Hi everyone!
I'm so sorry it's been such a long time, I've been really busy this year. (uni, and getting distracted by other things on the internet)
Here is the next chapter, but before we begin I would like to thank Everyone who reviewed chapter 8 (I forgot to mention you last time): ichigos future wife, Haddrell, UNseated4TH
And for chapter 9 I would like to thank: ichigos future wife, UNseated4TH, SasuTenLuvr, Haddrell, ReadReedRed, Simonana, Mary Lou
Special thanks goes out to Mary Lou for giving me so many reviews the other day
"I had to laugh" Yachiru began as she lead the boys through the park "when I heard what you guys were up to. You got those guys in so much trouble of Nanao, couldn't have done it better myself. Have to say, I'm proud of you two." Yachiru looked around the park. "Don't think Ukitake has found the driver yet, and Nanao is still busy with the guys. In the mean time how 'bout I introduce you to Kenny, You've earned it."
The boys wared in agreement even though they had no idea who this 'Kenny' was.
"Ok then, he's in this direction" Yachiru turned right, travelling at a slower than normal pace so that the boys could keep up. As they went along the crowd seemed to thicken, making it increasingly difficult to move. It seemed as though the people were watching some kind of event that was taking place in the centre of this gathering and though Ichigo couldn't see what was happening due to the many onlookers surrounding them the noise from the centre sounded suspiciously like fighting. Jeering and various name calling came from various members of the crowd.
"Waa?" asked Ichigo as he followed Yachiru in crawling through the legs of some tall Shinigami. What's all this?
"Waa" replied Uryū, choosing to instead walk around the man. How should I know? I'm the same height as you.
Ichigo was just about to respond when Yachiru stated "You guys are going to love Kenny, he's the captain of my squad and the strongest man in Soul Society." She pushed past a pair of Shinigami in her attempt to get to the front of the crowd. "Everyone in my squad loves Kenny," she continued "because he's such a nice, caring guy."
They had reached the centre of the crowd. Here there was a large clearing, perhaps twenty meters in diameter. In the middle of the clearing was a man laying on his back, breathing heavily, blood spilling from a large gash in his chest.
The other man – clearly the victor – stood next to the injured man. He was a tall, very muscular man with quite a strange hairstyle and a patch covering his right eye. "Next time," he was saying to his opponent "you challenge me for my position, make sure you can fight. I was hoping for a good fight just now, but that was pathetic… A real time waster". Seeing the battle was over the crowd began to disberse. Ichigo and Uryū backed away a little, slightly unnerved by the man standing before them.
"Kenny!" Yachiru shouted springing from the boys and hoping onto the man's back.
"Waa?" Uryū said incredulously. That's Kenny?
"Waa" Ichigo added Yachiru has a strange definition of 'loving and caring'
"And these" came Yachiru's voice "are Pencil kun and Berry kun."
The boys looked up as Yachiru came over riding on the back of Kenny, or Zaracki Kenpachi as he was to everyone else.
"What? They're brats. Ya' said these two caused all that trouble? Ya' pulling my leg."
"No, seriously Kenny, these are the two people are talking about."
Kenpachi looked down at the boys "Mmm, maybe they might be good at fighting one day" he sighed, resting his Zanpakutō over his shoulder, "but not today. Bring them back when they're older." He said, turning his back on the boys and walking away.
Yachiru looked down at the boys "I think he likes you, maybe when you're older you should come hang out with him.
"Waa" said Ichigo, glancing at Uryū. Remind me never to 'hang out' with that Kenny guy, ever.
Uryū waaed in agreement as Yachiru began talking about talking to a big busted woman who had wondered over. The woman, Rangiku Matsumoto was busy asking Yachiru if she could have a turn at looking after the boys.
"After all," she added "it's not like I have anything to do at the moment."
Yachiru considered this for a moment. "Well I have been working hard all day. And I really have to go see if Ukitake has found those lollies yet… alright then Bobbies, it's your turn. See you later!" She said as she ran off into the crowd.
"Ok boys." Rangiku said looking down at the two. "What kind of things would the two of you like to do? I know!" she cried before either of the boys had a chance to waa. "How about I give the two of you a ride on the Ferris Wheel?" and with that she scooped up the boys in either arm and was sprinting in the direction of the Shinigami human worlds picnic's only ride.
"Waa" said Uryū as he bounced up and down in Rangiku's arms. This ladies nice and all, but I think she's a bit…"
"Waa?" Ichigo finished off. Ditzy?
They had soon arrived at the base of the Ferris wheel.
"Waa" said both Uryū and Ichigo in awe. From a distance the Ferris wheel looked fairly average in size – smaller than average even, but up close it was huge!
"It's been enforced with Kido," Rangiku explained "from a distance it looks to be only 3 meters high, when in actual fact it is twice the size of the London eye, in London. We did it that way so we don't have the noise humans coming to out picnic that would be annoying. "
Ichigo and Uryū exchanged glances "Waa?" Humans?
"Oh, I don't think you two are annoying." Rangiku continued speaking in an unnaturally high voice, squeezing the boys into a tight hug. "You two are just sooooo cute!"
"Matsumoto!"
"Ahhh!" Rangiku jumped about a foot in the air. "Captain!" she stated, addressing her young Taicho. "You startled me so much these babies nearly fell out."
"Matsumoto," Hitsugaya said crossly "when will you stop referring to your boobs-" Rangiku turned around fully revealing Ichigo and Uryū. "Oh" Hitsugaya said.
"What was that Captain?" Rangiku smiled.
"N-nothing" Hitsugaya said quietly. "Anyway, Matsumoto what are you doing here when you are meant to be getting the extra chairs from the 5th?"
"Ahh, but Captain, That's boring," Rangiku whined "I have to give these guys a go on here" she continued before Hitsugaya could speak.
"Matsumoto you need to – "
"I know Captain. How 'bout you have a go too!"
"Matsumoto I don't need to go on some kids ride."
Aww… don't say that! Look I'll come too, how about that?"
"… I don't think that would be a good idea"
"Of course it's a good idea. You would be up high; able to see what the picnic looks like the way people like Captain Komamura would see it."
"Komamura's not that tall," Hitsugaya scoffed "And anyway I don't need a Ferris wheel to see what the picnic grounds look like from up there."
"You can't do that with your gigai on" Rangiku pointed out.
Hitsugaya considered this for a moment. "Oh alright" he said in defeat, letting his lieutenant pull him onto one of the Ferris wheel compartments.
"Waa" Ichigo said to Uryū as he took a seat next to Hitsugaya, This should be fun, haven't been on one of these before.
"Waa" Uryū stated as the compartment they were in started to lift, I did once with my parents. "Waa" he added as they ascended, it certainly wasn't as big as this though.
"Captain you can see the whole picnic now!" Rangiku said excitedly.
"Yeah" Hitsugaya looked at the large area the Shinigami had claimed for their picnic grounds.
"Seems like Kenpachi's picked another fight" commented Rangiku looking out at the picnic.
And looks like Nanao's finally finished with Renji, Ikkaku and Yumichika. Waaed Ichigo, pointing to where the tiny figure of Nanao could be seen turning from the three males and walking off.
"Waa" stated Uryū, Geeze didn't they get it?
"Waa" laughed Ichigo as the small figure of Ikkaku appeared to give the back of Nanao some sort of rude hand gesture before joining Renji and Yumichika in running away. Yeah, sucks to be them.
"Well I think they got what they deserved" Added Hitsugaya absentmindedly
"What was that Captain?"
"Ahh…." he stuttered before quickly adding "You can see quite a lot of Karakura Town, there's some of the high rise buildings in the distance"
For the next quarter of an hour the four continued to enjoy their Ferris Wheel ride. "See Captain, wasn't that fun?" Rangiku said as they made their way from the ride.
"Yeah," Hitsugaya said slightly reluctantly as though he didn't really want to admit that he'd enjoyed such a ride. "Though we really need to be getting those chairs, I'll help you."
"Ok, thanks Captain" Rangiku said "come on you two"
"Matsumoto," Hitsugaya said as Rangiku made to take the boys hands "how do you expect to be able to help when you're taking these two everywhere?"
"I'm gonna help by playing with them and keeping them out of the way"
"Matsumoto!" Hitsugaya scalded. "You cannot use these kids as an excuse to get out of helping."
"Well I can't just leave them alone!"
"No," Hitsugaya agreed. "But we can find someone else to mind them." He glanced around at the various Shinigami looking for a possible candidate. "How 'bout Hisagi from squad 9?" Hitsugaya asked as a tall man with black hair and a tattoo passed.
"Are you serious? He's terrible with kids." Rangiku scoffed as Hisagi winked in her direction "Remember when he babysat Isane and Kiyone's youngest sister?"
Hitsugaya vividly remembered the incident a number of years before when the Lieutenant of Squad 9 had had so much sake while babysitting that he'd let the youngest Kotetsu sibling climb on one of the highest roofs in the Seireitei. It was a miracle that the child hadn't been hurt. And it was certainly the last time anyone had trusted Hisagi with babysitting.
"Maybe you're right…" Hitsugaya continued, scanning the crowd "What about Nemu?"
"Are you serious?"
"Uhhh… What about Rukia Kuchiki?" Rangiku pointed to a black haired girl standing under a nearby tree.
"What? Byakuya's little sister?"
"Yeah, she comes along to the Shinigami Woman's Association once in a while. She's pretty quiet, but really nice once you get to know her. I'm sure she wouldn't mind babysitting."
"And she doesn't seem to be doing anything at the moment." Hitsugaya agreed.
Rukia looked up as she heard her name being called. "Hello Captain Hitsugaya, Lieutenant Matsumoto," she said bowing to each in turn, wondering what the two could possibly want with her. Hitsugaya quickly explained how he and his lieutenant had work they needed to be getting on with and asked if Rukia would mind taking care of the human children.
"Uh... I don't know..." Rukia said slightly doubtfully.
"Don't worry, it'll be fine," Rangiku said with a small laugh. "All you have to do with them is keep them happy. Oh! I know!" she exclaimed "How 'bout I go with you and help you out?"
"Matsumoto," Hitsugaya said in irritation "you do remember why we're getting Kuchiki to look after the two don't you?"
Rangiku sighed "Oh well, it was worth a try," she turned back to Rukia "So what about it? It's pretty fun."
"Well, alright then" Rukia finally agreed "It's not like I get to look after human kids very often."
"Thanks," Hitsugaya said turning to leave "Well, see you later."
"Waa!" Bye!
"'Spose I'd better go too," Rangiku said disappointedly "see you all later!" She pulled the boys into a tight squeeze before running off to join her captain.
"What have I just agreed to?" Rukia asked no one in particular. She sat down under a shady tree, bringing herself to eyelevel with Ichigo and Uryū. "How am I suppose to know what to do with kids your age?" she looked out at the passing crowd. "We'll have to stay in this area" Rukia continued. "I'm suppose to be meeting my brother here soon. Maybe you can help me look for him? He's tall with bla- Oh wait, I have a picture of him you can see so you know who to look for." Rukia reached into her side bag, bringing out a sketch book.
"Waa" said Uryū looking at the picture Rukia was showing them. I didn't know people could have bunnies as brothers.
"Waa" Ichigo responded. Well this world is full of mysteries, after today I don't think anything will surprise me.
They continued to wait. After a few minutes Rukia decided to use the time to take it upon herself to teach the two how to draw. "After all," she reasoned "when will they next have the chance to have art lessons from someone with my skill?"
Ichigo took a piece of paper and began to draw. "Pretty good," Rukia said looking at the crude picture of a person that Ichigo was drawing. "Though it needs a pair of these" she added some bunny ears on either side of its head.
"Waa?" Why the hell does it need those? Ichigo protested as a tall man carrying a white plate approached.
"Brother!" Rukia said getting to her feet and acknowledging the new comer.
"Waa?" questioned Uryū. This is her brother? What about the ears?
"Waa" answered Ichigo looking slightly disappointed, guess he doesn't have them.
"So do you have them?" Rukia asked.
"Of course" said Byakuya revealing the contents of the basket for Rukia to see.
"Oh, you are so talented!" Rukia breathed.
"Waa?" Ichigo turned to face Uryū. What's in there?
"Waa" How would i know? Though it must be something pretty impressive.
"Byakuya, these are going to be a hit. We'll raise so much money!" Rukia continued.
A shadow crossed Byakuya's face for a moment. "You'd think so" he said stiffly.
"What do you mean?"
"Well I took some around just now. Thought I might try and sell a few. But not a single person was interested"
"What! That's ridiculous!"
"Waa?"
Rukia and Byakuya looked down at the boys
"Oh yes, these are~"
"I'm well aware who these two are"
"Do you think they would like to have a look?"
Byakuya lowered the basket, revealing the contents to the young boys. Inside were rows of what looked like brown coloured blobs with limbs and faces.
"I haven't seen this design before. You've really outdone yourself this time. Does it have a name?"
"I've decided to call it the 'Seaweed Ambassador."
"That's the perfect name for it!" exclaimed Rukia.
"Waa" Uryū stated it looks more like a turd to me
"Waa" commented Ichigo, reaching out for one, Oh well
"Looks like they like them" said Rukia as Uryū also took one of the questionable looking biscuits.
"Poop, poop" chomped Ichigo.
"Indeed" Byakuya said coldly.
"Waa" Ichigo, I'm beginning to think there are times you shouldn't use your adult speech, even if you are able to.
"Waa" grinned Ichigo. I know, but it's fun sometimes.
"Um, Captain Byakuya sir?" Byakuya looked over at a nervous young man approached.
"Yes?"
"Uh, well, my name is Hanatarō Yamada, 10th seat of the 4~"
"I'm a busy man Yamada, what is it you want?"
"Wwell, Captain Ukitake told me to let you know that the truck driver has been found and asked if the boys could be brought to meeting point 'B', where they were brought in this morning."
"What gives you the impression that it's within my job description to escort human children all around the picnic?" Byakuya said stiffly.
"Oh, well I~"
"I'll take them" Rukia Volunteered.
"And I'll get back to what I was doing before this interruption" Byakuya reached for his basket of Seaweed Ambassador cookies.
"I'll come help after this" Rukia called after him.
Hanatarō turned to Rukia "It was an honour to meet you Miss Kuchiki, but I'd better get going too. Lieutenant Nanao wants me to track down more food for the table that was destroyed by some idiots from the 11th division. She didn't seem too patient, so I'd better get a move on." He gave a small wave to the Ichigo and Uryū before hurrying off into the crowd.
"Bye!" Rukia and the boys waved.
"Well" Rukia looked down at the boys. "Let's get you back to that truck. Looks like you're going home."
Well there you go. I Hope you enjoyed it.
This story probably only has about 1 – 2 chapters left in it, so I will probably post them soon, but even if I don't I promise that I will eventually get them out there, so you don't have to worry about this becoming a dead fic.
As Always please review so I know what you think (it will probably motivate me in getting it up sooner), and also it looks good to other people.
Love
Rhi