A head's up this story is a bit slow because it focuses on Soi Fong and she isn't type to interact with people much and she would try and work out her problems on her own making it impossible for her to ask for advice and to even take it if it was given to her. Therefore her problems are sorted out in her mind and not conversation. I tried to keep this as realistic as possible and as close to the actual story as I can. Though Yoruichi is a little out of character at times it is to bring up the conflict inside Soi Fong.

This was done out of request and sorry if it wasn't what you wanted. Also there is subtextings of a running joke that brings new meaning to the phrase 'getting pussy' and 'Whiskas' commercials.

Disclaimer: I own nothing related to this story and the idea for it wasn't mine either. I can however claim that I requested the request. lol

Broken Bonds

1 - Remnants

It has been a couple months since the return of the former superior and the current superior was edgy about the formers return. Everything the former was now is a complete contradiction of what the current is now. There could be no bond between them greater then leader and subordinate. But now the subordinate had become the leader and the former leader had been exiled. Their bond has been diminished to nothing but a bitter memory.

It was strange for their holds of power to be reversed. It was hard to except at first but was eventually forgotten along with the former superior. But then that person returned and they had fought each other. The former had proved to be far more powerful then the current and the fight ended with tears and lost pride.

There was still enough pride to assure the current leaders poise on the outside but on the inside she was destroyed and lost. On the inside she was nothing but filth once more. The former had spared her life and left her with nothing but questions and a glance at what she had lost when the former was exiled. She had recalled all the pain of losing her superior, who had meant so much to her all those years ago. It had been so long and she thought, no she believed that there was no more attachment. But she had been proven wrong in the instant the former revealed herself; Shihouin, Yoruichi.

The instant she saw Yoruichi's face all the pain from being left behind came back to her. It was quiet at first but when the tables started to turn and Yoruichi began to have the upper hand all the pain came back in full and even worse as her fear of being left behind returned to her once more.

The leader knew she could dwell on these things forever and had done her best to move past it. It has already been half a year now and there was no forgiveness between them and the pride was still lost. Even when they saw each other the former made small attempts at conversation only to be ignored. The leader would deny all attempts that woman made

There would be nothing more between them other then their past. Even now when Yoruichi tried to reform their bond the current knew there was no way it would work. No longer was she the child that needed someone to look up to. She did not want to be attached to Yoruichi anymore. She could no longer allow herself to be weak or hurt.

Yoruichi would only leave again and there would only be new scars made. Scars that would never heal but only scab over and remain that way until a new form of pain came and tore at the old wounds. Any form of emotional conflict will tear the wound open once more and leave it deeper and more vulnerable. That's how the wounds of a broken bond are. Any reconciliation only leaves the bearer weaker and easier to break.

The female Captain knew that better then anyone. Yoruichi was never one to be tied down by anyone or any formalities or duties. She had always been free to do what she pleased. Not one person in all of Seireitei could stop her from that. Any bond she formed with someone would last only a short time then she would leave them when she had her fill.

The Captain was observing the training of the Special Ops unit while her Vice-Captain Oomeada stood beside her stuffing his face with that greasy food that he was so fond of. She observed the new trainees with a strict eye and the senior members with an even stricter eye. She could not allow them to lose in a battle ever again.

Anger filled the Captain as Oomeada crunched away beside her and occasionally sprayed her with crumbs. The Captain ignored his presence completely. He was a disgrace to the Gotei 13 but because of his noble status here he was. He had no place in squad two and many knew that but his nobility confirmed his position.

"Captain Soi Fong," Oomeada said slowly.

"What is it?" Soi Fong answered coldly.

"There's a cat here." He said.

Soi Fong followed his gaze and did indeed see a cat sitting on the wall simply observing the training in progress. The Captain narrowed her eyes in anger as the cat glanced over at her. Cold grey eyes met emotionless gold eyes that showed no sense of remorse. All remorse had long since been lost.

Soi Fong shot the cat her utmost loathing glare trying her best to hide the hurt she felt when ever this presence was near her. She hated the sense of comfort it held. She hated everything about that cat and its true form. She turned away in disgust when the cat jumped from the wall and disappeared from sight but its presence still lingered in Soi Fong's mind. How long would Yoruichi haunt Soi Fong with her presence?

The Captain scoffed in disgust as the small reiatsu vanished. She turned to leave no longer interested in the Special Ops training. Oomeada followed close behind her like the dog that he was and questioned his captain's actions to no avail as Soi Fong was ignoring him once more. His presence was as welcome to her as the cat was in her mind. Her hatred of them was grater then anything she had ever known with the exception of one man.

She was deep in thought as to why Yoruichi was so persistent in haunting her so much and even appearing at the training session when she had nothing to do with them anymore. Soi Fong had been invited for a reconciliation on past conflicts but she had cast it aside at once disgusted by the offer of another bond. She wanted nothing of the sort and never would want anything like that again. Not with anybody. She never wanted to feel the pain of abandonment again.

She walked swiftly to her barracks while Oomeada followed closely and kept up his usual repetitive talk of useless matters. Soi Fong ignored him as she always did and walked in silence the rest of the way. He must have noticed where she was going but he persisted anyways. He undoubtedly had his mind filled with trash as it usual was when they walked alone.

Oomeada believed that because the two of them were of nobility they should be an item. Soi Fong scoffed in disgust once more as she reached her barracks and Oomeada was still following her. She quickly entered and slammed the door shut behind her denying her Vise-Captain another word or even the briefest of an argument.

She wanted nothing more to do with him this evening. She wanted nothing to do with anyone for the rest of this day. Soi Fong made her way to the bed and collapsed onto it as all the pain she had been feeling daily began to surface again. All she could do to prevent her tears is clench her fists as tight as she could and focus on the anger that coursed through her for her former mentor.

The presence of Oomeada still lingered around her barracks as if he were just waiting for her to come out or something equally improbable. He had his hopes held far too high for his own good. He would depart soon and she would be alone in this part of the barracks. She had the only room in this part and she was grateful for it. Just being near anyone was an annoyance to her while she was in this state of emotional weakness.

She lied on her bed until very late at night thinking over the fight she had with Yoruichi making her anger rise and her pride lessen to a lower amount. Soi Fong couldn't afford to be this weak nor could she stand the thought of having any weakness at all. It was worse then being in the presence of both Yoruichi and Oomeada at the same time. Unfortunately, she already had that displeasure once today.

She looked out the single window in her room and found the moon already high in the sky. Soi Fong rose from her bed and left the room slinging her Zanpakutou under her sash along the way. Her walk was quick and unnoticed by anyone that was still around or awake but at this time they were all sleeping.

Though, some of the senior members of the Special Ops were gone off to have drinks with Yoruichi. Her anger filled her along with hurt as even her Special Ops members were slowly abandoning her for their former leader. Soi Fong went deep into the training grounds. It was where she always went to train her skills in silence and with no prying eyes.

She didn't need anyone to help her hone her skills. She would do that on her own and she would surpass Yoruichi on her own. Soi Fong needed no help from others. They would just weigh her down even more then her current confusion already was. These distractions were doing nothing for her but slowing her down. She couldn't concentrate like this and it was beginning to show in her training.

Soi Fong's swings weren't concentrated as they wobbled and made her lose her balance. Her stances were not as strong as they used to be and her speed was faltered as well. But her stops were the worst. Using shunpo was still fine but pulling out of it and stopping had left her off balance more then once.

Soi Fong scoffed at her own incompetence as she kicked the dirt in frustration. She was so upset with herself she had yet to notice the set of eyes that had found her. She had been unknowingly watched the whole time she was out there training and pushing herself more then she should have. The eyes narrowed at her as Soi Fong collapsed in her stress and exhaustion.

Soi Fong awoke as she quickly shot up into a sitting position. She glanced around and found she was back in her room. Everything was as it should be but she didn't remember returning nor did she recall leaving her closet wide open. She felt a bit of movement on her bed and turned only to be shocked at what she saw.

Yoruichi was lying with her wearing only an open kimono which was much too small on the taller woman and barely covered her. Soi Fong felt her anger burn in her face at the sight of the other girl lying with her. She grit her teeth as the other woman stirred in her sleep. The golden eyes slowly opened as Yoruichi awoke to find Soi Fong glaring down at her with a deep loathing.

She sat up as well. Her eyes showed her concern and it radiated in her voice as she spoke, "Are you alright?"

Soi Fong looked away and got off the bed with a scoff, "Get out. I don't want to see you."

"Little Bee, don't be like that." Yoruichi said in an upset tone. "You collapsed out there. I couldn't just leave you like that, who knew what could have happened to you."

"Don't you dare call me that!" Soi Fong snapped at her former commander. "You have no right to ever call me that."

Soi Fong turned in time to see the hurt look on Yoruichi face. It didn't faze her as much as it would have a long time ago and she was happy about it. All this look did now was fuel her anger at Yoruichi's betrayal. Nothing could heal her scars and nothing will make her forget the pain nor will anything take away the pain that is to come from this woman.

Yoruichi got off the bed in silence as Soi Fong looked away in disgust unbeknownst to her that Yoruichi had no intention of leaving as of yet and quickly found herself pinned to the wall by the older woman. With them being so close to each other now Soi Fong could no longer deny the pain that held Yoruichi's eyes. Nor could she deny the pain that it caused her to see what she was doing to this woman.

"You are in no position to tell me what I can or can't do." Yoruichi said as Soi Fong struggled to free herself. "I won't leave here until you agree to sort things out with me. But if it pleases you I will stop calling you by your nickname for the time being."

"Get out." Soi Fong bitterly spat at Yoruichi despite her pain and sorrow of her wounds reopening. "I hate you!"

Yoruichi withdrew a little but held a firm grip on the smaller girl. Soi Fong had no escape from this situation as much as she wanted to. She hated not being in control almost as much as she hated this woman. But she couldn't say that with the hurt look in Yoruichi's eyes. Her pain ran as deep as Soi Fong's own pain.

Despite the pain they shared Soi Fong continued to glare at the older woman. There was nothing that could take away the past and trying would only make it worse. Soi Fong didn't want to feel anymore pain because of this woman that held her against the wall.

"I know I haven't been entirely honest with you and I'm sorry." Yoruichi said. "I want to make things right between us, Soi Fong. That's all I want."

Soi Fong remained defiant as she looked away from the hurt gold eyes. She couldn't stand the sight of them any longer. "All I want is you out of my life."

Yoruichi looked at Soi Fong sadly as she turned the girl's face towards her own. Their eyes met for a moment before Yoruichi closed the gap between them and kissed Soi Fong. The bold action shocked the younger girl but what shocked her most was when Yoruichi entered her mouth and pulled the smaller girl closer to her.

The kiss broke and Soi Fong managed to push Yoruichi away from her. Yoruichi looked a little hurt from Soi Fong's reaction but some of her other pain seemed to have vanished. Soi Fong glared at the older women for a moment as there was a loud slapping sound that almost echoed through the room.

Yoruichi looked at Soi Fong with a heartbroken expression as her cheek slowly became a slight shade of red while tears began to form in her eyes. Yoruichi took a step back completely hurt by the smaller girl. There eyes met and Soi Fong continued her glare with no remorse even as she spoke, "Get out of my room."

"Soi, I-" Yoruichi started but didn't know how to finish.

Soi Fong scoffed and looked away. "Get out. I have no reason to entertain you any further."

"Can I apologize?" Yoruichi asked. "I don't want you to hate me."

"Don't waste either of our time." Soi Fong said coldly. "You already did everything you needed to assure my hatred of you."

"Soi," Yoruichi reached out to Soi Fong only to have her hand smacked away.

"Don't even touch me. Get out!" Soi Fong shouted. "I hate you!"

Yoruichi looked downcast as she averted her eyes and began taking off Soi Fong's robe. "Keep it, just get out."

Yoruichi disappeared after giving Soi Fong one final hurt look. The girl's legs began to shake as she collapsed against the wall. Her fingers gently grazed her lips where Yoruichi's own had touched as a strong blush grew on her face. Her heart raced as she recalled the odd taste of it and the strong emotion that accompanied the action as well. Soi Fong's legs began to shake too much to support her own weight and she slid to the ground in shock.

Her shock remained until the sun rose and she hadn't moved an inch since she first fell to the ground. Soi Fong wasn't even aware of the time until she heard Oomeada banging on her door snapping her out of her shock. She tore her eyes away from the bed across from her and to the door where an insistent knocking persisted. Her anger returned to her as Oomeada opened the door and came in without permission of any kind.

"Captain Soi Fong, what happened?" He demanded upon finding her collapsed on the floor. "Are you injured? Let me help you."

He ran to her side quickly much to her annoyance. As soon as he was crouched beside her she swiftly punched him in the face sending him flying back a little. Soi Fong stood up and found her legs were still shaky from the kiss that Yoruichi had taken from her.

Oomeada was up and by her side the instant she left the room. Soi Fong was even more lost to his talking then normal as her mind was on other matters. Though after spending hours dwelling on the kiss itself now her mind was on the conversation they had. More precisely that Yoruichi had repurposed the two of them reconcile for past mistakes.

It was clear to Soi Fong that Yoruichi didn't just want to 'reconcile' it was more then that. It was something they didn't have before but the girl still didn't want anything between them. At least that's what she believed yesterday but with what happened between them she was no longer sure what she wanted. She was unsure about everything now.

"Captain, is everything alright?" Oomeada said loudly. "Does your lip hurt?"

Soi Fong snapped out of her daze and found her fingers grazing her lips once more. She blinked in shock before dropping her hand to her side. "It's fine. Nothing's wrong."

"Are you sure? Do you want me to-" He was cut off as Soi Fong once again punched him in the face.

"Nothing is wrong." She said as cold as possible. On the contrary however, nothing was right for her now. Everything was backwards to her and nothing made sense. She was unsure if she wanted to accept Yoruichi's offer or that she even could after that hurt look. Soi Fong was even confused about whether or not Yoruichi's hurt look should even bother her or not. "Everything is fine."

Her last comment was a mumble that she could barely even hear and undoubtedly Oomeada hadn't even noticed she had said anything at all after the hit to the face. His density infuriated her and relieved some of the stress of her current lack of concentration. Perhaps she should get some training done today or just focus on other simple tasks to distract herself from her troubles.

She gave Oomeada an angered look as they reached the head office of squad twos quarters. They sat at their own desks and started on their daily paperwork. Soi Fong looked at the stack of paper with discouragement. She knew it had to be done but she was far too distracted to do any of this. She knew that if she didn't do her work as she normally did it would cause Oomeada to open his mouth again. It was then only thing he was ever good at.

Soi Fong glanced out the window and caught herself wondering if she would see that black cat again. Her attention was snapped back to her work and she started it but soon found herself distracted once more on thoughts of the golden eyes watching her before their lips met. The soft caring look Yoruichi had held in her eyes calmed Soi Fong's anger and sorrow.

She stared at her paperwork for awhile and got absolutely nowhere. She rose and walked out ignoring all questions that came her way from Oomeada before he scrambled after her. Her pace was quicker then usual and more then her Vice-Captain could handle without jogging and quickly working up a sweat. Soi Fong completely ignored his presence once more as he showered her with questions.

By the time she was out of the building the small amount of patience she had was long gone. Soi Fong took off using shunpo knowing that Oomeada wasn't fast enough to keep up with her. She stumbled to a stop at the execution grounds and looked out over Seireitei. Once more her mind was consumed with the cat.

There was a slight flash of reiatsu behind her making her turn but there was nothing there. The presence of the reiatsu was gone too quickly for her to identify it but she knew it was familiar. She kept up her guard as she looked around more carefully scanning the area for any sign of life. When she saw nothing she turned her attention back over Seireitei as she wondered where the cat had gone.

Soi Fong knew she had to clear her mind of all these thoughts and distractions. They were of no use to her. If any bond were to be formed with Yoruichi then all that would follow would be betrayal just like their last bond. After that Soi Fong hadn't formed a bond with anyone. She had no weakness to be used against her and she never will. Any type of emotional bond was useless to her and would only make her vulnerable.

She had believed that for so long it had become a code for her. There was nothing that could stand in her way and nothing to stop her from living her life as she wishes. Not even her former mentor. But even she had beaten Soi Fong. She accepted no excuses for her own defeat.

She had to become what she was before Yoruichi's return. Since her return Soi Fong had once again become weak and vulnerable. Ever since her defeat and her life had been spared when it shouldn't have been she held no resolve to become stronger. The desire was there but not the determination to achieve greater strength. She didn't even hold the resolve to reclaim her lost pride.

If she were to remain in this state then she would lose her rank and whatever was left of her pride. She needed to get stronger but her abilities were that of a novice compared to how she was before. In only a few months all her abilities had been completely dulled. She could do nothing but wait for her fall now. If she couldn't become stronger her end will come sooner then she had thought.

No one could know about her current weakness. She had to appear strong to anyone that would oppose her for her rank. Even the Special Ops had to be kept under a more careful watch. They had been spending too many nights in the pubs lately to drink with Yoruichi. Soi Fong was well aware that if Yoruichi decided she wanted to return to the Gotei 13 there would be nothing Soi Fong would be able to do. She would lose her rank in an instant and if she were spared for a second time she would not only be disgraced but thrown away like garbage.

She had to prevent that from happening to her. She couldn't lose to Yoruichi. Not ever again. Soi Fong unsheathed her Zanpakutou and took up her stance. Before she began her training she decided it would be best to self evaluated her stance and found it to be weak and not sturdy at all. She straightened herself up before picking up her stance one more. This is where she would start.

She worked on her stance for a while until she found they had improved enough for the time being. Offence was next and she found her swings had only gotten worse since the previous night. This only served to fuel her self-hatred as she was well aware that her defense was very weak as well but with no one to train with her defense was understandably quite lacking. However her speed made up for that and she could dodge attacks instead of blocking them. Dodging attacks left the opponent open for a short moment but more then enough times that moment had been all she needed to dispatch an enemy. Though, if her enemy were Yoruichi her speed would not be enough to save her. That had already been proven.

She clenched her hand tightly around her Zanpakutou in her anger before there was another small flash of reiatsu near her. She turned to find the source but once again there was nothing there. Soi Fong narrowed her eyes as she searched the grounds for anything. She eyed everything with hatred. Even the ground itself didn't escape her anger.

She already knew what was happening however. She was being watched whether it's now or while she was training. If they were watching her train it was bad. They would have seen how weak she had become now. It was only a matter of time before it happened. She would probably have to rely on the Special Ops to survive this but the thought of hiding behind them disgusted her. If they came after her she would die a warrior's death, not a dog's.

Even if she was no match for whatever watched her now she would wait for it to make its move no matter how long that would take. She would not run from her fate. If this was it then so be it. Soi Fong was prepared for her death whether it came now or later.