HELLO! HELLO! HELLO!
I am back with the next installment in Rani's story. I was debating on actually writing this due to past reviews, but after restarting Bleach (anime and manga), I guess you could say I was inspired. I am currently deciding if I want to turn off reviews, but for right now they will stay "on" until I decide otherwise. I do have some notes/notices though:
1. If you haven't read the first part to this story, you may want to. You might miss jokes that I may reference, etc. This story starts pretty much right where the first part ends.
2. I finished WE-I back in April 2016, which means my captains and lieutentants don't really match up to what Tite Kubo did in his manga. I am keeping my list for the most part. The only ones I got right were Rukia Kuchiki and Isane Kotetsu. If you would like me to write up a list of my captains and lieutenants, leave me a message and I will reply. If I get enough requests, I may make a side chapter that shows it.
3. I am not sure how long I am going to make this, but it definitely won't be 100 chapters like WE-I...but these chapters will be about 10 pages typed in Pages...at this point I can barely finish chapter 2 (have two pages left and I really haven't outlined this story so I am winging it)...
4. I don't have a set schedule for updating, so please don't bug me to quickly update. I am doing it at my own pace, and sharing this story when I complete the chapters.
Waterfall Eclipse II: The Lost Clan
Chapter One:
Everything was going well in the Soul Society. Captain Kuchiki surprised Rani with an immediate week long patrol in the Living World upon their return, but she took it in stride and went down to Karakura Town to do her job. She ran into the Kurosakis and discussed married life with Karin and Yuzu.
When it was time to head back, Rani said her goodbyes to everyone and was surprised to find that Toshiro was her relief.
"Seriously?" she asked him when he came out of the Senkaimon.
"Yeah. The captain commander thought it would be funny." he replied as he pulled her into a hug.
"I really don't see the humor in this."
"I'll be gone for three days. Can you manage without me?"
"I suppose I could find something to do." Rani replied with a grin and a forced sigh causing him to smile.
"Good. Maybe in your free time you can try and find out about that crest." he suggested causing her to smile.
"Very true. Tomorrow is my day off. I can hit the Gotei 13 Hall of Records and library."
"That will kill one day. Then Monday is your day with Lily, and then you work Tuesday. By Tuesday night, I should be home."
"Gotcha! Have fun! I should head back."
"See you Tuesday."
"Oh, and Toshiro?" she received a small sound as a reply. "Go see Karin. It's been a while."
"All right." he replied smiling.
"So enthusiastic." Rani teased and then headed into the Senkaimon.
Once through, she headed to Squad Six and wrote out the rest of her report before handing it in to her captain, who didn't even bother to look her in the eye when taking it.
"Have a good night lieutenant." Before she could resist he put his hand up. "You've been on duty for seven days. Go. Home."
Rani reluctantly agreed before heading out her door and making her way to Squad Ten, where her home had now been relocated to. She made her way through, was greeted by most of the Shinigami that were walking around, and then walked strait to the captain's quarters.
Since they had only just gotten back the day before she was sent to the Living World, there wasn't much time for her to unpack, so she opted to kill time by doing so. Once that was finished, she made herself a quick bite to eat before relaxing in the huge tub that Toshiro, well she now too, had.
That night Rani was tossing and turning at the dream she was having. She also kept waking up not knowing what exactly was going on.
In the morning, Rani woke up and had no energy to deal with anything. And although she desperately wanted to know about the crest, she was too tired to get up and go to the Hall of Records and library to even attempt any research. She chose to switch from the tea she had the previous night to a nice chamomile blend that helped her fall asleep.
She woke up more rested and she then headed over to the Kuchiki Manor for her scheduled day with Lily.
"RANI!"
Rani whipped around at the screaming of her name and smiled. Lily was making her way over to her grinning from ear to ear.
"I am so glad you're back. And when daddy told me he sent you to the Living World for a week, I wanted to cry! That was like two weeks I haven't seen you."
"It's okay, Lily. I missed you too."
"Are you okay? You seem…sad."
"I had a rough night the other night. I couldn't really sleep, but it was what I was dreaming about that has me so on edge."
"That's no fun! Where's your husband?"
"Toshiro's in the Living World now until tomorrow night. He was my relief."
"That's…just…cruel."
Rani laughed.
"That's what I thought too."
"What did you want to do today?"
"I haven't the slightest. Maybe just walk around."
"I can agree to that. The cherry blossoms are blooming right now, if you're interested in seeing them."
"Okay."
"OH! I need to show you what the gardener did. Follow me!" Lily said as she started to walk away from Rani at a semi-quick pace.
"Okay, hold on!"
Rani followed Lily through the grounds over to her room.
"I don't understand."
"Look! Look at what he planted!" The ten year old said excitedly as she pointed to four pots on the ground and two on the windows.
Rani looked at the flowers that were in there.
"Are those "
"Lilies! He planted lilies! Isn't that awesome?"
"Well, it's plain to see that you're excited." Rani teased. "Are there different kinds?"
"Yes. He planted four. There's Stargazer, Alchemy, Chambertin, and Orange Crush. I love them all, but the Stargazer is my favorite." Lily replied excitedly as she pointed to each. "They all bloom in August at one point, but I am so happy they are all blooming right now."
Rani was still smiling as she looked at all of the flowers.
"And he said he was going to do some more research on other types of lilies so that I could have some all year."
"Why now?"
"You know, I am not quite entirely sure." Lily said with a giggle. "But I am so glad he did it."
Rani shook her head.
"Follow me. I need to show you something else."
Rani happily obliged and followed the bouncing girl into another building, one that she had never been in before. Once inside she saw a bunch of painted canvases lined up against the wall and on some stands as well.
"Look! I painted those!"
"Wow! You have one heckuva talent there, young lady." Rani complimented as she walked closer to the paintings. "Such detail."
"Of course, I painted the lilies, but I will try other things as well."
"Free hand?"
"Well, no. I drew them first and then painted. It was easier that way for me." Lily explained. "But even daddy said you could barely see the lines."
"I am very impressed." Rani proudly stated. "When did you discover this talent?"
"I was messing around in here one day a while back. I just randomly picked up a brush and some paint and had fun."
"That's really impressive at your young age. You realize that, right?"
"Yes, of course I do." Lily beamed. "My goal is to make one for each of the captain and lieutenants in the Gotei 13. Daddy doesn't know that part yet."
"Your secret is safe with me." Rani stated as she gave Lily a squeeze on the shoulder. "Are you going to give them all paintings of lilies?"
"Well…no. Daddy will probably want cherry blossoms, but I need to figure out what else I can paint."
"Well, that's going to be a difficult thing to decide."
"I was thinking for Captain Abarai to do his Bankai, but I don't know. And for Lieutenant Matsumoto a sake set." Lily added with a giggle.
"That's hysterical. She'd laugh at it, but I am sure there would be something else she would like."
"And I have an idea for Aunt Rukia, but I don't know."
Rani looked at her puzzled.
"Um, well, it has to do with her Bankai. I have never seen it, and I don't know who has, but I keep hearing daddy praising her for it and he keeps saying how 'magnificent' it is."
"Hm. I would ask him, but he'd probably give me one helluva lecture. Why not ask her?"
"I am afraid, and I want it to be a surprise."
"Let me do some research for you on everyone."
"OH THANK YOU!" the young girl squealed.
"All right, calm down now. You don't want your great-grandfather coming in here."
"True. Come on. Let's go for a walk."
The two left the small building and walked around the grounds. Around five o'clock Rani said her goodbyes and headed back to Squad Ten to try and get some rest.
Unfortunately, a peaceful night's sleep was not in the cards for her again. Rani again had a very restless sleep as she tossed and turned, and woke herself up on several occasions.
By the time the sun decided to rise, she was already awake and miserable.
"Toshiro comes home tonight. Toshiro comes home tonight." She kept repeating to herself as she started to get ready for the day.
She went into the bathroom, splashed some cold water on her face and then looked in the mirror before groaning.
"Well, great! I look horrendous." Rani said out loud as she started to brush out her hair and then put it up into a new pony tail.
She looked to her right and saw her Asauchi leaning against the wall and sighed.
"One of these days, Taki Nisshoku, I am going to use you to chop off this mop." She half jokingly threatened as she picked it up and headed out the door.
She quickly and quietly made her way to Squad Six where her captain was already working at his desk. She greeted him and then sat down and started on her pile.
Captain Kuchiki knew something was going on because he kept catching her rubbing her eyes and struggling with the paperwork. Normally, he knew, she'd be flying through the files going over everything and would finish within two hours. Not this time. She was obviously distracted, and he honestly did not know how to approach her on the subject. He bit his tongue and continued with his work before leaving for his meeting with the captain commander and the other captains, excluding Toshiro since he would still be in the Living World on patrol.
When he came back two hours later, he found her hunched over with her head on her desk.
"I am hoping, lieutenant, that you aren't sleeping on the job."
"No, sir, I am not." Rani replied as she sat upright. "I'm sorry. I just didn't sleep well last night, or two nights before that."
"Are you finally finished?"
"Finished? What? Oh, yeah, everything that you need to sign is on your desk and Shirogana came and picked up everything else to be filed."
"Go to Squad Four. See Captain Kotetsu."
"Yes, sir." Rani said as she stood up. "Thank you." she added before leaving.
Rani made the trek to Squad Four and was seen immediately by Captain Kotetsu.
"Are you all right Lieutenant To-er..Hitsugaya?"
Rani let out a small chuckle before answering the Squad Four captain.
"I don't know. Just not sleeping well. Restless nights Saturday night and last night."
"Did you try chamomile tea?"
"Saturday no, Sunday yes, and last night yes, but it didn't work last night." Rani answered as the captain did a once over on her.
"Well, nothing is different with your levels. Everything seems fine."
"Maybe I just have too much on my mind."
"That could be, but I doubt Captain Kuchiki would have ordered you here unless he thought something else was the matter."
"Does it depend on the dream?"
"Not necessarily." she replied. "But I'll give you a stronger sleeping tea for the next few nights. If that doesn't work, let me know, but give it a few days."
"Okay. What kind of tea is it?"
"An old herbal blend recipe we found the recipe for. Primitive, but it works." the captain answered as she rummaged through her cabinet. "Ah! Here it is!"
Captain Kotetsu handed her a small bag enough for three cups of tea and then let her be on her way.
"Should I go back to work?"
"It's only two, so yeah. If your captain sends you away, then that is fine, but don't drink that tea unless you are about thirty minutes from going to sleep. It's quick and packs a punch."
"Yes, ma'am." Rani said with a smile.
She made her way back to her squad and went back to the office.
"That was quick." her captain observed.
"Captain Kotetsu said I could come back to work for the last few hours. What she gave me should help me sleep tonight, but I can't take it before I am ready to go to bed."
"Ah, the really strong stuff. I haven't seen it be used in a very long time."
"You know about it?"
"Rani, I do enjoy my tea." he replied and looking at her semi-shocked expression. "What?"
"Oh, uh, well, it's just that you never call me by my first name." she admitted.
"Ignore my slip-up."
"Sure." Rani said slightly amused and not sure if she was detecting the slightest form of embarrassment from him.
"What did you think of Lily's paintings?" he asked catching her off guard.
"Very beautiful. I didn't realize she even had that talent." Rani admitted with a smile.
"I am glad she can do something to keep her busy like that. She's truly focused when it comes to painting. And now it seems she is refusing to let any of us in that studio."
"Oh, really? That's shocking." she replied trying to hide the small smile she formed.
"You know why. She told us you knew."
Rani bit her lip as she smiled.
"I do, but if she's refusing to tell you why, what makes you think I am going to reveal her secret?"
Captain Kuchiki raised his eyebrow at that.
"I don't like surprises."
"Well, she and I both hope that you'll like this one. And leave her be. You already said it. You are glad she is keeping herself busy doing something."
"This is true. Just as long as she doesn't paint the walls."
Rani chuckled.
"Don't worry. All of the paint will be on the canvases. That, I can assure you, at least."
"I appreciate that."
Rani smiled and then continued her work finishing up her day. She then headed back to her new home, made herself something small to eat, and then relaxed before deciding to call it a night. Going to bed early one night wouldn't kill her, and if it made her wake up earlier, she was fine with that. So, she put the tea kettle on and scooped out enough of the new tea leaves for one cup before pouring. She drank it before climbing into the bed and getting under the covers. And just as Captain Kotetsu stated, it was quick. The herbal blend knocked Rani out.
When Toshiro came home, he accidentally knocked over a table and screamed. Hearing no response from his wife, he grew worried and walked a bit faster into the kitchen, where he found the medicinal tea. Now, even more puzzled, he went into the bedroom and found her asleep.
"Rani?" He said softly, but got no response.
Toshiro sighed and then chose to change before joining her, and worried for her current health.
In the morning, Rani woke up slowly, feeling refreshed and energized. She also noticed that there was an arm wrapped around her, holding tightly. She moved her arm and placed it over his.
"Morning." he said groggily as he snuggled into the back of her neck.
"What time did you get home?"
"Like eight, maybe. You were..uh..out cold."
"Yeah, that was from the tea Captain Kotetsu gave me."
He sat up and looked at her.
"Are you okay?"
She sat up as well and then leaned over onto him.
"Yeah. I think so. I just haven't been sleeping well." she started to explain. "I guess you could say I've been having nightmares?"
"That's not good."
"No. I haven't had a nightmare that kept me that sleepless since I was living in the Rukongai."
"How was it last night?"
"Fine. Slept great! Now if only I could have that tea every night for the rest of my life, I'd be all set."
"I don't think it's meant to be a permanent solution. You don't even know what's in it."
"No, but Captain Kuchiki has heard about it before."
"Which makes it really old." he teased. "Come on. Let's have some breakfast."
Over the course of the next two months, everything was fine for Rani. She didn't have any repeats of the nightmare that had been plaguing her. She kept her mind on other things, for the sake of everyone, and she did help Lily with figuring out what to paint for all of the captains and lieutenants. That proved to be a feat in itself.
Rani made her way over to Kuchiki Manor and met up with Lily in the studio, as Captain Kuchiki now had decided to call it.
"Wow. These are coming out so well." Rani complimented Lily, who was working on the painting for Captain Kotestu.
"Thanks." Lily replied. "I just started this one yesterday."
"You're quick. I am thinking you'll be done by the end of next month at this rate."
"Funny, Rani. I doubt that." Lily replied giggling. "I was also considering painting some for Kiyomi and Umeko."
"I am sure they would love that, but finish your current goal first."
"Good idea." Lily said as she put her brushes in a cup of water to rinse them off. "So have you started your search yet for information about that crest?"
"Yes, but I am having no luck whatsoever."
"Have you asked daddy? I mean, the Kuchiki Clan are the ones in charge of preserving the history of the Soul Society."
"I don't want to bug the captain about that."
"Rani! Seriously?"
"What?" she asked confused causing Lily to let out a frustrated groan and face-palm herself.
"You should just ask him." Lily answered. "And they say I am the younger, less mature one."
Rani let out a chuckle before the two decided to go for a walk.
Three days later, Rani was tossing and turning again, which worried Toshiro once he realized why the bed was moving so much. He sat there and waited for her to either calm down or wake herself up.
~~Dream~~
Rani found herself in a chaotic and very noisy scene. Men and women were yelling, armed with torches and other weapons. Fires were lit in various locations and smoke from those fires were causing visibility to be low.
Rani was confused. She wasn't sure where she was exactly, but she swore she was still in the Soul Society. And since she hasn't been outside of the Rukongai or necessary Gotei 13 buildings, she really wasn't sure where in the Soul Society she was.
"Let's get them!" one of the men yelled to the others.
"They need to pay for their unfair treatment of us!" another yelled in agreement.
Rani was then pulled to the main room of the building where the crowd was getting violent and killing anyone who defended the building. Rani saw bodies of servants and what could have been the master of the house lying on the ground, bleeding out and some still gasping for air.
Rani wanted to wake up, but her body wasn't allowing her to. She was stuck watching the gruesome attack take place. It was one thing to kill Hollows and the like, but to kill other souls in the Soul Society, regardless of status was just wrong - and unacceptable.
Suddenly, Rani heard a man yell which caused her to jerk her head up. She saw him coming at her with a katana and Rani couldn't move.
"AH!" she screamed forgetting that she was invisible.
~End Dream~
Rani's scream also happened in reality, which caused her to wake herself up, and sit up breathing heavily. She clenched her shirt above her heart as she caught her breath.
"Rani, are you all right?" Toshiro asked after catching his breath from being startled by the scream.
"Yeah." She said softly as she turned slightly to face him. "That damn dream. It's back. And it's bits and pieces, like a puzzle, but I think it all fits together somehow." she said and then swallowed. "I am sorry for waking you."
Toshiro softly smiled, not sure of what to say. He gently put his arm around her and pulled her over onto him, embracing her into a hug. He rested his chin on her head as she wrapped her arm around his torso.
"It's okay. I was awake before you screamed yourself awake."
"Why didn't you wake me up?"
"I am not entirely sure why I didn't, but I think I wanted to see if you would." he answered and then kissed the top of her head. "Maybe you should swing by Squad Four before heading into work. Get more of that medicinal tea."
"Yeah, I suppose I should." Rani reluctantly agreed.
The two slowly got up and got ready for their day, much to their dismay.
"This is going to be a long day." Rani moaned as they were leaving their residence.
Well, there's chapter one for you. The whole "The Lost Clan" subtitle may change, but for right now I am going with that. I hope you enjoyed this and I look forward to your comments and thoughts.
Thanks for reading!
~Kirby42280~