A/N: I do not own Bleach, Tite Kubo-sama does. He rules. Alright, italic words are thoughts of people, bold is thoughts of my OC's Zanpakuto Spirit. I own Emi Kurosaki and any plot that you don't recognize. Read and Review…
Emi is Ichigo Kurosaki's fraternal twin sister. When she was younger, her hair was a light brown like her mother's and Yuzu's but as she grew older her hair became a darker brown. Unlike Ichigo, Yuzu, and her father's brown eyes and Karin's dark ones, Emi inherited her maternal grandmother's eye color…deep blue/grey eyes with flecks of gold around the pupil if people look close enough. She's 5'6" and weighs 110 lbs. She was there the day her mother was killed by Grand Fisher but was told to stay on the sidewalk when her mom ran after Ichigo. She saw the whole thing, never blaming Ichigo for their mother's death. That experience has made her very close to her twin brother.
Emi is also good friends with Tatsuki Arisawa and Orihime Inoue, and still speaks with the others girls in her class. Along with Orihime and Michiru, she gets hit on by Chizuru constantly as well as Keigo. She often helps Yuzu around the house, with dinner, and helps her dad at the clinic. To fill you all in on unnecessary details, she underwent training with Ichigo from Kisuke Urahara and even learned a few Kido spells from Tessai, most being healing spells. Her Zanpakuto's name is Megami no Getsuei (Goddess of the Moon) with the release command "Go forth with grace…". Unlike Ichigo, she can maintain her massive spirit energy. Rukia Kuchiki also became a good friend of hers while she was there, hence the reason she accompanied the others on their rescue mission.
Emi lost her grip on Ichigo's hand just before they split up and was thrown to the Seireitei below at high speed and force. Emi forced her spiritual energy outward and used it to put pressure between herself and the ground, therefore slowing her down. By the time she reached the ground, she stepped lightly onto to it and looked around for any Soul Reapers. Not seeing any, she skipped away quickly, knowing they would've seen her fall in this area and come to search for the 'Ryoka'. At least she was in a Shihakusho, able to blend in if need be. Her Shihakusho looked as everyone else's did; the white shitagi, black kosode, black hakama, white hakama-himo, but instead of the white tabi and waraji, she wore traditional Chinese shoes like Soifon. She turned a corner and came face to faces with many Soul Reapers.
"Who are you?" a man asked, making Emi think he was the highest ranking officer of the group.
"Emi, Sir," Emi answered with a bow. She figured putting up a façade was the best way to go about things.
"What squad are you from, Emi?" asked the same guy. Emi's mind flashed through a few things Kisuke told her; Twelfth Division was the Research Institute, Fourth was the Healing and Medical Division, and the Eleventh was all about fighting. So none of those.
"The Sixth, Sir," she replied. The man raised a brow, resulting in Emi's mental groan.
"Really? Cause we're the top seats of the Sixth Division," he said.
"Great. I'm afraid, I must incapacitate you all now," Emi said in a regretful tone.
Before the Soul Reapers before her could get a laugh out at her threat, she disappeared and mere moments later they all fell to the ground, unconscious. Emi then disappeared, heading towards anywhere but there. Not long afterwards, she ran into two people who had badges on their left arms. A man had black spiky hair with scars down the right side of his face, a blue strip tattoo high on his left cheek across his nose, and a '69' on his lower cheek. The other guy was wearing sunglasses and had black hair in a weird hairstyle.
"Who are you?" the guy with tattoo's asked.
"I'm tired of lying just to satisfy you Soul Reapers," Emi said before unsheathing her sword faster than the two guys could see. "Go forth with grace, Megami no Getsuei."
The sword's normal katana turned into a pure white blade with mother-of-pearl designs on the blade itself. The tsuba was round looking like a yin-yang sign and the hilt was wrapped in light blue cloth. Attached to the end was a chain with a moonstone on the end of it. Emi held the blade horizontally in front of her chest and pale light beams shot up from the ground. The beams were absorbed by the two guys bodies and hit the pressure points that put them to sleep. All of this happened within a few seconds before the two were even able to draw their own swords. Sensing people coming her way, Emi sheathed her sword back in its scabbard on her back, held there by a light blue sash. In a flash, she was gone and far away from the spot.
Elsewhere…
The Captains were once again called to gather in the Main Assembly Hall of the First Division. The Captains created one row, as apposed to the normal two rows facing each other, looking to the Head-Captain.
"The situation has become critical as a result of recent events," Yamamoto informed in his aged, gravely tone. "The Thirteen Court Guard Squads are now short by one lieutenant. Obviously, we can no longer afford to leave these matters in the hands of lower ranked officers and members. Subsequently, no disciplinary measures will be taken against Ichimaru for his earlier independent actions."
"Thank you, Sir," replied Ichimaru with his characteristic grin in place.
"Furthermore, senior officers including lieutenants, shall hereby be allowed to carry their Zanpakuto at all times with full wartime usage and powers," continued Yamamoto.
A few Captain commented on that remark, including Tosen and Zaraki with Kurotsuchi commenting on how Ichimaru let the Ryoka live.
"Also there is the matter of the Seventh and Ninth Division Lieutenants as well as a group of Sixth Division seated officers being incapacitated. What were your findings, Captain Unohana," Yamamoto inquired.
"The Sixth Division's seated officers were knocked unconscious, most likely by a strike to the back of their necks, given their complaints of having sore necks. However, both lieutenants saw the person pull their Zanpakuto and it is all they remember. Their pressure points were hit internally, thus putting them to sleep. All officers have been released. Whomever the Ryoka is, she did not wish to inflict harm upon them," Unohana divulged.
"Her?" Captain Kuchiki questioned.
"Yes, Captain Kuchiki, both lieutenants said it was a woman whom attacked them," Unohana answered gently.
"And she used a Zanpakuto?" Captain Hitsugaya asked.
"Yes, and she had the appearance of a normal Soul Reaper," Unohana said.
"From the report from Ikkaku, he fought a guy named Ichigo," Kenpachi said. "It must be another Soul Reaper. You didn't see a girl at the gate, Ichimaru?"
"There was two girls and now that I think about it, there was a girl Soul Reaper with 'em," Ichimaru answered. "The brunette wasn't bad to look at either."
"Great, another inconvenience," Hitsugaya said.
"Everyone!" Yamamoto demanded their attention. "Let us declare all out war on these Ryoka."
Emi came to a tall staircase that led to the higher plateau of the Seireitei. It was already dark so she started moving again. She noticed the subtle differences of these buildings than the ones below. Kisuke had told her about the First Division being under the Head-Captain, who was a frightening guy. She found a dead end and decided she could stay there for the night. So she wouldn't be caught while she slept, she created a barrier that allowed her to see out but no one to see in. After that, she feel asleep, thankful she could still sense that everyone was alright. Even, Ichigo who had fought with that Renji guy was still ok.
Emi woke in the early morning as sunrise started pouring a glow over the buildings. Mid-morning, Emi heard a scream and had to control herself from not going to see what was the matter. She knew it was none of her business since everyone in her group was still safe. Spiritual pressures collided close by but Emi figured she would go to the tallest point in the Seireitei and that was that white tower over in the distance from what she could tell. She was nearly there when she sensed Ichigo's spiritual pressure going against someone with terrifying reiatsu, probably a Captain. With a groan, she headed in Ichigo's direction…fast.
She got there just in time to see Yoruichi turned into a woman. With a gesture from the former cat, Emi followed her as she carried Ichigo from the fight scene. They came to a cave where Yoruichi patched up Ichigo's wounds. Emi sat in the corner during Ichigo and Yoruichi's conversation. Emi silently cursed him every time he moved, and did something stupid. Yoruichi transformed into a woman…naked woman, and Emi had to bite her fist to keep herself from laughing at her brother's face. Yoruichi was explaining how we all got there when a spiritual pressure hit us.
'What the-' Emi thought. 'This is that guy…Rukia's brother from back in the Human World. The guy who nearly killed Ichigo that night.' Emi grit her teeth, anger rolling off her in tangible waves. She could ring that guy's neck for what he did to Ichigo.
Soon, Emi was brought from her '20 ways to kill that guy' thoughts, when Ichigo took Yoruichi's flying device before flying away towards the Senzaikyu. Yoruichi called after him but didn't he ignored her, as always. Emi and Yoruichi silently agreed to follow after him.
Yoruichi wrapped white cloth around Captain Kuchiki's sword before he could release his Shikai and landed on the bridge. Emi landed behind Rukia and a boy who seemed to be on their side. Yoruichi had words with Captain Kuchiki before trusting her hand into Ichigo's wound. Emi's eyes widened with shock, confused at why Yoruichi did that. Captain Ukitake said it was a drug and Emi visibly relaxed along with letting out the breath she had been holding. She stood there while Yoruichi and the stoic Captain chased each other, looking like children in Emi's opinion.
"Rukia, are you alright?" Emi asked quietly. Rukia turned to her, shocked she hadn't felt the other girl's presence.
"E-Emi? You're a-" Rukia began but Emi interrupted her.
"Yea, Kisuke helped me out," Emi replied with a smile before looking back at the others. Yoruichi appeared on the top of a building before looking down at Captain Kuchiki.
"Three days," Yoruichi proclaimed. "In three days, I shall make this boy stronger than you. Until then consider the fight between you two postponed. Feel free to give chase if you wish but…Yoruichi Shihoin is not about to be caught by the likes of you. Come along, Emi." With a 'I got the best of you' look, she flash-stepped away.
Emi stood there, now the center of attention.
"Well, I'd better do as she says-" Emi began but was interrupted by the Kuchiki.
"Are you the Soul Reaper who disabled my officers?" he asked.
"If you're the Captain of the Sixth Division, then yes. I warn you, Captain Kuchiki, you almost killed my brother and that will not be forgiven so easily. We will save Rukia, whether you like it or not," Emi replied before flash-stepping away back the way she had come.
Yoruichi informed Ichigo that by the use of a cardboard cutout, he would learn Bankai in three days. Before she even finished explaining the process and mechanics of it, he had thrust his blade into the cardboard and Zangetsu appeared. They talked before starting the fight for Ichigo to achieve Bankai, the level above Shikai. Emi walked over to Yoruichi who stood further away from the clashing men.
"Yoruichi?" Emi asked. Once the woman glanced at her, she continued, "Could I…could I learn Bankai too?" Yoruichi measured the young woman with her eyes.
"I figured you would ask that. Kisuke told me that you're very much like Ichigo, so you may be able to achieve Bankai in the same time as Ichigo through the same process," she replied. "There's another cutout leaning against the wall over there." She pointed behind her.
Emi nodded, "Thank you, Yoruichi." She walked over and pierced the cutout with her own Zanpakuto like Ichigo had. Then…the training began.
Renji appeared to train with his Bankai also. So it was three of them in the underground training space, trying to obtain Bankai. Renji informed us of Rukia's execution being moved up again, leaving no time for error. Renji left the morning of the execution for whatever reasons. Emi herself had completed her Bankai training by the second day, much to the surprise of all of them. Emi just gave a peace sign and said it was a breeze. Ichigo was able to achieve Bankai just before Rukia's execution and the two siblings left for the Sokyoku.
Ichigo ordered Emi to remain hidden amongst the trees until he called for her. She had tried to protest but he had spouted off something like 'I'm the older brother. The reason older brother's are born is so they can protect their younger sisters'. Emi rolled her eyes but listened anyways. She knew how Ichigo was and it made no sense for her to argue when he was so stubborn and pigheaded. So she stayed there, watching as two Captains destroyed the Sokyoku that had taken the form of a phoenix made of flames. Ichigo then used that time to destroy the stand and save Rukia from being held by whatever those blocks were. Ichigo threw Rukia to Renji like she was some kind of football. After a few words from Ichigo, Renji took off with Rukia in his arms.
She watched as Ichigo disabled three lieutenants followed by clashing swords with Captain Kuchiki again. Soon, the two Captains that had destroyed the Sokyoku fled with the Head-Captain in tow. Yoruichi appeared to fight a woman Captain as another woman Captain collected the injured. Emi figured that woman must be the Fourth Division's Captain since she was dealing with the injured. Once everyone was gone, Emi turned her full, undivided attention to her brother and his fight. It was somewhat comical to listen to Ichigo's boasting and Kuchiki's responses. He seemed shocked Ichigo was able to achieve Bankai, resulting in Emi thinking she had achieved hers before Ichigo got his. She wanted to rub it in the Noble's face.
Ichigo eventually won against Kuchiki, having broke the Captain's sword. In return, we learned the reason he couldn't save Rukia. Emi nearly wanted to cry for the man who was unable to express his emotions more openly…nearly. She then saw the others coming and went with them to Ichigo's side. Ganju supported Ichigo and they all went to leave Sokyoku Hill.
Emi unsheathed her sword as they rushed forward, seeing Ichigo sprawled on the ground. Ichimaru, the same guy who had met them at the gate upon their arrival, stopped them by releasing his reiatsu, creating pressure around them. Ganju, Chad, and herself were the only one able to stand up under the pressure. Emi listened intently as Aizen spoke of his plans. He then performed this technique that retrieved an object called the Hogyoku from Rukia's soul. 'Mental note: Punch Kisuke in the face when I get back,' Emi thought. Her eyes widened at seeing Rukia's chest with a big whole in it before closing up. Ichimaru was ordered by Aizen to kill her but someone intervened. Emi's eyes widened at the sight of Captain Kuchiki, pierced through the chest by Ichimaru's blade.
Aizen was about to kill them both when Emi appeared in front of them, blade raised. Before he could make a move, Jidanbo and Kukaku appeared to distract him. Everything else happened quickly. Other Soul Reapers arrived and captured all three traitors but then three columns of light engulfed them to pull them away. They also appeared with Gillian Hollows. Emi watched as the three cowards fled to another dimension. Emi had never hated someone so much as she hated Aizen and his two lackeys at that moment.
"Byakuya. Byakuya," Rukia called out. Emi turned around and kneeled in front of the injured Captain.
She placed her hand on his chest and closed her eyes as his looked at her. The girl that was daring to touch the Kuchiki Captain and Head of House.
"Captain Kuchiki's lung is punctured, which is why he's having a hard time breathing," Emi looked at Rukia's distraught face before turning her gaze to the man in front of her. Her eyes locked onto his grey ones, "You're lucky I know what family loyalty is all about, Captain Kuchiki." His eyes widened a bit from her harsh tone. "Which is why, if you had not saved Rukia, I would let you die. After all, you nearly killed my brother." Not letting him utter a word, Emi summoned swirling white spirit energy around her right hand. "This is going to feel weird."
With that said, she plunged her hand into the Kuchiki's chest. Rukia had stepped back so as to not get in the way. Emi was close to Captain Kuchiki now, her head practically laying on his shoulder and her left arm wrapped around his shoulders to support him. He was also leaning on her though he didn't have a choice. In his current state, he didn't have the strength to push her away. Emi sensed as the wound healed from the inside out. Withdrawing her hand when she did, his wound healed.
"There," Emi said gently. "He'll be fine, Rukia. At least his life is saved." She then got up to tend to Renji's more serious wounds. Afterwards, she sat next to Ichigo to see how he was doing. She was oblivious to a certain Kuchiki glancing at her.
Once the relief teams got there they took over the healings of Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenant Abarai. Emi listened to his story about his late wife, Rukia's sister, and had to wipe the tears from her eyes. Soon it was time to take everyone back to the Fourth Division and Emi walked over to Rukia.
"Thank you, Emi," the petite girl said. "You saved my brother."
"He saved himself, Rukia," was Emi's reply. "Like I said, if he hadn't saw the light…my only motivation to save him would've been to kick his butt later." The eldest Kurosaki girl looked back at Rukia, who wore a small smile. "Anyways, I came over here to help you down the hill."
"I don't need-" Rukia began.
"Yes, you do. Your soul was damaged when Aizen removed the Hogyoku from it and I'll be damned if I let you strain yourself further. Got that?" Emi said emotional indifference. "Now climb on my back." Emi squatted so Rukia could ride piggyback down the stairs.
"But-" the black haired girl tried to protest again.
"No buts, you either ride piggyback or I'm going to throw you over my shoulder like a little kid throwing a temper tantrum. Now come on!" With a sigh, Rukia climbed on Emi's back as ordered.
"Thank you," Rukia said gently.
"There's nothing to thank me over," Emi said kindly as she stood and waited for the members of Squad Four to pick up the cot the older Kuchiki lay on. "I'll walk beside Captain Kuchiki, since I know you want to be close to him."
Emi missed the tears welling up in Rukia's eye at her words or the looks of curiosity from the Captain.
(Emi's POV)
I stood outside of Captain Kuchiki's room in the Fourth Division's Medical building. Knocking lightly as possible, I waited for permission to come in and when it didn't come, I peeked in. Looking at the Kuchiki's form in his bed, he seemed to be asleep so I crept in silently. I placed a vase of flowers on his bedside table before pulling a homemade card from Rukia from my Shihakusho. After leaning the card against the vase, I turned and walked to the door. I was halfway there when a voice stopped me mid-step.
"What are you doing here? And why did you bring me flowers?" Captain Kuchiki asked from his lying position in the bed. I turned around to face him and saw him glancing at me from the corners of his eyes.
"I came to visit Renji and you to bring you both some flowers. I brought you flowers because in the Human World that's what we do for people who are in the hospital. I'm not sure why we do it. Maybe since the people are stuck inside, it's nice for them to have nature closer to them," I answered his questions before going into musing mode. "Rukia told me you liked cherry blossoms so I got some and made it the focus point with other flowers. Also some lilac because it's said to calm people. Don't worry, I didn't pick anything from your gardens. I got them from the Rukongai but I made Rukia stay home to rest. She did make you a card though." I blushed realizing I had just run away with my mouth…as I'm prone to doing. "Sorry, I didn't mean to chat your ears off."
"It is no problem," he responded.
"Get well, Captain." I bowed slightly before turning to leave…again, failing.
"Why did you save me? You said it was for Rukia and that I saved myself by saving her in the end," he commented. "But I still do not understand."
I sighed, looking at the guy. He tried to sit up but was struggling, though he'd never admit it. I went to his side and helped him sit up, regardless of the confused look he gave me. "The truth is…I still would not have let you die. I'm not that kind of person. My father constantly praising me for my compassion so like my mother." I looked at him, taking a seat on the edge of his bed, facing him. "My mother was killed by Grand Fisher while saving Ichigo. She gave her life for his and I saw it all." I looked away.
"Ever since, I've always wanted to be strong like that…like her. That's the reason I became a Soul Reaper when Ichigo regained his powers. I wanted to help him…bear my fair share of the weight of protecting our younger sisters. Ichigo…he's always taking everything on himself. I just want to help," I said, looking back at the Kuchiki with a light smile. "Rukia's become a very dear friend of ours, which is why we came all this way to save her."
"I noticed the protective tone in your voice when you ordered her to get on your back," he replied.
"It was for her own good. She's too stubborn sometimes, something she has in common with Ichigo."
"Thank you."
"What for?"
"For saving me, despite nearly killing your brother and for everything you've done for Rukia when it wasn't your place." I shook my head.
"No, Captain Kuchiki. It seems you do not understand." He gave me a questioning look. "You see, my place will always be between those who need my help and those who seek to hurt the ones I care for. Like when I moved in front of Rukia and you as Aizen approached you both." I saw his eyes soften slightly.
"What would you have done? If Jidanbo and Kukaku had not arrived?"
I leaned towards him, "Do you actually think Ichigo's the only one who achieved Bankai during those three days? In fact," I whispered, leaning more closer. "I got mine on day two." I sat back up, laughing lightly.
"You've achieved Bankai?" he asked with disbelief.
"Don't look so surprised," I said. "I've always had more focus than Ichigo."
"Perhaps, you can show me sometime then?"
I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, "Well, I don't know." I stratched the back of my head.
"So, you haven't achieved it?"
"Y-Yes, I have. It's just, uh, um…" I stuttered.
"What?" His tone made me more nervous with his mocking tone of his.
"It's the outfit I appear in when I activate it. It's a bit…revealing." I looked away from the man. "How about I open a window? It's a tad warm in here to me. Get the air circulating." I then turned and leaned across the bed, along with Kuchiki's legs, to open the window. Once the windows were open, I plopped back on the bed, barely moving it under my weight.
"What is the name of your Zanpakuto?" he asked, clearing the air to which I was thankful for.
"Megami no Getsuei," I replied, finally feeling my cheeks return to normal temperature.
"Goddess of the Moon," he said and I nodded.
"You want to see her?" I asked with a smile.
Without getting a verbal answer but the look in his eyes was all I needed for motivation. I unsheathed my Zanpakuto that was on my back and held it in front of me. "Go forth with grace, Megami no Getsuei." The sword's normal katana turned into a pure white blade with mother-of-pearl designs on the blade itself. The tsuba was round looking like a yin-yang sign and the hilt was wrapped in light blue cloth. Attached to the end was a chain with a moonstone on the end of it. I slid my fingers over the blade in a loving manner before holding in front of the Captain.
He put his hands out, though wasn't really expecting me to actually hand it to him. "It certainly is a fine Zanpakuto. You must have powers similar to Ichigo Kurosaki's or greater to own a blade such as this."
"Thank you, Captain Kuchiki. It means a lot coming from you, who owns Senbonzakura. Not to mention all of the Zanpakuto you must have come across in your time as a Soul Reaper."
"You seem to have better manners than your brother," he replied, handing me back my sword carefully. "You have the decency to call me by my title and last name."
"Well, I mean absolutely no offence by this but…I probably would have called you by your first name just to annoy you, had you not shown yourself in such honorable light. In my opinion, you acted more admirably when you saved Rukia instead of when you brought her back on orders. That in itself, is accepting of me calling you Captain Kuchiki. And believe me when I say, earning my admiration isn't easy to do."
Soon after that, Isane brought Captain Kuchiki his medicine and I thought it best if I left. I waved and told him I'd visit him again later. I ended up visiting him everyday before going to the Eleventh Division to spar with Ikkaku. During the week we stayed in Soul Society, I got to know the other Soul Reapers pretty well. I had tea a few times with Ukitake, when Kyoraku and Nanao would join us. I learned the names of the two lieutenants who I had put to sleep when entering the Seireitei and come to view Ikkaku and Yumichika as good friends. Lieutenant Yachiru and Rangiku were good to talk to and I met Captain Hitsugaya when I visited Momo who was still unconscious. I learned a lot from Captain Unohana about healing Kido. I met Rikichi, a member of the Sixth Division and had a nice chat with old man Yamamoto.