Me: well here is the long awaited chapter 14! Omg it feels like forever since I updated.
Toushirou: …er…I kinda has beenforever…
Karin: naw I think it hasn't been that long.
Me: thanks Karin =D and I just wanted to say that this chappy is dedicated to BBleached and Yemi Hikari because both of these amazing authors have review every single chapter of this story and I promised that if anyone did that, then the nxt chapter would be dedicated to them… ^.^
Karin: yup no problem and a thanks goes to all of those who have also reviewed.
Me: hey do you mind doing the disclaimers
Karin: sure…*clears throat* Winter does NOT own Bleach… (or else that good for nothin Momo would be history) -.^ now onto the story!
Me: yeah and one last thing. I have switched the "genre" from something *lol* to angst cuz the story is no longer gonna be all happy. But in the end, I think that Karin will have a happy ending. Well, enjoy!
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Cause and Effect
***************
Stephany's POV
10 years later (after Toushirou left Karin)
X.x.X
(Some readers have asked me about Aizen. This story –in the beginning- has taken place before the Winter War, and then when I -Stephany- became Head Captain, Aizen made his move such as…faking his death, etc. which is on chapter 7. Aizen is still alive and he is gonna play a huge part in the story very soon, so keep on reading.)
X.x.X
The doors slid open to reveal a white-haired child with so much excitement, that you would have thought that he had just received some candy that was his favorite flavor.
"Captain, remember to be careful." A woman said.
"Yes Matsumoto. I don't need to be reminded, thank you very much."
Matsumoto just smiled and then ran off using shunpo.
"Do NOT use over five hundred dollars, Matsumoto, or else." The boy called out.
"Whatever you say, Captain." Came the reply and then the woman was gone.
The boy sighed and then started walking to the Kurosaki household.
When he arrived at the house, he sighed and then jumped on top of the roof. He released a little bit of his reiatsu to let a certain someone know of his presence. A few moments later, a window opened and a grey eyed girl jumped on the roof to join the boy.
"So…why are you here, Toushirou?" the girl asked, her voice was full of venom and it made Toushirou shrink back in slight fear of the now fully grown woman who was standing right in front of him.
"I came to speak with you about-"
"TOUSHIROU HITSUGAYA! WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU, YOU ARE SO DEAD!" a voice called out.
"Can it Ich-nii!" Karin shouted.
"No way, I'm gonna bankai his little a-"
"Ichigo, leave them alone." Another voice called out, adding to the rising chaos.
"R-Rukia Kuchiki, she's here…why?" asked a very confused Toushirou.
Karin just smacked her palm against her head and sighed.
"Okay, Rukia is here because she and Ichigo have been getting…erm…close." Karin said and Toushirou started to cough.
"C-close…? W-what about Captain Kuchiki…does he even know about it?" Toushirou asked.
"No he doesn't and if you inform him, then I will not even hesitate to use my bankai on you." A familiar orange headed boy called out. Toushirou looked down towards Karin's window and saw Karin's big brother poking his head out her window to see what was going on.
"Ichigo, shut up! My deepest apologies, Captain Hitsugaya, he didn't mean it." Rukia said. Toushirou just nodded his head and then turned back to Karin.
"What is it that you want, Toushirou?" Karin asked once again. Toushirou gulped, feeling a bit intimidated but just tried to brush it off.
"…you…I want you to marry me. My life has been…well to put it bluntly, a living hell without you. I really miss you by my side. Please…do you remember anything from the battle?" Toushirou asked hopefully.
"B-battle…what battle?" Karin asked, killing all of Toushirou's hopes.
"K-Kurosaki never told you?" Toushirou asked incredulously.
"Told me what?" Karin challenged.
"Eh…well…if I told you, then you probably wouldn't believe me. That's why I need your brother to tell you." Toushirou explained.
"Fine…Ichigo!" Karin called out.
A few seconds later, Ichigo stuck his head out of Karin's window. "Yeah, what's up, Karin?"
"What information, about me, have you withheld from me?" Karin asked straightforwardly.
"W-what do you mean? I'm not hiding anything from-"Ichigo trailed off. "Oh…so the kid told you that I know something about you and…oh…" Ichigo said, pulling everything together.
"Wow Kurosaki, I'm, in all honesty, surprised." Toushirou said unemotionally.
"And why is that?" Ichigo asked.
"Because, normally you are a very slow and thick headed person and I expected to have to explain some things to you. But it looks like you have pieced most of it together…and I am NOT a kid!" Toushirou said.
"Yeah, yeah…why don't you and Karin come on down and I will explain some things to her." Ichigo said and then withdrew his head from the window, allowing both of the people on the roof to come down.
When everyone was inside Karin's room, Ichigo started to tell the story of Karin from the beginning to the end. The room Ichigo originally had gone to Karin when Ichigo continued to grow and he got another room that was a bit larger. When Ichigo was finished speaking, Karin was rubbing her head as if she had a headache from all of the information.
"Okay, well if all that you have said was true, then what about the woman that you were talking bout…um…Stephany? I have run into her a few times when I am outside and when we first met, she gave no indication that she knew me. Why is that?" Karin asked.
"It's because I didn't want to arouse suspicion." I said.
Everyone jumped upon hearing me speak.
"So…why can you remember everything, but I can't and you are my spirit?" Karin asked me.
"It is complicated, but I'll put it as easily as I can. When Aizen's attack you and wiped away your memories, I was not part of you. I was like I am now, separated. Ichigo did a good job recounting what happened, but he wasn't there for many important things that had happened, so he missed many important details. I will allow Toushirou to explain what Ichigo missed, and I will help him along the way." I said and then gestured to Toushirou to start explaining.
Toushirou filled in as much as he could, but he did miss a few details that I happily filled in. Once everything was explained, Toushirou sighed, leaned back against the wall, and looked at Karin. Then he turned towards Ichigo and Rukia.
"Kurosaki, Miss Kuchiki, will you please excuse me and Karin for a few minutes. I need to speak with her privately."
Rukia immediately nodded and started to stand, but Ichigo just crossed his arms across his chest.
"Why should I let you? Haven't you already caused enough pain for Karin?"
"Ichigo!" Rukia exclaimed and then bowed deeply to Toushirou. "He didn't mean it, Captain Hitsugaya. Please forgive him." Rukia pleaded, but the damage was already done.
Toushirou turned and looked out the window, trying to push the feeling of guilt away. "I-its fine, please just leave." Toushirou whispered.
"Yes sir," Rukia said to Toushirou and then turned to Ichigo. "Get up; we are going to leave the room, NOW." Rukia said in a deadly quite voice.
Ichigo looked once at Rukia's face, and then bolted out of the room.
Toushirou sighed and then turned to face Karin; then taking her hand in his, he spoke.
"Karin, I am so very sorry about leaving you all of those years ago, but I was under orders and if I disobeyed…well I would get into so much trouble because I had to ask if I could find you and say goodbye. I was lucky to get that permission because the Head Captain, Stephany's grandfather, was pleased with me, thus letting me see you one last time, even if it was for a few minutes." Toushirou explained.
Karin nodded and then closed her eyes. Then I decided to speak up.
"Karin, I want to show you a memory that I think that you will enjoy, but unfortunately, the memory does not end on a happy note…" I said and then looked at Karin, who just nodded and then closed her eyes. I put my hand on her forehead and then conveyed a memory to her. The memory was the one when Toushirou proposed to Karin all those years ago, but then Aizen interrupted her answer. When the memory was over, I removed my hand from her head and then sat down on her bed. (A/N: If anyone remembers correctly, Aizen took Karin away before she could reply and Toushirou never got his answer.)
"Wow, what was that?" Karin asked me.
"I am able to erase memories, but I can also show others certain memories if need be." I explained and then looked at Toushirou who looked like he was going to faint any moment. I couldn't suppress the short laughed that erupted from my mouth at the sight.
"Go ahead, Toushirou. I won't interrupt." I said and Toushirou nodded and got down on his knees.
"Karin, you may not have your memories anymore, but will you please marry me? I have been waiting for you, for I don't know how long, to ask you. The Head Captain wouldn't allow me to leave for this long because he wanted me to "focus" and be alert. But in short, it didn't work. I could not find myself focusing for more than ten minutes at a time on the good days. On the bad days…I wouldn't even go to work. Rangiku got so worried about me, that she even did the work…and that lasted for about a year until the Head Captain and I made a deal. He told me that if I started to work once again, than he would allow me to come here to the human world the next time any help was needed. I agreed and I sorta woke up from the trance that I was in. Don't you see, Karin? I need you. Please…please remember me…" Toushirou said and then leaned in and kissed Karin.
At first, Karin froze, but then quickly regained her composer and kissed him back…then her eyes glazed over.
Karin quickly pulled away and started to look around, but I could tell that she was not seeing her room, but seeing many memories come back to her. After a few minutes of just staring around the room, Karin's eyes closed for a few seconds, and then snapped open. Karin looked at me, quickly shot a look at Toushirou, and then leaped into his arms. Karin kissed Toushirou and then pulled away, breathless from the trial that she just went through.
"Y-yes, I will marry you." Karin said and I smiled.
Toushirou stared beaming and I laughed once again.
"So, when are we going to get married?" Karin asked.
"…one week…" were the short two words that Toushirou spoke and then looked to see Karin's reaction.
Karin smiled, but had a look in her eyes. "Why…"
"…so early?" Toushirou completed. "Because I only have maybe a month, at most, here and then I will have to return."
Karin nodded and then smiled even bigger. "Okay, let's get married!" Karin said, and she meant it. I decided to leave them alone, so I walked out of the room. When I shut the door, Karin and Toushirou sneaked up onto the roof…
*****
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." And that is exactly what Toushirou did. When Karin and Toushirou broke apart, they walked out of the church holding hands.
"Karin, you do realize that our honeymoon can only be three days at most, right?" Toushirou asked, for it seemed like the hundredth time.
"Yes Shiro, I understand that, now let's go!" Karin said and they both got into the car that was waiting for them.
*****
The next morning
(during Karin and Shiro's honeymoon)
The sunrays were slowly creeping in through the blinds. It was a beautiful morning and it was the start of something new. Karin woke up with a groan, slowly remembering what had happened last night. It was amazing and was something that she never thought would ever happen, and it happened with the one she loved. Karin stretched and the slight movement on the bed awoke Toushirou from his sleep. Toushirou leaned over and kissed Karin on her throat and cheek and then spoke.
"How was the night?" he asked her, smiling.
"Really good." Karin replied and she wasn't lying. Last night she gave her virginity away and made love to the man that she loved. It was truly the greatest thing that she ever did, except the day when she realized that she loved Toushirou.
"So, what do you want to do today?" Karin asked and Toushirou opened his mouth to answer, but his phone went off. Toushirou sighed and looked at Karin, who had an amused look on her face. Toushirou reluctantly reached and answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Captain, we have a problem! Quick! We have direct orders to return to Soul Society immediately!" Rangiku's voice called out.
"What? This mission was supposed to last at least a month!" Toushirou protested.
"I know Captain, but orders are orders. I'll see you in thirty minutes…and tell Karin that I said hello and congrats on getting married!" Rangiku called out and then hung up the phone, missing the "MASUMOTO!" that Toushirou yelled out.
Karin couldn't help herself. She started laughing at her husband's reaction and almost fell off the bed, but Toushirou caught her just in time.
"When will you return?" Karin asked.
"I…I do not know." It was a simple and honest answer. Toushirou closed his eyes, thinking.
Both of you please cover yourselves. I said and gave them a few moments to find their clothes. Then Karin's necklace started to shine as well as Toushirou's sword, which was lying in the corner of the room, and Sterling and I appeared.
"Well, this is unfortunate." I said.
"Yeah." Karin replied.
"Well Toushirou, I think that you should get properly dressed and Sterling and I will wait outside. We, Karin and I, are going to escort you to where Rangiku is waiting for you." I said and I got up with Sterling by my side, and we walked outside and shut the door, giving Karin and Toushirou maximum privacy for a few minutes.
Ten minutes later, the door opened to find a troubled looking Toushirou and a not so happy Karin. I just simply sighed and started, slowly, walking towards where I felt Rangiku's spirit energy. When we arrived, Rangiku came up to us.
"Why hello, Stephany. I never expected to see you. How have you been?" she asked me.
"I have been doing well, and yourself?"
"Well, thanks."
"So what exactly is your assignment here in the human world?" I asked.
"We are here to kill hollows and there was a rumor that someone had seen an arrancar around here, so we were sent to investigate and search, but I have found nothing and something is happening at Soul Society, so we must return." Rangiku explained and I nodded.
"Okay, well I do hope to see you both very soon. When do you depart?" I asked…why was I being so formal? It was so unlike me… I shrugged the random thought of and paid attention to what Rangiku was saying.
"It is uncertain. It could be in a few days, or years, but I hope the first one is more accurate than the last."
"Ah, I see. Um Rangiku, I need to talk to you for a few minutes. Let's go over here were we can talk in private." I said, hoping Karin caught my hint. She did and casted me a simile of thanks for allowing her and Toushirou to be alone for a few minutes more.
When we were out of listening distance, I spoke.
"So Rangiku, you do understand that I am only over here because I wanted to let my mistress have a few more moments with Toushirou, alone, before you guys leave, right?"
"Yes, I sorta figured that out." she replied with a smile.
"Well, why don't you tell me what has been happing in Soul Society while I was gone. Anything change…are you seeing anyone?" I questioned and for some strange reason, Rangiku blushed.
"What?" I asked.
Rangiku told me about Momo having a few false alerts of waking up, but she never became fully awake to make any since. We chatted for a few minutes before I lost control of my curiosity.
"So…are you in a relationship with anyone again, Rangiku?" I asked her.
"I…yeah, I am." She stammered out.
"Oh, and who's the lucky guy?" I inquired.
"…why don't you try and guess. I'll give you a hint. He is a Captain of one of the higher divisions."
"Hm…not Ukitake…it better NOT be that weird freak show Kurotsuchi, right?" I asked her, hoping that she would say no to the latter guess.
"No, it's not ether of them." She said and I let out a small sigh of relief.
"Well, is it Shunsui?" I asked.
She shook her head no. Then my eyes widened because I knew who it was.
"Zaraki Kenpachi?" I whispered. Rangiku looked down and nodded yes. I couldn't help myself. I let out a semi-loud laugh.
"Are you serious?" I asked her.
"Yes." Was the one word reply.
"w-wow…I just never would have thought that you would be interested in a guy like him, but I think that he is one of the most loyal captains that we have, so im very happy for you." I said.
"Really?" Rangiku asked me. I nodded. "Gee, thanks, Stephany. I hope that you can come and visit us in Soul Society very soon." Rangiku said and then looked up at the sky. "Well we better get going. We are supposed to be there, speaking with the Head Captain, by lunch time, so we better be going." Rangiku said.
I just nodded, a plan forming in my head. "Okay, well have a safe trip. Good bye."
"Good bye, hope to see you soon!" Rangiku said as the gates appeared.
"Oh, you will see me sooner than you think…" I muttered under my breath.
"Good bye, Toushirou. I love you." Karin said, taking Toushirou's hand in hers.
"Good bye, Karin. I love you too." Toushirou said and then dropped her hand and walked to join Rangiku. Then the gate shut and they were both gone.
I turned to face Karin and she had a strange look on her face. It was the look of disbelief.
"I just got married, and now I might not see my husband for months…" Karin mumbled to herself.
"Hey Karin, may I talk to you. I want to ask you something."
"Sure, what's up?"
"I am asking permission from you to leave the human world and go to Soul Society. I will return, but I want to check up on things and I think that Rangiku was withholding some things from me. I want to see some things for myself. Is that okay with you? I can try and restore some of your memory and then show you how to defend yourself if ever the need arises. Are you okay with that?" I asked her.
"Yeah, im good with that plan, but how long do you think that you will be gone?" she asked me.
"that I do not know. It all depends on what is going on in Soul Society. If there is nothing serious going on, then I will return quickly, but if something is happening, then I will allow you to come to Soul Society. I will try to report as often as I can." I said.
"Okay, but why are you telling me all of this?" Karin questioned.
"Because you are my mistress and i believe that you have the right to know." I said.
"Okay. When are you going to go?"
"In three days. Today I am going to try and restore your memories, as many as possible. Then tomorrow, if restoring your memories works, im going to train with you. Then the third day, I am going to rest and then the next morning, I am going to go to Soul Society."
"Okay, then let's get started."
***************
After I had restored as many memories as I could, without hurting Karin, I decided to explain something that only I know about.
"Karin…I need to tell you something about some people that you saw in your memories. It's about Aizen, Gin, and Tosen. When they left and abandoned Soul Society, I had arranged it so that if anyone left, they would forget all about me, my powers, and my connection with you. That is why if you and I ever go to Soul Society, you must be careful of what you say. I believe that there are some people spying for the three captains who deserted us. Please be mindful of what you say. I have to leave in the morning, so I need to get some rest. I will leave when the sun rises. Good bye, Karin. Be safe." I said and then when and laid down on a bed and fell asleep.
***************
In the morning
"Karin…karin wake up." I said, shaking her body.
"Hm, what's up Stephany?"
"I am leaving now. Here, I wanted you to have this. It's a Dragon Tear. Please be careful while im gone and whatever you do, do NOT let anyone know that you have the jem. If anyone knew that I gave you a Dragon Tear, then you would be in more danger than you already are. I have to go now, so I'll see you as soon as I can and I'll try to find a way to talk to you. Good bye." I said and then walked out the door.
***************
In Soul Society
"Hey, where is everybody? There is like no one here. That's odd. Well I guess I'll give my grandfather a surprise visit." I said and started walking towards the first division.
When I was close to the division, I saw about one thousand people standing outside Grandfather's office, waiting for something to happen. I had already decided upon coming here, that no one was to know, aside the Captains and Lieutenants that I was here. I closed my eyes, thinking on how to get into Grandfather's office, where they were obviously having a Captain and Lieutenant meeting. I thought for one moment and then opened my eyes. I had an idea. I used my light speed and ran about five miles away and released a very small Wind Hurricane and it made a loud boom as it hit a few buildings, causing debris and smoke to rise in the air. I saw many people coming to investigate and I ran back to the first division.
As I approached, I noticed that most of the people that were previously there, took the bait and went to check out the explosion. There were only about one hundred of the thousands that were there. I shrugged and closed my eyes. Right in the middle of all of the people, a small but powerful tornado appeared and people started to back off. I smiled at how easy this was turning out to be, and made a run for the door, that had swung open from the force of my tornado.
As I sneaked inside, I saw that Toushirou was standing in the middle of all of the Captain's and Lieutenants. I looked and saw a worried look from Rangiku. I looked around and saw a chair in the corner, out of everybody's way, so I ran and sat in it. I didn't care if anyone saw me, but all the same, I hoped no one did. My wish came true and no one even noticed me. Then Toushirou resumed speaking and I started to pay attention to his words.
"There were no arrancar in the human world. I think Masumoto only came in contact with one hollow, on this mission. Um sir, may I ask you a question?" Toushirou asked.
My grandfather sighed and then nodded, indicating yes.
"Why were I and Lieutenant Masumoto called back to Soul Society. I see neither threat, nor do I sense any danger approaching."
Grandfather looked at Toushirou and then sighed.
"You do know that any type of relationship with humans is not allowed?"
"Yes sir, but I thought that you had allowed me…er…"special" permission to be with Karin."
"I only did that because my granddaughter was here. Now that she has left, I will go back to the original rule."
"B-but why sir?" Toushirou asked, a note of pleading entered his voice.
"Because I only did it for my granddaughter's happiness, and now that she is gone and probably won't return until that girl dies, what I say goes."
"S-sir, please. Why say this now?" Toushirou asked, casting a look at Rangiku, who looked just as stunned as he did.
"Because my sources have informed me that you went and visited the girl during your mission and I don't want you to become attached to her, again. Now tell me, did anything happen in the human world that I should know about?"
I felt sick to my stomach. How dare Grandfather do that to Toushirou! I was outraged and the temperature started to show it. I quickly regained control of the temperature and looked around. No one had noticed me, and they all expected that the drop in temperature was Toushirou's doing.
"Sir…please. Allow me to stay with Karin." Toushirou begged and I winched at how pitiful it sounded.
"No, now tell me what happened between you two."
"I…I cannot, sir. I apologize, but it is between me and her. Please forgive me."
"How dare you. You will tell me what happened right now or else I will strip you of your rank." Grandfather threatened.
"I will not. Take away my rank, but I refuse to tell you anything more about Karin and myself."
"Last chance, Captain Hitsugaya. Tell me or lose your position."
"…I will lose my position." Toushirou whispered and I could tell that Grandfather was furious.
Toushirou looked down and then looked back up. When he looked up, he had a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Sir, what would happen if I went and got your granddaughter and told her of this…what would she think?" Toushirou asked, and then Grandfather lost it.
"Sasakibe!"
"Sir!" he replied.
"Restrain him and remove Hyourinmaru."
"No, you may restrain me, but you will not take Hyourinmaru from me." Toushirou hissed out. Sasakibe lashed out and struck Toushirou in the face. The force of the punch caused Toushirou to lose his balance and fall over.
"Never talk to the Head Captain like that."
"Oh…so he never did answer me. What would happen if I told his granddaughter all that has happened…what would she think?" Toushirou said in a mocking manor from the ground.
"Captain, please stop! You will get hurt." Rangiku warned, but it was too late. Grandfather had drawn his sword and swung it down towards Toushirou's head. That was when I decided to cut it.
As Grandfather's sword almost hit Toushirou in the head, I closed my eyes and my dragon tail appeared. I swung it and it met grandfather's sword with a loud clang. As soon as my tail and his sword collided, Grandfather got control of himself and the room went deadly quiet. However, the temperature started to drop drastically.
"His granddaughter would not be pleased with what he had said and done." I said, replying to what Toushirou had asked earlier.
Grandfather tried to swallow, but found that task harder than it was supposed to be.
"Just what were you going to do to Captain Hitsugaya, Head Captain?" I asked in the most menacing manor I could manage.
"…punish him for his insubordination." Was the reply I got. I growled low in my throat and my eyes started to change colors.
"…Grandfather…how could you…I…" I couldn't continue. I felt tears well up in my eyes. All my life I had believed that Grandfather was a kind and loving man, but that previous speech convinced me otherwise. He was only pretending to be kind, maybe because he feared me, maybe other reasons. But never the less, I felt betrayed.
I turned towards Toushirou, who was still on the ground. I leaned over and my hand was enveloped in a light green light and I touched Toushirou's cheek, where Sasakibe had hit him. At first, Toushirou winched at the contact, but then relaxed as I finished healing him.
"And Grandfather, if I recall correctly, you also had a relations ship with a human…that is how I came to be. So I think that you should lay off of Toushirou and Karin." I said and then glared at him.
"I…fine…," then he sighed. "How long have you been listening?" he asked me. I shrugged.
"I came in when Toushirou was giving his report about not seeing any arrancar." I said. Grandfather just nodded his head and then the room went into an awkward silence.
After about five minutes of nothing but crickets chirping, I lost it.
"What is the meaning of the captain meeting? Why did you call it because I, just like Toushirou, cannot sense anything dangerous. Was this meeting just to confront one of your captain's about his love life, because if that was the reason, then I have even more reasons to be mad at you." I said.
"No, Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Masumoto were summoned back because of Aizen. We had believed that-"
"Please spare me the details, Grandfather. I care not about Aizen, and wouldn't it have been a wiser move to allow Toushirou and his Lieutenant in the human world if Aizen had decided to target it?" I questioned.
"Well, I never thought of that…" Grandfather said. I just rolled my eyes and looked away.
"So tell me, why were all of the people outside? What were they waiting for?" I asked.
"They are awaiting orders from us. All of the Captains and Lieutenants were called into an emergency meeting and many others followed us, waiting for us to give them orders of some sort." A voice said. I turned to see the speaker. As I was looking around, I saw Rangiku blush and I wondered why. When I saw who spoke, I could help the small laugh that came out. The speaker was none other than Zaraki Kenpachi.
"Ah I see, and what orders would that be?" I questioned.
"Whatever the Head Captain ordered us to do." He replied. I just nodded and then started thinking.
"S-Stephany…STEPHANY!" someone called out.
I snapped my head up and looked around to see who called out my name. It was Rangiku.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Where is Karin?" she whispered to me.
"Human world." I said and then went back to thinking. If Aizen really was after power, then he would be trying to find something that has a huge amount of it…me. He had tried that once. He had captured Karin and then held me up to it, threatening me if I didn't give him some power, but Aizen wouldn't use it now, would he? No, he would wait until he got more of it…and that was many years ago… Hold on a minute…the decrease in hollows, yet someone had said that there was an arrancar in the human world. Why would anyone say a lie. Unless the person had an idea as to what Aizen was up to…they could have told the lie to make the Head Captain send a Captain to the human world, knowing that the Head Captain had promised to send Toushirou the first chance he got…the person would have known that when Toushirou was in the human world, that he would go and visit Karin immediately, however from what I heard, almost everyone knew about his wanting to be with my mistress.
Then it hit me. This was all a trap! Someone had spread a rumor about the arrancar, knowing that Grandfather would act upon it, and he did; he sent Captain Hitsugaya. Then after a week of staying in the human world, someone told Grandfather something and that made Grandfather order Toushirou back. The person must have known that I would follow soon…and leave Karin unprotected with a Dragon Tear. Aizen was after the Dragon Tear I gave her. I quickly stood up and walked out of the room. Then I closed my eyes and focused on Karin. I could not sense her spiritual energy. I quickly opened my eyes and then turned towards the Captains and Lieutenants.
"Grandfather, I am going to need to borrow three of your Captains," I said. "Captain Hitsugaya, Kenpachi, and Unohana, please come with me, along with Rangiku and Yachiru. Isane, please stay here and fill in for Captain Unohana. I don't have time to explain, please hurry!" I said and then looked at the sky, which had turned from a beautiful light blue cloudless sky, to grey and menacing looking.
I was about to open a gate to return to the human world, when a hole opened, out of thin air, in the sky.
"No…" I called out. I knew that my guess was accurate at this time. If someone had sent hollows to Soul Society to slow me down, then I knew that someone was trying to keep me from the human world were Karin was. I looked up and saw that there were so many hollows, that you couldn't even see the sky.
"NO!" I thundered and then transformed. Everyone was surprised at my reaction, but drew their swords, none the less.
"Captain Hitsugaya, Captain Kenpachi, Captain Unohana, Lieutenant Rangiku and Lieutenant Yachiru, please, you must get to the human world as quickly as possible. Karin is in danger and so is Soul Society. Toushirou, if Aizen gets a hold of another Dragon Tear, then there could be some major problems. I had left one with Karin and someone knew and informed Aizen. The person knew that i would come to Soul Society and leave Karin behind. Please, you must hurry." I said and then a stream of Fire and Lightning erupted from my mouth, killing at least one hundred hollows and injuring many others.
"Aizen!" I roared and then another crack in the sky opened.
"Ah, I see that the beautiful Wind Dragon had already figured it out, but don't worry, Karin won't live for long…" Aizen said and then vanished. I roared even louder and then turned towards the ones who were close to me.
"Quick, you must get to the human world and save my mistress. I shall remain here and fight. Please hurry." I said and a gate way opened. All five of them stepped in and I nodded my good bye.
"I am counting on all of yall. Good bye and good luck." I said and then the gate closed.
***************
One hour later
Soul Society
I swung my tail down and destroyed yet another hollow.
"Geez, how many did that make? A million?" I asked out loud and then transformed into my human form. I heard a light chuckle and i turned around. I felt a hand rest on top of my head and I frowned. I gently pushed off the hand and turned to see who it was. It was Shunsui and Ukitake. Shunsui was the one who put his hand on my head and Ukitake was the one who chuckled.
"Well, we most certainly got a great work out." Ukitake said and then started coughing.
"Ukitake! Here, be still." I said and then I gently put my hands on Ukitake's chest and concentrated. My hands were enveloped in a green light. After a few moments, I removed my hands and Ukitake looked grateful.
"T-thank you," He said and then sighed. "I no longer feel the burning, what did you do?" he asked me.
"I just healed your lungs as best as I could." I said and smiled. "I need to get to the human world." I mumbled and then excused myself.
I looked around and didn't see any more hollows. I looked straight ahead and a gate appeared and opened. I looked around and saw that Captain Kuchiki was walking towards me. I smiled at him and he just nodded.
"Captain, will you please deliver a message to Grandfather? Please tell him that I have returned to the human world and that I will not return to Soul Society without Karin with me…unless it is important."
"Yes, I will tell him."
"Thank you." I said and then stepped in the gates. As they were closing, I smiled once again and then the doors shut.
***************
As I arrived in the human world, all I could see was fire. I was terrified and then I heard a huge boom. I quickly summoned a small hurricane and extinguished the raging fire. Then I ran to find were the huge noise came from. As I approached the spot, I heard a voice call out.
"Shoot to Death, Shinsou." And then a loud clang as metal collided with metal. I walked up, I saw Gin Ichimaru engaged in battle with Zaraki. I decided to allow him to have his fun. I started to run once again towards Karin's house. When I arrived, I saw that it was broken into. I concentrated and I could tell that there were some people in the house. I silently, using my light speed, ran into the house, looking for the people. When I came to Karin's room, I saw her unconscious body lying on the bed with Toushirou standing over her. I saw that Toushirou had his sword drawn and that he was bleeding profusely. Then I heard a light chuckle. It was Aizen.
"Boy, do you really think that you can harm me?" Aizen asked in a light voice. Toushirou didn't move. I quietly made my teeth become as sharp as razors and I could feel the dragon venom in my mouth. I smiled evilly and as quick as I could, ran in the room and sunk my teeth into Aizen's neck. Then I quickly moved away and went to stand by Toushirou.
Aizen choked out a small yell of shock and then started backing away from me.
"Leave. Now." I said, my voice full of venom, almost as strong as the venom in my mouth.
Aizen looked at Karin once and then he walked away and then a huge yellow light surrounded him and then he was gone.
I breathed a sigh of relief and turned to face Toushirou.
"So…what happened?" I asked him, and he stiffened.
"I believe that you will have to ask Karin that." He said and looked down.
"Um…okay…" I said and watch Toushirou stand up, for he had sat down when Aizen left.
"I think that i must be getting back to Soul Society. Good bye, Stephany." He said and then started to walk away.
Then I remembered something that I wanted to tell him. "Toushirou, I just wanted to tell you that only Rangiku knows about your marriage. She was there, even thought you didn't know it."
"What, I thought that it was only me and Karin. We, just for this purpose, didn't invite or tell anyone about our marriage."
"I think that you have such a good bond with your Lieutenant, and that she can keep a secret, so I was the one who told her that you both were getting married, so im the one to blame for her knowing." I said and Toushirou nodded and then walked outside.
I was surprised to see that he didn't even have a scratch on him. I saw him call out and Rangiku came and joined him. Then a gate opened and he walked into it without another word. The gate closed and Toushirou was gone.
***************
Two months later (this is a hint)
"Oh…I don't feel so well…" Karin said and then ran to the restroom and started to through up.
"Karin, are you okay?" I asked her.
"Yeah, im fine. I think I just got a stomach virus or something. Im good." she said and then went to lie back down.
***************
(major time skip)
Four years later
"Yes!" Karin said as she destroyed the hollow. As the smoke from the explosion cleared, she sensed another person's presence. Karin stared straight ahead, ready to take on another challenge if it resorted to it.
Karin had without a doubt changed, one year after Toushirou had left, and Karin had reached full maturity, mentally as well as physically. That was the year Karin had started to hold a deep secret. Something that only I, Karin and her family (sister, brother and father) knew about.
"Karin…" I called out as if to warn her.
"Yeah, I know." Was her response.
"Do you want me to face him first?" I asked her.
"No. You just keep yourself and the secret safe until it's time to tell everyone." Karin said and then turned her full attention towards a person who was approaching her.
"K-Karin? Is that you?" a voice called out.
"Why would you care anymore? You're the one that left me." Karin hissed out. I still never learned what had happened between them. Whenever I would ask Karin, she would snap at me and then walk away. I would never dare look at her memories because I respected her privacy.
"Karin, I told you. I didn't have a choice." The voice said.
"Lies."
The dust fully cleared and I could see, even though I already knew, who it was.
"Hello Captain Hitsugaya." I greeted him.
"Hello Stephany." He said and then turned back to Karin, but she had already started to run off. Toushirou bolted after her.
"Karin! Karin, wait!" Toushirou yelled, trying to catch up with her.
"Why should I?" Karin yelled over her shoulder, speeding up in the process. Karin turned around to see how far away Toushirou was from her. Karin was surprised to see that he had almost caught up with her. Karin turned around and tried to speed up, but a pair of hands came and wrapped themselves around Karin's waist, causing her to lose her balance and fall over, bringing Toushirou with her.
Karin fell and tried to put her left arm out to catch her fall, but the hands that were still on Karin's waist, caused her to fully turn and fall flat on her back, with Toushirou on top. When Karin hit the ground, the air was forced out of her lungs with a big "oof". Toushirou was looking down at Karin, smirking in triumph. However, Toushirou's little triumphal dance was short lived because Karin brought her fist back and swung at Toushirou, hitting him right in the stomach. But the punch wasn't any ordinary punch, it was infused with her spirit energy, so when it made contact with Toushirou's stomach, he grunted, trying to suppress a scream of pain and surprise, and coughed up blood.
Karin looked at Toushirou for a split second, then turned on her heels and walked away.
"K-Karin, please…wait…" Toushirou whispered and then coughed up more blood. Karin sighed and then started to walk back to Toushirou. But as Karin was almost by Toushirou, the girl Karin wanted to see appeared, Momo Hinamori.
"What are you doing here?" Karin snarled, and Momo was taken aback by her hostility. "I was just here because-"
"I don't care." Karin interrupted her.
"Wh-what did I ever do to you?" Momo asked. At that time, Toushirou decided to speak up.
"Karin…I would like you to meet my wife, Momo Hitsugaya." Toushirou said and Karin's jaw dropped…and so did her heart. Toushirou sighed and his eyes met with Karin's, but she quickly looked away.
Wait…who are you?" Momo asked.
"Im Karin Hitsu…I'm Toushirou's ex-wife." Karin said sadly.
"E-ex…wife…since when were you married, Shiro? Let alone get a divorce?" Momo asked, her head swarming with questions.
"You're married?" a little voice called out. Toushirou and Momo whipped their heads around, trying to locate where the voice came from.
"Wow, they are really stupid if they don't know where I am." The voice continued. Toushirou turned to look at Karin as was surprised to see tears streaming down her face as she tried her best to wipe them away before anyone saw them.
"K-karin…im so very s-"
"Don't you even dare to say that to me!" Karin yelled as she gave up trying to wipe the tears away.
"K-Karin…" Toushirou whispered, and started to back away from her (pulling Momo with him) because the temperature suddenly plummeted about thirty to forty degrease. Not only that, but Karin's spiritual pressure started to strongly increase.
Then the voice called out once again. "NI-NI!" the voice sounded like it belonged to a little girl around the age of three.
"Hush." I called out, and everybody (but Karin0 turned to look at me. "Hey!" I said and waved. Everyone, including Karin, sweatdropped. "What?" I asked innocently. Karin started taking deep breaths and I waved my hand around in circles and the temperature returned to normal.
"Aw! I liked the cold, why did ya have to take it away, Ni-Ni?" the voice asked. I looked at Karin and met her eyes, silently asked for her permission. Karin nodded and I opened my arms.
"Come on down, Yuki. It's time for you to meet a few people." I called out. Immediately, a little white blur launched away from the tree and landed in my arms, slightly knocking the air from my lungs.
I turned to Karin and nodded, indicating that she should speak. Karin nodded back and then turned to face Toushirou and Momo.
"Toushirou, I would like you to meet Yuki, your daughter." Karin said, smirking. Now it was Toushirou and Momo's turn for their jaws to drop.
"D-daughter?" Toushirou mumbled out.
"Yup!" Karin said and then walked away, tears still streaming down her face.
"M-mommy? Mommy, what's wrong?! Ni-Ni, what's wrong with Mommy?" Yuki cried out.
"Shhh, it's gonna be okay. Don't worry about Karin, she's gonna be alright. Just leave her alone for a while, okay?" Yuki looked at me and nodded. "And Yuki, this is your father, Toushirou Hitsugaya." I explained.
"That's…D-daddy?" Yuki asked, trying to take all of the new information into her tiny head,
"Yes…" I whispered and started to follow Karin.
Then Toushirou spoke up. "M-may I hold my…daughter?"
I looked at him and then shook my head. "No, im sorry. Karin doesn't want Yuki to become attached to you because she believes that you will leave Yuki…just like you left her…" I said and walked away to find Karin.
Then the temperature started to drop and Sterling appeared. "S-stephany…" Sterling called out. I turned to look over and saw Sterling walk towards Yuki and me. I sighed and turned around to face him.
"Sterling, did you know that Yuki is our child too?" I asked him and he stopped in his tracks.
"W-what?" Sterling asked.
"Well, when Karin and Toushirou did…it…on their honeymoon, we were in them…in our spirit forms. Therefore, Karin and I were one being and Toushirou and you were one being as well." I explained.
"But…whoa…" Sterling stammered out.
"Yeah…I even helped Karin give birth to Yuki…we shared the pain. And let me tell you that is something I never want to experience again. I said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood. Sterling just nodded.
"I'm sorry but Yuki and I have to go. Good bye, Sterling." I said, put Yuki on the ground, and then transformed. As soon as I was finished transforming, Yuki jumped up and landed on my back.
"Whoa, how did Yuki do that?" Sterling asked. I just shrugged.
"She is a very powerful child. Yuki inherited Toushirou's hair and his brains. Yuki acts as if she's maybe nine or ten…and she is only three! Yuki inherited Karin's personality…to an extent. Yuki does not have many temper tantrums…but if there is something that Yuki wants to protect, then she would probably die for it if she had to…to goes for Karin as well. Passion is what it is." I said. "And Yuki inherited your eyes, Sterling."
"What about you? What does she have from you?" Sterling whispered lovingly to me. I sighed and looked down at Sterling. Then I spoke to Yuki.
"Yuki, may I tell him?" I asked her.
"N-no…I don't want anyone to know…" Yuki said.
"Okay little one." I said and then turned back to Sterling.
"I'm sorry, but I cant tell you. Yuki doesn't want me to…not yet anyways. I'm sorry, but we have to go. Good bye." I said as gently as I could and spread my wings and got ready to leave but Sterling's question stopped me dead in my tracks.
"Will I-…when will I see you again?"
I looked at him, thinking on how to answer.
"Yes I will most definitely see you again and…I don't know when, but I hope to see you very soon. Good bye, Sterling…I love you…" I said and then brought my winds down, propelling myself into the sky.
"I LOVE YOU TOO!" I heard him call out.
"Here…" I said. I swooped down and dropped something into Sterling's outstretched hand. It was a Dragon Tear. "Be safe." I whispered and then flew off to find Karin.
***************
Me: well I hope everyone enjoyed this chappy! Im soooooo sorry for not posting sooner, but hey, look at the bright side…this chappy is over 8,600 words!!! Yay! Longest chapter I have EVER written.
Karin: nice but why did he marry Momo?
Me: that will be explained a bit later…(hint) it has to do with Grandfather…everything will be explained much later. And I bet (unless I told you) that not many people guessed about Yuki…and can anyone guess what she inherited from Stephany? If you can guess it, then I will happily dedicated the nxt chapter to you…and ya know what…ill even give you a hint as to what the next chapter is gonna be about. The next chapter is going to be a two part chapter. The first part is called "Allegiance" and the second part is going to be called "Shiroi Yuki". Well good luck with the hint! ^.^ yay I am so happy that I have finally completed this chapter. Ever since summer school started (and it's over now) I have wanted to write this chapter for a long time. I even wrote some of it out during summer school, when we had break time. I just never found the time to type.
Karin: yeah, well we both hope that you enjoyed this chapter!
Me: yeah and I'll try and update ASAP when I get back, but I will need MANY emails saying that I got reviews from u guys for encouragement! ^.^ (and im sry all of those who are Gin/Rangiku fans…I am a fan of that paring, but I just really like Zaraki/Rangiku.) Please don't kill me! *runs and avoids flying objects that are aimed for my head* if anyone had a certain paring that they would like to be in this story, then please say it…but don't be perverted. Please make it a really couple (ex. Boy and girl…not boy and boy or vice versa) thanks everyone!
(Ok im getting really confused, but now my father told me that I could take electronics on the ship…but when were overseas, I don't think that I will get internet connection. Lol, I guess that that's the new problem that has occurred. -.^ well R&R and I hope to hear from ya soon!)