INTRODUCTION
Welcome back to the Blade of the Shinigami. As always I do not own Bleach. Thank you for reading and please review.
Blade of the Shinigami
Season 1
Episode 8: Reality Bites
Ichigo slept soundly in his bed as the sun flooded the room. His adventure with Yoruichi had lasted until sunrise and he hadn't returned until close to 8am where a visibly upset Kisuke stood in his garage. As soon as Ichigo parked the car he looked to Yoruichi who still seemed very amused by the whole thing.
Kisuke began to yell at a worn down Ichigo, asking him why he took his car without permission and where he had gone. All the while Kisuke was meticulously inspecting it for the slightest hint of damage. Ichigo began to plead his case and told Kisuke it was Yoruichi's idea to take the car. But much to his surprise when he looked around for Yoruichi, she was gone. "Of course," Ichigo said.
Despite his fatigue and injuries, Ichigo was then forced to wait as Kisuke finished his complete inspection of his car all the while continuing to yell. Once he was satisfied, Kisuke's demeanor suddenly changed and he was once again smiling and invited Ichigo inside where a meal was already prepared.
Ichigo was met by Ururu who went about healing as much of Ichigo's injuries as she could before sending him off to have breakfast. Once finished he went back to his room where he quickly removed his dirty and torn clothes. "Damn," Ichigo said as he looked at his clothes. What was once an expensive suit had been reduced to a tattered ruin. Ichigo then looked at the bruises on his upper chest, arms, back and left thigh and the cuts all over. They ached and were dark blue but thanks to Ururu's help and his own healing ability he could already tell they were quickly improving.
Ichigo gingerly walked into the bathroom where he took a warm shower before making his way to his bed where he collapsed into a deep sleep. Hours passed by as Ichigo rested.
Sometime later, the door to his room slowly opened and someone tip toed inside. As quietly as possible, the person snuck his way over next to Ichigo and stared at him for a moment. Then, lifting the bucket he had in his hands threw its contents onto his target.
Startled, Ichigo leapt up and screamed, "FUUUUCK!" A soaked Ichigo, fell out of the bed as the bucket full of ice cold water crashed down on him.
Ichigo quickly looked around and yelled, "Who, what, what the..!" It was then he saw Renji standing on the other side of the bed with a bucket in his hand stifling his laughter. "Renji?" Ichigo said, "What the hell is wrong with you!"
"Hey little brother," Renji replied with a broad smile. "I just wanted to wake you up. It's almost two o'clock in the afternoon as it is. I figured it was time for you to get up and this would be the best way to do it."
Ichigo gritted his teeth and clenched his fists in anger and quickly leapt on the soggy bed and glared down at his brother. "You stupid ass!" He yelled. "What kinda wake up call is that! You wanna give me a heart attack?"
"I should give you an ass kicking!" Renji yelled back. "Where the hell have you been Ichigo? Every time I stop by you haven't been around and I have no idea where you go off to at night! Have you any idea how dangerous it is out there for you? You shouldn't just go out on your own!"
"Where I go and what I do is none of your damned business!" Ichigo yelled.
Renji stepped closer to his brother and got into his face and said, "Tell me where the hell you've been…NOW!"
Ichigo glared at Renji for a moment before saying, "Kiss…my…ass."
Renji suddenly leapt at Ichigo, spearing him shoulder first in the midsection and tackling him off the other side of the bed and onto the ground. The two then began grappling and fighting for dominance before Renji was able to spin out of Ichigo's choke hold and sit on Ichigo's back.
Ichigo began to twist and push and pull in attempt to free himself but to no avail. Renji was too heavy and too strong to be moved. "R-Renji!" Ichigo yelled. "Get the fuck off me you bastard or I swear I'll…!"
Renji slapped Ichigo hard in the back of his head and said, "Settle down Ichigo! Now, if you tell me what you've been up to I'll let you go! If not…then there'll be punishment!"
Again Ichigo tried to push Renji off. But Renji applied more strength to stay where he was. Ichigo then said, "Punishment? What the fuck are you talking about Renji?"
"You'll see." Renji said. "Now, where have you been?"
"Fuck off!" Ichigo yelled.
"Alrighty then." Renji said and then stuck his finger into his mouth.
Ichigo looked back to see Renji pull his finger, dripping with saliva, from his mouth and knew what Renji was going to do.
"Renji!" He yelled in a panic. "Dude, don't you even think about it!" Slowly he saw Renji's finger approaching his ear. "You know how much I hate that!" Closer and closer Renji's finger got to him. "Renji stop! I'll fucking kill you!"
Outside Ichigo's room, just down the hall was Kisuke's room. Slowly the door opened and Kisuke, who had just woke up stepped out the door. His face was tired and drawn and he was wearing green and white striped pajamas with a matching sleeping cap with a green tassel on the end and white bunny rabbit slippers.
Groggily, Kisuke yawned and scratched under his armpit as he looked towards Ichigo's door. He had heard the commotion coming form the room and began to walk towards the door when he heard Ichigo scream, "Aaaahhhhh!" Kisuke stopped in his tracks and stared at the door for a moment before shrugging and going back into his room.
Inside the room, Renji was still seated on Ichigo's back as Ichigo frantically tried to dry the spit Renji had put into his ear. "You son of a bitch!" Ichigo yelled. "You know how much I hate that crap! Get the fuck off me!"
"I'll end this little brother once you tell me where you've been the last few nights!" Renji yelled.
"No way!" Ichigo yelled. "Get off me or I'll kick your ass!"
"Have it your way." Renji said as he dipped both index fingers into his mouth and spun them around. He then pulled them out and to Ichigo's horror each one was dripping with more spit that the one before. "I guess it's a double assault this time." Renji said as he looked at Ichigo with an evil grin.
Inside Kisuke's room, Kisuke had gone back to bed and was now wrapped in his warm comforter and was sound asleep when he jumped up at the sound of Ichigo's scream. Still groggy Kisuke just stared at his door for a moment before collapsing back into his bed.
Back in Ichigo's room, Ichigo was frantically drying the spit out of both of his ears as Renji calmly sat on his back. "Agh!" Ichigo yelled. "Damn you Renji, you know I've hated that since we were kids!"
"Well then," Renji said. "Start telling me the truth Ichigo or the torture will continue." Again Renji dipped his fingers into his mouth and produced two large wads of spit that dripped down on Ichigo's bare back.
"Alright!" Ichigo yelled which caused Renji to pause. "I went to the bridge where we would cross everyday on our way to school! Do you remember?"
Renji just stared at the Ichigo for a moment and began to recall the small bridge they would cross on their way to school together as kids.
~~~~~~Several Years ago~~~~~~
"C'mon Renji!" Ichigo said as he pulled on his older brothers' sleeve. "We won't be late for class I promise!" Back then Ichigo was seven years old and was at that age where he wanted to copy everything his older brother did and said. And as it was most of the time, his thirteen year old brother found it highly annoying.
As it was everyday, Renji was on his way to school with little Ichi by his side and as it was everyday, as they passed over the small foot-bridge, Ichigo would yell and scream to ask to climb down and look at the water and fish as they swam by.
Most days Renji would say no. They didn't have the time and would be late and climbing down and back up was annoying. Renji looked down at his little brother as he tugged at his shirt and saw the tears beginning to form in his eyes. If I say no I'll have to listen to his crying until we get to school, Renji thought to himself.
Renji took a deep breath and then said, "I don't get why you like to look at the river. Geez. alright, but we can't stay too long. If mom finds out that we were late for school she'll be pissed."
Renji then climbed down the grassy hill while holding his brothers' hand until they reached the bottom. Ichigo then laughed and ran over to the river's edge where he bent down and watched as the water flowed and the fish swam back and forth.
Renji stood with his hand in is pockets still confused as to why Ichigo found this of all things entertaining. Ichigo turned and smiled at his brother and Renji couldn't help but smile back. I guess this isn't so bad, Renji thought to himself. Turning away Renji then said, "Alright Ichi, we really need to…"
Renji suddenly stopped talking when he heard a loud splash behind him. Turning quickly he saw that Ichigo was no longer where he had been kneeling on the river bank. "Ichigo!" Renji yelled as he ran to the edge of the river only to see Ichigo, soaked from head to toe, sitting in waste high water.
"Aaah!" Renji screamed as he saw Ichigo. "Ah damn! Ichigo have you any idea how much trouble I'm going to be in for letting you get wet like this! Mom is gonna kill me! Why can't you be more careful!"
Ichigo sat silently in the water as his brother yelled and screamed and stomped around and suddenly he began to cry.
"Wait," Renji said. "C'mon Ichi don't…don't cry ok? I'm sorry! I…" Suddenly much to both of their surprise Ichigo's front shirt pocket began to wiggle and a small fish squirmed out and fell back into the river and swam away leaving both boys staring at each other for a brief moment before bursting into laughter.
After laughing for a long time Renji reached for his brothers' hand and pulled him out of the river. "C'mon Ichi," he said. "Let's get you out of here before you get sick. Mom will be really mad then." Renji then sighed and put his hand on top of Ichigo's head. "Let's go back home."
~~~~~~Club UnderWorld – Now~~~~~~
Renji remained seated on Ichigo's back and seamed lost in thought as he recalled those happier days. After a brief moment he got up and said, "Yeah. That place. Why didn't I think to check for you there?"
Ichigo sat up and said, "Maybe because you went so far out of your way to leave your family behind that you forgot everything that was important."
Renji gave a small, bitter laugh and replied, "No. I didn't forget you. No matter how much I tried. The truth is…I didn't want to forget.'
"If you cared you wouldn't have left," Ichigo said angrily.
"No Ichigo," Renji replied. "I left because I cared."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ichigo asked.
"I'll explain later," Renji replied as he motioned towards some clothes that were draped over a nearby chair. "Right now you should go wash up and get dressed. We have places to go."
"What," Ichigo said. "I think I've told you already that I'm not going anywhere with you. Besides I've got things to….."
"Their funeral is today," Renji said as he reached the door. Without looking back at Ichigo he continued, "Tatsuki, Chad, Uryu and your other friends as well. Their parents…they decided to have a combined memorial service so that they can share their pain and comfort each other. I thought you would like to say good bye to your friends properly."
Renji's words hit Ichigo like a ton of bricks and Ichigo suddenly felt as if all the blood had been drained from him in an instant. Ichigo stumbled back and sat on the bed as a wave of nausea hit him and it took all his strength to keep from throwing up.
For the past few days Ichigo had felt like he had been tossed into a new and sinister world and he had dived in, head first, so that he could learn how to survive as quickly as he could. But the drawback to that it seems was that he had to leave his old one behind. And with those few words it seemed like he was forcefully tugged back to the reality he had left.
"Get dressed Ichigo," Renji said without looking back. "I'll be waiting outside to take you to the cemetery." Renji then left Ichigo alone with his final words ringing in Ichigo's ears. For a long time Ichigo merely sat in silence as he stared at the carpet.
Ichigo in that moment felt as though he had been brought back to that night. He could hear the screams, the looks of fear and panic, severed heads, guts hanging out of disemboweled stomachs, vacant eyes and the blood. So much blood.
Slowly Ichigo stood up and another wave of nausea hit him and this time Ichgo fell to his knees and threw up. It was then, as he wiped his mouth, Ichigo realized he never acted this way that night or since. Perhaps it was everything that happened felt like a movie, like he was in some bad American "B" movie that had little realism to it.
Ichigo wasn't sure how but suddenly he found that he had made his way to the bathroom. It was like he was now running on autopilot. He washed his face and brushed his teeth. The next thing he realized was that he was in the shower. But for how long he couldn't tell. After which he padded back into the bedroom where, to no surprise, everything was clean and neat once again. His bed was remarkably dry and neat and even the vomit was cleaned away.
Still feeling as if he was being willed and not under his own power, Ichigo got dressed into the black, three piece suit and tie with well fitting shoes and made his way solemnly outside. As Ichigo walked passed the rooms he didn't see anyone moving around yet and didn't really question it. As he entered the main club area it was completely empty, the exact opposite of what it was last night and everything was neat and ready for the next night.
Ichigo opened the door to the outside parking lot and was nearly blinded by the bright sun. A cool breeze massaged his hands and face and he could see a lone car on the other side of the parking lot.
Renji, wearing his usual oversized and most likely, equally expensive shades, was leaning on the hood of his Mustang as he looked up at the sky. He was spinning a toothpick in his mouth as he saw a pale Ichigo walk up to him. Silently, Renji got up off the hood and walked over the drivers' side and got in the car as Ichigo sat in the passengers side. Renji then turned on the ignition and the car roared to life and they drove off.
The car ride was surprisingly, yet thankfully long as Ichigo sat staring out of the window in silence. Thankfully, Renji had seamed to learn when it was best to talk and when it wasn't and for the entire ride he remained silent. Ichigo just stared out the window as they rode along and it was then he realized something. It was something he had to admit to himself. The reason he was so ready, so willing to throw himself into that new world was because he couldn't bare to face the old one.
In his old life there was nothing but pain, regret and loss. Nothing but memories of a time he could never hope to return to. In his old life, he was now alone. And the thought of that was more frightening than anything he faced or expected to face in this dark new world.
Ichigo was jarred from his thoughts when the car suddenly pulled over. He looked around and saw they were in a car lane wide enough for two. Judging from the look of things they had already driven into the cemetery and were on a road winding through until they'd arrive at their destination. As is the norm in most cemeteries everything was deathly still and quiet. Large trees and well manicured grass could be seen on both sides of the road and the only sound Ichigo heard was the faint chirping of birds.
"Why'd we stop here?" Ichigo asked.
"Before we go any further I need to make sure you understand your situation." Renji said. "Right now to the public at large and your school mates you are missing. I'm not sure if you may run into someone you know but if you do it's important that you don't reveal anything about where you've been at all. The less they know the better. Humans by nature, are curious and the more you tell the more they'll want to know and the more they know the more danger they may put themselves in. Do you understand?"
Ichigo stared at Renji for a brief moment before staring forward and saying, "Yes." He didn't enjoy being lectured by Renji but he also couldn't find any fault in his logic either. Renji then pulled back out and continued up the winding road for a few more minutes before coming to a stop and getting out of the car without a word. Ichigo sat alone in the car and wiped his face. As if by doing so he would somehow wake up to learn all this had been some sick nightmare; the product of watching too many late night horror movies.
It was then he noticed that his hand was shaking slightly and he placed it on his lap and closed his eyes. Ichigo's nerves were frayed and he knew it wouldn't take much to throw him over the edge. At which point God only knows what he'd do. Taking a deep, measured breath Ichigo finally reached for the handle and opened the door expecting to look out towards the grave sight to see the sad, tortured faces of the friends and families of those he'd lost. But to his surprise, no one was there, just several silent graves waited for him.
Confused, Ichigo looked to Renji who had lit a cigarette and took a deep satisfying drag then said, "The actual funeral was yesterday. I thought it be best all things considered, that you avoid being around people who are gonna ask too many questions. Plus there were police detectives here hoping you may show. They still have questions to ask you."
"Then why'd you stop to tell me to be careful what I say to people if you knew no one was going to be here?" Ichigo asked.
"I never said I knew no one would be here." Renji said. "I said the funeral was yesterday. For all I know some friends or family could have stopped by today too. That's not uncommon. I was just being careful." Renji took another deep pull from his cigarette and slowly blew out the smoke and watched as it swirled up and faded away. "Anyway, go say goodbye to your friends. I'll wait here."
"Aren't you coming?" Ichigo asked. "You knew them too. Hell you knew Tatsuki as long as I have."
Renji took a long labored breath, gave a small sad smile before sliding his designer sunglasses down off his forehead and onto the bridge of his nose and said, "Sorry, but those were your friends, not mine. Besides…I've…had to say goodbye to too many of my own friends and comrades as it is. The last thing I need is to say goodbye to yours as well."
Ichigo turned from Renji and slowly began walking towards the graves of his friends. As he made the solitary march he got the distinct feeling like he was a child, who had gotten in trouble and was now walking towards the principal's office to receive his punishment. And now he found the walk slow, as if he were trying to make it last forever in hopes that he's never reach the destination.
Finally Ichigo got to the tombstones of the freshly buried graves and he read the names off of each one in order: Chad Yasutora, Uryu Ishida, Tatsuki Arisawa, Keigo Asano, Mizuiro Kojima and Chizuru Honsho.
He had known Keigo and Mizuiro since he was four years old. They were like brothers to him. Tatsuki he had met the first day of class when he was seven. At first he found her to be loud and a bit of a bully. In time he came to fall in love with her. Chizuru was Tatsuki's best friend. And even though Ichigo found her a bit strange they too had become good friends.
Chad, he had met when he was thirteen when Chad came to his aid as Ichigo was fighting off three bullies who wanted to steal his lunch money. Even at thirteen, Chad was a big guy and wasn't one to talk much. But he was brave and loyal and a good friend. And then there was Ishida. He and Ishida met in the first year of high school and became instant enemies. Ishida saw Ichigo as a lazy, boastful clown while Ichigo saw Ishida as rich, stuck up snob. From the beginning they competed with each other in everything from class work, to athletics and even girls. After they spent nearly a year fighting one day they came to realize that they respected each other and that respect led to friendship. And now they were gone. All they could be, all that they were, taken away in one night.
Renji stood leaning back on his car as he worked on his second cigarette. He watched as Ichigo spoke to his lost friends and though he was too far away to hear the words he had a good idea of what was being said, because in these cases the words were always the same. Apologies were given. There were recollections of memories of happier times. Then there was the cursing of God and asking why this had to happen and why you didn't die instead All these things and more were said by the ones who lived to those who no longer did. Renji had heard them all before and knew he would again, until the day that finally, those words would be spoken for him.
Renji took one last long drag and threw the smoldering remains of his cigarette to the ground and crushed it under his heel. Crossing his arms he looked up to see another familiar sight. Ichigo had fallen to his knees, his face buried in his hands as he wept. It was for Renji, the final stage. When the reality and the full truth that the person you cared for is truly gone and the sadness of it pulls you down with crushing force and your only option is to cry…out of anger, out of frustration, out of disbelief and finally, true acceptance.
It was almost a half an hour before Ichigo, composed yet numb, made his way back to the car where Renji stood in silence. Sitting on the hood on the passenger side, Renji opened the door and without a word, Ichigo got in and Renji closed the door behind him.
As he looked at the tombstones Renji's mind was suddenly assaulted with the smiling faces of Tatsuki, Keigo and Mizuiro. They were younger, maybe ten or eleven years old. This memory, it was of them coming to see if Ichigo could come out to play. They were all so happy.
Renji shook his head and banished the memory to wherever it had come from, knowing that if he dwelled on it any further he may fall into same depths Ichigo was now. Renji ran over to the driver's side of the car and got in and they pulled off.
~~~~~~Later the Night~~~~~~
It was late as Ichigo and Renji sat in the small diner. Renji looked at the clock on the wall and saw it was close to nine at night. Empty plates, once filled with bland unremarkable food sat in front of them as they sat face to face in a worn, cherry red leather booth near the back. The diner stank of stale coffee and cigarettes.
A few people were sitting about eating and talking. A few tables over a guy and girl sat next to each other as the guy whispered in her ear and kissed her cheek.
Renji sat sipping on a beer as Ichigo stared at his own, half finished bottle. "Hey," Renji said causing Ichigo to look up. "I should tell you now that I'm arranging to have you leave."
"Leave," Ichigo asked. "And just where are you planning to send me?"
"It's not safe for you in Japan Ichigo," Renji said. "Once a demon comes after you, even if you defeat it, others will come after you. I'm not sure why. But demons are like that. The best way to keep you safe is to have you leave. So I'm arranging to have you go to America."
"America," Ichigo yelled. "I don't want to go to America! I don't want to leave Japan and I don't want to leave Tokyo!"
Renji sighed and said, "Be reasonable Ichigo. I can't hang around to protect you and you can't protect yourself. The best thing to do is leave. Go to America. I can give you enough money to start over and forget this place."
"Or," Ichigo said, "You could bring me to the Order so I can learn to fight."
"No way!" Renji said without hesitation.
"Why not?" Ichigo said angrily.
"Because this life…" Renji replied. "This life is not a good one. You don't have any idea the price this job makes you pay. What you have to give. You're my little brother. You're the only family I have left and it's my job to protect you. So that's what I'll do."
"Please!" Ichigo said angrily. "Now you want to protect me? Where were you before! You knew about these things and didn't warn us! And now everyone's dead!"
"I thought that by staying away I was protecting you," Renji said. "At least that's what I was told."
"Told!" Ichigo asked. "By who?"
Renji leaned forward, leaning on his elbows and said, "Ichigo I didn't leave you guys because I wanted to. I did it because I was told to. I was told that if I wanted to protect my family that I had to leave and never look back."
"Who told you that?" Ichigo asked. "Who could possibly tell you to do such a thing? And who could have the influence to make you listen!"
Renji sat back in his chair and took another quick sip of his beer before looking directly at Ichigo and said, "Dad."
~~~~~~To be continued~~~~~~
Next Time: Renji past is revealed!
Blade of the Shinigami
Episode Nine: Turn Back the Pendulum (Renji Kurosaki prt 1)
"Draw your swords all ye saints and sinners!"
