Disclaim: Manga belongs to Tite Kubo.

Chapter 10 : Soul society

The next day, Ryuu wasn't following the course. His mind wasn't even paying attention to his surroundings. He had met the captain in the morning before coming to school. He had said to meet him in the evening and he would explain, but Ryuu knew why. A year ago, his aunt had warned him about what soul society would do when they noticed him. Said he should be happy not to get executed.

He wondered how it would be there. The positive things would be that both his uncle and aunt would be there. Apparently, so was his uncle, the real one. The one he knew that lived on the other side of the planet wasn't actually him. That person was apparently Kon.

Kurosaki Ichigo, captain of the 8th squad, what could he be like? The single fact that he had a blood related uncle that was a captain made him wonder just how strong his mother was. And how disappointed would they be when he couldn't reach their expectations.

The day past fast when you don't pay attention. Another thing that was positive was the fact that no one seem to like him here. It would be complicated to leave his mother, sister and Kosakura, though. Sure he would miss the town but he wasn't even supposed to exist in the living world.

At the end of the day he handed in all his things to the school, explaining to the headmaster he was leaving. The headmaster couldn't fandom why such a prodigies would quite school. Next he needed to say goodbye.

He found her in the library, empty as every other Friday. She was sitting with her text book open on next week's exercises. He like spending time with her. When she first came to the school she had been integrated by the other female occupants of the class but was soon repulsed since she apparently was only after the guys. They started hanging together understanding that mentally they were quite similar.

"I'm leaving." He stood in front of her desk. He knew how she would react and he felt happy to know he knew her that well.

"What a big surprise." She didn't bother looking up. She would afterward when the awkward would be over.

"I came to say good bye," he finished looking at the few small rays illuminating her face. How someone could actually like to do homework was beyond him.

"Are you getting sentimental for the first time in your life." She finally looked up with that sly smirk she had inherited from her father.

"Just thought you should know as you will end up alone."

"Well finally I can concentrate on my own studies without having to tutor you in the same time." She stayed up and offered her arm. Holding her elbow, she returned the gesture staying in that position as silent words were exchanged.

"Thank you," she said with a real honest smile. "At least I had a friend in my life. Thank you for being there this year." He smiled back.

"I could tell you the same thing. Try not to kill too many guys."

"Take care, Ryuu." Their hands found the others in a last friendly touch.

"You too, Kosakura. Take care." The last touch of their fingers lingering in their mind as he turned away for who knows how long.

He found captain Hitsugaya right outside the schoolground.

"Don't bother," said Ryuu, as he past the captain, "just tell me what I need to take with me." The captain didn't seem shocked. The child took that as a sign this person didn't underestimate him at least.

"Your zanpakuto, that's all you need. Most of the cloth will be given there. If there is something you really want to bring or cherish you should bring it with you. I don't know how long you would be gone."

If it wasn't for the fact that the soul reaper was a captain, he would probably have liked his presence. But Ryuu had a problem with the head of the soul society, them being the reason he never knew his dad. He couldn't stop to feel guilty to be a tiny bit excited to see soul society. Maybe he would see his dad, if they hadn't killed him off already.

Closing in on his house he could feel the discomfort of the white haired. When they stopped right in front of the house he could see it on his face. Walking inside, the silence welcomed him, even if by now everyone should be home. He had said farewell to his sister last night but he really did wish to see his mother before leaving.

"Can you wait here?" He didn't wait for an answer as he ran to the second floor to his room. There was only one thing he wanted to bring: the pin from his dad. Not wanting to show it to the entire world he had feasted it to a chain that hung loose around his neck. And a picture of his family, including his uncles, cousins and aunts as much as his sister and mother, of course.

He was shocked to see the captain looking at the family pictures covering one of the entrance wall. The disturbance in his clear eyes made him wonder if he by any means knew his mother and maybe even father. He looked back at Ryuu with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't need anything else." But the brow was probably wondering how he had gotten out of his physical body. However the boy could feel another question burning the captain's lips as he looked at the pictures.

"My father is dead," he said. Now that at least was over. Suddenly a thought hit him. "Do you know what day it is today?" He asked.

"The 16th of june." The clouded eyes of the white haired reflected the ones of his mother this exact day. Could it be that the captain was actually helping in the history of his dad, or against? Maybe he felt guilty. But, then he would know he was no longer there. Or, wait, they didn't know he existed at the time.

"I need to see my mother before coming." There was only one place she would be today. Every year this day she would be out, letting either her children with her sister or with one of his soul reaper relatives. Always the same spot: the hill. He could feel the other one trailing behind him but left a good distance between to leave him his privacy. He found her at the same spot he first saw her in her soul form.

"I'm leaving." He had no longer problems sitting meters over the ground. She hugged him in one of those bear hugs his sister had a tendency to make. "Mom, air." She didn't let him go even if she loosen her grip.

"I can't believe you're off to soul society so soon. I wished you could finish school and start in college before they came."

"Mom, it's okay. I gave in my resignation at the administration and farewell to those who matters. I'm fine, really. And think of it this way, aunty Rangiku and uncle Renji are there. I'm sure they are going to take good care of me."

"Kid," she said in a stricter voice holding his face between her hands. "Don't tell anyone your last name."

"Why?"

"Your uncle, Ichigo, is captain of the 8th squad and was pretty much the hero of the 1000 years war. The name Kurosaki is wide known. You won't meet a single one in the Seireitei that don't know that name. If you say that you are a Kurosaki, you would be treated as a relative of said hero, not as yourself."

"Is that so bad?" He pushed her hands away from his face.

"I suppose it's your own choice. It's just that, I was in your position once and everyone was treating me as Kurosaki's younger sister. Not like me. I know you Ryuu, you don't want to be someone else. I just want you to really know that world before become the gossip on everyone's lips."

"Don' worry mom. I had no intention to say it anyway. I don't want to be related to a person that doesn't know me, or that I know for that matter. And didn't you say no one knew I existed. It would be bad if they learned it wouldn't it?"

"I am so happy you are so smart," she smiled and kissed his forehead. "I really am going to miss you." She took him into another bear hug. "Do you know who is going to be your guide there?"

"No, but mom I need to go. My for the moment guide is waiting." He indicated the position of his guide with his head. Her feature changed suddenly and tensed. "Mom?"

"Oh nothing. Just take care and make sure to come home in one peace. Do you mind giving this letter to Rangiku when you see her?"

"Sure thing." He gave her a last hug before running toward the spot where he had seen the captain mere seconds earlier.

They didn't talk after that. Ryuu didn't bother as his thoughts were spinning wildly in his head. By now he knew that the senkaimon leaded to soul society, but to finally be able to walk through the door was more terrifying than anything else. The small hell butterfly ensured his safe voyage from one world to the other.

Honestly, soul society shocked him. Sure, his uncle had done the description of every corner of the Seireitei, but seeing it was way more impressive, or should he say disturbing. The energy was confusing and his already petty sensor was overrun with too much information. And it did not help that apparently the captains or something were there to welcome him.

"Welcome back captain Hitsugaya. Is this the one you were speaking about?" The man that spoke had a weird straw hat and his long black long hair tied with pins. But what you undoubtedly would see first was the pink cloth he wore over his Shinigami clothes.

The one standing right beside him was a woman with glasses and a very severe glare. He could discern the form of nine persons. It didn't take him long to figure out who the captain of the sixth squad was, as his description had been the most precise. He could guess names of the others but that wasn't the easiest to do.

"Ryuu," said the stern voice of Hitsugaya. Snapping back to the real world he saw the attention was one him now.

"What?" He asked dumbfounded.

"Oh, could it be we are going to have an other Kurosaki case?" Said the pink dressed person. Could it be that Hitsugaya had told them his name. Ryuu was certain he knew his mother since she was indeed a Kurosaki and that name was apparently wide known here. Trying not to seem panicked he raise an eyebrow.

"Oh just an expression kid," continued the man. "I suppose you will understand if you speak with captain Kurosaki. Do you know any Kurosaki's kid?" Ryuu understood fast this person was impossible to fool. But was happy to know the white haired hadn't spoken his last name.

"I know some yes," he said after remembering his training to behave in presence of the authority. Back straight and face stern, not betraying a thing. He also made sure not to cross the captain's eyes.

"Oh please tell, who?" He was torned between betraying his cousins or not.

"Yuzu Hanakari, born Kurosaki and Isshin Kurosaki."

"If it isn't inappropriate," said the girl that needed to be the lieutenant of the 1 squad Nanao Ise, "could you tell how you know these people?"

"Karakura isn't a huge town in itself and there is only one school. I know miss Hanakari's children: Akina and Ayaka. And mister Kurosaki has a tendency to pick them up after classes. Even if that had not occur, there is only one place in the entire town with so much spiritual energy."

He could see the shock in more faces than one. The head captain, that couldn't be anyone else really, was casting the one standing beside Ryuu a questioning look.

"Akina and Ayaka do not present any problems for the town or soul society. And either way, they are being taught by none other than Urahara Kisuke. " Ryuu could see the vice captain of the 1 division taking note of everything that was said.

"But kid," said the one he thought would be Shinji something captain of the 5th squad, "you know two Kurosaki's but you didn't say anything about the last one. Or is it you don't know her? Wouldn't that be strange since she is the substitute soul reaper of Karakura?" He could feel the 10th division captain stiff beside him, something apparently all the captain saw too as they turned to him.

"I can't say I personally know her, but I've seen her many times. Kurosaki Karin has a tendency to avoid crowds when she is one duty." Okay, that was a blunt lie, thought the last part was true. His mother wasn't at school much. She was barely there for the parent meetings that were obligatory.

This seem to satisfy the one present's curiosity. The woman however didn't like this nonsense as she soon stood in front of Ryuu.

"I need your name and age."

"Ryuu. 17." That made her look at him.

"I need your full name and you don't look like a 17 year old." Or maybe he should just tell them he was eight and not bother explaining the rest.

"Fine, 9." That was possible but he still looked young for a nine year old. This seem to satisfy the office woman. "As for name, I don't have one." That was a lie but as long as he didn't know his father's name he usually said he didn't have one. No way was he going to say he was a Kurosaki when they clearly thought he already was. Must be his uncle's fault.

"Well Ryuu," said the chief, "I'm Kyoraku Shunsui, captain of the first squad. Welcome to Soul society. Your case is special so we will discuss it closer later one. Don't worry, we won't hurt you."

"Unless you are stupid enough to go thru the 11th squad," mustered Shinji. "Don't do that," he added with a smile when he noticed the commander heard him.

"Anyway," sighted the head, "you are free to walk around the Seireitei as you wish. You will stay in the 10th squad with captain Hitsugaya." This came as a surprise to the young captain as he looked nearly desperate when he looked at the commander. "But first Kotetsu Isane here," he said pointing to the captain of the 4th squad, "is going to make sure you are alright." He motioned to Ryuu to move from his spot.

He greeted the woman before following her. He could hear the voice of Hitsugaya in the background. Acid words thrown toward the commander. Not bothering about what undoubtedly was about his stay, he focused on the smiling woman. The walk to the 4th squad was an agreeable turn of event.

The captain took her time to explain about the divisions and the purpose of her squad. Wherever they walked, the people would move aside to let them thru. She would tell him small stories about her patients and about the squad members. He soon found out that maybe he should reconsider hating all captains.

When they arrived in the squad, he was impressed by the beautiful open space and simple buildings. He was presented to the fourth, third seat and the lieutenant, all talking about something when their captain entered the office.

"Captain," bowed the fourth seat, "lieutenant Kuchiki wanted to speak with you. She said it was urgent."

Ryuu didn't mind waiting so the captain left to this Kuchiki that is, if he remember correctly, the lieutenant of the 13th squad, currently substitute captain of said squad. In the meantime he got to learn more about the 4th squad as the three present were more than willing to tell every story they knew about their squad. Ryuu like the 4th squad. Sure he would never like to be there since there was not fighting, but he could definitely be friend with these ones.

"Thank you for waiting," said the captain after entering the office again. Magically, the three others were deep in their paperwork. This made him laugh, something that took the others by surprise. He didn't wait long though as the three males joined inn.

"So, Ryuu, do you have any allergies," asked Isane when they were alone in a small infirmary room.

"Not that I know of."

"And do you have any phobic reactions? Anything you are afraid of and can make you faint." Why in the world a bunch of soldier asked about that, was beyond him.

"Not that I know of."

"And your age Ryuu, the real one." She said looking him in the eyes making him she understood he had lied. "I'm a doctor before anything, child. I will not tell anyone if you don't wish me too. Your case will be strictly mine, so no one will come and read your fil."

"17," he sight. Trust a doctor to know if you are lying about information.

"You look way younger though. Maybe 6 or seven. Do you know why this is. Again Ryuu, I'm not going to tell." He like this woman, it reminded him half way of his aunt Yuzu. Always affectionate toward someone's feelings.

"The only explanation Urahara gave me was: souls don't grow as fast," he said waiting for her to explain about that. She only took a blood test, not bothering pushing the subject, not yet at least. She was back mere seconds after with the result of the test.

"Ryuu, do you mind telling me who your parents are? Are you by any mean related to Urahara?" How to reveal his soul reaper blood without saying his mother was one.

"Urahara taught me a lot about soul reapers, but that's the closes I'm related to him. My father was a soul reaper." He looked at his fingers feeling so small and sad suddenly. He felt so much younger than in the world of the living. He realized then why the feelings were so much more present when he came here: he was just a kid in this world.

The captain didn't miss the preterit of the word. He felt her arms hold him closer as if understanding his dilemma. He couldn't hide the tears as he leaned in the hug of the woman.

"Ryuu," she said smoothly, "souls don't grow as fast as humans. That also means mentally. The fact that you were here made you realize that more. Don't worry, nobody is going to throw you in the fire. We simply wanted to be sure you didn't attract hollows that could harm you and other occupants of your town."

He stayed until the tears were dry and no sign of them were present. She didn't push him on the matter of his father surely understanding that was a sore spot. She recommended him to know the people here before jugging them and take the time to understand who he really was anyway. She also told him he could come by anytime he wanted and that the seated officers seemed to like him a lot. She wouldn't mind the company either.

A member of the 10th squad came and greeted him, informing him he would lead him to the division. The man in question was the seventh seated officer of the squad and was responsible for everything concerning his stay apparently. He understood the mentality: all captains were idiots and the lower ones were kind was childish. Yeah, the lower ones could be just as shit headed.

The man didn't bother explaining anything, surely feeling Ryuu was but a little kid that was suddenly on his arms bothering him and annoying him. Well it wasn't as if Ryuu wanted to be here in the first place. He didn't mind learning the name of this person. Mind as well just call him 7th seat.

The man had a lean built, black hair and a small dagger like sword hanging over his hip. He showed him the general area he was allowed to visit. The small bed he was attributed with kimonos his size ready for use. The cantina for the ones under the command of the 7th seat, the training ground that was strictly only for training. The dojo of these officers. He was not allowed to be in any of these training spaces between 8 am to 6 pm since then they were used by the officers.

The rest of the day, he was only being looked down upon by everyone that came to talk to him. He was offered a place to sit and scowled when he brought the zanpakuto over his shoulder in the room. Looked like you weren't allowed to bring weapons in general wherever you were. Nobody bothered explaining the rules either and just expected him to know everything.

Laying down that night in the bed, he felt unconfutable to share a room with so many fully grown men. That snore, he noticed when most of them fell asleep. He could only lay there thinking. He had left a lot behind and none seem to understand that. He was a kid who was just teared away from his home to be dropped down in a cave with wolfs and no hand to hold. He forced himself to think of his uncle and aunt being here, but they knew he was coming and still none came and greeted him.

He was childish and it angered him more than anything. Of course his family couldn't just leave their obligations to meet him. And if he really wanted attention he should have told his name. Not managing to sleep, he walked outside the room. Trying to remember how he could get out to the garden he soon saw a figure sitting on one of the roofs not so far away. He could recognize the white hair of the captain as much as his haori.

Somehow he stood there watching the peaceful figure of the captain. He hadn't really seen him that relaxed before. Well he didn't know him either.

"Watching the captain," came an amused voice. Turning around he came eye to eye with a girl that couldn't be that old. Or rather he needed to look up to watch her. She had golden hair that was tied in a messy braid. Her dark orbs reflected a small shimmer of red under the moonlight. "Sofie Darius," she said extending her hand.

"Ryuu," he said responding to her hand. She laughed calmly.

"I know that. Nice to meet you Ryuu. Mind joining me, I couldn't sleep so I thought that a cup of tea should help." That couldn't hurt so he followed her. They ended up drinking right outside watching the sky. It was strange to see the stars so clearly with no city light destroying the peaceful atmosphere.

"How do you like it here in Soul society?" She asked casually. She didn't talk much and the pleasant atmosphere around her calmed the boy down.

"I don't know yet."

"Ruff day? It's always that in the beginning. They learn to know you after a while, and you learn their way be." She smiled back at him. A warm genuine smile. "It gets better."

"You're new?"

"I finished the academy last year. Oh boy was it ruff the first day. Everything new, everyone underestimate you and look down on you. Especially in squad 10. I mean, you won't see the captain much. Oh and while I remember it: don't ever disturb the captain before 12 o'clock."

"Why not?" He asked surprised. He had met the captain at 7 that morning.

"His moody and really dangerous in that period. The only time you will see him relax is in the night. Oh and there is so much you need to learn," she started overexcited suddenly. "You don't know all the rule already right? Since you never went to the academy. Have you visited the entire Seireitei yet? Can I show you around?" At her antic, he could only laugh.

"Thank you, I would like that very much," he said sincerely.

They stay a bit longer on the porch talking about survival skill in the city. When his body touched the bed again he was so tired the snores were none existence and he finally understood he would survive this. He would just come back stronger.

Thanks for the review :D I'm glad you like it :)

Thanks for reading :)

...

And there's the concern about the past/present storyline. I intended to do it like this because I didn't know how much I was going to write and not exactly where the story was going when I started. I think I'm going to put the past in a different story anyway where their story is exploited more, but what about this story?

So I was wondering if you thought it was disturbing to have the parallel histories in the same story or not. I am anyway slowing down on the past part and skipping to periods latter on important to Ryuu's life. Please warn me if you think I should change anything ;)

(Thanks for the warning Guest)