Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters.
"Otou-san? Okaa-san?"
A six-year-old Ryou cried out hopelessly, lost in the turmoil of the wreckage around him. Cold, biting wind whipped at him constantly, but he rubbed away his tears as he stumbled through the snow.
"Otou-san! Okaa-san!"
He tried harder to maybe catch their attention, not knowing what else to do. He had no idea where he was and where they were, and his head was spinning terribly. A warm liquid was running down his leg, and he winced as he noticed the deep gash in his leg, blood gushing from the wound at a frighteningly fast rate. His large eyes drooped as he wailed, balling up his fists and letting out a loud sob.
They'd been driving home from dinner, but their usual path had been too encased in ice to be safe, so his father had cheerfully driven off to a different route. It was a narrow path on a steep hill and the snowstorm was rather strong, but it was still safer than the other route. They'd been driving safely and carefully, and he knew his father was an excellent driver, so there was no need to worry. Right?
But a sudden figure had lunged across their windshield and, in a sudden panic, his father had swerved the car. They'd plowed off the hill, rolling down until their car had stopped, and Ryou had managed to crawl out, but the darkness and snow was too strong for him to find who he was looking for.
"Where are you, Otou-san, Okaa-san!" he called out through his tears and sniffles.
"Somewhere where you can't find them, little boy," a slimy voiced cackled.
His breath caught in fear, and he swung around furiously, trying to see through the darkness and snow storm. He came face-to-face with legs, and he followed them up until he was looking at a face. A terrifying, sadistic face that sneered once his eyes widened.
"Who...Who are you?" he squeaked, shocked into halting his crying.
The man laughed. It was a cruel sound.
"I'm the man who killed your parents," he declared harshly, laughing again. Before Ryou could react, he grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and dragged him along.
"Wh-where are you taking me?" he yelled out, too afraid to kick and try to pull free.
"You wanted to see your precious Otou-san and Okaa-san, didn't you?" the man snapped. "Well, there they are."
He found himself being flung into a pile of snow head-first, and a sharp pain shot up his leg as he landed on it. But nothing compared to the terror that shot through him when he looked up to find a horrible mess of blood and metal twisted together right in front of him. Through the wreckage and wind in his eyes, he squinted and could make out two vague figures lying in the destroyed car.
A large cry of pain erupted from him as he recognized the bloody corpses of his parents.
"Otou-san! Okaa-san!"
Ignoring the pain in his leg and his hysterical sobs, he tried to crawl over to them, his arm outstretched. But the man grabbed him by the neck again.
"Come on, brat," he spat out. "You're coming with me."
There was no strength in him to refuse, and he only gazed at his mother and father with lifeless eyes as his captor's hands glowed green and they walked through a gate that appeared from the sky.
.. ღ ..
"Karin?" Hitsugaya calls out cautiously as he enters their bedroom. His wife has been rather touchy again lately, what with the pregnancy contorting her hormones so viciously. Any words can set her on edge. Just the other day, she had screamed at him for the good part of an hour for referring to her as "Karin," rather than her proper title of "Hitsugaya-sama."
When he enters their room, however, he finds it empty, though the sounds of rushing water can be heard from the adjoining washroom. He sighs in relief – safe for now. With a weary sigh this time, he plops down on their bed, watching the bed sheet bunch up and defile the perfection it had been.
This pregnancy has been driving him crazy. Don't get him wrong. He's ecstatic about the baby, has been since he first heard the news. But Karin is such a passionate, headstrong person that her wild emotional moods have been too intense than what he had prepared himself to handle. Of course, he puts up with everything splendidly, because she's carrying his baby.
"Are you sure it's yours?" Matsumoto had teased him once with a snicker, but then he'd had the satisfaction of watching his wife chew her out in his place. She had kept the jokes to a minimum since.
The rushing water stops suddenly, and he listens to the sounds of his wife stepping out and her padding footsteps across their floor. The bed shifts angles as she sits, and then two arms wrap around his neck from behind.
"You're finally here," she whispers into his ear huskily.
"Not when you're this pregnant, Karin," he reprimands her. She clucks her tongue and pulls away.
"I don't know what's got you so worried," she bites back. "Lots of women are fine, even when pregnant. And I've already told you that my family births healthy babies."
"I don't want to take any chances," he replies softly, twisting around to take her hand into his and giving it a squeeze. "Not with our first time, when we're still learning."
She smiles, leaning over to kiss his lips. "You've always been a worrier," she teases.
"You just never worry enough," he counters with a roll of his eyes. Kicking off his shoes, he lies back on his pillow, getting comfortable next to her. With affectionate eyes, he gazes at the round belly of his wife, bursting more and more each day. To his frusration, however, he takes notice of the skimpy nightgown she has adorned. Many a nights he has enjoyed it on her, but now he slips off his outer robe and drapes it over her.
"It would not do for you to get sick," he lectures.
She grins sheepishly. "It was meant to seduce you," she admits, chuckling when he rolls his eyes.
"I'll make it up to you after the baby is born," he promises sternly. "But not before, so take care of yourself."
Running a hand over her protruding stomach, she grumbles, "This baby had better be worth it." They both know she doesn't mean it, though, so he relaxes back once again as she snuggles into his robe.
"Hey, Toushiro?" she speaks up after a moment of peaceful silence. "Have you thought of a name for the baby yet?"
He glances over at her in surprise to find her fiddling with the cloth in her hand.
"Mmm, actually, no," he admits. "I just assumed that, once I saw the baby for the first time, I would just know what the right name would be."
"What if you think of some really ugly name that I don't want?" she challenges.
He chuckles. "If you don't want to use it, then I would never think of making you," he says. Touched, she kisses his forehead. Leaning back, she starts fiddling with his robe again.
"Actually, I wanted to know if you were thinking of naming the baby after your mother?" she finally spits out, screwing her eyes shut.
He gazes at her in surprise, his lips twisting into a thoughtful frown.
"I have thought of it," he admits gravely. "But I decided not to." At her stunned expression, he explains, "You have lost a mother too, after all. But, the more I thought of it, the more I decided that I wanted our first baby to have an original name, just for him or her. A name we could think of together, and would feel proud or happy to call out."
Karin beams. "Oh, Toushiro. Me, too!" She captures his lips easily, and they kiss for a long time. She pulls away breathlessly moments later.
"Besides," he adds, smirking, "we can always have more babies for that."
She chokes at his words.
.. ღ ..
The news had spread. The newspapers had a field day, and now he looks out his bedroom window, his smirk triumphant as he sees reporters still littering his lawns, asking the maids questions. They had been coming every morning, asking for any progress in the case. But there hasn't been, and there are days when the thought drives him mad; when anyone tries to talk to him – especially prying journalists – he loses his cool more than once. He just wants his baby sister back, and he will do anything he can to carry that out.
The government, at least, has started paying more attention to his story. Ever since the country had heard of this scandalous news, there has been an uproar among the frightened citizens, and he has finally gotten the help he desired.
"Inoue-san?" a hesitant voice calls out. He turns to find one of the maids peeking into his bedroom.
"What is it?" he rasps, and she cringes.
"There are some people here to see you," she whispers, frightened.
He stands from his bed briskly, dismissing her with a wave of his hand and heading for the front doors. When he reaches the top of the stairs, he finds two men by the entrance; one with flowing, black hair, and once with a shockingly red bun.
"Good afternoon," he calls out to them, a little suspicious.
"Good afternoon," the one with black hair responds first while his partner bows. "Inoue-san, I presume?"
"Yes," he clarifies. "And you two would be?"
"I'm Commander Kuchiki Byakuya from the Japanese Army," the man explains. Gesturing to his partner, he adds, "This is my lieutenant, Abarai Renji."
"Yo," Renji grunts in response.
"We were sent here," Byakuya goes on to explain. "We have a track record for never failing a mission, so the Finnish government asked us to fly over and see what we can so about your loss. We have been rigorously reviewing your sister's case. My condolences, by the way," he offers. "Abarai and I would like to ask you questions."
"Of course," he agrees. Normally he would have refused, but these men seem hard-working and trustworthy. And he would never trust the police in this neighborhood after the experience he had. "If you could follow me."
Their steps echo against the polished tiles of his mansion as he leads them to his rather grand living room. Some of the maids bustling through the halls scurry to the kitchen to alert the kitchen staff about the new arrivals. Out of the corner of his eye, Inoue sees Renji grin at some of them sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment at the attention, and some of the maids giggle in his direction. He's obviously young, and he hopes the red head is at least experienced enough to be handling this.
"Let's please move on straight to the questions," Byakuya states once they've seated themselves and shut all the doors leading into the room for some privacy. "We're all busy men, and I'm confident you would rather not make small talk in such a situation."
"You can relax," Renji speaks up. "For now, it's just standard questions. We know you've probably answered 'em too many times, but the army wouldn't have sent us if it trusted the feedback of the officers in this area even a little bit."
This causes Inoue to scowl, immediately thinking back to those two that had been readily insulting his baby sister and calling her a runaway. He hopes they at least have enough tact to feel shame, now that the news of her abduction has spread. So, he he purses his lips but nods.
"What would you like to know?"
The two really do ask rather basic questions; Orihime's personality, her feelings towards her family and friends, whether she had been happy with her life here, her duties in the home, and her aspirations. They also call in the maid who had witnessed her disappearance to recall everything she had seen. As she stutters and bows and leaves after she has served her purpose, Byakuya purses his lips in contemplation.
"That should suffice for today," he decides after the long interrogation. "We will review this information and return once we're ready to expand the case. Please refrain from touching anything in your sister's room. During our next visit, we will need to search it and other aspects of the home."
"Of course." His words are shaky in contrast to the commander's cool tone, and Renji grins comfortingly.
"Hey, stop worrying," he says gruffly. "We're gonna get your sister back no matter what. We wouldn't want this to end up like the last time -"
"Abarai," Byakuya cuts across him sharply, but Inoue had heard.
"What last time?" he asks curiously, his stomach churning.
Though he glares at the ground for a moment, Byakuya has no choice but to answer now that the words had been said.
"It's come to our attention some time ago that...your sister is not the first to be taken by the Leoan army," he supplies with a sigh, shutting his eyes in aggravation.
"Th-there was someone else?" Inoue stutters. "Who-who – I mean, what happened to...?" He trails off once he notices their grave expressions.
"She was never returned," Renji answers, fisting his hand tightly. "At least, not that we know of."
He pales dramatically, collapsing against his seat. "Then, m-my sister..."
"Will be returned," Byakuya finishes confidently. "The last time was an unfortunate incident that was not learned of for some time, and there was nothing that could be done. But your sister's disappearance was reported almost immediately, and we have one of our best men willing to take the case."
Renji snorts. "And by best, we mean he holds enough of a grudge towards the Leoans that he'll go to any lengths just to best them in anything."
"Gr-grudge?" he asks in confusion.
With another sigh, Byakuya shuffles through the pockets of his coat until he finally pulls out a small photo.
"This is him," he explains. "I assure you, he is willing to take any risks against the Leoans, especially to bring back a prisoner."
Inoue takes the picture with a trembling hand, gulping heavily as he takes in the sharp scowl and flaming orange hair of the man who would save his sister.
.. ღ ..
"Ichigo, you can't do this," Rukia argued.
"And why can't I?" he snarled at her, getting out of his seat in his rage.
"You idiot," she hissed. "The army is not something you can just join on a whim. You have to be prepared for sacrifices and just the most horrible experiences -"
"You must be out of your mind if you think I'm not going to do anything after they took my sister," he cried, his scowl deepening.
"Look, Ichigo," she tried to reason with him. "I understand that this is hard for you, but you can't do anything drastic like this. You have other things to worry about. What abut your other sister?"
"We have family that can take her," he said crisply.
Rukia shook her head. "That would make her unhappy. You know she wants to stay with you, especially after both her father and sister are gone."
"At least Otou-san can come back!" he exclaimed. "If I don't so something, Karin -"
He broke off, gritting his teeth in hopelessness. Rukia bit her lip, torn up inside from seeing him like this. They'd only met a week ago, but he had been so strong ever since learning about what had happened to Hika – Karin. But she'd walked in today, and he had this crazy idea that his joining the army would solve all problems. She just couldn't let her friend destroy his life like this. Taking a steadying deep breath, she cupped both his cheeks with her hands.
"Reason with me, Ichigo," she said softly. "Is this what Karin would want you to do? Just take some time and think about this more closely, would you?"
He shrugged away from her. "I've already thought as much as I'm going to," he replied. "I can't just sit back after this. What if it happens again, Rukia?" His eyes blazed with fury. "Karin would want me to protect as many people as possible."
Rukia sighed. "For all we know, Ichigo, she could even be fine. Or, at least, alive. You're getting so worked up -"
"Worked up?" he hissed. "My sister was taken by the enemy; I think it's allowed to get "worked up." Besides, you and I both know she couldn't possibly be fine there. It's a foreign place, and she doesn't belong. There's no way she could ever have a life there."
.. ღ ..
"We really should not be wandering around out here," Toushiro stated, looking around rather anxiously.
Karin patted his arm comfortingly, grabbing his sleeve to pull him along faster. "It's fine," she retorted airily. "There's no one here."
"But the others -"
"Won't miss us," she insisted. "Come on, Toushiro. We've been stuck in those camps for days. I need to move around a bit." As he was about to protest, she crushed her lips against his. "Besides," she murmured, grinning at the hazy look in his eyes, "we can't do that with everyone watching us."
After hesitating slightly, she also pulled off his cloak's hood, letting his white hair stand free again, though it was disheveled from being covered and flattened constantly. Despite his previous misgivings, he breathed in happily as a breeze ruffled his locks; it had been entirely too long.
"It does feel rather nice not to have to wear that hood," he admitted.
She beamed. "See? Always look on the bright side of things." And this time, he let her pull him through the thick clump of trees, farther and farther away from their allies and supposedly the threat of Aizen, into their own shared solitude. They easily grasped each other's hands, wandering on the soft grass of the forest, concealed by the thick foliage surrounding them. Realizing this, Karin gave a sigh and pulled him closer.
He smiled down at her. "Feeling nostalgic?" he asked softly.
"Mmmm, yeah," she murmured dreamily. "Just remembering all those times you used to sneak me out of the dungeons."
"And now our roles are reversed," he realized with humor.
She kissed him softly again, grinning widely. The two wandered on their path silently, content in their company and everything around them. Serra Leoa truly was a beautiful planet, filled with breathtaking nature and scenery. And, Karin decided, smiling over at her handsome lover, some of the people weren't that bad, either. Of course, there were exceptions – bastard Aizen – but she'd met Toushiro, and Matsumoto, and all of their allies back at the camps. Spending weeks together with sympathetic Leoans, hiding and plotting together, had taught her that they weren't all what she had thought they were like. Okay, there had been some complications between their relationships at first, but they had learned to deal and get along with each other.
She and Toushiro, however, had hardly received the opportunity to spend time alone together – not since he'd proposed to her, and they were still keeping that a secret, since no one knew who he really was. He had to keep his identity secret, for obvious reasons, and between having to keep his hood up at the chance somebody was watching and the battle plans the two kept busy with, they could hardly get romantic like they did back in her cell; how ironic that, in freedom, their choices were more limited. That's why she appreciated any time together like this, with only him and her and their heated atmosphere between them. Even after only months of a love-filled relationship, she considered him as the man she could possibly spend the rest of her life with. He was certainly faithful to her, his eyes never straying from her figure, even with all the stir-crazy women in their hideout – who eyed him shamelessly because he was such a "mystery," despite Karin's protectiveness.
"Hey, Karin," Toushiro suddenly spoke up, his gaze intent on something up ahead. "Do you see something up there?"
She broke from her thoughts of him and instead focused on what was in his line of vision. "It looks like a...building?"
It was indeed, an angelic-looking building, despite its apparent age. As they stepped into the clearing where it stood, it became obvious that it wasn't very large in size. But the vines of flowers growing up its walls added a majestic look to the fading, yellow color, even the chipping parts of the paint. When Toushiro caught sight of the cross standing proud at the top, he came to a realization.
"It must be a church," he explained, pulling them closer to the structure.
"You have churches here?" Karin asked, shocked.
"Of course," he replied with a shrug. "Any civilization has a diversity of religion, just like you earthlings do. Aizen was not idiotic enough to ban freedom of religion; he knew the outcries and rebellions that would result. But this one looks as if it's been abandoned for years."
"Well, not years," a sudden arrival spoke up behind them. Swinging around, they found themselves in the company of a an aging senior, his skin wrinkled with time. He smiled kindly at the expressions of surprise on their faces. "Excuse an old man. I didn't mean to give you two a scare."
"Of course not," Karin answered, shaking her head. Even so, she made no move to come any closer to him; her experiences in combat had taught her not to trust too easily, especially just because of a welcoming appearance. Perhaps the old man understood, because he just chuckled and made no move to step any closer.
"You know about this building?" Toushiro asked, going off of his previous comment when he had first appeared.
"Of course," he answered softly. "I am a minister here, after all."
Karin gaped at him. "But it's so old, and it looks like it hasn't been used in ages." At his raised eyebrow, she had the sense to look sheepish. "Sorry."
"It's quite alright," he assured her kindly. "I know it's not the most aesthetically pleasing building, but it's been put to good use over the years." He smiled as he placed a trembling hand against the wall. "I've watched ceremonies happening here for years – conducted a few myself. It's a shame it's so secluded now." His eyelids dropped simultaneously with his somber mood. "All the other ministers are long gone, and I'm the only one left here. The outside is too big of a job for me to take care of it myself, but I keep the inside clean every day."
"Could we...see the inside?" Karin asked, almost shyly, because she was too unpracticed with purposely acting kind towards others.
The old man's face brightened instantly at her request, and he nodded. "I would love for you two to see it. Maybe it'll ease up the first impression a bit."
So, hand in hand, the two lovers followed him up the small stairway and through the large double doors that were the entrance. The two gaped as they saw the inner decor for the first time, rather impressed by what such an aged man could do on his own. The lush carpet leading to the altar looked almost brand new and spotless, and the benches on either side of it had been polished until they shined. But the beautiful decorations in the forms of paintings and sculptures on the walls were what caught their eye; each one was carved in detail, the faces and colors so realistic that one could believe they were capable of stepping out of the canvas or stone.
"You've kept it rather well," Toushiro complimented him, enjoying the excited gleam in Karin's eyes.
He chuckled. "Thank you, Hitsugaya-sama."
The two stiffened at exactly the same moment, instantly alert of any attack or signs of danger. But the old man just laughed once again.
"Your white hair is simply an easy clue," he explained, and the two realized, in thinking that they had been alone, they had forgotten to prop his hood back up. "But I will not pose a threat to you," he went on to promise. "Anyone who can admire my ancient building the way you two did is my friend, not enemy."
They warily allowed themselves to relax for the moment, still anticipating something, but not enough to let it show in their body language for fear of offending the kind minister.
"Would you two like to take a closer look at the altar?" he asked them, oblivious to their thoughts, his eyes twinkling like a young boy's. The two agreed, taking cautious steps down the carpet that echoed throughout the deserted building. Light shined through the stained windows, making the entire church shine majestically. They paused once they had reached the altar, and Karin and Toushiro faced one another almost lovingly.
"Many a couples have found happiness right there in that very spot," their companion informed them in a soft voice. "Although it has been years since a wedding has taken place here, that spot will always hold their happy memories. That's why I fight to preserve it."
Upon hearing that, the two cautious fighters finally allowed themselves to relax completely.
"It would be wonderful to get married here," Karin commented, trying to cheer him up even more, though she really did believe it. As he beamed, Toushiro raised an eyebrow at her.
"You really think so?" he asked her cautiously.
"Of course!" she remarked, smiling at him and nodding enthusiastically. "I mean, look at this place."
Toushiro considered her, as well as eyed the beautiful surroundings. When he'd proposed that wonderful night, he hadn't planned on getting married for a long, long time. Even Matsumoto didn't know, and he could just imagine the look on her face when he would tell her the shocking news. They were straight in the middle of an important war, and with him having to hide his princely status, he no longer had any time to spend with her – not as much as he would like. He could tell it frustrated her, too, and so when he'd popped the question, he had been completely sure he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
"Well, then," he murmured slowly, tightening the hold of his hand, "how about we get married here?"
She blinked at him, her smile twisting into a bemused grin. "In this church? Well...Yeah, sure! I mean, it's beautiful, and I'm sure Matsumoto would love it here, too."
"No," he cut her off, actually a little too embarrassed to look her in the eye right now. "I meant...here, now."
It took her all but two seconds to register his proposal. "What!" she cried, wrenching her hand out of his. "Are you crazy? Now?"
"Why not?" he asked softly, grabbing both of her hands into his own this time and shaking them as if to make her see sense. "We were planning to get married, anyway. Why not now, in the midst of war?"
"But, Toushiro," she mumbled helplessly. "Don't you think this is too fast?"
He frowned deeply. "When I proposed to you, did you think there was a set time interval?"
She flushed. "Of course not -"
"Then there's no problem," he argued logically. He pulled her close, keeping mind of the smiling old man who had turned away to give them privacy. "Karin...I love you, and if we've already promised to marry, then I see no reason why now is not as good a time as any. Do you not want to marry me?"
She gaped at him and his question. "Of course I do, idiot! That's why I said yes in the first place. You know I would never say that to just anyone."
His lips twitched up. "Then, please, Karin. Do me the honor of marrying me now?" He kissed the back of her hand, smirking at the blush on her face. She wasn't used to even him treating her so delicately.
"I...yes," she finally relented, grinning sheepishly.
Toushiro practically beamed, turning towards the minister. "Would you oversee our ceremony?"
"Absolutely," he agreed immediately, stepping up to the podium. "It has been too long since I have married a couple. It would touch my heart to do so one last time."
Toushiro pulled along Karin so they were standing in the middle of the altar. She gladly allowed him to lead her, almost chuckling at the situation. She couldn't believe she was just so suddenly getting married; the two were both dressed in grungy clothes made weary by war, and no one even close to them knew about the situation. No one even knew they had been engaged! It was a wedding that would shock Yuzu to her core, yet Karin couldn't help but think how well it suited them.
"There's just one problem, though," she suddenly realized. At his raised eyebrows, she explained, "We don't have any witnesses. Besides, I don't practice the same religion you Leoans do, so how could this marriage be legal?"
Her fiancé chuckled. "You are no longer on Earth, Karin," he reminded her. "Our customs here are different. Marriages on Serra Leoa are legalized verbally, no matter the type of ceremonial beliefs. And our traditions are simple; there are no need for witnesses, only the priest to back up your word."
She breathed out deeply in relief, glad that there really were no more obstacles in their way. "Okay, then, let's get married!" she cheered joyfully.
The priest cleared his throat. "Human?" he repeated, causing the two to go rigid. He peered at Karin closely, and a smile touched his lips. "Would I be correct in assuming that you are indeed the same human it was rumored Hitsugaya-sama had rebelled for?" Karin nodded, flushing at the attention. "Well, it brings me great pleasure to conduct the first Leoan-human wedding ceremony. I have lost no one in this war, and so I see no reason to hold any prejudices against you. Please, stand before me, and I will be more than happy to wed you two."
With sheepish but grateful grins, the two lovers found themselves facing one another, their hands clasped together tightly in front of an impromptu minister. He cleared his throat once again.
"Am I right in assuming there are no rings?" he asked in amusement.
"I will get you one as soon as possible," Toushiro promised her, guilt gnawing at his stomach.
She rolled her eyes. "Don't bother. I would never wear it, anyway." She turned towards their priest. "And don't bother with vows, either. I don't do mushy crap."
Both men chuckled; the old man at her spunk, and Toushiro at how characteristic such words were of Karin, even on her wedding day.
"Well, then, let us proceed," he continued. "This shan't take us long." Turning towards the prince who refused to look away from his bride, he asked, "Do you, Hitsugaya Toushiro, take this lovely woman as your wife?"
"As long as I shall live," he promised, truth ringing clearly in his words.
"And you, Karin," he carried on, turning towards the second party, who's first name he had learned from conversation. "Do you take our royal prince as your husband?"
"What he said," was her reply, and she inched closer to him.
"Then I pronounce you man and wife," he declared simply, bonding the two of them for all eternity.
"You sure you won't regret this?" Karin whispered, bringing her lips inches away from his. He eyed them carefully.
"Only if you won't mind that I will probably become rather protective of you for the next few decades," he answered.
The priest tactfully looked away again while they kissed passionately, true partners for the first time.
Well, this has taken entirely too long, and for that, I apologize. Also, if anyone felt the wedding scene was rather rushed, then that's good, because I was trying to mirror how frantic and sudden it was with my writing.
Let me know what you thought :)