"Mommy where did this lion come from?" He asked his mother who was making breakfast.
"I found him outside last night. I'm going to clean him up and him to someone as a gift."
Picking him up, Ichigo had sparkling eyes. "He's so cool." Smiling, the young boy held him to his chest. "Can I keep him?! I promise to take good care of him."
"We'll see sweetie."
This is all so weird. Ichigo wouldn't leave me alone since this morning! Before breakfast I ended up playing ninja where he'd protect me from some invisible enemy. It was kind of cute, especially when he tried to do certain moves, usually kicks, and fall back on his butt all surprised. The annoying part was trying to stay still and quiet, and Ichigo's dad taking pictures and videos. When they all sat down to eat, Ichigo tried to feed me his food. His mom had to clean rice, egg and some sort of meat out of me.
"I'm so sorry about that dear. I didn't think he'd try to feed you."
"It's alright. I've had worse done to me."
She gave me a smile before picking me up. "My son seems very attached to you. I'll have to make him a stuffed lion that looks just like you."
I would have never thought in a million years that Ichigo would be attached to me. That he wouldn't kick and throw me around. That he would gently hold me, and want me to be a part of everything he did. As much as I hate to say it, I think I'm going to miss this.
Once we were back in the living room, she handed me back to the kid. "Ichigo, are you and your sisters ready to go?"
"Yes mom!" He had the biggest smile I've ever seen on his face.
"Masaki… dear… are you sure it's a good idea to introduce to this stuff? Especially with them so young?"
"Don't worry Isshin. The younger the better. That way they can get used to it all. You seemed so eager about it last night."
"Yes but… we'll have all the time in the world to teach them."
"You're just nervous about Ryuken meeting Ichigo aren't you? Isshin everything will find. Trust me." She placed her hands on his shoulder with a soft smile. I can see the poor man's resolve crumbling to dust.
"I do trust you my love! I promise to teach them all that I know!" That poor, poor sucker. "Now off to Urahara's we go!"
"Is it really okay for him to be carrying that lion around like that?"
"Don't worry dear. Kids his age do this all the time. Besides, he's Ichigo's new best friend. Right sweetie?"
"Yeah!"
"Well well. Look what we have here. If it isn't Masaki and Isshin, with little ones! What brings you all by suddenly?" That creepy guy was there outside waiting for us! Did he know we were coming?
"Kisuke! It's good to see you again. Masaki thought it was about time to introduce our kids to the worlds of the Soul Reapers and Quincies. Also, my beloved wife has a favor to ask of you."
"Really now? Well then come on inside everyone." Once we were all inside, he looked over everyone. "Now, who are these two lovely ladies?"
Yuzu was a giggly mess as she pointed to her and her sister. "Yuzu. Karin."
"It's nice to meet you, Yuzu and Karin." Turning his sights on Ichigo, I felt the kid squeeze me tighter. "And this young man must be Ichigo. I haven't seen you since you were a baby. My my, have you grown. You look just like your mother."
"U-Um… t-thank you Mister Urahara…"
Chuckling, the blonde Soul Reaper put his hand on my Ichigo! Wait… my Ichigo? Oh my god! I just claimed the kid! Not important right now. What is important is that he's touching him a bit too friendly right now.
"No Mister is necessary. Just call me Urahara or Kisuke. And no need to be nervous. I don't bite." Fanning himself, he sat down and turned his attention to Masaki. "Now, what is it that I can do for you before we get started on our little lesson?"
She dug through her purse and pulled out the note that was stabled on my back. "This is for you. It has the favor wrote on it. I promise to explain everything later."
~TO BE CONTINUED~
