Chapter 9: Convergence of Elements

A/N: The Votes have been counted, the poll has been closed, the results are in and you will all find out in due time, but I believe enough hints are within this chapter to let you know who was voted for the most. I will post the actual results next chapter.

A breath escaped from his mouth, this was not an exasperated breath, a worried breath or angry breath, it was simply a relieved breath, Ichigo Kurosaki just made it back to his house in worry for him family, just to see them give him confused looks at his initial panic. Apparently, his sisters did not look out of windows too often, they did not even realise that something was going on, although, to be fair there didn't seem to be any of those 'spirits' around here, Ichigo would make sure to remember that, he simply assumed that that the 'spirits' were everywhere. After making sure his sisters were perfectly fine he rushed upstairs Into his room and made sure to actually grab his soul badge this time, he was such an idiot for just assuming he wouldn't need it, he was Ichigo for god's sake, trouble just seemed to love his company.

You're just paranoid King.

Really? You actually think I'm just paranoid? That none of this is because I'm simply a trouble-seeking magnet?

Yea!

You're an idiot sometimes…

HEY, WHO'RE YOU CALLING AN IDI-

Ichigo didn't even try to hide the smirk that covered his face, cutting Zangetsu off mid rant was quickly becoming one of his favourite past-times. Ichigo grumbles at what to do now, he could go out and investigate what these 'spirits' are, but that meant leaving his sisters undefended, but he was probably the best person for dealing with this whole mess… that's when his mind goes back to the shinigami who saved him. Senna, she had dealt with the 'spirits' in no time flat as if she had dealt with them before, in all honesty she was probably the best chance that he had at figuring out what's going on. Grasping the soul badge, he is about to press it against his chest when his eye catches the form of small moving pushy.

"Kon!" Ichigo shouts as he grabs the small mod-soul, ignoring its outcry, squeezing the toy a small pill pops out and Ichigo swallows it, instantly he feels his human body leave him, leaving him standing in his soul's form. Swinging around to his body now in control of the mod-soul he glares dangerously.

"You will stay here and keep my sisters safe… If I find out you left the house to go search for girls… I will end you." Ichigo's cold calculated voice sent shivers down Kon's form, the mod-souls nods hurriedly, scared of this new attitude of Ichigo, never seeing this side of the substitute shinigami. Ichigo nods and leaves through the window of his room, taking a moment to try and find the purple haired girl from before, he heads to the one person who usually had all the answers, Urahara. With that thought Ichigo simply vanished from his spot, traveling faster than what most organisms could see, he needed to get to the bottom of this whole thing.

Kind of harsh to the toy back there King.

I know… but I had to make sure he understood that he can't just wonder of like usual.

Totally agree with ya there, just wondering why you threatened him like that.

I don't know, the words were coming out of my mouth before I could even think of them.

Think I might be rubbing off on you a bit too much King.

'Yes, you might, and I'd appreciate it if your idiotic barbary did not infect Ichigo'.

THAT'S IT, ME AND YOU RIGHT NOW FLAGPOLE.

'Humph, I'd like to see you try sword'.

OH YOU MOTHERFUC-

Ichigo cut Zangetsu of before he could flood the young man's mind with such foul language.

Q, what do you make of all this?

'I honestly am in the dark as much as anyone else in this, these things could only be 'spirits' and yet they feel different… unnatural, almost like them being in this realm should be an impossibility'.

I get what you mean Q, I can't sense any kind of reiatsu off them, it's like they don't even have any.

'Hmmm… It's probably best you do go to Urahara's, he might have come up with some answers, and remember to ask about that Senna character, I also think she is somehow involved in this madness'.

Before I forget Q, how's the hollow situation?

'… the creature has gone silent, far too silent for my liking, I fear it may attempt another attack soon, and Ichigo…'.

Yes?

'I fear it may have changed'.

What do you mean changed?

'You will find out in due time I'm sure. Now I must deal with your sword, he's currently trying to impale me with a spoon, farewell'.

Wait what!?

Ichigo was cut from his mental conversation with Q, he grumbled, hoping that they at least didn't kill each other. Ichigo looked down, he was above Urahara's shop, he dropped to the ground and rushed into the shop.

"Urahara! Yoruichi! You guys here?"

"Ichigo!?"

That voice whilst not Urahara or Yoruichi, was still welcomed all the same, out of one of the many doors in the back walked out Rukia, the petite shinigami looked fully recovered from the invasion incident.

"Rukia? What are you doing here?"

"I was sent back as I am the most familiar with Karakura town, I was supposed to rendezvous with Urahara-san and Yoruichi-samma, but there not here… and there's all these unnatural 'spirits' roaming around".

"Yea, I came here hoping Urahara had figured something out, but maybe you could help me. Have you heard of shinigami named Senna?"

"Senna? I cannot say I have ever heard of her, what squad is she in?"

"Uhh… I didn't really ask, she has purple hair, and uses a Zanpakuto which when transformed into its Shikai is called Mirokumaru, I feel like she knows something about all of this but I don't know where she is."

Rukia thinks for a moment, considering all that Ichigo said.

"Hmmm… Can't say I know anyone by those details, I'll have to head back to Soul Society to check the records, are you sure that this Senna is involved somehow?"

"It's the best lead I've got." Rukia nods, and brings out her soul pager, entering a few buttons she flips it close and pockets it.

"Right, I'll head back now and look around, you keep trying to find her, let me know the minute you find her okay?"

"Yea, I will do, make sure to let me know what you find."

Rukia nods again before unsheathing her sword and opening a senkaimon, she waved briefly at Ichigo before the small shinigami entered, allowing the soul gate to close. Ichigo sighed, it was going to be a long day for him, he returned outside as he tried to figure out a method of finding that 'Senna', he could try to sense her reiatsu, but he had no idea what it felt like in the first place, he could spend all day searching and still find nothing, he'd have to find her the old fashioned way, he casually shoved one of the weird 'spirits' to the side, Ichigo took mild amusement at it falling to the ground and jumped away. He had someone to find.

Line Break

He found himself wandering the nearby park, a large forest filled-park, he used to take his sisters here when they were younger, at that thought his mood soured, he hadn't spent nearly enough time with his little sisters recently, all this shinigami business had practically taken over his life, and it had taken a visible toll on his relationship with his family. Ichigo had not even helped Yuzu cook a family meal once since he returned from the Soul Society. He hadn't even beaten his dad up in a whole week! He grumbled, life just had to be so complicated for him, he was more than happy just to be an average school student, but no… He had to go and become what essentially is a spirit with a talking sword. However, strangely he wouldn't have it any other way, the power he had been given has allowed him to do what was most important in his life, protect the weak and innocent, a way of life imparted to him from his late mother, and perhaps some kind of hero complex, Ichigo wasn't the best when it came to understanding oneself. He was more of act first and think much later kind of person.

Ichigo found himself a bench on the outskirts of the park, lowering himself upon it, taking care to manoeuvre Zangetsu into a more comfortable position. He stretched his arms out, allowing all the tension built up in his shoulders to dissipate, Ichigo takes in the scenery around him, taking great pleasure in the peacefulness his local park extruded, he'd have to bring his sisters here soon, make up for all the time he hadn't spent with them, and maybe bring someone else with him, someone who he could walk hand-in-hand with and just be himself around them.

Ichigo's eyes bulged as he shot forward on the bench. Where in the world did that thought come from? That wasn't like him at all, the thought made him somewhat uncomfortable, although to be fair he did go on that awkward date with Unohana a couple of weeks ago, and frankly he just couldn't see him and her together like he had just thought of, Ichigo leaned back once again, his mind wondering yet again around the bizarre thought he had just had. Who could he see himself hand-in-hand with? He couldn't imagine himself with any of his school friends, he just didn't see that kind of thing happening. Rukia? Nah, she was more of a treasured friend than anything else, he barely knew any other women in the Soul Society.

Well, what about Yoruichi?

What about her?

You haven't imagined that scenario.

Because it wouldn't happen in a million years, and anyway isn't she with Urahara-san?

That bucket-hatted bastard wouldn't be able to snag that fine piece of ass if his life depended on it.

Okay, first, never call Yoruichi-san a "fine piece of ass" and second shut up!

You're not denying the idea though King!

Hmm… I don't know to be honest. I…

Suddenly, Ichigo's form goes rigid as a wave of disgustingly dark Reiatsu washed over him, within nano-seconds he had stood up and readied his Zanpakuto.

That's hollow Reiatsu… and it's an ungodly amount of it.

Careful King! It's coming from deeper into the park, I can also sense melon-jugs and the giant bastard over there. HURRY.

Ichigo nodded and dashed off, Chad and Orihime wouldn't be able to handle that kind of power.

SCENE CHANGE

Orihime tried as hard as possible to ignore the overwhelmingly oppressive aura marching closer to her, but she couldn't run, even if she was scared out of her wits, she had to stand firm and brave, she had to save as many people as possible, and now she was all that was keeping multiple people alive. Normal people couldn't handle the outpouring hollow energy and she had to all she could to keep them alive, especially Tatsuki, her best friend, she had to save her best friend. She had to hope that Chad could hold of the enemy long enough for someone to arrive.

"ARGH".

Orihime's focus was shattered as her giant friend came flying towards her, crashing into a nearby tree, her eyes widened at the sight of the usually calming friend, blood, nothing but pools and pools of blood where one of his arms used to be.

"Sa-Sado!"

Orihime had to save him, Tatsuki had received enough healing to survive for a few minutes, but Chad would die within moments without her help, mustering up enough courage she was about to rush over when a large shadow loomed over her. The kind ginger turned her head to stare at the owner of the shadow, and her courage died in her throat, this monster was humongous, grinning maliciously down at her, his large tongue licking his disgustingly large lips.

"Heh, heh little girl, you should be more worried about yourself then that moron over there…"

The only thought in her mind at this moment was simple.

I don't want to die…

A monstrous hand loomed closer, her entire form stricken with abject fear, she couldn't move, couldn't breathe, this was it, death moved closer and closer.

I guess I will see you soon dear brother…

Forcing her eyes shut, she waited for death, she only hoped it could be painless.

Seconds passed by, she felt nothing, no pain, no agonising death, she dared to open her eyes, and her sight shocked her.

Someone had saved her, someone she had never seen before, although the hair colour of her saviour was very familiar, just on a different person, purple hair… purple hair that didn't belong to Yoruichi, instead the person who saved her looked no older then herself, perhaps even younger, however the familiar shinigami uniform indicated that her saviour was far older then her appearance may show.

"ARGH, what the hell!? Who're you punk!?"

The monstrous figure shouted in anger, her previously outstretched hand now held closely to his chest, drops of blood dripping from his palm, Orihime's eyes travelled to her saviour to finally witness how she was saved, her saviour held a naginata, the blade lightly coated in blood. The saviour did not respond to the huge figure, instead preferring to direct the tip of her blade at the enemy. Said enemy gave a guttural growl at being threatened, his large furious eyes glaring at the offender who had cut him.

"Hey… Ulquiorra, the orange haired girl isn't our target, right?"

Orihime flinched at her assailants booming voice, but what really worried her was the figure he as addressing, a lanky, pale figure stood some distance away, hands in his pockets and uncaring look on his face. Orihime shivered at the sight of this new assailant, his pale skin was far too pale to be alive, it was more comparable to alabaster then the common pinkish human skin color. However, what scared her the most was what was upon his head, it was an alabaster colored horned helm that only covered half of his head.

"No Yammy… she is simply trash, same as your attacker."

"HA, then I guess I can finally have some real fun then!"

The huge figure known as Yammy swerved his head towards his attacker, a disgustingly vicious smile plastered on his enormous face.

"You're gonna regret hurting me bitch!"

"Oh yeah!? Well come and make me then asshole!"

Yammy growled in annoyance as he charged forward, at a speed surprising for his overwhelming size. He appeared in front of the Shinigami and swung one of his giant fists towards her, fortunately for Orihime her saviour just managed to avoid the attack, twisting her body to the side, the fist sails past her by mere inches, in response the shinigami twirled her naginata in her right hand and sliced the blade, down into the offending arm, in a surprising turn of events the blade got jammed a few inches into the arm, a small spurt of blood was all that her attack was rewarded with.

"What!?"

"HA! Now that I'm ready, you will never be able to hurt me with my hierro now!"

"Your what now?"

Yammy laughed mockingly as his attacker tried to yank her weapon out of his arm to no avail. Taking the opportunity presented, Yammy's free fist shot forward and smashed straight into his attacker's side, a sickening crunch echoed through the area as the shinigami was sent flying, no scream or shout, the body simple flew through the air and crumpled to the ground next to Orihime, to her credit Orihime managed to look at her 'saviour', a feeling of dread welling up inside at the blank, unaware look the shinigami had on her face, for a brief, terrifying moment Orihime feared the worst for her 'saviour', but the small rising of her chest showed she still lived, but was simply knocked unconscious, however that was a kind way of describing her 'saviour's sate at the moment. The purple haired Shinigami's body was broken, from the way her legs were angled, her spine must have been snapped in half, thankfully Orihime knew she'd be able to heal that kind of wound, or at least heal it enough so that she could still walk.

"That, was it? That's all these Shinigami have to offer? Ha! Aizen-samma wastes his time on crap like this!" Yammy bellowed in amusement.

Orihime froze at the mention of that name, she was informed and warned all about Aizen's actions, these people worked for him? That monster? Suddenly Orihime realised just how much trouble she found herself in. Once again that huge shadow covered her form, as the massive monster once again reached a hand towards her, this was it she assumed, death once again stretched its hand out, ready to claim her soul for no understandable reason.

I… I don't want to die… please… someone save me… Kurosaki-kun please save me.

Orihime lowered her head, tears threatening to escape.

"Please…"

"Time to die kid, it's been fun".

The hand inched ever closer.

"Kurosaki-kun…"

Orihime could feel the heat from Yammy's hand at this point.

"Please, Kurosaki-Kun… SAVE ME"

The hand reached Orihime, her life flashed by her eyes, death had arrived for her.

A sickening slicing sound echoed through the air, followed by a loud thump of something hitting the ground.

Within moments a pain-engulfed scream broke the deafening silence, and it didn't belong to Orihime.

Would she dare open her eyes? Would she dare?

She had to though.

Carefully opening her eyes, her heart began to beat a mile a minute, she had been saved, at the last possible second she had been saved.

"Kuro-Kuosaki-kun…"

In-front of her stood the familiar orange-haired substitute Shinigami, the massive familiar cleaver unsheathed and caked in fresh blood, blood from the severed arm of Yammy, who was currently clutching desperately at his new stump.

"Inoue-san".

Orihime shivered at the tone of Ichigo's voice, much colder than his usual tone, it scared her slightly, she had never heard him sound so deadly before.

"Kurosaki-san…"

"Please heal everyone Inoue-san, you're safe now… I'll deal with this… scum!"

This time Orihime visibly flinched at the venom in Ichigo's words, but nodded, and went about the process of healing everyone injured, starting with those who desperately needed healing first. However, as she turned to begin her eyes caught sight of the monster raising a massive blade.

"KUROSAKI-KUN, LOOK OUT".

Yammy swung his large blade downwards towards his new attacker in rage, intending to slice his attacker in half. Ichigo didn't even look, he simply brought his free hand up and grasped the blade, the sudden force of the blade stopping mid-swing sent wind flying everywhere, blowing clothes, hair and leaves about. A confused gasp left Yammy's mouth as his brain failed to understand what was currently occurring. That confusion soon turned into agonising pain once again as another loud thump occurred, and once again Ichigo's blade was caked in fresh blood, and once again Yammy's arm fell to the ground.

"Uhg… Ugh… ARGH!"

Yammy screamed in agony as both of his arms had been severed from his body.

Not waiting another second, Ichigo charged forward, fully intending to finish off this unknown creature, however as soon as Ichigo was about to cleave his head off his shoulders, an intercepting force intervened.

"You are Kurosaki Ichigo…"

It wasn't a question, it was a statement, a statement from a slender alabaster figure, blank, emotionless eyes staring into Ichigo's rage-filled eyes, the man had stopped Ichigo's Shikai blade with his palm.

Gonna be honest, I love it when we do that, but when someone does it to us, it's just infuriating.

NOT NOW ZANGETSU.

Ichigo pushed against the interceptors' hand, thankfully able to create some distance between him and this new person.

"Who're you? What're you? How dare you attack these people!"

The figure he shouted at simply stared back unblinking, as if staring at some trash he happened to come across, the look infuriated Zangetsu.

"We have no reason to answer to trash, Aizen-samma asked me to investigate you, but I must wonder why he'd be interested in such trash…"

"Aizen!?"

"However, I must follow my orders… Come Ichigo Kurosaki, show me what you are made of…"

The pale figure stepped forward, hands in pockets, the most uninterested look possible, showing on his face.

"What?"

"If you do not intend to attack, I will simply go about cleaning up the trash around us… starting with that orange-haired trash behind you…"

You could have heard a pin drop at that threat, Orihime simply stared at Ichigo, worry etched on her face.

"Kurosaki-kun…"

"You'd attack my friends..."

"I'd clean up trash."

At this point Yammy stepped closer to his comrade, pain etched onto his face.

"Hey Ulquiorra, make sure to kill him for my arms!"

"Quiet Yammy… killing would mean I dignify their existence as more than trash. I will simply clean up tra-."

"Bankai…"

Ichigo's power exploded outwards in all directions, an uncontrollable twister or emotions overwhelmed all in close proximity, Orihime's breath hitched in her throat, worry for her dear friend overriding her thoughts, Yammy began to feel a small amount of dread as the power simply continue to skyrocket, not stopping at all, and the alabaster horned creature simple continued to stare unblinking, the only difference was that his usually bored looking eyes had sharpened ever so slightly. The power kept expanding and increasing, there didn't seem to be stopping until quite suddenly, all of the power dissipated within nano-seconds, there was no final explosion of power, no final scream of rage, just a simple dissipation of energy, and all that was left in the centre was Kurosaki-Ichigo, Tensa-Zangetsu in hand, black cloak on his body…

And a cold menacing look in his eyes.

"To hurt my friends, you'll have to go through me…"

Ichigo brought his Zanpakuto up, pointing it directly at Ulquiorra.

"And I don't give up so easily…"

Black energy began to swirl around his blade, anyone who had seen this energy knew what was coming next.

"However, if you're so sure about hurting my friends…"

The energy began to look unstable, perhaps it represented Ichigo's unbridled anger at the moment of use.

"I will not hesitate to kill you…"

Suddenly Ichigo vanished from where he stood, only one person could even keep track of his speed, and his slightly sharpened eyes, grew even sharper at this speed. He turned at the last moment to witness Ichigo's furious stare, blade poised to strike. Ulquiorra's eyes widened slightly.

"GETSUGA TENSHOU".

An explosion of dark energy exploded outwards.

CHAPTER FINISH

And that's a wrap people! I hope you all enjoyed it! Let me know what you all think, and for those who are worrying that the story is staying to similar to the original, don't worry, next chapter somethings will hopefully becoming more unknown, hope you all enjoyed and until next time, I will see you all later.