Ichigo during a break in their training ventured upstairs, but found that Kai wasn't lying on the mat. In fact he wasn't there at all.
"This is bad…" he whispered.
"What's going on? Let's go!" shouted Yuroichi, but Ichigo didn't move. He was staring at the empty mate, and the discarded clothes on the ground. There was no trace of the Reaper. Yuroichi came up behind him and saw the empty floor.
"Where is he?" she demanded.
"I dunno."
"He's not here?"
"No. I came up to check on him, but he's gone. He left his jacket and sandals."
"Shit…" she cursed under her breath, "We'll continue your training later. I have to get him back before he kills himself. He's not ready to fight. He's not even fully healed yet."
Yuroichi raced out of the cavern and towards the Seireitei. Ichigo could hear her cursing under her breath, mostly at Kai. She was pissed and Ichigo didn't want to stand in her way.
Kai was walking straight towards the Seireitei. He would break through the wall again if he had to, but he wanted to kill Aizen with every fiber of his being, and no amount of shingami or spirit energy would stand in his way. The burning in his back grew with every step he took. Karite was at his side. The Phoenix fighting to break loose.
Are you going to do it?
Yes.
Kill Aizen?
Yes.
Let nothing stop you. Nothing gets in your way.
Right.
Will you show mercy?
No.
You will break Aizen. Destroy him. Obliterate him.
Yes.
Don't remember that night. Don't let him manipulate you.
Right. Don't let him in.
Good.
Are you ready?
Yes.
Can you handle the release?
I can.
I hope so. You know what happens if you can't?
All is lost.
Right.
Karite fell silent, but stayed Kai's side. The Phoenix was calling out to Kai to the point where it was painful. He wanted to release the bird now, but it wasn't time. Yuroichi spotted Kai just in front of her drawing closer to the wall. She had to stop him.
"Kai!" she called out, but the Reaper didn't stop he continued, "KAI!" she shouted. This time she placed herself between him and the wall, "STOP!" she yelled at him. Kai did and looked at her.
What are you doing?! She's blocking your way.
Shhh….let her speak.
"What are you doing? You're in no condition to fight. This is insanity. Go back and heal. Don't do this."
Kai looked at her, "I have to do this. I can't waste time," his voice was cold and fierce.
Get rid of her!
Be quiet!
"I know that you have to do this. This is what you've been training for. But if you go now it would have been a waste. I know what you're going to do. But don't do it yet."
"I can wait anymore Yuroichi. It's too painful. The burning doesn't stop. It needs to be released."
"Are you insane?! You release the phoenix and not only does Aizen die, but so do you!"
She doesn't want it to happen. She's trying to spare his life. What are you waiting for?!
"I KNOW THAT! But I'm willing to make that sacrifice!"
Ichigo was staying out of the fight, but it was growing intense. He was sure at any point the two would be at each other's throats. His eyes went back and forth between the both of them.
We can't wait any longer. Go! Go now!
Be quiet!
Kai took a step, but Yuroichi cut him off. He took another and stepped by her.
"Kai?"
Kai turned his head towards her, but didn't face her.
"If you go and by some slim chance survive I won't be waiting for you when you come back. You take another step and us is over." There were no tears in her eyes and her voice didn't choke. Although on the inside it was tearing her apart. He was leaving again and this time she knew they would never meet again. Yuroichi wouldn't show him weakness, she wouldn't show him emotion. She only gave him an ultimatum. Leave and their life together ends. Stay and they still had a chance, but he didn't stay. Kai kept walking. He had made up his mind and his future didn't evolve her and didn't involve him residing in this world. He was going to his fate, and death, and he knew it.
Kai's eyes looked down, but he took a step and walked away from the two. The Reaper didn't look back. He knew he was throwing everything away, but he had to. Yuroichi meant what she said and nothing Kai could do now would make her take it back. He could feel the rift and them split apart, but even though it hurt him he walked on until he disappeared. Karite was quiet at his side. For the time the Phoenix had calmed itself sensing the Reaper's emotions.
"Empty Apartment" by Yellowcard
Call me out
You stayed inside
One you love
Is where you hide
Shot me down as I flew by
Crash and burn
I think sometimes you forget where the heart is
Answer no to these questions
Let her go, learn a lesson
It's not me, you're not listening now
Can't you see something's missing?
You forget where the heart is
Take you away from that empty apartment
You stay and forget where the heart is
Someday if ever you love me you'd say it's okay
Waking up from this nightmare
How's your life, what's it like there?
Is it all what you want it to be?
Does it hurt when you think about me?
And how broken my heart is
Take you away from that empty apartment
You stay and forget where the heart is
Someday if ever you love me you'd say it's okay
It's okay to be angry and never let go
It only gets harder the more that you know
When you get lonely if no one's around
You know that I'll catch you when you're falling down
We came together but you left alone
And I know how it feels to walk out on your own
Maybe someday I will see you again
And you'll look me in my eyes and call me your friend
Take you away from that empty apartment
You stay and forget where the heart is
Someday if ever you love me you'd say its okay
It's okay
It's okay