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The War Within	By : Raymy Category: Bleach > General Views: 3458 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or its characters. I received no money for this fan fiction.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
Urahara’s Shame: The Hogyoku Gets Repurposed Part 1

When Chad, Uryū and Orihime arrived at Urahara’s Shoten, the blond owner greeted them at the door with his fan hiding his lower face and hat shadowing his eyes. He scanned their youthful, trusting faces and made a quick decision to follow ‘Plan B’. Lowering his fan, he smiled widely and said with genuine warmth, “Welcome, my three amigos, come in, come in.”

Urahara’s ‘Plan B’ was to come clean and reveal his ploy in tricking them to come. He hoped they would understand that he only wanted to help them; that his honesty would shine a favourable light on himself. It had to turn out all right because he was doing good, after all, and that overshadowed his little white lie.

Kisuke couldn’t, in good conscience, go with ‘Plan A’ anyway, which was convoluted and involved more deceit to get them to comply with his objectives. However much he was committed to his path, these kids weren’t the kind of people he would treat like pawns in a grand chess tournament with Aizen; at least not now. He cared for them, just as he did for Ichigo, and he didn’t want a repeat of the Rukia fiasco. He needed to earn their trust back after that.

They all entered, handed over their jackets, and thanked Urahara for giving them this opportunity to improve their skills. As Sado and Inoue made to move toward the hatch for the underground training facility, Kisuke cleared his throat and murmured, “Just one moment, kids. I have a little something I wish to say.” He gave Ishida a meaningful glance, then whipped open his fan to hide his slight embarrassment.

Uryū recalled the earlier phone conversation and spoke up immediately, suspicion lacing his voice, “You mean you really do have something to tell me about my spiritual power? I thought you said that to manipulate me into coming to see my friends before I ...” He caught himself before he spilled his private agenda to Inoue. He didn’t want her to worry about him on top of constantly fretting about Kurosaki. He thought she was too fragile and emotional and didn’t need that additional burden.

With the strength of his conviction, Urahara took a deep breath and confessed, “I do Ishida. I have quite a lot to tell all of you. But first, I need to disclose to you that I didn’t intend for you to come here to train, at least, not today. It was a ruse to get you here, so I could offer you an injection that will increase your spirit power.”

After a brief moment to comprehend what Urahara had said, Inoue’s meek voice piped up, “Well, that doesn’t sound like something you’d needed to lie to us about. We all want to get stronger in order to help Ichigo.” She was already forgiving him, even if she didn’t understand why he lied.

Kisuke shook his blond locks and closed his eyes. “I knew Sado would do just about anything to increase his power. He’d already asked to be trained, so I didn’t really need to fool him. But I doubted that you, Inoue, would have come here …” He reopened his eyes and locked them on Orihime. “… if I’d said I was going to give you a shot...” he paused and swallowed lightly, “...with a substance similar to the Hogyoku.”

Kisuke’s expression suddenly changed from solemn to mirthful. He chuckled while raising his hand to the back of his head, “You would have thought I was entering the early stages of dementia!”

“Oh! That would be … um … I mean, I … don’t know what I really think about that.” The young female scrunched her eyebrows and pouched her lips as she tried to contemplate Urahara’s statement.

Orihime was ambivalent about the Hogyoku. On one hand, she wanted to reject it because of the trouble it caused Rukia and Ichigo. It must be bad news if Aizen wanted to steal it. However, even if she didn’t know much about its use, she knew that if Urahara said it would help, then –– it would. She was left wondering if she would have refused “the shot” based solely on the Soul Society experience. She would like to think she was a non-judgemental person, willing to give anyone a chance, and so she made up her mind quickly. “But I’m happy to hear your ideas, Mr. Urahara, and I don’t know that I would have thought you were demented.” She smiled brightly to reassure him that she wasn’t angry at his small contrivance.

“Well, thank you Inoue, I couldn’t be sure of your reaction, but now, I am encouraged by your words.” Urahara’s lips smiled gratefully as his steely gaze moved to Ishida. The boy had been staring at him the whole time, lips pressed in silent judgement.

Ishida has too much Quincy pride to think he’d need any assistance, so I think I’ll bypass any excuse for tricking him. Kisuke again chuckled lightly and spoke softly, addressing the black haired youth, “I think you might find it ironic that the method I intend to use is based on Quincy technology and you, Ishida, would be the most likely candidate to assimilate successfully with it.”

Uryū’s eyes flared. “How do you have access to Quincy secrets?” He wasn’t pacified at the attempt to mollify him with flattery and levity. Since he was still the same uptight person behind the fading stoned haze, he was incensed that this man for whom he had some admiration, would have been so low as to steal from any of the Quincy.

Ishida’s accusation put Kisuke on the defensive. He raised his hands in a protective manner and said in a placating tone, “Now, now, Ishida, I didn’t take anything that wasn’t already in the Seireitei archives.”

Kisuke lowered his arms and attempted to use reason with the clever youth. “You know that Soul Society has a long history with the Quincy and the records date quite far back. Well, when I was fairly young and still under Yoruichi’s command, I had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge … I ended up reading most of the history and case studies.” Kisuke didn’t want to admit to having read all of the available documents, even the classified material. It would appear too obsessive, he thought, and perhaps a little vain; like he was bragging about it.

“Well, just because you weren’t directly involved in obtaining them, doesn’t absolve you from taking advantage of the misfortunes of others,” Uryū snapped unintentionally. He understood that the man in front of him hadn’t experimented on his people like the evil lunatic he’d faced in Soul Society. He just had difficulty separating this highly intelligent, and sometimes compassionate man from all the rest of the Shinigami. He wanted to trust him.

Oh Hell ... he had trusted him already; with his most recent burden. He felt a small band of tension relax as he realized that he was struggling against something he fiercely wanted; something his father was incapable of providing. No matter what his opinion of the general Shinigami population, Urahara Kisuke had wormed a way into his heart; just as Ichigo, Orihime, and Sado had.

“But … I suppose I can understand what it’s like for you, being so driven and focused on acquiring knowledge. It’s not unlike how I feel about becoming a Quincy Master. Just … don’t spread your findings around to everyone. The Quincy legacy is only supposed to be for our line, and I don’t like knowing there are unscrupulous people with that knowledge ... present company excluded.”

Just as Urahara was about to reply, a small, sleek black figure nonchalantly padded into the room. Black slits framed in yellow stared at Ishida. “I hope I’m included in that exclusive company,” said the deep male voice, so out of place coming from the graceful animal. The long black tail swished back and forth, and the regal head swiveled toward the blond. “I thought I heard my name in amongst the annoying chatter, Kisuke, and being a curious cat, I came to see who was disturbing my sleep.”

“Yoruichi! We –– I –– didn’t even know you were here!” Kisuke was always delighted to see his best friend. “C’mere you little muffin-top.” He reached out to scoop the black cat up into his arms, cradling her against his semi-exposed chest. He loved the feel of her fur on his skin; the only time she’d let him snuggle her was in this form. He felt her struggle a tiny bit in mock refusal, but then she settled into the strong, warm arms. “Who’s a pretty kitty? Who’s the best kitty in the land?” he coo’d at her, while flexing his wrist around to pet her back.

Yoruichi couldn’t help it. Her tail lifted in response and she began to purr. When she was in cat form, she took on the inherent qualities of most felines. Responding to Urahara’s touch didn’t even phase her, as he was only one of two people she would allow to molest her in this form. She mostly let him get away with it because she rationalized that it was normal for cats, so why fight it? She certainly wasn’t into “friends with benefits” when in human form. Her eyes closed and she was at a loss for words as the pleasure of being petted overcame her senses.

Ishida coughed slightly, feeling like he needed to interrupt their odd intimacy, so publicly displayed. Any other cat/owner relationship didn’t embarrass him, but this was no ordinary cat. This was a woman; Urahara’s former commander. Even if she was currently feline in form, the sight of the two of them getting so much enjoyment from their mutual contact made him silently inch closer to Chad for comfort and support. It felt as though they were inappropriately staring at foreplay.

Yoruichi’s eyes opened slowly, realizing the three teens were ogling them, especially young Ishida whose throaty admonishment was easily understood. “Kisuke, let me down now,” the baritone voice demanded as she struggled again, this time for real.

Urahara gave her one final gentle squeeze and released her, sadly knowing it would be a good long while before he had his hands on her again. She was very clear about their relationship. Yes, they were best friends. Yes, she loved him. No, it was not sexual. He wished for more but you just couldn’t win with her determination. The most she would relent was him copping a feel of her luxurious fur. Besides, she knew he was a horn-dog and wouldn’t be a one woman man. She had a point, too. He didn’t want to be tied to one being for too long; there were so many delicious treats to sample, of all varieties.

“Come to think of it. You weren’t here fifteen minutes ago. I would have noticed. So, bad on you for fibbing about sleeping. I wonder –– Yoruichi-cat, Yoruichi-cat, where have you been?” A playful squint danced in his eyes, knowing she would catch onto his nursery rhyme reference.

“Hmph.” She licked her paw as if to ignore him, then turned to look back up at him and purred, “Well, I wasn’t in London to visit the Queen.” She licked her mouth and bared her fangs as if laughing at him. “I will say that I was in a foreign locale to visit –– no, visit isn’t exactly it –– deliver is more like it. I was delivering a message to a “sort-of” monarchy. In fact, I borrowed your newest long distance vehicle. Was a bit cramped, though. You need to make it bigger to enhance its effectiveness.” She resumed her grooming, waiting for Kisuke to catch onto her hidden meaning.

Comprehension dawned swiftly and Urahara quickly changed the subject to avoid revealing anything to the others present. “Speaking of improving performance, my latest invention is precisely why I invited you three young whippersnappers to join me today.” He focused on the matter at hand. “We should really get a move on before the day slips away from us.” He glanced at Yoruichi and added, “You can stay for the show if you want, but I’m pretty sure you’ll get bored; you already know too much as it is.”

“Thanks but no thanks. You’re right about it getting boring when you expound on your current obsession. I’ll take my leave and get in a few naps; although, I would probably fall asleep faster if I stuck around.” Yoruichi winked, indicating her jest. She needn’t worry that Kisuke would take her teasing the wrong way, but she didn’t want the humans to think she held her former underling in disregard. She had, in fact, the greatest respect and awe for the the man and his mind. They were just … like that. Goofy friends who tried to one-up each other. “Wake me later, Kisuke. We’ll talk about my trip.” With that, the black feline sauntered out of the room, tail held high, tip waving gently to say goodbye.

Urahara shivered imperceptibly and stared as the phenomenon that was his best friend disappeared into the hallway. He was definitely glad she was on his side. Her ability to not only know what his secret projects were, but to steal them for use right under his nose was mind-boggling. He couldn’t be distressed, though, she was deserving of his utmost respect and he couldn’t wait to hear what she’d really been up to.

The shop owner returned to being a good host and addressed his company, especially trying to answer Ishida’s concerns about Quincy secrets being spread.

“Please just stay, and listen to me for a while. I can give you all an explanation of how the Quincy legacy figures into my intention to help only you three.” Kisuke turned to Ishida. “No one else will benefit from this if you don’t want it. You have to understand that I’m willing to make you a partner in this as a representative of the Quincy people. Okay?”

Uryū wanted to believe him. He wanted to trust him. He feared making a mistake because of a stupid childish desire to have a real father who cared and listened. He couldn’t quite bring himself to acknowledge the offer, though. Not just yet.

Kisuke saw the doubt in Ishida’s eyes and sought to win him over, to win them all over. “I want you all to understand what I’m offering so you can make an informed decision. I don’t want to blindside you this time by keeping things from you. I realized how difficult it was in Soul Society when you found out what I had done to Rukia and I won’t make that mistake again. All right?”

After a heavy silence, they all nodded and agreed to listen, unaware of the extensive details involved in Urahara’s explanation of the plan. Kisuke retrieved a stack of papers from a side table and handed them each a copy of his Treatise on the Hogyoku: Historical Review & Ambition Revived - By Urahara Kisuke. “It’s all in this pamphlet, and you can borrow these copies to read at home, but I’ll cover the salient points tonight so that we can move onto the treatment, if you consent to take it.”

They looked over the ‘pamphlet’ in their hands and shuddered sequentially, from shortest to tallest, not unlike a wave at a sports stadium. This was no mere pamphlet of 3 or 4 pages. It felt like a tome. It was filled with at least 20 pages of script along with pictures and diagrams.

Uryū caught sight of many references to ‘Quincy potential’ and ‘Quincy weapons’ and ‘Quincy records’, all within the first couple of pages. “Hey! Didn’t I just say not to go spreading the Quincy secrets around? You’ve published and distributed them! Who else has copies?” Ishida’s temper flared, indignant that Urahara could be so careless.

“No one, Ishida, I assure you. I only made these copies for you three to peruse in your free time.” Kisuke recognized that the young Quincy still felt duty bound to defend his heritage but moreover, Ishida was aching over his decision to cut ties with people he cared about and was using this issue as an excuse to lash out. His voice softened again when dealing with the boy. “And you don’t have to return yours. Keep it as confirmation that you’re accepting our partnership.”

Kisuke hoped the “olive branch” was enough to earn Ishida’s trust. “When the others return their copies, I’ll see to it that they’re burned, okay? There will only be my original … and your copy, which would be an appropriate safeguard, don’t you think? You trust your friends, don’t you?”

“Of course I trust them. Jury’s still out on you.” Uryū grumbled as he gazed at the sheaf of paper in his hands. He mulled over his options, still torn over his desire to accept Urahara at face value versus his lifelong ingrained prejudice for all the Shinigami of Soul Society. He clenched his fingers on the edges of the paper and looked up into compassionate grey eyes shadowed under the green and white striped hat brim. Another band of tension relaxed as the blond’s genuine concern and caring washed over him. Grudgingly, he responded, “Fine. It looks as though I don’t have a choice but to trust you. But, if I find out anyone else knows, I’ll … I’ll … oh, I don’t know what I’ll do. Let’s just get on with it, okay?”

Kisuke flashed a silly grin and snapped his fan out with aplomb. “Great! So, let’s get you three settled in; this may take awhile. Choose a comfortable pillow or two. Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Um, yes, I’d like some tea, please, if you have some made,” Inoue politely inquired.

“No problem, Tessai was just brewing some. Sado? Ishida? Would you boys like some munchies to go with tea?” Urahara smirked, having noticed the red eyes on both the males.

“Yeah, whatever you got will be fine. Thanks.” Sado smiled appreciatively. Ishida just nodded, being slightly ashamed for his hunger due to his former state of mind, and also, still unsure about the blond’s claim of innocence regarding the Quincy information.

“To restate what I said when you arrived, in case you weren’t able to take it in, my goal here is to inject you with a potent substance, similar to the basic molecular structure of the Hogyoku I designed, which will enhance your spiritual power. I can promise it’s been tested and is safe enough that it won’t have any disastrous effects on Humans. The trials are summarized in the Treatise, and any other questions you might have on the details of anything I say tonight should be answered by reading it.”

Urahara began with Aizen’s Hogyoku catastrophe. “One hundred and one years ago, Aizen Sōsuke was the 5^th’s squad fukutaichou, and he was as devious then as he is today. Shrouding his treachery, he removed a part of the very powerful HeartSoul contained within some of the top ranked Shinigami of the Gotei 13 with his Hogyoku. The process went horribly out of control, so I was compelled to use my Hogyoku to stabilize the changed taichous and fukutaichous; not that Aizen cared once he’d obtained his HeartSouls.”

“Wait, there are two Hogyoku? I thought you made just the one, and Aizen stole it right out of Rukia’s chest!” Inoue exclaimed.

“Yes, Inoue, there were two, and Aizen did steal mine, and by now has combined it with his to create just one. Now, let me explain and it will all become clear. That means no interruptions, okay?”

“Okay.” She looked up with those big wide eyes in anticipation of the knowledge she was about to learn. She made a hesitant hum, “Um, it’s just that I don’t understand why you didn’t fix them with your Hogyoku then.”

Urahara eyed her impatiently from under the brim of his hat. “The transformation of the Shinigami into Hollows couldn’t be reversed, but only stalled, because neither orb was destined to function in that way. Since his Hogyoku was flawed –– actually they were both incomplete, the process that Aizen initiated would normally have disintegrated beings with lesser spirit power by taking all of their HeartSoul rapidly without leaving a FluidSoul in its place. There was evidence that this had occurred already and the Gotei 13 was in the process of investigating it.”

Orihime took a breath with a question on her tongue but quickly snapped her mouth shut when she saw Urahara’s reaction. He had lifted his right index finger toward her while placing his left one on his lips to keep her silent. She held back but worried that Urahara’s tolerance was wearing thin over her inability to comprehend the concepts. She didn’t understand the meaning of “HeartSoul” or “FluidSoul” and could only hope that he would explain them at some point.

Kisuke didn’t want his answer to Inoue’s first question to be interrupted before he’d finished so he’d prevented her next question with a rude silencing gesture. He saw her flinch slightly and so tried to keep a gentle voice to hide his irritation. He continued, “However, the sheer size of these officers’ Reiryoku and strength of their Reiatsu allowed them to hang on long enough for me to stop the process. But if I hadn’t been there –– and only in their case, they still wouldn’t have vanished but would have become fully Hollow. This is because the delay that their immense power created would have given time for the FluidSoul replacement.”

Ishida was unable to withhold questioning a particular side comment that Urahara had made. It had struck him as odd when he heard it and he couldn’t get it out of his mind. “Both Hogyoku were incomplete? I find it hard to believe that you’d create anything that wasn’t fully functional, even if Aizen couldn’t.” His single-minded focus on this obscure fact had nothing to do with being high, since he understood everything else the elder man had said. He would normally say whatever was on his mind.

“Well, I’m flattered, Ishida, but it can take some time to perfect a new technology, and my creation was in its infancy. As for Aizen, I assumed he had decided to plagiarize the idea when he secretly witnessed me trying to increase a Shinigami’s power with it. In his rush to surpass me, he made a critical error in his design and as a result, needed mine to complete his.” Kisuke’s mind flashed back to the mentioned experiment. “I recall having a feeling of being watched but was unable to detect any Reiatsu. Later, I deduced it must have been him upon discovering he’d created one himself.”

“But he didn’t steal your design schematics then?” Ishida presumed that Aizen’s flawed design could not have come from Urahara. His mind may have been a little syrupy with the after effects of the buzz he’d enjoyed but he was still able to focus on the lesson.

“I had assumed he had, since his was almost identical to mine. Although, he could have read the same research as me and come up with the configuration on his own. It’s been known to happen, here in the real world. Scientists living great distances apart can be working on exactly the same invention without awareness of the other’s project. It probably has something to do with the accumulated knowledge up to that point in history, and that the next evolutionary step in the process of discovery would logically be arrived at by anyone of high intellect.”

At that moment, Tsukabishi Tessai walked in with tea, sandwiches and sweets and he instantly reacted to the overheard exchange. “But Kisuke, what’s the probability that two highly intelligent individuals are working within such proximity as you and Aizen, without noticing each other? I know you were oblivious to him, so by deduction, the odds fall drastically that he was unaware of you.”

“Thanks, Tessai, I think. I guess if I hadn’t been so oblivious, I might have been able to do something about him before the incident.” The former head of the RDI grumbled a little, feeling like a puppy that had been swatted and petted and the same time.

“Sorry, Boss. You know I think he’s a thieving, unprincipled, raving egotist and that you are the only genius who devised a useful Hogyoku. I’m betting he thought he could make his better and altered your formula. What a moron, thinking that.” Tessai had a strong connection with Kisuke and hated to think he’d hurt his friend’s feelings so he made every effort to smooth over the thoughtless comment. In no way, was Kisuke to blame for the fate of those unfortunate officers.

“Fine. Apology accepted. Now, may I continue? It’s already late in the afternoon, and I’ll probably have to get Tessai here to feed you supper as well as these snacks, if you keep interrupting me.” Urahara still managed to give a little verbal poke back to Tessai even though he wasn’t really irritated; he loved having an audience. They all nodded solemnly, afraid to speak.

“Do you mind if I stay and join in?” Tsukabishi paused before leaving.

“Did you send for that ‘package’ I ordered?”

“Yes, and it should arrive any time now.”

“Good. Then, please stay. The more ears there are, the better the understanding.” Everyone gave a ‘huh?’ expression as the inscrutable savant mentally checked his notes for where he left off. He decided to gloss over the details of his fall into exile in favour of getting to the meat of the matter.

“Right. So. After the incident, Tessai, Yoruichi, myself and eight victims came to the Human Realm.”

Orihime couldn’t hold back any longer, “Ooooh! What happened to the victims?” The human males chuckled a little at her grisly captivation.

Kisuke blew out an exasperated breath, “As I said, they were stabilized –– but changed permanently. I can’t comment any further on their fate as I lost touch with them. They left to seek a life away from the Soul Society, staying hidden to protect themselves. It was better I didn’t know, just in case I was captured and forced to reveal what I do know.

“Now, no more about that. We’re getting side-tracked and have a long way to go.” Urahara hoped there would be no more interruptions because even though he enjoyed an audience, he was also fairly impatient if his progression moved at a snail’s pace. He gave every one of his “students” a fierce gaze to demand they recognize his authority and respect his request for silence.

“At this time, I came to realize that a complete Hogyoku’s true function is to create an equilibrium between the two spiritual states. It wasn’t what I had been aiming for originally when I invented it, though. I wanted to enhance the Shinigami’s Reiryoku, same as what I’m hoping for you three. I’ve discovered since that the original shape of the object which contains the basic substance is the key to how it functions. Of course, it made sense when you understand how the Quincy people used it to shape their weapons and tools.”

Both Inoue and Sado had far away looks that implied they were thinking hard but at a loss. A tentative hand raised. “Um, Mr. Urahara? I’m sorry that I’m imposing on you but I’m a little confused about what you mean by the two spiritual states. Can you explain it in more detail?” Orihime was starting to get confused by everything he’d said, but she thought she could try to regain some footing if he broke it down to the basics.

“All right, Inoue, if no one else objects?” He looked around but nobody could refuse Orihime. Kisuke realized he would have to define and specify terminology for these two humans. He wasn’t surprised that Ishida showed evidence of understanding as he had been tutored about the spiritual realms by his grandfather, a well-known and powerful Quincy in his own right.

“If you don’t already know them, these spirit states are HeartSoul and FluidSoul. At the most basic level, every entity has a soul in either of these states. Remember that souls can only exist in an appropriate receptacle and cannot survive long when separated. Because of this, they can’t be created artificially without a host repository. Also, they are not all created equal and some can be changed after creation.” Kisuke was relieved that they were all following his lecture. Four pairs of clearly focused eyes were locked on his.

“HeartSouls are souls where a person’s “heart” or more precisely, the presence of love, compassion, and other powerful emotional forces are enmeshed with their Reiryoku. Do you understand that Reiryoku is your manifested spirit energy or power, Inoue? That a soul is where that power is contained?”

“Well, yeah. Sort of. Although, I’ve never understood why some people like Ichigo and Uryū have so much more power than myself or Chad. Or why we have more than Tatsuki or Keigo.”

“I’ll try my best to explain it then, as it directly pertains to my invention. Your spirit power, or Reiryoku, is provided by spirit particles pooling in your soul. Some people, like the Quincy or Shinigami, have genetic factors which naturally encourage more than normal amounts of these particles to collect. That explains Ishida’s power. You and Sado may also have genetic factors but I haven’t been able to determine what they are at this point. Also, the heart of a person can influence the size of Reiryoku they have, but usually, once a HeartSoul is formed at birth, the size remains relatively the same.”

“As for Ichigo, he is unique and I can’t really go into where his power comes from without his permission.” Kisuke held back that there was more to Ichigo than the oranget even knew, aside from his Hollow’s power.

“These spirit particles, known as Reishi, can be hyper-condensed to allow for even more to accumulate and thus, very powerful beings will result. My intention is to fuse the Matrix substance that the Hogyoku is made from to your Human bodies in order for this Reishi condensation to occur. Do you understand, Inoue?”

“Again, sort of. Maybe I’ll just try reading the pamphlet at home and it might finally sink in. It’s okay, though. I think I understand enough to carry on with your teachings.” Orihime smiled sweetly. She didn’t want to ruin everyone else’s learning by making Urahara continue trying to get through to her.

Kisuke sighed heavily, being frustrated as well. He didn’t like the feeling that he was unable to get his meaning across. “Well, I guess you’re right. We should move on. But if you want me to explain anything after you read it, Inoue, don’t hesitate to call me, okay?” The amber-haired youth nodded emphatically with a “Mm-hm” in reply, blushing slightly at the thought of special treatment.

“I’ll just finish the topic of HeartSouls versus FluidSouls, first.” With compassion in his voice, Kisuke relayed the information that was vital to understanding the Hogyoku and his present intentions. His audience finally held their tongues and listened attentively.

“A FluidSoul simply has no heart to temper its soul. It is fluid because it is in transition, with only a “potential” to have heart. Obviously, any soul container that doesn’t have heart will be the fluid kind. The heart of a person helps to shape its soul. People with great passion or resolve can influence their own Reiatsu, their spirit pressure. But even those without heart still have “will” that affects their Reiatsu.

“As you may have guessed, HeartSouls make up the population of the Soul Society and the Human Realm, although most people have small Reiryoku and therefore, their Reiatsu is not significant.

“FluidSouls make up everything else in the three Realms. Inanimate objects even have a FluidSoul that could one day be merged into a HeartSoul, like the smallest grain of salt when ingested. It is a positive and forward moving system as everything is recycled and the FluidSouls flow and transform, perhaps to be reborn as a HeartSoul.

“But the FluidSoul that has a tragic destiny is that of the Hollow. It wasn’t originally created without heart. A Hollow used to be a person with a HeartSoul but the heart was ripped out when its soul chain was devoured. This damaged FluidSoul carries the weight of the pain and longing for what it used to be.

“That explains the Hollow’s need to feast on HeartSouls; it’s instinct to create balance within itself as an uncompromising drive. However, the eaten HeartSoul can’t merge with a FluidSoul in the same way as the reverse can happen. The HeartSoul needs an appropriate receptacle, remember? A Hollow doesn’t have “heart” and so can’t influence the ingested HeartSoul which therefore transitions back to being a FluidSoul.

“This becomes a wretched cycle of craving, consuming, and converting, only to crave some more. This so called “sustenance” never provides the stability the Hollow is yearning for. The best possible outcome for a Hollow is Purification by a Shinigami which allows the soul’s energy to be released back to Soul Society where it combines with local Reishi and becomes either a new HeartSoul or some type of undamaged FluidSoul again. At least, in this respect, it is freed of its torment.”

Kisuke paused to indicate that he had ended this topic. He figured his listeners would need a few minutes to process their thoughts on the subject and so he reached for a sandwich and took a little break.

Surprisingly to Kisuke, Sado was the first speak. “The way you put it, Mr. Urahara, I feel a little sympathy for the Hollows. I mean, they’re trapped in an existence not of their choosing, with no hope of evolving towards peace within their lifetime.”

A sudden blur of black and orange fury rushed into the room toward Urahara, grasping his shoulders and shaking him hard. Hazel eyes burned into his own grey. “THE HELL! What kind of crap are you telling them, Urahara?”
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The War Within