Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Houkiboshi ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

HOUKIBOSHI

Disclaimer: Bleach characters are not mine; I am just borrowing them for some twisted fun of mine.

A/N: This takes place when Urahara Kisuke is still in Soul Society and acted as the 12th Squad Captain. His vice captain is Kurotsuchi Mayuri. My OC is one of shinigami that serve under Urahara. BTW, maybe there would be implied yaoi.

Pairings: Urahara + OC1 (Akiko), Urahara + OC2 (Shiho), Urahara x Yoruichi, Urahara + Mayuri

Chapter 4:

Twelfth Squad Headquarter

Miyano Shiho stares at a thick folder in her hands with satisfaction and proud. She had finally finished her research. Now she can go back to Seireitei and hopefully she could share her research result with her taicho. She smiles when she imagines the probable look on her fukutaicho's face if he knows about her successful research.

Shiho has never interested in rivalry with Mayuri nor does she after his position. She just want to seal his mouth for once and all from all the annoying bragging Mayuri imposed on her. Though she knew if she win this one, Mayuri would never stop consider her as rival. Guess it's better than have him mock or humiliate her just like what he does to their fellow colleagues.

Once she arrived in Seireitei, she goes to the laboratory in 12th headquarter and start making a proposal for her presentation. She put the folder on a desk in laboratory and sits down. She picks up her brush and start writing in a paper neatly.

“Ara, Miyano-san, you're back already…”

Shiho lift her face from her writing and smile calmly as she saw Mayuri standing on the wall near the door. “Yes, fukutaicho, I'm back. I'm sorry that I don't report to you about my arrival.”

As usual, Mayuri had a sneaky smirk on his handsome face. “It's fine. What are you doing?”

“I'm making proposal for approval on my newest research.” Shiho said.

“I see…” If Mayuri felt uneasy and threatened, he doesn't show it. “When you're planning to present this new idea of yours to our taicho?”

Shiho look thoughtful. “If I'm not mistaken, tomorrow we'll have a squad meeting, correct? I'd be ready by then…”

“Ah, well, good luck…”

“Thanks.”

Mayuri left the laboratory. He put a finger on his mouth. He looks a bit troubled.

&&&

Somewhere outside Seireitei

A young girl of 18 years old is sitting in front of a small house near the forest. She is very pretty. She has some music instrument, a Chinese harp, and she's playing it while singing a beautiful song.

A few kids are sitting and surrounding her. They listen tentatively and with clear admiration for the girl.

“As usual you've such a pretty voice, Tokiko-chan…” Akiko said.

The girl, Hajime Tokiko, raise her face with a gentle smile. “Akiko-chan, you're here…” She put the harp on the chair as she stand up. She goes to Akiko and hugs her. “I've miss you…” She has small tears gracing her eyelids.

Akiko return the hug with gratefulness. “Miss you too, Tokiko-chan.”

As they broke the hug, the girls smile at each other.

“I've heard rumor that you got hurt during a mission… Are you all right?” Tokiko asked with worry.

Akiko grins. “I'm fine now.” She turns her attention to the small kids around them. “Hi, everyone, remember me?”

Tokiko smile as she watch Akiko plays with the kids. “Alright, kids, get inside… It's time for afternoon nap…” She shares a smile with Akiko. “They grew up so fast, aren't they?”

Akiko nods then she pulled out an envelope contain money. “Here, it's for you and the kids…”

“You really don't have to give me some of your salary, Akiko-chan. I could have collect the money I need to run the orphanage…”

“Don't say that, Tokiko-chan, the last time you go out on the town and start a singing business in a restaurant, you got yourself a bunch of drunk pervert men on your tail. Rimudo and I couldn't be there to save you all the time, you know…”

The orphanage originally belongs to an old lady who used to take care of unwanted kids around. Rimudo, Akiko's best friend, was one of the kids the old lady taken care of. However, things are hard for them a few years later as more hoodlums appeared on Soul Society and even some shinigami from 11th squad who created havoc around them. When the old lady passed away, Rimudo led the kids as a group of thieves to survive.

Later, when Akiko arrived in Soul Society for the first time, she met Rimudo who `took pity' of her and had taken her in to join his group of thievery.

They met Tokiko 4 years later. Rimudo and Akiko rescued her from some pervert men. Tokiko has become a new addition to the family. Tokiko didn't approve of their lifestyles. She offered to help collect money by working as a singer in a few restaurants. She has become famous ever since.

Thanks to Tokiko, they had managed to survive, fix the house and even had taken in some new kids as the previous kids grew up and move on with their own life. While Tokiko is busy with juggling singer work and as orphanage coordinator, Rimudo and Akiko applied to Shinigami Academy and passed the test.

Rimudo is worried about Tokiko being a singer and vulnerable to some pervert men. He asked her to minimize her singing activities, in return, ever since then, Rimudo and Akiko always give halves of their salary as shinigami for Tokiko and the kids.

“BTW, Tokiko-chan, the bazaar this Saturday, you will attend it with the kids, rite?” Akiko asked.

“Of course, the kids are looking forward to it…” Tokiko replied with a smile. “Ah, Akiko-chan, come inside, I want to show you something.”

“What is it?”

Tokiko show her a beautiful purple yukata.

“Aw~~! It's so pretty!” Akiko commented. “You're going to wear that on the festival?”

Tokiko shook her head. “No, I'm not, you are…” She handed Akiko the yukata.

“Me?”

“I made it especially for you…” Tokiko said. “I made one for Rimudo as well but as we knew, he has not yet returned from whatever mission he got.”

“Oh, Tokiko-chan, you really don't have to…”

“Promise that you will wear it this Saturday?”

“I guess… Thanks, Tokiko-chan!” Akiko hugs her again.

Tokiko laughs.

&&&

Twelfth Squad Headquarter

Akiko is smiling happily as she walked through the corridor with a small bag containing her new yukata. On her way, she stumbles across Shiho. “Ara, Miyano-san, when did you return?”

“Good afternoon, Yuuki-san.” Shiho greeted calmly.

“Glad to have you back around here…” Akiko said with a friendly smile. “How is your research going?”

“I've finished my research. Thanks for asking.”

“I see. Are you going to report about your research to our taicho?”

“In tomorrow's meeting, I will give a small presentation in front of taicho and the others…”

“Taicho should be thrilled to see your presentation I'm sure…” Akiko said. “BTW, this Saturday will you attend a bazaar event?”

Shiho shrugged. “We will see…”

“It will be fun, Miyano-san. Plus I think if tomorrow Urahara-taicho give approval on your research result, the event on Saturday will be perfect for the celebration…”

Shiho smile. “We don't even know if Urahara-taicho would approve of it for sure yet…”

“I'm sure you will get his approval. I don't really understand about scientific research but taicho once said that you've always has a way to amaze him with your research.”

“Taicho said that?”

“Yes.”

Shiho look hesitant.

“Miyano-san? What's wrong?”

“N-nothing. I've to go now. We shall speak again later.”

“Of course. Miyano-san?”

“What is it?”

“Good luck for your research!”

“Thanks, Yuuki-san…”

&&&

The next morning, Shiho came early to the 12th squad headquarter. She wants to give the final check for her proposal. She goes to the laboratory where she can find private time there.

Saya appeared not long after that, having been in charge of cleaning the lab that day. She greeted Shiho politely before resumes to clean the lab.

Shiho had finished with the preparation. She left the folder and all of her research result on the desk. She wants to buy some coffee and bread for breakfast. When she comes back, however, a commotion occurred around the lab.

Saya has accidentally set off a fire while cleaning the lab. How it happen, no one really clear. If it had not been for Tetsu (who happen to be around), Saya would have been trapped in the fire. The squad members are luckily able to effectively put out the fire just in time. However, damage cannot be avoided.

Shiho is speechless. Most of her research had been burnt in the fire. She looks so upset.

Saya is crying and apologizing to everyone who is there. She does not dare to lock eyes with Shiho.

Tetsu is trying to comfort the girl.

During all those commotion, Mayuri appeared. He ordered for Saya to be taken to the jail for her crime.

Tetsu is trying to defend Saya but it was futile.

Shiho does not say anything. She looks troubled.

&&&

During the squad meeting, Mayuri purposely mention about Shiho's research in front of Urahara and the other members.

“Ah, I think I've heard someone mention about your new research. Are you ready to share us your research?” Urahara asked.

Shiho sighs. “I'm sorry, taicho but I've cancelled the project due to some unforeseen situation…”

“Oh? That's too bad. I'm looking forward for your research result too…” Urahara said.

Akiko then speak up, “Taicho, here is the damage cost for the lab…” She handed Urahara the paper.

Urahara take the paper and observe it. “Hmm, well, we got to do something about this… The lab is the most important thing in our squad.”

They talk about how to cover the budget for the fixing of the lab. After that, Urahara suggested that they learn to `forgive and forget' about Saya's little mistake. Thus, Saya is released from the jail. She's brought into the meeting and apologized to Urahara and the others, especially to Shiho.

Mayuri is against of Urahara's action to `forgive and forget' Saya's mistake. He thinks Urahara is going too easy on their subordinates. He worried that Urahara would lose respect from their subordinates.

“If you let go such mistake, there would be the next mistake and she would not worry about the consequence of her action because she know you will always forgive mistake!” Mayuri said grudgingly.

Urahara only laugh dismissively. “You worry too much, Mayu-chan. Don't worry, I'm sure Saya is actually a responsible person…” He looks at Shiho. “Don't you think so, Shiho-chan?”

Shiho has no choice but to forgive Saya. What can she do? The girl looks so pathetic, using tears to get away from punishment. If Shiho stubbornly refuse to accept her apologies, Urahara and the others would have viewed her as a mean girl.

After the meeting is dismissed, Shiho goes to the lab to collect whatever left of her research. She sighs. If she wants to, she could still have presented about her research in front of Urahara. However, the main proof has been destroyed and it's going to take years to collect the next valid proof. She is upset because she had done her best to finish the research only to have it destroyed in an instant.

Shiho get out of the lab only to bump with Urahara. The impact would have send her falling, however, Urahara quickly brace her. “Taicho…”

“Hi, Shiho-chan.” Urahara greeted.

Shiho winced. She hates it when her taicho called her like that.

Urahara mused. “So I've heard that your research had been destroyed during the fire…”

“Yes…” Shiho said, trying to sound not caring.

“You must be very upset…”

Shiho does not respond.

“But you accept Saya-chan's apologies anyway. You're truly a kind person, Shiho-chan.”

“No, I'm not. I just do…what I have to do…”

Urahara chuckle.

Silent.

“What is your research about?” Urahara asked in curiosity. “I know you must have remembered every details on your research…”

“Yes, I do, however I lack the proof of my theory for now…”

“Was it a valid proof?”

“Yes.”

“Then you can find the next valid proof, can't you?”

“I can, but it will take years for the proof to re-appear again…”

“Sound intriguing.” Urahara said. “Mind gives me a little presentation?”

“Now?”

Urahara nods.

“Here?”

Urahara nods again. “Unless you think you're unprepared for this…”

Shiho let out a small smile. “No, it's okay, I'm ready…”

Urahara grins. “That's my girl!”

Shiho sighs as she stands up. She looks thoughtful for a while. She starts to give a little presentation in front of Urahara.

Urahara listen tentatively however he does not quite show it. He's quite intrigued with her research. He let out enigmatic smile.

Shiho felt nervous but refuse to let it show. She put on her confidence face. In the end of presentation, she looks at Urahara for respond. To her disappointment, Urahara does not say anything.

Urahara's face remains expressionless.

“Should I trash the project?” Shiho asked eventually.

“Unless you really want to throw such a good project out, really, I think we can use it.” Urahara said finally as his face broke into a huge grin.

Shiho has a disbelief look on her face before she could register what her taicho said. “Are you sure, taicho? You really think it's acceptable?”

“What? You think your theory cannot be used?”

“Of course it can. I've proof to support my theory, however like I said…”

“We will put this case into pending then, till you got the necessary proof for the central 46 to approve.”

Shiho sighs.

Urahara raise an eyebrow. “What's wrong, Shiho-chan? Aren't you happy that I like your research?”

Shiho let out a solemn smile. “I'm pleased…”

Urahara tilt his head. “Is there something that still bothers you?”

Shiho stare at him for a moment then look away. “No…”

“Well, whatever it is, do not let it get to you too much. It will ruin your good look.” Urahara teased.

Shiho rolled her eyes. She knew by now that it's just sort of a pick-up line he uses to tease or comfort girls.

Urahara stands up as he approaches her. “Well, keep up the good work then.”

Shiho nods. “I will.”

Urahara then left her in the room alone.

After Urahara left, we see a shadow from behind a pillar nearby. The shadow moves into the light and we see Mayuri. He stares at Shiho who is unaware of being watched. He looks a bit upset.

&&&

Today is the bazaar event that everyone in Soul Society has been looking forward too (except for those from noble families, apparently). The people who lived in some better part of Soul Society organized the bazaar events. Everyone who lived in the town section is very excited and quite enthusiastically participates in carrying out the preparation that had taken a month.

Everyone outside the town is invited to come and make the festival merry and lively, including shinigami. The town people are better acquainted with shinigami in charge of the area (12 & 13 squad).

Akiko and her fellow shinigami friends attend the bazaar. The girls wore beautiful yukata. They look happy and excited. They had passed and had a taste of food from the various stands of okonomiyaki, yakitori and yakisoba. They also try every game booth they found. The girls are like a group of little girls, squealing in delight as they play.

Tetsu suddenly appeared before the girls. “You girls are ridiculous!” He said in sarcasm. “Those are child's play! How could you just go for it?”

Akiko raised an eyebrow and sarcastically greeted him. “Hello to you too, Tetsu…”

“Hey, this is festival, a time for fun, so don't judge as for having fun!” Keiko said.

Tetsu rolled his eyes.

Saya giggles. “Tetsu-kun, why don't you join us?”

Tetsu look away as his face reddened. “Che, what make you think I would want to join a bunch of girls squealing around like an idiot?”

Keiko grins, knowing that Tetsu has a feeling toward Saya but Saya does not realize Tetsu's feeling.

“Excuse you?” Akiko look insulted at what Tetsu said. “What, are you here to ruin the mood?”

“Now, now…do not fight, kids… We're here to have fun, aren't we?” Amika said.

“Oi, Tetsu!” Takashi and Ken called out. “Over here!”

Tetsu sighs. The truth is he doesn't want to come to the festival however his friends drag him here. He turns and walks toward his friends.

Akiko watch the boys mingle away. She sighs as she looks around and wonders if Urahara will come. `Probably not…' she thought. “Girls, I gotta go and find Tokiko, see you around…”

&&&

Twelfth Squad Headquarter-Taicho's office

Urahara look preoccupied with something. “Hmm, interesting…”

Yoruichi suddenly burst inside Urahara's office. “Yo, Kisuke!”

Urahara look up with a smile. “Ah, Yoruichi-san! You're here! What's it?”

“What are you doing here?”

“Err, working on my new project apparently…why?”

“You have got to be kidding me! You mean you're not going to the festival? You're going to coop up yourself here on a day like this? What's wrong with you?”

Urahara grins teasingly. “Why, Yoruichi-san, I didn't know you're planning to come to the festival. What would people of Shihouin House say if they knew about this?”

Yoruichi smack Urahara on his head. “Kisuke, you're my best friend but if you mock me like that again, I swear I…”

“Ok, ok, I'm sorry. I'm just kidding…”

“Well, that's not funny! You know how I felt about the nobility way!”

“I said I'm sorry. Alright, what do you want me to do?”

“You know what I want.”

Urahara smile mischievously. “I do, don't I?” He walks toward the Shihouin heir with a smirk.

Yoruichi arched an eyebrow. “That's not what I mean, you pervert!”

Urahara laughs. “I'm not the one who have perverted thought right about now, you are…”

Yoruichi crosses her arms. “Shut up!”

Urahara laughs again. “Come on; let's have some fun together in the festival! We haven't been spending time together lately… That's what you want, rite, spending some time with your handsome and sexy best friend here?”

“Don't push it, Kisuke!”

“Why, I'm hurt, Yoruichi-san…”

“Shut it!”

&&&

Akiko and Tokiko are laughing happily as they walked leisurely.

“BTW, where are the kids?” Akiko asked. “Haven't seen them at all around here…”

“Oh, they are around all right, you just too preoccupied to notice…”

“Really? Is it ok to leave them all by themselves?”

“They are fine. I had divided them into 5-8 groups. Each one led by 2 older kids to watch over the younger ones. They can take care each other just fine, you know…”

“I know they could but you know there are a number of not-so-nice and bad people around here you know? Those people are ready to pick a fight especially to orphanage kids. I know because that was what happened to me and Rimudo when we were a child.” Akiko said.

Tokiko grinned. “It didn't help much that you and Rimudo led the other kids as a group of talented thieves…”

Akiko grinned. “Those were quite a good time…”

“It was when we first met your captain, right?” Tokiko asked.

“Yeah…” Akiko giggled at the memory. “I tried to steal his money…” She sighed and pouted next. “But he caught me…”

“You're lucky he is a good person, otherwise you'd have been in trouble. He let you go, didn't he?”

FLASHBACK

Akiko watched as Urahara who wore shinigami uniform walked rather lazily on the road. She smirked.

Misao stared at her. “You're kidding? You want to steal his money? He's a shinigami, Akiko-chan!”

“Well, it's about time we gave the oh-I'm-so-elite shinigami their lesson…”

“But he never pick on us before…”

“Whatever. He is a shinigami. Shinigami are mean and annoying. They think so high of themselves that they thought they can go around messing with people like us…” Akiko said. “You knew halves of the shinigami had made many people's life a living hell, right?”

“But if you're caught, you would be…” Misao look worried.

“I won't be caught. Just calm down…and see the expert moves…” Akiko grinned confidently.

Misao couldn't do anything but watch as Akiko innocently walked toward Urahara and doing oh-accident-bump into Urahara while her hand expertly took the handsome shinigami's wallet.

Akiko had a smug look on her face.

“What do you think you are doing, little miss?” Urahara caught Akiko's wrist suddenly.

Akiko look surprised. She quickly recovered. “W-what?”

“I'd like you to return my wallet please…” Urahara said seriously.

“I don't know what you are talking about…” Akiko said as she pulled her wrist away from his grip. “Pervert!”

Misao, in her hiding place, paled at what happened. Thinking that Akiko is in trouble, she quickly goes to seek help from Rimudo.

Urahara facefault. “Pervert? That's quite a mean accusation, young lady…”

Akiko stick her tongue childishly.

Urahara's eyes softened. “I don't want to get you into trouble. All you have to do is give back my wallet.”

“I don't have your wallet.” Akiko said stubbornly.

“Don't make me search your body out for my wallet…”

“See? You're a pervert! Your accusation of me stealing your wallet might be a reason for you to grope me…”

Urahara grinned. “Honey, you're cute and all but you don't have quite attractive body proposition for me to grope you…”

Akiko look insulted. “You…”

Urahara is about to open his mouth to say something when some girl screamed as she rushed toward the two bearing a bucket of water.

The girl accidentally dropped the bucket of water onto Urahara. Luckily, the handsome shinigami is able to dodge it however his uniform got a few stain on it. The girl, who is Misao, quickly apologized to Urahara in a quite dramatic panic. “Oh, God, I'm so sorry! Let me wipe that for you, shinigami-san…”

Urahara tried to calm the girl down. “Err, it's alright, miss…”

“I was so in hurry. My little brother has fever and he need some water so I…” Misao started babbling.

Akiko used the opportunity while Urahara is distracted to run as fast as she can.

When Urahara had finished his business with Misao, he turns to face Akiko but found she is not there.

Misao quickly excused herself, muttering something about having to go to the riverside again to fetch some water.

&&&

Akiko and Misao are in a meeting with a few kids of their orphanage in a desolate woods. They were sharing about their today earnings. Akiko is in charge of divide the money and order the kids to buy their needs.

“Here, you go buy food and vitamins for our saving…”

“You! Go buy some clothes and shoes for the newcomer kids…”

“You go buy some fruits and medicine for those who are sick. Make sure we are stock with them. Recently many kids fell ill with fever…”

“And here, you can use this money to buy each of your favorite things but each one only gets one, alright? No cheating! And it has to be shared with the others! Remember we have those hand-me-down program that Tokiko-chan planned…”

“Oh, when you go buy the things, make sure no one know that you're from the orphanage. And avoid any hoodlums you might encounter on the road…”

The kids nodded obediently and went their separate ways leaving behind Akiko and Misao.

“What about the money you take from the shinigami?” Misao asked. “You're not going to keep them for yourself, are you?”

“Who do you think I am, Misao-chan? I'm not that selfish, you know… I will have to use them to pay our orphanage's contract. You know how the owner can be such a bitch about rent money…” Akiko said. “And then I will hand the rest to Rimudo. He'd know what to do with it…”

“Akiko-chan, you're too much…to pull off stuff like that. If Rimudo-nii know, he's going to be angry…” Misao said.

“No, he won't. After all, like me, he hates shinigami too. They are so irresponsible and mean…”

“But not every shinigami are evil right? The elders said so…”

“The elders are afraid of shinigami, of course, they would be saying nice thing about them…”

“I see…”

“So you girls are friends, eh?” comes Urahara's amused reply.

Akiko and Misao were instantly on their feet and faced Urahara. They both look pale.

Urahara grinned. “Quite a trick you girls are plotting there… I'm impressed.”

Misao look frightened.

Akiko tried to look brave. “What do you want?”

“I had heard about a group of thievery in Rukongai, are you two part of that group?” Urahara asked with disarming smile.

Akiko crossed her arms. “I don't know what you're talking about…”

Urahara took a step toward the girls.

Misao's face look contorted in fear.

Akiko switched into protective mode. “I don't care even if you're shinigami…but if you do something not funny I swear I will…do something…” she said lamely.

Urahara chuckled. “Try to say that without much fear in your voice…”

Akiko turn to Misao. “Go!”

Misao hesitated. “But…”

“I'll handle him.” Akiko said. She looks at Urahara as if he will attack them any minute. “She has nothing to do with me or what you think I did…”

Urahara had an amused look. “Don't worry, I won't be giving you trouble…much…” He looks at Misao then Akiko. “Tell me one thing though… Why do you hate shinigami so much?”

“You were eavesdropping on our conversation? Don't you have any respect for privacy?” Akiko snapped.

Urahara chuckled at how ironic that sounded. “I don't think you've the right to say things like that, after all, you were the one who first invade my privacy by stealing my wallet…”

“You don't have proof that I steal your wallet! No witness!”

“You're very stubborn for a girl. It's not quite an attractive quality you know?” Urahara said. “Beside right now you are holding on my wallet. It has my name in it.”

Akiko startled and dropped the wallet as if it was a snake.

Urahara chuckled.

Akiko know she had been caught. “Alright, you caught me, what you're going to do? Kill me with your soul slayer?”

Misao quickly hit Akiko's side with her elbow. “Easy on the death wish!”

Urahara can't help but laugh at that.

Akiko and Misao sweatdrop at his weird behavior.

“You're one interesting girl…” Urahara said after he stops laughing. “Very entertaining too… Look like I've found my cure for boredom…”

Akiko and Misao still stare at the weird man.

Urahara shrugged. “You can keep the money… I don't really need it anyway…”

“Then why did you go after me?” Akiko asked.

“Just for fun…” Urahara said with a smile then turn to leave. “Consider it my donation…”

“Did anyone ever tell you that you're so damn annoying?” Akiko asked.

“All the times…” Urahara answered with a smirk.

“So, you're going to let me go just like that?” Akiko asked again.

Urahara turns to see her. “Just like that…” He smiled again then started to walk away coolly, leaving the girls stunned.

Suddenly Akiko rushed toward Urahara. “Wait!”

Urahara turns to face her once again and surprise to see her throwing something at him. He caught it and saw that it is his wallet.

“I don't want your donation and certainly not from a shinigami! And…and you…you're not that cool!” Akiko said and stick her tongue childishly. Then she grabbed Misao and run away.

Urahara watched the girls' departure with amused smile. “Certainly not a boring day after all…” he said as he turn around and walk away.

END FLASHBACK

Akiko winced at the memory. She is lucky when she got on the shinigami academy and met Urahara, the guy didn't hold a grudge on her of what happened in the past. She had met Urahara twice before she had gone to become a shinigami but their second encounter is another story for next time.

Akiko and Tokiko stopped talking about the past and concentrated to enjoy the events. It wasn't hard to do that since many interesting things attracted them.

Tired, the girls go to a nearest restaurant and both are surprised to see Urahara and Yoruichi.

“Yo!” Yoruichi grinned when she recognized Akiko as her best friend's favorite subordinate.

Akiko felt uneasy to see Yoruichi, partly because at one of their meeting, the princess of Shihouin Clan had `attacked' her. Of course, Yoruichi said that she just wanted to test Akiko's fighting ability. Akiko was caught by surprise and had to defend herself with difficulty. Luckily, Urahara came in and `rescued' Akiko from having to be wounded badly.

Urahara smiled when he saw Akiko.

Akiko had no choice but to come over the table where the two taicho sat at. Tokiko followed her with a small smile.

“Ara, who is this lovely lady?” Urahara asked flirtatiously.

Tokiko blushed.

Akiko fight the urge to roll her eyes at her taicho's behavior. “She is Tokiko. You had met her before, taicho.”

“Did I? I don't think I would forget such a lovely face…” Urahara said as he winks at Tokiko.

“Well, apparently you did…” Akiko muttered under her breath. She wondered if Urahara had really forgotten about their meeting in the past. Urahara had met Tokiko before during their second encounter before Akiko became shinigami. `I guess he doesn't think it is something to be remembered… Come to think of it, ever since I have become shinigami, not even once, taicho mention about our meeting in the past. Did he forget all about it?' she wondered.

Yoruichi, who is rumored to be Urahara's lover, doesn't seem to mind Urahara's behavior at all. She grinned, watching the exchange between Urahara and the girls. She found Akiko amusing because it almost seem like she is jealous that Urahara flirt with Tokiko.

Tokiko bows politely at the two taicho.

“Why don't you join us?” Urahara requested.

Akiko and Tokiko exchanged glances, obviously the two are uncomfortable with that proposal. Luckily, at the moment, one of the kids from the orphanage, Kisa, entered the restaurant.

`Tokiko-nee, Akiko-nee, come outside now! Hiro-kun is in trouble with those…” Kisa's voice trailed when she saw the two shinigamis. She looks frightened.

Without waiting for response, Akiko rushed outside to see what is going on. “Show me where, Kisa-chan!” she said. She stopped suddenly and turns to face the two taicho and bows. Then hurriedly left.

Tokiko also bows to the two shinigami taicho and followed Akiko and Kisa outside.

Apparently, Hiro had accidentally spilled some hot soup on the uniform of one of the shinigami of 11th squad. The ill-mannered shinigami lashed out on Hiro. Hiro, being a sarcastic child he is, actually pissed the shinigami more with his sarcastic words.

Akiko arrived just in time as the shinigami about to hit Hiro with his sword. She grabbed Hiro out of the way onto the ground.

The shinigami named Makio is angered that someone dared to interfere. He doesn't recognize Akiko without her shinigami uniform, even if she wore them, he would still not recognize her anyway since they had never met before.

Tokiko and the other bystanders gasped at what happened.

Akiko is very pissed. “What the hell is wrong with you?” she yelled angrily. “How could you attack a child?!”

Makio doesn't like her tone. “What is your problem, lady? Get out of my way! I had business with that brat!”

“Then take it with me! What did he do that is so bad that you decided to slay him?” Akiko asked.

“He spilled hot soup on me! And instead of apologizing, the brat dared to take a tone on me!” Makio roared.

Hiro, being sarcastic again, said, “Serve you right, moron! You're the one who bump into me!”

“Why you?!” Makio flushed in anger.

Akiko quickly stepped between the two. She threw a glare at Hiro for making worse of the situation.

Hiro shrugged. “What? I'm just telling the truth!” he said.

A laugh was heard. Yoruichi appeared from inside the crowd. “The boy has some nerve, I like him…” she said.

Urahara appeared next to the princess. “Kind of remind me of someone I met long time ago…the arrogance in him I mean…” he said with a grin.

Makio recognized the two shinigami taicho instantly. He had fear in his eyes. He shifted uncomfortably. “Urahara-taicho, Shihouin-taicho…” he bows politely for fear of punishment.

The crowd gasped when Makio mention the name `Shihouin'.

Makio apologized for making such commotion and literally running away from there.

Tokiko rushed and hugged Hiro. “You almost gave me a heart attack there! What did I tell you about being sarcastic and pick a fight?” she reprimanded him.

Hiro rolled his eyes.

Akiko smacked his head. “Listen to what the lady said!”

Hiro glared at Akiko.

“Don't you glare at me! I could ground you, you know?” Akiko said.

“No, you can't!” Hiro exclaimed. “You don't have the right!”

“Of course I do!” Akiko snapped. She turns to Tokiko. “Don't I?”

Tokiko gave a weak smile. “Well, technically, you can…”

“See?” Akiko had a smug look.

Hiro snorted. “Whatever!”

Urahara and Yoruichi shared an amused looks.

Tokiko turns to face Urahara and Yoruichi. She bows. “Thanks for helping us back there…”

“We didn't really do anything…” Urahara said with a smile.

Tokiko turns to Hiro. ”Say thank you to the lady and the gentleman…”

“Why should I? They don't really do anything…” Hiro said.

Yoruichi grinned. “And I like this boy even more…”

Urahara chuckled. “You've always have a thing with rebellious nature people…”

Akiko watched the playful exchange between the pairs with weird expression.

Urahara noticed her. “You alright, Akiko-chan?”

Akiko let out a nervous smile. “Err, I'm fine…”

Tokiko send the kids away to play. She ordered them to join with their respective groups.

“Come on, Kisuke! We should go to Kukaku, they are going to set their newest set of fireworks!” Yoruichi said.

Urahara smiled almost affectionately at the princess. He then turns to Akiko and Tokiko. “Care to join us?”

“We don't want to impose…” Tokiko answered for Akiko when it become obvious that Akiko is distracted.

“Nonsense!” Yoruichi said. “Come with us! It's going to be fun!”

Tokiko turns to Akiko. “You go with them. I had to take care the kids.”

Akiko's eyes widened. “I will help you with them…”

“No, you should go with them. Let me worry about the kids. It's my job after all…” Tokiko said and left around the same time Amika and the others appeared.

“Akiko-chan!” called Amika.

Amika, Keiko, Saya, Tetsu, Takashi and Ken approached Akiko. They were surprised to see Urahara and Yoruichi and quickly bows to them.

“Don't be too formal!” Yoruichi waved dismissively.

“We're outside Seireitei and about to have fun anyway…” Urahara added.

“We do?” Keiko asked in confusion.

“The more the merrier…” Urahara said.

&&&

Shiba Resident

A/N: I think Shiba Clan had already fallen from grace in this timeline. Not know for sure though.

Apparently Shiba Kuukaku need some help with the preparation. A good timing considering Urahara and Yoruichi come to visit her accompanied with Urahara's subordinates. Kuukaku quickly ordered the subordinates to `make theirselves useful around the place'.

Akiko rolled her eyes. “So much for having fun…” she muttered sarcastically but help around with preparation anyway. She had no choice. The Kuukaku lady is scaring her.

Shiba Kaien heard what she said and smiled. “Sorry, my sister can be bossy sometimes…”

Akiko blushed when she realized that the man, who is a senior shinigami of 13th squad, had heard her complaint.

While Akiko and her shinigami friends had to help around for the preparation, Kuukaku, Yoruichi and Urahara had gone inside the house to relax, which annoys Akiko so much but she can't complaint much.

Kaien help Akiko and the others moving around some things.

Amika lightly elbowed Akiko. “Kaien-sama is very handsome and nice, ne?”

Akiko rolled her eyes.

Finally the preparation is completed. Everyone standing together watching as Kuukaku's two faithful servants (the two big men) set off the fireworks.

When the fireworks began, all annoying feeling that maybe everyone held vanished. The fireworks can be seen in the sky at Soul Society. It was so beautiful. Akiko and everyone are in awe of the amazing fireworks.

In all commotion, Akiko suddenly noticed that Urahara and Yoruichi had gone missing.

&&&

Shihouin Resident

“Finally we are alone…”

Chuckled.

“What?”

“Nothing…”

“Then just shut up and kiss me!”

A/N: Truthfully I don't know what I'm writing… review please?