The last chapter of Bleach: To Be Left Behind is finally here! It's bittersweet as with all my fics, but I am happy with how it turned out and hope you are too.
Small treat at the end for those of you who decide to stay with me. Upcoming fics are upon us!
Please review if you have time and let's all say a very happy farewell to Risa and co.
Enjoy and review!
Previously:
"Good bye Risa Inari," he whispered and Risa nodded.
"Good bye Sosuke Aizen," she whispered back as he disappeared fully.
She sheathed Juuyaiba and turned to the group staring at her.
Silence.
Silence.
She grinned.
"I really wish just once you guys would trust me!" she mused and was tackled by many.
Later that Day...The Soul Society…
Everyone had pitched in to help clean up the Soul Society. Grimmjow and Ichigo were still butting heads, but Orihime was keeping them in check as they helped out. Uryu had made up with his friends. They forgave him quicker than he thought they would. Aside from the punch delivered by Ichigo, everyone in that group was on better terms.
Kisuke's eyes searched for her in the crowd. He frowned, not being able to see her or feel her spiritual pressure.
"She went to Sokyou Hill. I saw her head there a few moments ago," Gin said and Kisuke stared at him.
"Thank you," he said after a moment and Gin grinned.
It would take time for the men to fully accept one another as an ally, but it would happen eventually. They just needed time and now they had it. Kisuke walked up the hill and stared at the woman sitting by the edge. As he approached, his eyes widened hearing her soft sobs.
"I-I just need a m-minute," she choked out, feeling his spiritual pressure.
Kisuke's eyes softened as he watched her back shudder from crying so hard. Risa didn't mind him seeing her cry, as he had seen it before. But this was different. She didn't even know why she was crying so hard. She couldn't pinpoint why exactly she had come up here and decided to shed tears. She sniffed and wiped at her eyes trying to regain her composure. Kisuke waited, giving her the time she needed. Risa sighed softly, her tears dry, her eyes red, and stood slowly. She turned to Kisuke and shrugged weakly unable to speak. He walked up to her and stopped inches before her.
"Are you okay?" he asked quietly and she smiled lightly.
"What a hard question to answer," she said and leaned into him.
"Talk to me," he said and she looked at him.
"Can't you feel it?" she asked and he furrowed his eyebrows.
"Feel what?" he asked.
"My spiritual pressure," she said and Kisuke frowned, concentrating a little harder.
"Of course I can feel it, it's—" he stopped short, feeling the absence.
He looked down at her quickly and she smiled weakly.
"The dark spiritual pressure is gone," he said stunned.
Risa nodded.
"All of it. Every last drop," she said and Kisuke stared at her wide eyed.
Risa smiled and took his hand placing it on her back. Another wave of shock came over him.
"The scar is gone too," he murmured and she nodded.
"H-How are you..." he trailed off.
"Alive?" she mused and he nodded.
"The Spirit King allowed me my life for the Hollow and took it all, along with Aizen. I am how I was before everything happened. I'm...normal," she said and he stared at her.
"You seem conflicted," he said and she nodded.
"I've had it for a very long time. I feel like I've lost a big chunk of myself. It took a lot to get to where I am now, to become who I am now and I did it with my Hollow. And now I don't have it anymore," she explained.
Silence.
"Risa, we've been through a lot in our lives. We will continue to go through a lot. It's alright to show the cracks in your armor sometimes. I know I have. So have the others," he spoke calmly.
Silence.
"I'm...happy," she said relieved.
Kisuke smiled as she did. They were genuine smiles.
"I feel...good again," she added nodding.
"Well that's definitely the best news I've heard in a while," he admitted and she chuckled.
"Well, here's some more. I want to go home," she grinned and he gave her a goofy smile.
He wrapped his arms around her tightly, pulling her into him.
"Well, that is more good news," he agreed and she kissed him deeply.
He returned the kiss eagerly as they stood atop Sokyou Hill, the sun shining brightly in the blue sky. When they pulled away they grinned at each other, happy to just be.
"I do hope I'm not interrupting anything," a smooth voice came from behind them and they both turned to see Gin smiling at them.
Risa relaxed immediately, while it took Kisuke a little while longer.
"But I wanted a word with my former Lieutenant. It's been a while," he added and Kisuke stared at him.
Gin's smile never faltered. Kisuke flashed a grin.
"Of course," he said and Gin was impressed at how the shopkeeper could hide his emotions in a split second.
He walked passed Gin and the silver haired man could feel the threat without Kisuke even saying a word. As soon as Kisuke was out of sight Risa launched at Gin and wrapped her arms around him, laying a firm kiss on his cheek. Then she hit him...hard. His eyes opened in shock as he rubbed his throbbing cheek.
"I've wanted to do that for the longest time," she grinned and he chuckled.
"I had so much I wanted to say to you. I wanted to yell at you and hug you and so I thought the hug and hit did my words justice," she shrugged and he nodded.
"You seem...happier," he smiled and she nodded.
"You feel it don't you?" she asked and he nodded.
"The Spirit King removed your Hollowfication. You're how you were that day when I was a small child," he said and she stared at him.
"This is going to sound weird," she admitted.
Silence.
"But I forgot how things used to be. I grew so used to this life; I think I forgot my old one. And it feels weird, but good. A good weird," she summed it up and he smiled at her.
"You really are silly," he said and she looked at him wide eyed.
He shook his head.
"Risa...you haven't changed at all. You just hid behind a mask for a while. There's a difference," he said looking out over Sokyou Hill.
She stood with him, looking out over the Soul Society.
"If you had changed, you would have never been able to bring me back. It's your unyielding drive to never give up, never give in that I, as well as others, always admired about you," he said calmly.
"And it seems it's been passed down the family line," he said looking down and she frowned and looked down.
Ichigo was making his way up the hill. Gin's smile widened and he turned to leave when Risa grabbed his arm.
"Where are you going?" she asked and he hugged her tightly.
She returned it quickly and just as tightly.
"I am going to give you some time with him. Rangiku is probably looking for me anyway," he mused and left as Ichigo arrived.
"He didn't have to leave," Ichigo said and Risa nodded.
"He knows that," she smiled.
"Why'd you come up here?" he asked and she chuckled.
"This is where my entire life changed. It seemed fitting to stand here now as it changes again," she admitted and he walked up to her.
"Something on your mind, Ichigo?" she asked and he sighed.
She reached out and brushed some of his hair out of his face.
"I think I'm just surprised it's finally over," he said softly.
Risa nodded slowly.
"I know what you mean."
Silence.
"I don't know how to go back, to an ordinary life, after this," he admitted and she stared at him.
She touched his chin, making him look at her.
"Ichigo...you will live anything but an ordinary life. That is for certain," she mused and he smiled lightly.
They stood for a moment in silence.
"You're going to come back with us, right?" he asked and it was then that Risa realized it.
"You think I'm going to stay here?" she asked and he looked away from her.
"Well...Ichimaru is back now...and you don't have the Hollow anymore. I can feel it. So nothing is really connecting..." he trailed off unable to finish and her eyes widened.
Silence.
"Ichigo..." she whispered and he closed his eyes.
"I know he's back now and I know how you feel about him, alright? You see him like your son and now nothing's really connecting us anymore so I understand—" he stopped as she hugged him tightly.
Her arms wrapped firmly around his waist and she rested her head against his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat.
"You are such a silly boy, you know that?" she mused and she felt his body tense against hers.
She chuckled and pulled away looking at him.
"Do you really think just because I don't have my Hollow anymore, that we are no longer connected?" she asked him and he stared at her wide eyed.
Risa smiled at the young man in front of her.
"You and I are bonded for life, Ichigo. We're family," she said and he grinned.
"So you're coming back with us?" he asked and she nodded.
"Of course I am. My life belongs back at that shop with all of you. I'll visit here. I'll never forget those here. And Gin, he will start his own life anew," she smiled and she could feel him relax.
"I would not leave you so easily," she added and he chuckled slightly embarrassed.
Silence.
"My sisters said you released Aizen," he spoke and she nodded.
"Ripped the seals right off him. Didn't even hesitate. You were dying and I was stalling with what had to be done," she admitted.
She looked at him and shrugged.
"I was afraid up until that moment you took the hit for me. Then my fear went away and everything was so clear to me again. I knew what I had to do," she said softly.
Ichigo stared at her and she finally met his eyes.
"I never had the opportunity to have children. As a Shinigami I don't even know if it's possible. But when I look at you...when I see the young man you have become...I'd like to think I helped in making you that way. I look at you how I would look at my own son. I'm not your mother...but a part of me wishes I was," she said and he hugged her tightly.
Tears spilled from his eyes and he closed them, trying to keep them back. Risa let her fingers run through his hair lovingly. She held him until he calmed and then they pulled away. He wiped his eyes with his sleeve and chuckled embarrassed.
"I'm sorry about that," he said and she smiled.
"I'm not," she shrugged and he took her hand.
"Let's go home," he said tugging her hand and she followed him down the hill.
As they waited for the portal to open Risa turned feeling eyes on her. She smiled seeing Hiyori and Shinji waiting in the back and walked over to them. Hiyori folded her arms and looked away and Shinji grinned at her.
"Pfft, don't let the Senkaimon hit you on the way out," Hiyori huffed and Risa chuckled.
"You will miss me," she mused and Hiyori rolled her eyes.
"You'll visit?" Shinji asked and she nodded and hugged him tightly.
"I'll stop by all the time it'll be like I never left," she said and he chuckled.
"I doubt that," he mused sadly.
Risa looked at him and kissed his cheek.
"I love you Shinji," she whispered and he smiled.
"Ah, I love you too, first love," he grinned and she laughed.
She looked down at her former third seat.
"I heard the new Head Captain has allowed you back here. Does that mean you'll be staying here full time with the others?" she asked and Hiyori didn't look at her.
Risa smiled at her old friend.
"Stubborn until the end, just like old times. I love you, Hiyori. I'll see you around," she said and turned.
"Risa."
Risa turned and Hiyori finally looked at her, a small smile reaching her lips and her eyes.
"Don't cry over missing us too much, okay?" she mused and Risa grinned.
"I'll try," she shot back and Hiyori laughed.
Risa walked back to the front. The Senkaimon was almost open. She stepped beside Mayuri and he glanced at her from his side.
Silence.
"I'll come back," she whispered and he rolled his eyes.
"I know that, idiot," he said annoyed with her already.
"So don't cry, okay?" she mused and he glared at her.
She laughed and his glare broke seeing her genuinely happy. She dug into her pocket and pulled something out. She held it out and Mayuri opened his hand. Risa dropped the small USB into his hand and he stared at it.
"What is this?" he asked curiously.
Risa smiled lightly.
"When you have some time, take a look. It's my gift to you, for being my friend," she said and he stared at it wide eyed.
"It's in case you miss me too much," she joked and he glared at her again.
She touched his cheek as the portal opened.
"See you later," she smiled and ran through the portal with the others.
In the Soul Society...Two Weeks Later...
Mayuri sat at his desk bored. He wouldn't admit that he was bored, but it was easy to tell as he drummed his fingers on the table lightly. He glanced at the USB key on the desk in front of him. Risa had given it to him two weeks ago and he hadn't opened it yet. He scooped it up and plugged it into his computer. A video popped up and his eyes widened. Risa's face popped up onto the screen.
"Hi!" she called waving.
She was younger, and in a Lieutenant shihakusho. Mayuri stared at the screen unblinkingly.
"My name is Risa Inari and I'm Lieutenant of Squad Twelve under Captain Kisuke Urahara," she said and then burst out laughing.
The camera shook and Risa covered her mouth trying to stifle her giggles.
"Come on dumb ass! This is like the fifth take!" Hiyori sniped from behind the camera.
Risa shook her head.
"It's the phrasing! Look at the phrasing!" she laughed.
"What's wrong with the phrasing?! I wrote it and it's accurate!" Mayuri hissed and the camera shot to him.
He was younger too and he almost smacked the camera out of Hiyori's hand as she focused on him causing her to curse him.
"It is accurate, but I'm not stating that into a camera!" she chuckled and Mayuri stuck out his tongue and Hiyori cursed again.
The camera swung around to Kisuke, who was blushing like mad, but laughing all the same.
"This is for the incoming squad members! Be serious!" Hiyori hissed and Risa tried to regain her composure.
"Then let me say what I want to say! Or let Kisuke say it!" she tried and Mayuri huffed loudly.
"Fine, see if you can do better!" he snapped and she grinned.
The camera settled on Risa and she took a deep breath.
"Hi, my name is Risa Inari, Lieutenant of Squad Twelve and I want to personally welcome you to our squad. We're a really messed up bunch, but we kick a lot of ass and we're a lot of fun—"
"—RISA!" Hiyori, Mayuri, and Kisuke yelled and she burst into laughter.
The camera seemed to be set down and Risa squealed as she was attacked by them. Hiyori kept hitting her with her sandal and Mayuri kept trying to inject her with a new poison he was working on. Kisuke was laughing as he tried to pull them apart. He was failing miserably.
Mayuri paused the tape on all of them laughing. Even he could see that his younger face had a small smirk on it. He hated the fact that he was smiling to himself. He scribbled names onto a piece of paper and held it out to Nemu.
"Nemu, go and get the people I listed here and bring them over. I am preparing a portal to the real realm. I wish to see an old friend and finally figure out what all the fuss is about over there," he said staring at the picture of the Squad Twelve he remembered ever so clearly.
Maybe it was time to get an updated video.
In the Real Realm...
Risa sat in the shop sipping her tea in the sitting room comfortably. Kisuke sat across from her also sipping his tea. Ururu and Jinta were out with Tessai shopping. Ichigo was at school with his group. They would be graduating soon. Risa visited the Soul Society every now and then, enjoying time well spent with her friends.
"Something on your mind?" Kisuke asked and Risa blinked and looked at him.
"I'm thinking about how incredibly lucky I am," she admitted and he rose an eyebrow smiling.
Risa blushed and nodded.
"I've come a long way," she complimented herself and Kisuke watched her.
"Yes you have," he agreed and she almost jumped over the table into his lap.
He laughed as she brought her lips to his lovingly.
"I love you. Thank you for not leaving me behind," she whispered and he caressed her cheek gently.
"I love you too. And I will never leave you behind again," he promised as their lips met again.
Suddenly, a portal opened in their room and their eyes shot to it, a grin falling over Risa's face instantly.
End.
Review please! This is the end of Bleach: To Be Left Behind! We've done it, friends! On to new fics!
Upcoming and/or In Progress:
Star Trek: Alternate Illusions
Attack on Titan: Humanity's Odds
The Maze Runner: The Untold Story