The senkaimon in Sereitei stood between monolithic pillars of stone, forcing the observer to lean back in order to appreciate its height. Once activated, wooden doors opened outwards onto a shifting plane of white energy. Although she had seen it many times and had been through it twice to reach the human world, Rukia never quite got used to the scale of the device or the fact that it was clearly designed in deference to the shinigami who would use it.
Ichigo would be accompanied, on his return journey, by a hell butterfly. The little creatures, for all their fragility, were the only living things capable of surviving between worlds without the use of technology. As such, Soul Society had long ago decided to equip them with communication devices and it was standard practice for one to accompany every shinigami into the dangai. This one danced against the fierce light of the senkaimon.
Ukitake presented Ichigo with the badge that would mark him as an honorary member of the Gotei Thirteen, though he would belong to no particular squad and answer to no captain. He would be allowed to keep his powers, but he would be bound by their laws.
Farewells were spoken.
Rukia stood with Byakuya. Since the night he had told her of Hisana, no further words had been exchanged between them save for surface pleasantries. The respect she paid him as a younger sister and the protection he afforded her as an elder brother: these were the things that were black and white and made sense to them both. Within those bounds, they would begin to find their way.
"See you, Rukia," Ichigo said before he turned towards the gate. She found herself smiling at the certainty in her voice. She searched, but she could find no doubt within herself either.
"Yeah," she said: "See you."
And then he stepped through the gate and out of her world.
THE END
Final Author's Note:
I can't believe it's done. Just 162,973 words. O.O
I'd love to know where people started reading this series from and if anyone actually made it through the whole thing? I can't help asking. By the way, if you have made it through all of these stories, may I say a huge thank you and, by way of expressing my thanks, if you are ever in the London area, I will buy you a drink (or a nice cup of tea – whichever you prefer).