Hi everyone! Welcome to the first installment of a new story. This is a collaboration between me and Amber Cole, Soul Reapers in training. This is our first time working together on a story, so be patient with us. A special thanks to Amber for originally starting this as an RP with me, and then making it grow. Cheers, and have fun reading! BANKAI!
A note from the authors: Every you see a new edit to the post, such as edit 1, 2, 3, ect......that means a new episode has been added. So please scroll down, and enjoy episode 3!
Bleach: A Tale Of Ice Cream And Hollows BY Alicia Maddox and Amber Cole
Episode 1
The breeze streamed through the trees and lifted the petals of the flowers in a spritely dance. Cherry blossoms filled the area with a sweet scent and fell to the ground like pink snow. Alicia and Amber were out for a shopping trip in Karakura Town with the Soul Reaper, Ichigo, in tow. Alicia and Amber were both exchange students from the USA, but they had another secret. The only other people who knew about it were the Soul Society and Ichigo-and his two younger sisters. They were both Soul Reapers and the high spiritual activity happening in Karakura Town forced them to come here. Old Man Yama (head captain of the Soul Society) said they needed to gain strength. Alicia had known what her Bankai was for a while, but Amber had just learned hers and was still struggling with the pronunciation and remembering it’s name. “We should totally play a prank, or do something to Ichi!” Amber smirked at Alicia. Ichigo glared over at the two scheming girls with boredom. The Soul Society told him to keep an eye on the two girls that were going to be staying in an apartment down the street. Needless to say, he was still a little frustrated about it; especially when Alicia and Amber spoke English to each other. “Like what? We totally should!” Alicia laughed at the idea of it. “He’s forced to watch us anyways, so it will make it all the more fun!” Alicia and Amber giggled. “Okay……….we should challenge him to a dual. Him against the two of us, and we can provoke him and that ego of his. It will be easy! Anndd,” Amber waved her finger in the air, “ if we win he has to take both of us out somewhere!” “Let’s do it! He’s going to freak when he sees my Bankai…….if he even sees it that is.” Alicia grinned and turned around towards Ichi. Ichigo stopped and looked up. “Now what do you want?” He sighed. The two schemers smiled at each other. “We want to make a bet with you Kurosaki-sempai.” Said Alicia. Ichi raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? And just what kind of a bet would that be?” “A dual. Me and Amber against you. And only you.” Ichigo started. “What?! What kind of a bet is that! That’s not even fair. Two against one? Do you even know what your strategy will be?” Ichigo shook his head and crossed his arms, marveling at the stupidity of these two Americans. “And besides, There’s no way I’m fighting two inexperienced young ladies. What kind of a guy do you think I am?” He closed his eyes and turned away, preparing to continue walking. The two schemers snickered at him. “We expected you to say that Sempai.” Said Amber. “Or should I say……….chicken?” Ichigo spun around. “What!? Chicken? Why are you calling me that for?” Alicia walked up beside Amber. “Aw come on Amber. Let’s face it. Kurosaki-chicken is just afraid he’ll get his ass kicked by a couple of “inexperienced” foreign girls. It’s not worth it.” Alicia winked. Ichigo, by this time, was getting indigent. “Now hold on! I’m not afraid of you two. You think you can kick my ass? Well I’ll kick yours so hard you won’t be able to sit for a week!” At this, the two Americans laughed. “I wonder what your Bankai looks like.” Alicia rubbed her chin. Amber smirked. “Probably not much. I wouldn’t expect a lot from a substitute.” Now Ichigo was getting mad. He stormed up to them and bent down to eye level, right in their faces. “Hey! I’ll have you know, my Bankai is huge! It could wipe out half this town if I wanted to.” Unfazed, Amber went on. “Are you sure you want to stand by that statement. After all, you know what they about Soul Reapers and big Bankais.” That did it. Ichigo turned bright red and stepped back from the two. He raised a quivering finger in front of them. “Alright you two brats!” He said through clenched teeth. “If you really want a dual, then you’re gonna get one. Now name your terms.” “The terms are-“ said Alicia stepping up to them, “If you win, then you can brag to all your friends that you took on two highly skilled foreigners and beat them all over Karakura Town with one arm tied behind your back. But if we win, then you have to take the both of us out on a date. And we decide where to go. Deal?” Ichigo looked shocked. “A……a d-date? With you two?” “CHICKEN!” Alicia and Amber shouted together. Ichigo raised his hands to quite them. “Alright, ok! It’s a deal.” The two girls high fived each other. “YES!” Alicia and Amber pulled out two small objects that looked like Pez dispensers. “Over the teeth, and through the gums, look out Chappy, here it comes.” Said Alicia and popped a small green pill into her mouth. Amber did the same. And just like that, they left their bodies and were to be found in the spirit realm in their Soul Reaper form. Ichi took from his pocket the substitute badge that was given him and held it up to his chest. His soul left his body and he joined Amber and Alicia in the spirit realm. “Ok, so who want’s to go first.” Said Ichi. “I will” Alicia stepped forward. “alright then. Prepare to get your ass kicked.” Ichi took to the sky. Alicia followed after him. Amber stayed safely on the ground, knowing what was about to happen. Alicia gathered speed and overtook Ichi. They came to a stop high over the town. The sky was clear and blue. The sun was low in the sky, but it hadn’t begun to set yet. Alicia turned in the air to face him. “Now prepare Ichigo! You’ve seen nothing like this before.” Ichi smirked. “Yeah right. Show me what you got.” Alicia reached to her right and slowly pulled out her Zanpakuto. It was a standard weapon, but the sheath was a deep green and the hilt’s wrappings were green also. The pommel of the sword was in the likeness of a golden dragon. She held the Zanpakuto sideways, with the blade facing her opponent. Alicia then slowly moved her sword evenly across her from right to left, keeping a steady speed. “Raise your head over the horizon. Now Roar, RYU CHIKARA!!” At once, the edges of the sword burst into bright green flames. “Ugh…….” Ichigo shielded his eyes from the brightness. The flames grew bigger and longer. They quickly began to take shape in front of him. Down below, Amber observed the light show, grinning to herself. Up above, the flames began to solidify into a recognizable form. Ichigo gasped at what he saw. A huge, bright green dragon was floating before him. It had no wings, as was typical for a Japanese dragon. It’s main body was a bright, acid green and the under belly was of a lighter shade, with a tinge of yellow. It had spikes starting from the back of it’s head, down it’s back, and to the tip of it’s tail, ending it a sharp, lethal barb. It's head was covered in a thick, dark green mane of feathers, and it’s large round eyes were golden. Ichigo watched in awe as the dragon coiled it’s long snake-like body around Alicia. It raised it’s head high over hers. Ichi snapped out of it. “BANK-“ he began to shout, but the dragon had already opened it’s mouth as if it were roaring. But no sound came from it. Instead, what Ichigo saw was what looked like heat waves coming from it’s mouth and heading straight for him. Ichigo didn’t have time to react. He was hit with the first wave. “Ugh! What is this…….?” He clutched his head. Another wave hit him. “I…..I can’t see……..” Then Ichigo lost all consciousness upon the third wave and plummeted to the earth below. “Well that didn’t take long.” Amber said to herself. The dragon disappeared and Alicia sheathed her sword. She then followed Ichi back down. Ichigo hit the asphalt with a tremendous crash, leaving a shallow crater in the road. Alicia landed beside him. Amber walked over to Ichi and poked him in the head. “What did you do to him?” Alicia looked at the knocked out teen. “My Bankai has the ability to produce subsonic waves that momentarily disrupt the electrical brain waves in it’s target. Thus, causing my opponent to blackout for a few minutes. He’ll wake up soon enough. At that moment, the slumbering substitute began to stir. He groaned, and opened one eye. “What……..what the hell was that?” He grunted, as he sat up, rubbing his head. Alicia and Amber explained it to him. Ichi stood up and brushed himself off. He then turned to Alicia, a sheepish grin on his face. “Well, I must admit. I’m impressed. I’ve never heard of a Bankai that could do that sort of thing. Very well, you guys win.” Alicia and Amber both cheered. “So were would you like to go?” He said. Alicia and Amber looked at each other. They smiled. Amber grabbed Ichi’s left arm, and Alicia grabbed his right. They began to walk down the street. “Uh, guys?” Said Ichigo. “Guys……where are we going?..........Guys? Hey!
Episode 2
The girls hurriedly pulled him over to a park where a small ice cream stand had been set up. “We want one of those.” Amber said, pointing, “And pronto!” Ichigo glared. “All you want is ice cream? Why didn’t you say so in the first place.” He started to walk over to the cart. “That’s not all, we want the big sundaes!” Alicia shouted after him. Ichi hunched his shoulders even more. He couldn’t wait for these two to go home. Why did they have to be such a pain in the ass? Weren’t they supposed to be helping the Hollow problem? All they were doing, was being a nuisance and causing trouble. Ichigo waited in line behind a mother and her screaming child. This was going to be a long school year. Ichigo glanced back at the two giggling girls, who kept looking up at him every so often, phones in hand. What were they up to now? “Excuse sir, what would you like?” A smiling woman in the ice cream cart asked. Ichi looked at the flavor board. What would be cheap, but big enough to be considered a sundae? He knew Amber liked anything with chocolate, or strawberry. She wouldn’t shut up about his name for a week after she arrived here. He also knew that Alicia liked mint-chocolate chip and coffee flavors. He didn’t see any prices on the ice cream, so it couldn’t be too bad. “I’ll take two sundaes. One with strawberry and chocolate, and the other with coffee and mint-chocolate chip.” He began to get out his wallet. His sister, Yuzu, was going to be all over him about how he didn’t get her any ice cream, he thought to himself. Ichi smirked. “Great! I’ll go make that for you.” Said the woman. “It will be 2,500 yen.” She gave a smile, and a small giggle. “WHAT!” Ichigo stared at the lady. “2,500 yen! That’s insane! What is it? Magic or something?!” Ichigo dug around in his wallet looking for some more yen. Amber and Alicia walked up with an amused expression their faces. “Here, I’ll buy my treat.” Alicia smacked down some money on the counter and winked at Amber. Ichi stared at them both, then clenched his teeth. “You can pay us back later Ichi.” Alicia said, licking her ice cream. Ichigo glared at the ground. “Yeah, what kind of a guy makes the girl pay for the date.” Amber sighed. “You really are a hopeless case Ichi.” “Hey! I don’t have to pay you back for anything. And we’re not on a date!” Ichigo shouted after them as they walked back down the street. Ichi noticed that people were starting to snigger. He ran off after them. “You have your damn ice cream now, so why can’t we just be over with this and go back home? I’m tired of having to babysit you guys. And besides, you two are old enough to take care of yourselves!” Ichigo ranted. Amber stopped and spun around. “Well like it or not, you lost a bet because you were too weak so now you have to go where we want to until the debt has been repaid!” Amber retorted. Ichigo and Amber stared each other down for a moment before Ichi sighed and turned away. “Fine. What are you two wanting to do now?” He said, with annoyance and boredom in his voice. He ran a hand through his messy orange-red hair. Alicia and Amber chatted quietly for a while. Then Amber turned to Ichigo. “The sun is about to set. We should all go to the park and watch it! RACE YA!” Amber gave a thumbs up before flash stepping toward the playground. Alicia turned back toward Ichigo with a smile. “C’me on! We can’t let her win can we?” Alicia grabbed Ichi’s hand and pulled him after her. “Finally! Something I’m good at.” Ichi laughed as he ran alongside her. By this time, Amber had already gotten way ahead of them. She was no longer in their sights. “I think she might beat us!” Alicia huffed, as she and Ichi sped toward the local park. But just then, they stopped dead in their tracks. A sudden, powerful wave of spirit pressure hit the two like a brick wall. It oppressive, and full of malice. Almost at the same time, a loud piercing scream shattered the twilight. Alicia stared at Ichigo with a horrified look on her face. “Do you think?” Ichigo nodded in response to Alicia’s question. “Then let’s go!” Ichigo and Alicia took off once more, now going faster than before, as more screams echoed through the streets. After what seemed like an eternity, they came at last to Karakura’s playground. It was a wide area, with a small field at one end and trees bordering the playground. On the other end was the play area, with monkey bars, a swing set, a jungle gym, and tires. When Ichi, and Alicia arrived there, their eyes quickly turned to the field not far off. What they saw shocked them. A Hollow nearly as big as the field it was in stood before them. It had a body like a gorilla’s and a tale like a possum. It’s thick, stumpy legs ended in camel-like hooves, and it’s skeletal head looked like an ape’s with thick ram horns curling on either side of it’s head. From the deeps of it’s empty sockets stared two sinister points of light. It’s muscular arms reached to the grond, and it’s hands were nothing more than three thick, sharp claws. It was covered from neck to tale in grayish-green scales. There was a huge gaping hole in the middle of it’s belly, and in one of it’s clawed hands, was Amber. It was squeezing her tightly. “AMBER!” Alicia screamed, dropping her ice cream. “Oh no!” Ichigo shouted in horror. Amber looked beaten. Blood was pooling underneath where the Hollow held her, mixing with the sundae she dropped trying to defend herself. “Amber, use your Bankai!” Alicia shouted to her, as she herself pulled out her Zanpakuto. Amber struggled as more blood trickled to the ground. “I……..I can’t remember how to pronounce it! And I feel so weak……..I don’t know why…..” Amber grunted. “NOOOOO!” Alicia screamed again, and charged toward the Hollow. Ichigo drew his sword and flash stepped in front of Alicia. “Wait! This Hollow is too big for you to take on alone. And it seems like it can drain a person’s spirit energy. Can you feel it?” He looked at the Hollow. Alicia checked herself. “Yeah, you’re right. I can feel a decrease in my strength. But what about Amber? We can’t leave her!” Alicia looked helplessly at Amber. Amber clenched her fist and weakly swung at the Hollow’s face. It hit with a weak thump. The Hollow laughed. “Come at me fools! Let me show you my true power!” It roared in a deep gravelly voice. Alicia gritted her teeth. “Ichigo, how do we beat this thing? I’ve never fought one this big, or powerful before.” Alicia glanced between Ichi and the Hollow. Ichigo smirked, with a confident look on his face. “Who needs a plan. All we gotta do is win right?” Ichigo turned to look at Alicia. “Back me up with some Kido, and since I have more experience, I’ll do the close combat.” Alicia nodded and readied herself. All these long hours of learning Kido would finally pay off. “Hang on! I’m coming to get you!” He swung his sword. “BANKAI!” he roared. Amber, still struggling, but just as determined as ever, glared down at him, trying to get an arm free from the Hollow’s grip. “I don’t need your help, bastard. I can do it. I know I can! Just let me try………Stars rain like the falling snow……ummmm…..ack!” The Hollow laughed at her attempt. “Pathetic Shinigami can’t even remember her own sword’s name!” “Hey bastard! Look at your attacker!” Ichigo spat and chaged toward the Hollow while Alicia bombarded it with Kido. “Hado 31. Shakkaho!” Alicia yelled, holding her left arm up and palm facing toward the Hollow’s face. A ball of red light shot from her hand. It hit it square in the eyes. The Hollow wailed and dropped Amber to the ground. It now turned all of it’s attention to the two attackers. “You punks!” The monster yelled. Ichigo launched himself from the ground with his sword held over his head. “YEEEAAAAHHHHH!!” He screamed and brought his sword swiftly down toward the Hollow’s face, but the brute blocked it, forcing Ichigo to retreat into the air just above it. Alicia ran closer to the monster. “Shakkaho!” She yelled again and fired a red ball of flame at it’s chest this time. It struck home, sending the Hollow backward and leaving it’s softer underside exposed. Ichigo did not hesitate; he zoomed back down, and, knowing the beast’s hide would still be tough, shouted, “GETSUGA TENSHO!” A bright blue-white wave of energy was flung from his blade and cut through the Hollow. Mortally wounded, it clutched it’s belly in pain. Ichigo came down hard on the monster with his blade. He sliced through it’s scull and down it’s full length. The Hollow gave a great roar, and disintegrated. I higo landed on the ground and sheathed his sword. Amber started to sit up as Alicia ran to her. “Are….are you ok? Are you hurt?” Alicia helped Amber up and dusted her off. Amber winced and clutched her ribs, her robes were stained with blood. “I…I think it broke a few of my ribs….” Amber managed to say. Alicia put Amber’s arm over her shoulders. “Let’s get you home and I’ll heal you.” She looked at Ichi. He was examining the place where the Hollow had been. His eyes were focused on the ground and his forehead was furrowed. “Ichigo, let’s go home.” Alicia called. Ichi looked up. “right.” He said. Walked back to the others and helped Alicia with Amber. “Are you ok, Amber?” He said quietly. “I’ll be ok once we get home.” She reassured him. Ichigo still looked troubled. Alicia glanced at him. “I know what you’re thinking. There was something not right about that Hollow. It was too big, and it’s spiritual pressure felt off somehow. “Ichigo looked back at the playground. “I just hope there aren’t any more of those in town….” They walked back to Alicia’s apartment, which was not far from Ichigo’s own home. When got in, Alicia took Amber to the couch and healed her. “Well, that was eventful.” Alicia smiled after she was done. Amber didn’t say anything. She just stared at her hands. “Ah, don’t beat yourself up about it, Amber. Learning the ins and outs of your Zanpakuto take time. You’ll get the hang of it eventually.” Ichigo smiled at her and winked. Amber smiled at him a little. Ichigo stretched and turned to look out a window. “In the meantime, we need to think about food. I’m hungry.” “Well, we could have sushi for a change.” Alicia stood up. “The only problem is, I don’t know how to fix it. But Amber here does. She’s a pro!” Amber blushed a little. “Oh I’m not THAT good. But we’ll have to go to my apartment, if we all want sushi.” “Then let’s go!” Ichigo opened the door and lead the two girls out. Just as they were walking across the street, Alicia piped up. “By the way, you still owe us Ichi” Ichigo stopped in the middle of the street. “What do you mean I still owe you? You got your ice cream didn’t you?” Amber smiled. “Well, not really. We never really got a chance to eat it because of that Hollow. So you still owe us a date.” She winked at him, Alicia giggled. Ichigo, on the other hand, was in histerics. “Now wait just a damn minute! I just saved your asses, doesn’t that count for SOMETHING! Hey! Come back here, I’m not done yet!” Ichigo chased the now laughing girls across the street and into the next apartment complex, while two dark figures watched from a window above.
Episode 3
Ichigo stopped suddenly and looked around. He had sensed other spiritual presser close by, but then it had vanished as soon as Ichi took notice of it. He shook his head. It was probably another Soul Reaper passing close by. He resumed following the girls to the apartments. They, of course, had out run Ichigo by this time and were now inside. “Hey, wait up!” He called, but he knew it was pointless, though, he did hear faint giggling and a door slam shut somewhere above him. Ichi smiled to himself. Amber and Alicia were a pain, but a good one. Though he would never admit it out loud, the two Yankees were starting to grow on him a bit. Ichi climbed the steps of the apartment slowly, trying to remember which one was Amber’s. He finally came to what he thought was the right door and knocked. “Hello? It’s me…..” The door was unlocked, so Ichi let himself in. He stepped into a short hallway with a flight of steps directly to the right. To the left was a doorway leading into the living room. Alicia was seated on a low couch in front of a TV. An anime show was on. Ichi quickly caught a flash of roses and a lot of pink as a group of boys dressed in light blue danced across the screen. Amber poked her head out of the kitchen with a knife in her hand. It was then that the smell of cooking food hit Ichigo in the face. He breathed in slowly, then exhaled. Now he was hungry. “So now you decide to use your manners!” Amber laughed and pointed at him with her knife. Ichi tensed a little. “We knew it was you at the door. And if it wasn’t, Alicia could have totally kicked your butt!” Alicia laughed and looked around at him. “Just like how I handed your ass to you in that duel.” Alicia and Amber high-fived. Ichigo rolled his eyes and plopped down next to Alicia on the couch. “So what kind of sushi are we having?” He asked as Amber brought out a tea tray for him and Alicia. He took a sip from his cup. “I was thinking about a salmon roll, or maybe spicy tuna! Those are really good and I can make some edamame to go with it.” Amber started rambling off more choices to him and Alicia as she walked back into the kitchen. “Yeah, that sounds good!” Alicia called after her friend. Things turned quiet, as Alicia and Ichigo became absorbed in the anime show; the sounds of food being prepared provided background noise. Just then, a new noise made itself known. Outside the apartment door, the soft, but distinct sound of footsteps were heard. Ichigo paid in no mind as he thought it was just other apartment inhabitants walking down the stairs outside. But then, he felt that same spiritual pressure again. Stronger this time. Ichigo quickly stood up; Alicia looked around at the door and Amber walked out of the kitchen. Do you guys…feel that?” Alicia asked. Just then, the door burst open in a plume of purple smoke. Alicia and Amber rushed toward the smoke with a battle scream. “Guys, wait!” Ichigo tried to stop them, but couldn’t move quickly enough. Ready for action, the two girls started swinging, or throwing whatever they had in hand. A tight grip took hold of their arms, but it wasn’t a monster; the dying smoke revealed a tall man in a dark green tunic and a low brimmed, green and white stripped hat that shadowed most of the features of his face, standing before them. He had the girls by their wrists in each hand and a lazy, devilish smirk was on his face. “Well, nice to meet you two at last. I’ve heard some promising things from the Soul Society about you.” His voice came in a relaxed, laid back drawl. “And judging by your fears response to my presence, I’d say I won’t be disappointed.” He looked up at Ichigo. “I take it you haven’t told them about me yet, Ichigo. I’m disappointed in you.” He released them. Alicia and Amber rubbed their wrists. “You look a lot like those surfer guys from where I live. And what the hell are you doing in my house? Haven’t you heard of privacy?” Amber interjected. The strange man stared down at her and casually raised his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I came here because I heard someone say there was going to be sushi and Yoruichi…..” He motioned down and Amber and Alicia saw at his heels, a cat as black as the night outside. It’s big golden eyes peered up at them. “..and I have some news I think concerns you all. From what I understand, you were attacked correct? He looked at Amber. Alicia cleared her throat and spoke up. “Exactly who are you anyway?” “Oh! My apologies. The name is Kisuke. Kisuke Urahara.” Kisuke gave a formal bow. “Now that the formalities are out of the way, shall we discuss the issue at hand over some sushi.” An unfamiliar voice spoke. Alicia and Amber looked around, but no one else was in the room with them. “Down here.” Came the voice again, this time a little annoyed. They looked down. The cat looked back at them. It blinked. Sudden realization dawned on the two girls. Alicia gasped, Amber shrieked and jumped back behind Ichigo, clutching his shoulders. “IT…….IT TALKED! THAT CAT TALKED!!” The cat sniffed. “You humans are all the same. I always get the same response.” Yoruichi’s tail twitched. Ichigo sighed and pried Amber’s hands off his shoulder. Alicia, who was momentarily stunned by this new revelation, finally regained her powers of speech. She squealed and ran over to the cat. “My dreams have finally come true!” She picked up the cat and spun around, holding it close to her face. The cat gave an angry yowl, unsheathed it’s claws, and pricked Alicia on the nose. “Owww!” she dropped the indignant beast. Yoruichi sniffed and glared at her. “I am not just some common house cat. I am a human being too.” The feline bounded over to the couch and in a bright flash of light, transformed. There, in the middle of the room, stood a beautiful woman. She was lithely built, but muscular, like her cat form. Her skin was dark, and her short hair was a deep purple. Her large eyes kept their golden hue, and………….she was stark naked. Alicia and Amber shrieked. Ichigo quickly turned away, his face turning a bright red. “Damn it, put some clothes on!” Kisuke smirked. He reached into his robes and pulled out a small white fan. With a quick turn of his wrist the fan opened. He hid his smile behind it. Out of everyone in the room, Kisuke seemed creepily nonchalant about the fact that a naked young woman just materialized out of thin air. Yoruichi turned to Ichigo. She smirked. “Aw, you know you like it.” She winked, and Alicia and Amber started to laugh. Ichi’s face got redder. “It’s not funny!” He said through gritted teeth. Amber snickered, and grabbed a robe from a hanger next to the door. She threw it to Yoruichi. “Thank you” She said and put it on. “It’s safe to look now.” Alicia laughed and sat back down on the couch. Yoruichi sat next to her. Amber went back in the kitchen to finish the food while Ichigo and Kisuke took their seats at some bean bag chairs on the floor. Anticipation written all over her face, Alicia leaned toward Kisuke. “So tell us, do you know anything about that strange Hollow we fought.” Amber appeared with more tea and the sushi. “Dig in!” Amber plopped down on the floor next to Alicia. Kisuke folded and ufolded his hands before that lazy smile of his appeared on his face.
Hi everyone! Welcome to the first installment of a new story. This is a collaboration between me and Amber Cole, Soul Reapers in training. This is our first time working together on a story, so be patient with us.
A special thanks to Amber for originally starting this as an RP with me, and then making it grow. 
Cheers, and have fun reading!
BANKAI!
A note from the authors: Every you see a new edit to the post, such as edit 1, 2, 3, ect......that means a new episode has been added. So please scroll down, and enjoy episode 3!
Bleach: A Tale Of Ice Cream And Hollows
BY
Alicia Maddox and Amber Cole
Episode 1
The breeze streamed through the trees and lifted the petals of the flowers in a spritely dance. Cherry blossoms filled the area with a sweet scent and fell to the ground like pink snow. Alicia and Amber were out for a shopping trip in Karakura Town with the Soul Reaper, Ichigo, in tow. Alicia and Amber were both exchange students from the USA, but they had another secret. The only other people who knew about it were the Soul Society and Ichigo-and his two younger sisters. They were both Soul Reapers and the high spiritual activity happening in Karakura Town forced them to come here. Old Man Yama (head captain of the Soul Society) said they needed to gain strength.
Alicia had known what her Bankai was for a while, but Amber had just learned hers and was still struggling with the pronunciation and remembering it’s name.
“We should totally play a prank, or do something to Ichi!” Amber smirked at Alicia. Ichigo glared over at the two scheming girls with boredom. The Soul Society told him to keep an eye on the two girls that were going to be staying in an apartment down the street. Needless to say, he was still a little frustrated about it; especially when Alicia and Amber spoke English to each other.
“Like what? We totally should!” Alicia laughed at the idea of it.
“He’s forced to watch us anyways, so it will make it all the more fun!” Alicia and Amber giggled.
“Okay……….we should challenge him to a dual. Him against the two of us, and we can provoke him and that ego of his. It will be easy! Anndd,” Amber waved her finger in the air, “ if we win he has to take both of us out somewhere!”
“Let’s do it! He’s going to freak when he sees my Bankai…….if he even sees it that is.” Alicia grinned and turned around towards Ichi. Ichigo stopped and looked up.
“Now what do you want?” He sighed. The two schemers smiled at each other.
“We want to make a bet with you Kurosaki-sempai.” Said Alicia. Ichi raised an eyebrow.
“Oh really? And just what kind of a bet would that be?”
“A dual. Me and Amber against you. And only you.” Ichigo started.
“What?! What kind of a bet is that! That’s not even fair. Two against one? Do you even know what your strategy will be?” Ichigo shook his head and crossed his arms, marveling at the stupidity of these two Americans.
“And besides, There’s no way I’m fighting two inexperienced young ladies. What kind of a guy do you think I am?” He closed his eyes and turned away, preparing to continue walking. The two schemers snickered at him.
“We expected you to say that Sempai.” Said Amber. “Or should I say……….chicken?” Ichigo spun around.
“What!? Chicken? Why are you calling me that for?” Alicia walked up beside Amber.
“Aw come on Amber. Let’s face it. Kurosaki-chicken is just afraid he’ll get his ass kicked by a couple of “inexperienced” foreign girls. It’s not worth it.” Alicia winked. Ichigo, by this time, was getting indigent.
“Now hold on! I’m not afraid of you two. You think you can kick my ass? Well I’ll kick yours so hard you won’t be able to sit for a week!” At this, the two Americans laughed.
“I wonder what your Bankai looks like.” Alicia rubbed her chin. Amber smirked.
“Probably not much. I wouldn’t expect a lot from a substitute.” Now Ichigo was getting mad. He stormed up to them and bent down to eye level, right in their faces.
“Hey! I’ll have you know, my Bankai is huge! It could wipe out half this town if I wanted to.” Unfazed, Amber went on.
“Are you sure you want to stand by that statement. After all, you know what they about Soul Reapers and big Bankais.” That did it. Ichigo turned bright red and stepped back from the two. He raised a quivering finger in front of them.
“Alright you two brats!” He said through clenched teeth. “If you really want a dual, then you’re gonna get one. Now name your terms.”
“The terms are-“ said Alicia stepping up to them, “If you win, then you can brag to all your friends that you took on two highly skilled foreigners and beat them all over Karakura Town with one arm tied behind your back. But if we win, then you have to take the both of us out on a date. And we decide where to go. Deal?” Ichigo looked shocked.
“A……a d-date? With you two?”
“CHICKEN!” Alicia and Amber shouted together. Ichigo raised his hands to quite them.
“Alright, ok! It’s a deal.” The two girls high fived each other.
“YES!”
Alicia and Amber pulled out two small objects that looked like Pez dispensers.
“Over the teeth, and through the gums, look out Chappy, here it comes.” Said Alicia and popped a small green pill into her mouth. Amber did the same. And just like that, they left their bodies and were to be found in the spirit realm in their Soul Reaper form. Ichi took from his pocket the substitute badge that was given him and held it up to his chest. His soul left his body and he joined Amber and Alicia in the spirit realm.
“Ok, so who want’s to go first.” Said Ichi.
“I will” Alicia stepped forward.
“alright then. Prepare to get your ass kicked.” Ichi took to the sky. Alicia followed after him. Amber stayed safely on the ground, knowing what was about to happen. Alicia gathered speed and overtook Ichi. They came to a stop high over the town. The sky was clear and blue. The sun was low in the sky, but it hadn’t begun to set yet.
Alicia turned in the air to face him.
“Now prepare Ichigo! You’ve seen nothing like this before.” Ichi smirked.
“Yeah right. Show me what you got.” Alicia reached to her right and slowly pulled out her Zanpakuto. It was a standard weapon, but the sheath was a deep green and the hilt’s wrappings were green also. The pommel of the sword was in the likeness of a golden dragon. She held the Zanpakuto sideways, with the blade facing her opponent. Alicia then slowly moved her sword evenly across her from right to left, keeping a steady speed.
“Raise your head over the horizon. Now Roar, RYU CHIKARA!!” At once, the edges of the sword burst into bright green flames.
“Ugh…….” Ichigo shielded his eyes from the brightness. The flames grew bigger and longer. They quickly began to take shape in front of him. Down below, Amber observed the light show, grinning to herself. Up above, the flames began to solidify into a recognizable form. Ichigo gasped at what he saw. A huge, bright green dragon was floating before him. It had no wings, as was typical for a Japanese dragon. It’s main body was a bright, acid green and the under belly was of a lighter shade, with a tinge of yellow. It had spikes starting from the back of it’s head, down it’s back, and to the tip of it’s tail, ending it a sharp, lethal barb. It's head was covered in a thick, dark green mane of feathers, and it’s large round eyes were golden. Ichigo watched in awe as the dragon coiled it’s long snake-like body around Alicia. It raised it’s head high over hers. Ichi snapped out of it.
“BANK-“ he began to shout, but the dragon had already opened it’s mouth as if it were roaring. But no sound came from it. Instead, what Ichigo saw was what looked like heat waves coming from it’s mouth and heading straight for him. Ichigo didn’t have time to react. He was hit with the first wave.
“Ugh! What is this…….?” He clutched his head. Another wave hit him.
“I…..I can’t see……..” Then Ichigo lost all consciousness upon the third wave and plummeted to the earth below.
“Well that didn’t take long.” Amber said to herself. The dragon disappeared and Alicia sheathed her sword. She then followed Ichi back down. Ichigo hit the asphalt with a tremendous crash, leaving a shallow crater in the road. Alicia landed beside him. Amber walked over to Ichi and poked him in the head.
“What did you do to him?” Alicia looked at the knocked out teen.
“My Bankai has the ability to produce subsonic waves that momentarily disrupt the electrical brain waves in it’s target. Thus, causing my opponent to blackout for a few minutes. He’ll wake up soon enough. At that moment, the slumbering substitute began to stir. He groaned, and opened one eye.
“What……..what the hell was that?” He grunted, as he sat up, rubbing his head. Alicia and Amber explained it to him. Ichi stood up and brushed himself off. He then turned to Alicia, a sheepish grin on his face.
“Well, I must admit. I’m impressed. I’ve never heard of a Bankai that could do that sort of thing. Very well, you guys win.” Alicia and Amber both cheered.
“So were would you like to go?” He said. Alicia and Amber looked at each other. They smiled. Amber grabbed Ichi’s left arm, and Alicia grabbed his right. They began to walk down the street.
“Uh, guys?” Said Ichigo.
“Guys……where are we going?..........Guys? Hey!
Episode 2
The girls hurriedly pulled him over to a park where a small ice cream stand had been set up.
“We want one of those.” Amber said, pointing, “And pronto!” Ichigo glared.
“All you want is ice cream? Why didn’t you say so in the first place.” He started to walk over to the cart.
“That’s not all, we want the big sundaes!” Alicia shouted after him. Ichi hunched his shoulders even more. He couldn’t wait for these two to go home. Why did they have to be such a pain in the ass? Weren’t they supposed to be helping the Hollow problem? All they were doing, was being a nuisance and causing trouble. Ichigo waited in line behind a mother and her screaming child. This was going to be a long school year. Ichigo glanced back at the two giggling girls, who kept looking up at him every so often, phones in hand. What were they up to now?
“Excuse sir, what would you like?” A smiling woman in the ice cream cart asked. Ichi looked at the flavor board. What would be cheap, but big enough to be considered a sundae? He knew Amber liked anything with chocolate, or strawberry. She wouldn’t shut up about his name for a week after she arrived here. He also knew that Alicia liked mint-chocolate chip and coffee flavors. He didn’t see any prices on the ice cream, so it couldn’t be too bad.
“I’ll take two sundaes. One with strawberry and chocolate, and the other with coffee and mint-chocolate chip.” He began to get out his wallet. His sister, Yuzu, was going to be all over him about how he didn’t get her any ice cream, he thought to himself. Ichi smirked.
“Great! I’ll go make that for you.” Said the woman. “It will be 2,500 yen.” She gave a smile, and a small giggle.
“WHAT!” Ichigo stared at the lady. “2,500 yen! That’s insane! What is it? Magic or something?!” Ichigo dug around in his wallet looking for some more yen. Amber and Alicia walked up with an amused expression their faces.
“Here, I’ll buy my treat.” Alicia smacked down some money on the counter and winked at Amber. Ichi stared at them both, then clenched his teeth.
“You can pay us back later Ichi.” Alicia said, licking her ice cream. Ichigo glared at the ground.
“Yeah, what kind of a guy makes the girl pay for the date.” Amber sighed. “You really are a hopeless case Ichi.”
“Hey! I don’t have to pay you back for anything. And we’re not on a date!” Ichigo shouted after them as they walked back down the street. Ichi noticed that people were starting to snigger. He ran off after them. “You have your damn ice cream now, so why can’t we just be over with this and go back home? I’m tired of having to babysit you guys. And besides, you two are old enough to take care of yourselves!” Ichigo ranted. Amber stopped and spun around.
“Well like it or not, you lost a bet because you were too weak so now you have to go where we want to until the debt has been repaid!” Amber retorted. Ichigo and Amber stared each other down for a moment before Ichi sighed and turned away.
“Fine. What are you two wanting to do now?” He said, with annoyance and boredom in his voice. He ran a hand through his messy orange-red hair. Alicia and Amber chatted quietly for a while. Then Amber turned to Ichigo.
“The sun is about to set. We should all go to the park and watch it! RACE YA!” Amber gave a thumbs up before flash stepping toward the playground. Alicia turned back toward Ichigo with a smile.
“C’me on! We can’t let her win can we?” Alicia grabbed Ichi’s hand and pulled him after her.
“Finally! Something I’m good at.” Ichi laughed as he ran alongside her. By this time, Amber had already gotten way ahead of them. She was no longer in their sights.
“I think she might beat us!” Alicia huffed, as she and Ichi sped toward the local park. But just then, they stopped dead in their tracks. A sudden, powerful wave of spirit pressure hit the two like a brick wall. It oppressive, and full of malice. Almost at the same time, a loud piercing scream shattered the twilight. Alicia stared at Ichigo with a horrified look on her face.
“Do you think?” Ichigo nodded in response to Alicia’s question.
“Then let’s go!” Ichigo and Alicia took off once more, now going faster than before, as more screams echoed through the streets.
After what seemed like an eternity, they came at last to Karakura’s playground. It was a wide area, with a small field at one end and trees bordering the playground. On the other end was the play area, with monkey bars, a swing set, a jungle gym, and tires. When Ichi, and Alicia arrived there, their eyes quickly turned to the field not far off. What they saw shocked them. A Hollow nearly as big as the field it was in stood before them. It had a body like a gorilla’s and a tale like a possum. It’s thick, stumpy legs ended in camel-like hooves, and it’s skeletal head looked like an ape’s with thick ram horns curling on either side of it’s head. From the deeps of it’s empty sockets stared two sinister points of light. It’s muscular arms reached to the grond, and it’s hands were nothing more than three thick, sharp claws. It was covered from neck to tale in grayish-green scales. There was a huge gaping hole in the middle of it’s belly, and in one of it’s clawed hands, was Amber. It was squeezing her tightly.
“AMBER!” Alicia screamed, dropping her ice cream.
“Oh no!” Ichigo shouted in horror. Amber looked beaten. Blood was pooling underneath where the Hollow held her, mixing with the sundae she dropped trying to defend herself.
“Amber, use your Bankai!” Alicia shouted to her, as she herself pulled out her Zanpakuto. Amber struggled as more blood trickled to the ground.
“I……..I can’t remember how to pronounce it! And I feel so weak……..I don’t know why…..” Amber grunted.
“NOOOOO!” Alicia screamed again, and charged toward the Hollow. Ichigo drew his sword and flash stepped in front of Alicia.
“Wait! This Hollow is too big for you to take on alone. And it seems like it can drain a person’s spirit energy. Can you feel it?” He looked at the Hollow. Alicia checked herself.
“Yeah, you’re right. I can feel a decrease in my strength. But what about Amber? We can’t leave her!” Alicia looked helplessly at Amber. Amber clenched her fist and weakly swung at the Hollow’s face. It hit with a weak thump. The Hollow laughed.
“Come at me fools! Let me show you my true power!” It roared in a deep gravelly voice. Alicia gritted her teeth.
“Ichigo, how do we beat this thing? I’ve never fought one this big, or powerful before.” Alicia glanced between Ichi and the Hollow. Ichigo smirked, with a confident look on his face.
“Who needs a plan. All we gotta do is win right?” Ichigo turned to look at Alicia.
“Back me up with some Kido, and since I have more experience, I’ll do the close combat.” Alicia nodded and readied herself. All these long hours of learning Kido would finally pay off.
“Hang on! I’m coming to get you!” He swung his sword. “BANKAI!” he roared. Amber, still struggling, but just as determined as ever, glared down at him, trying to get an arm free from the Hollow’s grip.
“I don’t need your help, bastard. I can do it. I know I can! Just let me try………Stars rain like the falling snow……ummmm…..ack!” The Hollow laughed at her attempt.
“Pathetic Shinigami can’t even remember her own sword’s name!”
“Hey bastard! Look at your attacker!” Ichigo spat and chaged toward the Hollow while Alicia bombarded it with Kido.
“Hado 31. Shakkaho!” Alicia yelled, holding her left arm up and palm facing toward the Hollow’s face. A ball of red light shot from her hand. It hit it square in the eyes. The Hollow wailed and dropped Amber to the ground. It now turned all of it’s attention to the two attackers.
“You punks!” The monster yelled. Ichigo launched himself from the ground with his sword held over his head.
“YEEEAAAAHHHHH!!” He screamed and brought his sword swiftly down toward the Hollow’s face, but the brute blocked it, forcing Ichigo to retreat into the air just above it. Alicia ran closer to the monster.
“Shakkaho!” She yelled again and fired a red ball of flame at it’s chest this time. It struck home, sending the Hollow backward and leaving it’s softer underside exposed. Ichigo did not hesitate; he zoomed back down, and, knowing the beast’s hide would still be tough, shouted, “GETSUGA TENSHO!” A bright blue-white wave of energy was flung from his blade and cut through the Hollow. Mortally wounded, it clutched it’s belly in pain. Ichigo came down hard on the monster with his blade. He sliced through it’s scull and down it’s full length. The Hollow gave a great roar, and disintegrated. I higo landed on the ground and sheathed his sword. Amber started to sit up as Alicia ran to her.
“Are….are you ok? Are you hurt?” Alicia helped Amber up and dusted her off. Amber winced and clutched her ribs, her robes were stained with blood.
“I…I think it broke a few of my ribs….” Amber managed to say. Alicia put Amber’s arm over her shoulders.
“Let’s get you home and I’ll heal you.” She looked at Ichi. He was examining the place where the Hollow had been. His eyes were focused on the ground and his forehead was furrowed.
“Ichigo, let’s go home.” Alicia called. Ichi looked up.
“right.” He said. Walked back to the others and helped Alicia with Amber.
“Are you ok, Amber?” He said quietly.
“I’ll be ok once we get home.” She reassured him. Ichigo still looked troubled. Alicia glanced at him.
“I know what you’re thinking. There was something not right about that Hollow. It was too big, and it’s spiritual pressure felt off somehow. “Ichigo looked back at the playground.
“I just hope there aren’t any more of those in town….” They walked back to Alicia’s apartment, which was not far from Ichigo’s own home. When got in, Alicia took Amber to the couch and healed her.
“Well, that was eventful.” Alicia smiled after she was done. Amber didn’t say anything. She just stared at her hands.
“Ah, don’t beat yourself up about it, Amber. Learning the ins and outs of your Zanpakuto take time. You’ll get the hang of it eventually.” Ichigo smiled at her and winked. Amber smiled at him a little. Ichigo stretched and turned to look out a window.
“In the meantime, we need to think about food. I’m hungry.”
“Well, we could have sushi for a change.” Alicia stood up. “The only problem is, I don’t know how to fix it. But Amber here does. She’s a pro!” Amber blushed a little.
“Oh I’m not THAT good. But we’ll have to go to my apartment, if we all want sushi.”
“Then let’s go!” Ichigo opened the door and lead the two girls out. Just as they were walking across the street, Alicia piped up.
“By the way, you still owe us Ichi” Ichigo stopped in the middle of the street.
“What do you mean I still owe you? You got your ice cream didn’t you?” Amber smiled.
“Well, not really. We never really got a chance to eat it because of that Hollow. So you still owe us a date.” She winked at him, Alicia giggled. Ichigo, on the other hand, was in histerics.
“Now wait just a damn minute! I just saved your asses, doesn’t that count for SOMETHING! Hey! Come back here, I’m not done yet!” Ichigo chased the now laughing girls across the street and into the next apartment complex, while two dark figures watched from a window above.
Episode 3
Ichigo stopped suddenly and looked around. He had sensed other spiritual presser close by, but then it had vanished as soon as Ichi took notice of it. He shook his head. It was probably another Soul Reaper passing close by. He resumed following the girls to the apartments. They, of course, had out run Ichigo by this time and were now inside.
“Hey, wait up!” He called, but he knew it was pointless, though, he did hear faint giggling and a door slam shut somewhere above him. Ichi smiled to himself. Amber and Alicia were a pain, but a good one. Though he would never admit it out loud, the two Yankees were starting to grow on him a bit. Ichi climbed the steps of the apartment slowly, trying to remember which one was Amber’s. He finally came to what he thought was the right door and knocked.
“Hello? It’s me…..” The door was unlocked, so Ichi let himself in. He stepped into a short hallway with a flight of steps directly to the right. To the left was a doorway leading into the living room. Alicia was seated on a low couch in front of a TV. An anime show was on. Ichi quickly caught a flash of roses and a lot of pink as a group of boys dressed in light blue danced across the screen. Amber poked her head out of the kitchen with a knife in her hand. It was then that the smell of cooking food hit Ichigo in the face. He breathed in slowly, then exhaled. Now he was hungry.
“So now you decide to use your manners!” Amber laughed and pointed at him with her knife. Ichi tensed a little.
“We knew it was you at the door. And if it wasn’t, Alicia could have totally kicked your butt!” Alicia laughed and looked around at him.
“Just like how I handed your ass to you in that duel.” Alicia and Amber high-fived. Ichigo rolled his eyes and plopped down next to Alicia on the couch.
“So what kind of sushi are we having?” He asked as Amber brought out a tea tray for him and Alicia. He took a sip from his cup.
“I was thinking about a salmon roll, or maybe spicy tuna! Those are really good and I can make some edamame to go with it.” Amber started rambling off more choices to him and Alicia as she walked back into the kitchen.
“Yeah, that sounds good!” Alicia called after her friend. Things turned quiet, as Alicia and Ichigo became absorbed in the anime show; the sounds of food being prepared provided background noise. Just then, a new noise made itself known. Outside the apartment door, the soft, but distinct sound of footsteps were heard. Ichigo paid in no mind as he thought it was just other apartment inhabitants walking down the stairs outside. But then, he felt that same spiritual pressure again. Stronger this time. Ichigo quickly stood up; Alicia looked around at the door and Amber walked out of the kitchen.
Do you guys…feel that?” Alicia asked. Just then, the door burst open in a plume of purple smoke. Alicia and Amber rushed toward the smoke with a battle scream.
“Guys, wait!” Ichigo tried to stop them, but couldn’t move quickly enough. Ready for action, the two girls started swinging, or throwing whatever they had in hand. A tight grip took hold of their arms, but it wasn’t a monster; the dying smoke revealed a tall man in a dark green tunic and a low brimmed, green and white stripped hat that shadowed most of the features of his face, standing before them. He had the girls by their wrists in each hand and a lazy, devilish smirk was on his face.
“Well, nice to meet you two at last. I’ve heard some promising things from the Soul Society about you.” His voice came in a relaxed, laid back drawl.
“And judging by your fears response to my presence, I’d say I won’t be disappointed.” He looked up at Ichigo.
“I take it you haven’t told them about me yet, Ichigo. I’m disappointed in you.” He released them. Alicia and Amber rubbed their wrists.
“You look a lot like those surfer guys from where I live. And what the hell are you doing in my house? Haven’t you heard of privacy?” Amber interjected. The strange man stared down at her and casually raised his hands in mock surrender.
“Hey, I came here because I heard someone say there was going to be sushi and Yoruichi…..” He motioned down and Amber and Alicia saw at his heels, a cat as black as the night outside. It’s big golden eyes peered up at them.
“..and I have some news I think concerns you all. From what I understand, you were attacked correct? He looked at Amber. Alicia cleared her throat and spoke up.
“Exactly who are you anyway?”
“Oh! My apologies. The name is Kisuke. Kisuke Urahara.” Kisuke gave a formal bow.
“Now that the formalities are out of the way, shall we discuss the issue at hand over some sushi.” An unfamiliar voice spoke. Alicia and Amber looked around, but no one else was in the room with them.
“Down here.” Came the voice again, this time a little annoyed. They looked down. The cat looked back at them. It blinked. Sudden realization dawned on the two girls. Alicia gasped, Amber shrieked and jumped back behind Ichigo, clutching his shoulders.
“IT…….IT TALKED! THAT CAT TALKED!!” The cat sniffed.
“You humans are all the same. I always get the same response.” Yoruichi’s tail twitched. Ichigo sighed and pried Amber’s hands off his shoulder. Alicia, who was momentarily stunned by this new revelation, finally regained her powers of speech. She squealed and ran over to the cat.
“My dreams have finally come true!” She picked up the cat and spun around, holding it close to her face. The cat gave an angry yowl, unsheathed it’s claws, and pricked Alicia on the nose.
“Owww!” she dropped the indignant beast. Yoruichi sniffed and glared at her.
“I am not just some common house cat. I am a human being too.” The feline bounded over to the couch and in a bright flash of light, transformed. There, in the middle of the room, stood a beautiful woman. She was lithely built, but muscular, like her cat form. Her skin was dark, and her short hair was a deep purple. Her large eyes kept their golden hue, and………….she was stark naked. Alicia and Amber shrieked. Ichigo quickly turned away, his face turning a bright red.
“Damn it, put some clothes on!” Kisuke smirked. He reached into his robes and pulled out a small white fan. With a quick turn of his wrist the fan opened. He hid his smile behind it. Out of everyone in the room, Kisuke seemed creepily nonchalant about the fact that a naked young woman just materialized out of thin air. Yoruichi turned to Ichigo. She smirked.
“Aw, you know you like it.” She winked, and Alicia and Amber started to laugh. Ichi’s face got redder.
“It’s not funny!” He said through gritted teeth. Amber snickered, and grabbed a robe from a hanger next to the door. She threw it to Yoruichi.
“Thank you” She said and put it on.
“It’s safe to look now.” Alicia laughed and sat back down on the couch. Yoruichi sat next to her. Amber went back in the kitchen to finish the food while Ichigo and Kisuke took their seats at some bean bag chairs on the floor. Anticipation written all over her face, Alicia leaned toward Kisuke.
“So tell us, do you know anything about that strange Hollow we fought.” Amber appeared with more tea and the sushi.
“Dig in!” Amber plopped down on the floor next to Alicia. Kisuke folded and ufolded his hands before that lazy smile of his appeared on his face.
Edited by Alicia Maddox