A/N: Okay, sorry about the delay. You've all seen the news, right? Yeah, well, I live in Iowa and one of my moms friends had her basement totally destroyed in that big ass flood. I, fortunately, was not struck, but she has had problems. But seriously, I have had the summer from HELL! This is the most busy I've been in my entire life! Oh, but I have a long-term job now, so that makes up for it a bit. Since school is starting soon, I'll be in a bookier mood and will thus write more (unless I get sick of it because of my two advanced English classes. I seriously don't know why I'm good enough for two . . .).
Disclaimer: Honestly, who in their right mind would think I'm Kubo?
-
Seeing the World with New Eyes
Kichigo was worried. No, more than worried. He was distraught. Ichigo had still to wake for more than two hours at most, and even then he was extremely weak. Kaien was up and about, though he was winded easily. Ichigo was mostly bedridden, even after two weeks. So, the hollow decided to do something about it, and voiced his concerns to everyone else, including Urahara, Tessai, and Youruichi, who were visiting for the day.
He descended the steps and entered the living room. Yuzu and Orihime were in the kitchen with Ulquiorra, cooking. He shyly sat in a chair, and addressed everyone in the room, "Uh, ya know 'ow Ichi hasn't been wakin' up fer very long? I'm getting' worried. Can't any of you do some sort of scan thing an' see what's wrong?"
Isshin stopped his conversation with Gin, who surprisingly got on well with him, and stood up. "I'll go check up on him, though I think I already know the problem," Kichigo smiled gratefully and followed him to his partner's room. The two soon reached Ichigo's door, and the elder Kurosaki lead the way in. Ichigo was lying down sleeping, enveloped by thick blankets. He had been in danger of hypothermia since the first night back from Las Noches. Isshin rummaged through Ichigo's desk drawer and pulled out the shinigami badge. He pressed it against his chest and his body fell to the floor. Kichigo was stunned. He knew Isshin was spiritually aware, but he would have never guessed that he was a shinigami.
Holding up his sword, Isshin mumbled something, and his zanpakutou changed into a large iron disk with a reflective mirror surface on the front. On the back was a handle that you could fit a hand through. All in all, it looked like an ornate mirror the size of Orihime's boobs. The man held the heavy looking device over his son, and the 'glass' began to emit a faint blue light. Minutes passed, and Isshin lifted the tool away and re-sealed it, before falling back into his body, ignoring Kichigo's shock. "He's lost a huge amount of his spiritual energy. You see, even when he expends energy at a normal rate for him, he was only using the surface, the 'shell', if you will. With the creation of your own body, he's lost a large core portion. You will almost never touch the core of your reiatsu, so his shell energy – the energy you use to fight with – is being used to help regenerate his core. It'll take awhile to replenish and replace the energy that is now you."
Kichigo ducked his head, "So, th' reason King's so sick is 'cause of me, then." Isshin place a hand on his shoulder.
"Technically, yes, but think about it this way. If you hadn't left Ichigo, he could have been dead. In my mind, being sick is always a better alternative than death. That's one of the reasons that I left Soul Society. I though that it was better to serve the living than the dead, because you can't recover from death."
-
Hiyori frowned. Isshin had just explained to them what was wrong with her pupil, and some things didn't add up. "So, why are you even here, Kichigo? We know you're Kurosaki's hollow, and that you're made of his energy, but that doesn't explain why you're actually outside his mind."
"Well," the albino started, "all I can 'member is wantin' t' go an' save King while that giant Espada was attacking 'im. Next thing I know, I'm there."
Hirako frowned at that explanation. "That doesn't make sense, Shirosaki. You can't just will yourself free. If that were the case, then why isn't my hollow out and speaking with us?"
Ulquiorra answered that question. "The most probable answer is because you have never been in a spiritually-threatening environment since you became a vaizard. You have most likely been in a safe and secure area ever since you left the Soul Society and were able to beat down your own hollow. Also, hollows are mostly beings of instinct. While a hollow would try and set itself free if caged, as in the case of you viazard, we would not need to do anything else if we were not. Because Shirosaki had come to some sort of agreement with Kurosaki, he hasn't tried to make a new body for himself. However, when Noitra was about to kill Kurosaki, he instinctively felt the need to save not only himself, but Kurosaki as well." (That must be the most Ulquiorra has said in one sitting, like, ever)
Kichigo's brows drew together. "Well, I've been tryin' ta get Ichi ta listen to his instincts . . ."
Grimmjow smirked perversely, "What kind of instincts, Shirosaki?" Nell smacked him over the back of his head, and Kichigo blushed.
Urahara stared Ulquiorra down. "So, Shiffer-san, you're sure, that even with the shinigami side of the soul dominate, a hollow would be a creature of instinct? You don't seem to be driven by what pops up in your head first, and are certainly not an impulsive person."
"Rationalizing my action are the first impulse that I experience."
"Oh . . ."
From where he and Rukia sat, Kaien's eyes fluttered open, "Couldn't you just pump the boy with some energy? You know, like a caffine burst to the soul? After all, we're both not 'sick', we're just exhausted. Giving him more energy to work off of would help him make more of his own." Suddenly he laughed, placing a hand behind his head, "Gomen ne, that makes me sound vampiric."
Urahara gasped in excitement, "What a wonderful idea, Shiba-san! That should work, and with very quick results, too!"
By this point, Kichigo was already up the stairs, ready to give Ichigo all the reiatsu he needed.
The bell shrilled, signaling the end of the class and school day. Teens rushed out of the building and started their walks home in a jog. At least, this is what would have happened, had the professor not decided to remind the students about their folklore project. They had already been sorted into groups and were to go out and camp at the so called "Lost Forest" to observe the unique yet obscure rituals traditional to the area as well as study why the environment had an impact on these rituals. Apparently it was a once in a lifetime chance, because the area was going to have a dam built right through the center of it. Ichigo left the room, already thinking of what he was going to do with his group selection, seeing as he was grouped with Orihime, Ulquiorra, and Tatsuki. He wasn't disappointed or anything, he had just expected to be paired with Keigo, Mizurio, Chad, and Uryuu. Instead, Chad was doing his project with the two less aware, whilst Ishida was with Rukia and Hideki, who had decided to attend high school as well, so that he could get to know 'modern' humans better. Grimmjow and Renji were working at a restaurant, with Renji being very part time and Nell had her job at the library, so they were out of the question as to being apart of the assignment.
Like Ichigo, Kaien was still recovering from being separated from his hollow side. Both were prone to bouts of exhaustion and neither was allowed to go into shinigami form, seeing as that would take too much energy for their bodies to handle at the time. However, Kaien seemed to enjoy his time with Rukia and the rest of them, and helped out at Ichigo's house with Kichigo, doing chores and the like. Despite his intelligence, Kichigo both couldn't and wouldn't go to school, saying that it "don't give me nothin'" and therefore he didn't need it. After all, he could still connect to Ichigo's mind and learn anything that Ichigo knew in an instant. Plus, he had decided to take care of Ichigo's hollow duties for now, destroying them with simple kidou spells that Rukia taught him. Of course, Gin also played a part as well, along with Shuuhei, who had transferred with Toushiro on 'arrancar watch'. This was hardly needed anymore now, because there were more than enough people to adequately defend Karakura from almost any amount of arrancar, provided they weren't Espada or Aizen himself.
As Ichigo entered the courtyard, he noticed a large crowd of people clustered around the gait. He pushed his way through to see a disgruntled Kichigo, laughing Kaien, and rather amused looking arrancar. Well, with the exception of Ulquiorra, who looked discreetly yet mildly annoyed. Kichigo kept pushing people away and shouting various things to answer their random questions. The strawberry felt a hand on his arm, and turned to see Tatsuki smirking at him.
"Who's your friend?" she asked casually. She must have noticed that the two looked exactly like each other. As did Kaien, but to a lesser extent.
Ichigo frowned in a tired manner. "The white one's my cousin," he said, lying, perfectly aware that everybody had now turned an ear in his direction, "and the blue-eyed one's my uncle." He then purposely walked forwards and took Kichigo's hand, "Kichigo, let's go home."
Grimmjow and Nell practically pounced on Inoue when she made her way through the crowd. The group began to leave, difficultly making their way out of the throngs of people. When they were in the clear, they all began to jog away. Soon, though, they escaped, and slowed to a walk.
Orihime opened the conversation, "Kurosaki-kun, are you excited about the project? I can't wait! It's going to be so exciting to go camping together with Tatsuki-chan and Ulquiorra-san!"
Kichigo perked, "Campin' trip? I get t' come along, right King? Ya know ya want me dere wit' ya at night, when all da woods are all quiet an' spook-"
"Urusai, Kichigo!" Ichigo blushed. Though the hollow still teased him a lot, Ichigo was still trying to get used to this new playful side of his hollow. He turned his attention to Inoue, "I really am sort of anxious about the whole thing. I haven't been camping since . . . well, not for a long while now. I think I'll bring Kon along too, since he has wanted a reason to test out that new body-thing Urahara made for him in a different environment than just at home.
At first, it had been the funniest thing ever. Kisuke had made Kon a mini-Ichigo body about half the size of a Barbie Doll. It wasn't stiff; it was just like a real corpse. There was a hole in the back where Ichigo could put Kon's capsule, which had a zip for ease-of-use. Kon had never seemed so happy. He immediately asked to be put inside, and then went all about the house with it, showing off his new skin. He even came with a few outfits, too. He had a replica of Ichigo's school uniform, a kimono, and a jeans/T-shirt/sweatshirt combo. The only downside was that Yuzu now tried to get a hold of him more often now, seeing as he looked just like a blond Ichigo. He usually spent his time in Kichigo's pocket, seeing as he would need to frequently leave his body to take care of hollows.
Ichigo had been slightly disturbed at how well the hollow and the mod soul had got along. Though there had been a lot of initial distrust, after Kon realized Kichigo's intentions were not to devour souls and go on a destructive rampage, he had asked the hollow a few questions. Mainly, what he liked to do for fun, and what he did when in control of Ichigo's body. After that, they were usually found spending time together, not just because they needed to.
When Kichigo opened the door, Isshin came flying, and the albino got kicked all the way out to the street. Isshin started to laugh, proclaiming that as his other son, Kichigo should have done better. Ichigo sighed and rolled his eyes. Gin waved to him as he entered, and Ichigo found himself waving back. Despite his previous actions, Gin could actually be rather agreeable. Gin was cooking something for evening meal already, and he had proven to be an excellent cook. He said it came from years of practice in Rukongai from before he was a shinigami and hung out with Rangiku. Of course, he still tried his hardest to creep Rukia out, because everyone gets kicks out of that . . .
"So," Kichigo began, snagging and apple, "What's this whole 'campin' trip' 'bout?"
Ichigo led him over to the couch and flopped down ungracefully. Ever since his return from Hueco Mundo, even sitting down after even short walk was a tremendous relief to him. He suddenly had a new-found appreciation for relaxation, whereas before he was always trying to do things. He turned to his white counterpart, "We are going to go to a nearby forest on bus, or whatever method of transportation we can provide for ourselves, where we will spread out. Then we will set up camp and start to write down observations of the area and perhaps make a few sketches of any statues or other things like that so we can prove that we have learned about the history of the region."
"Why can't ya just bring a camera? Would be easier that doin' all that drawin' . . . 'sides, pictures look better that your art, an' who knows what Kuchiki would draw."
"I don't want to damage my camera, and pictures are supposed to come out really bad there, even with the best photography equipment. Surveyors sent to that area are known to have disappeared, if they are alone. Any of their photographs of the place are all grainy and murky, so it's no use."
Kon jumped onto Ichigo's lap. "We're coming with you, Ichigo!"
Kichigo jumped up, "Yeah!" Ichigo just smiled. Then Isshin burst into the house, spouting off his desire to come with them so that they might not get hurt and so that he could operate if they did. Ichigo ignored him and went to the garage, where he enlisted Kichigo in getting the tent down from the high shelving inside. The hollow drug it up the stairs to Ichigo's room. He then went back down to find Ichigo hauling a pair of duffle-bags with Rukia behind him, she with her own. They split in the halls and went to their separate rooms.
Kichigo shared Ichigo's room now. At first, it had been because the hollow had refused to leave Ichigo unguarded while he had been bedridden, but now it was because the hollow simply wanted to. At first, Ichigo had been disturbed when he had awoken to find Kichigo sleeping is his bed with him, but now it was routine. After all, the soul had been inside of him for who knows how long. Really, sleeping with him was no different.
Both were packing their clothes, getting ready for the trip. Kon bounced in, and he tried to help pack as well. Apparently Rukia had kicked him out of her shared room, and he was bored. Anyways, Kon had trouble carrying many of the items they needed, given his size.
Packing was done in comfortable silence, broken by the occasional giggles from Kon or Kichigo as they tossed in boxers and porn magazines. Ichigo wondered where they had gotten them.
"Oi! No porn on the trip!"
"But Ichigo, why not?" asked a crestfallen Kon.
"Because, Orihime or Tatsuki might find it and I don't want you two keeping me up all night while you're fapping!"
"Kin-"Ichigo cut off Kichigo's response with a glare.
The hollow sighed, and removed the explicit material, "Fine, whatever ya say, King."
Rukia came in shortly afterwards, when the magazines were hidden away. Domo, Kami-sama Ichigo thought. "Are you guys ready?" she asked.
"Yeah, we're done," Ichigo answered.
"Good, now come downstairs, because Gin said supper's ready."
"Hai," all three answered in unison.
Gin's cooking had been excellent, as usual. Supper passed without incident, and everyone was happy. Well, almost everyone. Kichigo was secretly worried about Ichigo's condition. He wondered if Ichigo would be up to the trip. What if he was too sick to go? What if he were to pass out somewhere in the middle of the woods and he would never be able to find him again? What if! . . . Kichigo tried to relax, and scolded himself. They would be fine, because Kichigo would be with Ichigo, and they would be together always, was what the hollow thought before going to bed, his arms curled around the shinigami. At least, he hoped.
Well, that's the end of the prologue. Now the real story starts. Some of you are probably asking "But I thought this was all an important part of the story?" and, well, it is, for obvious reasons and some not so obvious that will come into play later. Recently, I've come into a sort of Gin craze, so be expecting more of him to come. Also, about my update times, I apologize. I do hope to get these things up sooner, but sometimes you just don't have time to do anything, you know? School, work, and my life/family take first priority, so again I apologize about the long wait. However, as I stated before, I will be posting more regularly if I can, so next time it won't be as bad. Plus, I'm probably going to do some major relationship development in the next chapters, especially between Kichigo/Ichigo.
Oh, and as a final note, please review and tell me how I'm doing!