Do I Belong? (Bleach)

Epilogue

Thoughts whirled inside the Captain's head, worry etched seemingly permanently in his face. Dark bags sagged underneath his eyes, due to having lost sleep over the past week, ever since Makoto had killed the Queen Changeling, and collapsed almost immediately after. Of course Makoto was going to die after Joo did, Joo was connected to all the changelings. If she died, so did her people.

And whether Toshiro liked it or not, Makoto was a changeling.

Still, Makoto should not have killed the Queen. She should be in Toshiro's office - annoying him right now - but no. There only a small part in Toshiro that encouraged him. Makoto was only in a coma currently, and that small part of him kept his hopes up, perhaps just a little too high.

Against all odds, Makoto had survived. All the other changelings had died on the spot the second the Queen's body disappeared, but not Makoto. She stood standing for seconds longer before going limp in his arms. Toshiro wasn't even embarrassed that he had screamed her name, he didn't want his third seat gone. Then, he noticed she was breathing. It was shallow, yes, but breath escaped her lips nonetheless.

No one understood how. Captain Kurostutchi wanted to run tests on her, but Toshiro refused. He wasn't going to let his Third Seat or any of his subordinates into the hands of Mayuri. For a scary second, though, it appeared that the Head Captain was going to allow Mayuri a chance, but Captain Unohana stepped up, suggesting it would be wise to give Makoto some time to wake up first.

Its been two weeks since then, and Mayuri was growing impatient.

Toshiro wished he could be in the squad four barracks with Makoto, but Captain Unohana kicked him out less than an hour ago, insisting that bothering the comatose girl wasn't going to do anything. When Toshiro was going to protest, saying he was there to protect her in case something happened, Unohana forced a smile, her spirit energy subtly increasing until Toshiro got the hint and left.

Toshiro lightly shook his head. He needed to focus on his ever increasing paperwork. Worrying won't make things any easier.

A light knock on the door interrupted Toshiro's thoughts. "Come in," he called dryly. Finally dragging himself to work and getting interrupted? Typical. It better not be Rangiku, wherever she is.

The door slid open to reveal Isane Kotetsu, the lieutenant of Squad 4. Toshiro looked up, suddenly interested.

"Sorry to bother you, Captain Hitsugaya," Isane spoke up. "Makoto Shiba has woken up."

~ ~ ~

Pain. Why am I in so much pain? Is this what reincarnation feels like? If so, I changed my mind. I want to go back.

Up ahead, I could see a light rapidly approaching until suddenly it engulfed me and...

I gasped and jolted upright. It took me a moment of blinking before my eyes were adjusted to the new light and I realized where I was.

"What am I doing in the Squad 4 barracks?" I murmured, squinting. The memory of the fight came rushing back. "Shouldn't I be dead?!"

I swung my legs to the side of the bed and stood up, only for them to buckle underneath me, leaving me sprawled on the floor. I took a deep breath, trying not the be too annoyed and pushed my hands against the wall to lift myself up. My legs were shaky, so I had no choice but to lean against the wall to walk.

I took a few passes around the room to try to get feeling in my legs again. Once I was sure I could walk a few feet without support, I made my way to the door.

I wandered the barracks until I found Captain Unohana. She was talking with her lieutenant, until she noticed me. "Isane," she said. "Go get Captain Hitsugaya."

Isane looked at me, before bowing to her captain. "Yes Captain." She scurried out of the room.

Unohana came up to me, and led me to one of the chairs. "How are you feeling?"

I knew better than to demand what happened after I died. "A-a little dizzy," I managed. "And sore. Other than that, though, I feel pretty good."

Unohana nodded. "Good. When you're captain shows up, you can ask him any questions I'm sure you'll have. I'll go get you something to drink." She stood up and quickly left.

I stared in the direction she left. Now that I have time to think, a lot of my past makes sense. Why I looked different compared to the other changelings, why Joo was so distant even for a changeling. What Joo had said last. I can't believe... but it does explain how I'm alive right now.

Suddenly, Toshiro barged into the room. "Makoto." He tried to hide it, but I could see the relief in his eyes.

"Missed me, Captain?" I couldn't help smiling.

"How are you alive?" he asked. "I thought Joo said-"

"I'll explain later," I said. "I just need some time to process that I am still here."

~ ~ ~

After Unohana got me the drink, she allowed us to go for a walk to help me get my strength back.

As we walked, Toshiro explained how after I lost concious, he realized I was still breathing and took me to Captain Unohana. Then, they had a captain's meeting to decide what to do with me. Apparently, Mayuri wanted to run experiments on me. I have to thank Unohana for saving me from that.

After, I explained what Joo had said to me before she died.

Toshiro was as surprised as I was when I found out. "That does explain it."

I nodded. "Hey, Toshiro? Can I borrow your soul pager? I want to speak with Kisuke. Just for a moment."

He handed it to me without a word. I stepped away until I was out of earshot, but I could feel Toshiro's gaze follow me, I guess making sure I won't pass out or anything.

I waited patiently for Kisuke to answer.

"Anything new with Makoto?" he asked before I could even say hello.

In my best Toshiro impersonation, I said, "She's dead."

It was silent on his line for a moment. "Glad to hear your up and about, Makoto."

I guess my Toshiro voice needs to be worked on. "Yeah, I'm glad I'm up to."

"Do you have any idea how you're alive though?"

"Yes." I took a deep breath. "I doubt I'll be visiting the World of the Living for a while, so tell Isshin I'm up for me, okay?"

"Of course. Are you going to tell me how your survived?"

I looked off to the side, suddenly regretting calling him. This doesn't feel like something I should be telling anyone. But I know I can trust Kisuke.

"Joo told me just before she died. She-she said, I'm not a full changeling. My father is a soul reaper."