SORRY! This took way longer than I thought it would. Friends and then nearly getting grounded TWICE isn't good for a fic. Or an author. In any case, final part of Death is Only the Beginning!
Death is Only the Beginning: Part Two
Requested By: XxWolfMan95xX
Anime: Bleach
Reader:
Asuna Kurosaki
Female
21
Long brown hair in a ponytail, side bangs, bright blue eyes, glasses, pale skin, small chest, wolf charm around her neck.
Soul Society, Soul Reaper, 3rd seat
Shikai
Character:
Sajin Komamura
Male
Unknown
Brown fur all over his body except lower jaw and below, pointed brown ears with black tips, brownish-gold eyes, wears the traditional Soul Reaper outfit with Captain's haiori with the number 7 in Japanese kanji on back, gauntlets on hands, boots
Soul Society, Soul Reaper, Captain of Squad 7
Shikai, Bankai, massive strength
Plot: Before and through Season 1, Before, through, and after Season 2
Relationship: Growing
Word Count: 6, 514
Warning: A very perverted Kenpachi Zaraki later on. You have been warned!
Asuna carefully avoided the squad members as she walked down the hall, holding a tray with a teapot and two cups. She was on her way to hers and Sajin's office… she was still trying to get used to calling it that… for their afternoon tea. They always shared it together, and Asuna had to admit: it was one of her favorite times in the day. Finally, she made it to the door.
"Captain Komamura? I'm coming in." She slid open the door, smiling. Sajin looked up from his work, smiling back.
"Hello Asuna." She shut the door, setting the tray down on the desk.
"Hey Sajin. How's the report coming?" He set the paper on the stack next to him.
"Just finished." Asuna chuckled, handing him a cup. He took it, taking a sip. She sat on the desk, drinking her own tea. They made small talk, discussing any topic that came to mind. Sajin had just brought up the subject of her training when a hell butterfly flew in, landing on Sajin's shoulder. "I see."
"What is it, Sajin?"
"An emergency captain's meeting has been called. Would you like to accompany me?" Asuna smiled, jumping off the desk.
"Of course. Let's go." Sajin smiled, putting on his helmet as they walked out the door. Asuna nodded, placing a hand on her Zanpakutō as they made their way to the meeting. Once there, Sajin walked inside, while Asuna leaned against the wall, placing a foot on the wall as well. She had no idea why this meeting was called, but she knew that whoever it was would arrive last.
Turns out, it was Gin Ichimaru. Out of everyone in the entire Soul Society, he was the one person Asuna didn't know… and she made no effort to rectify that. There was this air about him that was perpetually… evil… for lack of another word. His eyes constantly being closed and the smirk that was always on his face didn't help matters either. They exchanged pleasantries when necessary, but anyone with a brain could tell the atmosphere was far from friendly between the two.
He walked by, stopping in front of her. "Why hello there, Miss Asuna? Might I ask why you are here?" Asuna had to dig her fingernails into her sleeve in order to prevent herself from socking the Captain in the jaw.
"Hello, Captain Ichimaru. And I'm here because Captain Komamura asked me to accompany him. However, I must ask what business that is of yours. All due respect, sir." Ichimaru chuckled.
"It isn't. I just thought it odd that a 3rd seat was standing outside a meeting for Captains."
"Speaking of which, aren't you supposed to be inside? You're late." Ichimaru chuckled again, laying a hand on her head. To anyone else, it looked like a Captain being friendly to a subordinate. His fingernails digging into her scalp said otherwise.
"I'll see you around… Asuna Kurosaki." She gritted her teeth, smacking his hand away from her head. Gin's smile returned as he walked inside.
"Bastard." Asuna muttered under her breath. She waited till the door had closed before leaning her head against the wall again. A small trickle ran down her scalp, trailing down behind her hair. She didn't even bother whipping away the blood. She closed her eyes, thinking.
Ever since Rukia returned from her mission, things hadn't been the same. Evidently, while in the World of the Living, she had given her powers to a human boy with untapped Spiritual Pressure. Head-Captain Yamamoto had given Asuna permission to visit Rukia while she was imprisoned, considering their close friendship. It was during her last visit that Asuna had found out the name of the boy she had given her powers to.
#~#~#
"What?!" Asuna gripped the bars of the cell, staring in disbelief at her friend. "What did you say his name was?"
"Ichigo Kurosaki." Rukia tilted her head, confused. "Asuna? Are you alright? You look pale." Asuna shook her head, backing up.
"No, no. I'm fine. It's just… that name is the same as someone I used to know." She chuckled to herself. "Tell me, what did he look like?"
"Well, he had orange hair, green eyes, and the worst personality. Bossy, hard-headed, sullen all the time… he hardly ever smiled… and don't even get me started on how he acted around me. He had no respect for a girl!" Rukia's eyes softened. "Though… he was very protective of his sisters. He risked his life for them more than once." Asuna nodded, standing.
"Thank you, Rukia. I needed to hear that."
"Why? Is he the same person?" Asuna shook her head.
"No… I don't think he is." Just then, a guard came in to tell Asuna her time was up. "Goodbye Rukia. I'll visit you tomorrow."
#~#~#
"Ichigo…" Asuna whispered to herself. "What happened to you? Are you still grieving Mom?" She swallowed. 'Are you still blaming me for her death, even though I'm dead too now?' She was snapped from her thoughts when an alarm rang through the compound.
"Red alert! Red alert! Intruders in the Seireitei! All squads get into position! Repeat, red alert! Red alert! Intruders in the Seireitei!"
Asuna looked to her right when Sajin came running out. They dashed to the courtyard together, watching as something impacted the shield. Her blue eyes widened in surprise when it made it's way through… only to split off into four lights. Asuna jumped when Sajin rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Asuna, go after that one." He pointed to the one that went to their left. "Find the ryoka." His tone was all business. She gripped her Zanpakutō.
"Yes sir."
"And please… be careful." She smiled softly, nodding.
"I will. You take care of yourself too." His helmet moved in a nod. Returning the nod, she took off towards the light.
私が属する場所
Asuna gaped at the person in front of her. His right hand was bandaged, and he had some of Ikkaku's ointment smeared on his forehead. His orange hair still had some blood in it, and his green eyes sparked with curiosity. His massive Zanpakutō was draped over his shoulder.
"Who are you?" he questioned. She couldn't respond. "What are you, deaf? I asked you who you were!"
"I… Ichigo…" He blinked, tilting his head to the side.
"Yeah… that's me. Who are you?" His gaze swept up and down, resting on her chest. Well, actually, the necklace that was around her neck. "No way…" Slowly, his eyes met hers. "Asuna?" She swallowed, nodding, not trusting her voice.
Brother and sister faced off for what felt like years. Asuna slowly felt the hope creeping into her heart that he had forgiven her. That vanished when his gaze hardened. He took his Zanpakutō off his shoulders, letting it fall to his side.
"What the hell are you doing here?" he hissed. Shaking herself out of her stupor, Asuna stood with her hands at her side, trying to appear non-threatening.
"Well, for starters, I died."
"Yeah right." Asuna blinked.
"What are you talking about?! You buried my body! I was dead, Ichigo!" He scoffed.
"Doesn't explain what you're doing in the Soul Society."
"I'm the 3rd seat of Squad 7." His eyes widened. Asuna sighed. "Please… I don't want to fight you, Ichigo. Just tell me what you're doing here."
"I'm here to save Rukia Kuchiki. But I hardly think you care." Asuna gasped.
"Rukia? She's my best friend! Of course I care!" She placed a hand over her heart, clenching her fist. "Why would you think otherwise?!"
"Because you've never cared about anyone but yourself!" he shouted. She gasped again, all the hurt feelings returning like an avalanche. "You never cared! That's why you let Mom die!"
"L… LET!?" Asuna finally cracked. "You think I let her die!? You think I allowed OUR mother to die!?" Ichigo's eyes widened.
"If I let her die, do you think I would have tried to reconcile with you!? Do you think I would have separated myself from you once it was obvious you didn't want that if I let her die!?" Tears began streaming down her face. "Do you think that if I truly had not cared, I would have died!?"
"Asuna…"
"I separated myself because I thought it was what was best for you! I separated myself from you because you blamed me for Mom's death, even though I don't even know how she died in the first place! You never told me!" The tears were coming in torrents now. "And after all this time, you still blame me!?
"Tell me Ichigo! Do you remember how I used to read to you every night!? How I would hold you when you were scared!? When I carried you two miles because you were too tired to walk!? I loved you! Each and every one of you! Mom and Dad and you and Karin and Yuzu!"
Asuna's hands clenched over her heart. "I loved you from the bottom of my heart, and you turned around and blamed me for something I had nothing to do with!" Ichigo couldn't breathe. "I died because you abandoned me! You were all I had left, and you all left me!" Realizing she was making a scene, Asuna began to back up. Ichigo saw it, and reached out for her.
The second he did, however, she vanished, using flash step. Ichigo ran forward to where she had been standing. "Asuna! Wait!" She was too far away to hear him, though.
Ichigo's Zanpakutō fell from his hand as he collapsed to his knees. He braced himself with his hands, clenching them into fists. His shoulders shook as he started to cry. His lip began to bleed because he was biting it so hard.
'It was all my fault. I blamed myself for Mom's death. I didn't want to believe that Mom died because of me, and I took it out on Asuna. I killed my mother and my sister.' Ichigo's fingernails dug into his palms as he threw his head back. "ASUNA!"
私が属する場所
Something was wrong. Sajin felt it. Turning around, his eyes widened when he felt Asuna's Spiritual Pressure fleeing to the barracks. Flash-stepping, he arrived in record time. What he saw broke his heart.
Asuna was collapsed on the ground, hands clenched over her heart as she wept. Her shoulders shook with the force of her sobs. She couldn't even hear him. Sajin closed the windows, setting his helmet on the floor before sitting behind the girl and drawing her to his chest.
"Asuna, what is wrong?" She couldn't talk, instead sobbing harder. For a second, Sajin was afraid Zaraki had made a move on her again. Then he realized… this crying… she had done it once before… when she had told him about her life before her death. "Oh Asuna." Sajin held her tighter. "What happened?"
"I…" She sniffled, wiping her nose as she detached herself from his haiori. "I went after the ryoka. And… I met him."
"Who was it?"
"My little brother." Sajin's eyes widened. "He… he still blamed me." Just when she thought she couldn't cry anymore, Asuna's tears came back. "He still blames me for Mom's death." Sajin pulled her back to his chest, letting her cry her heart out.
"I'm so sorry, Asuna. I shouldn't have sent you after that one." Sajin stroked her hair. "I want you to stay here until this ryoka business is taken care of. I don't want you involved in this." Asuna nodded, too tired emotionally to argue.
"I'll check up on you when I can. But do not leave this room. Okay?" Asuna nodded again, letting Sajin carry her to the couch. He gently laid her down, draping a blanket over her. She was out within seconds.
He stayed with her for a little while, waiting till her breathing evened out to stand. He pressed a kiss to her temple, stroking her cheek. She moaned, but didn't wake. "I'm so sorry, Asuna. Even after all these years… those wounds are still bleeding. I guess what they say is true… it is the internal wounds that take the longest to heal." Kissing her temple again, Sajin left to pursue the ryoka… an orange-haired Substitute Soul Reaper in particular.
Over the next few days, Asuna stayed in Sajin's office. He would bring food to her, and make sure she was doing okay. He also gave her updates on the situation and Rukia's sentence. She had frozen in horror when she had heard Rukia's punishment, but she hadn't argued it. After all, it came from Central 46. What could she do to refute it?
At least… that is what they thought.
私が属する場所
Asuna looked up in surprise when a voice rang through her head. 'Isane?'
"All Court Guard Captains, Lieutenants, and Seated Officers, may I have your attention please. And also, the ryoka. This is Squad 4 Lieutenant, Isane Kotetsu, with an urgent announcement. Listen closely, as the message will not be repeated. This is an emergency report from Captain Unohana, regarding the traitor in our midst. As grim as the following facts are, what I'm about to tell you is the truth."
'What the hell is going on?' Asuna set her tea cup down, grabbing her Zanpakutō.
"Captain Aizen is alive, and he is the one responsible for the death sentence of Rukia Kuchiki." Asuna gasped, her grasp on her hilt tightening. "Captain Gin Ichimaru and Captain Kaname Tōsen are his accomplices." A growl passed Asuna's lips. "He has taken out Lieutenant Momo Hinamori and Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya. He has also killed everyone in Central 46. All are attempting to murder Rukia Kuchiki, for reasons unknown."
"Like hell I'm letting that filthy bastard hurt Rukia." While the insult was directed more at Gin, it now included Aizen and Tōsen. Asuna stood, strapping on her Zanpakutō. Opening the window, she placed a foot on the sill. Concentrating, her eyes flew open seconds before she flash-stepped to the prison. She was almost there when she was intercepted.
She skidded to a stop, looking up at her assaulter. "What are you doing Captain Zaraki!?" The man chuckled, flourishing his blade. Asuna was honestly surprised he could even stand with all of his wounds. "What happened to you?"
"Your brother… Asuna Kurosaki." She gasped, taking a step back. "He was able to defeat me… impressive to say the least. And… since you are older and more experienced…" Asuna barely had time to duck his attack. "You should be able to as well!"
私が属する場所
Sajin rushed from the Squad 5 barrack's courtyard. He too had heard Isane's message, and was on his way to fight Aizen. His entire body was filled with rage at the former Squad 5 Captain. That rage was turned to concern when he felt two very familiar Spiritual Pressures.
One belonged to Kenpachi Zaraki. The other… he had hoped to never be around the Squad 11 Captain again.
'Asuna! Oh no. Kenpachi must have found out about Ichigo!' Skidding to a stop, Sajin changed his trajectory, instead heading towards the prison courtyard, instead of the execution ground. 'Please. Please let me be in time.'
私が属する場所
Asuna panted, catching Kenpachi's blade with hers. He laughed, pressing harder. "Now I see. You don't even have a Shikai!" Asuna growled, spinning out of the way. Due to his greater weight and commitment to his previous strike, Kenpachi fell forward. Asuna sliced the underside of his arm as he fell, drawing blood.
He only laughed. "Ah…" he cooed. "Did I hit a nerve?" She scoffed, holding her blade on guard, ignoring the pain in her side.
"Like you're one to talk. You don't have a Shikai either." Kenpachi growled, rushing her again.
"How dare you talk back to me, wench!?" She dodged, rolling. Her shoulder wound reopened, but she didn't have time to worry about that now. "You are pathetic."
"What are you talking about!?"
"You're always cowering behind your Captain, counting on him to save you." Kenpachi licked his lips. "I have to admit, I'm disappointed he arrived when he did that night." Asuna's teeth clenched. "I so would have enjoyed seeing you a quivering mess under me."
"Filthy bastard!" Asuna leapt at the Captain, locking blades with him. He chuckled, leaning in. Asuna would have leaned back, but that would have given him room. Her entire face wrinkled in disgust when he sniffed her.
"You have such a wonderful smell… I wonder if you'll still smell this good when enraptured in pleasure. Perhaps you'll smell even better." Asuna shouted in rage, slicing at his face. She connected, leaving a gash on his cheek. He stumbled, pressing the back of his hand to his cheek. He started talking, but she couldn't hear him.
'What's happening to me?'
"You are wounded, young one." Asuna glanced down at her sword. "No. Do not look at me, just listen."
'Alright. Who are you?'
"My name is Madarao. I cannot guarantee we will win together, but I will be able to give you a fighting chance. If you will trust me."
'You're my Zanpakutō. I've trusted you to protect me since the moment I received you in the Soul Academy all those decades ago. Why would that change now?" Slowly, a figure appeared in Asuna's mind.
A massive wolf sat there, staring at her. His green eyes were like living emeralds, glimmering against his moon-white coat. A necklace of purple beads was around his neck, adding a bit of uniqueness. The sides of his jaws turned up in a small smile when his mouth opened again. "Are you ready, Asuna?"
'Yes.' Madarao began to fade into black.
"Then call my name." Her vision returned in time to see Kenpachi rush her. Only this time… she made no move to block him. Instead, she waited till the last moment to open her mouth.
"Howl through the heavens… Madarao!" An ear-splitting howl rang through the courtyard. Kenpachi clutched his ears, grimacing at the pain. He opened his eyes… only to be blinded.
'What is this?! It's as if all the light of the moon is shining directly at me!' Suddenly, a blade was plunged into his stomach from the back, before retracting at lightning speed. Kenpachi whirled, his eyes widening when he saw his opponent's transformed blade.
The blade was the purest white, save for the crimson liquid dripping off the tip. The hilt was a deep sapphire blue, and seemed to be alive, the covering finally settling into the picture of a wolf snarling. When the glow vanished from the blade, the kanji for Madarao was engraved next to the handguard.
"Mountain Dog, huh?" Kenpachi smirked. "So… it seems you have a Shikai after all. Not that it changes anything." His smirk grew into a sick smile. "I want to see the look on Ichigo's face when I tell him I killed his beloved sister."
"What makes you think he loved me?" Kenpachi shrugged.
"I may or may not have told him about a certain night… changing the ending of course." Asuna tried to keep from retching. "His expression was priceless. And it served its purpose."
"Which was?"
"To make him fighter harder, but not smarter. After all, you're not able to think clearly when your entire body is consumed with rage."
"You are one sick bastard, you know that?" Kenpachi shrugged again, twirling his sword.
"Maybe. Still… I am going to enjoy killing you." Asuna growled, shifting her stance so Madarao was parallel to the ground. Her eyes widened when Kenpachi's Spiritual Pressure increased. "I'm going to kill you with one blow!"
"Try it!" They leapt at each other, the clang of metal resonating across the courtyard. Asuna stumbled, falling to her knees as the ground beneath her rapidly became more red. She coughed, spraying blood. In the back of her mind, she heard Kenpachi laughing… she felt his foot steps come closer till his shadow stood over her… watched as his silhouette raised the outline of his Zanpakutō, the tip pointed towards her back.
"I'm sorry… Sajin. I should have stayed in the barracks." She coughed again, her life force trailing down her chin. "I'm sorry." She had just closed her eyes, accepting her fate, when another shadow fell across her. The harsh sound that was only created when two metal objects bitterly clashed reached her ears. Asuna turned her head, her eyes widening at the sight.
Sajin had shielded her with his gauntlet and helmet, the latter cracking under the force of Kenpachi's strike. It crumbled away, revealing his face. Kenpachi smirked, pushing off. Sajin shifted his stance so his body entirely blocked Asuna.
"Aw, look at that. The great Sajin Komamura cares about his 3rd seat so much he's willing to sacrifice his beloved helmet for her." Sajin growled, his muzzle wrinkling with the force of it.
"Shut up Kenpachi! Stay the hell away from Asuna!" he roared, his fists clenching. Kenpachi shrugged, draping his Zanpakutō over his shoulders. He turned away, waving over his shoulder.
"Whatever. I've got better things to do than kill your girlfriend." Sajin snarled, and was more than tempted to run Zaraki through. However, the overpowering scent of Asuna's blood was able to help him keep his wits about him. Turning, his heart dropped when he saw her passed out in the puddle of her blood.
Picking her and her blade up, he flash-stepped to the nearest, untouched rooftop. Sajin settled to his knees, cradling Asuna to his chest. Brushing her hair out of her face, his heart died all over again seeing her pale skin. If not for the barely-perceptible beat of her heart that only his ears could hear, he would have thought she was dead.
"Asuna… please… wake up." Sajin rested his forehead on hers gently, closing his eyes. "Asuna… my love… I beg of you…" He opened his eyes, staring at the girl in his arms. "Wake up."
His heart did flips when her eyes slowly blinked open. She turned her head, looking around before finally settling her gaze on her rescuer. "S… Sajin? Wha… What happened?"
"I saved you from Kenpachi." To his surprise, Asuna scoffed. "What is it?"
"Nothing."
"It's not nothing if you're doing that." Asuna sighed, turning her head away.
"It's just… Kenpachi was right." Sajin's eyes widened.
"About what?"
"He said all I was good for was hiding behind you… letting you save me." Asuna closed her eyes tightly, something Sajin recognized as what she would do when trying not to cry. "And he was right."
"No he's not."
"Don't lie to me, Sajin. You and I both know he's right." Sajin shook his head.
"No he's not. You are worth so much more." Asuna glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He smiled gently, nudging her with his nose. "Now… can you please listen to me and stay put?" She laughed, titling her head into his.
"No promises."
"I'm ordering you, by the way." She groaned in defeat, falling limp in Sajin's arms. He chuckled, setting her down. She sat up, frowning.
"Fine."
"Good. I'll be back for you. I promise." Asuna nodded, watching as her commanding officer flash-stepped away.
"You have no intention of staying, do you?"
'Nope.'
"Then what are we waiting for?" Asuna smirked, standing. Waiting till Sajin's Spiritual Pressure was far enough away, she went up the opposite side of the cliff. On the way up, she saw Ichigo's friends, running up the stairs. "Bet they're wishing they're Soul Reapers right about now."
'Shut up. Concentrating here.'
"Sorry. Shutting up." Asuna smirked, flying up over the edge in time to see Ichigo rush Aizen. Evidently, she had arrived in the middle of the battle. "ASUNA!"
'I SEE IT!' She landed, pushing off the earth. Leaping up, she unsheathed her blade just as Aizen caught Ichigo's with his finger. "Howl through the heavens, Madarao!" Madarao howled, the blade igniting in light. Aizen and Ichigo turned to face her. The orange-haired Substitute Soul Reaper received a kick to the chest, while Aizen felt his glasses break when a blade was brought down on his face, causing both to skid back.
Ichigo slowly sat up, grimacing. "What the he-" He stopped short when he saw who had kicked him. "A… Asuna." His sister didn't glanced back at him. Instead, she was glaring daggers at Aizen, her pure white blade dripping with crimson red.
Aizen lifted a hand to his head, wiping at the gash. It stretched from the left side of his forehead, across his nose, down his right cheek. Part of his shoulder had been caught in the attack as well, blood dripping down his arm, slowly staining his haiori. He looked up, his eyes widening slightly when he saw his attacker.
Asuna growled at him. "I'll say this once, bastard, so listen up!" Her blade glowed temporarily, accentuating her words. "Stay the hell away from my brother!" Everyone who had gathered gasped at Asuna's shout. No one knew of her past, so they had thought the similar last names of her and the Substitute were a coincidence. Never had the possibility that they might be blood-related crossed their minds.
Aizen chuckled softly. "Your brother?" Asuna's glare hardened. The former Squad 5 Captain straightened, wiping away blood. "That explains a lot. But, unfortunately, it also means that I'm going to have to kill you now."
"Then come and get me, you two-faced lying bastard!" Aizen smiled, unsheathing his blade. Asuna rushed him, locking blades. Ichigo, Gin, Renji, and Rukia could only watch as the two fought.
The battle was ended when Aizen plunged his blade through Asuna's body. She almost immediately coughed up blood, falling to her knees best she could, considering the blade was still in her. Aizen retracted it, catching her by the neck before she could fully fall. As he lifted her, he smiled at Ichigo's cries for his sister.
"Would you listen to that? Your little brother calls for you." Asuna twisted up her face, spitting in Aizen's. He frowned softly, lifting his other hand to wipe it away. Not that it did any good. Lifting her higher, Aizen tightened his grip. Asuna gasped, vainly trying to pull his hand away from her neck.
"Asuna Kurosaki… you had so much potential. And… so much forgiveness." Ichigo, who was lying on the ground, felt his heart clench. "Yes… I know what happened in your past life.
"I know how your family blamed you for your mother's death, even though it was caused by a Hollow. I know how they shunned you, basically disowning you. I know how it tore you up inside, eventually causing you to fall ill. Which, in turn, led to your death."
"How do you know all of this!?" Aizen looked over his shoulder at Ichigo. The former Captain smiled at the tears in Ichigo's eyes.
"Well… I am the Soul Reaper that performed the Konso on your sister." Ichigo glanced at Asuna, silently begging her for what Aizen said for to be false. Her stare said everything. "See? She doesn't deny it, because she knows its true." Aizen sighed, turning his attention back to Asuna. His grip tightened again, causing her to flinch.
"NO!"
"Why do you care what happens to her, ryoka? You hated her. You blamed her. You shunned her. You killed her." Aizen looked at Ichigo, all the while tightening his grip on Asuna's throat. "Why should you care if she dies again?"
Ichigo could only watch as his sister was killed in front of him. The light slowly began to fade from her eyes. The blood stopped flowing from her wounds and mouth. Her skin grew pale. The tears spilled over in Ichigo's eyes as one of her hands dropped, her fingers stretching out towards him. He began to reach back, all the while knowing it wouldn't do any good.
"AIZEN!" A newcomer fell from the sky just as Asuna's hand went limp. The Squad 5 captain dropped her in favor of getting out of the way, allowing the figure to pick her up. When the dust settled, Asuna was cradled gently against the chest of a massive wolf-man.
"Sajin… it has been a while since I've seen your face." The Squad 7 Captain snarled, tightening his grip on Asuna slightly. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, before closing as a soft smile pulled at her bloody lips. "Tell me… is she worth sacrificing your self-worth for?" Sajin snarled again as Aizen smiled.
"How dare you stand there and smile like that? Aizen! You betrayed everybody! Every one of you will not be forgiven!" His gaze swept to a fellow Captain… one he had once considered to be one of his closest friends. "Nor will you, Kaname!"
"Sajin…" He glanced down at the girl in his arms. "Put me down. I'll only hinder you." Sajin searched her eyes, before nodding. He gently set her on the ground, making sure she was settled before standing, unsheathing his own Zanpakutō. "Go kick his ass."
"Yes ma'am." Turning his attention to Aizen, the Squad 7 Captain leapt across the gap, crossing blades with the brunette. However, it was not him that Sajin addressed.
"Kaname! If you've got an explanation, I need to hear it now!" Kaname did not respond. "That's it? Nothing!? Too bad Kaname." Sajin narrowed his eyes, releasing his Spiritual Pressure. "Bankai."
Asuna gasped when she saw Aizen vanish, before materializing directly in front of Sajin. 'Oh no.' Pushing herself up, she ran towards the duel. Madarao lent her his power, helping her go faster.
Aizen didn't notice. "Hadō number 90. Kurohitsugi." A black box formed around Sajin.
Imagine Aizen's surprised when the box vanished… revealing Asuna. She smirked at him, before blood exploded from several wounds all over her body. Her head turned towards Sajin, her lips moving in unspoken words, as her body fell to the earth. The second she made contact, two voices rang across the execution grounds.
"ASUNA!"
私が属する場所
Sajin sighed, stroking Asuna's cheek. His other hand held one of hers, lightly brushing his thumb across the delicate skin. She showed no signs of waking. Unfortunately, he was far too used to seeing her sleeping face for his comfort. Or his heart's.
Almost a week had passed since Aizen's betrayal and retreat. When everything had caught up to everyone, Squad 4 went into overdrive. Ichigo had refused all medical treatment while he held his sister's hand, begging her to stay with him. Sajin stayed with them, silently begging Asuna to stay with him as well.
They had personally taken Asuna to the Squad 4 barracks, where they had adamantly stayed by her bedside, even though Captain Unohana had requested them to leave. Realizing neither would while she was still asleep, the Squad 4 Captain had relented. Isane had been posted outside the door, preventing anyone else from entering. It was only once Asuna had been stabilized that Ichigo allowed the others to tend to his wounds.
Currently, Ichigo was slumped over the table, his head buried in his arms as he slept. Unohana had drugged the food, hence the reason Sajin hadn't eaten. Instead, he had allowed Ichigo to eat all of it. The result had been the Substitute Soul Reaper promptly passing out not five minutes later.
A moan drifted into Sajin's ears. Sharply turning his head, his eyes widened when Asuna opened her eyes to stare back. Her tongue flicked across her dry and cracked lips, before they twisted up into a smile. Her hand flipped under his, squeezing gently.
"Hey…" Sajin laughed softly, leaning forward to wrap her in a delicate embrace. Asuna returned it best she could, wincing slightly at the pain in her side.
"Asuna… you're awake."
"Duh." Sajin chuckled, nudging Asuna's head with his. "How long have I been out?" she asked as he pulled back. When she moved, he helped her sit up.
"Almost a week."
"What happened after I collapsed?"
"Byakuya showed up to save Rukia from Aizen. Not too long after that, everyone that had heard Isane's message surrounded Aizen, Gin, and Kaname." Asuna could help but hear the pain that lay underneath the venom in Sajin's voice when he mentioned Kaname. "They escaped, however, with the help of Menos Grande." Asuna gasped.
"Hollows? In the Soul Society?" Sajin nodded.
"We were all in shock." A snore cut him off before he could say anything. Asuna looked to her left, her eyes growing to the size of small saucers when she saw the shock of orange hair. Sajin nodded, squeezing her hand.
"He's been by your side since you collapsed." Asuna gasped again, her jaw dropping slightly. "We had a meaningful conversation a couple days back." She tilted her head.
"About what?"
"You." Sajin sighed. "Evidently, he blamed himself for your mother's death, but didn't want to believe that she died because of him. So… he took it out on you. The whole time, he was in denial, and… when you died… he didn't want to believe that either." Asuna nodded, her head dropping.
"I see."
"I'm sorry. I just thought you should know." She shook her head, looking at him again.
"No, no. I'm glad you told me. At least… I know he doesn't truly blame me for Mom's death." She looked out her window. "On a different subject, can I ask you something?" Sajin nodded.
"Do you remember when you saved me from Kenpachi? After we fought?" Another nod. "Well… Madarao told me that you called me 'my love' while I was unconscious." Sajin's breath caught in his throat when Asuna's brilliant blue eyes turned on him. "Is that true?" Sajin stared back… before nodding.
"Yes… that is true." He looked away, not being able to meet her gaze. He knew this wasn't the right time, but, after almost losing her, and her asking him directly, he knew he wouldn't have another chance. "I love you, Asuna. I have ever since we met all those years ago when you patched me up in the Rukon District. I understand if you don't fe-."
A hand over his mouth stopped him midsentence. It turned his head to the side so he looked at Asuna. He waited, his heart beating in his chest as she leaned closer. He had no idea what she was doing… till her eyes closed… moments before her lips met his.
After freezing for two seconds, Sajin returned the kiss. One of his hands came up to cover hers, while his other cupped her cheek, pulling her closer to him. Asuna smiled into the kiss, applying more pressure. Sajin growled in response, pressing harder in return.
Their lips moved in sync, opening and closing against each other. Waiting till she had opened her mouth again, Sajin slipped his tongue into her moist cavern, smirking at her breathless gasp. Both moaned softly as their tongues dueled for dominance. Sajin won, and celebrated, leaving Asuna even more breathless than she was before.
When they finally parted, both were out of breath. As their lungs tried to recover their oxygen supplies, the duo leaned their foreheads on each other's. Hearing a groan, both quickly looked at Ichigo, breathing a sigh of relief when he just shifted slightly in the chair, returning to deep sleep. Asuna chuckled, looking at Sajin again.
"Now… what was it you were saying?"
"Something irrelevant." Sajin smiled, gently kissing Asuna's slightly swollen lips. "Get some rest, my love. I will be here when you wake." Asuna smiled, yawning as she settled into the pillows.
"You better be."
私が属する場所
Asuna stood next to Sajin as the Senkaimon opened to let Ichigo and his friends go home. Rukia, having decided to stay in the Soul Society, stood in between Asuna and her brother, who had recovered from his wounds nicely. All Captains and Lieutenants, save Kenpachi, Yachiru, Mayuri, and Nemu, had shown up to wish the ryoka well on their return. Asuna took a step forward as Ichigo turned to her.
He rubbed the back of his neck, looking down at the ground. "Asuna… I know this doesn't even begin to fix the pain and suffering I've caused you, but… I'm sorry." He glanced up at her, allowing her to see his tears. "I… I blamed myself for Mom's death, and I took it out on you. I turned our entire family against you, and... and..." Asuna reached out, bringing the sobbing Substitute to her chest, shushing him just like she had done when he was a child.
"You don't need to explain yourself, Ichigo. I know about what happened, and I don't blame you." Ichigo stiffened in Asuna's arms.
"Oh Asuna…" He wrapped his arms around her waist, sobbing into her shoulder. His fists clenched in her haiori, but he was mindful of her underlying bandages. "I'm so sorry. I never should have… I just…" His grip tightened as he buried his face deeper into her haiori. "Thank you…"
"I forgave you a long time ago, little brother." Asuna pulled back, wiping Ichigo's cheeks. Behind both of them, everyone was crying as the siblings reconciled. "And you'll be seeing a lot more of me now that you're a Substitute Soul Reaper." Ichigo smiled just like he did when he was a child… back when Masaki was still alive.
"I'm looking forward to it… Onēchan." Asuna smiled, kissing his forehead. He blushed from his neck up, earning chuckles from his friends. He whirled on them, shouting for them to shut up.
The others said their goodbyes as well, Orihime being very forceful to Rukia about a dress or something or other. Asuna smiled as the ryoka began walking towards the Senkaimon. Just before he vanished into the light, Ichigo turned around. "I'll tell the others about you, Asuna. I'm going to fix the mess I've made." She smiled.
"It's about time. I was getting tired of always cleaning up after you." The others laughed, Ichigo chuckling as well.
"I love you, Asuna."
"I love you too, Ichigo. I'll see you around." He nodded.
"Count on it." Asuna nodded, leaning on Sajin's arm as the Senkaimon closed behind her brother and his friends.
"Are you alright?" Asuna hummed in questioning, before nodding.
"I was just thinking." Sajin glanced down at her as they began to walk back with the others. Unbeknownst to them, the others were hanging on to every word they said.
"About what?"
"If Ichigo hadn't blamed me for Mom's death… and turned the whole family against me, I never would have died. If I hadn't died, I never would have met you." Sajin nodded.
"That's true." Asuna smiled up at her boyfriend just as he leaned down for a kiss. Byakuya shook his head slightly, while Rukia grinned like an idiot. Ukitake, her superior, smiled as well, exchanging a knowing glance with the younger Kuchiki.
Asuna pulled back first, grinning. "I guess… what I'm trying to say is… my death wasn't my end." Sajin shook his head, kissing her gently again.
"No…" he whispered against her lips. "It was only the beginning."
Wow. I really did make Kenpachi into a pervert, didn't I? Oh well. That's kind of how I see him anyways. No offense to Kenpachi fans out there.
In any case, I hope you guys enjoyed it. I won't be accepting requests for the next week, however, and here's why:
1) I am behind on requests.
2) I am writing another fic altogether for a friend
3) I have finals coming up.
4) I have received requests for a few characters that I have absolutely no idea about, so I'll be taking this next week to catch up on episodes.
Once the week is over, please feel free to request away. Thank you!