Fox: Ello, yeah, I finally updated. Sorry about that. These chapters are birthday present for Nee-chan. I've got new readers too! Whoot!
Solar Fang, Kristen9997, Redbluefoxoxviper, Beastly Rose, jcvampirebat.
Of course all of you too! :]
Please enjoy!
Chapter Nine: Decisions
Birds chirpped outside Kiki's window as the sun soaked the floorboards. Her eyes fluttered open, her green orbs glassy. With a groan, she sat herself up. 'Ugh, what time is it?' Kiki glanced over to her clock. The hands settled upon the twelve.
"Ah, twelve o'clock…." Kiki smiled.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed and yawned. The moment her feet touched the ground, reality came roaring back. Kiki gasped and flinched. The wounds that had been inflicted on her small person still ached. Memories of the battle that had occurred inside and outside her mind, flickered back to remembrance. Her thoughts flew back to when her Hollow self took over her body and broke into the Soul Soceity. Kiki trembled at the sight of Shinigami falling to their deaths by her bare hands. She saw Ichigo defend himself against her offence. Kiki meeting her inner demon for the first time and Kenpachi saving her. Kiki's face flushed at that statement. The large and somewhat rude Shinigami had a hand in saving her life. She also recalled what he had said before she slipped away into the blackness of her mind.
'She is pretty…'
Kiki's cheeks grew redder. Why would a guy, who barely knew her, say such a thing? It was not the words that troubled Kiki. No, it was the tone of voice he had used. Something was hidden in the comment. Something true, Something loving…
She shook her head. Such odd things plagued her. Kiki sighed and searched for some clothes for the day. She pulled on some jeans and a black T-shirt with a pharaoh's skeleton on the front. Kiki was about to exit her room until the door smashed into her face.
"Gah!"
Kiki rubbed her forehead with a scowl.
"Kiki? You're finally awake!" Her mother exclaimed.
Kiki was puzzled as her mother's arms wrapped around her. Finally awake? What did she mean? Had she been sleeping longer than usual?
"Mom, what do you mean?"
Kiki's mother stepped away from her.
"Sweetie, you've been in a deep sleep for three whole days! Ichigo, Ruika, and some man with a hat, came by with you unconscious. I was so scared and angry. We were about to drive you to the hospital but the man in the hat said everything had been taken care of. All you need is sleep he said." She explained.
Kiki was shocked. She was out for three days!? She had to find Ichigo!
"Mom, I've gotta find Ichigo. I'll see you later!"
Kiki grabbed her backpack and was about to bolt out the door only to be stopped by her father.
"Hey, kiddo, you're awake!" He smiled.
Kiki returned the grin.
"Yeah, nice to be walking around. Listen, I have to find Ichigo, now!"
Her father's expression turned sour.
"Why?"
She sighed. "I know you guys are angry at Ichigo coming back with me hurt and all but, it's important!"
He bit the inside of his cheek, seeming to consider.
"Alright, but it better be important!"
Kiki nodded. He had no idea how necessary it gave him a hug before running outside. The bright sun stung Kiki's eyes as she ran down the street. Kiki guessed her eyes were used to darkness that the sudden light gave Kiki the hate for the sun like a vampire. She maneuvered among the crowds of people. Noon was a busy time for everybody. Kiki darted down the ally where Urahara's shop was located. The two kids from before were outside cleaning up like normal.
"Hey!!" Kiki greeted.
The pair looked up. Smiles spread across their faces.
"Kiki-chan!" They waved.
Kiki slowed down as she neared them. We chatted a bit and then she asked, "Is Ichigo here?" Jinta ran a hand through his red hair. "Nah, but Boss is inside. Wanna talk to him?" Kiki agreed. It would be better then nothing. They escorted Kiki inside. Tessai was moving large things as usual. His strength mad Kiki marvel. Jinta recaptured her attention.
"I think he's awake. If not, just wake him anyhow." He said. Ururu muttered not a word as Jinta walked off. Kiki pat her head. With a small grin, Ururu joined Jinta. Kiki knocked on the door softly.
"Yes?" A groggy voice asked.
"Um, it's Yagami Kiki." She replied.
Shuffling was heard as the footsteps came closer. The sliding door slide open. Urahara was standing before Kiki without a hat and in his normal garb. She blushed. Urahara let out a hearty laugh. "Good morning Miss Kiki! How are you?" "I'm good, you?" He nodded. "Great." He moved over. "Come, come!"
Kiki squeezed past the strange shopkeeper. Once in the room she gawked.
It was a mess!!
Clothes were thrown everywhere. Bowls and cups were left sitting on the paper covered table. The mats for the table were scattered. And Urahara's bed was unfolded and left in a messy state. Kiki must have woken Urahara up. Well, that is what she hoped.
"Gomen, gomen! I'm not used to having a young women in my courters. I'm not the tidest man in the world…" He chuckled nervously.
Kiki shook her head.
"It's okay, Urahara."
He clapped his hands together.
"I've been forgiven! Ah, Miss Kiki you are truly an angel!"
She smiled weakly. "I'll help clean this up."
Urahara flinched. "No, no! Not a guest of mine! Come, we'll chat some place otherwise."
Urahara and Kiki moved to the porch in the back. Tessai had made them some tea and left them to their conversation. As Kiki sipped her tea, she couldn't help but notice a boarded up hole in the wall. She sat her cup down gently.
"Urahara?"
The shopkeeper now wore his hat and usual attire. He took the cup from his mouth.
"Ah, refreshing, as always. Hm? Yes, Miss Kiki?"
"I have a question."
"Ask away!" He encouraged.
"The hole….where'd it come from?" she asked uneasily.
Urahara stared into his tea. "Would you prefer a lie or the truth?"
"Truth." Kiki said.
He nodded. "Miss Kiki, you do recall what happened the other day, correct?"
She nodded once.
"You were turned into a Hollow while you rested here. After being possessed, you emerged and rampaged your way out. Via my wall." He pointed at the boards. Kiki lowered her head in shame. She caused so much damage.
"Would you like to hear the rest? Though I'm positive your memory is making sure you remember everything but, let's do this in third point of view, shall we?"
Kiki didn't object.
"After escaping here, you fled to the other side. There, you broke into the Soul Society and killed many Shinigami. In the process, you stole a lieutenant; Kusajishi Yachiru. The Captain of the lieutenant, Zaraki Kenpachi, soon had a episode of extreme anger. The Reapers thought that Yachiru being stolen caused him to enter such a frienzy but no, it was you."
He continued.
"Kenpachi murdered many Soul Reapers that day. The decrease in their numbers is astounding. But Ichigo and Ruika traveled to the Society in order to rescue you. Ichigo followed you into the woods and found you. Without realizing it was you, he attacked your Hollow Form. This enraged your Hollow and it fought back. You know know the rest, I'm sure."
Kiki was slowly taking the information. It was all coming back to her. The fight, Ichigo using his Bankai, Kenpachi, everything.
"Yet, there is something you're aware of."
Her head shot up. All her attention was set on Urahara.
"Today Ichigo and Ruika went to the Soul Society to protect you. There is a trail set today for you and Kenpachi. The subject of yours is whether or not to kill you. Kenpachi is leaning of the edge of being banished." Urahara told her.
Kiki couldn't believe what she was hearing! There was a meeting to discuss if she lived or died. Ichigo and Ruika went to defend Kiki as well.
Kiki took in a breathe.
"Urahara,"
He looked at her beneath the brim of his hat.
"I need to go to the other side. Please, show me the way!" She begged.
He smiled. "I can do that."
Urahara lifted his cane and poked Kiki's forehead with the end. Her body shuddered and her soul fell from it's container. He gazed down at Kiki's form.
"You only have a few hours. Hurry." He whispered.
Urahara pointed her in the right direction and off she went. The gate swung open wide as she dashed through it.
Nothing was going to stop her!
Ichigo and Ruika were on their knees in the meeting hall. Yamamoto sat before them all. The Captains of all thirteen divisions were lined up on both sides, all except for Kenpachi. He was ordered to stay outside the room. Ichigo gripped his knees hard. He had such tension inside him! These bastards think they can kill Kiki they better think twice! Ruika had on an expressionless mask. She knew better than to show any outbursts.
"Now then, are you two ready to defend Yagami Kiki?" Yamamoto asked kindly.
They gave a curt nod.
The elder Reaper signaled for them to begin.
Ruika started. "My lord, I, Kunchi Ruika shall begin." Silence fell.
"Sir, as you know, Ichigo suffers from the same dilemma. But Ichigo has proven himself many times. He has even found help to control his Hollow Form. If Ichigo can live and maintain with a Hollow then so can Yagami Kiki. I plead that you show mercy to her!" She cried.
The elder shifted his eyes to the young orange Shinigami.
"Do you have anything you want to add?"
Ichigo bent down onto his knuckles, bowing lowly as he could.
"I know that you have a mistrust of me, sir. But, I beg of you, spare Kiki as you have spared me! I'll aid her as much as possible in controlling the Hollow. She beat the monster back and survived. That alone should allow her the right to live!!" He shouted.
The twelve present Captains frowned. Shouting within the meeting room was shameful. The disgrace wasn't overlooked by Yamamoto either. The old one slammed his cane down on the floorboards.
"Kurasaki Ichigo, I know I have looked the other way many a time with you but, yelling in this room shall not be permitted, is that clear?!" His voice was stern yet soft.
Ichigo lowered his head even more. He felt embarrassment turn his body numb. Ruika didn't move a muscle or speak. She was far more familiar with the rules concerning such matters. Yet, she couldn't let Ichigo be beaten like that.
"Please forgive Ichigo's outburst, sir! He's young and rebellious; normal human reactions." Ruika stated.
Yamamoto stroked his beard in thought, the black hair Reaper was correct. Ichigo was not like the others. He had more emotion. The Captains, including Yamamoto himself, had given up many of the human traits.
"Kurasaki, you are indeed a lucky fellow. You are forgiven; for the moment." He warned.
The kneeling pair let a sigh of relief.
"Now, before we see to the other problem, was there anything else you'd like to add?" Yamamoto smiled.
They both glanced at each other. Neither one knew what to say. They had given it their best shot and now could only pray for the outcome to be in Kiki's favor.
"No." The two said.
The oldest Captain nodded.
"Now, please exit and wait patiently. Thank you."
Ichigo and Ruika bowed before leaving. Pushing the large doors open for themselves, they noticed Kenpachi with Yachiru on his shoulder, leaning against a pillar. The four made only a brief second of eye contact before heading in the opposite directions.
The two heavy doors slammed shut, trapping the demon like Reaper inside. He stood among his fellow Captains with a bored expression. Yamamoto cleared his throat.
"Kenpachi, you are fully aware that no lieutenants are permitted here. Please escort her outside."
Kenpachi snorted before shrugging the small pink haired girl off his shoulder. Without exchanging words the two parted. Yachiru knew better than to question orders.
"Are you ready, Kenpachi?"
The larger Soul Reaper sighed.
"This ain't gonna take long, is it?"
The Captains shook their heads. Kenpachi's attitude and personality is what pestered them. He was so vain and crazy that the majority of them thought he was better off dead or away from them. Yamamoto rubbed his wrinkled forehead.
"Always a short fuse…" He muttered.
"You know me, Old Man." Kenpachi said.
"Kenpachi, this isn't fun and games. What you have done is far more serious than what you've ever committed before."
This didn't faze the psycho Reaper.
"As I said earlier, are you ready?"
Kenpachi shrugged.
"Whatever, Old Man,"
And thus the meeting began.
Kiki raced through the portal's opening. Walls of flesh seemed to surround her. She gulped and pressed on. 'So this is what Urahara called the Koryu…' Kiki thought. As she was running the disgusting corridor, the floor shuddered. Kiki halted and scanned the area. She grimaced when the walls and floors squished and squashed together. A tingle electrified Kiki's spinal cord. Snapping her head to gaze behind, one hand on her sword's hilt, she saw the walls morph into some train structure. With a hole in the middle, a beam light shot out of it. Without warning, the newly formed object accelerated towards Kiki at an alarming speed.
"Ahhhh!!" Kiki screamed and took off like a light. While she was dashing away, Kiki thought about how to slow down or kill the thing. Taking a breath, she whirled around to face the creature. Nearly ready to extend her Zanpaku-to, a shrill voice yelled,
"Do not use your Zanpaku-to!! You'll just be swallowed up the Spirit Entities! Run for your live!"
Taking the sudden advice, Kiki kept her blade tucked in it sheath and darted off once more.
Her feet didn't act like they would have if she were in her human form. Kiki felt more energetic and alive. Having a newly sparked pride, she smirked and pushed her increasing speed more. An illuminated square, Kiki guessed it the end of the tunnel, glowed brilliantly before her. Just as she readied herself to jump through the portal, a female figure joined her. Kiki couldn't see straight to be able to recognize her new partner as they fell through the gate.
Kiki flew out of the square and shot off towards a large compound. Hitting the dirt was so much force, she created a giant hole. Kiki coughed and pat herself off to rid her clothes and hair of dust. Next to her landed her comrade, whom Kiki had no clue was. Of course this one could land perfectly on their two feet. As Kiki's vision steadied, her partner she didn't know. Standing next to her was a tall woman with chocolate skin tone, long black hair, and shining, playful, gold eyes. With a flick of the woman's wrist, her bangs flipped back to their original position. The stranger's eyes slowly meet Kiki's gaze. The dark woman had a cautious yet prideful air about her. She grin and toothy grin and walked over to Kiki. Kiki placed a hand on her katana and waited for the woman to do anything that would provoke a fight.
Stopping just a few feet distance from Kiki's guarded form, she held up her hands and grinned once more. This time Kiki could tell she had fangs! Then the woman spoke.
"Don't worry. I'm not a threat. I am quite the opposite. Allow me to introduce myself." Her voice was laced with polite yet mocking tones.
She placed her hand on her chest. "I am Shihion Yoruichi. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Urahara has told me much about, Yagami Kiki." Yoruichi bowed slightly. Being respectful, Kiki bowed in return. She still felt uneasy. Kiki was not thrilled that Urahara told some stranger about her. Yoruichi somehow caught onto Kiki's mood and tried to lighten it. "Urahara is an idiot, is he not? I would've found out sooner or later anyway…" She trailed off. Kiki had a gloomy look on her face. It was slightly disturbing to be known by some random person. She just shook it off.
"Okay, well, where are we?"
Yoruichi looked around. She nodded. "We're close to the Soul Society. That's where you wanted to go, yes?" She asked. But most likely she already knew since Urahara loved to gossip apparently. "Yeah, yeah," Kiki muttered. Yoruichi asked one more question.
"Why are you going there? Do seek personal gain? Or is it much more?"
Kiki didn't answer. Even she didn't really understand why she came all the way here.
"No, I did not come out here just for me." She murmured.
Yoruichi smiled. "You two are very similar."
Kiki blinked. Who was she similar to? She wasn't going to ask. She had wasted enough time as it was. Kiki walked past Yourichi without much as a glance or word. Shortly after, she heard footsteps echo beside her own. Kiki peeked behind her. The dark haired woman, with a smirk on her face, was following her!
Gripping her Zanpaku-to, Kiki glared daggers at her stalker. Yoruichi noticed the warning but ignored it. Kiki huffed and continued on her way. Yoruichi decided to talk.
"Look, I can help you." She offered.
Kiki stopped. She knew that she couldn't go in there and make a big scene and expect for things to go right. Maybe she did need assistance. Kiki exhaled and turned to her annoying friend, and she used the term loosely. "Fine, you can come along." Yoruchi smiled again. She jogged beside Kiki.
"Since you're new to these parts, I should escort you." With that, she took the lead.
Kiki watched on as Yoruichi showed her the way. During that time, she noticed how graceful Yoruichi was in her step. It was as if Yoruichi was walking on the air! Kiki couldn't help but feel the sting of jealousy. She was clumsy in more ways than none.
They walked on until a huge gate came into view. Sitting in front of the large gate was even larger man! Kiki gawked at his stature. He was like a giant!
Yoruichi put her fists together and bowed. "Hello again, Jindanbo,"
The towering man, Jidanbo, stared unmoving. Kiki remained quiet. Jindnabo was tan with a large face. His arms thick and big also, held axes in each. The moment of silence ended.
"Ah, Yoruichi-san, how nice it is to see you!" He smiled. It was goofy. Rather odd for a giant. She grinned, showing off her sharp teeth. "Nice to see you as well, Gate Keeper," The giant noticed Kiki hiding behind Yoruichi. "Who is the little one hiding?" He pointed a finger in Kiki's direction. Yoruichi side stepped and left Kiki in full view. She sighed and stared back at the Gate Keeper.
"Haven't seen you around these parts, are you new?" He was mentioning my Soul Reaper clothes.
"Sort of, well," Kiki trailed off.
Jindnabo laughed heartily "Does my height bother you, small one?"
Kiki shook her head and lied. The giant ignored it and kept on.
"I suppose you two would like to go inside."
Yoruichi and Kiki nodded.
The large man smiled. But the happiness was cut short.
"I cannot let you in." He frowned.
"Why?!" Kiki demanded.
"There is a very vital meeting going on. The head Reaper himself, ordered no one was allowed in or out till the matter was settled." Jindnabo explained.
The two girls grimaced. They traveled all this way for nothing… But Kiki suddenly recalled what the meeting was about!
"Excuse me, uh Jindnabo-san, I know what the meeting is all about. Do you realize who is standing here?" Kiki asked bravely. She did not know how the giant would react but she would try none the less.
The Gate Keeper scratched his head.
"Hmm, I know that it is partly about Kenpachi's outrage but there's something else too…" He rambled on in thought.
Yoruichi shot a worried glance at Kiki. "Do you understand what you are doing?!" She hissed through clenched teeth. Kiki was still. She waited to see if the giant man could process what she just said. Some time passed before his eyes lit up with the answer.
"You're Yagami Kiki!?" He shouted, shocked.
Kiki gave a curt nod.
The giant man rubbed his chin. "I don't think you're allowed to go in."
Kiki snatched her Zanpaku-to from its hold. The blade shivered in reaction.
"Please, I don't wish to fight. All I want is your permission to enter." Her eyes shimmered with intensity.
Jindnabo thought back on what the Elder had told him. He had said not to let anyone through. He never mentioned a word about Kiki herself arriving. The gentle giant smiled.
"You remind of someone I know. The same look of determination. The burning will. And above all; the surge of power within," He held up his left arm. A perfect scar circled around it. Jindnabo explained that Ichigo had come here once. We both had the same goals. He was here to rescue a friend. And Kiki was here because she felt that had a friend, or much more, in the feared Reaper. Jindnabo also told Kiki of the scar had come to be. An ex-Reaper had sliced his arm when he had tried to let Ichigo inside. It was the crafty Gin. Instead of lifting up the gates, he had the girls jump into the palm of his hand and over the walls. They thanked Jindnabo quietly as their feet hit the ground.
Kiki glanced around the Soul Society. Judging on the past health of this place, it looked as if it were never touched! The buildings were standing. Plants were alive and well. The torches were lit. Everything was in order.
Kiki felt a hand squeeze her shoulder. Yoruichi smiled and took the lead. They dashed in the shadows. Not even their feet made a noise. As they journeyed to their destination, Kiki whispered,
"How is it that everyone links Ichigo and me together?"
Yoruichi did not look back to answer. "Because, you two are very alike,"
While they hid in the darkness, the cat like woman explained the similarities between Ichigo and Kiki.
1: They became Soul Reapers by themselves.
2: Urahara had taught them both how to obtain Bankai.
3: Hollows resided in their souls.
4: They never thought of themselves, always someone else.
Kiki took in the information and believed it. She and Ichigo didn't come to the Soul Society for personal benefit. No, they came for friends. Once Yoruichi finished up her explanation, something caught her eye that caused her to smile a toothy smile. In a flash, Yourichi was gone. Kiki was alone. She searched for the missing woman until her sight noticed a set of familiar figures, one with short orange hair and the other with black short hair. Kiki grinned.
"Ichigo, Ruika!" She yelled out, hoping out from behind the scene.
The Shinigami gasped as Kiki landed before them. Ichigo's expression was of amazement rather then Ruika's darkened with anger.
"Kiki!" Ruika said through gritted teeth. Ichigo looked at his undead companion in confusion.
The newly arrived Reaper was too puzzled. Why had Ruika become to hostile? Kiki opened her mouth to ask Ruika what was the problem but she had beat her to it.
"Are you crazy to come here?!" She growled.
"I came here to see if I could help…" Kiki didn't continue. How would they react to know that she liked Kenpachi?
Ruika didn't let it slip by. "Continue with your sentence." She spat. Ichigo remained silent.
Kiki took in some air. "I came here to see if I could help Kenpachi." She admitted.
Her friends gaped.
"Kenpachi?!" They yelled in unison.
"We're here to help you!" Ichigo exclaimed.
"Who put you up to this? Who helped you get here?" Ruika investigated.
"I found my way." Kiki lied.
They didn't buy it.
"Someone had to help you. Kiki, this is basically your first time here as yourself. Not some destructive Hollow wolf." Ruika retaliated.
"Who helped you, Kiki?" Ichigo asked politely.
"Urahara and Yoruichi," Kiki told them.
Ichigo and Ruika looked at her in bewilderment.
"So, that sneaky cat snuck her way in here again." Ichigo chuckled.
Ruika was not amused.
"Urahara told me that there was a meeting about me and Kenpachi. I wanted to tell my side of the story to the Captains." Kiki said.
"Too late, we already defended you." They replied.
"Then, who's in there?" Kiki pointed to the large double doors.
"Kenpachi," Ichigo said. "They're discussing what he has done."
"But," Kiki looked left and right. "The Soul Society looks like it was never attacked!"
"It's amazing what magic can could." Ruika said coldly.
Kiki wasn't dumb. The Soul Reapers were pissed that their establishment had been trashed and now they're going to take it all out on Kenpachi! Kiki gnashed her teeth together. She stomped over to the doors and glared at them before making her decision.
"They ain't getting their way!"
Fox: Yay, complete! Next chapter will have a surprise ;] See ya then!