Puppet's tale
Chapter 1
The sand and the rotator.
It was raining, hard; the clouded sky was so dark that it could be confounded with the night. All the buildings around were plain and ashen. She was running down the street looking for a place to hide, but there was only road ahead and no shelter. She could only hear the sound of her deafening heartbeat pounding in her ears, muffling the sound of her footsteps, and her hunters'. The rain kept pouring down and clouding her vision plastering her hair to her face. Turning around for an instant she sharply removed a raven lock from her forehead. She was already breathless from trying to escape from her pursuers. Quite the reverse from her chasers; they kept popping in her way without effort. She was exhausted and knew that she could not keep on racing at this pace for long; one of this times she would not be fast enough to dodge them and…
-There you are…
She was trying to avoid bumping into one of the chasers when another wall-like man jumped in front of her and she ended up crushing into him. He was looking down at her with an amused grin, as a cat hunting a mouse. When she managed the courage to look up, her hair stood on an end. He wore a despiteful smirk on his. Kicking him in the shins she made her last attempt to flee. Making an annoyed grimace, he grabbed her by the upper arms and held her in the air while she kicked trying to break free. Another man, who seemed to be the leader of the gang, approached them.
-You have something that belongs to me. - The man stated menacingly.
Rukia looked sideways but there was nobody apart from her hunters on sight, the truth is that she was in one of the worse districts of all Karakura, so she should expect no help. The only thing she was hoping to, was that they would be satisfied with robbing her, and would leave her alone once she handed the necklace to them. She shed tears of impotence, it was the only reminder she had of her previous happy life with her sister. In spite of this, she knew that if they left after stealing the only proof she had of having ever been loved, she could consider today to be her lucky day.
For years she had been walking in and out of foster homes and orphanages, in short since she was separated from her sister, Hisana. Mostly she spent her days walking around the streets and avoiding the cops. She feared them the most. They would only shut her in a safe cage and forget all about the little person that they had just handed in to an impersonal system, taking her freedom away.
From a corner of her eye she saw a shadow moving fast towards them. She did not turn around to check but she reckoned that there were already five grown up men cornering her. She kicked more furiously in the air; there was no need for so many people, only to steal a pendant from a little girl. She expected the last man to throw her harshly to the ground, but instead, a shadow fell on them shoving the men that surrounded her. They fell to the floor unceremoniously. Lifting her head from the floor, she spotted a group of men, who had showed up from nowhere, join the fight to help the shadow on his fighting. They where masked unlike the first man, who was now approaching her, blocking all of her exits.
He was tall, wore glasses, and was elegantly dressed in a long raincoat. She feared that they were another gang, worse than the first one. She had heard stories about men who would kidnap homeless kids to make terrible things to them, and she had reasons to believe such story. Regretting her rotten luck, she lowered her eyes in surrender. He leant down on her and offered a hand.
-Are you all right?
Rukia's eyes widened in surprise at the man, his voice was soft and soothing. Not only he was offering help with his hand, but also his eyes and his expression showed kindness towards her.
She hesitated briefly and a shivering went across her body. He immediately took off his coat and wrapped her in it.
-You are Rukia, aren't you?- She nodded astounded- We have looked for you everywhere- he helped her up- Your sister, her husband, all of their friends too…- she still looked confused- My name is Aizen Sousuke- he said offering his hand for a shake, that she did not take yet- a friend of your family, will you come with me? I'll take you back to your family…- she shuddered from head to toe. - Poor thing; you are all drenched…If only Ms Kuchiki could see… I mean Hisana-san.
She was listening from far away not believing her ears; was somebody actually worried for her wellbeing? And that for a long time too? She was baffled at his words but upon hearing that familiar name she gasped and looked up at her savior. He smiled warmly at her and nodded. She could not believe it, she was saved, she was going to live with her sister and they would be happy again. She tugged his hand and he kept it warm in his. Like this they headed for the car, she never heard about her chasers fate.
Little did she know at that moment about her sister's ill fate which had occurred a few months before. It was a blow for her when she found out about it, but she finally got over it thanks to the kind reception of her sister's husband, Byakuya, in his home and family. But in particular, thanks to the tender care of this close friend of the family, who since that very moment was also hers.
The smell of coffee lingered in the air, the stimulating aroma led his way to the kitchen. It had been a night of little sleep and meanwhile the rain outside was pouring. The clouds were so thick that it was hard to tell when the night time was over. Even this early in the morning his characteristic scowl was already showing in his face while he descended the stairs deep in thought.
-ICHIGOOO!
The boy lifted his head and saw his dad was flying towards him, but the teen stretched a leg in front of him and the elder man bumped into it with the middle of his stomach.
-You are so noisy dad, the girls are still sleeping!
-Masaki, our son is now becoming responsible of her siblings, we raised him rightly…! - He said already on his way to the giant poster of his deceased wife.
-Shut it dad, I just wanted to speak to you; you know…the two of us.
Isshin's typical cheerful face faded. He went back to his place at the other side of the counter and offered his son a steaming cup.
-You have decided, huh? - He said after a long ship of coffee.
-Yeah….I spoke to the Shiba's yesterday and they are willing to take me in. Ganju was actually pretty excited.
-Your cousins? In Tokio? What are you going to do so far from home? And for how long?
-I… will finish my studies there- Isshin rolled his eyes- I'll come to visit often but I need to get away…
-Son, running away is not a solution.
-Maybe not, but staying here is not helping either. - He said shrugging his shoulders.
-Is settled then? When are you living?
-As soon as I say goodbye to the girls.
-ALREADY?
-Dad why are you two talking so loud. -It was Yuzu's tender voice as she entered the kitchen shrugging her eyes.
-Really can't you just quit the bickering, you are such an old married couple! Besides, what is it about today?
A tense silence filled the room for an uncomfortable moment. Ichigo and his dad stared to each other's eyes daringly; finally the younger one broke it.
-I'm moving to Tokio.
-Good for you Oni- chan. - Was Karin's answer but Yuzu contested her.
-Don't say that, Karin! We are going to miss him so much. - And turning to Ichigo she added - But if you must, so be it. She said approaching her brother for a hug.
-Aaaaah! All of our children conspiring against me, Masaki help me! -A flood emanated from his eyes as he faced the poster again - ungrateful…ungrateful! They are going to abandon me soon…
Yuzu tuned to console their father while Ichigo headed for his baggage that was in his room.
-Daddy, don't cry, he will miss us so much that in no time he will be back, don't you reckon Karin?
-I'm not so sure about that, he's so messed up… - she muttered looking away.
-You are right Karin. - Isshin said regaining his composure. - He is still making his atonement for what happened.
-But it was not his fault…- Yuzu innocently offered.
-I know, but he can't see it, and I can't help him. I hope he will find someone who can convince him otherwise and bring him back.
Rukia was standing alone in the balcony, dressed in a satin gown, at her debut party. Her brother had insisted on organizing a big event in her honor. He was happy to celebrate that "she had turned into such a fine young lady", as he always said. She was truly indebted to him for taking her in under his protection. She showed her care and gratitude by always complying with his desires. The only problem was that all of the guests were businessmen and members of the Karakura's socialite, who were only acquainted to Kuchiki Byakuya, and she was terribly bored
Her brother had promised to her that by the end of the night her friend Momo, daughter of Ukitake Juushiro, a well-respected Karakura's businessman, would get to the party. Until then she will have to content herself with a little dancing with some of the guests. They had been kind to her: they had complimented her remarkable beauty and her exquisite skills at playing the piano. But not much more apart from that little conversation was made, and they were not really to blame. After all she was just a kid in comparison with those present in the room.
So she retreated to the balcony outside the ballroom. The pale light of the moon illuminated the ground and garden of her brother's manor. It was one of her favorite views in the world; it reminded her of the first night she spent there after she was saved. In spite of the crispy breeze that waved her silky dress, she stood there examining the ballroom.
From her spot she could see her brother, elegantly dressed, entertaining some guests. His face was serious but his gaze told otherwise, he was enjoying the company of her friend's father and his wife, Unohana Retsu, who were good friends of his. Also by his side was standing Aizen-san, of whom he was greatly fond.
At that very moment Byakuya was praising his young friend for his extraordinaire labor heading his deceased father's company.
-Aizen-san, your results never fail to astonish me. Truly, what you did with a modest family business to turn it into one of the most pushing companies of this flourishing town is inspiring.
The rest of those present nodded in agreement. He had even been honored with the front page of the economical Karakura's journal, and they portrayed him as the most promising young businessman in town. It had been a couple of years before, but he had not disappointed anyone's expectations since then. It was no secret that the relationship between the two moguls had fortified greatly since that night, when he arrived at the Kuchiki's home with Rukia by his side.
She was Byakuya's beloved wife's sister, and they had been looking for her ever since they married, not even the death of his wife had stopped the search. Aizen, who was several years younger than Byakuya, had easily connected with Rukia. With her brother's consent, they had forged a strong bond, which meant promising prospects for their mutual companies.
-Sousuke, why don't you go see if my sister needs anything? It's been a while since I last saw her dancing in the ballroom.
-Sure. - He smiled briefly and nodded to the rest of those present before turning to look for the other host of the party.
He was heading to the end of the room when the mayor Grimmjaw approached him in a friendly manner and circled his shoulders with his arm.
-Aizen-san, my good friend! Isn't this party delicious? Please tell the hostess when your see her. But I was wondering, do you remember this party I'm planning to do soon? I was wondering how my delivery is doing. You know, after this grand event I don't want mine to go astray in the public's opinion. – Aizen turned back to him and smiled coldly.
-Its already on its way. As I promised, it will arrive just in time; there will be no trouble at all, Grimmjaw.
-Talking about your next party, mayor? - The sneaky voice of the Judge Ichimaru crept up their backs. They turned around to face the man who owned the voice.
-Gin, I see you never lose you inquisitorial attitude…- commented mirthlessly the politician who had been startled by the sudden interruption.
- Not when it comes to your parties Jaegerjarquez… I find the psicodelia in them very entertaining.
The men chuckled at their private joke, but Aizen soon left to switch companies.
-Gentlemen, if you will excuse me.
-Oh l'amour, don't you agree, judge Ichimaru? Go already Aizen- san, there are plenty of men in this room waiting for you to slip, so they can hit on her, me included.
-Better hurry Grimmjaw-san, after tonight everything will be settled. - He said waiving back at them. Both men smiled at the piece of news, finally the moment they had long expected was coming.
-Ichimaru-san. - That was Judge Histsugaya, who had just walked in, arm in arm with Ukitake-san's daughter, Momo. The two judges stared at each other gelidly.
-Hitsugaya-san. - Ichimaru responded with a curt nod.
The freshly arrived couple was heading to greet the host, who was standing in the middle of the room, when they spotted Rukia at the veranda.
-Do you want to greet her first?
-No need Shiro, I'll talk to her later. Besides Sousuke is already heading there, and after all tonight is an important day for them. –Toshiro lifted his eyebrows surprised by his fiancée's calmness. - Later she will tell me all about it. – She explained cheekily.
Rukia felt a jacket sliding down her shoulders, it smelled unmistakably of him.
-Aren't you cold, darling? - She smiled back at him. – You look beautiful tonight Rukia, I was wondering if you would save me the next dance?
The young couple headed inside the room when the first compasses of at tender blues ballade had just started filling the air. She knew everyone was keeping their eyes on them as they waltzed around. A good match they would say, and everybody took for granted that from tonight on, the wedding day could be settled in any moment. She was thankful; he had saved her from a terrible life when she was just a kid, accompanied her through those difficult teen days, and now that she was a lovely young woman he stood faithfully by her side. Also her brother who had placed her on top of the world, where many worshipped her, especially this handsome man who was now holding her caringly in his harms as they danced, acknowledged him. She should feel ecstatic with her future prospect and yet she felt, content.
Aizen lowered his mouth close to her ear and tickling her with his breath, and whispered:
-You brother is beckoning for you. –She opened he eyes, which she didn't know she had closed before, and took the hand his companion was offering. He led her to her brother's office's wooden door. Looking into her eyes he leaned into her and muttered a moved see you later before placing a shallow kiss on her hand. Good, no butterflies, she thought; she would not want to face her brother if her cheeks were furiously blushing. It was so not the Kuchiki's way, and she was everyday getting better at being it.
Rukia carefully opened the door. Behind his desk Byakuya was looking gravely back at her.
-You called me, Nii-sama?
-Yes I did, have a seat. – He offered pointing one of the chairs in front of him. He stood behind his desk walking from one side to the other calmly– I believe you are up to date with the latest change I was considering to introduce in my will. –He did not give her a chance to speak but continued. - And how I was planning to include someone else who could help you run the business and manage my properties once they were inherited by you, my only heiress. You know too, how fond I am of Aizen-san and I believe that your relationship with him is extremely close as well. It was my intention to make him co-owner of my heritage, with the hope that soon enough you would formalize your bond by getting married. Am I correct?
Rukia was speechless. Was this not what she had expected when she first entered in here? And yet a knot in her stomach was making itself a way up to her throat, making it difficult for her to speak.
-Does… Sousuke know about this?
-I haven't told him all about this yet. I was expecting you answer first, but I don't think he will have any inconvenience with this arrangement.
-…I understand. - She said, but her eyes wouldn't leave the floor and her face had turned alarmingly pale.
-What is the problem Rukia? Are you feeling all right? - He was now by her side holding her hand with concern.
- Yes…- suddenly she felt that this should not go on any longer, her brother would understand. – I mean no. - Byakuya imperceptibly lifted his eyebrows. - Is not that I don't want this… but I want some time before to do something for myself. – It was hard getting the words out, but her brother was intently listening to what she had to say. - I want to try, and do something grand, something I can look back at it proudly before settling and committing to form a family. I'm barely of age; I think there is still plenty of time for that. –She was softly panting because of the excitement.
-And what do you plan to do?
-Do remember Abarai-kun?
-Abarai-san? I do, what is it about him?
-He offered a job to me as a journalist for the Karakura's Tribune, and I really would like to try for some time there.
-How long would that be?
-I don't know, four or five years perhaps. I would still be young enough to raise a healthy family. – Byakuya winced slightly at this comment.
-Take the time you need. I will talk to Sousuke. – Her grin started to spread. – And one more thing before you go back to your party. We Kuchikis don't try, we succeed. Don't disappoint me. - Now she was flashing a toothy smile back to her brother and hesitated if embracing him in a tight hug but Byakuya foreseeing her intentions dismissed her quickly.
-Ichigoooooooo! I heard you are transferring.
That was the noisy Keigo from the other side of the corridor. But he was already hurrying to his office.
-Hey Keigo, what's up? - He asked in a not so friendly manner.
- I heard that they offered you a top position in Karakura and that you had refused.
-Good news travel fast…no, I didn't refuse it, I just asked for a short leave of absence. I would like to have a general view of the situation before I get down to it.
-You are so weird; the place is such a piece of cake. You could just focus on hitting on your secretary while the tasks come already solved into your hands. - His current secretary, Inoue-san, who was helping his boss packing, blushed at the man's boldness. Ichigo shook his head disapprovingly.
- You do understand that the position entails a lot more responsibility than that, don't you? Besides I prefer to be where the action is brewed, and if possible, to be of some use.
Keigo chuckled amused. -If you wanted to help people you should have gotten another job.
-Oh really, I thought this was actually the one for that.
-Seeing how much you enjoy your life in the process you could have chosen to be a monk, your life style wouldn't have been altered. – He leaned down to his ear and added with a lower voice. – Having such a hottie for secretary and nothing is going on between you two? I don't buy that. – Ichigo rolled his eyes at the improper comment. – By the way, where are you sending your stuff? - He said pointing at his already packed belongings.
-I'm moving to Karakura tomorrow morning and I will keep all this stuff at my apartment. I am not showing myself in the office for the moment, anything I need to know Chad will keep me informed. – He turned to his assistant - Inoue-san? I might need you to be my link here after I move out so I will be in touch, if you don't mind.
-Of course not Kurosaki-san –She complied blushing slightly - I'll be glad to be of any help, I also wanted to wish you good luck at your new post.
-Thank you Inoue. - He said sincerely, and taking a breath he muttered – I'm going to need it.
-KUCHIKI! - Yoruichi called a bit too loud for a next-standing person. It had been two years since she had arrived to the editorial office and her hard work had granted her a soft spot on her boss's heart. Instead of meaning any special treatment from Yoruichi, she would treat her much more exigently.
-How can I help you? - Rukia offered to her boss looking up from her desk.
-Get your lazy ass out of here. I have work for you: a robbery at the Central Bank. – Rukia's eyes widened in surprise but she didn't need to be told twice, she was already sprinting on her way.