Ch1: Blaze
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters.
The night sky above Karakura Town was starless. The streets were empty, with no sound except the howling wind; the signal of the coming storm. Thunder rumbled and lightning illuminated the cloudy gray sky. Soon the rain would fall in torrents, trapping people in homes and offices. In her fourth story apartment in the Karakura business district, a young woman of twenty sits at her bay window, looking out at the dark spring sky. Her hands gently rubbing her swollen belly and praying her son would not decide he wanted to enter the world on that day cause there was no way for her to get to a hospital when the rain starts. 'Be patient little one' she thought, looking lovingly at her belly. Then she felt a kick, he was awake and active. Hopefully he wouldn't be that way all night, she really needed the sleep.
Sighing she adjusted her position and made herself more comfortable. She just entered her eighth month and she wasn't due for another six weeks or so. But her pregnancy was anything but predictable. From the beginning it was touch and go. And then there was the pain, especially because her child had very strong spiritual powers that he obviously couldn't control. It was painful and tiring, especially now that he was moving around more. She would spend days on end doing nothing but resting simply because she couldn't move; it was too painful.
She continued sitting at the window, watching the empty streets below. Her mind was filled with thoughts she didn't want, but ones that plagues her nonetheless. That's when she felt it; sudden, sharp pain in her abdomen, followed by movement in her womb. Something was happening, whether it is labor or worse, she did not know. She slowly stood up and looked out the window and then to the clock on the wall. It was 9:34pm and the rain was nothing more than a drizzle at this point, but it was sure to get worse. She was all alone in her apartment, if something were to happen, she would have no help.
Deciding the best course of action was to leave; she waddled into her bedroom and picked up her overnight bag, already filled with whatever she would need for a hospital stay.
Donning a thicker sweater, her raincoat and rain boots, she picked up her umbrella, slung her overnight bag onto her shoulder and made her way down to the first floor as quick as possible. She pulled out her cell phone and called the cab company. They said they'd send someone over as soon as possible. Sitting on a chair in the lobby waiting for the cab, she thought about where she should go. She didn't want to go to the hospital considering all the issues she'd been having with her pregnancy were not normal human issues. There was only one place she knew she would be able to get the help she needed. Sighing, she dialed the number from memory.
"Urahara Shouten! The handsome Kisuke Urahara here!" said a jovial voice from the other end.
"Cut the shit Kisuke. I need your help" the girl said biting back a groan from the growing pain in her stomach.
"Something wrong? Is it the baby? Are you okay? Where are you? Do you need someone to come get you? HEY JINTA GET YORUICHI!" she heard him say in one breath.
"Geez, calm down! Yes, it is the baby. I'm in pain and I think something's wrong. I don't know what to do, can I come over?" she asked, her voice pleading.
"Of course, of course. Do you need a ride?" he responded.
"No, I already called a cab. Ah, it's here, I'll see you in a few" she said as she watched the cab pull up in front of the building. Pocketing her cell phone and opening her umbrella she carefully grabbed her bag and made her way out the door and into the waiting cab. As she was giving the driver instructions, she felt another intense wave of pain wrack her body and she shrieked in response.
"Are you okay ma'am?" the cabbie asked, concerned.
"I'm fine, please hurry" she whispered before laying her head back and closing her eyes.
The drive seemed much longer than she ever remembered it being. But eventually she was at her destination. Kisuke and Jinta were waiting for her in front the shop. Jinta opened the door and held an umbrella over her head. She paid the cabbie and gave a generous tip as Kisuke grabbed her bag and helped her out of the car and into the shop. As they walked into the living area, Yoruichi came running up to her.
"Oh Kami! You're huge! Are you sure you're not carrying twins or something?" she joked and she embraced the young woman and rubbed her belly gently.
"Not everyone can have your figure Yoruichi!" the girl scolded and Kisuke helped her sit.
"Haha! True! But Ami, where the heck have you been? Especially with your condition, you should have stayed close to us!" the brusque woman questioned.
"Hmm, I decided to keep my distance in case they came looking. I only moved back to Karakura a few weeks ago. I couldn't stand being away from friends any longer" Ami replied with a sad smile.
Kisuke and Yoruichi exchanged looks. They could both understand where she was coming from. In her shoes, they would have done the same. She was in a situation not of her own making, but nevertheless she graciously fell into place and took the entire burden onto her shoulders. When she left them immediately after returning to the real world five months ago, they did not question or follow her, they knew she was doing what she had to. So, instead they waited and worried and hoped she would return soon. Despite not knowing her for very long, they were both very fond of the young woman. She blew into their lives like a hurricane, taking charge and making changes. With her came smiles and laughter, as well as a new, deeper appreciation for life. It pained them to see her in this predicament. But they would be there for her. They would stand with her.
They sat quietly for a while, just sipping their tea and listening to the storm beginning outside. She was still in pain, in fact it was getting worse. Yoruichi and Kisuke didn't miss the grimace on her face.
"How bad is the pain right now?" Yoruichi asked in a serious tone.
"Bad, but it doesn't feel quite like labor. I think he's in distress." The girl answered as calmly as she could. It pained her very soul to think her child was in any kind of pain. She was the mother and therefore she was the one to bear the pain, not her innocent child.
"I called Isshin" Kisuke announced.
"I really didn't want t drag him into this" she replied with a frustrated sigh. Getting Isshin involved meant getting those two involved, and she was sure they had enough on their plate without having to deal with her problems too. But once Isshin knew, he would come and so would the rest. She simply had to resign herself to her fate. If it meant helping her son, she would do anything.
Almost as if on cue, she heard the door of the shop slam open and two people yell her name at the same time. Before she could even get up, she was being embraced by a soaking wet Kuchiki Rukia and Kurosaki Ichigo. Chuckling, she put her hands around the shivering twosome and returned their embrace. They stayed that way until Isshin scolded them about suffocating the pregnant woman. The both released her and sat back as Ururu presented them with towels.
"I'm sorry" Ami said, looking from Ichigo to Rukia.
"Baka! You should have let us come with you! Do you have any idea how worried we were! What if you got hurt? What if-" Ichigo began, but was then cut off by a kick in the shin from Rukia.
"Fool! I told you! She had no choice!" Rukia scolded as she made her way to snuggle up to Ami.
"She's right Ichigo; there was nothing anyone could have done for her. Her best chance was going alone" Isshin interjected as he took off his rain coat and put his bag down. "Shall we have a look little lady?" he added with a grin.
Ami laid down, her head in Yoruichi's lap, and Isshin pulled her shirt up to expose her belly. Rukia couldn't help herself. The entire way over there she was wondering how Ami would look. She couldn't imagine her with a pregnant belly. But it was beautiful. Ami was beautiful. She had never really been in such close proximity to a pregnant woman, and it was fascinating. To think there was another person inside of her. Rukia's hand unconsciously went to her own stomach. 'I wonder how that feels…'
Ichigo watched Rukia closely. She had obviously not seen many pregnant women in her very long life, and her reaction was –dare he say it- cute. His eyebrow shot up as he watched her hand move from her lap to her stomach, almost of its own accord. Rukia was a woman, a grown woman who was naturally affected by the sight of her dear friend being so pregnant. Looking from the petite shinigami to the woman being examined by his father, he had to agree that the look suited her. Ami was always very motherly, in a cool sort of way. She had come into his life and showed him light, just like she did with Rukia. To them, she was a mother figure of sorts. They sought her for comfort, encouragement, and love. And she gave it to them unquestioningly and unconditionally. She was the sun, and they needed her to live. Of course, he was still pissed that she ran off and hid for so long on her own, when they would have gladly gone with her, since she obviously felt very strongly about leaving. But seeing her now softened his anger. He was just glad she was back and she was safe. From that point on, they would take care of her.
Isshin Kurosaki was worried for the girl he considered one of his own. She was not doing well. From his experience with his own late wife, he knows how difficult a pregnancy like hers can be. However, he was there with Masaki. Ami was on her own, the father of her child wasn't even in this dimension. He couldn't fathom the pain she must be in. During Masaki's pregnancy with Ichigo, who had immense spirit power even then, he constantly had to soothe his son while in the womb, or else Masaki would suffer since she was only human. Though Ami had strong spiritual pressure herself, it would take more than just her own power to keep her son's powerful aura in check, she would need the father for this. He sighed heavily before looking up at the young girl's face. When he did, it broke his heart. Her usually bright, cheerful face was creased with worry for her unborn child.
"The baby is fine. He's doing well. In fact, you can feel his unique aura through yours, since it's so strong already. But that's exactly what's causing you so much pain. You alone aren't enough to soothe him when his aura fluctuates the way it is now. The pain will only grow worse. You're the one who's in danger here" Isshin reported somberly, sitting down.
Ami sighed in relief and let out the breath she didn't know she was holding. Her son was fine. He was healthy and well, and that was all that mattered to her. She understood full well what Isshin was trying to tell her. He was telling her she needed him. The thought of having him anywhere near her child after what he put her through made her blood boil. She could, and would, bear the pain until birth. Pain was something she had gotten plenty of with him. At least at the end of this ordeal, she'll have something worthwhile.
The other occupants watched as relief played across the girls features. They were glad the child was well, but they were all gravely concerned for her well being. She had been through enough, and the last thing she needed was more pain.
Rukia felt the weight of the news the heaviest. She was there when Ami was suffering, and she didn't even notice. Now that Ami was safe, there was nothing Rukia could do for her. Nothing. She wasn't able to help her then and she can't help her now. It was too much. Ami was always there for her- always. She held her when she cried over her burden as a Kuchiki, she made her laugh with her ridiculous antics, and showed her how to live her life in a way that made her, Rukia, happy. For that she would be forever grateful, she wished there was something she could do for her now. But there was nothing.
Ichigo clenched his teeth. She was suffering and all he could do was watch. It was that bastard's fault! Why did she have to feel such pain even now? He wanted to hit something. For once he was hoping there was a hollow alert so he could go relieve some stress.
The whole room fell silent. Ami resumed her sitting position. She could feel an array of emotions in the room, but Rukia's was the strongest. Her shame was tearing Ami's heart to bits. Reaching over, she pulled Rukia's small frame toward her and settled her little body against her own. Nothing she said, and nothing she could say, will ever make Rukia feel less guilt over what happened to her. But Rukia was always more of an action rather than words kind of girl.
Rukia was shocked. She was drowning herself in self pity, and then suddenly she was pulled forward and Ami wrapped an arm around her. Rukia's violet eyes misted over as she looked up at the woman whose embrace was so warm and safe. Ami was looking at her with eyes full of love. Immediately Rukia felt relief. She rested her head against Ami's very voluptuous chest.
"Can…can I touch?" Rukia then asked shyly, breaking the silence in the room.
Ami's reply was a soft smile. She took Rukia's small hand and placed on her protruding belly. Rukia's hand shook at first, it was warm and strange, but it was nice. Her eyes widened when she felt movement. She smiled and looked up at Ami who laughed. Now thoroughly curious, she both her hands on Ami's stomach and waited. Again she felt a kick, stronger this time. The petite woman squealed in excitement.
From across the room, Ichigo was barely managing to conceal his smile. It was quite the heartwarming sight. Both women looked genuinely happy; Rukia beaming with child-like curiosity and Ami glowing with maternal love. A rumble of thunder shook the shop to its foundation, followed by deadly, bright lightening. The power shut off and he heard startled gasps from both Rukia and Ami. Instantly, he was on his feet and across the room, kneeling next to them in the dark. There was movement to the side and behind him, and his natural instinct put him on high alert. The sound of a striking match brought his attention to the back of the room where Kisuke was lighting candles. His eyes adjusted to the dim light and he sat close to the two girls. He felt Ami grab his hand. Ichigo looked up and met her soft, dark eyes. They were reassuring and thankful all at once. He felt a wave of warmth course through him just at her touch. He couldn't help but smile.
Isshin watched the scene before him with a grin. His son was finally learning to be more open, and Rukia has found the acceptance she craved. He was a happy man. But looking at Ami, he could see that she was still in pain and she needed rest. It was already past midnight.
"Okay children! Let Ami-chan get her rest!" Isshin mock commanded.
Without another word, Yoruichi walked over to Ami and helped her out. An exchange of goodnights was made and Ami, Rukia, Yoruichi and Ururu left the men in the sitting room.
Meanwhile, Yoruichi helped Ami settle into a futon in one of the spare rooms. Rukia snuggled up next to her and they both began to drift to sleep as Ururu left for her own room and Yoruichi sat nearby keeping watch.
Shihoin Yoruichi was not usually a nervous person. But her feline instincts told her not all was well in Karakura tonight. Besides the rain storm, other trouble was brewing. The hairs on the back of her neck have been standing since Ami and Rukia settled down. Someone was coming, she could feel it. As much as she hoped she was wrong, the many years of staying under the radar made her almost psychic when it came to approaching danger. She sat in the darkness for a while longer, listening to the breathing of the two beings sleeping in the room. Rukia was sound asleep from her emotionally exhausting night. Ami, however, was breathing heavily, obviously in pain. The neko-onna wished she could do something to ease her burden. But as the minutes passed, her unease simply grew and she could sit still no longer. She got up and went to open the bedroom door, when she felt it.
In the sitting room, Ichigo, Isshin, and Kisuke were discussing what they should do next. Hey all wanted to help her, but they were at a loss as to how they could do that. As they sat there with heavy hearts, they felt a surge of reiatsu they all recognized as a Senkaimon being opened. They looked at each other with confused expressions, which soon turned to sheer panic when they realized the implications of what was happening. They were coming for her. Who? They didn't know, but this surely couldn't be good.
Ichigo was the first to move, before the other two could say anything, he had stood up and pressed his substitute badge to his chest, detaching his soul from his body. Hand gripping the hilt of his zanpakutou, he rushed to the room where Ami was. As he approached, the door slid open and Yoruichi appeared with a serious expression on her face, Rukia was two steps behind her, holding onto Ami protectively.
"Are you okay?" Ichigo questioned as he looked the young woman over for any injuries.
"I'm fine, but what's going on? Whose reiatsu is that?" Ami questioned as they made their way back to the front of the shop once again.
"I don't know. It's no one I recognize" Rukia said, confused, and she turned to Kisuke with questioning eyes.
"I don't know either. It's no shinigami that I know" he replied, turning to Yoruichi.
"They're from the Kuchiki house" Yoruichi announced calmly.
The occupants of the room could do nothing but stare at the woman as if she sprouted a second head. Who from the Kuchiki house was here? Why? Well, the why was obvious; they wanted Ami.
They felt the two auras draw closer. Ichigo and Rukia, who was now out of her gigai, took protective stances in front of their friend. Yoruichi stood with Kisuke in front of them and Isshin stood at Ami's side, keeping her steady. The poor thing looked like she would faint any moment, and she was visibly shaking.
As the rain continued to fall and the thunder boomed outside, two men dressed in black robes bearing the Kuchiki crest approached the Urahara Shouten. They were on a mission from the head Elder of the Kuchiki clan, Manami-sama to retrieve the young woman named Ami. They knew her by appearance since they shadowed Manami-sama often on her outings to visit the girl when she lived at Byakuya-sama's home. They were told to be gentle with her as she carried precious cargo. They weren't sure what that meant exactly, but they were about to find out.
A.N.- This is my first story EVER. I'm no writer but reading all the amazing stories on here made me want in on the action too :O