After Ten Years - Chapter 25
AN: I couldn't find anything about a Shinigami graduation ceremony on Bleach Wikia, so I kinda had to make my own up. I hope everybody likes it! I also realize that standard Shinigami training is a six-year engagement, and that Homura and Shizuku completed it entirely in only three years. But, give me a break, they're kick-ass kids, and this is amateur FanFiction. If somebody has issues with it I'm sorry.
-O-
At the end of the next semester:
To everyone's relief, the next semester seemed to fly by. True, tears were shed almost every day, and not just by the women either. Everyone did their share of weeping.
Homura and Shizuku applied themselves, working as hard as they possibly could in all their studies. Soon, their graduation date was set. As joyous as the day should have been, everyone couldn't help but be depressed as the day grew nearer and nearer. Try as they might, they could not convince Kentaro to allow them to stay.
The Kurosakis were eager to return to the town they called their home, but were deeply saddened at the thought that Kentaro wouldn't be able to join them, at least for a while.
The family had promised, and made him promise as well, that once his education was complete, they would come back for him, which Kentaro gratefully accepted.
Finally, Homura and Shizuku were set to graduate. Along with a graduation ceremony, immediately afterwards was a ceremony placing the graduates into their assigned Squads.
As Rukia kissed her oldest children goodbye before they went to their designated area before the graduation ceremony, she couldn't tell if the swelling in her heart was pride or regret.
-X-
The ceremony was to be held in the largest auditorium in the Academy, so that's where everyone was gathered. All of the noble houses of the Seireitei attended, as well as the officers and Captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Homura and Shizuku didn't have an entire clan applauding them. They didn't need an entire clan. All they needed was their parents, their sister, and their friend. With that small group of observers, they had all the confidence they needed.
Finally, as the ceremony proceeded, Homura and Shizuku were once again directed to call upon their Spirit Energy.
Finally, with a flash of blinding light, two Zanpakutos gradually materialized in their outstretched hands. Homura and Shizuku's hearts leapt as they felt the weight of the Zanpakutos in their palms. Shizuku pushed his raven bangs back as he fondled his weapon's blade. He looked over to the far-side of the large auditorium, and saw his sister, Homura, also holding a Zanpakuto. They didn't have time to say anything to each other, but they looked into each other's eyes and saw pride.
The initial graduation ceremony was over without a big to-do. Sure, every one of the Instructors and Professors in the Academy made a point to tell their students pompously how proud of them they were. Including Homura and Shizuku, which pleased Rukia and Ichigo, given the rough start and hard time their children had received. Kentaro, who had gladly come along to watch, being a part of the family and all, clapped as loudly as he possibly could.
Finally, the entire graduating class was called off of the impromptu stage, told to wait in another room, and to come when their name was called. Once the graduating students were gone, the Captains of the Squads took their place in a single file line, waiting for their new recruits. Rukia was made to stand on the stage in full uniform as well beside Captain Ukitake, being his Lieutenant, it was her duty. Ichigo stayed with Rena and Kentaro.
As an act of fairness, each Squad was to receive at least three new members of the Graduating class.
Rukia and Ichigo didn't pay much attention to the other students and their assigned Squads. They kept their ears highly alert for their children's names.
'Yuji Matsuoka! Squad Eleven!' The Head Captain called. Almost immediately, Yuji ran forward back onto the stage, bowed to his new Captain, which being Kenpachi Zaraki, made him tremble a bit. After his introduction was complete, Yuji took his place behind his Captain.
'Hiroki Yatsumoto! Squad Twelve!'
The process continued until finally, Homura and Shizuku's names were called.
'Homura Kurosaki! Squad Thirteen!'
The audience applauded loudly, as they did for all the other graduates. Kentaro, who was sitting next to Ichigo, seemed to be clapping the loudest of all.
Homura ran onto the stage, trying desperately not to smile with pride as the new black material of her Shihakusho fluttered freely and her Zanpakuto's sheath clutched tightly in her hand. Rukia tried to hide her proud smile, as her daughter was now in her Squad. She didn't expect her to be, but was relieved nonetheless.
Bowing to Captain Ukitake, Homura smiled a little. While Rukia, the Lieutenant of Squad Thirteen, approached the Squad's newest member, her own daughter.
'Do not seek beauty in battle. Do not seek virtue in death. Do not make the mistake of considering only your life. If you wish to protect what you must protect... slice your enemy from behind.' Ukitake quoted the Academy Commandment. (Canon, by the way...)
'I will not seek beauty in battle...' Homura quoted back. 'I will not seek virtue in death. I will not consider only my life. I will kill my enemy...' She finished passionately.
'Homura Kurosaki, do you swear to serve your Captain, your squad, and the Soul Society with you heart, your soul, and your life?' Rukia questioned.
'I so swear...' Homura answered firmly.
The audience applauded again.
After allowing her to take her place behind them, Ukitake tried to smile as well, but ended up coughing slightly.
Presently, some time later in the Ceremony, Shizuku's name was also called. To Rukia's delight, he had been assigned to Squad Six, under her brother. Knowing her brother, Rukia knew that Byakuya must have arranged their assignments for her. Rukia wasn't worried about her children's Squad placing, because she knew all of the current Captains to be good and honorable. She wasn't worried for them. Apparently, Byakuya still wanted her children taken care of. He also had a fondness for his nephew; so undoubtedly, he wanted him under his command.
Shizuku, also dressed in a new black Shihakusho, approached his uncle and new Captain.
After Byakuya quoted the Shino Academy's 'motto', Shizuku quoted it back just as Homura did, then Renji swore Shizuku in; similar to what Rukia did with Homura.
Taking his place proudly behind his already-proud uncle, Shizuku made a mental note to never call his captain 'Uncle' accidentally. It wouldn't look good in the Squad, and he would loose his feeling of being a subordinate.
Finally, all the graduates were assigned and the long, and possibly even some-what boring ceremonies were over. Homura and Shizuku were officially graduated Soul Reapers.
-X-
While awaiting their formal dismissal from the Academy to return to their home, Shizuku sought out Homura.
Finding her standing off in a corner, keeping to herself while all the other graduates grouped together, Shizuku greeted her with a happiness in his eyes that may not have been visible on his face.
As he got closer, he noticed that Homura was fingering the hilt of her Zanpakuto.
'Homura?' Shizuku started, drawing up beside her.
'It's incredible...' She mused quietly, drawing her weapon and studying her reflection in the polished, taintless metal. 'It's so light...'
'You know what this means?' Shizuku asked her, lowering her blade for her, which she immediately resheathed.
Homura shrugged indifferently.
'We made it...' Shizuku helped her, laying a hand down on her shoulder comfortingly.
Homura looked at her brother, who was genuinely trying to help her overcome her grief. 'We did, didn't we? After everyone told us we were no good. We did make it...' She tried to smile, hugging her brother gently.
'So don't look sad...' Shizuku reminded her. 'This is supposed to be a happy day. Smile, if not for yourself, but for me...'
Homura nodded gently, and soon afterwards, they were formally dismissed.
-X -
Finally, amidst the crowded throng outside the Academy, Homura and Shizuku found their family, pride shining in their eyes. Pride, not sadness.
The Kurosaki family was ready to depart for the World of the Living the day after the next. (Homura and Shizuku had Squad Orientation the next day.) Kentaro had made at least Homura promise that she would not cry, not on her moment of triumph.
Homura instantly ran to her father, embracing him tightly, and everyone else in their small family group-hugged around them. Shizuku too was caught in the center of the multi-person embrace. Kentaro, of course, tried to squeeze as close to Homura as he could, hoping she would notice.
'Way to go sweetie...' Ichigo congratulated Homura. 'You too, Shizuku.' He said, patting his son's head.
'Thanks Dad...' Shizuku beamed.
'Let's see them!' Rena begged her siblings to draw their Zanpkutos.
Shizuku was the first to display his new weapon, clamping his fingers loosely around the maroon-colored hilt.
Homura drew hers as well, grasping her green-colored hilt.
'So cool...' Rena gawked in awe.
Homura quickly put her Zanpakuto back in its place wedged between the layers of her sash around her waist. 'It's only a weapon...' She murmured.
Kentaro during the entire happenings had stayed mostly quiet, not wanted to barge in on the family's moment. He did, however, make a point to congratulate Homura and her brother.
'Way to go guys!' Kentaro smiled, while simultaneously holding up his hand, begging to be high-fived.
Shizuku immediately took Kentaro up on the offer, and not to leave him hanging, returned his high-five.
Kentaro turned to Homura, equally excited for her, waiting for her hand as well. Noticing her glum expression, he lowered his hand.
'Congratulations...' He tried seriously.
'Thank you...' She said quietly.
'Please don't be like this...' Kentaro begged her, taking her under his arm.
Homura forced herself to smile. 'I'm sorry...' She mumbled, cuddling close to his side as she and her family began walking in the direction of their home still within the Soul Society as the sunset began to tint the sky orange.
After a few moments of heavy silence, Kentaro dared to speak to her again. 'That Shihakusho suits you well. You look good in it.' He smiled, squeezing her shoulder playfully.
'Really?' Homura asked, looking herself in her black robes up and down.
'You look more grown up...' Kentaro told her. 'And black is just so much sexier...' He said with a playful snarl.
'Shh!' Homura hissed, trying not to laugh. 'My Dad'll hear you!' She giggled, forgetting her gloom.
'Let him hear...' Kentaro whispered to her, kissing her cheek. 'Let him see too.' He added.
Homura giggled, pushing his face away. 'What are you on?!' She laughed quietly. 'You were not this flirty when I met you...' She tried to sound stern.
'I don't know...' Kentaro inhaled deeply, looking dreamy, 'Something about you leaving in less than forty-eight hours has just kinda turned me on I guess...' He started, bumping into her hip with his.
'Stop it!' She giggled, madly trying to hold her volume in. 'You are so bad!' She scolded playfully.
'Excuse me ma'am, is this man bothering you?' Shizuku walked up beside them, speaking in the most authoritative voice he could manage.
'You have no idea...' Homura giggled, batting her crazy-long eyelashes in Kentaro's direction.
'Watch yourself buddy,' Shizuku enforced, still playing with them, 'This girl's armed...' He said, and with that ran up farther ahead to join his parents and younger sister. Homura and Kentaro had started to trail behind.
'I'm going to miss you...' Homura sighed, wrapping her arms tightly around Kentaro's waist.
'But you understand why I don't want you to wait for me... Don't you?' Kentaro asked her, planting a kiss on the top of her head.
'I think I do...' Homura sighed, 'The second you can, you'll come looking for me though, right?' She asked him, desperate to know.
Kentaro nodded, 'Black Shihakusho and all...'
'My Dad's helping you move into your dorm, and then I'm leaving tomorrow, huh?' Homura asked, sighing her depression deeply.
Kentaro, not wanting to run the risk of making Homura cry, simply nodded his head.
Homura sighed again. 'This last semester went fast...' She observed.
'Well,' Kentaro tried, pulling her even closer than she already was and wrapping his arms tighter around her. 'Maybe three years will go by fast too.'
Homura tried to smile. 'It better...' She said, kissing him sweetly for the last time. 'It better.' She repeated firmly.
Homura thought she saw the white of her father's eye, looking over his shoulder, sparkling with emotion. Which one it was, Homura wasn't sure. She did know however, that she probably wasn't going to make it through tomorrow in one piece, she'd have to cling tightly to her family with all of her strength.
-X-
AN: Like I said, I couldn't find a Academy Graduation Ceremony ritual or whatever, on Bleach Wikia, so I absorbed as much as I could from what Bleach Wikia gave, which is the little creed that I had the Captains say, and the graduates repeat.
I'm sorry if the ceremony isn't exactly what everybody had in mind, but seriously, it was the best I could come up with... :(
Thank you everybody for reading and reviewing, you guys rock! The next chapter will be the last regular chapter, and afterwards the epilogue. I was considering the idea of publishing another sequel and keeping it brief, but I can't see down my road of life and know what's going to happen to me, if I'll be able to keep up with it and stuff, so I am going to write an extended epilogue, probably five+ chapters or so, so I hope that suits everybody. I didn't want to start another sequel, only to have to put it on hold for God knows how long, but I didn't want to have to tell what happens to everyone all in one crazy-long chapter.
I think this is the best solution possible, so keep an eye out for the extended Epilogue, and don't forget to REVIEW!
THANK YOU