The King's Death

Chapter 13:Ichigo's Room

Ichigo, my son,

Has your father ever told you how much I cared for you? If not I want you to know that I loved you like no other mother could love a son. Your life was my greatest triumph along with Karin and Yuzu's life. They said that I could never have a child they were wrong I had three.

By now you've probably found out about your heritage and about being a King's Nephew, I'm sorry for anything you'll have to and have had to go through but I promise you that it will all be worth it. I also get the feeling that you love the woman you're going to marrying so I wish you both the best of luck and give her my blessing. I want you to be there for your children and adore them as much as I adore you. My Ichigo, you were my son, my only son, and for that you are special to me.

Now I want you to know that on your wedding day you'll be happy but when you hold your first child in your arms everything will change for you, and I mean everything. Ichigo, I love you but you need to let my death go, I died knowing you would live and I know that you probably haven't been living to the fullest. You need to be there for your wife and for your children. I know you'll be amazing, son, but please don't stop yourself from living, from feeling, from giving up everything to have her heart. You're the type of person, even now, that will do anything for someone you love. Carry that with you and protect her with your life. Protect your son and your other children with everything you have, heart, soul, and hallow. Your mask is your way everything you need is in that mask all you have to do is unlock it.

Here's a hint, anger and hatred aren't the way, understanding and respect are. Know yourself better than anyone else and don't let anything get in your head. I love you so much Ichigo...I'm sorry I couldn't be there to meet your wife and see you grow up.

Love,

Your Mother, Masaki

Her words wrapped around me and shocked me. The way her hand writing caressed each word and gave it that singular feminine touch amazed me. She knew me so well and I barely knew her yet I love her so much. Is it the fact that she's my mother that draws so much love for her in me? Yet Rukia also holds love in my heart but a different kind of love. Her ability to see right through me astounds me sometimes. I can't even think about the knowledge she hold over me some times.

I knock brings me out of my thoughts and Haruto opens the door a look of worry crossing his face.

"Ichigo, Kuchiki-sama has requested your presence in her room." Nod and stand moving from the room. Haruto places his hand on my bare chest and hands me a shirt. I smile and slip it on thanking him softly before using shunpo to make it to Rukia's room. I open the door to find her in tears clutching my mother's letter to her chest.

"Ruki, what's wrong?" I murmur pulling her into my arms. I don't think I've ever seen her cry this much. What the hell did my mother say in that letter?

"Ichigo your mother was so amazing! How could they have killed her like that?" She sobs into my chest while clutching my shirt in her tiny hands. I rub her back softly trying to sooth her tears but they just keep coming. Gentle slip the note from her hands and she pulls away quickly grabbing at it.

"No you can't read that Ichigo!" I push her hands away and slip it back into the envelope before placing it on her bedside table. I pull her shoulders back against my chest and run my hands along her shoulder blades.

"Ruki, I love you." I murmur using her pet name because no one is around.

"I love you too Ichi." She replies relaxing into my chest. I flatten my palm against her back and think about the next time she'll be wearing white. I feel my spirit pressure seep through my grasp and wrap around her and I can almost see it relax her body completely. Her violet eyes turn up to me before her lips are connected to mine in a soft but passionate kiss.