Chapter Text
Uryuu was waiting in the training room per His Majesty's order the next morning when Yhwach and Ichigo stepped inside. Uryuu tried to catch Ichigo’s eye, but Ichigo just stared past him. It was really frustrating. How was Uryuu supposed to learn why Ichigo was here if the man kept stonewalling him!
“Ah, Uryuu, excellent. Thank you for joining us this morning.” Yhwach said pleased.
“Of course, Your Majesty.” Uryuu bowed his head.
“Now as you know, Ichigo has none of the Quincy training you received as a child. I am hoping you will be able to help us today with some of those basics.” Yhwach continued.
“Of course. I am happy to.” Uryu agreed.
“Excellent. Let us get started. Ichigo, step up.” Yhwach commanded.
Ichigo walked past Uryuu, once again not looking at him. From there, Uryuu assisted Yhwach with Ichigo’s training, but became more and more uneasy as they interacted. Yhwach was keeping Ichigo on a very short leash, treating Ichigo like he was some sort of trained animal. So far, Ichigo hadn’t spoken, not a word. As his silence stretched on, Uryuu began to wonder why Ichigo was truly here.
Sure, it was clear Ichigo was a Quincy, but everything that was happening went completely against Ichigo's morals. I mean, Yhwach was clearly training Ichigo to kill. Focusing on things like headshots and where to hit someone to cause the most damage. And Ichigo was going along with it! Uryuu just did not understand at all.
“I believe that is enough for this morning.” Yhwach finally said.
Ichigo’s bow disappeared as he reached up to wipe sweat away from his forehead. Yhwach turned to Uryuu.
“Thank you for your assistance today. I will speak to you later. Come, Ichigo.” Yhwach called.
Uryuu watched as Ichigo fell in line, his hands twitching, wanting to reach out and grab him. Maybe even shake him and demand he say something, but Ichigo walked right past him without a word and the two of them disappeared. Uryuu swallowed hard before deciding he had to know what was going on. He turned and left, looking for information.
—sSs—
“I am pleased you were able to listen to my instructions, Ichigo. I was a bit concerned, but it seems you can listen to orders when given the right push.” Yhwach said as they walked.
Ichigo bit the inside of his cheek to keep his mouth shut. It was a bloody mess at this point with how often he had bitten it during training. But Yhwach’s orders from this morning echoed in his ears.
“If you speak even a word in front of Uryuu during training, your sisters will pay for each syllable. Think about your words carefully.”
Ichigo wasn’t about to risk his sisters, so he kept his mouth shut, despite how much it gutted him to do so. Yhwach paused in front of his door and eyed Ichigo thoughtfully.
“We have less than a week before our next attack on Soul Society. I suggest you train as hard as you can before then. Do you understand?” Yhwach demanded.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Ichigo replied.
Yhwach placed a hand on Ichigo’s shoulder, making him freeze.
“Once it is all over, your sisters will be set free. Just focus on that and it will be over before you know it.” Yhwach said encouragingly.
Ichigo just nodded.
“Now, get some rest. You will need it.” Yhwach patted him on the shoulder before directing him inside the room.
—sSs—
The next morning, instead of the training room, Ichigo found himself directed into an office by Haschwalth. It was… oddly colorful? There were various books on the shelves around them, a large dark wood desk with a matching chair in front of a large window that showed the outside world. There was a large fireplace on the other wall, the fire inside crackling merrily with two large armchairs before it with a rug.
Ichigo looked around, unsure of why he was here. He didn’t think this would be a good place for training. Yhwach entered from another door and he held a weird item in his hand. It looked like a metal Quincy Cross on a long pole. Ichigo eyed it with uncertainty, especially when he placed it into the fire and it started to heat up. Ichigo had a sinking feeling about why it was here.
“Good morning, Ichigo. I hope you slept well.” Yhwach said as he sat in one of the armchairs.
“I did. Thank you for asking, Your Majesty.” Ichigo said, trying to be polite.
Yet his eyes never left the large piece of metal as it turned red in the fireplace.
“Good, good. I’m pleased by your progress so far. For someone who only just started with your Quincy abilities, you are a natural. I am sure your mother would have been very proud of that fact.” Yhwach said before reaching over to turn the metal pole.
Ichigo swallowed, both at the comment and at Yhwach’s actions.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. That is very kind of you… if I may ask, what is that for?” Ichigo whispered.
Yhwach hummed.
“Your sister Yuzu has been absolutely wonderful. So far, Haschwalth has told me that she has been considerate, thoughtful and polite with her words and actions. Karin… however.” Yhwach said calmly.
Ichigo felt something in his stomach drop.
“Has she done something wrong?” Ichigo asked.
“Her attitude leaves much to be desired. I fear she believes I am bluffing when I say her words have consequences. It seems that is something you both share.” Yhwach replied.
Yhwach stood up and Ichigo took a step back, only to bump into Haschwalth, blocking the door.
“Remove your jacket.” Yhwach commanded.
Ichigo’s face paled as he grabbed the metal pole from the fire, the Cross at the end red hot.
“Wait…” Ichigo whispered.
Yhwach’s eyes narrowed.See AlsoCold weather advisory in effect until 10 a.m. Monday | Weather Impact Alert
“I will not ask again. Remove your jacket, Ichigo.” Yhwach said coldly.
Ichigo stared at him and then with shaking hands, removed his jacket. Haschwalth took it from him, folding it over his arm.The room was warm, thankfully, but Ichigo was trembling like he was in the middle of a snowstorm. He wasn’t stupid, he knew what red hot metal did to human flesh.
“Lean against the wall.” Yhwach said next.
Ichigo stared at him, feeling his rage at the injustice of it all boiling up. His fists clenched tightly. He wanted to fight, to rant and rave and demand why he had to endure such a thing. But, Yhwach’s next words froze that rage in his veins.
“It is either you or young Yuzu, Ichigo. Would you rather I use this on your little sister? Make your choice quickly now, my patience is running thin.” Yhwach asked, holding the Cross up for him to look at.
The idea that Yhwach would use such a thing on Yuzu made him ill and the fact that it would be Ichigo’s fault…? Ichigo didn’t say another word. He turned and pressed his hands against the wall.
“I do not wish to do this to you, but actions have consequences. Remember that.” Yhwach said before the metal was forced against his skin.
Ichigo shrieked, his hands tightening into fists as he bowed his head. He tried not to move, but his body tried to pull away from pain, so Yhwach just followed him until there was nowhere else to go. The shizzle of flesh burning and the smell was enough to make him gag. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Haschwalth was looking away, pointedly at the floor. A part of Ichigo wanted to snap at him for being a coward, to demand that he watch what was happening, but Ichigo didn’t have the energy. The metal was removed and Ichigo’s knees gave out as he crumbled to the floor.
“How it pains me to do this to you, my son. Especially when you have come so far, but as I said, my words are not to be taken lightly.” Yhwach said.
Ichigo turned his head to watch as Yhwach placed the metal back into the fire.
“Haschwalth will take you back to your room. You will find ointment there for your wound. I suggest using it and wrapping your wound before it gets infected.” Yhwach sat back into his armchair.
Sensing the dismissal for what it was, Ichigo slowly got to his feet before following Haschwalth out the door. Stumbling down the hall, Haschwalth took him back to his room. Sure enough, there was a jar sitting on the bed with bandages. Haschwalth hung his jacket up in the closet before turning to him.
“Let us begin.” Haschwalth said calmly.
Ichigo glanced at him.
“I can do it myself.” Ichigo said coldly.
Haschwalth’s eyes narrowed as he stepped forward.
“Do not be a fool. You cannot reach it yourself.” Haschwalth replied.
Ichigo swallowed hard. He knew that was true, but he really didn’t want this man touching him, not when he was so clearly connected to Yhwach, but Ichigo also wasn’t stupid enough to let a wound like this get infected.
“Fine.” Ichigo whispered.
Haschwalth nodded and grabbed the jar. He opened it and put some of it on his fingers as Ichigo grabbed his pillow to bite into as he braced himself. At the first touch, Ichigo’s cry was muffled by the pillow as he gripped the sheets, almost tearing them. Haschwalth was efficient and quick. When he was done, he wiped his hand on the sheets before grabbing the bandages.
“Straighten up.” Haschwalth demanded.
Ichigo forced himself up. Lifting his arms, Ichigo trembled as Haschwalth wrapped his wound. When it was done, Haschwalth stepped back, nodded to Ichigo and left. The second the door shut behind him, Ichigo collapsed to the ground, sobbing in agony.
—sSs—
The next few days, Yhwach pushed Ichigo to the brink of exhaustion and insanity. Thankfully, his healing factor had kicked in to heal the wound, but it had most certainly scarred. Sometimes, it would pull and ache, but Ichigo had bigger problems than that. Yhwach did not allow for Ichigo to see his sisters, dangling them over his head like a carrot while beating him down with nonstop training. Emotionally, mentally, physically, Ichigo endured, but it was hard. Slowly, he could feel himself breaking down, piece by piece. By the time the day came for the second attack, Ichigo could barely pay attention as Yhwach and Haschwalth came to get him.
“I have decided to let you see the girls before we go. I want you to remember why you are doing all of this.” Yhwach said when they stopped in front of the door again.
Ichigo nodded, his eyes grateful.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Ichigo whispered.
“An hour. That is all we have time for. I suggest you make the most of it.” Yhwach stated.
The door opened and Ichigo stepped inside.
“Ichi-nii!” the girls rushed to him and he knelt down to hug them.
He hugged them tightly, feeling the tears in his eyes. Everything he endured, it was all for this. Everything he suffered, it was all for them. That’s what he kept repeating in his mind.
“One hour.” Yhwach said again before the door closed.
“One hour! We haven’t seen him in days, you-!” Karin started yelling, but Ichigo quickly covered her mouth.
“Karin, please.” he said tiredly.
Yuzu whimpered as she looked him over.
“Ichi-nii.” she whispered.
Ichigo smiled at her.
“I know, Yuzu. I know.” he replied.
Ichigo lifted them up and they sat on the bed again. The twins clung to him and he clung to them. He was so tired. He wanted to just sleep. Just hold his sisters and sleep, but he couldn’t.
“Karin, Yuzu. We are leaving soon. When I get back, it will all be over. It will be done.” Ichigo told them.
Karin and Yuzu shared a worried look.
“But… what if you don’t come back?” Karin asked.
Ichigo just smiled at her as he placed a hand on her head.
“Then it will be on you to take care of yourselves ok? Yhwach swore to me that he would set you free no matter what happens to me.” Ichigo stated.
“But what about you! Ichi-nii, you-” Karin tried to start, but Ichigo just stopped her.
“Karin, please! Just drop it!” Ichigo begged.
The twins were shaken by how weak Ichigo seemed. He sighed and covered his eyes with his arm, trembling.
“I don’t know what is going to happen, but… I know I’m going to have to…" Ichigo choked and the twins quickly hugged him.
Ichigo hugged them as the tears ran down the sides of his face.
“I just… need you two to be safe. That is the only thing keeping me going. So please, just stay safe until then, ok?” Ichigo begged.
“We will.” Yuzu agreed.
The siblings sat in silence, clinging to each other. Eventually, Ichigo spoke.
“When you two were little, I used to sneak into your nursery. I would hold you both just like this. Mom would always come in and scold me, but she would never try to stop me or remove me.” Ichigo said softly.
“I remember that.” Yuzu whispered as Karin nodded.
A knock came to the door. The hour was up. Ichigo sat up slowly and looked at them. He pressed a kiss to each of their heads with a little prayer for safety. That if he didn’t make it out, at least they would. The twins didn’t try to stop him, instead they both pressed a kiss to each of his cheeks.
“I love you.” Ichigo said.
“We love you too, Ichi-nii.” they replied.
As Ichigo stepped into the hallway, he heard them both sobbing and closed his eyes before the closed door muffled their cries.
“Let us go.” Yhwach demanded.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Ichigo muttered.
—sSs—
Soul Society was gone. Standing at the center of it all, Ichigo looked around, his hand gripping his cross and his hoodie pulled up, per His Majesty’s order, yet Ichigo couldn’t stop the panic in his chest or the way the world felt off kilter. Soul Society was gone, replaced by Yhwach’s own world. Ichigo had never been told this was a part of the plan, but now, it made sense. It made sense how they had stormed the Seireitei the first time and why Yhwach had seemed so confident it would work again.
As Yhwach asked Uryuu to recite the Kaiser Gesang, Ichigo found himself focusing on what he had been told to do, the orders he had been given. Ichigo was to stay by His Majesty’s side and keep out of the way. According to him, Ichigo was to stay hidden until Yhwach needed him or he was told otherwise. Until then, he was not to engage with anyone or anything. Ichigo just prayed, as futile as it probably was, that he wouldn’t have to fight anyone he cared about if it came down to it.
As they watched, lights started to appear. Ichigo swallowed as Yhwach seemed to be delighted by their appearance in the dark sky. As each moment passed, Ichigo felt despair start to pool inside of him. People were dying all around him, people he had once called allies or even friends. He could hear their agony and it killed him. Knowing that he was helping this man destroy lives felt like the most vile betrayal. As if sensing his changing mood, Yhwach turned to him.
“Remember why you are doing this, Ichigo.” Yhwach stated simply.
That snapped Ichigo out of his thoughts rather forcefully. Uryuu looked between them, confused, but Ichigo just swallowed and nodded, keeping his eyes down. As time passed, Ichigo struggled as he felt people die one by one. The feeling was like a physical blow each and every time. Ichigo had no choice, but to shut his mind down. It was the only way to save himself and stay just a little bit sane. With each action, each death, each piece in place, Yhwach got closer and closer to the throne and the dread in Ichigo’s stomach got worse.
“It is time.” Yhwach finally said.
Ichigo blinked back to consciousness. There was a bright light in the sky above and Ichigo wondered when that had gotten there. How long had he been hiding in his own mind? He wasn’t sure and was scared to ask.
“Let us go.” Yhwach demanded.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” the three men said.
Landing in the Soul King’s Palace, they came face to face with the Royal Guards. Ichigo wasn’t so sure what was so Royal about them. They fall just as easily as the shinigami did. And then they found Ichibei. The three of them stayed on the sidelines as Yhwach approached the man.
“Ah, I was wondering when you all would get here. I will admit, it took longer than I expected.” Ichibei stated, but his eyes stayed firmly on Yhwach.
“Are you going to step aside, Ichibei? Allow me to rightfully claim my place?” Yhwach asked, though it came out as more of a command.
Ichibei’s eyes flickered to Ichigo and for a moment, he got the feeling the man was sorrowful. Ichigo just stared back, blankly.
“Never.” was Ichibei’s reply.
The fighting after that was beyond anything Ichigo had seen before. Beyond what he thought was possible. Yet, it ended all the same. Ichibei was left a smear on the ground. The last hope Ichigo had died right then and there. If the Head of the Royal Guards couldn’t stop him, then no one could.
“And your turn is next… Soul King.” Yhwach stated, as if it was a fact.
Yhwach led the way as they headed for the throne room of the Soul King. With each step, Ichigo could faintly hear someone calling him. His eyes darted around, confused and uncertain. It begged him to call his name, but Ichigo didn't understand. Who’s name? And why him? As they continued on, Ichigo muttered a small, quiet name under his breath. If anyone heard him say it, they do not say anything.
“We have arrived.” Yhwach stated.
Stepping into the room, Ichigo stared, but not in awe.
“Is that…?” he heard Uryuu ask.
“Yes. The Soul King… my father.” Yhwach replied.
The Soul King, this mighty being that Ichigo had heard stories about, was little more than a body in a rock. For a moment, it was almost laughable, but no one was laughing and Ichigo had to focus. Yhwach, without a second thought, plunged his blade into the dead center of the Soul King’s chest. Ichigo expected something, anything really, but nothing happened. He was confused, turning to look at Uryuu, who glanced at him just as puzzled.
“Ichigo. Come.” Yhwach demanded.
Ichigo swallowed, but followed his command. Stepping up to stand next to the other man, he glanced at Yhwach. Yhwach glanced back and placed a hand on his shoulder. Ichigo gasped when he suddenly felt his shinigami/hollow powers return.
“Finish him.” Yhwach demanded.
Ichigo stumbled a bit, unstable after so long without his full power. He almost wanted to cry.
“King! What the fuck are you doing!” Hollow roared, voice furious.
“Ichigo, please! Don’t do this!” Tensa begged.
Ichigo looked at the rock again and then the sword sticking out of it. He had no choice. This was it. With a slightly trembling hand, he grabbed the blade and felt it pulse. Ichigo focused on his own power and pushed it into the blade in his hand.
“KING STOP!” Hollow screeched.
“ICHIGO!” Tensa begged.
“Enough, the both of you. It must be done.” Old Man replied.
“YOU FUCKING TRAITOR!” Hollow roared.
Ichigo blocked all three of them out. He had to. The blade started to take the shape of Zangetsu and the second it stopped, Ichigo twisted it and ripped it across. The bottom half of the Soul King fell to the floor and that was it. Ichigo stared blankly, static in his ears before Yhwach squeezed his shoulder gently.
“Very good, Ichigo. You have done well.” Yhwach said before pulling away.
The second he did, the silence returned. Hollow, Tensa, Old Man were all gone and it took everything in Ichigo not to scream. He choked it down, trembling. He had dealt with it once, he could do it again. For them.
“Ichigo…?” a soft voice made Ichigo’s head snap up.
Standing on the edge of the throne room were Orihime, Chad, Yoruichi and Ganju, all staring in shock. The world around them began to shake violently and Ichigo knew everything was collapsing.
“Well now, it seems we have visitors.” Yhwach said, almost nonchalantly.
“Are you… Kurosaki-kun?” Orihime asked, stepping forward.
Ichigo was going to be sick. What were they doing here! Had Soul Society really sent children to fix their fucking problems! It seemed like it. Then again, wasn’t that Soul Society in a nutshell?
“There’s no way, right? It can’t be!” Ganju insisted.
Yoruichi’s eyes narrowed.
“Answer me! Are you Kurosaki-kun!” Orihime screamed.
Ichigo did not answer. The shaking was getting worse. Ichigo wondered if the whole place was going to collapse when a shadowy figure suddenly wrapped around the Soul King. Ichigo stumbled away, confused by what he was seeing. Yhwach seemed to know what it was though and it seemed to enrage him. Orihime attempted to fix the Soul King, but it didn’t work. Yoruichi put up a barrier and for a moment, Ichigo actually thought, maybe there was hope. Then Uryuu called his bow and shot Yoruichi in the shoulder.
Ichigo could do nothing as his friends fell over the side. A part of him wanted to follow after them, to make sure that they were safe, but Uryuu grabbed the end of his coat and he stopped. As the room filled with Sternritters, Ichigo closed his eyes. He didn’t want to see this. Wasn’t his part over? Would his sisters be freed now? Even as the world stopped shaking, Ichigo’s hands didn’t.
—sSs—
“You swear it was him?” Urahara demanded.
Yoruichi huffed.
“I can’t swear anything, but… Yhwach called him Ichigo and last I checked, there was only one guy named that on either side.” Yoruichi replied coldly.
Urahara stared at her before looking at the floor.
“So… the worst possible scenario happened.” Urahara whispered.
“So it seems.” she agreed.
Urahara took in a shaking breath.
“What is the plan?” Yoruichi asked.
“Well, to finish the gate, get everyone up there and…” Urahara was cut off.
“That is not what I was asking about and you know it!” Yoruichi snapped.
Urahara paused.
“Kisuke… if Ichigo is a threat, he needs to be-” this time, she was cut off.
“Yoruichi.” Urahara said.
Yoruichi paused, frowning.
“If Kurosaki-san is working for Yhwach, then our only hope is that there is some kind of soul or heart left inside him we can use. If not, I’m sorry, but I do not have a plan to take him out.” Urahara replied.
Yoruichi stared at him before sighing.
“We are really up shits creek without a paddle, huh?” she demanded.
“In so many words, yes.” Urahara agreed.