Epilogue

Going Home

After the ruined picnic Akemi spent most of her time alone. She didn't want to see anyone, instead choosing to stay in her room and pack. She carefully placed her things back in her duffel bag, clothes first then other items. It was important that she didn't leave anything behind because she knew that she wouldn't be able to come back for it. As she was packing, Akemi's gaze fell on a vase that was on her windowsill. It was full of lavender blossoms. Izuru had gotten them for her a few days ago. Akemi's eyes welled unbidden with frustrated tears.

"I'm so sorry, Izuru." she whispered out to the empty room. He wasn't there but Akemi still felt compelled to say it. She felt responsible for the state he was in, especially since she knew that there had been something between them yet she had done nothing to dissuade him. Now he probably wouldn't speak to her again.

Akemi sighed heavily and tried to push those thoughts from her mind. She needed to focus on the task at hand. The head captain had already been informed of her intentions and had given permission for Akemi to have access to the Senkaimon. This was the portal between worlds that she would need to use in order to return to Karakura Town. An escort would be provided to ensure that she made it to the portal without any difficulties. First though, once she was done with her packing, Akemi would be left with the task of saying good-bye to all the people who had helped her the last seven months. Akemi sighed again. It was going to be a long day.

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Renji sat through another boring lieutenants' meeting, hoping that it would be over soon. He glanced around the table, observing each of his comrades. They were in their usual states of boredom at this point, Yachiru was even asleep again. Then Renji's eyes fell on Izuru. He was surprised to see that his friend looked rather upset. The blonde Soul Reaper didn't even seem to be paying attention to the meeting, which was unusual for him. Renji's curiosity was piqued and he made a mental note to ask him afterwards.

The Squad 6 lieutenant looked back to the head of the table and saw that Isane Kotetsu was about to address her fellow lieutenants.

"Attention everyone, I have one last announcement. I just wanted everyone to know that Akemi Urahara will be leaving the Soul Society tomorrow. She will be returning to the world of the living. If you wish to be part of her escort, please see Captain Unohana." the tall lieutenant said somberly. Everyone, except Izuru, looked up in surprise; even Yachiru woke up at the news.

"Kem-Kem is leaving? But why?" the pink-haired girl asked sadly. Squad 2 lieutenant Marechiyo Omaeda snorted dismissively and stuffed a large cracker into his mouth.

"Does it matter? The girl didn't belong here." he said in his loud, boisterous manner. Yachiru responded by throwing a pastry at his big face. The dessert hit him square between the eyes and left a mess of cake and icing.

While those two argued and Lieutenant Kotetsu tried to calm them, Renji noticed that Izuru had broken his writing brush and his face was screwed up in a look of anger and sadness. As the arguing continued, Izuru finally stood and quietly left the conference room. Renji quickly followed him out, unnoticed by the others. He caught up to Izuru quickly and grabbed his friend's arm, stopping him.

"Izuru, are you okay? Did something happen between you and Akemi?" he asked. Izuru shrugged off Renji's hand, not bothering to look at him.

"Leave me alone, Renji. I don't want to talk about it." he answered glumly. Renji's face fell and though he had warned his friend, he felt bad for him.

"Are you at least going to say good-bye to her? See her off at least?" he asked instead. Izuru shook his head, surprising Renji further.

"No, I don't think that I will." he said firmly. Izuru didn't say anymore and left Renji alone on the terrace.

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The next day, Akemi was seen off by Renji, Rukia, Captain Ukitake, and Captain Unohana. They wished her well and hoped that she would at least visit some time soon. Renji and Rukia both promised to come to the mortal realm as soon as they were able. As her friends were talking, Akemi noticed that Izuru had not come to see her off. Though it hurt her, Akemi really couldn't blame him.

When Akemi was ready, Captain Unohana paired her with a hell butterfly and motioned for the guards to open the Senkaimon. The hooded guards nodded and began to work their kido.

"Safe travels, Akemi. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have. Though you are leaving we still consider you our student." Captain Unohana said kindly. Akemi bowed respectfully, deeply touched by their kindness.

"Thank you, Unohana-sensei."

Akemi said her good-byes one last time then turned toward the soft, white glow of the Senkaimon. The journey home was quick and effortless; no problems arose to hinder Akemi's progress. Soon she found the doorway that would open near her uncle's shop. As she approached, the door reacted and began to open. On the other side she could see the familiar empty lot that was in front of the shop. Once it was completely open, she began to step through. Her family was there at the ready, still unsure of who was stepping through, enemy or friend. Akemi had forgotten that she hadn't let them know that she was coming home.

However, as Akemi finished stepping through, she could see her uncle relax. He gave his niece his usual, relaxed grin and raised his fan.

"Well, I'll be damned. Welcome back." he said happily. Akemi smiled and waved at her family. A great happiness welled up in her heart. She hadn't realized how much she had missed them.

"It's good to be home."

As the last vestiges of the doorway disappeared, Akemi transformed back into her human form. It had been awhile since she had worn normal clothes. It almost made Akemi think that she was dreaming.

"Akemi, you doing alright?" her uncle's calm voice asked, bringing her from her thoughts. She looked up unaware that he had approached her. He still had that calm, relaxed smile on his face that soothed Akemi to her core. She returned his smile with one of her own and she nodded.

"Yes, Kisuke-oji. I think that I will be." she answered confidently. Kisuke's smile widened and he placed his arm over her shoulders, leading her back to the shop. After all her journeys and trials, Akemi was truly home.

The End

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It's over! It took awhile but I finished this little interlude of Akemi's trip to the Soul Society. I hope you all enjoyed it and I am so grateful for those that read it. I'm also grateful for everyone who commented. Thank you so much!

I am now going back to my other Bleach story "Of Two Worlds". That is where I originally introduced Akemi and I haven't finished it yet. I encourage you to read it, especially if you liked this one. Once again, comments are appreciated. Thank you!