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Prouloge

This will have some game elements in it, fair warning.

Ichigo Kurosaki is… no was a substitute shinigami. He never regained his powers, nor did he encounter the fullbringers. Currently, the 1000 year blood war is in full swing, with Yhwach about to destabilize the world. Ichigo fell asleep watching tv trying to distract himself from his sorrow of being powerless.

(scene change Ichigo's inner world)

Waking up in his inner world Ichigo was ecstatic. He was thinking his powers were coming back, then an earthquake happened in his inner world, causing him to lose his footing on the building he was on and fall into the pond below. Then everything turned pitch black. Righting himself, or at least to what he believed to be the correct direction. He landed on something, he looked around and saw nothing. He took one step in a direction. Instantly this caused a chain reaction, a light appeared around his foot that took the step, pealing the darkness away like a tarp in a hurricane. Before him was himself in his casual clothes with his trenchcoat on, he also was wearing his Substitute Shinigami badge as a necklace. Next to him in a circle was tensa zangestu, then Rukia, next Orihime. It showed all of his friends, including his family members— his mom included. Then he heard a voice.

So much to do, so little time. Take your time. Don’t be afraid. Now, Forward. Can you do it?

 A mysterious voice said to Ichigo, the source of the sound was unable to be found no matter how much he looked around. Ichigo tried to say something but found his voice not functioning, a frown began to crease onto his mouth but he decided to not let this deter him. He squared up his shoulders and continue forward. So he takes a few steps to advance to his desired destination as soon as he reaches the center 3 pillars come up from the floor.

Power Sleeps within you. If you give form… It will give you strength. 

On the pillars are 3 different objects: in front of him is a sword, to his right a magic staff, to his left a shield. The voice came back, a solid reminder that he was being watched. His gaze narrowed at the voice but he figured, for now, he should hear out what it had to say. There was no particular threat so he continued to listen despite the chill that he felt against his spine. 

The power of the warrior. Invincible courage. A sword of terrible destruction. Is this the power you seek?

Without hesitating and momentarily forgetting his muteness Ichigo says “Yes” catching himself off guard when he hears himself speak. His free hand flies to his throat, fingers pressing against his neck. He was still confused that he was conveniently able to talk but he decided not to let it consume his thoughts. Because he was once again reminded that there was much to be asked. 

Now, what will you give up in exchange?

The question seemed heavy in terms of sacrifice that he wasn’t sure he should give when forced upon him. He was aware that if he made the wrong choice this would lead to an awful future. Hesitantly, Ichigo walks over to the shield. He waited for the meaning behind it, his eyebrows furrowed together in curiosity.

The power of the guardian. Kindness to aid friends. A shield to repel all. Will you give up this power?

A frown had curved his lips further downward as he tightened his grip over the sword. That was a WHOLE HEARTLY “NO”. Once again Ichigo spoke his answer. He knew where his morals lied and giving up this power would be foolish. With his answer given, he turned so that he could go to the staff next. 

The power of the mystic. Inner Strength. A staff of wonder and ruin. Will you give up this power? 

Ichigo never was the kido type person anyway, and without realizing it he said yes. The answer apparently had been at the tip of his tongue without him realizing. And with that answered the voice boomed and he winced for a moment, there was a faint buzz in his head. 

You’ve chosen the power of the warrior. You’ve given up the power of the mystic. Is this the form you choose?

Stats

Name: Ichigo Kurosaki

LVL: 1

HP: 20

MP:100

Strength: 6

Defense: 2

Magic: 7

AP: 1

Max Item Slots: 7

Information about him and his choices filled his mind. He knew that this suited him well but he made sure to take a few seconds to review them. He thought it over and nodded. As soon as he did the pillars collapsed into the floor, and then the floor shattered without warning. He braced himself as he fell down to land a platform of him in his Bankai. A faint thud heard before he straightened himself and blinked as he stared at it for a brief moment. 

You’ve gained the power to fight. 

The voice said as a sword materialized in Ichigo hand, he gave it a few practice swings testing the balance of the weapon and finding he liked it. The sword resonated within him, no other weapon suited him more. His hand tightens around the handle, he would be able to control it with ease without there being a problem. 

All right! You’ve got it. Use this power to protect yourself and others.

Ichigo could now feel how well he was. As if he had a health bar in front of him, and an mp bar too. And then an eerie feeling dawned to him about that but for now, he wouldn’t let that dissuade him from continuing the path that had been given to him. He would not back out now especially if he had others to protect. 

There will be times you have to fight. 

Five shadows popped up from the ground. Creatures that he had never seen before, their movements were awkward as if they had a hard time in their current forms. They slipped and slide along the floor, this gave him insight that they would try to avoid him by seeking refuge in the mass of the floor before they would appear once more. 

Keep your light burning strong. 

Ichigo gets on guard. His shoulders squared and he gripped the handle of the sword as his pressed together into a thin line. 

Shadow one becomes one with the ground again but leaves a shadow on the surface of the ground, Ichigo swings at it thinking it is about to attack but only hits the grounds. He growls in frustration. Ichigo blocks an attack from behind him and slashes at the shadow twice killing it, causing it to evaporate into a shadowy cloud. The rest disappears into the ground. Then he noticed green orbs on the ground, he cautiously gets near it. As soon as he gets a foot away it zooms toward him and goes into him. He feels a bit better and less tired, strange. Will this happen all the time when I defeat one of those things?

Behind you!

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He dodges the attack, and retaliates back and kills it. The creature disappears into nothingness as if it had never been there, to begin with. Then he noticed that there are three more of them and gets to work killing them. One more appears and goes into the ground cause the ground to become pitch black and falls into the shadowy void. But before he could so much as go at it with the sword in his hand his vision goes black for a brief moment. And then he wakes up in his room, jolting out of bed within an instant. And a couple of his friends are here as if they had been waiting for him all along but there wasn’t an ounce of discomfort in it. Rukia is sitting on her bed that is in the closet as she stared at his features as if she was studying the surprise that was on his face. Tatsuki is sitting on his desk chair backward looking at him curiously. And Chad is leaning against the wall with his gaze set onto him.

First, tell me more about yourself.

He goes to Tatsuki first, a familiar childhood friend that he couldn’t help but feel himself become more at ease. The tension that he had previously felt now decreases by a margin when he finally steps in front of her. Despite their height difference she exudes the same laid-back aura that she always had. All the while, she arches a brow at him in curiosity to see what he had to say.

“What are you so afraid of?” she asked with a challenging grin.

“Being indecisive,” Ichigo responds without even thinking.

The response holds some truth to him. He knows that one second too late to make a decision could result in a price paid- like the life of another. A severe scenario that he can’t help but take into consideration most of the time. But the response earns him a scoff from her, he knows that Tatsuki will always give him honesty and for that he awaits her response. 

“Is being indecisive so bad?” she says but says no more to him.

He gives her last one last look before he goes over to close the distance between him and Chad. For a second, Ichigo couldn’t help but feel like everything was hazy- why were they here again? But that thought is put to a halt as he feels a shadow cast over him because of Chad. This made him focus on his close and loyal friend. 

“What do you want out of life?” Chad asked in a curious voice.

“To be strong.” Ichigo states once more without thinking.

To protect, to guard. After all, wasn’t that the power that was given to him? He wondered if the voice would have said anything but it almost seemed as if it hadn’t existed, to begin with since he was unable to hear it. However, it was Chad’s words that catch him off-guard. He knew that he meant no harm but it leaves him thinking.

“Is being strong such a big deal?” Chad says/asks but says no more.

He blinks at him and he opens his mouth but he knows that he can’t speak to him anymore. As if he was limited time with each of them. He pressed his lips together and Ichigo turns so that he could finally go to Rukia. And there is a smile on his face as she sits there calmly, waiting for him with a serene expression on her face. 

“What’s most important to you?”

There was a multitude of things that had popped into Ichigo’s mind but he knew the number one important thing to him. It was easy to choose and he was sure of it despite his fear of indecision.  

“Those that I love.”

“Love is friendship, right?” Rukia asks/says but says no more.

And then his vision blurs, he extends out his arm to reach out for them but the smile they give him was like a send-off. He doesn’t know if this is goodbye but he knows that if he was given the chance he would want to protect them. He would have to. 

You Want to be Strong.

You Want Friendship.

You’re Afraid of being Indecisive.

Your adventure begins in the dead of night.

Your road won’t be easy, but a rising sun awaits your journey's end.

The day you will open the door is both far off and very near.

Ichigo appears on a platform this time showing Orihime as the main focus. And is set upon the shadows again, he once again takes swift care of them. After that, a pathway materializes that goes to another platform. He is honestly getting tired of changing platforms, they were messing with his mind but he continues since this seemed never-ending. When he reaches the center of the next platform it shows Rukia in her Bankai form.

The closer you get to the light, the greater your shadow becomes.

Ichigo looks at his shadow behind him.

“So? It’s my shadow, my darkness. It shall and never will harm me! Annoy me? Most definitely.” he says as his shadow grew larger and larger. His lips twitched with irritation but he takes a defensive stance as he watches his shadow transform. 

Now appearing as a shadowed version of his Vasto Lorde form, with a dark mist coming out of his teeth area. It towered over Ichigo, but the fact that the darkness took the form of his Vasto Lorde form only cemented the idea that it won’t harm him. For his hollow/ dark side always protected him in the direst straits and he didn’t see it changing anytime soon. The shadow Vasto Lorde eyes gleamed for a second and disappeared.

You are the one who will open the door.

(scene change Kurosaki living room)

“Wake up Ichi-nii!” Yuzu said as she shook Ichigo, she was wearing all black.

“Wake up Ichi-nii! Today we go to visit mom!” This got Ichigo going.

“Huh, oh right. Sorry Yuzu” he said getting up, rubbing his eyes while head to his room to get dressed. While getting dressed he thought of his… dream? It was too clear to be a dream. So odd. He thinks to himself.

(scene change Ichigo mothers grave)

“Hey, mom,” Ichigo says kneeling while lighting an incense, there is the hint of affection in there meant solely for her.

“Been awhile.” he sighs and looks up.

“I.. I… I need help. Please give me the strength to help me live my life,” he begs/prays to his mother. He blinked when he spotted a door on a wall that wasn't there 5 minutes ago. 

Da hell? Am I seeing things? He rubs his eyes, and it’s still there. He goes over to investigate it. After staring at it for a minute someone walks up next to him. He is wearing a brown overcoat that hides his features. Ichigo nods to the stranger as a greeting.

“I’ve come to see the door to this world.” The strange man says, there is an edge to his tone that makes Ichigo feel suspicious about him.

“Huh?” Ichigo says.

“This world has been connected.”

Cryptic words that mean nothing to him and hardly make any sense. Anyone who would be listening to this would think that these nonsensical words came from a mad-man. And Ichigo wasn’t up for it, evident with the way his eyebrows scrunched up together and a wrinkle began to form in the middle. 

“What da hell are you babbling on about?” Ichigo rudely asked not in the mood for bullshit.

“Tied to the darkness… soon to be completely eclipsed.”

“If you don’t start making sense soon I am leaving.” Ichigo threatened but he was already taking a few steps, albeit slowly. 

But for some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to leave yet. There was something off about this stranger. Maybe it was his own gut-feelings but if he left this man to his own devices what would that cause trouble for other people if he was able to prevent it...

“You do not yet know what lies beyond the door.”

Yeah, what the fuck...

“What?” The question was more or less said with a sneer on his face. But the stranger still remains the same. Mysterious and aloof to the fact that the words seemed to grate on Ichigo’s nerves. 

“There is so very much to learn. You understand so little.” 

“Yeah, I going to leave now,” Ichigo says finally having enough out of the strange man.

“One who knows nothing can understand nothing.” the door makes noises Ichigo looks at the door then back to where the man was, just to find him gone. Da hell! Shaking his head he looks back at the door only to find it missing as well. What the fuck is happening to me!

(time skip later that night)

His dad had gone to Urarahas place for something, leaving him to somewhat look after his sisters for 3 days. Not that he minded, he was used to such responsibilities. And the girls wouldn’t give him too much trouble. At, least he hoped so. But that’s not what bothered him. Ichigo felt exhaustion in his bones and he laid down on his bed thinking about his weird day. It all started with that dream. There was something about the man’s words that had triggered him to remember the faint memories of the dream that seemed to hold some meaning or... Was it something I ate? 

KABOOM

The noise makes him sit up as he looks around, wondering where the noise came from. He doesn’t hear anything for a whole second. But then it came, the exact thing he didn’t want to hear because it cemented the anxiety of his sisters’ safety being jeopardized. 

“ICHI-NII HELP!!!” 

“ICHI-NII HELP!!!”

He heard is sisters’ yell and that only made him feel a slight sense of panic. Instantly, he ran out of his room and went downstairs in a matter of seconds. However, what greeted him was the shadows from his dreams were jumping at his sisters. He knew for a fact that he shouldn’t waste any more time especially with them screaming. He reached over and grabbed a chair swung at the shadow attacking his sisters, using all his possible strength but it was pointless, sadly enough. The chair just past through the thing without even doing damage. 

Growling to himself he dropped the chair and grabbed his sisters, he kept them securely in his grasps. They held onto him tightly as they trembled in fear and Ichigo ran as fast as he could. Only to come in front of a large shadow thing (Darkside). Shiiiit!!! Get to Urahara... he should know what to do. With a deep breath, he tried to calm himself before Ichigo looked up in the sky to see a shadow sphere in the sky. That can not be good. Then he noticed that the sphere was coming down too fast to get away.

They had to get out of here now. 

With his grip tightening over his sisters, he looked at them with a serious expression while their faces were marred with fear. He knew that they were out of sorts, this was beyond either of their capabilities and he knew that the only thing he could do was run with all his might. As far as away from where the sphere planned to land. If anything he would use his own body to cover his sisters. He wouldn’t let any harm come to them. 

“Shit! Girls, hang on tight and don’t let go for the life of you!” he said adjusting the way he was holding them so they could get a better grip on him. Their hands gripped at his clothes, fingers dug into his skin but he didn’t mind at all. 

This wasn’t done out of ill-intentions but the mere fact that they were scared. 

“What do you think we were doing while you were carrying us like that!” Karin yelled, but still, she follows the order given to her. For good reason, if she didn’t she would be nothing more than minced meat. Yuzu just nodded fearfully, her eyes shined with tears but she didn’t shed them. Now wasn’t the time for it. 

Then the darkness took him and the rest of the world….

And that's a wrap I hope you guys enjoyed. This chapter is the prologue.

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