Chapter one: Leaving

       In life we have two choices. Take the path that leans to one, or take the path that leads to many.

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       I ran through the forest. My long brown hair blew behind me and I could hear the sound of leaves crunching under me. My life had just gone from known to unknown.

*Earlier that day*

       "Aika! Not so fast." My grandma yelled to me. I stopped dead in my tracks, my red gloved hand was on the silver handle on her front door. What could she possibly want?

       "Yes Grandma." I said turning to look at my silver haired care taker.

       "You know your grand father wrote to you." My grandma said handing me a cream colored envelope. I took it hesitantly.

       "You know what he wants." I said pushing a piece of my long brown hair behind my ear as my brown eyes scanned over the envelope.

       "Well why won't you acknowledge him?" My grandmother asked. I shrugged. My papa was the head captain of the thirteen court guard squads. A race of dead souls that kept the world of the living and the world of souls in balance. My mom was half shinigami and so was my dad. They were both killed by a monster called a hollow when I was little. My grandma raised me as a human even though I had exceptional skills as a shinigami. My papa continuously tried to get me to the soul society to be with other soul reapers, but I constantly rejected.

       "Look Aika." My Grandma said. "He loves you and misses you greatly. I'm just saying think about it." My grandma said. She then opened the door for me. I kissed her soft cheek and left.

       "What the hell does she know?" I said walking down the street in the crisp autumn air. My long brown hair flowed softly behind me. My hands were in my pocket and I felt the envelope. I rolled my eyes and turned down a street where I knew there was a coffee shop. I would read the letter there.

       After getting a cup of peppermint coffee I sat down at a table facing a window and read the letter.

       ★Dear Aika,

          Today is my birthday and you are on my mind like always. I have missed you these past years and I want to extend an invitation for you to come stay here. Some old friends such as Jushiro Ukitake and Kaian Shiba have missed you as well. Today at 4:00 there will be someone to bring you here if you wish to come.

          Love, Your grandfather ★

       I sighed thinking about Ukitake and Kaien. I missed them and my papa. Damn him for using the guilt trip. I knew I should go, I let my eyes travel to the clock. It was 3:30 and I needed to go.

~Current Time~

My watch read 3:55 and I was almost there. My feet hit the ground and I was excited beyond belief as I opened the door to my grand mothers house. My grandma was in the kitchen with a man. He was tan and had grey hair. His eyes met mine and I knew it must have been my papas assistant captain because of the symposium placed on his upper arm. He stood along with my grandmother, he bowed.

       "Hello Ms.Yamamoto." He said bluntly. "My name is Chōjirō Tadaoki Sasakibe, your grandfathers assistant captain. I assume you have accepted your grandfathers invitation?" He asked.

       "Yes." I say a little out of breath.

       "Good. Your grandmother already got your things together, let us take our leave." Chōjírō said.

       "Actually." My grandmother chimed in. "Let her shower and change so she looks presentable." My grandmother said. Chōjírō sighed and nodded, I then walked off to the bathroom. After I showered I went to my room and changed. My olive skin was draped in a short red and black knitted sweater dress and I put on a pair of black knee high boots. It was autumn in the sereti. I was now just brushing through my long brown hair when there was a knock at the door.

       "Come in." I said knowing undoubtedly that it was my grandmother.

       "Aika." She said softly as she came in. She met me in a hug. "I can't believe your finally going." She said kissing my cheek.

       "I know." I said happily.

       "I'm so proud of you, and your parents would have been to." I smiled thinking of my mom and dad.

       "I forgot to pack this." My grandmother said handing me my ZanPacto. I grasped it and images of the night my parents died flashed in my mind. My grandmother saw me flinch.

       "Aika... you know Hikaru has missed you." My grandma said referring to my Zanpacto. I nodded and looked at the golden wrap around the handle. I unsheathed it and looked at the solid gold blade with the charcoal black Phoenix engraved on both sides. It was beautiful and my grandmother gasped.

       "Still so handsome." She said as I resheathed my sword. "You will do great Aika."

       "I love you grandma." I said hugging her. We embraced until Chōjírō interrupted.

       "It's time to take leave Aika." He said. I nodded and after a few words of good bye I left my grandma and stepped into a new world.