A/N: Hello! Long time no update :( I've been really busy these past few months, but here's the new chapter! =D It's a bit short, please bear with me T_T

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach

Chapter 5: Opening from a Dispute

Masaki sat down quietly as she listens to Isshin's and Urahara's arguments. Both Masaki and Isshin have disengaged from the gigais, with great difficulty on Masaki's part. Masaki sighed, and wished the Tanabata festival could have lasted longer.

"You knew I had problems and still didn't help?" Isshin yelled, clearly displeased.

Urahara sweat-dropped, but tried to explain patiently as he hid his face behind his trusty fan, "You see, Kurosaki-san, I was there purely for business reasons; I just wanted to see how well the gigai was working, and I try not to mix my business with yours."

"So you don't care if people will die in front of you," Isshin said coldly, "That Quincy was even better than you."

Isshin, moaned Masaki inwardly.

"Now, now, please don't be too harsh on me. I knew the Quincy was going to come-"

"Yeah, right," accused Isshin, crossing his arms, "I didn't feel that Quincy's reiastu until he was literally there."

There was a glint at Urahara's eyes as he said, "Well, I've known about him longer than you did. Naturally, I could track his reiastu faster. You were preoccupied and couldn't really pay attention to other people's reiastu at that time, now, could you?"

Isshin retorted, "Maybe it's just because of your gigais."

Urahara resigned, and said instead, "Maybe," Urahara sat down, legs crossed and said seriously, "Well, to tell you the truth, I think the gigais are attaching to your souls, particularly the little lady over here, a little too well. The fact is, as we've just seen, you may be placing yourself in danger. I suggest you make whatever trips or errands you have quickly."

"Well, I don't think we'll be staying here any much longer," Isshin said frostily, "I don't want to put Masaki-sam-, I mean, Masaki-san here in too much danger."

Masaki could not hold back any longer, so she stood up and tapped Isshin's shoulders, "Isshin, a word please." She turned to Urahara, "Please excuse us for a while."

Urahara lowered his head, "Of course."

Isshin was somewhat confused, but still followed Masaki to the corridor outside. Masaki sat down, so did Isshin. Masaki was about to open her mouth to speak, then she closed it again, unsure where to start.

"What's wrong?" asked Isshin, concerned, "Don't worry, you can tell me anything. If you don't like it here we can go somewhere else."

"It's not that," said Masaki softly.

"What is it then?" Isshin became slightly impatient.

Masaki said hesitantly, "I've been thinking about this, and…you see, I think we should really stay in the real world and live our lives as humans."

Isshin could only stare, "How…?"

"Urahara said it, right?" Masaki continued in a rush, her face flushing as she said so, "If we stayed in the gigai long enough, then our spiritual power will eventually deteriorate into normal human souls."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Isshin asked dumbfounded.

"I mean, look at the humans," rushed on Masaki miserably, "They have so much more freedom than we do. I can't stand my parents hampering on me, saying whatever royal expectations they have."

"You were born as a princess, Masaki-sama," said Isshin gravely, "You have to take care of your family business."

"That's what they keep saying!" Masaki's voice went up a notch, "But how am I supposed to find myself, my own identity, if I keep living under their shadows? I want to live out my own life, not supporting someone else's."

Isshin, however, remained firm, "Everyone had to live out to their parent's expectation, Masaki-sama. You can't just leave your family or your duties like this. As your guard and as your friend, I completely object to this."

Masaki was nearing tears; she had always thought Isshin would support her decisions no matter what. After all, Isshin accompanied her to the real world, undertaking all the consequences and risks that came along with it. She knew she would take all responsibilities if they were found out.

"If you prefer soul society so much, then you can go. I'll stay by myself," said Masaki stubbornly.

"Masaki-"

"I'm going for a walk." Masaki stood up and stormed out of the store, slamming the front door as she did so. Isshin sighed and turned to glare at Urahara who was peeking from the door. "You really have to take care of that bad habit of yours."

"I didn't want her to break my front door. Unfortunately, it tends to break down a lot from angry customers."

Masaki walked by the river with mixed feelings. They have been arguing for a very long time, for the sun was already rising. She was still mad at Isshin for disagreeing with her, even if she knew Isshin's arguments made sense. But deep inside she would rather have Isshin stay with her. As she walked, she felt somewhat guilty for lashing out her anger at Isshin.

She was so immersed into her thoughts that she was not paying attention to where she was going. She slipped on the wet grass and was about to fall into the river when a strong, firm grip held her still. She turned around, "Issh-" Her eyes found a pair of eyes, hidden behind a pair of black, square glasses, too light brown to be Isshin's. "Oh, um, thank you, mister…?"

"Aizen, Aizen Sousuke. Nice to meet you."

A/N: I feel bad for leaving another cliffy after a long-awaited short update. Thanks for reading! Click the review button below if you'd like :)