Welcome to the next chapter!
Rider126; Yeah, no Chad.
makotoxvalerie; Not in this story.
Dehaka; He is not in this story.
Benny Farr; Sosuke surely did.
ShadowUzumaki55; They did yeah, they have had a busy time as of late. Yeah, it will be good for him to have a nice memory before going to Soul Society.
Silver crow; Thanks! Yeah, Rukia doing that would be good. Tatsuki did yeah. Yoruichi and Sakuto will have a moment pretty soon. She is, but is putting more into training harder. Sakuto could know about it. Bambietta is going through a good deal. Liltotto is a rather smart girl. The Quincy girls definitely have a good deal of potential. Yeah, they are off to the amusement park. Yeah, Shrieker is a non issue for Sakuto and the others. That would be nice if they can be like that. Yeah, he knows she has great potential, and wishes to help her have it be brought out. That would be good for Unohana. Thanks for the harem suggestions. That would be good if they band together to defeat him in combat. They could have weapons like that. There could be sometime made. Tier will have her own role. That would be good for Nemu. Sounds good for Toshiro and Momo.
Guest 1; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Skull Flame; Yeah, Shrieker shall appear~
Orihime fan; Yeah, the Hollow wont get very far. Bambietta and Sakuto will have some sort of confrontation pretty soon. They are yeah. Sakuto does have plans for the Hogyoku.
Guest 2; Thank you for the harem suggestions!
Guest 3; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 4; Thank you very much!
drsk4275; Yeah, it seems so~ That is pretty intriguing, would be fun to explore that.
Elbini; Maybe next time.
With those reviews out of the way, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 9
After seeing Rukia off for the night, promising her to train, Sakuto sat on the rooftop of the apartment complex and was conversing with someone on the phone.
While he talked, he admired the nights sky. The beauty of the stars twinkling, and the towns lights that still shone in the darkness. All of it captivated his eyes, and his voice carried through a happiness that was easily portrayed by Sakuto himself.
"It should've arrived by now..."
[Yeah, yeah. Its arrived. So you want me to go and get this guy now?]
Sakuto lightly smiled at the voice.
"Just make sure he's ready for tomorrow. It'd be a great help to me."
[Yeah, I get it. You don't gotta worry about that. Still, going through a lotta trouble for one person.]
"She isn't simply a person to me, she's someone I care about."
Sakuto replied to the woman on the phone.
A small laughing could be heard.
[Always up to something, aren't you?]
"You know me haha~ Well, thanks again. I really appreciate it."
[I'll be ready for tomorrow, together with him. So, guess I'll speak to ya later.]
"Of course, good night."
[Heh, good night.]
With that, the phone call ended, Sakuto placed his phone in his pocket, and went to move, when he felt a presence behind him.
He turned his head, seeing that Yoruichi was stood there, in her cat form.
"Hey, Yoruichi-san. What're you up too?"
"Passing by, saw you on the phone. Anyone interesting?"
"Ooh, an old friend of ours~"
Yoruichi raised a brow.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, I told her about you, and she seemed to be rather happy. Though I'm curious as to what's going on with you."
"Nothing much, simply admiring the sights." She said with a rather sensual voice. "I would like to speak with you, soon."
"I would be happy with that. Now?"
He asked, but she shook her head.
"Got some errands to run, mainly for that idiot Kisuke. Honestly, he thinks just because he's working with you, he doesn't have time for anything else."
"Haha, I'm sorry about that~"
"Well, if it works in the end, I don't mind it so much I suppose. Though, don't do anything too dangerous, you know?"
Sakuto could hear her worry, and it did make him smile.
"You don't have to worry about me, I can take care of myself."
"Be that as it may, its also good to rely on others."
"No doubt, you're right about that. However, I also want to risk the least amount of people as possible being involved, but I am also prepared in case things escalate in different ways."
"True, that is good for the time being. But, I'm already involved. So, you've got to come to me~"
Sakuto gave intrigued eyes, and found it rather entertaining what she had said, but behind the joking tone, he also sensed she was rather serious, so he matched that, and nods strongly.
"Haha I see. I'll definitely come to you."
Yoruichi was happy to hear that, and soon took off, leaving Sakuto behind to ponder a few things...
Early in the morning, as the sun was rising, Rukia was currently within a semi deserted area. With buildings around her, not too dissimilar to the area they had a fight with the Quincy not all that long ago, she was beginning her training with Sakuto.
She had been training for well over an hour.
Sweat dripped from her chin, and her face looked rather hot. Moving her sleeve across her forehead to rid her of the sweat, Rukia took in several deep breaths, while Sakuto examined her and seeing where she was currently with her training, and what areas she'd be able to improve upon.
"You wanna continue?"
Not wanting to exhaust her, he asked for confirmation either way they were going to go.
Rukia felt her heart racing, yet she also felt the desire to become stronger, so she turned her eyes up towards Sakuto, giving an affirming nod of her head.
"Yes, let us continue."
Sakuto smiled at her resolve, but also was aware that rest was also important.
"Alright, but this is the last one for this morning, okay? Working hard is good, but also taking breaks is good as well."
"U-Understood!"
Sakuto could see that she was rather determined.
Nothing was going to stop her in her path to grow stronger.
"Then, lets begin again!"
Sakuto called out, as he summoned a square shaped barrier within his hand. Without a moments pause, he flicked the barrier towards Rukia.
It moved rather rapidly, Rukia could see the speed, so she took to her blade, and swung it directly to her left, colliding with the barrier, and sent it flying backwards. However, while she did, more came towards her, like bullets that left no room for error otherwise she'd be bombarded.
Rukia steeled herself, and began parrying the barrier attacks. Sakuto mixed it up, and came at different angles with the barriers.
Because they were barriers, if she were to be hit, then it wouldn't cause much problems for her but it still gave her the chance to see high flying objects that could cause trouble for her in the future, and give her the appropriate manner into counteracting the attacks.
"Hah! Hah! Hah!"
Managing to parry a good number of the barriers that moved at high speed, Rukia faltered on one of them.
Sakuto thought that she might miss her stepping, so watched on and was ready to act in case that did happen.
However, despite the fumble, Rukia pushed backwards, avoiding the barrier from making contact with her, and then cut another barrier coming for her in half, predicting its movements that made Sakuto rather proud of her.
"Good, she was able to come back after having a misstep. Indeed, she's got good skills that she is honing very well, and the confidence will come with this as well. Very impressive Rukia-chan. Coupled with your Kido skills, and your Zanpakuto, I'd say that you'll eventually be ready for the big fights...good work Rukia-chan."
Showing a happy disposition, along with his praising thoughts of Rukia's movements, he was thrilled to see that Rukia was able to show exactly what she was capable of doing, and knew that in time, she'd be a rather strong contender.
Minutes passed by, and eventually, Rukia felt fatigue come over her, so Sakuto stopped the barriers, and ended their training for the morning.
A small time later, Sakuto sat together with Rukia, who was still breathing a little harder than usual to catch her stamina back to normal, so Sakuto produced some green tea, offering it towards her.
"Here have this, it'll help recover more quickly. Its made from a special recipe I invented a while ago."
Rukia was intrigued, and took a sip of her drink, allowing the liquid to flow down her throat and it made her rather happy to feel its effects washing over her, shivering as she did so.
"Wow, it doesn't taste half bad. And this'll help me huh?"
"Definitely. Finish it off. You'll be able to recover faster."
Rukia appreciated everything that he was doing for her, and wished to know of what he had found out during their beginning training session, and where he believed she could improve.
"Speaking of finishing, how did you think I did during the training session?"
Sakuto placed a finger to his chin in thought, while Rukia continued drinking her tea.
"Well, I'd say I got a good grasp of your current level, and can see where we can go towards to improve your strengths, and begin working on those that could be considered your weaker points. By no means are you bad in any field of combat, but swordsmanship seems to be weaker, while Kido seems to be your strongest point. Would you agree with that?"
"Yes, while in the Academy, I excelled in Kido, and I was average in swordsmanship. I remember like you have done for me...Kaien also used to train me. I remember when I first unlocked my Zanpakuto, and began learning how to use it."
"Through your dances."
Sakuto recalled, seeing Rukia's face turning a notable downwards when she thought about Kaien briefly.
Rukia nods with a slight movement of her neck, concentrated fully on her thoughts.
"Yes, that's right. They've been good at various combat. But, I am wondering on how to expand on my abilities." Rukia looks towards her blade. "This Zanpakuto, my Zanpakuto. I wish to be able to use it to the best of my abilities."
"Ice is a very useful tool in combat. To trap and to freeze your opponents. While Shiro-chan's blade does a few different things with ice, like structures, and the likes, you've also got a unique Zanpakuto Rukia-chan. Understanding it fully, will help you to achieve many levels of new strength for you."
Rukia listened to his words deeply, and gazed at the Zanpakuto before her.
"...Sode no Shirayuki, I wonder if I could use her to her full potential, and fight even harder...though, regardless of that, thank you for agreeing to train me Vice Captain...I mean, Sakuto. This is your vacation after all, so I am grateful."
Sakuto shook his head, and waved his hand at the same time.
"Please, you don't have to worry about that. I'm happy to help you out Rukia-chan, leave it with me. Besides, you have been my student for a while anyway, guess you wanted to be formal, right?" Rukia nods. "Then lets continue together, and I am sure that with time, Bambietta-san will be very surprised."
Rukia appreciated his kind words, and bowed her head respectfully.
A while later, as promised to the young spirit Yuichi, along with Yuichi himself, Sakuto, Orihime, Rukia and Nemu all arrived at an amusement park. Immediately, Sakuto saw the young child's eyes open wide, and happily.
He also noticed Rukia looking towards a rabbit themed ball throwing competitions where the prizes, as guessed, were rabbits, and she was trying her best to conceal anything that could be considered happiness on her face, trying to remain as stoic as possible, but she held a blush on her face.
"My, seems like its rather busy~"
Sakuto let out in a jovial chortle, while Rukia cleared her throat, and bent down towards Yuichi.
"Now Yuichi-kun, I saw you eyeing up those rabbits over there. Could it be that you wished to go towards them?"
Sakuto snickered, as Nemu shrewdly pointed out something.
"Kuchiki-san, according to my data, it appeared to me that your eyes went over towards the direction of the rabbits, rather than Shibata-sans did."
Rukia looked like a deer caught in headlights, as the young spirit yelled "Yes lets go!" Rukia was in particular very happy with that outcome, as they all shuffled towards that area, walking through the park together, Sakuto noting how the spirit was holding on to Orihime's hand, which Sakuto did find to be adorable to see.
Nemu then looked towards Sakuto.
"What is the objective of this game Sakuto-sama?"
"You see those targets over there?" Nemu looks inside, and does in fact see them. "You take a ball they give you, I believe you have three tries, and if you knock down all, you're able to pick a prize of your choosing-"
"I will try it first!" Rukia let out giddily, then she fixed her words as well as her overall stoic nature. "What I mean, is that I shall attempt to try and win some rabbits, for Yuichi-kun."
"Only for him huh?"
Sakuto suspected with a wide grin, with Rukia giving an affirming nod, trying and failing to hide her excitement.
"Of course, who else would they be for?" She added, then smiled gently to herself. "Though there are a good few, so if I am able to win more than one, then perhaps it would be in their best interests to also be shared with me...t-that is, if I win more than one..."
Sakuto chuckled "So cute." to Orihime who agreed when seeing Rukia acting in this cute manner.
"Good luck Rukia-chan!"
Rukia got into a stance once paying for a go of the game, and concentrated.
Almost robotically, and thanks to her Shinigami training and senses, Rukia was able to hit every since target with the amount of balls she was given, bringing up her total so she could gather a few prizes. Sakuto thought it was pretty amazing how focused she was in her item gathering and wondered about incorporating it into her training sessions.
"It appears to me that the power of Kuchiki-sans desires is allowing her to be able to raise her stats to increased levels, giving her the ability to bring her points up. In particular, her attention is focused on an eerily similar to Chappy the rabbit doll that they have on display."
As Nemu points it out, Sakuto couldn't hide his happiness at not only seeing Rukia relaxing, but also Nemu joining in on the conversations in her very Nemu like way.
"Wow...she is amazing."
Yuichi commented, Orihime nods strongly.
"Yes, isn't she just? Look, you can pick any of those cute bunnies to take with you...w-well, would it be okay for him to take it Sakuto-kun?"
"I can arrange for them to be delivered to him in the Soul Society."
Orihime looked grateful, as the young boy clapped happily, and pointed one out for the boy, so Orihime got it for him once Rukia finished.
Rukia herself got a few stuffed rabbits, of varying sizes, Sakuto gave a bright smile, and brought out a bag, upon seeing Rukia trying to carry a good few of the rabbit toys by herself, stuffing some under her arms.
"Rukia-chan, put them in here. Saves you carrying them all under your arms."
"Ah yes, thank you."
Satisfied, Rukia placed most of the toys in a bag, and they continued on around the park together.
Yuichi dragged Orihime to various places that he wished to visit, Orihime was increasingly getting excited to go to various places. She even ended up winning some games herself, showing her rather skillful side.
"Sakuto-kun, you've got to try that!"
Orihime pointed out a game to do with firing water from a gun to fill a balloon.
"Aah, while a Shinigami tends to use swords, lets see if I can do a gun game~"
"Allow me to assist you Sakuto-sama."
Nemu added, Sakuto agreed happily.
"Yes, lets do this!"
Sakuto and Nemu went over to the game, picking up a water pistol each.
Taking aim, they both fired it into the mouth of the clown face with the balloon filling up more and more above its head.
"Wow, showing those gun slinging skills Sakuto-kun~?"
Orihime giggled out, Sakuto shrugged.
"Something like that~"
Orihime looked joyful as they continued until they managed to win the game.
Soon enough, they continued around the amusement park all together, playing different games. Somehow, Sakuto ended up having Yuichi sit on his shoulders, carrying him around so he could get a better view of everything, that's what Sakuto was told anyway.
He didn't mind it, as he could see that along with Yuichi, Orihime, Rukia, and even Nemu to an extent were getting into it. He was happy for them, and even he had to admit that it was rather fun to go around with the others, allowing them to be able to relax despite everything that was going on.
"Ooh! Lets go on that ride!"
Yuichi called out, Orihime nodded and they jetted off to another ride.
Nemu also went on a ride that had a lot of water present, eventually ended up getting soaked. But it seemed to Sakuto that she was genuinely enjoying her time together with the others.
Time passed, going way past midday, and still there was a lot to see in the amusement park.
"You know, as Shinigami, we don't usually do this for spirits."
Rukia brought up, as they continued walking around.
Sakuto agreed with her and folded his arms, his eyes casting to Orihime and Yuichi now observing some kind of mini show that was being performed on the right hand side of a pathway, to do with clowns juggling.
"Yes, you're right about that. We send spirits to the Soul Society, usually we don't take the time to do anything like this."
"Yes, that's true. Time is to do with it of course, as we've got many to help...but, for this young boy, having died in a brutal way, after watching his Mother get brutally killed, along with being chased by a crazy Hollow hell bent on trying to cause him immense pain...he gets to have one last moment of happiness on his own world, before being whisked away towards the Soul Society."
Sakuto couldn't help but agree with her.
"Yes, you're right about that. He's having a good time right now. We all are. Helps unwind from all of the stresses of the daily lives we lead. Being a Shinigami can be difficult the higher the rank you go, sometimes its good to unwind and live a normal day."
Rukia liked the sound of that.
While she knew not every case could be like this, she did like for this instance, they were able to give this spirit one last few happy memories and he'd be able to have some positive things to go to the Soul Society with.
"Its a shame, though."
Rukia brought up all of a sudden, Sakuto raised an eyebrow.
"What is?"
"The one responsible for his Mothers passing, and his own torture, is still out there. He gets to walk around, and do...who knows what, and this boy continues to have to have visions of that monster chasing him."
Sakuto eyes glance towards Nemu, who had also joined the others to watch the sideshow attraction.
He gently smiled at the sight, glad that Nemu was able to find her own ways to enjoy herself.
"Yes, you're right. I did some research based on what Yuichi-kun told us, with the balcony, and the fact the guy killed his Mother, and then I looked up his name as well. I believe that this man used to be a serial killer, when alive as a human. The Hollow chasing after Yuichi-kun I mean."
Rukia looked astonished.
"Really? That would explain his even more sadistic tendencies than a normal Hollow would usually have."
"Yeah...it seems to have been going on for a good few years. But, that's going to be ending today."
"Do you mean Yuichi? Or the Hollow?"
"Well, the days not over yet. Perhaps that Hollow will show up."
Rukia raised an intrigued brow.
"Is that a hunch? Or did you figure something else?"
"Its the latter of those."
Rukia was interested by what he meant by that and wondered what he had figured out.
"What is it exactly Sakuto? I haven't detected a Hollows power, and my phone hasn't alerted me to any presence of a Hollow either."
Sakuto didn't disagree with her, and cocked his head towards the right hand side.
"That is true, that a Hollow isn't around here. But apart of one is. So small, that it would avoid many peoples detections. I'd call it smart, if I didn't find the Hollow to be so vile in what he's done to that poor kid."
Rukia remained confused so Sakuto pointed it out.
What Rukia saw was hiding within a tree top, was a small creature, that she thought resembled some kind of frog, or something similar to it. It was hidden rather well, she barely could feel any spiritual power coming from it, and she also didn't see anything on her phone either to indicate its presence.
"Its been following us for a little while. My best guess is that its connected to that Hollow, and watching, waiting for the right moment to come and attack. But I know right now it isn't in Karakura, probably worried about the people around Yuichi-kun this time, being rather stronger than what he'd usually be used too."
"So, he's going to try and attack when our guards down, right?"
"Yeah, think so. Or, if he gets too tired of waiting, or perhaps his arrogance takes over, and believes he might be able to win the fight."
Rukia tightened her hand.
"All this to torment a child, it really is disgusting."
"You aren't kidding. If he doesn't reveal himself soon enough, then I'll grab that creature, so we can locate the Hollow itself. It would have to be close enough to act rather quickly, yet far enough that it couldn't be sensed in a nearby vicinity."
"That would make sense. It is best that Hollow is dealt, especially after what it did to this poor child." Rukia looked towards Yuichi and Orihime, dipping her head ever so slightly. "Well, it would give him closure all the same."
Sakuto could see that Rukia truly did feel a good deal about what was being said.
How Yuichi felt, and what he had been through, it was all apart of Rukia's compelling kindness that she held deep within her.
"Yeah...after what's happened, its best if the kid has closure. To be honest, as you're aware, it would be difficult in knowing what happened to his Mother, if she's still in the human world, or if she moved on, if something else happened. All we can say for sure is that he needs to cross over, before anything happens to him, and he doesn't turn into a Hollow."
"Indeed. By the end of the day, he'll be gone. I do hope that somehow, he is able to find his Mother somehow."
Sakuto nods and watches together with Rukia as the group had a good time with one another.
Having had a disagreement with her friends, Bambietta ponders on her own what she's going to do now that she wasn't sure if she could ask her friends to support her.
She thought that they'd be able to fight and defeat the Shinigami together.
But seeing as how they seemed to be on the side of the Shinigami, or at least cooperating with them, Bambietta was finding it difficult on what she should do now.
That was until Giselle came to find her, and walked with her hands behind her back.
"What ya doing? Going off on your own like that, people were worried about you last night. We've been looking for you."
Giselle asked with an elegant smile, matching with her upbeat personality.
However, Bambietta turned her head away from Giselle.
"Why are you even here? Didn't you side with the others? You didn't have to look for me, I needed time to think."
"Siding with others?" Giselle curiously murmured, playing with her hair antenna while putting on a goofy expression. "I am on the side of us Bambi-chan! There is no other side to me~"
"Yeah, it didn't seem like it to me. When you went with the others. Siding with the Shinigami. Especially after...those Shinigami might have let us go, but you can't be certain that they're on our side, that they're allies to us. We can't be sure of anything like that, can we?"
Giselle tilted her head left and right curiously.
"Ooh, that's because they kinda have a point. Like, we're not going to be able to deal with the Shinigami anyway, so lets be friends with them instead. I guess you've never heard of Sakuto Aizen before, have you?"
Bambietta pursed her lips, while she thought about the name, trying to make connections within her mind.
"Hmmm...well, I can't say the name doesn't ring some kind of bells. But I didn't think he'd be able to handle all three of you at once. Then again, I am surprised you didn't use your power Gigi. What's that about anyway?"
Giselle hummed for a few moments.
"What would my power have solved anyway? Their levels of power were more than what would have been doable in battle. If I splashed my blood on them, I'd doubt any would have turned into a Zombie so quickly, I would have to use a more controlled version of it, and have it spread through their hearts, and go around their bodies. Plus, I'm still working out the kinks and stuff with that power. Gotta make sure its usable you know~? We don't all blow up stuff so easily~ Sometimes we've got to be tactical~"
Bambietta studied Giselle, looking for anything that would hint as to what she was up to.
But, she couldn't see anything of note, so she decided to outright ask what was going on.
"Right...nothing to do with you acting a bit weird when you heard his name, right?"
Giselle giggled awkwardly, and cutely at the same time.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"As if I didn't notice. That day when we were discussing about the likes of Rukia Kuchiki. You suddenly went uncharacteristically silent on the matters when his name popped up. But why was that Gigi?"
Giselle looked towards Bambietta, and though she didn't voice her thoughts, she had some things playing around within her mind.
"Well, I've heard of him. That's all there is too it~ So, why don't you stop with this Shinigami hate, and we can all go back to being friends again~"
Giselle said it with a peppy expression, Bambietta waved her hand.
"We never stopped being friends, so don't worry about that. But, I have to make sure that these Shinigami are dealt with swiftly. There's nothing else for me to do, other than that. I thought that's what everyone else wanted as well, but it seems that I am off the mark or something? I don't understand how everyone else can be so accepting of them after what we've seen before with other Shinigami."
"We do understand what has happened in the past, but we don't wanna fight the Shinigami. Rather than dealing with them through force, we're dealing with them through cooperation you know~? Its better to not fight with everyone in the world, otherwise you're gonna end up on your own with no one, and that's never good."
Bambietta gave a strong resolve, standing up, and peered towards the sky.
"I appreciate it, but I can't stop yet. Not until...not until those damn Shinigami..." Bambietta placed a hand over her chest, and let out a breath. "...It doesn't matter, I'll go and deal with this. Don't worry about me."
"I don't have too. If you bite the dust, I'll bring you back as a Zombie~"
Bambietta gave a slightly amused look to her words.
"Thanks, I guess."
"No problem!"
Bambietta tightened her resolve, as she stood up, and began walking away.
Giselle on the other hand watched on, thinking "She truly is going to do something. Though, I also have plans...don't I Sakuto-kun?" before she herself stood up, placing her hands behind her back, and gave a strong smile as a result.
At the end of the day, Sakuto and Orihime sat together with Yuichi in a Ferris wheel cabin. As it slowly went higher and higher into the air, Yuichi looked out and his eyes went over the entire town for as long as he could see.
Another Hollow showed up within the town of Karakura, so Rukia and Nemu went to go and deal with that, in case it was the Hollow that was after Yuichi. Leaving the trio alone so they could have some quality time together.
Orihime gave happy eyes upon seeing Yuichi happy, and Sakuto himself looked towards Orihime happily.
"Its been great today Sakuto-kun~"
"Yes, its been really fun. It makes me a little envious that humans get to experience these things more often than Shinigami."
"Nothing like this is in Soul Society?"
Sakuto shakes his head.
"Not really. We do have some stuff, like hot springs, and such. But we don't have full fledge amusement parks. Maybe I should petition for one to be brought to the Seireitei? I'm sure that the other Shinigami would like it~"
"Ooh, that's a good idea Sakuto-kun! Build so many rides, you could do that, right?"
"Yeah, probably. I'd have some ideas on how to make them go even faster. But of course, safety first~"
Sakuto lightly chuckled as he and Orihime admired the light of the sun shining down towards Karakura, as it slowly was setting in the sky.
Orihime noticed the pars closeness with one another, while enjoying the view together.
She was happy that here and now, she was able to enjoy her time with someone she cared a good deal about.
"Its a nice setting sun, huh."
Sakuto brought up, Orihime agreed.
"Yes, I really like it. I wish this day didn't have to end..."
"We can have plenty of more fun days Orihime-chan. It doesn't have to end at all."
Orihime inclines her head in excitement, but then looks towards Yuichi and bows her head sadly.
"I guess we'll have to say goodbye soon though."
"Perhaps, but not forever. I actually have been working on something Orihime-chan, that I think you're going to like."
"Really? What is it?"
"Patience is a virtue you know~?"
Orihime giggled with glee, while Yuichi looked back towards them.
"Are you two married?"
Orihime coughed in surprise, as Sakuto laughed.
"Why do you think that?"
"Because you're really close, like my Mom and Dad used to be."
Sakuto gave a bemused smile, as Orihime shook her head.
"No, no! We're not married at all~"
"Are you going to be?"
Orihime blushed, and her head went down towards her chest, showing a surprising shy side to her.
Sakuto saw this, and answered with a kind smile.
"Who's to say, perhaps one day we will be Yuichi-kun. You never know what the future might hold."
Orihime notably gasped, and looked towards Sakuto's smiling face.
That caused her blush to deepen even more, fiddling with her fingers in a shy manner.
Sakuto continued his smile, facing the young boy fully.
"After this, you'll have to be going to Soul Society. For your own safety."
"I remember...so, I really will see Mom there?"
"It really is hard to say, but it definitely is possible that she is there now. But, I am sure that she would want you to be safe, and there are people there that look out for one another, build communities, families, and help one another out."
Orihime smiled, showing that Sakuto was being realistic with Yuichi, not promising him something that he didn't know would be 100 percent true, but also offering him hope, and that he would be able to have some kind of joy once crossing over.
But that soon ended when Sakuto glanced outside of their Ferris wheel cabin, muttering "So, now he arrives." and moments later, a new Hollow emerges from the sky. Flying on wings that extended out of his arms, he flew at high speeds.
Yuichi upon spotting him, became frightened, and hugged Orihime, who in turn hugged his head tightly, whispering "Its okay." while Sakuto raised his hand, and summoned a shield that stopped the progression of the Hollow, who slammed right into it, repelling the Hollow backwards.
"What the..."
"Good day, Hollow. I presume you've come for Yuichi-kun?"
The Hollow growled towards Sakuto.
"Shinigami, right?"
"Yes, that's right. What do we call you?"
"Shrieker! It should send fear into your hearts!"
Sakuto gave a bewildered smile.
"If you say so."
Shrieker didn't like that answer, and balled his fist up, slamming it to the barrier. Yuichi panicked, and let out a cry, while Orihime continued to hold him close.
His fist didn't even dent the barrier, not even a single crack.
"Tch, not bad Shinigami!"
Shrieker pounded his fists on the barrier several times, but nothing happened. It couldn't get through, and was falling into rage upon realizing that fact as well.
"Sorry, Shrieker, I thought you said you'd send fear into our hearts? I'm just not feeling it."
Shrieker looked even more wild, and glared towards Yuichi.
"You brat, if you don't want these guys to die because of you, then come out here right now! If you don't, then they'll be killed, and once again, it will be all your fault!"
With such a disturbing threat, Sakuto could see exactly the type of person this was.
"Resorting to desperate tactics. The boy isn't going with you, nor are you going to get what you want either. We know the truth, and what you've done. You're going to be finished off here, and now."
Shrieker wasn't thrilled with this, seeing all of his attacks nullified by a simple barrier. Plus seeing Sakuto wasn't putting any effort into holding him back only made him more angrier than he already was.
So he used his ability to summon those frog like creatures from his body, and had them attach to all around the barrier.
"Hahahaha! Now you'll get to witness my true power! Being finished off!? You're funny! You aren't even in your Shinigami state, yet you're making those threats?! As if! I will show you the power that I have! And end you!"
Sakuto raised a brow, as his fork like tongue came out, releasing a high pitched sound, which caused all of the creatures to detonate in a sizeable blast which swept through the area.
However, when the smoke vanished, it was shown that the barrier was fully in tact, visibly scaring Shrieker.
"Your true power huh...well, let me show my power, Shrieker." Sakuto stuck his finger out. "Bakudo 1, Sai."
Upon activating that Kido spell, Shriekers arms locked behind his back, disability his ability to fly, and he began falling to the ground by natural gravity dragging him downwards.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Shrieker screamed loudly, Sakuto aimed his little finger down to the Hollow, sticking out of the window to get the best aim.
"Bakudo 4, Hainawa."
Releasing a yellow rope, it shot for the Hollow, wrapping fully around said Hollow, and brought him back to the Ferris wheel cabin they were riding on, swinging the Hollow around.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Flicking his finger, he sent the Hollow crashing into their area, hitting the floor with a thud, using the Kido spell to fully bind him.
"Well, it was fun, Shrieker. Time to say goodbye."
Shrieker looked desperately towards Sakuto, and even Orihime, who both gave harsh eyes back, Orihime doing her best since she really hated what this Hollow had done to Yuichi.
His fear grew, turning towards Yuichi.
"H-Hey, I said I'd free your Mom...I-I will do that if you tell them to let me go!"
Yuichi looked at him sadly.
"...You took my Mom away...and then you killed me too...they told me, you can't...bring her back."
"I can! They're lying to you! I can do it! Why would I lie about it!?"
Yelling in a pleading manner, Sakuto shook his head.
"Because you wanted to carry on your disgusting game, right?"
"Y-You don't know anything!"
Shrieker yelled in defiance, only to feel a sudden pressure weighing upon him.
It wasn't a physical feeling, it was a powerful spiritual feeling.
Like a thousand stars suddenly compressed against him.
His breath became shallow, and he looked nervous.
This feeling, was a small release of Sakuto's spiritual pressure.
"You truly are a coward in the end, aren't you?"
"W-What?!"
Shrieker looked terrified.
Staring at the eyes of Sakuto, and how he looked rather disgusted with him, Shrieker was for sure feeling his body beginning to weigh down upon him. Like he was dying from the inside out, and that if he even tried to make a move, his soul would be crushed under the pressure of his power. He felt cold and hot, like he was in a frozen tundra, and in a blazing inferno at the same time, like he could do nothing, he couldn't even move a single thing, he couldn't even blink it was that powerful.
"Threatening a child, killing him, and his Mother, and countless others in your little games. Forcing him to run so you'd chase him. Killing anyone that would be kind enough to help him. You are very low indeed. If I had to guess, you're going straight to Hell for the crimes you've committed to all of your victims while alive. And they get to have retribution once you've been cleansed."
The fear grew in Shrieker's eyes.
Seeing Sakuto's cold unforgiving eyes, he tried desperately to get free, but to no avail, not because he didn't try, he simply couldn't move, frozen in place by the incredible spiritual pressure Sakuto exuded.
There was nothing he could do, Sakuto had trapped him.
He watched as Sakuto, changing into a Shinigami, summoned his Zanpakuto, and held it towards Shrieker's face, causing him to tremble with fear.
"Goodbye, Shrieker. With this, you're finished."
Sakuto in that moment, brought his sword down, and cleaved right through the enemies body.
Almost instantly, the Hollow looked like he was dead inside, as something began to happen.
Orihime saw from outside of their Ferris wheel cabin that some kind of door had begun appeared, piece by piece, an ominous feeling running through her being as it fully formed.
What she saw were the doors, that are chained shut and adorned with the bandaged head and torso of a skeleton on each door. The arms of both skeletons are positioned at an angle to pull the gates open when it is summoned.
"Sakuto-kun, that is..."
"The Gates of Hell. Usually, when a Shinigami kills a Hollow, they're purified of the sins they had caused during their Hollow state, allowing them to cross over to Soul Society. However, when the soul has done evil deeds in life before becoming a Hollow, then this is what the result is. They're taken to Hell."
As he said it, the gates open slowly, almost agonizingly so.
"No, please! Do something! I am begging you! Don't let that take me away! Please do something!"
"There is nothing we can do, Shrieker, those denizens of Hell have decided you are to become apart of that, for your evil deeds in life. Those you made to suffer, who you hurt, and killed, now get to have peace from your evil ways. Goodbye."
Shrieker panics, but some strange energy erupts from his body, and binds him in place, unable to move.
Orihime looked at the gates, and from the opening, she couldn't see inside of Hell, but she could see ominous looking eyes peering through, along with a disturbing laugh that caused her to become worried.
"You don't have to be alarmed Orihime-chan. They're here for him, they wont turn on us. I know it can be daunting to see it for the first time, I assure you they go for those that have evil hearts when they appear like this."
Orihime gazed at Shrieker who pleaded "Please! I don't want to go! Help me! Save me! I'll do anything! Don't let that thing take meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" but nothing could be done now.
Soon, a sword shot out of Hells gates, piercing the Hollow through his upper body, and stunned him in place.
"Gwah..."
Lights came shooting out of the Hollows body, almost blinding them.
Then, while the continuing disturbing laugh came from the creature shrouded in shadows inside of the gates echoing out, the gates begin to close, while dragging Shrieker along with retracting the blade back inside.
It was difficult to make out what it was that had done that, but Orihime could feel shivers running through her being when she looked upon this door.
Once closed, she saw it crumble away into dust, leaving nothing behind.
Soon afterwards, the ride ended, and the trio met up with Rukia and Nemu, explaining on what had happened. Including the Hells gate, something that Rukia didn't show any surprise about, and had suspected about as well.
"So it did happen. He was evil in life, so he was condemned to Hell."
"Indeed, punishment for his crimes as a human. Now he will be going to Hell, it was a punishment for someone cruel and evil in life."
Nemu added, as Sakuto looked down to the young boy clinging to Orihime's leg.
He bent down to his level, and clutched his Zanpakuto.
"Its time, Yuichi-kun."
The young spirit nods a single time.
"I know...but, I had a lot of fun! I wont...ever forget any of you. We...had the best time."
"Yes, I'm glad that we were able to help you have fun today Yuichi-kun!"
Orihime excitedly called out, as Rukia nods.
"We all had fun."
"I would like to add, that I also enjoyed my time today."
Nemu's words gave each of them smiles.
Sakuto went to use his Zanpakuto, but then stopped, and looked towards Orihime.
"You have the closest bond with him, why don't you send him to the Soul Society, Orihime-chan?"
As Sakuto said it, he presented his sword to her.
She looked at the blade, and then towards Sakuto, giving a bright smile.
She took the blade, and motioned towards Yuichi.
"What now?"
"Use the end of the handle, and press it against his forehead. That's all there is too it."
Orihime thought that was simple enough, and placed the Zanpakuto to the boys forehead.
Pressing it ever so slightly against him, she began seeing that he was beginning to vanish.
She was admiring it, when Sakuto walked closer, and showed a gentle smile.
"See you later kid."
Yuichi gently smiled, and vanished from their sight.
Leaving them behind, and going to the afterlife, Orihime smiled at the sight.
"And like that, he's gone."
"Yeah, he's gone to Soul Society now."
"Sakuto-kun, even though his chances of finding his Mother...they are slim, right?"
"To be honest, I can't say what might happen. I wasn't there so her soul could have moved on, or something else happened. Souls find their way to Soul Society, even if families they don't always land in the same place. But, it isn't impossible to find one another. So realistically, there is every chance they could meet up again."
Orihime was comforted by that fact, and the fact that Yuichi got to have a final good day before having to depart their world for a new one. She hoped that he'd be okay.
Suddenly, Sakuto clapped his hands together.
"Right, time to get going. I've got a surprise for you, Orihime-chan!"
"Huh?"
"I pulled some strings...well, lets go."
Orihime wondered what was going on, but regardless, followed Sakuto with the others soon going there as well.
When arriving back at the apartment, Orihime walked into her living room, and found a giant screen stationed across the wall. Not simply on a part, but it was big enough to fit entirely across her wall, and it looked rather shiny.
"Wow, we have a new TV?!"
Orihime gasped, Sakuto chuckled.
"This can pick up human channels, but it also has another function."
Sakuto produced a control.
He pressed a button on it, and what came up was what looked like to Orihime to be a video call.
She didn't recognize the name that came up, but Rukia did.
"Shiba..."
"Yes, Rukia-chan. Its...well, apart of his family."
Rukia bowed her head, and made herself go into the background, all the while they waited for the call to be answered.
Soon enough, a young woman who was rather endowed appeared on the screen.
"Sakuto! You're a sight for sore eyes for sure!"
"Kukaku-san! You're looking as lovely as ever~"
They greeted one another like old friends, Nemu looked between them and wondered how they had met before, and thought about asking at a later time.
"So, got your guy here. It wasn't easy pulling him away, he's taken too many duties on already, honestly it was difficult dragging him away hahaha!"
Sakuto gave a bright smile.
"Thanks! Lets talk later, okay? For now, I'm sure that its going to be a good reunion~"
Orihime pondered who it was that they were speaking about, as Kukaku stepped to the side.
As she did, a new image appeared on the screen.
It was a young man wearing a kimono, someone she recognized very quickly, and caused Orihime to begin tearing up as a result.
"T-This is..."
"Hello, Orihime. Your friend, Sakuto-kun managed to set this up. I'm glad, I get to see you."
"Brother!" She rejoiced, turning to Sakuto with wide eyes. "S-Sakuto-kun, this is..."
"Why wait for it, when you can communicate like this? Had to set it up in Kukaku-sans home, but she's okay with it. Had to bribe her with her favourite things mind you..."
"Gotta love that sake from the human world~"
Kukaku chuckled out, while Sakuto smiled.
"Though, I'm sure she would've done it regardless, she's big into the sibling stuff." Sakuto faced Orihime, and gave his kindest smile. "It took some time to set up along with getting the stuff set up on both sides and making sure Sora-san was settled among other things, but I think it'll be worth it in the end. Enjoy your time together, I know this isn't the same as physically being with him...but, I think its a good way for you to speak, right?"
Orihime was reduced to happy tears and hugged Sakuto tightly.
"This is the best...t-thank you Sakuto-kun, thank you so much!"
Sakuto shook his head, while Nemu looked between them.
"Though many might believe it is a trivial thing, I believe that this is a rather telling aspect of Sakuto-sama, who would go beyond for those he cares for. Sakuto-sama, also did the same for me, many times...giving me many opportunities, to explore who I am, and what I believe in...and with his help, I am able to understand, many aspects of myself. To make decisions, for myself, to be...myself."
As Nemu thought it, Rukia couldn't bring herself to look at the screen.
Though Sakuto placed his hand on top of her head, and gave a comforting pat, causing the pain on Rukia's heart to lift a little.
Orihime then faced her brother, and began speaking with him, laughing together with him, and enjoying one another's time together.
Later that night, while Orihime continued to converse with her brother, Sakuto went to the roof to give them some privacy. Nemu had gone to the shops, while Rukia was having a bath by herself.
While gazing out towards the stars, he felt something behind him.
So his eyes and body shifted around to face this person, doing so he saw a beautiful sight.
Sakuto lightly smiled, and patted the right hand side of him.
"I suppose now would be a good chance to talk, Yoruichi-san. And might I say, you're as beautiful now as the day when you left Soul Society."
Yoruichi revealed a smirk, going to the right hand side, and sitting down, her eyes scanning the young man's form.
"Flattery will get you everywhere." She joked. "To be honest, I'm surprised by a few things. Care to indulge me for a while?"
"Sure, what's on your mind?"
"Urahara, and you, working together. Its quite a sight to behold for sure."
Sakuto agreed with what she said, and continued on.
"It would be impractical for us to be working against one another. I knew one of us would have to make the plunge eventually. It just happened to be me that did it in the end. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure on how he'd react to my presence, I also have some thoughts regarding him as well, so us working together, I'm glad that it went the way that it did."
Yoruichi agreed with what he had said.
"Indeed, Kisuke pondered on speaking to you. He held reservations. But, I worked my charm and told him what's what. After all, I'm someone that knows you more than many people in this world."
"Yes, I can't deny that. There's not many in this world that can say they know me more than you do Yoruichi-san. And I suppose I've got you to thank for Urahara-san and I to converse with one another."
Yoruichi showed a coy smile, where she suddenly grabbed his head, placing it on her thighs, grinning all the way.
He could feel the softness of her thighs, and also feel her fingers slowly run through his hair. Gently, soothingly, happily at the same time. Yoruichi was rather happy and displayed that through her voice as well.
"There, I know you've wanted to do that for ages now~"
"Seems like you wanted me to do that, since you did it rather suddenly."
"Can't say that it isn't a lie. It has been a while after all."
Sakuto slowly nods his head, his eyes going up towards her own from his head on her lap.
Yoruichi gave a mix of a seductive, yet adoring smile towards Sakuto.
"Back then, we didn't really get to say goodbye."
"No...lots of things happened that night, and then you vanished along with Urahara-san, and the others."
"Yeah...otherwise, they would have..."
Sakuto shakes his hers from her lap.
"No, you don't have to say anything to justify it to me, you did what was the best thing at that time. Though I couldn't show it at the time since you were branded a traitor...I did miss you, more than I could ever show to anyone. I had to pretend I was putting you behind me to those that saw you as nothing but Urahara-sans partner in crime, when inside, my heart was in pain that I couldn't see you everyday, I couldn't banter with you, and I couldn't work beside you anymore...that I never got to say what I felt back then, it really was painful."
Conveying his feelings towards her, Yoruichi couldn't contain her own smile, and also held a few tears within her eyes.
"Yes...I also missed you dearly, truly it has been very difficult thinking about what happened back then, what you went through, what we were going through. Unlike most, I always held firm in my belief that you would never be like how others would perceive you thanks to your relation. I often thought about you...wishing I could see you as well."
"Thank you for believing in me, I know with the way a certain someone is, many would find it hard to accept that he and I are different. I'm just glad that you're still...well, you know...you are...here...now..."
When seeing his face turn slightly red, she adopted a grin.
"Aah, you're gonna make me blush too~ Well, you're even more handsome~ Say, got a girlfriend?"
"Why? Offering~?"
He cheerily sang out, Yoruichi grinned and bent down so they were face to face.
Gazing into one another's eyes, no words had to be expressed.
Neither said anything, but their expressions told one another more than any words ever could do.
Yoruichi then pulled back, and gazed at the sky, all the while allowing her fingers to run through his hair, his head still firmly on her lap.
"Lovely stars. I've always thought they were rather...nice to look at. Its always good to be with someone else though, when star gazing."
Sakuto gave a joyful grin, and held onto her hand tightly.
"Yes...they are very beautiful, all of them."
"I agree, its always best...when two stars, come together."
"I couldn't agree more, Yoruichi-san."
Yoruichi turned her eyes down towards Sakuto, and he couldn't help but smile softy, the same for Yoruichi.
For a long time, neither were able to have their time to speak like this.
But now, for this night...they could be with one another, and enjoy the time they had together.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with the second part with Yuichi, managing to give him a good day before he heads off to the Soul Society, while also managing to have some nice moments between them. Orihime and Sakuto had a moment together, Nemu began enjoying herself even more even if she doesn't fully realize it. Yoruichi and Sakuto had a moment together, expressing some feelings that they haven't been able to for a good while, and a certain character was introduced this chapter!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Sakuto; Rukia, Orihime, Nemu, Momo, Tier, Nanao, Rangiku, Soi Fon, Nel, Yoruichi, Hiyori,