The sun setting in the distance cast fiery colors of red and peach across the pale blue sky. Behind them, the sky darkened with each passing moment. The entire town was lit up in a brilliant display of colors and luminescence. It was beautiful.
Looking toward him Kita smiled. “It’s about time. Lets go get a cup of hot coco and go to the park.”
Tsukiro smiled back and nodded, following Kita to a small cafe. They ordered and crossed back over the street to the park. They found a nearby bench with a good view of the sunset and set their bags down, resting their feet.
Once sitting Kita set her hot coco next to Tsukiro and stood up. “I will be right back.” She then disappeared from his sight. When she returned she had two floating lanterns in her hands. One was a violet with gold and royal blue design and the other a white with silver and purple designs.
“Here,” She handed him the violet one still holding on to hers.
As he stood she explained. “Every year they do the lighting of the tree and release lanterns. They say the lanterns carry our prayers and wishes to the heavens for a better and happier new year.” She looked over to the tree that would soon be lite. “It is a beautiful thing to witness.”
Tsukiro nodded and looked at the lantern. “I hope next year is a lot better. Things just haven’t been peaceful and calm this year. I hate it when the year is filled with tragedy and misfortune. It always ends up in the year beginning with the weight of the previous year on its shoulders.”
Kita nodded. “I promise to always be there for you when you need someone, Tsuki. That is my vow to you, my friend.” She took his hand squeezing it gently and started walking slowly toward the center of the park. Soon the tree would be lite and the lanterns set free. When they stopped walking Kita looked to him once more. “Promise me that whatever happens to me you will push forward. Do not dwell on what happen. Don’t mourn me for more than a day. Smile and remember all the good things we shared. Only remember the good and know that I am never too far away and you need only to call out my name and I will be there for you.”
Tsukiro nodded and smiled. "I promise. Now I want you to promise me something."
“Anything.” Kita told him smiling.
"First," Tsukiro lifted up Kita's chin and kissed her cheek. "Don't talk like that. It's bad luck and I can't bare the thought of losing someone else I care about. Second, promise me that you won't let anyone lay a hand on you. Promise me that you'll always stick up for yourself and that you won't let anyone take advantage of you. Not Aizen, not Ulquiorra. No one."
Kita smiled brightly at him. “I promise you I will fight back and not let anyone harm me again, and I am sorry for talking as such. However, you have to remember I am the seraph and one day I will be called back, but I promise to never forget you. No matter what and I will always come if you need me."
Tsukiro pulled her in for a tight hug. "You deserve so much more. I wish I could give you more. I wish I had the power to free you. But I can't, so I hope and wish the best for you. I hope you find someone who can give you everything."
Kita hugged him tightly back. “Thank you, but it is not in my stars to be loved and care for in that way. I can live with that. After all, I am the seraph. Someone has to keep up with you guys throughout your lifetime.”
She pulled slightly away from Tsukiro just in time for them to see the tree light up. She looked to him and smiled as she raised her lantern up.
“One… Two…”
"Three..." Tsukiro said quietly as they let their lanterns go. They floated off into the twilight, a display of vividly flowing colors.
Tsukiro turned to the bench and grabbed the bag from the toy store. "And here's my surprise for you."
He pulled out the two stuffed animals and handed her the snow leopard, keeping the tiger for himself.
Kita looked at the leopard and smiled giving it and Tsukiro a tight hug. “Thank you he is so cute.” She looked at the tiger and smiled. “He is cute too. So this is what you had hidden for me?” Kita giggled softly. She looked at the leopard again and pet its head. “He looks like your zanpakuto, Kotaishi. So I will name him just that. Kotaishi.”
Tsukiro laughed. "Well, your zanpakuto is hard to pronounce, so I think I'll just call him Tora."
Tsukiro smiled at her again before gathering up their bags and taking her hand. "Let's go eat. I'm starving and I remember passing by a restaurant earlier."
Together they walked off, their lanterns floating off in the distance.
Kita gave a nodded. “You could just call him Garra.” She followed along side of Tsukiro holding tight to her stuffed Kotaishi as they walked along.
