Strawberry Psyche

Part II Knowing of the Soul

The tears sting my eyes and flow down my eyes as the sun begins to rise. The new risen sun throws orange light all around the street.

I run, not allowing myself to breathe. I run, not allowing myself to think. I run, not allowing myself to stop. By the time the sun has fully risen I find myself at the door of the Kurosaki residence. I pound on the front door, not caring if I wake someone. My time now was crucial, and it mustn't be wasted. Apparently news had reached the house, for a more solemn than usual Karin answers the door. She looks up to me, wide-eyed.

"It's you!" She exclaims, "Ichi-nii's Shinigami friend." MY body goes suddenly rigid.

"How- How did you-?" I mumble. Amazed that one: she could see me, and two: she knew what I was.

"Whatever," her gaze reverts to the ground, "What do you want?"

"Um…may I please speak with your dad?" I ask, gravely.

"Sorry, papa goat-chin can't see spirits," she assures me.

"He'll be able to see me," I reassure her. She looks worried, but shrugs it off.

"Okay," she says heading back inside, "Dad! Someone's at the door for you!" Ichigo's father comes to the door.

"Karin, what do you mean no one is-," he starts.

"Drop the act!" I scold, "You can see me, and I-Know-Why!" He glances at the door and then back at me, defeated.

"Hey girls," He yells back into the house, "Daddy's going out! Be good! Oh, and remember if the house catches fire or that truck drives through our wall again be sure to hide beneath the table!" He gently shuts the door behind him. "What do you want?" he asks accusingly.

"It's about your son, Mr. Kurosaki," I acknowledge.

"Yes, I am quite aware what has happe-," he starts.

"No sir! I mean I, I believe there was a larger conspiracy behind it all. You have to believe me!"I plead.

"Miss Kuchki…."

"Since your son became a Shinigami, his human body has acted as his Gigai. And, according to the Konpaku laws of the universe," I continue.

"Miss Kuchki…."

"If a Shinigami Is harmed while in their Gigai, it should have no effect what so ever on their soul!" I cry.

"Miss Kuchki…."

"And I just know that if I try I can set this straight! I can bring his memories back!" I conclude, breathing hard from talking so much.

"MISS KUCHKI!" He screams.

"Yes?" I say surprised at the sudden raise of his voice.

"I have a…bad feeling that I know what you're talking about, but I cannot help you…" he apologizes.

"But, Mr. Kurosaki!" I begin.

"There is a reason I left the Soul Society," he states, "and there is also a reason I cannot return…."

"But…"

"Go. Please, do what you can. But don't get yourself in trouble. Ichigo wouldn't have wanted it to turn out that way." he concludes.

"Y- Yes sir," I say then turn and walk down the trail that lead to the front door. When I reach the end, I reach my hand out to touch the air. But when I do a door appears. The same door I left Ichigo through. The same door I've left this world many a time before. The same door I feel that if I step through now, that if and when I return, nothing will ever be the same.

~And know I watch upon the sun's rise, ~

The orange of your hair,

The brown of your eyes,

I wonder,

Will you ever yet again be by my side?