a/n: It is left for the reader to understand and infer the sequences of the events occurring in this fanfiction. This story takes place in the Bleach Universe presumably two centuries after the original bleach manga.
Disclaimer: I do not, in anyway, own Bleach and its characters. This is mere fanfiction. Any similiarities with other events is purely coincidental.
Chapter Three: Through the Looking Glass
"I don't understand," was the only thing I could say.
"I didn't have a choice," she cried, "they would have just exiled you to Hueco Mundo."
The situation had become more confusing than it already was. Her impenetrable disposition shattered. Any assassin would know that was an opening for a kill. Yet, there was that sudden irregularity in the flow of my blood that prevented me to even think about killing her. Somewhere at the back of my mind knew that I should not leave this woman like that.
"But now, you're here," she sobbed and tried to smile, "you're here." Her eyes were apologizing. She was begging for forgiveness for a grave transgression against me. I did not understand what happened but at that instant, I would have given anything to ease her pain.
"I'm sure it was for the best," I tried to console her. I shifted to her side. A person once told me that sometimes it was okay to let it all out. I squeezed her shaky hands and patted her back. She leaned towards me and tucked her head under my chin. She sighed. I closed my eyes and pulled her closer to me. We sat motionless listening to the heat of the scorching afternoon.
I could not offer a sane explanation on what happened next. It was pure instinct. After she tilted her head upward, my head moved on its own. I caught her lips with my own and my mouth began searching for answers in her mouth. Amidst the exchange of breaths and tugging, I gracefully lied her down on the tatami mats.
It did not bother me anymore than she was moaning 'Ichigo'. When she enveloped her arms around me, I began working my way down her neck as my hands were unraveling the obi of her kimono. I slid down her cleavage and began sucking her bosoms. I guided my other hand back her breasts and massaged them. My other hand naturally followed the trail down her abdomen. She moaned.
Her eyes were still murky but it was no longer because of tears. I looked back at her. I suppressed another moan by pressing my mouth in hers as I slid my fingers down her inner thighs. She shivered. Hot liquid was flowing. I took off her undergarments and slithered my tongue down her neck and traced her curves.
My tongue danced over her womanly folds as I continued fondling her breasts. The more she moaned the deeper my tongue went. Eventually, I found myself unable to resist putting myself inside her. I glided my mouth back up her mouth and continued to kiss her. She wrapped around her legs around me and slid of my robe.
I decided to pet her bosom one more time to make sure she was willing to do it. I massaged it and tasted it again. I look back up her face to see her vulnerable expression. I suddenly paused.
Somebody was watching us.
My jaw fell. I realized that the fusuma was ajar. A person was standing at the doorway. First, I thought it was only a mirror; that I was only looking back at a reflection of myself, only younger; the same brown eyes and the same bright hair. It was only when he spoke that I realized that he wasn't an image on the mirror.
"Mom," said the boy, "I heard you scream. So, I came here to check up on you."
"I'm fine," she replied as she donned back her wrinkled kimono, "as you can see."
She regained her composure and drank her cup of tea. Meanwhile, I put on back my clothes and gathered whatever was left of my dignity. I would have walked out of the room had not that woman stopped me midway out.
"You think you just walk out this room like nothing happened," she grinned gaining her usual composure back, "Let me introduce to you my son."
I went back to the tea table and bowed. I sat down and avoided to meet her in the eye. The situation was as awkward as it could possibly be. She filled a teacup to the rim and offered me to drink it.
The boy bowed down and introduced himself, "I am Kurosaki Ichidou(*). It is an honor to meet my mother'sā
The woman cut his son before he said anything inappropriate. She laughed hearty and more alive this time. I supposed that was how she shows herself to other people. "Now, now," she giggled, "Ichidou will be a hundred and three years old this coming moon. He will soon be entering the academy by that time."
"I see," I replied in a friendly demeanor, "his talent must have come from you but his good looks must have come from his father," I laughed. Though my choice of compliment did not harbor any real meaning, even more ill-will, the ambiance had shifted from awkward to discomfort. I found it impossible to even breathe that I made up a stupid excuse to get out. As an assailant, it was still imperative to respectful and civilized. One cannot be taken seriously without that.
"I apologize," I said as I finished my cup, "I have urgent business to attend to." I bowed and left.
I was not lying. I consider of utmost importance to discover who this Ichigo was; whether he is alive, where he lives and the like. But much as I want to run down to Central 46 and ask who this Ichigo was, I knew that if I wanted answers I needed to search on my own. So, I went to the place that had the name of person in soul society, the shinigami archives.
I was given full access to records. Admission there was an easy task for me. I sat in front a record searching device. All I had to do was query a name. I typed ć¤-ć-ć“ . I-CHI-GO. Was that a first name or a last name? Records indicated no one with such a last name. I displayed all records with that first name. I waited for the results.
163 matched results.
The number was overwhelming but I was determined to find out an Ichigo related to that woman. So, I began. It was tedious but it was the only lead I got.
Aoki Ichigo
Gender: Female
Status: Married (formerly Tanaka Ichigo)
Current Residence: 14th district
Graduated from the academy: with good standing
Initial Squad assignment: 6th squad
Current Squad assignment: 4th squad
Present position: 15th commanding officer
Other Remarks: None
I gave myself a mental slap. It was going to be a long day. I moved on to the next name.
Akiyama Ichigo
Gender: Male
Status: Single
Current Residence: 8th district
Graduated from the academy: n/a (honorable dismissal)
Initial Squad assignment: n/a
Current Squad assignment: n/a
Present position: n/a
Other Remarks: Under surveillance
This guy sounded trouble. However, he was not the one. I knew. This guy was just a normal loser. Next.
Akera Ichigo
Gender: Male
Status: Deceased
Last held position: 20th commanding officer, 11th squad
Other Remarks: click [here]
I could guess how he died. Next entry. Another conspicuous one.
Endo Ichigo
Gender: Male
Status: Divorced
Current Residence: 58th district
Graduated from the academy: with good standing
Initial Squad assignment: 8th squad
Current Squad assignment: 11th squad
Present position: suspended until notice
Legal records: Disrespect in 3rd degree
Other Remarks: none
I continued scanning through the records. Ogawa. Kanzaki. Kishimoto. Kubo. And through all the other surnames have never even heard of.I was about to give up my desperate search until I reached the sixty-seventh entry. It struck me. Why didn't I think of it earlier? I clicked the name and waited for the records to show. I slumped on my chair and smiled. I knew this was the one I've been looking for.
Kurosaki. Kurosaki Ichigo.
a/n: The records are arranged in according to the japanese writing. This fanfic consists of 5 chapters and 1 epilogue.
I hope you enjoyed it.
(*)Ichidou- if I am not mistaken it translates to 'ray of hope' which is written with the kanji of 'one' and 'hope' (which I think is really cool).
