. It is an act required by all creatures with a brain. Not only did it grant a period in which one could come to rest and recover, but it was also the only moment the mind had the chance to progress the day's events without being disturbed by new information. The consciousness would descend into an abyss, one detached from time and reality; occasionally rising to the surface to check for danger before submerging into oblivion once more.

It was during such a trip to the near-surface that Ichigo found his consciousness being caught by phantom hands and pulled from the pleasant nothingness he so desperately needed. He resisted. Not willing to succumb to awareness without a fight. The hands were equally persistent but much more effective, dragging him along to a place that wasn't high enough to be "up" but neither was it low enough to be "down".

Brought into this space, his consciousness shaped itself. Forming an image identical to his physical appearance that currently laid alone in bed. Gradually, the hardness of asphalt registered in his drowsy mind. Ichigo groaned, rolling over on his back in the hope that the position would be comfortable enough to continue sleeping. It was a fool's hope. For even if the street suddenly had become soft like his mattress was, there was still the presence of the one who brought him here.

'Oi, Aibō. Wake up'.

A foot nudged his defenceless side. Not hard, mind you. There was no intention to injure or inflict harm. Nevertheless, a jab in the side would spur any war veteran awake, no matter how gentle it had been.

His body reacted before his mind could catch up. Rolling away from the offending limb he got into a crouch, hand going for the empty space at his hip where his sword would be. His eyes blinked, wide but clouded with sleep.

'Easy there, Aibō. It's just me'.

'Huh'. Ichigo looked at the white blur that stood across from him. He squinted at them, the fuzzy image sharpening into the unique appearance of his Hollow Zanpakutō. 'Getsu?' His body slowly uncoiled now his "attacker" had been identified. 'Wazzit?'

'Didn't ya hear that?'

'Hear what?' Ichigo asked, rubbing an eye free of sand and sleep. 'Kazui?'

'No, not yer heir', Getsu dismissed, ignoring his king’s objection to how he referred to his son. 'There was a voice just now, like, a grown man's voice'.

With the adrenaline fading from his system, Ichigo finally sat down. His mind was waking up but remained a bit slow. 'Zan?'

Getsu's reiatsu lashed out. 'Ya think I don't know the difference between the voice of a stranger and my other half?!' he hissed.

'That's not—' Ichigo rubbed his face a bit. 'You said "grown man" and Zan was the first who came to mind. Didn't mean anything by it'.

'It was a voice I don't know. Never heard it before and it called to me by name', Getsu stressed, speaking slowly to make sure his king understood. 'Ya sure ya didn't hear it?'

'Yes! I was sleeping until you dragged me here', Ichigo said. He sighed, nursing his temples with his index and middle fingers. 'Give me a minute to get my mind straight, okay?'

Getsu growled but didn't argue. Instead, he crossed his arms and turned his head away, grumbling various insults under his breath that Ichigo pretended not to catch.

'So… you heard a voice you've never heard before', Ichigo said. 'But that's not possible, right?'

'That's why I brought you here, Dipshit!'

'Fuck you, I just woke up', Ichigo bit back weakly. 'I'm trying to make sense of this'.

'That's the fucking problem, it doesn't make sense!' Getsu yelled. 'How can you not have heard it?'

'Because I was sleeping', Ichigo repeated.

'So was I! It's no excuse!'

The scowl that had been gradually forming on Ichigo's face could now be identified as thoroughly irate. While his Zanpakutō and he have come a long way from where they had started, that didn't mean he liked being yelled at upon awakening.

'Just--calm down a sec', Ichigo said, simultaneously raising his finger in a bid for silence before Getsu could retort. 'And, yeah, I know that is shit advice, no need to tell me'.

His request was met with a snarl which Ichigo decided to take as agreement.

It appeared his Zanpakutō had no patience for him today. Which was rare. Getsu was quite hard to get truly upset, Ichigo had found. It had taken weeks before the spirit had reached his breaking point during Ichigo's attempt at earning his bankai again. On top of that, Getsu had been in a relatively good mood last night. For him to already be at his limit before Ichigo had even woken up…told him all he needed to know.

Ichigo heaved a sigh, silently wishing his chances of a good night's rest goodbye. 'Alright', he said before leaving the mindscape. His abrupt departure sparked both confusion and anger in his spirit, both emotions following him to full awareness. Ichigo ignored them and opened his eyes.

It had been a while since he had woken up alone in bed. The mattress at his right side was cold, the room unusually quiet without the soft and even breaths of his wife sleeping next to him.

Orihime was gone for the week. Currently enjoying life on a short but luxurious, well-earned vacation with friends and family. It was the first time since they've had Kazui that one of them went out of town and, honestly, Ichigo had been a little nervous. It would be just his luck that something would happen with their son while she was gone, causing her to return early.

But two days in and nothing had happened yet.

Well, with their son, anyway. There was definitely something was going on with his Zanpakutō but Ichigo was certain he could figure that out.

Dragging his ass out of bed, Ichigo silently made his way over to his son's room. The door opened up without a sound thanks to his regular use of WD-40 on the hinges. No need to wake the little one when one of the parents came to look, right?

Kazui was still asleep, as he should be. At his side rested a plush lion toy that had seen better days and lots of repairs.

Ichigo nudged Kon, keeping a finger to his lips.

The ModSoul woke silently. Once his eyes found Ichigo he gave a drowsy nod. Ichigo picked Kon up and left the room.

'What's wrong?' Kon asked after Ichigo closed the door behind him. With one of his soft paws, he rubbed his beady eyes free from imaginary sleep sand. 'Is there a Hollow?'

Ichigo shook his head, making sure to skip the squeaking step on his way downstairs. He should probably fix that someday. 'I need to check something real quick. It shouldn't take long'. Reaching the ground level, Ichigo moved to the living room. 'Can you hold down the fort while I’m out?'

Kon gave a nod and Ichigo quickly popped the pill from the plush's mouth and into his own. His soul was immediately ejected from his body, the ire Getsu had been radiating swiftly fading now the Zanpakutō understood what his king was going to do.

Kon groaned, shifting to lay comfortably on the sofa. 'Can I watch Netflix?'

'So long you don't watch anything inappropriate or wake Kazui up', Ichigo said, passing the remote to the Modsoul. 'Knock yourself out'.

With Kon to watch over his son, Ichigo could head out knowing that, should trouble arise, no harm would befall his little man. He walked through the television, phasing through the wall to stand outside in the alley.

The night was growing old, the moon having past its zenith and heading to the horizon. The weather was nice enough for the time of year, though a little windy. A few clouds obscured the otherwise starry sky, a few of their darker brethren drifting by in the distance.

Wrapping his reiatsu close around him, Ichigo drew upon his Quincy heritage. Jumping up, he set off in a steady hirenkyaku, making slow and thorough rounds through town. He kept his eyes open in search of anything out of the ordinary, like a foreign energy signature or a disturbance in the reishi.

After half an hour of hirenkyaku, Ichigo came up empty-handed. He let his right hand rest on the head of his zanpakutō, noticing it was still rather cold to his touch.

Whoever or whatever it was that called out to you, they're gone.

Getsu's displeasure resonated through the blade and made his fingers tingle. Though, Ichigo could feel the appreciation towards him for taking the spirit seriously.

Do you want me to go by Urahara? Ichigo offered. If they've set foot in Karakura Town, his machines will have picked up on it.

Getsu rose forward, coming close enough to speak. It can wait.

You sure?

If they fled, they won't be coming back tonight, Getsu reasoned. Sides, ya need the sleep more.

Ichigo let his thumb caress the red bindings of the tsuba, feeling his zanpakutō grow warm once more at his touch. I will pay Urahara a visit when I take Kazui for a walk.

The gratitude he felt wasn't tainted by coldness this time. It seemed whatever he had done wrong in the eyes of his Zanpakutō, had been forgiven.

Just get yer ass back in bed, Getsu waved off. Before ya fall asleep and to yer death.

Ichigo couldn't help the fond smile that crept on his face. Yeah, yeah. I'm going, I'm going. He turned around, facing the direction of his house and prepared to set off when Getsu spoke up.

Hey, Aibō.

Hm?

…Thanks.

No problem.

#

To Be Continued

BLEACH - Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

Tuesday, 2016

'Alright, final check. Do we have juice boxes?'

'Yup!'

'The first-aid travel kit?'

'Uh-hum, Check!'

'Two packs of rice cracker snacks?'

There was no immediate response. A little shifting of fabric before a timid, 'Uhm…nope', came as an answer.

Ichigo paused, turning around to face his son. 'Are you sure there are no rice crackers in the bag?'

Big grey flicked away, unable to meet the chocolate brown of his father. Kazui nodded, 'Uh-huh, very sure'.

'That's weird, I could've sworn I put them in', Ichigo said, giving his son a knowing look as he pulled the bag over. One glance down confirmed what he had already suspected, no crackers. He looked back at his son, who refused to make eye contact.

'Kazui, I'm going to give you one chance to come clean', Ichigo said. 'If I find out you are lying you won't get dessert tonight'.

'But I'm not lying!' Kazui insisted, pointing at the bag. 'There are no crackers in it'.

Ichigo smirked, that little shit. 'Well then, were there crackers in the bag?'

Kazui decided on silence as his answer.

'Did you take them out?'

Slowly Kazui nodded.

Ichigo held up his hand, 'Come on, give them back'.

Without looking at his father, Kazui lifted up the hem of his shirt and revealed the two packages of rice crackers. He handed them over.

Ichigo put them back in the bag and zipped it shut. 'Nice try, little man'.

Kazui crossed his arms, puffing his cheeks. He had been so sure it would work. Dad hadn't seen him take them out or heard it, so how did he know?!

Maybe Tou-san has eyes in the back of his head?

'Now then, hurry up and put on your shoes!' Ichigo said. 'The sooner we leave, the longer we can stay'.

At the promise of having his time at the park extended, Kazui quickly got off the chair and hurried to the hallway. Ichigo stayed behind, doing one last check to make sure Kazui hadn't removed anything else from the bag.

Keys, check. Wallet, check. Phone, check.

With every item accounted for, Ichigo could put them in their proper place. He still remembered the first few months of parenthood, when he had to upturn the bag every time he needed something. Then his wife had seen him struggle and swooped in to save him, showing him the wonders of consistent placement. His life had never been the same since then.

It explained how she always found her stuff so fast in her handbag.

Zipping the zippers, clasping the clasps and buttoning the buttons, Ichigo shut the bag. Grabbing the strap, he carried it with him to the hallway.

Kazui was already halfway through the task of putting on his shoes. Ichigo put on his own and took his jacket from the rack.

'If you take them out again, you won't get dessert’, Ichigo warned without even turning around.

Kazui quickly pulled his hand back from the bag and finished tying his laces. Taking a moment to admire his next level shoe-tying skills, Kazui let his heels bounce on the floor twice to make the lights inside the sole flash. Satisfied, he got to his feet and pulled on his coat.

'To what park are we going today?'

'The big one', Ichigo replied. Having finished his preparations for the weather that awaited them beyond the front door, he lifted the bag off the ground and put the strap over his head. 'It's a bit far but we will go to the Shōten afterwards'.

'Shōten?!' Kazui looked at his father with big eyes full of hope. 'Can I get a candy?'

'Geez, not interested in your jii-san, are ya? Just the candy he sells. You will break his heart'.

'Getaboshi has no heart'.

Ichigo looked at his son, 'Pardon?'

'What?' Kazui asked, not understanding why his father was giving him that look. 'Jii-san said—'

Ichigo didn't have to ask which of the many uncles his son was referring to. 'You shouldn't always listen to Jii-san, especially when it comes to Urahara-san'.

'Why's that?'

'Jii-san doesn't like Urahara-san'.

'Why not?'

'That's not something I should tell you'.

'Why not?' Kazui insisted.

'You’re too young to understand it, yet'.

'I'm almost five!'

'And I was fifteen at the time and even I was too young', Ichigo told.

'But what was it?!'

Ichigo sighed, 'I don’t want to talk about it'.

'But—!'

'I said no, Kazui. I won't budge on this', Ichigo said sternly. 'It is something that still hurts me and your jii-san. I do not want to talk about it'.

Kazui didn't understand. His parents and Jii-san were the strongest! The bravest! There was nothing they couldn't do or handle. Now he just had to know! But his father had said he was too young, then there was only one option remaining.

'Can I put it on the list?' Kazui asked.

'…Yes', Ichigo relented. 'You can put it on the list'.

'Okay'. Kazui quickly ran to his room and returned with a little notebook and a small pen. Ichigo took it, wrote down a few kanji and gave it back.

'What does that one mean?'

'You can ask when you can read it', Ichigo responded.

Kazui huffed but put the notebook and pen onto the side table near the door so he could bring it back to his room later.

'Now come on. The park is waiting and maybe some candy'.

At the mentioning of candy, Kazui was quick to rush out of the door.

Ichigo wasn't concerned, knowing the gate was still closed. Still, he kept an eye on his son while he closed the door. One last time he went through the list of things he needed before locking the door. Making his way over to the gate, he held out his hand for Kazui to take. His son grabbed his hand, still bouncing in place. Ichigo opened the gate and together they set off to the park.

The walk was slow but Ichigo didn't mind. It wasn't often he could take things slow. He had been counting the days almost as impatiently as his wife had.

When they finally arrived, there were a few parents with children, most he had seen before. To his knowledge, none had been trouble before. Which was good, the last thing he wanted was needing to leave early because someone accused him of dying the hair of his son.

Kazui gave his father one look in a silent request. Ichigo let go of his hand and answered with a nod. His son ran into the park, giving a little scream of joy as he rushed to the play tower.

With his son occupied, Ichigo went to find a bench that was still free. One mother with two children was in the process of leaving so Ichigo waited patiently and swooped in once she had left. He put everything he had in his pockets into the bag, should his son want or need his assistance, Ichigo could rush in without worry of losing his phone or wallet.

As he was placing it into the bag, Ichigo drew upon the reishi in the air. He may not be very proficient with a bow like his cousin, Uryū (and wasn't that a shock to find out?) but Ichigo had enough practice with his Quincy powers to put them to use. For example, binding his bag to the bench so it couldn't be stolen.

Not that it mattered if someone stole the bag, it was saturated with Ichigo's reiatsu. However, it was a hassle to steal everything back during the night, especially when the contents had been distributed among the group of thugs the thief belonged to. And yes, Ichigo knew this from experience.

Confident his bag couldn't be stolen and or stolen from, Ichigo sat down on the bench to watch his son play.

Kazui had already made some acquaintances, talking animatedly with three other kids. From what Ichigo could see, they didn't appear to eye his son weirdly. The other kids were nodding in agreement with excited smiles on their faces. Soon the four were running around, happy cries and shouts filling the playground.

There was something about watching his son play, free of worries and smiling and laughing that Ichigo couldn't get enough of. It filled him with a sense of accomplishment, made him feel he was doing his job as a parent. To keep his son safe from the dangers of the world so he can grow up unbothered and carefree. At least, for a little while.

Because Ichigo knew he wouldn't be able to keep his son from discovering the true nature of the world. Once Kazui was old enough they would have to pave a way for him so he could learn without getting hurt by what he would find. Eventually, they would have to let him go. Let him explore without holding his hand. Let him get hurt on his own.

He won't be able to smile like he was now anymore.

Uhg, I'm asleep for six hours and it is drizzling, a sleep-deep voice complained.

Good morning, Ichigo greeted. Sorry for the weather.

Nah, it's fine, Getsu said. It's not bad rain, the sun's still out.

Do you get rainbows?

Sometimes. Have seen them more often since yer heir was born.

Stop calling him my heir.

Then how am I supposed to call him?

Oh, I don't know. Maybe by his name?

Tch, I rarely call you by your name. Like Hell I'm calling anyone else by theirs, Getsu said. Ichigo felt his Zanpakutō nudge forward, settling in the proverbial passenger's seat. What's the kid doing anyway that made ya all sadly happy?

Playing.

Kazui was running over the little rope bridge of the play tower, making his way to the slide before his chaser could catch up.

There was a tingle in the back Ichigo's head. A brush against his senses of a disturbance in the air. Even Kazui seemed to feel it, head going around confused causing him to get tagged.

Ichigo frowned. A Senkaimon? Rukia didn't tell me there would be a shift change today.

To sate his growing unease, he threw out a cursory Pesquisa. Whoever it was, they were at the edge of Kurakara Town for it took a moment for his senses to pick up their signature.

His frown deepened in confusion. He knew that signature. It was cold and strong with a soft edge. Rukia?

It ain't the Midget, Getsu said. Feels similar but it ain't her.

Really? Ichigo gave the signature a more thorough look over. It felt so much like Rukia's, it was near identical. Keyword being "near". Getsu was right, there were subtle differences that set the signature apart from his closest friend. It felt more... pure? Unfiltered? Raw? Ichigo didn't know what word described it best but it reminded him of the little variances between the signature of a Shinigami and their Zanpakutō.

The reiatsu was making its way directly toward him now and Ichigo decided he wasn't going to risk it.

'Kazui! Can you come here for a moment?'

His son stopped running, the other children stopping as well to voice their displeasure at their game coming to a halt. Kazui looked at his father, his playmates and then the sky. Making a decision, he nodded.

'Sorry, please go on without me', he told the other three before going over to his father.

Just in time as well. Kazui had just reached the safety of his arms when their unknown guest arrived.

It was a woman he had never seen before. Long, pale lavender hair and a soft white kimono. She looked ethereal and vaguely familiar.

Kazui looked at her with big eyes, scooting a little closer to his father. A whisper of '... Pretty lady' falling from his lips.

'Kurosaki Ichigo, it is a pleasure to meet you', the spirit said. 'I wish it was under better circumstances'.

Ichigo opened his mouth but stopped, remembering they weren't alone. There were still a handful of parents and children present, none of whom were spiritually aware.

Zangetsu, could you...?

His Zanpakutō didn't need more prompting. Taking a chunk of Ichigo's reiryoku Getsu materialised, standing between his king and the unknown spirit. Unlike usual, he let his reiatsu roam free.

Kazui smiled as Getsu appeared, the presence of the "pretty lady" no longer weighing on his mind. Why would it, when his father and uncle were there? He bounced in place in excitement—for his uncle didn't appear in person often—and reached out to him but his father held him back.

'Not now, Kazui. Later. We have to go'.

'Wha? But I wasn't done playing', Kazui said. He thought he only had to come over for a moment, not that they were actually leaving!

'I know and I'm sorry', Ichigo apologised. 'I don't want to go yet either but we have to'.

The tone his father had used had Kazui look up at him. His father looked…tense. Not worried or concerned, just tense. As if he expected something to happen, to go wrong.

Kazui may be young but he knew that when things went wrong concerning his father, it tended to have collateral damage. And Kazui didn't want one of his friends to get caught up in it.

'Okay'.

Ichigo quickly gathered their stuff, keeping his son by his side while listening to the conversation the two spirits were holding.

'Sup, Snow Queen', Getsu welcomed with a lazy salute and wide grin. 'What'cha needing ma aibō for?'

'Ah, Zangetsu-san', the spirit greeted. 'My mistress, Rukia-sama, has been captured. She has sent me to ask for your master's aid'.

Both Getsu and Ichigo frowned.

Rukia-sama? Ichigo echoed as he adjusted the strap of his shoulder bag and double-checked all the zippers and buttons to make sure they were fastened and shut.

'Oh, my apologies. I should have introduced myself', the spirit said, having noticed the lack of recognition on Ichigo's face. 'My name is Sode no Shirayuki. As you may have surmised, I am the Zanpakutō of Kuchiki Rukia'.

Ichigo nodded in acknowledgement of the introduction. He then looked at his son and asked, 'What do you say, little man? Up for a piggyback ride?'

The offer appeared to be a gift from the heavens. Kazui's face lit up with a smile that could power countries, a trait he inherited from both of his parents. He bounced on the balls of his feet, nodding enthusiastically.

'Come on then, climb on'.

Kazui did not need to be told twice. He quickly mounted his father's back, head barely peeking out over Ichigo's shoulder.

Ichigo made sure he had a secure grip on his son before he rose to stand. Should the need arise, he could evade and run without having to worry about his son.

'Hope ya don't mind ta talk-and-walk', Getsu said, following his king out of the park. He was careful to not let their suspicion show, casually slipping into step with Ichigo.

Shirayuki did not hesitate to follow, a slight frown on her face. 'Any particular reason as to why?'

'People tend ta look at ya weird when ya talk to air', Getsu replied off-handedly. 'Now, while I like yer mistress enough ta actually care about her wellbeing; why did ya come to Aibō? What about her stuck-up nii-san or her baboon of a husband?'

Shirayuki's brows twitched down further. It wasn't a look of displeasure at hearing the two people closest to her mistress being spoken off so lowly, nor was it one made out of worry.

It was the look of someone slowly losing their patience.

Huh, interesting.

'She has been taken to Hueco Mundo', Shirayuki told. 'Unlike Byakuya-san and Renji-san, you can traverse freely between the worlds without needing permission from the Head Captain'.

'Hate ta break it to ya, Snow Queen, but that ain't the case anymore', Getsu said. 'Aibō had ta sign that stupid agreement thingy, remember? If we were ta go there without a heads-up, it could get us in a lot of trouble'.

'That hasn't stopped you before', Shirayuki pointed out.

'Things are different now', Getsu said, glancing at Kazui as he said this. 'Aibō's got responsibilities now'.

Oi! Ichigo objected. I had responsibilities back then, too!

But those didn't keep you back from going, did they? Getsu refuted.

'May I ask where we are going?' Shirayuki asked, interrupting their conversation. 'If I recall, this is not the way to your place of residence'.

'Shōten', Ichigo replied.

'The Shōten?' Shirayuki echoed. ‘Is that not the place of Urahara Kisuke? Whatever reason do we have of going there?’

'Well, if Aibō is gonna help ya, he's gonna need Getaboshi's help to keep outa trouble', Getsu explained. 'Sides, we need someone ta watch the heir'.

Shirayuki seemed to accept the answer, the frown disappearing from her face. 'Ah, that's right. Rukia-sama mentioned Orihime-san was out of town'. She gave a small bow, 'My apologies for pressuring you, I am merely concerned about Rukia-sama's wellbeing'.

'Nah, I get it', Getsu said. 'Gotta do whatever we can ta keep our wielder's alive right?' He turned around, walking backwards to face the other Zanpakutō. 'Speaking of…' he glanced up briefly, a smirk on his face, 'Bakudō #1, Shō'.

Shirayuki yelped as her limbs locked up. Ichigo used the opportunity to step away with Hirenkyaku. Not a second later, an explosion sounded and Shirayuki was knocked into the wall on the opposite side of the street.

Ichigo turned around once his feet touched the ground again. He knew that Hadō hadn't been cast by Getsu. So who? His eyes scanned the streets and then the sky, it was there that he found the one responsible for blasting the Zanpakutō into the unforgiving wall.

There, standing high in the sky with her arm still outstretched, was Rukia. She was breathing heavily, blood dripping down a cut on her cheek. Her clothes were cut up and dishevelled, her reiatsu a little unstable but still strong.

'Don't you fucking dare involve him!'

Rukia forced Shirayuki back with another high-level Hadō. She gave the spirit no time to counter by using shunpo to get close with her sword.

'Tou-san, will Baa-chan be okay?' Kazui asked softly.

'Of course, she will', Ichigo assured. 'She isn't a lieutenant for nothing'.

'But she's hurt', Kazui said.

'Don't ya worry', Getsu said. 'No one's gonna die today'.

Kazui nodded with a hum. He was still worried for his aunt but he trusted his father and uncle. If they said it would be okay, it had to be.

Do ya want me ta help 'er? Getsu asked.

Not until she needs it, Ichigo replied. But could you make sure the collateral is kept to a minimum? I don't want their fight to cause too much damage.

Getsu pouted at having his chance at a fight denied but didn't argue with his wielder. Placing his weapon back in its scabbard he gave both hands a shake, flexing his fingers in an unnecessary show of stretching his wrist and digits. Murmuring under his breath, Getsu moved his hands in deliberate signs.

'Bakudō #81, Dankū'.

A semi-opaque barrier flickered into existence, covering an area the size of four soccer fields. It hovered just above the highest tree and way below the two fighting women.

'That should hold', Getsu murmured. 'Ya gonna wait here or continue to the Shōten?'

'I got a feeling Urahara is on his way here', Ichigo said. 'Might as well wait it out, just in case'.

'Alright, yer the king'.

'Don't call me that'.

'Tou-san…Baa-chan doesn't look so good'.

That made the two look back at the fight above them.

Neither combatant looked to be in good shape. Rukia had gained a few more injuries. A handful of bruises were already forming on whatever skin that wasn't covered. Blood was trickling down her face, most soaked up by her clothing.

Sode no Shirayuki wasn't unscathed. She too sported various injuries, though none were as severe as those of her mistress'.

When Shirayuki used shunpo, Rukia reacted a little too late. She wouldn't be fast enough to dodge.

Getsu already moved to block the sword when Shirayuki stopped mid-swing, a glowing rope wrapped around her blade. The spirit whirled around, cutting the rope and freeing her weapon. Her eyes followed the bakudō, coming face-to-face with the sudden arrival that had gone unnoticed.

'Maah, my apologies Spirit-san, but I can't have you kill valuable customers', Kisuke said. 'It is bad for business'.

Shirayuki frowned, eyes darting to all people present.

'It seems I am outnumbered', Shirayuki noted. 'And severely outclassed'.

'That depends on if you want to continue to fight', Kisuke said. 'Can I offer you some tea?'

'I'm afraid I'll have to decline', Shirayuki said. 'I don't want to outstay my welcome'. She turned to Ichigo, giving a slight bow, 'We will meet again, Kurosaki Ichigo'.

With another burst of shunpo, she left.

Now the threat was gone, Ichigo made his way over to Rukia and Kisuke.

'Are you alright?' Ichigo asked.

'I will live', Rukia said. 'Sorry for ruining your day'.

'You didn't', Ichigo dismissed. 'What happened?'

'Don't worry about it', Rukia brushed off. ‘It’s nothing we can’t handle'.

'Ah, Kuchiki-san', Kisuke reached them. 'May I offer you some tea?'

Rukia nodded, 'Please'.

'We'll come with', Ichigo said.

'No', Rukia said, jabbing a broken finger in Ichigo's sternum. 'Don't get involved with this, Ichigo'. Before Ichigo could open his mouth to argue the two left in a burst of shunpo.

With a grumble, Ichigo eyed his Zanpakutō. Getsu gave him a nod and returned to the mindscape, much to Kazui's dismay.

'Aw, why did Getsu-jii leave?'

'Cuz he didn't need to help me anymore', Ichigo said. 'You know he doesn't like staying out'.

'But I do!' Kazui said, tugging at his father's jacket. 'Can he come back?'

Ichigo looked at his son, feeling Getsu take front. His eyes turned gold on black and Kazui stopped his pulling, a smile on his face.

'Stop it, Lil' Heir. I ain't coming out again'.

'But we didn't even play!'

'And we won't ever again if ya keep whining', Getsu snapped. 'Now behave or Aibō won't let ya get any candy'.

Kazui ceased his pulling at once, looking at his uncle-possessing-his-father's-body in absolute betrayal.

'That's better', Getsu said. 'If ya behave, I will nag Aibō to let ya have two'.

That was his uncle, alright. Carrot-stick approach all the way. But as long as Kazui obeyed, it worked out better for him. In other words, it worked.

The black drained away from his father's eyes, meaning his uncle had gone away again. Ichigo sighed, mumbling something about Getsu not making deals with his son without permission.

'Let's just go to the Shōten, okay?'

This time, Kazui had no objections.

#

To Be Continued

BLEACH - Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

Ichigo looked around, searching for a place he could safely make a phone call. He spotted a small play area—only containing a double swing and a seesaw—and walked towards it.

'I thought we were going to Jii-san?' Kazui said.

'We will', Ichigo assured. 'But Tou-san needs to make a call first'.

'Is Tou-san gonna call Kaa-san?'

'Yeah, you want to talk to Kaa-san when Tou-san is done?'

Kazui nodded.

Ichigo let his son down and sat down on the bench, 'You can go play. I will call you over when I'm done'.

'But I don't wanna play', Kazui said, sitting on the bench as well.

'Kazui…'

'Tou-san is gonna tell Kaa-san about the pretty lady, right?' Kazui asked. 'Maybe Tou-san will forget something'.

Ichigo was ready to argue but Getsu spoke up. Just let him, Aibō. Ya ain't gonna speak about something he doesn't already know.

On whose side are you on, anyway?

Depends on who is winning.

Traitor.

'Tou-san'.

Ichigo sighed, 'Okay, you can stay if you let Tou-san and Kaa-san talk'.

'Okay'.

Ichigo fished his phone from his pocket. The screen unlocked the moment he held it up, the front camera having caught his face. He was greeted with a picture of his family, smiling faces on all three of them. It made him hesitate.

His wife was on a well-deserved break, he didn't want to ruin it by calling her, by giving her a reason to be worried. But Ichigo knew he had to. He couldn't keep this from her and go behind her back. Not when they had a child that needed to be looked after.

With a sigh, Ichigo tapped the screen four times and held the device up between his son and him. The dial tone sounded five times...

'Is there something wrong with Kazui?'

Kazui looked at his father, confused why his mother sounded so worried.

'No, no. He is fine', Ichigo assured. 'You are on speakerphone, by the way. Say hi to Kaa-san, little man'.

'Hi, Kaa-san', Kazui said. 'I'm fine. We went to the park'.

There was a sigh of relief on the other end, 'Oh, that's good to hear. Did you have fun?'

'Uh-huh! It was very fun', Kazui told. 'But we had to leave a bit early'.

'Oh, how come?' Orihime asked. Before either man could speak, she continued. 'Was it a Hollow?'

'No, though I wish it were. Would have been less bothersome', Ichigo said. 'It was Rukia's Zanpakutō'.

'Her Zanpakutō?' Orihime repeated. 'Only her Zanpakutō?'

'Yeah. She came here to ask for my help, saying Rukia was captured'.

'She--wait, that doesn't make any sense', Orihime said. 'If she were captured, she can't materialise her Zanpakutō. They would have taken her weapon away'.

Ichigo smiled in self-deprecation. He hadn't thought of that, he had just found it odd Rukia would send her Zanpakutō to relay the message.

'I didn't believe her, either', he settled for. 'I had Zangetsu talk to her to buy time and get away from the park. We were on our way to the Shōten when Rukia arrived'.

'Baa-chan was hurt', Kazui piped up. 'But she kicked the pretty lady's bottom real good'.

Ichigo hummed, 'Something is going on in Soul Society, Hime. Rukia doesn't want me involved and, honestly, I don't want to be, either. But they came here. Whoever is in charge wants me involved and I don't think they will leave it at this'.

There was no response. Ichigo could envision his wife sitting down, holding her head with her free hand. She was thinking his words over, he was sure. For all her airheaded-ness, Orihime was a smart woman, always have been.

'Have you spoken with Rukia', she asked.

'Not yet, I am heading over to the Shōten now', Ichigo told. 'I had already planned to do so, Zangetsu heard something last night. Maybe it is connected'.

She hummed, agreeing with his choice in action. 'A little more information would be nice before you rush in'.

'I don't want to', Ichigo said with a sigh.

'But it is either that or risk them bringing the fight to you'.

'... Yeah'. Ichigo looked at his son, 'If I am going to fight, I rather do it somewhere I don't have to hold back'.

He heard his wife sigh.

'Yeah, I know. It's an... annoying position to be in', Ichigo agreed. 'I'm sorry I had to ruin your week with this'.

'No, you haven't. I am glad you called', Orihime said. 'What is your plan?'

'Have Urahara and Kon look after Kazui', Ichigo said. 'Go to Soul Society—'

'What?' Kazui tugged at his father's coat. 'Tou-san is leaving?'

'Only for a little bit', Ichigo assured. 'I will be back before dinner, promise'.

'You think you can do this in four hours?' Orihime asked, sounding amused.

'Two hours to find the bad guy and two hours to kick his…behind', Ichigo reasoned. 'Shouldn't be that hard. Especially since they want me involved—'

'—They might come to you', Orihime agreed. 'Just don't do anything reckless, okay?'

'I promise', Ichigo said. 'I will do my best to get back before dinner. I will call you the second I get back in my body, okay?'

'Alright, try to be safe'.

'Always', Ichigo assured. 'Love you'.

'Love you, too'.

'Love you, Kaa-san!'

'Love you, too, Sweetheart'.

Ichigo pressed the red circle and ended the call. He sighed, pushing the device into his back pocket.

'I don't want Tou-san to leave', Kazui said.

'I know’, Ichigo said. 'Tou-san doesn't want to go, either but he has to'.

Kazui crossed his arms, 'It's stupid'.

'I know and I will make it up to you', Ichigo promised. 'What about a movie night, huh? How does that sound?'

Kazui gave his father a glance, 'Can we stay up late?'

'I don't know, can you?'

'Uh-huh!'

'Then sure, we can stay up as late as you want to watch the movie'.

'Okay!'

Deal and plan made, the two resumed their walk, arriving at the Shōten a mere ten minutes later. Before they had reached the door, Kisuke came out.

'Ah, Kurosaki-san. I'm afraid I'm closed today'.

'I didn't come here only because of what happened just now', Ichigo told. 'Zangetsu heard something last night, I think it may be connected'.

Kisuke eyed him.

'Besides, if you turn me away, you make me a liar to my son', Ichigo said. 'I told him he could get a candy'.

'Maah, Kurosaki-san, using your son like that. How can I refuse?' Kisuke opened the door, allowing them in.

'How is Rukia?'

'She is fine. Tessai finished healing her. She is in the spring downstairs to refresh'.

'Good'.

'Tou-san, can I have a candy?' Kazui asked.

'I promised, haven't I?' Ichigo said. 'What do you want?'

Once his son had picked his two candy—because true to his word, Getsu was nagging him about it—Ichigo followed Kisuke further inside the store. He paused as they passed the guestroom.

'Kazui, could you play in here with Kon for a little while?'

'Huh, why?'

'Because Tou-san knows Baa-chan is going to be mad', Ichigo told. 'And you won't like Baa-chan when she's mad'.

'Oh…'

'I will come to say bye before I leave'.

'Okay…'

Ichigo retrieved Kon from his bag and handed him over to his son.

'Keep an eye on each other'.

'Yes, Tou-san'.

Kazui went inside the room and Ichigo closed the door before going to the main room. Kisuke was already waiting for him.

'So, tell me, Kurosaki-san. What brings you here aside from the obvious?'

Ichigo sat down and turned his attention inside, Do you want to tell him?

When he got a push back forward, Ichigo sighed.

'Last night, Zangetsu pulled me from my sleep into my mindscape', Ichigo began. 'He said he heard a voice he didn't recognise calling his name. Did your Zanpakutō hear the same, by any chance?'

Kisuke put down his cup, 'Not to my knowledge. All do I have to admit, my Benihime doesn't talk to me as much as your Zanpakutō does with you. If she heard a voice, she didn't tell me'. He looked at his cane that leaned against the wall, 'However, she did feel rather cold in my hands today'.

'What is going on in Soul Society anyway?' Ichigo asked. 'Did Rukia tell you?'

'She has but with strict instructions not to tell you', Kisuke said. 'She doesn't want to involve you in their mess'.

'I think it is already a bit late for that, isn't it?'

'Not yet', Kisuke said. 'But I do believe you have a right to know since the voice Zangetsu heard is likely connected to what is going on in Soul Society'.

'No!' The door was pulled open, revealing Rukia. Her hair was still damp and her state of dress was barely passable as decent. 'Don't you dare get yourself involved!'

'Rukia—'

'I don't want to hear it!' She stormed over, fixing up her attire as she did. 'We can fix this mess on our own. You should just stay here and fulfil your duty as a husband and father and take care of your son'.

'Do you think I want to go?!' Ichigo asked. 'Cuz I don't. You are right, you should fix this mess on your own. And yes, I have a duty to take care of my son', he said. 'But taking care also means protecting him from harm and your mess already tried to involve me'.

'We will keep it from happening again', Rukia stated firmly.

Ichigo shook his head, 'I can't risk it'.

'What risk? I am not fixing this alone, the whole of the Gotei Thirteen are working on it'.

'And yet your Zanpakutō came here'.

'We didn't know Muramasa wants you involved!' Rukia shot back. 'But now we know and we will do everything—'

'That's not enough'.

'How is that not enough?! Don't you trust us, Ichigo?'

'Of course, I do!' Ichigo snapped. 'But I can't take the risk, no matter how small it may be. Would you stand by if our roles were reversed?'

Rukia balled her fists, unable to deny that.

'I trust you, Rukia', Ichigo said, softer this time. 'Truly, I do. I know you will do everything in your power to keep the fight away from here. But you cannot guarantee it won't happen'.

She sighed, sitting down. 'I'm sorry I wasn't able to prevent her from coming here', Rukia apologised. 'You shouldn't have to keep fighting in our messes'.

'I know', Ichigo said. 'But your Zanpakutō already came here, who is to say that Muramasa guy won't send more next time? If that guy really wants me involved, I rather keep the fight away from here where I can't go all out. Besides, what if a Zanpakutō with bankai goes after you? Without at least a shikai you don't stand a chance'.

'But what if Zangetsu suddenly starts to rebel?' Rukia argued. 'If they manage to sway your Zanpakutō then we're done for!'

Ichigo opened his mouth to argue, only for his consciousness to be pushed aside. Phantom hands lingered on him, keeping him from falling into his mindscape.

On the outside, the switch had been noticed. The sudden take-over had the body twitch once, almost like a robot short circuit. The whites of his eyes washed with ink, the chocolate brown brightening to a fierce gold.

The atmosphere grew heavier. Getsu leaned forward, pulling Ichigo's lips into a snarl. 'Why the fuck would I betray him?'

'I--I don't know', Rukia said, a bit flustered at the realisation Zangetsu had heard every word. 'So far, every Shinigami that has at least achieved shikai had their Zanpakutō turn on them. I don't see why you would be an exception'.

By now, half of Ichigo's Hollow mask had formed on the left side of his face. 'I'm an exception to a lot of things, Midget. I don't see why I wouldn't be one here'. He leaned back, gaze pointed to her as he continued. 'Sides, if all yer Zanpakutō rebelled, it must mean they're upset with ya, right?'

'Well... that seems to be the case—'

'Then answer me this: how often do you go to your mindscape?' Getsu asked, giving a pointed look at the scabbard at her hip. 'How often do you fight with her? Do you even talk with her?'

Rukia couldn't keep eye contact. Each question spurred another seed of guilt to take root in her heart.

'Thought as much'. Getsu leaned back, relinquishing control back to his king. The mask crumbled away, black draining from the eyes.

Ichigo blinked, a bit confused and surprised. Maybe even touched? He hadn't expected Getsu to take it so personally. For him to take over and defend their relationship... it felt good. The hard work they had put into their bond had been worth it.

'Don't take it too personally', Ichigo said. 'I mean, the Academy is where you were taught about this, right?' At Rukia's—and even Kisuke's—nod in confirmation, Ichigo continued. 'It isn't your fault you are surrounded by people who all tell you the same thing'.

Rukia shook her head, 'That is no excuse. You are proof of that'.

Ichigo didn't refute that.

'Don't worry about your son, we will take good care of him while you are gone', Kisuke said.

'Thank you', Ichigo replied. 'If all goes well I should be back before nightfall'.

'Confident, are we?'

'The whole fight with Aizen took less than a couple of hours', Ichigo said. 'I highly doubt this guy is stronger than that demented butterfly'. He stood up. 'Now, give me five minutes to get out of my body and say bye to my son and we're good to go'.

#

The second Ichigo set foot in Soul Society, he felt Getsu get close to front.

I heard it again.

Ichigo frowned, hand automatically going to the tsuba of his katana. Must be Muramasa.

If that's his voice, you won't have to worry, Aibō. It makes my ears bleed.

Oh, and how is my voice? Ichigo asked.

Ear ringing.

Well, yours is fit for horror movies, so I think we're even. Ichigo said with a smirk.

Aw! Thank you.

Ichigo rolled his eyes.

'Ichigo?'

Hearing Rukia call to him with concern, he shook his head. 'Nothing, Zangetsu said something'.

'Oh'. Rukia looked at her own blade. Sode no Shirayuki had abandoned her so easily. Had she really been such a terrible friend? Did she even consider Rukia a friend? Sure, they have had a rough patch after Kaien but they worked it out, hadn't they?

Ichigo leapt to the streets and Rukia was a bit jealous. She couldn't communicate with her Zanpakutō so easily as Ichigo could. No one could. Every Shinigami had to use Jinzen or materialise their sword spirit in order to commune. Ichigo not, though. He could talk to them whenever.

Rukia shook her head. No, this was unfair of her. For all the boons Ichigo had been privileged with, there were just as many banes—if not more. That aside, from what he had told her, he went through a lot of effort to get close to his spirits.

The fact that Zangetsu had taken control just to defend how strong their bond is was proof of that.

There was no one in the history of Soul Society who spend so much time with their Zanpakutō. Of course, Ichigo would have a stronger bond with his spirits than anyone else.

Maybe they are right and I am overthinking this.

#

To Be Continued

BLEACH - Tite Kibo

Chapter Text

This had not gone how Ichigo had expected.

Finding Muramasa hadn't been hard; as Orihime had predicted, the man had come to them. It had confirmed what Ichigo had feared, Muramasa wanted him involved. There is no way he would’ve let one failed reconnaissance be the end.

Sode no Shirayuki had been by Muramasa’s side and Rukia was quick to engage with her, leading her away so Ichigo could focus on defeating the self-proclaimed Zanpakutō liberator.

After only a few strikes, Ichigo knew he had to kick it up a notch. Without reciting the release phrase, he swung the blade at his opponent, releasing shikai right before steel met steel. The discharged reiatsu took Muramasa by surprise, knocking him off-balance. Ichigo capitalised on the opportunity to deal a swift kick to the sternum.

Muramasa recovered before his backwards momentum came to an end and used it to his own advantage. The Zanpakutō was no push-over, Ichigo would freely admit that. His strikes were strong and his footwork was impeccable. It reminded him of when he fought against Byakuya—as graceful as he was lethal.

What didn't remind him of his fight with Byakuya were the impressions he got with every clash of their swords. Ichigo frowned as he unconsciously filtered through the soup of emotion, finding grief, sadness and desperation drowning in the broth of determination and killing intent.

'What are you fighting for Muramasa?' Ichigo asked between clashes. 'Cuz I don't buy your liberation bullshit'.

'I am not surprised', Muramasa replied. 'If you Shinigami weren't so blind to how you treated us, I wouldn't have needed to step up'.

'If you had no ill intent, you wouldn't have gone straight to violence', Ichigo countered.

'As you can see, violence is what is needed to make people listen'.

'Oh, it really isn't', Ichigo said, creating some distance. 'I don't even want to fight you. If you want to talk, I am more than willing to hear you out'.

'Do you honestly think I will fall for such a trick?'

'It isn't a trick', Ichigo insisted. 'If you are truly fighting to get Shinigami to respect their Zanpakutō and treat them well, I am in your corner. Because yeah, as far as I know, they are generally just treated as tools'.

That had Muramasa pause.

'There are other ways to achieve your goal, Muramasa. Peaceful ways. And I am willing to help you with that if you would let me'.

Muramasa looked at him, almost baffled.

Ichigo lowered his weapon and stance, 'It isn't too late yet to do this the right way'.

A smile appeared on the spirit's face. 'Do you know how I knew of your existence, Kurosaki Ichigo?'

'Uhm…' Ichigo didn't know how to respond to that. At this point, almost everyone in Soul Society had at least heard of the stories of the orange-haired substitute soul reaper who won them the Winter War. It would have been stranger if Muramasa hadn't known about him.

Fortunately, the question had been rhetorical.

'I asked those I liberated of whom I had to be careful off', Muramasa told. 'And do you know what they warned me off about you?' He raised his free hand towards the substitute across from him, 'The persuasiveness of your idealistic naiveté'.

Ichigo quirked a brow, not quite understanding why Muramasa was being so dramatic. That is until he felt something wrap around his ankles and wrists. His eyes flicked down, seeing the fabric of his sleeves and hakama tighten but nothing that could explain why. When he moved his arm, the invisible bonds snapped tight and pulled, leaving him hanging mid-air.

'The fuck?!'

'Let's see how your Zanpakutō truly thinks of you, shall we?' Muramasa said, walking up to the captured substitute. He held out a hand to Ichigo's chest, a frown of concentration on his face. Out of habit, Ichigo tried to shy away. He didn't want the other so close while incapacitated.

He could feel Muramasa reach into him, trying to pull on the strand of power that was linked to his Zanpakutō. It yanked itself from Muramasa's grasp and Ichigo saw a scowl forming on the spirit.

'Fine, then', Muramasa murmured.

From there, all Ichigo knew was pain. His vision whited out, the pounding of his heart so loud he could barely hear his own screaming. The pain made time irrelevant, for every second felt like hours.

By the time he regained some sense of lucidity, Ichigo found himself on the ground. His body was heavy, cold and sore. With effort, he managed to get his hand to his chest, feeling solid skin and not the gaping hole he had been expecting.

And then a familiar voice spoke up. One that had been in his head only a moment ago but now reached his ears from outside.

'Tch, yer such a fucking drama queen'.

The amount of venom with which the words were spoken burned his ears. The disgust was like a punch to his gut, the hatred a dagger to his heart. Ichigo couldn't believe those words had been directed at him, spoken by him of all people.

'Get the fuck up, ya've had way worse than this'.

Forcing air into his lungs, his ribcage had no choice but to expand and make room. Ichigo inhaled greedily to fuel his oxygen-deprived body. His fingers tightened around the hilt of his, now sealed, zanpakutō and he pushed himself to his knees; his arms shaking as he adjusted to the giant hole that was eating away at his core.

'Fucking pathetic. Yer making me look bad, King'. The title, which had always been used for teasing, was now thrown at him like an insult. 'If ya don't raise yer damn head now, I'm gonna hack it off ya'.

Ichigo knew a promise when he heard one. He tilted his head back, his eyes falling on the familiar white physique of his Hollow Zanpakutō. Getsu was glaring at him, eyes a bright silver that shimmered with hate. His face was pulled in disgust and anger, both of which were solely aimed at him.

To see his Zanpakutō—his friend, his partner—stand by the villain's side, hurt more than having the spirit ripped from his mindscape. It made no sense. A mere hour ago Zangetsu had surged to the front, proclaiming the strength of their bond to Rukia and Kisuke so they would let Ichigo go to Soul Society. So why? Why was Getsu now standing there, looking at him as if he were solely responsible for all that was wrong in the world?

Not believing Getsu would betray him, Ichigo reached out to the spirit with his reiatsu. It was a gesture Ichigo had found worked wonders on his Hollow Zanpakutō. Getsu thrived on positive reciprocation, especially from his king. If given, no matter how annoyed or frustrated he was with Ichigo, he never rejected it.

At the touch of his king’s confused reiatsu, still filled with love and acceptance, Getsu's lips pulled into a snarl. His eyes hardened, narrowing into a glare. ‘Hn, like I will let you put back the reins on me now I'm freed from you'.

His annoyed expression turned smug. Getsu let loose a burst of power, forcing Ichigo to pull back.

But something was holding on to his reiatsu. Something that felt dark and oppressive, corruptive and hungry. Ichigo recognised it, how could he not when he had become aware of it since he started his Quincy training years ago? He pushed some more reiryoku to his eyes, causing them to glow a soft gold.

At once the reiatsu became visible to him. The deep purple that surrounded Muramasa. The vibrant red that radiated from Getsu and the bright gold that came from himself. It was around his own he noticed thin black tendrils. Dozens of thin but dense wisps of Hollow reiatsu were wrapped around his own, intertwining in a desperate attempt to stay connected. Ichigo coiled his reiatsu around them, keeping a close eye on Getsu as he did so.

The spirit's right eye twitched, a golden glow forming around the pupil. Yet, it seemed the rest of his face wasn't on the same page, contorting into a scowl. 'Persistent asshole'.

The red reiatsu snaked up the black tendrils, pulling them back while pushing Ichigo's gold away. The more red tried to separate them, the more frantic black became. Being in the minority, it couldn't hold on for long. After many valiant attempts to keep connected with Ichigo's reiatsu, the red succeeded and dragged the black back.

Ichigo only stared, too caught up in his mind. The whole interaction had lasted maybe ten seconds but it had told him everything he needed to know. The black tendrils had been filled with anger and need. Anger at Muramasa. Anger at Getsu himself. And a need to return to his king.

Tightening his hold on the tsuba, Ichigo rose to his feet. His eyes glowed bright in anger. He pointed his blade at Muramasa and sneered, 'You don't liberate Zanpakutō, you brainwash them!'

Muramasa's aloof mask fractured at the (unfounded but completely accurate) accusation. He glanced between Zangetsu and Ichigo, wondering what could have possibly given away his hand.

It doesn't matter.

Filling the cracks of his damaged act, Muramasa composed himself. 'I applaud you, Kurosaki Ichigo. You are the only person to have ever faced me to uncover the truth about my powers'.

'Let him go, Muramasa', Ichigo demanded. 'Or I can't guarantee you'll get out of this alive'.

Muramasa's brows knitted together, his amusement fading. 'Arrogant boy, you think you can kill me with only a sealed blade?'

'Oh, no. I wasn't talking about me', Ichigo said. He glanced at Getsu, who was impatiently spinning his weapon at his side. Muramasa followed his gaze. 'But I know Getsu won't be happy once he snaps out of it'.

A genuine smirk stretched across Muramasa's face, 'You underestimate me, Kurosaki Ichigo. Once under my control, no one can break free'. He turned his attention to the pale doppelganger of the substitute, who regained a bit of life in his eyes now the conversation was over. Before he could talk, however, Getsu spoke up.

'Ya finally fucking done with yer damn monologue?' Getsu asked, stance relaxed and countenance conveying annoyance.

The attitude was not appreciated. Muramasa scowled, 'Yes, we are done'. The spirit recovered his composure. 'Why don't you show him how a true king fights?'

'S about damn time'.

The spinning blade was let go and caught in one swift motion. Getsu took off and Ichigo raised his sword. To his surprise, he managed to parry the attack and evade the follow-up. He wasn't as lucky with the next swing, which nicked him in the cheek.

The fight was…off. Ichigo didn't know how else to describe it. After years, he liked to think he was pretty familiar with the fighting styles of his spirits. Zan fought more calculated, each move as effective as it was efficient. Getsu was a berserker with a brain, letting instinct guide him but not blind him.

Right now, Getsu fought like he always has. Going for a non-stop assault to create openings and exploit them, his reiatsu filled with killing intent. But only with his sword. There was no usage of any of his Hollow techniques. No ceros or balas, no sonīdo to out-speed Ichigo's shunpo. Not that Ichigo was complaining, he would be dead by now if Getsu had been using them.

Though, it brought forward the question: why was Getsu not using them?

Being as absorbed in his thoughts as he was, Ichigo missed the follow-up of the slash to the side that he’d blocked. The foot was planted square in his stomach and air burst from his lungs. He flew back, colliding hard with a wall that crumbled at impact.

'Stop fucking deflecting and fight back, damnit!'

Pushing a chunk of stone from his chest, Ichigo sat up. 'I'm not fighting you like this'.

'Oh my fucking— Are you serious right now?!' Getsu shouted. 'I am trying to fucking kill you and you—' The spirit struck his sword in the ground, freeing his hands so he could articulate his frustration and anger better with wild gestures. ‘This! This is what I hate about you. This unwavering belief you have in the people who try to kill you!'

'What?'

'Don't you have any self-preservation? Do you even know what it is?!' Getsu questioned as he stormed over. He put his foot down on his king's blade, keeping it down. His other foot was planted in Ichigo's chest, placing just enough weight on him to keep him pinned. Getsu got right up close in his face and snarled, 'It's the instinct to not do stupid shit that gets you killed!'

Ichigo opened his mouth to retort, only to grit his teeth when the ball of Getsu's foot pressed down on the edge of his sternum.

'Don't ya dare try an’ deny it', the spirit growled, throwing a finger at Muramasa without looking. 'Just now, as yer were fighting Long Nails over there, all yer were thinking of was tryna figuring out why he was doing this. Ya were even trying ta talk him out of it'.

'People have reasons for doing the things they do!' Ichigo snapped. 'Understanding that is half the battle'.

'No, it’s not!' Getsu punched Ichigo in the face, the jawbone shattering on impact. 'What use does it have to understand yer opponent when all they want is your destruction?!'

'No one—'

'Jeagerjacks', Getsu cut in. 'That fucker is the literal embodiment of destruction. The mere idea of being the one to kill you gets him hard! The only reason he hasn't already is because he fucking can't!'

'Grimmjow has won before', Ichigo argued, his speech offset by his broken jaw.

'Because ya were off yer game. Ya think someone with a pride and ego as big as Mount Fuji will take such a victory?' Getsu sneered, shifting his weight. There was a brief relief of pressure and Ichigo sucked in air, only to have it kicked out of him. Getsu's foot connected with his side, the force used enough to dig him out of the rubble and onto the street. 'Of course not! You're too naive, Ichigo! The only reason yer still alive is dumb fucking luck'. Getsu stretched out his right towards his sword and flicked his fingers. The blade heeded his call, returning to his awaiting open palm. 'But today, ya luck has run out'. He pointed the katana at his king, releasing his shikai in the same motion. 'Now, get the fuck up so I can kill ya'.

Ichigo looked at his Zanpakutō, eyes widening a bit before narrowing. A ghost of a smile tugged at his lips as he began to push himself up.

'Ya must've hit yer head quite hard if ya think this is funny'.

'That's not why I'm smiling', Ichigo said. He dragged himself up to his feet, leaning against the wall for support. Brown bore into silver, soft but determined. 'I'm proud of you, Zangetsu'.

Both Zanpakutō spirits blinked at those words. Muramasa frowned, looking at Zangetsu to gauge his reaction. The white spirit was hard to read, face barely showing any emotion other than annoyance. Even his hand didn't waver.

So imagine his surprise when Getsu spoke.

'I know'.

'Don't fall for his words, Zangetsu. You aren't like his other opponents who were swayed by his charisma'.

Getsu snarled, 'Piss off, Long Nail. This ain't concerning you'.

'I believe it does', Muramasa replied. 'After all, if you were to fail to dispose of your master, it will cause problems for me down the line'.

'What? Ya don't think I can kill a naive idiot that doesn't even have a shikai?' There was a flicker of gold in those silver pools. 'Insult me more and I'll let 'im at ya'.

'I beg your pardon?'

'Just fuck off. I don't need ya breathing down my neck'.

'Zangetsu', Muramasa began, fingers curling into a fist. 'It would behove you to be more grateful for liberating you'.

Getsu's eye twitched, lips pulling into a pained snarl. 'Fuck you, I didn't ask for it'.

Muramasa shot a glance at Ichigo, seeing the substitute look at his spirit with pride. Turning back to his pale brethren, Muramasa tightened his control over him.

Getsu sucked in a breath, eyes reverting back to pure silver.

'Kill him'.

This time, Getsu made no remark and just advanced. Ichigo brought up his sealed blade and met that of his spirit.

The fighting style had changed. Getsu didn't attack with reckless abandon, making him easy to read. Ichigo knew exactly where his spirit would aim for, where he would place his foot, and in what manner he would block.

It was textbook, predictable.

A downright insult to the way Getsu fought.

And his face…there was no confident smirk, no maniacal laughter of enjoyment, or scowl of intense focus. It was void of any kind of expression. Nothing to betray the spirit was presently engaged in combat.

He had become a puppet and it hurt Ichigo to see.

Fuck this! Without a second thought, Ichigo tossed his blade aside. He wasn't going to fight and he was going to prove it wasn't needed.

Getsu's blade pierced Ichigo's skin, going all the way through his abdomen until the handguard dug into the stomach. All of the spirit's muscles tensed, eyes blown wide in shock. Getsu didn't even resist when two arms wrapped around him.

'I'm not going to fight you', Ichigo murmured. 'Not like this'.

'How are you still standing?' Muramasa demanded. 'How are you not bleeding?!'

'Cuz I can't hurt 'im with my blade'.

Getsu was trembling in Ichigo's embrace, reiatsu lashing out at everything—even itself. Muramasa felt his control over the other waver and had to tighten it again.

With a pained snarl, Getsu pushed back against Ichigo's chest to get some distance between them, the blade in his wielder's abdomen dissolving now the spirit had a different kind of battle to fight. In the hope to lessen the shouting match inside his head, Getsu pressed his palms to his ears, nails digging into his scalp.

'Stop it!' Ichigo shouted, reaching for his spirit only to be held back by invisible bonds once more.

'If you can't hurt him with your blade then get creative', Muramasa growled at Zangetsu, stepping closer.

'No!' Getsu snarled, baring his teeth at the other man.

'DON'T YOU FUCKING—!'

A sharp pain burned his face and Zangetsu was sent to the ground.

Muramasa walked until he stood before the downed spirit. 'You disappoint me, Zangetsu. After I heard so much about you, you fail to live up to my expectations'. Raising his hand, Muramasa summoned his blade. 'It's a shame you are so difficult. You would have made my quest so much easier'.

Everything screamed at him to move and Zangetsu tried to get to his knees but his body wouldn't budge.

The blade was brought down, only to make a sudden turn. Sparks rained down as swords met.

'You didn't think me that blind I wouldn't notice you, Kurosaki Ichigo?'

‘You’re dead’, Ichigo promised. He put everything he still had behind his swing to force Muramasa away from Zangetsu. It worked. Muramasa couldn't give enough resistance to stay in place and had to forfeit a few steps to the boy that was quickly becoming a thorn in his side.

'You are starting to annoy me'.

Muramasa threw his free hand forward and Ichigo immediately leapt out of the way, hoping he could dodge those invisible bonds. He couldn't. They wrapped around his limbs, chest and neck. One even had it out for his weapon, pulling at the blade to disarm him. Ichigo only tightened his grip. In response, the bonds slithered up to encompass his hand and constricted. Ichigo gritted his teeth when his hand was crushed.

'Still not letting go?' Muramasa asked, turning to his captive with his sword in hand. 'Let me help you with that'.

Muramasa’s blade caught the sun just before it connected. It cut through Ichigo’s rebellious hierro, sliced his skin and hacked through bone, all in one smooth swing.

The sound of metal meeting pavement caused Zangetsu to raise his head. The voices in his head were suddenly dead quiet. Just a ringing between his ears remained as he stared at the sword on the ground, blood flowing from the cut wrist and pooling beneath it. His irises turned to gold as they travelled up, seeing Muramasa poised to strike. Ichigo was floating in mid-air, his body still as if bound. His scream of pain had been cut off and his face was turning red as he struggled for air.

It was abundantly clear to which voice Getsu had to listen.

'Ban…kai'.

Muramasa glanced to the side, only for his air to be cut off. His back was slammed into a nearby wall, sharp nails digging into his throat.

'You fucked with the wrong Zanpakutō, Hang Nail', Getsu growled in his soon-to-be victim's face. 'I don't take kindly ta being used'.

Muramasa squirmed in his grasp, clawing desperately at the claws wrapped around his neck. The hold only tightened and genuine fear bubbled up inside the Zanpakutō as he stared into a pair of molten gold. In a last-ditch attempt to postpone his end, Muramasa threw everything he had into controlling the Zanpakutō before him.

One of Zangetsu's eyes changed back to silver but only briefly. Black liquid burst from the spirit's chest, leaving a fist-sized hole in its wake.

A Hollow?!

When the other Zanpakutō had spoken of Zangetsu, their testimony varied. Some said he felt strange, almost pure. Others claimed he felt eerily Hollow-like. Kuchiki Byakuya had later clarified that Kurosaki Ichigo possessed something called an "Inner Hollow".

What the noble had failed to mention was that the Zanpakutō and the Inner Hollow weren't separate entities.

A low growl kicked up as the mask solidified. Energy quickly built up within the spirit's hand. Muramasa screamed as his skin melted. Zangetsu tightened his hold slowly; searing the throat shut to silence his victim.

From there, Getsu let his rage be his muse.

#

TO BE CONTINUED

BLEACH – Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

As Getsu forced Muramasa into the street by his throat, Ichigo averted his eyes. He knew what his Zanpakutō was going to do, his intentions were laid bare in the waves of reiatsu that flooded the street, and he had no intention of watching. So long as Getsu kept the destruction contained to a single being and didn't go on a rampage, Ichigo didn't feel any necessity to step in. He had bigger, more pressing matters to worry about than preventing his Zanpakutō from exacting vengeance.

For example, preventing death by blood loss.

He had been holding his arm up since he had gotten behanded; with his remaining hand, he held his bleeding wrist in an iron vice. It didn't seem to matter much for red flooded over the clean-cut edge and down his forearm, collecting at the point of his elbow to take a one-way trip to the cobblestone street in a steady stream. With each beat of his quickened heart did blood spray up from his wrist like a faulty fountain, staining his face, hair, and the ground.

If being the son of a doctor had taught him anything by proxy, it would be that "bleeding is bad". Blood loss was a very dangerous thing, if left unattended it could lead to shock and even death. Judging from the size of the puddle forming on the street and the lightness of his head, Ichigo didn't have much blood left to lose.

Reaching inward, Ichigo searched for the power he needed. He found it with ease but it slipped his grasp whenever he attempted to pull on it. It seemed that, even though Getsu had snapped out of Muramasa's control, the blockade between them was still there. With high-speed regeneration and blut vene out of the question, Ichigo was left with kaidō for healing which was useless to him due to the working of the technique.

Shit, shit, shit! Ichigo curled his fingers tighter, nails digging into his skin with how hard he gripped his wrist. This is--Shit! Fuck! Okay, don't panic. Panic is bad. I have survived worse. He looked down, seeing the red strap and the blood-tainted white of his obi. Could I bind my arm…? No, I would have to let go of my wrist and the bleeding would get worse…

It had been a while since he had been bleeding this bad, once he had mastered blut it'd ceased to be a concern. Now, with most of his powers locked behind a barrier he couldn't reach through, he was cruelly reminded of the dangers combat brought with it.

Wrapped up in his thoughts as he was, Ichigo lost sight of his surroundings. All his eyes saw was his handless wrist gushing the one liquid he needed to live, all his ears heard were the sounds of rage, and all he could smell was iron and burned flesh. He didn't hear the clack of low heels on cobblestone nor did he notice the shadow that fell over him.

So when black boots stepped into his line of sight, uncaring of dirtying them with blood, Ichigo felt his heart jump to his throat. His head snapped up, eyes wide from the scare and trepidation at who had found him in such a vulnerable state.

Piercing blue eyes is what Ichigo’s locked gazes with. Their face was covered in a light shade cast by the black hood that was drawn over their head. Waves of dark brown framed their face, reaching just past their chin.

T--Tensa!

The hood (which Ichigo had only seen the spirit wear once before) cast an ominous shadow over Tensa's eyes, making them stand out even more. His brows were knitted together tightly, eyes narrowed into slits. His hands were balled up so tight his knuckles had turned white, shaking with suppressed emotion at his sides. Even his reiatsu, which had always been a sea of calm and collectiveness, was spiking uncontrolled.

Ichigo rarely saw his Quincy Zanpakutō be this expressive.

Oh, crap. Don't tell me Muramasa's still—!

Tensa knelt down before him, uncurling his fingers to wrap them around Ichigo's hand. His touch was gentle, guiding the behanded limb towards himself.

'Relax'.

Ichigo blinked.

The spirit didn't look up at him as he switched the forearm to his right. With his left, Tensa reached down to the ground. When it came back up, he held the palm of Ichigo's dismembered hand.

'The less tension there is in your arm, the nicer the result will be', Tensa elaborated, casting a glance up to meet the dumbfounded countenance of his meister. 'Unless you want to wait for them to finish and help you regenerate?'

When all Ichigo could offer in response was a passable impression of a fish on dry land, Tensa looked back down at the dismembered hand with a slight shake of his head. With a handkerchief obtained from the inside of his coat, he began to remove any and all debris that had found its way onto the cut. 'Considering the blood you have already lost, I shall take your silence as a "no". You do not have the luxury to choose'.

Ichigo closed his mouth, watching Tensa clean his stump and hand in stunned silence. With care, the white handkerchief was dusted against the edge of the skin, brushing away the dirt from the cut. Each tap tainted the fabric, the absorbed blood turning it a deep red. After only a handful of gentle wipes, the handkerchief could no longer contain the liquid presented to it; small drops of blood fell from the corners.

A red glow in the corner of his periphery drew Ichigo's eyes away. He looked up towards the steadily brightening glow and immediately regretted it.

Getsu was standing over Muramasa's mutilated frame, one talon-toed foot bearing his weight down into the softness above the man's hip. His right arm reached down, clawed hand buried into Muramasa's chest. The light Ichigo had noticed was that of a charging cero, the scent of burning flesh growing more intense as the cero grew in size. With whatever strength he still had, Muramasa spend writhing in agony. His head was thrown back, face contorted in anguish as he tried to vocalise his pain but no sound came out from his maimed throat.

Warm and wet fingers pressed against his unshaven chin and guided his gaze away from the massacre playing out on the other side of the street. Ichigo didn't resist as his eyes were brought around to meet the stoic visage of his Quincy Zanpakutō.

'You should not look if it bothers you so', Tensa advised. 'There is nothing that can be done'.

Ichigo opened his mouth to speak, to object, to argue. Like Hell, there was nothing there could be done! Even if Muramasa couldn't be saved, he didn't have to suffer as he did.

The cords in his throat tensed for only a moment. It was as if the air tripped over something, sending Ichigo into an uncontrollable fit of breathy coughs. His throat burned, the air pipe feeling too tight to form words.

'I do not care', Tensa replied as if Ichigo had spoken. The Quincy Zanpakutō bend over the forearm he held steady with his right, bringing the dismembered hand towards it with his left. The ends were pressed against one another, agitating the sensitive nerves that had been laid bare. Tensa took a deep breath, his already piercing blue irises glowing ominously in the shade cast over them by the hood.

The sensation of a million needles piercing his skin, muscle, nerves, vessels, and even bones took Ichigo's breath away. His eyes flicked down, seeing an uncountable amount of thin blue threads connect his dismembered hand to his arm.

Tensa's movements were slow but calculated, his left hand moving over the hand he was attempting to reattach. His fingers curled but not into a fist. The positioning reminded Ichigo of Uryū when he was finishing up a sewing project. Slowly, Tensa moved his hand and Ichigo felt the threads pull taut. He winced when the ends met, the pressure on his exposed nerves felt like he dipped his arm in lava. The spirit didn't pay his expression of pain much mind, rotating the connected hand for inspection.

A roar of anger reached his ears and Ichigo turned his head before he could think twice about it, hearing such a sound come from someone he holds so dear prompting him to respond. He looked away immediately but the image of Getsu tearing a leg away from his mouth would forever be burned in his memory.

He shouldn't look anymore. He really, really shouldn't. It only made him upset.

It was Muramasa's own fault he was being torn apart. His own actions had led him to this outcome. Ichigo had even warned him but Muramasa hadn't taken him seriously. Ichigo had done what he could. Muramasa had made his choices and, inadvertently, accepted the consequences and risks that came with it.

Still, he doesn't deserve to suffer like this.

'To you, maybe', Tensa replied to his meister’s thoughts. 'But to us, this barely evens the score'. Deeming his work to his satisfaction, the glow of his eyes dimmed. 'Keep it up for me'.

Ichigo obliged without question. Tensa brought his palms together and muttered something under his breath; in response to his illegible words, a green glow encased his bloody hands. Incantation chanted, Tensa wrapped his hands around the stitches and began to heal.

'I will not lie to you, Ichigo. If you had not been in such dire need of medical attention, I would be aiding them in their chastising of Muramasa'.

The confession had Ichigo stare at his Zanpakutō. Those words…Ichigo couldn't believe they had come out of Tensa's mouth. If Getsu were to make such a claim—albeit in different wording—Ichigo wouldn't have batted an eye. But Tensa? His always aloof Quincy Zanpakutō? The calm and collected half of Zangetsu?

'Even my tolerance and patience have a limit', Tensa informed sharply. 'What that man did to—' his voice wavered in anger and he cut himself off. He took a breath, reigning in his temper before it escaped him fully— 'I. Cannot. Forgive that'.

It was like listening to a voice recorder of himself. The slip in Tensa's manner had been a near mirror-like reflection of Ichigo himself when protective rage took over.

I understand, Ichigo conceded, feeling pins and needles flood his hand. Kami, do I understand.

Tensa hummed and unwrapped his fingers from Ichigo's wrist. There was no scar or mark, only the blood betrayed the existence of a terrible injury.

'It may not be as fast as high-speed regeneration but it does the job just as well'.

Ichigo flexed his fingers, which responded with a slight tremor.

'That should fade with time', Tensa assured. 'Or as soon as they have had a chance to heal you up further, whichever comes first'.

Thank Kami I'm ambidextrous, Ichigo clenched and unclenched his hand a couple of times. He raised them both and started to sign, ‘Thank you—'

A hand on his throat silenced his hands.

'Stay still, I am not done yet', Tensa told.

‘You don't need to heal me further, I'm fine for now’, Ichigo tried to dismiss. Tensa levelled him with a look.

'I know exactly where you got hit and with how much force', Tensa stated. 'You are not fine'.

‘Heaven Chain…’

'We inflicted these injuries', Tensa interjected. 'So let me heal them'.

Please.

The unspoken plea did not go unheard and it shattered his stubbornness like glass. Ichigo couldn't recall his Zanpakutō pleading with him for anything, ever. So who was he to deny him such a simple request?

Ichigo gave a nod and let Tensa heal him without further objections. It didn't take long for the fire in his throat to die down. Soon, the hand was removed and slipped under his shitagi, manoeuvring to his side.

'Was it bad?' Ichigo asked, partly to test his voice but mostly to drown out the noise of slaughter. 'What Muramasa did, I mean. The experience—'

'He robbed us of our autonomy', Tensa cut in, tone colder than Ichigo was used to. 'When he had you cornered, he called out to us again. I paid it no mind, they…they actually cursed him out'.

Ichigo let out a chuckle that jostled his broken ribs. Feeling bones move when they shouldn’t have made him flinch, earning a scolding look from Tensa.

'Unfortunately, Muramasa did not accept their colourful decline as an answer. That was when he invaded your mindscape'. Tensa moved his hand to the next area that required healing. 'They fought him, was winning even…I will admit, for all his posing, Muramasa did know how to wield a blade. They enjoyed the fight, even though it was quite one-sided.

'I still do not know how he managed it. He must have possessed some ability to incapacitate opponents', Tensa mused. 'One moment, they were charging up a Getsuga Tenshō, the next, they could not move'.

'He started to speak to us. He--his words…we knew they were falsehoods—' The green light of the kaidō flickered briefly— 'But still, they invoked such genuine anger within us. We truly believed we hated you but we knew we did not'. Tensa shook his head, 'The more we attempted to reason, the more intense the anger became. We tried to fight against it but—'

'I know'. Ichigo reached up, covering the hand on his chest with both of his own. 'And I have never been more proud'.

The hand between his palms balled into a fist; the fabric of his uniform pulled tight around his chest. When Tensa spoke, his voice didn't rise higher than a whisper.

'How can you say that? Our instinct and purpose is to protect you and we failed—'

'No', Ichigo cut in. 'You succeeded. I wouldn't be breathing if that weren't true'.

Tensa pressed the fingers of his free hand into Ichigo's side, drawing an involuntary hiss from his meister. 'These injuries say something different'.

'No, you're focussing on the wrong thing. These are proof I'm right', Ichigo insisted. 'Yes, I'm injured. I have bruises, burns and some broken bones but what I don't have are cuts and stab wounds'.

The grip on his uniform lessened like the expression of guilt and frustration on Tensa's face. For once, the Quincy Zanpakutō looked the age he represented in bankai; blue eyes large with dawning realisation.

'Even under Muramasa's control, you still accepted me as your wielder. If you hadn't, your blade would have killed me'.

As if doubting his words, Tensa looked his meister over again. There were many injuries from when the other had kicked and punched their wielder, limbs that didn't look quite right, and skin that had been scraped away. However, as Ichigo had said, there were no wounds inflicted by a blade.

'When--when did you—'

'The beginning', Ichigo answered. 'Well, I had my suspicions because Getsu was reaching out to me, even under Muramasa's control. I knew for sure when he let me get up after he'd kicked me into a wall'.

Tensa breathed out a chuckle, 'It continues to slip my mind how perceptive you can be'.

The roar was what reached them first. Loud and deep and full of unvented rage. It shook the ground and vibrated through their bodies like the deep base at a nightclub. They both looked up, unintentionally taking a wave of Hollow reiatsu head-on. Small pieces of debris, dust and sand were blown past their feet, away from the epicentre that was a very unsatisfied and furious Vasto Lorde.

From his white clothes and porcelain skin to his alabaster-striped ebony mask, there wasn't a spot on Getsu's person that wasn't tainted red. He was absolutely soaked. It dripped from his claws and the tips of his horns, little droplets that fell down to become one with the large, bloody and mushy stain on the street.

Tensa heaved a deep sigh, 'They always make such a mess of themself'.

The nonchalant manner in which the statement had been spoken took Ichigo by surprise. In the same way a parent looked at their child when they did something endearingly dumb, Tensa sounded annoyed yet fond. As if there wasn't anything else worthy of note, like—and Ichigo was just spitballing here—the smear on the ground that was once a living, breathing spirit.

Getsu began to growl, a cero charging between his horns. His breathing was deep, the expanding of his chest and movement of his shoulders visible even from the other side of the street. A quick but deep intake of air was all the warning they got. Getsu threw his head back with an ear-shattering screech, the cero shooting off into the heavens above.

'Do not let them see that expression on your face', Tensa said, a hint of disapproval in his voice.

'What expression?' Ichigo asked.

'The one of horror and fear'.

Ichigo had to curb his knee-jerk reaction of denying the thinly veiled accusation. He, afraid of his own Zanpakutō? After all those years? Of course not! However, Tensa wasn't completely wrong.

'I'm scared for him', Ichigo corrected. Never of him. Not anymore. He turned back to the raging Vasto Lorde. 'I don't think I have ever seen him like this'. So furious and revenge-driven.

'Because he did not have a reason to be', Tensa said, ignoring the memories that flashed in his mind of a day-less world and a crumbling mindscape. At least, not in front of you.

Getsu was in the middle of unleashing another roar—frustration, fury and displeasure almost palpable in the sound—when he snapped his head around and up with robotic swiftness. The roar cut off and was exchanged for a threatening hiss. His claws were tense, flexing minutely and dislodging drops of blood in the progress. The violent reiatsu ceased to be uncontrolled, coiling around the Hollowfied Spirit like constrictor snakes.

Ichigo followed Getsu's gaze and his heart sank. With everything that was going on and Getsu's reiatsu going haywire, Ichigo hadn't noticed they had gathered quite the crowd. Both soul reaper and Zanpakutō alike were looking onto the battlefield the four of them had created. Most, if not all, had their hand on their weapon, eyes never straying far from the obvious threat they perceived.

Among the crowd, Ichigo spotted a few familiar faces. Renji and Rukia were up there, their arms were thrown wide as if to block the onlookers from interfering. Jūshirō and Shunsui stood together, neither appearing keen on making a move so long the situation didn't escalate. Even Mashiro and Kensei had come to investigate, their focus solely on the Vasto Lorde they thought they'd helped Ichigo suppress all those years ago.

Fortunately, Tensa had taken notice of the gathered crowd as well. Blue flicked between the remaining injuries on Ichigo's person, the group of soul reapers scattered around them, and the tension in his counterpart's frame. There was a moment of consideration, of weighing the pros and cons of each option, calculating the course of action that would get them in the least amount of trouble—there was no way to avoid it, not with Getsu still Hollowfied.

Coming to a decision, Tensa rose to his feet. The green glow of the kaidō faded from his hands when they broke contact with injured skin.

'Are you done throwing your tantrum?' Tensa asked. Again, Ichigo couldn't help but draw similarities to a parent on the verge of chastising their child.

Getsu didn't look their way, not chancing his luck by turning his back to reiatsu that radiated uncertainty, fear and hostility. He did snarl at Tensa's words, taking offence at the tone.

'Were you or were you not stomping on the ground like a petulant child?' Tensa questioned. 'And did you not scream when you had nothing left to play with after breaking your toy?'

Getsu snapped at the comparison, finally taking his eyes from the people above.

'It is the same', Tensa told, leaving no room for discussion. His tone was softer when he continued, 'I understand that you are still upset, I am as well. However, they do not deserve to be on the receiving end of it'. Not yet, at least.

Tensa extended his left arm, beckoning the other over. 'Come here. I have made a start with healing him but your method is faster than my own'.

The first two words had barely left Tensa's mouth and Getsu had already taken a step towards them. He hadn't fully turned his back to their onlookers and his body refused to let him, too aware of the danger around him—around them.

Tensa summoned his own blade in his off-hand, 'They shall not get past me'.

That promise was all Getsu needed. Without hesitation, he turned his back to the Shinigami and their Zanpakutō and walked over to where his counterpart and king were. Each step dislodged more blood, leaving a thin trail in his wake.

When Getsu passed Tensa, an interaction occurred. Their arms brushed. Getsu just marched on while Tensa turned as if he were checked in the shoulder. But that wasn't what had happened. Something Ichigo only knew because he had been looking and he knew his spirits as well as he did. That shoulder bump had been intentional, to distract the eyes from their hands.

Tensa's fingers wrapped around the blood-soaked digits of his counterpart, giving a light but firm squeeze before letting go.

If Ichigo had blinked he would have missed it, leaving him confused as to how Getsu's reiatsu had become so smooth almost instantaneously. But now he knew Tensa had made use of their brief moment of contact to rearrange the mess that must have been Getsu's reiryoku. Showing not only his skill at manipulating energy but also betraying the fact he had done it so often such a thing came as easy as breathing.

Getsu knelt down before his king, holding up his bloodied left palm in silent demand. Ichigo grimaced at the sight (were those pieces of intestine under his nails?) but obeyed. Deadly claws wrapped around his wrist ever so gently, manipulating his hand to rotate with the minimum amount of pressure necessary. With his thumbs Getsu rubbed light circles on the stitched skin, scrutinising the work his counterpart had done.

With a hum the hand was released, the healing having been deemed to Getsu's satisfaction. Gold flicked up and narrowed at the mark on Ichigo's neck. He reached out to the damaged skin, tracing the pattern with his claw. A growl brewed in his throat, growing in its timbre as did his reiatsu in his anger.

'Hey'. Ichigo tapped the spirit under his chin with his right, forcing his gaze up. 'It's fine. I'm okay'.

The Vasto Lorde didn't agree. With a bit more force than was intended, Getsu pressed his left hand on Ichigo's chest. His king winced, the broken ribs may have been mended but his skin was still very much a mosaic of colourful bruises. But that was nothing compared to having your Hollow powers forced into gear.

Ichigo choked on air as his high-speed regeneration was activated, his whole body numb as every wound and injury remaining was healed. The constriction around his chest lessened as sudden as it had appeared and Ichigo took in a lungful of air. He brought his hands up, patting the forearm in assurance.

'Better! Much, much better', he breathed out with a shaky smile.

Those instinct-induced raging golden irises softened, a soft, almost chirp-like, noise coming from the Vasto Lorde's throat.

'What are you doing?!' Kensei's voice demanded, drawing their attention up. The captain of the Ninth Division was struggling against glowing ropes that had him restrained, attempting to brute-force his way free from the bakudō. 'Release us!'

'It's hurting Berry-tan!' Mashiro yelled from her equally bound state.

'No, he is not!' Rukia shouted back, casting another bakudō to keep the two at bay. 'Have some faith!'

Ichigo thanked whatever god that was responsible for Rukia's presence and prayed to them she wouldn't get in trouble for insubordination. He made a mental note to thank her later. Maybe I should buy that limited edition Chappy Konpaku dispenser for her birthday? He was sure Kisuke could get his hands on one if he asked.

A hiss had Ichigo focus back on his Hollow Zanpakutō. Getsu had picked up on the increased hostility and fear aimed their way from the crowd above. Muscles coiled up in preparation for a fight, body shifting to hide Ichigo behind him.

'We will keep each other safe', Tensa spoke up, head angling to catch the pair of golden rings with his sapphire blue. 'Stay calm and it will be alright'.

'Not everyone is out to get us. We aren’t on our own here', Ichigo assured, unconsciously taking on the tone of voice he used when explaining scary things to his son. 'You saw Rukia and Renji up there, keeping everyone away from us. They may not understand but they have our back'. He gave the claw in his hands a squeeze, 'None of us will let anything happen to any of us'.

Getsu believed him. No question. How could he not when his king spoke with such conviction? If it weren't true, Ichigo's declaration would have made it the truth.

A hum brewed in the Vasto Lorde's throat, a little dry and high. It stumbled into a rough but muffled cough and Getsu took back his hand—which Ichigo allowed to slip from his palms without question—to nurse and pound the area above the hole in his chest. Clearing his throat, he sighed and let his eyes fall closed.

He was tired, not physically or mentally but emotionally. Today had been one heck of a rollercoaster he had not been prepared for. He wanted to go back to his king’s mindscape. Go to his counterpart's room and lay down in his bed because it would annoy him (because Getsu knew he would lie down with him and keep him company).

'Do you need help?' Ichigo asked, a bit of uncertainty present in his words.

Getsu shook his head, right hand reaching up to his face. At the touch, cracks began to spread on top of the mask. With a small pull, Getsu removed the mask from his face. Pieces of broken white fell down from the crown of his head, turning into energy that dissipated into the air. He turned the mask over in his hands, looking at his second face with mixed feelings.

He didn't want to drop out of his Hollowfication. Not yet. His mind was so much simpler and less troubled like this. With no heart to make him feel things that only made things more complicated. No second-guessing just doing what instinct decided needed to be done.

But even in his simpler state of mind, Getsu knew that staying in Hollowfication was a poor choice. It would cause trouble they neither needed nor could afford, trouble that was completely avoidable and unnecessary.

Taking a deep breath, Getsu let the mask crumble. The energy returned to him, filling the hole in his chest. The lines that decorated his skin retreated, tracing themselves back to the lingering circular mark where his Hollow hole had been.

The mess of reiatsu around them eased. Ichigo looked up, seeing Kensei and Mashiro relax a little. Even Renji seemed to be more at ease now that Getsu no longer wore his mask.

Tensa let his blade disappear, no longer needing it.

A hand coated in drying blood waved in his line of vision, guiding Ichigo's gaze back to Getsu's chest where the other hand was awaiting his attention.

‘Can't return. Forced out’.

Ichigo blinked, 'Can't re--You mean to the mindscape?'

Getsu nodded, looking anything but happy about it.

'Muramasa's ability must be the cause', Tensa reasoned. 'He may be deceased but as long as his reiatsu taints us, we will be unable to return'.

'How long do you suppose that will last?'

'In general, around five days', Tensa replied. 'It may be shorter or longer depending on how fast the person generates reiryoku'.

'So for us, it would take three or four days?' Ichigo guessed.

'Under normal circumstances, yes', Tensa agreed. 'However, since you have a large part of your reserves sealed under various kidō, your body has slowed its energy production'.

Ichigo groaned, 'Meaning it will take longer'. Because the universe loved to throw hurdles his way to make his life more difficult to navigate.

'Seven days, eight if we are unlucky'.

Meaning I have to go back to work while they are still out. Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose. Great, just absolutely fantastic.

A slow rise of a certain someone's chilly reiatsu had them turn their heads. Rukia stood on the other side of the street, waiting for them to aim their attention at her. Once she had it, she began to walk up to them. When neither Tensa nor Getsu reacted to her approach, her pace picked up to a jog, going straight for their wielder.

'Hey, you alright?' she asked once she was in earshot.

'Yeah, I'm fine. Tensa Zangetsu fixed me up', Ichigo said. 'Thank you for keeping the peanut gallery at bay'.

'Don't thank me, we are not out of the woods yet', Rukia told. 'The tension has lessened now your Zanpakutō is no longer Hollowfied but they are still distrusting, especially after the display of power he gave us'.

Ichigo sighed. Getsu kills the threat and heals me and yet it is the Hollowfication that they decide to focus on, figures. 'Let me guess, they want me to explain what happened?'

Rukia nodded, 'It may help calm them down. I know you want to go home but this might prevent anyone from getting stupid ideas in their heads'.

They both glanced at the soul reapers gathered around. With reluctance, Ichigo turned to his Zanpakutō.

'You two be alright without me for a little while?'

#

TO BE CONTINUED

BLEACH – Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

'I will do my best to make it quick', Ichigo promised before he and Rukia went up to where the Zanpakuto and soul reapers had gathered. Like moths to a flame did the surrounding captains, lieutenants and seated officers flock to the substitute, crowding him with their presence, reiatsu, and presumably, questions.

A hand settled on the back of Getsu's arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. A familiar reiatsu intertwined with his own, easing the tension that had crept into his muscles. Leave it to his other half to know exactly what he needed.

'They will not harm him', Tensa assured. 'Or you, for that matter'.

Not quite in the mood to talk, Getsu raised his hands. ‘You certain?’he asked, gesturing to a random pair of distrusting eyes in the crowd above with a jerk of his head.

'They would be fools to try anything with this many witnesses', Tensa said. 'Ignore them for now'.

Getsu gave a non-committal hum, trying to shift his attention inward.

He didn't know how Muramasa's mindfuckery worked but it hadn't meshed well with their mixed core. The voices had been louder than they had been in quite a while, shouting at and over one another for his attention. One had demanded his obedience; the other was crying out for freedom. A shiver wrought down his spine, it reminded him too much of something else. Of a lifetime before this one. One he had no memory of but still remembered somehow.

"Don't make me repeat myself, White".

The fingers around his right bicep squeezed his tensed-up muscles a tad firmer, chasing away the echoes of his previous existence. With a hum that didn't quite reach his vocal cords, Getsu put a hand over the one on his arm, rubbing the back of slender but calloused fingers with his thumb.

With one last pull, Tensa finished reorganising his reiryoku and Getsu exhaled deeply. The tension in his shoulders unwound, the restlessness in his mind simmering down from booming nightclub to busy café. Not as quiet as he preferred it to be right now but it couldn't be helped.

'Better?'

Getsu nodded, keeping Tensa's hand on his arm. To make sure his counterpart knew he was thankful for the help, he intertwined their reiatsu; putting as much appreciation as he could into it.

'Ano…Pardon me, Tensa Zangetsu-san?'

The two turned their head as one in the direction of the voice. One that sounded as familiar to their ears as their own but neither had heard speak before today. What they found was a Zanpakutō making their way over to them.

Waist-length, pale-lavender hair that shimmered like a frozen-over lake, tied in a long bun that reached the shoulders. A pastel yellow-green obi with a large purple bow secured the snow-white kimono with large sleeves around the middle, highlighting the waist hidden beneath the many layers of traditional wear.

The identity of the Zanpakutō came to Tensa without probing. Rising from the depth of their core as easily as they could recall their own name. Sode no Shirayuki. The most beautiful zanpakutō (and Zanpakutō Spirit) in history. The reflection of the soul of their wielder's closest friend, Kuchiki Rukia.

'I've wondered how the Zanpakutō of such a strong soul would manifest to be like', Shirayuki told, offering a bow to the both of them—one that was a tad too deep to be out of mere politeness. 'It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Tensa Zangetsu-san'.

Getsu blinked at the respect shown his way. He hadn't expected anyone to treat him in a positive manner, especially after his Hollowfication. He had prepared himself for side-eyes, glares, and aggression of both the verbal and physical sort. Not--not this!

Unlike him, Tensa actually had some social skills. Without missing a beat, he reciprocated the greeting in kind. With a grace Getsu had come to associate with Quincy, Tensa bowed at the snow Zanpakutō. His hand never parted from the blood-soaked white sleeve.

'Likewise, it is a pleasure to properly meet you as well, Sode no Shirayuki'.

Shirayuki nodded at the shorter spirit, eyes going to Getsu to receive his greeting. When the white half appeared to be too deep in his own thoughts, she turned her attention back to the black-clothed half. 'May I ask how I should address you?'

'You may refer to me as Tensa', the Quincy Zanpakutō told. 'Would it be too bold of us to call you Shirayuki?'

'Not at all'.

The subject of names brought Getsu from his stupor. He began to move his fingers, hands a little shaky as he made random gestures that made no coherent sentence.

'Ah, Sign language, right?' Shirayuki noted, catching the few signs Getsu managed to form. 'Rukia-sama has learned it at the Academy'.

Getsu stopped his nonsensical sentences to look at Shirayuki in surprise. It then shifted into a more curious expression and he began to move his hands once more, this time knowing what his question would be. "Your name?"

Shirayuki raised her hands, her sleeves falling to her elbows. With concise movements, she made the signs for "sleeve" "white" and "snow".

Getsu repeated them, mumbling her name in silence. Satisfied, he gave a nod.

‘White Snow’, he signed back to her. ‘You can call me Moon’.

'Getsu?' Shirayuki mused, looking the spirit over once more. He was a mess; blood everywhere save for his face which had been covered by his mask. His eyes were gold, the shade clashing with the blue hue that ran across the bridge of his nose and pooled on either cheek.

She raised her arm, obscuring her smile behind her sleeve. 'I see… it fits you well'.

To have a compliment thrown his way so soon after being shown respect was torture for his heart. Butterflies fluttered around in his stomach, his heart spreading warmth through his body with each beat. Balling his hands into fists, he dug his claws into his palm before he would start to purr. He could not deal with this right now! Not when hostiles could see him. Not when every action he made could be made into ammunition for potential enemies.

Shirayuki's eyes narrowed at him, curious and thoughtful. She looked over her shoulder at the many people around them. Some Zanpakutō were making their way over to them, straying from their master's side now Shirayuki had proven it safe to approach.

Oops.

Looking back at Tensa Zangetsu, she gave a nod. 'I will try to keep the hounds in line. Wouldn't want you to snap at anyone, do we?'

No sooner had she said this when a new voice called out to them.

'Zangetsu!'

A big ape with white fur and a red face strolled up to them. The snake that was their tail moved from side to side, keeping an eye on the small group. The Zanpakutō stopped at Shirayuki's side, the snake curling around to lay their head on the snow Zanpakutō's other shoulder.

'Zabimaru-san', Shirayuki said with a sigh. 'Do you have no manners at all?'

'There is no need for introductions', the baboon assured, eyes narrowing as they moved over to the two before them. 'We've met before'.

They had? If so, Getsu had no recollection of it. He did recognise the name, at least. This was the Zanpakutō of Abarai Renji, or "Pineapple" as his king called him sometimes.

'You still owe us a rematch, Zangetsu', the snake stated.

'We have no recollection of making such a promise to you', Tensa replied. 'And we know our wielder has not made one to your master, either'.

'This debt was not created by a promise', the baboon responded.

'You cheated in our match', Zabimaru accused, both ape and snake glaring at the Hollow Zanpakutō. 'You owe us a fair fight'.

Getsu raised a brow at the two pairs of eyes aimed at him. He had cheated? He didn't even know you could cheat in a fight. In a spar where rules have been agreed upon? Yes, of course, you can cheat. But in a true fight, one where lives were on the line and the only consensus between participants is that it won't stop until only one remains? Impossible.

But sure, whatever. Zabimaru was probably just upset his master lost against Getsu's king. But still, that left the question…

Raising his hands to chest height, Getsu began to move them in deliberate gestures. He really should let Ichigo know how grateful he was for having such a caring king.

Zabimaru looked at his hands, neither half showing any form of recognition at the shapes he made.

'What is that supposed to mean?' the ape demanded.

'Is it something from the World of the Living?' the snake asked. 'An insult? Are you making fun of us?'

'He asks when this fight took place', Shirayuki relayed.

'You forgot?!' Zabimaru growled and hissed.

Feeling a tug at his sleeve, Getsu looked at his counterpart.

'They refer to the fight with Abarai in Soul Society; when Meister came here to save Rukia from execution'.

Ah, that explained why Getsu had barely any recollection of the fight. Zan had been the one who had acted as Ichigo's Zanpakutō at the time while he had still been suffering from the after-effects of encroachment. Fun times.

The Hollow Zanpakutō offered a shrug as an excuse. It wasn't his fault he had zero to no memory of those weeks. Although, even if he had remembered, Getsu would probably pretend he didn't. You know, to fuck with the snake-tailed ape, of course.

Speaking of fucking around. Just for shits and giggles, Getsu flipped the other the bird.

'And what does that mean?' the snake asked.

Even with most of his face obscured, Getsu could feel the disapproving look Tensa gave him. It only made it harder to keep his grin from showing.

'It is an apology'.

Fuck! Getsu bit his tongue and swallowed the snort that threatened to shatter his ruse. Of all the things Tensa could have said, that hadn't been what Getsu had expected.

The answer appeared to settle Zabimaru, which had most likely been the result Tensa had intended to achieve with his lie. The Chimera-like Zanpakutō Spirit regained their composure—read, attitude.

'Such an…interesting manner of communication', the ape noted.

'Makes one wonder whether the “fearsome” Hollow Zanpakutō cannot speak or simply doesn't have the mental capacity to do so'.

'That is quite enough, Zabimaru-san', Shirayuki scolded. 'It is quite unbecoming for someone of your status to insult one who has done nothing to deserve it'.

The snake hissed, 'He cheated!'

'In what way can one cheat in a fight to the death?' Shirayuki asked, her gentle tone growing colder at the continued stubbornness.

'He used his mask to stop my blade!' the ape growled. 'If he hadn't intervened, my master would have won!'

So that is what he did. Getsu could see himself doing that. He may not have been a hundred per cent at the time but his need to protect his king was pure instinct. No sanity required.

'How can Zangetsu-san intervene if he were already partaking in the fight?' Shirayuki countered. She flashed the other a smile before hiding it behind her sleeve, eyes twinkling with mischief. 'Just admit you were bested by a boy only a few months into his powers'.

'He took us by surprise!' the snake hissed.

'A human shouldn't have the powers of a Shinigami, let alone that of a Hollow', the ape growled, earning a nod in agreement from his sentient tail. The snake eyed them, focus flicking between them before settling on Tensa.

'We shan't be taken by surprise next time'.

As the last syllable fell from Zabimaru’s lips Tensa felt a hand take hold of his upper arm. Neither half could react in time to prevent the Quincy from being yanked away from the Hollow’s side.

Getsu snarled as he spun around, eyes glowing brightly. He saw how Tensa held on to the rim of his hood while awkwardly trying to keep up with whoever was dragging him along. Some Zanpakutō that had come closer—intending to introduce themselves to the unfamiliar faces—took a step back at the sudden hostility.

Before Getsu could give chase, a hand landed on his shoulder. The fingers didn't grab, tighten or press down on him. They just lay there, nothing more. So Getsu paused and turned his head, giving Shirayuki a growl in her face for her troubles. She didn't even blink.

'They will not hurt him', she assured. 'Take a deep breath'.

Meanwhile, Tensa found himself between two Zanpakutō Ichigo had never crossed blades with. One tall with feline features, another around his own height with dark hair. The shorter one was quite close, able to see under his hood.

'Oh my! Haineko-san, you were right! He is cute!'

Tensa stepped back from her, pulling his hood further down and looking away. His retreat was blocked by the other spirit—Haineko, he presumed—who placed her hands on his shoulders. Her grip was firm but gentle, claw-tipped fingers tapping his collarbone in rhythmic waves.

'I told ya, I have an eye for that', Haineko replied over his head. She moved behind him, her voice next to his ear when she spoke again, tone low and playful. 'Why are you hiding your face, love? There is no need to be shy'.

'Don't be so forward, Haineko-san. You will scare him off', the other scolded. She took a step forward, trying to look under the hood again. 'Pleased to meet you. My name is Tobiume, I am the Zanpakutō of Momo-chan', she introduced. 'May I have your name?'

'Tensa Zangetsu', he said quickly. 'Could you please—'

There was a tug on his hood. Genuine panic froze Tensa to the spot when he felt the fabric slip through his fingers. The light of day hit his face, giving all who looked a good view of his countenance.

'You weren't lying, Ume-chan. He is adorable!' Haineko purred.

For the first time in his life—both past and present—Tensa felt as if his head would explode. Never before had he been in a more compromising and embarrassing position than he was now. Staying in bankai was supposed to help keep attention away from him, not draw it in!

The two women "aw"-ed, gushing over the bright red that coloured his face. It left an opening and Tensa took it, darting under Haineko's arm and putting a few steps between them, eyes never straying from the two women in case they tried to grab him again. His back met solid stone and Tensa cursed mentally, he was cornered.

'Oh, don't be scared', Tobiume cooed—honest to gods cooed at him. 'We only want to get to know you a little better. I'm sorry if we came across too strong'.

Scared?! If he hadn't been so embarrassed about his failure to notice these two vixens and the attention they were giving him, Tensa would be voicing his offence at the blatantly incorrect accusation.

'We don't even know who your master is', Haineko reasoned. 'Come here, we don't bite’.

Both Tobiume and Haineko walked over, approaching Tensa as if they were dealing with a scared kitten. They reached out to him, beckoning him to come back to them.

Hollow tainted reiatsu washed over the two. They looked around with a start, shrinking under the intense golden gaze that stormed their way over. Still, they moved towards one another, shielding Tensa from the approaching danger.

'H--Hey, what's your problem, you pale brute?' Haineko demanded, Tobiume and her inching back at the murderous glare aimed at them.

Getsu didn't grace them with a response. His course didn't falter and the two jumped aside to avoid being steamrolled.

'Oi! Hands of the bishōnen!' Haineko yelled, hand going for Getsu's wrist to keep him from reaching Tensa. Her hand was smacked away by Shirayuki, who had been trailing Getsu once his patience had snapped.

While Getsu had taken slight enjoyment out of seeing his collected counterpart flustered, the look in his eyes had been nothing to laugh at. The second the hood had come off, his eyes had blown up with fear.

'That is quite enough, Haineko-san', she told.

'But that pale brute is gonna eat him!' the woman argued, Tobiume nodding in agreement.

Shirayuki looked to the side, 'I wouldn't call that eating'.

The sight almost gave the two a whiplash. The pale spirit stood across Tensa, bloodied claws adjusting the hood with a tenderness that just did not compute with what they had seen so far. Tensa was patting the other's right arm, illegible murmurs of reassurance falling from his lips.

'Huh, but why--How?' Haineko asked.

'You don't know?' Shirayuki questioned. 'They are part of the same zanpakutō'.

'What?!'

Haineko didn't want to believe it. How was that cutie part of the same weapon as that pale brute? She looked at them, trying to find any similarities she might have missed on her first inspection. Oh, wait a second…her trained eyes looked past the blood that covered the spirit from head to toe, taking in his appearance once more.

'Tobiume', Haineko whispered. 'The brute looks like that Kurosaki kid'.

Blinking in disbelief, Tobiume looked at the pair again. 'Oh my…he's quite handsome under all that blood'.

Shirayuki sighed, 'Please refrain from interacting with them further if you cannot restrain yourselves. The last thing we want is stepping on their toes and causing them trouble'.

'Oh, shut it, Shira', Haineko said. 'We weren't doing anything uncouth'.

'It is proper etiquette to have introductions when meeting a new face', Tobiume argued. 'We just wanted to get to know him a little better'.

'You can get to know one without drooling over them in the process', Shirayuki replied with a sickly sweet smile she must have learned from the lovely captain of the Fourth.

Getsu took a step back, taking Tensa with him as an argument broke out between the three women. He couldn't get far. Two steps and the reiatsu of other Zanpakutō brushed against his senses. He looked around, seeing the two handfuls of Zanpakutō had gathered in a loose circle around them. Some they recognised, others felt familiar and a few they didn't know at all. Most appeared to be curious but there were eyes aimed at them with apprehension.

The grip Getsu had on Tensa increased. There were too many people. People he wasn't allowed to kill or harm. People he didn't know, didn't trust. People who wanted him dead, his wielder dead. He couldn't take them all on. Not like this. Ichigo would get—

His inner ramblings were interrupted when a wave of heat flooded his senses. All the Zanpakutō looked up and vanished in a leap of shunpo, reappearing by their master's side. All eyes went up, going towards the silhouette in the sky.

It was the captain-commander.

#

To Be Continued

BLEACH – Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

The arrival of the captain-commander sparked a reaction akin to mice whose home was disturbed. The captains and lieutenants shunpo into position, standing side-by-side in two rows, one on either side of the street. Their Zanpakutō followed their example without needing to be told, hovering close behind their masters.

Sode no Shirayuki didn't move from her position, preferring to stay with Tensa Zangetsu. Her mindset appeared to be shared by her mistress, as Rukia appeared together with Ichigo.

The captain-commander walked forward, each step lower than the next like he was descending an invisible staircase. His reiatsu draped itself on the shoulders of all present, warm but not unpleasant. At least, not yet.

Ichigo moved to stand before his spirits, ready to defend them if need be. Getsu didn't mind. While he would've loved to fight the captain-commander on any other day, he didn't feel like antagonising the old fart. Which was probably for the best, considering the circumstances.

As the man came closer, movement caught his eye. Getsu glanced over his shoulder, seeing his counterpart trying his best to hide behind him. Tensa was holding the rim of his hood, keeping the fabric securely on his head and facing the ground. Getsu raised a brow at the behaviour but didn't question it, taking a half-step to the right to be a proper shield.

'Kurosaki Ichigo', Genryūsai addressed once his feet were planted on the street. 'What brings you here?'

'A choice made between two evils', Ichigo responded. 'After some consideration, it was decided coming here was the best course of action'.

Genryūsai's eyes weren't visible from the distance they stood apart, the man's thick brows obscuring them from view. Yet, his gaze was palpable and Ichigo felt it move away from him and towards his Zanpakutō. The air got dryer and the temperature rose.

'You should have stayed home'.

'And wait for Muramasa to bring the fight to me?'

'Not everything revolves around you, Kurosaki', Genryusai told. 'Muramasa's goal had nothing to do with you and you shouldn't have assumed it were'.

'That's easy to say with hindsight', Ichigo rebuked. 'He had already sent one Zanpakutō to the World of the Living with a ruse to get me here. I was not going to wait and twiddle my thumbs to see if he would leave it at that'.

'You speak as if you have no faith in us to resolve conflicts on our own', Genryusai accused.

Because I don't, Ichigo replied in his thoughts, causing Getsu's reiatsu to emit a light amusement. 'Do not put words in my mouth'.

'Then explain why you thought your aid was needed'.

'As I’ve said, I came here to prevent Muramasa from bringing the fight to Karakura Town', Ichigo repeated. 'If given the choice between a place full of living souls where I am limited to how much strength I can use, and a world where I can go all out and have combat-capable allies at my side, it isn't a difficult call to make'. He glanced at Shirayuki, 'Besides, Muramasa hadn't brainwashed my Zanpakutō at the time. I figured having an ally that was still unaffected would be helpful'.

'It was reckless of you to come here with so little information', Genryusei said. 'None of us knew of how Muramasa managed to turn our Zanpakutō against us. It was arrogant of you to assume it wouldn't happen to you'.

Well, Ichigo couldn't exactly argue against that, now could he?

'It is my fault, Captain-Commander', Rukia piped up. 'I was unable to keep my Zanpakutō from crossing realms. She manages to find Kurosaki before I could stop her'.

'Don't try to take the blame', Ichigo interjected. 'You couldn't have known what she was up to. Besides, you fought tooth and nail to keep her away from us'.

Rukia shot him a glare which he met with one of his own. He understood what she was trying to do but he wasn't going to let her take the fall for this. She had done amazingly without her Zanpakutō and Ichigo didn't like how she was painting it as if she had failed.

'Anyway, none of this is of any importance', Ichigo dismissed. 'Muramasa is dead and everyone's Zanpakutō is freed from his brainwashing'.

'A foe with the ability to manipulate the mind is not one we should underestimate', Genryūsai said. 'Do you have proof of his defeat?'

All who were present at the time of the kill looked at the blood-covered spirit, then at the browning red mess of meat on the ground.

'Ya mean like his head?' Getsu asked, voice soft and rough, sounding almost hoarse. 'Cuz there isn't much left—'

'I was not talking to you, Hollow', Genryūsai interrupted sharply.

Getsu's jaw snapped shut with a click, the tone of voice triggering another flash from the past to resurface from his amalgamated mess of a core.

"Be quiet, White. I cannot hear myself think over your screeching.”

Ichigo noticed how Getsu's reiatsu curled in on itself and felt his annoyance grow to ire, his own reiatsu becoming unruly as a result. He pointed at the dark mush on the street, eyes glowing gold briefly. 'That stain over there is all that's left of him. Feel free to examine it'.

'Ichigo!' Rukia hissed. 'Don't antagonise him!'

'He's pissing me off!'

'If I may, Captain-Commander', Tōshirō interjected. 'A few of us can vouch for Kurosaki-san and his Zanpakutō. We were present when Muramasa's life was ended'.

Genryūsai hummed, for some reason sounding displeased.

'Also, since Muramasa brainwashed everyone's Zanpakutō into following him, wouldn't them now standing at your sides not be proof that he is dead?' Ichigo reasoned.

'The fact that they are standing at your side proves his ability is still in effect', Genryūsai countered. 'For all we know, what the Hollow has killed was a substitute and Muramasa is still roaming free'.

'Look, I'm “sorry” my Zanpakutō didn't save Muramasa's head like some trophy of war but whether you believe me or not isn't going to change the fact that Muramasa is dead'.

The warmth became heat.

'Watch your tone, Kurosaki', Genryūsai warned.

Ichigo already had his mouth open, ready to argue because fuck this! He wasn't going to stand there and take the disrespect thrown at his Zanpakutō. His words never left his throat. Fingers settled on his shoulder, fingers squeezing the tense muscles firmly for attention.

Don't. It ain't worth it. He won't listen anyway.

'And whom may that be?'

Everyone looked at the captain-commander, following his gaze to the black-clothed figure that had made a valiant attempt to become one with the shadows cast behind the small group.

In his endeavour to reign in his king’s anger before it could boil over, Getsu had moved forward, accidentally giving the captain-commander a clear view of Tensa.

Tensa turned away, pulling his hood even tighter over his head. Getsu let out a silent curse and moved back to stand before him, using one arm to keep his counterpart behind him.

'That's Tensa', Ichigo replied. 'He is the other half of my Zanpakutō'.

Genryūsai arched his brow, 'You have two spirits but only one blade?'

'So what if I do?' Ichigo challenged, earning him an elbow in the side from Rukia, who was actively trying to freeze him with her reiatsu with how frustrated she was with him. 'I do not have to explain and justify my soul to him, Rukia', Ichigo defended. 'It's personal, rude and none of anyone's damn business'.

'Speaking of rude', Getsu mumbled, turning his head and meeting the eyes of those who had theirs aimed at him and his counterpart. He raised his voice, pushing the limit of his iffy vocal cords so he could be heard by everyone present. 'Could ya all stop fucking staring at us?!' he snapped with a heat he truly had no energy for. He pulled his counterpart in a side-ways hug, 'We ain't hardly the most interesting spirits here ta look at'.

Ichigo turned to look at his spirits, seeing Tensa hold on to Getsu's bloodied clothes, face firmly hidden in his side. He filed the behaviour away for later.

Genryūsai's reiatsu rose, the air becoming dry enough to split lips.

'Pardon me, Captain-Commander', Shirayuki spoke up. 'There is something that confuses me. Would you be willing to explain your reasoning?'

Genryūsai eyed the snow Zanpakutō as she glided forward. 'Lieutenant Kuchiki—'

'Ah, thank you', Shirayuki said, ignoring the captain-commander as she moved to stand in front of the small group. 'I have noticed you speak about Tensa Zangetsu-san as if they are the most dangerous and unstable being present here. May I ask why?'

The captain-commander turned towards Rukia, 'Lieutenant Kuchiki, you would do better to keep your Zanpakutō from asking needless questions'.

Shirayuki's brow twitched. 'Have you forgotten what a Zanpakutō is, Captain-Commander?' she asked. 'Your dismissal of my question makes me believe you have'.

Rukia looked absolutely mortified at the tone her Zanpakutō used at the captain-commander. Never would she dare to speak to him in such a manner, no matter how much she wanted to or thought he deserved it.

Huh…maybe that was why Shirayuki was doing it, to begin with.

'For you see, Captain- Commander; we Zanpakutō are nothing but a manifestation of your power. A power meant for fighting, just like the weapon you use to wield that power', Shirayuki stated, eying the cane in which Genryūsai hid his zanpakutō. 'We are mere tools for destruction, with only your hand to guide us to where to aim that destruction. In that sense, we are just as heartless as the Hollows you purify'.

Shirayuki looked back up to meet Genryūsai's eyes and smiled sweetly, 'So, I shall ask once more: Why do you regard Tensa Zangetsu-san with such distrust when he is no different than the rest of us?'

It was evident on the old man's face the captain-commander did not appreciate being lectured by a being not even a tenth of his age. 'Lieutenant Kuchiki'.

Rukia shook her head, 'My apologies, Captain-Commander. While I agree that my Zanpakutō speaks out of line, I stand behind her words'.

'Rukia!' Ichigo hissed.

She ignored him.

'I understand why you treat Tensa Zangetsu differently than our Zanpakutō. However, I do not believe that to be fair when he is the sole Zanpakutō to break free of Muramasa's control and defeat him'.

Genryūsai glared at her with his small beads of red. She remained standing, chest forward and confident.

A hand wrapped around his right bicep. Ichigo looked over his shoulder, seeing Getsu look at him in silent request. His bloodied left hand slipped down his arm, claws snatching a bit of fabric instead to hang on to.

Let's just go home.

The message was clear and Ichigo wholeheartedly agreed. With a shaking inhale of air, Ichigo nodded. 'Y--yeah, that might be best. Can't leave Kazui with Urahara for that long'.

'You shall not leave until Muramasa's ability has worn off', Genryūsai said, revealing his hearing had yet to be affected by his age. 'We cannot risk your Hollow causing mayhem in the World of the Living'.

Ichigo gritted his teeth, the tenuous control he still had on his reiatsu starting to slip.

'I will go with them', Jūshirō offered, beating Ichigo to the punch. 'Kurakara Town is my jurisdiction, after all. I will keep an eye on them and make sure the necessary precautions will be made with Shiba Isshin and Urahara Kisuke to keep the Souls of the Living World safe'.

Genryūsai tightened his grip on his cane.

'I shall accompany Captain Ukitake', Shunsui spoke up, coming to his partner's aid. 'I have faith my lovely lieutenant can handle herself for a short while'.

The tension in those old hands lessened. 'Very well. Kurosaki Ichigo, Captain Ukitake and Captain Kyōraku shall accompany you. They will remain until either Muramasa's ability has worn off or adequate precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of those in the World of the Living from your Hollow'.

'That's fine', Ichigo agreed eagerly. 'Can we go now? I don't want Urahara corrupting my son for too long'.

'Yes, of course'. Jūshirō stepped away from the line he and his peers had stationed themselves in. One of the two spirits that made up his Zanpakutō hanging on to his left shoulder, the other holding his right hand. Shunsui followed his partner's example, his own Zanpakutō following at his seven o'clock.

Shunsui moved to stand between his mentor and the small group, acting as a buffer in the hope it would ease the tension. Jūshirō walked up to his lieutenant.

'Thank you, Lieutenant Kuchiki. I trust you will handle everything while I am gone?'

'Yes, I will', Rukia answered with confidence. 'Thank you, Captain Ukitake'. She then turned to Ichigo. 'Give me a call when you have settled down, alright?'

'Will do', Ichigo promised.

With a parting smile, Rukia headed to the line her captain had departed, filling up his position with her Zanpakutō at her side.

'Well then, shall we move somewhere a bit quieter before leaving?' Jūshirō suggested. 'I find the atmosphere here a little oppressing myself'.

'Yes, please', Ichigo was quick to agree.

'Then follow me, please'. Jūshirō took off in a casual shunpo and Ichigo followed suit with his spirits in tow. Shunsui and his Zanpakutō made up the rear of their little escort, making sure no one followed them as they headed to the Sōkyoku Hill. A large open space at the highest elevation available within the Seireitei, far away enough from the soul reaper-infested street that even the captain-commander's reiatsu did not weigh on their shoulders anymore.

'Thank you', Ichigo said as soon as they all had their feet on the ground.

'Please, it was the least we could do', Jūshirō waved off.

'Now that we're out of sight from Yama-ji's watching eyes', Shunsui said. 'Maybe some introductions are in order?'

'Ah, you're right', Jūshirō agreed. With his free hand, he gestured to the two boys clinging to his person. 'This is my Zanpakutō, Sōgyo no Kotowari'.

The two smiled at the three unfamiliar faces. The one hanging on to Jūshirō's shoulder waved at them in greeting while the one holding the captain's hand offered a quick bow.

'Hello…'

'Nice to meet you…'

'… Zangetsu nii-san!'

Getsu blinked, unsure what he was supposed to do with such a friendly greeting. From the lack of reaction at his side, Tensa was as much in the dark as he was.

'Oh dear, I think you may have broken them', the woman with dark purple hair pulled up in twin-drill pigtails said. 'My name is Katen and this—' she gestured to a young girl whose face was mostly covered up, only her right eye showing— 'is my other half, Kyōkotsu'. The girl offered a small wave.

Katen looked at the two spirits standing behind the young man, 'Out of courtesy, may we have your names?'

Tensa nudged Getsu's side, causing him to raise his hands and start signing.

'I am Moon. He is Heaven Chain.

When none of the people present showed any sign of recognition, Ichigo spoke up. 'This is Tensa Zangetsu’, he introduced, gesturing to each spirit in order.

'What were those weird hand gestures?' the boy on Jūshirō's shoulder asked.

'It looked really cool', the twin said.

'Sign language', Ichigo told, eying his spirit. Getsu shrugged at his silent question. 'Sometimes Getsu doesn't like to speak so I learned Sign language so he could use his hands instead', Ichigo explained.

'You mean to say those gestures have a meaning?' Katen inquired. 'That you can hold conversations using just your hands?' When Ichigo nodded she hummed, eying her other half. 'Fascinating'.

'That is very thoughtful of you, Kurosaki-san', Jūshirō noted. 'Not many would go through the trouble of learning another language'.

'It was no trouble', Ichigo disagreed. 'I actually use it to earn a living'.

'You don't say', Shunsui said. A tug at his haori had him look down at Kyōkotsu. She didn't speak, only stared at him with her one visible eye. Shunsui nodded, 'Yes, you are absolutely right. We should be going'.

'Ah, yes. Of course', Jūshirō agreed. 'I believe you have someone awaiting your return', he said to Ichigo. He drew his blade and opened up a senkeimon.

Five butterflies fluttered out. One nestled on Jūshirō's head and another settled on Shunsui's shoulder. The other three fluttered over to Ichigo and his spirits, something everyone took notice of but none found worth pointing out.

Jūshirō went in first with his Zanpakutō. Ichigo looked at his spirits, nodded, and followed. Getsu and Tensa went after their wielder, leaving Katen Kyōkotsu and Shunsui to make up the rear once more.

Their journey to the Living World was, thankfully, as uneventful as one could hope for. Sōgyo no Kotenwari were chasing one another, running ahead and back and around the others without somehow getting in the way of anyone's feet. The rest merely walked on without so much as a word of conversation between them. No need to waste words on questions now when they would soon discuss those subjects anyway.

Ichigo was grateful for the quiet, it gave him a chance to plan his actions for once they arrived at the World of the Living. He had to check on Kazui, make sure his Zanpakutō were taken care of, probably argue with the captains, make dinner, and get his son into bed at a reasonable time, just to name a few. I'm probably just gonna order something to spare myself the hassle of cooking, don't think I have it in me to make curry after all this is done with. He was still in the middle of arranging his to-do list when someone nudged his shoulder and another held his arm so he would stop moving. Ichigo blinked, list put to the side as he realised they had stepped out of the senkaimon and into the familiar streets of Kurakara Town.

'So, where are we heading, Kurosaki-san?' Shunsui asked. 'I presume to the establishment Urahara Kisuke owns?'

'The Shōten', Ichigo supplied. 'And yeah, I figure that will be best since we'll need his help anyway'. Not to mention he had left Kazui in the man's care.

Ichigo gestured to the group to follow him and his spirits to the Shōten which, coincidentally, was literally right around the corner. To absolutely no one's surprise, Kisuke was already standing outside waiting for them. The doors of the shop were left open wide behind him, the warm inviting light from inside pouring out into the dusk-lit street.

'Ah, Kurosaki-san! You should have told me you would bring visitors'.

'As if you didn't already know the moment we left Soul Society', Ichigo shot back. 'Besides, it wasn't exactly by choice'.

Kisuke gave the group a quick scan, his trusty fan coming out of hiding to cover his mouth. 'Mah, I see our villain-of-the-day got everyone before biting the dust. Gotten a bit too careless in our time of peace, perhaps?'

Neither the captains nor Ichigo dared to deny the claim. As to them, Kisuke had struck the nail right on its head. They had been too confident in their own strength and had overestimated their ability to handle any foe that tried to raise their sword at what they had vowed to protect. Even worse, they (or at least, the captains) had underestimated Muramasa's power and that of their own Zanpakutō. If Zangetsu hadn't killed Muramasa when he had, there is no way of knowing what the spirit would have been able to accomplish before the Gotei Thirteen took him down.

'Fucker just played dirty', Getsu murmured. 'Wouldn't have been much of a threat without his cheap tricks'.

'All is fair in love and war, Zangetsu-san', Kisuke said. 'And I am most curious to hear about the war our dear villain has tried to wage'. He snapped his fan shut and gestured to shop behind him. 'Why don't we all go inside and talk there? Tessai is already making tea for us'.

The two captains and their Zanpakutō took the invitation, allowing Kisuke to usher them inside under the pretence of hospitality that all of them knew wasn't a hundred percent genuine. When Ichigo wanted to follow Kisuke stopped him.

'Why don't you and your Zanpakutō take a moment to clean yourselves up first, Kurosaki-san?' Kisuke proposed. 'I'm sure our dear captains and I will be able to entertain ourselves while you take care of things'.

Ichigo looked himself over and grimaced at how shiny his uniform was due the blood that stained it. One quick look behind reminded him that Getsu was more or less completely soaked in it. Yeah…he wouldn't just let himself inside his own house, either. 'Before I do, how's Kazui?'

'No need to worry about your little yokai, he's sleeping soundly in the guestroom'.

'Really?' Ichigo was surprised to hear that, he always struggled to get his son to take a nap. 'How did you do that?'

'Oh, it wasn't me', Kisuke said, opening his fan and waving it in front of his face. Already, Ichigo's hope of learning the secret to putting a toddler to bed vanished. 'Kon played with him and the little one just fell right asleep!'

He should have known. Ichigo heaved a deep sigh, 'How many bruises?'

'A couple. Mostly on the shins', Kisuke informed him happily. 'I must admit, Kazui-chan has quite the aim. He even managed to hit Kon in the back of the head and left eye with the eraser and pencil sharpener'.

Great, just great. Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose. One day he will be successful and convince Kazui that Kon is allowed to inhabit his body and does not need to be chased out. One day.

'How long has he been sleeping?' Ichigo asked.

'An hour or so. If you want him to sleep on time tonight you should wake him up soon'.

At that, Ichigo took out his denshinrenki to check the time. It wasn't too late, still an hour away from their usual dining time. Though he doubted he would be home before then. 'Urahara, can we use your—'

'Shower? Washing machine? Spare clothes? But of course! My house is always open to you and your Zanpakutō, Kurosaki-san! You should know that by now'. Kisuke stepped aside, gesturing to the door. 'Take all the time you need, Tessai and I will keep those captains busy'.

'Thanks'. Ichigo gestured for his spirits to follow before he went on ahead inside. Getsu was quick to follow, dragging Tensa along by his left wrist. When he passed the shopkeeper he took a brief moment to snarl in his face before heading inside as well.

'Was that really necessary?' Ichigo asked as he guided them to the side room he knew the spare clothing was kept.

'Obviously', Getsu huffed. 'Fucker's done 'nough shit to deserve it'.

'Just…don't antagonise him when he is helping us. We actually need him to keep you out of whatever confinement Soul Society wants you in'.

Getsu growled at the reminder, 'Fine. I'll play nice'.

Ichigo ushered his spirits inside the side room before going in himself and closing the door.

'What the fuck happened to you?'

Ichigo turned to find Kon already inside the room. The ModSoul was lying on his stomach on a futon with his phone in hand. As Kisuke had said, there was a bruise forming near his eye.

'No, scratch that. What are you two doing here?' Kon asked as he pointed at the two Zanpakutō. 'Aren't you supposed to be, like, inside his mind or whatever?'

'Muramasa happened', Ichigo said. 'To spare you the details, he could force Zanpakutō to materialise'.

'Could?'

'Getsu killed him'.

Kon eyed the Hollow Zanpakutō, 'Yeah…I can see that'.

Getsu snarled at the ModSoul, who was startled in response.

'Oi'. Ichigo flicked Getsu's shoulder with the back of his fingers, 'None of that'.

'S--So they're gonna stay out or…?' Kon asked carefully.

'For a while. Gotta wait until Muramasa's power fades', Ichigo told before turning his attention to his spirits. 'Will you be staying in bankai?' he asked as he blindly pushed the closet door behind him open with a swipe of his fingers. Getsu shrugged, staying in bankai had not been his choice and he didn't really care either way. He looked at his counterpart, directing Ichigo's eyes—and his question—to Tensa.

'For the moment I believe that to be the best'.

Ichigo nodded at the answer and turned to the closet with a hum. Finding something that Getsu could wear was easy, Ichigo had added some of his own old clothing to the collection over time for his own convenience. The problem would be finding clothing that Tensa could wear. Ichigo didn't know what the spirit's size was though he looked to be around Tatsuki's height. Maybe some casual wear would fit him? He started to gather a set he figured Getsu would like when Tensa put a hand on his elbow.

'You don't have to stay with us. We will be fine on our own', the spirit assured.

'But—'

'Ichigo, I understand how you feel but choosing our clothing goes a little far, doesn't it?'

Ichigo blinked as Tensa's words made him aware of his actions, his face gaining a red hue in response. 'O--Oh, uhm…' He forced out a cough, 'Sorry about that'. He made to put the clothing back in the closet when they were snatched from his hands. He followed them to see Getsu standing at his side, holding the t-shirt in his left for inspection.

'What? Spares me the trouble of looking'.

'Anyway…' Tensa said, 'Why don't you go take a shower, as well? Take a moment to gather yourself before you speak with those captains'.

'I don't need a shower', Ichigo denied.

'Like Hell you don't', Kon spoke up, not even bothering to look up from his phone. 'You aren't getting your body back before you rinsed off all that blood'.

'Wha--It's my body!'

'It will only take, like, eight minutes', Kon reasoned, ignoring Ichigo's rebuttal altogether. 'Sides, you will feel better if you do so do it'.

There was a moment of hesitation before Ichigo relented. 'Uhg, fine. I'll take a damn shower'. He grabbed another towel from the closet and headed to the door. Kon followed—looking quite pleased with himself—and closed the door behind him, leaving the two Zanpakutō alone.

Tensa shook his head and looked at the contents of the closet. He spotted something in a nice blue and took it after confirming the size, followed by a hoodie and some other necessities.

'Are you satisfied with what he has chosen for you?' he asked with one hand on the door. When Getsu shrugged in response Tensa closed the closet and took the other by the right wrist. 'Then we better not waste more time. Blood can be quite difficult to get out once it has had a chance to dry'.

#

TO BE CONTINUED

BLEACH – Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

Due to the rising demand for a place to train safely in Karakura Town, Kisuke had renovated the training grounds and spring underneath his humble little shop to be more accommodating to every one of his loyal customers. He had managed to expand his already large basement to a huge underground training facility, capable of containing a Shikai brawl between six captain-level spiritual beings without it disturbing the weak souls above ground.

There was a hallway separating the training grounds from the ladder and other needed facilities so people training didn’t have to worry about visitors and visitors didn't have to worry about getting hurt. There was now a spectator room where you could watch the training grounds live from various points of view and even rewind and pause for research and feedback purposes, there was a small lab/medical bay to heal up any injuries whenever Orihime wasn't present, and there was now a completely decked out Onsen to help people unwind and recover after training.

Kisuke hadn't spared any expenses for the Onsen. There were separate cubicles to shower and dress in private, a spacious spring to relax and heal up in, lockers for each regular visitor to keep their personal products and belongings safe, and even a vanity for those who liked to put some extra care into their appearance.

Getsu rushed past Tensa once they passed the threshold of the Onsen, claiming the first cubical and shutting the door quickly but quietly behind him. Tensa just shook his head and followed, grabbing one of the guest bathrobes from the hooks near the door as he went. The sound of running water filled the room and Tensa made his way to the next cubical, throwing the bathrobe up to hang it over the door of Getsu's shower before claiming his own.

It didn't take Tensa very long to clean himself up. After all, unlike his counterpart, he hadn't partaken in any massacres; or any fights like their wielder had. Whatever blood and grime had gotten on him had been from Ichigo when Tensa had reattached his hand, meaning mostly his hands and sleeves had been stained.

He was almost done when he heard a snarl coming from the other cubical. Turning the dial to silence the water from his own shower, Tensa paused to see if interference would be necessary. Getsu's reiatsu was still coiled around him but it had started to fluctuate, no more a dense and smooth aura but a sphere of snakes that slithered around in agitation.

Tensa reached out with his own reiatsu to test the waters, a silent query about the source of the other's frustration. At first, Getsu pushed him away with soft snarls and growls telling him to mind his own business. Tensa pulled back slightly but didn't back down, keeping his reiatsu there in case the other changed his mind. He didn't have to wait very long. Not even a minute later Getsu let out another snarl that morphed into a growl, his reiatsu spiking. It reached out and intertwined with Tensa's without a moment of hesitation, giving the Quincy Zanpakutō permission to work his magic.

'May I ask what has riled you up so?' Tensa inquired as he helped the other calm down.

'... Can't get it out', was the soft response.

Ah, that explained a lot. 'How bad is it?'

'I got it off my skin, I think'.

'Would you be opposed to the idea of me taking a look?'

'...No'.

Tensa ignored the hesitation, 'I will be right with you. I'm almost done'.

There was some grumbling on the other side before the door was opened and heavy fabric fell down to the ground. The irate reiatsu simmered down and nudged Tensa with appreciation, making the Quincy Zanpakuto smile fondly and he resumed his shower.

His other half had already claimed one of the stools by the time Tensa exited the cubical. Getsu had the bathrobe wrapped tightly around himself to keep the heat of the shower contained, sitting hunched over on the stool facing the mirror. His back was turned, giving Tensa a clear answer as to why Getsu had been so frustrated.

Dark brown stained the tresses that flowed down from the nape of the neck, over the clothed back, and onto the tiled floor with only small patches here and there where the original colour could still be discerned. While Getsu had managed to get the pieces of viscera and dried-up bits of blood out of his hair, the gore had left a residue behind that did not wash out as easily. Which, judging by the knots and tangles, wasn't due to the lack of trying.

Securing the towel around his waist with a few strings of condensed reishi, Tensa loosened his vice grip on his reiatsu and allowed it to roam free within the room as he walked over to his counterpart. 'Somehow, you've made even more of a mess of yourself'.

Getsu glared at Tensa's approaching reflection in the mirror in front of him, lips pulled into a snarl that showed pearly white and overtly sharp teeth. Contrary to the low growl that now echoed in the room, Getsu responded with greed at the first wisp of reiatsu that reached his senses. He pulled and tugged at it like a starving animal until he had it wrapped around himself as tightly as his own.

'I will need to touch your hair', Tensa said more out of clarity than necessity. 'Are you comfortable with that?'

'Does it matter?' Getsu murmured, narrowed golden irises staring at the blue in the mirror. 'Ain't got much of a choice if yer that set on staying in bankai'.

'Even so, if you rather have Ichigo I can—'

'King's got other things ta worry 'bout', Getsu interjected. He shifted a bit, fingers pulling the soft fabric of the bathrobe tighter around himself. 'Just…try not ta pull'.

Like you did last time.

Tensa nodded, more to himself than in response to his other half. He was going to do his damn hardest to make this as painless of an experience as he could make it. Show him he wasn't the same person he was back then. Prove to him that he would never again stoop as low as he had. That he could be trusted to never betray him like he had, even if it had been unintentional.

Taking a breath to steady himself he reached out to the mess that cascaded down Getsu's back, the weight of his past regressions and present conscience causing his hand to tremble minutely. At the touch of his fingers did Getsu tense and it broke something inside him that his other half had such a visceral reaction to his touch.

'What'cha doing?' Getsu asked with his voice soft and words fast spoken, his reiatsu flicking about with unease and frustration.

'I want to see how bad it is', Tensa told as he tried a few strands on the side. 'Depending on the severity of the damage, more care will be required'.

'Ya don't have ta fix it, just clean it', Getsu snapped.

'Why do only one when I can do both simultaneously?'

'Cuz it's prolly gonna take longer. Just wash it and be done with it'.

'You already tried washing it to "be done with it", have you not?' Tensa pointed out. 'If you want it clean it will require a little more than just warm water and soap'.

Getsu grumbled, wrapping the bathrobe tighter around himself in displeasure, putting the seams under even more duress. Tensa ignored it, having finally found what he was looking for he gently freed the small bundle and brought it closer for inspection.

After almost a decade, Tensa had become quite familiar with the texture of Getsu's hair. He knows how it should feel between his fingers when he cards his hand through the white spikes, he had done so plenty of times when they were in their sealed state and first release. Fresh out of the shower, messed up after a fight, and even after just waking up, Zan had combed his fingers through Getsu's hair in almost, if not, every state it could be in.

Tensa hadn't. Hadn't dared to touch it ever since that day.

'It appears you succeeded in removing the clods', he mused. 'But you've used too much friction and hot water'.

'How do ya even know that?'

'Jaegerjacks', Tensa answered absentmindedly as he gently rubbed the tresses between his index and thumb. 'He went on a whole tirade about it when Ichigo offered his shampoo for him to use a few weeks back'.

'Hn, ta fucker is as vain as he is fun ta fight'.

'Well, his resurrección is feline', Tensa offered offhandedly. 'It's quite damaged and tangled. It will take me a while to get it all out'.

'Then leave it. It ain't worth the hassle'.

'It is no hassle', Tensa denied. 'It will merely take a bit of time'.

'I don't have the patience fer "a bit of time", you insistent brat', Getsu bit back. 'Let's just seal bankai and—'

'No!'

Getsu flinched, hands flying up to protect his ears against the panicked echo that lingered in the chamber. The tone and loudness of his own voice had Tensa covering his own mouth in surprise.

'What's with ya today?!' Getsu snarled as he turned around to face the other. 'Ya've been acting weird with yer hiding and wearing yer hood and shit, what the fuck is up with that?!'

Tensa looked away, hand slowly going down to his chest. 'I…rather not talk about it now'.

'And I rather not stay in bankai!' Getsu snapped back. 'So ya better give me a good reason not to or I'll force it'.

'Fine! If you really must know…' Tensa crossed his arms with a huff, 'Do you remember why I was so… averse to being a Zanpakutō?'

'Cuz Quincy are stuck up little shits who got their power from a big piece of shit?'

Tensa frowned though there was some amusement in his eyes, 'My base form and shikai resembles the person who gave a majority of the Quincy their power and that person has some bad blood with Soul Society'.

Getsu eyed him carefully, 'How bad?'

'The "they have written it down in their history books and teach at the academy" kind of bad'.

The deadpan look combined with the tone had Getsu scoff with mirth, 'Tch, so the fucker waged a war'.

Tensa hummed in confirmation.

'Can't say I blame 'im', Getsu hummed. 'How long ago are we talkin' about?'

'My guess is around a thousand years ago, give or take'.

'A thousand years?' Getsu repeated. 'Ain't ya overreacting a little?'

'Perhaps', Tensa admitted. 'But those captains upstairs are two of the oldest in the Gotei Thirteen. I don't want to chance it. If they recognise me, you will be the least of their concerns'.

'Ya don't wanna chance it?' Getsu echoed. 'There is nothing to chance! We are hundreds of meters below the surface with not one, but two layers of Seki-Seki! Even if they were standing right outside this door, we wouldn't know and neither would they! No one is gonna know if we were ta seal bankai for a minute!'

'But—'

'Sides, they prolly already know we're in bankai', Getsu pointed out. 'We never sealed it and they definitely felt me release it. So there is absolutely no reason why we can't seal it in here'.

'They could question our reasoning for staying in bankai', Tensa tried to argue, though he already knew it was moot.

'Then we'll say we don't trust them and will stay in bankai till they're gone', Getsu countered. 'Absolutely. No. Reason. So I'm gonna seal bankai and ya better do the same'. Getsu gave Tensa a glare while he pulled on their shared power. His other half was reluctant but complied.

Tensa's shape grew blurry as his form changed, growing taller and older until it wasn't a young adolescent but a full-grown adult standing in his place. Getsu didn't change as drastically, the lengths of his hair turning back into energy, leaving only the short mess that had been protected by his mask. The markings on his body retraced their path to the circular mark in his chest which then shrunk and vanished.

Getsu's eyes widened as exhaustion hit, taking a deep breath and exhaling just as fast. It had slipped his mind that they could actually tire whenever they were manifested. Zan wasn't fairing any better, his usual regal stance more unsteady as he too struggled to breathe. If they felt so worn down, they couldn't imagine how drained their wielder must have felt.

'And you wanted ta stay in bankai', Getsu hissed.

Zan didn't try to argue the accusation. He had been so focussed on not being recognised that he'd failed to keep an eye on their energy. He couldn't believe how severely he had miscalculated the amount of energy their wielder had left. If Getsu hadn't pushed him Ichigo would have passed out and there was no way of knowing what would have happened to them after that. Fortunately, he was now placed in the best possible position to restore the damage he had unknowingly inflicted.

Getsu watched the other go into the spring, pulling his hair up into a messy bun before more or less vanishing up to his nose in the water. The effect was immediate, the healing properties of the water refilling their drained reserves and, by extension, Ichigo's as well. He should follow the other's example. Having both of them in the spring would have their reserves restored in no time, he knew that but...

"And? What do the results say?"

"Well... it has matured and it will survive if we take it out".

"But?"

"I don't know, Aizen-sama. It doesn't look very promising".

He shook his head, trying to dispel the memories that weren't even his, to begin with. That was not him. It never had been him. He had been completely fine with water before and a few stupid memories shouldn't change that. With a frustrated growl did Getsu stand up. He ignored how the room tilted and headed over to the spring without any hesitation until his toes were at the edge. He glared at the steaming surface, cursing it to Hell and back as he sat down on the edge, knees drawn to his chest.

Just... put your feet in, coward. It's just water, it ain't gonna hurt. He was faintly aware he had started to purr, the rumble deep in his chest trying to soothe the growing anxiety that he didn't have the patience to deal with right now. Ah, fuck it. With a huff he let his heart turn to liquid between beats. It burst from his chest and rushed up to his face, leaving a hole behind as it constructed a faux visage for him to wear. The pain, stress and anxiety he could no longer experience or understand without a heart turned to anger on a dime, becoming this burning rage that simmered underneath his skin. His reiatsu spiked, heavy and uncontrolled but only for a moment. Anger was familiar to him, controlling it as instinctual and breathing. And while he preferred to feel happy, anger was at least simple and easy, and easy was as much as he could handle right about now.

With a gruff huff did he jerk his knees up and plunged his feet into the water. Again the memories of a previous lifetime resurfaced, trying to overwhelm him with knowledge and experience he shouldn't have. Getsu growled at the images that flicked past his mind's eye, his anger growing—not his grief, shame, or guilt, just his anger. He moved his feet a bit, watching the waves he created and the disturbance they caused on the water's surface. He could feel the water's high energy potency restore his emptied reserves, which, combined with the warmth and Zan's roaming reiatsu, eased the growing fury that ate away at his sanity. Before long a soft but deep rumble echoed through the chamber.

He heard water being displaced, felt ripples of movement around his legs and glanced to the side to see the other had moved closer to him. Arms crossed on the stone ledge, elbow a fingers width away from the dark fabric of the bathrobe

'You did not have to do this'.

Getsu grumbled, fingers increasing their hold on the ledge of the spring. He knew that but he wanted to. It wasn't like he wasn't going to have nightmares anyway so it really didn't matter. He could feel his other half didn't agree with him. Felt the sympathy and guilt in his reiatsu but didn't know how to process it while wearing his heart on his face so he got angrier instead. With a growl did Getsu kick Zan's side with his foot, hard enough to draw blood if the other hadn't used blut. Zan didn't flinch, responding with a deep 'Hmm?' as he looked up at his counterpart.

Getsu angled his head as he let out a harsh but inquisitive croon; the room giving his now dual-toned voice an ominous echo.

'It is nothing you should concern yourself over', Zan dismissed, resting his chin on his forearms. 'And no, I do not feel like sharing. It will only upset you'.

With a grumble did Getsu jab his toes into the other's side some more.

Zan shot him a glare as he moved a little to the side so that Getsu couldn't reach him as easily. 'It is something I have to make peace with on my own. You can not help me with that'.

Gold narrowed behind the mask, a soft but deep rolling rumble brewing in Getsu's throat like incoming thunder. Black-tipped claws scratched the stone ledge of the spring with light twitches as the spirit leaned over, pushing his Hollow reiatsu firmly on the other's shoulders. Zan wasn't fazed at the hostility, turning his head away and pretending he wasn't affected in the slightest. Below his crossed arms his fingers were digging into the ceramic floor as much as they could without breaking them, trying to keep himself up against the heavy weight that was trying to push him under.

After a minute, Getsu let his reiatsu up with a displeased snarl. His hands went up to his head, fingers curling around the faux-chin and pushing upward. The mask came off with ease, revealing the strong blue hue on Getsu's cheeks that clashed with the near-expressionless face he wore. Placing his second face on his lap he freed his hands up to speak.

‘Stop brooding’, he signed, hands moving in sudden and static bursts that made it harder to read. ‘You not at fault. You help me. You are good’.

'I would have been able to help you more if I—' he stopped, shaking his head. 'It is of no use to ponder over "what if's", I know that well. However, my mind keeps wandering there on its own accord, wondering if you would have suffered less if I had been different'.

Getsu growled and kicked him hard, sharp nails finding purchase in Blut hardened skin and drawing Zan's attention back to him. He raised his hands, making sure those piercing blue eyes were trained on them before he made the clearest signs he had ever made, ‘You perfect. Never change’.

Whatever rebuttal Zan had died in his throat as the meaning of the signs registered, eyes widening just a tad in shock while his face grew warm and red. He had already known that in the eyes of their wielder and his other half he was perfect. That they accepted him as he is, faults and all because to them he had no faults, only things he struggled with and they were more than content to help him overcome. He had already known this but to see Getsu declare it in his face like it was a fact, offended that Zan didn't believe it to be true…he hadn't been prepared for that.

'How is it that you say the most heart-warming things when you do not even have a heart or voice?'

Getsu huffed, ‘I speak truth, no feelings involved’.

'I want to believe it', Zan admitted. 'It will merely take some more time'.

‘You will’. Getsu paused, flexing his fingers a little before adding, ‘We will. I am sure’.

'I believe I misspoke earlier when I said you could not help', Zan said. 'You cannot help me any more than you already are…and you are helping me immensely'.

Getsu huffed, short and certain at having won the disagreement and it made Zan smile—well, made the corners of his mouth lilt upwards. It wasn't a happy smile for it didn't reach his eyes or brightened his reiatsu with amusement but it did remove the guilt-fuelled sympathy from his face that Getsu absolutely resented with a fiery passion.

'Will you keep your mask until we go up again?' he asked as his eyes drifted to the hole in the centre of Getsu's sternum.

The question prompted Getsu to look down at his mask that somehow still lay perfectly centre on his lap. His hands lowered, fingers going under to lift it up, thumbs rubbing circles on the cheeks. There was a twitch in his expression, brows knitting together as he mulled the query over. After a short minute, he came to the decision he shouldn't stay without a heart longer than needed and shook his head with a soft chirp.

'And how are you feeling? Are you still tired?'

Getsu bobbed his head from side to side, moving his feet in the water to create waves and add some clarification to his nonverbal answer. He hummed briefly, low and harsh, as his feet stilled, one hand raising to make a so-so gesture.

'Good. Then I believe it is high time to finish this up. It would not do for them to think we somehow managed to drown ourselves'.

Getsu rolled his eyes at the attempt at humour, a rather slow and sarcastic sounding "ha ha ha" coming from his throat. He pulled his feet back out of the water and stood up, placing his mask on his chest and letting it become his heart once more. His face regained expression, the first one that formed being clear discomfort.

Because feeling your heart cease to beat and anger become your life was one thing, feeling it return with all those "annoying and useless" emotions was something else. Zan could sense the myriad of emotions in Getsu's reiatsu as clear as the heat of the spring; fear, guilt, unease, and sadness were the most prominent ones flickering past before Getsu managed to get them under wraps. Pushing them down and shoving them into a figurative box, locking it tight so he could ignore them and work through them at his own pace later—which, let's be honest, will never happen until someone intervened. This—playing with his heart and emotions—was something Getsu did without much hesitation. Not caring much about the negative effects it had on his psyche.

Yet, at the mere idea of Tensa's fingers coming near his head, Getsu had hesitated, had flinched when he had touched his hair.

No, he shouldn't think like that, it would be unfair of him to do so. He had brought that reaction upon himself. All because he couldn't just accept—

*Flick*

A sting on his forehead registered and Zan looked up to see Getsu before him, the fingers of his left hand poised in the aftermath of a strike.

'Stop thinking', Getsu scolded, voice soft and a bit raspy. 'Ain't doing ya any good'. His hand became an offer, 'Take it or I'll drag ya out'.

'Since you insist so nicely', Zan said as he took the offered hand and let himself be aided out of the spring.

Getsu was right, this wasn't the time to think about it. Later. When they didn't need to watch every word they said and every step they took. When they were both back in Ichigo's mindscape, safe and sound. Later.

Maybe.

#

TO BE CONTINUED

BLEACH – Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

As the first ray of water hit his chest Ichigo realised his Zanpakutō and Kon had been right. Really, he shouldn't have fought them on it thinking he knew better, he rarely was when it concerned his own wellbeing. Feeling the water pour down on his skin, washing away the grime, dirt, and blood had been exactly what he needed. The heat soaked into his muscles, easing them out of their tight coiled-up state that today's events had tied them in. It gave him a sense of closure, that the fight had been fought and that he had succeeded in protecting what needed to be protected (that he too, was safe) and he could relax.

Though Ichigo knew it wasn't over quite yet and that the most difficult part might be yet to come.

'You done, yet?' Kon's muffled voice asked through the bathroom door. 'You're taking forever'.

'I'm not', Ichigo denied. 'And, almost'.

The last bits of soap vanished down the drain and Ichigo turned off the faucet with a twist of his wrist. With renewed energy and peace of mind did Ichigo get out of the shower and dried himself off with the guest towel. After giving his hair a quick rub down he dressed in the spare yukata he had brought with him. His clothes were still in the wash but that didn't mean he couldn't get back into his body.

'Finally', Kon said as Ichigo unlocked the bathroom door. 'Took you almost fifteen minutes! What are you, a girl?'

'Even if I were, fifteen minutes isn't that long', Ichigo replied as he put his zanpakutō down and against the wall. 'You're just impatient'.

Kon rolled his eyes, 'Whatever you say'.

'Still, thanks for insisting. I needed that shower more than I thought'.

'It's nothing', Kon dismissed as he shut off his phone.

Ichigo knelt down beside him and put a hand on Kon's chest. Pressing his palm into the breastbone he effectively ejected the Mod Soul from his body. He caught the small orb with his free hand and gave it a quick wipe down before he put it into the lion plush Kon had on his lap.

'I should find you a new body someday', Ichigo said. 'I don't think Ūryū will be able to extend the life on that one for much longer'.

'Finally!' Kon exclaimed, jumping up and off the lap. 'Take me with you when you do, I want to make sure you don't put me in an abandoned, roadkill toy again! I deserve a nice body that does my amazing personality justice!'

'That, you do', Ichigo agreed in a murmur. He slipped back into his body, feeling the many bruises Kon had acquired thanks to Kazui. Those he didn't mind that much, what he did mind was how tight his skin felt around his soul. Not just uncomfortable but one-wrong-move-and-he-would-tear-his-body-apart kind of tight. It would fade after a while, Ichigo knew. Though it concerned him how severe it felt.

'You okay, Ichigo?' Kon asked with genuine concern.

'I think so'. He carefully flexed his fingers. 'I might need to let Urahara check me over'.

'Why? There wasn't anything wrong with your body'.

'I don't know. It feels tighter than normal'.

'It's not just you growing old, is it?'

Ichigo gave the Mod Soul a deadpan look, 'I'm not that old, Kon'.

'Just checking', Kon assured. 'But you aren't gonna tear it to shreds, are you?'

'I hope not'.

'Wait, that's a possibility?!'

'Uhm, yeah?' Ichigo looked at the lion on the floor before him. 'Did you think I wear those seals for fun?'

'You wear seals?' Kon sounded betrayed. 'I thought you'd got better at control!'

'I may have improved but I am not that good', Ichigo said as he rose to his feet. He hadn’t even reached his full height when darkness claimed his sight. He felt his back hit the wall as his legs failed to support him, the ground unforgiving as it caught him. He was aware of someone shouting but it took Ichigo a moment before he realised it was Kon.

'Hey! Hey! Ichigo! You alright? Say something!'

Ichigo fought his eyelids open (when had he closed them?) and the darkness slowly faded as the light reached his eyes once more. His head more or less rolled down to look at the Mod Soul who was hitting his thigh with his stuffed arms.

'You with me?! Say something, dammit!'

'Yeah, I'm with you', Ichigo breathed out, awkwardly moving his hand to rest on Kon's head. ‘I’m…I’m with you’.

'What the Hell just happened?!'

'I think the--the adrenaline is finally wearing off'.

'Nu-uh, that had already worn off when you arrived', Kon countered. 'Something is wrong’.

‘No, there isn’t—’

‘You only stood up and you sound like you just ran a marathon!'

'I don't—'

'I'm gonna get Ki—'

Ichigo pushed Kon down, pinning him in place. 'No, you're not'.

'You nearly fainted!'

'I just got a bit lightheaded', Ichigo denied. 'I must have stood up too fast. It happens'.

'Liar, liar, pants on fire!'

‘Not now, Kon!’ Ichigo hissed. ‘I’ve got two captains that need assurances, two spirits that need to be kept safe, and a son that really shouldn't be sleeping right now. I can ask Urahara to look me over later'.

His second attempt to stand went a lot more smoothly. Stretching his legs and finding them sore but movable, Ichigo carefully stood up. He took a moment to give the rest of his body a quick stretch as well to get the worst of the aches out before he scooped Kon up, grabbed his zanpakutō, and started to walk down the hallway and towards the guestroom where Kisuke had told Kazui was sleeping.

After waking his son and giving him a simple, child-friendly explanation of what had happened, Ichigo spared some time to call his wife to assure her everything was alright as he had promised her to do. Ten minutes later he was finally done with all his tasks and he could get to the main point of the evening.

'I'm sorry for the wait', Ichigo apologised as he entered the tearoom. He had his son at his side and Kon on his shoulder. 'I had some things to take care off'.

'It is no problem, Kurosaki-san', Jūshirō assured. 'We have all the time that is needed'.

'And who is the little one?' Kyoraku asked. 'Don't think we've met him before'.

Kazui perked up at being noticed and he gave the two captains a big smile, 'Hello!'

'You haven't?' Ichigo questioned. 'I thought that--No, wait. You were sick that day'. Inconsistency resolved, he shook his head and let go of his son's hand. 'Go on'.

'My name's Kurosaki Kazui, pleased to meet you', Kazui introduced, giving a quick but deep bow.

'He's your son?' Jūshirō asked with a hint of surprise. When Ichigo nodded the captain looked between the two before giving a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. 'My, the time really goes fast, doesn't it?'

'Yet it drags its feet at the same time', Shunsui agreed.

Jūshirō nodded before he turned his attention to the youngest member of the Kurosaki-Family. 'It is nice to meet you too, Kazui-kun. My name is Ukitake Jūshirō, I am an acquaintance of your tou-san'.

'And my name is Kyoraku Shunsui. It is nice to see a face to go with the name'.

Kazui looked at them with curious eyes, taking note of the white haori they both wore. 'Are you…are you captains?'

The two captains raised their brows at the question, eyes going to Ichigo for an explanation of his son's knowledge.

'Hime and I decided to not keep a lot of secrets about the afterlife', Ichigo told as he moved over to the table with his son. 'It is a too large part of our lives to keep hidden and I know from experience that it will only hurt him in the long run'.

'How much have you told him?' Shunsui asked.

'The basics about souls, the main four races, and the three worlds', Ichigo replied.

Kazui hummed and nodded, chest forward in pride. 'Uh-huh. I know there is the Living World, the Hollow World, and Soul Society—that's where Baa-chan lives!'

Ichigo smiled, ruffling his son's hair in praise. Kazui didn't see it that way, batting at his father's hand with a whine.

'And you don't mind if he is here while we discuss?' Jūshirō asked.

'I doubt we will talk about things he doesn't already know and even if we do, he will probably stop paying attention after ten minutes', Ichigo waved off. 'Besides, I couldn't let him continue sleeping if I still want him in bed at a decent hour tonight'.

'The joys of parenthood', Shunsui said.

Ichigo looked at his son who eagerly accepted Kisuke's offering of drawing supplies, his bright smile bringing one to the surface on his own face. 'Wouldn't trade it for the world'.

'Don't worry about me. I'll be quiet and pay good attention!' Kazui said before focussing on the blank piece of paper before him.

With his child occupied, Ichigo turned his attention to the two captains across from him. 'So, first things first, what are your opinions on the matter?'

'From what I have seen I don't think your Zanpakutō will cause any problems', Shunsui told. 'Your Tensa Zangetsu didn't do anything any other Zanpakutō wouldn't have done, aside from the obvious'.

'I concur. We arrived there a little before, uhm... you were disarmed', Jūshirō said carefully. 'I will admit, to see your Zanpakutō react so strongly made me fear it would be him we would have to fight next but he was surprisingly in control of himself'.

'Hollowfication, at least the kind we are discussing here, doesn't cause souls to suddenly crave other souls', Kisuke piped up. 'From what I understand it takes away or suppresses certain emotions and amplifies others. For example, without a heart, they experience love differently, or not at all, while their anger will be more intense'.

'So, whatever he was feeling before he Hollowfied made him angrier once he lost the ability to feel them?' Jūshirō questioned.

'It depends', Ichigo said. 'Sometimes those emotions just cease to be, other times—like when he is already mad—it fuels his anger'.

'I take it today was an example of the latter', Shunsui noted. When Ichigo nodded the captain smiled, 'So we're talking about a Hollowfied Zanpakutō Spirit who in blind rage still shows more restraint than some people in the Gotei Thirteen?'

'In a nutshell, yes', Kisuke confirmed. 'Kurosaki-san's Zanpakutō has tremendous control. You can literally poke him with a stick while he is Hollowfied and he will at the most break the stick and yell in your face'.

Jūshirō chuckled, 'I believe that to be a fair response in such a situation'.

'So... does that mean we're good?' Ichigo asked.

The two captains could only offer him sympathy.

'I'm afraid we can't leave until there is a measure taken that can satisfy all parties', Jūshirō told.

'If it were up to us, we wouldn't even have this discussion', Shunsui added. 'However, if we don't take some form of cautionary measure, Yama-jii might blow a fuse and then we would really have a problem'.

Ichigo heaved a sigh, 'Of course'. He had known it was hopeful thinking but it had been worth asking.

'Perhaps a tracker would be sufficient?' Kisuke proposed. 'A way to keep track of their location and energy should be more than enough to keep the old man at ease'.

A tracker? Ichigo mulled the idea over. That should be fine, right? Especially if Kisuke could adjust it so that Soul Society would get slightly altered data… 'Would that be enough?'

The two captains shared a look, words going back and forth with only their eyes to convey them.

'That… might be enough', Jūshirō said carefully.

'And if I wear one too?' Ichigo suggested. 'Would that help?'

Shunsui smiled, 'I think that would, actually'.

'So if Urahara makes Zangetsu and me a tracker, we are all good?'

'If we say Urahara-san and Isshin-san are also keeping an eye out then yes', Jūshirō said.

Ichigo felt a weight fall off his shoulders. He had been prepared to fight tooth and nail to keep his Zanpakutō "free", to find that wouldn't be needed was a relief.

'Uhm, Tou-san?'

Ichigo looked at his side, 'Yeah, Kazui?'

'What's a tracker?'

'That's something you use to know where someone is'.

Kazui frowned, wiggling the colouring pencil between his fingers as he took in that information. He turned to the captains across of them, 'Why do you need something to know where Tou-san and Jii-san are?'

The room went silent, the rather pleasant and easy-going mood vanishing at the simple question that laid the bias bare. They all knew it was unfair but how do you explain the reasoning behind it to a child of barely five years of age?

Kisuke chuckled, 'A very good question, Kazui-chan. I'm sure your tou-san will answer that'.

'Wha--why do I have to explain it?! It isn't my fault!'

'But it was you who let Kazui sit with us', Kisuke countered with a smile. 'Any questions he may have because of that are your responsibility to answer'.

Well, Ichigo couldn't exactly argue that logic now, could he? He hadn't expected his son to actually pay much attention to the conversation, especially when he had something to occupy him. I guess that was a mistake on my part, Kazui had said he would be listening. 

'Tou-san?' Kazui looked at his father with curiosity and slight unease.

Ichigo knew that everything he said would be like paint in Kazui's hands, paint that his child would use to colour his view of the world. Lying would give Kazui the wrong colours and would cause him to mix them incorrectly later. Ichigo didn't want the painting Kazui was making to be too different from the original, for it would mean his son would need to paint over it once he was old enough to understand.

'The trackers are there in case a dangerous situation occurs', Ichigo said carefully.

'But Tou-san and Jii-san are, like, the strongest!'

'Even strong people can be taken by surprise, Kazui', Ichigo told. ‘And Jii-san and I have gotten hurt during our fight, remember? So if we get into big trouble, they will know where to find us'.

'Oh~' Kazui nodded in understanding. 'Oh, okay'.

'It seems your son likes your Zanpakuto quite a bit', Jūshirō noted.

Kazui nodded with a smile as he piped up, 'Uh-huh, that's cuz Chichi-ue is the best!'

'Chichi-ue?' Shunsui repeated.

'Yeah, he—' Big grey eyes went even wider, hands going up to cover his mouth as Kazui looked at his father with panic.

Ichigo sighed, ruffling his son's hair. 'It's okay'.

'I suppose there is a secret behind "Chichi-ue" that we can't know?' Shunsui guessed.

'Normal people, can't know', Ichigo corrected. 'When Kazui was younger he called Zangetsu "Chichi-ue", which caused some confusion when he started talking about his parents at school'. Even after clearing it up with Kon in another Gigai, Ichigo still got distrusting glares from the teacher and other parents who thought he was cheating on his wife with men.

‘Still, it makes one wonder’, Jūshirō mused. ‘Kazui-kun, is there a reason why—’

A wave of reiatsu rippled through the room. The captains sat up a tad more straight, their eyes flicking to the doorway that led to the hallway. Katen hummed, taking another sip of her tea. Kisuke tried to not make it obvious he had taken notice of it as well, pouring himself another cup of tea. Ichigo cocked his head a little as if he were trying to listen to the source of everyone's sudden alertness. He wasn't. Merely acknowledging the presence of one certain reiatsu. Kazui, however, took the out when it arrived.

'Jii-san!' He sat up straight, the pencil he had still been holding almost flying from his hand. He made move to stand up but Ichigo kept him down.

'No, Jii-san needs some time for themselves'.

'How do you know?'

'Cuz one: Jii-san is part of my soul and I know them very well. Two: if they wanted us around, they would have come here'.

Kazui crossed his arms with a huff, 'But I love Jii-san'.

'And they love you too but sometimes people need space', Ichigo explained.

'Like Kaa-san and Tou-san sometimes?'

'Yeah, just like Kaa-san and Tou-san'.

Kazui nodded in understanding. Sometimes, after a really bad nightmare, his mother and father needed a moment to themselves. They often brought Kazui to one of his many aunts and uncles for the day or the remaining parent would take care of him.

'Does Jii-san also have bad dreams?' Kazui asked.

Ichigo hesitated but nodded, 'Yeah'.

'Then I will make them a nice drawing!' Kazui declared before abandoning his current project and starting anew with vigour.

'If I may? Would it be possible for me to have a talk with Tensa Zangetsu-san?' Katen asked. 'I understand he may not appreciate us all asking questions', Katen said. 'However, if only one of us were to ask them it might not be as much of an issue'.

Ichigo glanced to the side, gauging his Zanpakutō's reiatsu. 'I don't know... I would have to ask'.

'Can I ask?' Kazui piped up.

‘What about your drawing?’

‘That can wait. I wanna see Jii-san!'

'You saw him just this morning', Ichigo pointed out.

'But that was just Getsu jii-san. I haven't seen—'

Ichigo opened his mouth to intervene.

'—Tensa jii-san yet!'

But it wasn't needed. Ichigo blinked, mouth closing. He noticed? Not only had his son sensed both spirits, but he had also correctly identified which form the Quincy Zanpakutō was in. Could I have done that at his age if I had been trained? Would Kaa-san— He swallowed hard. 'E--even so, Jii-san isn't feeling well, neither of them are'.

'So?' Kazui challenged. 'Doesn't mean I can't see them'.

Ichigo sighed, 'They won't like it if you're loud'.

'Then I will be quiet'.

'They aren't going to play with you'.

'I know that!' Kazui crossed his arms. 'I just wanna see them, that's all'. And escape the questions the captains might ask him while he was at it.

Ichigo was suspicious. Kazui wasn't normally as insistent as he was now. Perhaps he had missed Tensa? It was rare for the Quincy Zanpakutō to materialise, no matter which form he was in. How long ago was it now? Almost half a year?

'Please, Tou-san. I haven't seen him in forever!'

So it was that. Ichigo sighed and Kazui's hope skyrocketed.

'Alright—'

Kazui cheered and immediately made for the door but Ichigo caught him.

'No, not yet. You first have to listen to me'.

'Tou-san—'

Ichigo cut him off, 'No, Kazui. I mean it. Look at me. You need to do the same whenever Kaa-san or Tou-san needs space, do you understand?'

'Wait, Kurosaki-san', Jūshirō interjected. 'You aren't actually—'

'Understood', Kazui said seriously, ignoring the captain.

'Okay, then what will you do?'

'No running, only walking', Kazui said. 'I will knock and wait for them to answer'.

'And then?'

'Uhm...' Kazui looked around the room quickly while dragging out his words. 'Ask if they are okay with—' His eyes landed on Katen— 'The eyepatch-lady asking questions!'

A hint of a smile pulled at Ichigo's lips. 'Very good. Now go, I trust you, Kazui'.

Kazui nodded sternly. He gave a salute and walked stiffly out of the room with all the determination a child could have. He couldn't quite hide his eagerness enough—his pace a bit too fast to be considered walking—for Ichigo to be completely sure this was not a mistake. Oh, well.

'Are you sure that's a good idea?' Jūshirō asked.

'It will be fine, Getsu won't hurt him', Ichigo waved off.

'Then why were you hesitating to let him go?' Shunsui asked.

'Cuz I know Kazui is at that age where he likes to push boundaries and Getsu might get snappy'.

'Snappy?' Jushiro echoed concerned.

'Snarl or growl to scare him off', Ichigo elaborated.

'Which won't look too good in your eyes', Kisuke added.

'Then why let him?' Shunsui questioned.

Ichigo looked at the doorway his son had gone through and then back at the men around the table. ‘Cuz I trust Getsu more than all of you'.

#

TO BE CONTINUED

BLEACH – Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

Fresh and dressed the two Zanpakutō Spirits made their way back up to the shop. Once they pushed the trapdoor open their senses were assaulted with a multitude of reiatsu of various power. Some they recognised, most were unfamiliar, but the ones that had their attention were the few signatures in their direct vicinity. Of two captains and their dual Zanpakutō, of a shady shopkeeper and his closest friend, of their wielder and his son.

Getsu opened up the trapdoor completely with a strong push and was the first to climb out. With a lazy smirk did he reach back down with his left arm, 'Need a hand, Princess?'

Tensa wasn't amused. While Getsu had been able to wear Ichigo's spare clothing (which were still a size too big on him) Tensa hadn't been as lucky. He had to do with one of the summer dresses of their wielder's wife and a hoodie that he almost drowned in. Still, he did accept the hand and allowed Getsu to pull him up.

'Call me that again and I'll gauge your eyes out during our next spar'.

'Oh, don't threaten me with a good time', Getsu said, putting a hand on Tensa's hood covered head and rubbing it to mess up his hair underneath. 'It may surprise ya, but that doesn't work'.

Tensa slapped his hand away, 'Stop that or I won't spar with you for the next two years'.

Getsu pouted, 'Yer just no fun'.

'I never claimed to be'. Tensa took him by the wrist and started to pull him along. Getsu didn't object and followed, letting the other guide him to a room they both knew to be empty. They didn't bother to make a brief appearance in the tearoom, everyone should have sensed Getsu's reiatsu by now and it was too crowded there anyways.

Sliding the door aside they entered the guestroom Kazui had been sleeping in maybe half an hour prior. It was clean and still had some of Ichigo's signature lingering inside making it all the more comfortable for them to stay in. Getsu retrieved his wrist and slipped past Tensa to claim the futon, dragging it to the right side of the room where he settled down with his back facing the wall. He brought his hands to the back of his neck and under his hair, intertwining his fingers he lifted the long tresses out from where they had been trapped between his back and vest. As he moved it over his left shoulder his nails caught a few tangles, making him flinch.

'Would you like me to make a brush for you?' Tensa offered after sliding the door shut behind him, the special material out of which it was made filtering the intensity of the reiatsu outside.

Silver found blue, hands carefully searching for any strands he might have missed, 'What for?'

'To brush out the tangles?'

Getsu made a face at the offer and turned to the white mess hanging over his left. 'It's fine, I don't need that'.

Tensa didn't believe that for a second, he could see the knots and tangles from where he stood. 'You never brush your hair, do you?'

'So what if I don't?' Getsu snapped. 'It's only gonna get tangled up again so why the fuck should I bother?'

Why bother? Why bother combing and brushing hair that reached all the way down to your thighs? No, it was probably even longer than that which was exactly the reason why it should be combed and brushed to begin with. Tensa couldn't even imagine not taking care of his own hair for more than a day, the amount of tangles and knots that it could tie itself in overnight was nothing short of a nightmare to deal with.

He wondered if--no, he feared that he knew the reason as to why Getsu was so opposed to having anything or anyone touch his hair. If his hunch was correct—and he truly hoped it wasn't—he would never be able to forgive himself. The mere idea made his core ache with guilt. He had to know. Even if he dreaded the answer, he had to know if he—

A tap on the door startled Tensa from his thoughts, his attention shifting to whoever was standing on the other side. He heard small knuckles slide down against the door till it reached the height of his hip, betraying the identity of their visitor. For a second it didn't move, staying pressed against the reinforced fusuma before knocking three times; one quiet, one soft, and one normal.

Tensa frowned, he recognised the knocking. Ichigo must have told Kazui to do that, meaning he was here for a reason. Sparing a moment to give Getsu a "I will come back to that" look, Tensa turned around and slid the door open.

'What can I help you with, Kazui?'

Kazui was looked up at him with a big smile, hands curling into fist to keep himself from hugging his uncle. 'Hi, Jii-san. Uhm... the lady with the purple hair and cool eyepatch wants to speak with you', he relayed. 'Is that okay?'

Purple hair and eyepatch? 'You mean Katen?'

'Is she the one with the spiral pigtails?'

'Yes, she is'.

'Then yes!', Kazui said with a big smile.

'Do you happen to know why she wants to talk with us? Or what she wants to talk about?'

Grey strayed from Tensa's face to look at something at the floor, small fingertips pressing together with uncertainty. ‘I wasn't paying much attention to that', Kazui admitted. 'I think she said something about only her being better than everyone at once'.

Ah, Tensa could understand the logic behind that. He even agreed with it. Needing to answer the questions of multiple strangers, surrounded by fourteen eyes (excluding their wielder and Kazui) wasn't something they would willing agree to.

'Then I think I know what she wants to discuss', Tensa mused. 'I don't mind to speak with her'. He looked over his shoulder at his other half, 'What about you?'

'I mind', Getsu grumbled. He spotted Kazui leaning to the side to look at him past Tensa, smiling brightly and giving a wave in greeting. He bared his teeth at the child in return, causing Kazui's smile to become nervous as he shrank back behind Tensa. 'But sure, whatever. They probably won't leave without talkin' ta us anyway'.

'So it's okay?' Kazui asked quietly.

'Yes, Kazui. We are fine with it'.

'Okay, then I will tell Tou-san', Kazui said with a smile before dashing off again to the tearoom.

'Weird kid', Getsu huffed as he adjusted the hood of his vest to be more comfortable and neat. 'Don't get why he likes us so much'.

Tensa hummed as he closed the door again. He turned around and leaned with his back against the sliding door, watching his other half for a moment while he gathered the courage to ask the question he didn't want to know the answer to. 'Is it my fault?'

'Hm?' Getsu paused his battle with the zipper to look at his other half, 'What is?'

'That you're so...careful while in bankai', Tensa elaborated with a pointed look at the white tresses. 'Is that my fault?' A bit of gold crept into the silver surrounding the irises at his question. 'So it is'.

'Don't put words inta my mouth', Getsu growled. 'I haven't said anything'.

'You don't have to'.

'Clearly I do cuz yer wrong! It ain't yer fault! If it were, I wouldn't let ya touch it when it's short, now would I?' The voice of instinct chanted protect-protect-protect for he knew that if he didn't stop the other right now he would continue to hurt himself. 'You ain't the problem, ya got that? I wouldn't even let our aibō touch it. So stop feelin' guilty for something that ain't yer fault and—'

A knock on the door interrupted them once more. Getsu attention shifted, his shoulders tensing and lips curling up to show teeth at the presence behind the door. 

'Tensa Zangetsu?' Katen's voice called out from the other side of the door. 'May I come in?'

'One moment, please', Tensa replied quick. Their game of blame could wait. If Katen were to enter now while he was standing right in front of the door Getsu might do something stupid and they couldn't afford that. He went to the other's side and sat down on his right. Getsu calmed down at his close proximity though the tension never left his frame.

'Can she come in?'

Getsu grumbled something illegible, eyes going down. He grabbed the ends of the vest and jammed the metal pin into the groove and gave a quick tug on the zipper to close it up to his solar plexus, trapping his hair underneath the vest.

'You may enter'.

The door was opened and Katen stepped inside.

'Where is your other half?' Tensa asked.

'We didn't know if you would mind her presence as you agreed to talk to me alone', Katen told. 'That aside, she preferred to stay with Shun-kun. As you can imagine, holding a conversation isn't exactly her field of expertise'. She gestured to the door, 'Would you prefer to keep it open?'

'You may close it', Tensa told, knowing full well the question was merely out of courtesy. If a fight were to break out a door wouldn't hinder anyone in their exit or entrance of the room.

'Very well'. Katen slid the door closed and took place at the other side of the room, close enough to hold conversation but far enough to not be in one another direct space.

'What do you want to speak with us about?' Tensa questioned.

'Straight to it, huh?'

'After the day we've had, ya expect anything else?'

'You speak as if I forced you to agree', Katen said. 'May I remind you that you agreed to this'.

'Agreed ta talk, so talk', Getsu snapped. 'And make it quick if ya can'.

'Very well'. The polite smile vanished from her face. 'I want to get to know your character so we can evaluate how much more of a danger you pose compared to the other Zanpakutō'.

'Figured', Getsu said.

'I would not worry too much about it', Katen assured. 'Shun-kun and I already have an idea of how the two of you play so consider this a required formality'.

'Then just ask yer stupid questions so we can get this over with'.

Tensa elbowed Getsu in the side, not hard but firm enough to be felt and draw his attention.

'What?'

'At least pretend to have some manners', Tensa scolded. 'Antagonising her won't do you any favours'.

'It is alright, I understand today has been very trying for you', Katen said. 'That is why I want to suggest something that will benefit the two of you as well. You have more than deserved it'.

Getsu eyed her with suspicion, 'What'cha mean?'

'It wouldn't be fair if only I will be asking questions, would it? Why not, instead of only one party profiting of this conversation, we share information to make it more equal? We can even make a game out of it to make it a bit more fun' Katen proposed. 'In my experience, playing is a fast way to get to know one another. Aside from fighting, of course'.

'I am afraid we're not in the mood to play games'.

'You don't even know what game I have in mind', Katen said. 'At least hear me out, it may prove beneficial to you as well'.

Getsu was ready to snap at her again but Tensa stopped him. 'What kind of game do you have in mind, then?'

'It is a very simple one, all that is required is honesty. I call it "twenty questions". We each ask one another a question that must be answered honestly. The first to ask twenty wins', she explained. 'However, to make it less drawn out we can settle for five questions instead'.

'I assume there is a caveat?'

'If one cannot give an answer, they have to answer an additional question before they can have their turn', Katen explained. 'Of course, it is forbidden to ask similar questions as that would be considered cheating and will result in an instant loss'.

'What if someone lies?' Getsu questioned. 'How do we know we can trust anything that comes outa yer mouth?'

Katen smiled in a way that was anything but reassuring. 'I have the perfect solution for that. However, I do need your permission'.

'Whatever for?'

'To use my shikai', Katen informed casually, ignoring how tense both spirits got at the word. 'By activating it the rules of the game will become law. Those who do not follow them will be punished. I am no exception to that'.

'You want to use your shikai for a game?' Tensa asked dumbfounded.

'Only to make sure it is fair', Katen assured. 'We can play without it if you are not comfortable with it but it would be in everyone's best interest if we were all certain the information we share is truthful'.

It was very tempting to agree. They had been prepared to answer some questions without anything in return, to get an offer where they would be trading information—information that was guaranteed to be truthful—was an amazing deal. Maybe a little too amazing.

'If we were to agree', Tensa began carefully, 'And someone were to lie, what would happen to them?'

Katen put a finger to the side of her chin, 'Hmm...nothing fatal, that would be a little overboard for a friendly game. Perhaps a little bit of humiliation would be enough of a punishment, something like...the kanji for "liar" will appear on your face in bold red strokes'.

Tensa Zangetsu slowly blinked at her in unison.

'You can just decide that?'

'Why would I not be? It is my shikai, is it not?'

'Prove it', Getsu demanded. 'Prove ya shikai works like that and we'll consider it'.

Katen smiled, a hint of insanity in her eyes. 'But of course'. With a twirl of her wrist a blade appeared in her hands. She didn't miss how silver turned to gold. 'The flowery winds become disturbed, the Kami of flowers sings; the heavenly winds become disturbed, the Akuma of heaven sneers'. With every word she spoke the blade brightened, the glowing shape of the weapon changing with every syllable. It grew in length and width, becoming more like a Chinese scimitar with silver edge. The tsuba didn't change compared to the sealed form but it now had long, red tassels dangling from the head.

Tensa and Getsu noticed the shadows around them began to move.

'Well then, ask me any question you like', Katen instructed.

'What's the colour of your hair at this moment', Tensa asked without hesitation.

'Green'. As the word left her throat, bold red strokes appeared on her face to form the kanji for "liar" to lay her dishonesty bare for all to see. 'My hair colour is purple' and with the honesty the kanji faded away. 'See? Aside from a little bit of a burning sensation it is completely harmless. Just as I said it would be'. She gave the two a look that bordered on challenging, 'So, will you play now?'

Tensa looked at Getsu, leaving the choice to him.

'Fine'.

'Then I will give you a proper explanation of the rules before we start so we are on equal footing', Katen said. 'Lying in response to a question is prohibited and will be punished as agreed upon. You are not required to elaborate on your answers unless it is vital for the understanding of the answer, other details do not need to be disclosed. For example, if you ask "what colour is the sky?" and the answer given is "blue" then the follow-up question "why is the sky blue?" must also be answered.

'When refusing or unable to answer, the questioning party may ask two more questions—one to replace the unanswered question and another as punishment for the answering party. Asking similar questions to take advantage of this rule will result in immediate loss.

'Once five questions have been answered to one party's satisfaction they will be declared victorious and the game will end. Lastly, violence is prohibited and will also result in immediate loss'. Katen looked at the two across, 'Are the rules clear?' The two nodded and she smiled. 'Then I believe the stage is set and we may begin. As the challenger I would like to give you the first turn. You may ask me anything you desire'.

#

TO BE CONTINUED

BLEACH – Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

Getsu tracked the many shadows that had been brought to life by the other Zanpakuto's shikai, his hackles rising the longer he watched them slither around on the tatami floor. His instincts of both battle and survival were screaming at him (Danger! Run! Attack!) urging him to do something before Katen had the chance to act and—

Calloused but slender fingers wrapped around his right hand and gave it a firm squeeze to disrupt the train of thoughts that was speeding down the tracks of insanity. The familiar reiatsu of his counterpart filled the cracks of his crumbling rationality and eased the growing hysteria in both his core and mind.

This wasn't a fight. Katen wasn't using her shikai to hurt them, that wasn't the objective of this game she had suggested. All they had to do was be honest or decline to answer so there was no reason to lie, to begin with. Even the punishment that hang over their head if they were dishonest was harmless meaning there was absolutely nothing to worry about.

'Do you have a question you would like to ask her?' Tensa asked softly.

Getsu nodded, aiming his eyes at the Zanpakutō across from them. 'How does yer shikai work?'

'I believe I already answered that question, I even gave a demonstration', Katen replied. 'Unless you think me a liar?'

'I dunno, are ya a liar?' Getsu asked back. 'In case yer forgot, we only met an hour or so ago, we don't know shit about ya. And while I don't think ya've lied to us yet, I wouldn't be surprised if ya kept some important info to yerself'.

'Ah, I see. That is indeed a reasonable concern', Katen agreed. 'Very well, I don't mind sharing a little more if that will put your minds at ease.

'My master and I are quite the enjoyer of games, specifically the more simple ones. As such, our ability is to make those games, or rather their rules, real to all who are within Shun-kun's reiatsu'.

'Could you give us an example of a game other than what we're playing now?' Tensa asked.

'Certainly. Are you familiar with daruma-san ga koronda? It is also known as "red-light, green-light" in some circles'.

Both Getsu and Tensa nodded in unison. How could they not know it when their wielder had a child?

'Let's say we would be playing this game instead and you were marked as "it", in that case, I would not be able to move whenever you are looking at me, doing so will inflict severe harm upon me or can even kill me'.

'That doesn't sound very fair', Getsu noted.

'Well, the whole point of using shikai is to turn the fight in your favour', Katen reasoned. 'That aside, the rules apply to us as well. If I were to succeed in sneaking up on you then the harm will be dealt to you instead'.

'And you can do that with every kind game?' Tensa questioned.

'No. There are a lot of games in existence—some I do not even know about—and not every game is suitable for combat purposes. Having said that, my interest lies in the simple games like the ones that children can play in the street, as their rules are easy to understand and quick to learn', Katen explained, her expression growing sombre. 'To be honest with you, Shun-kun doesn't like to play with me as much anymore, says it is too much of a hassle to work around whatever game I end up choosing'.

'You choose the game and not your wielder?'

Katen nodded, 'I observe the battle and choose a game that I believe will make it the most interesting. Unfortunately, "interesting" isn't something that Shun-kun is after much these days'. She let a small sigh pass her lips, 'Alas, that is not something I should burden you with. Have I answered your question to your satisfaction?'

Getsu gave a shrug, 'Guess so'.

The smile that spread across Katen's face once the turn had been passed to her was almost predatory, 'Then it is my turn'. Her eye locked on Getsu, who bared his teeth at her in response. 'Who and what are you?' she asked. 'Are you truly the Zanpakutō Spirit of Kurosaki Ichigo? Is Zangetsu the name you awakened with? Is that all true despite you being an Inner Hollow? Please, I would love to know'.

'I thought we could only ask one question', Getsu growled.

'She did'.

Getsu gave Tensa a look, 'Ya deaf or something? She asked four—'

'Three of which will be answered by answering the first one', Tensa explained. 'It's just one question'.

'Tch'. Getsu turned back to look at Katen. 'From ta moment Ichigo awakened his powers—awakened us—we've been the way we are. Zangetsu is my name and I am Ichigo's Zanpakutō just like he is', Getsu said, jerking his head in Tensa's direction. 'But I ain't an Inner Hollow, never have been'.

'Urahara once explained to us that an Inner Hollow refers to a separate entity that exists beside the Zanpakutō Spirit', Tensa elaborated. 'Like a Zanpakutō, they are a personification of power, representing only the Hollow nature the Soul has been "infected" with later in life'. He gestured between his counterpart and himself, 'We, on the other hand, have been the way we are since the moment Ichigo awakened his powers; therefore, that term would not apply to us'.

'Oh, whatever term would apply, then?' Katen questioned curiously.

'Urahara found that "Hollow Zanpakutō" would be a more accurate descriptor', Tensa told. 'An entity that can form when a soul inherits both the Shinigami and Hollow gene from their parents. It will cause the two powers to merge, making the Zanpakutō Spirit a single being that personifies both powers'.

Katen nodded, 'That would mean that your master's situation is different than those of the Vizoreds, correct? As they had their Hollow powers forced upon them later in life'.

'That is correct'.

'But if the two powers merge to become one, why are there two of you?' Katen asked.

'We are two aspects of the same being', Tensa replied without missing a beat. 'We do normally share a single body, switching form and control depending on who Ichigo needs most. When the need arises, we can both exist simultaneously but not indefinitely'.

Katen hummed, nodding along to the information given. 'Thank you for such a detailed answer. I will pass the turn back to you'.

'As the Zanpakutō Spirit of one of the oldest captains in the Gotei Thirteen, I presume you know your peers—and can judge their character—very well', Tensa began. 'Which captains and lieutenants would defend us, which are impassive, and whom would rather see us dead?'

Katen sighed, 'That's quite the question'.

'We have time', Tensa replied. 'You do not have to give an elaborate explanation for everyone, an estimation will be more than enough'.

'Very well', Katen relented. 'Then I shall share my judgement per division.

'It will come as no surprise that both the captain-commander and his lieutenant rather see your master purified. Though, even if that would ever happen they do not appreciate the stubbornness and attitude he has—nor the many friends and allies he keeps—so they most likely rather have him be taken out of the equation completely to be spared the hassle.

'Captain Soi Fon would rather you do not exist, however, she follows the law to the letter and won't strike unless ordered to do so by the captain-commander. She will ignore your master but seize the legal opportunity to be rid of him if that ever presents itself. Her lieutenant is all bark and no bite, he will badmouth your wielder but not dare to raise a finger in his direction in his presence.

'Then there is Captain Ōtoribashi. He is more difficult for me to predict as he has not been a captain for long but I suspect him to be against you. After all, he did agree to the purification process without argument. His lieutenant , Kira Izuru, is neutral but inclined to be against you. Captain Unohana, on the other hand, will defend you and your master. Lieutenant Isane is neutral but, like Lieutenant Kira, is inclined to be against you.

'Then we have Captain Hirako. He was quite eager to cleanse himself of his Inner Hollow and thus be likely to be against you as well. He does like your master well enough and will stand by him in other matters. Lieutenant Hinamori will be against you and your master. Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenant Abarai are likely to defend you if your master does so as well as they trust his judgement—'

'Wait, what?' Getsu interjected. 'Yer saying that stick-up-his-ass-sama trusts King’s judgement? Ya sure about that?'

'Quite so', Katen said. 'He may not show it but he truly holds your master in high regard. How much his sister has played a role in that view, I do not know'.

'Ichigo did prevent Rukia's execution', Tensa noted. 'It wouldn't be unfathomable to assume that has put him in our debt'.

'Hm... They do get along now, don't they', Getsu reluctantly agreed, referring to the two Kuchikis. 'Guess I just assumed he despised me'.

'You didn't kill him'.

'Only cuz King intervened'.

'Hence why he trusts Ichigo to keep you in line'.

Getsu hummed, not quite convinced but willing to let the matter drop.

'After Captain Kuchiki we have Captain Komamura of the Seventh Division', Katen continued. 'I believe he has a positive opinion of your master, as it is due to him that Aizen's betrayal, and that of Tōsen, had come to light. Still, I wouldn't count on him to defend you out of trust or loyalty. His lieutenant is neutral and might be swayed either way.

'Then we have my master and his lieutenant. Shunsui would defend you, I'm certain. He likes your master quite a bit and after today, I believe he doesn't believe you to be a threat, either. His lieutenant is impassive however and likely to side against you.

'Captain Muguruma and his second lieutenant, Kuna Mashiro, have a bias against you but like your master well enough. Lieutenant Kuna, however, did not appear to harbour the same resentment towards her Inner Hollow as her fellow Vizored, as she was sad to have to cleanse it. You might be able to sway her opinion and that of Captain Muguruma by extension. His first lieutenant, Hisagi Shuhei, is against you.

'Then we have the Tenth Division. Captain Hitsugaya likes your master well enough but I do not know if he would defend you. His lieutenant is impassive towards your master but is afraid of you.

'Captain Kenpachi will vow for you regardless and the same goes for his lieutenant and most of his seated officers'.

'Tch, figures'.

'I would stay far away from Captain Kurotsushi, he wants your master on his operating table. His lieutenant is impassive but would follow his orders.

'And lastly, we have Captain Ukitake of the Thirteenth. He will defend you, as will his lieutenant but I presume you knew that already'.

'That is…much better than I had anticipated', Tensa admitted.

'We need two more if it ever came down to a vote, though'.

Tensa hummed in acknowledgement. As it stood, it was more likely that the neutral parties would be swayed to be against them. However, it also meant that they—well, Ichigo—only needed to befriend two more people, maybe three if he could manage it. A task that would be a lot simpler than changing the minds of the captains who were set against them.

'If you're satisfied then I believe I've earned an answer to a more personal question'. Katen leaned forward a bit with that unnerving smile of hers, 'Have you ever hurt your master?'

The annoyed and slightly hostile attitude Getsu had been putting up faltered, eyes losing their harsh focus and shifting away. Tensa was more proficient at maintaining indifference, the shade his hood cast over his face only aiding him in his deception.

'I take that as a yes', Katen said, her eyes slowly drifting to Tensa. 'For the both of you, that is. Was it intentional?'

'Yes', both said in harmony.

'Do you regret it?'

'No'.

It was Tensa who elaborated, 'While we wish we did not have to hurt him, we know that there are times when it is unavoidable. Each time we've hurt him—may it be with our blade or words—we were of the opinion there was no other way to obtain the same result in the time available'.

'Is that true for you as well?' Katen asked, aiming the question at the pale spirit across her. Getsu didn't respond vocally, simply nodding in agreement. 'Mind elaborating a little?'

'I've got nothing ta say he hasn't said already', Getsu grumbled. 'We hurt him cuz we had to and we'll do it again if we need to but not because we want to'.

Katen pouted, 'I wish you were more willing to divulge information but I guess it is a rather personal question. You may take your turn'.

Tensa glanced at his counterpart to see if he wanted to ask another question of his own. When Getsu made no sign of speaking Tensa spoke, 'Does the Gotei Thirteen have a plan for our wielder once he passes on and if so, what is it?'

'There is', Katen confirmed. 'From what the captain-commander has divulged, the plan is to find your master as fast as possible once he has crossed over and enrol him into the academy. If all goes well for them they think they can convince him to undergo the purification willingly'.

Getsu scoffed, 'Yeah, right. Like that's ever gonna happen'.

Tensa wanted to agree but withheld at the sense of foreboding that settled heavily in his core. Like his other half, he was one hundred per cent certain their master would never agree to the purification. Ichigo loved them—faults and all—and he would never risk losing them again.

Losing them again?

A shiver ran up his spine and his blood ran cold along with it. He felt eyes drill into him and that's when Tensa realised his control had slipped from his grasp. Panic claimed his core and he took longer than he would have liked to get a grip on his wavering reiatsu. He dared one look at Katen and prayed to whatever god above that was feeling benevolent to grant him a small miracle.

Katen met his eyes with a slight cock of the head, a small smile appearing on her face.

'Hey'.

Battle-worn fingers pressed against his cheek and Tensa found his view redirected to face his other half.

'What's the matter?' Getsu asked and how could Tensa give an answer to that question without it ending with a destroyed Shōten?

'Nothing'. As the lie fell from his lips the shadows reacted. They surged towards him and Getsu growled, pulling him close as if that would protect him from being punished.

'It wasn't yer turn!' Getsu snarled at Katen.

'Have you forgotten? Every lie in response to a question will be punished. I have told you so at the very beginning', Katen reminded.

Getsu growled at her in frustration before he looked at his other half, finding their chin and forcing him to face him. Just like with Katen prior there were big strokes of red painted across Tensa's face spelling the kanji for "liar".

'Ya okay?'

'I'm—' The red paint glowed— 'No. No, I'm not'.

'Does it hurt?'

'No, it merely burns a little--Don't!' Tensa grabbed Getsu by the shoulders to keep him from lunging at the other Zanpakutō. 'It doesn't hurt!'

'I fail to understand why you are directing your anger at me, I'm not the one who lied to you', Katen said.

'I don't care!' Getsu hissed. 'Make it go away!'

'It will vanish once he has answered the next question honestly'.

'It isn't her fault', Tensa insisted. 'I shouldn't have tried to lie to you'.

Getsu growled. He didn't mind when the other lied to him because he knew he was being lied to. They both did. Sure they could downplay things but outright lying to each other's faces had become near impossible. Lying had become a way of saying "let's put a rain check on the truth" for them. It wasn't even really lying anymore so for Tensa to get punished for it was unfair.

But Katen didn't know that and the shadow don't care. The fact remained that a lie was spoken and the dishonesty had to be laid bare. They were both right, he knew but that didn't make it any easier for Getsu to ignore the rising desire to tear into the woman across of them.

'Ask your damn question then!' Getsu hissed. 'The quicker we get this over with the better'.

'Hmm, let's see...what to ask, what to ask', Katen mused, tapping her chin with her finger as if she didn't have all her questions prepared. 'Let's go for an easy one. Who is the most important person in your—'

'Ichigo', Tensa and Getsu said simultaneously. Getsu kept his eyes trained on Tensa's face as he gave his answer, his anger simmering down when the vibrant bold strokes faded away.

Katen chuckled, 'You didn't even let me finish my question'.

'I'm willing to elaborate', Tensa offered.

'If you don't mind', Katen said. 'Is his life or his happiness more important to you?'

'Both have become equal', Tensa told. 'I no longer want him to merely survive, I want him to live his life. I want him happy'.

'Is the same true for you?' Katen asked, turning her eyes to Getsu.

'I rather have him alive', Getsu responded. He was tired of this interrogation charading as a game. All he wanted was to lay in bed with his other half, have him there to keep the memories and cold away. Preferably Ichigo would be there too but Getsu knew that his king had a child to take care of who needed his attention and supervision. 'But I ain't the one doing the living'.

Katen nodded, accepting the answer.

'Our turn', Tensa said. 'Do you agree with how Soul Society and the Gotei Thirteen are run? What would you and your master want to see changed?'

'That's a rather wide question', Katen noted. 'Alas, it is one we have an answer to.

'Soul Society had grown stagnant and ignorant to change. In the last few decades, a lot of our views have been challenged and what we have learned from that needs to be passed on'. She gestured to them, 'For example, having Hollow powers does not make one a villain. They could be obtained naturally and the person will have complete control over them'. She shook her head, 'Shun-kun wishes to see progress made in the minds of the new generation. Especially to those who are different we need to be more understanding and accepting'.

The shadows didn't react.

'Your turn'.

'Why are you in bankai, still? Katen questioned immediately, keeping her eye on the hooded spirit who tensed up in response. 'You didn't believe no one would notice, did you? It is clear from your signature'.

'I hoped', Tensa admitted in a murmur. 'I'm sorry but I can't answer that question to your satisfaction'.

'You can try', Katen said. 'If you don't answer then I will win'.

'I rather lose a game than gamble on this', Tensa replied.

'Perhaps I will be satisfied with whatever you can divulge?'

'I pass'.

Katen shifted her gaze towards the Hollow Zanpakutō, 'What about you? Are you willing to—

'No', Getsu cut off.

'Very well…' Katen said with noticeable disappointment. 'Why did your master learn another language for you? I doubt he would do so just because you don't feel like speaking on occasion'.

Getsu grumbled a little, giving his other half a nudge with his elbow. 'Cuz he's got a bleeding heart, that's why'.

'Hollowfication has a negative effect on their vocal cords', Tensa explained. 'Speaking becomes challenging with the mask on. Complete Hollowfication makes it near impossible'.

'Truly?' Katen eyed Getsu curiously, 'That seems quite the design flaw, doesn't it?'

'Those are the cards we have been dealt with, there isn't much we can do about it', Tensa said, giving the closest arm a squeeze when he felt the muscles tense.

'I suppose that, with how Kurosaki-san's soul is built, it is a wonder that he is even alive', Katen agreed. 'My next and final question, then. Which memories do you hold closest to your heart?' she asked. 'What is your most fond memory that you cherish and which one do you fear? Let's start with the most feared one so we may end on a positive note'.

'The Saigo no Getsuga Tenshō...' Tensa pulled at his hood, 'He used it to overpower Aizen at the cost of his powers. I--I never want him to use it again'.

Getsu hummed, 'Yeah that sucked'.

'I take it yours is different then?' Katen questioned.

'That emo-bat fucker, Ulquiorra', Getsu told, crossing his arms. 'One of Aizen's espada. Asshole killed Ichigo, like, twice in an hour, blew a fucking hole the size of a soccer ball into his chest'.

Katen nodded, 'I can imagine those moments to be ones you would like to avoid reliving, maybe even wish never happened. So, let's not dwell on them too much and move on to your most fond memory'.

Tensa let his hands slide down the rim of his hood, fingers curling around the cords and riding them down to the knots to play with the frayed ends. 'There was this certain fight between Ichigo and me. I believe it was the first one I was able to fully enjoy'. Even though his face was obscured, it was no secret Tensa had a smile on his face. 'He won, impaled me right through the abdomen'.

Katen's eye drifted towards the other spirit, who appeared to be deep in thought.

My fondest memory? Getsu scowled. 'Could ya ask the question differently?'

'If you can give me a reason why', Katen said. 'It wouldn't do if you want to try and find a loophole after all'.

's'Not that', Getsu said. 'I don't--no, I do, but—' he sighed and shook his head. 'Use a different word than "fond"'.

'Ah'. Katen nodded. 'What memory do you think back on most positively? Which one is the most important for you? I want to know what moment in time means the most to you'.

'I asked for a different word, not two more questions', Getsu said.

'I only need one answer'.

Getsu hummed. What moment meant the most to him? King calling me by my name? He pursed his lips, frown settling. He wished it were that moment. It did mean a lot to him, it was a milestone in his relationship with his king. Yet, the circumstances around it more or less ruined it. He wasn't able to enjoy it then and even when he thought back on it the moment was ruined because that bucket hat-wearing son-of-a-bitch was right there doing experiments on them.

So probably not that then.

What about... the Sign language? Getsu gritted his teeth. No, he had ruined that himself. Too emotionally handicapped to appreciate and understand Ichigo's reasoning for what he had done. While it warmed his heart to know his king had learned a language for him, the memory of his own reaction was less than positive.

Well, what else is there? Was there even a memory that wasn't fucked up in some way or another? Something he could think back on and smile. Their first meeting? Their reunion? The nightmares? Training? Cleaning? Maybe, but wasn't there—

Oh…

'Are you embarrassed, Zangetsu-san?' Katen asked.

'No. Why t'fuck would I be?'

'Your silence and colour lead me to believe you don't want to share'.

'Shaddup', Getsu huffed, crossing his arms and balancing his elbow on his knee. 'It's a no'.

'Can I have some context to that "no", Zangetsu-san?'

'It was the first time that old fart asked King ta come over, wanting ta discuss some things now he got his powers back and shit. One of the subjects that he wanted ta talk bout was his "Inner Hollow" and Hollow powers. The second he mentioned it King got all defensive, kept his hand on us the whole time, too.

'He wanted him ta purify himself, saying I wasn't trustworthy cuz I was "tainted", yada-yada-yada. King didn't even hesitate to tell that fucker where to shove it'. The most fragile of smiles tugged at his lips, 'It's that moment he said "no" for me'.

With the last answer given to satisfaction, the life drained from the shadows. Katen smiled in victory and fulfilment, sealing her shikai now her power was no longer required.

Tensa heaved a deep but soft sigh in relief. Somehow they had managed to get through this without any casualties of both the material and soul variety. Even his mistake had gone over much better than he had feared it would go in the moment.

Giving the hand he still held a gentle squeeze, Tensa looked at his other half. 'Are you doing alright?'

Getsu didn't respond to him, gold swirling in his eyes that stared straight ahead, focused on something only he could see. He began to hum, the sound gradually evolving into a growl that even Katen could hear.

'Is there something amiss, Zan—'

Her words died in her throat as the Hollow Zanpakutō moved. His right hand twisted to take hold of Tensa's left instead and pull him along to his feet.

'H--hey!'

Getsu ignored him, dragging his other half along to the door which he opened up with more force than required.

'W--wait!'

#

TO BE CONTINUED

BLEACH – Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

The conversation in the tearoom went quiet the moment the door had been thrown open. Everyone inside the Shōten could sense the fierce reiatsu of the Hollow Zanpakutō as he headed towards the tearoom, his intent unknown but resolve unshakeable.

Ichigo turned around in time to see Getsu appear, his outstretched arm being the first to come into view. The pale left hand smacked flat against the doorpost to catch his momentum and the attention of all who were in the room. The rest of him followed all at once, standing still in the middle of the doorway. His skin and hair were cleansed from the blood and gore that he had bathed in to get his revenge on Muramasa.

Yet, even showered and dressed in clean clothing, Getsu still managed to look like a mess. His hair, while clean, had not been combed, the shorter tresses standing whatever way while the longer strands were hidden under the safety of the vest. The stuff Ichigo had picked out for him was a size too large on him and it showed, the pants swallowing his feet almost completely and the sleeves of the vest coming all the way down to his knuckles; like a child wearing their parent’s clothes.

But it was his face that held Ichigo's attention. A strong blue-coloured pale cheeks, most likely a remnant from his shower, did little to soften the dark half-circles beneath his eyes. His silver irises had swirls of gold in them, both colours bright and burning into warm chestnut with a determination of which the cause and purpose were unknown.

And, as it turned out, even the other half of the Zanpakutō Spirit had no idea what went on in Getsu's head. Being dragged along by the wrist as he was didn't leave Tensa with much room or many options to avoid collision with his counterpart. The moment Getsu came to a halt, Tensa brought his captured wrist up to use his forearm as a buffer. Getsu allowed it, fingers releasing their steel vice and vanishing from Tensa's sight as he, too, came to a stop.

'G--give me a warning next time you—'

Tensa's objection was cut off when the same hand that had captured his wrist landed on his hood-covered head. It didn't move and try to mess his hair up, only applied a bit of pressure. Bewildered, Tensa was a bit late in his attempt to swat the offending hand away from his head. Any ire he'd wanted to give voice to was replaced by even more confusion when Getsu suddenly stepped forward into the room.

Ichigo put a hand on his son's shoulder to convey that he had to stay put. Fortunately, Kazui seemed to pick up on the growing suspense that hung heavy in the air and obeyed the silent request of his father without argument. Standing up and turning around in one motion, Ichigo was ready to help his Zanpakutō in whatever manner needed when Getsu took another step forward towards him and—

—embraced him?

Ichigo blinked as one of his arms was trapped against his side and two palms pressed against his shoulder blades to bring him flush against his Zanpakutō. He was shaken from his stupor when he felt a chin rest on his right shoulder, his arms automatically wrapping around the spirit in return albeit a bit awkwardly.

'Uhm... Getsu?' He tried to see the spirit's face but it was hidden in the crook of his neck. 'Is there something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?'

Getsu shook his head, inadvertently also nuzzling his king in the process as he mumbled out a response, 'Nah... I'm good'.

'Then why are you--not that I mind it but you rarely—'

'Ichigo'.

The tone had Ichigo pause, '... yes?'

'Thank you'.

Ichigo quirked a brow, 'Huh...? What are you talking about? I haven't done—'

'Ya gave me a second chance', Getsu murmured, fingers grasping the loose fabric of his king's shirt. 'Ya accepted me an' defended me and I...' His voice trailed off into nothing as he ran out of words. He knew what he wanted to make clear but he didn't know how. Which words did he need to string together to get his intention across? Did the words he needed even exist in the tongues he spoke? 

Letting out a sigh, Getsu pulled back just enough to look his king in the eyes in the hope he could find the words he needed there. The pupils were a fraction smaller than was the norm, he noticed absentmindedly. Guess his impromptu embrace had stirred up quite a bit of confusion if it warranted such a bewildered expression on that dumb face that he would do literally everything for to see smiling—

'I love you'.

Brown eyes widened and it was then that Getsu realised those three words hadn't been said by Ichigo. It had been his own voice, his own mouth that had spoken them.

That last question Katen had asked them had made Getsu dig up a memory, one he'd never bothered to reflect on before. He had more-or-less forgotten that moment even existed until today. Yet, he could still remember it so vividly. He could recall with frightening clarity how each of Ichigo's fingers was positioned on the scabbard, what words were spoken, and how strongly his king had reacted to the captain-commander's "suggestion".

It was strange to think he hadn't realised how monumental that moment had been before now. How, at the time, it just hadn't felt important; he had merely taken it in stride and cursed the confusion that it had brought along. Now, however, the implications and significance were as painfully clear to him as a slap to the face by a hand full of rings.

But it had also made him wonder…did Ichigo know? Did their wielder know how important that moment was? How much that single "no" meant to his Hollow Zanpakutō? He should, right? After all, it was Ichigo's acceptance of Getsu's duality—his own inhumanity—in that moment that had caused his Hollow heart to start to beat properly. Surely Ichigo knew that...

…Right?

Try as he might, he couldn't fully convince himself that his king would know something Getsu only figured out himself almost a decade after the fact. Ichigo wasn't stupid by any means and when it came down to emotions he was far more skilled in handling and understanding them. That said, Ichigo had a record of being dense, oblivious, and prone to bouts of idiocy when facing something that contradicts or challenges his convictions and beliefs. There was no way of knowing where this instance would land. No way except one: he would have to ask.

So that is why Getsu had stood up and made his way to the tearoom (taking Tensa with him because he wasn't going to leave him alone with someone so dangerous) fully intending to ask Ichigo if he knew and make sure he did if he didn't. The keyword here being "intending".

He had intended to ask one simple question. He had intended to tell Ichigo how much that "no" had meant to him. What he had not intended was the word vomit that had come out of his mouth instead that left his king speechless.

Ichigo stared at his Zanpakutō, jaw trembling while his voice left him to dry and refused to work. His brain wasn't helping, either, repeating the three words over and over again to try and process what they meant.

His Zanpakutō weren't the type of people who vocalised their affection. They preferred to show it with small gestures and let their meaning hang in the air, as opposed to telling another outright with kind words.

Zan (and Tensa by extension) tended to smile or put a hand on his shoulder whenever Ichigo did something that was appreciated or approved of. And sometimes, when Zan was in an exceptionally good mood, he would take it a step further and give praise:

"Very good, Ichigo".

"I see you have been practising".

"I'm proud of you".

Getsu, however, felt no need to give voice to such things. At least, not unprovoked. He had no problems responding in kind whenever Ichigo declared his love for them, often after waking from a nightmare, but it was never with the same intention. It was always a dismissive "we know" or an exasperated "yeah yeah, we love you too, Idiot". Always "we" and not "I". Always as a response, never as a statement.

Always until today.

Getsu watched as Ichigo's jaw trembled, his eyes glowing with something he couldn't quite place while tears started to line up in preparation to spill over. Fuck! He had messed up, hadn't he? What in the three worlds had possessed him to—!

Whatever air he had in his lungs was forced out as Ichigo pulled him back into an embrace. It derailed his thoughts, grinding them to a halt as Ichigo's reiatsu washed over him. His king wasn't upset or sad or any other emotion Getsu had expected at the sight of those hated tears that would flood their world. No, there was only love and happiness and joy that made their sun in the mindscape shine its brightest. It made Getsu realise that, despite how sudden the words had come out, he did stand by them. Those three short words conveyed his feelings better than any of Shakespeare's sonnets ever could.

'Ichigo?'

'Hmm?'

'I love you'. Getsu said it again, this time pouring all of his gratitude and affection he held for his king into his reiatsu for Ichigo to feel.

Ichigo tightened the embrace, shoulders shaking as badly as his voice cracked, 'T--the fuck, man. You gonna make me cry'.

'Why? Did I say it wrong?' Getsu asked only to have his ribs squeezed so hard he could have sworn he felt some poke his lungs. Geez, he hoped Ichigo didn't break a bone or pop a joint in that fragile human body of his by doing that.

'N--no!' Ichigo denied with a watery laugh and so much affection that Getsu felt that weird but pleasant churn in his abdomen. 'No, you--you idiot...you've said it just right'.

Getsu hummed, the sound growing deeper and heavier the longer he was exposed to his king's reciprocation. Ichigo was smiling into the crook of his neck, content to bathe in the moment for as long as the universe allowed them to.

'I love you, too'.

It was whispered soft enough that only Getsu could hear and it was all that was needed to push the hum to a purr. One loud and strong enough to vibrate through fabric, skin and bones to shake them both to their very core.

'...You silly goose', Ichigo murmured. 'Just storming in and saying stuff like that'.

'Had to be said'.

'Why, though? What brought this up?'

'Nothing...we're just playing a game'.

'A game?'

'Yeah...it's like her shikai—'

'She used her shikai on you?!' Ichigo whipped his head around so fast it could give people witnessing it a whiplash, his eyes locking on Shunsui with a golden glare that bordered on murderous.

Getsu dug his nails into his king's shoulders to pull his attention back. 'Gave permission', he explained. 'It was just asking questions and shit, no real repercussions’. He relaxed his hold to be more comfortable for both of them, nails playing with the seams of Ichigo's shirt that ran from the neckline to the shoulders. 'Made me think. Realised I've never thanked ya'.

'And you decided to do so now?'

'I dunno, it suddenly felt important', Getsu dismissed. He angled his head, 'How long do ya need him fer still?'

It was then that Ichigo realised they were, in fact, not alone—you would think he would know since he'd just given Shunsui a death glare but the implications of that had slipped his mind somehow. No, they stood in the middle of Kisuke's tearoom surrounded by four unfamiliar Zanpakutō, two captains, one kidō master, one shady shopkeeper, and his own son. Not exactly the place for a heart-to-heart with a part of his soul but here they were.

Ah, shit. He had cursed in front of his son, hadn’t he? Ichigo prayed Kazui hadn't picked it up and would start using it. Orihime would give him an earful about his language if she found out.

To his absolute dismay, the two captains appeared to have been very invested in the scene that had been playing out in front of them. They were sipping their tea, eyes on them as if watching the best prime-time drama show television had to offer.

'Oh, we were as good as done, I believe', Jūshirō replied with a smile.

'Yeah, I agree', Shunsui said. 'We have our answers'.

Getsu hummed, reluctantly breaking away from his king but not moving away. 'So, what's it gonna be? Are ya gonna lock me up or shackle me?'

Ichigo nudged him, 'Oi! You think I would let you get locked up?'

'So it's a shackle', Getsu concluded.

'Please understand that our hands are tied', Jūshirō said. 'If the decision was ours to make then we wouldn't have needed to discuss anything'.

'Unfortunately, Yama-jii expects us to do something and we can't exactly come back saying we let you roam free unsupervised', Shunsui added.

Pale lips pulled to one side in dismay. While he couldn't complain about the arrangements—mostly because he didn't even know what they were yet—he wasn't exactly happy he had to wear some kind of shackle. Hope it ain't a bracelet or a co—

His train of thought was interrupted by a weight slamming into his side. Getsu blinked and looked down to find his wielder's offspring hugging his waist, big round eyes filled with childlike affection of which Getsu still failed to understand how he had earned it.

'What'cha want, lil' Heir?' Getsu asked, ignoring his king's objection to the nickname.

'A hug'.

Getsu eyed the kid with suspicion even as he put a hand on Kazui's head to mess up the short orange tresses he had inherited from both of his parents. 'That all ya want from me?'

'I love you, Jii-san!' Kazui said excitedly. Almost as if he were expecting something.

'Sure ya do'.

The happy smile turned upside down and Getsu knew his gut had been right. Kazui puffed up his cheeks, 'No fair. Tou-san gets a hug and an "I love you" but I don't'.

'Well, you ain't my aibō', Getsu said, hand holding on to the waistband of his borrowed pants. 'And stop tugging! Yer gonna pull 'em down!'

Offended that his love was not returned, Kazui pulled back and crossed his arms. He paused a moment and then turned to Ichigo. 'Tou-san, Jii-san is being mean to me'.

'Jii-san is mean to everybody'.

'Nu-uh, he never is to you!'

Ichigo sighed, 'Jii-san likes you plenty, he has just trouble showing it'.

Kazui huffed, clearly not convinced by his father's assurances.

With a soft and short growl did Getsu nudge the child with his leg, 'Oi, look at me, Yer important ta mah aibō, so yer important ta me', Getsu said. 'Now stop brooding, yer at least a decade too young for that'.

Ichigo gave his spirit a side-eye for that remark. 'See, Kazui? He likes you'.

Kazui just looked away with a huff, his narrowed eye widened as he spotted someone else and he sped past his father and uncle. Getsu and Ichigo turned their head to see Kazui launch himself at Tensa.

'Jii-san, do you love me?'

Tensa shot his counterpart a quick glare before he squatted down to be at relative eye height with the child. 'I'm afraid I don't know'.

Kazui frowned, 'How can you not know?'

'Because "love" is a very broad term, Kazui', Tensa told. 'And I don't know what it means when you say it'.

When all Kazui managed in response was a confused "huh", Tensa elaborated. 'The word "love" can have many different meanings to different people. It can change depending on who you are referring to. For example, when your tou-san says "I love you" to you, he means something different than when he says it to his friends, your kaa-san, or us'.

'But...but I thought "love" meant you like someone very, very much', Kazui said.

'But you can like people in many ways, can't you?' Tensa pointed out. 'Do you love your tou-san the same way as you love your friends at school?'

Kazui pursed his lips into a pout, 'I...I love my tou-san more'.

'See? Love is different for everybody', Tensa said. 'For us, it is something very valuable. So we prefer to say we like people instead. Does that make sense to you?'

Kazui frowned, 'Love is confusing'.

'That, it is', Tensa agreed with a small smile. 'But you will figure it out'.

'Parenting my kid, huh?' Ichigo said with a grin.

'Do you disagree with what I said?'

'Nope', Ichigo said. 'Not at all'.

'That's what I thought'. Tensa let his eyes briefly sweep the room, 'Is it alright if I take Kazui with me to the side room? It is rather crowded in here'.

'Oh right'. Ichigo quickly gave Tensa a sign of approval before turning to Kisuke, 'Are you done yet?'

'Almost, Kurosaki-san!'

Using his senses to keep tabs on his other half—who was taking Kazui back to the side room—Getsu followed his king’s gaze to the shady shopkeeper who was busy sketching on some paper with Kazui's colouring pencils. 'What ya scribbling there, Getaboshi? Ya plans ta take over the world?'

'Of course not, Zangetsu-san! For what kind of amateur do you take me for?' Kisuke asked in a faux shocked and offended tone that not even Kazui would have believed to be genuine. 'I keep those in my secret lab like any other self-respecting scientist would'.

'Evil scientist', Getsu corrected.

'Well, this evil scientist is done scribbling down his non-world dominating plans'. Kisuke turned, holding up the paper like a child showing off his newest artwork. An array of various pieces of accessories were depicted, each with a handful of lines that connected to some notes no one except Kisuke could read; the man had terrible handwriting when he was taking notes.

'Because everyone is different and I would like to make something more fun than three identical bracelets, I wanted to give you all a choice in what you could wear for the next week', Kisuke told with a cheery smile. 'Something as simple as this will be done in an hour so choose whatever strikes your fancy!'

Ichigo gave the shady shopkeeper a look before accepting the paper. There were rough sketches of various designs for bracelets, rings, necklaces, piercings, glasses, a hair- and tie clip, and even a broach. Kisuke wasn't joking when he said he wanted to give them options.

Getsu threw an arm over Ichigo's right shoulder and planted his chin on the left so he could look at the designs as well. Ichigo gave him an annoyed glance but didn't try to shake him off, holding the paper so they could both see.

'What's it gonna do?' Getsu asked.

'Track location and reiatsu output', Ichigo told. 'I'm going to be wearing one as well so they know where you are in relation to me'.

Getsu scoffed, 'Knowing Getaboshi it's gonna do more than just that'.

Kisuke put his hands over his heart, 'So cruel, Zangetsu-san!'

'If ya don't like the truth then change', Getsu said before giving the paper his focus. The bracelets were a no-go, just as the rings and necklaces. Once they had sealed their bankai he would have no use for the hairclip and he didn't wear ties so those were out. He frowned, that didn't leave much to choose from…

'What's that one?' Getsu pointed at the sheet. 'It ain't a ring'.

'That's a piercing', Ichigo supplied. 'Goes into your ear, I think'.

'I want it'.

'You know he will probably need to shoot it in, right?' Ichigo questioned with a raised brow.

That had Getsu take his arm back. He hadn't really thought about that part. Not that the idea of shooting a hole in his ear put him off—it sounded pretty cool, actually—but he didn't trust Kisuke anywhere near him, especially by his head with something that could be considered a weapon. Maybe Ichigo could—

'Oh, don't worry, Zangetsu-san', Kisuke piped up. 'That won't be a concern. These will be more like cuffs, no need to shoot any holes'.

Oh, well, in that case...

Kisuke then turned to Ichigo, 'And you, Kurosaki-san?'

'The glasses'.

'My, you had your answer ready fast', Kisuke noted with a knowing smile. 'Could it be that, maybe, your eyesight is declining, Kurosaki-san?'

'Oi, watch it', Ichigo hissed.

'That isn't a denial~' Kisuke pointed out. 'Mah, Kurosaki-san. So young and already declining'.

'You know I don't need to see you, to kill you, right?'

'Ah, no need to get worked up I was merely teasing', Kisuke said. 'But I can make the glasses with a subscription—'

Ichigo kicked, barely missing Kisuke who had to use a minor hop of shunpo to get out of the way. 'You're lucky I'm in my body'.

'Such violence!'

'Just go make yerself useful and hole yerself up in that evil secret laboratory of yers', Getsu said. 'Quicker ya get those shackle trackers done, quicker we can go home'.

Ichigo exhaled loudly, 'They are not shackles'.

He was ignored.

'But I still need to know what Ten-kun wants', Kisuke objected.

'Oi!' Getsu glared at the shopkeeper. 'Dare to call him that again and I'll rip yer intestines out from yer left eye and strangle ya with them’.

Kisuke held up his hands, 'Mah, I meant no disrespect, Zangetsu-san'. He took off his hat, 'You have my sincerest apologies. I meant Tensa-san'.

Getsu didn't let up with his glare, the scowl on his face matching the one his king had been infamous for in his teenage years.

'Easy', Ichigo warned, smoothing out the agitation in Getsu's reiatsu with his own. He then turned back to Kisuke. 'I will ask Tensa. You go work on our trackers and I will tell you what he wants later'.

'And leave my guests alone? I would be a terrible host!'

'You are a terrible host! Tessai is the one who takes care of everyone', Ichigo shot back, pointing at the man that was currently pouring the two captains more tea. 'Thanks, Tessai'. The man nodded in acknowledgement.

'Oh, don't mind us, Urahara-san', Jūshirō said. 'Tsukabishi-san is taking good care of us. We will entertain ourselves'.

'You go make those trackers so we can go back and Kurosaki-san can get his kid in bed on time', Shunsui added.

Kisuke deflated, 'Oh well, I suppose I will go make them then'.

'Stop the act, Getaboshi. Even the lil' Heir wouldn't buy it'.

'You're all just no fun', Kisuke said. 'I will have those two done in forty minutes or so. Please let me know what Tensa-san wants before then'. With that, Kisuke left the room to make the trackers. Getsu stuck his tongue out as the man passed him.

'You go too, Kurosaki-san', Jūshirō said. 'I'm sure you would like to spend time with your son'.

'Thank you for your help', Ichigo said.

'It was no problem', Shunsui said. 'Neither you nor your Zanpakutō have done anything wrong and you deserve to be treated as such'.

Fingers wrapped around Ichigo's wrist and pulled. 'Let's go, Aibō'.

'Yeah'.

#

TO BE CONTINUED

BLEACH – Tite Kubo

Chapter Text

With a deep sigh did Ichigo lean his shoulder against the sturdy wood of his front door, the sound of the latch bolt falling into place nearly had his knees give out from sheer relief. He didn't know how he had managed it but he had succeeded. His son was safe, his Zanpakutō had not been persecuted due to biased bullshit, and even his town had gone relatively unscathed. He didn't know which deity he should pray to but he was tempted to light a candle for all of them in thanks for allowing him to live life a little longer in the faux-normalcy he had settled in.

'Chichi! Chichi!'

Kazui's excited whispers pulled Ichigo from his mental prayers. He locked the door and pushed himself off against the wood, turning around to lean against it with his back instead. His son was hopping in place before Getsu—who had his arms full with one sleeping Quincy Zanpakutō—softly chanting at him to get his attention.

It was quite the adorable sight, Ichigo had to admit. He couldn't recall ever catching Tensa sleeping before. It made the spirit look so much younger that Ichigo had to actively remind himself that Tensa was not a child (and yes, late teens are still children). Though he had very much behaved like one once he'd started to get sleepy, getting all fussy as he refused to give in to his exhaustion. Not that Tensa's frustration wasn't justified for it had been Ichigo's fault in the first place.

While they had been waiting for Kisuke to finish their trackers, Ichigo had begun to clean his zanpakutō to pass the time. Kazui had watched him work with curiosity and interest, keeping silent and not bothering his two “uncles” who were growing more and more relaxed with each wipe-down of the steel. After Ichigo had finished he had asked if he could do their blades as well.

Getsu had adamantly refused, telling Ichigo he would have to wait until they were back home if he really wanted to do it. Tensa had been a bit hesitant but eventually relented, thinking he could fight the effects it had on him. And he would have been right too if all Ichigo had done was give the sword a quick wipe down. He hadn’t stood a chance. Tensa had fallen asleep before Ichigo had covered the steel with powder proper, using Getsu's lap as a pillow while wearing a small but happy smile on his face. And while Ichigo did feel a little bad about causing his spirit to fall asleep when he didn't want to, now that Tensa was sleeping he could give the daitō the complete treatment anyway.

'Don't call me chichi!'

Ichigo blinked at the hushed hiss, refocusing on the scene playing out before him.

'And keep yer damn voice down!'

'But—'

'Can't ya see he's sleeping?!' Getsu snapped quietly, 'Yer gonna wake him if ya don't—'

'Hn...'

Getsu went rigid at the soft and muffled groan, ceasing to even breathe as he waited for Tensa to settle down again. His efforts were for nought, however. Tensa shifted as much as the arms that carried him allowed him to, his eyes fluttering open to reveal blurry blue.

'Hm?' Tensa blinked, looking around a bit while he waited for his eyes to focus. 'This isn't...' One hand came up to rub his eyes free of sand one by one. 'We're... home?'

Getsu shot Kazui a sharp glare that the child answered with a bashful shrug.

'Did you have a nice nap?' Ichigo asked when blue semi-focused on him. 'Sorry for causing you to fall asleep, by the way'.

Tensa frowned, his face turning a light pink. 'Yes... and it's fine--how long was I sleeping for?'

'An hour, maybe an hour and a half'.

Humming in acknowledgement Tensa absentmindedly patted Getsu on the shoulder in a silent request to be put down. Getsu grumbled, giving Kazui another pointed glare as he lowered Tensa to the ground and allowed him to stand on his feet again. Well, "lowered", more like dropping the legs and letting Tensa deal with the consequences.

Bare feet met wood, stumbling a little until his shoulder found support against his counterpart who steadied him with a hand. 'Why didn't you wake me up?' Tensa murmured unbothered by the lack of thoughtfulness. 'You shouldn't have needed to carry me'.

'I tried to but ya didn't move when I shook yer shoulder', Getsu shrugged off. 'It ain’t like ya weigh anything ta me anyway'.

'That's not the issue'.

'There ain't an issue, Brat. Stop looking fer one', Getsu grumbled. 'If ya really wanna throw blame, ya can blame Aibō fer lovin' us too much'.

'I don’t love you "too much"', Ichigo objected. 'There's no such thing'.

'Sure there ain't'.

Kazui took the little distraction as his chance to grab both of his uncles by the hand and drag them further into the house. Well, that had been his intention. Neither of the two was in the mood to indulge the child and thus remained standing, not budging in the slightest even when Kazui threw his whole weight behind it.

Getsu rolled his eyes and heaved a sigh as deep as the Mariana Trench, ‘Whatcha want now, lil' Heir?'

'Tou-san promised me a movie night!' Kazui told with a happy smile, oblivious to the mental and emotionally exhausted state of his two uncles. 'We're gonna stay up late, drink soda, and eat snacks; it will be lots of fun!'

Something died inside of Ichigo as he was reminded that he had, in fact, made that promise. A small voice in the back of his head urged him to reschedule but he shook his head, he couldn't do that. He rather sits through a movie and a few cups of coffee than teach his son that promises had no value.

'I am sure it will be', Tensa said. 'However, we are very tired after today's events, Kazui. Maybe some other time'.

Finally, did Kazui stop his pulling; his excitement gone as fast as it had appeared. 'Wha? But watching a movie is really chill! You don't have to do anything, just watch!'

'Be that as it may, we rather have some time to ourselves and rest'.

'But—'

'No, Kazui', Ichigo interrupted. 'They have said no and even gave you a reason. You are to respect that and not push them'.

Kazui crossed his arms with a huff.

'Why don't you and Kon go ahead and pick out a movie to watch?' Ichigo suggested. 'I will be with you in a minute'.

Tensa looked at him, 'You don't have to—'

Ichigo raised his hand, 'I want to and I would feel better if I did'.

Tensa still wanted to argue but Getsu stopped him, 'Leave it'. He gave his king a smirk that would have been teasing if he didn't look two seconds away from toppling over and sleeping for a week. 'Yer not gonna win against momma bear'.

Even delivered with an exhausted sigh the jab still had Ichigo’s eye twitch. He didn't rise to take the bait, however. 'You got that right. Now, Kazui. Try not to burn the house down for a few minutes while I show them the guestroom'.

'O-kaaaay~' As if been told he had to eat all his vegetables before he could get ice cream, Kazui turned around and went to the living room with Kon in tow.

With his son somewhat supervised, occupied, and out of sight, Ichigo quickly kicked off his shoes like he always told Kazui not to do. He nudged the pair of sneakers to the side with his foot so they wouldn't be a tripping hazard before stepping out of the entryway and towards the stairs, gesturing for his spirits to follow him.

'As you know, there is only one bed in the guestroom but I assume that isn't a problem'.

'It is not', Tensa confirmed. 'Though sleeping arrangements are not an issue as we shan't be staying separate much longer'.

'Oh? Why’s that?'

'We are drawing twice as much energy from you like this', Tensa explained. 'Even when we seal bankai, with all those seals you have in place, you don't generate enough energy to sustain us both for a week'.

Ichigo hummed. He wished he could just undo a few seals so both sides of Zangetsu could take advantage of their time manifested but he knew that doing so wouldn't cause his core to pick up the pace immediately. On the bright side, they could still switch if one of them wanted to do something or didn't want to deal with the outside for a while, so maybe this was better in the grand scheme of things. Although, judging by the way Getsu was almost strangling Tensa with his reiatsu made Ichigo believe that, at the moment, it was an unfortunate sacrifice that had to be made.

They reached the top of the stairs and Ichigo brought them to the second door on their left and opened it up. 'I guess it is moot to say but this room and everything in it is yours to use. I'm—' He paused, shaking his head and turning to face Getsu— 'Actually, would you mind if I join you tonight? I... I have a feeling it’s gonna be a rough night'.

'Tch, no kidding', Getsu huffed as he put his hands into the pockets of his borrowed vest. 'Might be smart, don't wanna suffocate yer lil' Heir—'

The doorbell rang and Ichigo cursed as he quickly retrieved his phone from his back pocket. As he had suspected, it was the food he had ordered before they had left the Shōten. Out of all the days for takeout to arrive five minutes early, why today?

'I--Just make yourselves at home, okay? I'm downstairs if you need me'.

The two Zanpakutō watched how their wielder tore himself away from them, taking a step back before turning around and heading back downstairs to accept the food he had ordered. Still, it was clear they were sharing priority, for Ichigo let his reiatsu roam free within the house and continued to make a conscious effort to keep theirs intertwined.

Fingers brushed Tensa's arm and he looked up. Getsu didn't meet his inquisitive gaze, continuing to stare at the staircase their wielder had descended for a moment longer before turning his head and body away to enter the guestroom. Tensa felt fingers slide down his arm and wrap around his wrist. He didn't pull free, falling into step behind the other before he was dragged along.

Once they had both crossed the threshold, Getsu let go of the wrist. The bag he had been carrying slid off his other shoulder and onto the ground. His feet continued, walking on until his shins met the end of the bed on which he let himself fall face first with a loud groan.

Honestly, Tensa shared the sentiment.

Closing the door, Tensa picked up the duffle bag from the floor on his way to the right side of the bed. Getsu—having most likely tracked his reiatsu—rolled over on his back in time to face him.

'I am going to change clothes. Please, do not seal bankai before I'm done'.

Getsu turned on his right side with a hum, reaching out with his hand grasp the end of sky blue fabric, 'Yer 'fraid ya gonna tear that pretty lil' dress apart?'

'It's not mine to ruin'.

Silver eyes with golden swirls briefly found sapphire blue before dropping to the end of the dress he had captured. Getsu grumbled something illegible as he rubbed the fabric between his thumb and index, his upper lip pulling up for a quick show of teeth.

With a silent sigh and shake of his head, Tensa moved away to a more spacious area in the room—ignoring the croon behind him as the dress slipped free from pale digits. Placing the bag on the unoccupied part of the bed, Tensa began to unpack their cleaned clothes. He folded Getsu's attire first and stacked them neatly on the dresser before he changed back into his own clothing. While he had no issue with what he wore currently—for it was quite comfy and warm—Tensa didn't want to find out the hard way what would happen to it once they sealed their bankai.

Perhaps that is something they should experiment with in the future. Even if the chances of a repeat of the current situation were abysmal, they would at least know.

He didn't bother with his coat as there was no need for the protection and warmth it provided while indoors. His boots, however, he did put on. They were clean, anyway. After making sure the collar of his dress shirt was neatly folded Tensa adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves, chancing a glance over at his other half while he was doing so.

Getsu hadn't moved from his spot, still laying on his right side and seemingly staring at the wall. He wasn't sleeping, Tensa could tell as much from his reiatsu.

Dressed to his satisfaction Tensa folded up the borrowed clothing and put them into the bag which he put down beside the dresser.

'Geez, do ya always take this long ta change?'

'No, I do not', Tensa answered as he walked back to the bed, a hint of a smile on his face. 'I usually take longer'.

Getsu scoffed, eyes moving toward his counterpart once he came into view. 'Tch, fuckin' fancy boy'.

'Are you jealous?' Tensa asked, leaning back against the bed so he was half-sitting, half-leaning on the edge of the mattress. 'I'm sure Ichigo still has a suit somewhere that will fit you'.

'Nah, ya don't wanna see me in a suit'.

'Oh? And why's that?'

Getsu rolled on his back with a smirk, 'Cuz I'll look too good. The universe ain't ready for it'.

'Hm, I'm flattered but I can assure you that Ichigo and I can handle you in a three-piece'.

'But those horny-ass Zanpakutō can't, they were already fighting over you when they couldn't even see yer face'.

Tensa grimaced, barely suppressing a shiver at the reminder of those "curious" eyes.

He felt Getsu pull on their power, fingers brushing his own as they sealed their bankai. The change in perspective didn't cause the rush of vertigo and disorientation like it had in the very beginning; back when Zan didn't know his body would change so drastically nor could anticipate when Ichigo would use their second release. At least Getsu had found his plight amusing.

'Ya glad ta be old again?'

'Very much so'.

'Thought as much', Getsu said, absentmindedly tapping the metal band Zan wore on his ring finger. 'Ya didn't seem ta like the attention they gave ya very much'.

'I do not recall ever feeling as uncomfortable as I did in that very moment', Zan admitted. Even back when he was still a part of Yhwach, nothing had managed to fluster him that severely. Back then, no one would even think of considering approaching another in such a manner. Had class and courtesy gone out of fashion in the past few centuries?

'Doubt they would've been fawning over ya in shikai, though', Getsu noted with a scowl. 'Tch, shallow wenches, the whole lot of 'em are'.

Accidental backhanded compliment aside, the other did raise a valid point. Perhaps staying in bankai hadn't been the best course of action. Of course, judging his past-self's decisions with hindsight would be unfair. How was he supposed to know his bankai would garner so much attention? With his face obscured no less! If he had known that could happen he would have rejoined his other half—

'No'. Getsu squeezed the three fingers beneath his hand together, 'Ya made the right call'.

Zan believed him.

Pale fingers moved up to catch the cuff of his sleeve, pulling at it gently in a silent request.

'We should not stay separate'.

'We bathed in Getaboshi's spring, our reserves are as full as they can get', Getsu argued, tugging at the fabric more firmly. 'King can handle us both for a little while longer as long as we don't do shit'.

Zan gave the other a once over, 'You should get under the covers'.

With a loud and dragged put groan did Getsu cover his eyes with his left arm, 'Uhg, are ya starting ya "momma bear-act" now too?'

'It is not an act'.

'Well, I ain't cold'.

'But you will be'.

'How do you know?'

'Because you always get cold', Zan pointed out. 'And then I wake to your cold clutches trying to syphon my warmth away'.

The fingers abandoned the cuff. 'S'not my fault', Getsu objected. 'Cold didn't bother me before mah heart started ta beat'.

'Would you rather have it not beat?'

Pale lips pressed into a thin line and that was all the response Getsu would give to that question. It wasn't a vocal yes, meaning it was a silent albeit reluctant no.

Point made, Zan pushed himself off to stand. He turned around to face the bed, fingers twitching at his side in deliberate patterns and the reishi responded to his call. Thin strings formed and attached to the quilt his counterpart was laid upon. He was almost done when Getsu took notice.

'Whatcha doing?'

'Whatever do you mean?' Zan brought his hand up and made a fist. Thousands of strings shimmered as they were pulled taut, the ends and edges of the quilt slowly rising up into the air.

'You've got ta be kiddin' me', Getsu bemoaned with a roll of his eyes, the quilt lifting him into the air. 'Are ya serious right now? I ain't a fuckin' child!'

'Yet you do behave like one on occasion', Zan countered as he opened up the covers.

'Pft, that's rich coming from the one who fell asleep and had ta be carried home!'

Zan let the rebuttal slide, for now at least. He picked up the pillow from the bed before lowering the quilt.

'Yer such a mothering hen, ya know that?' Getsu hissed as soon as his vision was no longer obscured. His eyes snapped to the pillow in Zan's hands and he snatched it without a second thought, hugging it tight to his chest to vent some of his annoyance. Whatever ire Getsu managed to squeeze into the pillow was replaced when the duvet was pulled back into place, covering not only his body but also his head. With a growl did he grab the edge and jank it back down to free his face. 'Asshole'.

Zan wasn't standing in front of him anymore, his footsteps moving away and around the bed. Getsu tracked them, refusing to turn around to make clear he didn't appreciate being treated like a child that couldn't take care of themselves.

The bed creaked and the mattress depressed behind him as a weight settled down on it. At once, Getsu abandoned the pillow and his annoyance, turning onto his other side to claim Zan's leg instead. Even through the layers of fabric, he could feel the heat the other emitted like a furnace. It reminded Getsu of Ichigo in some way. Maybe that's why he liked it so much?

A weight pressed down on his head, calloused fingers digging through white tresses with blunt nails scraping his scalp and Getsu was content to fall asleep right then and there.

'How well are you holding up?'

Of course, Zan had other ideas.

Getsu groaned and he pressed his face into the other's thigh, nails digging lightly into the fabric. 'Don't wanna talk about it'.

'Is that because of the subject or the time?'

'Yes'.

Zan sighed at the reply; long, slow and deep that made it sound like disappointment.

'It ain't anything ya don't already know!' Getsu snapped. 'Jus' the same old abuse an' experiments an' torture shit. Nothing ta write home about'.

'If it were truly nothing it would not have affected you so', Zan countered gently. 'You were bothered by what the captain-commander said, as well as Katen's remark'.

'Hn... that old fart just sparked a memory, is all. Took me off guard', Getsu murmured. 'As fer Katen...it was the words she used, made me think she knew something'.

On that, Zan had to agree. For Katen to say "design flaw" suggested she knew more than she let on. Or, at the very least, that she was aware an outside force had played a part in Ichigo's powers.

'Even if she were suspecting something, I doubt she would care enough to tell her wielder unless specifically asked'.

'I guess so', Getsu agreed. 'Pink Robe also doesn't seem like the kinda guy who would throw Aibō under the bus. Then again, he's kinda like Getaboshi in that regard'.

'That is true', Zan conceded. 'However, from our interactions, I can tell that Kyoraku and Ukitake appear to be quite taken with Ichigo. They do not seem like the people who would betray his trust'.

'Fer all our sakes I hope yer right'.

'My apologies, I did not mean to upset you further'.

Getsu increased his hold, angling his head so Zan's fingers would bury deeper into his hair. 'Keep doing what yer doing and yer forgiven'.

They stayed silent for a while. Getsu continued to draw senseless shapes on Zan's thigh while humming at the slender but rough fingers that carded through his hair. Zan's fingers played a little with the silver cuff around the curve of Getsu's ear. It matched the design of his own tracker—a simple silver band—on his right ring finger.

'What was it that had ya freak out?'

'Pardon?'

'Yer lie'.

Ah, that. Zan removed his hand from the white mess, placing it on the shoulder instead. 'I did not want to upset you more than you already were, I do not believe you would be able to refrain from committing murder if I told you'.

'Figured it was bad, wouldn't have gotten a reaction out of ya if it weren't', Getsu reasoned.

'Do you not mean "such” a reaction?'

'Do you know how hard it is to get ya ta break that damn poker face ya have?' Getsu questioned. 'Doesn't matter whether yer in shikai or bankai, the weather can be fucking perfect and you’ll still look like someone took a shit in yer bed'.

'That is not true'.

'It is, don't try ta deny it', Getsu said. 'And don't think ya can change the subject. So why did ya freak out?'

Brown brows levelled, a displeased hum brewing in Zan's throat. 'I realised that we have overlooked something. Something that could make the Gotei Thirteen's plan to "re-educate" Ichigo actually succeed'.

Getsu frowned, 'Is it something we can prevent?'

'Prevent, I do not know. However, we can make preparations to minimise their chances'.

'O-kay... so, what—' Silver turned to gold on a dime, 'We ain't gonna remember shit once he crosses over'.

Zan nodded, 'That is most likely. Still, we do not need to remember. All we need is someone we trust to reach us before the Gotei Thirteen can indoctrinate him with their outdated beliefs'.

'Y--yeah', Getsu nodded in agreement, 'Just gotta have Midget find us or something'.

'We shall bring the issue up with Ichigo tomorrow', Zan said. 'He is still young, we have time to prepare and cover our bases to make sure the Gotei Thirteen will not get their way'.

'Hn, ya better knock on wood before fate takes ya up on the challenge'.

Zan moved his hand back to Getsu's head, fingers delving back into short tresses. With his free hand, he knocked on the headboard of the bed two times, just in case.

'On an unrelated note', Zan began. 'May I ask why you did not wake me up?'

Getsu turned his head to the side to make the fingers move to the nape of his neck, incidentally also turning his face away. 'I told ya, ya wouldn't wake when I shook yer shoulder'. No, not incidental, it was on purpose.

'You have put your hand on my shoulder and shaken it firmly without me waking?'

'Didn't I just say that?'

'No, you avoided saying that', Zan refuted. 'You did not intend to wake me, you let me sleep'.

'So what if I did?'

'I am curious as to why'.

Getsu shrugged, 'I dunno... ya just looked like ya were having a good dream or something. Didn't feel like disturbin' ya'.

The faintest of smiles tugged at Zan's lips at the confession. 'And you say I am a mothering hen'.

'Ya are', Getsu insisted. 'Never said I wasn't one, either'. He angled his head back to look at his other half with a grin that promised nothing good. 'Now it's my turn ta ask ya a question. Why did ya hide yer face?'

'I beg your pardon?'

'Don't try ta play dumb, yer too smart fer that', Getsu said, flicking the other's nose as punishment for even attempting to fool him. Between their blut vene and hierro, it had no effect on either of them. 'Like, I know ya said ya resemble someone Soul Society has some serious beef with but that was about yer shikai. So why hide yer face in bankai? Are ya that paranoid they might recognise ya?'

'Paranoid is a strong word'.

'It has been hundreds of years, ya look nothing like ya bankai, and I doubt yer signature is still the same with ya being part of King’s soul now', Getsu countered, raising a finger with each point he made. 'Sounds like paranoia ta me'.

Zan hummed, the sound low and curt. It had Getsu smirk knowing he had been right. 'Or, maybe, ya just get all shy when people are fawning over ya. Get all flustered when they "coo" and "aw" at ya like yer some lil' kid'.

The glare Zan aimed at him only succeeded in fuelling Getsu's amusement.

'Like, I get that yer cute in bankai and all but they ain't gonna wage a war over ya'. The tired but teasing smirk turned thoughtful, 'Well, maybe... ya did look ridiculously adorable in that dress and hoodie, though. Wanted ta squeeze ya till yer eyes pop out and—'

'You should stop speaking before you say something you will regret', Zan advised. 'Clearly, you are too exhausted to talk sense'.

'Yer wrong, I know damn well what I'm saying,' Getsu insisted. 'You just don't know how ta take a compliment'.

'Pot, meet kettle'.

Getsu wanted to argue but a yawn cut him off, one that showed every tooth in his mouth and had his eyes water. '... Yer right about one thing, though. I am tired.

'Then go to sleep'.

'I'm trying!' Getsu huffed. 'The bed just ain't as comfy as yours'.

'I have seen you sleep in trees, the quality of the bed is not the issue'.

'I was napping back then. Napping is different than sleeping'.

The excuse was weak but Zan didn't feel like pointing out the obvious this time. Instead, he decided to indulge the other a little for he had more than deserved it. Retrieving his hand, Zan nudged his counterpart until he managed to annoy him enough that he pulled back with a soft growl.

Shifting his legs to one side, Zan raised the covers—the growl ceasing—and moved under them as well. The moment he lay down a pale arm clothed in black snaked around his chest, a body pressing against his side as if trying the merge into him.

'And how is the bed now?'

'Much better', Gets said with a deep vibration in the back of his throat as he laid his head to rest on the other's shoulder. 'Got mah favourite pillow'.

'Please refrain from calling me a—'

A pale finger pressed against Zan's lips, 'Hush~ pillows don't talk'.

Zan slowly exhaled through his nose, briefly wondering why he let the other get away with so much. They were the textbook example of opposites, enemies by nature, born to hunt and despise one another and yet here they were, laying in the same bed knowing there was no place they would feel more safe and comfortable while manifested.

Why wouldn't I feel safe in the company of my other half?

The finger that had silenced him slid down from his mouth, hand settling on his chest instead. Not soon after Zan felt pressure on his sternum. He didn't even have to look to know what Getsu was doing, Zan knew very well. Knew that the other was watching how his veins would turn blue and glow when nails threatened to pierce the skin. Knew his face softened with almost childlike fascination as he let his nails trace shapes to see the glow follow.

Zan didn't stop him. It didn't hurt or cause any unnecessary waste of energy, it was harmless and even provided an opportunity for entertainment for him, trying to track the shapes drawn on his chest to see if they held any meaning.

They didn't but that was alright.

Gradually, the movement of the pressure slowed down and lightened up. Zan could hear the even breaths space out into a new rhythm as whatever tension Getsu still held in his muscles uncoiled more and more with each breath taken.

It had been a while since he had seen the other so relaxed. Getsu had a habit of hiding away whenever he felt like closing his eyes for a while, only searching out company when the threat of another's past was hanging over his head. Whether the other was aware of the pattern, Zan wasn't sure.

Moving his hand back up, Zan let his fingers go through the tresses once more. Any form of consciousness Getsu still had free from sleep's clutches was caught as blunt nails massaged the scalp, right on the spot where the right horn would protrude from when he was in his resurrection.

If he wanted to, Zan could leave now. He could rejoin his other half and Getsu would only know that they shared a form again when he woke up. He wouldn't know how long Zan had stayed and would probably assume he had left once he had fallen asleep so why even bother staying longer?

"Why even bother?" That was indeed an excellent question, one that Zan had enough time to ponder the answer over as he waited for Ichigo to take his place.

#

END

(Again, for real this time (I think))

(c) BLEACH - Tite Kubo