Chapter 1
My Debt To Byakuya Kuchiki
I smooth out my nicest yukata as I walk up the path to the Kuchiki residence. I know that Byakuya will never even hear me, not after what my sister did to his family, but I must try and talk to him. As I walk up the two steps to the front door, I take a deep breath. "Calm down, Nanami," I tell myself, even though I know that I can't. I knock, and a servant answers. "I am here to request a meeting with Byakuya Kuchiki," I tell him. "Is Kuchiki-sama expecting you?" He asks. "No," I say, "He isn't." "Well," the servant tells me, "if you wait here for a second, I will check if he will see you." "There will be no need for that." Byakuya steps in, and I immediately bow. "I will not see you," he says, "You don't belong here. Go home Nanami. If you wanted to apologize for your sister she should have come here herself." "With all due respect, Kuchiki-sama, my sister is in prison and is unable to do so because of her crimes toward your family." I say. "Enough," Byakuya replies, "and good day." Right as the door is about to shut, and hand reaches out and stops it. Hisana, his wife, joins Byakuya at the door. I bow deeply again at the sight of her."Byakuya," she chides him, "This girl is obviously seeking forgiveness for her sister. I believe it would be appropriate if we would hear her out." "But Hisana-" he begins. "Nonsense!" she cuts him off, midsentence. "Nanami, follow me, we will talk inside."
Inside the Kuchiki home is a marvelous collection of expensive items, things practically unheard of in district 78. Hisana notices me gaping, and laughs, saying, "I did the same thing when Byakuya first invited me to his home. It's a lot to get used to." I nodded, open mouthed, as we walked into the room where we appeared to be talking. I sit down, and Nisana prompts me to begin talking. "I have come here to apologize, on my sister's behalf, for her actions," I say, "and to see if there is anyway that I can repay you for her crimes." Hisana turns to Byakuya as if pondering something and says, "She could be my personal servant. I would enjoy the company." Byakuya gives me a scalding look and says, "Why should we take her? Her sister stole from us, and brought shame to our family. Everyone in the Seireitei is questioning my abilities, wondering if I'm capable of protecting the entire 6th Division, because, apparently, I can't even protect my own possessions from petty thieves like her sister." "You know very well that those mutterings will stop eventually," Hisana told him, "and taking in the girl's sister to repay her debt will show up well with the Soul Society." "No!" Byakuya finished, "I have told you, I will not take scum like her into servitude." "I was from District 78 as well, Byakuya," Hisana was barely whispering now. "You once considered me scum as well." That appeared to hit a nerve with him. His expression softened. "But Hisana... I..." he was saying. "Fine. I'll take the girl." "Oh thank you Kuchiki-sama!" I exclaimed. "And thank you Hisana-sama!" "It's nothing," said Hisana, "You begin at eight tomorrow." And thus began my servitude for the Kuchiki clan.