Road to Redemption Chapter 30, a bleach fanfic

A/N: Hi everyone! Yes, I am still here. Recently there was a 6.4 earthquake here in Puerto Rico, it really messed up the southwest area but I live in the east area so the worst thing that happened was some mild movement and a two-day blackout. But for now, I'm doing okay. That being said, if you're able, please consider donating to charities directed to help the victims. As for the fic I have the rest of it planned and outlined as we're likely to finish at Chapter 42. Leave me a comment if you're liking the story so far. Hope you like it and Thanks for reading!

Chapter 30: One Last Dance

"What are you doing here?" Shizuka asked, uncertain that her sibling was really there.

"I came to bring you home," Asami responded. "Your time as Karakura's shinigami has come to an end."

"I still have two months. You know that."

"Yes, you had two more months, until I could prove that your services were no longer needed."

Her mind came back to the hollow the girls mentioned a week ago. 'Orihime and Nemu took care of it. I couldn't even sense it...'

Of course, she wouldn't have put it past Asami to do something so deceptive. After all, she was starting to break free of his control, no doubt he'd find a way to keep her from straying.

"As of today, you are discharged from your duties as Karakura's shinigami. You have until tomorrow at midnight to pack your things and come back home."

"And if I refuse?"

Asami stared at her, he had expected mild resistance. "If you do not return home at the expected time, I shall make it so that the fullbringers are taken into the custody of the Soul Society."

Shizuka started blacking out as she watched him walked away. She felt Chad holding onto her before she hit the floor.

'Just what have I gotten them into?' she pondered before closing her eyes.

"Are you certain that's what her brother said?" Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose, as he paced around the room.

"Yes. I almost can't believe it myself." Chad seemed to be the most affected. He was the one who witnessed everything, and who brought Shizuka with him to the Kurosaki house.

"What are we going to do?!" Orihime asked. She was clinging tightly to Ulquiorra, who also looked very worried.

"I don't think there's anything we can do," Uryu responded, the Quincy didn't have his usual calm aura either. Ichigo could tell he was trying not to cry.

"There must be something we can do! Can't we just take Shizuka away?!" Chad asked.

Ichigo placed his hand on his best friend's shoulder, trying to calm him down. "I don't know if that could work. Her brother could find her and drag her back to the Soul Society. She's not safe here nor in Hueco Mundo."

"Then what else can we do?!"

"Nothing. It's over." The group was startled as they saw Shizuka getting up. "If I don't leave tomorrow my brother will make sure you all suffer. He has the influence and power to make everyone's life worse. I'm not going to let you all sacrifice yourselves for me."

"It isn't fair! You've done so much for us! We can't just abandon you like that!"Riruka gave Shizuka a tight hug. The shinigami girl returned the gesture, soon all of the girls had her wrapped in a group hug.

Ichigo looked away. Riruka was right, they couldn't fail their friend. 'We've all gotten ourselves in trouble for our friends before. What's one more adventure?'

The ex-substitute shinigami knew just who to turn to.

He'd seen her cry so many times.

The first had been at Hueco Mundo. When their roles as warden and prisoner seemed like they wouldn't advance further than that. Back then he couldn't understand why she wept, or what good it would do.

Now that he had intertwined his life with hers, Ulquiorra understood.

Orihime had her head on his chest, he felt her tears soak through his pajama shirt but didn't say anything. Ulquiorra softly caressed her head, running his fingers through her hair.

"I feel so powerless right now." Orihime whimpered.

"As do I. Shizuka is our dear friend, and I do not want her to be sent away to captivity once more."

His own voice was slightly strained. Ulquiorra hated crying, but he couldn't stop himself.

The pups jumped on the bed beside them. Ulquiorra heard them whimper as the cuddled close to him and Orihime.

"It's sweet of you to try and provide comfort, little ones. But I am afraid that won't suffice right now," he told the pups.

They understood, and just silently stayed there with them. Ulquiorra felt his eyelids grow heavy, as sleep took over.

Jeanne had told her that the realization would come in time, possibly in a happy moment.

To her, it came at a bittersweet moment. The sun rays came through the window, waking her up. Orihime's eyes still stung from crying so much the previous night, she blinked a few times trying to see better.

Ulquiorra was still holding onto her as he slept. He hadn't let go of her all night.

The memories came back in a rush. Orihime blushed and nuzzled closer to Ulquiorra.

'I've had many boys often telling me, that they wanted me. I knew it was just for my looks, or when I was happy. None of them would've stayed during something like this.

You've seen me laugh and fight but you've also seen me at my lowest. Yet instead of pushing away you've pulled me close. It's certain to me now. I love you Ulquiorra Schiffer, and I cannot wait to tell you properly.'

She kissed his forehead and carefully wiggled out of his grasp. For now, her top priority would have to be saving her friend.

"Is there really nothing to be done?!" Chad asked, increasingly more desperate.

He hadn't slept since yesterday, thinking of what to do. Sadly for him, Urahara couldn't help.

"I'm afraid not, Sado-kun. The jurisdiction of the noble families outweighs that of the Central 46. This is why Shizuka was able to save Inoue-san and the Arrancar after our battle with Anna."

"Damn it! So she won't be able to get out of it unless her brother breaks off the match?"

"I'm afraid so, it's what happened to Yoruichi-san back when we were young. Had we not left, she would've been married off to the head of the Suzunami family."

'But Shizuka can't leave...' The powerlessness was eating away at him. If their friend stayed, then he along with the other fullbringers would be put to death, but if she stayed then she'd be forced into an unhappy marriage.

"Let's try to remain optimistic. Maybe Shizuka's betrothed is a good person, there are arranged matches that work."

It hurt to think that he'd lose her forever, but if she could finally be happy then it wouldn't be such a bad outcome.

"But what if he's not? What if she's paired with a truly horrible person?"

"Then, we can only hope to give her a good farewell."

"I was hoping I went out forever," Shizuka muttered.

"I'm afraid that your vitals still work correctly, although under a lot of stress."

Nemu's voice was calm, but Shizuka could see uneasiness in her eyes. She had brought her breakfast.

"I know you like to cook for us, but I thought you'd want some pampering today."

"Thanks, Nemu. I'm sorry you had to deal with me yesterday."

"It is no problem. I enjoy working with you. Our time as partners might've been brief but I'm grateful for it."

That did make her want to cry. Shizuka hugged Nemu tightly. "I'll make sure neither do of us has to return to the place we hate."

For now, she had to comply, to act as if nothing was wrong. Shizuka knew what her dear friends would do anything to save her, but she couldn't risk them getting hurt.

After breakfast, she went downstairs to the living room. 'Looks like I'm not going to see you for a long while.'

The house should have just been a temporary living space, but it quickly felt more like a home than the Fujiwara estate. 'I should've expected it. Any place seemed better.'

Riruka had been waiting for her. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel better. Still angry, but not at you."

"I know, still, maybe it's not too late to tell your brother you're not going along with this."

"No. I'm not going to raise Asami's suspicions further. All of this started because I tried to fight back directly. That's why I have to act calm now.

If my brother suspects me or catches me off guard, I won't be the only one to be punished, and there's no way in hell I'm going to let you take the fall with me."

Riruka sighed. "I'm aware, it's just hard for me to just sit around when in less than 24 hours you'll be dragged back to the Soul Society."

"I understand, but this isn't a definitive goodbye. I've spent too much time worrying and doing nothing. That has to stop, it is now clear to me that Asami won't budge on negotiation. I have to fight him on other grounds, but I won't put anyone else at risk."

"Fair enough. At the very least, is it okay if we all go out today?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

The rest of the group was waiting for them at the cafe. She knew they were all worried, but kept that hidden for now.

"How are the bakery renovations coming along?" she asked.

"They're near finished. It's likely we shall reopen on Valentine's Day. Orihime thinks it's romantic."

"It is! Just you wait, you'll love this holiday too!" Orihime told him.

Shizuka smiled at her friends. Seeing them every day had become part of her routine, made all the sweeter by the slow transition they had from friends to a happy couple.

"Careful Ulquiorra, you'll be stuffed with chocolate."

Ichigo's joke made them all laugh. For a while, time went by as if nothing was different. The breakfast, the walk to the beach and the time spent just admiring the waves they all seemed like part of a casual outing, and not a goodbye.

Shizuka looked down where some of her friends were having a volleyball match.

"Tatsuki and Nemu seemed to be the muscle of each team." Ichigo's voice startled her.

"Yeah, they're both though, it's going to be a close match. Why aren't you playing with them?"

"I wanted to talk to you, before you went back to the mansion."

"Okay. What's on your mind, berry boy?"

"Are you really okay with this? The whole 'playing along' thing, is it really what you want?"

"No. I'd rather just not go back, but that would put everyone in danger. That's something I cannot do."

Ichigo looked concerned. "What if we just broke you out? The day of the wedding we could storm in and save you."

She chuckled. "Ever since I heard about your exploits during the first invasion, I daydreamed that would happen. That all of you would come in to rescue me, even if I didn't know you at the time. My admiration wasn't misplaced."

"I'm going to blush." Ichigo joked. "But I do mean it Shizuka, we are all willing to go in and save you."

"I know. You've all left this clear and had you asked me a few days before I might've agreed, but not now.

My brother's inherited my father cunning. There is no way he wouldn't predict a rescue or a betrayal. Unlike your first strike, there is no mastermind behind my fate. I wouldn't have any leverage against Asami, as he outranks me in the family line. Worst of all, the punishment wouldn't be dealt by the Central but by my clan. You know what tactics they would use."

Both of them remembered the burns on Anna's arms, and shivered at the thought of suffering a similar fate.

"Then what can we do? What can I do?"

"Stay safe. If I know you're safe, I'll carry on, I'll think of something, I'll be able to fool Asami. Whatever you chose to do, make sure it doesn't lead to your pain. That's all I ask for."

He was hesitant to agree. What wouldn't he be? Shizuka knew Ichigo was the type of man who would die for his friends, being told to do nothing wasn't something he'd take well.

To her surprise, her friend sighed and agreed. "Ok. I'll do as you ask, and won't put myself, or anyone else at risk. You have my word, Starfish."

"Thanks, Berry boy."

"It may not be as private as Xcution but I have missed the dancefloor!"

Orihime's eyes shined as she saw her friend dancing without a care in the world.

Back when she was heartbroken over Ichigo, Shizuka had taken her and the others dancing. Orihime didn't know how that would help cheer her up, but through Shizuka, she understood how.

Losing herself in the music, in the dances her friend thought her, it was enough to keep the sadness away. Tonight their places were reversed, as Orihime was the one leading, and Shizuka the one who needed to lose herself in the music.

"You know, had it not been for you I don't think I would've ever come to a nightclub."

Shizuka winked. "Then I've done my duty! Let's take a break."

The rest of the group was scattered, leaving the girls alone. Shizuka got then both sodas and they sat down.

"I never thanked you for your help these past months. You were very supportive when I wanted to train and also helped me and Ulquiorra grow closer together. Thanks, Shizuka."

"I'm happy to have helped, but I should be the one thanking you."

"Me? I didn't do much."

"Yes, you did. Ever since we first met you treated me like we were old friends, it's a feeling I had yet to experience with anyone else.

Every single person I met here in Karakura has provided me with something I was missing. And you provided me with your pure and comforting friendship. Thanks for being there for me, Inoue. Your kindness is the type that cannot be easily forgotten."

Orihime thought she would cry. Instead, she just pulled Shizuka into a hug. "I know you'll fight until the end for us, but this time you must do it for yourself." She told her. "I'll look after the fullbringers, we won't let your brother get away with this. Your job now is to succeed."

"I will. The time for tears is done."

He found them dozing off together. His dear Orihime had fallen asleep on Tatsuki's shoulder. Riruka was one drink away from falling over, and Shizuka was secretly switching the fullbringer's glasses with water.

"She bought it," Shizuka whispered to Ulquiorra.

"You two be off. I'll take care of them." Tatsuki signaled.

Ulquiorra nodded and offered his arm to Shizuka.

"Where are we going?"

"Sado wants to speak with you."

Shizuka latched onto him and they walked away. Quietly distancing themselves from the group.

"I shall miss you. More than I expected to, when we first became acquaintances. You're resilient and I believe in you completely. You thought me plenty and helped me get closer to the woman I love, I consider you to be the first real 'friend' I've made. Thank you, Shizuka."

"You're welcome Batsy."

"That being said, if you ever need my help I'll be crashing down the jeweled doors of the mansion in a matter of seconds."

Shizuka chuckled. "Noted."

Outside of the nightclub, Chad was waiting for them. With one last hug, Shizuka let him go.

Ulquiorra watched as the pair walked away. He smiled, knowing they were both in good hands.

He took out his phone and sent a message. A few minutes later he got a reply.

From: Jeanne

What you're seeking it's not here. I can look up the information for you, but the one who's most qualified to help you is Anna.

Ulquiorra shook his head. 'It is just as I feared. Once again she's the one with the answers.'

"Sorry for asking you to leave with me so suddenly. Are you sure you don't want to go back to the club?"

"I'm okay, I've danced enough. Where are we going?"

"Somewhere I've wanted to take you for a while."

They arrived at the amusement park. Shizuka's silver eyes shimmered with mischief. "You certainly know me well, Chad. I've wanted to come here for a long time."

"Well then, let's make the most of the night."

They both headed towards the games. Chad managed to win an orca whale plushie in the test of strength. He gave it to Shizuka, who immediately was enamored with her new gift.

"I'll win you something too!"

His white-haired companion was very good at the ring toss, it earned her a Carnivore Kingdom plushie. She gave it to Chad with a smile.

"Here, I remember this was your favorite show."

"It is."

He'd told her that a long time ago, the day they first met.

As they walked towards the Ferris wheel his mind drifted off to that day.

Chad had sensed the artificial hollow that came to Karakura that morning. Before he could interview the fiend had been dispatched. He decided to notify Urahara about it.

The store was empty, so he didn't bother with pretenses.

"Urahara-san, have you been told about the hollow that showed up?"

"Almost a second before you came in Yasutora-san. I'll be sure to investigate the situation, but for now, I have a task for you. Please help Miss Shizuka settle in."

It was then when he noticed the silver-eyed shinigami smiling at him.

"Nice to meet you, Shizuka-san. My name is Yasutora Sado."

"Nice to meet you too, thanks for the help."

The two left the store and headed towards the direction Shizuka has been given. He was amused to find out the house was next to Orihime's.

"Almost everything is already stacked. I just need some help putting everything on the shelves and setting up the electronics."

Chad nodded. They got to work quickly. Soon it was midday.

"Oh darn, I lost track of time. You must be starving! I'll make us something yummy to eat!"

"You don't need to do that."

"Yes, I do! You have been helping me set up all morning. I'd feel awful if you went hungry because of me."

He watched her cook. The way she almost danced around her space was playful. It was clear she was a musical person.

"Tell me, Shizuka-san, will you be staying here at Karakura for a long time?"

"I'm not sure. I do hope so. This town is amazing and so are the people."

She looked directly at him when she said that. It was strangely comforting.

"I'm sure you'll fit right in. On Saturday most of my group likes to meet and watch Carnivore Kingdom. You can come watch it with us if you like, it'll give you a chance to get acquainted with more people."

"I'd love to! Soul Society isn't all that well stacked in terms of television shows, it'll be nice to finally see what the hype is about!"

"Considering that it's my favorite show, I say the hype it's well deserved."

"Well then, I'm looking forward to it, and to spending more time with you as well."

The rest was now history.

Shizuka sat beside him on the Ferris wheel. He noticed her eyes were watery, still, there were no tears.

Chad took her hand, a gesture that Shizuka silently reciprocated.

"Shizuka."

"Yes?"

"I won't hold you back, because I know you must go. But I will say that if it didn't compromise the safety of our friends, I would match into that mansion and break you out."

She chuckled, snuggling closer to him. "I know. You always look out for those who matter to you. It's one of your best qualities."

"You think so?"

"Yes. You're often quiet, but that's fine because just having your presence is comforting. You fight bravely for others and you're quite adorable as well...There's plenty that I'm going to miss. Places, things, people but most of all, I'm going to miss you."

Chad had held back his emotions all day. It was easy to do, really, as he almost always kept himself in check, and relatively neutral. That shattered tonight.

He felt his eyes fill with tears as he held onto Shizuka, she did the same, and he could feel the soft tremble of her sobs as he held her.

"For years I've felt like I was in the background. Unimportant, powerless, unexpressive. Then I met you, and you made me feel like I was somebody mesmerizing enough to look at. Your eyes are always the ones I catch staring at me, your smile is always there when I need it and so are your words. You mean a lot to me, Shizuka, so very much. That's why I need you to swear that you'll get out of this. I don't care how, but anything is better than seeing anyone take the radiance out of you."

Shizuka placed her hand on his cheek. It was soft and made his skin grow warm. "I will. I swear I'll be able to break from this. For my sake, for yours, and for everyone else's.

Protect them Chad, protect our friends because I know you can. You tell me you've felt unacknowledged, and I failed to understand it. Because when I look at you I see strength, resilience, kindness, love... You're the only one who can keep the others from caving under the pressure that's to come. Do that for me, it's all I want."

"Then you shall have it."

The ride ended just as the clock struck 12. It was time.

As the electric doors of the cubicle opened, Chad felt himself grow weak, his mind tempting him to just hold Shizuka close so that she wouldn't leave. But it wouldn't be right. He had to trust her, he had to believe his beloved would come back.

Shizuka slowly walked away, shaking with every step. Watching her leave was as if the world around them was falling apart.

As the glass of their background kept on breaking, he noticed Shizuka stopped walking. She turned around, her cheeks stained with tears.

Before Chad could say anything he was silenced by a kiss. It was far too quick for him to fully take it in.

Just as quickly as she had kissed him, Shizuka vanished, leaving him alone in the darkened park.

Chad brought a hand to his lips, where the taste of their kiss lingered. 'Her kiss tasted like salt.'

The worst kind of crying is when you feel like your chest is going to break and your eyes sting, yet no sobs or tears want to come out, and you're only left gasping for air and clutching your wounded heart.

Shizuka has stepped through the senkaimon gate and immediately fell to her knees. She clutched her chest and refused to move.

It wasn't long until somebody found her. Thankfully, it was a face she had genuinely missed.

Kitomi Kira didn't say anything, she just kneeled on the floor and hugged her sister-in-law tightly. "Welcome back, Shizu."

"Hi, sis. It's been a while."

"But not a while enough?"

"No. No amount of time would've been enough."

Kitomi looked troubled, but she didn't say anything and just let Shizuka cry. "Your brother has requested your presence. He's meeting with your betrothed."

That was the last bloody thing she wanted to hear. Not when she had said goodbye to the man that she truly loved mere moments ago. 'But if this is to work I must imitate Anna's tactics.'

Shizuka masked the hurt and the hate building within her. "I shouldn't keep them waiting. Please lead the way."

Kitomi was confused but complied. They arrived at Asami's office.

"Ah Shizuka, please do come in. You've certainly kept us waiting."

Shizuka shoved her clenched fists into the pockets of her dress, as she faked a sickeningly sweet smile. "I'm sorry brother, but I do believe you gave me time until midnight, did you not?"

"Yes, I suppose so. Well, let's skip the pleasantries. Shizuka, this is your future husband."

No amount of acting would be able to conceal the deep horror that washed over as she glanced at the other man in the room. It was a man she knew, and she wished she could kill.

In front of her, stood Lord Tokinada Tsunayashiro.

"It is an honor to finally meet you, Lady Shizuka. I have a feeling you and I will be getting along quite well." Tokinada kissed her hand. The mere contact with him made her skin crawl. Shizuka could only nod politely and pray he let go soon. He did not.

"I'm hoping you both grow fond of each other in the passing days. As I have scheduled the wedding for the 13th day of this month. Both of our clans are in agreement."

She had less than a week to find a way out of this. Otherwise, she'd be locked in a fate worse than the deepest level of Muken.