A/N: Okay so this is my first story, I love reading stories where the roles are reversed between Ichigo and Rukia. However they always seem to be missing something, in my opinion. So I wrote this one in order to try and find a unique way to write this.
Disclaimer: I don't own BLEACH, if I did, I would be so rich that I wouldn't have to be typing on this crappy laptop
Chapter 1: Death is a strawberry
The sun was setting on the small town of Karakura. A comforting orange glow washed over the students as they all exited the front gates of the high school, reveling in the joy of being released from a long day of boring orientations. A petite dark haired girl stood at the gate shielding her eyes a little from the sun.
"Ja ne, Urahara-san!" A busty young girl with orange hair called, waving at the dark haired girl.
"Good bye Inoue-san!" she called back, her voice laced with sugary sweetness, a practiced smile adorning her face.
Rukia had been an orphan for as long as she could remember. There was no memory of her childhood other then a pair of soft and watery violet eyes. To be honest she couldn't remember anything until about age six when she wandered the streets and lived on her own, learning how to fight and steal to survive, until she was finally found and taken into a foster home at age ten. Rukia was a troubled youth. Her elementary days had been filled with fighting and expulsions as she was shuffled from foster home to foster home, unable to establish any roots or make any friends. It wasn't until junior high that she perfected her good girl appearance, while keeping her fighting spirit under the surface. She still fought to protect herself and others but her flawless façade made it hard for anyone to pin anything on the small girl. However after a particularly bad experience with one of her foster families Rukia decided she was done with the adoption system and decided to run away. That night she met a strange man named Kisuke Urahara, he had taken her in over night and the next morning brought her back to her social worker. It was common knowledge among all orphans that once you reached the tender age of four the chances of being adopted dropped to one in one million and got slimmer and slimmer as the years went passed.
However not even two days later it was official, Rukia was adopted at age fourteen and took the surname of Urahara. Rukia was a little suspicious of her foster father and demanded to be allowed to live in her own apartment where he would pay the rent. Urahara agreed immediately on the condition that she would work in his shop and spend 'family' time with Ururru and Jinta, two other children in the Urahara household. Rukia had a surprisingly happy life with Urahara, Tessai, Ururru and Jinta, in the next year she had taken the entrance exam to Karakura high school and scored wonderfully. Now age fifteen Rukia Urahara was ready to begin high school and start a new. Life was almost normal.
She sighed and took a step forward, preparing for a long walk to her fathers shop. When she turned the corner, her piercing lavender eyes landed on a group of about five boys skate boarding near a few telephone poles. Her eyes drifted down to the vase of fresh flowers that laid overturned at the base of one pole, and she felt the anger surge within her. Rukia's mouth turned into a tight line and her eyes became steely as she approached the boys. They all looked up when they heard her shoes tapping softly on the pavement. A few whistled while another made a comment, but they all stared, their dirty thoughts practically visible on their faces. Rukia was a very pretty girl, while not overly mature in the height or bust department she held a sort of beauty and elegance found only in members of the higher class, but most of all her eyes were the most arresting shade of violet.
"Hey, what's a pretty girl like you doing walking home all by herself?" one asked approaching the small girl
Rukia didn't answer, instead opting for her own question.
"Do you know what that is?" she asked, her icy voice cut through his confidence like a hot knife through butter.
"Aw come on girl…" he said reaching out to touch her shoulder.
"Touch me and you'll be sorry." Rukia said through gritted teeth, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the handle of her school bag.
"What are you going to do about it?" he asked slyly his fingertip ghosting over her shoulder.
But that was all it took for Rukia to snap, she immediately swung her bag, against his face, sending him sprawling to the pavement. With a swift kick to the ribs she effectively knocked the wind out of him and one well-placed kick to his temple rid him of his consciousness.
"You think you can do that to one of my boys and get away with it?" the leader of the gang asked, eyes narrowed.
He swung a punch at her jaw but she merely ducked underneath his arm. Rukia dropped to the ground leaning on her hands and preformed a spin kick knocking his legs out from under him and making the leader fall face first onto the ground. She quickly stood up before using her foot to ground his face into the pavement, stomping on it a few times for good measure.
The remaining three boys coward at the small demon that stood before them, taking a deep and calming breath Rukia turned her attention towards them with a glare that could freeze hell.
"First question!" she shouted, causing them all to flinch. "What's that?" she asked pointing to the overturned little vase of flowers.
"Uh um…" one stuttered as the other two continued to cower in fear.
"You in the middle! Answer me!" Rukia commanded.
"It was uh probably some offering for some kid who died here…" he said.
Rukia leapt at him, wrapping one arm around his throat and hooking the other one under his arm sending him crashing to the ground her knee digging into the base of his spine.
"Correct!" She affirmed, standing. "Next question, why is it turned over on its side?"
"I uh…I…" One of the two boys stammered.
"Spit it out!" Rukia threatened.
"Well when we were skateboarding down here we probably knocked it over and…" but he never got to finish as Rukia leapt into the air and landed her foot in his face while smacking the last one in the face with her bag, sending them both to the ground.
"Now apologize! Or next time I'll make sure that when people come here to leave an offering it will be to you!" Rukia seethed, flames of fury burning in her violet eyes.
"WE'RE SORRY!" The now conscious boys said, picking up their freshly fallen comrades, and dashing away.
Rukia watched with arms crossed, sighing away the last of her frustrations as the boys continued to stumble their way down the street. When she was sure they were gone Rukia turned to face the telephone pole, a small comforting smile on her face. The dark haired girl knelt down to pick up the overturned bottle and flowers.
"I'm sorry for what they did, some people are so inconsiderate." Rukia said.
"That's okay." A meek voice said, as a little girl probably no older then seven stepped out from behind the pole she was using as her hiding place, a smile gracing her young and innocent features.
Rukia's life was almost normal, but she would never be able to relate with her friends all because of one secret that had haunted Rukia all through her life.
"I'll bring you some fresh flowers tomorrow." She promised the small girl holding out a pale hand.
The other girl laid her own slightly translucent hand on Rukia's and giggled slightly at the memory of such a small girl defending her.
"You're my hero Rukia-chan." The girl confided.
No one knew her secret, not even her adopted family. Rukia tried her hardest to ignore it, but at a certain point that became impossible because she also started to care. They were the only constants in her ever-changing life and she had come to rely on their presence.
"Well I better get home see you tomorrow!" Rukia said turning away and walking down the street.
"Ja ne nee-chan!" the girl called waving.
Rukia turned just enough to wave and catch a last glimpse of the girl, the small chain sticking from her chest where her heart should have been if not for her premature death, her brown pigtails which shaded her eyes from Rukia and the blood that stained half of her adorable face, before the girl faded into nothing.
At age fifteen Rukia was finally living with a wonderful foster family, was given the independence she so desperately wanted, got into one of the best high schools in the area, and she could see and talk to ghosts. Life was almost normal.
-Page Break-
"Ah carrot-kun!" the drunk blonde slurred at the orange haired male that walked into the office, a familiar scowl on his face. "Do you need anything?"
Ichigo shifted uncomfortably as Matsumoto Rangiku pressed herself against him, and rested her chin on his chest. He gave her a small push and that was all it took to coax her into getting off of him and stumbling to the couch in the tenth division.
Ichigo Kurosaki was an extraordinary shinigami. He was the most powerful unseated officer ever known, his power only coming up a tad short to Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai the captain commander of the soul society. He had started off in the eleventh division, never really having much talent in kidou, but the skill he lacked in magic he made up for in swordsmanship. He was able to beat Zaraki Kenpachi, and was boosted to become a captain. But a life of paperwork was not a life for Ichigo, and by pulling a few strings, the Kurosaki's were nobles after all, he was able to remain an unseated member in the tenth division, allowed to go on as many missions as he wanted.
There was a chuckle from the desk of the tenth division captain, and Ichigo leveled a glare at the white haired young man. Hitsuguya Toshiro was his own kind of prodigy and unlike Ichigo had accepted the life style of rules and regulations as a captain. They had both gone through the academy together and still remained close friends.
"How may I help you?" Hitsuguya began. "Mr. Carrot." He added as an after thought.
Matsumoto immediately sat up from her place on the couch and stumbled over to her captain's desk, a worried expression on her drunken face.
"Oh no captain, a carrot! I hate carrots they taste yucky!" Matsumoto whined. "Save me from the carrot taicho!" she pleaded pulling Hitsuguya into a tight hug, smothering him with her overly developed chest.
"M-M-MATSUMOTO!" Hitsuguya screamed trying to free his head.
Ichigo merely laughed at the poor suffering boy and Matsumoto soon fell into the same fit of laughter and in turn released her white haired captain. Hitsuguya gasped for air, his cheeks stained red. Without something to hold onto Matsumoto stumbled back and collapsed on the floor. Both Ichigo and Hitsuguya stared at the motionless body for a moment before turning to look at each other.
"She gonna be okay?" Ichigo asked.
"If she's not that's her own fault." Hitsuguya said shrugging. "Anyway what do you need Kurosaki? I didn't call you so you must need something."
"Yeah, actually, I was wondering if my request had gone through…" Ichigo said scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
If there was one thing Ichigo loved more then being a shinigami it was his small and dysfunctional family. Ichigo had two little sisters, Yuzu and Karin. They were twins but complete opposites, Yuzu was soft and kind, with fair hair and amber eyes. Karin was tough and had a major attitude. Her hair was black and her eyes were dark. His obnoxious father, Isshin Kurosaki, had stepped down from being the captain of the eleventh division in order to become an academy teacher and the head of the Kurosaki family after the death of his mother, and before he had even entered the academy. Ichigo was unique when compared to most; he had a shock of unruly orange hair and smoldering amber eyes, and a scowling, but handsome face put it all together. The family used to be filled with laughter and light-heartedness. That was until Masaki died, and all the happiness seemed to die with her. Yuzu immediately fell into the role that their mother had once filled, Karin had vowed to be strong and to never cry again becoming more callous, and Isshin had made it his mission to make the family enjoy themselves more, acting like a complete idiot, to try and make his family happy, to cover the hurt he held inside. The biggest change perhaps was found in Ichigo. A once kind hearted and happy child Ichigo was never the same after his mother died. He had taken it the hardest, he had been with her.
Imagine his displeasure and anxiety when he discovered that Yuzu and Kairn would be graduating from the academy and would be put on their first field test. He had demanded that he be the one to take them on the field, it was his turn to patrol Karakura town anyway and he jumped at the chance to take his sisters with him.
Hitsuguya gave him a look as he shuffled through his paperwork until he found the paper he was looking for. He scanned it quickly before looking back up at Ichigo. The orange haired male could feel the sweat forming on his forehead from the anticipation. Finally Hitsuguya looked up at him, handing him the paper.
"Have fun in the real world Kurosaki." Hitsuguya said focusing back on his paperwork.
"Arigotou Toshiro." Ichigo said grinning like an idiot as he read over the accepted terms and conditions of his agreement.
"That's Hitsuguya taichou to you! And tell the girls I wish them luck."
-Page Break-
Rukia thanked her lucky star when she saw the final stretch of sidewalk that would lead straight to Urahara Shoten.
"Finally!" she exclaimed to no one.
However she paused mid step when she saw a black cat saunter onto the sidewalk. The cat glanced at her before walking in a circle before sitting and merely watching her.
"Yourichi-san?" Rukia called, watching the cat closely for any reaction.
The cat flicked its tail and Rukia grinned before approaching the black feline. Yourichi was a stray cat that Rukia had found while she was living on the streets.
Flashback
Rukia dashed down the sidewalk, easily outrunning the older man who had owned the bakery. She finally deemed it safe enough to slow down, and was walking when she had passed the alley. Perhaps it was the sickening meow of displeasure, or maybe the twisted giggles of the boys, but for some reason Rukia turned and stared into the darkness. Three boys, obviously older then her were standing in a semicircle trapping a black cat against a wall. One was holding a rather pointy stick, another was holding and throwing rocks at the animal, and the last one was taking pictures. Rukia's eyes fell to the ground, she wanted to help but could see no way of doing so. They were bigger then her and she didn't know how to fight. A soft meow reached her ears and Rukia looked back up, golden eyes locking with hers, and for a moment it seemed as if she was looking in the mirror.
She was just like the cat, a victim of the streets, someone who alone wouldn't last very long. Without thinking Rukia dropped her freshly acquired bread and ran at the boys hitting one heavily with her shoulder, knocking him down. The other two watched in shock as she scooped up the cat and dashed down the alley. Soon they gave chase pelting her with rocks. But Rukia ignored them even as one stone struck her in the head hard enough to draw blood. She continued running until she made it into the park and wedged herself between the plastic slides shielding the cat from the brunt of the attacks. They stayed in that position until finally the boys got tired and moved away. When she was sure they were gone Rukia slid her thin form out of the small area between the slides. She fell back on her butt in the sand and released the cat, reaching up and wiping the blood from her head.
The cat looked at her curiously as Rukia inspected the bruises along her pale arms. After a moment of silence Rukia looked up at the cat that was staring at her, she smiled reassuringly.
"It's okay, you can go now if you want." Rukia mentioned.
The cat still didn't move, instead the cat moved closer licking one of the bruises that stained her hand. Her sand paper tongue tickled Rukia and she giggled, before stopping as her stomach twisted in hunger. Rukia's smile disappeared remembering her stolen bread that probably now lay cold on the ground. Tears burned in her eyes, but she fought them as the cat rubbed its head on her hand.
"It's okay, I'll find something else to eat." Rukia tried to reassure, her stomach letting out a loud growl.
The cat paused in it's rubbing before dashing away. Tiredly the small girl watched the animal disappear on the horizon, and she knew she would never have enough energy to steal more food that day, so she stood slowly and wandered to a small plastic tunnel in the sand and climbed in where a makeshift pillow rested along with a worn blanket. She tried to force herself into sleep but her hunger made it difficult. Just as her eyelids grew heavy she heard a strained meow and Rukia had just enough energy to drag herself out of the tunnel where the cat was waiting, a bag of food in her mouth.
"What?" Rukia asked confused.
The cat nudged her again, before pushing the food closer to her. Slowly she sat up and began to eat the rice, and chicken that was provided for her. After she had finished eating her fill she turned and looked at the cat.
"Thank you." Rukia answered gratefully.
The cat merely winked one of its golden eyes and lay down at Rukia's feet. The dark haired girl began to scratch the cat behind its ears earning a loud purr. As she continued to pet her Rukia realized the cat didn't have a collar and assumed her to be a stray.
"Here you go." Rukia said, placing the remaining food in front of the cat.
The feline looked at her curiously, unsure of what to do until Rukia nodded grinning. The cat ate the rest of the food slowly and Rukia continued to pet her.
"I think I'm gonna name you!" Rukia exclaimed suddenly. "But what? How about…" she began to ponder until and idea struck, I call you Chap…"
She was cut off by the wind as it whispered in her ear a single name, one she hadn't even thought of.
'Yourichi.'
"Hmmm." Rukia began, brows furrowing. "I know this name may sound odd, but how about…Yourichi…?"
The cat nodded slowly and Rukia smiled at her human like characteristics.
"Are you sure you like it…Yourichi I mean." Rukia spoke quickly to clarify.
Yourichi walked and curled into Rukia's lap as she continued to massage the cat's head behind her ears. Rukia took that as a yes.
End Flashback
It was from that day forward that Rukia and Yourichi came to depend on each other. Rukia would protect and provide a place for Yourichi to stay, and without the cats help Rukia would have starved a long time ago. Unfortunately she wasn't allowed to take the cat with her into her foster homes, but luckily they were reunited when she found out that Yourichi had already belonged to the Urahara family.
She turned at the corner, into the dirt plot in front of the Urahara Shoten. Tsking as she noticed the broom lying on the ground, she placed the cat and her bag onto the ground and picked up the broom, leaning on the handle. Rukia contemplated for a moment about finishing Urruru's chores when a loud meow broke her train of thought.
"Yourichi?" she asked puzzled, turning towards the feline. "What's wrong…oh!" Rukia exclaimed her violet eyes landing on a deep purple and black butterfly that floated gracefully around the yard.
A sudden childish urge struck Rukia and she dashed forward swiping at the butterfly trying to catch the graceful insect. However every time she seemed to get close to it, something would cause it to fly just above her outstretched fingers. She let out another dissatisfied grunt as she missed the butterfly for the fifth time, finally giving up. Rukia walked towards the shop and slid open the door, Yourichi took the chance to dash inside before Rukia slammed it closed.
"Ah! Rukia-chan is that you?" her fathers flamboyant voice called from deep within the shop.
"Hai otou-san." Rukia confirmed, still a bit peeved, while gracefully sliding over the counter with the cash register and grabbing an apron along with a cleaning cloth.
Slowly she cleaned the counter in small circles, dazing off. Something black and purple fluttered into her vision and she looked up shocked as the butterfly landed gently on the bridge of her nose, bringing a sweet smile to her face. Suddenly the thumping of wood clogs filled the shop and the butterfly immediately stirred, and flew from her nose.
Rukia turned pouting. "Awww you scared it away otou-san!"
Urahara Kisuke was a handsome and mysterious man. He was at a decent height and had a muscular body build hidden by an open green and white kimono jacket, coupled with a light green under kimono shirt, and pants that complemented the jacket. A green and white striped bucket hat hid his sandy blonde hair and his eyes from view, a large wooden cane was clutched in his right hand, a green and white fan in his left and on his feet he wore wooden clogs. A care-free smile split his rugged face as he laid his eyes on his daughter. Slowly he walked towards Rukia, Yourichi who had been sleeping contently on the counter perked up and began to purr at the shopkeepers appearance.
"Ah! Ohayo Yourichi-san." The man said tiredly petting the cat.
"It's the middle of the afternoon Otou-san!" Rukia sighed rolling her eyes.
Urahara pretended that he just noticed her and grinned, despite his earlier greeting. He leaned against the counter allowing his eyes to wander over Rukia, as she turned back to her work.
"My my Rukia-chan, you do look awfully good in an apron, you should wear one more often neh?" Urahara said suggestively.
Rukia punched her father in the jaw and Yourichi's purring immediately ceased as she bit the man's hand growling threateningly. Urahara pouted whispering to the cat when suddenly his eyes landed on the small butterfly still fluttering in the air. His face turned serious and his eyes flashed as he reached a hand out. The insect flitted lightly onto his hand and the room was silent for a moment, Rukia watching in awe. She almost thought she saw a frown cross his face.
"Rukia dear?" he asked in a forced lighthearted voice. "Can't you go outside and finish Urruru's sweeping, the poor girl got caught up with…other matters and never finished it."
Rukia had never heard her father act so serious before, it scared her tremendously, so she nodded and slipped the apron off before grabbing the broom on the way out.
-Page Break-
Ichigo excitedly shunpoed as quickly as he could back to his house, anxious to tell his family about the new development. Unlike in the other noble houses the Kurosaki manor had no servants bustling around. Masaki Kurosaki had insisted on doing all the housework herself and when she died Yuzu demanded that she was allowed to do the same. So the Kurosaki house remained servant-less.
"Tadaima!" Ichigo called as he slid open the front door.
"Welcome home ni-san!" Yuzu cried, stepping out of the kitchen holding a ladle in her hand.
"Ichi-nii." Karin acknowledged. "What did they say?" she asked trying to mask the anticipation in her voice.
"Yes! What did they say? What did they say? Yuzu asked excitedly.
"We'll discuss it over dinner," he answered. "Where's the old goat?"
But before either of his sisters could answer him a foot came flying towards his face. Ichigo quickly ducked to avoid it, sending his father crashing to the floor.
"Nice try old man." Ichigo commented dryly. "But if you want to catch me off guard your going to have to mask your energy a lot better then that."
The dark haired man sat up, an idiotic grin plastered to his flattened face, as his bright eyes landed on his sons scowling face.
"Ahhhh! You are getting better my son! Masaki would be proud!" Isshin responded flashing a bright smile and a thumb up.
Ichigo rolled his eyes before slamming his fathers face back into the floor with his foot, effectively muffling Isshin's next rant. Ichigo walked past his father's prone body, slamming open the door to the backyard and slamming it roughly behind him, trying to control his anger and annoyance. With his back turned towards the house Ichigo let his eyes fall upon the weeping willow, his mothers favorite tree. Ichigo closed his eyes as the memory of the day when they had first planted the tree washed over him.
Flashback
A young Ichigo sat on his knees staring up at his mother as she began covering the baby tree's roots with fresh soil, and patting it good naturedly with her hand. She looked over at Ichigo expectantly and he immediately leaned forward as well and patted the soil just like his mother.
"There, all secure!" she said smiling and dusting off her hands.
"All secure!" Ichigo repeated, his own silly grin splitting his adorable face.
She placed a warm and reassuring hand on his cheek, smiling so sincerely that Ichigo felt the warmth and love radiate from it. Using her thumb she removed a few splotches of dirt from his face.
"Ichigo Kurosaki you are the most adorable little boy in all of soul society!" Masaki said, laughing and placing a large wet kiss on his forehead.
"Ahh mom!" Ichigo said, his eyebrows furrowing in frustration even though the smile never left his face.
She giggled and shifted slightly, her pregnant belly making it difficult to maneuver. She sat on the ground looking at the tree smiling and little Ichigo crawled over to her gently laying his head on his mother's swollen stomach.
"Mama? Why did we plant a weeping willow?" Ichigo asked, his own amber eyes fixed on the sprout.
"Because it's my favorite tree." She answered.
"But why Okaa-san?" Ichigo asked confused. "It sounds like such a sad tree."
"Because Ichigo, it was my mothers favorite tree and had been passed down as my family symbol for generations." Masaki said.
"Why is it called a 'weeping' willow?" Ichigo asked, brow furrowed.
"Well my mother told me that when she passed on that her spirit would be locked inside the tree trunk and she would watch over me for the rest of my life, crying in happiness of all I would accomplish." She explained, running her fingers through Ichigo's messy hair. "So when I pass on I'll be in this tree watching over you and the new baby."
"Mommy!" Ichigo exclaimed sitting up. "You're not going anywhere are you?" Ichigo asked, eyes glassy.
"I will some day." Masaki admitted.
"But not soon?" Ichigo asked, tears threatening to leak from his eyes.
"No not soon at all." Masaki reassured.
End Flashback
The door to the house slid open again and Ichigo glanced behind him. Isshin Kurosaki stood before him a serious look on his face. Ichigo rolled his eyes at his father's expression, not believing it for a second.
"What do you want goat chin?" Ichigo asked.
Isshin was silent as he approached his son, stopping at the base of the weeping willow. He placed a hand on the thick trunk.
"How is Masaki?" he asked Ichigo, his eyes fixed on the tree.
Ichigo closed his eyes and took a deep breath before answering his father. "You still believe in that nonsense?"
"Of course." Isshin stated. "If I don't who will?"
Ichigo rolled his eyes again and looked away from his father.
"They said yes didn't they?"
Ichigo's head snapped up as he stared at his father wide eyed. Isshin merely stared back, unafraid and confident.
"W-what?" Ichigo asked slightly confused and taken a back.
"Yamma-ji is going to let you take your sisters." Isshin stated more then asked.
Slowly Ichigo nodded and Isshin sighed, turning his eyes back to the tree.
"I don't want them to go." Isshin confided.
"But it's better they come with me isn't it?" Ichigo asked.
"Honestly I don't know about that." Isshin answered.
"What? You don't trust me?" Ichigo asked defensively.
"I do, but I don't know if you would be able to see through your brotherly duty. To put aside your protectiveness and allow them to grow as Shinigami." Isshin said.
"But I can protect them!" Ichigo exclaimed.
"I know you can." Isshin said resting a hand on Ichigo's shoulder and smiling. "I would rather them not become shinigami at all."
Ichigo nodded agreeing completely with his father. After their mother died Ichigo tried to do everything in his power to keep them from becoming Shinigami but Yammamato would hear none of it. The Soul Society was already low on able-bodied Shinigami, and the Kurosaki's, as one of the most powerful and promising line of soul reapers couldn't spare anyone, which is why Isshin still remained in the Gotei 13 as an unseated member like his son.
"But I'm glad Yamma-ji listened to my wishes for once." Isshin said.
"What?" Ichigo asked curiously.
"I had asked Yamma-ji to allow you to take your sisters to the real world." Isshin confessed. "And I'm glad to see he said yes."
"How did you know he said yes?" Ichigo asked.
"He sent a hell butterfly earlier." Isshin said smiling.
The backdoor slid open revealing two very excited twins.
"He said yes!" Yuzu exclaimed running and hugging her father tightly before latching onto Ichigo.
"When do we leave?" Karin asked running up to the rest of her family.
"Later tonight." Ichigo answered, watching as his father swing Yuzu around.
"Then we should pack," Karin said, before nodding towards Yuzu. "Come on Yuzu!"
"Ahh! Hurry up you two we're leaving after dinner!" Ichigo shouted.
Isshin watched in amusement as Ichigo dashed towards the house, and barked orders to the girls as he was smothered with clothes and other objects that were thrown down the stairs at him.
"We NEED to pack light!" Ichigo tried to explain, as Yuzu tossed yet another one of her stuffed animals down the stairs.
"Light as in…?" Karin asked, leaving the question open ended.
"Like a spare uniform and your Zanpakuto, that's it!" Ichigo said.
"Pfft yeah right." Karin said, rolling her eyes.
"Aww your so mean Ichi-nii!" Yuzu pouted.
Ichigo sighed and scratched the back of his head, as Yuzu gave him the puppy dog look.
"Fine you can take a few stuffed animals…" He began.
"YAY!" Yuzu exclaimed disappearing into the room.
"But your still carrying it by yourself!" Ichigo called after her.
"So it seems like you have everything prepared." Isshin commented, standing behind his son.
"Yup." Ichigo agreed.
"So where are you planning on staying?"
Ichigo paled and scrambled to his feet, running to the bookshelf and pulling out an atlas of the human world. Frantically he searched through the pages, trying to find a suitable place or them to stay. A deep laugh stopped his actions and Ichigo whirled around, leveling a glare at his father.
"What's so funny old man?" Ichigo snapped.
"I thought you would forget about that so I arranged a place for you to stay already." Isshin answered.
"Oh really?" Ichigo sighed rolling his eyes.
"Yup." Isshin reassured. "I sent him a hell butterfly earlier."
-Page Break-
Urahara frowned as he listened to the message the small insect had carried to him. When the message was finished it flitted away and landed on the counter awaiting his response.
"What did it say Kisuke?" a deep, rough voice asked.
Urahara sighed and ran his hand along the black cats back while glancing at Tessai, Ururru, and Jinta.
"Who's it from?" Ururru asked curiously.
"Isshin Kurosaki, his son and two daughters, are coming to the human world and he wants them to stay here." The shopkeeper answered.
"Are we Mr. Kisuke…?" Tessai asked.
"Of course not." Urahara said harshly. "Rukia should not be exposed to such things."
Tessai, Ururru, and Jinta disappeared into the shop, agreeing completely with their employer. Once they left Urahara sighed and went to a shelf pulling out a list of available property for sale.
"Kisuke you can't shelter her forever."
"Yeah? Well I'll be damned if I don't try." Urahara mumbled.
The cat purred again, rubbing against his legs, and the shopkeeper let out a weary sigh, before bending down and lifting the cat into his arms.
"Really, I'm not trying to shelter her…" Urahara began. "Think of it as…prolonging the inevitable."
The cat merely stared at him with her golden eyes and Urahara looked away before placing her on the counter next to him. A moment of silence passed before the cat stretched out a lazy paw and tapped a picture of a modest house for sale. Urahara looked up at the cat surprised. The feline merely looked at him before yawning and resting her head on her paws. Kisuke grinned and grabbed the book.
"Arigotou Yourichi! You're a genius!"
-Page Break-
"OOOOH! I'm haunting you!" A middle-aged man with glasses moaned as he circled Rukia.
The dark haired girl ignored it and continued to sweep. The man made another cliché ghost noise and knocked the broom out of her hand. Rukia gritted her teeth and stopped herself from glaring at the idiotic ghost, before bending over and grabbing the broom.
"Wow you look good in an apron…" The ghost commented quietly.
"That's it!" Rukia growled whirling around, prepared to assault the ghost with the broom.
She froze when she saw her father standing there a grin on his face and Yourichi held securely in one arm.
"I'm sorry Rukia-chan, I didn't know that relieving you of your duties would make you so angry…" Urahara teased.
The dark haired girl flushed and shook her head, clenching the broom tightly in her hand.
"Oh no Otou-san, there was just a fly bothering me." She quickly excused, her cheeks turning pink.
"I see." Urahara nodded before gesturing to her. "Come in Rukia dear, we have much to discuss."
Rukia nodded walking towards Urahara, very aware that the ghost was still following her.
"He's your father?" The ghost mused to himself. "He looks like a pedophile. I'm almost afraid of going in there…"
Propping the broom onto the side of the door and fighting back the urge to laugh Rukia disappeared into the shop. The ghost moved to follow her but Urahara stopped him and poked him in the head with the tip of his cane before pushing past him into the shop. In a flash of light the ghost disappeared.
-Page Break-
Ichigo walked silently towards the Senkaimon. Yuzu walked on his right chatting animatedly with Karin about what the real world would be like, while his dark haired sister nodded, adding a comment in every now and then. He was nervous, not only because he had no idea where they were staying but the realization that his sisters were his full and utter responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders.
"Hitsuguya-taicho!" Karin exclaimed her cheeks reddening.
The white haired captain nodded towards her, as a small smile ghosted across his face.
"Karin-san, Yuzu-san." He said, as Matsumoto, who seemed to have sobered up considerably, bowed towards them.
"Hitsuguya-taicho, Matsumoto-fukutaicho." Yuzu repeated, returning the low bow.
"Aww, I told you last time sweetie! You should call me Ran-nee-san." The woman said brightly, going in to suffocate the poor girl with one of her hugs.
Ichigo quickly blocked her path and was almost tackled to the ground in one of her death grips. Yuzu giggled as Matsumoto pouted at her older brother.
"What are you doing here Toshiro?" Ichigo asked.
"Hitsuguya-taicho." The white haired boy snapped. "I came to see you and your sisters off, is that a crime?"
Ichigo shook his head, and gave a half smile to Hitsuguya, who returned it. Matsumoto pulled away, and after making a comment that made Ichigo's face burn with embarrassment, the group slowly walked towards the senkaimon.
"The gate will be opened in five minutes." One of the Kido masters announced, before turning back to work on the gate.
"Good luck." Hitsuguya said, to break the tense silence around them.
Karin nodded, her cheeks still pink, while Yuzu smiled and offered the small captain thanks.
"We'll all miss you a great deal!" Matsumoto said matter-of-factly.
"Two more minutes."
Ichigo looked out towards the setting sun, and sighed. He quickly said a silent prayer to his mother's spirit, to protect Yuzu and Karin. He almost added himself, but decided against it, he didn't need the protection as much as his two younger sisters, and besides he didn't deserve it, not from her.
"One more minute, everyone prepare to standby."
Matsumoto and Hitsuguya stepped back and waved towards the Kurosaki siblings one last time. Yuzu waved back animatedly before grabbing Ichigo's hand, her bag clutched in the other. Karin nodded towards the two tenth division commanders before turning towards the gate. Ichigo flinched as a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. He turned, a glare prepared for the owner of the hand, but it melted away when the serious face of his father confronted him.
"Be safe." Isshin commanded.
Ichigo nodded, a concentrated expression occupying his features, compared to his normal scowl.
"The gates are now opened."
Ichigo felt Karin grab his hand and grip firmly as he slowly led his two sisters into the blinding whiteness of the Senkaimon. Isshin watched his children go, and he clenched his fists at his sides.
"Aww don't sweat it, Isshin-kun." Ukitake reassured, as he approached his old time friend.
"Yeah, Yamma-ji knows what he's doing." Kyroaku added.
"I hope so." Isshin responded.
A hell butterfly flew from the Senkaimon and fluttered gracefully towards Isshin. The head of the Kurosaki family allowed the small creature to alight on his finger as he silently listened to the message from Kisuke. A grin broke out on his once worried face, causing his two friends to look at him confused.
"What's that Isshin?" Kyroaku asked.
"A message from Urahara, and boy is he going to be pissed."
-Page Break-
Rukia smirked as she continued to quietly eat her food. Her father was off on another one of his drunken rants, and Tessai was desperately trying to usher the shopkeeper away from the table so he could compose himself. But the smaller man was putting up one hell of a fight.
"Rukia! RRRRRUUUUUKKKIIIIIAAAA!" Urahara whined, fighting against Tessai, who had his large arms wrapped around him.
"What is it you old drunk?" Rukia asked, still focusing on her food.
"Aww Rukia-koi that's soo cold!" the blonde man pouted.
Her face grew red and she slammed her chopsticks on the table before sending Urahara an embarrassed glare.
"You're my legal father! Start acting like one!" Rukia sputtered.
Urahara giggled like a schoolgirl before easily ducking out of Tessai's reach and leaned over the table, making Jinta grown in displeasure, and Urruru stare at him astounded. Rukia's face became even redder as the older man leaned towards her, their faces only a few inches apart. She could smell the alcohol on him, and even though she felt the urge to smack him hard upside the head, her embarrassment had her frozen.
"You can't come here for a little while, my little Rukia-chan!" Urahara rambled drunkenly.
"W-What?" Rukia stuttered.
"From now on you'll go straight home after school okay?" the man clarified, sounding and looking considerably less inebriated.
Rukia blinked at him, unsure of how to respond to this new request. Of course she would do it, this was her father, but a pang of loneliness shot through her and it must of shown on her face because Urahara let out a low fatherly chuckle.
"Just until I say so 'kay?" he reassured, placing a heavy hand on her head.
Rukia nodded, smiling slightly. Urahara had taken her in when she knew nobody else would have. He provided for and supported her in all aspects; and she trusted him. There was nothing she could deny him.
"Now give me a good bye kiss!" he slurred.
Except that. Rukia's face reddened from anger this time and she really moved to smack her adoptive father, but Yourichi beat her too it. The cat hissed threateningly before scratching Urahara in the face, sending the man reeling.
"Ahhh! Yourichi-chan! How can you be so cruel?" the man wailed, covering his bleeding face.
The cat hissed again, and Rukia was about to scream curses at the wounded shopkeeper, when suddenly a loud bang rang through the shop. The dark haired girl stood and looked around worriedly. The other two children also stood, pushing their way towards the back of the shop.
"Jinta! Urruru! Don't!" Rukia protested, trying to grab her siblings and protect them, even going as far to climb over the dinner table.
In less than a minute Urahara was back on his feet, seemingly sober and before she could move past him, he grabbed Rukia.
"Tessai, it's time for Rukia to leave." Urahara said sternly, turning her around and giving her a slight push.
Tessai lifted the girl off the table and quickly made his way to the door. Rukia fought desperately against his grip, kicking her legs, and protesting about her duties as an older sister.
"It's alright Miss. Rukia." Tessai reassured. "We'll take care of it, I'm sure we'll see you soon."
"But…I…" Rukia began as Tessai placed her on the porch, thrust her school bag into her face and dropped her shoes next to her, before slamming the door shut. "I didn't even get to finish dinner." Rukia pouted, slipping on her shoes and walking off the porch, and continuing her way towards her apartment.
Urahara waited for Tessai to return before he stood and stormed into the depths of his shop, the tall man following after him.
-Page Break-
"We're almost there." Ichigo reassured Yuzu who tightly clenched his hand.
"Stop being a wussy." Karin huffed, but her own hand tightened around her brothers, as the group of Shinigami headed towards the light.
The orange haired teenager felt his sisters hold their breath as they stepped through the gate and it immediately closed behind them. He felt Karin's hand fall from his own as Yuzu's grip only tightened.
"Wow." The blonde girl whispered in awe.
The Kurosaki siblings stood in a large rocky area, a cloudless, and sunless blue sky above them. Ichigo immediately recognized it as the training grounds under Urahara Shouten, remembering his own reaction to the large underground area. Karin scrutinized the place and then turned towards her siblings boredly.
"So this is the human world?"
"No." Ichigo, answered shaking his head. "We're under Urahara Shouten, a shop in the real world."
"Aww." Yuzu sighed disappointed. "I thought this was the material world."
"Don't worry Yuzu," he said, giving the small girls hand a reassuring squeeze. "You'll see it soon."
"Well how do we get out of this place?" Karin asked, scraping the dusty ground with the bottom of her sandal.
"There's a ladder over there." He answered, using his free hand to point to it.
Both girls turned to see a long ladder that disappeared into the sky. Ichigo relieved himself of Yuzu's hand and walked towards it. After a moment he realized the twins weren't following him.
"Come on!" he insisted, waving them over.
Karin, straightened her shoulders, while Yuzu clutched onto her arm and slowly the two girls, with their brother made their way to the ladder.
"Here, I'll climb up first," Ichigo stated, mounting the ladder.
Ichigo was about halfway up when Karin steeled herself and began to climb too.
"Karin what are you doing?" Yuzu squeaked anxiously.
"I'm climbing this ladder, what does it look like?" the dark haired girl asked sarcastically.
"But Ichi-nii, said…"
"Come on Yuzu, you can't expect him to make all of our decisions for us. We're shinigami now!"
The blonde twin looked at her counter part reluctantly before slowly following her brother and sister up the ladder. When Ichigo reached the top he pushed on the trap door, but it wouldn't budge, usually it was left clear for visiting shinigami, but it seemed as if it had been covered for some unknown reason. He tried again, using more force this time, but still it didn't budge. Ichigo was growing frustrated, so he released the ladder and gave one more hard push and the trap door swung open with a loud bang. The more experienced shinigami felt himself falling and he quickly clung to the ladder. Before he had an opportunity to climb out of the large room, he saw two vaguely familiar faces peering down at him.
"Wow." The boy whistled lowly. "The boss wont be too happy about this."
Ichigo ignored the boy, not greeting either child, he was never good at remembering names and he had forgotten theirs. After he pulled himself out of the hole in the floor, Ichigo heard shouts and the slamming of doors before he heard the loud thudding noises of Urahara Kisuke's shoes as he approached the trap door. In minutes Ichigo finally pulled Yuzu up and the trap door was slammed behind them.
"Ah Kurosaki-san, I just received a hell butterfly about your arrival." Urahara said, hiding the lower half of his face behind his trademark fan.
Ichigo glanced at the older man and could tell he wasn't happy about the young shinigami's arrival. The carrot top straightened himself, glaring at Jinta who was openly gawking at Yuzu.
"Hat and clogs," he began. "Meet my sisters, Yuzu and Karin. Yuzu, Karin this is old man hat and clogs."
"Kisuke Urahara." The shopkeeper supplied, lowering his fan to reveal a somewhat forced smile and offered an extended hand. "And those two children are Urruru and Jinta, and the big guy is my assistant Tessai." The big man grunted at the mention of his name and bowed to the Kurosaki sisters.
Yuzu took it politely while Karin merely nodded at the older man. After their awkward introductions, Urahara straightened and raised his fan, trying to hide his expression of displeasure.
"It's nice to see you all." Urahara began. "But I must ask you all to leave now."
"What!" Ichigo cried in protest.
The man with the hat, no longer bothered to force the cheeriness in his voice, instead he looked at Ichigo seriously.
"Your father was mistaken, I have no room for you or your sisters here." Urahara stated.
Ichigo, growled and glared at the man but Urahara still didn't back down. Slowly the orange haired teenager stepped down.
"Well than where are we supposed to stay?"
"Don't worry!" the shopkeeper replied, with a grin. "I've made arrangements for you and your sisters." He replied shoving a book into Ichigo's face.
-Page Break-
"Thank you Yourichi!" Rukia said, gratefully.
The cat purred as Rukia ran her hand along its sleek black fur. After she had left Urahara's and arrived at her apartment Yourichi was sitting on her doorstep next to Chinese take out, and an apology note from Urahara she assumed. She had quickly eaten the delivery he had ordered for her, and prepared for bed. She yawned tiredly and stood from her seat and headed towards her bedroom, the cat following behind her. Rukia opened her window, before crawling under her Chappy comforter.
"Good night Yourichi." Rukia mumbled as she immediately fell asleep.
"Good night Rukia." A feminine voice said, and if anyone looked closely enough the shadow of a woman could be seen, tucking in the small girl before leaping out the window.
-Page Break-
Rukia had no idea why she had woken up from her deep sleep. She lay in her bed clenching her blanket, angry with herself. There was school in the morning and here she was lying awake. Suddenly there was a crash in her kitchen, and the raven-haired girl tensed, realizing that she must have woken up because of a similar noise. Slowly she crawled out of her bed and groped around in the dark for the bat she kept near her bed. Silently, she crept out of her bedroom, and started to make her way towards the kitchen. She felt something fly past her face and she froze, slowly she turned her head and saw a butterfly disappear into her open bedroom door. Sighing in relief, Rukia continued to make her way into the kitchen. Her heart was beating so fast it hurt, as her eyes fell on an ominous shadow standing in her living room. With a shaking hand she flicked on the light switch and raised her bat ready to strike.
-Page Break-
Ichigo whirled around as the bright fluorescent lights flicked on and he was then met with pain. Lots of pain. Ichigo hopped on one foot, cursing and gritting his teeth as he glared at the small dark haired girl that stood across from him her bat poised to strike again.
"Dear God you little demon what the hell was that for!" he growled.
"Get the hell out of my apartment!" Rukia yelled.
"Wait…" Ichigo began puzzled. "You can see me?"
"Of course I can see you!" Rukia exclaimed. "I was the one that just hit you with a bat remember? I can always remind you!" She threatened.
"You shouldn't be able to see me!" Ichigo insisted.
"And why the hell not!" Rukia shouted.
"Because I'm a shinigami!" Ichigo answered.
"A shini-what?" Rukia asked puzzled.
"A shinigami." Ichigo answered.
"You know what, it doesn't matter what you are, because soon you're going to be dead meat!" Rukia shouted swinging the bat at him again.
Ichigo quickly stepped out of the way, and through the wall making Rukia drop the bat in astonishment.
"What the hell!" She mumbled, confused, just as Ichigo stepped back into her apartment.
"Oh believe me, I'm just as confused as you are." He assured her.
A/N: Okay so here's the first chapter, the second chapter is already in the works and should be posted VERY soon. Other than that PLEASE REVIEW! I don't want to get discouraged, and I actually want to finish something and reviews really help.