Kick About, Destroy, Bind
Chapter 16: Memories in the Rain
Karakura Town, Sixteen Years Before
He remembered rain.
The cold wind blew against his face as the drops fell on him.
"Oh, are you getting wet?" his mother asked him as she leaned over the carriage. "Here, let me get this up for you."
Her face was obscured by the carriage's covering. The rain fell gently on its cloth fabric, singing him a lullaby. He loved the sound of the rain as it hit the fabric.
"Is that better, Ichigo?"
The two-year old Ichigo Kurosaki was asleep. Masaki looked down on her sleeping son and smiled.
Hanging Dog, Fourteen Years Before
She remembered the hands that picked her up from the muddy streets. The storm was beginning to die down, but the water still flowed along their course, carving scars into the dirt road.
"Are you alright, Rukia?" her big sister asked as she picked her up. "Oh dear, your new dress is all muddied."
Rukia couldn't fight back the tears. Her knee hurt and Hisana seemed to know.
"Oh dear, you've got a little boo-boo," Hisana whispered and kissed the sore spot, not afraid of getting her own dress dirty from the mud. "There…all better."
She hugged her little sister.
She was about to reach for the sack of groceries she had bought when she saw a hand reach for it.
"Would you like some help, Ma'am?"
Hisana looked at the young man. His black hair was shortly cropped and he was wearing a Gotei Officer's uniform. She felt her face go red when she looked into his slate grey eyes.
"Oh no, sir, I…I can get it."
"Are you sure? I would say that your hands are kind of full already," he said, smiling. "Is she your daughter?"
"She's my younger sister. Her name's Rukia."
"Rukia, that's a rather nice name," he said and held out a finger to Rukia who tried to grab it. The young man smiled. "What's your name?"
"I'm…Hisana."
"Another nice name. I'm afraid my name isn't as sweet-sounding as yours."
"Is that so? Then please, tell me what your name is and I'll be the judge of that."
"My name's Byakuya Kuchiki."
Karakura Town, Thirteen Years Before
"A transfer?" Masaki Kurosaki asked.
"That's right," Isshin said as he held out the telegram. "I'm being transferred to Fort Seireitei to fill the vacant Captain position for Squad 10. It'll mean more pay for when the baby comes." He put his hand on Masaki's ever-expanding stomach and smiled. "Do you think it'll be a boy or a girl?"
"Girl. My instincts are telling me that the occupant is a girl."
Masaki put her own hands on her pregnant stomach. She turned to look at Ichigo who was playing Soldiers-and-Arrancars with his tin soldiers.
"Either way, our little Ichigo will be a big brother. Also…I saw Dr. Ishida and he…he heard two heartbeats."
"Do…do you mean…twins? We're going to have twins?"
"That's what he said and…and they sound healthy."
"Well, how about that?"
Ichigo looked up from his play to look at his parents. He got to his feet and waddled quickly to his parents. Isshin and Masaki looked down at him and Isshin picked him up.
"Well, there's our Big Boy," he said, grinning. "Ichigo, how would you like to see some real Gotei soldiers, eh?"
Ichigo nodded, excited at the idea.
Hanging Dog, Twelve Years Before
"And do you take this man to be your husband in the sight of Society and in accordance with the Laws of the Gensei Provinces?"
"I do," Hisana said as she looked into Byakuya Kuchiki's eyes.
"And do you take this woman to be your wife in the sight of Society and in accordance with the Laws of the Gensei Provinces?" the District Justice asked.
"I do," Byakuya answered.
The District Justice picked up the two silk ribbons of gold and blue and wrapped them over the hands that were touching palm-to-palm.
"By the power given to me by the Laws of the Gensei Provinces, I hereby declare that you are now Byakuya and Hisana Kuchiki. You may seal your bond with a kiss."
Rukia fidgeted slightly as the ceremony progressed. She looked at her sister, eager for the banquet that was waiting outside. When the organ music started playing she felt Hisana's hand touch her shoulder to signal her to walk down the aisle to the main doors. She was glad that the boring part was over and hoped that what some of the other kids told her was true about there being cake.
Rukia walked next to the ring bearer, who was the son of one of Officers in Byakuya's unit. He had strangely maroon red hair that framed his face. She saw that he looked as bored as she felt while all of the grown-ups looked at her sister with awe-filled faces.
When they got outside into the sunlight, Rukia raced to the tables with the food already spread out. The wedding guests were starting line up at the tables to fill the china plates with food and the glasses with wine or tea.
"Agh, this stupid thing itches," the boy said as he loosened the collar of his shirt a bit. He stopped and noticed Rukia trailing him. "What do you want?"
"Why do you have such funny hair?"
The boy looked annoyed at that.
"My hair's not funny. It's perfectly normal."
"Oh. Would you like to play with me?"
"Why would I want to play with a girl? You're covered in cooties."
"I am not covered in cooties. Uh…what are cooties?"
"I don't know. I only know girls are covered with them."
Rukia looked at him slightly confused.
"If you don't know what cooties are, then how do you know I'm covered in them?"
It was a rather profound thought.
"Well…I guess you're okay. At least…I don't see any cooties. But if I get cooties, then I'll never forgive you. Deal?"
"Deal," Rukia said happily. "My name's Rukia. What's yours?"
"Renji."
Fort Seireitei, Ten Years Before
Ichigo Kurosaki was mesmerized by the marching Gotei soldiers. His father's stories made him imagine riding in the Borderlands, fighting off the Arrancar bandits who came in from the Hueco Mundo wastes. He was dressed in a child's version of the Gotei uniform. He hardly ever took it off, except to let his mother wash it or when he was about to go to bed, but only because she told him that a true Gotei soldier always keeps his uniform nice and clean.
"ATTENTION," one of the drill masters shouted.
The soldiers stood at attention. Ichigo was fascinated by inspection. He saw his dad standing in front of the troops of Squad 10.
"SALUTE."
The soldiers and the Captains saluted as Genryusai Yamamoto made his way to the platform to look over them. Ichigo had heard so many stories about Yamamoto and how he had led the Gotei to victory by pushing an invading force of Arrancars back at the Garganta Pass. He had heard about how Yamamoto pursued Baraggan Luisenbarn deep into the Wastes. But he had to turn back because the posse had run low on supplies.
But the adventures that Yamamoto had during his pursuit of the "King of the Wastes" were the things that young boys dreamed of. They were filled with savage Arrancars and beautiful young women who would either help or hinder the hero on their quest. And then there were the tribes of Arrancars who could actually talk with animals and knew how to "read the land".
Yamamoto's own account had mentioned a tribe that could talk with wolves and had tried to kill him. Fortunately, Yamamoto had enough men and firepower to fight them off and the tribe had been forced to flee. In another, Yamamoto had encountered a young woman who could read trails and had directed him to one of Baraggan's hideouts. Unfortunately, by the time they had arrived, Baraggan had already fled.
"Ah, I see you're back."
Ichigo turned and smiled as Souske Aizen approached him.
"Good day, Sargent Aizen, sir," he said and saluted.
Aizen chuckled a little and gave his own salute in return.
"At ease, Private Kurosaki," he replied. He stood next to Ichigo. "I understand your father is getting transferred back to Karakura Town."
"Yeah," Ichigo moaned. "I don't wanna leave. I like it here just fine."
"That may be, but orders are orders. Your father has received his orders and you have to obey them as well. After all, he is your superior officer."
"I know. I know," Ichigo whined.
Aizen smiled at him.
"If you want to be in the Gotei, then you better learn to obey orders. Obeying orders is a top priority for any soldier. After all, everyone knows that bad little children who disobeyed their parents grew-up to be Arrancars. Do you want to grow-up to be an Arrancar?"
Ichigo shook his head and Aizen nodded and rubbed his hair.
"Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have my own orders to obey."
"What kind of orders?"
"Oh, you know, top secret orders," Aizen said smiling. "I need to get them done or else I'll get in trouble. You wouldn't want me to get in trouble now would you?"
"No sir," Ichigo replied.
Aizen nodded.
"Good. Now, you be a good little soldier and mind your father."
"Uh…Mr. Aizen."
"Yes?"
"Uh…is it hard to…to get into the Gotei?"
Aizen cocked an eyebrow at him. He smiled and shook his head.
"Not really. You just need to be in good health. And that means listening to your mother and eating your vegetables. Got it?"
"Yes sir," Ichigo said, giving another salute.
Aizen smiled.
"The innocence of youth," he whispered. "It's such a pity that it's so fragile." Aizen continued on his way and Ichigo wondered what Aizen meant by what he said.
Hanging Dog, Ten Years Before
"How is she?" Byakuya asked.
Ryuken Ishida sighed and shook his head as he sat down at the table.
"I'm afraid it's not good. She has the bloody cough."
"I see. Is there…is there any hope for her?"
Ryuken sighed.
"It's hard to say. Some people get over it, but most, especially this far west, don't. And there's no known cure for it."
"Doctor Ishida, how…how long does she have?"
"I don't know for sure, but…I would have to say it won't be much longer. I would advise that you talk to her sister about this. That way, she'll be prepared."
"How do I tell Rukia that her sister is going to die?"
"You just tell her. That's what I did with my own son shortly before his mother died."
Byakuya looked at him and looked down the hall to the door that led to his and Hisana's bedroom.
"Tell me. How did you get over it?"
Ryuken stayed silent and shook his head.
"I never did. Every time I look at Uryu, I see too much of his mother. And whenever you look at Rukia, will she remind you of Hisana too much for you to bear?"
Byakuya did not say anything. Instead, his eyes returned to the hall and he saw that the door to Rukia's room was slightly open.
"Excuse me, but…I need to see my wife."
"I understand."
Byakuya got up from the table and walked towards the master bedroom. He paused outside of Rukia's room and pressed his ear against the door. He could hear Rukia sobbing inside, which was not surprising. Ever since the bloody cough broke out in Hanging Dog, he had feared this day. So far, fifteen people they knew well had died. Soon, that number would become sixteen.
He closed his eyes and continued his way down the hall until he reached the door to the room where his wife would spend her final days. He opened the door and saw her lying in their bed. Her face was pale and covered in sweat. Her lips were stained with blood. But her violet eyes were still as lively as ever.
"Oh…Byakuya…I…"
"There's no need to talk," Byakuya said as he approached the bed. He sat in the chair and took one of her hands in his. "You need your rest. Doctor Ishida told me that…"
"I know. I don't have long, do I?"
Byakuya shook his head as he stroked her hand. Hisana closed her eyes.
"What am I going to tell Rukia? I was so looking forward to celebrating her eighth birthday. Will I…at least live long enough to celebrate one final birthday with her?"
"I…I don't know," Byakuya said, tears coming to his eyes.
"Hey now," Hisana whispered as she reached up to touch his face. "I don't think I've ever seen you cry before."
"I'm sorry. But I…I…I…"
"I know."
Hisana suddenly broke out into another fit of heavy coughing. When she took her hand away, Byakuya saw that thick gobs of blood mixed with dead tissue coated the palm. He sat on the bed and held it in his own as he wiped it clean with his handkerchief.
"You need to rest. I'll fix some stew as well if you like."
"That would be nice. Byakuya…"
"Yes?"
"How's Rukia taking all of this?"
"She's…taking it hard."
"I figured she would. I want you to promise me to look after her. Do what you can for her when I'm gone."
Byakuya wanted to protest. He wanted to tell her that she would get better. He knew that she was strong. When they argued, she held her own and more times than not he had to back down. There was no way that she would allow this disease to beat her. And yet, he knew that the disease was beating her. Her spirit was as strong as it had always been, but her body was breaking down.
All that he could do now was to make her final days as peaceful as possible.
"I will, but…"
She put a finger over his lips and smiled at him.
"You'll endure."
Byakuya wanted to say something, but he found himself unable to. All that he could do was stroke her hand as she lay dying, coughing up blood.
Hanging Dog, Nine Years Before
Rukia knelt in front of the grave under the oak tree. She traced her sister's name, engraved in the stone.
"Hey, Rukia, how…how are you doing?"
She turned and saw Renji.
"What are you doing here?"
"I…uh…I came to see how you're doing."
"Well…things are just…you know…"
"Yeah…uh…"
Rukia looked at Renji, wondering why he was so nervous around her. She had noticed over the past couple of weeks that Renji's behavior had changed when he was around her. Sometimes he would look down at his feet or seem distracted by something that wasn't there. It was almost as though he was too afraid to look at her. She hoped that it wasn't because he thought she was still mourning her sister.
She had been sad at her passing, but she had stopped mourning a while ago. Byakuya, however, had seemed to become more distant. There were days when he didn't even acknowledge her. That hurt her more than her sister's death. And now it seemed as though Renji was also becoming more distant. That thought made her sad.
"Hey, did I…did I do something wrong? Why are you crying?"
"I'm not crying," Rukia said as she wiped away her tears.
"But…uh…well…"
"What do you want, Renji?"
"Well, tomorrow is Día de los Muertos and…uh…I…I was wondering if you would like to go to the festival with me. I figured that you might need to have some fun."
Rukia blinked a few times. She couldn't have possibly heard right. Was Renji actually inviting her to go to the Día de los Muertos festival with him? Her mind processed the request and she realized that Renji was not nervous around her because he was distancing himself from her.
Then why is he so nervous around me? Could it be that…that maybe he likes me?
She had heard some of the girls at the schoolhouse mutter amongst themselves. Most of the conversations were on some of the latest fashions back in Fort Seireitei or in the cities along the Eastern Sea. But others concerned which boys they had a crush on or which boys had a crush on them. And one of the tell-tale signs that a boy had a crush on them was that they would sometimes get nervous or want to show-off around them. The possibility that Renji had a crush on her brought a mixture of varying emotions: amusement, fear, curiosity, confusion.
She knew that she liked Renji as a friend. However, as far as whether or not she could like Renji as more than a friend…
Well, I guess over time I might be able to feel the same way, she thought.
"Sure, I'd like to go with you," she said.
Karakura Town, Six Years Before
The rain fell heavily as Masaki and Ichigo walked down the street. She kept a tight hold on her umbrella and held it over both of them while Ichigo carried the box of groceries. Ichigo was looking forward to getting home to help his mother fix her home-made stew for dinner. He knew that Yuzu would want to help as well. His six-year old little sister was eager to learn how to cook while Karin was more interested in playing stick ball or climbing trees.
"So are you still thinking of joining the Gotei when you get older?"
"Uh-huh. I want to be like Dad and grow-up to become an Officer, perhaps even Captain-Commander."
"Well, I'm sure that you can if you work really hard and…" There was a crash of lightning. "Oh dear, this storm is getting really bad. I hope it lets up soon or else the river might overflow again."
Ichigo and his mother walked farther and then they heard hooves. It was nothing unusual. Even in storms, there were people out and about in Karakura Town. The quickness of the hoof-steps was not unusual either. They were most likely travelers who were in search of a place to get out of the rain or the horses were spooked by the thunder.
"Let's get out of the road," Masaki said. "The riders are…"
"ARRANCARS!" someone screamed. "ARRANCARS!"
"What?" Masaki asked and then her eyes widened when she saw the riders.
The rider in the lead was a large, broad-shouldered man with a wide face. His bald head was tattooed. The riders with him were shooting at various passers-by. They laughed as the shot down anyone who got in their way.
Ichigo looked at the man in terror. The box of groceries fell from his hands and fell to the ground. He had seen the Wanted posters and knew who this man was: Fisher Grand. He looked in their direction and aimed his revolver at Ichigo. Ichigo froze as fear took hold of him.
"ICHIGO!" Masaki yelled as she stepped in front of him as Fisher Grand fired.
The gunshot was drowned by the thunder. Masaki's body jerked as the bullet struck her. Ichigo watched in shock as his mother staggered and fell. Fisher Grand smiled and aimed the revolver again. However, he jerked up as the sound of more horses approached. A group of Gotei soldiers who were heading towards the Borderlands only to have to stay in Karakura Town due to the storm came riding from one of the main streets.
"Damn," Fisher Grand snarled and then grinned as he looked at Ichigo. "Some other time, kid," he said and he and his gang rode hard to escape.
Ichigo stood stunned and then looked at his mother.
"Mom," he whispered. "Mommy." He knelt beside her and shook her. "Mommy, are…are you…are you…?"
His mother opened her eyes a little and smiled weakly at him.
"There's…my…little…man," she said. "I'm…glad…"
Ichigo then noticed the spreading stain of blood spreading from her abdomen. He felt his mother's fingers stroking his face.
"Mom," Ichigo whispered. "HEY! SOMEBODY HELP!" he shouted.
"Ichigo."
"Just hang on Mom. Help is on the way."
She only shook her head weakly.
"Take…care…" she whispered. "Mommy's…gotta go."
"No. You don't have to die. You don't."
Masaki didn't say anything. Instead she ran her fingers through his hair. Ichigo lowered his face to her and she kissed his brow.
"Be brave. Mommy…loves…you," she whispered.
Her hand went from his hair and wiped away a tear. He felt the hand stiffen a little and then go limp. There was a soft splash as the hand fell into a growing puddle
"Mom." There was no response. "Mommy, please…please…no…no…we need you. We…" But it wouldn't do any good. His mother was dead. He thought of his Dad, Yuzu, and Karin. How would they react when they found out that the woman who was the center of their universe was gone?
Ichigo didn't know. The uncertainty frightened him and made him feel as though the world was crumbling around him. He could hear other cries and the sound of fading gunfire in between peals of thunder. Then, he knew what he had to do.
He touched his mother's face.
"I promise," he whispered. "I will join the Gotei so that…that way I can protect everyone."
He felt his tears run down his face, mixed with the rain.
Fort Seireitei, Seven Years Before
"Welcome new recruits," the Academy President said. "Today, you begin a new venture as you begin training to join the Gotei. Here, in the Gotei, you are all part of the same body. It does not matter which of the Gensei Provinces you're from or if you're from the Borderlands. It does not matter which family you belong to or if you're an orphan. When you are in the Gotei, you must learn to be able to trust the soldier to your left and the soldier to your right and the solider behind and ahead of you. We act as a unit.
"If you are able to act as a unit, then you will succeed. But if you are unable to cooperate with your fellow soldiers, then you will be cut. This is the world of the military: act as a cohesive unit or be overrun.
"You are dismissed."
The new recruits to the Academy began to chatter among themselves. Ichigo looked around at some of the other students and sighed. Even though he had spent most of his youth in Fort Seireitei, he felt more like a stranger. There were no familiar faces around, except for some of the Officers who were looking at the students as though weighing them.
He opened his entrance packet to see which Barracks he would be placed in as well as his schedule of classes. He wished that his Dad and sisters could have come, but Isshin was too busy with official Gotei assignments in Karakura Town. He hoped they could come to visit soon.
"Now then, let's see. Classes start tomorrow. Today is just an opportunity for us to meet our fellow students and settle into our barracks. Hmm, it looks like I'm in Barracks 3."
He looked at the map and realized that he only had vague memories of the city. As a child, he had only known the Officers' Sector and the parade grounds. But now, as a student, he was starting to realize just how big Fort Seireitei really was. He had always thought that the Academy would be one campus, but it was composed of about six different campuses with each campus emphasizing a different subject. Once a student had declared their intended area of study, they would be transferred to that campus.
In the meantime, all first year recruits were placed to the Entrant's Campus. It was the only campus where all six different areas of study (reconnaissance, military research and development, field operations and logistics, medical training, military law, and political science) were taught. The campus itself was composed of eight different structures surrounding the central parade ground. Four of the structures were barracks where the recruits would be staying. Two more of the buildings were where the classes were held. The final two structures were a gymnasium and a mess hall.
Ichigo saw that some of the new recruits were already mingling with each other. But he didn't feel like mingling just now. He wanted to see some of the old places he knew when he was younger. He wanted to see someone familiar like Kyoraku or Ukitake or even Unohana. They always got along fine with his mother and father and would sometimes stop by for dinner.
He decided he would go to his barracks and get settled. He picked up his suitcase and knapsack and made his way through the clusters of recruits. Some of them were gathering their own things to head to their respective barracks. Once they got their things put away, they would be allowed to explore the campus as well as some of the nearby shops.
But Ichigo thought he would just stay in his dorm and probably take a nap before the welcoming banquet when they would get to meet their professors. Sometimes, a high ranking Officer would come to greet the new recruits and answer some of their questions. Ichigo wondered if he would see one of his father's old friends.
He wasn't paying any attention to where he was going and so he did not see the raven-haired girl walking across his path until he ran into her. They both cried out in surprise as they bumped into each other. They both took a couple of steps backward.
"Ow, watch where you're going," the girl said.
"You're the one who should have watched where they were going," Ichigo replied.
"Are you kidding? You were the one who was walking like someone in a day-dream. Sheesh, why is it that boys are always so arrogant?"
"What are you talking about? I'm not arrogant."
"Oh yeah, then why don't you want to admit that you were the one who wasn't watching where they were going?"
"Well…uh…if you were looking where you were going then you wouldn't have bumped into me."
"Oh please, you both bumped into each other at the same time."
Ichigo turned and saw the cranberry red-haired boy watching them.
"Stay out of this Renji," the girl snarled. "It's clear that this klutz ran into me," she said and pointed at Ichigo.
"Rukia…"
"Renji, whose side are you on?"
"Well…uh…"
Ichigo saw the glare on Rukia's face and he sighed. He really didn't want to get into trouble this early in his career. The only thing he could do was just apologize and hope this girl would get off his back.
"Fine," Ichigo said. "I give up. It's my fault. I should have been paying attention to where I was going."
"Well…this is a miracle. A boy has actually admitted that they were wrong."
"Now, now, Rukia, there's no need to exaggerate. I'm sorry, we haven't properly introduced ourselves. I'm Renji Abarai."
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Ichigo Kurosaki. I think that our fathers work together in Karakura Town."
"YEAH! I thought your name sounded familiar. Well, at least your last name sounded familiar."
"Whatever, anyways, I'm Rukia."
"Rukia," Ichigo said and shook her hand.
"Her last name's Kuchiki," Renji whispered. "Her family owns Chappy's Smiles."
"No way, my sisters love their candy. Hey, do you think you can hook me up with a discount? I know that Yuzu and Karin would absolutely love some of those Chappy's Vanilla-Caramel Chews for their birthday."
"Tch…what makes you think I would?"
"Oh come on, we're gonna be classmates."
"True, but that doesn't mean I have to just start handing out discounts."
Renji could only shake his head while suppressing a laugh.
The Borderlands, Five Years Before
Rukia Kuchiki sighed as she sat on a large boulder. The in-field practicum was proving to be a bigger pain in the ass than she had bargained for, but that was alright. It gave her an opportunity to get out of Fort Seireitei and the academy grounds for a bit. She watched as Captain Ukitake and Lieutenant Kaien Shiba were making their way through the camp to make sure that the cadets were doing a good job on setting up the tents and also getting sentry duty appointed.
She looked at the plate of beans, salted ham, and cornbread and sighed.
"Well, it's better than hardtack and jerky," she whispered.
She heard the sound of footsteps approaching and looked up to see Ichigo Kurosaki making his way to her with his own plate of food and mug of lukewarm water.
"I don't think that the life of a soldier is for me," he said as he sat down.
"Then why did you even bother to stay in the academy?"
"Well, once I start something I always like to see it through." He stayed silent for a moment and sighed. "I wonder how Renji's doing."
"Oh, that's right, he got sent with Captain Aizen somewhere in the south," Rukia said. "Well, I'm sure he's doing fine."
"That's not what I meant. I mean about how he's handling his father's death," Ichigo said.
"I…don't really know. It's only been three months since he got the news and it's hard to say where he's at." She paused for a moment and then continued, "He and I have been friends for about as long as I can remember."
"Is that so?"
"Yes and…and he was there for me after my sister died. He helped me to be able to move on. I wish he was here. That way we would know for sure if he's getting through this time."
"I never realized that you and Renji were that close."
"He's like an older brother to me, more so than Byakuya."
"Why would you say that?"
"He turned down my application to do the in-field practice with him."
"I'm sure he had his reasons. I mean…whatever reason he had are his own. But that doesn't mean he loves you any less. You're his sister. How could any brother not love their sister? I love both of my sisters. I mean, sure they sometimes get on my nerves, but we're family."
"You're probably right. He probably wanted me to be able to get by without him. But most likely he thought that I would probably get in his way."
"Well…I don't know about that."
"Obviously you don't know Byakuya Kuchiki. He doesn't allow anyone or anything to get close to him anymore. After my sister died he…he became more distant. I sometimes feel that we're not family anymore. We're just two strangers who happen to have the same last name and that's it."
Ichigo looked at her. He could see the pain in her eyes and a part of him wanted to embrace her.
Gods, why are you thinking about that? Rukia's just a friend. She's nothing more than that. Besides, she has Renji.
Ichigo blinked a couple of times in surprise. He had no idea why that thought had entered his mind.
Fort Seireitei, Four Years Before
The Gotei anthem was playing as Rukia marched out onto the main parade ground. The gold cord of an Honored Cadet was tied around her waist, over the black leather belt. She had to fight the urge to look towards the Officers' box where Byakuya was sitting, wearing his new Captain stripes. She hoped that he would be proud of her for graduating in the top tier of her class.
As she marched out, she caught sight of Ichigo standing at attention. Despite the number of times he had gotten in trouble with the administration, he had also received the Honored Cadet cord. She was not surprised that Renji had come rushing to her earlier to inform her that he had also received the gold cord. She remembered how Renji reacted to the loss of his father in an Arrancar ambush. He had become more determined to make the Abarai name proud. Before, he had been somewhat lax in his assignments and, like Ichigo, tended to get in trouble. She had been the one to make sure they did not get expelled in the first year.
And now we're graduating among the top of our class, she thought with a bit of pride.
As she marched to the front row where the Honored Cadets stood at attention, she allowed her eyes to glance to where Byakuya stood. She couldn't be sure, but she thought that he only gave her a brief glance before looking away.
"Don't let it get to you," Ichigo whispered from beside her. "Besides, Renji and I are here for you. We've got your back."
Rukia didn't say anything. Instead, she only gave him a slight smile. She knew that Ichigo was right. She shouldn't live her life based on her brother's expectations. She should live her life based on what she wanted. And she wanted to stay with Renji and Ichigo. They were a team and they would always stick together.
Karakura Town, One Year Before
Ichigo Kurosaki felt as though he was walking on air. The election had been closer than anyone thought, especially since he was running against a man from back east. But in the end, Karakura Town had elected one of their own to keep them safe and uphold the law.
Now, he was standing on the steps of the Central 46 Rotunda. His left hand was raised while his right was placed over his heart.
"I, Ichigo Kurosaki, swear to uphold the Laws of the Gensei Provinces and protect the innocent from the guilty," he said, repeating the words of the oath that the Chief Justice was saying.
"And to be willing to stand firm against those who intend harm to the citizens of Karakura Town," the Chief Justice said.
"And to be willing to stand firm against those who intend harm to the citizens of Karakura Town," Ichigo repeated.
As he continued to repeat the oath to the end, Ichigo thought about how he would be able to fulfill it. Throughout Karakura Town's history, many had taken the oath and none had truly succeeded in fulfilling it. Perhaps the oath was just a way to declare an unrealistic ideal. No one could ever truly protect everyone. It was a lesson he had learned the hard way when he faced Grimmjow in Inuzuri only the previous year.
He remembered how the dynamite exploded in front of Grimmjow. Even though Grimmjow was an Arrancar, something inside Ichigo felt a little bit guilty about hurting him. He had to do harm in order to prevent a greater harm from occurring. That made the oath he had taken in Inuzuri seem laughable, especially the part that declared he would "do no harm." In the end, you always ended up having to hurt someone. He didn't like it, but he supposed that a true sheriff should be willing to take up the weight of duty.
And the deputies are meant to help me carry that weight, he thought. He did not need time to think of who he wanted to make his official deputies. They were his friends and they had made a promise to always stick together. He had asked them almost as soon as he got word about the election results and they both accepted.
When the oath was over, Ichigo waved to the audience and made his way into the Rotunda where he would receive the Sheriff's star.
"Well, I see that some things never change."
"Well, hello to you too, Uryu."
Uryu Ishida only straightened his glasses and sighed.
"So, you ended up following in your father's footsteps after all."
"Well, so did you," Ichigo retorted. "I heard that you're going to medical school and that you're thinking of signing up to join one of those medic squads."
"I suppose we both ended up doing something that we never thought we would do. When we were kids, you were always bragging about how you would join the Gotei and become Captain-Commander. Instead, you became a Sheriff."
"Well, I can't argue about that. But it seemed…I don't know…right."
"Are you sure that it wasn't because of your little rebellious streak? You always liked to charge into action without giving things much thought."
"Oh shut up. That has nothing to do with…"
"Yeah, it does," Uryu said smugly. "You probably turned in your application for Officer training and they turned you down."
Ichigo tried to hide his blush, but he couldn't. Uryu saw his face redden and nodded.
"So in the end you had to go down that path after all. And I…I guess you could say I didn't have much of a choice." Uryu looked at his feet in disgust. "Flat feet," he grumbled.
Ichigo couldn't help but laugh. Uryu shot him a look that said that he was tempted to knock his teeth in.
"I'm sorry. It's just that I never thought that the Gotei would make such a big deal about flat feet."
"Well, they do. Anyways, you better get going. We wouldn't want to mess-up your schedule."
"Uryu, how would you like to be made a part-time deputy?"
"Why would I want to?"
"Well, I'm just thinking of people I would like to make my deputies. I already asked Rukia and Renji when I got the word that I was going to be made Sheriff. They both accepted. But I need…shit, I can't believe I'm doing this…I need help fulfilling my duties."
Uryu looked at Ichigo and smiled.
"I never thought I would see the day when Ichigo Kurosaki would actually admit that he needs help. My dad told me about how your dad asked him for help. He just about had a heart attack from shock."
"So…will you?"
Uryu didn't say anything right away. Then he looked at Ichigo.
"I'll have to think about it. It is a heavy responsibility. I know that Chad might be interested."
"Yeah, I'm gonna go over to his shop to ask him when this is over. But I need people who I can trust to watch my back."
"And make sure that you don't get too power-hungry."
"Well…yeah…and you're one of the only ones I know who's going to be completely honest with me."
"So, you trust me to get on your case if you decide to let your authority go to your head?"
"That's right."
"Well, then you know that I'll do what I can to hold you accountable. Besides, you need all of the help you can get to keep your new authority from going to your thick head. However, that does not mean I'll be willing to become your deputy. But I will help you to remember that you're still nothing more than a mere mortal and not some kind of god."
Ichigo nodded. Rukia had told him something similar after he had asked her and Renji to be his deputies. He liked the way that Rukia and Renji were honest with him. The first thing they had told him when he found out that he would now be sheriff to one of the most vital cities in the Gensei Provinces was, "Just remember that you may be one of the most powerful men in the western Gensei Provinces, but you're still a home-town blockhead who couldn't find his way to the cafeteria."
The mere memory of how he got lost on his first day at the Academy to where he had wondered into the girls' barracks by mistake when he was trying to find the cafeteria. Of course, Rukia and Renji never let him live that one down.
He brought himself out of the memory and clapped Uryu on the shoulder.
"Thank you," he said.
"You're welcome. But I'll still have to think about the whole deputy thing. Law enforcement isn't really my thing."
Ichigo nodded and let go of Uryu's shoulder. It was fair enough for Uryu to have to think matters over before reaching a final decision. But he was still willing to help keep him in line. That was all that Ichigo could really ask of him. He continued his way to the Central Chambers where the 46 Justices were waiting for him to take the final pledges before pinning the Sheriff's star on him.
I will do what I have to keep everyone safe, Ichigo thought. After all, I promised I would. And I always keep my promises.
Karakura Town, Five Months Before
Ichigo winced as he touched a growing bruise on his side. The invading Espada had been forced to retreat and all that was left was to repair those parts of town that were damaged in the attack. The inhabitants who hid in their homes during the fighting were now coming out to help with the repairs.
"We were lucky that the damage wasn't too wide-spread," Rukia said as she watched.
"Yeah," Ichigo said. "As far as I can see, not many structures were destroyed and most of the ones that were damaged can be repaired. It shouldn't take long."
"Ichigo, what are we going to do if they come back?"
"Well, we'll do what we can. You, Renji, and I are a team."
Rukia smiled and looked at him.
"Yeah, we are a team. Promise me that won't ever change, no matter what happens."
"Rukia, you know full well that won't change. So why do you keep asking me?"
"I don't know. I guess it's because I'm afraid of what the future might hold."
"If that's the case, then I'll keep my promise to you. No matter what happens, we'll always be a team. And I will be there to help my friends when they need it."
Rukia smiled. She knew that as long as the three of them stuck together then nothing could get in their way.
Karakura Town, Four Months Before
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes, I just need some time to sort things out," Orihime said. "Besides, Retsu said that she'll let me stay with her."
"Well, that was nice of her," Ichigo said. "Just take care of yourself, okay?"
"Okay."
"Well, we'll miss you," Rukia said as she hugged Orihime. The train's whistle blew, releasing some of the pent-up stream.
"You better get going if you don't want to miss your train," Uryu said as he limped closer to Orihime. He gave her a one-armed hug.
"Thanks for understanding. I'll come back when I feel ready," Orihime said.
"Just take your time," Chad said.
Orihime smiled and she looked at Ichigo.
"Take care of yourself, Ichigo. Don't let things get you down."
"Well, I'll try not to. If you need anything, just contact us. We're your friends and we'll be here for you."
"I know," Orihime said. "Ichigo…good luck."
Orihime turned and boarded the train. A cloud of steam rose from the engine car as it began to move forward. Orihime waved from the doorway and her friends waved back.
"I'm sure she'll be fine," Rukia said. "This might actually do her some good."
"Yeah, I just…I guess I'm just worried," Ichigo said.
"Well, she has been through a lot," Uryu said. "It's good that she's getting away for a bit. It'll help ease her mind."
Ichigo nodded. He thought about what she must have gone through when the Espada attacked less than a month before. The scars from the western outskirts of Karakura Town still remained as the buildings that had been destroyed were being repaired or completely rebuilt. He had thought of bringing it up first, but Orihime had the idea of going to Fort Seireitei for a while.
As he watched the train leave he thought back to Orihime, despite her wounds and bruises, telling him that she liked him as they traveled from Las Noches. He didn't know how to feel about that. He only thought of her as a friend, but he supposed that a part of him did like her as more than a friend.
"Ichigo, we need to get back to the station," Rukia said. "We have to give the instructions to the Visored and Xcution Squads as far as what their duties are for the next couple of weeks."
"Right," Ichigo sighed as he put his hat back on. "Come on, Renji, we have to get back to work."
"Whatever you say, boss," Renji said.
As they walked to the Sheriff's office, Ichigo felt a shadow fall upon him. He had a bad feeling that things were far from over and he was afraid.
"Ichigo, it looks like we'll be getting rain," Renji said.
He looked up at the sky and saw the gray clouds approaching from the north. He nodded.
"Yeah, it does," Ichigo said.
Senkaimon Goods Station, One Night Before
"I choose…oh God…" Rukia said. She was unable to believe that this was happening. The lives of her two closest friends were in her hands and she could only save one or condemn them to death. She had a feeling that Aaroniero was smirking behind his mask as he watched her being forced to choose. "…I choose Ichigo."
She wanted it all to be some cruel hoax. But a part of her mind realized that this was truly happening. But she wouldn't let that realization take hold. It wasn't until she saw the badly-scarred man aim his revolver at the back of Renji's head that she realized that this was happening. She thought back to all of the times that Renji seemed to want to tell her something and yet could never find the courage. She knew what he wanted to say, but wanted to hear it coming from him.
"Wait," she said.
"Oh…changed your mind?" Aaroniero asked.
"Renji, what was it you've always wanted to tell me?"
"Rukia."
Renji felt the tears come to her eyes. She wanted him to tell her. If he was going to die then she wanted him to die with no regrets.
"Just tell me now."
"Rukia, I love…"
"Too late," the scarred man said and pulled the trigger.
She felt her heart shatter as she saw Renji's lifeless body fall to the ground. Shock gave way to anguish and she could only cry out. Everything else happened in a blur. She saw Zommari bring out the syringe and fill it with the drug. She didn't want that drug coursing through her veins. She didn't want to lose control.
But as soon as the syringe pierced her skin, she knew that her world was gone.
Byakuya, Renji, and Ichigo had all promised to watch over her. For so long she had maintained that she could take care of herself and that was almost always the case. But now, when she needed them the most, she was alone. She didn't know where Byakuya was. Renji was dead. And Ichigo could do nothing but watch on.
How did it come to this? We were a team. We were invincible, but now… Please, someone…help me. HELP ME, her mind screamed before the drug took hold.
Sergio Leone Ranch, Present
"Then tell me," Starrk said. "What is your decision?"
Ichigo looked up at the sky and then looked back at Starrk.
"I have decided," Ichigo said. "I will fight."
And I will keep my promise to Rukia.
End of Chapter 16
A.N.: Man, it's been a while since I last updated this story. I'm sorry for taking so long updating this story. I'm going to announce that this story will be coming to an end in another four or five chapters, which will bring the total chapter count for "Kick About, Destroy, Bind" to 20 or 21.
Anyways, this chapter did not come out the way I would have liked. Real Life decided to throw me a few curveballs and so I'm currently recovering from that. I find that writing in the rough patches of life is both hard and therapeutic. Fortunately, Life is starting to look brighter and that is making it easier for me to get the stories swirling around in my mind out there.
And reviews also help. Now, I will admit that this is not the best chapter I've put out there. But at least it's out of my head instead of just stuck there.
Thank you for reading and please review.