First Time- All Over Again
Chapter 8
Author's Note: Took me longer to update than I expected…but I got distracted by my friends who insist I have a life other than the computer, but hey I did have fun so that's the important thing right? I just found out how to check how many of you read my story, wasn't surprised. You all probably thought chapter 7 sucked right? Well even if you didn't, I promise to make up for it in this chapter. Also, Just thought I would let you all know, I am planning out the end already for this fic and I am thinking I should have about hopefully 12 chapters. It's short, but you already have seen the Soul society arch before and I do not intend on making you all re-read worthless stuff. Knowing this, and after your opinions, I want everyone to honestly say whether or not I should make a sequel. If there is a sequel, I plan to add other characters because its really hear to be a strict canon writer…enough of this, you are here to read the here and now chapters.
This chapter is named "Something Beautiful" By the Newsboys. This was suggested by otaku-drea. By the way, if any of you want to give me some songs to use, I could use the help since I spend a lot of time scrolling through my ipod for songs to use in my story. Plus, I get to add new neat songs to my ipod that I havnt heard before, so please give me anything you think would be cool.
Disclaimer: this is a shout out to my friend who does own this statement- "Boobs and gore!"…hmm sorry kiddies, that was a bit graphic wasn't it?
The latter of yoruichi's visit went smoothly. Yoruichi told Ichigo to meet Urahura tomorrow at sunrise and Ichigo said he'd be there. However as easy as this transaction was, the spiky blonde Shinigami felt at unease and was worried about what lay beyond tomorrow's horizon. He wondered if him and Rukia would be alright. He knew that if the old Rukia was back, she would ask where the real Ichigo was and then tell him to stop worrying. This atleast put a small smile on his face but it was not enough. Ichigo wanted Rukia living and breathing in front of him and the only way that would happen would be if he went through hell again to bring her back. The Soul Society was nice for providing souls for a place to go after they pass on but if they did anything to hurt his midget, they will have to face the wrath of the mighty death berry.
Ichigo decided he ought to pack a few things with him in case he would be staying in the Soul Society for longer than couple days. He grabbed his old schoolbag and stuffed in some clothes that he would wear other than his normal Shinigami uniform. Along with clothes were some personal items. Among them was a picture of Ichigo scowling, wearing a purple polo shirt and ripped jeans and Rukia hugging a stuffed bunny that he bought for her…after she persuaded him a little bit. Whenever life was low for him, Ichigo thought of a simpler time when he was still alive and youthful. He looked it now but he was of adult age now and looking back, Ichigo was surprised at how he turned out to be. He could have been so much more vibrant a person, have more friends, be in more clubs. But he was just too stubborn of a teenager back then and too wrapped up in his self-image. It's amazing what death can teach you. You learn that the only one that you have to answer is yourself and no one else gives a damn about you or your looks. Ichigo smiled. Rukia taught him everything, she was his mentor, partner, friend and….he frowned, it didn't continue after that.
I wanna start it over
I wanna start again
I wanna a new beginning
One without an end
I feel it inside
Calling out to me
Ichigo ruffled his orange hair. He was just about done with his packing when a piece of folded and crumpled paper stuck out from his drawer that he just looked over. Ichigo picked it up and unraveled it and read the contents.
Until the day I die
I'll spill my heart for you, for you
Until the day I die
I'll spill my heart for you…
It was a little note that he passed on to Rukia the night before the big battle. They both knew that in case something went wrong, they were to die with each other. Ichigo wrote this little song to her so Rukia knew that he was determined to get him and her out of that battle alive, even though it didn't turn out that way. It was the last song he wrote before he died and after he did, he gave up making music. Finally, ichigo took his old guitar and tossed it in there. With everything ready, Ichigo collected his bearings and left his room for perhaps the last time. The sun was just peeking over the horizon.
۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞۞
Rukia swallowed hard as her words came out in a mouthful. She could barely understand why she said the things she did. With Yamamoto reading her like an open book, it was hard to hide anything from him. However, she did not have to completely lose this. 'They will hurt Ichigo if I don't think of something quick..'
"Yamamoto-taicho! Ichigo is not at all at fault for this. We both would have perished and have a hollow go rampant if it weren't for his quick thinking. I know what he did was wrong, but please don't make Ichigo pay for it."
The old man said nothing for a second but after considerable thinking, he called over his vice captain. "Chōjirō Sasakibe Let all of the gotei 13 know that Ichigo is now a criminal and should be tried as soon as possible. If anyone is to see him, he will be placed in the prison barracks without a question. Also put Rukia behind bars since she is so determined to be in Ichigo's place." Rukia looked at her head commander in shock. He totally disregarded what she said and did the exact opposite of what she wanted him to do.
"Kuchiki Rukia, you better close that mouth of yours and leave before I send you to the Sōkyoku too." The second division lieutenant ushered Rukia out of the room and onto the streets of Seiretetei again. He did not say a word to her the whole way to the prison.
Rukia felt bitter with anger as she wondered what propaganda went around about this place. 'All souls are welcome here.' She was placed inside a small confinement cell and the only way Rukia was still connected to the outside world was a small window. She sat in a chair frowning, her mind swirling in confusion. Just days ago, she was in the safety and security of Ichigo's house and now her fate can all be changed within a second here.
She wished nothing more than for Ichigo to be beside her now. 'No, he won't come for me. He will do what's smart and protect himself.' Rukia hugged in her arms closer to herself, feeling suddenly cold as if all warmth escaped from her body. Nobody was around to talk to either. With the silence and darkness of her cell, it made paranoia settle in.
Is death like this? Rukia pondered, the feeling of hopelessness, coldness and loneliness? She buried her head into her hands as she wondered what she got herself into. Before Ichigo, her life was placid, dull but peaceful. Now, Rukia was thrust into a world that was way over her head. Worse than that, because of her, Ichigo's life would be painstakingly lost for her own. She did nothing to deserve Ichigo's soul. Rukia looked straight across from her and could have sworn she saw a silhouette of Ichigo's body outlined against the stone gray walls. The picture became more clear and Rukia was inclined as to lean from her chair closer and closer to it. 'Ichigo' was wearing a black and brown hoodie and ripped jeans. He was propped against a corner, with a knee up and a guitar in his hands. 'Ichigo' was fingering some cords into a soft melody that was harmonious and soothing to Rukia's ears. They attracted her so and for that moment, nothing else mattered. She imagined him motioning a hand towards her to come to him, which she obeyed without questioning.
It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Somethings beautiful
Rukia crawled into his lap and Ichigo placed her head under his chin. He stroked her hair softly after placing his guitar down. "It's ok…it's ok…it's ok." Rukia believed him too, like an ingenuous child who didn't want to hear that her fish was flushed down the toilet while she was at school.
They sat like there for awhile, and said nothing but to Rukia, they said everything and more and just embraced each other's company. She didn't care that Ichigo was not with her right now, she didn't care that she was hallucinating. Rukia just did not face reality, not until she woke up in her bed, in her cozy apartment and realized everything was just a dream and that Ichigo did not die. Everything would be ok then. Pretend Ichigo whispered in her ears softly as she fell into a relaxed sleeping state.
I've heard it in the silence
Seen it on a face
I've felt it in the long hour
Like a sweet embrace
I know this is true
It's calling out to me
Ichigo walked up the street to the Urahura shop and was about to open the door when it was already received on the other end. Urahura Kisuke led him inside.
"Ah, Kurosaki-san, long time no see. Now what brings you here to my humble abode?" Urahura fanned himself in a theatre dramatic way for exaggeration purposes. Ichigo grew nerve twitches above his eyes.
"You know why I am here old man! Just show me to the damn portal!" Ichigo snapped, not in the mood for Kisuke's aloof behavior.
Urahura pulled down his hat more and (this is where those dark blue line thingys close in around one character when they look depressed) acted like he had shrunken two sizes. "Oh how you wound me Kurosaki. Especially since it's your fault you lost your key in the first place." Ichigo crossed his arms in an indignant manner and huffed, not wanting to argue with a man that has a molester face and that could abduct him and stuff him in their basement filled with 'defective' products.
"I want to make this as quick and possible pervy-face!" Ichigo was acting pissy and anxious because he wanted to get Rukia, avoid being caught, come back and live a happily ever after…or somewhere along those lines.
It's the child on her wedding day
It's the daddy that gives her away
Something beautiful
When we laugh so hard we cry
Oh the love between you and I
Something beautiful
"No." That was what the Shinigami exile said to the Fukutaicho of the thirteenth squad.
"Excuse me?" Ichigo wasn't following at all. Urahura looked serious now and Ichigo stiffened at how easily Mr. hat n. clogs changed moods.
"I don't want to repeat myself. Your friends can wait." Kisuke advanced onto Ichigo, exposing his zanpakutou to him. Before the berry head could react, Urahura shunpoed behind him, and was aiming for a blow to the temple region when Ichigo intelligently and quickly disposed of his gigai, took out Zangetsy and matched his katana with Urahura's.
"Not bad." Urahura sheathed Benihime, giving off the appearance that their fight was over but Ichigo knew better. He saw Urahura having his palm face Ichigo. He was preparing a kidou.
"Soukatsui!!" A blue wave of spiritual energy exploded from Urahura's hand and was sent flying in Ichigo's direction. He though easily deflected the kidou by counteracting it with a much stronger one. Without thinking of gathering his reiatsu together and focusing it into his palm, ichigo just simply shout out the name of his kidou spell.
"Hakuren!!!" However, there was no incantation and Ichigo Kurosaki was known for his kidou defiency. Smoke was the only thing that resulted from the cursed word and it blew up on Ichigo's face and body. Ichigo felt heat rise to his face due to embarrassment. Urahura smirked from under his striped hat and came walking over to him. Ichigo who was still expecting Urahura Kisuke to have tricks up his sleeve, stiffened and placed his hands on Zangetsu. However, the blond haired store manager only came up beside him and patted him on the shoulder.
"Other than your lack of kidou skills…and common sense, you still seem to be in fine shape." Urahura flashed him a wide grin that sent shivers up Ichigo's spine. He took urahura's hand and shook it off as if it were some sort of parasite.
"So…what was this? A test to prove myself worthy of saving Rukia? This was a total waste of ti-" Ichigo was cut off by a large sigh from Urahura who shaked his head in shame at Ichigo's stupidity.
"No, you're wrong as usual. You must prove to your friends, to me, to Rukia…hell, Ichigo, you must be ready to prove the Soul Society that they were wrong to suspect you of Mutiny and betrayal. It's not all about you anymore. Rukia was killed twice now…" and in a softer voice, "you don't want to see her fall a third time." Ichigo's frown deepened as he struggled to keep up.
"Why are you telling me stuff I already know?" Urahura flashed Ichigo a grave look that shut him up instantly.
"If you knew what I was saying, I would have had you leave hours ago." Ichigo sighed. He wished that Urahura wasn't always so 'fortune cookie' with him.
"Rukia has a chance to live a normal life…do you honestly think I'm going to be the same selfish bastard I was sixteen or so years ago? I want her to be happy and she belongs in the world of the living now, not here. It's my fault I got her into this mess and I will make sure to bring her home." Ichigo finished his noble speech with a determined gaze in his amber eyes, they were searching ahead of him as if looking at the possible outcomes of this journey.
It's the child on her wedding day
It's the daddy that gives her away
Something beautiful
When we laugh so hard we cry
It's the love between you and I
Something beautiful
I guess he has his mature moments every now and then…thought urahura contemplatively. He stretched into a yawn but saw that Ichigo was not going to back down from this. "Very well then." He nodded nonchalantly.
Urahura led Ichigo down into the secret training facilty that Urahura kept beneath the shop. Waiting for Ichigo, each on different boulders or rocks were: Ishida, Inoue, Chad and Renji. With the exception of the bubbly but conscientious Orihime, the guys looked pretty impatient and wondered if Ichigo would truly rescue Rukia at this pace.
"My dead quincy grandmother can walk through portals faster that you Ichigo!" That was Ishida of course. Everyone on cue sweatdropped.
"My dead grandmother is dead and will stay dead as far as I'm concerned Ishida!" Yoruichi, in her cat form, was beside Urahura as he was standing beside the gate. Urahura opened the gate and a bright light blinded everyone, ceasing Ichigo and Ishida's squabbles.
"You all know the drill right?" They all nodded. Ichigo went in first, being the natural leader. Everyone else followed suit. Even Yoruichi decided to tag along.
While the Kurosaki gang was running through the nothingness and heading towards the ending, Ichigo turned to Yoruichi and chuckled.
"You just can't get enough of these execution escapades can you Yoruichi-san? You just love to be with us don't you? Admit it."
Yoruichi smirked. "No, it's because you helpless morons get into trouble when it concerns the common sense department. I must be here so you think twice before making stupid decisions. Focus! Our way out is straight ahead." Ichigo and company ran faster still, trying to get out within the time limit. Luckily though, the cleaning system was not there so the way to the end of the tunnel would be a breeze.
They all popped out into the Western Rukon Destrict, 72. However, it was a nasty drop of about say 100 feet above the ground so everyone sustained minor head and or body injuries from the fall. Yoruichi though fell gracefully on all four feet, making everyone envious of her. Once they remembered who they were and where they were, Orihime looked to Ichigo as so did everyone but Ishida and Renji. Chad was just being….chad.
"Kurosaki-kun, where to now?" Orhime inquired. Renji just snorted and Ishida pushed his glasses farther up his nose. For Shinigami, finding a fellow Shinigami was like breathing. All you had to do was pinpoint them by their releasing of their spiritual energy. Ichigo was always easy to fins and would not be good at Soul Society hide and seek as he always leeked out reiatsu wherever he went.
"We'll split up. Renji, you come with me. Ishida, you go with Orihime and Chad you can go with Yoruichi. Try to stay out of trouble, Renji and I will take care of the hard stuff." They all seem satisfied except for one little quincy boy who was anything but relaxed. He had a lot of time to be alone with Orihime which made him extra nervous. He would not reveal this to anyone especially Ichigo or Renji because they would just taunt him. Ishida nodded hastly and ran after Orihime who seemed to want a headstart. Ichigo's team separated and moved out.
Rukia was aroused from her half coaxing sleep by loud banging noises outside the prison.
"All squad captains and vice captains, there is a breachment in western Rukon district 72. The sources are unknown but are possible five ryoka. Captains, be aware of any suspicious looking souls. If they are suspected to be ryoka, they are to be taken to captain Yamamoto at once. That is all."
Rukia heard the distant sound of a parade of feet dashing all around the division barracks. 'Ichigo..are you one of them?'
Author's Note: I do hope that satisfied you all. I spent about four hours yesterday racking my brains writing this, so it's a relief to know this can be checked off my checklist. Depending with how much time I have this week, I may be able to squeeze in time to write chapter 9 too…that'd be awesome…anyways..Review!