Simple Death

A/N: Here is my second fanfic! Hurray ^.^ Anyway, this time there probably wont be any yaoi-ness. I've managed to tame the inner fangirl since the last fanfic. I've decided to play with the characters of Bleach (Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach) but only in a friendly manner. There's a bit of sadness at first, but it'll get happier...I think. I haven't decided whether this story will continue or not, I do have two chapters in progress. So until further notice it shall remain in-progress. Enjoy!

This takes place after the Winter War and the Full-bringers but before the Quincy...I think...

Chapter One

Ichigo smiled at the irony of dying such a simple death as he lay in a puddle of growing red. He, the great Hero of the Winter War, couldn't do a thing as his body slowly shut down. It was a stupid move leaving his badge behind, sitting on his desk. A simple, peaceful stroll in the evening, it was supposed to be at least. Until he saw the little girl in the street, and the truck speeding towards her, not slowing.

No rational thoughts, just action. Before he knew it he was shoving the girl out of the street, taking her place as he heard her mother shrieking. Then there was the blinding pain. He knew he would die this time. He was saddened that his sisters would be devastated when they heard. His father too, but at least there wasn't a child's body in the street tonight. He wished he could erase the inevitable pain that his family would have once he was gone. He knew he had done the right thing. Compared to the barely lived life of the little girl, his was lived enough. He saw plenty more than any other human would in their lifetime. He was content with that thought. As he felt his conscience slipping, he thought one last prayer for the girl's life, that it would be long happy one. Then he fell into blackness.

When Isshin heard of the wreck on the next block he became uneasy. His son had gone out earlier, but was definitely able to care for himself. So why was he so worried? Unable to pinpoint the cause of his concern, he pushed it aside and started readying the clinic for the arrival of wounded. The phone's shrill ringing startled him out of his current task. He picked up the receiver, curious as to who would be calling the clinic phone. Hoping it wasn't another accident he answered. He listened intently to the person on the other line, his face paling as call continued. It couldn't be. He slammed the receiver down and bolted toward the door, yelling to the twins that he'd be back, and ran toward the scene.

His eyes burned, close to loosing tears as he tried to figure out how this could have happened. How could Ichigo be so reckless? Why didn't he use his badge, and leave his body until he could be healed. (He later discovered the reason when he found it on his desk.) He arrived at the accident and walked toward the prone figure covered in a white sheet. Ignoring the emergency personnel as he went. He began shaking as he reached for the cover, needing to confirm with his own eyes. A sob escaped when he saw the beautiful face of his son, almost as if he were sleeping peacefully. Only the puddle of drying red beneath him told the older man otherwise. His strong beautiful son was dead, before him. There was nothing he could do. Weeping openly he caressed the bright orange hair. He knew his son would eventually be alive in Soul Society, but in this world, he was gone. Much too soon. Covering his sons face once more he stood and looked about. His death happened not to long ago, so a few more minutes and his soul should appear. He didn't want to miss the last chance he had of saying farewell.

Urahara's shop was rather quiet for once as the group gather sat in shocked silence. After hearing the news of their close friend's death, they were all in various stages of grief. Although what brought about the meeting was more than just the news. Ichigo's soul had yet to appear. After Isshin had visited the scene, he had waited for the eventual appearance of Ichigo as a plus. But after several hours of waiting, he had yet to materialize. Which caused Isshin to grow concerned and calling Urahara, which led to the now ongoing meeting less than a half hour later.

They were currently listening as Urahara instructed them on which areas of Karakura they would search. This was one soul that everyone agreed deserved to be found and protected.

News arrived on the other side of the gates and spread fast. The Captains met, and were devastated at the unhappy news. A few moments in the hall had the most unlikely volunteer heading to the Living World to help search, along with the most likely. Byakuya Kuchiki, Captain of the Sixth, and Rukia Kuchiki, Lieutenant of the Thirteenth.

Byakuya Kuchiki was quite shocked when he learned of what befell the young Substitute. He always acted annoyed at the boy, as he had seemed to attach himself to the noble. He also had told the boy repeatedly that he didn't belong in Soul Society, not that he hated the boy. No, he hated how Soul Society thought it was okay to rob the child of his human life. Repeatedly casting their burdens upon the shoulders of the seventeen year old. He had seen way too much destruction in his brief life. Byakuya distanced the boy because he didn't want the young life to be ended before he had a chance to fully live. He had expected that the boy would someday die from something related to Soul Society.

To hear of such an ordinary death was what shocked the Kuchiki the most. He had died saving a normal human, as a normal human, without even his badge on his person. No hollow attack had killed him. It had been a rather simple death. Almost too simple for such a great warrior, not that his sacrifice this time wasn't great. Byakuya felt pained by his death, only a slight scowl on his brow told of his distress. All these thoughts he pondered until he reached the end of the path and the gates opened to Karakura.

A/N: Yeah, its rather depressing right? Anyway please review, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this new piece. I should have chapter two up in a few hours. If not then the next few days. Hopefully I won't get too busy to finish this. I've decided to go to college, online, and have a few interview questions to focus on. Anyway enough from me, review and follow please :) ~EirSensei