Jade stood bravely in Tempest's way. Tempest glared at Jade, looking deeply into her eyes... Jade didn't want to let go of them, her parents, her family, her past, her life... They were too precious to her, even though they were already gone. She felt responsible for them, and yet, they felt the same way for her, too. But Tempest had to fulfill her job, and had to do what she had to do. She took a step forward, a gentle determination in her icy-cold eyes.
"Jade, there is something you must understand. If you leave them as they are, they will either wonder around here for eternity or be condemned to damnation. If you let me bring them to the Soul Society where they now belong, their souls will remain intact..." Tempest said, the familiar serious tone in her voice.
"Meaning you'd be able to see them again," Kiyoshi offered, trying to lighten the mood.
Tempest nodded. "And besides, wouldn't you feel better, if you knew that their souls were at peace?" She asked, her voice patient and gentle now.
"No! I can't let you... I can't...!" Jade shouted, tears rolling down her face.
"Jade, listen to me dammit! You're lucky to have even known them. Be grateful for that! At least you can say that you had a good past, and have fond memories to prove it!" Tempest shouted angrily, then quickly looked away and closed her eyes.
"What?" Jade and Kiyoshi both muttered, stunned.
Tempest then bowed her head so that they couldn't see her eyes, but really, she was hiding the tears that were slowly forming. Tempest, unlike Jade, never knew her family.
"I know I would, if I had the chance to decide that..." She said quietly, but firmly.
