Hello! This story has been in the making and I've finally decided to publish it to the public. This story will be following the Soul Society arc and will eventually go into a different direction than canon.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, I only own my OCs. Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo!
"Thank you all for coming to this meeting on such short notice. I declare this taichou's meeting to begin."
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto tapped on his cane, getting all of his taichou's attention. His eyes were open to show that he meant business this time around. They had an urgency of conversation for this meeting. A Soul Reaper by the name of Kuchiki Rukia had been caught in submitting powers to a human. His fellow taichous stood ahead of him in the first division barracks. The exception was Ukitake who was unable to make it due to his illness. His fukutaichou, Sasakibe Chojiro, stood beside him, staying quiet. It wasn't abnormal for Chojiro to be quiet in these meetings. In fact, he usually never talked unless he felt something needed to be addressed.
"As you all might've heard, there was a Soul Reaper who was missing in the world of the living a few months ago. She's the thirteenth division and a member of the Kuchiki clan. Kuchiki Rukia has been found, and we have received word that she has transferred her Shinigami powers to a human. Of course, the transfering powers of a Soul Reaper to a Shinigami is forbidden. However, it is all still under investigation."
"Still in investigation?" SoiFon breathed out. Her head, twitching at the thought that they had proof yet they are not even trying to execute this Soul Reaper even though they had the proof that this Rukia had transferred her powers to a human, "Then why aren't we doing anything about executing her now? Last time I checked, that's a high level of offense."
"As you know, SoiFon-taichou," Chojiro began, deciding to address the details of the situation he felt. He hadn't talked at all in these meetings in a long time, but he felt like he had to make a point here, "all Substitute Shinigamis aren't necessarily bad. There are few that have been given an honorary status. Therefore, this is to see if the transfering was actually necessary or not. Something that might be shown to be seen as evil to some might not necessarily be in certain intentions" Rukia was an unseated officer after all. She wasn't like some seated officer or anyone high up in the Gotei 13.
"Pathetic," SoiFon rolled her eyes at the fukutaichou, "I didn't expect you of all people to be questioning the law of the Gotei 13. You must be confused; anyone ever defying the law is therefore told to pay the ultimate price for it." She was raised on the knowledge of such laws being a part of a clan who helped out the Shihōin clan throughout the years.
Chojiro knew those words would fall on deaf ears but surely someone else had agreed with him in here.
"I think Sasakibe-fukutaichou makes a valid point." Shunsui grinned, "We did end up appointing such Substitute Shinigami as honorary. Something does happen on occasions to make such actions seem reasonable. Perhaps Kuchiki-san's reasoning was for her own justice?"
"The law always comes first though. That is the reality of the Soul Society." Byakuya stated, narrowing his eyes at Shunsui, "If Rukia were to be executed, then there's no point in trying to help her. Her fate was decided the moment she transferred her powers to that human."
"Regardless, she did break the rules." Aizen added, turning over to Shunsui, "That should be unforgivable. She doesn't know who she could turn the powers on. Rukia shouldn't have been doing what she did and called backup if the situation was too much for her. There were other ways to handle it and therefore, she was reckless to start with." He explained.
"Come on, Aizen-taichou, you're the last person I'd expect to agree with such a thing. I see where you're coming from, but sometimes they don't just happen that way. The girl might've not had a choice." Shunsui was surprised that Aizen of the fifth division would be so keen on sending a child of all things to execution of all things. It was a surprise to him.
"Normally, I'd make exceptions. However, it was better for her to make a call for reinforces if she couldn't handle a situation like that. She's an unseated officer. Ukitake-taichou shouldn't of put someone like her in a mission like that." Aizen told them considering the Hollow had been powerful but passing on her powers to a human that could abuse them? Things could've gotten ugly for them. It was better this way.
"Any decision that makes Genryuusai-dono makes, I'll stand by. If your decision is to execute Rukia then I'll have to follow it no matter of my personal thoughts on the situation." Sajin Komamura, the taichou of the seventh division stated to his colleges.
"Any path that seems with the least amount of blood I agree on. Even if it means we have to use violence to make less blood. Perhaps making sure Rukia never does such a thing again will be the ultimate price." Tousen Kaname, the taichou of the ninth division had pointed out, wanting there to be peace within the Soul Society no matter what. He wanted this to end quickly. He knew all too well that he had must make big decisions as a taichou of the Gotei 13.
"I honestly find myself not caring about the fate of some Shinigami, the Substitute Shinigami, on the other hand, that would be a fine asset to the research." Mayuri had never been able to study one before. He wished that they didn't have to kill him and let him dissect him himself. It would be more fun for him after all to distinguish the differences of a Substitute Shinigami of all things.
"I find myself agreeing with the weird scientist guy." Kenpachi agreed, nodding, yawning to himself. Taichou meetings were so boring.
"I find myself indifferent to the situation. The same as Shunsui-taichou." Unohana pointed out, "Aizen-taichou also makes a valid point, but I tend to lean towards Shunsui-taichou and Sasakibe-fukutaichou with their points." She couldn't help but give Aizen some pointers for saying such a thing.
"Why thank you, Unohana-taichou." Aizen smiled at her, taking her compliment. Unohana was always peaceful on in these meetings. Of course, Mayuri and Kenpachi hadn't cared. Mayuri cared about only research and test subjects and Kenpachi cared about fighting. That much, had been obvious, "I, of course, don't wanna do this, don't get me wrong, but we'd be hypocritical if we didn't take the laws of the Soul Society to heart."
"Ah, if the poor dear decided to pass down her powers to a Shinigami then she should suffer the ultimate price. There's no need to give her a second chance if she's done something so daring." Gin shrugged, keeping the usual creepy grin on his face.
"I don't think it's quite right to do such a thing to her either. Execution is something she doesn't need." Was Toshiro hearing everyone right now? That's crazy that they all would be willing to do such a thing, "She deserves a punishment, but not something that harsh." Even Aizen-taichou had thought it had been a proper sentence and he was certain Saijin would be too blindly loyal to the Captain Commander himself to really reject his decision.
"Ah, I see, so we only have the partial decision here. With Ukitake-taichou absent due to his illness, the voting will be two indifferent, five to no to execution, and six with the approval of execution, including myself. However, it'll be up to the Central for the rest of it. That is how the Soul Society works." Yamamoto slammed his cane down, "I declare this meeting adjourned."
XXXX
The crowd for the waiting for the taichou meeting to complete was huge. A girl with long brown hair reaching her mid back. Green eyes, looking concerned. She was worried about the fate of a former division member of hers. To think her training with her taichou afterward was killing her. Hopefully, she'd be able to let out the loss feeling. She had fate in her grandfather.
Her kosode blew along with the wind as if in perfectly in sync. Her grandfather had been a member of Central 46. Her sister, Kaguya was beside her, waiting for her own taichou to come out from his meeting. Her sister's fukutaichou, Rangiku was beside her.
Members of almost every division were gathered here. A few feet away stood Abarai Renji, a member of the sixth division that had been in the same class as Rukia and her sister had been in. He had to be just as tense and even more than her.
"Avira-san." A voice popped in adjusting his glasses, noticing the door opening. His blue spiky hair defined gravity and he had rectangular glasses with blue eyes matching his hair color, "It looks like they're done."
The brunette, Avira of the first division looked over at the door suddenly opening that had Yamamoto walking in first along with the other taichous as well. Her eyes widened with intensity, shock at the calm and quiet walking of all of them. Taichous were so calm and collected. She wondered though how much arguing might've been happening behind the scenes. The rejection of killing Rukia.
"The taichous are for the execution." Gasps filled the air and people began talking amongst themselves, "Silence!" Yamamoto exclaimed, getting the audience quiet. He continued, "The Central has yet to make a decision! Returned to your respective posts." He decided to walk out, leaving the other taichous to head out.
Kaguya gasped, covering her mouth with her hand, "W-What? An execution is possible?" This is bad.
Avira sighed at her sister before smiling, resting a hand on her shoulder, "Come now, do you doubt our grandfather's skills? He'll be able to make the Central not sentence her to death." She was trying to comfort her, keep her calm. It was in her to comfort her adoptive sister when she was feeling down. She was her little sister after all.
Kaguya nodded at her sister and smiled nervously, "You're probably right, Avira." She sighed as the blue-haired man by the name of Tetsu sighed before silently walking away, "Hey, Tetsu-" She was caught off by Avira.
"I wouldn't worry about him too much. He's always supporting Soul Society's decisions no matter what." Avira sighed, keeping her voice low so the others didn't hear her.
Aizen walked past Avira and Kaguya before turning to them, "Are you two handling the news well? It's not completely confirmed yet so bear that in mind." He chuckled, remembering how Yaijime would feel in this position. He was probably already planning something for the Central to vote against it, but he wasn't too sure how that would work, "I'm sure your grandfather is already planning a big speech to the Central." Aizen smiled at the two girls. He knew them for a long time thanks to their grandfather's power in Central 46, "I wouldn't be too worried." He stated before walking away, spotting Hinamori running over to him for them to go.
Avira then noticed Hitsugaya walking over to them, "You ready to go, Kaguya?" He asked his third seat as Kaguya nodded, bowing slightly to him.
"Yes, sir." She grinned before waving at Avira, "See you soon! Have fun with your training! Don't die!" She knew Yamamoto could be really harsh too.
"H-Hey! I've trained a long time with the first division, I'll be fine." Avira sighed. She hopes it wasn't going to be too rough on her.
XXXX
She was limping. She literally thought she would have to go to the medic area but she wasn't going no way in hell. She was fine just aching all over the damn place.
The red-haired man dressed in the same getup laughed at Avira's words, "Heh, looks like you got a lesson taught to you again, Avira." He smirked teasingly before dodging a smack that was coming at his face.
"And how many times are you, eh smartass?" She remarked, a small smile appearing on her lips, "Reno, maybe that's the reason why you're still the seventh seat." She teased.
"Maybe that's why you haven't gotten the third seat yet by the Head Captain." Reno joked right back before she sighed, feeling the wind blowing through her long brown hair that reached to her midback.
"I just I don't think that I'm that strong enough. Look at everyone else, especially the guy who's right above me. He's stronger than me by far. I don't think I'd get to prove to Captain Yamamoto that I'm strong enough anytime soon or have the wits for it." Especially since she likes being daring but she's a lot better than when she was younger, but that was when she was as quiet as a bat when she started in the first division of the Gotei 13.
"Oh come on, I was kidding, Avira, I didn't mean to make you sad-" Reno began before he was cut off by Avira.
"It's fine, Reno, I just feel a bit behind Kaguya. She just got promoted to the third seat recently and I'm just very jealous I guess? No." She shook her head, "I don't think that's the right word. More like our rivalry has gotten bigger since we both reached the top ten seats." Maybe she should go visit Yaijime tomorrow. Yeah, she got a day off for once in her life she better use it well. She could use seeing Yaijime, "Say, I think I am going to head over to see Yaijime tomorrow in Central 46. I have the day off."
"The old man that was the former third seat in Squad Nine? Wow, you and Kaguya must very much so look up to him. You both were saved by him." Reno stated, "I wish I could go with you and meet the man myself but I'm seeing my brother tomorrow after I get done training with Sasakibe-fukutaichou. He's been in the hospital since getting attacked by a Hollow in the world of the living. The big one at that. I heard the Lieutenant say something this morning about the ordeal, seems like they're multiplying. I wouldn't be surprised if your day off turns into a working day tomorrow because of it."
"Hollows? Is it Karakura Town again in the world of the living?" she asked curiously as she walked with him, getting close to the house she stayed in as it was within view, "I heard they sent Rukia Kuchiki to the place down there. She's been gone for a month now. Things don't feel right. They did make it possible that Rukia could be executed." It still made her uneasy.
"I agree, but seeing Yaijime tomorrow might help you calm down quite a bit. He helps runs part of Central 46 maybe you could get more info on him on the situation and bring it up to the Head Captain?" Reno suggested.
Avira shook her head, "Nah, he worries about Kaguya and myself plenty now that we're both all grown up, but I'm concerned about Rukia. She was a first year when I was a sixth in the Academy. I wonder how she's been. I barely knew her, but I am a little worried to even if she's grown up a little bit now. It's been two weeks now so I guess I know how you feel."
She knows that stuff like that doesn't take that long. However, Reno did have a point to be concerned about such things.
"Ah, we're already here. I wish I could do something but we can't til we follow other orders." Reno laughed, remembering that Avira lived across the street from him, "Anyways, I'll see you soon."
"Hey, Reno. You leave the Rukia worrying to me okay? You need to worry about your brother and focus on his recovery. I can try to talk to Yaijime about it tomorrow, but worry about your brother first he's fighting for his life."
"I know Avira, thanks." Reno smiled before walking into his own house.
XXXX
The next day dawned in and Avira was still feeling the pain from her 'battle' from yesterday. Yawning, she walked out with an apple in hand into the street of the outskirts of where the barracks were for the first division.
Running along, she glanced down at a note that had fallen before grabbing it and looking at it, reading what it had said. It had been from Yaijime himself to the Captain Commander. It said something about finding Rukia Kuchiki. She did notice the fukutaichou went by her. Her eyes widened before she yelled over at the slicked up white-haired man.
"Sasakibe-fukutaichou, sir." She immediately saw him in the crowd as he turned. Dark eyes, staring right at her, almost glaring at her, causing her to be intimidated for the moment.
She immediately moved swiftly, running over to show him he'd dropped the note, "Ah, apologies sir if I interrupted you in a hurry, but you might've dropped something important." Yeah, Avira, just tells him that you read the letter. You might just get yelled at for snooping. She showed the note in her hands.
Chojiro glanced at her for a second before taking it out of her hands, "Yes, thank you, Hozuki-san. I must get this over to Genryuusai-dono right away."
"Wait, fukutaichou is Rukia going to really…" Avira trailed off before she was interrupted by the fukutaichou.
"Don't say anything about it, Avira. No one's allowed to know. You even weren't supposed to know until it was made official." Choijiro told her before closing his eyes, "If you want the truth though, I'm not sure. Yaijime didn't tell many details about it and it's Central 46's decision to declare the ruling to convict her."
"Ah, he must be telling it all to the Captain Commander then." She shrugged, feeling a little bad she was asking about it but it was more for Reno than anything. She didn't know Rukia that well, but Reno knew her a bit.
"I apologize, I was heading over to see Yaijime actually. So I'll see you probably tomorrow. So sorry for bothering you again." She bowed slightly to him, walking away from the man before bursting into a run.
XXXX
Running into the Central 46, she quickly bowed to some of the leaders she knew, quickly telling them she was here to see Yaijime before running towards his office, noticing the door was opened before peeking her head in the see someone else with the ponytail grey-bearded man, noticing it was Aizen-taichou from the back of his head.
"Uh, sorry for intruding." Avira looked over, bowing slightly at the two, wondering why Aizen-taichou was here. Wasn't he supposed to be in his fifth division right now? Could something happen? Was it about Rukia? This still didn't feel right to her.
"Huh? Oh Avira, you didn't tell me you were heading over to the Central today." Yaijime looked up from his desk, holding up some of the papers that Captain Aizen had given him.
"Oh, I just wanted to surprise you. I just got the idea yesterday to visit you today. I'm sorry if I caught you two in the middle of something. I didn't expect Aizen-taichou to be here. Hello again, Captain." She bowed at the taichou.
Brown eyes glanced at the female Shinigami, a smile playing on his lips that had been fake, "Ah, Avira, good to see you again so soon once again. No worries about interrupting the two of us, I was just heading out. I did enjoy the cup of tea, Yaijime-kun." Aizen bowed slightly to the old man who was stroking his beard, working on the paperwork that was in his hands.
Avira noticed Yaijime's hand that was holding his pen tense up a bit as if he was angered by something before he looked up at the taichou of the Fifth Division.
"Ah, yes, I'm glad you did. Herbal tea is a favorite of mine and I'm thoroughly glad." The smile almost felt like it was forced as if a facade that one didn't wanna show just how tense Yajime was. Tired eyes were narrowing as well, eying Aizen for a second before he laughed softly, "Ha, if you'd like I'd love for you to have it again sometime. This was quite the afternoon." He stood up from his seat, bowing to the captain as well.
"Yes, I agree with that. It was a productive afternoon, Yaijime. I look forward to it as well." Aizen smiled, nodding in agreement at Yaijime's words before looking over at Avira, putting a hand on her shoulder, "Rest assured, Avira, there's nothing to worry about. Your guardian and I were just talking about furthering the Soul Society by getting rid of those that are possibly a danger to its growth. Your grandfather is a brilliant man and I'm sure you will wish us the best of luck as well."
Eyes widened at his sudden words of reassurance before watching him walk towards the doorway, taking the hand off of her shoulder before walking out of the room, leaving the two family members around each other.
"You caught me at a wrong time, Avira. My apologies." Yaijime walked over to her before wrapping his arms around the girl. He remembered when Avira had been so much younger and how much taller she had grown.
"But I'm glad to see you well. I hope your sister is doing well in her new position." He pulled away from her, putting his hand on her shoulders, "Hitsugaya-taichou told me she can be a real pain sometimes."
Avira couldn't help but crack a smile, chuckling at his comment, "Yes, but you know how much she's inspired by him, and I almost don't blame her. He's a great captain and a great person." A pause came and she found herself wondering what had him so tensed up earlier. It wasn't like Yaijime to be like this, she knew that he had to be bothered by something but what?
"Grandfather? Is everything alright?" She asked, finally summing up the strength to say something to him. Was he in pain? Did something happen?
She noticed hesitation in Yaijime's movements for a moment before shaking his head, ruffling Avira's hair as if she was still a child. Some old habits don't die so easily.
"Nothing for you to fret yourself about. Tomorrow, I am to head to the Captain Commander personally to discuss this ordeal I spoke with Captain Aizen." Yaijime smiled softly at her, knowing that he didn't want her to get involved.
Avira blinked in surprise. Truly, it was something that had caused her mind to be like this. Yaijime isn't being himself though. It wasn't in him to lie, but there he was, lying on her face.
"Grandfather, I am not a little girl anymore. I am the fourth seat of the first division in the Gotei 13. If it concerns the Soul Society please tell me." She pleaded. She didn't want to get stubborn or defensive about it but she knew he was lying.
"You do know that I am looking into it. I'm more than aware of what you wanna ask me. I'm sure the young lady had a reason for doing what she did. Listen to me, Avira, I know you are a strong one now, but you know better than to worry about my well being. I used to be a Soul Reaper myself you know that. Now, what have you so concern?" He asked, eyes staring down at her.
She sighed, "I read the note you were giving Captain Commander Yamamoto. I'm worried, grandfather, do you really think…"
A loud slam on the desk could be heard, causing Avira to jump. Damn, did she say too much? She knew she could trust Yaijime with the details of such, but he was far different than the other Central 46 members. He was known as a former Shinigami that was in the Gotei 13 and had excelled nearly in landing a fukutaichou spot in his prime years.
"Avira, I don't wish for you to get involved. Besides, I'm talking to the Head Captain about it. I will make sure to convince him that my decision should be backed by the other Central 46 members."
"You've worked with Captain Commander Yamamoto. You know he's just going to stick to the normal traditions, right? I know, I am a part of his division, I know it fully!" The brunette looked away from the man for a moment, "But...I respect your words, grandfather, and I wish you the best of luck." She bowed respectfully to the Central 46 member.
XXXX
A long walk had been set out for her an hour later back to the barracks and she certainly hoped for the best in Yaijime's part. She could've traveled with him tomorrow to support him, but he merely declined the offer and Avira merely respected her grandfather's declaration. She would not, however, hesitate to try to stop anything from happening to Yaijime during his stay in the barracks. She'd do anything to preserve his safety if it all came down to it, and she had to do it without his consent, she would. Avira's job would be that if it meant it, she would sacrifice herself to protect what was right for the Soul Society. The Central needed someone like Yaijime running around who saw the era of the old ways and needing some modifications.
That was the thought she had on the way home, trying to figure out what exactly Yaijime was going to do to not only convince Captain Yamamoto about this but the entire Central as well. Most of them were not nearly as dedicated as the Captain to following the old rules, but did agree. It would be hard. There's no way they would listen to such things by themselves. They needed more than just a few people. They needed people like Avira and Kaguya whom agree with such decisions. Reno to could be a lot of help, and a friend from her academy class which was Haruka Harui. She'd have to get in touch with her. Even if Yaijime didn't want her involved he always taught her to stand up for what she believed in was right. It was like the Captain said; to gain justice one must often seize it with their own hands.
She couldn't help but think about asking Aizen about those training but, when it came down to it, Yamamoto was enough for even twenty people to handle. She had pushed and pushed herself through some of his rough training. The Fifth Division taichou could be helpful though with this as though. He was trusting.
Avira let out a sigh, walking into the gates of the First Division, eyeing the guards of the Division and gave them a small wave before walking towards her house. Right before she turned down the usual shortcut she'd take to her home, she stopped, thinking about Reno, knowing his brother was in some danger because of those Hollows to but that came with being a Shinigami. She had that beaten into her head for a very long time. She at least hoped the boy was ok, considering what might've happened to him.
She walks away from the shortcut and to the nearest medical area in the barracks. She was about to enter. However, the familiar redhead who had been her friend since the academy days had been coming out of the door itself. She noticed his tired eyes from not sleeping as much as of late and he didn't look good at least for the moment.
Her eyes widened as he smiled, waving to her, "Greetings, Avira-san." His smile was one of the most forced as she saw much like Yaijime's earlier.
Hesitation followed his greeting as if she was already aware that his brother's condition hadn't changed. She was concerned about him. Had he talked to anyone about this other than her?
"Reno...is your brother…" She began speaking before he cut her off.
"He's still in the same state, but I'm fine, just tired of this stuff." Reno sighed, shrugging his shoulders. He was worried about the decision that was yet to be made on Rukia. Doesn't Avira have some feelings of conflict on this too? That reminds him…
"Avira-san, did you talk with your grandfather?" He asked, wondering what exactly what happened with Yaijime earlier. He hadn't quite known the man himself but Avira always talked about her grandfather and how much of a great man he was so he was hoping things did go well.
"Before I say anything to you, Reno, I need you to promise me something." Her eyes became focused on his, looking determined, "I need you to let me handle this from here on out. You have a brother to take care of that isn't doing well in the fourth division barracks. The last thing you need right now is to focus on another issue that isn't even in your power. You should support your brother while he's going through that. If Kaguya was in that position, you know I'd do whatever it took to stay by her side and make sure she had plenty of support around her and I wouldn't leave her side until she woke up."
"H-Hey, you know Unohana-taichou is terrifying, you know. She basically told me I needed to leave to get some rest and that my brother wouldn't want me there all night. Harui-chan told me the same thing since it was her shift when I got there. She told me I better get some rest tonight or she was going to scold me when I came back there." Reno almost chuckled and Avira followed.
"Yes, seems like Harui-chan." Kaguya and the fourth division's fourth seat were very close friends so that was how Avira knew Harui. Any friend of her sister's was a friend of hers. Avira then shot Reno a look of suspicion, "You haven't promised me yet."
Reno blinked in surprise before throwing his hands up in defense, "Okay, okay, okay, I promise, just stop giving me that mean look. I swear you sound like Sasikibe-fuktaichou. He was telling me to get that out of my head earlier today when I was training with him. He called off the training earlier so I could see my brother." Not to mention he too was shooting that stupid look at him as well.
"Sasikibe-fuktaichou is merely telling you what's best for you and you should appreciate that." Avira sighed, deciding to tell Reno what happened when she visited the Central, "Yaijime is handling the situation. He's meeting with Captain Commander Yamamoto tomorrow about the execution. He's going to try to convince the central to not vote for the execution. He thinks Rukia was only doing what she was doing to survive. I'm glad, it's against my honor as a former 13th division member to be for something like that considering Rukia and I were once in the same division."
Reno sighed in relief, "You weren't lying when you said your grandfather is a great man. I'm glad I can put my trust in him and you." He sighed, noticing that he should get going before Harui bites his head off tomorrow for not sleeping enough, "Well, I gotta go, but I'll see you in the morning, Avira-san." He waved to her before walking away, heading back to his house.
Avira wondered to herself what exact chaos she got herself into here. This sounded like an odd case, really. Well, she believed in Yaijime so she thinks he'll be able to prevent a death sentence from happening.
I'd appreciate feedback. Hoping to update this on a weekly to bi-weekly basis depending on my schedule.