Disclaimers, etc.: see chapter one
Opening Theme: Jue Ai by Faye
Ending Theme: TBA

Bleach: Cross
Red Gemini
by Eugena

Rated M

Chapter Two: A Gamble

天国的白雪公主

Kisuke Urahara looked wearily to his eldest - and only living - daughter.

"Last time you looked like this," he said, "I was glad to be rid of you."

"I know," she said. "So, I'm here to grant your wish again."

"There's still a chance -," he began.

She shook her head.

"In a few moments," she said. "You won't see me again. Goodbye, Kisuke Urahara."

He threw his arms around her.

"I won't let you do it!" he objected.

"Just like you won't let me kill the king?" she countered. "That you'd rather condemn Kurosaki to the consequences?"

"Doesn't he deserve it?" he asked. "You died last time. Let him suffer this time."

"If that is what I believed, then I'd kill you here and now. You, Kisuke, you put me through this hell. You sold me. All I'll ever be is a thing. That's all I am now."

"Can't I make it up to you?"

"How?" she countered. "No."

Though he reached for her, she moved on to Yoruichi.

"Aijou, please", Yoruichi begged. "Whatever it is, whatever the price, let your father and I pay it."

"Even if you wanted to," Shirahime said. "It wouldn't work. I want the both of you to live, to find that happiness you want. Besides, you want a child, don't you?"

"I have one. You're my aijou. I'd never give you up."

"I'm not a child, mom. I've lived my life. You should have a chance to have a child of your own. You know, one he wants."

Yoruichi held back tears. "He wants -."

"He doesn't want me. He just feels guilty. He wants to make you happy. Nothing changes, Yoruichi. He never wanted me."

"Whatever you're planning to do, we're going home," Ichigo interrupted.

She turned to him.

"Ichigo. If I can't return, promise me you'll kill the abomination on the throne."

"So, you finally pick me over my brother, huh?"

She leaned in and whispered into her ear. His eyes widened at her words then narrowed. He clenched his fists at his side.

She pulled back and kissed him. He felt its bitterness, but gave in.

More of her wounds closed.

"Don't let me watch more of my children die," she begged.

Kenpachi fumed at watching her kiss him - again. He'd gotten used to sharing her with Yumi, then there was that one time with -. Well, blame Kurotsuchi again on that one.

There was something, though, about kissing the man she was once married to. Among other things, it reminded him that she was not his wife. He had so many dreams to fulfill with her, but now they seemed ready to disappear.

"Taicho," Shinjiro Kita interrupted his thoughts. "Don't get the wrong idea. She's a god, and they were once together. Ichigo - this Ichigo - can help her."

"We're actually fortunate he incarnated again," Unohana admitted. The prince would have been the best, but maybe this former prince would come close. She needs a power similar to her own.

"They are nothing alike," Kenpachi said.

"True, but their former bond can help her."

Retsu Unohana had been working on bond strings. She tied the first set around Kenpachi's and Yachiru's wrists.

"Are you ready?" she asked Yachiru.

Yachiru nodded, her eyes on Shirahime.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi finished setting up the amplification fields. Nemu reappeared and double-checked their alignments. Mayuri redirected four of them to surround Kenpachi and Yachiru.

"This will be quick," Mayuri said. "Just a test."

Nemu held the reiatsu monitor.

Mayuri flipped the four devices on.

Reiatsu spiked as Kenpachi glowed yellow. It burnt his flesh as Yachiru's began to glow pink.

"That's enough!" Shirahime snapped. "It can't be done alone."

Mayuri turned off the device.

"What do you mean?" Unohana asked.

"Yachiru is a pure-blooded god. Daichi and Raiko are part gods. This can't be done with a shinigami alone. I have to do it. You will need a god's energy to do it."

"I'm okay," Kenpachi insisted. "I didn't take off my patch yet."

Shirahime came to him and reached up to him, taking off the patch. Surprisingly, no flood of reiatsu came.

"How?" he asked.

"I am a god. I can push it back."

"Stop using your energy."

She kissed him. He felt like the unhappy times had gone, his mind returning to the days after she asked him to marry her.

Yumichika looked on. He desperately wanted to take her into his room and resume the relationship he had - like a fool - thrown away.

Shinjiro felt his heart break. He had long accepted that he might never get together with his princess, but he hated the thought of her being so alone. This could easily be it, the last time he would see her.

Shirahime whispered to Kenpachi. She said all she wanted to say.

"No matter what I say or do, no matter what, remember that I love you. Even if I tell you otherwise."

He whispered his love for her, suggesting not for the first time that their family simply run off and away from her duties. Yumi begged her to do that night before she died fighting Aizen. Kenpachi agreed then and tried to get her do it. She wanted to be that selfish. Even if she would be, she knew what had to be done to save Daichi and Raiko. They simply could not run off with them as they were right now.

Then there was what needed to be said. Some of this she could never tell him. But she could - and did - tell him about Yachiru.

Her hand on his arm stopped his reiatsu from going out of control.

She stepped back, nearly falling into Jushiro who suddenly appeared behind her. She turned, and as she did so, he took her into his arms and kissed her. The way he did so was his punishment to her.

"I know you're about to do something reckless," he said as he let her go.

Even those who already knew of Jushiro's strange relationship with her were surprised at his rough treatment. He walked off, his anger dripping off him.

Feeling the sting of Jushiro's kiss on her lips, she turned, pushing the thoughts aside and went to Yumi. Wrapping her arms around Yumi's neck, she kissed him for what could easily be the last time. "Take care of our son."

"I'm sorry," he said.

"It's okay," she said. "You've made it clear many times you don't want our relationship anymore. Considering what happened, I thought you didn't mean it. I wanted you to know I was okay with it, that we were still alright. That you didn't have to give into - well, doesn't matter, does it? You faked it for so long, now it's how you really feel.

"I feel like this is the one relationship practically everyone would be thrilled is over."

"And you?" he asked.

"I've accepted it's over. It's what you wanted after all. Goodbye, Yumi."

Yumi was an idiot, again. If everyone's thoughts could be heard, discounting those still in shock over this relationship reveal and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Yumi would have heard cries of 'Idiot/Moron/so many other words! Tell her you love her already!'.

Unohana, though tempted, said nothing. She had finished securing the spirit bindings between Shinjiro and Raiko. She moved on to tie Yumi to Raiko. Retsu put her usual mask on her face.

She may have hated Kurotsuchi, but she'd always be grateful she benefited from that same tea.

Shirahime took Shinjiro's hands. "You got promoted to being a father without the typical benefits." She nearly laughed, trying to look happy once more.

"I wish I had those benefits," he admitted. "But to be a father at all, I'd never turn that down." He took Raiko's had. "Come back soon to our big happy family, princess. Pretty soon, you'll have a family bigger than all of the noble families combined."

She smiled.

"You are my best friend, Shinjiro," she said at last.

He leaned down and kissed her. He hadn't kissed her like that since the night they had almost been together, the night Hitsugaya ruined.

"I love you, my princess," he said.

"And I, you. Just not in the same -."

"I love you anyways. If you stayed human that day, I would have still followed you. I said I would follow you to hell if you desired. But I think now that I can't hold up to my promise. I have Raiko and her brothers and sisters to look after, don't I? So, I'm sorry I can't keep my promise to you."

She smiled. "No, you aren't. And neither am I. I don't need you to follow. But I do need you to look after the kids."

Shirahime turned to Raiko and kissed her on the cheek.

"I love you, Raiko. I love your brother, too. I'm sorry I did this to you."

"You had to hide me from the bad man," Raiko said. "I understand. He would have found out about one of us, but he didn't know about both of us."

"I don't know how much I can separate the two of you. I used up a lot of my power -."

"Fighting the other bad men and saving Yuki Papa. It's okay, mama, even if I can't be just like Dai-onii-san. Just come back, mama. Don't go away like Yuki Papa."

Those looking on felt they hated the rightful prince less. It was clear how Shirahime had been returned. The price of the return was no longer a secret.

"Mom?"

Shirahime turned to see Yachiru rush to her. She leaped into her arms and wept. "Don't go away, mom. Don't go!"

"I have to, my little princess. It is the only way to save your brother and sister. I wish I could have saved them all, but this is the last I can do.

"The emperor, your grandfather, left first a long time ago. Perhaps it's time for the last elder god to join him."

"Don't be ridiculous, Shira," Ichigo said. "Don't do this already planning to go."

"Is it so strange for the elder gods to leave? Then the lesser gods take hold. Thus, your worlds crumble. But there can be a lot of time before that happens."

"All the more reason to stay," Ichigo said.

"I can't stay longer. Not anymore without Shiroyuki. He didn't know that would happen.

"We can't kill him anymore. We can't kill the king. It would have taken both of us. But if I join the emperor, another opportunity will present itself.

"To save my children alone, I would do this.

"To kill the abomination on the throne and those who put and keep him there, I would do this

"To be able to do both, my life is bargain.

"You forgot what real position your father appointed me to. Remember it, and you will understand."

"I will do it," Ichigo vowed.

"You are not a god, Ichigo. Your punishment. But maybe if you all work together, you can still kill the abomination on the throne."

She looked directly to Kisuke.

"Something you can use Aizen for. Tell him I left. He will understand. Tell him what they did. He'll kill them for what they have done. Let him have his vengeance. But don't let him become the next king."

"Why would Aizen care?" Rangiku asked.

"Trust me," Shirahime answered.

"Why is he so interested in you?" Soi Fon asked.

"He would care," Mayuri admitted.

Soi Fon and Rangiku looked at him.

Momo looked on, her worry increasing. Why would her former taicho give a damn about her new one?

Shirahime handed Yachiru to Soi Fon. Yachiru reached for her, but Soi Fon held her back.

Shirahime came to Hanataro. "There's a lot you can do, Hanataro. You just aren't ready to do it. Look out for her for me, will you?"

"Of course, I will," he said.

Blue flames flashed briefly over her.

The princess came to Nemu next. "Do you remember what I said to you a long time ago? About when you got tired of Mayuri over there? * Now is a good time to ask."

Nemu didn't have the heart to ask. It was insulting, wasn't it?

She smiled at Nemu and hugged her. Nemu stood in shock, but slowly hugged her back.

"I know what it is you want to ask," Shirahime said.

So, Nemu said it softly to her, though she knew Mayuri would hear her.

"Mother, please don't leave me."

Shirahime put her hand to Nemu's cheek. "You have an interesting journey ahead of you." She kissed her on the cheek.

Shirahime came to Mayuri.

"Well," she began, "we've had such a strange relationship, haven't we?"

"There's another way, isn't there?" he asked. "Besides doing that again?"

She shook her head. "I'm not doing it again. Not what I did before to break the key. I have something else in mind. I can either become mortal or leave. So, I must leave. It's not possible to become mortal. Even if I could, you would have not chance to beat the king and zero division. I can't stay longer. An elder god cannot stay alone in this place. I will destroy you all just being here. I've stayed as long as possible."

She looked at Raiko. "At least I can save two of them."

She took Mayuri's hand. "Even you can change, Mayuri."

He didn't let her kiss him as she had done the others.

He kissed her on the lips.

It was the first time he'd ever kissed a woman.

She was the only one he cared about.

Looking on, Kenpachi sighed, "Not him, too. This is really getting to be too much."

Retsu smirked. Really, she wasn't surprised.

Mayuri knew the vial was in his pocket. Perhaps he could be faster than her. One prick, and she would pass out. He could take her away. She would not pick him, not in the end. But he could make sure she picked someone he thought was worthy to look after her.

"Oh, gods," Kisuke said. "Mayuri Kurotsuchi for a son-in-law."

Her blue energy flared again. It singed him. Shirahime pulled back.

She smiled at him.

It had been so long.

The blue energy picked up, flaring again.

"Ready," she said to herself.

That left one more person.

She walked back to Raiko. Nemu began tying Kisuke and Yoruichi to either side of Raiko. Retsu began to wrap Shirahime in the bond strings, tying her tightly behind Raiko.

"Don't say goodbye," Retsu asked. "Not to me."

"You know, Retsu, I don't blame you for what happened that one time. It was Kurotsuchi's underlings' fault."

"I don't regret it. I just you would have done it without its influence."

"I know for sure you're still in love with him."

"Not like I can't love you, too."

Shirahime laughed.

"Out of your own free will?" Shirahime asked.

"Even if you were mortal."

Retsu kissed her. Right on her lips.

Yoruichi's eyes widened. "Now I know I've missed something, Kisuke."

"Goodbye, Retsu," Shirahime said. "And don't waste your time anymore. You still love him and will always love him. So, get together with him already."

"Only if you join."

Shirahime looked away for a moment.

"I think of all of my lives, I've liked this one the most," she said. She felt the energy fill her. "Now, my preparations are finished. So, let's risk this, shall we? Look after my kids, will you?"

"Like you have to ask," Retsu said.

"One more thing."

Retsu raised her brow.

"Soi Fon," Shirahime called to her, "tell her I said to drop her mask to save the kids. That she has to be her real self."

"Who?" Soi Fon asked.

"You'll see."

Shirahime looked up at the strong barrier around the fifth division. This might be enough.

Her blue fire grew and surrounded the shinigami with her. Kosetsu looked on. He changed to a boy again and threw his arms around her.

"I was wondering when you'd do that, my boy. But it's not goodbye. Not exactly."

She kissed him on the forehead.

Kosetsu wailed.

* Princess of Memory [Rated MA] - this section not yet posted

天国的白雪公主

Above them, Toshiro Hitsugaya stopped before the barrier. He looked down to Sajin and the others.

"What's going on?" he demanded.

"Shinnouhi told us to cast a strong barrier," Sajin answered.

"Why?" he asked.

"I'm pretty sure it was to save her kids."

Toshiro gasped.

"Let me through," he demanded.

"We can't do that, Hitsugaya Taicho," a woman answered. He recognized her as someone from the fifth division.

"I said to let me through!"

"And Shinnouhi said no. So, no."

He summoned his attacks and threw them against the barrier.

Then they heard Kosetsu wail.

天国的白雪公主

Now bound tightly to Raiko, Shirahime closed her eyes. She glowed completely with the divine blue fire. No turning back now. The ground rumbled and threatened to break apart.

Kosetsu wailed again.

The she opened her eyes. The ground cracked as she spoke. She spoke without moving her lips, but her words echoed to all.

Roll back from the heavens and tear asunder. Define the laws and banish that which was not ended. Defy all gods and hear the call. From the blood of the ancient god I call to thee. Cry out from the heavens to finish your retribution. Sleeping one wake again. Save thy joy and let go hope. To my command: Revive the Last Soul.

谢谢你们的阅读。