This fan fic is something I've been working on ever since I seen the last episode of the Soul Society arc. This story takes place from that point, so there may be spoilers.
I got to thinking, what actually happened to Hisana? What could drive a man to become so stoic and cerebral? This is my creative interpretation that has been taking up all my time; sorry to all my Twisted fans, I'll get right back on it - the next chapter is in my computer, and I'll be uploading it soon!
The rating for this is Mature because of language and some suggestive themes. I may bust it down to Teen because it might not be as bad as it seems. Let me know what you think!
I don't own Bleach either. Man, now I need some good news to cheer me up.
Reflections
In the isolated temple of Seireitei he contemplated his life. The noble house of Kuchiki clan fell under his jurisdiction alone, and he seen to it that everything ran accordingly. Order and justice were of highest priority; with those ramifications peace would be sure to flourish throughout Soul Society.
A chance meeting with a ryoka boy changed that methodology, scattered to the wind his philosophy that he carefully constructed over the centuries. Kurosaki Ichigo was a bane of existence; he would regret that self righteous attitude. Not that it really mattered.
Unfortunately, that boy had power. More than enough to admit to anyone in Seireitei he found, as even the captain class failed to apprehend him. That kind of strength was dangerous to underestimate. Logically, captain level shinigami of the thirteen court squads lost to a substitute soul reaper from that reason alone. A fair share of these so called captains suffered from abhorrently huge egos; it was only a matter of time before even a small threat would crumble that foundation.
So came a chance meeting with this ryoka. He hardly considered his match a defeat or even a stalemate; just a chance to see what this Kurosaki boy could do. Hot around the collar, waiving his zanpakuto to the heavens as he would taunt anyone who would listen.
He wanted to save Kuchiki Rukia.
The idea itself was ludicrous; rules set in Seireitei were kept for a reason. Upholding order in such a large society is more important ones own personal feelings. Setting an example of one person will save countless from making the same mistake. Those rules have been passed down for millennia to preserve the Soul Society's integrity.
She is your sister!
More than one person pointed that obvious relationship to said convict. How did that matter in the eyes of justice? All the more reason to permit the execution, as family ties could not destroy the integrity of peace.
"Captain." A voice called from behind.
A gaze traveled to the newcomer. He was hardly surprised to see his subordinate. Abarai could hardly contain his reiatsu even when he tried to mask its presence. This vice captain had promise, but lacked refined dignity. It was to be expected from someone originally from Rukongai district, a raw primeval and primitive emotion of anger literally permeated this man's atmosphere.
A nod incurred Abarai to speak.
"I thought that you would like to know sir, that Kuchiki Rukia is stable and resting at Fourth division." Renji bowed slightly to his commanding officer, a determined refrain from wincing at still freshly closed wounds; Senbonzakura's teeth were sharp. Eyes affixed to his captain, he waited for a response that wouldn't come.
Renji couldn't believe the man. Was he so reposed that he couldn't show relief that Rukia was okay? That's some gratitude.
"Was there anything else, Abarai?" as the icy gaze turned back toward the window overlooking Seireitei.
The nerve! At least he could say thank you.
"No, Captain." Renji muttered as he started to turn away.
"Abarai." A curt response made it to his ears.
"Hai, Taicho."
"A meeting of the court guards will be held early tomorrow morning to announce disciplinary measures taken for your rebellion and aid toward the ryoka. Make sure you are present." Emotion lacked in those words, each ending with calculated finality that could only be executed by this one man: Kuchiki Byakuya.
As though the cold blade of Senbonzakura ran him through, the words pierced Renji's soul and reduced him to a shiver.
"Hai. Taicho." Was the only response he could muster.
Abarai's reiatsu dissipated, marking his departure from the Seireitei. Through the isolated window, he could see the red-haired vice captain march toward Fourth squad. Very predicable, but such could be an endearing quality - one could suppose.
To Byakuya, his concern seemed a waste of time.
Ever since the battle with that invading ryoka, trouble plagued his conscience. Normally such thoughts would be dismissed, stoically submitted for purging in other parts of his mind, filed away like all other unnecessary emotions and distractions so more productive endeavors could be accomplished. No time for interruption now that the Soul Society began recuperative measure after the attack. Paperwork must be done, and the event had to be logged in the historic documents for future references. The Kuchiki clan was responsible for keeping records.
Subconsciously, his thoughts returned to the Kurosaki boy. With all the unrefined and crude behavior that the ryoka exuded, Byakuya couldn't help but pity him. What was more, he felt a connection to the temporary shinigami in a distant way.
His gaze roamed across the city from the wide window, seemingly trying to find an answer on the streets of Soul Society. What was this reoccurring thought that plagued him, and why couldn't he shake it off?
The response came quickly and ruthlessly as the destructive blade of Zangetsu in Kurosaki Ichigo's hand.
Kuchiki Byakuya seen himself in that brash young ryoka, though that man existed many centuries ago.
Yes, that Kuchiki would have stood for his family – his sister - before the Soukyoku fell. He would have somehow found a way to stop the execution. He would have faced off against every captain of the thirteen squads and the commander general himself to save her.
Save her. That was what he vowed. They both promised, actually - it seemed that the ryoka had a negative effect on his own vice captain. Unfortunate, as well; Abarai had been well on his way to becoming a talented captain, after another twenty years of proper training. This will probably not happen now, after the disciplinary action enforced tomorrow at the meeting. A shame really.
This world's disappointment seemed so vast. That hardly bothered Byakuya; since that time long ago, he had since purged himself of the misfortune to feel resentment or anger. Feelings were just a memory, distant and fleeting as time itself. They were unneeded, unappreciated and seemed to get in the way of the greater goal.
Right now the Seireitei needed to be rebuilt, and work needed to be done.
Though somehow the view transfixed him and prevented him from leaving; like he searched for something on the horizon that the landscape could not hope to lend him.
Hisana.
A thought that startled him, shook his stoic foundation to the core.
There may have been a time when a tear was shed for his departed wife. Byakuya's porcelain visage remained the same; nothing ever stained that cheek.
It was his fault she died.
"Damn it, that sonnofva bitch!" Renji's fist went though a wall. "It's impossible to get through to him!"
Rukia smiled lightly at her company. It was amusing to see Renji worked up over something, he was always so passionate about his ideals. After becoming vice captain it was something she had seen but rarely, as his duties and training had taken up a large majority of his time. It was nice to see that the boy she grew up with still existed in that husky exterior.
"And what the hell are you smiling about?" Somehow seeing her spirits lifted at his expense made a lighthearted smirk appear on his face. She always had that effect on him.
"Nothing. Nothing at all." The smile widened as her eyes sparkled.
"Ah, that's the Rukia I know." He plopped onto the corner of her bed and let out a heavy laden sigh. "There's a meeting tomorrow. About disciplinary action against me for collaborating with Ichi- I mean, the ryoka. I have a bad feeling."
Rukia's eyes became sullen again. Another person she cared for was going to suffer because of her.
Noticing he shift, Renji's attitude flipped. "But I mean, what could possibly happen – I'm the most talented vice captain there is! Don't worry about anything Rukia, I'm sure that the worst is over." A goofy smile spread across his face, approving the statement. Settling back down onto the bed, he switched topics. "I mean geez, I could probably got off easier if that brother of yours didn't always act like he's got a damn zanpakuto shoved up his ass."
Rukia's smile returned somewhat pensively. Renji was the only one who wasn't afraid to announce his feelings toward her adoptive brother, regardless of his nobility.
"Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got a mountain of paperwork to do before tomorrow. Get some rest." He kissed her lightly on the forehead and began to head out.
"Arigato, Renji." Rukia called to him before he left the doorway. His stride hesitated, stopping briefly to indicate that he heard. A sideways glance was sent over his shoulder, showing his ever confident smile on his face. An understanding was shared in that moment; the appreciative remark was for helping Ichigo and company reach their goal, as well as her rescue in the end. A silent nod, and he left the room.
A nightmare?
That youth certainly had an infectious spirit. Nightmares had never plagued him before.
Even with Byakuya's trained repose it was possible for him to wake up dazed in the middle of the night, the breath ragged and his body wet with sweat. The empty room stared back at him, shadows cast from a window the only company.
Hisana.
The name echoed in the room, in his mind.
Her death.
Why such irrelevant and tasteless memories surfaced now of all times eluded him. After years since his wife had been buried, long forgotten visions were being dredged from the depths of his mind. A waste of time. Meetings were to be held tomorrow for stabilization of the Seireitei and various structural habitations. To wake up in the middle of the night haunted by insipid dreams of the past slightly agitated him; there was no bearing on how any of this helped with rebuilding a stronger Soul Society.
A thought occurred to him. It would be a hassle to train a new assistant captain. Standing he pulled on his hadajuban and strode to his desk. He lit a candle to cast some light: Of course the Seireitei had full access to electricity, but the flame had a more appealing adjustment to the darkness. Official letterhead and pen were located with no difficulty, and as he sat at the desk he prepared the document.
A letter would be sent to the Commander General before the morning meeting.
"This meeting of The Thirteen Court Squads, held this day at eight hundred hours will commence. Shinigami captain Kuchiki Byakuya, Vice Captain Abarai Renji, Commander General and the panel are present and accounted for. All evidence has been processed and tested for relevancy by the commander. The floor will now be opened to the Commander General for sentencing."
The voice came from a small man, probably an unbiased representative from Fourth, Renji assumed. The air was uncomfortable and stagnant. It made his tattoos itch uncomfortably, feeling out of place and vulnerable. Having the Kuchiki clan and the Commander General in the same small room was stifling; how many stuffed shirts could fit in the same place? This was the answer.
"Abarai Renji. We as the panel have read and understood your explanation for your actions taken during the ryoka break in."
He felt cornered.
"We further note that said actions were of your own accord and directly violated your commanding officer's orders."
Hearing it formally made everything sound worse.
"As a member of the Thirteen Court Squads, this is an offense that results in direct and serious punishment; do you understand all the statements thus far?"
"Hai." Renji sullenly stated.
A silence passed between the parties. Whispering was barely audible in the room.
The Commander General stood and approached Renji. "Violations in command carry grave consequences, Vice Captain Abarai." The capitals on his title resonated in the commander's voice, denoting its significance. "I would not hesitate in taking that title from you for a moment because of your willing interaction with ryoka. That in itself is an act of terrorism."
Terrorism? Me? His face turned slightly red with aggravation at the remark. Keep your mouth shut he told himself, you'll only make it worse. He shot a look at his captain, but the gaze was not returned. He felt himself sulk in the chair.
"I have great respect for Sixth Division and Captain Kuchiki. I know that disobeying him has put you at odds with the rest of your squad." The Commander General walked back and forth, Renji measuring out an even pace between strides on the floor. "A uniformed Sixth squad would be my goal for our reformed Soul Society. Due to the circumstances of Captain Kuchiki's family involvement in the ryoka matter, I believe that the best interest for the Seireitei would be to give the decision on this matter to him."
What? Renji had never heard of such a reaction from the Commander General.
"Therefore. Captain Kuchiki, please rise."
Without a sound, the captain was on his feet.
"It is the decision of the Thirteen Court Squad panel and approved by myself the Commander General, that Abarai Renji will be sentenced with a proper punishment in accordance to Captain Kuchiki's direction. Is this understood, Vice Captain Abarai?"
"Hai." He could hardly manage to suppress his surprise.
"Very well then. Note this well, Vice Captain. Any action taken without approval from Captain Kuchiki will result in vast severe consequences."
This tone was not to be taken lightly, the Commander General's reiatsu almost made Renji collapse under the weight. The massive pressure was directed at him, for the other members of the panel seemed unaffected, chatting amongst themselves or preparing for the next case.
"Vice Captain Abarai Renji has thusly been sentenced. Further instructions will be provided by official documentation from Captain Kuchiki Byakuya. Dismissed!"
Renji stiffly rose to his feet. The vice captain was visibly the tallest man in the room, but somehow his stature had little effect on the formal presence of his superiors. His gaze turned to his captain a second time; he noticed that the captain had turned his attention away the second he looked. Surely it appeared as the same cold emotionless stare, but there was something more: A look of satisfaction?
Renji almost begged the Commander General to make a decision on his behalf instead.
As soon as he stepped into the Sixth Division residence, he could feel the static of reiatsu around him. Byakuya was already to his quarters and left – he could tell from the company of squad members, they always had an air about them when their captain came calling. Sure enough, the small box located on the sliding door to his room contained an envelope with official letterhead. His damn captain worked fast.
Renji stared at the creased manuscript.
He didn't want to open it.
He was afraid of a letter.
It wasn't thick, it contained a total of two pages neatly sealed inside an envelope, stamped with the Kuchiki seal. At least he managed to open the envelope.
The paper remained folded and crisp, it seemed to chide him; it looked like a innocent letter.
Swallowing audibly, he unfolded the paper and willed himself to read the document.
'Abarai Renji, Sixth Division Vice Captain,
Judgment has been passed upon you by our court and Commander General. As Captain and executioner, my will be recognized as a sentence carried out on your behalf. I will be strict and fair in my decision; reprimand for your interactions with ryoka will be carried out quickly.'
Damn literal, he was. Almost poetic.
'In accordance with Soul Society standards, Abarai Renji will be sent to Karakura sector for an amount of time consisting of 90 days to do menial patrol and Hollow evacuation. Furthermore, any activity with aforementioned Ryoka, one Kurosaki Ichigo and his coconspirators, must be documented and sent directly to your supervisor, Captain Kuchiki. Lastly, all Vice Captain privileges will be suspended for the duration of sentencing, to be resolved upon return from vestigial duties. By powers vested in the Thirteen Courts, this decree is deemed fit punishment.
Kuchiki Byakuya, Captain, Sixth Division'
All that fit compactly in a matter of one page; what was the other page for? It unfurled in his hands, not at all as formal and stiff as official letterhead. There were no names addressed, and would be deemed unowned if it were not stuffed in the same envelope addressed to him. Renji could only assume it was he it belonged to.
'Your role in this squad is not replaceable.
Involvement with the ryoka was not a lapse in judgment, rather a test of your own will and faith in yourself.
However, slip up again and you will be removed permanently.
Choose the path wisely and walk it with your head held high.'
What…the hell? This was probably the closest that Byakuya has ever attempted at encouragement.
Renji smiled. I guess that strawberry got inside the captain's head too. It seemed that Ichigo had that effect on people. Maybe duty in Karakura sector wouldn't be that bad, after all.
Another restless night.
Even after Abarai's sentencing, his conscience would not let up.
Byakuya sat up in bed, brows furrowed in thought. Very rarely did anything bother him, but the constant barrage of memories assaulted his stoicism. More thoughts of Hisana. How could this subject surface now? His gaze cast on a calendar he kept on his nightstand.
Suddenly, everything became clear. Fifty five years to the day, tomorrow. No matter how much he tried to forget, his memory would never fail to remind him.
Reflexively, his hand found the hilt of Senbonzakura. The cold steel served as a reminder of that time, his zanpakuto a constant companion through the years.
She died, because of him.
Slowly, he reclined, his back resting on the mattress.
Some things can never be forgotten.
Pulling on his robe, he ventured outside into Soul Society. A night walk may be in order to clear his mind.
Muscles in his back rolled with majestic grace as his weight shifted, his body honed into artwork from battles and endurance training. Everything about his physique indicated his peak conditioning; the toned trim waistline, his broad shoulders, the ripple across his abdomen.
A shudder disturbed the rhythm of those muscles, the temple of his body collapsing under one emotion. Happiness.
Hair hung into his eyes, the disheveled kenseikan barely clung to his head through the raven locks. Dark eyes looked down, locked in a mutual gaze of love and lust, pooling with moisture around the rim. Bodies pressed together in a longing embrace, their souls intertwining as though meant to be.
A whisper regretted breaking the silence, but affirmed its existence with the weight of words.
"I love you. Hisana."
No combination of words could have meant more.
Nor could they be as dangerous.
So what do you think? That last part by the way is a flashback - I didn't want to announce it because I wanted it that way, but I didn't want it to be confusing either. Oh well. Please Review!
