Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters, but I do own this story line and any other characters I make up along the way : )
JOURNEY
The Path in the Sand
(Between two Brothers)
The demon gate opened and Ichigo stepped out, "Oi, Byakuya what am I doing here I thought the old man wanted to see me."
Kuchiki Byakuya starred at Ichigo with cold eyes, "I don't recall giving you permission to speak to me in such a familiar way." Byakuya began to say, but stopped when he realized Ichigo was no longer paying any attention to him.
"Hey, Karin hurry up and get over here." Ichigo yelled at his sister who was standing starring at the large mansion in front of her, "This is Byakuya, Rukia's brother." Ichigo said pointing at Byakuya behind him.
Rukia smiled at Karin, "He's a captain you can tell by the white haori he wears over his kimono."
Karin starred at the tall man in front of her, his long black hair gently floating on the afternoon breeze, "It is an honor to meet you Captain Kuchiki," Karin said bowing low before Byakuya, "I am Kurosaki Karin."
Byakuya, lips formed a very faint smile, "It is an honor to meat you Kurosaki-san, it appears your manners are well above that of your brother's."
Ichigo's face immediately became red with anger and he was about to shout at Byakuya, but Rukia elbowed him in the ribs deflating his rage. "Nii-san, Ichigo and his sister are now full shinigamis," Rukia said in a quiet voice.
Byakuya lifted an eyebrow, "This is interesting news." He said turning to Ichigo, "It appears yet another of your family will be here in Soul Society." Ichigo's scowled at the thought of his sister having to bow before Byakuya.
"Whatever," Ichigo said turning to look at Byakuya, "Anyway I heard the old man wanted to see me."
"Captain-Commander Yamamoto will see you tomorrow," Byakuya said stressing Yammaoto's rank.
Ichigo was surprised by the news, "Well where the hell are we sup…"
Rukia quickly cut off Ichigo, "Nii-san I was wondering if we could allow Ichigo and Karin to stay with us, since Karin was gracious enough to share her room with me when I was stationed on Earth." Ichigo was about to mention his closet that Rukia spent some time in but decided against it after seeing the cold stare Byakuya was still giving him.
Byakuya nodded his head in approval, "Of course," he said eyeing Ichigo, "Kurosaki-san is more than welcome to our dwelling," Byakuya nodded to Karin, "Of course the two Kurosakis will be required to sleep in the guest rooms," Byakuya finished glaring at Ichigo. Ichigo shifted uncomfortably under Byakuya stare, "After all we wouldn't want Ichigo to get hurt wondering around the manor."
"Of, of course Nii-san," Rukia said quickly grabbing Ichigo by his sleeve, "I'll be showing Karin around Soul Society." Rukia said as she dragged Ichigo from the manor, and away from the death glare of her brother.
Karin followed slightly behind the two of them as she looked back at the mansion, "Oi, Ichi-san you sure know how to make everyone hate you."
"He's a jackass." Ichigo said coughing as Rukia gave him another elbow to the ribs.
"Nii-san is not a jackass," Rukia said glaring at Ichigo.
"He's kinda handsome," Karin said.
"WHAT!" Ichigo yelled at Karin, "That pompous ass, with his better than thou…" PACK, Rukia's slipper connected with Ichigo's face. Ichigo turned and glared at Rukia who returned the glare. Karin starred at the two wondering how on earth they were a couple.
"Oi, Ichigo," A voice caused all three people to turn. Renji walked up to the group his red hair tied back in a tight pony-tail. "Heard you came up."
"Oi, Renji," Ichigo said smiling. The two men began to speak with each other as Karin starred at the red haired man.
Rukia smiled and walked over to Karin, "That's Renji, he and I grew up together."
"What's with all those tattoos on his face?" Karin said starring at the eccentric lines that rose above Renji's eyebrows.
Rukia laughed, "He's just ugly."
"Eh, I heard that you little midget." Renji yelled, but was silenced when Rukia's slipper connected with his face. Karin began to laugh as Renji scowled at Rukia, "Anyway where you guys heading to," Renji asked turning back to look at Ichigo.
"I was thinking of heading over to the 4th Division," Ichigo said looking toward the Gotei 13 head quarters area, "Want to introduce Karin to Captain Unohana."
"Ok, well I'll catch up to you guys later," Renji said waving and turning to leave, "Oh, ya Ichigo you better watch out all of 11th Division is looking for you."
"WHAT," Ichigo yelled as Renji vanished from view.
"Ichi-san why do so much people want to beat you up?" Karin asked.
Ichigo muttered something under his breath and began to walk in the direction of the 4th Division's headquarters. Karin looked up at Rukia who smiled at her, "Ichigo made quite an impression the first time he was here." Karin rolled her eyes and began to follow her brother.
4th Division Headquarters
Yamada Hanatarou was busy cleaning the area when he felt a very strong reiatsu sweep through the building. He looked up and smiled, there could be only one person whose reiatsu was so wild and chaotic, Ichigo was coming for a visit. As if on cue Ichigo opened the door to the building and smiled, "Oi Hanatarou."
"Ah, Ichigo how are you," Hanatarou said bowing, "Oh, and Kuchiki…" he trailed off as he saw Karin walk slowly behind the pair of shinigamis, "Oh excuse me," Hanatarou said bowing at Karin, "I am Yamada Hanatarou 7th seat officer of the 4th Division."
Karin smiled and returned the bow, "I am Kurosaki Kar…" she froze as she saw a young boy who looked to be her age with silver white hair walk into one of the far rooms, "Oi, Toushirou!" Karin said running towards Hitsugaya Toushirou, a big smile on her face.
Toushirou froze as he heard the voice. He turned and saw Karin rush towards him and his eyes opened wide with shock, "Kar, Karin what are you…" he was cut off as Karin jumped on him giving him a big hug.
"I was wondering if I would see you," she said smiling at him, "So, are you the captain of the 4th Division?"
"No," Toushirou said still looking at Karin in shock, "I am the captain, wait what are you doing here," he said again as he noticed the black kimono and large zanpaktou Karin wore.
The smile on Karin's face began to fade as she answered, "I, ah, I, I'm a shinigamis now,: she said her eyes filling with tears. She looked up at Toushirou again forcing the smile back, "But, but now maybe I can be in your Divis…"
"How do you two know each other," Ichigo asked a scowl across his face as he starred at Toushirou.
"Ah, you see," Karin began to shudder, not knowing why she was suddenly afraid of Ichigo knowing about her meeting Toushirou.
"While on earth before the Winter War, I assisted your sister in a game of soccer." Toushirou said returning Ichigo's glare, "It appeared that her older brother disappeared without letting anyone know, so I gave her a helping hand."
Ichigo continued to scowl at Toushirou, "My sister will be applying for the 4th Division." He said his eyes shouting daggers at the silver haired captain.
"Has she entered into the academy yet?" Toushirou asked not backing down from Ichigo's stare.
"No, but…"
"Then we will have to see won't we." Toushirou said cutting off Ichigo, "Now, if you'll excuse me I am here to visit, Momo." Toushirou said walking away from a very angry looking Ichigo.
"Is, Momo your girlfriend or something," Karin asked with a soft voice as she bowed her head.
"No, she's someone…."
"Why, should you care if that's his girlfriend or not," Ichigo said eyeing the two of them suspiciously.
"I don't," Karin yelled back at Ichigo her face red with embracement and anger, "I was just trying to make small talk."
"Whatever," Ichigo said walking away, "Come on, let's go see Captain Unohana, later Toushirou." Ichigo said waving his hand.
"It is Captain Hitsugaya…" Toushirou began to say but Ichigo was already walking down the hall.
"Well then I better be going to, hope to see you again Toushirou," Karin said her cheeks flushing a light pink.
"That would be acceptable," Toushirou said bowing his head and turning back into the room.
Rukia starred at the scene that just happened and shook her head in amazement, did Captain Hitsugaya just allow Karin to call him by his personal name? Rukia wondered to herself, These Kurosakis are quite amazing.
"Oi, Rukia hurry up or you'll be left behind," Ichigo shouted down the hall. Rukia nodded her head and hurried to catch up.
Members of the 4th Division stopped and starred at the orange haired man as he walked through the building with his zanpaktou in its released state. Ichigo for the most part ignored them or really didn't care what they were doing, his only thought was finding out some way that he could convince Captain Unohana to take his sister on board without her having to go to any academy classes. Ichigo stole a look at his sister as they walked down the hall and noticed the zanpaktou she wore across her back like he did, I don't care how big that thing is, she's not going to fight, and that's that. Ichigo thought to himself as he walked straight into Kotetsu Isane.
"Oh excuse me Kurosaki-san," Isane said as she tried to gather the papers that fell from her hands as a result of the collision, "What can we do for you today."
"Ya, I gotta go see Captain Unohana," Ichigo said as he began to move on.
"Oh, I didn't realize you had an appointment today."
"I don't, just want to introduce her to her newest member." Ichigo said pointing to Karin.
"Oh, I wasn't aware anyone from the academy was being assigned to.."
Karin bowed her head and meekly said, "I, I haven't gone to any academy yet."
"Oh," Isane said looking at Karin, "and what is your name?"
"Kurosaki Karin," she answered bowing slightly at the waist.
"She's Ichigo's younger sister," Rukia explained.
"Amazing," Isane said as she starred at Karin's zanpaktou, "How did you get your zanpaktou?" She asked.
"I, I don't know. When I…" Karin voice broke as tears began to fall from her face, "When I die.."
Isane smiled, "When you woke up." She said nodding at Karin.
Karin smiled, "Yes, when I woke up, it was laying by my…" she trailed off.
"By your shell, yes," Isane finished for her, Karin nodded in agreement, "You Kurosakis are quite amazing," Isane said with a smile, "Both you and your brother obtained things that most spend years trying to achieve." She finished with a smile.
Ichigo stood there lessening intently at the conversation as he wondered about how unique he and his sister really were, "But how do shinigamis get their zanpaktous then?" Ichigo asked.
"Well," Rukia began, "For most they apply to the academy and after some training they go into the room of requirement where they demonstrate their power, and if the spirit of a zanpaktou finds them worthy, they appear before the shinigamis in training and the two make a contract of sorts to each other." Rukia finished.
Ichigo scratched his head, "That didn't happen to me."
"Yes," Isane said, "There are a few shinigamis, like myself that hear a voice within themselves call to them, beckoning them to follow. Those of us who have the will to look find our zanpaktous already waiting for us, but I have never heard of a zanpaktou instantly appearing to its chosen wielder." Isane said looking at the two Kurosakis.
"Ya, ask my dad about that." Ichigo said turning around, "So, is the captain in?"
"Ichigo, we can't just barge in," Rukia said to Ichigo in shock.
Ichigo waved Rukia off and turned and grabbed the door leading into the captain's office, "Kurosaki-san," Isane said in protest.
"It is alright," a voice from behind the door said, "Kurosaki-san please come in." Ichigo smiled at Rukia and then opened the door.
Captain Unohana Retsu's office
Ichigo shifted uncomfortably in his seat, as he realized he had never once spoken to the captain in front of him. Unohana smiled kindly at Ichigo and said, "To what do I owe the honor, of your visit, Kurosaki-san."
Ichigo blushed, "Ah you can call me just Ichigo," Unohana bowed her head, "anyway, I wanted to introduce you to my sister," he said pointing at Karin who stood by the door way with a slightly bowed head.
"Oh," Unohana said smiling, "Please come in Kurosaki-kun."
"Please, you can call me Karin," she said in a meek voice.
"Well Karin it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Unohana said extending a hand, Karin immediately took the hand and almost fell from the rush of power she felt coming from Unohana, "I'm sorry, Karin," Unohana said, "I sometimes forget.."
"No, no," Karin said as she regained her composer, "I'm alright." She finished looking straight ahead again.
"My, you Kurosakis are strong." Unohana said smiling.
Ichigo smiled at his sister's ability to stand under a captain's reiatsu, "Ah, that's kinda why I'm here." Ichigo began, "My sister wants to become part of the 4th Division." Karin shot a look at Ichigo but Ichigo ignored it.
"I was unaware that you or your sister had officially joind the ranks of the Gotei 13."
"Well, we haven't," Ichigo said scratching his head.
"Well, I would be more than honored to recommend Karin into the academy, but."
"No!" Ichigo said in a startled voice, "I don't want her involved in that…"
"Ichigo, your manors," Rukia shot in. Unohana just smiled and waved her hand.
"Ah, young Kuchiki it is all right," Unohana said, "It is a big brothers burden to worry about his sister, how is Byakuya?"
"He's well Captain Unohana." Rukia said with a bow.
"Tell him for me that I enjoyed our tea yesterday and would love it if he could join me tomorrow for some again."
Rukia stuttered, "Yes, yes I will," she said giving a quick glance at Ichigo who was smiling widely.
"Now, Ichigo I understand your hesitation in allowing your sister into…"
"Allowing me to," Karin whispered under her breath.
"But she must go through the proper education before she can be assigned to.."
"There has to be another way." Ichigo pleaded.
"I'm sorry there isn't." Unohana said bowing her head slightly.
Ichigo hung his head in defeat, "Thank you for your time Captain Unohana," Ichigo said turning to leave.
"Not at all, please my door is always open to you and your sister," Unohana said smiling at Karin.
Ichigo stormed out of Unohana office, "Ichigo.." Rukia said but stopped when Ichigo used a flash step and was gone. Rukia looked at Karin and smiled, "Your brother's a real idiot."
Karin just nodded, starring in awe at how fast her brother moved.
A few hours later by a lake in Soul Society
"Had enough time pouting?" Rukia asked Ichigo as she walked up to him from behind.
Ichigo stood starring at a crystal clear blue lake, the setting sun reflecting brilliantly off of the lakes water. Ichigo felt Rukia place a hand on his back, and he reached for her pulling her in front of him and into an embrace. They stood like that for a long while, Ichigo needing to feel her. Tears began to fall from Ichigo's face. Rukia looked up and wiped them away, "It's not fair," Ichigo whispered, "She was suppose to have a long life."
"Sometimes destiny takes us down a different path." Rukia whispered.
"I don't want this for her, she can't handle it." Ichigo said.
"WHAT can't I handle?" Karin yelled from on top a tree where she was watching the two. "What gives you the right, to say what I can and can't do?"
Ichigo let go of Rukia and turned to look at his sister. Rukia tried to intervene but was silenced by a glare from Ichigo, "You don't know what the hell you're asking for." Ichigo yelled back as he ripped his kimono off revealing countless scars that ran up and down his body, "Do you see this?" He shouted pointing at the scars, "Do, you think this was fun getting, do you think I enjoyed having my body sliced and ripped apart by enemies trying to KILL ME!" He said as he jumped into the air and grabbed Karin, "This isn't a game, this is real. Is this what you want, is this the life you want?" Ichigo said forcing Karin to stare closely at his scars, "I've bled buckets, had my insides fall to the outside, had all of my bones crushed, do you know what that's like! DO YOU! Don't you get it you're all I have left!" Ichigo finished as he crushed Karin into himself, "I can't, I can't lose you too."
Karin began to cry holding Ichigo, "I don't know what to do," she said through sobs, "What am I suppose to do?" she said again looking at her brother.
Ichigo's face softened as he picked Karin up and put her on his shoulders, "I don't know, but we'll find out together." He said jumping off the tree. Rukia smiled at them tears of her own falling from her velvet eyes.
"Come on you two its almost time for dinner and Nii-san hates tardiness." Rukia said grabbing Ichigo's hand.
"Told you that guy was a jackass," Ichigo whispered to Karin as he still carried her down the bath to Rukia's home.
Kuchiki home
The dinner went well, except for the unexpected appearance of Hitsugaya Toushirou that surprised Byakuya as well as Ichigo. Karin seemed delighted and sat closely to Toushirou during the meal. Ichigo seemed not to be hungry as he spent most of the meal glaring at Toushirou across the table totally oblivious to Byakuya giving him the same glare.
After dinner Toushirou bowed and thanked Byakuya for being a gracious host and then bowed to Karin. Ichigo saw Karin blush and the scowl on his face deepened. "Do not worry, Ichigo," Byakuya whispered into Ichigo's ear, "Captain Hitsugaya always acts with honor, which is more."
Ichigo spun around and glared at Byakuya, before calling to Karin to come by him. The servants showed Ichigo and Karin to their rooms as well as to the bath areas. After Karin had taken a long bath in the hot spring, Ichigo saw her off to sleep. He slowly turned to walk out of the room when he heard Karin call him, "Ichi," he turned, "What's going to happen to us?"
Ichigo forced a smile, "We'll find out tomorrow." He said waving and then leaving the room. As he walked to his room he couldn't help but think of Rukia. He wondered if she would be waiting for him in his room, but then decided that, that was an impossibility for the strict discipline life style of his girlfriend. He reached his door and a thought popped into his mind, Rukia had slept in his closet for a very long time, perhaps it's time she returned the favor. Ichigo smiled and then turned down the hall.
He slowly inched his way toward Rukia's room. He starred at the moon lit sky. The moon was high symbolizing the lateness of the night, everyone surely would be sleeping by now Ichigo said to himself. He continued his silent journey to Rukia's room his hands trembling and his breath barely coming out in burst. At last he stood in front of her door. Slowly he slid the door open as he looked over his shoulder for anyone who may be watching, "Rukia," he whispered.
The lights immediately turned on in the room and Ichigo spun around to see Byakuya sitting on Rukia's bed with his zanpaktou resting comfortably in his hand. "Ichigo to what do I owe the honor."
Ichigo stood there stunned, desperately trying to think of a reason for him sneaking into Rukia's room, "Kuchiki-san," Ichigo said (thinking it wise to him a more formal greating), "What are you doing here?"
"This is my home, Ichigo I can go anywhere I please," Byakuya said still starring at Ichigo, "But the question still remains why are you here."
Ichigo struggled for an answer his eyes glued to Byakuya's zanpaktou, "I, I got lost and, couldn't find my room."
"Then it is quite fortunate that I happen to be here to guide you back to where you will be staying for the remainder of the night." Byakuya said standing up from the bed, "Allow me to show you the way back."
"No, no I'm sure I can find my way back on my own." Ichigo said backing away from the approaching Byakuya.
"No, I insist," Byakuya said grabbing Ichigo's shoulder in a vice like grip, "Please this way."
Just then Rukia turned the corner and saw Ichigo in front of her door being held very tightly by Byakuya, "Ichigo, what are you doing…"
"Ichigo got lost on the way to his room, I will be showing him the way back." Byakuya said pulling a scared looking Ichigo with him.
"Nii-san I can…"
"No, you need your sleep." The finality in his voice caused Rukia to give Ichigo an apologetic look as she entered her room, secretly glad not to be in Ichigo's place.
Ichigo followed in silence as Byakuya strolled down the hallway his steal like grip still firmly attached to Ichigo's shoulder. After what felt like an eternity they arrived in front of the room Ichigo was suppose to be in, "Here you are Ichigo I trust there will be no more late night ventures."
"No," Ichigo mumbled and entered the room.
"Good," Byakuya turned to leave when suddenly to Byakuya's and Ichigo's surprise Ichigo said his name.
"Byakuya,"
Byakuya turned around, "Yes."
"How do you handle Rukia being a, being a shinigami."
Byakuya starred at Ichigo for a moment and then to his surprise he found himself answering, "I don't." Byakuya said, "I do everything I can to insure that she remains safe, but there is still an element of, of worry."
"Then why do you.."
Byakuya held up his hand, "In the end I must force myself to trust in Rukia's abilities, but I never stop looking out for her." He finish nodding at Ichigo, Ichigo returned the nod, "Well, if that is it, again I trust you won't find yourself lost at least for tonight." Byakuya said as he left the room.
Ichigo laid down on his bed and thought about what Byakuya had told him, when his door opened again, "Look I'm not leaving the damn room." Ichigo shouted.
"Ichi.." Ichigo turned to see Karin standing in the doorway, "can I sleep with you tonight?' Ichigo smiled and made room on the bed. Karin ran over and laid down and instantly fell asleep. Ichigo starred at his sister sleeping peacefully by him and finally he laid down and closed his eyes, tomorrow was going to be a long day.
Hope you guys like it review, review didn't make it to crazy this time but next chapters going to be a bit intense to say the least.