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sakura-stories · 5 years

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Our world

Ok, I know that I have literally gone off the grid for quite some time. Sorry about that. I have finally got the time to edit this one and post it. Please enjoy. Do give feedbacks. I have no idea when I will post my next post. So, a sorry in advance for that.

Disclaimer: I don't own bleach.

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“That’s a lot of chocolate you have there, Toshiro-chan.” The old lady smiled as I pulled away the trolley from the ‘sweet’ section. This was the section I often visit nowadays, sometimes almost exclusively. Now that I think of it, I haven’t been to the ‘healthy’ and the ‘home’ sections lately. These were how things were arranged here, in this shop. ‘Even kids shop here, you know’ was the reply you get from the owner, when you ask for the reason why these sections are named so strangely. Michiko-san was unique in that way, I guess. What you call a free spirit. She liked to keep it personal than business. “You sure you need all this?” she enquired as she placed the last of the raspberry jam jars on the shelf.

I didn’t need her to remind me of the reality as to how stupid I looked with a trolley full of chocolates. Karin’s instructions were enough. Even the name of the brand and the flavor along with the quantity of each bar and how many of each, were neatly typed in her message. Two bars of toblerone, three packets of m&m’s, two packets of Lindt dark chocolate and two 250ml large ice cream, one chocolate and one vanilla. She had even mentioned on which aisle to search for for each of the items. Truly, her list was exhausting for the mind and the body.

“Yeah. She called me at the office a dozen times to remind me. Said that the last bar finished by morning.” I replied, not meeting eyes. No one in their right mind would buy so much, that too every week. Though she never commented on the quantity I took, I was feeling a little embarrassed. “I am sorry for sweeping off your shelves like this every week, Michiko-san.”

“Oh, it’s fine dear. Now, now, there is no need to be shy. It was just a little small talk.” she smiled, wrinkles filling in her, once beautiful, face. “Karin-chan really loves chocolates, doesn’t she? Well, just give me a call if there is anything else that you need? I will be in the bubbles-section.”

And with that, she left with her trolley, which was clearly overflowing with soaps and detergents and few other unidentifiable commodities. It was a strange site when we first saw it. The shop, the things in it, its arrangement, everything about it was wrapped in mystery. It would surprise anyone, no doubt. There was literally everything that you need, for a home, in here, the ‘Subete’ Yumiko Super Market. It was a one stop solution for all your shopping worries. Also it was the only place that was open even at midnight, which was of great help for me, since my job and Karin’s present situation, demanded most of my day time, that I had to almost always shop after 10.

I went through the rest of her list, making sure I had all that I needed. Done.

I was really late after work as well. And now that I stopped for shopping, I was way past my ‘curfew’. She was going to be pissed. I sighed. It was indeed a long day.

I checked my watch. 6:40pm. I better hurry up now.

I pushed my trolley to the billing counter. Michiko-san was waiting for me at the cashier counter.

“You got everything, dear?” she enquired as she started billing. Though she looked frail and weak, the woman had more life in her than most people. She was a former kendo master. And you could see that in the way she carried herself. She knew how to handle her customers well, no matter whether they were friend or foe. She was capable either way.

“I hope Karin-chan is doing well.” She said as she handed me the bag and my change. Michoko-san knew Karin well. She used to help her out at the shop whenever she had free time. Coaching the town’s teenage boys’ football team wasn’t an easy job. She was exhausted half of the time. I never understood how she made time for all that she did. I was totally ambushed by the end of the week that I still wonder why I took CA as my career choice. ‘It’s perfect for you. Plus you have a lot of experience’ was my wife’s reply whenever I complain about it. .

“You take good care of her, ok? Give her my best” she smiled.

“Yeah. Thanks, Michiko-san” I took my bags and turned to leave when she called out to me again.

“Toshiro-chan, please give this to Karin. I made some of her favorite riceballs.” She handed me a small red lunch box.

And with two bags full of grocery (don’t know whether you can call it that), a lunch box and my laptop bag, I left for home.

That day.

It seemed as though it was yesterday.

“It is forbidden.”

“No relationship between a Shinigami and a Human can be allowed.”

“You as a captain should know this”

“We cannot allow it.”

“It will upset the balance of the world.”

Central-46 reacted just as I thought. They would never accept it. My arrest and Karin’s detainment in the human world were all so quick that we didn’t have any choice. And they choose this time especially since her brother was away in Hueco Mundo for a mission with others. Otherwise, the orange head would have not only destroyed the Central 46, but also the entire Soul Society since his sister was at question.

They went on with their disapproval as I stood in the middle of the large room, surrounded by the members of the Central 46 in their seats. Yes, I have seen this place, but was never here as a culprit. The large hall was well furnished with seats for all the members, forming a circle. They always had their masks on that you never could know what they really thought. Always calm and calculating

But today was different. Their calm composure was broken to bits. They were not their usual self. Their reaction to the matter could be best described as outraged. Even Kyoraku and Ukitake taicho seemed surprised by their reaction.

“We will decide on our verdict in five minutes.” One of them declared as the room fell silent.

The declaration sounded like a sword above my head, ready to be released. It was not like them to give a decision so fast. And I was relying on that time to figure out my next move.

Damn it.

These bastards are hurrying up ‘cause they don’t want Ichigo to know anything about it. They want to finish up the matter before he returns. What am I gonna do? I have to do something. No matter what, I have to make sure that she is safe.

“We have reached a decision.”

Those words shattered my train of thoughts. They are ready? So soon?? What the hell are they going to do?

They can’t hurt Ichigo’s sister. They know the consequences. And they aren’t going to harm me as they see me as an asset, too valuable to loose. What are they thinking?! God damn it !! What are you people going to do?

“We have no choice but to erase both of your memories.”

WHAT!!

They can’t be serious! What the hell do they mean ‘erase our memories’?? That is just…..

NO. I CAN’T LET THAT HAPPEN.

“Yes, that is the only way.”

“The Verdict has been announced. Take the culprit to squad 12. Here are the official orders. Get the girl as well.”

“Finish it fast. We don’t want any delay.”

The shock just froze my body that I couldn’t move. My body was numb while my head filled with a silent scream as they took me outside. I couldn’t react to anything. And I was being dragged away to carry out their orders the very moment.

No. I have to do something. But with these chains draining my reiatsu and my zanpakuto locked away, there was nothing I could really do. But I had to try. I can’t give up. I can’t let them get to Karin.

“Leave me. Let me go. I demand that you release me from this right now.” I ordered the squad 2 members. My struggles were in wain. But I couldn’t give up on her. I trashed the chains against the wall like a mad man as the guards struggled to rein me in.

“LET ME GO!!!” I screamed as I tried to run away from them. But I fell as the chains on my legs were pulled.

“That’s enough, Hitsugaya-taicho.” The squad two captain spoke as she pulled up my chains. “I can’t let you escape. The punishment must be carried out.”

She pulled on my chain harder, dragging me. I struggled to get free.

No, I can’t lose.

I trashed against the floor, with all that I had left. I wasn’t as hell gonna make this easy. The anger filled my soul. No, they are not going to get away with this plan. I am not letting them take Karin to squad 12.

“LEAVE ME!!!” I screamed.

That was when I noticed ashes around me. It was enveloping the chains that bound me. I realized what it was as I hear those words. “Growl, Haineko!”

“Matsumoto. NO!!! DON’T …..” my words broke midway amidst the sound of the breaking of my chains. They laid shattered at my feet as I stood dumbfounded at the figure that now stood before me.

“Leave, Shiro-chan. Get Karin-chan to safety.” The white haired captain of squad 13 stood before me. “You have to leave now. She has been brought to Soul Society. They are heading for squad 12. Hurry.”

“Leave this to us, Taicho” my lieutenant said as she surrounded my captivators from the back. “Here, take this. NOW, GO!” she said as she threw something into my hands and lurched forward to attack.

The next thing I remember was running towards squad 12 headquarters. And I was holding something. Something heavy. Hyorinmayu. What she gave me was my zanpakuto. But how did she get it? It was supposed to be sealed off and protected. Did she fight all those guards just to get my zanpakuto?

“Matsumoto…”

Don’t you understand what you have done? What did you risk everything for me?

“She did it so that you could be with Karin.” A familiar voice. A voice that I couldn’t forget. That I couldn’t fail to recognize.

“Hyorinmaru!!”

“This is not to time to have doubts. You love her. You can’t fail. Your friends trust you. She trust you. Are you going to let them all down now?” the great dragon spoke to me.

Yes. Our love wasn’t wrong. It wasn’t something that I had to hide. It wasn’t something that I had to run away from. It wasn’t a disgrace. It was my greatest strength. Hyorinmaru was right. This no time for doubts.

I had to protect the woman I loved. It was my responsibility. My promise to her, to be by her side no matter what.

Yes. I can’t fail. I have to get through this. They are all counting on me. I have to save her.

“Thanks.” I said as I rushed to squad 12. I have already wasted my time with all this. I had to hurry up.

“Hitsygaya-taicho!” I heard my name echo from in front of me. Who was it? Friend or foe? I must be careful before I approach.

“Toshiro!!!” that voice. That was the voice that kept me strong through all this. The voice that gave me strength. That gave me hope. That voice belonged to the person for whom I live. For whom I will die.

“KARIN!!” I screamed as I ran towards it. “WHERE ARE YOU!!”

“Over here, Taicho.” The cueball of squad 11 was smiling triumphantly along with his comrade. Karin was there. With them.

“Ikkaku and Yumichika saved me before they took me to that weird squad. What the hell are these people trying to do??” she said as she walked towards me.

Relief rushed through my body as I ran to her. We weren’t really known for PDA. But I couldn’t care less. I hugged her tight, not wanting to let go of her ever again. She meant the world to me. And I couldn’t let anything, anyone touch her.

She must have felt my relief. She hugged me back, for once, not giving a damn that there are others around us. We held each other like there was no tomorrow. Neither wanting to be the one breaking this hold.

“Ahem.” The feathery eyed savior spoke to get our attention. “You two better hurry to the human world.”

His words brought us back. Yes, we weren’t safe. On the contrary we are being hunted. We had to leave. And right now, human world was our best option.

“What are they planning on doing to us?” Karin asked, her anger boiling. She was a Kurosaki. They never really liked being manhandled. And Karin was really pissed at the ‘restrain her’ plan of the Central 46.

“The Central 46 has ordered to erase our memories of each other.” I said through clenched teeth. They just couldn’t stand a change. They couldn’t let customs be broken even though the world was saved by the son of a Shinigami and a Human. “And they want to get it done before Ichigo and the others return.”

“How dare they decide what we should do!! It’s none of their business! THOSE SPINELESS BASTARDS!!” Karin was clearly enraged. It wasn’t really a good idea to make a Kurosaki angry. And now they have done it. Of course, Ichigo wouldn’t spare them if he knew that they tried something like this with his sister. Also, he would come after me after that. But right now, we didn’t have the time to wait for him. We had to make the decision.

“Well, we owe Ichigo. This is our chance to pay him back. Plus, we get to fight. That is all the motivation I need.” Ikkaku said as they both ran forward to take on the men who were heading in our direction.

“Go now. We will deal with the things here.” Yumichika waved as he went to join in as well.

“Let’s go, Karin.” I grabbed her hand as we ran forward.

If it wasn’t for Yoruichi, we would have been take that day. She not only defeated every single one of them who cornered us, but also took us back to the human world.

That was the time we had to make a decision. When we had to choose what we really wanted.

“You both can forget all about this and go back to your life. But you will have to give up your memories. About each other. And you will never be able to see the other person again.” The shady shopkeeper waved his fan as he sat before us. We were in his shop. A small room with wooden floor and a small table. Yoruichi was sitting next to us. It was just four of us.

“We don’t want that. That is the hell why we came to you, you crazy man!” Karin shouted. She wasn’t handling the situation well. Guess, I can’t blame her for that. Even I didn’t know what to do.

“What are our other options, Urahara-taicho?”I asked, keeping my voice straight. I couldn’t let her see that even I was scared. No. I had to keep it together. For both of our sake.

“Well, there is one other way.” He said as he sipped his drink. “You will have to disappear from this world. Give up your powers. Let go of all that you know.” His hat gave him huge dark circles. His words seemed more eerie as we failed to understand what he ment.

“What do you mean?” I asked. What was he talking about? Disappear? Leave?

“Well, you will have to hide your reiatsu. And live a normal human life. Give up everything. You will have to leave everything behind. Even your family, even Hyorinmaru. Are you ready for that?” he tilted his head, waiting for the words to sink in. for us to realize the price we had to pay.

We had to choose between everything we had and everything we wanted. The scale was almost equally balanced on both the sides. We had to give up something of the same value no matter what we chose.

“But Ichi-nii will definitely try to find us. Especially after he comes to know about what happened.” Karin stammered. Her face revealed how torn she was between the two ideas.

“I will take care of that. Not only will you disappear from their lives, but also from their memories. I can implant a fake memory of both of you in everyone’s mind. You will have your powers suppressed to almost zero. So that no hollow or Shinigami ever find you.” Urahara gave us the whole outline of his plan. Yes, it was possible. Possible for us to lead a normal human life. But ..

“Now, all I need to know is whether you both are ready for it.” He made it seem like such a simple task. As though we were selecting curtains for a home or choosing what flavor of ice cream we wanted.

But it wasn’t that simple. It was a choice between the past and future. And we didn’t have much time to decide. We had to make a decision. About what we want.

How can I ask her to leave her entire life, her family, her friends, for me? Can I ask her to sacrifice so much?

“What about Hyorinmaru?” it was Karin who asked that. Hyorinmaru, my soul, my world. What will happen?

“As you lose your reatsu, you won’t be able to hear him. He will most likely disappear. ” Urahara answered as he turned to me. His face was serious. His face was dark. He knew what a zanpakuto ment to a Shinigami. It was our soul. And to stay by her side forever, I had to give up on my soul. Karin’s face was filled with horror as she understood the implications. Yes, I will indeed have to give up everything for her. “But,” he went on. “There is a 0.1% chance that you might find him again after you come back to soul society. But I warn you. It is a very rare possibility.”

Our options were quiet clear cut. Either give up everything for each other or give up each other. And we had to choose now. Time was of the essence. I knew what my friends want. They made their wishes clear. Yes, they would want me to choose Karin. It would pain them that we would never meet again. They knew where my heart was. They would have asked me to choose Karin. But, It was not just my friends, but also my soul that I had to give up.

Hyorinmaru. He was my soul, my friend, my comrade. What about him? I … I don’t…know..what... to do..

“No. I can’t ask you to do that for me.” Karin’s voice was low. Tears in her voice.” I can’t ask you to sacrifice him for me. I can’t ask you to do it even if there is even 0.1% chance that he would disappear. I don’t want you to take it, Toshiro, I don’t want you to risk him for me.” Her voice broke.

“Karin” All I could say was her name. Even she had so much to lose. But she was worried about me.

“Do it.” The familiar sound in my head spoke. “She loves you. And I know you love her. Don’t worry, I will be here, waiting for you, Hitsugaya Toshiro. This woman is worth the sacrifice.”

“But? Hyorinmaru..” I didn’t know what to do. I felt as though I was lost.

“I am not that weak to fade away. I am your soul, Hisugaya Toshiro. I am stronger than that. You are simply wasting time hesitating. Keep your promise to her. You cannot go back on your word. You swore to be by her side no matter what. Now, go.” I could feel the confidence his voice. I could feel his approval.

“Hyorinmaru is fine with the arrangement.” My voice was strong, but my tears betrayed me. They poured down as I made my decision. Yes, he was right. He was strong. He will be there. He will definitely be there. I had to trust him. Karin saw my pain, my tears. She just knew me too well. She wanted to argue. Reason with me. But she knew that I made my decision.

“Karin, what about your family? Ichigo? Yuzu? Your father?” I asked her. She had a family to lose. A father, a brother, her twin sister. They had already lost their mother. Her absence would have had a greater impact the family. How can I ask her to leave everyone who loves her, everyone she loves, for me? Was I that selfish? No. I can’t. I can’t ask that from her.

“I know they would understand. Yuzu would know. And she would accept it. My father already calls you his ‘son-in-law. My family is full of rebels, Toshiro. Do you think anyone of them would have a problem, even if they knew the truth?” the crooked Kurosaki signature smile adorned her face. She was indeed torn with her decision. I had to make her understand what her decision would mean. But stubbornness filled her eyes as she made her decision clear, eliminating all my chances to reason with her. “I have made up my mind.”

Her eyes lit up with hope amidst all the pain. She was strong, yes, I knew that. But I never imagined her to be this strong. She was hiding her tears underneath all that denial and stubbornness. I was blessed to have her. Karin, the woman I loved enough to give up everything in the world. They say that you might give up everything and still not find love. But I have found it. And now, I am never letting it go.

Yes, our decision was made. No matter what challenges life throw at us, no matter how bad this path we chose will be, we will walk through it. Together. Not even death can tear us apart.

“We are ready.” We said in unison. Hand in hand, to walk together through a path we chose, forever.

“Well then, I will get the things ready.” The shady shopkeeper smiled as he left with Yoruichi, leaving us alone.

“We will get through it.” She said as we smiled at each other through the tears. “Remember, with you, I am home.”

“With you, I am, truly, home, Karin.”I smiled back. Yes she was right. She was definitely right.

That was the beginning of our new life. She was 21. And so Urahara gave me a gigai of the same age. We got married, the very same day, with Urahara and Yoruichi as our witnesses. He gave us our reiatsu suppressors, camouflaged as our wedding rings. Platinum rings, with our names engraved in the top.

It was the most beautiful day of my existence. It was the day I chose cherish for my whole life. The day Kurosaki Karin became Hitsugaya Karin. The day she became my wife.

Guess I was lost in thought for quiet sometime. The sun was setting far away into the horizon, giving way for the moon. I hope that the ice cream hasn’t melt yet. Karin was a loving wife, yes, but she didn’t like it when I brought her melted ice cream. Especially now.

The light was almost fading, darkness creeping to replace it. I was finally home. Our small, two storied home stood proudly in front of me. It was small indeed, if you compare it to the squad headquarters. Even smaller than the Kurosaki’s home. But it stood as a mark of our love and hard work. It seemed magical in the sunset. As if out of a fairytale. We never dreamt of such a possibility when we left Karakura. But now, after two years, it was our reality.

Well, I was late. Again. Third time this week. She is definitely not going to like it.

I prayed to God as I opened the door. “I am home.” I placed my luggage on the table nearby and moved on to remove my shoes. I stopped midway as my years of battlefield experience kicked in.

The room was oddly quiet. All lights off. No movement, no nothing. The hall was filled with malicious shadows, dancing to the tune of the dimming sunlight.

‘Danger.’ My instinct screamed. I entered the hall, scanning for any movement. My eyes searching for Karin. I left her with him. He was supposed to be by her side, protecting her no matter what. But even he was nowhere to be found in the darkness.

“Karin” I called out to her, only to hear my voice echo through the hall. I felt my heart racing, pounding against my chest. Numerous scenarios rushed to my mind, none of which gave me peace. I moved over the furniture to the main light panel near the refrigerator.

“Karin” I called out again as I flicked on the switch. Light filled the hall, blinding me for a second as I heard her.

“Tamotsu, now!” her voice call out as I fell back on to the wall with a 150 pound Great Dane on top of me, licking me left and right.

“Finally got ya!”My wife was on the couch, smirking. Triumphant. Her face, satisfied, as though she was an evil mastermind who succeeded on her evil conspiracy. “That was for being late.”

Fear left my body as I saw her, safe. Relief washed over me. “Karin. Thank god you’re..”. The traitor-of-a-dog’s licks cut me off midsentence. I realized that I was pinned on the wall, next to the refrigerator, by a hound, who was licking off my entire face, with my wife (whose plan this was), was sitting afar, comfortably, and watching.

“Karin! Tamotsu, get off of me now.” Well, the canine was more on her side than mine. He never gave a second thought on whom to listen to whenever he was given two orders. She came first for him as well. Matsumoto ruined cats for me. And now Karin had given me enough reason to believe that I never was or is going to be an animal person. Except for dragons, of course.

He continued to lick me as I struggled to get his weight off of me. “Come on now, Karin. Ask him to stop.” I had to hold his neck just to keep him from licking.

“Tamotsu, come on boy.” The traitor of a canine went off running to her as soon as she called, now licking her hands. He seemed pleased with himself now that he had carried out his master’s request. He was a good dog. Just that he was always her partner in crime. I should have seen that coming when she insisted on getting ‘that little dog with the red collar who kept on climbing onto my lap.’ They had a connection from the very first moment they met. And now, that is coming back and giving me a headache. Tamotsu was like Ichigo. Loved her to bits, and never cared enough about the details of her plan, as long as Karin was happy with the outcome. He would even carry me from the end of the world, back to her, if she asked him.

“Karin.” I called her name in defeat. “I’m sorry for being late. Some last minute urgent files to do.” I apologized to the lady of the house as I walked up to her.

She was a complete mess. Her hair tangled, clothes stained with chocolate and sauce. Though everything around her was stained and dirty, her favorite blanket, which was wrapped around her, was, miraculously, unstained. Plates and cups, now emptied of its delicacies, sat next to her on the table.

“Guess, you have been cooking.” I enquired as I took note of the state of the utensils in the kitchen. She smiled at my question, sheepishly. Lately, she has taken a liking towards cooking. Every now and then, she tried out some new and innovative (*cough*) recipes. Most of it were her own inventions, while some where modification (as she preferred to call it). Maybe that’s another one of the side effect of her present state.

“I made you some pasta for dinner. It’s in that pan over there.” She pointed towards an innocent looking pan on the kitchen counter. It looked clearly suspicious, with black and red blobs on the outer surface. “Try some!” her voice filled with enthusiasm, while mischief danced in her eyes.

“Later.” I replied, trying to buy some time to come up with a good enough excuse out of this. “You need to get cleaned up.” I reminded her as I moved on to our room. I grabbed a clean towel from the bathroom as I switched on the heater. “Well, it’s time for your bath anyway. I have switched on the heater. The water will be ready in a few minutes. Let’s go.” I helped her get up.

Her blanket fell onto the ground revealing the eight months completed bump in her belly. I grabbed cherry red cloth off the ground before Tamotsu could make it his new bedspread. It was the most precious thing for her. She wouldn’t even let anyone so much as touch it. It was her mother’s. Something Yuzu gave her before we left. Something to remind her of her past. Of their love for her.

Tamotsu made his little bed near the foot of the couch, as I took Karin for her bath. That was where he usually waited for Karin to return. Where they both sat, almost all day, cooking up new plans of action to ambush me. He was her bodyguard, always by her side, no matter where she went. Her protector.

We moved to our bedroom, making way for the both of us, in the middle of the whole chaos. The room was turned upside down. The entire place ransacked. Hope she found whatever it was that she was searching for. As for me, it was going to be one of those long nights again.

I took her blanket and placed it on the bed, neatly folded. She was standing in front of the mirror, caressing her baby bump.

”Our little guest is growing bigger.” I whispered in her ear as we both placed our hands on the bump. The best news we had after all that chaos was this. We were indeed euphoric. Even her little mood swings were cute. I have to thank our child for letting me see all the humanly expressions on Karin’s face, some of which I never thought I would ever get to see.

“She is kicking you know. Harder than usual.” She smiled as she caressed her little tummy.

“Ow, I didn’t get the news that it was a girl. You shouldn’t keep things like these a secret from me. Maybe she is like her mom, practicing football even before she comes out.” I teased her as I removed our wedding bands onto the bedroom drawer. “Finally I will get someone on my side. You and Tamotsu are seriously ganging up on me. Dad’s little girl will be on his side, right?” I taunted her.

Her expression was priceless when the baby kick the exact same moment. “See, daddy’s princess agrees.” I laughed as we moved on to the bathroom.

We were indeed a family. Love. Laughter. Happiness. We had a good mix of it all with our share of bickering and quarrel. And finally we would have a little guest, a little Karin, in a few months.

Though it took us some time to notice, we finally found those beautiful words engraved in the inside of our wedding rings. It was indeed a lovely gift from our friends. The words that gave us the strength to begin a life together. The words that brought us to happiness.

‘With you, I am home.’

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#bleach

#hitsukarin

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