A/N: I don't own Bleach
All I have is my creative mind
We meet again - HITSUKARIN
There are always threes sides to a story…. HERS, HIS, and what really happen
Chapter 52: His side: making the sacrifice count
Hitsugaya stands on the Shiba Stage, which is erected next to the pond,
As he waits for the festivities to begin he glances over at the Shiba Gate.
He hides the fact that he is pissed.
That it has been four months and she still has not returned.
Music starts to sound.
He now looks over to see the Shiba children and adults gather with excitement as they watch as the contractors put the new roof onto the Shiba School building, signifying the Shiba School construction being completed.
With the school supplies being delivered this week all that is needed for the school to reopen is the furniture and computer infrastructure to be installed, and this will be completed in three weeks.
He now looks to his left and sees Jinta walking onto the stage proudly with Yuzu; her swollen belly is visible for all to see.
She smiles sweetly at her people as they all look and cheer as she steps up.
He looks to his right and sees Ichigo and Rukia also are walking onto the stage.
Ichigo now stands loving looking down at his petite wife; as she stands before the Shiba clan swollen with child.
Seeing the two men and their pregnant wives, Hitsugaya fights the hurt feeling of not having her standing here, pregnant and about to address the Shiba clan people.
Seeing her NiSama fighting to control his emotions, Ami steps up and takes his hand quietly saying, "Ni Sama we are ready."
He puts on a pleasant smile, ruffles her hair then nods to Boi, who walks up and escorts Ami to join the others.
Hitsugaya now looks unto the Shiba people… her people.
He has heard some of them have spread rumors that he and his wife will divorce soon.
Each time those words are spoken a fight would in start and those spreading the rumors are dealt with by the Shiba nobles.
Regardless of his personal issues with his wife, he has maintained his role as her husband.
So he stands about to speak, The Shiba people all looked at him, the husband of their beloved clan leader with eyes full of pride.
He puts on a proud smile nods then starts to address the Shiba Clan people.
Anger
It has been several days since the celebration of the school building structure being completed.
Hitsugaya stands on his balcony; his silver hair and Haroi blowing in the winds which are cold and fierce reflecting his emotional state.
Over the last four months, he could not put his finger on it but he could have sworn that her normal fiery red reisatu had started to gradually change, but because he could still track her, he ignored it.
But within the last 24 hours, he had not been able to detect her reisatu; he was angry very angry.
He looks to his watch, then looks over to the Shiba manor while running his fingers through his hair saying, "Damn she is still in class!"
As Hitsugaya's eyes start to turn icy, the temperature starts to drop even lower.
Hyourinmaru can be heard growling saying, "You must calm yourself… given she always keeps to a schedule she will be home in an hour… Call her and calmly ask her what is going on"
Hitsugaya walks into his bedroom and sits on bed, and breathes deeply in an effort to control his anger, as he closes his eyes he can hear Hyourinmaru as he says to him in an angry tone, "you need to use this hour wisely and think about all that has happened over these last four months, and more to the point you need to think about the things that you have done that would make her hide her reisatu and how are you going to fix this?".
Hitsugaya cuts his eyes at the dragon, they both have been upset she left , just as he is about to say something to him, Hyourinmaru pushes him out of their dream stating , "instead of arguing with me…you better figure out how to fix what is broken, before we lose all that we have worked hard to obtain!"
Hitsugaya sits on his bed and play's over in his mind the words Hyourinmaru said to him, "…you better figure out how to fix what is broken, before we lose all that we have worked hard to obtain!"
He sighs, because in order to understand how he is going to fix what is broken, he must go over in his mind what happened that caused it to break.
Hitsugaya breathes deeply then closed his eyes and thinks back… back four months ….
Flash Back
Their First Time
He stood holding her tightly in his arms, as they danced during the wedding feast.
He had just whispered in her ear, saying that it was time for them to retire.
Her sparkling amber and ebony eyes looking up at him with a warm accepting smile.
With his hand firmly and protectively placed on her small waist, he escorted her to her father, brothers, sisters and nobles who all stood there watching them, stating they were retiring and would see them at the morning meal.
As they stepped into their apartments and shut the door she swung around and kissed him.
Her kiss was full of her emotional need to be with him.
He accepted her kiss as he pulled her closer to him.
She whispered to him saying, "Tonight I willingly become your woman"
His eyes are full of love and passion as he said to her, "Fireball…You have always been my woman, but tonight we will make it official."
With his eyes never leaving hers he slowly starts to remove her clothing, and each piece falls to the floor he teases her by kissing the newly expose skin.
He grins as he watches her as she fights to stay in control.
He continues to take his time, now his kisses linger on her body as he tastes her.
Her eyes roll back in her head as she slowly moans…..
She lies beautifully in his arms…
Ever since he realized he loved her, He had dreamed of this moment.
He looked deep into her ebony and amber eyes saying, "I love you both; we have all night so we will start slow."
After watching her reaction during the purity test, He was so concerned about her to the point he was also afraid he would hurt her.
Reading his thoughts, she smiled saying, "you are the only one, I will ever allow to touch me … I love you Snowball... we will be fine"
He carefully entered her and caresses her through pain of her maiden head breaking….
Once again she looked into his concerned eyes, saying, "I love you snowball and we will always be together"
It was those words that allowed him to relax and make love to her until they both passed out…
This was their first time….
The Last time I saw her face
I awoke an hour later, to find her sitting at her desk reading a letter.
I quietly watched her eyes as they started to tear.
I felt my heart beat stop for a brief second, but knowing she was now my wife and as she said, "we would always be together"
I trusted her words and pushed all fears from my heart.
With my eyes still on her, I said, "Karin…"
As she turned, her kimono slid off her beautiful shoulders.
She smiled, as I then reached my hand toward her saying, "come to me … I now want us to start our family"
She looked hesitant at first, but within a few seconds, she grinned as she stood and joined me in bed, saying, "Yes you are right we should start our family."
I pulled her to me and held her close, I wanted to ask her what it was that brought a tear to her eyes, but the look in her eyes told me not to ask, at least not at this most important time.
So I kissed and started to caress her as I began to make love to her.
This time because it was our intent to start our family; I concentrated on giving all my reisatu to my wife.
Her body glowed as she accepted all that I had to give her.
I was completely drained of all my strength as I stared at her smiling face as she said, "I love you."
She pulled me close and we held me each other, as we started to fall into a deep satisfying sleep.
Just as I was about close my eyes; I glanced into her angelic face thinking 'I have finally achieved happiness…. I loved my wife and looked forward to our life together.'
That was the last time I saw her face….
A letter….
When I awoke I experienced a feeling of being rested that I have not felt since becoming the 10th division Taicho.
I reach over for her but she was not there.
I called her name but she did not answer.
What was strange was I was not really concerned.
I knew my wife she could be anywhere in the manor or the 10th division practice grounds.
I had watched over her for so long that I knew her habits.
She would awake early in the morning check on the Manor and then would practice.
After a long discussion I had with her about the incident at the 10th division training grounds and the dangers around the Manor; we both decided that she would now go there to practice.
Either way it never occurred to me she would leave me.
I showered got dressed then stood on the balcony and scanned for her Reisatu.
After a few minutes I found it.
It was not where it should be.
It was in the Human world…
My heart stopped, as my mind raced saying, 'what is she doing there unprotected.'
It was then I remembered her sitting at her desk with tears in her eyes reading a letter.
I ran to her desk and found it.
A letter addressed to me….
Toushirou
Tonight has been the most happiness and saddest time in my life
After what feels like a lifetime of loving you from afar
We finally became husband and wife
The love we share I can't find the words to describe
I can only smile and radiate a glow of happiness
That can only come from the depths of my soul.
I love you
..I have always loved you
But as stated this is also the saddest time
Because by the time you read this I would have left you and returned to the human world.
I am returning to find and confront Jaen Kuchiki
I know you will be angry but please listen and trust me
Jaen will only show himself to kill me.
So I have gone to wait for him to show himself
Knowing him as I do, his pride will not rest until he stands face to face with me
I have already spoken with Yamamoto about this, and it was decided that to ensure it is only I that Jaen confronts
Yuzu, Ururu, Jinta, Ich-nii, Rukia, Byakuya and you will remain in Sentiei until needed.
I know this is going to be hard for you to accept, but just know I will not do anything foolish.
Since you have assigned him to me I have taken Hui to accompany me, he is now my personnel guard.
Even if I told him not to, I know he will so I told him to report to you my status.
Yamamoto has promised me that when the time comes and Jaen confronts me you will be standing by my side.
I just ask that you be patient,
Just know I love you, miss you and now more than ever I need you to believe in me,
Because what I want more than anything is to have a family with you
The man I love.
Karin/Shiba Hitsugaya
I stood there in disbelief reading her letter over and over.
My heart broke as I realized that she knew before our wedding night she was going to leave me.
I stood there on the balcony staring at the Shiba gate, as the pain from the hurt of her leaving consumed me.
The morning she left
I calmed myself as I walked into the large dining room for the morning meal.
I was the first to arrive, so I sat there preparing myself for what was coming.
Ami, who just was released from the 4th division walked up to me looking around with a grin saying, "Ni Sama Toushirou, where is my Ni Sana?"
I softly said, "I will explain when the others arrive."
Just as I said the words Kurosaki Taicho and his wife Rukia walked in.
Hearing my words Kurosaki looked at me saying, "Where is Karin?"
Before I could reply Yuzu and Jinta walked in.
Kurosaki repeated the question this time with more emotion, saying, "Toushirou where is my SISTER!"
I raised my hand signaling him to be quiet, and then said to the maids, "Place the food on the table and leave us."
Once I was sure we were alone I then said, "She has left for the Human world to find Jaen Kuchiki."
They all looked at me with disbelief, I slipped my coffee then said, "She and Sotachio apparently planned it … she took Hui as her guard….We are to stay here and wait"
I looked around to their shocked faces and then looked Kurosaki Taicho in the eyes as I stood saying, "NO I don't like what has been done…. And NO I don't want to talk about it…"
I walked out and returned to the 10th Division.
The Break-Up
It is amazing how gossip gets around….
One hour after i arrived into my quiet office, where I sat alone thinking on how to handle my situation with my wife; an upset Masumoto ran in.
She stood there breathing deeply screaming, "Taicho what is going on, please tell me it is not true…. You and Karin split up!"
With tears streaming down her face, she suddenly grabbed my shoulders and started shaking me, while screaming, "Please tell this is a lie …please."
I fought to maintain my temper which was rising quickly as I pulled myself away from her grasp saying, "calm down and tell me what you heard."
I have been with Masumoto for years and never saw her so upset.
Seeing this compounded with the hurt I felt, my emotional state started to change from hurt into anger.
As I stood there looking at her crying while saying, "Taicho, it is all over Seireitei that Karin left this morning with Hui into the Human world."
I looked at her trying hard to stay calm saying, "Masumoto, Karin is in school there what makes you think we have split up… what have you heard?"
She looked at me saying, "While in the Market place, one of the maids in the Manor said, "She saw Karin in tears as she walked into the gate…"
She then looked at me saying, "Taicho … is it true?"
I walked over to my desk and sat there thinking.
Thinking about the reason she left.
Thinking about Jaen Kuchiki and the fact he probably still had eyes and ears here in Seireitei.
He was not a stupid man.
He had watched us together, he knew I loved her and would not just let her leave to go to the human world unless it was to lay a trap for him or we had broken up.
Knowing what needed to be done.
I ran my hands through my hair, then looked into Masumoto's tear stained eyes and said, "Yes it is true …we have split up."
I stood up and walked out leaving her in a state of shock.
We split up
I had moved all my clothing back into the 10th division.
The Shiba Elders, Yuzu, Jinta, Ichigo, Rukia, and Ami were in a state of shock.
I had nothing to say other than yes we are split up.
It was not a lie exactly, but in order for her plan to truly work it had to be this way.
As I stored my things back into my residence at the 10th division my heart ached.
Even though I said to myself we were separated to help with her plan, the feeling of being separated was real.
I felt hurt that she did not trust me enough to discuss this plan of hers.
After a long day of receiving looks of pity and overhearing hearing whispers that my wife just did not love me, my hurt once again turned into anger.
I was standing on my balcony holding on to her letter when my cell phone sounded that ringtone I knew was coming….
A hurtful action
(Turn the lights on!)….Every night I rush to my bed…With hopes that maybe I'll get a chance to….see you when I close my eyes….I'm going outta my head…Lost in a fairytale
Can you hold my hands and be my guide?...Clouds filled with stars cover your skies…And I hope it rains….You're the perfect lullaby….What kind of dream is this?
As I stood there looking at the phone, my anger rose so quickly the only thing I could do was to walk into my residence shut the door.
I was pissed.
I answered the phone saying "What the hell do you think you are doing, where are you!"
Her voice as sweet and non-threatening as she replied saying, "I know you are angry, please did you read my letter, I explained everything in the letter."
Hearing her say, 'did you read my letter' I got even more pissed
I could only reply saying, "yes I got your letter, but Karin…you are no longer my girlfriend, you are MY WIFE!... You don't disappear and leave letters… you discuss these type of decisions with you husband … ME!"
Her voice stayed calm as she said, "Toushirou, yes but …"
Hearing her calm voice say, 'but', to the words I had just said, caused me to cut her off and say, "BUT... But is not going to cut it, this game you are playing is dangerous... I just found out Jaen Kuchiki was trained personality by Kuchiki Taicho, he is dangerous and you are unprotected!"
I could hear her sigh, I knew she was fighting not to get angry as she replied, "Toushirou, please give me a chance and listen to what I have to say ..."
I was really pissed it showed as I cut her off again, by saying, "Karin, I know why you did what you did … that is not the issue here!"
I could tell from her voice that she was starting to become frustrated as she said, "If you know why I did what I did….then why are you so angry… what is the problem!"
Hearing her words I was in disbelief that she would as ask why I was so angry that I replied saying, "WHY am I so angry…WHAT is the Problem, really you don't know!"
She now was pissed as she replied saying, "I don't KNOW… SO tell me Toushirou… WHY are you so pissed? ...WHAT IS THE PROBLEM!"
I was now emotional to the point, that I raised my voice saying,"…. After spending the night making love to my beautiful wife, with hopes of starting a family and living happily together….. I roll over this morning and she is gone leaving me nothing but a letter...not only is she gone, but she has gone over my head and arranged it where I cannot follow her… I cannot protect her…"
I could tell she was trying to calm down, a she replied saying, "Toushirou please try to understand… this is what needs to happen, so we can start a family, so we can live happy.."
I sighed.
My voice became calm, because as much as I was angry I was more disappointed, that she truly did not understand me.
She did not understand, so I had to spell it out for her.
I held back all pain and anger I felt as I calmly spoke the words from my heart saying, "Karin, I do understand your logic, but YOU don't understand my feelings... you did not trust me to talk it out… you did not show me any respect as a man let allow alone any respect as your husband, and right now I am finding it hard to believe, that if you do return safely, that we have a chance at having a family and being happy… I love you and will support you but I feel that maybe I am not the man you need in your life."
I could tell she was stunned, and before she could reply I said, "I will wait for you to return, please be careful, and when you do return I will have made arrangements to dissolve the marriage…Good bye."
I quietly hung up
I sat there staring at the cell phone in my hands wishing that she would call me back, but she did not.
Even though I had added to the rumor that we had split up to help her plan to catch Jaen Kuchiki, the words I had spoken to her on the phone were truly from my heart.
In order for our marriage to work, my wife had to trust me.
She had to trust my belief in her abilities to not only protect herself but to rule her clan.
We needed to respect each other not only as husband and wife but as man and woman.
I loved my wife and I will not give her up, but she needed to be taught a lesson on trust.
I sighed as I concentrated on her reisatu.
She was upset and crying.
With her emotional state truly reflecting that we had spilt up.
My plan is now in motion.
With her letter in hand, I walked back to my balcony.
As I stood there staring at the Shiba gate, the temperature in Seireitei started to slowly drop.
An Agreement
The next morning, I found myself standing in front the Shiba Clan Elders and Sotachio having a very private meeting.
As I stood there staring at them, I fought hard to contain my temper as the eldest Shiba Clan elder, looked hard at me saying, "It has been reported that Akrina Sama is now an emotional wreak after talking to you last night."
After hearing his words I just stood there without showing any emotion, my eyes were cold as I stared at him.
Sotachio sighed, and then said, "Hitsugaya Taicho, Akrina Sama's plan is the only way to draw Jaen Kuchiki out into the open… it makes logical sense that is why I agreed to it."
My eyes cut hard into him and the Shiba Clan Elders as I replied saying, "Akrina Sama is now my wife, decisions that impact her life, should be discussed with me... it is my right as her husband."
Both he and the Shiba Clan Elders stood there quietly, until the eldest Shiba Clan elder spoke saying, "Hitsugaya Sama, you are correct, but things are already in motion… please don't forsake her."
I sighed as I said, "I am her husband but she makes plans without discussing them with me, plans that not only impact her life but that of our future children… this tells me she does not trust me as her man nor as her husband… a marriage without trust, is something I cannot have."
Sotachio looked at me as if reading my mind, then sighed as he said, "Hitsugaya Taicho, you both love each other..."
Before he could finish his statement I cut him off saying, "Yes we love each other, but to live and survive here in Seireitei were dangerous situations still exist love is not enough, we must trust each other... and that is something she has proven over and over that she does not have for me."
I then turned to the elders saying, "It is because of this issue, I feel I am not the right man for Akrina Sama so I formally request to dissolve the marriage... this way she will have the opportunity to find someone best suited for her…someone she can trust… "
I watched as they stood there in shock, I then heard Hyourinmaru say, "Boy... you are taking it too far… you may lose her for good"
I ignored his words as I stood listening to the Shiba Clan elders saying, "No… this cannot happen, not when she needs you now more than ever!"
Sotachio looked at me and sighed, because he knew the words of trust I spoke were true.
The Shiba Clan elders were upset still saying, "This cannot happen, the clan will fall part if they hear of this now while she is gone!"
It was then Sotachio looked at the Shiba clan elders then to me saying, "Hitsugaya Taicho, we need to compromise…The Shiba Clan with all that has happened is still delicate, something like this could cause damage beyond repair."
The Eldest Shiba Clan elder then spoke saying, "Hitsugaya Sama, your words about trust are true and it is your right to request to dissolve the marriage, but we beg of you to please wait until Akrina Sama returns so it can be properly discussed.."
Hearing their words about the Shiba Clan, I knew they spoke the truth.
The Shiba Clan had to be protected, from my plan at all cost, so I just nodded in agreement.
The eldest Shiba Clan elder then looked at Sotachio and me saying, "We ask that you still handle your responsibilities for the Clan, as Akrina Sama's husband which means while she is absent taking her place at Clan functions and such."
He went on to say, "As for any more rumors within our clan about you and Akrina splitting up, we the Shiba Clan will deal with it in our own way!"
Once again I stood there with cold eyes and nodded in agreement.
His Plan implemented
As I was about to walk out, Sotachio said, "Hitsugaya Taicho and word please…"
I stood there watching the Shiba Clan elders' walkout the room.
Once the door softly shut, I turn and look at him.
He stood there looking at me for a moment then said, "You spoke of trust but you at this moment don't trust me."
I stood there looking at him, saying nothing just listening as he said," I had watched you over the past year as you fought for this woman, there is no way You can make me believe you will just give her up over something so trivial."
My eyes stayed cold as I stood there saying nothing but listening as he said, "I will not press you on why you are doing this, I know you and if you are doing this you have a reason…."
I still stood there as he then said, "I gave your wife my word that when the time comes and she stood facing Jaen Kuchiki that you will be standing at her side… "
Hearing his words, I said nothing I replied with a grin, reading my expression he just said, "you are dismissed Hitsugaya Taicho..."
I turned and walked out….
You're still my Nisama
With very plan, there are those who will be hurt.
In order to make the plan real, this hurt is non-avoidable, and no matter how much you don't want to do it
You must…
It took two weeks, for the rumor of me requesting to dissolve my marriage to reach her ears, and when it did, I was not prepared.
I sat in my office reviewing the latest report from Hui on my wife's status when my office door swung open and she ran in wearing her academy uniform.
Her hair was dis-shelved.
She stood there breathing hard, staring at me.
Looking into her eyes, I could only guess what had happened.
I looked to Matsumoto who also knew what had happened.
Up until now, even though the Shiba Clan elders tried they could not stop the rumor that Karin and I had split up.
At times, even though they did control rumors about the fact that I had requested to dissolve the marriage, the rumor still spilled out.
I stood up and looked to Matsumoto saying, "Please leave us to talk in private."
She nodded and walked out the office shutting the door behind her.
Once the door shut, I walked over to my sofa, and motioned for her to join me.
I handed her a tissue and said, "first calm down ...once you are calm tell me what it is you have heard."
As she calmed herself, she looked at me with weary eyes as if trying to read me, then said, "I was in class when one of the Shiba Clan nobles approached me saying 'That My Nisama Toushirou was never good enough for My NeSana … it was you that cause her to leave.."
I looked at her saying, "Ami Sama, we know why your NeSana left… she left to face Jaen Kuchiki, but because it is secret it should be no surprise that they would makeup rumors… Your Nisama Kurosaki Taicho has discussed this with you."
I looked at her hard then said, "So tell me little one, what really have you heard to make you run here upset."
Ami looked at me with tears flowing from her eyes saying, "Nisama the rumor, that you and NeSana are dissolving your marriage. Tell me that it is not true…"
My eyes turned cold as looked at her saying, "Ami, where did you hear this rumor…"
As she looked at me, her tears which had been flowing stopped, her eyes became hard as she said, "I was traveling through the tunnels and I heard one of the young elders from Junrinan say to a maid that you had submitted the paperwork to the Clan elders to dissolve the marriage."
As I looked at her, I knew the words I was about to say, even though she looked strong, was going to hurt her and knowing this fact hurt me.
I sighed and said, "Yes ... little one I have requested to dissolve the marriage."
Her eyes became large as she cried out, "NO...NO you can't do that…we are family you can't breakup our family...NO!"
She was upset, as she cried out, "no you are my Nisama and I will not let you do this."
I tried to calm her down by saying, "little one I believe this is for the best..."
Her tears reflected hurt as she looked up at me saying, "after all that you both have gone through it cannot end like this...it can't …no it can't."
I looked into her hurt eyes saying, "I know you don't understand now but when your NeSana comes back… you will see that this is for the best."
Her eyes were swollen from tears as she looked to me saying, "You are my Nisama, there is nothing you or my NeSana can say that will make me except anything less than that!"
It was at that time I felt his presence and watched as the wall pulled back.
Still crying she ran over to him, "Dad did you hear….the rumors they are true…Dad please don't let him break up our family"
I knew the trickster and my father in law where in constant communication, and in order for my plan to work and I mean really work I needed for them to believe that I was dissolving the marriage.
My eyes became cold as I stood face to face with my father in law.
His eyes never left mine, as he gently pats his youngest daughter's head trying to calm her tears.
He broke eye contact and looked to Ami saying, "Let me handle this, go fix yourself up and get back to the academy before Ich-Nii or Rukia-Nii notices you're gone."
I watched as Ami tried to protest, only to be pushed to the door by her father as he says, "Go now, I will handle it"
She turned one last time and looked at me her eyes still full of hurt saying, "No matter what you say, you are My Nisama and there is nothing you can do that will change this..."
She turned and walked out my office, closing the door behind her.
Hearing her words I felt a warm happiness deep inside, but I had to hold it in, because I now had to convince my father in law I was serious about ending my marriage.
Talk with my father in law
Isshin stands looking into the cold eyes of his son in law.
He had been in Soul Society, ever since hearing of Hitsugaya's request to dissolve the marriage.
He had been in the shadows watching him, trying to determine if Hitsugaya was serious about leaving his daughter.
Because Hitsugaya just turned colder each day, he could not determine from watching him if it were true or not, so he sent Ami to confront him.
From looking into his eyes Isshin can tell the young man is serious about the words he has just spoken to his youngest daughter.
But he also knows he must try to get through to young man, that Karin needs him to be there for her.
Hitsugaya sat behind his desk, and looked up at Isshin saying, "I wish I could say I am surprised and happy to see you…but that is not the case."
Isshin, seeing his son in laws taking the direct approached, he sits in the chair in front of the desk saying, "Since you know why I am here, would you please tell me what is going on?"
Hitsugaya looked at his father in law saying, "There is not much to say that you don't already know; first yes I did request to dissolve the marriage, and yes I did agree with the Shiba Elders to wait until Karin returns to discuss it and then dissolve the marriage… I will not discuss it any further."
Isshin, looked at him closely he could tell the young man was serious about his words, but it was his words that made he feel there was hope.
Hope that the situation was not as bad has Yuzu, Jinta, Ichigo and Rukia made it seem.
He realized that the only person who could get his son in law not to dissolve the marriage was Karin.
She needed to face her face husband, and convince him she wanted him.
If she could not convince him, then yes he would dissolve the marriage.
Isshin leaned back in the chair and with a grin on his face saying, "I understand this is between you and your wife…
He leaned forward and looked at Hitsugaya closely and in a soft voice, which only Hitsugaya could hear he said, "I need to know your answer … when She calls for you to come and stand with her..."
Hitsugaya's eyes are still cold as he replies in the same soft tone saying, "until she and I dissolve the marriage, she is still mine… and I will protect what is mine."
Isshin chuckles loudly then says, "I will inform the others that this is between you and your wife and not to pursue this discussion with you or your wife any further."
Hitsugaya nods saying, "thank you."
Isshin stands saying, "by the way I will need your help with something…"
Hitsugaya raises his eyebrow wearily listening to his father in law as he says, "As you have stated until you and your wife dissolves the marriage, she is your wife and you are my daughter's husband...making you my son in law …Which also means you are also Nisama to Ami, Yuzu, Rukia, Jinta and Ichigo... Family"
Hitsugaya just listens as his father in law continues by saying, "I know you have agreed to continue the Clan business in Akrina's absence but I will need you to stop distancing yourself from your siblings, especially now that Yuzu and Rukia are both pregnant."
Isshin notices that Hitsugaya's face now shows surprise, Isshin smiles as he continues saying, "Yes, it was confirmed this morning they are both with child, so I will need your help in protecting them, protecting them not as the 10th Division Taicho, but protect them as their Nisama…as Family…Ichigo and Jinta both will be nervous so I will need you to watch over them and keep them calm, this is something that only family can do"
Isshin stands over his son in law and watches as the young man thinks about the words which have been said to him.
Hitsugaya stands, walks to his father in law, and stands before him saying, "I will do as you requested."
Just as the words leave his mouth Isshin quickly grabs him up and hugs shouting, "my beautiful daughter has made the right choice in selecting you for her husband!"
He drops a stunned Hitsugaya, and then happily walks out of the Office.
Leaving Hitsugaya on the floor, to deal with a laughing Hyourinmaru saying, "you will never stand a chance with that man!"
Hitsugaya runs his hands through his hair replying saying, "Hai…I probably won't… but he is smart, he understands my plan and approves."
Feelings of missing her
It had been four months since my wife had left for the human world to hunt down Jaen Kuchiki.
I constantly tracked her reisatu, I could tell she was overdoing it and was tiring herself out, but for this most part that was Karin way of doing things .
So in order words she was doing well.
I received daily reports from Hui on Karin's status.
He would always report that she was excelling through her classes, but she was frustrated that Jaen Sama had not revealed himself.
He informed me, several weeks ago that she started to communicate with her high school friend Kimiko, and asked if she would be a danger to Karin.
I replied no, not to interfere with the two women, with Yuzu and Ururu Sama both in Soul society Karin needed a friend in the Human world to talk to.
Karin and I had not spoken since I had told her my decision to dissolve the marriage.
I guess we are both stubborn, waiting for the other to apologize.
Each day away from her my heart has been in constant agony.
At night my body trembles from wanting to hold her and make love to her.
And each morning I awake hating myself for wanting her soo bad.
I just consumed myself with 10th division and Shiba Clan business.
Three times a week I would have evening meals at the Shiba Manor, a forced compromise I made with Yuzu Sama, Ami Sama and Kurosaki Taicho.
Tonight was one of those nights that I had to go to the Manor for Dinner, which was always prepared by Yuzu Sama.
Kurosaki Taicho had already sent Momo over to remind me not to be late, followed by Jinta Kun, sending Ururu Sama, each were worried that Yuzu Sama would get upset if I were not to show up.
It wasn't that I did not enjoy being in their company, it was just seeing their wives growing with child, made me miss my wife.
It made me wish we too were expecting our first child.
I looked up at the clock on the wall and I was running late.
So in order not to heard Yuzu Sama compliant about me working too hard or become worried that I would not show up, I decided to use the tunnel into the our bedroom.
I had not returned to our bedroom, since moving out four months ago.
As I entered the room I could still smell her scent.
It was still in the air, it was faint but still it was there.
I sat on our bed and lightly ran my fingers over the pillows on our bed.
My heart ached from the memories that now flooded my mind.
The memories of making love to her, in order to start a family, and she was not there.
I found myself getting angry that I had used the tunnel and entered into our bedroom.
I also had feeling of envy because I wanted her standing proudly with child with her sisters, and she was not there.
It was then I heard the little Prankster's voice say, "Nisama Toushirou…. I miss her too"
I looked over and saw her sitting there at Karin's desk, she had tear stains streaming down her face as she went on the say, "I am sorry I did not mean to be here, but this is the only place I feel close to NeSana."
I got up and walked over to her saying, "while we are not here it is fine, if you want to come here"
She looked up at me saying, "Nisama Toushirou, I know I am not allowed to ask but, just this once I can I ask…Do you miss NeSana?"
I looked at her, my voice sincere as I said, "Yes I do miss your NeSana."
I sighed then took her hand started to walk out the apartment while saying, "Come on let's go before your NeSana Yuzu gets upset that we are late for Dinner…"
End flashback
Over the last hour Hitsugaya has played back everything in his mind, and he cannot grasp anything that he may have done to provoke her into hiding her reisatu.
He has though over and over, and still there is nothing.
He has contacted Hui.
He could only reply saying he was watching Karin, she had just finished taking her finals and was walking back to the apartment and would be there shortly.
I replied saying, are you sure she is ok.
Again Hui stated, she was tired but fine.
Hiding her Reisatu
Hearing Hui say, 'that Karin was tired but fine' really pissed me off.
I had understood why she left that was never my problem, it was how she left.
Up until now she knew I tracked her and she never hid from me.
What the hell did I suddenly do to make her hide from me?
I took a deep breath, calmed down, picked up my cell phone and I called my wife…
It did not tell long before I heard her voice say "Hello"
I calmly said, "Karin"
I heard her hesitate then say, "Yes Toushirou"
I took another deep breathe, trying hard to stay calm. Just as I was about to speak
She said, "What is it … you seem to be upset…what has happened?"
Hearing her say to me 'what happened… I seemed upset.'
I lost it and exploded, saying "WHAT IS IT ! I SEEM UPSET ! WHAT HAS HAPPENED!"
She tried hard to stay calm saying, "Toushirou I don't understand ….what is going why are you now calling me, after all this time… Is it to shout at me!"
Hearing her say that I just called to shout at her, hurt it hurt a lot.
Trying to regain a calm voice, I replied saying, "How can you calmly say you don't understand…. Once again you stab at my heart with your stubbornness!"
She hesitated for a moment then she lost it and exploded saying, "HOW DARE you! Say that to me!...MY stubbornness… your stubbornness refused to hear me out, instead you petitioned to dissolve our marriage!"
Once again I tried to stay calm and replied saying, "Don't bring the petition into this …. You know every well why I am upset…you have gone too far this time!"
I really pissed her off, because she replied screaming, "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, DON'T BRING UP THE PETITION …I HAVE GONE TOO FAR…. SNOWBALL YOU ARE NOT MAKING ANY SENSE!"
I felt she must be playing with me, after everything we had been thought she had to know her safety was all I cared about, even if I lose her as my wife, I still felt she needs to be protected
I lost it again and replied screaming, "HOW I AM TO FIND YOU IF YOU HAVE HIDDEN YOUR REISATU FROM ME?"
We both were silent; nothing could be heard except each of us breathing hard to calm down.
Then she calmly said, "Toushirou, you are mistaken I have done no such thing… I need you to find me so NO…. I am not hiding from you..."
Just as I was about to reply to her, she hung up and turned her phone off.
I immediately wanted to call Hui, and have him make her talk to me, but we both were still upset and we needed to calm down.
I walked out on the balcony and stood there thinking her words bothered me, she said, 'I need you to find me so NO…. I am not hiding from you...'
If she was not hiding from me what the hell was going on that I could not track her.
I called Hui, and told him to stay close to her, do not let her out of his sight and that I would be there soon.
Tell her nothing of this conversation.
Making the sacrifice count
The next day, I started to quietly make arrangements to leave for the human world.
I did not care if Sotachio would object, but after talking with Karin I knew something was wrong and I had to go to her.
Just as I was about to walk to the Shiba gate, there was a summons for a Taichos meeting.
I normally would not be pissed, something was wrong; I needed to go to my wife.
I weighted my options and decided to go to the meeting then leave afterwards.
I stood there, my eyes reflected my need to be somewhere else they were colder than normal.
Sotachio walked in, he and Unohana Taicho both looked at Kurosaki Taicho and then me.
Then meeting started.
Sotachio looked over again at Kurosaki Taicho and myself and said, "There is only one thing that must be discussed."
He looked to Unohana Taicho and nodded.
Unohana Taicho, sighed then said, "I received an urgent call from Urahara Kisuke saying "The Shiba Clan leader has just arrived in Karakura Town… and will soon be returning to Soul Society"
I felt a feeling of relief as I heard her words that Karin, was not longer in Todai, but was now in Karakura Town; on her way to Soul Society... she was coming home.
I breathed a little easy, because she was close to Urahara, and no matter how strange the man was he would protect her until I arrived.
I stood there for a second and thought.
Even though I was relieved I knew my wife, she would not come home without Jaen Kuchiki's head, something was wrong.
My eyes turned hard as I looked to Unohana Taicho saying "Unohana Taicho, I know my wife she would not just return to Soul Society no reason… what has happened?"
Kurosaki Taicho steps up saying, "Toushirou is correct, my sister would never return without first killing Jaen Kuchiki…What is going on?"
Sotachio looked to Unohana Taicho and nodded.
Unohana Taicho then said, "The Shiba Clan leader's health is not good and she is on route as we speak to soul society."
Hearing her words I fought hard to control myself, as I turned to leave for the gate.
The alarm sounded….
"Attention…Attention…. Jaen Kuchiki has been found… he now faces the Shiba Clan Leader!"
My heart stopped…
Both Kurosaki Taicho and I rushed thought the gate to the Human world.
I needed to be at her side, she and I both sacrificed to pull this fool out from hiding.
Now he was out and today we would face him.
Kurosaki and I, both approached the tea house and found Hiyori standing there with the Vizards, my father in law, and Urahara.
Karin and Hui were nowhere in sight.
I felt my heart as it started to ache as I walked up looking around for my wife.
My temper soared as I heard Urahara say, "Jaen has taken Karin"
Hiyori looked at me saying, "He took her friend Kimiko hostage, so she forced us not to follow"
I stood there trying to track her reisatu, but I could not …the more I tried and failed the more helpless I felt.
I screamed, "Where is Hui!"
Hui had been following her for some time, when a Hollow appeared.
Jaen Kuchiki hits Karin and himself with a soul glove releasing their souls from their bodies.
He then pushed her friend Kimiko and their bodies into the path of the hollow.
Karin then screams to Hui to save Kimiko…
Then both Karin and Jaen Kuchiki vanish into a portal.
A/N…...I hope you enjoyed it…
Sorry for taking sooo long, I have been working hard so finding time to write has been hard
Music/ Ringtones:
Sweet Dreams…. Beyoncé
Next Chapter 53: The Final Battle
As always please review...it is not hard just push the button and tell me your thoughts about the chapter you just read. (Be nice)
LR
