Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach
A/N : Thank you to my loyal reviewers! Eradona, Asasininja4827, Bos Ronald, and newcomer Debido!
Sorry this chapter took so long to get out. It may also be a little rough, but I did not want to make you wait any longer! I leave for Spain this week, so I am going to try and spit out the last few chapters this week so that you can all start looking forward to book 3 "Hell's Handbasket".
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The next morning the five captains met in the panel discussion room. It seemed as though Ichigo's excursion to the world of the living was completely innocent, but they had to have all of their facts straight before presenting the case to Central 46. Besides one close mouthed woman, none of them knew the exact reason for Ichigo's leave of absence, although Ukitake had an idea. At the same time Shunsui was puzzling over the demonstration of force he saw yesterday, and decided to bring it up to the group.
"After yesterday's meeting I interrupted an interesting conflict concerning Kurosaki Taicho and Abarai fuko-taicho, do any of you believe this has anything to do with our case?" He asked as he leaned over the table and fidgeted with the hat that lay before him.
Ukitake looked wide eyed at Shunsui's news, "No, I was very certain that this had to do with my fuko-taicho, Kuchiki Rukia."
Ryuu snorted softly, earning four sets of eyes to fix intently on her. Upon noticing their study she crossed her arms and spoke, "Have any of you considered the fact that it may have to do with both of those people?"
Hitsugaya growled at her, "If you are withholding pertinent information Ryuu Taicho, I suggest you rethink your position. Doing so will only cast guilt on yourself and Kurosaki."
Unohana turned toward Ryuu and added, "I agree with Hitsugaya Taicho, do you know something more about this case?"
"Yeah, I do." Ryuu said begrudgingly, "Although I am not certain of the details. I did not plan on saying anything, hoping that Kurosaki would clear his own name, but he is too proud."
Ukitake looked pained with concern as well as weariness as he leaned forward, "What exactly happened, and what is your source of information?"
Sighing deeply, Ryuu leaned forward and pinched the bridge of her nose. She was tired, something that had just recently set in with her condition. The compromising position she was in also leant to her foul mood.
"My source of information is… Kuchiki Byakuya and his sister." As she spoke she felt the collected intake of breath from the others around the table.
Ryuu Akai did not talk about her personal life, only rumors circulated about her and the captain of the sixth division. By telling them that she knew the story, Akai would cement truth in most of the rumors heard. She had decided there was no point in holding back anymore though, soon enough they would all see with their own eyes just how true the rumors were. Kuchiki Byakuya was indeed sleeping with the woman once charged with attempting to assassinate him.
The other four captains watched and waited as Ryuu finally decided to divulge the information she was privy to. "Kurosaki Taicho found Kuchiki fuko-taicho in an unfortunate display with Abarai fuko-taicho. Upon discovering the two of them together, he left to cool his anger and his sorrow. As far as I know, he misinterpreted the situation, but the air has not been cleared between the three of them."
Shunsui chuckled and leaned back, "Women, they will be the death of any good man… if he is lucky."
"I hardly see the humor in this situation, Kyoraku Taicho. This only proves how foolish Kurosaki is." Replied Hitsugaya.
"Only because you have never had a special lady, Toshirou-san." Shunsui replied.
Hitsugaya immediately turned red with anger and clamped his eyes down onto the papers in front of him. Ukitake threw a look of horror at his friend, Shunsui. It was an unspoken rule to not speak to Hitsugaya about women. Since he lost Hinamori in the war the young man had become cold hearted toward all members of the opposite sex. Despite his recent growth into manhood he had remained cool and aloof, reportedly only using women for one thing, and one thing only.
Unohana decided to bring order back to their meeting, "Regardless of our personal feelings, we now know that Kurosaki did not leave the Soul Society for traitorous activities. Perhaps we should move on to discuss exactly what we are going to do about this." She finished up her offering with a sweet smile that startled the other four captains into working on the matter at hand.
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Ichigo had been waiting in the hall outside of the panel room for almost two hours when he was finally called in. The atmosphere in the room when he entered was crackling with tension. Toshirou somehow managed to look more irritated with the world, while on the opposite end of the table, Ryuu appeared as though she had swallowed a bug and was none too happy about it. Ukitake was still propped up between his two closest friends and wore a weary face. Ichigo did not know whether to be frightened or comforted by the fact that both Unohana and Shunsui were smiling.
A soft cough and a sigh broke from Ukitake before his faint words, "Welcome back, Kurosaki Taicho, we have discussed your case and reached a decision."
Ichigo did not answer; he merely nodded his head to the group. He was not certain about his own future, but he was ready for this part of his present to be over with. A part of him felt a bit betrayed that they would even for a moment consider him a traitor.
Ryuu leaned forward and spoke first with a seriousness that caught Ichigo off guard, "Kurosaki, I have a better view than most here when it comes to how much you have changed the Soul Society. When I was sent off to exile, you were not even a glimmer in your fathers over excitable eyes. In those days the Gotei 13 was a well oiled killing machine that followed the orders of Central 46 without question or hesitation."
She paused in her speech, Shunsui was nodding softly in agreement with her while the other captains remained stone faced. Ichigo wondered what she was playing at. He had been told that he had changed the Soul Society, but in reality he did not really understand how much he had changed it.
Ryuu continued, "Imagine my surprise when I returned to find the execution grounds destroyed, Central 46 rendered almost powerless, and the Gotei 13 had an interesting new element that had not existed before."
The captain of the third division now seemed to dominate the room as she narrowed her eyes at the young man before her. "Kurosaki Ichigo, do you know what that new element was?"
Ichigo let his eyes wander over the other captains. Each one held an entirely different expression, ranging from Toshirou's annoyance to the serenity on Unohana's face. Rubbing the back of his head, Ichigo suddenly felt like he was taking an oral exam in high school all over again and he did not know the answer.
Luckily Unohana cut in to save him with her motherly tone, "Kurosaki Taicho, you reminded us all of our humanity. Thanks to you, compassion has returned to the court squads."
Now Ichigo felt even more uncomfortable, he was certain he was here for punishment. Yet, it felt as though they were praising him.
With a mark of rushed embarrassment he asked, "What is the point?"
"You may have brought humanity back to us, Kurosaki, but you have not left it behind." Toshirou growled impatiently. It was obvious that he was immensely irritated with the fact that Ichigo was not quite grasping the meaning of their words.
Ukitake smiled gently and started in right after the words left Toshirou's mouth, "I believe what our colleague is trying to say, is that we are not sure why you are here, Kurosaki."
Comprehension dawned onto Ichigo and pushed him into anger, "You all know damn well why I am here!"
Ichigo was furious that they would think that he regretted his decision to become a full fledged Shinigami. There may have been moments of doubt, but he had seen what it was like to be truly powerless and it was horrifying. He had to stand and protect those dear to him, otherwise he would never be able to face down his mother if he met her again. She had given her life to protect him, the least Ichigo could do was to make sure that sacrifice was not in vain.
"Easy, Kurosaki-san" lamented Shunsui, "We really just want to understand your connection to the Soul Society. By now you should consider the Seireitei home, and you should be able to turn to us when you are in need."
"Ah." Ichigo bowed his head in repentance, "That became clear to me when I returned to the world of the living. I am no more than a ghost to those I left behind."
"It must be a difficult burden to bear, Kurosaki Taicho." Unohana said.
Ichigo turned his eyes up to her and saw only kindness and understanding in her eyes. He knew that none of them would ever truly understand what it was like to stand bridging two entirely separate worlds. Once he had believed it would be easier if he just chose one, now he knew there would never be a choice. Due to his unusual circumstances he would always remember what it was like to be merely mortal. The five captains before him could only remember their time in the Soul Society, and they were essentially gods. They were all capable of fear, sadness, angst, happiness and joy, but they were not owned by the emotions that made mortals what they were… human.
"Ah." Ichigo responded.
"Would you like to forget, Kurosaki?" Ukitake practically whispered the question.
All of the captains held their breath waiting for his answer; a pin drop could have been heard.
Ichigo sighed heavily and rubbed his hand over his face, "No."
Shunsui smiled brightly and asked Ichigo, "Then tell us Kurosaki, why are you in the Soul Society, what is it that binds your heart to your duty?"
A smile tilted on Ichigo's lips for the first time in days. The men and women before him truly were his comrades. Initially coming here had been easy because of Rukia, but it was so much more than the two of them. Ichigo had become a shinigami to protect the world of the living, to protect the souls of the helpless, the scared, and the alone.
"My duty is to protect the living and guide the souls of the dead." Ichigo was surprised at the conviction in his own voice.
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It was nearly the end of the work day before Ichigo made his way back to the fifth division. He had survived the panel, an interview with Central 46, and a final meeting with the old man captain. Six months probation was his punishment, although he was not really certain what that meant. It was a slap on the wrist for abandoning his post. Perhaps he had changed things, as Rukia was so often reminding him.
Ichigo had not been to his division during work hours since he returned, and promptly upon walking in the door he was greeted by his vice-captain.
"Ichi! So good of you to return to me! You look just awful; I have a cream you can use for those bags under your eyes. Oh, and may I remind you that you were supposed to bring…"
Yumichika's breathless rant was cut off by Ichigo dropping an orange scarf made of fine silk onto his desk. For a moment the vice captain just looked at the offered gift before delicately lifting it in his hands to admire the rippling material.
"Beautiful, who would have thought you were capable of picking something with such potential. You really didn't have…"
Once again Yumichika was cut off by his captain, this time with words, "Yumichika, do not tell me I did not have to. You requested it in return for a favor."
Yumichika took a breath and looked up at his weary captain, "It's good to have you back, Kurosaki Taicho."
"Ah." Ichigo replied nonchalantly before heading toward his quarters.
Yumichika shook his head softly before returning his attention back to the scarf in his hands. His captain certainly was an interesting one. Despite the fact that he was young and for the most part completely clueless.
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It had been a few years since his home in the fifth division had felt so empty. As Ichigo slid open the door he was hit with barrenness of the place. He had never thought of his place as a bachelors pad, but now that is what it looked like. The first thing he did was almost out of habit; he walked back to his bedroom and opened the window.
Flashback
Ichigo had been in a deep sleep when she returned from her mission. This time Rukia had been gone for almost a week with a team to the Rukon district. Hollows had been wreaking havoc in the area and division thirteen had been chosen to investigate and eradicate the problem.
The moon cast eerie shadows about his room when he opened his eyes; he felt her rieatsu brush up against him. While he was not famous for being able to detect soul pressure, he was so familiar with Rukia's presence that it felt like a part of him. When she was away he felt as though his soul was stretched thin.
He rolled over to cast sleepy eyes on his open window. Rukia was a silhouette in the darkness where she stood and watched him.
"Rukia?" He grumbled sleepily.
Without a word she floated into the room with a flutter of heavy dark material. Ichigo was suddenly reminded of the first night he had ever laid eyes on her. Her face was serious and focused as her small feet moved with the lightness of a ballerina. Landing in front of his futon she knelt down to be closer to his level. Deep violet eyes swam with sorrow and weariness as they met his. Ichigo felt instantly awake as he noticed her distress. Studying her, he could see the defeated slump in her shoulders and the slight tremor in the tiny hands that she had fisted into her hakama.
Her voice shook, "they were all children, Ichigo. We were too late."
Ichigo could feel a lump rise in his throat as he reached out without hesitation to grasp her shoulder. Quickly he pulled the diminutive woman onto his futon to clasp her to his chest. He felt Rukia shudder in the circle of his arms as she fought to maintain her stoic posture.
He leaned his head down to whisper into her hair, "Rukia, I'm not gonna tell you it'll all be okay. I'm here though, for whatever you need."
A small sob escaped from her lips as she burrowed closer against him. As she cried herself out, Ichigo softly stroked her hair and hummed lightly in his chest. After many long painful minutes she quieted and her breath slowed. Ichigo hazarded a glance down at her face to find that she had cried herself to sleep. Moving carefully he removed her zanpakuto, arranged her into a comfortable position, and pulled the covers over her. Draping an arm over her, Ichigo moved close so that he was wrapped around her with his nose was buried in her hair. This was not how he imagined their first night spent together, but he could not deny that she felt perfect there. Finally he was given the chance to provide her with shelter from the world.
End Flashback
In his now desolate quarters Ichigo made haste to clean up and get changed out of his uniform. He had a mission in mind, and he could not falter now. After carefully examining the formal clothing that Rukia had helped him purchase, he finally gave up and threw them all haphazardly into a trunk. Pulling on an old pair of jeans and a t-shirt he admired himself in the mirror. Sometimes it was nice to still look nine-teen despite the fact he was now in his forties.
Quietly he made his way out of the division using flash step to travel over the roofs. He really did not want to risk being seen by too many in his world of the living clothing. There had been intention in choosing this mode of dress though; Ichigo desperately hoped that it would make Rukia more comfortable in talking to him.
A small explosion of dust accompanied his arrival at the gates of the Kuchiki compound. Two guards immediately braced themselves in front of him to block his entry. Without breaking a sweat he knocked both of them out with a gentleness that insured they would awake shortly with no more than a headache.
Before he could walk through the gate though, a zanpakuto seemed to appear out of nowhere blocking his path. At the hilt of the weapon was Ryuu Akai appraising him with more mischief than menace as her lips curled away from her teeth in a toothy smile.
"We need to stop meeting in such unfortunate circumstances, Kurosaki." Sarcasm dripped off of her words.
"When did you become a hired sword for the Kuchiki house? Or have you decided to go public with Byakuya?" Ichigo taunted back lightly although he was hardly in the mood.
For a moment it seemed she was actually considering his question, but with her words, Ichigo realized she was mocking him. "Hmmm, let's go with hired sword. It has a much better ring to it than Kuchiki concubine." She paused to snort lightly at her own joke before continuing, "Do tell, Kurosaki, what is the other Kuchiki consort doing here?"
"I'm here to talk to Rukia." Ichigo's brows furrowed together as he spoke earnestly.
Ryuu lowered her sword but did not move out of his way. Instead she moved farther in front of him and sighed deeply, "Nobles are a pain in the ass, Kurosaki. Maybe you should get out while you can."
Ichigo refused to take her bait. As much as he enjoyed his friendship with Ryuu, the woman could be extremely difficult when she chose.
"Move out of the way Ryuu, I do not want to fight my way in."
Twirling her zanpakuto lightly in her right hand she looked over at the unconscious guards, "could have fooled me."
Moving his right hand up to rub the back of his head, Ichigo let the frustration through to his voice, "just let me pass, Ryuu. Please do not make this difficult."
"Difficult?" Her sword stopped twirling and she narrowed her eyes at him, "you think that I will only be difficult, Kurosaki?"
"Ryuu!" Byakuya's cool voice cut in, "stand down."
Ichigo watched as Ryuu turned toward the approaching noble with the same narrowed eyes and battle stance that she had taken for him. Byakuya appeared completely unfazed by the woman's aggression as he made his way to the gate.
"Stand down, Kuchiki-sama?" Ryuu added the honorific with a lacing of venom that had somehow turned it into an insult.
Byakuya stopped at the gate and appraised both Ichigo and Akai for a moment, "Ryuu, as the head of the house my order is final inside these gates. If this displeases you, there is no reason for you to remain."
Ryuu shrugged lightly and sheathed her sword. A lighthearted smirk tilted her lips as she winked at Ichigo, "Don't say I didn't warn you. It would have been more fun if you just played with me, Kurosaki."
Ichigo was actually surprised to watch the woman walk away from the Kuchiki house as if getting thrown out was an everyday occurrence. He found it mildly annoying that Byakuya would even treat his partner with the same disdain he seemed to show everyone else.
As he watched her wander away he spoke to Byakuya without meeting his eyes, "That was a dick move, Byakuya."
"Do not concern yourself with Ryuu Taicho, she will return when she wishes. Nothing binds her here." Byakuya responded. "Please explain why you are here, and what your purpose was for loitering outside the Kuchiki grounds last evening."
"I came to speak to Rukia."
"Rukia is very busy at the time being, no one is allowed to see her." The noble's voice was resolute.
"Why don't you ask Rukia and let her decide for herself, Byakuya? Or do you expect every woman here to blindly accept your will?" Ichigo asked with a heavy dose of challenge on the side.
Steel blue eyes narrowed dangerously as Byakuya turned fully toward Ichigo. "I do not appreciate your tone Kurosaki Ichigo. Do not presume to know anything of my private life or my relationship with Ryuu Taicho. As for Rukia, she will be prepared to see you tomorrow. It is my right as the head of the Kuchiki clan to decide when suitors may call upon her."
As his hand flew to grasp at Zangetsu, Ichigo growled, "Byakuya…"
"Taking actions you will later regret is not a wise plan, Kurosaki Ichigo. I was under the assumption that you had a question to bring to the Kuchiki clan and Rukia. If this is still your prerogative I suggest you retain your honor and return tomorrow for the clan meeting." It was almost unreal how bored Byakuya seemed to sound.
Ichigo paused and thought through Byakuya's statement. Obviously Ryuu had told the noble of Ichigo's plan to propose to Rukia. That was the only question that he could possibly have to bring to the Kuchiki clan. However, in light of recent events, Ichigo had all but forgotten about that. He had been fully ready to accept Rukia's request to end their relationship. Yet…
"What?" Ichigo almost flinched with the dumbness of his own retort.
Byakuya closed his eyes in a show of impatience and Ichigo was reminded lightly of Toshirou. Maybe the fair haired captain had been taking lessons from the Kuchiki noble on how to look annoyed with him.
"Leave. If you cannot figure this out for yourself, you do not deserve to be welcomed into this household." Byakuya's statement held a conviction that would not accept argument.
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Rukia had felt Ichigo's presence at the front gate. She had waited patiently in the garden for him. He never did arrive.
However, Rukia was not a fool; she had also felt both Ryuu and her brother near Ichigo. For reasons unknown to her, he had been turned away. A small part of her was irritated at the fact that they had interfered. Yet, she knew that the Kuchiki compound with all of its prying eyes was not the place to have a real conversation with Ichigo. Despite the fact that she felt more at home here now than she ever had before, she still did not feel like herself. Inside the walls of the manor she was Kuchiki Rukia, the second most powerful Kuchiki besides the head of the clan. As a Kuchiki she wore a mask of nobility and coolness that hid the fire burning in her veins. Until recently she had believed she was alone in this feeling. The past few days had shown her that her brother also had a fire burning in him, but that he was also required to control it.
Rukia waited until the mansion grew quiet. Once she felt the gentle laps of her brothers rieatsu brush up against her like ocean waves on the shore, she knew Byakuya was asleep. Swiftly she donned her shinigami garb and took to the rooftops to avoid being discovered. Moving through the night, Rukia made her way to an open window in the fifth division. His window had always been open when she was away, and she saw that tonight it was no different.
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