Chapter 1

"So many vows...they make you swear and swear. Defend the king. Obey the king. Keep his secrets. Do his bidding. Your life for his. But obey your father. Love your sister. Protect the innocent. Defend the weak. Respect the gods. Obey the laws. It's too much. No matter what you do, you're forsaking one vow or the other." - Jaime Lannister.

Gerard was hard to defeat for the three captains, two of which had taken damage and were beyond exhaustion. Byakuya watched as the lump sum mass which had now steadily lost its identity after constant attacks was devoured by Yhwach. The 'miracle' no longer stood and the powers shared with sternritters was absorbed back by their king. Byakuya pulled Hitsugaya and Zaraki to the rescue team lest they get caught up in the ensuing climax of the battle. Yhwach had taken to the soul realm at the palace and Ichigo, along with his friends, was moving to take care of the Quincy. Byakuya trusted him and the royal guard to take care of the enemy. Now, as he stood alone amongst the rubble of his broken home, of Sereitei, he could see certain fights along the horizon past coming to their desired conclusion. As Yhwach had made his dash to the Soul king, he had completely siphoned off his major supports in this battle, leaving them weak and a few dead, at the hands of their enemy. These were nothing but simply pawns in his game and he would have felt pity had he been capable. But he was just tired.

A faraway whisper of power and the ground shaking, he realized that the second wave of quincies had arrived, the 'Shadow' region had broken and with it all tact and subtlety. He turned to gauge his enemies. Did they know that Yhwach had abandoned them? Still, it was no matter. With ally forces far from the action, it was an opportunity to finally unleash his novel powers. Too new and unstable, raw and wild, his undisciplined powers shouldn't cause collateral damage. This wave of enemy he faced alone will be the first enemy to witness it in combat. His own safety was only barely guaranteed. He knew the power would take its toll and he had no longer a safety zone. The training was lacking and his mind too perturbed. His powers were not fully developed. Senbonzakura still eluded his orders drugged under the immense reiatsu and his precious control was shot. This was also the only opportunity to test himself.

The sleek zanpaktou glinted under the light of the sun, its length elongating and the hold classic of a samurai. The sword was swivelled in a wide arc to face down even as a line of more than a hundred quincies rushed hard at Byakuya with their own weapons unleashed. The zanpaktou dropped down to the ground, only to raise a wall of more than a million blades except half of them dispersed into the sky to vanish into the clouds of pink waves. The cage was huge to encompass the complete army who began to panic as white, pink blades full of reiatsu began to drop from the sky with deadly precision and lightning speed carrying with them explosive intensity as they struck their helpless enemy. The rest of the aerial swords then disintegrated into smallest particles invading bodies of the quincies to fillet them indiscriminately. The bloody cries filled the cage as Byakuya witnessed the carnage of his own making. His own words almost lost to the rain of blood. "Bankai."

The battle was done and Yhawch defeated when he finally opened his eyes in the infirmary.

Fires raged in the centre of the capital, smoke clouds and fumes darkening the evening sky even further as the dusk descended over the annihilated city. The destruction of homes, of major institutions, of basic amenities and lives had brought Serietei to a standstill. Large pieces of frozen masses of ripped land and battered buildings glinted dully in the aftermath of the fight with As Nodt and Gerard. The city lay in ruins where the sternritters had wrought havoc and foot soldiers had pillaged the remains. To make it worse, opportunists and scavengers of their own race had come to exploit the devastation and disruption of law. The survivors, rescued and displaced were at peril of falling prey to criminal gangs, inevitable trauma and loss. Another day had ended in the wake of Quincy king's death and the plundered and devastated Soul Society had begun picking up pieces back again.

On duty were all the working hands they could find. From seated officers to Gotei captains were taking to their responsibilities. Only that hardly a few captains remained on active duty, the rest still recuperating. Among the major noble families, one of the most powerful and most affected had been the Kuchiki clan, given their military upbringing and powerful bloodline, had taken to establish some system, security and healing to those who needed, complementing the order that Gotei had been trying to establish. Jimmu, Saionji, Shihoin had all their work cut out for them despite having lesser standing over the past centuries. The new Shihoin heir was still too inexperienced to handle the mayhem and the clan wisely chose to protect their future in the uncertainty, remaining in the background to assist through their formidable sub branches and divisions, not to mention Onmitsukido corps.

Byakuya stood overseeing the rescue of denizens and taking stock of the losses. Many divisions had taken a hit and all help was relief. Though he himself had yet to recover, it was difficult to sit back and neglect his duties towards his people. Although during initial attacks, masses had been evacuated to outer parts of the Rukongai, some families going underground, the death toll still climbed heftily as many were pulled through the debris and the chaos of the war with the Quinces had still to fully abate. The massive Kuchiki estate which had once stood proudly was now mostly defunct with war and tragedy and currently supported the rescued and the recuperating. Most serious and critical cases were being looked after by Unohana-taicho and her team. Byakuya himself had taken to residing temporarily at sixth division to rest, ironically. His home had temporarily become another workplace he attended to his best capability, though the main house had already been repaired and in future undergo renovation. Duties and responsibilities for the clan state and local population around the estates were solely his responsibilities, not to mention, maintaining order, issuing patrols and guarding borders from stray threats and vile opportunists wasn't easy. Considering the Quincy threat still loomed high and the stragglers yet to be apprehended, the city had emergency in effect. The second division was looking into it but had invited him to share the surveillance at certain outposts. Not many were equipped to deal with quinces and most captains were in no position to take to duties.

The 'Thousand year blood war' as many had taken to calling it, must have lasted months on end and now the winter approached with cool days bookended with chilled twilights. The seventh division kept guard on the borders of Sereitei already apprehending more than a dozen gangs illegally crossing into the city. The second was busy dismantling 'the Shadows' with first division's guidance. The eighth division took to construction and enabling basic amenities, training and recruiting civilians and volunteers. Eleventh division was kept busy chasing and fighting the hostile elements. Twelfth division was clearing up the bodies and spiritual elements, all the while fourth took to providing medical care and rescue support.

Most divisions, except for peripheral districts in Rukongai, took to deciding their own functions courtesy of the respective captain. The sixth division had been Kuchiki bastion for a long time, much like the second division had been headed by the Shihoins. It was synonymous hence, to attribute certain talents as inherent duties that had become a fixture with a line of generations to those divisions. The sixth division under Kuchiki Byakuya dealt with investigation, internal security and law enforcement. It had to keep an eye on the civil disorder, follow surveillance details from twelfth, aggregate patrol reports from the eleventh, aide second in reconnoitre missions. From suppressing violence, detailing organized crime in and around Sereitei, to solving minor crimes, it functioned to protecting law and civilians under its jurisdiction. Being noble, upholding the will of the Soul king was their duty. Especially so when the king remained discharged. He knew of all the captains, only Kyoraku-soutaicho, Kurosutchi-taicho, Soi-fon taicho, Unohana-taicho remained on active duty. Zaraki and he had taken to volunteering any help they could manage. Though in Kuchiki's case, it was mostly wilful volunteering. He was amused to see the Eleventh's captain so…compliant. But then he had seen that man more deeply and in a strange way, understood.

Renji raced towards Byakuya, his black shihakushou fluttering in his wake. The stylish, black goggles courtesy of the previous lieutenant for helping him set up his shop again. The deep red hair danced wildly behind him as he flash stepped over the broken edges of buildings to his captain surrounded by dirt, blood and grime. Light fluttering of Senbonzakura cleared debris over a trapped old couple and the tireless rescue mission was mostly complete. He felt an abject sense of 'rightness' to see the magnificent zanpaktou being wielded by his taicho with the grace and elegance it deserved, it still bothered him to see Byakuya so forlorn. Not many people would notice but before, the proud man had been stoic, now, perhaps because he was still healing and unwell, he looked drawn and sombre. But Renji knew him better. Byakuya was struggling.

"Taicho, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the Kuchiki manor? Hanatarou was complaining you disappeared again. He has to replenish your reiatsu. And change those bandages-"

Standing in the clear, directing the next batch of rescued to his estate staff, Byakuya interrupted Renji's concerned spiel.

"Abarai. Report on the south-west?"

With a sigh and a shake of his head Renji reported, "The district's on lockdown. Still, after Yanase's posting, mild movement is being allowed under supervision. Eighth has started construction with locals, self-defence groups in the area is being rounded for training and we are encouraging volunteers. Rations are supplied per family and borders to Rukongai are being monitored. Small stuff aside, it's as peaceful as it can be.

"What about Yamimori?"

"That is something I will have to get close enough to. Their gang has been trying to infiltrate the capital even before the war. They are committing thefts, assaults and all kinds of trafficking. But as soon as we get there they retreat far beyond the borders. The eastern border is especially vulnerable but Soi-fon taicho is already looking into it."

After a pause, Byakuya said, "We will keep the south and west secure until Hitsugaya-taicho is cleared for duty. Zaraki-taicho can take care of the deeper pursuit. I will take patrolling for tonight. Ask Yanase to-"

"No offence, captain, but you are in no condition to take any field operation yet. You have not been cleared for field yet. Heck, I am pretty sure you shouldn't be on active duty right now. You can oversee the rescue because you are sheltering them but everything else-

"Kyouraku-sotaicho has already approved me to take decisions as I see fit, Abarai. The protocol lists it as regimented emergency where regional authority has already shifted to active divisions. I suggest you keep your opinion to yourself and follow your orders."

Slightly miffed at being dismissed and irritated by Byakuya's stubbornness, Renji was half a mind to knock over the noble and tie him up until he was well but looking into those haunted eyes, Renji could see the pain and helplessness hidden beneath the determination, hardening his resolve to keep on his feet. Truly, the guy shouldn't even be out of bed. Unohana would have his hide. Even Zaraki was given mandatory bed rest after the war.

Byakuya looked extremely pale and trodden. He had to try to make him rest lest the captain collapse. Gotei was one of the favourite targets for quincy trash and gangs like Yamimori. With less than half power on active duty, pushing their capacity like the Kuchiki leader, it only served to weaken them but presence like his captain were the only reason that they would think twice about running into Sereitei. Despite barely standing, Byakuya was a sharp strategist and the most efficient captain in the divisions. Still, hearing his breath rasping and heaving slightly in exertion, Renji knew his captain wouldn't be able to stand long.

"Taicho, where is Rukia?" Renji suddenly swerved away the conversation.

"Why?" Byakuya intoned menacingly.

While Renji was feeling brave and confident that the weak captain wouldn't kill him outright, he hesitated.

"Ah, uh...just that she was helping with the rescue and healing."

"So?"

"Uh...well, she said that I see you don't, uh...stand here all day and uh...move out of bed after lunch. Wait, did you have your tea yet?"

Simply raising an elegant eyebrow at him, Byakuya waited.

"Shit, she's gonna kill me! But taicho, if she doesn't find you, she was coming to get you herself."

"Ask her not to bother, Renji. I am already leaving for the barracks; I have to go through recruitment and training the green."

"Taicho, she is not coming alone. She, uh, oh shi-"

"Don't waste my time and breath, Abarai! See to the patrolling schedule."

"Uh, taicho?"

"Send for Yanase. I will leave for district 80 to the south-west by moonrise to-"

"Where do you think you are leaving to Kuchiki-taicho?" A dangerously sweet voice called from somewhere behind.

Chills ran through Byakuya's weak, trembling body and panic flickered for a moment in platinum eyes. How could he have missed their presence? He was supposed to make leave before encountering them and now it was too late. He could only blame Abarai for being indolent.

"Nii-sama!" It seemed Rukia had come along and it gave him an excuse to turn to the women and avoid the eyes of the fourth division captain.

Somewhere now facing Byakuya's back, Renji sighed and mumbled 'I told you so'.

Before steel eyes could throw a glare behind him at his lieutenant, Rukia like the dear sister she was took to the task.

"You pine head! Didn't I tell you to not let him out of the bed?"

Slightly flushing and looking at his toes, Renji started to defend himself, rather badly.

"Well, taicho has not even been back at the division for lunch and never listens to me. I was asking him to come back to rest, I swear!"

"What! You didn't serve lunch to Nii-sama, you idiot! If something happens to him, I will kill you!"

While the two ranted rather enthusiastically or rather one did while the other cowered behind his captain, Unohana Yachiru stared at her prey, uh, patient.

"Byakuya-san, did Renji say you skipped lunch? Hanatarou has already brought me complaints about you taking off mandatory rest at leisure but I didn't know somebody of your calibre and lawfulness could be so careless towards their self."

Rukia and Renji had stopped fighting watching with wide eyes. Rukia was actually secretly pleased. Byakuya was hard-headed but he needed a woman's concern to really make him listen.

Renji was also pleased, mostly to have his stubborn captain get schooled.

Byakuya was startled. The captain was reprimanding him in front of everyone.

Clearing his throat, the noble made to deny such accusations.

"Unohana-taicho, I assure you I take plenty care of myself and of my duties. In fact, I was just leaving to take my lunch. Do not mind me for I am hale but those wounded and barely alive need your critical attention post-haste. Now if you will excuse me."

Before Byakuya could escape, Unohana had already pinned him with her increased reiatsu and temper.

"Isane is already looking to that, Byakuya-san. I have been personally sent by soutaicho so I could keep an eye on any sneaking captains who are too obstinate for their own good. I am coming here after dealing with Zaraki-san. Do not test my patience. I will not hesitate to knock you out and tie you to your room until you are well, captain."

Somewhere behind them Renji snickered, Rukia punched the redhead but Byakuya wasn't listening. He didn't know if his body shook because of weakness or fear anymore. Contrarily, it wasn't her fearsome true self he had glimpsed before that made him uneasy. He was quite sure if he didn't submit to the lady captain after her scolding him like a boy, she would pull him by the ear and as well carry out her threat, publicly.

"I see your reasons are compelling, Unohana-taicho. If you would like to accompany me to lunch-"

"Oh I insist! Kuchiki-taicho, though it is teatime. And before I leave, Abarai-san, please refrain from disturbing your captain tonight, I will see that he has enough rest today, all orders are hereby superseded by the chief medical officer's authority. Now, shall we?"