Universe: Bleach
Parings: None!
Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Adventure
Disclaimer: Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo
Warnings: Some Spoilers for Fade to Black, Mild Swearing and Violence.
Author's Note:
Here you go guys! Part VII of Memories of the Black Sun!
I'm sorry for taking a bit long with getting this one out, I've been busy finishing off the next chapter of GS and I didn't realize I was a bit behind on getting this up.
On a happier note I've only got the question time to finish up in GS and then that will be up soon; so hopefully that will be up by tomorrow!
Anyway please enjoy this chapter and if you have time please give me feedback! ^_^
Fade to Black: Memories of the Black Sun
Part VII
South Rukongai: District 78; Inuzuri
Rukia laid back against the deck with her hands behind her head; she watched sadly as small white clouds passed over the blue sky. Her mind continued to work against her as she tried to work out what to do.
She loved Ichigo, she was the best-friend someone like her could ever have, and it was true what Kon said; Ichigo had changed everything that was the Soul Society, with him gone everything had returned to the same black and white land as before.
But at the same time she wanted Ichigo to be happy and seeing him with those kids earlier made her see how unhappy Ichigo actually was with his life; he now had a chance to be free of it, who was Rukia to take that away from him?
'Rukia-Sama, while your reasons are noble, the actions you are taking for those noble reasons is selfish.' Sode No Shirayuki murmured sadly sensing her mistresses distress; Rukia sighed as she rolled over on her side and curled up slightly.
"What do you mean? Ichigo is happy. I have no right to interfere with that."
'But you also don't have a right to decide whether he should leave his life behind or not; you shouldn't make that choice for him Rukia-Sama, it's not fair.'
"Ichigo is better off without me." Rukia muttered sadly but suddenly flinched and sat up in shock while holding the back of her head.
"Did you just smack me?"
'Seeing as Ichigo-Sama isn't here to knock some sense into you left me no choice. Now you listen to me Rukia-Sama, he does not blame you for anything and he never will. Stop feeling guilty for something he is grateful for; you changed his world yes but for the better.'
"You didn't have to hit me." Rukia weekly retorted as she thought over her Zanpakutos words; had Ichigo truelly been thankful for her changing his life?
"Well your father told me that you were so busy last year and you didn't have the time to celebrate your birthday, after he told me the date I realized it was my fault that you didn't so I thought I'd make it up to you." Rukia explained simply as Ichigo sat up with narrowed eyes.
"Hey none of that was your fault. Honestly I haven't properly celebrated my birthday since I was 9; this has been the best birthday I've had in a very long time; thank you." Ichigo said with gratefully and Rukia smiled before she reached into the closet and pulled out a giant bag.
"Well it isn't over yet. I couldn't give this to you in front of you family because they'd ask questions. But these are all the birthday wishes from everyone in the Soul Society." Rukia explained as she placed the bag down on the ground; Ichigo blinked as he slid off the bed and sat on the floor in front of the bag.
"What? Everyone? They didn't need to do that."
"Ichigo you need to understand that to us Shinigami, a birthday isn't anything special anymore; we live so long that we just don't care how old we are and only some of remember our true birthdays, the rest of us just make new ones. You having a birthday and having a proper age is a big deal in the Soul Society." Rukia said and Ichigo nodded in understanding.
"It also makes the Captains remember that compared to them you're just a baby." Rukia snickered as Ichigo glared at her with a blush tainting his cheeks; she knew he hated it when he was reminded how young he was to his fellow Shinigami friends.
'Do you understand now, Rukia-Sama?' Sode No Shirayuki questioned and Rukia laughed quietly while shaking her head.
"Yeah, I have been kind of selfish haven't I? What gives me the right to decide whether Ichigo should be a Shinigami or not; it's his choice not mine."
"And without his memories he's never going to make that choice."
"Kon!" Rukia whispered in shock as she stared at the soft-toy in front of her; she had been so lost in her thoughts she hadn't heard him approaching at all.
"That's why we've got to get him back." Kon said with a smile and after some hesitation Rukia slowly returned it.
"Yeah you're right. I'm sorry Kon, I'm being an idiot aren't I?" She whispered quietly and Kon laughed as he quickly ran up her back and clung to her shoulder.
"You were acting like Ichigo!" He corrected and Rukia closed her eyes with a soft smile as she realized he was right; she had reacted just like Ichigo would have in her place, with a shake of her head Rukia stood to her feet.
"Come on. Let's go save, Ichigo." Rukia stated as she jumped down from the steps; just as she was about to use Shunpo her eyes widened in horror as she felt 3 familiar Spiritual Energies appear behind her.
"That's as far as you go, Rukia Kuchiki. Residence is not an option; we will be taking you in with or without your corruption." Toushirou Hitsugaya stated with a glare as he stood with his arms crossed over his chest; Rukia swallowed as she saw Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa standing behind him.
"I can't do that Captain Hitsugaya." Rukia replied simply as she placed her hand on her Zanpakuto; Toushirou narrowed his eyes at the blatant threat.
"Oh? A non-seated officer thinks they can take us on?" Ikkaku scoffed as he tapped his Zanpakuto against his shoulder; Yumichika laughed as he ran a hand through his hair.
"How unbeautiful."
"You dare draw your katana in front of a Captain." Toushirou hissed and Rukia flinched slightly; even though he looked young, Toushirou Hitsugaya can make himself look intimidating when he wants to.
"I apologize Captain Hitsugaya but I'm not about to allow myself to be taken in; I can't afford to let Ichigo down." Rukia retorted as she drew her Zanpakuto from her sheath and got into a guard position.
"Ichigo? Who is this Ichigo you're going on about?" Ikkaku questioned but Yumichika scoffed catching his attention.
"It's just useless drabble by a traitor; don't listen to her Ikkaku."
Rukia narrowed her eyes as she allowed her Spiritual Energy to flare up around her; the 2 11th Division members began to shiver from the feeling of her cold power but the ice Captain simply narrowed his eyes.
"Mai, Sode No Shirayuki!" Rukia shouted and the 3 of them quickly jumped back as ice blasted from around Spiritual Energy.
"Get back!" Toushioru ordered before he grabbed his Zanpakuto and pulled it free from his back; his sheath dissolved as he pointed his Zanpakuto at the fellow ice wielder.
"Sōten Ni Zase, Hyōrinmaru!"
Rukia's eyes widened in shock as she saw the ice dragon of Hyōrinmaru form around Toushirou; she gripped Sode No Shirayuki's white handle tighter before she got into position.
"Tsugi No Mai: Hakuren!" Rukia chanted while stabbing the ground for times before she pointed her Zanpakuto in the air; Toushirou's eyes widened in shock as he saw a huge wave of snow blast free from the blade aimed towards him.
Quickly he brought his Zanpakuto down with a quick slash to release the ice dragon surrounding him; the two attacks clashed with a huge blast of snow and ice as Toushirou looked around for the young Kuchiki.
"There!" He called out as he finally located her Spiritual Energy and quickly used Shunpo to appear in front of her retreating form; Rukia gasped and quickly brought up her blade to block the strong attack.
"You're not getting away." Toushirou swore and Rukia grit her teeth as she tried to keep her footing; her hands shook violently as Toushirou started pushing her back.
"Hadō#-31. Shakkahō!" Rukia cried out as the spell hit her hard in the chest; she was thrown backwards and after a few rolls barely managed to place her hand on the ground to flip herself back to her feet.
Her eyes widened in horror though when she saw Toushirou smash his Zanpakuto into the ground to release a huge wave of ice; she would never be able to get out of the way fast enough.
"Hoero, Zabimaru!"
Toushirou's eyes widened and he quickly jumped back as a familiar Zanpakuto charged at him; the ice wave was quickly blocked causing Rukia to blink in shock.
"Renji!" She cried out as the Vice-Captain of the 6th Division landed next to her crouched form; wordlessly he held out a hand and Rukia smiled as she allowed him to pull her up.
"What is the meaning of this, Abarai?" Toushirou demanded furiously as he held his Zanpakuto in a guard position; Renji narrowed his eyes before he looked back at Rukia.
"My mind keeps telling me that you're a traitor that needs to be captured but my soul is screaming at me that you're telling the truth." Renji began before he clenched his Zanpakuto handle tightly until his knuckles turned white.
"I've decided to go with what I should have from the beginning; my soul."
"Renji..." Rukia whispered happily with a small smile; Renji returned it before he narrowed his eyes and turned to stare at Toushirou.
"I'm sorry Captain Hitsugaya but I'm not letting you take her; please let us pass." Toushirou's eyes narrowed angrily at the request; before he could even answer though a familiar Spiritual Energy fell across the group.
The ice surrounding the area melted and shattered as the heat of the Spiritual Energy spread across the area; the 5 Shinigami looked in shock as the Head-Captain and 4 Captains appeared in the area.
"Head-Captain Yamamoto..." Rukia stuttered nervously and forcibly ignored her instinct reaction to bow down to the powerful figure; Generysai's eyes narrowed as he caught sight of Rukia but also of Renji who was standing in front of her.
"It seems like I now have 2 traitors in my mitts."
"Head-Captain, please let us explain!" Renji begged as he lowered his Zanpakuto; Kon waved his arm in the air as he sat on Rukia's shoulder.
"We can explain all of this, if you give us a chance!"
Generysai closed his eyes while gripping his stick tighter in his hands; Rukia shivered as she felt his Spiritual Energy spike higher.
"Traitors don't get second chances!" Generysai shouted and gave a nod to the small female Captain beside him.
"Capture them!" Soi Fong ordered and the Onmitsukidō appeared around the 2 Shinigami; they all charged towards them but they never had a chance to make contact.
Before they could capture the 2 Shinigami they were blasted back with a huge red beam; Soi Fong's eyes widened in rage as she spotted the attacker.
"You...that Captain's Haori!"
Generysai's eyes opened in slits as he watched a familiar Shinigami with blonde hair and wearing the 12th Division's Captains Haori land in front of Rukia and Renji.
"Kisuke Urahara."
District 1-Yoshiyuki/Seireitei
The 1st District of South Rukongai was silent; the streets and huts abandoned as the stone Spiritual Particles stood tall around the South Gate.
With a flash of purple and black both Hoshi and Kazuki appeared in the air above the gate; Ichigo was still unconscious after his attack and Kazuki was holding on his back once again.
"See it trapped some Shinigami." Hoshi pointed out with a grin but Kazuki stayed silent as he stared down below them; her green eyes narrowed in confusion at her brother's silence.
"What's the matter? You know we have nothing to worry about, we're invincible."
"Maybe we took too much." Kazuki whispered as his eyes flickered to Ichigo's unconscious features resting on his shoulder; he bit his lip before looking back at his sister with slight worry on his features.
"At this rate he may never remember our names, Onee-Chan."
"No!" Hoshi shouted while slashing an arm out in front of her; she took a deep breath while closing her eyes as she tried to steady herself.
"We can't let him remember that day; you understand what would happen if he remembered, right?" Hoshi demanded quietly before taking another deep breath; her eyes opened with a determined glint as she looked back to the Seireitei.
"It's alright. Even if he doesn't remember us at least Ichigo will be with us forever." She pointed out and Kazuki looked to the side his emotionless mask back in place.
"Let's go." Hoshi whispered as she reached out and gripped Kazuki's arm; the two of them once again disappeared with a flash of purple and black.
District 78; Inuzuri
"How did you return here?" Generysai demanded angrily and Kisuke smirked as he taped his Zanpakuto against his shoulder.
"I've always known how to get back here. I just didn't see the reason to return until now."
"What do you want?" The Head-Captain questioned next and Kisuke shrugged as he looked off the side; his smirk turning into a grin.
"Well I've heard you've been having some problems."
"We don't need any helps from traitors!" Soi Fong shouted as she used Shunpo to charge forward; her eyes widened in shock though when a hand grabbed hold of her shoulder stopping her in place.
"Don't be so rash, Soi Fong." Soi Fong's eyes widened in complete shock as she stared at the dark skinned woman standing behind her.
"Yourichi-Sama!"
"Haven't you all forgotten something important? Felt like something just wasn't right; that things just weren't adding up?" Yourichi questioned with her normal grin; Juushirou smiled softly as he stared at the group in front of him.
"What might that be?"
"I've been having trouble sleeping lately; I'd like to know why." Shunsei comment as he pulled down his hat; Generysai grunted as he closed his eyes once again.
"What do you know?"
"The source of all our problems." Kisuke answered vaguely causing the Head-Captain to look at him angrily through slit eyes.
"The source of all our problems?"
"Indeed but first Rukia-San." Kisuke called out and Rukia looked at him in confusion; with narrowed eyes the Ex-Captain looked at her.
"It seems like I was correct; the person behind all this was the same person."
"You mean those 2 wielding the scythe?" Rukia demanded and Kisuke closed his eyes with a small smile.
"So you've already meet them, well then that makes things easier; listen closely. It seems like the culprits managed to somehow seal off Kurosaki-San's Shinigami powers. I'm sure if someone found a way to break through the seal; Kurosaki-San would fight off the Hollow's influence on his own." Kisuke summarized and Rukia looked at him in shock.
"Wait! Hollow influence?"
"You need to hurry, Rukia-San. Kurosaki-San is in danger."
Rukia blinked in shock before his words sunk in; Ichigo was in danger, Ichigo was in danger because of a Hollow influence, Ichigo was going to die.
"Renji! Let's move!" Rukia shouted as she quickly used Shunpo to move and Renji was quick to follow her without objection.
"Wait!" Soi Fong shouted as she prepared to chase after them but once again she was stopped by Yourichi's hand; she didn't understand why her mentor had appeared after so long but for some reason all the rage she had pent up from her disappearance kept fleeing from her grasp.
"Everyone must have noticed it. A strange feeling they couldn't explain; a feeling that made them think they were forgetting something. That's why the Head-Captain came all the way out here for such a small matter as a traitorous unseated officer. Am I right, Head-Captain?" Yourichi questioned but Generysai stayed silent as clouds started gathering in the sky.
Omake
Glossary
- Hyōrinmaru (氷輪丸, "Ice Ring") -When sealed, Hyōrinmaru looks like a normal katana with the exception of the guard, which is in the shape of a four-pointed bronze-coloured star.
Its hilt is light blue and sheath dark blue. The sheath completely dissolves when he draws his sword. The sword is somewhat longer than most Zanpakuto, at about 1.4 meters long, making it taller than Hitsugaya, preventing him from wearing it at the hip. Instead he carries it on his back by his green sash over his right shoulder.
-Sōten Ni Zase... (霜天に坐せ, Reign over the Frosted Heavens...) - In its Shikai, Hyōrinmaru extends slightly in length, and gains a crescent-shaped blade attached to its hilt by a long metal chain, which can extend greatly if necessary by force of will. The chain itself can be used as an attack or to entangle a target. Hyōrinmaru is the strongest of all ice-element Zanpakuto in Soul Society. As such, Hitsugaya doesn't need water to be present in order for him to use its abilities. Hitsugaya's control over Hyōrinmaru's power has been shown great enough to unleash some of its ice powers even in its sealed state and use any of its Bankai attacks (with less control) with Shikai. Hyōrinmaru allows Hitsugaya to control water and ice. His slashes create an immense amount of spiritual power which overflows from the tip of the blade, creating a flow of ice shaped like a Chinese dragon. The dragon flies towards opponents and instantly freezes anything it touches. Hyōrinmaru can create multiple ice dragons to attack an opponent from various angles. Hitsugaya can also direct his slashes towards the ground and form a wave of ice which rushes over his opponents, overwhelming and freezing them. The chain-blade also freezes anything Hitsugaya traps with it. The power it expels is so overwhelming that in Soul Society (where Hitsugaya is not placed under a limiter), its mere release affects the weather within the immediate vicinity, creating a thunderstorm or a blizzard.
- Tsugi No Mai: Hakuren (第次舞・白漣, Second Dance: White Ripple)- Rukia calls out the name of the dance and punctures the ground once creating a large ice circle similar to the first dance, then she punctures the ground in front of her four times in a semi circle. She takes a battle stance as the ice particles begin to flow up from the punctures she made in the ground. They build up and then fire toward the target in a massive, powerful pure-white wave of ice from Sode no Shirayuki's blade, in turn encasing the target in a block of ice.
- Hadō#-31. Shakkahō (赤火砲, Shot of Red Fire) — Fires a ball of red energy at a target. Incantation: "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south!"