Chapter 28: The Start of a New Journey

Greywolf: I'm glad the scene for Soi Fon went well, I did a club scene for her date because I have her as a strong willed women who is confident in her abilities but giving her self-confidence issues in how she looks. I took this approach mainly because I see a lot of the fan base mocking Soi Fon for her body so I wanted Link to have a way of showing her he likes all of her.

Triscythe: Yes Rukia will end up with Link, the whole ending up with Renji thing was never my favorite pairing. Also have someone else for Orihime to be with, that couple will make an appearance eventually.

As the honeymoon for Link and Momo came to an end, they stepped through the Senkaimon and returned to Soul Society. Soi Fon had accompanied them every step of the way during their time in the world of the living, growing increasingly bold—or mortified, depending on the situation. Her nightly cuddling with Link had become a constant source of teasing from Momo, who took every opportunity to document the moments.

One such instance stood out more than others: the morning Momo woke Soi Fon up with a mischievous grin. "Soi Fon, wake up," Momo whispered, holding up her camera. Soi Fon groggily opened her eyes, only for them to go wide as saucers when she realized Link's hands were cupping her chest. She froze, her face turning a deep crimson.

"It's okay, Soi Fon," Momo teased, struggling not to laugh. "You can say you're testing his instincts as a protector."

Soi Fon quickly disentangled herself, adjusting her bee-styled pajamas with shaky hands. "I—I was merely... guarding him in his sleep!" she stammered, glaring at Momo, who was clearly enjoying every second of her discomfort.

When they finally arrived back in Soul Society, Soi Fon turned to them, her expression torn between nervousness and determination. "Link," she began, her voice wavering slightly, "I... I want to thank you. For allowing me to be part of your honeymoon. It was... enlightening."

Link, still unsure how to navigate her sudden changes in demeanor, nodded. "It was nice having you with us, Soi Fon. You're always welcome."

Soi Fon's blush deepened, and she took a hesitant step forward, quickly kissing Link on the cheek before pulling back. "If—if you ever need someone to, uh, protect you at night… call me. I—I'll always be there."

Link's face flushed as he tried to find a response, but Momo chimed in before he could speak. "That's very sweet of you, Soi Fon! Maybe next time, we can all cuddle together."

Soi Fon nearly stumbled, her face now beet red. "Y-you're impossible!" she muttered before vanishing with her Shunpo, leaving behind a flustered Link and a giggling Momo.

As they reached the gates of their estate, Momo gave Link a playful nudge. "You know, she's really smitten with you," she teased.

"She's just being kind," Link replied, though his cheeks were still warm.

Momo smirked but said nothing more as they entered, only to find a figure waiting for them. Ōetsu Nimaiya stood casually near the entrance, his eccentric clothing as striking as ever.

"Yo, Link! Momo! Hope you had a nice little honeymoon because playtime's over. Time for some real business!" Ōetsu declared with his trademark grin.

Link tilted his head, confused. "What kind of business are we talking about?"

Ōetsu pulled out a small case, opening it to reveal a glowing shard that pulsed with incredible spiritual energy. "The Master Sword, my man. It's time for you to take a deep dive and meet the spirits slumbering inside this bad boy. You've got power in there that even I can't fully comprehend yet. Let's see what you—and it—are made of."

Link exchanged a glance with Momo, who gave him a reassuring squeeze of his hand. "You can do this," she said with a smile.

Ōetsu clapped his hands, causing the shard to float into the air. "Alright, let's get started. We're heading to the Soul Forge to unlock the secrets of your sword—and maybe figure out just how deep your connection to Soul Society really goes!"

With anticipation and uncertainty mingling in his chest, Link nodded and followed Ōetsu, Momo by his side. Whatever lay ahead, he was ready to face it.

Ōetsu led Link and Momo deep into the Rukongai, leaving the structured streets of the Seireitei far behind. The further they traveled, the more rustic the surroundings became until they arrived in front of a peculiar estate. The building itself looked weathered yet imposing, adorned with large muscular arms carved from stone, each holding a sign that proclaimed it as the Shiba Estate.

Link stopped in his tracks, staring up at the signage. "Wait, the Shiba Clan is still around?" he asked, his tone tinged with surprise. "I thought..."

"They're not a noble house anymore, if that's what you're thinking," Ōetsu replied with a grin, his tone casual as he sauntered up to the front door. "But they're still kicking. And if you wanna get back to the Royal Palace, you're gonna need the Shiba Clan's help. Their techniques are the only way to get us there from down here."

Before Link could ask for more clarification, Ōetsu banged on the door, then threw it open without waiting for an answer. "Kūkaku! Your favorite handsome swordsmith is here! Shower me with your love!"

His proclamation was met with a resounding clang as a frying pan came hurtling out of nowhere, smacking him square in the head and sending him flying backward.

A tall, striking woman emerged from the house, the pan still in her hand. Her loose red top hung off one shoulder, revealing toned arms, and her long white skirt flowed around her as she stormed out. Her hair was short and messy, giving her a fierce, no-nonsense air.

"Ōetsu!" she yelled, her voice filled with exasperation. "You don't just barge into my house without a heads-up! I need time to prepare if you're gonna drag weirdos like you along!" She paused, noticing Link and Momo standing nearby. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she strode up to Link, sizing him up with an appraising gaze.

"So, this is the guy who's replacing my family, huh?" she asked, circling him. "Cute... but a little scrawny for my tastes."

Link blinked, taken aback by her bluntness. "I'm sorry—what?"

Kūkaku crossed her arms and smirked. "You're the head of this new noble house, right? Hylia, or whatever they're calling it. So you're technically the one stepping in to fill the gap we left behind."

Link hesitated, unsure how to respond, but before he could stammer out an answer, Kūkaku waved her hand dismissively. "Eh, doesn't matter. I'm more interested in why you're here."

Ōetsu, now recovered and leaning lazily against a tree, answered for him. "We need your help, Kūkaku. We're heading back to the Royal Palace, and you've got the only ticket in town. Your fireworks skills are the key to getting us back up there."

Kūkaku raised an eyebrow. "The Royal Palace, huh? You don't ask for much, do you?" She turned her attention back to Link. "And you? You just go along with whatever this guy says, or do you actually know what you're getting into?"

Link straightened his posture, meeting her gaze. "I might not fully understand yet, but if it's to protect Soul Society and the people I care about, I'll do whatever it takes."

Kūkaku studied him for a moment, then grinned. "Not bad. You've got guts. Alright, I'll help. But you'd better be ready for a wild ride, 'cause this isn't gonna be a smooth trip."

Momo, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward with a polite bow. "Thank you, Miss Shiba. We're grateful for your help."

Kūkaku waved her off. "Save the formalities, kid. If I'm doing this, it's because it sounds like fun—and because I like blowing things up."

Ōetsu clapped his hands together, his grin widening. "Now that's the Kūkaku I know and love! Let's get this party started!"

Kūkaku rolled her eyes but motioned for them to follow her inside. "Come on, then. I need to prep the cannon if we're gonna get you to the Royal Palace in one piece. And don't touch anything unless you want to lose a hand."

As they followed her into the estate, Link couldn't help but feel both anticipation and trepidation for what lay ahead. Whatever challenges awaited them at the Royal Palace, he knew they were one step closer to unlocking the full potential of the Master Sword—and protecting Soul Society for generations to come.

Kūkaku stood with her arms crossed, overseeing the final touches on the massive cannon she'd prepared for their journey. The imposing contraption was both intricate and raw, a perfect reflection of her unique personality. As Link and Ōetsu approached the launch area, Momo moved to follow, but Ōetsu stepped in front of her with a serious expression.

"Sorry, kid, but this is where you stop," Ōetsu said firmly. "You can't come to the Royal Palace."

Momo frowned, confusion and disappointment evident in her expression. "Why not? I want to support Link. I should be there with him."

Ōetsu sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "It's not about wanting to. The spiritual pressure up there isn't like anything you've experienced. It would kill you instantly. No amount of willpower or determination can change that."

Momo looked at Link, worry etched into her face. "Then why can Link go? How can you be so sure he'll survive?"

Ōetsu grinned and jabbed a thumb at Link. "That's the fun part. I've been blasting this guy with my full spiritual pressure all day. Haven't you noticed anything weird?"

Momo's eyes widened as she turned to Link, who blinked in confusion. "You've been doing what?" Link asked, his tone equal parts shock and disbelief.

Ōetsu chuckled. "Yep, full force. And you? You haven't flinched. I have a theory about it: the magic from your world, Hyrule, is denser than our reishi. It's a different kind of pressure altogether, and your body's been conditioned by it your whole life. You probably don't even notice it, but your body's basically built to handle intense energy. And with those magic items you use in battle, you've probably been unconsciously reinforcing yourself all along."

Momo still seemed skeptical. "That doesn't explain why you're so certain."

Ōetsu smirked, raising a hand. "Want proof? Watch this." Before Momo could respond, he flexed a sliver of his spiritual pressure in her direction. It was so slight it was almost imperceptible to him, but Momo's knees buckled instantly, and she collapsed to the ground, gasping.

"Momo!" Link shouted, his hand instinctively going to the Master Sword. In a flash, he drew it and had the blade at Ōetsu's throat. His eyes burned with anger. "What are you doing?! Don't you dare hurt her!"

Ōetsu raised his hands in mock surrender, a mischievous grin on his face. "Relax, hero. It was just a demonstration. She's fine. I wasn't even using one percent of what I've been hitting you with all day."

Link didn't lower his sword, his gaze still locked on Ōetsu. "If you ever try something like that again, I don't care who you are—I won't hesitate."

Ōetsu's grin widened. "Now that's the kind of fire I like to see! You've got guts, kid. But like I said, it was just a test. I needed to make sure Momo wouldn't try to sneak onboard. If she came up there, she wouldn't last a second. And I'm not about to let her beg her way to an early death."

Momo, now steady on her feet thanks to Link's help, looked away, ashamed but grateful for Ōetsu's reasoning. "I understand," she said softly. "I just... wanted to be there for Link."

Link sheathed his sword and placed a reassuring hand on Momo's shoulder. "You're already supporting me in ways you don't even realize. I'll be back before you know it."

Ōetsu clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. "Alright, lovebirds, enough with the dramatics. Let's get moving. Kūkaku! You ready to launch us?"

Kūkaku, leaning against the cannon with a smug grin, nodded. "You're good to go. Just don't come crying to me if the landing's rough."

As Link climbed into the launch vessel, Momo approached him one last time, standing on her toes to give him a tender kiss. "Be safe," she whispered. "Come back to me."

Link smiled and cupped her cheek. "Always."

With that, he settled into the vessel alongside Ōetsu. Kūkaku activated the mechanism, and with a thunderous roar, the cannon fired, launching them skyward toward the Royal Palace. Momo stood watching, her hands clasped tightly as the vessel disappeared into the clouds.

Momo closed the door behind her, letting out a quiet sigh as she stepped into the now-empty house. The silence was deafening, and the absence of Link's comforting presence weighed heavily on her heart. She tried to shake off the feelings of loneliness, reminding herself that Link was strong and capable of handling whatever challenges awaited him with Squad Zero. Still, being here without him felt hollow.

She paced through the house, her thoughts swirling with what-ifs. A part of her wished Link already had a second wife by now. It wasn't jealousy—she had come to terms with the noble family customs—it was simply that she wouldn't feel so alone during moments like these. Their marriage had been so brief and hectic that there hadn't been enough time to celebrate, let alone finalize what their new family would look like.

As her thoughts wandered, a knock at the door startled her. Momo hesitated, unsure who it could be, before walking over and opening it. Standing there was Rukia, her petite frame illuminated by the setting sun.

"Rukia?" Momo said, surprised. "I wasn't expecting you."

"Byakuya sent me," Rukia explained, stepping inside as Momo gestured for her to enter. "He heard the sound of the Shiba Clan's launch device earlier. He thought it might mean Link went up to the Royal Palace. I came to check in on you."

Momo offered a small, grateful smile and led Rukia to the living room. "That's kind of him. And yes, Link went with Ōetsu Nimaiya. Apparently, they're going to explore the Master Sword's power."

Rukia nodded, sitting down and listening intently as Momo recounted the events leading to Link's departure. She listened quietly, her violet eyes filled with curiosity. "The Royal Palace... That's incredible," Rukia said softly. "I wonder what kind of power he might unlock. If he's already so strong now, what will he be like after this?"

Momo chuckled lightly. "I wonder that, too. He's always surprising me, but it's a little scary, you know? What if this changes him?"

Rukia placed a reassuring hand on Momo's. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's that Link has a good heart. Whatever power he gains, he'll stay the same—just stronger. He'll come back to you."

The words comforted Momo, and the two sat in companionable silence as the evening turned to night. Eventually, Momo spoke again, her voice hesitant.

"Rukia... it's so quiet here. Would you stay the night?" she asked. "I know it's probably inconvenient, but... it's such a big house, and I don't think I can stand sleeping here alone tonight."

Rukia blinked in surprise but then smiled. "Of course. It's no trouble at all."

Momo brightened, her spirits lifting. "Thank you! Oh, and you can sleep in our bed," she said, then quickly added, "I mean, it's Link's and my bed, but he's not here, so... I don't think I can sleep in it alone."

Rukia laughed softly. "That's fine. I've slept in tighter spaces. You'd be surprised how many nights I spent in Ichigo's closet... and not always by choice."

The two women prepared for bed, Momo pulling out a pair of light blue Chappy pajamas for Rukia. Rukia accepted them gratefully but raised an eyebrow when she saw Momo's sleepwear—an oversized pajama version of Link's signature green tunic.

"Is that...?" Rukia asked with a smirk.

"Yes," Momo replied proudly. "It's comfortable, and it makes me feel like he's still here."

Rukia chuckled. "Do you think I could get a pair like that?"

Momo grinned mischievously. "Sure, but only if you agree to be my cuddle buddy tonight."

Rukia froze, her face turning red. "C-cuddle buddy?"

"Yes," Momo said, matter-of-factly. "Link usually cuddles with me, but lately, he's been saying I'm like a furnace. And on our honeymoon, he cuddled with Soi Fon! I can't stand the thought of sleeping alone when he's not here, so you're filling in."

Rukia sighed in mock defeat. "Fine, fine. But I'm only doing this because I'm too polite to say no."

The two climbed into bed, Momo pulling Rukia close almost immediately. To her surprise, Rukia relaxed into her warmth, letting out a soft sigh.

"You weren't kidding about being a furnace," Rukia murmured, her voice filled with contentment. "I might have to come back for more of this. It's like being wrapped in the warmest blanket."

She glanced up, only to see Momo already asleep, a serene smile on her face. Rukia blushed but couldn't help smiling as she tightened her hold on Momo.

For the first time in days, Momo felt at peace. Rukia, meanwhile, lay awake, wondering what this newfound closeness might mean for their future.