Kuchiki Soujun's Story
It was a warm, sunny spring day at the Kuchiki manor. As was his habit, beautiful Kuchiki Soujun started his day by curating the family library, where he excitedly browsed through old family albums. "There's so much history here," he marveled to himself. In his neat handwriting, Soujun labeled as many of the yellowing photographs as he could before lunch. After organizing the photographs and carefully storing the albums, he joined his father, Ginrei, for lunch. Lunch was a quiet affair, with Soujun sharing his findings.
Soujun enjoyed mornings much better than afternoons. Afternoon medical treatments always left him feeling physically and emotionally drained, but dutiful Soujun knew that the expectations of the Kuchiki family were high. He wouldn't be the one to bring shame on his family. Reluctantly, he made his way to his bedroom and lay down on his newly aired futon. His personal doctor, Yamada Yusuke, arrived right on time. The doctor, usually a man of few words, always enjoyed his talks with gentle Soujun.
"You remind me a bit of my son," the doctor told him. "Seinousuke's only eleven, but he's a student at the arts and sciences academy. I always wished he were more like you." Dr. Yamada smiled at his patient. " I'm sure he'd like to meet you. How old are you now, Soujun?"
"I just turned twenty," the young man said softly. "Father keeps telling me it's time to give him a grandchild."
"How does your wife feel?"
"Nanami wants us to do things on our own schedule, not someone else's."
"Breathe in," the doctor instructed. "Your lungs sound strange."
Soujun frowned. He knew his health was a concern, but he hated the idea that he couldn't do what others could do because of it. "I always feel better with a lung massage," he remarked absently.
"Sit up, Soujun. Drink some tea," Dr. Yamada instructed, handing him some pain relievers. "I'll bring my son over tomorrow."
Quietly, Soujun drank his tea and lay back down on his futon to sleep. "Thank you, doctor," the young man murmured. "Would you ask my father to come?"
Several minutes later, courtly Kuchiki Ginrei came into Soujun's room. "What is it, my son? You look worried."
"Father...Dr. Yamada said my lungs sound strange. Am I...a hindrance to the Kuchiki family?" His blue-gray eyes glittered.
"Soujun...of course you are no hindrance to our family. You are a joy to your mother and me. The men of Squad 6 have great respect for your character. Please, do not ever think such things."
"Thank you, father." Soujun smiled weakly. "Dr. Yamada said his son is going to accompany him tomorrow."
The old man nodded. "As you know, the Yamada family is well known for its highly skilled healers. That child is widely considered to be the most gifted healer to come from that family in many years. Like you, he has had great responsibility placed on him at a young age. Unlike you, unfortunately, young Yamada is far less concerned about preserving his family's honor than you are."
"I see. Perhaps two heads will prove to be better than one."
"Perhaps. This is your week off. You should rest while you can." Awkwardly, he nodded to his son. "Right now, you need to concern yourself only with your recovery." With that, he left the room and took a long walk outside, taking in the beauty of the garden and the splendor of his manor. Deep down, he had a sinking feeling that Soujun wasn't recovering. He didn't have the heart to discourage the young man, especially if there was any chance of a miraculous recovery. He sighed resignedly as he watched the fish in the pond.
Soujun slept through the night, dreaming of a life free of illness. A smile crossed his beautiful face as he imagined what type of father he would be. He was awakened by the sunlight beaming in through the window. Somehow, the sunlight calmed his mind and made him feel more optimistic about his future. Gathering a few needed items, he made his way to the bath. A warm bath sounded like the perfect way to start the day. Soujun let his mind wander as he relaxed in the bath by himself.
Once he finished in the bath, he dried his black hair and dressed in standard Shinigami attire. His wife Nanami was waiting for him at the main house, where breakfast was being served. The loving couple sat together and enjoyed a quiet meal. "Dear?" Nanami started.
"What is it, dear?"
"I've been thinking...I think I'm ready to be a mother." Her brown eyes lit up as she smiled warmly at her husband.
"Then I'm ready to be a father, too," Soujun smiled. "I just hope we do a good job as parents."
"We'll do our best, love," Nanami assured him. "Does the doctor think you're healthy enough to be a father?"
"He hasn't really said," Soujun pondered. "I'll ask him today. He's bringing his son."
"I see." She got up and hugged him tightly. "I'm off to work now. The clothing shop's been busy lately."
Soujun kissed Nanami lovingly on the cheek. "I'll see you later then. I'm going to work some more in the archives." The joy on his face was evident as he reviewed the family history and made a timeline of Soul Society's history. He hoped his child would grow up to be proud and noble like his ancestors. More than that, though, Soujun hoped his child would have the happy, healthy life he himself had missed out on. He hated his illness, hated how weak it had made him.
He ate lunch by himself in the dining room. Only the cook and the housekeeper were in that part of the house, but they didn't dare speak without being spoken to. Soujun smiled warmly at the cook. "This soup is delicious. Thank you."
"You are too kind, Young Master," the cook acknowledged gratefully. "The doctor asked us to inform you that he would be early today. We'll clean up here."
Soujun made his way to his room and lay down once again on his futon. He was already exhausted by the time Dr. Yamada and his son got there. With a faint smile, he greeted the pair of healers. "I'm feeling weak today, Dr. Yamada," he lamented softly.
"Oh? What did you do differently today, Soujun?" the doctor asked him, his concern increasing.
The young Yamada, an awkward, pimple-faced boy with a slight double chin, moved next to the patient. The two studied each other curiously. "Your father has told me about you, Yamada-kun," Soujun said by way of introduction. "He says you attend the arts and sciences academy in Rukongai #10."
"Yeah," the boy grunted, an inscrutable expression in his black eyes. "I'm in advanced math and science classes."
"That's good."
"So what's wrong with you?" the boy blurted. He lowered his head quietly. "You look tired."
"Seinousuke! Mind your manners, boy!" his father chided.
Soujun smiled and laughed "It's all right. No one's telling me anything. My father keeps telling me I'll be better soon."
The young Yamada's eyes narrowed suspiciously, but he said nothing as his father examined the patient.
"Boy! You want to give Lieutenant Kuchiki a massage?" the doctor asked sharply. He looked at Soujun warmly. "My son's good at massage."
"It's up to you, Yamada-kun," Soujun answered kindly, studying the sullen boy with some empathy.
"Roll over," young Yamada instructed tersely. Expertly, the boy kneaded the tense muscles in Soujun's back and neck. His black eyes narrowed once again as he finished the massage. Somehow, he knew his father wasn't telling Soujun the truth, or at least not the whole truth. But all he said was, "You're tense here. Stretching should help that."
"Thank you, Yamada-kun," Soujun responded gratefully. "That does feel much better. You're very skilled."
"Thanks," the youth muttered.
"Time for you to rest now, Soujun," the doctor told him. He turned to his son. "Let's go, boy."
The younger Yamada nodded to his patient.
"It was good to meet you, Yamada-kun," Soujun told the boy. "I hope you'll come by again."
"He'll be back," his father answered. Once they were outside the door, Soujun heard the doctor berating his son. "You're there to observe and assist, not to give medical advice to my patients. You think you know more than I do, boy?" He cuffed the boy on the ear.
The youngster said nothing, but that interaction made Soujun wonder what other families were like. He fell asleep with that thought in his mind.
Several years passed, and Soujun was now the proud and happy father of an active young son. He and Nanami had named the boy Byakuya, meaning "white light." The boy had his father's beautiful eyes and smooth skin, but he didn't yet have Soujun's calm elegance. Already, though, Byakuya showed more of an independent streak than his father. The thought made Soujun smile.
Soujun hated leaving young Byakuya in the care of the family governess, but he had to leave for a lieutenants' meeting. Normally, lieutenants' meetings occurred only once a month, but senior lieutenant Sasakibe Chojirou had called this special meeting to introduce the new lieutenant of Squad 4. Soujun would try to get back home as soon as he could.
The meeting room was quiet as lieutenants filed in. Once everyone was there, Sasakibe called the meeting to order. "As you know, the previous lieutenant of Squad 4 recently retired to teach full-time at the academy. After considering all the potential candidates, Captain Unohana has filled that vacancy." He nodded to the door. "Come on in."
In walked a slim, dark-haired young man with inscrutable black eyes. Something about him seemed familiar to Soujun. The two looked each other in the eye and nodded almost imperceptibly. The new lieutenant bowed slightly and said softly, "Lieutenant Yamada Seinousuke of Squad 4. Please take care of me." He sat wordlessly in his assigned seat next to Soujun, who gave him a shy smile.
After the meeting ended and Lieutenant Yamada was properly greeted by the others, Soujun lingered behind. "I'm sure you'll be an outstanding lieutenant. How is your father? He hasn't been coming to the manor lately."
Yamada's expression darkened. "We're estranged. I haven't spoken to him in several years."
"Oh...I'm sorry," Soujun said with all sincerity. "But...would it offend you if I said you always seemed to have a better grasp of what was going on with me?"
"Thanks, Kuchiki-senpai." He looked Soujun in the eye. "Captain Unohana said you're welcome to start coming to Squad 4 for weekly checkups. I'll be treating you myself."
"I would like that. And please, call me Soujun. We are both lieutenants now." A contented smile crossed his beautiful face. "I am enjoying being a father, by the way."
"That's good."
"As most of you are aware, Squad 12 is presently without a captain. The captains are working to appoint a new captain as quickly as possible. Please support Lieutenant Sarugaki until a new captain is found," Sasakibe announced.
As the lieutenants filed out of the meeting, Soujun once again lingered behind to talk to Yamada about his health. He was coughing uncontrollably, shaking his head in apology. Without a word, Yamada took him to Squad 4 for observation. Captain Unohana looked questioningly at the two lieutenants. Once Soujun was assigned to a bed, Unohana took her lieutenant aside, but not out of Soujun's earshot. "What's going on here, Seinousuke?"
"Captain, he was trying to tell me something, but then these coughing fits started." He looked her in the eye and said gravely, "My...father...used to be Soujun-senpai's personal doctor, so I went with him several times. But he wasn't actually helping him. I could see that the first time I went with him." Yamada sighed. "Soujun-senpai's a lot worse off than anyone's telling him."
"I see. We can at least let him rest here for a while," Unohana responded, her concern evident. "Send a Hell Butterfly to Captain Kuchiki, just to let him know." She took a deep breath and looked Yamada in the eye. "And see this through to the end."
Once the Hell Butterfly was sent, Yamada ordered the staff in the examination room to inform him as soon as Soujun woke up. It didn't take long, however, for Captain Kuchiki to arrive at the clinic to see about his son. "Just what is going on here?" he demanded, more concerned than angry. "Is my son all right?"
"If you'll come with me to the conference room, I'll answer your questions," Yamada assured him. He handed Captain Kuchiki a slim notebook. "These are my notes. I've kept this journal since the first time I visited with...my father." He left but quickly returned with tea and lemon. "Have you had a chance to look at that yet?"
"Yamada...are you telling me...my son's illness is incurable?" The old man was beside himself. "His wife has already died because she was ill."
Yamada nodded wordlessly. "At the very least, he's beyond my help. He's been coming here weekly to let us observe him." He lowered his head. "I've tried everything I can think of to help him, but he's not getting better." His dark eyes clouded over. "That's usually the case with congenital illnesses."
"How long have you known?"
"Since the first time I saw him."
Captain Kuchiki's eyes opened wide. "You've known all this time and never told me? Or Soujun?"
Yamada shook his head. "My...father...beat me after that first visit for 'humiliating' him. And...don't you think your son needs to stay optimistic as long as he can?"
"I suppose," the old man frowned back. "So why is he here right now?"
"After our lieutenants' meeting, Kuchiki-senpai just started coughing nonstop. I brought him here for observation. Captain Unohana's keeping an eye on him right now."
"Then Soujun is in good hands," Captain Kuchiki sighed. "What can we do in the meantime?"
"Keep him as comfortable as possible." He looked Captain Kuchiki in the eye. "He doesn't need to be training or fighting."
"Yamada...how much time do you think he has left?"
"That depends on his morale. I'll keep doing everything I can to keep the coughing under control."
"Why are you doing so much for my son? Surely you know your reputation."
"Let's just say I owe him one."
Soujun was discharged several days later and went home, where he was warmly welcomed by Byakuya. "You're getting so big, my son," Soujun told the boy proudly. "I'm sorry I haven't been around. Papa's...been sick."
"Papa! Grandfather's been training me!" The boy took out a kendo stick and showed Soujun what he had learned so far. "I'm learning footwork right now."
"That's a good boy, Byakuya. Papa's very proud of you."
"Papa...will you stay here with me tomorrow?"
"I'd like that."
Ginrei stuck his head in. "Soujun, I have to go to Seireitei tomorrow. It seems the vacancy for captain of Squad 12 has been filled. The ceremony is tomorrow. I will give your regrets."
"Thank you, father." With that, Soujun lay down and slept until morning, with Byakuya looking on sadly.
"Soujun, I am guessing you have heard about the increased Hollow activity in the Rukongai. The Captain-Commander has sent Squad 9 to investigate," his father told him one night.
"I don't know the whole situation, but I understand that these occurrences are peculiar."
"Soujun...I do not expect Squad 6 to be called upon to fight." He looked his son firmly in the eye. "I will do everything I can to keep you out of battle."
"Father...I can't constantly remain behind, afraid to fight when needed."
"My son," Ginrei said firmly but lovingly. "Lieutenant Yamada has told me everything about your health situation. He specifically told me that the stress of fighting could be too much for your body to handle." He lowered his head. "You...are not recovering, Soujun."
"I know."
"How long have you known?"
"I could see it in Yamada-kun's eyes." He looked his father in the eye. "He's a better healer than his father. He gave me a lung massage the first time he came over. It's the first time my lungs haven't hurt in a long time."
"That's good." He cleared his throat. "You should try to sleep now. I'll see if Lieutenant Yamada will check you over when we go back to Seireitei."
"As many of you are already aware, there has been an increase in Hollow activity in the area surrounding the Rukongai," Sasakibe informed all the lieutenants in their monthly meeting. "Everyone should remain on high alert. We do not know when we will be called upon to mobilize."
"You're free and clear, huh, Yamada?" Lieutenant Omaeda joked, smacking the much smaller lieutenant on the back before sauntering out of the room.
"I may end up fighting whether I want to or not," Yamada replied tersely, wincing from the force of the blow. He looked Soujun in the eye, his concern evident. "You know I don't think you should fight. As much as I hate to say it, you may have no choice. Rest up, prepare yourself mentally, do whatever else you need to do to get ready."
"Thank you for your concern, Yamada-kun," Soujun answered softly. "But...I have been preparing myself mentally for a long time now. I know my time is limited. I will do everything I can, while I am still able."
Yamada studied him curiously but said nothing as he took Soujun to Squad 4 for his weekly checkup. The prognosis wasn't good, especially if Squad 6 actually ended up mobilizing against the Hollows. Once Soujun fell asleep, Yamada shook his head at the bitter irony of it all.
Soujun returned to Squad 6 headquarters the next day and went to the squad's reading room to organize the materials and continue working on his timeline of the squad's illustrious history. A sad smile crossed his beautiful face as he realized that he had been intended to become the squad's next captain. Between his illness and his responsibilities as lieutenant of Squad 6, Soujun had missed out on many important moments in Byakuya's young life. This devastated him, especially knowing how badly Byakuya missed him. Soujun was determined to make it up to his son as soon as he could.
Sipping his tea, Soujun finished his work in the reading room and began working on the backlog of paperwork. Soon, he was interrupted by an urgent scream from the recruits who had burst into the squad's office. "Lieutenant! It's terrible!" one youngster wailed.
"Calm down and explain the situation," Soujun instructed patiently. With his father teaching at the academy, Soujun, dutiful as always, knew it was up to him to help his squad members. He just hoped he was up to the task.
"We were in the middle of training exercises in Rukongai #36," the boy huffed. "But we got attacked by Hollows. The senpais told us to retreat. Please, Sir! Help them!"
"You've done well," Soujun answered reassuringly. "I'm on my way." With a heavy heart, he strapped on his sword and made his way to the outskirts of Rukongai #36. As the recruits had told him, the place was overrun with Hollows. Only a few seated officers were still conscious and trying bravely to fight. Their morale went up when they saw their lieutenant, who had begun using kido to attack the Hollows at long range. "I've never seen Hollows like this before," he thought to himself.
Courageously, Soujun kept up the barrage of attacks and binding techniques, willing them to hit. But much to his dismay, the Hollows merely brushed off most of the techniques. "What in the world are these Hollows?" he wondered. Seeing no other option, he unsheathed his sword and began to attack the Hollows with precise, powerful strikes. Fortunately, Soujun was able to defeat the smaller Hollows, but there were still the larger, more dangerous Hollows to deal with.
Suddenly, the coughing fits started up again. This was hardly the time for his body to work against him, but it seemed as if fate were conspiring against him. Closing his blue-gray eyes, he whispered the names of his loved ones. "I'm sorry, Byakuya...my father. Nanami...wait for me." Then he sent a Hell Butterfly to Squad 4, where he hoped Unohana or Yamada would get it quickly.
The last thing Soujun felt was the slash of claws across his back. With an anguished scream, he fell to the ground, tears streaming down his beautiful face. "Please...forgive me..."
"My son! My son!" Ginrei screamed. "Why, Soujun?"
Yamada knelt over the fallen lieutenant, desperately looking for signs of life. He closed his dark eyes and shook his head. "Kuchiki-senpai..."
"Is he...?" Ginrei demanded, hoping against hope. But he already knew the answer.
"I'm sorry, Captain Kuchiki," Yamada answered softly. "Even if I had gotten here sooner, the coughing fits would've been too much for him."
Soujun's funeral was a splendid yet respectful affair. Besides the extended Kuchiki family, the Shinigami officers were all in attendance. Several officers gave heartfelt eulogies, praising Soujun's gentleness, elegance, and integrity. The family, naturally, gratefully accepted the well wishes from friends and family. Once the crowd died down, Ginrei took Byakuya's hand and bowed over Soujun's grave. "Your father loved you more than you knew," the grandfather told the grandson lovingly. "He...was never meant to be in a world of violence and fighting."
"Then I want to make Papa proud," Byakuya whispered. With determination in his eyes, he placed a bouquet of carefully-picked flowers in front of Soujun's grave. "Good-bye...Papa." Willing himself not to cry, the boy clasped his grandfather's hand for dear life.
Captain Kuchiki closed the Squad 6 headquarters for the next week, to allow himself and the squad members time to rebound after the shocking loss. The reading area in Squad 6 was renamed in Soujun's honor, and his detailed records were kept as a permanent display for future squad members to enjoy. Meanwhile, a verdant garden of Soujun's favorite flower, the white camellia, was planted in front of Squad 6 headquarters, as a reminder of both Soujun's character and of the Squad 6 motto "Noble Reason."