Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Disclaimer 2: I do not own the opening and ending songs (D-Technolife by Uverworld and Dearest by Ayumi Hamasaki) Please note that they are only parts of the songs.
Note: This story is strictly an AU.
Note 2: This is a rewritten version of the original Bleach: A Second Chance. This story seemed to fit the personalities of certain characters.
Note 3: If you like Kenpachi, I'm not sure if you'd like this story very much.
Time: One year after the Soul Society Arc
Prologue
Byakuya traveled the halls of the Soul Society's infirmary. He carried a wreath of paper flowers. As he walked, people greeted him with salutes and "Good morning, Captain Kuchiki."
Finally, he made it to the room he'd been searching for, but someone else was already there.
"Lieutenant, hand me that chain." Came the voice of Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya.
"Yes sir." Said Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto.
"Captain Hitsugaya," Byakuya greeted them respectfully, "Lieutenant Matsumo."
"Ah, Captain Kuchiki," Rangiku said lazily, "Fancy seeing you here."
"Yes," Toshiro commented, turning to look at him. He was standing on a chair, hanging a long chain of paper cranes.
"I'm going on a mission with a few other captains and some men from their squads." Byakuya explained, "I'd hoped to visit here before I left."
"I see." Toshiro said.
There were fresh flowers in white vases covering every table. Balloons and bears sat amongst the flowers. Chains and links of paper cranes and flowers hung from the roof and walls. On the wall was a beautiful sketch picture of the girl, her hair down for once. It was like a moment captured into a sketch; the girl was turning around, as if her hair was swirling around her, a bright and beautiful smile across her visage, eyes warm and loving. Around it hung paper cranes and flowers; under it was a table with flowers and balloons.
Byakuya stared down at the beautifully pale girl laying in the bed. He hung the wreath above her bed, like a dream catcher of sorts. He stepped back slightly, watching her sleep. If only she were just asleep…
"I think people are already inside, Kenny!"
Captain Kenpachi Zaraki and his Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi walked into the room. Byakaya, Toshiro, and Rangiku did their best to hide their disgust. Kenny was carrying a bouquet of flowers, which he promptly and crudely dropped at the foot of the bed, at the girl's feet.
"Oh, Kenny, you're so thoughtful!" Yachiru exclaimed.
"What're you doing here, Captain Zaraki?" Toshiro asked.
"I always come here before a big mission." Kenpachi answered, grinning at them, "I'll see you at the meeting before, Captain Kuchiki."
"He's going on that mission too?" Rangiku asked.
"That's right!" Yachiru answered her with a loud, cheerful shout, "Me too!"
"Hm…" Kenpachi's eyes roamed over the cranes and flowers and then to the chain in Toshiro's hand, "Paper cranes. How juvenile. Hoping for that one wish, are we?" Kenpachi chuckled.
"What was that!?" Toshiro questioned angrily. As usual, he hated being under minded as a child. His anger only made Kenpachi chuckle more.
"See you later." Kenpachi, still chuckling, left with Yachiru perched on his shoulder.
Byakuya stared after him, a glare on his usually expressionless face.
Every time I see him, he fills me with such loathe. But normally I can hold it back. But to actually see him here, at Masumi's hospital room. It was the last straw; that was where I drew the line. I could tell Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Matsumoto did not enjoy his company here. To see him have the audacity to even come to this room, it was maddening, angering:
It makes me furious…
Ienai itami kanashimi de kizu tsuita kimi yo
Kesenai kako mo seoi atte ikou ikiru koto wo nage dasanai de
Oh!!
Tsunaida kimi no te wo
Itsuka ushinatte shimau no kana
Usurete iku egao to kimi wo mamoritai kara
Hibiku boku wo yobu koe sae kare
Toki ni sou kaze ni kaki kesaretatte
Kimi wo mitsuke dasu
Ienai itami kanashimi de kizu tsuita kimi
Mou waraenai nante hito girai nante kotoba sou iwanai de
Mienai mirai ni okoru koto subete ni imi ga aru kara
Ima wa sono mama de ii kitto kizukeru toki ga kuru daro
Oh!!
You and me, two are spoken
Oh!!
Itsuka wakari aeru kara
Bleach
A Second Chance
Chapter One
Goodbye, Masumi
Over 200 years ago…
Byakuya, Toshiro, Jushiro, and several other captains and their lieutenants were walking to a restaurant within the Seireitei to eat a late night dinner and possibly drink some sake, just to relax a bit after that days stressful work. They chatted amongst each other, the night peaceful and quiet. It was then that they noticed Masumi.
"Hey, Masumi!" Toshiro called to her.
Masumi Yamada was a beautiful girl with large, midnight blue eyes, full of wisdom. Her hair was extremely long, tied into two braided rings, one at each side of her head. She turned to them, her little brother Hanataro asleep in her arms, "Hello, Captain Hitsugaya! Good evening to all of you!"
"Why don't you join us for dinner?" Jushiro asked.
Masumi smiled at him, "I'd love to, Captain Ukitake, but I've got to bring my little brother home. He's had quite the eventful day."
"Aw, come on Masumi," Kaien grinned, "I'm sure he'll stay asleep through the whole time. It's not like we're going to a bar or something."
"Yes, Masumi," Retsu agreed, "You should come with us to relax a bit."
Masumi sighed, smiling down at her little brother, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to bring him along. On any account, he'd freak out if he woke up and I wasn't there after today."
"Is that a yes?" Byakuya looked at her inquiringly.
Masumi nodded with a smile. Masumi walked forward, quickly being surrounded by people, all of them talking once more, although a little more quietly. Masumi has insisted they allow Hanataro sleep. Byakuya walked nearby too, although he talked less than most of them.
They went to a restaurant and got a private room, just for themselves. Work was not a topic tonight. Everyone wanted to pretend they didn't have jobs or worries and just simply relax with friends and comrades. Hearty laughter mixed in with the drawl of the conversation.
Masumi sat, mostly listening to her friends chattering, cradling Hanataro in her lap. A smile crossed over her face. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. Her thoughts began to wander towards the past. Her eyes became a tad glazed. She looked down at Hanataro, who truly was sleeping through the whole of it.
"Hey, Masumi," Kaien spoke.
Masumi's head snapped up, a look of surprise crossing her face. All talk paused as they looked up at her questioningly.
"Are you okay?" Kaien questioned. "You kinda spaced out for a second there."
Masumi, still smiling, nodded, "I'm fine. Just…thinking, I guess."
"Bout what?"
Masumi laughed lightly, "Really, I'm alright. It's okay."
The whole room burst into laughter. Masumi laughed as well. After dinner, they began to walk back home. People began to split up, saying goodbye as they went to there houses or dorms.
The group that was left consisted of Byakuya, Toshiro, Kaien, Rangiku, Jushiro, Retsu, and Isane. With, Masumi still carrying Hanataro. Masumi's mind was beginning to wander, as it did often, almost drowning out the conversation between them.
"Masumi," A voice called to her. It was rough and drawling.
Masumi's head jerked up, and they all stopped.
A gruff and deep laugh boomed over, "Guess what? You can't kick me out of that training facility anymore. I can go anytime I please and do whatever I feel like!"
Masumi's eyes narrowed into a glared, "Kenpachi."
"Kenpachi? Who's Kenpachi?" Kaien questioned.
"He's a jerk that was trying to kill students." Toshiro answered. "Masumi kicked him out cuz he was breaking rules."
"He defeated Squad Eleven's captain." Masumi said, hanging her head, her hair shadowing her face, "He's...Dead..."
"That's right." Kenpachi grinned.
"What is it that you want with me!?" Masumi questioned, "Why do you keep following me!?"
"I want a fight." Kenpachi said.
"Absolutely not." Isane said to Masumi.
"Yeah, he's a captain!" Rangiku agreed, "His level outstrips yours far too much!"
"Would you prefer that I have that cute little girl from this afternoon?" Kenpachi grinned, "Or maybe I should fight that little blonde boy."
"Momo…Izuru…" Masumi whispered. Turning to Kaien, Masumi said, "Kaien, please take Hanataro."
"You're not serious!" Kaien whispered to her.
"I am." Masumi answered "I can't let him hurt Momo or Izuru. Please support my decision."
Kaien frowned but nodded, taking Hanataro, "Good luck."
"Masumi," Jushiro said, "What are you thinking? He can't possibly hurt Shuhei's students."
"I won't take chances." Masumi said, walking forward. "Ready, Kenpachi?"
"I'm always ready!" Kenpachi drew his sword with a grin.
Masumi drew her sword as well, a nice sleek katana with a red tassel at the end. They all showed discomfort; none of them wanted Masumi to get hurt.
Kenpachi lunged forward again, slashing at Masumi. She dodged and blocked, watching her steps. Kenpachi caught her in a sword lock, the grinding of their swords so intense, it was making sparks.
"Hey, you're pretty good!" Kenpachi said.
Masumi only glared.
Kenpachi swung his sword, Masumi flipping backwards. Kenpachi kept hacking at her, her continuing to flip, until she lost her balance. She landed, but her leg slipped on the ground, her sword flying out of her hand. Kenpachi launched another attack; Masumi rolled away. Kenpachi's sword hit the ground, causing a deep craterous dent.
Masumi stood, running to her sword. She grabbed her sword, standing straight and facing Kenpachi. Kenpachi came at her with lightning speed, his sword coming down now. Masumi's eyes widened, raising her sword to block just in time.
Suddenly, they all felt it. The spiritual pressure they were both letting out at this exact moment. Hanataro, jolted from his sleep, screamed in pain. Kaien, eyes wide, looked down.
"Hanataro," Kaien whispered, pulling further away from the fight. "You'll be safer away from the battle.
"Sister!!" He screamed. He looked so scared, his eyes wide. "Sister! Let me go! My Sister!!" Hanataro pushed at Kaien, struggling. Wriggling free, he ran forward. The spiritual pressure weighed down on him; he slammed onto the ground. Pain crossed his visage, but he still crawled forward.
Masumi chanced a glance backwards. Her eyes widened as she shouted, "Hanataro! Stay back! Don't come any closer!"
"But sister!" Hanataro said, moving forward. He was suddenly hit by the full onslaught of their pressure. It was too much for him, and he blacked out.
"Hanataro!" Masumi shouted.
She pulled back, dodged a slash by Kenpachi, and then ran to her little brother.
"Hanataro…" Masumi looked at him worriedly. She picked him up gently in one arm, moving him away from the area. "Hanataro, stay here with Kaien." She whispered to him, "Please take care of my little brother, Kaien."
"Uh…Alright…" Kaien took Hanataro, cradling him. He was small in his arms, resting, possibly unconscious.
"If he awakens, please don't allow him to see the fight."
"Are you ready, now?" Kenpachi asked crudely.
"Yes." Masumi said, eyes narrowing.
"Good."
Kenpachi lunged forward yet again. This time, Masumi dodged and slashed at him. He dodged the blow, and then dealt one to Masumi's side, blood seeping into her clothes. She winced in pain.
"You're in over your head." Kenpachi said.
Kenpachi continued in this harsh form, Masumi only able to dodge some of the attacks.
"Sister!" Hanataro had awakened.
"Come on, kid." Kaien said, walking away.
"No! My sister!" Hanataro struggled, kicking and clawing once more. Kaien lost his grip, Hanataro running back to the scene. He was just in time to see the final blow. They all watched in horror as Kenpachi raced forward, blade coming up.
Blood splattered the pavement.
"SISTER!!!!!!!" Hanataro screamed.
Masumi knew that the fight was in vain. She knew she would never be able to defeat Kenpachi, not at her current state. She wasn't strong enough, but Masumi always cherished every student, even ones that she'd never taught, even ones that she never knew, because that was just the sort of person she was. Masumi would never allow Kenpachi to hurt any student as long as she could, because that was just the sort of person she was. And we knew, we all knew, that she would forever love her little brother Hanataro, who was the most special little boy, brother, and soon-to-be Soul Reaper in her eyes; that was just the kind of person Masumi was, is, and will be.
But we never have and never will stop hoping that she would one day open her eyes once more…
An eighteen or nineteen year old girl walked into the Urahara Shop. Her long, shiny black hair fell down to her butt. Her eyes were pleasant and serene, and a beautiful midnight blue. She wore a simple no sleeved white sundress with a nice, white hat. The dress showed off how slim she was. She wore a smile, but if one would stare and speculate for awhile, they would've noticed how lonely her smile was. The light from the windows shined on her, illuminating her.
Urahara looked up from where he was sitting. Every now and then he'd glance up at her; in a way, she seemed familiar.
The girl walked through the shelves of candy, every now and then getting a bag and filling it.
"Hey, you!" The bell on the door rang again. A large, tall man walked angrily up to the girl.
Urahara watched in fascinated shock.
The man's footsteps were heavy, loud enough to be heard everywhere in the shop. But the girl only continued to ignore him, as if not hearing anything at all. She simply kept going through candy.
"Hey, I was talking to you!" The man roughly grabbed her arm. He pulled her to him until she faced the ugly man.
The girl only looked up at him calmly, "Let go of me."
"When did I say you could leave, huh!? When!?"
"I told you to let go of me." The girl said in a firmer voice; something in her eyes had lit on fire, her serene eyes now fierce.
"Don't tell me what to do!" The man started to shake her. Her hat went flying off, and the basket of bags of candy she had dropped from her hands. It hit noisily on the floor, candy spilling everywhere.
Urahara stood, intent on intervening. He was not one to like female brutality.
The girl raised a hand, grasping the man's tightly, stopping his shaking, "Let go of me now."
"Or what?" The man sneered.
"This." The girl's other hand came up to the arm her other hand was already holding. She bent it back, then, steeling herself, the girl flipped the man. He slammed into the floor, hard. He had been knocked unconscious. The girl sighed, kneeling down and picking up her hat.
"Are you alright?" Urahara asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." The girl looked up at Urahara, smiling. The fire in her eyes was fading, to be replaced with her serene eyes, a cross between peace and fierce.
Urahara froze, his eyes widening. He now remembered where he'd seen her before and he hesitated. He nearly gaped at her; so long ago had he seen her. Urahara was frozen in shock; could it be?
'Masumi…'
To Be Continued…
Hontou ni taisetsu na mono igai
Subete sutete shimaetara
Ii no ni ne
Genjitsu wa tada zankoku de
Sonna toki itsu datte
Me o tojireba
Waratte'ru kimi ga iru
Aa itsu ka eien no
Nemuri ni tsuku hi made
Dou ka sono egao ga
Taema naku aru you ni
Ah deatta ano koro wa
Subete ga bukiyou de
Toomawari shita kedo
Tadori tsuita n da ne