The Bonds Between Us (Bleach Fanfic)

Chapter 7

I'm dedicating this chapter to BrianneBrockman23, who's the first person to comment. I'd also like them to know I would die for them, lol

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Time really flies when you have the shit kicked out of you. I didn't know who was the worst training partner, it might just be a tie between all three of them. Although i had to admit, having the variance did help me out. With Yoruichi helping me with Hakuda and Shunpo, Urahara helping me with zanjutsu, and Tessei helping me with Kido, I was definitely was stronger than I use to be.

Baku, however, was at the top of the list when it came to the hardest sparring partner. With her, it was just a continuation of our spontaneous bankai training. And Baku was very explosive, in technique and temperament. Honestly, I was very surprised I didn't come out of that without my remaining eye. But all of it was worth it. I was closer to Bankai than I had been in a long time.

Time snuck by during these training sessions, and before I know it, it was the 8th of August. The day we would be heading to Soul Society. I wouldn't lie and say I wasn't nervous. I had left behind alot back then, both in terms of friends and lovers, and I wasn't too keen on seeing them again. Especially since I was considered a deserter and fugitive. My leaving was also not as quiet as Isshin's had been.

But I knew I couldn't back out. I wouldn't forgive myself if anything had happened. And so I found myself outside of the shouten, waiting for the rest of the kids to arrive. Yasutora Sado had been the first, and he was clearly surprised to see me, but didn't ask any questions. Ishida Uryu had been next, but his emotions I couldn't really read. Not that I expected anything else from Ryuken's kid. And finally, it was Ichigo. He seemed to be surprised at the two of them being there, and I didn't really pay attention to what they were talking about. Okay, I wasn't paying attention because I was getting nervous again. It was perfectly normal to be, wasn't it?

Thankfully I wasn't stuck in my thoughts too long, since someone totally unexpected came along. It was the girl I secretly thought was Ichigo's girlfriend, Inoue Orihime. I saw them together alot, and I don't blame Ichigo for keeping her a secret. Isshin would be a pain if he found out his oldest had a girlfriend.

"Now we're all here!" She chirped as she approached us. It seems like I wasn't the only one who didn't expect her, because Ichigo reacted with shock to her presence. "I look forward to working with you" This girl... was way too sweet. I can't believe someone like Ichigo ended up with her.

"Hey! What's going on?" Ichigo eventually snapped, clearly confused. It was almost like he wasn't expected his friends to he here.

"Pretty slow on the uptake, aren't ya?" As if the group couldn't get any bigger, Yoruichi also joined them.

I didn't get to pay attention to any more of the conversation, since Urahara placed his hand on my shoulder to get my attention. I looked up at him, and saw he had some concern in his eyes.

"Are you sure about this, Enka?"

I had heard that question way too much since I decided I'd be going to Soul Society, and honestly, it was starting to get annoying. I might be nervous, but if I wasn't certain that this is what I wanted to do, I wouldn't be here right now.

"Yes, I am" I snapped. "Both you and Isshin have asked me this a million times, and my answer isn't going to change. I'm going to Soul Society"

"Even though you're risking imprisonment if you're caught?"

"Of course. I'd rather it be than Ichigo"

He continued to stare at me for a couple of seconds, before he nodded his head. I understand the concern, I really do. Especially after the panic attack. But I've already strengthened my resolve about this. You'd have to kill me to keep me from going with Ichigo.