Road to Ruin Chapter 3, a bleach fanfic

A/N: Hello everyone! My apologies for the late upload, I was sick this week and as such couldn't finish the chapter on Saturday. I'm already starting the fourth, it's likely it'll be ready sooner than this one. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 3: And then there were none

Number of Quincy Casualties:

The continent of Africa: 50,000

The continent of South America: 100,000

The continent of North America: 100,000

The continent of Asia: 200,000

The continent of Europe: 500,000

Total: 950,000/ 1,000,000

Sosuke stared at the bulletin in front of him. The quantity of the numbers was overwhelming, and a part of him felt like nothing had been achieved.

The war had passed in what felt like a blink of an eye. Why wouldn't it? He was a child. His only concern should be playing with his toys and secretly taking cookies from the kitchen's jar.

"I know. Seems like a small number, but trust me it would've been smaller had it not been for you."

"...I guess it was to be expected. All the same, I am glad there were many survivors."

Hanabira didn't say anything. She picked Sosuke up in his arms, she always did that when he was upset. "Let's go, I'll take you somewhere nice."

"Where are we going?"

"Karakura Province."

He had to take a breath in awe, the mansion in front of them was beautiful. The cream and white walls were tall and had pretty adorned windows, the traditional roof was grey and combined perfectly with the soft colors.

A man was already waiting for them, he had long black hair and wore a white and blue kimono. "Hanabira, we have been expecting you."He then noticed Aizen and smiled. "I presume this is your child."

"Yes, this is Sosuke. He was the one who created the tracking device."

"Then I must be thanking you little one. My family has survived thanks to your mother's action and your ability to provide the tools for her to do so."

He did not expect that response, Sosuke nodded in acknowledgment feeling slightly flustered. Hajime led them inside into a pretty room. A girl was waiting for them with tea. She had long orange hair and the same kimono as Hajime.

"This is Hitomi Kurosaki, she's the head of the Kurosaki clan, and also my lovely wife," Hajime told him. "Darling, our guests are here."

Hitomi turned around and smiled. "Hello, Hana-san. I see you've brought your son." Hitomi bent down and ruffled his hair. "Hello, Sosuke. Your mother has told us a lot about you,"

He felt flustered yet again, although he was beyond happy his mother would praise him whenever she went. Hitomi stood up and addressed Hanabira directly, her expression changed rapidly from joy to sadness. "I know it must be done, still I will miss it."

Hanabira placed a hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry, but this is the only way I can save you."

"What are you going to do?" Sosuke asked.

The adults beckoned him to sit down with them and began explaining. "After you gave me the pendant I began tracking down every quincy I could find. In order for this to remain a secret operation, I could only save those who were located in Europe or Asia. Hitomi was the first person I reached out to, and we agreed that the best way to save the quincy population from full extinction was to take away their powers. This way they could live as normal humans. Hitomi needed to keep her powers until the conflict ended so that she could protect everyone else, and bring them to me. Now I will depower her."

She gestured for Sosuke to come closer. "If there's ever a time when you are in need of this technique, this is how you shall do it." Hana placed her hand over Hitomi's chest. "Ready?"

"Yes," Hitomi answered. Hanabira's hand began glowing, a light blue glow came from Hitomi's chest, it was slowly fading and being taken by Hanabira. He concluded that his mother was taking the spiritual pressure that caused the quincy powers.

It was not an easy choice. Despite having limited abilities Sosuke could not imagine himself living without his powers. He remembered what Miroku said 'Shinigami don't always arrive on time.' He was disappointed that this was all they could do, but Hitomi didn't seem to mind.

"It's okay little one." She tried to cheer him up. "Tell me Sosuke, are you familiar with the concept of sonder?"

"I am afraid I've never heard of it."

"Sonder is the realization that every person you meet, has a deep complex life complete with quirks, joys, and sorrows. You and your mother are familiar with that feeling because unlike many others you did something to help us. To others, we're just numbers to be taken down, but you two helped us survive."

"I really don't feel like I did much. Mother is the one who helped take away your power."

"Perhaps, but without your invention, Hana wouldn't have been able to reach us before we were slaughtered. It's thanks to the two of you that we are still numbering in the thousands rather than the hundreds. So don't fret, child. I am sure this won't be the last of your genius plans."

The glow had faded, and he could feel the small absence of spiritual pressure in the room.

"It's done, do you feel alright?"

Hitomi nodded. "Yes. I can see you, but I don't feel my powers. It worked like a charm. Thanks, Hana-san."

"You're welcome."

Before they left Sosuke remembered what he promised Miroku. Now that he was in the Kurosaki mansion this was his chance.

"Hitomi-San, was there a member of this family named Miroku?"

Both Hitomi and Hajime chuckled. "As of now, there are two Miroku's on the family line. Why'd you ask?"

"I met a man called Miroku Kurosaki back at the Soul Society, I assume he's from this clan."

"He was my father, the second Miroku is yet to be born," Hitomi told him as she patted her belly softly.

"That's good to hear, he wanted to you all to be safe."

"The old man was always a softie, he is sorely missed here." Hajime looked lost in thought. "best father in law anyone could ask for. If you are able to see him again. Let him know we still think about him.

Sosuke smiled. "I shall."

The visit had been a success. Finally the matter of the quincy was put to rest, and additionally, they'd spend a nice time talking to Hitomi and Hajime. 'All in a day's of work!' Hanabira thought to herself.

"Mother, can I ask you something."

"What is it, sweetie?"

"Can you tell me about my father?"

'Shit!' Hanabira froze. She wasn't expecting that question to be asked in at least another 50 years.

"I am aware there must be a reason why you do not mention him, or why he's not with us right now, and I'm fine with waiting for that explanation; but can you tell me a little about him. Even if it's just miscellaneous details."

"What's brought this on all of the sudden? You've never been too interested in him."

"I guess talking to Hitomi about fathers stirred my curiosity."

She sighed. "Fair enough. Sit down, let's see..." She thought for a moment before sitting beside Sosuke. "You've got a lot of your father in you. He's powerful and has a way with words, you got your incredible strength from him, that I am sure of. I suppose that's how I got charmed by him. You also have his eyes, although his are colored black rather than brown. He lives in the Royal Realm, I have not seen him since I left. We...we split up on very bad terms. Quite honestly I wouldn't like to see him again."

Sosuke looked at her for a second, she thought he might be angry, or perhaps curious to meet his father, that wasn't the case. He smiled at her and snuggled close. "It's alright. You're the only parent I need. I trust that if you two have such bad blood then it must be for a good reason. You're a great woman, both as a mother and a worker, any man who does not see that must be very idiotic. Thanks for telling me."

She hugged him close. "You're welcome, little prince. I'm very happy you think so highly of me."

"Of course I do. I love you mother."

"I love you too."

Soon after, Sosuke went to his room to study. She tried to memorize every detail about him, the way he bent to examine the book closer, the movement of his eyes from side to side as he read, and this habit of absentmindedly tugging at his curls.

'I cannot tell you now, and I don't know if I'll live to tell you later. So the best I can do, it's leave a clue.'

"I'm always at a loss of what to do when others cry," Sosuke told her.

Anna chuckled, knowing what he meant. The two of them had set out to see Miroku now that the quincy war was finally over. Sosuke had delivered the news that his family was ok, even if they no longer had powers, and he also informed him he would be a grandfather.

Miroku wiped a tear from his eyes and laughed. "Sorry child, I am just so thrilled to know that Hitomi will be having a child, more so that she's naming it after me."

"I think it's sweet that she's passing on your name to her baby."

"Oh it's always a joy to a parent when their child or grandchild carries their name, it may sound silly but it shows how much you meant to them."

She hadn't thought about that. Maybe that was the reason her parents combined their names to make hers. 'I like it more now.'

"Enough with the sentimentality, I have gifts for the both of you!" Miroku walked towards a drawer and pulled out two beautiful obi sashes, one colored aquamarine blue and the other colored dark scarlet.

He handed her the aquamarine obi, it was made of silk and the measurements were exact. "It's perfect, you even guessed my favorite color!"

"Mine as well, and it's an exact fit. How did you know?" Sosuke also seemed pleased with his new gift.

"Most quincies are tailors. It's was once my duty to know a person's measurements by eye, along with their favorite colors and textures. The piece is also linked with spirit energy, it will grow just as you do. It may not be much, but I do hope you can take it as a token of our gratitude. Thank you both for all your help."

Both she and Sosuke gave him a hug. The old man chuckled and hugged them back.

It would be time to get back home soon. Miroku walked them to the doorstep. "I hope to see you soon."

"We'll be sure to visit often," Sosuke told him with a smile. Anna nodded as well.

"Very well, until we meet again."

The pair waved goodbye and walked home, the stars were beginning to come out and all that could be heard were the chirping crickets.

"What shall we do now, Lord Aizen?" she jokingly told him.

Sosuke looked amused. "Where did the title come from?" He asked.

"Honestly, I don't know, it seemed fitting. What shall be our next great invention?"

Sosuke thought for a moment then smiled. "Milady Anna, our next course of action will be to turn the tracker into something else. If found, it could be used as evidence against us."

She giggled at her new nickname. "If that's the case I know just what to do. We can turn the pendant into a communication device, it'll allow us to talk to each other even when we're apart."

"I like that idea," Sosuke said as he held her hand.

The small gesture made her blush. By now it was becoming a bad habit, but she didn't mind it.

Suddenly a flash of red illuminated the sky, it looked like an explosion. "We have to get to your home!"

Sosuke picked her up and used flash step, rushing towards her home. Armando immediately let them both in. "Are you two alright?"

"We're fine. Where's Hanabira-san?" Anna asked when she didn't see the shinigami around.

Armando and Marianna looked at each other. "Hana went to help the victims of the...um explosions. She'll be back soon."

Anna knew they were lying. Unlike her, both of her parents were very bad liars. She didn't say anything and just waited in her room with Sosuke.

He was pacing back and forth unable to hide his worry. Sosuke was not one show negative emotions often, so she opted for trying to cheer him up. "Hey Sosuke, I was wondering if we could have a lesson right now. Maybe on spirit energy? I'm having a bit of trouble with that lately."

The suggestion caught his attention. "Yes. I would be happy to help. What seems to be the problem?"

"There are times where it seems to spiral out of control. I break glass or plates, and then it becomes stable. Other times it beckons me to eat more, to run more and all that. It's a bit concerning."

"That's perfectly normal. It's a clear sign you have great potential to become a shinigami. Although I see how that can be an inconvenience. Let me teach you how to control it."

"What do I need to do?"

"Hold out your hand, let the energy flow to your palm and fingertips. It will feel like static and then you'll be back to normal."

Anna nodded and followed Sosuke's instructions. A blue glow formed at her fingertips soon it faded and she felt better.

"That was amazing. Where did you learn to do that?"

"I have a higher level of spiritual pressure than most shinigami, as such this process it's like second nature to me."

He repeated the process, instead of a blue glow his was a dark purple one, it had sparks and its very presence was overwhelming.

He quickly held it back. "Are you alright?"

She felt dizzy but didn't show it. "I'm fine. You weren't kidding when you said you had lots of power! It looked so beautiful."

He smiled. "You'd be the first to say that. Most people fear it, I suspect that's the reason my training began so early. Wouldn't want the unstable child to cause a mess, due to inexperience."

It could've been a convincing performance to anyone else, but she could sense the sadness in his voice as he said that. Anna took his hand and smiled.

"Well, I for one would love having you around, you have a knack for making sparks fly."

Sosuke smiled at her. "Thank you, Anna."

"You're welcome."

They heard the door being opened. A man with long white hair opened it. Due to his captain coat and appearance, she assumed he was Hanabira's captain.

"Hello, Captain Ukitake." Sosuke told him.

"Hello Sosuke, I'm here to take you home." he turned towards Anna. "You must be Anna Maria, I'm Captain Jyuushiro Ukitake. Nice to meet you."

He offered his hand and she took it. "Nice to meet you too." The man seemed kind, almost fatherly to a degree.

"Is mom alright? I thought she'd be the one to come get me."

"Yes, she just needed some rest. You can see her once you get home."

Sosuke nodded. "I'll see you soon Anna, and thank you for everything."

"At your service." she winked.

The room felt a little empty once she was left alone. Anna decided to get ready for bed, the day had been eventful enough as it was, perhaps tomorrow she'd sleep in late. Once she was ready she crawled into the bed.

"Owie!" Anna hadn't noticed the pendant had been left in her bed, it poked her back when she tried to lie down. "I'll have to work on it tomorrow."

Before setting the pendant down she pressed it one last time, just to see the creation she and her dear friend had worked on. She did not expect the map to be empty, all the small markings had disappeared even the one by Miroku's house.

"No...the explosions..." Everything seemed too convenient to be a coincidence. "I hope Hanabira-san is okay."

The house was quiet, his mother was sitting on the bed, it looked like she'd been crying, her expression changed when she saw him.

"Hi, sweetie! Sorry I couldn't pick you up. I'm going to have to stay home for a while."

He climbed onto the bed and hugged her. "It's good to see you're alright. I was worried, with everything happening so suddenly."

"Yes. It was unexpected." Her voice was cracking. "I'm afraid I have some bad news."

"What happened?"

She looked him in the eye, trying to hold back her tears. "The quincy that lived here in Soul Society have all been eradicated."

He felt as if the room crumbled, such news couldn't be true, not after everything had already ended, not after all they did, but just one look at his mother's face and he knew it wasn't a lie.

"Why? This shouldn't be happening, the war was over..." He let Hanabira pull him close into a hug. "I was just talking to Miroku-San, we were all so happy."

A few tears escaped him. Hanabira wiped them away. "I tried to stop them, but the bombs and locations were already predetermined. Arguing didn't help, they just put me on house arrest for a week."

He gasped at that. "You're in trouble?"

"Oh no, not at all. I will just have to stay here with you for a week. Seems more like a reward than a punishment to me." His mother tickled him, he couldn't contain his laughter and fell back on the bed. It took him a while to catch his breath.

"Mother...Do you know who gave the order?"

Hanabira sighed. "Yes. It was the Soul King."

'No wonder it was carried out so quickly.' Sosuke should've suspected that was the case. An order from the Soul King was written in stone and had to be carried out no matter what.

Just this afternoon he'd been talking to Miroku and now he was gone, along with the rest of the quincy. 'Seems like killing them once wasn't enough.' Rage was flowing through him, but there was nothing to be done. They were gone and likely reincarnated by now.

Only the fifty thousand living quincy remained, and they were all depowered, so by all intents and purposes, the quincy were now extinct.

He stopped crying, his mother's touch and soothing humming were enough to make his anger subside, still, he would not forget this grievance.

'I won't let them win next time. Not even if I have to stand before the Soul King himself.'