capeandcowl | Video

Video

[The inside of the Porter's room can be seen, but the one holding it can't be seen yet.]

No! Not yet! Send me back, I was so close!

[The voice is distinctly Ichigo's, but it sounds unnatural and reverberates just like Shiro's voice does. When he finally notices the camera, he turns it to his face, which is covered up by an unnaturally shaped skull mask with red lines along the side.

After a moment, he reaches up and pulls off the mask, which dissolves into a black energy then fades away. When he speaks again, it's in his natural voice.]

This damn machine has the worst timing!

[He's quiet for a long time. He hasn't left the building or moved. He's just leaning against the wall. He sounds a bit defeated.] How long have I been gone?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Ichigo heads straight home after he figures out what is going on. Well, he doesn't really know what's going on here now, and it had only become more complicated with the arrival of this new person that claimed to be Zangetsu.

When he got back to the house, he walked into the kitchen and set Tensa Zangetsu down on the kitchen table, just... staring... at the kid washing dishes.]

Uh... Hi?

Hello.

[ Finishing up, he turns to look Ichigo over - noting that his sword form is sitting on the table. ]

It has been a very long time since you heard me, Ichigo. I know you don't recognize me like this, and that you must have questions. But before any of that, I must first know what you do remember.

[Yeah, this is appropriate since Ichigo hasn't fallen out of bankai since he arrived.]

You really are Zangetsu, aren't you? [The longer he looks at the other, the more he can see the similarities, but one question remains.] How did you get so young and small? [So much tact.]

You mean before I got here? I was in Hueco Mundo, fighting Ulquiorra.

[ Nodding slightly, he reaches a hand out as though to touch the sword on the table...but thinks better of it. So strange to be walking, and talking here in the real world. ]

For all intents, and purposes; yes. I am your zanpakutou. But what do you call your bankai, Ichigo?

[ Better to steer this conversation away from anything to do with Ulquiorra, and Hueco Mundo, then. For what ever reason, Ichigo doesn't seem to remember some very pivotal moments right now. ]

Tensa Zangtsu. [He replies automatically to the other's question, though he says it softly, more to himself than as an answer.

It feels strange to say that, to address another person as such, but at the same time it was somehow reasonable, especially in a place like this.]

You're Tensa Zangetsu, then? Are you still the old man too, or different? [He'd never seen this guy before, but he was somehow familiar enough that even Ichigo could immediately tell that he was who he said he was. Besides, if Shiro could be a damn lizard hollow monster, then why couldn't the old man be a little kid, if he wanted?]

Correct.

[ They are very different, but while Shiro is like a photo-nagative copy of Ichigo, Tensa Zangetsu has the same color eyes, and the same reiatsu as Ichigo. He is a piece of your soul, and because of that, there's a level of understanding that doesn't need words. ]

You have never attempted to enter your inner world while using bankai. I am Zangetsu, and I am Tensa Zangetsu. Just as the sword in your hand changes when you use bankai, so I change. Do you understand?

[Ichigo just nods, looking over to his sword... The literal sword sitting on the table, fitting that he was still in bankai for this conversation. While it was nothing new that he would have a conversation with this part of his sould, or a variation of, it was a bit strange to be having a conversation outside of his inner world.]

It's been a while, hasn't it, old ma- Tensa Zengetsu? This is your first time outside... Are you okay? [What? He's allowed to be concerned for his better half.]

[ Which, really, accounts for this conversation being so calm. Inwardly, Tensa is frustrated with Ichigo, still. But there's no use getting into issues that won't be remembered later. It's enough trauma to be outside of Ichigo's soul. ]

Truthfully, no. I am as far from "okay" as I think I could get. But there is nothing to be done for that right now.

[ It feels equally odd to be looking up at Ichigo, too. ]

...You've grown since last we spoke. And your hair is longer.

Edited 2010-08-21 20:23 (UTC)

[Ichigo had figured as much, he wasn't totally oblivious to everything around him, after all, especially when it came to his own soul... Sometimes. Shiro had trouble adjusting to the real world, to being stuck in a body, so Ichigo had half expected that Tenda Zangetsu would too.]

Well, you're staying here with us, obviously, and... I can try to help you with everything, obviously. [Obviously. Zangetsu had already helped him out so many times, even if he wasn't a part of him, Ichigo owed it to him to do whatever he could to help.

His thoughts are sidetracked again when Tensa Zangetsu tells him that he's grown, and he looks to a bit of hair that he hold out with his fingers.]

You really think so? I've been too busy dealing with that asshole hollow back home, then the Espada. [Not to mention that he regains almost a year of time that he'd spent here in the City now that he's back.]

[ But for all that you've gained some height, and maybe shed some of your naivete, you're still a teenager. Just a kid. Doesn't seem right that you've had to grow up so fast. ]

Mm. A great deal has happened in a short time. You are a long way from the boy who routinely got his blade stuck in the cieling.

[ A wry look to go with that. Sometimes your bankai marvels at how you survived that first month, let alone fighting all of Soul Society. ]

[He was bit beside himself with pride at being complimented by Tensa Zangetsu. After all, the old man was probably the best influence he'd had... Even if he was cryptic as all hell.]

H-Hey, that was a year and a half ago. [He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, forgetting for a moment that...] Oh, I guess it wasn't really that long.

It's been even longer if you count all the time I've been here. You wouldn't know about that though, would you?

There are some things I remember clearly - the M.A.C. apartments, a little English - but others I do not. I can not explain it other than perhaps the memory loss you experience when not here must have side effects.

[ So, basically, he's not helpless, but not exactly an expert, either. ]

However, I am fully aware of human food, and the need to stay hydrated. Do not concern yourself overly with me.

All of the memories came back within about five minutes of being here. I guess you wouldn't get all of them back just because I did...

[Not concern himself over TZ? Are you insane? His best part is not doing well and is also a tiny. There's going to be so much concern.]

Just let me know if you need anything, okay? I don't make much... Actually we're usually always broke, thanks to Shiro, but you don't have to worry about anything, okay?

Considering I found myself here before you were, it stands to reason that there are memories I did not receive in time. So to speak.

[ Ichigo, do you like people hovering over you? Nope. So, it stands to reason that Tensa Zangetsu may look a little different from what you're used to, but he does have his pride. Although the mention of money makes him blink, and rummage in one of his sleeves. ]

Yes, I imagine the hollow would hardly be concerned with anyone, or anything beyond himself - ah. These are meant to help with funds, correct?

[ Holding out the tags that the Porter gave to Tensa when he came to in that strange room. ]

Yeah, sorry about that. I should have been here to meet you sooner.

[That may be so, but does that ever stop anyone? You have to take into account that this is Ichigo, big brother mode might be activating soon, as weird as it is for him to have answers instead of TZ.]

Property damages from him and my fights with Grimmjow aren't cheap.

He looks at the tags that Tensa is holding out.] Yeah, you can use those to get a little money each week, as long as you're not working.

Do not apologize for that which is beyond your control.

[ Frowning when Ichigo didn't take the tags, he simply grabs one of Ichigo's hands, and puts the tags into it. ]

If I finding employment would ease the financial burden, I will find suitable work. Teaching, perhaps. But, take these until then. I have little use for them since this is your house.

[ He's too practical to dwell on how strange, and somewhat disturbing this world is. If he flipped out every time things got weird nether Ichigo, nor his zanpakutou would have gotten very far. ]

[Ichigo looks at the tags in his hand, but doesn't immediately take them or put them away. He didn't mean for Tensa to just give him his money, he should have kept it for himself.]

You don't need to find a job, unless you want to. I can take care of everything. You shouldn't have to.

[ Unfortunately, his answer is to pin Ichigo with a level stare. ]

My purpose is to help you. Be it in battle, or in learning the skills you need to be effective at your chosen path. But here...what use are any of those things? If it is a reprieve for you from the coming war, then that is well.

[ And this time, when he looks at his sword form sitting on the table, he does actually reach out two fingers to barely touch it. It felt...lifeless. ]

But there is no place for me in peace. Therefore I must find another purpose. One that will still benefit you.

[Geez, TZ, you really know how to make an Ichigo feel bad.]

I steel need you're help, you know. Aizen might not be here, but there are still things that happen here that have given me problems, and I don't know much, really...

[He sighs.]

If you really want to find a job though, I won't stop you. You can do whatever you want here.

If you are happy, that is all that matters. It is what you want, isn't it? Perhaps to protect Karakura from stray hollows, yes, but to live in relative peace, nonetheless.

[ He isn't trying to make you feel bad, though. He's just a bit out of sorts right now. ]

From what I understand we may be pulled back to Karakura at any time. Perhaps it would be better to take the offered respite.

[ And because he has missed the sunlight, he actually steps past Ichigo, into the sitting room. Purely to stand in the bar of light coming in through a window. ]

How strange to think that soon it will be autumn. I would like to watch the leaves change, though

Maybe, but there are other strong people here, as well as people that cause trouble, so I don't want to just sit around and do nothing...

[He watches as Tensa walks into the living room, just standing in the doorway and observing as the other stands in the patch of sun and comments about wanting to see the leaves.]

You should take advantage of the peacefulness here too, and do whatever makes you happy. I'll help you with anything you want to do too.

[ ...Actually it hasn't quite sunk in that he could do whatever he wants. But, if Ichigo is offering like this surely a small request wouldn't be amiss. ]

...Green. I would like to see trees, and grass. A natural place - something as far removed from glass, and concrete, and water as is possible given where we are.

[ Looking at Ichigo, finally. Wow it feels weird to be asking for this. But, not bad per say? ]

A garden. Potted plants, perhaps? Something I could look after, and bring indoors if needs be.

[Ichigo can't help but be amused by the other's request, and even laughs a little. It makes sense, that Tensa zangetsu wouldn't want to see buildings after the way that Ichigo's inner world looked. He didn't really get the part about water, but he wasn't going to ask about it for the time being.]

There are a lot of parks we can go to, and we can even go to see the leaves turn and everything.

I'll get you some supplies for a garden. You can do whatever you want with the backyard too.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Video

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ] Sorry for the dealy! My net died on me for a little bit, there >.<

[ Action Spam ] /clings

[ Action Spam ] /chu~<3

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

Re: [ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]

[ Action Spam ]