This is a revised and rewritten story from the original storyline from Bleach. Only characters to claim are that of Mizu and Raito as the main storyline and few other characters with them. By no means am I claiming original characters by Tite Kubo, only using them and twisting them in my own way to create my own story to foretell. Thank you for reading ^_^
The soul Society…one of the busiest yet well managed places for the dead in all of history. Do to this fact, many souls reside here and consider this a second chance in life rather than heaven. Though countless have been brought here, there are those who have been born into this world of the dead and live a completely different life.
I was born into a noble family; the Kurai family to be exact. We have a strong lineage of zanpakutou users of dark arts, and in all history is said to be the strongest out of all other zanpakutou and the most dangerous.
The Kurai family consists of two noble children named Mizu and Raito. The names were passed down from their predecessors before them and were therefore honored as master's of the household. For a long time now, it was only the man of the household that were allowed to wield and carry out the Kurai name as a soul reaper for the gotei 13. But on rare occasions, if the woman of the house were to possess a zanpakutou of her own, then she too was allowed to become a soul reaper of the gotei 13. If not, then she was to wed another noble family and make two houses into one for better relations. This was the noble's way of keeping their lineage intact as well as preserving a strong relationship with other family generations.
Both my brother and I were just beginning to turn ten years old this year…and for every generation, on their tenth birthday, we were to hold a ceremony and meet other noble families amongst the Seireitei. A tradition which we lacked the enthusiasm for…
"Hey sis come on, do I have to wear this thing?" Holding up the necktie in disgust, he looked at her with a sour face. And what's more, a complex look as to what he was supposed to be doing.
"Yes brother you do, and there's no way out of it." Tying it for him; straightening it out then looking at myself to see if I missed anything…or worse…a bad hair-day for all to see, I smoothed out the wrinkles in my yukata and messed around with the flower in my hair and struggled to keep my composure.
"Sis you look fine, let's just go and get this over with." Sighing and trying to make me stop, he held my hand firmly while grinning.
"But papa will get mad at us if we look out of place…" frowning, Raito held up my chin and gave me a big smile. "And it's not like we're perfect you know…even I'm nervous about it all." Nodding, he rolled his eyes while putting his forehead against mine.
"If sis can do this then so can I!" Making us both laugh, we took a breath and held ourselves high as we walked out to the party. The large crowd was immersed in chatter until they saw us and began announcing our arrival: annoyingly. But we were really happy to see our dad be the one to call us out, and not someone else.
"There they are!" Papa held out his arm out to us as we quietly walked over to him and bowed to the visitors. "These delightful children are Mizu and Raito of the Kurai family." Giving us a slight push forward, we could only put on a fake face and smile away. "My proud children that I hope will grow well with everyone's advisement here today onward." He mused.
"Oh how splendid they look together Kurai-sama…" an old man looked at us with an uncaring gaze and we knew he was only here to get good terms in with our father.
"Indeed, and a fine looking pair at that…" another old man spoke looking the exact same way. The two looked old and wrinkly together as a pair, but the status of advisory was held with them in a low standing in court. So instead of the smile and greet face, we bowed in respect and looked to our father to who we were to meet with next.
"Thank you kindly…Mizu, Raito, you two can go on ahead and have a look around and see the other guests."
Both of us bowed, "yes papa," then left without saying anything more and walked over to another group of people. It was a given that we were noticeable throughout the crowd though—being twins and all—but to the extent where everyone around us turns our way and bows is weird. Admirably for my brother though, he acquired a distinct feature that only I could see about him than anyone. When he smiles at me or concentrates really hard in his training, he gets this slight crinkle on his nose and two small dimples. Everyone tells us we look the same when together, but with our hair the way we liked it to be, they could easily tell us apart.
I for one like my hair up in a crown with beads like our late mother while brother likes his ponytailed tightly like dad has it; it looks good on him.
Coming across another group of elderly visitors, we took note of the family symbol and greeted the family head properly. "Hello, and welcome to the Kurai household Kyōraku-sama…" doing a curtsy, I properly looked up at them and they softly held my hand in greeting and gave me a kiss.
Ew, gross…he's kissing my hand. I thought to myself, but didn't show any discomfort on my face. I think this guy was weird for wearing a pink kimono on his back and wearing a straw hat, but I wasn't allowed to speak outright of appearances.
"Are you all enjoying the party?" Raito asked, holding both hands behind him as he stood straight with a dignified look. I for one was glad brother interrupted; I was probably going to say something foolish.
"Yes we are, thank you for inviting us Raito-san, it is a pleasure to celebrate your come of age. You as well little miss," He tipped off his straw hat and gave a grand smile and wanted to shake hands with Raito. They did of course, but he still gave off a weirdo vibe for wearing such strange clothes here to a party.
"You two make a fine lookin' pair. I do apologize for hearing the news of your sweet mother's passing…a crying shame." His condolences were regarded as we thanked him, but he knelt down to our level and looked upon us like an adult rather than children when speaking so informally. "You two are going to be great when you grow up a bit more. I'll be sure to watch my back in case you outlandish my good name here in the Seireitei." Laughing, it made us feel awkward—yet it was pleasant to laugh and smile on our birthday while also holding this as a memorial for our late mother.
"Thank you," we both chimed.
As we both excused ourselves from Kyōraku-sama, we made way to the other noble families that came and greeted each one. But with a single selfish goal in mind for us today was actually a bit more cunning. This particular group that we were walking towards had also brought their heir to our party. Our father had told us that their son is a prodigy and was to be respected a couple years back when we were younger. When we heard this from our father we couldn't believe it, but we overheard many things about his achievements and began respecting him with our hearts I guess. Raito on the other hand admired his skills with both kidō and zanpakutou. Once in a while they would have a friendly spar and match each other's strength. I would just sit on the sidelines, watching, and have a great time learning and practicing in secret. Of course with my brother's help.
"Hey brother…" quietly speaking into his ear, "do you think the Kuchiki's will allow another sparring match with you and Byakuya?"
Talking back to me in the same quiet tone, "I hope so…I really want to show him how much I've improved!" His hands giving off his excitement, he was ready to declare another battle with Byakuya.
Until someone I wish I couldn't have heard decided to come for me…
"Ah, Aijin-sama there you are!" Our house maid, and also our personal servant, came running up to me in an unkempt manner. "You're father wishes for you to perform a dance for the guests here. Would you please come with me and help you get ready?"
"But I was—" ignoring my desire and cutting me off respectfully, I looked at Raito and gave him a small pat on the hand and left with our maid. Though I greatly wanted to at least say hello to the Kuchiki's…
Hearing all the commotion from afar, one of the members recognized Raito and called out to him softly. "Is that you Raito-san?" Asked one of the Kuchiki family members; Raito turned to look at who called him and smiled as it turned out to be Ginrei Kuchiki. The greatest man to ever hold the position of Captain in the 6th Squad of the Gotei 13…
"Good to see you again Ginrei-sama," bowing his head in respect, "how is your grandson Byakuya-san doing?" Not able to hide his willing attempt to battle Byakuya, Ginrei rubbed his chin smiling.
"He's doing fine…any chance you want to have a sparring match with him again?" His eyes lowering onto him with a glint-full smile, Raito couldn't hold in his desire for the opportunity.
"I would love too!" Clearing his throat and apologizing to him for his outburst, Ginrei laughed and patted his head.
"It's good to have enthusiasm; it makes a man strong in the future. Now don't be shy around me my dear boy, I knew of you two boys' battles for quite some time now. You two have not learned to be quiet with your techniques." Winking, Raito eased up and rolled his shoulders before speaking again.
"I am deeply sorry if we caused trouble for you Ginrei-sama!" His laughter filling his head, he was scooped up into his arms and hugged as he could see how his attitude towards the idea was non-in-void. "I really like battling him…he makes it harder for me to slack off! If I stop for even a day I think he's ahead of me!"
"It is a troublesome thing to worry over such simplicities Raito-san, but with the both of you and how tenacious you both are, you two will be fine soul reapers in the future."
I couldn't help but feel like I received the greatest compliment in the entire world and smiled like a fool. "Keep that smile on your face, it looks good on you." Tapping my nose and seeing his smile behind his wrinkly eyes, he put me down on the ground and fixed my attire before someone asked questions. "Smiling is the key to receiving happiness Raito-san, don't you ever forget this. You will be the man of the Kurai household before you realize it, and many responsibilities will lie upon your shoulders. Your sister will also have her fair share mind you, and she'll need your support for the countless years you two live." Fixing my hair after having a strand fall out of place, the crowd became chattier over the entertainment that was to be displayed soon in the center of the yard.
Taking hold of his Haori that he wore so proudly over his shoulders, I asked him "Will you join us Ginrei-sama at our table?" Watching everyone else grabbing hold of some seats, I was anxious to watch my sister dance on a stage.
My sister on a stage is like watching mama on the stage again… it's like she never left us. Though we both miss her so much, it was a good thing Mizu looked like mom more when she dances, it really fills the void Papa and I share.
"That's quite an honor, thank you."
Walking over to my father's table and telling him about having Ginrei with us, he smiled and greeted him, then allowed him to have a seat and waited for the show to start.
Seeing his grandson looking for him, "Oh, there he is…Byakuya I'm over here." Waving his arm slightly for him to come over, Byakuya (age 12 or so) came over and sat down by Ginrei.
"Hey Byakuya-san, glad you could make it to our party!" Excited to see him at long last, it has been well over two weeks since we've seen each other.
"I wouldn't miss this for anything Raito-san. And I hope you like the gift I brought to you and your sister." Fixating his chair to face my way a little, I scooted closer and brought out the hairpin he had gotten for Mizu that I had gotten by mistake.
"Why do you have her hair piece Raito-san?" He asked.
"Well actually—I mean—it was given to me on accident by the maid and she thought—no wait—"
"Slow down, you're mumbling." His eyes in utter confusion over my babbling, I gave it to him and just spilled it out.
"The maid thought I was Mizu and tried dressing my hair with it!" Embarrassed, my father's chuckle was not contained, as well as Ginrei-sama's as they didn't bother trying holding in their amusement. "It's not funny! I don't look anything close to my sister!"
"Yes you do…your twins?" Byakuya wasn't very bright about what I meant, but my dad told me to be quiet as the show was about to start; but I reluctantly let this conversation slide so easily after this.
"I never been to your sister's recital…I'm a bit nervous." Whispering in my ear, my flaming ego for my sister burned to my flustered cheeks as I couldn't help but rub it in.
"My sister will have you dancing in her eyes after seeing her on stage!" Excitement filled me, and the sound of a chime resounded in the air with fluttering pedals dancing in the small breeze that caressed us all.
As the velvet curtains were drawn apart, all that stood in the center was a single pink parasol without a body in sight. Another chime rang in the air and the parasol began to spin, picking the pedals off the stage and swirling them into the air once more. She rose up from hiding, revealing her form in a light pink silk kimono patterned with cherry blossoms matching the spring of the season we now reside in. When the parasol was removed from her face, Mizu's hair was decorated in nothing but buds and blooms of countless flowers and beads as they leisurely hung past her ears. Her make-up fit the theme since she was painted to be a flower, and telling the story of our ancestry.
Quietly speaking as not to disturb the audience watching, Ginrei tapped his glass lightly to grab Kurai-sama's attention.
"Will it be alright to give this dance a translation old friend? I'm not familiar with this dance." He chuckled in delight as another man from behind the stage came up and started playing the lute.
"I would be glad to do so myself, but the story teller will gladly tell us the tale…"
-This is a mere interpretation of a young maiden who wallowed in grief; she held a strong duty towards her family, and was restricted from having a normal life. Unable to freely move among the outside world, much less associate herself who were beneath her; for she was the flower of the Kurai lineage, and nothing was to bruise her polished beauty.
I slowly moved across the stage, taking the parasol gingerly in my palms and kept it spinning. Looking up into the sky and letting the parasol fall with a light tap, I reached out my hand to grab hold of something that wasn't there. Showing a tinge of sadness on my face for not being able to grasp what I desired, I let the audience feel the pain of the woman in this tale; for she was unable to be anyone but her created self.
-This flower that bloomed within castle walls was named Marrie D'Harler Kurai. It was after much fortitude in herself that she gathered the courage to wonder the grounds at night without her father's knowing. Only to meet what would be her greatest fear—or mesmerizing freedom.
I had slid across the floor to not utter any sound from my shoes and purposefully fell in utter fear for what I believed to see. Above the stage threshold, leaves fell down and carried off by the slight breeze to make it seem ominous to my encounter. Another chime resounded in the air as I reached inside my pocket for my fan and opened the wedges quickly with a snap. I rose smoothly from the floor and stood as proudly as one would against the encounter, then spun around once to make the tails of my kimono dance around me so as to enchant the creature. I knelt forward, back, and raised the fan high and heard the chimes resound again and again in my steps as I danced for the ominous creature.
One of our butlers dressed in nothing but black stepped foot onto the stage to approach me. The sound of the howling wind made this seem aerie, and it worked to my advantage as I reached out and was unable to approach the shadowy figure before me and stepped back in fear.
-Marrie was no idle fool to be swayed by her fear. She approached the shadow once more, reaching her hand to only encounter a touch of its wisp-like body to only engage the same feeling of grief. She was emotionally connected with this shadow, for she thought it was herself being reflected in the darkness of the garden. Until the figure spoke to her, she would not have believed that this creature was once a proud zanpakutou who belonged to a great soul reaper. His shared feelings joined hers in harmonious unison; she welcomed the figure into her adorned arms, comforting the lonely zanpakutou.
As I glided over to him, wrapping my arms around what I could to his waist, I let out a sigh of sadness for the zanpakutou. Even pulling on his arms to have him join me in a dance of the dead to honor his last master's passing; we moved as if a puppet on strings.
-They grieved over countless measures of their life without soul reasoning and contracted one another to become one of the same. As Marrie offered the zanpakutou her hand, it gladly accepted and became a whole power once more.
A soft light emitted from him as he was about to vanish and leave the stage. I reached for my parasol that lay on the floor without care and started to spin it round and round. Walking slowly and graciously over to the man, I had him kneel before me as the light got brighter and consumed the stage to take my parasol and leave in my hands a zanpakutou.
I turned my attention out to the audience; carrying the sword gingerly within my grasp and having the sheath compress my cheek as I began to cry. Raising the zanpakutou up as if offering it to the heavens above, the foretelling of this dance was coming to a close…
-She cried from happiness…she had found someone who shared the pain she had and started a new generation for the both of them. Thus concludes the journey of what we know of this family lineage…
The curtain started to close, and I kneeled down, caressing the sword against my cheek once more. The curtain closed completely and everyone clapped for the wonderful performance.
Giving the dance a standing ovation, Ginrei enjoyably thanked his friend for the wonderful evening entertainment. "This was most gratifying Leliel, most enjoyable to learn of your family line."
"It certainly is a mystery to us no matter how much we research it. This was the most we could depict from our scrolls."
"It was, nonetheless, a beautiful and dark display." Watching everyone return to the festivities, Ginrei thought of an idea to strengthen the bond of their two families. "Leliel…your daughter's talents cannot go unforeseen, it would be a great pleasure to have her recite my family line to my own family."
"You would want that of my daughter? Surely you jest? She is talented Ginrei, but still young and has much to learn."
"Nonsense," relieving Leliel of the hardships for one moment, "she is still learning, yes, but having more than one dance will expand her talent and give her greater experience outside her normal routine." Convincing him the benefit this would be, Leliel was certain things would not be as flawless as he will hope it to be. "Nothing has to be perfect with us Leliel…even your late wife was not as self confident in her abilities to dance other parts than she knows."
"…you make a valid and crude point Ginrei," a wry smile crinkled his eyes as he gladly accepted the offer for his daughter to dance. "Now the question remains to what dance she will be doing for you and your esteemed family."
"Anything in the books is fine with me. She may do as she sees fit to interpret our history."
"You give her much credit for one so young, I thank you."
Watching the two boys trying to escape, Leliel and Ginrei both caught them and had them excuse themselves before heading off to congratulate Mizu for her dance. They knew better than to keep them at bay.
"Thanks dad," sheepishly grinning from his act, he took off ahead of Byakuya before he finished excusing himself properly.
"Yes, thank you Kurai-sama," taking off after Raito, the two looked just like how they did before when they were young.
"It never ceases to amaze me to how the flow of time catches up to you." Ginrei whispered.
"It has been a long time…but we have done our part for the new generation to grow." Answering as calmly as he could, they ventured away from the table and continued having a private talk elsewhere.
