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Gypsies Don't Have Ghosts
Chapter One: Ace of Pentacles
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The Fifth Division's newest member knocked nervously against the door.
"Come in," said a soft, but clearly masculine voice.
The she-Shinigami took a gulp of breath and ventured into the office. A man with brown hair and square-rim glasses was seated behind a large mahogany desk.
"Ah, you must be Nabiku-san," he said with a smile. He rose from his chair and maneuvered around his desk to shake her hand. "Aizen Sousuke, captain of the 5th Division."
"Nabiku Hisana, 5th Seat of the 5th Division," she introduced, shaking his outstretched hand.
"Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. Hisana sat down as Aizen resumed his original place.
"I do apologize for not taking the time to meet you before this," said Aizen, "but with the time crunch the Soutaicho has me under, I have had to leave all the interviewing and hiring to my lieutenant."
"It wasn't a problem, sir. Ichimaru-fukutaicho was quite…welcoming," Hisana said, crossing her fingers behind her back. "A little unorthodox, I will admit, but welcoming none the less."
Aizen smiled wearily. "That is Gin's way, I suppose. Don't worry, you will grow accustomed to him in due time."
Hisana watched as Aizen opened the file that had been laying on his desk.
"Your record is impressive, Miss Nabiku. I always consider it an advantage when an officer has extensive medical training."
"Thank you, sir."
"The only thing I wish to discuss is this." He slid the file over so Hisana could see her medical history.
"It says here that you have been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy," said Aizen. "Forgive me, but I have never heard of such an illness. Could you please elaborate?"
"Of course, Taicho. Takotsubo is a condition where the tissue around the patient's heart is far weaker than normal. It can be hereditary, but often the onset of the ailment is when the patient has chronic, unresolved emotional stress. Because of this, it is more commonly referred to as Broken-Heart Syndrome. Thankfully because of my time in the 4th Division I have learned how to perform the kido therapy myself, so I needn't troop over to Unohana-taicho every month. I assure you, my condition will not come in the way of my duties."
"Very well. But if ever there is a problem, do not hesitate to come to me. The safety and health of my subordinates are my top priority," said Aizen.
"Of course, sir," said Hisana.
"Alright, then. That was my only immediate concern," said Aizen. "Now why don't you tell me a little about yourself?"
Hisana blinked slowly. "What did you want to know?"
"Anything you feeling comfortable disclosing. Interests, hobbies, etc. You are among my top five officers, so I believe it's important that we have a basic personal connection."
At that point a servant had walked in with a tray laden with a steaming teapot, two cups, and a variety of finger foods. Aizen immediately waved off the servant politely and started to pour the tea himself. Hisana admitted she was impressed with his hospitality. He could maybe rival Kyoraku-taicho in that department.
"I must say I wasn't expecting this. Arigatou, Aizen-taicho," she said and she took the cup of tea that her captain handed her. He reseated himself with his own steaming cup.
"Think nothing of it," he said. "I do hope you like mint tea, Nabiku-san."
"It's delicious," said Hisana after the first sip.
"I thought I would try traditional Moroccan mint tea since your folder said you were often deployed to North Africa to perform konso during your time in the 8th Division," said Aizen.
Hisana was flattered by his consideration and attention to detail. "Yes, most of work in the 8th Division was konso-related rather than Hollow-related. Ise-fukutaicho said that I was more apt at calming recently deceased humans than the men."
"The task does require some diplomacy," said Aizen. "I remember as a young cadet how Hirako-fukutaicho would send me all over the Living World to perform Konso. The language barrier is the greatest issue for many. Do you speak any other languages, Nabiku-san."
"French, Arabic and Turkish," Hisana listed. "And you, Aizen-taicho?"
"Throughout my duties I have used French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Czech, Russian, Farsi, Mandarin and Cantonese."
Hisana just gaped.
"It's amazing what one can accomplish in the six years at the Shinigami Academy," said Aizen. "That is why I chose not to graduate early, despite my professors' insistence. But enough about me. What do you like to do in your spare time?"
Hisana bit her lip nervously. "I…like to go visit my foster-grandmother in Rukongai." It wasn't as if the statement was false. She did often visit Nabiku-sama when the opportunity arose, it just wasn't the main reason that drew her back to Rukongai, and no amount of hospitality or tea was going to make her confess her shameful secret.
"You have a grandmother? How wonderful. Where does she live?"
"As of last year she had settled down in the 27th District in the eastern quadrant," said Hisana.
"I know of that area. Some of the finest ceramic craftsmen live is that district. Is she an artisan of some kind?" asked Aizen.
"No, she's a fortune-teller," said Hisana. "It brings her a modest income. People always like to think they can have control of their destinies, or at the very least know what their destiny is, even if they can't change it."
"The unknown can be quite intimidating," Aizen agreed. They talked for another twenty minutes until the clock in his office chimed one-o-clock. This is when the 5th Division captain excused himself, stating that he had a lecture to give at the Kido Corps.
"Again, welcome to the 5th Division, Nabiku-san," said Aizen with his arms outstretched. "This evening I am hosting a small reception for you in the southwest garden. It would honor me greatly if you were to attend."
"For me?" said Hisana.
"Yes, for you and the others. This week I have acquired new 4th, 5th, and 7th Seats. I want you all to feel as if this is your home."
"Arigatou, Aizen-taicho," said Hisana with a great bow. They both left the office, the door closing with a small chick."
"I will see you tonight, then," said Aizen. "I trust Gin has already showed you your room?"
"Yes."
"And is it to your liking?"
"Yes, the balcony has a wonderful view of your lily garden," said Hisana.
"Perfect," he said. "Then I bid you good day, Nabiku-san." He flashed her one last smile before shunpo-ing out of sight. Hisana exhaled. Feeling much better than how she had when she first entered the division that day, she descended the stairs and walked out into the winding streets of her new squadron. Perhaps this place wouldn't be so bad…
"There's lil' Hisana-chan!"
Hisana groaned inwardly. There was no mistaking that accent. She looked up to find her silver-haired lieutenant perched on the roof of the nearest building. He cocked his head to the side like an owl, observing her.
"Good afternoon, Ichimaru-fukutaicho," she said with a bow.
"Enjoy yer tea time with Aizen-taicho?" he asked, his smile never fading.
"Indeed I did. Thank you for asking, sir."
Gin jumped off the building and landed with feline grace in front of her. He leaned one shoulder casually against the wall, his arms crossed. "He musta told ya 'bout the little party tonight."
"He did."
"Ya goin'?"
"Of course," she said. "The question is whether you are going to grace us with your infamous calm-inducing presence." Hisana knew she was pushing it by using such a sarcastic tone with a superior, but her lieutenant couldn't honestly expect to cause such unease around his colleagues without occasionally receiving a rebuke now and again.
If anything, Gin's smile widened. "Oooo…kitty got claws."
"Not so much claws, Fukutaicho, but rather a low threshold for BS," she said. She walked past her lieutenant, only to have him follow her.
"Oh, and by the way, Kuchiki-fukutaicho came sniffin' 'round here lookin' fer ya again."
Hisana looked him in the eye, or rather…the slits of his eyes. "Really? Did he say anything?"
"Do I look like a hell butterfly?" he asked.
"Of course not, sir. I'll send Byakuya-sama a butterfly myself."
"Don't bother, he's already waitin' at the main gate. And when did he become Byakuya-sama?" His tone turned teasing. "What would a member of the Kuchiki clan possibly want wit' a silly lil' thing like yerself?"
"He's an old friend, Fukutaicho," said Hisana.
"Right…that's why they all say," Gin jeered, though he had finally stopped following her.
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Byakuya did not indulge himself often. He was a lieutenant of the Gotei 13. Rarely did he have the time to dabble in mere trivialities. He had responsibilities, both to his division and to his family that never went away. True relaxation was not something he normally prioritized, but for today, he was willing to make an exception.
One of his oldest friends had received a promotion, and it would have been dishonorable of him not celebrate the moment with her. He had taken her to lunch at his favorite Mongolian restaurant along Fakona Plaza in between the 5th and 6th Divisions. She seemed to have enjoyed the outing wholeheartedly, each smile tugging insistently at his heartstrings. Although this sensation had happened before in her presence, he'd never felt it to this degree.
Now the two Shinigami under the shade of a sakura tree alongside the creek in his division's courtyard. It was a hot summer day in the middle of July with the sun's rays pelting mercilessly. In his hands was a plastic cup that was filled to the brim with shaved ice. Usually Byakuya would not partake in such a messy treat, but given the weather and his friend's insistence as she tugged his sleeve towards the street vendor, he relented. And though he would not admit it in front of her, it did parch his throat in a most delicious way. He took another spoonful of ice, the blue color signifying his choice of blueberry, and brought it to his mouth.
"Byakuya-sama?"
The young noble turned to the woman at his side. She was seated with her with her legs tucked neatly beneath her. She had dark messy tresses that stuck out at odd angles, but oddly she did not appear unkempt in any fashion. Her blue eyes were large, doe-eyed and innocent, contradicting what he knew her history to have been in Rukongai, one filled with despair and hardship.
"Yes, Hisana?" he said.
"What is your favorite number?" she asked.
He raised a brow. "And you need this information because….?"
"No reason," she quipped with a small smile. "I've just started to take a shine to numerology."
"Is that so? Last I was aware you were fixated on palmistry," said Byakuya.
Hisana waved her hand dismissively. "In the past. There are so many other domains to explore." She scooped up some of her maroon, pomegranate-flavored shaved ice and ate.
She'd always had an interest in astrology, tarot cards, and other variants of divination. Byakuya did not believe Hisana to be genuinely superstitious, but rather these activities held a sense of nostalgia for her. She had survived to the brutal streets of Inuzuri by joining a traveling gypsy troupe. More specifically she had been taken in by the group's aging fortune-teller, whose surname she now bear.
"My favorite number…is four," he finally divulged.
"Four?" she said. "And what meaning does the number four hold for you?"
"The number four symbolizes structure and foundation. It is a number deeply embedded in nature. There are four directions, four seasons, and four elements."
The she-Shinigami placed her two forefingers to her lips, making an 'hmmm' sound.
"Fairly astute. You're right of course, four does mean all those things," she said. "I myself have a connection with the number four, but that has come to an end. I'm in the 5th Division now. Not only that, but I'm the 5th Seat of the 5th Division. I wonder how the energy of Five will play out in my future endeavors…"
Byakuya sat silently as she carried on with the meanings of five and ten. Just like anything else in life, there were both benefits and disadvantages to her new position. Before this Hisana had been the 9th seat of the 4th Division. There she served as the assistant director of the rehabilitation center where she engaged patients in kido therapy to minimize the amount of scarring of particularly deep wounds. While Byakuya was truly happy for Hisana's advancement, he worried how she would transition from healing to a more general, combative division like the one she was in. Not that she didn't have any experience outside the 4th Division; the first squadron she entered after graduation was the 8th Division, but she was only an unseated cadet at that time with a captain who wouldn't dare assign her anything beyond her abilities.
Now she was a 5th seat, meaning she would start to receive assignments similar to his own. That concerned Byakuya a great deal. Logically he knew that Aizen-taicho would not grant her the post unless she was fully prepared for it. Nevertheless…
"You have that look on your face again," said Hisana.
Byakuya snapped out of his reverie and knitted his brows together. "What look?"
"That 'I want Hisana-chan to stay safe and locked away in the 4th Division,' look," she specified.
"I do not," he denied.
"Do too."
"Do not."
Hisana stifled a giggle. "You're so cute when you get caught."
Byakuya huffed with an air of regal dignity only he was capable of.
"And you? What is your favorite number?" Byakuya asked in an attempt to divert the conversation. It seemed like an innocent enough question, but Byakuya was not prepared for how Hisana raised a suggestive brow and lowered her gaze. He looked down and realized her eyes was set on his lieutenant's badge which was embossed with the number and flower of his division.
"Six symbolizes harmony, balance, love and truth," said Hisana. "We invoke the Six when we need delicate diplomacy when dealing with sensitive matters. Six is ruled by the planet Venus, enhancing its sensual mystic." She had reached out her hand and was stroking the lines of the kanji character along the badge. At this point several sakura petals had fallen onto her head and shoulders. Since she had instigated the breach in physical contact, Byakuya took it upon himself to brush the petals off, feeling her silky hair underneath his fingertips.
Suddenly a shadow beside the tree's loomed over them. Byakuya looked up and the 6th Division captain was towering in their wake.
"Byakuya," said the elderly man in his baritone voice. "Nabiku Hisana."
"Kuchiki-taicho," said Hisana. She immediately rose to her feet and bowed graciously. "Please forgive my intrusion upon your division."
Ginrei grunted softly. "If my lieutenant invited you, then I technically cannot consider you intrusive." The elderly captain turned to his grandson. "Byakuya, where is 3rd Seat Hatsumi?"
"If she had not returned from her Rukongai patrol, then I cannot vouch for her location," said Byakuya.
"I see," said Ginrei. "Be that as it may, she is scheduled to lead the advanced swordsmanship seminar in half an hour. If she is not found you will have to take her place."
"Hai, Taicho."
Ginrei then shifted his attention back to Hisana. "May I extend my congratulations to you in honor of your recent promotion, Nabiku-san."
"Kuchiki-taicho is far too kind," said Hisana, bowing again. "And your shoulder, sir? I trust three is no more pain?"
Ginrei rolled his shoulder experimentally. "Indeed. Unohana-taicho has informed me that my healing sessions with you are no longer necessary."
"I am glad to hear it, sir," she said. "Well, Kuchiki-fukutaicho, I shall not take up any more of your time if you have other duties to attend to."
Byakuya bowed. "It was an honor, 5th Seat Nabiku."
Hisana flicked one last sakura petal off her shoulder and walked along the creek towards the exit, a happy bounce in her step. Byakuya watch her go with a strong sense of longing. Hopefully he could arrange another outing with her by next week.
"She has done well for herself," said Ginrei when she was finally out of earshot.
"Yes," said Byakuya.
"I still remember that fateful patrol in Inuzuri," the captain recalled. "The look on your face when you realized she had pick-pocketed you…priceless."
"Yes, sir," he said quietly.
"On a more serious note…" Ginrei began in a lower voice. "Sooner or later you will have to give Hatsumi's family an answer."
"I have already written a letter to the Hatsumi estate stating that I have no desire for a marital union and expressed my sincere apologies," said the lieutenant.
"You know full well that's not good enough, Byakuya," said his grandfather ruefully. "The only answer any noble family is going to register at this point is if you choose a bride. Staying a bachelor is not an option."
"I will conduct the swordsmanship seminar," said Byakuya, ignoring his grandfather's last comment as he walked past him. "No doubt Hatsumi's absence is a ploy so she can later apologize and invite me to dinner in order compensate for this inconvenience on my part."
Ginrei signed and looked back towards the path that Hisana had taken. He hummed thoughtfully. Uncharacteristically, the 6th Division captain licked his forefinger and then pointed it upwards.
"Taicho, what are you doing?" Byakuya asked.
"Just testing the wind, my dear grandson," he said.
"The wind?"
"Yes, for it seems to have shifted," said Ginrei.
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Author's Note: I wrote a ByaXHisa novel a long time ago, Senbonzakura, that I've since deleted since it was my first fanfic and it therefore sucked like you couldn't imagine (it was partly uploaded again with my permission by someone else). I'm considering retelling the same plotline here, but in a far more realistic way that is devoid of any Mary-Sue-ness. I'll see what people think of this first.