Chapter 21: Part One: Where It Started
Waiting for this life to change seems like it's taking me forever
and I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day
This life is going to change seems like it's taking me forever
And I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day
Once again, dressed in the robes of the Shinigami, Kurosaki Ichigo stood at the gateway to the living world, in his strong arms he held Masaki, his daughter. Beside him stood Rukia, dressed in the same attire as him and held their son, Taiki, within her small arms. It was an odd feeling, to be standing here in front of the gate that would take them to the world of the living when they where already dead.
Isshin, Kon, and Chad stood off to the side silently and waited for the two young parents to make their decision. Only moments ago they had been approached by Jushiro and a question was asked of Ichigo and his wife, one that had started many years ago and now came to life again.
--
The Kurosaki gang and friends laughed together as they walked down the road that would lead them to the gates. Isshin was being his usual fatherly self while Chad walked with Ichigo silently and Kon, well, was Kon. For once, Ichigo did not care that Kon wanted nothing but love from Rukia, in fact it was odd watching his gigai float around Rukia like she was the sun and he the moon. He would of laughed at such things as well, but his attention had become deferred as soon as they reached the gates.
Standing before the Gate to the living world was Ukitake Jushiro, captain of the 13th Division. His pale face was as cheerful as ever and Rukia was the first to run to her old Captain.
"Taicho!" She said, "What are you doing here? I thought you were ill, at least that is what the others had told us at the party." Yes, their friends in Soul Society through a large bash for Rukia and Ichigo, one that they should have received long ago for the birth of their children and as well for them being alive still, in a manner of speaking.
Jushiro gave a soft smile to Rukia and ruffled her, as a father would do to his own daughter. "It is true, I am still very ill but as the new Head Captain I wanted to come and speak with you and your husband before you returned to the living." At this point Jushiro looked upon Ichigo as he neared the older man. His father, Chad, and Kon stood off to the side, good enough distances to give them a moment of private time. Ichigo looked at Jushiro with a raised brow and then looked at his father who seemed to stare at his son with an all-knowing smirk.
However, before Ichigo could say anything or even give Rukia time to remove her confused smile, Jushiro spoke. "I know the two of you have been severely wronged by Seireitei, you two have gone through something none of us can ever understand. I also realize what I am about to ask, started this whole affair and I want you to know, before I even say what I wish, I want the two of you to know that no harm will come to you and your family if you disagree. But it has been put upon me to ask you and your wife to become Captains of the 7th and 3rd Squads. If you wish to agree then there will be a home prepared for you to your liking, everything you will need will be provided, you may come and go as you wish as well."
Jushiro paused then, "If you do not want anything to do with Seireitei, then you may return to the living world and live on in gigai's that Urahara has been notified to prepare for the two of you. From there, you may either forget all about Seireitei or be as you were and take care of the hollow under the title of a real Shinigami rather then a Representative. Your children will not be bothered by us, but we will always be willing to aid you if need, for the sake of your son."
The two Kurosakis where silent as Jushiro sighed, "We have found out that your son in truth is neither Shinigami nor Arrancar. He is something in between both and yet, not a Vizard. Though as h is ribbon shows, he is an Arrancar but not fully awakened." He then paused as he noticed the time of day. "Please, take your time to think on the matter, for now go home and spend time with your family, they have missed you and I must return to see Taicho Unohana." He chuckled, "She will have my hide knowing that I went outside."
--
"Ichigo," Rukia said softly as she put her small hand on his arm. It took a second for the orange haired vizard to realize that his small wife was calling for him. He looked down at her and offered her a confused expression but no answer.
"Ichigo?" She asked again ever so softly, but the orange haired parent turn on his heels and moved to his father, "Could you watch him for me?" Ichigo asked suddenly and then placed his son within Isshin's arms before he could say anything. As soon as he was free of the child, he began to walk off, away from the gates. Rukia did a double take and then put her daughter in the empty arm of Isshin who was now confused as well for a moment and holding the twins.
"Ichigo!" She called out, "Where are you going? Ichigo!" Said the petite black haired woman who stomped after him. Kon and Chad now looked towards Isshin and slowly side stepped away from the old Shinigami. Having had enough with baby-sitting the two men instantly went after Rukia and Ichigo.
"Ichigo!" She yelled and grabbed her husband by the wrist and stopped him as Kon and Chad caught up with them. Chad looked to Kon for answers and Kon just shrugged and said under his breath, "Lovers Quarrel?"
"Ichigo!"
Kon and Chad turned to look at the lover birds as Ichigo sighed, "I am going to talk to Jushiro." He said at last. "There are things we need to talk about, to say and to make very, very clear." Ichigo paused then, "I don't want to relive what we have been through again, I don't want the twins to become targets of anything and most of all I don't…"
Rukia reached up and put her finger to his lips to silence him. "Shut up, you sound like a woman." She had a very serious look to her and then giggled slightly as she lowered her hand. "We will go and speak with him, we will plan everything out that needs to be and every unanswered question shall be answered.
"This is where it all started and this is where it is all going to end." Rukia said ever so softly.
A/N : Ugh, sorry for taking so long to update, I know this chapter wasn't my best and it was pretty short. I apologize for that but I still hope that you enjoyed reading it! I'll try to update again as soon as I can and HOPEFULLY a longer chapter! If you have some suggestions I am always glad to hear them! Thanks! Until next time!
Ja Ne!