Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Daydreams Come True ❯ Yasutora “Chad” Sado ( Chapter 21 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

I know it took a lot of time, and I've promised that this character would be featured for months, but it took an effort to gain insight into how his mind worked. I had to read the manga many times and even now I hold some doubts.

 

The featured character is (at last):

 

Yasutora “Chad” Sado

 

He was here because he wished to be. Loyalty dictated that he should, the discovery of his power made it possible, honour made it necessary, a promise made is imperative but part of him wished to be back in Karakura instead of being in these new places: Soul Society and the Seireitei.

 

So much of his life seemed to involve a longing to be elsewhere. In Japan in his early life he wanted to be in South America, believing he would be inconspicuous with his size, hair and complexion. So often he would look into the mirror and mark yet again that he did not look like the faces he saw every day. He could not hide his difference and his class mates treated him strangely. Some murmured behind his back, not quietly, but loudly letting him know how they felt.

 

“He's not like us. A guy that big doesn't feel like we do. Is he a foreigner or is he really an alien? Don't talk to him. He might get violent. He's so big he probably solves everything with his fists.”

 

That was one of the kindest comments he had overheard. He did not tell his parents; how could he tell them, young as he was, that he hated being alive? He was an unfortunate hybrid who grew like a mandrake root amongst a bed of peonies. Hiding his sadness, his isolation and uncertainty from his parents was something he did from a young age. He would smile and pretend, caring so much for his small family that he did not wish to be the element of discord in the harmony that existed between his mother and father. Home was his haven with the love his parents displayed for each other and for him. Why would he wish to cause further problems for them? Sometimes at night after he went to bed he would hear them discussing how well he was settling into school and he would feel torn about how well he had hidden his true feelings and sadness that they had not seen past his lies. As he grew older the smiles became harder to force and he learnt to keep his face expressionless, hiding his discomfort.

 

Each new school year became worse. New students would be warned about him by his `peers' and instead of trying to make friends and failing, he applied himself to his studies, winning prizes for his marks. This served to make him even more unpopular. By now he was so disassociated from the others of his age that it mattered little to him. Going to school was no longer a torment because he didn't notice the other people within his class. They may have ostracised him, but he no longer even acknowledged their existence.

 

Everything changed. Nothing remained the same. His life was fragmented and his existence, which had been hard until now became impossible. The parents he adored had died; his Japanese grandparents had refuted him and packed him off to his grandfather in South America. He was too big, too strange, too different to live with them. They were too old and ill to take care of him. These and a list of other excuses were offered, but he knew the truth. They had never wanted him as part of their family, had felt their honour besmirched by the union their child had entered and they were pleased to finally be free of the taint to their house.

 

Eagerly he awaited his arrival in a country, not for a moment forgetting his grief at the loss of his parents, but he hoped his new home would be a place he could blend in with the others, but that was not to be. His grandfather was tall and strong like him and he admired the man who had greeted him at the airport. For many hours he was entranced by the relative whom he had never seen before and who seemed so interested in his grandson, but slowly it dawned on him as they walked the streets of his new home. His grandfather also stood out with his height and obvious strength and good health and Sado looked large and foreign. It was another place where he did not fit in. Many people he met deferred to his grandfather with admiration and respect and looked at him thoughtfully, as if they were committing his face to memory. That was the adults. He noticed resentful and sullen looks from the boys of his age.

 

From longing to be in South America, his dreams now turned to wishing he was back in Japan with his parents. Nothing could fill the gap they left in his life and instead of trying to mourn them, he tried to forget them so the pain would be less. If he had not known that love and care, coping with this new life might be easier. Being ignored by the people in his class was preferable to what he now experienced. Leaving school each day meant a new enemy who needed to be defeated, as they wanted to prove their strength and place in the hierarchy of power in the playground by defeating an obviously stronger opponent.

 

Until then, Sado had rarely fought. He had become adept at avoiding fights, not wishing to show any scrape or bruise that might worry his parents. Finding the secret routes home from school had taken hours but ultimately was a wise investment of time. In the teeming streets he now lived there was no escape from those who wished to fight him. The more he fought, the more he learnt the ways of the streets. From avoiding fights he began to actively seek them, wanting to feel the impact of his fist thudding into the flesh of his opponent, winning the respect of those he defeated. There was no point in trying to avoid the fists that hit him, what were a few bruises, a little blood to the loss he felt? What did any of it matter? No one cared anymore. His grandfather was kind, but distant, not caring when he returned from school, seemingly oblivious to his injuries. In part he knew that this was his fault, for while he held a distant admiration for the man, he did not wish to know him. To get close to a family member, to feel once again that love would only lead to eventual disappointment when his grandfather died. It was easier not to care.

 

Then one day again everything changed. His grandfather had been paying attention, giving him time to settle into his new world without interference, allowing him the chance to find his own way, but the time of watching was over. He stepped in and stopped a fight between Sado and some boys and then talked to Sado seriously, explaining that Sado should be a protector and not using his greater strength against people for power. The contempt for fighting in this manner showed in the words, but not the face of the man. He felt saddened that he had disappointed his grandfather. That conversation was a turning point.

 

School was still difficult, people still wished to fight him, but he appointed himself the protector. The attitude of his teachers changed as did that of his fellow students. Instead of being ostracised he began to be accepted, even making some friends. He did not change for these reasons, instead it was to make him feel worthy of his Abuelo. His Abuelo now taught him different methods of fighting, aware that his grandson would only use the methods to defend others.

 

He learnt much and was grateful for the positive outlook this new way of living gave him, but he was curious. “Why did you wait so long to tell me where I was erring, Abuelo? Why did you let me fight for all the wrong reasons?”

 

“I had hoped you would realise it without any need for me to intrude. I've watched you since you arrived and I saw how much pain the death of your parents caused. I know your mother's parents rejected you; they never wanted my son to marry their daughter. I did not see my son once they married as he was trying to make your mother and her parents happy, but that was not to be. When you were orphaned, I wanted you, to see the sort of person you had become. You have not been brave until now; you lived like a coward for all your strength. I did not have much hope that you could be changed but I am pleased you listened to my words. Men like us, with great strength should use it to help others.”

 

Sado felt a swell of pride at being acknowledged as being a man by his Abuelo. To be a man was something to which he aspired and he longed to be respected.

 

“Now you are acting like a man, you must accept the responsibilities of a man,” that didn't sound so good to Sado. “A man must know how to keep a house clean, how to cook, how to wash, how to take care of himself. If you learn these I will teach you to play the guitar and help you learn to love the music of your country.”

 

“A guitar?” Sado could not prevent the excitement from showing in his voice. He'd always wanted to learn an instrument and had begun guitar lessons under the tutelage of his father before the accident. Since then he had not had the time and had felt unprepared to try practising as his guitar had remained behind in Japan. His mothers parents had not considered it an item that should be included in his new life.

 

His Abuelo, being a wise and clever man, slowly taught him the ways to take care of himself and each day gave him a lesson on the guitar, improving his knowledge. “You are my grandson. I can hear the talent in your fingers, just as there was talent in your father's hands. He had not forgotten the way to play and grounded you well in the basics, but we must try harder. Music is a tradition in our family, and you are the last born person in the family, so you must carry on the tradition.

 

Once he had his Abuelo's respect, the cautious friendship of some school peers and his music, Chad settled into his new life, never forgetting his parents, never forgetting Japan, and knowing that one day he would return to complete his studies there. His Abuelo often talked about Sado's father, providing an insight into the man that had not been visible to Sado while he was young. They might be poor, life might be hard, but life was good when you shared it with a good man.

 

Then the next event happened which again broke the fragile peace of Sado's world. His Abuelo died, not through external violence but the internal violence of a heart that would no longer function. His death was sudden, but unlike Sado's parents, his Abuelo had made arrangements in the event of his death. He had a life insurance policy that provided enough funds to send Sado to Japan and supply him with the money to complete High School there while staying in a modest apartment. He had never discussed the arrangements with Sado, the one time he raised the matter Sado had immediately changed the subject, not wishing to consider any future events that would leave him alone again.

 

He also inherited a little money from his maternal grandparents, but the capital was invested until he came of age.

 

Sado returned to Japan, heavy hearted, friendless, alone and now without the support of the man who had formed him into the person he now was. His loneliness was never displayed; he had become used to relying upon himself.

 

Sometimes, he felt the urge to be violent, to return the blows others aimed at him knowing he would not respond, and often found he was engaged in two battles, one internal, one external. The internal battle: the need to retaliate was always ignored, and those who attacked him saw it as a sign of weakness instead it being the mark of a truly strong person; a person who regarded his honour more highly than his physical safety. The code ingrained into him by his Abuelo was so strong that it could not be broken, no matter how much he was beaten, no matter the number of adversary's he faced. The guitar and music were the other blessings bestowed on him by his Abuelo. When he was playing his guitar he could release all the dangerous emotions that threatened to take him over, allowing the feelings to flow out through his fingers into the music.

 

Hating Japan, hating the stupid people who wanted to destroy what they could not understand, or control, he once again became withdrawn and morose, awaiting the day when he could finish his formal education and escape from the petty tyranny of the playground but then the unexpected happened. He had helped someone, a strange kid he'd seen around school. The kid had orange hair and was always getting into fights for no good reason that he could see. He had orange hair; did that make him a threat? Sado helped him and unbelievably the kid returned the favour. Remembering his astonishment at someone coming to help him when he was being assaulted by some morons almost made him smile. No one except his Abuelo had ever taken blows for him, or fought on his behalf. Other people dismissed him thinking that he was so big he did not need help or protection.

 

It struck Sado that they were similar. People picked on Ichigo because he was different and he had learned to fight to protect himself, and then extended the protection to others. Sado protected others because he could and it was his responsibility. Until Ichigo had come into his life, Sado had developed few friendships in Japan since his return. He would have been lonely, but for the music. With the alliance formed with Ichigo he now had friends, as well as enemies and he began to seek out others who liked to make music. He also had a new name. Instead of now being a sad person he was Chad, and he found he liked the name. It meant a new beginning, a departure from the past and a chance to remake his life the way he wished it to be. He and Ichigo had a secret competition to see who could beat the other as far as grades went and for the present he had been winning, but he did not have a family to greet him at home each night. Aside from school, music, taking care of his home and occasional gigs, he could devote himself to study.

 

That had been his life until two events had changed everything again. These two events shook his world as much as the death of his parents, his Abuelo and his resettlement. After the disruption that had changed his life, he thought that now he had reached a settled place, he knew people's expectations, he knew he could rely on his friends, he thought he knew where he was going.

 

Then he had found the bird and through that experience had discovered his power. It was a power that he had not called for, or expected. How could he expect something that would increase his strength and enable him to see spirits?

 

At the time he had felt guilty, endangering others for his sake and the sake of the bird that contained the soul of an innocent boy. He had endangered Ichigo and Rukia, Ichigo's; love. That particular fact had led to more guilt when he realised how she had tried to help him and protect him, weak as she was, feeling that it was her responsibility to help him and persuade him to escape. That was another reason he was here. Without thinking about it, Rukia had tried to protect him, even at the risk of her own life and she had not seemed to care that she put herself in danger, and that had impressed him. She and Ichigo were together, both intent on protecting others irrespective of the danger to their own lives. Rukia was a worthy mate for his friend, and a person he respected and admired.

 

That he had been with Rukia when he realised his powers added that extra need to help her, to prevent her death. He had also noted how Ichigo seemed lost without her, and while intent on saving her, it was as if he missed an integral part of his person. Ichigo had changed, there were parts to him now that Chad could not fathom, shifts in behaviour that were permanent and marked.

 

The second event had occurred one day when he was walking home from practice and saw a girl, one of Ichigo's friends, lying in the grass near the river. Until now he'd hardly paid her any attention as there was no reason to interact with her beyond the normal communication that took place between classmates. Ichigo had introduced them and he had noticed her slight shock as she took in his size, her eyes becoming larger. Seeing her reaction, he sighed. Another person who judged by appearance. Thus he had dismissed her, except to recognise that her friendship with Ichigo was of long standing. He had noticed that she was strong, very protective of her pretty friend and did not have any patience with fools.

 

Knowing her confidence and strength he was concerned that she was lying in the grass because she was hurt and he went to her side to assist her. Then she opened her eyes and gazed into his. Though he kept his face composed, her look had shocked him. This time she had not seemed to be scared of his size, or aware of his mixed heritage. She had looked at him, not beyond him, through him, over his head, but directly at him as if she saw past his face to his thoughts and did not squirm at the content of his mind. Then she sat up and smiled at him as if pleased with what she had seen.

 

No one looked at Chad like that. They were usually looking at his height, his width, his hair, his complexion, all the things that made him different and not Japanese, but this girl seemed to ignore all that. She treated him like he was human, and not a monster or experimental subject and then she told him something about herself, that she was on the way to realise her dreams.

 

That day, that moment made a larger impact than he had ever thought. This slight girl was strong, stronger than he had realised; she could fight and did not need him to protect her. He knew instinctively that if he offered her she would be insulted.

 

She had asked about his guitar and he had mentioned his interests.

 

“What's Flamenco? Is that a bird or something?” she had asked, her eyes creasing at the corners.

 

Why were people so ignorant? Flamenco; Flamingo. For a second he had almost said good bye and left, unwilling to explain yet again to someone who was not really interested, but then he remembered the look. Better than an explanation would be a demonstration, but it meant he would have to invite her back to his place and she might get the wrong idea. He wanted her company, he wanted someone's company. Deny it all he might, today he felt lonely. The anniversary of his Abuelo's death was approaching and he dreaded the reminder of loss.

 

“If you don't take this the wrong way, come back to my place. I'll play you some Flamenco music and some of the stuff I've written. That's if you're interested. It's only the music. You'll be safe with me. You're Ichigo's friend, I'm Ichigo's friend. You have nothing to fear from me.” He knew he had spoken more than normal because he was uncertain how she would receive his offer. Chad could not look at her as he made the suggestion, certain of her rejection. The look he thought he had seen was obviously a mistake and she would not want to spend any time with him.

 

He noticed her hesitation and was amazed when she agreed. Unconsciously he reached out a hand to help her to her feet and she took it with a smile. Chad kept his face set, not wishing to show his pleasure at her acceptance of his gesture and his offer.

 

Walking back to his place he had kept silent, not knowing what to say. What could he discuss with the girl? Schoolwork? Friends? Ichigo? It would just be noise, nothing substantial and a possible waste of time. He would play her music and she would say something polite and then leave. This was unimportant and a temporary aberration.

 

Her response to the music startled him. She stared at him with wide eyes as he played, her mouth slightly open. It was possible she didn't like the music and she left after he had played three songs, thanking him. He shrugged it off.

 

She smiled at him at school now, but that meant nothing. Every so often in the classroom he had found his eyes straying in her direction but she was always staring at the teacher, or talking to a friend. Then the unthinkable happened. She asked him to play for her again.

 

That day led to her asking for guitar lessons and at first he did not want to teach her. He liked her, he was attracted to her strength and her sense of purpose, but he did not understand why she wished to learn to play the guitar. She did not seem the type of person who would be passionately interested in music and to play Flamenco you needed the passion. The slight possibility that she wanted to spend time with him crossed his mind, but he dismissed it quickly. Tatsuki was not like that. She had been honest with him and did not try to influence him the way other girls might.

 

Tentatively he agreed to teach her, laying out the conditions. Whatever happened, he would honour their agreement and would not touch her, except to show her how to play the guitar. She would be safe with him. There was no doubt in his mind that the friendship would remain platonic and she would tire of the lessons speedily.

 

Every two days she arrived, ready for her lesson, seemingly eager to learn. At first they spoke little except about the music and he noticed he was beginning to look forward to her knock on the door. She spent more time with him and he began to learn more about her when they talked. It was pleasant to spend time with such an easy companion.

 

In spite of his firm conviction, Tatsuki did not tire of the lessons and he kept his vow to keep his distance, but she altered that. Her kiss had been unexpected, amateur but welcome. She was shy and very ignorant, surprisingly so, but enthusiastic. Slyly he added kissing lessons to the tutoring he was providing, and Tatsuki had not complained. He confined himself to just kissing her, wanting her to initiate any further intimacy. As time passed he noticed his feelings for her grew stronger, but he didn't mention it. What would be the point?

 

When Rukia was forcibly returned to Soul Society, he knew he would help Ichigo rescue her, and became even more reluctant to deepen his relationship with Tatsuki. They would be travelling in unfamiliar territory and he felt that Mr Yoruichi was not confident they would succeed. It would be unfair if he mentioned his feelings to Tatsuki if he was going to be absent and unsure when or if he would return. Unwittingly he extended the kissing lessons, and Tatsuki had not made any comment.

 

As the summer holidays commenced Tatsuki had mentioned something about spending more time together.

 

“That will not be possible. There is something I need to do which will take up much of my time. We can still meet in the evenings,” he was sorry to disappoint her, but there was no choice if he was to train.

 

“But I wanted to take you home, let you meet my family,” Tatsuki made the unexpected suggestion.

 

“I am not sure it is the right time for me to meet your family, Tatsuki. I am sure they would ask questions and they might be unhappy to find that you have spent so much time alone with me,” he kept his voice gentle as he pointed out the obvious flaw in her plan.

 

Tatsuki flushed. “Nothing has happened. We've only kissed and you've taught me to play the guitar.”

 

“Look at me. Would your parents believe that? Most people judge by appearances, I've learnt that throughout my life. Tatsuki, I will meet your family, but later.” Even as he spoke he saw that she regretted asking him home. He pulled her to him and kissed her, attempting to console her, but feeling uncomfortable that he could not tell her what was happening.

 

They never referred to the matter again.

 

He snapped out of his reverie, focusing again on where he was. Becoming separated from the others so soon did not daunt him. It made him more determined to catch up with them, particularly Ichigo and he ran in the direction of his reiatsu. He wondered where Mr Yoruichi was and if they had all entered this place by themselves, or if they had managed to stay together. Judging from the reiatsu he was feeling, Orihime and Uryu were together, but he was unsure if Ichigo was with anyone. He might be with that Ganju person. He made his was through the streets, using his fist and power to destroy the walls that got in the way. Each time he nearly caught up, something or someone interfered and it appeared he was wandering through the Seireitei, encountering more enemies, but not finding his friends.

 

He'd fought a number of people each making some sort of speech about how he wouldn't defeat them, just before he defeated them. It made him wonder why Mr Yoruichi had seemed so worried. No one had been a genuine problem, but suddenly a man in a pink coat appeared in front of him, in a cloud of flower petals. Chad sighed, wondering how long it would take to defeat this guy.

 

Author's Note:

 

It seems weird but I find Urahara, Gin, even Aizen easier to understand than Chad. I don't know why Chad presented so many difficulties.

 

Thank you to Bastion and Deadbeserker for the reviews.

 

The next featured character? Logically it should be Shunsui Kyoraku, but how often do I allow logic to dictate the choice? Mmmn. Matsumoto Rangiku? Not yet. Konamura Sajin? I have trouble understanding him. (Heck, another one!) Shiba Kaien? How do you write a chapter from the point of view of a dead character? But is he really dead? How do you define death? Soi Fon? I have something planned for her, but in the future. Another one featuring Toshiro? I'd really like that, especially writing about the morning after. That would be fun, but maybe later. Ganju? Hanatoro? A chapter on Karin has been requested and that might be interesting. So many choices.

 

Please review.

 

 

MS