Alright, if anyone of you like happy endings to that gloomy angst ending, here you go.
In fact, when I finished the first section, I kept telling myself not to make a happy ending for it. In the end...well, you see...
Sorry to prolong you all. So let's see if you like it or not!
Luckily, they've gotten Squad 4 standing by to deal with the injured. Captain Unohana personally tends to Chad's worse injuries, while Vice-Captain Kotetsu to Ishida with his numerous bone fractures.
Rukia, being the one in the group with the least injuries, is brought to Renji, who's already healed by the other squad members.
"Don't cry…just accept it…as the…hard fact…" He forces himself to finish the sentence. Rukia's tears have never ceased since returning, but she tries not to cry too violently. She's gotten two broken ribs and they nearly pierce into the lungs. After a minute, she still has tears streaming down her dirty cheeks.
Renji's too tired to say anything more and just gets himself some rest. Though they did squabble over trivial things, that's a great buddy, and he starts to miss him.
"Rukia," After attending to his matters, Byakuya comes to them. Renji gives him a quick nod and he returns it before saying, "You should really get yourself treated."
"Kuchiki-san…" It's Hanatarou behind Byakuya; probably he's asked to heal her.
"I'm fine, thank you." Rukia smiles weakly. The captain looks at her with judging eyes for a while. He then dismisses the clumsy seventh-seat and goes off.
"Kuchiki-san!" A familiar voice calls and Rukia looks behind her.
"Inoue…" She mutters quietly. Orihime's been crying her eyes out, she notices, with the red puffy eyes.
"Is it true…that Kuro-Kurosaki-kun's…?" He voice quivers as her body trembles, and her tears threaten to fall.
Rukia looks behind the brunette and there's Vice-Captain Matsumoto, hanging down her head with some of her beautiful blonde hair slightly sizzled.
A lump forms in Rukia's throat as she nods painfully. Orihime breaks out a wail and the two cuddle together.
"I'm sorry, Inoue…" Rukia sobs with hiccups. "I just…couldn't stop him…"
He just has no idea of how much his loss would bring grief to the others…
So, this is what Hell is.
The ground rumbles and a strong gale howls.
"Wha-What's going on?" Rangiku questions as she braces herself. Rukia could barely open her eyes to see…
The two huge skeletons on the Gates of Hell…
What's even shocking is the approaching familiar heavy reiatsu…
Bit by bit, the Gates slide open from a thin line, a crack, to an opening…
A hand lies on the rim, then an arm appears on the other; one of the two hands is holding a black long thin katana.
The arms push the Gates to a wider gap and a figure emerges. Everyone here take in a breath as their last and final warrior returns from the depths of Hell. Rukia gasps, believing there'd be another catastrophe…
However, there's just Ichigo standing in his Shinigami form. No claws, no mane, no helmet-like sinister mask with two horns, no markings on his body, just his ripped Shihakushou and his Tensa Zangetsu. He makes wobbly steps, passing the Gates and being among them all. That's a bit too much for him and finally, he collapses.
*15 - 15 - 15*
"Ichigo…Ichigo!" With her repeated calls, he finally wakes up. Orihime squeaks and tears brim around her eyes.
"Rukia…" He responds in a croaky voice as he forces himself to sit up. Rukia couldn't resist it and punches his head.
"Ouch! What calls for that, you little…!" He yells and nurses the bump.
"Ku…Kuchiki-san!" Orihime panics. She's just withdrawn her shield, for there're not much physical wounds to heal; she only restored a little of his reiatsu. Somehow, having an inner Hollow with you is great for high-speed regeneration, yet of course, there's more bad than good.
"That's for being so reckless, you fool!" Rukia yells back, bombarding their ears. The dam finally collapses, and she wails.
"I'm…sorry, but there's no choice left for me," He replies and scratches his head. They become quiet, at last.
"Ichigo…I…" Rukia just doesn't know how to put things into a good sentence.
"Thank you, Rukia." Ichigo blurts out suddenly and startles those around them. "If it's not your last shriek, I'd definitely lose my last bit of sanity to my inner Hollow. So…thank you."
Everyone's speechless and stare blankly at their Substitute Shinigami scratching his head of orange hair.
Rukia sighs again. Geez, all these things make her feel cranky and old, though she is, in terms of human age.
"Welcome back, Ichigo." She says with a smile, petite just like her. He looks at her with his brown eyes of warmth, screaming his victory.
"Yeah, I'm home." At least, these are the few times he won't knit his brows to a frightening scowl.
There may be the worst things around you, but who knows? Sometimes, you may retrieve better things from it…
So, this is what Hell is…
Well duh, what do you guys think of it!
Whether you like this happy ending or the gloomy one, do let me know! With your support and ideas, perhaps I'd be on something super dark...
Hope to see you soon, and let's wait patiently for the great subbed movie to come!
Drops of Chastity