FINALLY! I can write without that horrid writer block chapter! Sorry for the long update but here it is!
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The weather in the Seireitei as the fall season had changed the color of the leaves and the cool air blowing softly through the trees. Everyone was off in their squads training, doing paper, cleaning, or just lounging around. Within in Squad One, the new Captain Commanded Shunsui was at his new desk working on a stack of paperwork. After the war, Shunsui had to pick up the pieces of everything he had known that was destroyed by the war. He still had his goofy side to lessen the tension of an atmosphere of a room, but now the responsivity of commanding everyone changed Shunsui. In the years of being the news of Head Captain, many things have changed as he thought traditions are nice but to evolve from such a lost, they've endured. Traditions of the rules and lifestyle needed to change if they wish to survive any new threat that would come their way. Central 49 was not pleased by the new changes but one again Shunsui threatened "if they had power to protect themselves, then they no longer needed the Soul Society". Again, with this remark, Central 49 all went silent as the former captain of Squad 8 indeed made changes as they rebuild and after to continue on with their lives.
Now, with such heavy responsibilities did not harden this man. He was quite understanding to others and thoughts things through but his eyes still held a great sadness. His mentor, his closest friend Ukitake, and Unohana were no longer by his side. People he cared for the most were all gone. Yes, there were still some friends within the Captains but these were friends he knew that contained memories that were made through the centuries. Friends that have been with him through so many gruesome of events that most would never know of. With days that drug down his mood, yet his sweet Nanao was there to help with the pain as she tried to stay on the positive side when sorrowful days come. Even Shunsui's second Lieutenant Genshirō Okikiba could tell that his new Captain had missed his old mentor and friends, but tries not speak of the dead to cause any pain.
Shunsui even canceled his romantic novel "Rose-Colored Path" as he lost the passion to continue. Yet, he decided to write a new novel as he writes about youthful friends, troubling memories of pain filled with both sorrow and laughter. Dealing with great lost of love and many about wars. Kyoraku writes of his experience but changed some of the names and character features in his new novel he has titled, "Memories Embraced". With his new publication, Shunsui was becoming popular along with a small fan base whom all adore the characters and story. Many whom miss their Old Captains as they all share a sorrow of the many friends they lost in time and during the war. The novel has made the bonds between the other Squads as the Soul Reapers have bonded together as many want to make sure nothing like the Thousand Year War, close friends won't be lost and they be able to protect their home and everyone they hold close.
Kyoraku sat at his desk reading over the parchments making sure he added in his small notes of improvement with a sudden knock on his door. "Come in," Shunsui called out calmly as he placed the report onto another pile of reports he had finished. The sliding door moving to the side as Kyoraku's eyebrows went up to see the former captain Kisuke Urahara walked into the office.
"Kisuke my old friend, what a surprised to see you here!" It truly was a surprised as its been sometime since he saw Urahara give a take a few months. Shunsui had asked the former captain to continue keeping an eye out in the Human World and send any reports to him if anything was suspicious. "What do I owe the visit of today? Something wrong in the Human World?"
Kisuke rubbed the back of his neck as he entered the room while closing the door behind him. The shop keeper noticed Nanoe wasn't in the room which was something he had hoped. "I was wondering if I could tell you something in private about a specific that has crossed my path and soon yours," Kisuke replied calmly, yet Shunsui could tell that something was making this man in front of him fidgety. "Is there a someplace we can go as this has to deal with the Soul Society but also with someone else. If that is possible?"
An eyebrow raised to Urahara's question but looking at the small clock behind his desk, he could take a small break. "Sure, I can use a small break form the paper work. I shall send Nanao and Genshirō a message I am in a private meeting with you so we don't be disturbed," Shunsui replied as he grabbed his hat from behind his chair with Kisuke nodded.
The two walked as they discussed how each other's health, the training of Ichigo and Rukia's children were doing, and others in the Human World. Walking only for ten minutes, the two arrived at a small tea shop as the two sat into a private room. Ordering tea and some sweet mochi, the two were left alone.
"So, what is so important you wished to discuss with me?" Shunsui sipped his tea as he calmly waited to know what needed to be discuss in private. Urahara dug into his pocket as he pulled out the invitation Hotaru's son had given him to the new Captain Commander sitting before him whom took it, "What is this?"
"This is an invitation for a dinner this upcoming Friday in the Human World. An old friend is returning as she wants to congratulate those have helped capture Aizen, and other matters dealing with the Soul Society," Kisuke replied as he stared down at his hot cup win his hands.
Shunsui knitted together as he heard Urahara's response as he opened the invitations to take the Black card from the envelope with gold writing on it. "May I ask who this friend is? I know I've been the New Head Captain, but you have to give me more on this friend that wishes to thank and talk about matters of the Soul Society?"
"Do you remember of me being accused of turning Shinji and the others into hollows?" Kisuke asked with his voice low as he still hadn't looked up from staring at his tea cup.
Shunsui nodded while placing the invitation back into the envelope, "Yes, I do. Then, Captain Yoruichi came and rescued you along with the others from being arrested and executed. Even though we found out Aizen created so much mess, and the experiments to Shinji and the others into having Hollows within their bodies."
"During that night there was another person when we found Shinji and other being turned. Her name is Hotaru Yugure," Kisuke answered. Shunsui tilted his head as this name sounded familiar. "She used to be a Shinigami and warned us countless times not to trust Sosuke. Yet, by the time Shinji and the other were turned we were too late."
"So, she is another Visored?" Kisuke shook his head.
"No, she is not. Aizen did not turn her but did something much worst," Kisuke eyes met Shunsui's which made the man tense up. Urahara's eyes were shadowed by his hat as his stare put a cold shiver down Shunsui's back. "Aizen tortured Hotaru in front of Shinji; ripping out her part of her uterus, fallopian tube, tissue, and muscle from her body."
Immediately, Shunsui felt greatly ill and drastically paled. Aizen Sosuke did that? Yes, he experimented on Shinigami, hollows, hell even humans with spiritual powers like Ichigo's family. But to do that! Kyoraku felt as if he was going to throw up. Placing his tea down as it held no flavor or warmth, and the sweets on the table would now stay untouched.
"By your pale appearance, you know how disgusting it is for that bastard to commit such an act. Luckily, Unohana was able to save Hotaru's life, but she would be in pain for the rest of her life. Each step, each time she stands still, when she sleeps, or sit down but the pain is so agonizing everyday of her life on top never able to have children," Kisuke explained with his words lace with venom for his hatred towards Aizen and what he had done to his friend.
Sosuke Aizen didn't deserve to sit bound to a chair for thousand of years. He should have been executed and sent to Hell to be tortured for his crimes. Yet, the Hgyoku had done something to his as his healing capabilities were much harder to kill the man. Even when Yhwach attacked Aizen, all the attack did was knock Sosuke out and leave small marks which only healed in a matter of seconds. Captain Kurotsuchi would eve be thrilled to help him experiment on Sosuke. Kisuke wasn't a dark person yet everyone has a point of breaking, and seeing what he had done to Hotaru broke something off in him. It was incomprehensible on his hatred to Aizen.
"I -," Shunsui was so shocked he could barely speak. "I can barely contain my shock of what you've just told me. It is beyond anything I could ever imagine he could be capable of such an at."
"I feel the same as Shinji does too. He lives with that nightmare that was performed before his very eyes that sends him into a drinking bender from the nightmares on the anniversary. Back when it all happened, Hirako had to be locked up for his anger for Aizen was unbearable and what he did to her," Urahara explained with his voice strained with anger. "But it is because of Hotaru that has brought me here to speak to you about."
"Has she done something wrong?" Shunsui asked with his hands neatly lay in his lap.
Kisuke shook his head, "No, quite the opposite. You see, due to Hotaru's zanpakuto powers the Visored hate her, but they've hated her when they once lived in the Soul Society."
"Why did they hate her?"
"Hotaru's power was to take your greatest fear and use it against you."
'Oh my,' Shunsui thought, that indeed was something to be afraid of.
But it was also Hotaru warning everyone not to trust Aizen, which made everyone else hate her even if she knew Sosuke before he became a soul reaper."
The new Head Captain eyebrows shot up, "What did you say?" then knit together.
Kisuke looked up to see Shunsui with a deeply displeased expression which made Kisuke sit up. "Hotaru warned everyone that trusted or looked up to Aizen to believe anything he says or do. She knew him before he enrolled in the academy, but she never told anyone that. Just to not trust someone who fools everyone to believe on thing and not the trust of his actions. Only myself, Shinji, and Yoruichi believed her which is why we kept our personal distance from Aizen. Never give any person information or befriend him, and we were right to believe her."
"Why don't I remember any of this?" Shunsui asked with his mood going down as this woman who knew Aizen warned everyone but nothing came to mind. Completely blank on all of this as he was also one who saw Aizen or his illusion the night Shinji and the others were turned.
"I believe Aizen used his hypnosis from his zanpakuto to make everyone forget for so long until Ichigo began to enter into our lives," Kisuke answered as the Head Captain nodded his head while stroking his chin.
"That does answer that, but for this woman to know Aizen before they were both soul reapers. How did you believe Hotaru was telling the truth about Sosuke?" Kyoraku curiously wondered as he tried to remember memories from centuries ago.
"Because my gut told me she was telling the truth plus I had my own suspicion of Aizen back then. Hotaru was never one to lie to someone, she was the most honest person I know. Even if she spoke the truth and no one believed her, Hotaru was still a very strong woman to go through all that hardship from everyone. If we only had listened, maybe we wouldn't be where we are today," Urahara explained, Shunsui nodded.
"So, let me aske where is she now? How come she didn't appear during the war against Aizen?"
Kisuke shifted in his seat as his angered expression turned sad. "It was during our time in hiding where we were helping Shinji and the others control their Hollows. A fight broke out between Hotaru and Hiyori as they never got along and," Kisuke stopped as he shut his eyes almost like he was in pain.
"And?"
Urahara opened his eyes as he looked to remember something painful, "Hotaru used her Bankai against Hiyori and the results was Hiyori going somewhat insane where she almost took her life."
Shunsui sat in disbelief, was her zanpakuto that powerful to drive someone to take their own life? The Head Captain kept silent as Kisuke continued on.
"After the fight, everyone shunned Hotaru. Being already shunned by the people in the Soul Society she tried to protect, and the Visored. Hotaru thought it was best she left."
"Where did she go?" Kyoraku quietly asked in a mere whisper.
"I created a special gigai for her and fake credentials she may need in the Human World. With money she earned hiding out in the Human World, Hotaru left Japan and went traveling around the world."
Traveling! This was another shock of what Kisuke had told him. Now, himself have traveled throughout Japan, but anywhere else. Not even Shunsui has ever left or gone to another place of great distances before. For this young woman too, its incredible.
Kisuke continued, "As she traveled, she sent letters and post cards wherever she went. Only myself kept in contact with Hotaru, everyone else either believed she is dead, but she isn't."
"So, asking my question again: why does she wish to speak to me about concerning the Soul Society?"
"Her adoptive son whom gave me the invitation in your hand didn't give much just that it was important. I, myself am curious to also ask why but unfortunately there isn't much I can tell you."
"Unless I come to the dinner and see what she has to tell me," Shunsui exhaled a heavy sigh with Kisuke nodding. "Alright, I will attend this dinner. I will also keep Nanao out of this until I know more of the situation."
"That is your choice."
"Well then my friend, I shall see you are the dinner."
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Ichigo returned home with Kazui as Orihime was in the kitchen cooking dinner, "Welcome back!" She called out to her husband and son. "Dinner will be ready soon."
"Smells great!" Ichigo grinned as he walked into the kitchen sniffing over his wife's shoulder and kissing her cheek making her giggle.
"How was training with Urahara-san?" she asked while Ichigo got a glass of water.
"As well as it could be," Ichigo responded as he took a sip. "Though something interesting did happen."
"Like what?" Orihime turned around from the stove with a curious look on her face.
"We've been invited to a special dinner this Friday at Kokoro's."
Orihime face lit up in shock as she also knew of the popular restaurant, "Oh wow, really? Who would invite us there?"
"Do you remember when Shinji told us that Urahara, Yoruichi, and Tessai saved them the night they were turned into the Visored?" Ichigo placed the glass down while leaning against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest.
She nodded, "Yes, I do remember."
"Turns out there was another person who was there to help save them."
"A woman named Hotaru Yugure," Ichigo answered. "She has invited us to thank us for stopping Aizen. Her son arrived at the shop to deliver the invitation. Yet, from what Kisuke told me, this woman knew Aizen almost personally to warn everyone not to trust him but no one believed her. Even almost before he became a soul reaper."
Upon hearing this, Orihime's body went cold. Knew her former kidnapper before he was a soul reaper? That cruel, heartless man who enjoyed toying with people and their lives. It made her feel very sick as she continued to listen to her husband go on about this woman.
"She isn't a Visored like the others, but Aizen did something horrific to this woman that I had never expected that bastard to be capable of."
Orihime tilted her head, "What do you mean?"
"When Aizen turned the others, he didn't with this woman. Instead, Aizen tortured Hotaru and ripped out her part of her uterus," Ichigo looked away pained as his wife gasped covering her mouth.
Her uterus! Orihime began to shake until her legs gave out as she fell to the floor.
"Orihime!" Ichigo rushed to his wife's side holding her to him as she could feel her shaking against his frame. "Hey, are you okay? What happened?"
"Oh Ichigo," tears fell from her eyes made Ichigo's heart ache. "That poor woman, to go through that. I can't believe he would be capable of such an act."
"I agree. It's completely barbaric for Aizen to perform such a thing, but let's not dwell on it. She is alive and maybe we can help her," Ichigo responded as he helped his wife.
"Help?" Orihime thought for a minute then remembered her powers. She nodded, "Yes, maybe we can help her."
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When Renji married Rukia, our favorite red head thought about living in their own home besides residing in the Kuchiki household. But as a wedding gift, Ginrei wanted to have his soon grandchildren to live closer. So, Renji and Rukia live in a different part of the Kuchiki household as Byakuya often visits his niece along with Ginrei. Renji was already home as he had a short day seeing his Captain and now relative had a family meeting with other Heads of family as they always do at the end of the monthly quarter. Renji can clearly see from spending years following his Captain and the tense eyebrows on his brother-in-law's face could tell he wasn't going to enjoy the meeting. Renji was in the kitchen that he asked for as he enjoyed cooking since wanted to be able to not fully rely on the Kuchiki money even if the house is nice. Rukia was used to living in such a lavish home even from being on the streets from a time. They both remember when they were on the streets, and how hard it was for food and water. Both parents wanted to teach their daughter not to be spoiled by her uncle and grandfathers' gifts.
Hearing the door slam open as Renji chuckled as he could tell was his daughters doing and yell, "We're home!"
"How was training?" Renji called back as he turned to see his daughter skipping into the kitchen with a large grin on her face with Rukia behind.
"Training got cut short!" Ichika exclaimed as she giggled.
Renji looked confused, "Why was that?"
"Because of this," Rukia handed her husband the invitation as he opened to read it while listening to her. "We have been invited to a grand dinner in the Human World by some woman that wants to thank us for stopping Aizen."
"Us? Ichigo was the one along with Kisuke to capture Aizen, we were in Hueco Mundo trying to rescue Orihime. Why thank us?" Renji was confused as he wasn't even close to Aizen as he was being tended by Mayuri along with Uryu. He read the invitation then seeing the sender was Hotaru Yugure at the bottom.
'Strange? Why does that sound so familiar?' Renji thought as he felt a chill run up his spin reading this woman's name. There was something in the back of his mind that told him that this invitation was an invitation to something terrible. Yet he shook it off when he saw the restaurant's name.
"Oh wow, to eat at Kokoro's! That place is ridiculously expensive!" Renji's jaw dropped in shock as Rukia ran up holding his arms with sparkles in her eyes.
"I know right! I hear they have excellent sushi and its all paid for!" Rukia exclaimed in excitement.
"That does sound nice but I don't have a good feeling about this. I mean, why after all this time to come thank us for stopping him when it was nearly thirteen years ago?" Renji questioned as it was true. It was the middle of September as the year was drawing to a close, and the next year drawing closer for it to begin another year. Why now after all this time to thank them? To even thank Ichigo?
"I find it strange too but we can ask that when we go, but it's for adults only. Ichika won't be able to go," Rukia noticed that it was written on the invitation as well.
"Ooh! Can I go and stay at Uncle Kenny's? Please! Please! Please!" Ichika begged as she got on her knees in front of her parents.
It was strange that their daughter would want to go to the Eleventh Division to see Captain Kenpachi but since the loss of his daughter Yachiru. Kenpachi Zaraki has taken a shine to their daughter as she has done for him that many can see. After the mischievous lieutenant was within him and his zanpakuto but many can tell Kenpachi missed his daughter greatly on his shoulders. Ichika also seemed to have the same spunky attitude that Yachiru used to have and likes to play tricks on others like Ikkaku. Both parents were worried about their daughter with Kenpachi, yet he has never harmed her. He treats her as if she was his own, but has grown to know that even if she isn't his original daughter. He would still like to be there for her and doesn't mind her visiting. Renji and Rukia still feel off leaving their daughter with the ruthless Captain, but again Ichika always has good things to say about her Uncle Kenny.
"We can ask him if it will be alright first Ichika, even if he is busy," Rukia stated as Ichika nodded her head with a big grin still on her face. That was true. Since the lost of his daughter, Zaraki actually started to do some of his Captain duties and paper work. He has grown some in the years that have passed, and the couple will Ichika many has seemed an improvement in his behavior. Before when Yachiru was gone, Zaraki was heavily depressed. His squad did what most could do to cheer him up, but with the help of Ichika. Many actually thank Rukia and Renji for having her as it really lifted their captain's spirits.
"We can ask him tomorrow since the dinner is this Friday, but for now dinner is ready. Ichika go wash up really quick while I help your father set the table," Rukia instructed as her daughter rushed off to the bathroom to clean her face and hands.
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Friday soon came around as the guest invited to the famous restaurant were all standing inside of the waiting area of the restaurant. The dinning area they would be eating in was being prepared, so everyone waited. Ichigo was with Orihime dressed in their best cloths; Ichigo would a nice causal suit both in grey with a dark navy button up shirt underneath with a simple black tie and dress shoes. Orihime had a lovely white dress by her knees with a high collar with delicate spring flowers scattered across the fabric with simple heels, pearl earrings and a matching necklace with her hair pins. Renji wore a burgundy button up with a white tie, black dress pants and shoes. His usually headband was on his head as he was standing near Ichigo chatting with his friend as the two catch up. Rukia was talking with Orihime as the small mother wore a lilac small strap dress with black floral lace on the top edges and bottom of the dress. Rukia also wore short black heels with short lace gloves as her hair was held up by a flower clip Renji bought her. Yoruichi stood still as she watched Urahara pace nervously. She wore black styled blazer with silk purple top underneath and tight black slacks with black high heels with red bottoms. Her hair tied back with emerald earrings and a matching jeweled necklace. Kisuke wore light tan suit with an olive-green button up with the black tie loose around his neck and tan dress shoes.
"Kisuke calm down, or you'll walk a hole through the floor," Yoruichi scolded with her hands on her hips.
"I can't help it; I am nervous about meeting her. It has been a decade since we last talked and if not a century more than when I last saw her in person!" Kisuke exclaimed as he was extremely jittery. He missed his friend, but he still felt scared seeing it will be the first time they meet again after so many years apart. Urahara doesn't know anything beside what was in the last letter that she started her own business and had a family. Yet, she works for another Soul Society after the one they used to be apart of abandon them. There were many questions he wanted to ask.
"I still want to know why we are here since we didn't to fight against Aizen. Just who is this woman?" Renji folded his arms across his chest not impressed.
"Hotaru was with us when we saved Shinji and the others from when they were first turned into hollows. Hotaru is misunderstood person who sacrificed so much for us and was betrayed by those who she cared for. She was the one person who warned us all not to trust Aizen and we didn't listen until it was too late," Urahara explained.
"She warned us about Aizen! What the hell? Why didn't anyone believe – "Just in that moment, Renji remembered eating with his friends as they talked about this person who was with the Visored. "Wait! Is this woman the 'Shinigami of Fear'?!"
Ichigo, Rukia, Orihime raised their eyebrows in confusion. "That what?" Ichigo asked.
"How do you know that name?" Kisuke asked.
Renji began to explain, "It was few months back when I was eating lunch with Hisagi, Ikkaku, Hinamori, Kira, and Rangiku eating lunch. We were talking about a picture Captain Rose gave Momo and about this chick who barely looked no more than a kid. Saying she was some fearsome Shinigami and was so dangerous to stay away from her."
"Really? She's that dangerous?" Orihime questioned.
"It's rude to think of someone like that when you haven't met them yet," everyone turned around to see Shunsui standing behind everyone with a displeased look on his face. His dress suit was white coat with a wine color silk button up shirt with black pants and matching black shoes. His shirt was unbuttoned by the first two buttons showing some skin. His left hand was in his pockets while his other held a bouquet of white poppies, purple hyacinth, white orchids, and yellow roses.
"Head Captain!" Rukia and Renji were spooked as they bowed in respect.
"Lift your heads," Shunsui instructed. "Renji I know you may have heard stories of this woman than many have hatred for. But would it be wise to hear her side of the story first before you judge them."
Renji looked down defeated as he felt what his head Captain say is true. He only heard rumors from people who have an issue with this woman and never heard her story to why people think of her as dangerous.
Shunsui moved closer to the group as he gave a small bow to Orihime and Ichigo, "Pleasure to see you two are doing well."
"Same to you Head Captain," Ichigo bowed back with his wife.
"Thank you for coming Head Captain, but um what is with the flowers may I ask?" Yoruichi pointed at the bouquet.
Shunsui looked down at his hand with a seldom look, "I wanted to welcome back a woman who was someone brave enough to warn us about a terrible monster and shunned from her home. From hearing what has happened to her from Urahara, I wanted to apologize on behalf of the Soul Society to try and hope for a new beginning."
"Ooooh~ what a sweet gesture of you!"
Everyone spun around as their mouths dropped at the sight before them.
"Hotaru!"
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Thank you for reading! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and A New year! I love all my readers and I hope you enjoy this chapter until the next comes out!
Internet hugs for all!