Beginning of the End

"Ichigo!" My brother turned to look at our dad, "One more time." With a nod, Ichigo swung his blade for the second time, unleashing another final Getsuga Tensho. This time, Aizen had anticipated his attack, moving out of the way just in time to avoid being hit again. He didn't, however, anticipate the hand that was shoved into his chest.

I pulled back my hand, clutching the Hogyoku. "Hakaisha Getsuei. Bankai," I called before being engulfed in my own purple spirit energy. When it dissipated, I stood in an outfit unique to the release of my Bankai. A silver kimono tied with a light blue obi and chain with a moonstone at the end, adorned me. It was slightly short, coming to mid-thigh length and I wore socks the reached my calf and geta on my feet. My normal katana took the form of the much shorter Wakizashi with a complete mother-of-pearl handle.

"So, you took the Hogyoku. No big deal, I've already turned into a Hollow-Soul Reaper being. You have no-" Aizen began emotionlessly, if not a bit amused.

"Goodbye, Aizen…Ichimaru," I said calmly, just as emotionlessly as I could. I dropped my blade to the ground where it stuck into the dirt. Without another word, two large beams shot from the ground to surround Aizen and Ichimaru completely. The only thing they could see of the two were their shadowed figures, which quickly disintegrated, turning to dust. The beams disappeared and I bent to pick up my blade before turning it back to its normal state and sheathing it. My outfit also returned to normal, though my Shihakusho top wasn't tucked into my hakama.

I looked forward where the stand of the Sokyoku stood. I knew they were watching, all of them. I held my hand up, fist clenched and crushed the Hogyoku to dust. The sand-like material flowed through my fingers, carried away on the wind. I continued to stand there, looking but not seeing. I had felt it the moment it happened. Felt it beginning to take effect on my emotions and mental state. But after all, didn't a part of me always see this as a possible result. Yes, of course, but still. It hurt. I had done it and it would hurt them…the ones I loved and treasured above all else.

"You did it! You did it, Emi! We won," Ichigo called out with a smile as he came towards me. I turned and looked at him with a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Oy, what's with that look? You should be happy!"

"Ichigo," my voice sounded pitiful, even to my ears. His expression turned confused and serious at my tone. "I-I'm so sorry. I-" I couldn't talk. It felt as if my throat was closing on itself. I felt grateful for the tears that were somehow pushed back.

"Emi! Emi! I'm so sorry!" Everyone turned to look at a bunny plushie. It was the mod-soul Kisuke had made for me since Ichigo had Kon. Her name was Lily, or that's what I named her. "I'm so sorry! I helped Tatsuki get away and- I'm so sorry!" I looked to the side, unable to look at her.

"Your apologies are unnecessary, Lily. You did what I told you to do. I always knew this might've happened. So, don't blame yourself," I said before walking passed the white plushie, heading towards the tree line and the stairs.

"Wait! Where are you going?" called out Lily in her squeaky, feminine voice.

I didn't turn to face her, instead spoke as I walked, "I'm going to go have a very difficult conversation with Karin and Yuzu." Not a second later, I was gone with a flash-step.

"Emi! You're back!" Yuzu called when I walked into the living room. Karin turned to look at me also.

"Yuzu, you can see me?" I asked.

"Yea, why wouldn't I?" she asked, confused at my odd question.

"No reason. I guess with all the spirit particles around this place has already taken a toll on your senses. Listen, girls…I need you both to sit down and listen to me. Alright?" They nodded and took their seats on the couch. I sat on the table so I could face them better.

"Alright. To make this easier, I'll begin at the beginning," I said. I told them about Hollows…Ichigo and I becoming human Soul Reapers…Aizen and his two bad guys…everything up to the current battle and putting the whole town to sleep. Then things got more difficult. "Do you understand everything I told you so far?" The nodded. "Now comes the hard part. You both know Tatsuki right?" Nod. "My mod-soul Lily was in my body earlier and I left her with specific orders to help people if she could. She came across Aizen when he was about to…hurt Tatsuki. So, following my orders, Lily fought him long enough for Tatsuki to get to safety. But…Lily, while in my body… She-"

"You're dead, aren't you?" asked Karin in all her bluntness. It was the first time in a long time, that I've seen Karin tear up like that.

"Yes, but listen to me. I will visit you both so often, it'll just be like I'm attending college in another town. And I'm planning on asking the Head-Captain to allow me to graduate, so I'll still have two more years with you both here. I won't be lost to either of you. I'll always be here for you when you need me. And Ichigo, even dad will be here." I tried to explain to them. Yuzu started crying but she nodded as well as Karin. I hugged them until their tears stopped. "Since I don't want everyone in town to know that I died, I'm going to ask the Head-Captain to burn my body. If you both want to come, go get dressed in more formal clothing and I'll be out when you're ready."

With a final nod, they left to their room. I went to mine and slipped into a formal kimono I had sewn myself for this very occasion. It was a light blue kimono with midnight blue and silver butterflies on it. Flowers were also embroidered on the sleeves and hem in pale pinks and purples. The obi sash was purple with silver strips. I had picked my body up on my way and put it in my room before entering the house by the front door. Now, I cleaned it up, washing the blood from my body and hair. My chest had been punctured with his blade, straight into the heart. After healing it so it was closed, I dressed my body in a plain purple yukata and draped a towel over my body's head. I couldn't look at myself in that condition, it was too weird.

"What do you mean she died?" Ichigo yelled at Lily. He didn't intend to scare her but he just didn't understand what was going on.

"She told me to protect the citizens of Karakura, especially her friends since they have higher spiritual energy and thought they'd be more in trouble than everyone else. Tatsuki was close to being killed and I had to interfere for her to get away. And, and he- Aizen pierced my chest…Emi's chest. Kon found me and put my pill back in this plushie so I could come tell you." By this time, Lily was crying her little beady eyes out.

"She- She-" Ichigo couldn't wrap his head around this information. He glanced at his father to see his eyes closed. He was here, muttering incoherently, and his father was dealing with losing another family member and a daughter, no less. "Dad-"

"Ichigo Kurosaki, you should be proud of your sister. She defeated Aizen and Ichimaru when none of us could. She healed everyone involved in the battle over the fake Karakura Town. And she did it all to ensure the safety of her family…you, your father, and your younger sisters. Do not disgrace this victory and your sister's honor by being clueless to how she must feel. She gave her very life for your town's safety and everyone within. She must feel horrible for having to leave you after everything that has happened," Byakuya Kuchiki said, looking at the orange-haired teen.

"Not just them," Rukia said as everyone looked to her. "She died for all of us. Even those who are already dead. She fought and died for every single one of us. For Karakura Town, its residents, and every soul in Soul Society." Tears threatened to flow down her own face as she fell to her knees.

Realization of the whole situation finally found its way to their minds before proceeding to their hearts. If anyone of them had stood and stated that Emi Kurosaki didn't mean anything to them, they would be lying. She had befriended most within the walls of the Seireitei and some outside of it. She was a friend to most, sister-like to others, and a few had found themselves drawn to the girl; though, now she was no longer human, giving them more of a chance. The souls within Soul Society had gained a precious soul but for what cost? She had now left her family behind in the Human World and nothing would be the same again. Sorrow and grief filled their hearts as they mourned together.

I was carrying my body, with Yuzu and Karin walking beside me on both sides. We cleared the trees, where everyone was still standing on Sokyoku Hill, silently amongst themselves. When Ichigo saw me, everyone's eyes turned to me and my two younger sisters. Closing my eyes, I walked passed them all and lay my body on the platform beneath the stand. I took a single lily from my hair and placed it in my lifeless hands. My hand paused over the towel that hid my face. Taking a deep breath, I pulled the towel away leaving it by my body. Walking back to stand with Karin and Yuzu, both dressed in kimonos, I gave a nod to the old man.

"Reduce all creation to ash, Ryujin Jakka." The old Captain's voice filled the area and a moment later, my body was afire.

Karin and Yuzu turned into me as the flames destroyed my body. I hugged them back, "Don't worry. I'm still here. Always. Never forget that." I choked back some tears before they fell and made matters worse, if possible. I stood back up, looking at the Head-Captain. Maybe comedy would help. "Well, Head-Captain, I'm your problem now." The attempt at a laugh was poor at best. "Hey, Karin…Yuzu, I bet if you ask nicely…Captain Ukitake will give you a tour. He loves kids." With a last hug, I flash-stepped away.

Captain Kuchiki went to his office after everyone dispersed from the hill. He needed to think some things over and figured his office would suffice, not having much paper work to do. It was also closer than his home. He slid the door closed silently behind him. It was nearing sunset now, and no one had seen Emi yet. He sighed and went to sit down behind his desk. Sliding his chair closer, he heard a squeak and instantly stood to look. Under his desk was Emi Kurosaki. How she could bend to fit under his desk, he'd never know.

I gave Captain Kuchiki a meek smile before climbing out from under the four-legged contraption. "I'm sorry, Captain Kuchiki. I was-"

"Hiding from everyone," he finished, making my cheeks heat.

"Something like that. I thought it would be less likely for them to search here for me," I replied. "I'm just-"

"You regret-" he started but I interrupted him.

"I don't regret anything!" I defended heatedly. "Even if I had gotten a second chance, I still would've told Lily to defend everyone. If I hadn't then Tatsuki would've-" I choked back a sob.

"I was merely staying that you regret having to leave your family in such a way. Death is never an easy thing to overcome, especially for those you're leaving behind. Your sisters look up to you and you're the eldest daughter for your father, and Ichigo's twin. I have sympathy for them but Soul Society is gaining a great Soul Reaper."

"I promised Karin and Yuzu, I would visit often. Do you think the Head-Captain would allow that?" I asked looking into his grey eyes.

"You saved Soul Society, many lives of our Captains and Lieutenants, and the worlds that would have otherwise been destroyed with Aizen's plans," he stated. "I would think he would do anything to pay you back for everything you've done for us."

"I hope you're right, Captain Kuchiki," I said. Groaning as a thought popped up, I smacked my head. "I don't have to attend the academy, do I? I don't wanna go to school!" I saw Kuchiki's eyes light with inner laughter, "After everything, you're worried about having to attend school?"

"Don't laugh at me, Captain Kuchiki!" He looked surprised. "That's right! I can tell how your feeling just by looking into your eyes. And your laughing at me! How mean, Captain."

"You're the first to ever see through my stoic expressions," he said.

"Thank you. Now, what division would I be in? Ukitake and Kyoraku are laid back and wouldn't mind my absence too much. I can heal so there's the Fourth." I tapped my chin with my index finger, going into musing mode. "Ikkaku and Yumichika are friends so that's the Eleventh. Rangiku is with the Tenth and there's cute Hitsugaya. The Twelfth would allow me to experiment. But Renji is so funny when I annoy him. Hm…"

"I recommended you to fill one of the open Captaincy positions," he informed.

My eyes widened, "Y-You what?"

"I-"

"I heard you…but why? I'm not qualified. I'm so young compared to-"

"You've reached Bankai. You've shown skills in decision-making and leadership. You've done many things to show everyone that you're more than qualified. As so, your age has nothing to do with it."

I looked at him. "You know, Captain Kuchiki. You come off as cold and proud to most, but for some odd reason your words make me feel better. Thanks." I smiled at the man before going to the door. "Oh, and by the way…I promise I won't tell anyone that I heard the Noble Kuchiki sigh." I shut the door behind me, heading for Ichigo's spiritual energy.

Byakuya sat in his chair, releasing another sigh. "That girl will be the end of me."

Karakura Town was switched with the real one the following day, but the Kurosaki family remained on Yamamoto's wishes. The Vizard also were asked to stay a few days, Yamamoto wanted to mend the strained relationship with the former Soul Reapers. So, obviously, Kisuke's group also stayed.

I was sitting on the veranda of the Thirteenth Division with Rukia, when Ukitake came up to us.

"Hello, ladies." He sat down next to me. "How are you both today?"

"Good."

"Fine, though you seem very well, Captain," I replied, eyeing the smiling man.

"I am, I am. Unohana tested everyone after the battle per your asking, and she found something very interesting," he said, baiting us.

"What was it, Captain?" Rukia asked.

"I'm healed." He turned a more serious eye on me. "I no longer have tuberculosis. Unohana was really stunned since she hadn't been able to heal it completely in all the past years. I have a feeling it's all thanks to you."

Scratching my cheek, I replied "I have no idea what you mean. I merely healed your chest after being punctured by that Arrancar's hand."

"Strange occurrence, I suppose," he said. "Oh, I almost forgot. I'm here to escort you both to the First Division."

Rukia and I looked at each other. We then got up and followed the Captain to the First's barracks.