The Colored Forest

Chapter 1 - Into the Forest
(Cue – Audiomachine, Eternal Flame)

 Something was lurking in the Jagged. Of that Ichigo was sure. The city of Seireitei was known because of its prosperity for the last fifty years. Ruled by King Yamamoto the land had flourished and thrived. Rich and fertile soil resided inside the towering walls of Seireitei so food was plentiful. The men of the city were brave and loyal, defending their coveted territory from hungry neighboring cities and towns.

 Yet, in the past years there had been a series of ill-fated events. Storms came from the east, from the Jagged; enormous storms that ravaged the city, upturning crops, and lifting dirt and debris. Sometimes they were powerful enough to destroy homes. The wind buffeted the city and the rain pelted in stinging cold drops. The people mourned the losses and cursed the Gods for their hand in the Destinies.

 The Jagged was a dense dark forest that rimmed the east side of the city. It had always been there, a dark shadow tainting the land and recorded on every map. It was said to be gargantuan in size, with permeable darkness, for no sunlight filtered in through the canopy of leaves. Anyone who came close would be abducted and dragged by their feet, never to see the light again, or so it was said. It was called the Jagged because of the immense sharp rock that protruded from the treetops. Ominous and dark, it even had an influence on the interior of the city; the less fortunate lived on the east side of the city, and despite the protective walls, fear still crawled into the bed of the poor, be they man, woman or child.

 Ichigo was fortunately one of the prosperous and wealthy of the city, living as a knight in the towering castle at the center. Yet, he and his twin, Shiro hadn’t always lived in such conditions.

 Their father lived as the medic in their part of the city. Middle class, at best was their ranking. The city was divided into four sectors which were divided into four more subdivisions. The King’s castle towered in the middle. They lived in a small house toward the center of Rukon subdivision. Loud merchants bellowed at the tops of their lungs to nab the attention of a passerby. Children thieved and their trickery had no restraint.

 The twins had been the strongest of their division wielding magic and sword with utmost skill. As it happened every five years, a tournament was held; one to select the next three men or women that were to be a part of the Royal Guard. Ichigo and Shiro had fought hard and long to get strong enough to defeat each of the two men from each subdivision, only to have to do it again and face off against the next six men from the four sectors. It was a free for all, a killing spree, every man for himself.

 In the end it hand been Ichigo, Shiro and a woman named Rukia who had endured and remained standing amid the fallen bodies of the other five men and women.

 The three warriors stood, hurting, but tall and proud still as the men and women of the city roared their approval.

 When King Yamamoto had seen the two twins and Rukia he blessed them and bestowed upon their shoulders the weight of the city.

 It would appear that the weight had doubled over the past four years. Particularly in the last months, for Yamamoto had proposed that any man that ventured into the forest to find what caused the misery and strife would come back with the respect and acknowledgement of the city.

 “You come back merely alive, telling of what you have seen in the Jagged and you will have power.” King Yamamoto said.

 It looked as if even the prospect of fame and glory did not deter the men of the Royal Guard from their fear of the Jagged.

 “I think we should do it, Ichi.” Shiro said one morning when they were in their sleeping quarters. The albino had told him of the repercussions of such a feat as going into the Jagged, and Ichigo began to see the idea as a good one. They were strong. Their bravery knew no bounds. Shiro could be reckless at times and despite his claims of only wanting the glory, they were loyal to their home and would do anything for it.

 So when Ichigo told King Yamamoto of their acceptance of the challenge the king had been thrilled and sent them off in a week’s time.

 Preparations were quick and Ichigo began to look upon his journey with grim trepidation. He and his brother were given the finest armor in the city. Miners went out of the city to find the finest ore to use for their protection and blacksmiths toiled and slogged over fire to mold them into the hardest of armor.

 They were given dried meats and cheeses to eat along their journey. Each took a bow and a quiver of arrows. Water skins to keep their throats from growing parched.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> They journeyed out of the west gate of the city. No king wanted their doors opened to the Jagged. They travelled along the side of Seireitei keeping close to the walls so no attention was brought to them. The escorts had been unbelieving. They remained firm on their belief that one look at the Jagged would send the twins back to their beds. Rukia was the one to defend them.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Ichi, Ichi. You really think you can go into that forest? You’ll be killed, especially someone as weak as you.” the guard sneered when Ichigo turned to glare at him. “You won’t go in there. Coward.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “At least he’s trying, who’s the one that told me they were senseless for even considering it? You! You fool!” Rukia growled and grabbing an arrow from her quiver she poked at Nnoitra’s exposed neck.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “You worthless wench!” he said, batting away the offending weapon.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> And then they reached the edge of the forest.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> (Cue – Two Steps From Hell, The Truth Unravels)

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Shiro, are you sure about this?” Ichigo said, his voice quiet, as if in reverence to the bone chilling silence that seemed to saturate the air. “Maybe we should go back.” he looked back at the escorts, Nnoitra was sneering at him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Shiro plowed forward, “Nonsense, we’ll look like fools! We’ve not even taken a step beneath the canopy of trees!” he held his hand on the hilt of his sword, which rested on his back. His armor glistened in the light of the sun before the darkness of the forest enveloped him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Ichigo quickly followed behind. “Eeuwige vërlichting.” he said, and lifted his hand. The air swirled above his palm for a moment until a bright orb floated over his hand. He could see Shiro’s back.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Light your own, Shiro.” He said, quietly. Only when he heard his brother’s soft uttering of the incantation, did he relax slightly. He remained alert though.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> He could see his brother’s back, but the armor did not shimmer as it did in the sunlight. The dark was all encompassing and thick enough to cut. Even the everlasting illumination did little to hinder the blackness. He wondered how they were to navigate their way back to the edge of the forest.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Would they even come out? They would be trapped in this abysmal gloom for the rest of their lives. Would they wither away and be lifeless like the rest of the forest?

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> He didn’t know. Shiro looked to have enough confidence for the both of them, so Ichigo let him lead. He stayed close behind, looking down every so often to see if there were any roots or loose stones to trip him up. He felt that if he fell, he would never get back up.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> --

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> They had been walking for hours, it seemed. The forest gave the impression that time was at a complete standstill. Without the sun, how would they know the passing of the days? So far nothing had moved or made a sound. Any normal forest would be thriving and pulsing with living creatures. The only sounds were the footfalls coming from the twins’ heavy boots. And even that sounded muffled and muted.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Then it started; small globes of light drifting on the edge of their eternal illumination. They grew closer and Ichigo grew nervous. And Shiro, despite his bout if confidence, began the feel the wear of fright as well. After that the small lights drew to such proximity that Ichigo could lift a hand and touch it. When he did, ignoring his brother’s protests, he touched the orb, and everything changed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Light shined everywhere, blinding him, making him lift a hand to shield his eyes. When his eyes adjusted he could see the forest floor beneath his feet and the mossy trunks and green leaves of the trees. He looked above at the canopy and took great pleasure in realizing that each tree was a different color. Purples, blues, greens, reds, all mixed together in a kaleidoscope of color. He noticed that the little orbs of light weren’t merely floating spheres, they were small pixies. He’d heard of them from far out across the land, but he had never seen one. He lifted a finger and the little pixie sat her dainty feet in the tip of it. She bowed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “I give you my thanks, little pixie.” Ichigo said, tipping his head forward.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> The pixie laughed “Do not thank me yet, young warrior, you have yet to prove yourself.” she said, twirling on the tip of his finger. “My name is Orihime, and yours?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Ichigo Kurosaki. It is a wonderful pleasure to make your acquaintance, Orihime.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Orihime bowed and said “No, young warrior, the pleasure is all mine. Welcome to the Gikleurde Bossen.” She swept a hand out as if to display the beauty of the forest.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> He noticed animals flitted about, some even coming close to him. He knelt down carefully and picked up the hare that shuffled over to him. He walked through the forest, forgetting his brother completely, not even noticing his absence.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> --

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Shiro saw his brother disappear, he’d heard his brother’s cry and then Ichigo was gone. He turned around, searching in the dismal light for any sign of his brother. “Lumineus!” The spell brightened the eternal illumination, lighting up the forest around him, for a fraction of a second and then went out altogether. All hell broke loose in Shiro’s mind. He knelt on the ground, cradling his head in his hands. A protruding stone dug into his shin and he grabbed it, pulled it out of the ground, and blindly hurled it away from him. A sob worked its way from his throat, then another. Then another till he was weeping, much resembling a child. He was never going to see his beloved brother again. He was going to be trapped in this darkness till he rotted away into foul smelling filth. Heart wrenching cries broke free and filled the forest. So caught up was he in his sorrow that he didn’t notice that the only source of light was coming from the orb.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> He felt something brushing the back of his hand. He looked up and saw what Ichigo had touched. He attempted to swat it away, but it evaded and again drew closer. Then he noticed that there were more of them, some of them having perched themselves on his armor. He was about to shoo them away in an effort to wallow in his self-pity, when a thought hit him; Ichigo touched them and disappeared, maybe Shiro could follow if he, too, touched the floating orbs.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> (Cue – Two Steps From Hell, Color the Sky)

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> He carefully lifted a hand, almost hesitant, and the little light flew forward. As soon as his finger made contact Shiro felt his muscles tense, then relax, he felt the need to close his hand into a fist, but he had not the strength to do so. Then he saw it, the forest had changed. Light touched everything, revealing that the forest was indeed beautiful. To Shiro it was beautiful, but he wasn’t the kind of man who appreciated beauty, so he did not dote upon it as his brother did. He noticed the pixies flitting about, one of them spoke.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Come, I will lead you to your brother.” she said, in a high tinkling voice. She flew forward and Shiro followed.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “My name is Rangiku, what name were you given, mighty warrior?” the pixie asked, settling herself to fly backwards and face him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Shiro Kurosaki. Watch where you are going Rangiku, lest you fly into a tree.” Shiro said, grinning when the little pixie huffed and flew faster, still facing him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Stubborn bird, I like that.” he said, lifting a finger, he invited her to a seat. She blushed and sat down on the crook of his finger.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Keep going straight.” she mumbled.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> They walked in companionable silence, Shiro weaving his way through the trees but keeping in the direction Rangiku told him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> It was when he finally reached the end of the canopy that he saw his brother “Ichigo!” the albino ran to his brother and nearly tackled him, “Brother, don’t you dare do something like this again. I almost died of grief when I saw that you had gone away.” He vaguely registered the two fairies giggling and perching themselves in Ichigo’s hair.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> He took his time making sure his brother was okay. Running his hands over Ichigo’s limbs and torso to make certain that nothing was broken or out of place.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “I’m fine Shiro. And so are you. Let’s see if we can go find what’s causing those storms.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Orihime laid down on Ichigo’s head and rested her chin in her hands. Rangiku looked longingly at Shiro who rolled his eyes and patted his own head, making Rangiku squeal in delight and lay herself on her stomach, nestled in the albino’s white hair.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “You won’t have to look far. The Masters are close.” Orihime said, patting Ichigo’s forehead with her tiny hand. She sat up and pointed down the river, “It’s not far, but it is precarious. There are many obstacles from here to the Masters.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Will you help us along, Orihime?” Ichigo said, lifting his hand so the pixie could climb over his fingers. Orihime sat down on his palm and smiled up at him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Definitely.” she said.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Ichigo smiled “Alright, let me put on my armor and we’ll be off.” he said, and picking up his breast plate he pulled it over his head, tying the shoulders and sides. Piece by piece he covered himself in protective silver and gold. He finished by tying the gauntlets and he found himself ready to go.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Let’s go” Ichigo said, letting Orihime settle herself on his head again.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> They walked along the river, oftentimes having to wade through the flowing waters to get by. Trees surrounded them on either side covering the river with their leafy ceiling. Ichigo could see the animals that crawled and scampered through the underbrush.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> (Cue – Two Steps From Hell, Wind Queen)

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> It was Orihime that heard it first; soft singing coming from the forest on either side of them.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Santen kesshun!” she cried, lifting her hands and clenching her tiny fists. Just as suddenly as her cry came, did a come a wall of yellow light too, surrounding them completely

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Ichigo, Shiro, I can’t hold onto this spell for very long. You’ll have to concentrate on your goal. Don’t listen to the singing, and whatever you do,'' don’t touch them. ''Stay on the river bank.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Ichigo looked confused for a moment “Alright. But what is it?” he asked.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Wood nymphs.” the redhead gasped and the walls faded.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> The singing hit the two humans like a horse on a rampage, with light tinkling voices that soothed the mind. Ichigo’s grip on his own mind became slack and the hypnotizing voices overwhelmed his every thought, till the melodic chorus was all he heard.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Ichigo was turning toward the forest when Shiro’s hand came up and gripped his shoulder “Ichigo, control yourself.” his brother said, shaking the redhead slightly.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Gerroff, fool, don’t you hear it? It’s beautiful! We should go to it.” Ichigo said, his speech slurring drunkenly. He stumbled toward the trees, nearly falling in his haste to reach the origin of the singing. Orihime was pounding on Ichigo’s head, pulling his hair in a frantic attempt to snap him out of the nymph’s trance.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Ichigo!” Shiro cried, reaching out for his brother.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “What?” the redhead said, turning to look at Shiro.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Damn it, didn’t you hear what Orihime said? Don’t touch the nymphs!”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Just one touch won’ kill me! Just a lil’ brush of my fingers…” He turned back toward the singing, once again engulfed by the melody.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Shiro saw the creature. It looked like any other woman, save for the dress of leaves she wore. Her long, golden hair tumbled to her thighs as she leaned her head back and continued her chorus. Ichigo was lifting a hand so was the nymph. They were inches apart when Shiro decided to take action.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Daverende gebrul!” he shouted, lifting his hands toward Ichigo. His hands glowed white; they kept glowing brighter till even Shiro had to close his eyes. They had to; Shiro needed to draw on the all the power he had, he was battling against a mystical creature of the Gikleurde Bossen, one that had to have been centuries older than him.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Shiro let out a strangled scream and sank to one knee, but the spell had worked. There was a muted buzzing in his ears, covering all traces of the deadly song. And judging by Ichigo’s shaking head; the spell had left an effect on him as well. He left out the pixies because they weren’t affected by the wood nymph’s singing.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Rangiku flew over to him. “You did well, mighty warrior. You did not fall prey to the lethal song. The wood nymph would have killed you both.” She drifted so she was floating in front of his face.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> She placed her hand on his forehead and hummed softly, “You are severely weakened; we have to rest for a while so you can restore your strength.” she said, letting her hand fall back to her side.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> She turned to Ichigo; “Oi! Ichigo! Watch over your brother, I’ll return, I just need to gather some things. Come, Orihime.” she flew off into the forest without another word, Orihime following close behind.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> (Cue – Hans Zimmer, Liberty)

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Ichigo stumbled over to his brother, kneeling beside him. He looked like he wanted to say something. His face scrunched up in concentration. “If it weren’t for you I—I would have died. And it would not have been an honorable death. Not a death in battle. I would have died because I gave in to temptation. Thank you, brother.” he said, gripping his brother’s hand.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> He kissed his brother’s sweaty forehead and laid him down on the river bank. He carefully removed Shiro’s armor piece by piece and set it in the grass. He pulled off his cotton shirt and folded it in the grass beside the armor. He held Shiro’s face in his hands momentarily, brushing away a stray lock of snowy hair, before kissing his lips. He noticed with a dreadful and crushing disappointment that Shiro didn’t respond as he usually would; fighting for dominance. His lips barely moved.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Damn it all, why did you use so much magic?” Shiro knew that using too much magic at once drained your life force. They had been trained and told time and time again that they were not to try and use more than they can give. They had to have enough remaining to keep them alive.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Ichigo peppered tiny kisses over his brother’s face. “Please, don’t die.” The buzzing from his ears was starting to fade and he realized that his brother was passing. His life was dwindling like a candle flame growing smaller till it snuffed out, the life gone from it in an instant. His breathing was shallow. Ichigo pressed his ear to Shiro’s chest. He could hear his heart, faint, but the beat was there.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Ichigo! I’m here, just get me a heavy stone.” Rangiku and Orihime flew in from the forest arms laden with leaves.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Ichigo lurched over to the river and grabbed the nearest rock and set it beside Shiro’s head. The two pixies set to work immediately. Tearing the leaves and pounding the pieces together to form a thick pulp. They set the mixture into a bigger leaf and carried it over to hold it above Shiro’s mouth. Each twisted a side of the leaf and slowly and droplet of clear liquid seeped from the bundle. The drop fell into Shiro’s mouth and instantly the albino’s breathing grew heavy and purposeful.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Give him some time; he’ll come ‘round.” Rangiku said, grinning at Ichigo, who looked relieved beyond belief.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Thank you, Rangiku, Orihime. You saved my brother’s life.” He looked toward the east, “The sun is setting. We should sleep.” he said and began to remove his armor. He laid himself down on the soft grass, and immediately his eyelids started to droop. He indistinctly registered the pixies lying on his stomach before he was asleep.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> He slept restlessly that night, tossing and turning; his subconscious remaining worried for his brother’s life despite the assurance from Rangiku. When he woke he felt slightly better than he did the night before. He yawned and stretched his arms up in an attempt to get his sleepy limbs to function with more ease. He looked toward his brother and momentarily panicked, for his brother was missing. Seeing his armor gone he relaxed slightly. He was most likely gone to gather food.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> He had just finished putting on his last piece of armor when his brother returned.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> (Cue – Thomas Bergersen, My Freedom)

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “I brought fruit that the pixies said we are able to eat.” Shiro said, putting his load on the grass beside the river.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Ichigo took in his brother’s appearance; he looked hale and hearty, no apparent ailments hindering him. He approached him slowly. “Are you feeling well, my brother?” he asked slowly, flinching when Shiro looked up at him. The man looked fine, but Ichigo couldn’t help but worry; he had kissed death, and it was hard for Ichigo to believe that he was alive and in good health, even gathering food for them both.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “I am, Ichigo. Come, eat with me.” Shiro said gesturing toward the fruit. “The pixies said that eating the fruit would be pleasing.” he added, and handing a fruit to Ichigo, he took a bite from his own. Ichigo put his focus on the fruit; it looked odd. The skin was like that of a peach, soft, with fine hairs covering it. But it was a deep shade of purple. He rubbed the soft skin with his thumb before taking a bite from the fruit. It had pulp like an orange and it felt cool in his mouth; he chewed slowly, savoring the sweet taste. As he swallowed it he felt the frigid fruit go down his throat and settle into his stomach. After he was finished with the first fruit he examined the second; it was tougher and he had to peel the skin to get at what was inside.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> After he was done with his third fruit was when he began to notice the changes in his body. He felt an overpowering feeling of happiness fade into his mind. He looked at his brother and saw him lying back on the grass and looked intently at the clouds above. He kept his gaze on Shiro for a few moments and then decided that his idea was a good one. As he was laying down beside his brother he realized he had been having many good ideas as of late.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Ichigo I think this is what the pixies meant when they said eating the fruit would be pleasing.” Shiro mumbled, slowly as if he had to think about the words he wanted to say before saying them. Ichigo probably couldn’t say a word, at the time, and he didn’t dare test out his theory, lest he humiliate himself in front of his beloved brother. He let the feelings washing over him gradually take over his mind. His limbs began to tingle, and the armor that had been uncomfortable before, started to feel more and more like he was sleeping on a cloud.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> (Cue – Future World Music, Quest for Freedom)

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> I was a while before the effects of the fruit began to wear off. Meanwhile Orihime and Rangiku had taken the time to visit the Masters of the forest. It wasn’t long, for they could fly the way there quickly. They knew they neared their destination not only by memory but by the pristine cobble stone that covered the ground. When they finally broke free of the cover of trees they knew they had reached the end of their journey. The two pixies took in the castle that loomed over the Gikleurde Bossen. They flew up to the widow tallest tower and drifted inside.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Rangiku, Orihime, how are you?” The thick voice carried across the room, sending shivers down both the pixies spines. They landed on the desk in front of the man and bowed deeply.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Rangiku spoke first; “Master Grimmjow, we come to tell you of—”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “Oh you mean the two mortals? I know of them.” Grimmjow said, returning to his parchment, he picked up his quill and began to write again.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “As do I, brother.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> The two pixies faced the new comer and bowed again. “Master Renji.”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Renji walked into the room and to the desk. He bent down and looked the two of them closely.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Orihime looked nervous; “Y—yes, M—Master Renji?” she stuttered, blushing heavily.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Grimmjow stopped writing and looked at the two pixies also.

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> Rangiku was the one that stayed firm. “What would you like us to do with the mortals, Masters?”

<p style="margin-bottom:0.0001pt;line-height:15.75pt;"> “They can come here. That is, if they can get past the River Guardian.”

<p style="line-height:normal"> 

Chapter 2 - The Lovely Gods
(Cue – Two Steps From Hell, After the Fall) '' ''

By the time the effects of the magic fruit had begun to wear off, the two pixies were back and sitting in between the two humans’ heads, trying to stay out of Shiro’s sight. When they had first arrived, Shiro took one look at them, his eyes had crossed and he fainted on the spot. The two pixies, even Ichigo, had laughed at his expense. When the two men began coming back to themselves Orihime and Rangiku took the rest of the fruit into the forest.

When they returned Shiro was struggling to get up off the ground, while Ichigo strapped his sword to his back. Kicking dirt over the dying fire, Shiro turned to the girls who returned. “Where are we to go now?” he asked.

Rangiku pointed north, “You have to continue down the river,” she said, flying into Shiro’s hair and settling herself there with a tiny sigh. The pale man laughed and started walking, Ichigo and Orihime following behind.

“So what were those fruit you told Shiro to pick? Why did they make us feel so… disoriented?” Ichigo asked and after jumping over a rock he turned to Orihime, who chuckled nervously.

“Those fruit are called the heileg voedsil, or the holy fruit. The reason the effects were so strong for you was because they are for the Gods to eat.” Orihime flinched when Ichigo sent her a look that looked less than pleased. He knew there was something strange about the fruit they had eaten, after the third fruit was eaten he had known that something was wrong.

“You gave us that fruit knowing what it would do to us?” Ichigo asked. When he had begun to return to his mind once again, he’d felt so defenseless. He knew that if something were to attack them at that point they would have been incapable of shielding themselves. And he was sure that any creature that happened upon them would not be as merciful as he and his brother and spare their lives. There were many reasons Ichigo would rather remain alert and watchful of his surroundings; he had been in many a battle where he had seen warriors die, friend and foe alike, because they weren’t aware of what was near.

“My dearest apologies, Ichigo. I did not mean to worry you,” Orihime said. Tipping her head forward she looked toward the ground, “I only suggested it in jest and Rangiku decided it was a good idea! We thought you would be fine, we didn’t know it would affect you the way it did,” Orihime promised, looking up sharply, eyes serious.

Ichigo couldn’t help but believe her; with her innocent face he was hard pressed to remain angry.

--

(Cue – Guitar, Untitled #3) '' ''

They had been walking for almost an hour when they reached a surprising sight. It was an enormous wall; it stretched on for miles on either side and it was taller than the trees of the forest. It was made of wood that was from the colored forest, it loomed over the two warriors, making them dread what was behind it.

The doors in front of them were large and Ichigo was certain they would have to do something to get past them. He looked at where the river flowed beneath the doors, perhaps they could swim beneath them and get to the other side.

He was about to voice his idea when the water in front of them began to bubble. A geyser of steam blasted out of the roiling water and shot into the sky. Just as quickly the mist disappeared, and in its place stood a man, He was unlike any man Ichigo had ever seen. He had the head of a fox, and was taller than even Nnoitra; the water reached his just above his knees. Fur covered the skin showing beneath his blue armor. A sword sat at his waist.

The man spoke: “Greetings humans, my name is Sajin Komamura,” he said, “I am the River Guardian of the Gikleurde Bossen, and the defender of the outer wall. You cannot pass. These doors remain closed, and only those worthy enough can set their eyes on what lies beyond.”

When Sajin unsheathed his sword Ichigo and Shiro did likewise and readied themselves for the fight that was to come.

The fox raced forward, the water he was treading through barely hindering his stride. Shiro blocked the swing of the blue sword and he felt the shock run up his arm and shoulder, burning like flames through his bones. The fox was strong, it would take everything he and Ichigo had to fight and defeat this Guardian. He slowly realized that Orihime and Rangiku were nowhere to be found.

“You will have to do better than that.” Sajin turned and blocked the blow from Ichigo. Shiro was about to charge forward, when a wall of ice appeared and obstructed his way.

“Damn it all, he can use magic!” he realized that the wall surrounded him completely, an icy cage, and he tried to thrust his sword into the ice to create a crack, but once he pulled his sword from the ice, the crack sealed itself away.

He attempted to find any way out, using fire magic to melt it, but try as he might the wall would not budge.

“You’ll never get out, unless you defeat me,” Sajin said, and Shiro turned to find him inside the circle of ice. He could still hear the clashing of swords outside the wall, so he knew his brother was still fighting. ''It must be made of water, which is the fox’s main power. ''

He charged forward and brought his sword down in a graceful arc. The fox blocked it, which sent a shower of sparks flying. Sajin retreated and they circled each other slowly. Sajin swung his arm forward and tried to hit his head with the flat of the blade. Shiro lifted his arm and stopped its progress with the armor on his forearm. He still felt the hit, but the silver gauntlet shielded the brunt of the attack. His left hand still poised and blocking the sword, he raised his right arm in an attempt to cause some damage. The edge of his blade slashed a furrow in the cerulean armor and grazed the skin beneath it.

“Better,” Sajin said, and spun around and attacked again. Again and again. Over and over, Sajin struck. They exchanged blows like traders exchanged goods and Shiro’s body began to grow weary. Sajin lifted his sword above his head and Shiro dodged the swing that came. He glanced over to where he previously stood only to find a blur of metal whirling past his hear and sticking itself into the muddy riverbed. He heard Ichigo cry out from outside the wall, and his body’s fatigue receded. The fox pulled the sword from the ground and swung it in Shiro’s direction; ducking, Shiro pressed the flat of the blade into Sajin’s stomach.

He pushed his opponent backwards and shouted; “Bevriezen!” the water directly behind Sajin froze and he tumbled backwards. Shiro lunged forward and perched his blade at the fox’s neck. Panting, said; “You give?”

“Never,” the fox said and bared his neck. Shiro pressed his sword into the Guardian’s throat. For a moment nothing happened, and then the body burst and splashed into the flowing river. The icy prison didn’t fade and Shiro panicked for half a second before kicking at the wall. The ice crumbled and fell into the river, too.

Ichigo stood, panting and looking worse for wear, but healthy. “What happened?” he asked, “One moment I’m stabbing him in the chest and the next he’s in the river.”

“We killed him; at least, I think we did,” Shiro said, sheathing his sword. Ichigo did likewise and they faced the doors.

“Do we open them?” Ichigo asked, pointing at the handles.

“No.”

The two humans immediately reached for the swords at their backs. It was the fox again, but they could not see him. The doors trembled before turning into liquid and falling into the river, allowing the two humans passage. They cautiously walked forward and the doors reappeared behind them.

“Where are the pixies?” Ichigo asked, looking around.

Shiro had noticed their absence but hadn’t thought much of it till then. They wouldn’t have been much help in the fights, so he wasn’t angry that they didn’t help, but he was worried that they had lost their guides in the Gikleurde Bossen.

“I do not know, but we should probably stay for a while and wait till they return,” Shiro said, and sat down at the river bank.

---

(Cue – Hungry Ghosts, I Don't Think About You Anymore But, I Don't Think About You Anyless) '' ''

“Rangiku, why are we going back to the Masters’ house?” Orihime asked, they were closer now, so the trip wasn’t as long and they were almost there. The colored forest flew past them without receiving a second glance, “And why are we going so fast?” she added, annoyed.

“Silly Orihime, we have to tell the Masters what has occurred and we have to do it and make it in time to lead the humans in the right direction.” Rangiku said, chiding the young pixie. The two humans made it past the River Guardian, and the pixies needed to tell the Masters of the forest. The Masters might have been able to see their entrance but what they did beyond that was invisible to them. Thus the pixies had to report their findings.

“Alright, I can see what you mean,” Orihime said; she didn’t know why they had to keep reporting to the Masters.

Then she thought about the safety of the colored forest. Humans could do much damage if they found out about the Gikleurde Bossen and they could invade in hordes. Should they ever get past the illusion that they had named the Jagged, with the rapidly growing power of the humans and their magic, the humans could do a great deal of harm. They could break in, and then there would be a war. A war between the humans and the creatures of the Gikleurde. The humans might not have had the magic that those of the Gikleurde had, but their sheer numbers would surely mount a great battle.

They reached the tower and flew in the window. In the study they looked for one of their masters, but they were not there.

“They are in the dining room.”

Rangiku turned towards the voice, “Uryuu, how are you?” she asked, smiling at the little blue boy staring up at them from the floor.

“Well enough, doing the homely tasks of the gods of the Gikleurde is not the most horrible occupation in all the land, but it is hard work,” Uryuu’s face softened, “But they treat me well, a young kobold* like me with no talents but those needed to do household chores, yet they still took me in.”

“That is the compassion of our Masters,” Orihime said, flying over to sit on Uryuu’s shoulder. Uryuu smiled at her and walked out of the study.

“They will be waiting for you in the dining room, but I will take you there.” Uryuu said, leading them down the stairway. They walked through the halls and listened to Uryuu’s light footfalls on the cold stone floor. The reached a large door that was guarded by a lone man.

“Tousen, stand aside,” Uryuu said, snooty. He never liked the cold and quiet countenance that was about Tousen. Tousen lifted a dark hand and gripped the bow at his back.

“You shan’t disturb the gods,” he said, leaving the hand at his bow.

“Let them in, Tousen, they have been called,” came a voice from beyond the door.

“You heard Master Renji, let us in!” Uryuu shouted, his high voice going higher in his anger. The man let his hand fall from his bow and opened the doors. The child walked inside and went straight for the two men sitting at the dining table; “Masters,” he said, bowing.

“Hello, Uryuu, Orihime, Rangiku. It’s good to see you here,” Renji said, tipping his head. His long maroon hair was tied at the base of his neck, the red strands flowing down his back. He took a bite of his food and smiled warmly at the three beside them.

Grimmjow paused in eating and ruffled Uryuu’s hair, “Good to see you, child.”

Uryuu growled good-naturedly but took the display of affection with dignity, making Grimmjow laugh aloud. “Come, sit down beside us,” he said, pulling out a chair for the boy.

Happy that he had made his master proud he sat down in the offered chair, “The pixies are here!”

“Yes, they are,” Renji said, smiling at the two little women, “what have you seen?”

Orihime grinned, “They defeated the River Guardian!” she said, happily. The two gods looked at each other, eyebrows raised.

“Are you sure? It takes a lot to defeat that fox, Komamura,” Grimmjow said, grinning.

“She’s very sure, Master Grimmjow,” Rangiku said, “The humans, Shiro and Ichigo, are very strong.”

“I say we let them in. What do you say, Grimmjow?” Renji murmured, looking his brother in the eyes.

“I agree with you, let them in. It’s not as if they can do any harm to us.” Grimmjow said as he spooned food into Uryuu’s mouth. Uryuu chewed and swallowed obediently, but his glare remained on Grimmjow.

Rangiku and Orihime squealed in delight, flying over to the window, “We’ll bring them right away, Masters!” they said, and flew out of the room.

Uryuu hopped out of his chair and pushed it over to the window. He climbed back on and waved to the two receding pixies till he couldn’t see them anymore.

---

(Cue - Wonder)

“The Masters want to see you right away!” Ichigo jumped a half a foot into the air when Orihime and Rangiku came hurriedly out of the trees behind him and his brother.

“Good gods, don’t ever do that again, you scared the living daylights out of me!” Ichigo cried, turning to look at the excited pixies.

“We must hurry, the Masters are waiting!” Orihime said, pulling on a lock of Ichigo’s hair. Rangiku led the way, for it was well known by now, and they headed off toward the two Masters.

It was another hour of walking and the two humans began to wonder why they had left their horses behind. They reached a steep hill covered still by trees and shrubs, and Ichigo had a feeling that something lay beyond that hill.

Panting, Ichigo walked up over the crest and was greeted by a sight that the two pixies had seen countless times, yet it amazed him, for he had not seen it once.

Wondrous castle, larger that even the one in Seireitei City. Hues of brown and tan surrounded by the beautiful colored forest, and no walls hindering the views of splendor. Large towers protruded from the left and right side, and Ichigo wondered what they were for. In the middle there was a doorway and Ichigo could see a man standing at the entrance. He briefly wondered who it was before Orihime’s voice caught his attention.

“This is where the Masters live,” Orihyime said, “Well not just the masters,” she added, “many creatures live in their home, mostly those whom have proven themselves worthy.”

Rangiku nudged Shiro, “Like you two, you defeated the River Guardian, easily, too. You have proven yourselves strong,” she said, grinning and flying forward, down the hill.

Orihime followed laughing, “Come on, Ichigo!”

He followed quickly, a pressing need to see what resided within those castle walls urging him onward into the fastest gait he could down the hill; when he reached the bottom he could see the man in the doorway clearly.

Orihime stopped laughing and darted behind Ichigo’s head, “I—it’s Tousen, the gate keeper. He protects the doorways of any room in the castle.”

Rangiku was slightly braver, “Tousen, the Masters requested the humans in their presence. Despite your absence, we have orders,” she said, trembling.

“Welcome to the house of the Gods,” the man said, he turned and pulled open one of the doors.

Inside was much the same as the outside, grand and majestic. There was a child standing at the end of the hall, he was dressed in a white tunic, and he was barefoot. “Greetings, I am Uryuu and I am here to escort you to your room,” he said and turned around, leading them to the right of the entrance hall. They walked down a long hallway, the two humans taking in the picture frames hung on the walls and the scenery outside through the windows.

“Here,” Uryuu said, motioning toward an open door, “This is for Ichigo.” Ichigo walked inside, looking around. The color of the room seemed to be blue. The bed covers, curtains, the color of the upholstery was also a deep blue. On the right side was a large four post bed, and to the left was the couch and another door, which he supposed led to the bathing room. He walked further inside and noticed there was a tunic lying on the bed and slippers on the floor beneath it.

“You are to wear that when you see the Masters, you can place your armor in the chest,” Uryuu said, and walked out of the room, presumably to lead his brother to his own room. He walked to the bed and picked up the tunic, examining the golden designs on the edge of the fabric and the brown sash.

He began to remove his armor and place it in the chest at the foot of the bed. He pulled on the tunic and tied the sash slipping his feet into the shoes. With a grunt he walked out of the door and waited for someone to come and get him. Orihime flew over to him and sat on his shoulder. She remained quiet, which troubled Ichigo. But he, too, stayed his tongue and waited beside his door.

When Uryuu returned he was accompanied by Shiro and Rangiku, “Let’s go,” he said, walking down the hall.

When they neared the dining room, they were again met by Tousen. “They are waiting,” he said and opened the door.

---

(Cue – Acoustic Guitar, Untitled #1) '' ''

What Grimmjow expected the humans to be was nowhere near the truth. His eyes immediately gravitated towards the shock of red hair. He stood from his seat, “Welcome,” he said. He looked the redhead up and down, admiring the slim body beneath the tunic.

When he looked back up to his face he was met with smoldering chocolate orbs. He grinned; he knew this was going to be satisfying. Very much indeed. He took a step forward and held out a hand toward the other human, “Shiro, is it?” he asked, shaking the hand.

“Yes, my name is Shiro, and this is my brother, Ichigo,” the man said, motioning toward th redhead. Grimmjow grinned when Ichigo glared at his brother;

“I can introduce myself, thank you,” he groused, before turning to Grimmjow and smiling “Ichigo Kurosaki, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He held out a hand and Grimmjow took it.

“Come, you must be hungry, eat something,” Renji said, leading Shiro to the table with a hand at the albino’s back.

Grimmjow moved his hand, which was still holding Ichigo’s and pulled him to a seat beside him. He sat down next to him, and pushed a plate of food toward the redhead. He watched as Ichigo reluctantly took the silver fork and lifted some food to his mouth.

Grimmjow was hard pressed not to take the man and carry him to his own room when Ichigo’s face brightened as the flavorful food hit his taste buds. Yes, Hanatarou cooked exceedingly well. He waited for Ichigo to finish chewing before speaking; “How was your journey here, Ichigo?”

“Tiring,” Ichigo said, “But it was exciting.” he lifted another bit of meat to his mouth, savoring the morsel and then swallowing.

“That is good,” Grimmjow murmured, leaning back in his chair. He watched as Ichigo finished his meal entirely, uncaring of the discomfort of the other man. When Ichigo had swallowed the last piece of food, Grimmjow rose from his chair and stretched languidly. He nearly grinned when he felt those auburn eyes scouring his body.

“Come, I will show you the castle,” he said, taking Ichigo’s hand, despite the vehement protests, and pulling him out of the dining room.

(Cue – Sparrow, Miika) '' ''

They walked in silence, neither having any real inclination to speak, until they reached a set of ornamental doors. Ichigo admired the craftsmanship and painting of the doors. The carvings in the wood depicted a great battle, and with mounting horror, Ichigo realized that it was one that had occurred in the beautiful Gikleurde Bossen. Ordinary men fighting against the creatures of the Gikleurde, and even some that Ichigo had not seen.

The sheer number of the humans was a frightening contrast to the Gikleurde. From the top the blood and gore was at its peak and as his eyes descended he saw that the creatures mourned and cried to the heavens for their loss in the great battle. At the bottom there were two men; the creatures were bowing to them, dancing for them, some looked to be singing reverent melodies.

“What is this?” Ichigo asked, voice trembling.

“It’s the Strijd li Vërus, or the War of Tears,” Grimmjow said, looking up at the doors.

“What happened?”

“A thousand years ago, in a time when humans and mystical creatures lived together, turmoil was brewing across the land. Man wanted to rule over everything. They began to enslave the ones not of their kind. The lives of the fae became teeming with peril and hazard. They found themselves incessantly looking over their shoulders, having to risk their lives to leave their homes.

“In time they moved to the east, with their power they created the Gikleurde and lived in peace for three years. The humans invaded the Gikleurde on the third year. Killing everything in their way and doing what they could to make the fae regret their choice of leaving the humans. They burnt down half the forest.

“The fae mourned their burned forest, and their slaughtered companions. From the woes and pained cries of the fae, my brother and I were born. We made the illusion that you call the Jagged. We are the ones that make the forest look like merely the dark remains of a forest that once held their magical desires. For if we did not, the humans would see the Gikleurde and become envious, and history would repeat itself, bringing more sorrow and pain unto the fae.”

Ichigo couldn’t speak a word. How could he? How could he say anything when he knew that nothing would right the wrong done by his ancestors? Ichigo had listened to the story, and felt remorse and regret for what the humans had done to the fae. Then he thought about the two men he had met. They were the saviors of the Colored Forest. Tricking the humans into thinking that nothing was in the forest but darkness. For a thousand years!

“You are the ones causing the storms, aren’t you?” Ichigo asked, looking up at Grimmjow.

“Yes, my brother and I are the Gods of wind and water. I of the water and he of the wind,” he said, “With our power we make the ravaging storms that plague the west.”

Ichigo felt angry for a mere second, but then he understood; those storms planted the fright in the hearts of humans at the thought of the Jagged, making them not want to go near it, for fear of dying. They merely do it to save the ones calling the forest home.

'''* = Kobolds are an ancient German myth. They oftentimes take the form of children and usually help around the house, yet they can play malicious and dirty tricks if insulted or neglected. That aside, just imagine a kid!Uryuu <3 '''