ARC 1 : Part X
Chapter 10
INSANITY and REALITY.
000
BEFORE TIME TRAVEL
ORIGINAL TIMELINE
Yhwach, the seemingly vanquished enemy, lives on. His corpse, heavily fortified by Squad Zero, now serves as the Soul King. A similar fate, it's hinted, befell his predecessor.
The deception is complete.
The populace believes their Soul King is safe.
They don't know the truth: Yhwach's influence persists.
Nobody knows the details of his conditions.
Kurosaki Ichigo's destiny hung in the balance.
Hyosube Ichibe intended to make him the next Soul King, a process that would have, quite literally, cut him apart.
Kyoraku Shunsui found the plan distasteful.
Hyosube Ichibe, however, remained unconcerned; he never expected Kurosaki Ichigo to win.
He joked about the eternal silence such a fate would bring.
Soul tickets would have facilitated this transformation.
Yhwach's absorption of the Soul King altered everything. He feared Mimihagi, his father's power.
This fear, coupled with Ukitake's sacrifice, changed Yhwach's plans, preventing Ichigo's gruesome fate.
Days after Yhwach's defeat, Aizen returned to Muken. A new chair for his cell. He wanted to speak with Ichigo.
Kyoraku Shunsui and Urahara Kisuke refused.
They were suspicious of Aizen motives.
Shunsui insisted on quick transport to Muken. He wanted minimal conversation.
Unexpectedly, Hisagi Shuhei mentioned Captain Tosen Kaname's death and demands Aizen to give him answer.
Aizen and Hisagi discussed Captain Tosen's actions.
They debated Soul Society's original sin. Aizen explained his motives.
Soul Society's history? Fabricated. Lies built its foundation, Aizen answered.
Kyoraku Shunsui ended their discussion abruptly. Fearing the truth will spread.
Aizen immediately returned to his solitary confinement.
000
A century passed.
Yhwach's body was useless. He couldn't replace the Soul King. Yhwach resisted. He sought revenge. This wasn't a surprise. Yhwach despise the Soul King's existence.
Yhwach's corpse was insufficient. He continued to fight the seals. Soon, Soul Society will face destruction. Their future was bleak.
They needed Ichigo.
Again
He was their only salvation.
Only two could replace the Soul King.
Aizen Sousuke was untrustworthy.
One option remained.
Kurosaki Ichigo. Their only options.
The Soul Society faced a cruel dilemma. A human, was their only hope. They had already failed him repeatedly. Their incompetence had terrible consequences.
First, failing to kill Yhwach. Countless lives were lost. The human and his friend lost their mothers.
Then, failing to suspect Aizen Sousuke.
Thousands suffered.
Their arrogance blinded them. They were responsible for the human's existence. A normal life was stolen from him.
Next, their dishonesty.
They kept secrets about Kugo Ginjo, his powers, everything. For over a year, the boy suffered alone. They could have given him hope.
They failed.
Finally, their weakness.
They couldn't defeat Aizen Sousuke, the Quincy, or Kugo Ginjo. His youth was sacrificed. The human saved them. Twice. He trusted them despite reason.
Yet, they had no choice but to ask more.
They would rob him of everything.
Ichigo Kurosaki was the only one.
He alone could bear the burden.
He was the only vessel for the Soul King's power.
There was no other choice.
Thus, they decided.
Kurosaki Ichigo, the Substitute Shinigami, would become the Soul King.
No turning back.
He would lose his human life, his friends, his family, his future－everything.
All to end their millennia of mistakes.
They hoped he'd understand.
They told themselves that, at least.
Aizen Sousuke sneered. "Hypocrites," he spat. "You fear the truth. This world, your Soul Society—was a fabricated lies. Soul Society's sin is disgusting. Your claims of maintaining balance? Empty words. Nothing but byproduct of cowardice." He mocked their fear.
Their faith was a sham. A cruel joke.
Their supposed truth—a lie. Nothing but, a hollow performance.
Aizen saw through them.
He knew their vulnerability.
Their hypocrisy.
Their fear.
000
Ossan POV.
Ichigo, you feared White Zangetsu. You think he was your inner Hollow. A terrifying power.
His presence threatened you. You suppressed your abilities out of fear－a dangerous choice－and in denial. Your Self-preservation abandoned－fearing your Hollow potential－because you're afraid when people think of you as a monster.
But did you know, Ichigo? White Zangetsu was fiercely protective and he would stop at nothing.
He was your Zanpakuto. A brutal, merciless sword. A fierce apex predator, protective of his charge.
Anyone who hurt you faced his wrath. He was merciless. He was terrifying. He was your protector. He saved your life. Many times.
Unlike me.
I'm not Zangetsu, Ichigo.
I'm not your Zanpakuto.
000
Ichigo's battle with Aizen left him broken. His father's pressure to use the Final Getsuga Tenshou felt like a betrayal.
Ichigo's despair was profound. A crushing weight. His father's accusation of cowardice only amplified it.
Using the Final Getsuga Tenshou broke my heart.
Loneliness consumed me. My tears fell. Pleading was useless.
In the end, Ichigo sacrificed himself.
It broke my heart. Ichigo was alone, desperate. Vulnerable. I didn't want Ichigo to be left powerless.
Ichigo sacrificed himself. For family, friends, allies. The Shinigamis. The Fullbringers. Kugo Ginjo. All used him－they all exploited him for their own gain－and abandoned Ichigo when he was weak.
His sacrifice? Taken for granted. His feelings? Ignored. He was abandoned.
They used him. A pawn. A weapon. A martyr.
The Soul Society needed his power, nothing more.
Once powerless, Ichigo was discarded by them. Ichigo needed help. Someone to protect Ichigo. But no one was there for Ichigo.
I want to be there for you, Ichigo.
I ached to help, to protect you, Ichigo.
To shield you from the Shinigami. I knew the Quincy threat loomed. But, Ichigo would fight alongside the Shinigami. This fact filled me with dread. I wanted you to be safe.
000
I hate the rain, Ichigo..... I fear to be rained on by your agony, and to prevent the rain, I would do anything and give everything for you, so long as you trust me, I ensure no rain would ever fall.
Trust me, Ichigo, you'll never be alone.
Or so I thought.
In truth, it was me who are afraid to be alone.
I afraid to not be acknowledge by you, that's why I lied－by claiming Zangetsu name.
I wish it was me, the name that you called, Ichigo.
But you only called for Zangetsu－not my name.
I'm not Zangetsu.
Hollow was Zangetsu.
....
I'm Yhwach.
Always been Yhwach.
It's me Ichigo..
Hear my name...
000
How many do I have to shout for you to hear my true name?
Pain and sadness grip my heart bitterly. It feels so lonely.
I'm alone. Without you.
Please call my name, Ichigo.
Call me, Ichigo.
Call me Yhwach.....
And yet....
My name went unheard. My name went uncalled.
Zangetsu, Ichigo called.
Loneliness stab my heart like venomous viper.
Ichigo liked being a Shinigami. Ichigo only wanted Shinigami power.
I'm not Shinigami power.
I'm Quincy power.
Being a Quincy..... Ichigo will reject me when he found out the truth－my lie.
Am I unwanted? For not being a Zanpakuto.
Am I forsaken? For not being a Shinigami.
000
Quincy invasion came.
Ichigo fought again. You defended the Shinigami. You journeyed to the Soul King Palace.
Oetsu Nimaya revealed my lie.
A fake name, I blanketed myself with so I could be with you.
Now Ichigo know that I'm not Zangetsu.
I told Ichigo that I'm not Zangetsu.
There's no lie in my heart other than a fake name－Zangetsu.
Zangetsu is not me.
I thought within this world, no one would know me better other than you.
Am I a fool?
Perhaps.
I might be foolish.
But I don't regret loving you.
Whenever I saw you, my heart would waver.
Instead stopping you, I ended up supporting you.
I released my hold on Ichigo's Shinigami power that I suppressed, returning Ichigo's Zanpakuto.
What greater happiness could there be?
I'm satisfied with this outcome.
I'm proud of Ichigo's growth.
I'm happy for Ichigo.
I should be happy for Ichigo.
Ichigo happiness was paramount.
000
Will Ichigo finally called my real name? I hope so.
That hope crashed into pieces.
Ichigo called me Zangetsu.
Ichigo only wanted Zangetsu.
Ichigo only acknowledged Zangetsu.
Ichigo only accepted Zangetsu.
Only Zangetsu.
Not Yhwach.
Never Yhwach.
Ichigo doesn't want Yhwach.
My name remains uncalled.
Not acknowledged.
Disappointment choking my throat.
It hurts....
The rejection.
Yet my tears keep falling from my eyes.
Why my tears keep falling?
Stop crying.
Stop.
Stop.
Stop.
Stop.
Why I can't stop crying?
Sadness drowning me, taking my breath away.
000
The Shinigami intended to use Ichigo. The monk was deceitful.
I saw you walking down on the Shrine. The ritual of Irazusando. The Soul King's vessel ritual. Fear and terror choking my heart.
Ichigo!
No!
Stop!
Don't walk there!
Please! I begged Ichigo.
Ichigo looking at me with determination, "It was my choice, Ossan." Ichigo said.
Cold chill spread through my body, thinking Ichigo would be sacrificed. Is it inevitable? I don't want Ichigo to become a Soul King.
000
Ichigo faced Yhwach－despair followed. Defeat followed despair. Yet, Ichigo fought again and won.
Yhwach became the Soul King. Then Yhwach escaped and revenge fueled his return.
The Shinigami needed salvation. They needed Ichigo strength. Again. Ichigo agreed.
Ichigo only wanted to protect people. Yhwach was defeated again by Ichigo's hands.
Shinigami needed another Soul King. They choose you－Ichigo.
They made Ichigo the Soul King. Ichigo's body was shattered. His freedom, agency, power－all stolen. The Shinigami used Ichigo power to maintain their balance－fragile control.
I wanted to protect you. From the Shinigami, from the Quincy, from everything. Your fight against Yhwach—the despair, the defeat, the ultimate victory—it all tore at me.
I hated them.
I hated myself even more.
I love you Ichigo.
000
The rain hammered down. Each drop a cold reminder my grief and my heart was in ruins.
I lay broken－laughing until my throat burns.
Isn't it funny? I had a strength and yet.... I was powerless to protect you. You became a Soul King. I laugh. I keep laughing.
HahahaAHAHAhahaHahAHahaHA!
You died. You die on my hands. I held you. Your body was still. Cold. A Corpse. Your bright spirit was gone. Empty husk. Void.
"Ichigo."
"Ichigo."
"Ichigo."
Again and again I chanted your name as I laughing. I laughed until my voice cracked, tears running down my faces.
HahahaAHAHAhahaHahAHahaHA!
And keep laughing. My Despair roared louder. I thought of happy times. Safe times. Filled joy and hope. But these thoughts felt empty.
I failed. I couldn't protect you. I couldn't be strong enough. I couldn't change things. Yet, I keep laughing.
Laugh. Laugh higher. Laugh louder. Keep laughing.
HahahaAHAHAhahaHahAHahaHA!
Memories flooded back. Your smile, your determination. You always pushed forward, go beyond.
Now? You're gone. Memories keep flooding. Moments we spend together. Does it matter? To live? To breath?
Should I follow you in death, Ichigo? Should I die too, Ichigo? Can I go with you? Can I be with you? Dying together? Ichigo?
000
"Ichigo! Let me introduce you to my first generation Schutzstaffel. " I said to Ichigo.
"This is Nikita Deslock." I introduced them to Ichigo.
"This is Johann Seydlitz."
"This is Algora Laylau."
"This is Hubert Alexander Kleich."
"Ichigo are you asking what my opinions about my Schutzstaffel?" I asked Ichigo, as Ichigo seems nervous to ask.
"Ichigo.... don't worry. I don't mind any of your questions. Ask me anything, Ichigo. " I answered, "Silly Ichigo, I don't mind you being curious. It made me happy that you wanted to know about me or about Quincy." I chuckled, as put Ichigo on my lap.
"Nikita likes shooting from a rifle. She's reliable." I explained what I thought about her to Ichigo.
"Algora is steadfast person and kind to his comrade. The scar on his forehead was the proof." I answered Ichigo, as Ichigo wondered about the scar on Algora's face.
"Johann was dependable person. He's doesn't shy to bring up his opinion. But that's make him reliable aide." I explained to Ichigo, as Ichigo said that Johann looks like hard-boiled man due to Johann's eye-patch.
"Hubert loyalty to me was unquestionable. He can be mouthful towards his comrade, but I know I can depend on him." I said, as Ichigo said as Ichigo think that Hubert looks like a fanatic type of person from the way he keep gazing at me.
"Hmm... Ichigo, you prefer a sword? So am I..... Perhaps we can spar from time to time." I replied, as I pat Ichigo's head.
"You want to know the name of the black horse that I ride?" I answered, as Ichigo asking about my black horse, the epic horse was cool according to Ichigo's opinion.
"His name was Alptraum. In Northwest language it means Nightmare. The reason for naming it like that? Anyone who sees me, would submit to my might, they will remember me who mounted my black horse as being of terror who bring nightmares to my enemies. A powerful King." I embraced Ichigo, as it seems Ichigo looks sleepy. We return to my castle.
I carried Ichigo to his bed, as I laid Ichigo's head on a pillow and covered him with a blanket, then we snuggled close, hugging each other. Night invited the moon as it glows through the window. Sleeps comes for me, as I shut my eyes.
000
Slap!
Huh? A slap?
"Wake up, Ossan!"
Ichigo's Hollow, furious, yanked my cloak.
Zangetsu? Why was he here? Ruining my sleepover with Ichigo?
"King's dead, Ossan..... He died long ago," the Hollow whispered, his voice cracking.
Snap!
Something inside shattered. A scream ripped from my throat.
No! No! No! No! NO!
NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO.
NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
NO!!!! NO!!!!
NO!!!!!!!!!!
ICHIGO!!!
Ichigo! Impossible. He can't be dead. It's a lie. A cruel, twisted lie. He's alive. He has to be. I refuse to believe it. This is a nightmare. I'll wake up any second. This isn't real.
My denial was a shield against the pain.
A desperate, fragile shield. I'm not letting go. Not now. Never. He's alive. I'll find him. I'll bring him back. Ichigo is alive. He must be alive. Ichigo is not dead. Ichigo already died.
Original Timeline end.