Bleach: Cross: Fifth Division in the Red: 03 (M)
04 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bleach Tags: Bleach Cross, Bleach Cross Fifth Division in the Red, Byakuya + Shirahime, Kenpachi + Shirahime, Mayuri + Shirahime, Toshiro + Shirahime
Disclaimers: see chapter one.
Opening Theme: Momoiro no Hana (Hinamori Character Song)
Ending Theme: Every Heart by BoA
Fifth Division in the Red
A Bleach: Cross Story
By Eugena
Chapter Three: Rest and Relaxation, But This?
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FOUR BARRACKS
Zaraki could tell Thorne was regaining consciousness by the reiatsu leaking from her body. It was strong for the small amount bleeding from her. He had never before felt her power at this level. Something had definitely gone wrong.
Some of the lower-ranking shinigami of Squad Four fainted as she and Zaraki came closer. Unohana Taicho came quickly to meet them. Summoning her zanpaku-to, Unohana placed Thorne inside it.
“What happened?” she asked Zaraki.
“It’s their fault. Squad Zero.” He told her quickly of when she scolded Yachiru and how even then her reiatsu seemed wild. Then the blood.
“It’s the Royal Family’s fault,” Unohana concluded.
She was about to go on, but rumbling from inside Minazuki tore her away from her thoughts.
“Reiatsu,” she said. “Out of control.”
She removed Thorne from Minazuki and began enchanting a binding spell around her. She had to drain Thorne of her reiatsu and then heal her.
Yachiru and Shinnou arrived. Seeing his shinigami master bound, Shinnou roared and flew towards her. He began to rip away the bindings. As he continued to tear away at them, his snout reached out and touched her arm. Reiatsu flooded the area again, but soon sank into Shinnou.
“That should be impossible,” Unohana murmered.
Zaraki began to hear a voice in his head, a young boy’s. He heard it grating in his ears like the speech of a dragon. “Yachiru,” he called, “summon the bankai.”
Yachiru drew the Shinnou zanpaku-to and shouted, “Go to war, Shinnou!”
Shinnou shined brightly then faded into snow white dragon wings that wrapped around Thorne. The reiatsu flood had finally ended.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD SIX BARRACKS
Momo had just finished explaining The Bachelorette as she understood it. Granted, she didn’t understand all of the references to getting blood tests and the camera cutting off at certain points, but she thought the blood tests meant blood type tests. After all, it was common for them to match people on that basis.
By now, Rangiku and Renji had turned many shades of red. They, unlike Momo, had understood what Momo had not.
Kuchiki Taicho kept a stern gaze on them, as if to say they should not let Momo know what she did not understand.
“I see,” he said, preventing Momo’s further ramblings. “And why is this a good idea for your Taicho?”
This time, Momo blushed. She bent her head low. “Kuchiki Taicho. . .The Fifth Squad is . . . .”
“In need of a serious break,” Rangiku interjected. Sure, it was a bad idea to lie to the Sixth Squad Taicho, but Thorne Taicho and the others did need a break. Even if the main reason was the squad needed money.
Kuchiki said nothing but remained in contemplation.
Suddenly, they felt the flood of Thorne’s reiatsu coming from the Fourth Squad Barracks.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FOUR BARRACKS – THORNE’S ROOM
Kuchiki rushed in first to the room. He caught a glimpse of hideous scars encompassing Thorne’s naked flesh. Unohana turned around quickly to block his view.
“What happened?” he demanded.
Renji, Rangiku, and Momo arrived next.
“Taicho!” Momo cried.
“Give Unohana some space,” Zaraki said in a firm voice from behind her. Rangiku could see him standing close to Thorne.
“Where’s Yachiru?” Rangiku asked, worried at what he might say.
“With Takeya,” he said. “Take care of them for me.”
Kuchiki turned away and the others left with him. Momo did not want to leave at first, but Ragiku’s firm grasp on her arm led her away.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FOUR BARRACKS – HANATARO YAMADA’S ROOM
The last place the four expected to find Yachiru and her adopted brother was in Hanataro Yamada’s room. Then again, they did not expect to see the formidable Fukutaicho of Squad Eleven crying in her brother’s arms.
Hanataro jumped slightly in surprise as they came in.
Kuchiki pinned Hanataro with his gaze. “What happened?”
“I don’t know,” he stuttered, “but she released so much reiatsu that we all froze except Unohana Taicho.”
“They did it,” Daichi Takeya accused in a firm voice. “That Royal Shinigami Squad. They hurt Hime-sama.”
Daichi usually referred to her as Taicho, sometimes as Shinnouhi, never as mother, but Hime-sama only when he remembered his days as an orphan spirit in the Rukongai. He gritted his teeth and touched the handle of his zanpaku-to, Aoi Raiko.
Hanataro set two tea cups down by Daichi and Yachiru.
“Onee-san,” Daichi said to Yachiru as he offered one of the cups to her.
“Dai-kun.” Her sobs seemed to quiet down.
Daichi kissed her forehead.
For a moment, Momo flushed with embarrassment. Although Daichi appeared older, Yachiru insisted that he was the younger of the two. So why had it bothered her that he kissed Yachiru?
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD ONE BARRACKS
Yamamoto Sou Taicho was among the first to feel Shirahime’s reiatsu leak, but at Hitsugaya’s sudden appearance, he declined to go to the Fourth Squad barracks. Hitsugaya had turned around with a shocked expression, nearly the moment he had arrived before Yamamoto. The Sou Taicho placed his hand on his shoulder to prevent him from leaving.
“She’s probably just angry,” Yamamto said, able to read extreme anger from the reiatsu.
Hitsugaya calmed little and nearly spat his words, “Yeah, I’m sure it was Momo’s idea.”
Yamamoto looked puzzled. Sure, when Hinamori had just awoken, her harsh treatment of the new taicho would have been enough to strip her of her rank, but even then the royal taicho did not punish her. So, what could be so bad now?
“Hinamori’s idea?” Yamamoto prompted.
“She wants Shirahime to go out on a lot of dates. Some idea from a tv show from America.” He blushed. He called her Shirahime. Damn. He kept telling himself to refer to her as “Thorne.” He tried to always remain formal around the Sou Taicho. But he had called Hinamori “Momo” even then. Calling Hinamori by her first name never stirred up the same sort of feelings he felt with Thorne. Yet every time someone called her by her proper title, Shinnouhi, it reminded him of how far out of his reach she was.
“Well I think this is something for –.” Before he could say “her to decide,” he felt the violent reiatsu change as Shinnou absorbed Shirahime’s reiatsu.
He flash stepped to the Fourth Division. Hitsugaya followed close behind.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FOUR BARRACKS – OUTSIDE THORNE’S ROOM
When the pair arrived, the Fourth Division Fukutaicho pointed them to Thorne’s room. When they arrived, Yamamoto caught the distraught look in Unohana’s eyes and grunted. Zaraki reluctantly took the cue and left, blocking Hitsugaya’s way in.
Closing the door behind him, Zaraki quickly looked Hitsugaya over. The stern look on Hitsugaya’s face told Zaraki without question what he had denied accepting for months: Hitsugaya was in love with Shirahime. Shiroyuki owned Shirahime. The Royal family had done this to her. Now this child of a taicho had dared to stake some type of claim on her. How dare any of them. Why should everyone else have a piece of the woman he loved? Even Zaraki had a limit.
“You can’t protect her. You’re only a kid. Sure, you’re a taicho but she’s royalty.” He emphasized his last word. Most of his speech was meant for himself, but he finally wanted to tell Hitsugaya off. He had to get off the steam, the blame somewhere. Someone had to put the pint-sized taicho in his place. He was a child, younger than Hinamori, the same age as Daichi, her son, and not too much older than Yachiru, her daughter. He paused, smiling to himself. Yachiru always called herself the older sister. She was in fact older than Daichi but he appeared older, Hitsugaya’s age.
“You’re not good enough,” Zaraki announced firmly.
Hitsugaya was unaccustomed to rage. When Aizen hurt Hinamori, he was very angry. When she spoke of her beloved Aizen Taicho, he was angry in a different way. But those days had passed. Now, he knew she hated Aizen. Not for betraying her or the squad, not even for nearly killing her, but for killing once and still pursuing the taicho she truly adored. But what right did Hitsugaya have to the Shinnouhi? Why was he so angry now, when he could only relate to Momo’s adoration of her?
Zaraki wasn’t really saying he wasn’t good enough to protect her. What he meant was he wasn’t good enough to love her, to be with her, and that gave him a new meaning of angry, a new depth to rage.
Ragiku’s jokes came back to him: maybe it was now down to him and Zaraki.
“I love her.” His own words shocked him. Had he ever said it to her? He couldn’t remember right then. In this world there was only Zaraki and himself. He could never best Zaraki in combat, but maybe for this fight.
“I have a daughter to check on,” Zaraki’s comment interrupted his thoughts, “and her son as well. Would you be ready for that, Hitsugaya? A family?”
His comments stunned Hitsugaya into silence, and he decided return to his barracks, stopping only once to ask Isane to tell him when Shirahime awoke.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FOUR BARRACKS – THORNE’S ROOM
Unohana knew what needed to be fixed was not really the reiatsu that still leaked, or the scars that would take a long time to heal, even with all of her methods, but the heart. The emotional and psychological damage was more than anyone should have to bear. Neither she nor Yamamoto understood exactly what was done, but they could speculate.
“I can’t believe it. Even for them,” Yamamoto said finally.
“The only thing we can do is try to seal off their access,” Unohana said. “But you know we can’t.”
“I can try,” he said. “I once bested a small Squad Zero training squad. They did offer me the chance to join them, but I didn’t want to leave my students behind.”
Shirahime stirred, slowly coming back around. “I’m naked,” she said flatly.
“We had to tend to your wounds. I can help you dress in a bit,” Unohana promised.
“You should rest,” Yamamoto said. “Leave your worries to us.”
“Ha,” she laughed weakly, “and here I was having a dream I was on The Bachelorette. Stupid tv.”
Yamamoto took Unohana by the arm and whispered, “How about therapy dating? Hinamori fukutaicho’s idea.”
Unohana raised her brows in surprise. “I suppose . . . yes . . . .” Her brows knitted further, aware she was out of some loop she would no doubt hear endlessly about in the next coming weeks. “Just no sex,” she added.
“Of course not,” he interjected. “Some American thing. We can have her explain it later.”
He turned back to Shirahime. “Do feel better. We will keep watch.”
As he left, Shirahime felt the room spinning. “Did he say ‘sex’?”
Unohana reddened. “Expect,” she blurted quickly. “He didn’t know what to expect on what you thought of Hinamori’s idea.”
Shirahime looked at her, confused. As she drifted off she tried to ask her about what idea, but that could wait.
oOo
Preview of the Next Chapter:
Who knew that dating was supposed to be relaxing? Thorne drifts off to unconsciousness and continues her nightmare of being a Bachelorette only to find it is soon to be a reality.
Hitsugaya has admitted his feelings, only to find he’s endorsed the dating. Will he win out over Zaraki or will someone new enter the picture?
Meanwhile, Yamamoto encourages Hinamori to go through with the idea. Only one problem remains: is there supposed to be sex on this show?
Who is a candidate to be a bachelor? Vote now.
Bleach: Cross: Fifth Division in the Red: 02 (M)
04 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bleach Tags: Bleach Cross, Bleach Cross Fifth Division in the Red, Byakuya + Shirahime, Kenpachi + Shirahime, Mayuri + Shirahime, Toshiro + Shirahime
Disclaimers: see chapter one.
Opening Theme: Momoiro no Hana (Hinamori Character Song)
Ending Theme: Every Heart by BoA
Fifth Division in the Red
A Bleach: Cross Story
By Eugena
Chapter Two: Taicho to Taicho
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD TWELVE – KUROTSUCHI TAICHO’S QUARTERS
After the television viewing, Thorne asked Kurotsuchi to talk. After assuring Hinamori she would soon return, Thorne entered Kurotsuchi’s room—something few did. Nemu waited outside.
Thorne looked around. Everything was in its proper place and the room seemed uncharacteristically barren.
“You changed things for me?” she asked.
“I merely wished to make you comfortable. I anticipated this meeting.”
“Hmm?”
“What better place to find solace than a taicho’s room? You are troubled, Shinnouhi.”
She sat down in an oddly plush couch. It seemed out of place for him. “Please don’t call me Shinnouhi. It just reminds me that I am Shiroyuki’s property.”
“As you wish, Princess.” He paused, noting the grimace remaining on her face. “But that’s not any better. It still does not hide the truth.”
“Fine. Shinnouhi.” She stood, face-to-face with him. “I need a mod soul. I can’t keep living like this. I get too tired, and I don’t have Kail inside me anymore.”
Kail, Ichigo’s hollow form, had lived inside of her since she first came to Soul Society. She had briefly been the Fourth Seat of Squad Eleven. Then Hitsugaya won a duel against Zaraki for her to become the Third Seat of Squad Ten. Then she faced Aizen and for the first time, drew forth Yukihime’s bankai, a resurrection of her former soul. Aizen had nearly finished the key to enter the House of the King. In her bankai form, she fought Aizen and broke the key. Although she had not completely destroyed the key, she had bought the Shinigami time with her life.
Since the King of Soul Society had resurrected her, she still remained part human. This remained her one weakness.
“I am still working on it, Shinnouhi. I cannot have it fail and harm you.”
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – STREETS OF THE SEIREITEI
Momo Hinamori had wondered what made her taicho uncomfortable with the show. If it came from her home country of America, isn’t that how many Americans acted? Still, she could not compare her taicho with those commoners. Still, her thoughts returned to her taicho’s words.
It seemed like a good idea. The more she thought about it, the more she could imagine getting the Fifth Division out of debt. But what would Taicho say?
“Hinamori-chan!” Rangiku Matsumto called to her.
“Ah, Rangi-san,” she said.
Matsumoto caught up with her. “Why were you over at Squad Twelve?”
“I went to see Thorne Taicho.”
“Thorne Taicho went there?” Rangiku asked in belief.
“Yes. Rin had a present for her. A television show from her own country.” Hinamori sighed.
“And what sort was it?”
“Well, it was very strange. This woman dated a lot of men and the television company paid for it.”
“I wished I lived in America,” Rangiku sighed.
“Rangi-san, do you think we could do something like that in our squad to raise money?”
“Money?”
“Yeah.” Hinamori looked down. “We’re really in debt. Taicho doesn’t know.”
“Well,” she laughed and gave Hinamori a slap on the back. “If your taicho goes on the dates, you’ll have no problem making money. It would be a good fund raiser.”
“Matsumoto,” Toshiro Hitsugaya called out. “You’re not finished with your paperwork!”
“Ah,” Rangiku sighed, “if only my taicho was as good as yours.”
“I heard that!” Hitsugaya snapped as he walked up to him. “Just what are you two talking about?”
“Taicho,” Rangiku said, “Hinamori-chan wants to set up her taicho on dates to raise money for the squad.”
Hinamori blushed. “I didn’t really say that.”
Hitsugaya turned red. He tried to sound angry, but the two women could sense his embarrassment. “What do you mean?” he stammered.
“Taicho’s country has a show called The Bachelorette,” Hinamori explained. “The Bachelorette gets money to go on dates with men and she kicks them off the show. The last one left is the winner.”
“What do they win?” he asked.
“They get married.”
Hitsugaya’s mouth dropped open. He stared at the two women.
“Perfect, right, Taicho?” Matsumoto asked. “Now you can finally settle it out with Zaraki.”
“Matusmoto!”
“Come on, Hinamori. Let’s get Renji and Kira in on this. Hitsugaya Taicho and Zaraki Taicho can’t be the only ones.”
“Bye, Shiro-chan,” Hinamori said as she and Matsumoto flash stepped away.
Hyorinmaru laughed inside of Hitsugaya. “Can’t avoid it now, Toshiro. They’ll have the whole Seireitei after Hime-sama’s hand.”
“Shut up,” he muttered.
“Heineko thought it was great, too.”
“I said shut up!” He could do paperwork by himself. No, forget that, he would bring this up to Yamamoto Sou Taicho. Surely he wouldn’t allow this.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD ELEVEN BARRACKS
Outside the Eleventh Division, Yachiru chased Ikkaku. Zaraki found it amusing and no one would complain to him about Yachiru.
“What’s bothering you, Taicho?” Yumichika asked.
Normally no one would ask such a question, but it was obvious it was Shirahime Thorne. No one had spoken a work about Zaraki’s broken engagement with her. They had planned to get married, only to have Squad Zero kidnap her for an entire month. The Royal Family would not have her marrying anyone but the Crown Prince.
“Hime-san appeared much weaker when she got back,” Yumichka said. “I wonder what they did to her?”
“She would not even tell Yachiru. And now she has refused any treatment from Unohana Taicho.”
“Taicho, would you kill the Prince?”
“I will kill anyone who harms her. Royalty or not.”
That was the motto of the Eleventh Squad. After all, no one wanted to see their taicho angry or their fukutaicho sad. Everyone lived through that once before. No one thought they could live through Yachiru’s grief again. And Yumichka liked Shirahime. Yet another secret to keep from Zaraki.
Yachiru finally landed on top of Ikkaku’s head and started beating on him.
“Prepare for battle, Shinnou.”
The rush of reiatsu stunned most in the squad, except for the top members: Zaraki, Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichka.
Zaraki became angrier at Squad Zero once he heard those words. Unlike most shinigami, Thorne did not have to recite either a shikai or bankai release phrase. Not even for her second zanpaku-to, Shinnou.
A small snow white dragon with Shirahime’s blue eyes hovered above Yachiru. Ikakku stopped running.
Yachiru leaped for the dragon. “Shinnou!” She caught it between her arms in an awkward hug and bounced to the ground.
“Yachiru!” Shirahime snapped at her. “Stop harassing Ikkaku.”
Yaichiru stood up and bowed to her. “Hai, Oka-sama.”
Ikkaku looked on in disbelief. Though Yachiru loved her mother very much, she had never been so formal before. Then again, Thorne had never appeared that angry at her before.
Thorne breathed heavily. Blood dripped down her left arm and onto Shinnou’s hilt. Her vision blurred and she swayed. Zaraki flash stepped forward and caught her before she fell.
“Damn those Squad Zero Shinigami!” He looked across her face, noting the sweat mixed with blood. “If they ever come here again, you all have my permission to kill them.”
Ikkaku and Yumichka stood up and saluted, “Hai, Zaraki Taicho.”
Finally the others could move as Thorne’s reiatsu had faded. The Shinnou zanpaku-to clattered to the ground.
The spirit Shinnou roared and stood next to the zanpaku-to.
Yachiru’s eyes had formed tears. She had always liked the color of blood, but never on her mother.
“Yachiru, I’m taking her to Unohana. Bring Shinnou . . .,” he paused, “. . . and Shinnou.”
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD SIX BARRACKS
Renji Abari, Fukutaicho of Squad Six, stood opposite the fourteenth seated officer. The man stood, ready to fall in exhaustion. Renji had only released Zabimaru’s shikai, and the officer had trouble holding his own in the duel.
“Hey, Renji!” Matsumoto called out. She and Momo flash-stepped and appeared a few feet away from them.
“I think this is enough for today,” Renji said to the officer.
“Thank you, sir,” he said and bowed to him.
“Rangiku, Momo, what are you doing here?”
“Well,” said Rangiku with a large smile, “we just had the greatest idea! Tell him, Momo.”
Momo flushed in embarrassment. “Thorne Taicho—,” she paused, “Thorne Taicho—,” she began to think of her taicho dating Renji. “That is . . . Thorne Taicho—.” She blushed more.
“What?” he asked, wondering if he wanted to know after all.
“Thorne Taicho should go on some dates as a fund raiser for the squad,” Rangiku finished for her.
“Dates?” his mouth hung open in disbelief. Yeah, he had thought about dating her himself—in his dreams, and only in his dreams.
“Yes! It’s common in this thing called ‘reality television’ in Thorne’s home country.” Rangiku waited for a few moments, letting it sink in. “Well, Renji? What do you think? You would want to compete, right?”
Renji got flustered. He blushed and sputtered out his words: “Compete . . . to date . . . Thorne . . . Taicho?”
Momo still thought about Renji dating Thorne. Was this a good idea?
“I think you should ask Shinnouhi first,” said Kuchiki Taicho from the entrance of the barracks building. “And explain to me how this would not become a call service.”
oOo
Preview of the Next Chapter:
Momo and company explain reality show dating to Kuchiki. Unohana orders that the Shinnouhi, Thorne Taicho, get some R & R. Will Momo decide this contest would be good relaxation for her taicho?
Hitsugaya seeks an audience with the Sou Taicho to put an end to this mess. Will he get there before Momo has set up his beloved Shirahime on many dates? Will Yamamoto be a bachelor?
Vote now for your candidates.
Bleach: Cross: Fifth Division in the Red: 01 (M)
04 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bleach Tags: Bleach Cross, Bleach Cross Fifth Division in the Red, Byakuya + Shirahime, Kenpachi + Shirahime, Mayuri + Shirahime, Toshiro + Shirahime
Bleach © Tite Kubo. Bleach: Cross characters and elements, including the “past life backstory” © Eugena.
A/N: Rated M for implied themes. This is a spoof of The Bachelorette, Bleach style. You have been warned.
Timeline: Occurs after the “After DiamondDust” story, sometime shortly after Momo Hinamori wakes up from her coma.
Opening Theme: Momoiro no Hana (Hinamori Character Song)
Ending Theme: Every Heart by BoA
Fifth Division in the Red
A Bleach: Cross Story
By Eugena
Rated: M
Chapter One: Present for Taicho
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FIVE BARRACKS – THORNE TAICHO’S QUARTERS
Momo Hinamori, Fukutaicho of the Fifth Division looked over the numbers again. And again. Grimacing, she crumpled an edge of the paper, ready to toss the paper away.
“Taicho’s going to be upset,” she grumbled.
Behind her, Daichi Thorne Takeya, Third Seat of the Fifth Division, stopped shelving the books he had been archiving. He turned to her. “What’s the matter, Fukutaicho?”
Hinamori stood, a defeated look on her face, “I’m such a failure.”
“Oh, come on,” he said, “Thorne Taicho will solve it.”
“Look at it for yourself,” she said.
Takeya walked over to the taicho’s desk and stared at the paper. His reading skills still were not up to par.
“Of course,” Hinamori said,” “I don’t have to tell her. Maybe we could solve this ourselves.”
Takeya continued to stare at the paper. Finally, he began to understand. “We’re this far in debt?”
“If only I had woken up sooner,” said Hinamori. “If only I had been here when Taicho first—.” She could not bring herself to say “died.”
“She won’t know,” Takeya said, “but you should tell her.”
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD TWELVE – RESEARCH SECTION
Rin brought Thorne Taicho a cup of tea. She took it and held it, looking suspiciously at it. She didn’t trust Kurotsuchi Taicho. He’d do anything for his research.
Rin went back to fool with the controls of a modified television. “This is from one of your country’s shows,” he said proudly. It was not every day one could give a taicho a unique gift.
Thorne turned as she sensed Nemu Kurotsuchi’s reiatsu.
Nemu smiled at her. “Please enjoy your tea, Shinnouhi, Mayuri-sama would not harm you.”
Thorne could never tell Nemu to call her Taicho. Thorne’s title as Shinnouhi (Imperial Princess) was much higher than her rank as a taicho. Mayuri had taught Nemu to always be formal and address others by their title and name. Since there was no other Shinnouhi, Nemu thought there was no need to address her by name. Nemu never called her Taicho except in the company of those who did not know that Thorne was the Crown Prince’s betrothed.
As for Mayuri himself, Thorne did not doubt he did not harm her because of royal mandate. If he harmed her, Squad Zero would kill him. She did not doubt Crown Prince’s Shiroyuki’s resolve to kill anyone that harmed her. Yet, even she knew that the portal between Soul Society and the House of the King worked less these days. Until Aizen and his troops were dead, she could not depend on the Royal Family’s protection.
She lifted the tea to her lips and drank, knowing that she had laid her life in Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s hands.
“Is it to your liking, Shinnouhi?” Mayuri asked.
Thorne kept calm, always wishing to freak out over his appearance. “Hai. Arigato, Kurotsuchi Taicho.” Sometimes, she did not need Kurotsuchi’s translator to speak their language.
“It’s ready, Rin announced. It’s from a program ABC.”
“Maybe Dancing with the Stars,” Thorne thought.
She took one look at the obnoxious announcer and knew she was wrong.
“Welcome Back to Season Sixteen of the Bachelorette.”
“Anything but this,” she muttered under her breath.
The Bachelorette, pressed her face into one of the bachelor’s, smothering him with kisses. After only a few moments, the camera cut away.
“What happened?” Rin asked.
“Ask someone when you’re older,” Thorne answered.
Rin turned a few dials and the picture returned, perhaps from several episodes later. The Bachelorette’s face streamed with tears. She bawled loudly.
“Taicho!” Hinamori called out, rushing in. “Taicho!”
“I’m okay, Momo. It’s someone on the television,” Thorne assured her.
Hinamori came in and watched the rest of the scene with the others.
The Bachelorette turned square to the camera, what an actor would otherwise call an aside. Yet this was reality television, so what was she thinking?
Between disgustingly obvious fake tears, she lamented to the audience: “My one true love! Out of everyone I would pick him! And he has to go home to take care of his dying sister—aunt—someone—oh who the (bleep) cares? What about me? He has some (bleep) (bleep) priorities!”
Another camera picks up on the leaving bachelor. “It’s not like I had a chance anyway. After all, she was always (bleep) (bleep) (bleep) the other men. She should take care of herself. I think you execs need to pay for an HIV test for everyone.”
Rin and Hinamori looked dumbfounded at the screen. Mayuri turned the show off. He was going to say something, then Thorne interrupted: “Sensitive ears.”
“Thank you, Rin,” Thorne said. “This was very thoughtful of you.”
“You didn’t like it,” he said.
“This was a bad season for it. This year’s contestant was out to do anything to get an Emmy. There are better seasons.” Yet, feel free to skip all of them.
Rin fell at the taicho’s feet. “Forgive me, Taicho. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Nonsense,” she said, helping him up. “All you need is a few more adjustments and you’ll get a good one: Dancing with the Stars.”
“Taicho, what kind of show was that?” Hinamori asked. “And what’s the Emmy?”
“An Emmy is an award given to actors. Most television shows are fiction, with actors playing characters. That one, however, was what is called reality television. It means a person is themselves on television.”
“But she was—?”
“She was over-acting. She wanted to be famous. So do most of those guys on the show. But she is the only one who is guaranteed to get paid.”
“Paid?” Hinamori asked.
“Yes, the studio gives her money.”
“Money,” thought Hinamori, “I wonder if?“
“How does it work?” Hinamori asked.
“She goes out on dates with all the guys and each week she kicks one of them off the show. Finally, she chooses one in the end. Supposedly, they are supposed to get married.”
“Married?“
“That usually doesn’t happen.”
oOo
Preview of the Next Chapter:
Hinamori finally gets an idea on how to raise money for the squad, but what will this mean for Thorne?
Who is a candidate to be a bachelor? Vote now.
Bleach: Cross: After DiamondDust: 03
03 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bleach Tags: Bleach Cross, Bleach Cross After DiamondDust, Hanataro + Yachiru, Kenpachi + Shirahime, Toshiro + Shirahime
Disclaimers, etc., see chapter one
Opening Theme: Hikari no Rock by Sambomaster
Ending Theme: Tooi Michi no Saki De by Takekawa Ai
Bleach: Cross
After DiamondDust
By Eugena
Chapter Three: To Move On
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FOUR BARRACKS
After deciding on Zaraki, Shirahime knew she would not turn back. She remembered the wonderful times she had spent with Zaraki during his past life as Kenny. He had been her safety net, and her only source of happiness.
She had met many others who protected her on her journey becoming a shinigami. Ai Zangetsu, her first true love; Kail Zangetsu, the remains of the younger Prince of Heaven; and finally Toshiro Hitsugaya, the incarnation of the Element God Hyorinmaru himself. There were many, but only the ones she found closest in her heart came to mind first.
She returned to Zaraki to find Kotetsu Fukutaicho attending to him.
“How was Hinamori Fukutaicho?” Kotetsu asked.
“She is improving,” Shirahime answered. “Will you please excuse us?”
“Of course,” Kotetsu said and bowed and left.
Shirahime waited several minutes before saying anything. Strange that this time around she would ask him to marry her.
“What’s up, Sam?” Kenny asked, calling her by her human name as he often did, reminding her of the Kenny he was before.
She smiled at him, unsure of what to make of his question. Was she simply remembering the Kenny of the past, or was it the Kenny before her which had spoken? When she turned around, she saw Kenpachi Zaraki, bells in his hair, sans eye patch. But it did not stop the sense of familiarity that washed over her.
“It’s really you, Kenpachi.”
“You haven’t called me that in a long time.”
“Well, I had gotten so used to calling you ‘Kenny’ and remembering the days before. But I think I am really ready to move on. It’s time I really accept you as Kenpachi.”
“Sam, it doesn’t change my feelings for you.”
“It doesn’t change mine. I love you. I always have. I never stopped loving you. Even with Kail inside me, I could not deny you.”
Kenpachi wanted to get out of the bed, but a restrictive kido from Lieutenant Kotetsu stopped him.
“Kenny, Kenpachi Zaraki, will you marry me?”
Kenny could not believe his ears, just as in the past life he was astonished she had said yes. “I want nothing more than to be with you and Yachiru.”
Tears streamed down her face. Perhaps now she would be freed from the curse of the past life and find happiness. She rushed to embrace him.
Something inside of her lay broken. As if now, part of her past life would never be seen again.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD TWO BARRACKS
Yoruichi Shihoin knelt by Ichigo Kurosaki, some of his wounds still bleeding. She gave him a sly smile. “You’re hard to kill, kiddo.”
“Kiddo? I’m not a kid,” he protested.
“Well,” said Rukia standing over him, “I am much older than you.”
“Oh, shut up, brat,” he shot back, placing the cold pack back on his left eye. The fourth squad had been so bogged down with the many injuries that some injuries were allowed to heal on their own. He could take the pain.
“Still too young for my Shirahime,” Yoruichi teased.
“Ha!” laughed Soi Fon Taicho, looking up from the papers her lieutenant had given her. “As if my sister, beloved daughter of the great Yoruichi Shihoin would give even a moment to you, substitute.”
Rukia wanted to tease him, but felt a slight twinge of jealousy instead. “He has it rough, Taicho. It isn’t easy being a reincarnation of a prince.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he tried to get them off his case. He could see Zangetsu and Kail in his mind. “But what about my beloved Shirahime? Will she be okay?”
Yoruichi forced his head back a little and looked directly into his eyes. “Are you sure you’re okay yourself?”
“What?” he asked. “Why the sudden change, Yoruichi?”
“You called her your ‘beloved’ Shirahime.”
“That’s her name. Shirahime. My beloved Shirayukihime.”
Wack. Rukia hit him in the jaw. “What the hell’s gotten into you, Ichigo?”
Ichigo shook his head, trying to get back to his senses. “Sorry,” he said, “I guess I’m not used to having Kail back in my body. Maybe I should give him back.” A rush of emotion filled him, elation from Kail.
“Absolutely not, Kurosaki,” objected Soi Fon. “It’s hard enough to keep men from my sister. How do you expect me to draw out a ghost?” She put her papers down on a nearby desk. “Yoruichi, isn’t it about time to see her?”
“Are you asking my permission, Soi Fon? You could have gone already.”
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FOUR BARRACKS
Rangiku Matsumoto found Yachiru helping Hanataro with the patients. Yachiru had just put one patient down—gently—as she saw Rangiku. “Rangi!” Her habit for nicknaming people had not changed.
“It’s unusual to see Squad Eleven cooperating with Squad Four,” Rangiku mused aloud.
“Mom asked me to do it,” said Yachiru proudly, loving the fact Mom had asked her to do something.
Rangiku smiled at that, secretly wishing she had a child. “Where is your mom—Thorne Taicho?” she corrected herself.
Visiting Kenny.”
“Oh.” Of course it made sense. She had rather have heard “recovering,” not visiting someone. Visiting Kenpachi Zaraki, the same man Rangiku had gotten closer to during the time Shirahime Thorne was believed to be dead. Kenpachi and Toshiro had become loose brothers-in-arms over their common affection for Thorne Taicho. What would Hitsugaya Taicho do now that she was back and possibly in the arms of another?
“Rangiku?” Yachiru asked, suddenly serious. “Momma is back. Why does that make you so sad?”
“I’m just—happy for someone else.”
Rangiku had good reason to be happy for someone else, and to mourn for Hitsugaya. He was indeed late, too late for Shirahime this time. He arrived in Squad Four not too long after Matsumoto.
Bleach: Cross: After DiamondDust: 02
03 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bleach Tags: Bleach Cross, Bleach Cross After DiamondDust, Hanataro + Yachiru, Kenpachi + Shirahime, Toshiro + Shirahime
Disclaimers, etc., see chapter one
Opening Theme: Hikari no Rock by Sambomaster
Ending Theme: Tooi Michi no Saki De by Takekawa Ai
Bleach: Cross
After DiamondDust
By Eugena
Chapter Two: King’s Guilt
SOUL SOCIETY – SOJIRO’S GRAVE
Toshiro stopped in front of his friend and rival’s grave to pay his respects. He was grateful for Rangiku standing behind him. “Thank you, Matsumoto,” he said, “I’m sorry. Thanks for everything.” He looked back at her, guilt nearly ripping him apart for knowing many had died and that she could have been one of them. “Just like Shirahime. No, Thorne Taicho,” he reminded himself. Keep the distance between them. Taicho and taicho. Soul reaper and human.
“Taicho,” interjected Matsumoto, “perhaps you should go see her.”
He looked at her quizzically. “How did you—?”
She tossed her hair back with a flick of her neck. “Putting up with you until we discovered she was resurrected in the human world. That’s enough for anyone to understand you over her.”
He remained silent for a moment. “Thorne Taicho is a strong fighter. I’m sure Thorne Taicho is—.”
“Will you stop with this entire Taicho bit? This is Shirahime we’re talking about. Good ol’ Shira, storyteller Sam Shirahime, third seat Shirahime, fourth seat of the Eleventh Squad Shirayukihime.”
“She was never fourth seat.”
“Oh, yes she was, Taicho. I seem to remember a certain taicho fighting Zaraki so she could move into his squad.”
“Hrmph,” he sighed.
“Come on, Taicho! Or do I have to go alone?”
“I’m catch up. Just give me a moment alone.”
“See you at Squad Four,” she said and left.
Toshiro faced the grave again. “Yes, I fought for Momo. But most of all, I fought for Shirahime. I nearly lost her. I betrayed her. Enjoy the peace you can find in the afterlife. But know that you probably succeeded in getting your vengeance against me. She’s just a taicho now to me. I can never expect anything more. Even though you failed at taking Rangiku from me, you succeeded in taking Shirahime’s heart.”
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FOUR BARRACKS
Shirahime’s deep thoughts slowed her walk around Squad Four. She remained in the back hallway, away from most of the bodies. She didn’t want to think about death right now. It had been too close to home this time. After Sojiro’s lackeys had attacked the caravan carrying the King’s Seal, she had lay in these same medic beds as the ones nearby for what seemed like days. Both her soul reaper self and human self had bled. Strange for her. Usually only her human self suffered, as it was fused to her soul, but this time her soul self suffered as well.
She had been so close to the King’s Seal. She had even touched it. As royalty from the past life, it was her right to do so, but it was that same right that nearly condemned her to die.
Yet it was him that saved her—that horrid king that forced her to marry his eldest son. She could still hear his voice: “Not yet, princess. Not yet, when you have finally been reunited with both of my sons.”
What a sick and twisted man he was. Reunited? Ichigo was much younger than her in human years. By standards of her home country, such a marriage or anything else with him was statutory. And disgusting. Did she mention that? Absolutely horrifying. He was just a kid. And the brother? If he meant Kail, he was now a hollow. Once he had lived inside her to save her life, but that was no longer necessary after she was returned to the human world. Of course, there was always Shiroyuki, Kail’s current living incarnation . . . .
Did the king have something to do with her resurrection in the human world? Or was it Hyorinmaru?
Was the cycle of reincarnation really going to end for her? Was that why he had saved her? Guilt, of course. Guilt because he had never let Ichigo marry Rukia.
Like hell she was going to marry Ichigo this time around! And Kail? He’s a hollow! Maybe the king wouldn’t push the Shiroyuki issue.
Maybe the king would leave her alone if she married someone. Finally give up. But who?
Zaraki, of course came to mind. They were going to get married in his previous life anyway. And she did love both him and Yachiru.
Ya would finally have the family she always wanted.
Bleach: Cross: After DiamondDust: 01
03 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bleach Tags: Bleach Cross, Bleach Cross After DiamondDust, Hanataro + Yachiru, Kenpachi + Shirahime, Toshiro + Shirahime
Bleach © Tite Kubo. Bleach: Cross original characters and elements, including the “past life backstory” © Eugena.
A/N: This story occurs much later in the Bleach: Cross universe. It explores Shirahime’s relationships with Toshiro and Kenpachi.
Opening Theme: Hikari no Rock by Sambomaster
Ending Theme: Tooi Michi no Saki De by Takekawa Ai
Bleach: Cross
After DiamondDust
By Eugena
Rated: T
Chapter One: To Hold Your Hand
KARAKURA TOWN
The human world was safe yet again from an unknown threat. The Soul Society knew what had just happened, but all the humans in the world of the living—save Shirahime Thorne—knew nothing of it.
She knelt on the ground, supporting the bulk of her weight with her zanpaku-to. Done, finished. This human world was safe again. She could now open the gate into Soul Society and see who survived the battle.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – A DESOLATE FIELD
Toshiro Hitsugaya proved that he was the true incarnation of the dragon god. Hyorinmaru was again just his, yet he never saw it that way. His friend was gone, the same one who said he would control Hyorinmaru. Yet Toshiro knew he had to work together with Hyorinmaru, not try to control him.
Why did he feel so alone in victory?
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FOUR BARRACKS
Squad Four barracks were filled with the many injured soul reapers. Several more who had died in the battle remained hidden in the back rooms awaiting burial. Very few Squad Four members paused long enough to acknowledge the woman walking through.
“Thorne Taicho,” they acknowledged.
She nodded curtly to them, continuing on, searching the reiatsu.
She found Zaraki Taicho attended by Unohana Taicho. Yachiru stood looking over Zaraki, but lit up the moment she saw Thorne Taicho.
“Mom!” shouted Yachiru. “Kenny, mom’s here.” She lept into Thorne Taicho’s arms.
Yachiru began to call Thorne Taicho “mom” long before she became captain of the fifth squad. She referred to her as “mom” back when Shirahime had not yet joined a squad. Zaraki invited her to become a member of Squad Eleven, fourth seat, but Hitsugaya fought with him. In the end, she joined Squad Ten, where she remained until the first time she “died.”
Yamamoto Sou Taicho promoted her to Squad Five Taicho, though he thought it was only in memory. Shirahime returned to the living world, though she had no memory of her past. With the help of Hitsugaya, Kenpachi, Yachiru, Ichigo, Kail, and Zangetsu, she regained her memory and her power.
“Ya,” Thorne said, addressing Yachiru, “can you go and help Hanataro and the others move the patients?”
“Yes, mom,” Yachiru said.
“Be gentle with them. Don’t break them.”
“Ok, mom.” Yachiru dashed off.
“Unohana Taicho,” she acknowledged, “Zaraki Taicho.”
“I see you still have your sights on Hanataro,” Unohana said.
“Yes, but he serves in your squad very well. Who knows how he will do when he achieves bankai?”
“Him?” asked Zaraki.
“Yes, him. I can plan ahead.”
“Far ahead,” said Zaraki.
“How did the living world fare?” asked Unohana.
“No casualties or injuries. I can’t say the same thing here. I should have been here instead.”
“Sou Taicho wanted you to stay in the living world.”
“Yes, so convenient after he issued Hitsugaya’s execution order. Thank you, by the way.”
“I could not do anything,” said Unohana.
“You did,” Thorne said. “It was enough.”
“Sou Taicho said your bankai could have destroyed Soul Society,” interrupted Zaraki.
“Only if I cared to die in the process,” she sneered. “He wasn’t worried about that,” Thorne countered. “He didn’t want me to get the King’s Seal. But I agreed, because someone had to support Soul Society from the outside. The living world would have vaporized. Balance and the cycle of reincarnation destroyed forever.”
“We knew you could handle it,” Zaraki said.
“I still don’t like the way Soul Society works.”
“Things here do not change for thousands of years,” said Unohana.
“Unohana, can I see Hinamori?”
“Yes, Thorne. She’s made no progress, but she hasn’t gotten worse either.”
“I’ll come visit you later, Kenny,” she said as she left with Unohana.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD FOUR BARRACKS – HINAMORI’S ROOM
Momo Hinamori lay still in the bed. She had not moved for many months now. She was neither worse nor better. Once she stabilized enough from her near execution from Aizen, her body remained frozen in a coma.
Although Thorne had never spoken to her, Hinamori was still her fukutaicho. She had no plans to change that for now.
Unohana left Thorne alone with Hinamori.
Thorne sat down at her bedside. She was going to reach for her hand, but she did not. After her injuries and contact with the King’s Seal, she did not know what to expect.
“The first person you would have expected to call themselves your taicho is Aizen. Many things have changed. But, as I said before, my name is Shirahime Thorne. My name in the Royal Family is Shirayukihime no Tenjou. You can call me Shirahime or Thorne Taicho. I introduce myself every time to you, because eventually you’ll remember me. When you wake, you’ll look for me as your taicho.
“I hope I am not here when you wake up. I hope Shiro is here by your side. I know he is important to you. Has he held your hand yet? I shouldn’t be the first to.”
Thorne got up and left her unconscious fukutaicho. She would never hope to inspire such reckless devotion that Hinamori gave to Aizen. Although she was a soul reaper, she would still always be human, until she died. Yet, when she died, where would her soul go? Would the cycle of reincarnation end for her?
Bleach: Cross: Blush: 04
03 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bleach Tags: Bleach Cross, Bleach Cross Blush, Gin + Rangiku, Ichigo + Rukia, Kail + Shirahime, Kenpachi + Shirahime, Toshiro + Shirahime
Disclaimers, etc., see chapter one
Opening Theme: Toki Ni Ai Wa by Masami Okui
Ending Theme: Sen no Yoru wo Koete by Aqua Timez
Bleach: Cross
Blush
By Eugena
Chapter Four: Rewriting History
Ling, Mars (Zhan Shen)
I walk out of my zero degree space and everything finally falls apart
Even if it is tiring to be in love, I won’t regret it
I put down all my defense and don’t care about anything
I run away from the dark world and start a new tomorrow
A new tomorrow
ICHIGO’S INNER BATTLEFIELD (THE SIDEWAYS BUILDING)
Snow fell onto the sideways building. This had once been the battleground between Ichigo and Hollow Ichigo—Kail—but no more. Now it was a place were Kail could meet Shirahime face-to-face, and they could have their own battles.
Kail held out his right hand, catching a snowflake in it. He looked at it and then crushed it in his fist.
“Stupid little reaper!” he shouted. “Thinking he has the right to my one. Not even Ichigo can touch her and he thinks he can!”
“Kail,” Shirahime called from behind him.
He turned around to her, the anger still apparent in his face as he faced her. Sam stood before him in a snow colored dress. The White Zangetsu zanpaku-to was strapped to her shoulder, the only element out of place of her princess look.
“Isn’t it time I woke up? If I don’t soon, Sou Taicho may order tests on me. We can’t expect Fourth and Tenth Divisions to hide you much longer.”
“No,” he answered sharply. “No. I’m keeping you to myself, princess. You aren’t strong enough without me, not after you told Zangetsu to leave.”
“Ai Zangetsu—.”
Kail scoffed at her name for Zangetsu.
“—left because I asked it of him. Yet what of you, Kail Zangetsu? You wouldn’t leave even if I fought you for it.”
“You’re right,” he said walking up to her. “Because I love you enough to ignore your requests.” He grabbed her right hand with his—the same hand he used to crush the snowflake. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Let’s dance, princess.” He took her hand in his and placed her other hand around his waist. He began to hum a dance tune from the past life.
“I know this song,” she said.
“You should know it. This was the dance we should have had long ago. This was the song they played when you became engaged to Ichigo.”
She tried to stop, but he continued the dance, pulling her around with him on the sideways building. Although his hollow appearance had rarely bothered her, she became frightened as he changed before her. His bone white face changed to flesh, the same with his hands and the other parts of his body. He looked more and more as he did in the past life.
“Kail . . . .”
“Shh,” he said against her ear. “Let us rewrite history together. There is no royal mandate here, no parents who sold you to slavery. There is just you and I. The whole world could burn, and we would still remain.”
Bleach: Cross: Blush: 03
03 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bleach Tags: Bleach Cross, Bleach Cross Blush, Gin + Rangiku, Ichigo + Rukia, Kail + Shirahime, Kenpachi + Shirahime, Toshiro + Shirahime
Disclaimers, etc.: see chapter one
Opening Theme: Toki Ni Ai Wa by Masami Okui
Ending Theme: Sen no Yoru wo Koete by Aqua Timez
Bleach: Cross
Blush
By Eugena
Chapter Three: Gifts and Worth
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD ELEVEN BARRACKS – ZARAKI TAICHO’S QUARTERS
Lying on his bed, Kenpachi looked up at the silver necklace he held between his fingers. He watched the sunlight gleam off the chain and the light reflected into his eye. With his other hand, he removed the patch he traditionally wore over his other eye. He wanted to see the necklace with both eyes.
His spiritual pressure spiked as he removed the patch. Third seat Madarame knocked on his door.
“It’s alright,” he said quickly. “Just testing something.”
“Yes, sir.”
Not that he was lying. He was testing something—his memory. Outside of the Court of Pure Souls, he had gone shopping with Yachiru. Very unusual for him, but he would humor anything for her. They looked at many items, and none interested him. Yachiru kept saying that he needed to find the perfect gift for Sam. He still called her that, even though now she took the name Shirahime. After all, they had just been reunited after being apart so long—an entire lifetime for him. But what to get for her?
Jewelry was often worn as a sign of family status. It rarely held some of the same significance here like it did in the human world.
But something in this necklace connected with him. It reminded him of his other life. The old woman who had made the necklace recognized him as a soul reaper and had said her own grandson had left to become one. She had named the necklace the Jewel of Winter, saying that it reminded her of her beloved Toshiro. Of course, she already knew that he had made tapchp and was among the many that protected the common souls of Soul Society.
Yachiru had insisted on trying the necklace on. The silver lotus flower looked good on her, but the chain was too long. She didn’t mind; she knew this gift would not be for her anyway. In the center of the flower, a small stone shined. It was the color of a diamond, but Kenpachi knew it was a more common stone.
“Kenny!” Yachiru burst through his door, bouncing once on the bed.
Kenny sat up. “What brings you here, Yachiru?”
Yachiru put on a long, disappointed face. “Come on, Kenny, you know that. Today’s the day. Today’s Valentines. You have to have your gift ready.”
“Do you have one?”
“Yeah, but you have to give yours first.”
“Okay.” Kenny put Yachiru down on the floor. He handed her his eye patch and stood up. “Hold onto this for me.”
“You got it, Kenny.”
She jumped up and down, watching the stone’s light reflect in the room.
“Here, Yachiru.” He handed her the necklace. “Make sure I don’t lose this.”
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD SIX BARRACKS
It wasn’t often that Renji Abarai bothered himself with affairs of the world of the living. However, he couldn’t help but over hear Matsumoto’s plans for a Soul Society Valentines. He knew it had to be hard for her; after all, she had been in love with Ichimaru, and any holiday centered around love had to be difficult. Usually, the higher ranking reapers shunned such holidays, saying that their position immunized them to such weak emotional needs. Although, none of that was true. It had really been to prevent relationships between captains and their subordinates. Yet love itself could never be denied, even if publically it was.
For instance, Shunsui and Nanao were certainly denying their love for one another.
When did Renji start to notice things like that?
Since Rukia Kuchiki joined the Kuchiki clan.
It became so clear to him now. Now that Rukia had found someone else and openly showed her feelings for him.
Well, at least I’ll let someone else have a nice Valentines.
Although many would not join in the celebration, it would not matter. Renji knew Rangiku had held this event for the new third seat of squad ten, the great bard Thorne. Even now Renji saw tell-tale tensions between Hitsugaya and Zaraki over her. But why? Like many high ranking soul reapers, Renji knew that Thorne was at least part human. He hadn’t yet realized she was all human.
Perhaps it would be nice if he visited the Valentines guest of honor.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD TEN BARRACKS – THIRD SEAT THORNE’S QUARTERS
Hitsugaya returned to a state of normal consciousness. Once again, he looked upon Shirahime’s sleeping form. A blush creeped into his cheeks—so strange to watch her sleep.
Unfortunately, they were not alone. Kail, the hollow form of Ichigo, rose up from out of Shirahime’s body. He lifted his zanpaku-to and pointed it at Hitsugaya.
“You’d better not get any ideas. She’s my woman.”
Hitsugaya steeled his gaze. “Get in line.”
Kail laughed. “Now this is funny. Who do you think owns her? My brother, your substitute soul reaper? He’s no longer a prince. Kenpachi? His life as her fiancée is over. Am I missing anyone?”
“Zangetsu—and me. I won’t let someone claim her as property.”
“Oh?” he laughed again. “I see. You’re taking Zangetsu’s place. This time around you’re the forbidden lover.”
“You’re wrong. I want her freedom.”
“Oh?” he hissed. “So it is true. You’re in love with Matsumoto!”
“No, damn it!” He began to increase his spiritual energy, preparing to summon Hyorinmaru.
“Element God Hyorinmaru, decide which one of us is worthy!” Kail shouted the challenge. He sat down in front of Shirahime. “If you summon him to hurt me, what do you think will happen to my one? Do you think I will let you? Touch her, and I’ll destroy you.” He laughed again and faded back into Shirahime’s body.
Bleach: Cross: Blush: 02
03 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bleach Tags: Bleach Cross, Bleach Cross Blush, Gin + Rangiku, Ichigo + Rukia, Kail + Shirahime, Kenpachi + Shirahime, Toshiro + Shirahime
Disclaimers, etc.: see chapter one
Opening Theme: Toki Ni Ai Wa by Masami Okui
Ending Theme: Sen no Yoru wo Koete by Aqua Timez
Bleach: Cross
Blush
By Eugena
Chapter Two: Paths Crossing
KARAKURA TOWN
Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki walked hand-in-hand past the shops of Karakura Town. They had not talked to each other the entire time. They simply enjoyed each other’s company after being apart so long. Not even the snow distracted their thoughts from each other.
“Ichigo?” Rukia placed her other hand on top of his. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Ichigo ran his free hand through his hair, as if brushing off a thought of doubt. “Yeah, Rukia.” He stayed silent a few moments. “I just feel bad for Zangetsu.”
“It wasn’t too long ago that he returned to you.”
Zangetsu and Ichigo’s Hollow form—Kail—had been reunited with their first love, Shirahime, who was once the Heaven Princess in a time long ago. For now, Kail remained inside Shirahime, allowing her to survive in both human and soul form in Soul Society. She had asked Zangetsu to return to Ichigo after she felt Ichigo’s pain of being separated from him. His zanpaku-to was part of his soul, and he could not do without it. True, Kail was part of his zanpaku-to as well, but some strange power allowed Ichigo to exist without Kail.
“I feel his pain,” Ichigo said. He touched his lips, remembering the last time Sam had kissed Zangetsu. He felt the kiss as if she had kissed Ichigo himself. “It’s been so long. Finally reunited with the woman he loved.”
“Ichigo, it’s not your fault. Shirahime wanted him to return to you.”
“Yeah,” he said with a sigh. “But will she really be okay Soul Society? She’s still human.”
Rukia looked up and smiled up at him. “Hitsugaya Taicho took her in. A little strange for him, but she couldn’t be in better hands. He’s an honorable taicho. I’m sure he’ll protect her.”
Ichigo stopped his walk and Rukia stopped with him.
“Rukia, do you think the past will always repeat itself?”
Rukia looked into his eyes. Seeing for once in a long time Kaien. “No, Ichigo. I think it is good to know about the past, because we can change the future. You could say that I met you once before. But I promise you, this life is a lot different than the life before.”
“I hope so. Because I—I . . . .”
“What, Ichigo?”
“I can feel love for Shirahime. I don’t think it’s Zagetsu’s but it’s from Kail. He was once my twin brother.”
“Twins are very connected, Ichigo,” Rukia said. “You can feel each other’s emotions. You were once married to her. It was your duty to protect her. And that, Ichigo, is something that will never change from the previous life. Give her some time in Soul Society, then go to visit her.”
“Right, Rukia.”
oOo
SQUAD TEN BARRACKS – THIRD SEAT THORNE’S QUARTERS
Hitsugaya allowed himself to go inside of his mind. Here he visited Hyorinmaru. Now was another time he would need the Element God’s wisdom.
oOo
SHIRO’S INNER BATTLEFIELD – FIELD OF ICE
“Why so sad, Toshiro?” Hyorinmaru asked.
Hitsugaya kneeled before Hyorinmaru, frustration racking his body. “Must the past always repeat itself?”
“It is far too soon for that conclusion. If you truly want to protect her, you must rid yourself of your own barriers. You must no longer doubt yourself. Until you do that, you will not be able to protect her.”
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD ELEVEN BARRACKS – KUSAJISHI FUKUTAICHO’S QUARTERS
Yachiru woke up cheerily to watch the cherry blossom petals fall. As she leaned out her window, she inhaled deeply and sighed. Yes, today would be the day. It had to be close to the actual day in the human world. Today in the human world was a day for people to tell the ones they cared about that they loved them. Yes! Today she would convince Kenny to do something. Maybe he didn’t remember his life in the human world with Shirahime—whom Yachiru called mom—but surely his feelings wouldn’t have passed away.
Yachiru reached out a hand to grab one of the petals. She caught it and jumped up and down. “Yes, yes! Kenny’s going to say that he loves mom!” I’ll have a whole family now. I’ve had Kenny, and now I’ve met mom.
She flipped in mid air and landed on her feet. Holding her hand out with a ‘thumbs up’ she was very excited about her plan. She would get Kenny to confess his love for mom.
Bleach: Cross: Blush: 01
03 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Bleach Tags: Bleach Cross, Bleach Cross Blush, Gin + Rangiku, Ichigo + Rukia, Kail + Shirahime, Kenpachi + Shirahime, Toshiro + Shirahime
Bleach © Tite Kubo. Bleach: Cross original characters and elements, including the “past life backstory” © Eugena.
A/N: This is a Valentine’s-centric fic. Other details from Bleach: Cross are in the main story.
Pairings: Toshiro/Shirahime, Kenpachi/Shirahime, Kail/Shirahime, Gin/Rangiku, Ichigo/Rukia
Opening Theme: Toki Ni Ai Wa by Masami Okui
Ending Theme: Sen no Yoru wo Koete by Aqua Timez
Bleach: Cross
Blush
By Eugena
Rated: T
Chapter One: The Unraveling
Ichigo’s Narration (Voice Over)
Ichigo Kurosaki, 15, substitute soul reaper. Until recently, I was the only human soul reaper.
Rukia Kuchiki, the soul reaper that gave me her powers, has been living in my closet and trying to live a human life. She gave me a book called Kail the Knight and as it turns out, that’s changed my life more than I could have imagined. But there’s more to that story, I’ll save it for another time.
Sam Hawthorne, author of that book, had been transported into Soul Society by none other than Zangetsu—the incarnation of my zanpaku-to. As it turns out, she was in love with him in a past life but married me. She was once the Snow Princess of the Heavens, Shirayukihime no Tenjou. Now she’s taken up her old familiar name, Shirahime, the one she once let her friends call her and what I once called her. But I doubt I’m her only love this time, now she’s the third seat of Squad Ten under Toshiro Hitsugaya Taicho and Rangiku Matsumoto Fukutaicho. After all, I’m sure my hollow, Kail, will cause trouble.
oOo
SOUL SOCIETY – SQUAD TEN BARRACKS – THIRD SEAT THORNE’S QUARTERS
“Sleeping as usual?” Hitsugaya asked Matsumoto as he looked over at Thorne.
“It can’t be helped, Taicho,” Matsumoto said, brushing back a lock of her hair. “She is still human. Time passes much faster in her world than ours.”
Hitsugaya looked away from them both. “I know.” His tone was low, almost remorseful. “I wish I could restore her back to herself.”
“It won’t be possible, Taicho.” Matsumoto made a fist and brought it down to the desk. She stopped herself short of slamming it and making too much noise. “Not right,” she said. “Will we always be prisoners of the past?”
Hitsugaya looked up, a slight blush on his cheek. Ever since meeting Shirahime, he had found out a past life he had shared with Matsumoto. It was a past life he regretted, one he never wanted to repeat. He would never be weak again. He will protect both Matsumoto and Shirahime.
“Rangiku,” he said in a soft voice.
“T-taicho?” her voice broke, so unaccustomed to hearing him use her given name.
“I swear to you, and to her, that the past won’t be repeated anymore.”
Matsumoto looked away from him. The pain of memories threatened her eyes to tears. “Taicho, the best thing would be to give her happy memories. Erase the pain with new memories.”
“For both of us. All of us.”
Matsumoto nodded and left. She could take on the taicho’s duties for today. They both needed their own sort of closure. She had the Gin of her heart to battle for the day and Hitsugaya had to grow up a little before he could take on his problem.
