Summary: Once upon a time, I decided to write a novelization of Bleach. It was my first fanfiction ever - and it sucked. This is a years-in-the-works attempt to revamp my very first project, with some interesting results. It is more than a novelization, for it is entirely from Ichigo's perspective, and is not only a character study on him and how he interacts with the people around him, but a character interpretation based on those tiny pieces of evidence that Kubo is infamous for tossing to the reader. This is Ichigo, not just as he is, but as I see him, and also an explanation of why I see the first arc as so important for more than plot-related reasons. Ends at the beginning of the Soul Society Arc. Might be followed by a book two if I feel so ambitious.
Guardian
Book One: Chances
"Chances are when it's said and done.
Who will be the lucky ones
Who make it all the way?
Though you say I could be your answer,
Nothing lasts forever,
No matter how it feels today.
Chances are we'll find a new equation.
Chances roll away from me.
But chances are all they hope to be.
Don't get me wrong, I never say never,
'Cause though love can change the weather,
No act of God can pull me away from you.
But I'm just a realistic man,
A bottle filled with shells and sand,
Afraid to love beyond what I can lose when it comes to you.
And though I see us through, yeah,
Chances are we'll find two destinations.
Chances roll away from me.
Still, chances are more than expectations.
They're possibilities
(Over me.)
Eight to five, two to one,
Lay your money on the sun
Until you crash, what have you done?
Is there a better bet than love?
What you are is what you breathe.
You've got to cry before you sing.
Chances... chances...
Chances lost are hope's torn up pages.
But maybe this time...
Chances are we'll be the combination.
Chances, come and carry me.
Chances are waiting to be taken.
And I can see:
Chances are the fascination.
Chances won't escape from me.
Chances are only what we make them.
And all I need."
- "Chances" by Five for Fighting