Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach
Genre: Romance/Adventure
Main characters: Karin and Yuzu
Rating: T
Pairings: Ichixruki - byaxyuzu - hitsuxkarin and many more.
Timeline: Takes place 3 years after the anime end, Yuzu and karin are sixteen (and a half) as the real story starts.
Extra info: the flash foward is six years after the beginning of this story. So Yuzu is 22 there (but age doesn't really matter in the soul society)
Chapter Two: Tracing back my steps
I'm a murderer…
A woman leaned her forehead against the window-glass, Her cheeks were wet but no one was allowed to know. Yuzu traced with her fingers abstract shapes on the window glass – and rain poured. She sighed as it seemed as if her chest was made of stone. he had never thought that she would be able to kill a person she loved just because it was her duty. But she was too stressed. She had to calm down and go back to how this could have happened. She had to think back where it all started...
Trace everything back…
six years back...
.
A light brown-haired girl made her way through the serene halls. It was bright and very spacious – ironically it all seemed peaceful and inviting. She was young – didn't look any older than sixteen. She passed through glances of hopeful suitors, but ignored she had other thing on her mind.
"You made it just in time Yuzu, where were you?" Karin asked, glancing as their teacher opened the large doors for the students to enter. The woman seemed to have a bad day as she stomped inside. Her students were used to this kind of behavior by now and in complete silence they entered after her.
The seats were quickly enough filled and the kido teacher went straight to the point. They would first have a security lesson about the uses of kido - later they would go into the open field to practice their aim. This was merely their first year - but the ranked officers class - the highest in the academy - were supposed to master abilities much quicker. If you didn't then the only possibility to remain in the class is if your spiritual energy was high enough to be made officer someday.
Karin felt proud at first to attend this class - the one that Rukia, Renji and all the other people she was friends with had attended. But then again felt envious for her brother didn't even need to attend and became captain. She wondered if he would even be able to keep up with her kido class - for he now after so much tutoring from Rukia didn't even managed the basics.
Karin turned towards the girls next to her, "Yuzu - why did you leave during lunch?"
"Sorry Karin. I had forgotten something." She apologized – guilty about lying.
The window was forced close by their kido-teacher accompanied by muffled laughter from the class. The teacher turned around spitting fire - enough to silence everyone - just the way she pleased.
Their kido teacher rambled on about how this was the most incompetent class she has ever had in a century - she scolded a man in the front - that squad eleven wouldn't take him with his abilities and certainly not as an officer, "So you better start doing your best on kido!" she yelled in his face - the man looked away bored - he didn't care about this stupid shit of hers. "To the director's office with you!" She continued.
Karin sweat-dropped, the guy sent away was a friend of hers - they played ball a few times - but he was nonetheless an idiot for always going against their teacher.
"Come on, out in the field people!" the teacher yelled and tensed students stood up again. They made their way outside, lining up next to each other. Yuzu took her usual spot next to Karin – it didn't matter that her life was each time at risk.
Another guy next to Karin chuckled and she looked at him, "What are you laughing about Haruka?" He blushed and combed his brown hair back, "It's just that you're always an interesting sight at kido class," Yuzu popped her head next to Karin interested now. "Yuzu go away," Karin whispered and turned towards him.
"Well I hope not to be that interesting today - Mrs. Takeuchi went berserker last time," Karin answered trying to appear cool. He smiled and looked away as the teacher screamed from the other side.
"Students, security goes above all, keep that in mind at all times! Haruka - you're first, now remember what we discussed last time - it's okay to be scared!" The boy covered his face embarrassed. He was done for it - they would all team up on him back in the dorms.
His turn went smoothly and after a few others - Yuzu followed. She was a master by now at this - she didn't even need preparation time as she shot right in the middle of her target. Her kido might not be as strong as Karin, but it was definitely much more controlled.
"Kurosaki Karin - you're next. Try to hold back as much as you can - your technique is okay but the power is too unstable," Mrs. Takeuchi warned her.
Karin prepared herself, raising her hands, trying to concentrate, her neighbors stepped away slowly intimidated by her determined look.
"Hado 31: Shakkaho!"
A huge blast – strong yet wildly – fired away. Blasting away her target but including the ones next to it. Students gasped at the raw power and distanced themselves from the source.
"Karin!" Her teacher yelled frustrated. The girl in question raised her hand announcing she was okay. Frightened students stared at her, murmuring, laughing…
Her teacher shook her head - this girl was a mystery to her.
.
"I've got more paperwork for you captain," Izuru walked into his office with a pile coming to his chin. Ichigo sighed covering his face with his hands, "You've got to be kidding me!" He grunted; fingers hurting from all the catch up work he had to do.
The former captain, Rojuro Otoribashi didn't stay long before the urge to go back to his life on earth heated in but he left things very messy in the process almost working Izuru into a meltdown of stress.
As if it wasn't hard enough, Ichigo complained to himself as he witnessed the pile, nervously being placed on his desk. "I'm so sorry captain, but it really needs to be done and I'm stuck to the roof too,"
"Ah, I know. Why can't we just use a dam computer, my fingers hurt" The captain of squad three brushed his fingers, flinching as it came by a sour spot.
"Computers? Oh right, that thing that humans use...well sir, I don't know anything about computers, maybe squad twelve could help you..?" Izuru wipe away sweat from his brow, he was happy to have Ichigo as his captain. Even the reputation that came along with the man didn't matter, anything was better than captain Otoribashi.
"You know what, you're right! That crazy scientist might have a computer for me," Ichigo straightened up. He sometimes thought back to why he took this job again, but it was, as most things in his life, very complicated.
He never intended to become a captain, but with the death of his sisters and not having a purpose anymore back on earth, he decided to come along to the soul society. He came at the right time, the head-captain had pressured. A replacement for squad three was in dire need. That squad had suffered once more the loss of another captain...this time to music...
He was tempted to reject; he had his reasons, but somehow he felt responsible for stabilizing the seireitei, these people needed his held and in return he would get a nice offer in return.
So here he was...staring in front of him, in the verge of ripping his own hair out.
.
She rushed the address in her pocket. A janitor had given it to her. It was the address of the central library in the seireitei. She wasn't really familiar with the place and she was scared of going through with this but she desperate wanted to find her mother; even if she didn't remember her or even if they couldn't be a family, she just wanted to see her again.
"That you again," She bowed to the friendly mad who rubbed his neck a bit overwhelmed by her gratitude, "Now you be careful Miss." His warning came awkward and he looked weary around to see if anyone was watching them, "Now get out of here okay," He pointed with his head the direction she should leave.
"I will, thank you again," She bowed shortly before running away. There was no time to waste, she would start immediately with her research. She had planned out this beforehand. She made this plan the night that her father forbid her to go look for her mother. She came to the line where the academy grounds was separated from the seireitei. The street was open and there were no guards; because even though students aren't allowed to roam around the seireitei, the temptation to do so wasn't that much. Everyone knew that you could get in trouble and even expelled if not listened to the warnings.
She sighed deeply and crossed the imaginary line, "Here we go…" She was dressed in a kimono, hoping to pass out for a soul reaper with a day off. She walked straight through the long white streets; that was surrounded by a nice well maintained garden, but soon went over in white walls and the population increased as she entered the seireitei market.
Increased was underselling it; it was stamped, with chatter and selling tactics, the odor of sweat mixed with this warm time of the year. She felt overwhelmed by the crowd and hurried out of there.
The library came into sight after a long walk and wrong turns, but she was here; one step closer to her mother…
She walked through the open doors and her eyes widened when a friendly man approached. He had a white coat and seemed to be a staff here, "Good afternoon Miss. How can I help you?" A broad smiled took place on his pale and thin face. She was struck; her mouth and limbs stiffened, rejecting to obey.
"I…" She managed and the man raised his brow, that smile never leaving his creepy complexion. She swallowed quite loud and reminded herself why she was doing this, "I'm from squad three and captain Kurosaki sent me to look for a book for him…" She didn't blink crossing her fingers in her mind hoping that he bought it.
"Oh I see," The man responded bluntly, "Captain Kurosaki and a book…" he was amused; and she hated the way he talked about her brother. Her brother was smart, he was even studying medice when alive. But she didn't say anything and smiled friendly, giving a shrug, lying that she shared the humor.
"Want some help looking for that book?" He suggested and his body moved in a flirting manner, she blushed; not sure why, the man wasn't even attractive, "Uh – I think I would rather look it for myself, if you don't mind," She gave a nervous laughter, "Ah – of course, go ahead. I'm behind the desk if you…need me," Taunting smile,
She felt disgusted but nodded nonetheless. She walked down the long hall that were packed with books, she liked to be in this kind of environment; as a child her father would bring her often with Karin to the library where they could choose a book. That child sentiment never faded even when she became older, she still appreciated the great choice and calmness of these places.
But where to start…
She knew that nothing about her mother would be here in the public area, she had learned that while asking questions to her Hakuda teacher. The woman wasn't paying attention but managed to tell Yuzu that all the souls that come in the soul society get listed in the central library private base. She felt guilty for tricking her poor teacher that way, especially since the woman seemed to need the attention.
But it was all for a greater cause; she would apologize to them all when she could and face the consequences…
She found a door, it was the private ground…but how would she ever get in there? There wasn't any clue, the door just seemed locked. She looked around for any witnesses; there wasn't any, so her fingers reached with an insecurity for the handle. It was a slide door. Her hand embraced it more confident and forced it. To her surprise it opened.
She looked one last time back and entered the dark hall. It was a short one that lead to curling stairs that went down. She had goose bumps, maybe from the cold of the environment or maybe the fact that she would be done for if caught. The stairs came to and end and her sandals touched a stony ground. Another hall and at the end a large double metal door with a security system like she was used to seeing in movies with bank robbery. She could never get through this…
Probably it required a special captain's card or something…
Her heart sunk as she had risked everything and didn't think it through. Of course there would be more to it than an easy to get in private ground, but she had hoped. She couldn't just ask about those things around.
Voices rung from the metal door and her head shot up; she had to get out of here! Her legs moved as fast as they could up at the curly stair, her ankle twitched and she fell hard on her knees on one step and held herself from falling further with her hands. She could feel the pain and the blood announce it's coming, she should have worn pants.
"What was that?"
Her breath sharpened and she forgot about her knee; the blood and run up. Sliding doors open…she had made it…
She got out of there as soon as she could with excuse to have forgotten something. She didn't care if the creepy librarian would suspect her now, she was in panic.
Once outside and behind a wall, Yuzu gasped from the excitement and desperation. She whipped her long light brown hair away from her face. Her eyes threatened to tear from the disappointment…How could she ever go from here…
.
It was afternoon and Karin walked around the academy grounds; searching for her sister who disappeared after class. A few students sat in a group on the grass and were quite loud, she hated to have to share the training grounds with these idiots who only came here to have a picnic.
She growled; walking away still glancing a bit to her side. "Ah – Karin watch it," A familiar voice warned and she halted just in time before clash in to a tree. She looked to her right in search of the person who saved her from embarrassment. "Toushiro?" She turned her head to the side a bit confused. What was he doing here?
He looked around awkward in search for words and trying to maintain his cool image, "Uhm – going for a walk…" She raised an eyebrow; he was lying but it didn't matter, he came just the right time.
"Well I'm glad you walked to here because I need a favor," She glanced at their reflection from the windows of the academy trying to see if her hair was okay. She wasn't that much concerned with appearance as most girls, but there was no way she would walk around messy.
Toushiro looked curiously surprised, "Okay, what do you need?"
"Could you take me to a dining house in the seireitei market? I really don't want to eat the cafeteria food here today. They are serving some really gross soup," She crossed her arms. Already imagining how she would like to tell the school board about their bad choice in food.
Toushiro held back an amused smirk, being through this before with the girl; "Uhm – I might have to finish some paperwork…"
She waited in anticipation,
"Okay – come," He gave in. She held back a smile, remembering all the times she had followed him somewhere curious to where he was going. Especially after coming to the soul society, their friendship had grown. She spent much more time with him now that she lived here, but then again she knew him since she was a child, and these students aren't exactly friendship material. They are all stuck-up rich kids, nagging about everything, with exception of some really poor people from the Rukongai area.
She walked beside him as they entered the seireitei grounds; she had been a few times here; always with that anticipation that someone might suspect her of trespassing and she would get in trouble. She looked at the boy, no, young man, beside her, who seemed to be fidgeting and not his normal self. He was now a bit taller than she was, finally for him she thought in secret.
"So – Uhm, everything alright?" He turned his head to the side at the question; letting the answer wait too long for it to be answered. "Um – Yes. Everything is fine," He was cold and apathetic; did she do something wrong?
Karin tried to lighten the mood with a half-smile, "A lot of work?"
He sighed deeply, "Always – Matsumoto doesn't do a thing. She went to the hairdresser and her permanent went wrong, so now she has demanded a week off to recover from her trauma…"
Karin laughed quietly; making a mental note to visit Rangiku soon. "I don't know what I'm going to do with her…" Toushiro complained more to himself.
They entered the market where people still
"So, why are you taking walks if you have so much work?" Karin bit her bottom lip, regretting she asked this, while she was the one who would take a great amount of his time today with her dinner plans. He narrowed his eyes; lips becoming small. He clearly didn't like her question. She thought.
But in truth, he was doing his best to hide an intimidating blush. "Sometimes you need to take some time off and come back to work with a clear mind," She nodded immediately, hoping she hadn't ruined her dinner plans. "You right, very right,"
"You're doing this for the food, aren't you?" He smirked and she looked away awkwardly, "Ah – who knows…"
She pointed to him where she liked to eat and he guided her opening the door and being welcomed by the scent of food. Dinner hours would start soon, they were on the early side but almost anything could be done for a captain. They got a table pointed and a woman welcomed them friendly; great respect came when you carried the title, Toushiro mused.
When the waitress left with their order, Karin looked at the silent young man before her. It felt, even if both them knew this was just a friendly dinner…one friend doing a favor for another, very odd to be sitting there.
His eyes met hers, "How's the academy?" She felt relieved that the awkward silence had ended. "It's fine I guess, I feel like I belong here now, even if it has been only six months…"
He nodded, understanding what kind of impact her death had dealt on the girl. Just merely sixteen and planning her life ahead of her… "That's good Karin…" He murmured sincere with a hard gaze on her, studying. She over conscious and bowed her head slightly breaking their stare.
"You know…" He started and she looked up. "Maybe when you graduate from the academy, I could bring you with me to earth for a few visits."
"Really…? Are you suggesting I should join your squad?" She gave a nervous smile.
He blushed at her bluntness, "Ah – well of course you can…but what I meant was that, as you know, my squad's specialization is the world of the living, so…" He breathed in and let it come out a bit agitated, as his stomach did odd turns.
"I know what you mean – thanks Toushiro,"
"Wow – little kid captain got a date," Deep voice rang loudly and he turned around to see who entered so rudely. Shunsui waved along, and Kenpachi followed him inside.
Pink Kimono rushed as the man came to their table and took out his hat, "So, looks cozy – what are you kids up to, today?" He leaned against the wall opening with a lazy back expression. Toushiro avoided eye-contact. "None of your business,"
"My, my – aren't you grumpy today," Shunsui looked at the girl who had a slight blush on her cheeks but didn't share his humor at all. "Well – you probably have much fun together, I'll see you kids around."His voice was a bit blurry and he went to the private dining room.
"Why doesn't he respect you?" Karin complained; she wanted to give a snide remark to that guy but she was controlling her temper nowadays.
He closed his eyes, with a calm attitude before answering; "He's always like this when drunk, I just ignore it as much as I can,"
"Good for you…" She muttered.
And dinner came. Luckily for them, they could eat in peace as not much familiar faces joined the dining halls and no one so bluntly as their first encounter arrived. Karin was nervous she noticed, something that only occurred recently. She was never nervous before when with boys…but that changed with time. She took a bit and hoped that he didn't see her struggle with that piece of meat. It was unlike her to act this way, she had never felt anything for the boys she hang out with back on earth…
The dinner ended soon but they spent hours chatting just for the sake of doing so it seemed. He enjoyed her company so much it scared him sometimes. The bill came with a friendly smile, ah the irony! Toushiro half-smirked. He took the bill and reached for his pocket.
Karin turned pink; "Ah – I think I can pay for my share of the food," he gave her a quizzing look, "Nonsense, I make much more money – you're just a student,"
She didn't feel insulted as she should have been with others who would say that to her…but with him…ah – just keep your money, Karin. "Thanks – but next time it's my treat," she pointed out firmly and he agreed to her, but the gentleman in him would never allow that to happen.
He walked her home as the warm day had turned into a typical summer night. The streets that formed the link between the seireitei and the academy were bad lit; mostly because of the money was cut down in the power supply. Streets that weren't used that often didn't need all the light.
Karin was thankful for it; that way he wouldn't see her red cheeks and trembling arms as she thought about how this really started to look like a date…would he even be interested to give it a try? She glanced at him…Do I even want that…?
They stopped before the silent academy dorms. She locked eyes with him, "Thanks again – you saved me a nightmare," His hands entered his pockets after being unsure of what to do with them.
His came closer and eyes widened, questioning his own behavior. He stepped back, obviously aware, "I – Uhm…"
She stiffened, waiting in full anticipation. "I, have to go. Bye, Karin"
"Bye…"
Yuzu jumped up on her bed as she heard the end of it, "He was going to kiss you!" Karin threw her pillow hitting the target hard, "No, he wasn't! Yuzu, you have to stop watching tv shows. It was just a friendly night out and who knows, maybe I had rice on my hair and he wanted to help me out."
"Oh – the excuses you come up with! You two are so obvious, it's almost as bad as brother and Rukia," Yuzu threw the pillow back – It hasn't been a pleasant day, today, and her knee was still hurting, but hearing about Karin and her love adventures always got her blood running. She felt like a fan, not wanting to miss the next episode.
"Just go to sleep, you sensation addict." Karin closed the light before her younger twin could protest. Yuzu can't stand being in complete darkness, Karin smirked.
.
A few, not jealous, students clasped their hands as they sat against the wall on their knees watching Karin take down a second year student in Hakuda class.
Yuzu made a cup with her hands against her mouth, "Go Karin, you're the best!" A blond girl next to her made a negative sound and Yuzu turned to her, "What?" she asked innocently,
"Shut up," The red-head bit back.
Another student from the second year stood up; he was sure he could take that obnoxious girl down. Karin looked at him uninterested, "Sure – come at me then," he growled angry jumping a few times up and down as a warm-up. Not a pleasant sight, as he was overweight and insisted upon being bare-chested when he fought a hand-to-hand combat. He stopped and nodded to be ready at the teacher, who gave the start sign.
The heavy man; appearing to be in his late twenties, but Karin knew that, that didn't say anything. He approached her with an intimidating walk. "Uh – will you just hurry up," She complained.
He hissed and run to her. Her hands touched his shoulder, just the way her teacher taught her, and with a swing she managed to get him on the ground. A hard clash as the idiot didn't break his fall. "Ah- she cheated Mrs. Riza!" He complained standing up and complaining that Karin was only using brute force instead of the tactics that she was supposed to use. "Do you even listen to yourself," Karin remarked before leaving the sparring mat.
"No, she did fine – very good even, for a first year," The polite and wallflower like teacher responded signing the grades. The man growled, as he looked to kill at his enemy. Karin came a bit closer with a smirk, "Sucks to be you, how embarrassing,"
Yuzu's eyes widened as a temper tantrum started to come from the guy, "Karin, let's go! Class is over, come!" She took her sister by the arm, who first intended not to back down, and pushed her along. They walked outside to the open field where a great amount of students passed by as most classes had just end.
"I'm pissed,"
"I know Karin, but we're not at high school anymore, fights here are different."
Karin kicked a small rocks away; her body still filled with adrenaline. "Yuzu, I'm going for a walk, okay?" Yuzu nodded. Her sister was clearly at the verge of exploding and she looked like she could use something to kick…
Yuzu shrugged, she would give the girl her space. She had her own plans today and they shouldn't be taken so lightly. Today, she would try to figure out how to enter that private room. Now she first intended to ask her brother, but he would understand what she was doing and not help her. Somehow he agreed with her father to let the matter go, but to her, he said that they should wait until everything calmed down a bit. Their death hasn't been that long ago, they needed to get some consistency and form a new home here before going through a very emotional search for someone who's death had traumatized them.
She walked the path she knew by heart now. Her brother was right, partly, but she just wanted to know if her mother was there…just take a peak and watch from afar…
So today she would visit the person where she had the best chance at getting her information.
Rangiku...
That woman blurted everything out, be it personal and disgusting, to secrets, even if it went against her lieutenants duties.
.
A proud captain left squad six barracks – earlier than he normally would. He made his way through the wide streets of the seireitei. A loud yelp stole his attention as a beautiful girl fell on her knees while papers flew around her. He noticed as strands of her silky hair touched her academy uniform.
Academy uniform…
"You're not allowed in this area; go back to the academy's grounds." Yuzu looked up, afraid – The man was probably a captain judging by the white coat and his tone of authority.
She hastily replied. "I'm very sorry, sir."
Byakuya observed and her eyes widened when a hand appeared in front of her - as if offering to help her stand. He was just as shocked by his action, but remained apathetic.
He was handsome – she blushed, "Thank you." He stared a bit too long for his liking. She quickly bowed and picked up the fallen papers – Just four, but time passed by painfully slow as she nervously gathered them. The truth was just a matter of seconds. Bowing again she turned to leave.
"Your name, academy student."
She hadn't thought this through – she hadn't planned on what to say if investigated – foolishly counting on her intelligence.
"Yuzu Kurosaki…sir." She expected more questions but the silent man before her didn't apply. She had intended to find someone of authority to help her – but she was unlucky to find him.
He contemplated about his next step. The girl was suspicious, clearly hiding something – It was his responsibility to maintain safety at any cost.
"Tell me about your business here, or you'll be reported," He replied coldly. Yuzu bit the bottom of her lip which did not went unnoticed. She should have come more prepared, acting too hastily and emotional got her into this.
"Yes, sir…I'm here looking for any trace of my mother's whereabouts, she died about twelve years ago in the world of the living." Lowering her head, she expected the worst – this man didn't seem to be compassionate – she could only hope that her answer would be enough for him to let her go with nothing further.
"I see…" her hopes increased, would he let her go and search for her mother? Did her story make an impact?
"Take this as a warning and return to the academy grounds. The next time you trespass, you'll be reported." Her hopes were bitterly crushed.
"Please Sir! I won't be any trouble; I just want to see my mother again." Her eyes begged him. He watched her and after a few silent seconds looked away.
"I just want to know if she's here..." Yuzu murmured.
"Go back, Kurosaki Yuzu." He answered.
This would be then the end of her research…she couldn't let that happen. "Sir…there's something suspicious about my mother's death…"
He didn't seem moved so she obeyed and left. What a horrible man, he could at least be nice about it.
Byakuya watched as the girl walked away, subtlety brushing fingers against the palm of his hand.
.
"Hey,"
"Ah – Karin! Long time, where were you?" Rangiku peeped from a curtain she had created in her room; it was used as a fitting room. "You know…Busy, with school and everything…"
Curtains opened with a swift movement, and Rangiku appeared with a much too curly and dry hair wearing a red, low-cut dress, "So what do you think?" She asked exited, walking out of the space and admiring herself, while fidgeting here and there.
Karin searched for words…"Uh…it's very, you."
"Me?" Rangiku peeked at the girl who only nodded in response. A seductive smile played on Rangiku lips, "I know, I have a great sense for style." She beamed.
Karin sweat-dropped, Not what I meant…
"So why are you dressing up for?"
Rangiku turned around with a more serious expression, "I'm going on a possible date..?" she wasn't sure, Shuuhei had asked if she wanted to go do some drinks at the pub tonight, but he never really mentioned an actual date. "So, you like this guy?" Karin placed her hands behind her neck, a laid back gesture.
Rangiku smiled an almost bitter smile. "Maybe, Karin," but again…she wasn't sure. Her heart still belonged to someone else, someone who gave his life for her and left her all alone after his death. She was still in love with him, but felt so alone…
"You seem serious about this, why not change your style and put on something more elegant instead of sexy?" Karin pointed out and stood up from her sitting position. Rangiku smiled at the girl trying to help her, "Okay, I guess I can try a few outfits more," She reached for a double door and slide open, showing an entire room packed with clothes, shoes and bags. Karin leaned against the opening as the barely dressed woman went through boxes and cabinets.
"You know, the captain seemed quite happy today, did you two have a fun time?" Karin blushed, "he told you?"
"Yeah – he was chatty today,"
"I guess, yesterday was 'okay', good food, I was happy with the desert too," Karin changed the subject, she knew that once Rangiku caught a glimpse of something interesting she wouldn't have any peace. Rangiku straightened up with a yellow high-heel shoe, examining the small scratch on it. "You know who wasn't happy about it when she heard…"
"Huh – who?" Karin was brought out of her daydream,
"Momo wasn't too happy." Rangiku pouted and put her shoe down before returning with a devilish smile, "I think she likes the captain…what do you think?"
"I don't know…I don't really care much either…" Karin frowned annoyed about all this sentiment talk all the time, didn't people have better things to do. Rangiku started undressing without a warning and the younger girl turned her head away. "but I don't think he likes that way…" muffled voice came from the changing woman, "it's fun to tease, but I think he sees her just as a sister, you know." Karin nodded to no one in particular as her heart started to beat faster.
"Very sad really, But I guess she'll just have to accept things how they are…I mean, she can't force him to like her," Rangiku ranted on and Karin pressed her head against the wall, regretting she ever came here.
.
Byakuya is in the research facility where he looks for Kurosaki Masaki and to his surprise finds out that she's not listed
Byakuya stared into a blue screen, he typed the name he was searching for. It was a request from his grandfather some time ago, that it he found the time, if he could look into what happened with his grandfather fourth seat back when the man was captain. A photo appeared of an old man beside the general information.
'Alive'
'living in the Rukongai Area'
'District 2'
Byakuya nodded more to himself, this would be enough to present to his grandfather. He didn't want to get involved in whatever the man was planning to do with this. He was done here, that's all he had planned to do in the city.
Before logging out, he paused for a moment. He was here after all…and typed a name he didn't plan to in the first place.
'Masaki Kurosaki, Not registered,' he looked at the considered options for the name, but nothing really matched. He went to the human's souls list, where it often modified and did not work synchronously with the registered members list.
'Reborn, death, no entrance of soul,'
It was curious indeed…what was he to do with this..?
.
Rukia looked outside where her brother stood before his koi pond. She smiled secretively – having figured out not too long ago who was messing with it.
He came back inside with an expression forecasting thunder. "There's a koi missing again." Rukia quickly putted on a serious and concerned mask – as she knew that the fish was doing just fine. "How strange," She muttered.
He thoughtfully touched his chin with his index finger and thumb while closing his eyes. "I'm going with Captain Kurotsuchi's idea." Suddenly they looked up at the young man who appeared in front of the window. His orange hair falling over his face accompanied by enthusiasm.
"Hey Rukia, Byakuya!" He greeted spontaneously and hopped inside. "Kurosaki Ichigo, There's a door meant for that." Byakuya decided that continuing would be a waste of his time and left as soon as the young man started talking.
Rukia didn't pay attention to her brother – all she could see was Ichigo. He smiled back and she led the way into the garden as planned. She had laid a picnic blanket – and prepared everything for their lunch.
"This place looks really amazing." Ichigo sat down. Rukia agreed and looked at him questioning when he sighed deeply.
Ichigo didn't want to risk their friendship...
He wanted more, but he also enjoyed having her as his friend – his best friend. They enjoyed lunch – blushing slightly as they brushed hands by accidents or looked at each other for too long.
Byakuya glanced out of his window seeing the two of them out in the garden. "Pathetic," He muttered and turned to the papers before him.
"Who captain?" Renji looked up from the page he was reading. He had brought in his reports here as his captain didn't plan to go back to his office at the barracks for the day. Renji followed the direction where the man next to him had glanced. There she was…
He sighed loudly forgetting about the paper on his hand. Even as far as she sat he could still notice her beautiful features, her radiant skin and that smile…
He felt like crying – he was losing her…Renji watched them – like a man who had just lost everything dear to him.
The head of the Kuchiki clan was getting quite tired of this endless drama. His lieutenant had been practically useless since that boy came to the soul society.
"You bastard…" Renji muttered not caring about his company. Byakuya wanted to scold him, for bringing his personal life into the office – but he knew it would once again be a waste of time. Renji couldn't change his behavior.
Where was I..? Byakuya frowned at the text before him. He looked at Renji annoyed ready to say something.
"Captain I need to go, I'll see you tomorrow." The tall red-haired man said, without even looking. He bowed just a little and left an insulted captain behind.
.
"Why are you following me?" Toushiro asked irritated. "I'm bored," Karin muttered not caring about his attitude, she had learned by now to look through it. They passed fields as the hot sun pained her eyes.
"Where are you going anyway?"
"I like to come here and train…" He answered and walked on not sure if he should even proceed anymore. The whole deal why he came here was to be alone, meditate and think about some thinks and what he should do.
"Can I join?" Karin touched the shaft of her zanpakutou as a habit. She felt that she was close to knowing its name. It was soon, her teachers had said so many times, but she couldn't deny that feeling that kept reaching out for her. She could almost hear its whisper.
"I don't think that's wise, you wouldn't hold it much longer and my spiritual pressure can be dangerous sometimes when clashed with much weaker ones."
Her breath halted; "Excuse me?" He stopped and questioned her with his expression, "I'm not weak," She said fiercely,
"What I meant was-" he tried to undo his damage but she took out her zanpakutou, "We're doing this," She cut him off. He sighed deeply ready to explain more but a sword headed his way and he held it back just in time with his own. "Karin, what's wrong with you?" He hissed and put strength to it pushing her back. They stopped for a moment to look at each other and she launched again.
She was putting as much strength as she could with each hit, but he only defended with not much effort needed, "Karin, you have misunderstood me,"
"I think it was a slip of the tong," She gasped and pushed as much strength as she could, a crack was heard. She looked up where their swords met and a small crack with a little piece missing was visible on her sword. She backed away examining it.
Toushiro regained himself coming to aid, "It'll go back to its original form soon enough if you keep it within your spiritual energy."
She was silent; feeling stupid about acting so emotional and gave him a small nod. He apologized to which she accepted as he then suggested to train with her. Hand-to-hand combat was her favorite so he accepted to spar for a while, forgetting entirely about his own training he intended to do.
After hours, they sat down by a tree, tired. The sun shined brightly and Karin squeezed her eyes as it hit her. He complained before she could, about the sun - stating he didn't like warm weather and preferred the winter.
"Is it because you get easily burned?" Karin asked as she threw small rocks into the water. Toshiro sighed, "No,"
Karin smirked, "Not that you know of, you are always hiding in the shades" she punched his shoulder playfully. "Why did you bring me here anyway? Don't you have captain duties?" He shook his head, "you're the one who followed," she giggled. He looked away annoyed and when he looked back he noticed how close they were. They have had moments like this before - it seemed like a disease to their friendship - slowly eating it away.
He tried to hold himself back, but he couldn't. His body wasn't obeying his common sense, on the contrary, it was making him come even closer… "Uhm…I also have today off…" He murmured. Karin blushed, she was paralyzed, her heart beating faster as she looked into his dazed eyes. He slowly closed the space between them - their lips touched barely.
"Shiro-chan what are you doing!" Momo called out - stunned the sight she almost witnessed. Karin backed away from him. And he stared at Momo as if he was a deer caught in headlights.
"Momo…" He whispered, standing up. "…I was visiting a friend - why were you looking for me…?" He approached the damaged girl. She seemed so fragile to him - her eyes almost watering. "Come Momo - you don't look too well - shall I bring you back…?" He asked and she nodded - her heart already breaking, she couldn't even look at that damned girl, who ruined everything for her.
He placed an arm over her shoulder - guilty that he had hurt her. He glanced back one last time, but the other girl was nowhere to be seen. He didn't know what to do. He loved Momo as a sister - and he promised to protect her - even if that cost him his happiness…
.
Yuzu entered the tidy space she shared with her sister – finding it soothing to be there. She sat on her bed and opened a book where a letter was hidden between the pages. She lay down on the softness, holding the letter above her.
'The database contains no information regarding your mother.
Byakuya Kuchiki'
She found it was formal – said so much with just a few words.
Yuzu stroked lightly with her fingers over the written words – her obsession to find her mother had almost drove her insane. She looked back at the letter. "If the opportunity occurs, I'll thank him," The girl smiled, this meant she was right - there's more to her mother's 'death'. And she would find out.
A door opened with a rush and she quickly hide the letter behind her while she sat up. Karin was in a foul mood.
"Karin, what happened?" Yuzu stood up and walked after her sister who threw herself on her bed and covered her face on a pillow. "Karin-"
"Go away, Yuzu!"
The younger twin was taken aback, she had never seen Karin be so emotional. "They are calling the students for dinner…" she murmured trying to be helpful but unsure how to. Karin had always been the strongest of them, both physically and emotionally. But this was something she had never dealt with, it was different and scaring that her romanticized image she had of her sister started to break and she felt over aware of the mistake she had made all those years…Karin was hurting…and all she knew was how to ask for her support…
.
Karin opened the door to her friend's office. He was as usually glued to his work but she didn't care if she was a bother, she came in today for an answer...After more than a week of avoidance, she was determined to do something about this.
"Karin…" He muttered, she looked down as she approached his desk - there was no turning back now. She had to know where they stand - the way it was going lately was killing her. He played with his pen, nervous - he had never thought it would turn out that way.
"Toshiro…" She met his eyes keeping a straight face. "Was everything alright with Momo - I hope not to have upset her." She said and smiled.
Tensing up he threw his pen away and covered his face with his hands, "Toshiro…" She asked and leaned a bit down, "Don't worry about what happened, It's not that bad really…" Karin tried. He pulled his hand down and stood up turning his back at her. "I'm sorry Karin - but what happened yesterday was an accident… I think we should stay away from each other for a while, I don't want to hurt Momo."
She stared - this all seemed it had gotten out of hand. Crossing her arms, still facing his now much broader shoulder - "Isn't this all a bit drastic?" She asked calmly. He turned around and met her eyes.
"You might be right…but Momo has suffered enough," He replied. Karin nodded - her teenage dreams of dating him coming to an end. She had been foolish not to have noticed how he felt before. Her chance with him was over…he had chosen the other girl...
"I'll give you your space," She turned around keeping her emotions hidden - she couldn't ever let him know…
She closed his office door behind her leaning against it for a moment then running away as fast as she could. She needed to get away from here. Rangiku watched as the girl passed by, she called out but was ignored.
Karin didn't stop running until she reached the dorms - her sister welcomed her with open arms, offering consolation - but Karin refused to show how upset she was...she wanted to get over this as soon as possible and move on.
.
"You always say that, how suspicious you are." Karin muttered not liking the way she was being treated. Ichigo growled – his sisters had been very difficult since they came here. They didn't listen to him as well as they did back when alive. Was this the growing up part his dad dramatized – should he start treating his sisters as equal adults..? It was weird since he had always felt like a parent to them.
"Rukia – you agree too, right? He shouldn't be deciding when we can go home," Karin persuaded calmly but didn't leave Ichigo's gaze. She had been through enough disappointment this past weeks and all she wanted now is for something to finally go how she wanted.
Rukia looked between the battling siblings deciding which stance to take.
"I think we should just go home Karin – I don't like drunken people," Yuzu meddled – mostly because she was a little freaked out by the men who flirted with her tonight.
"Ah you always want to go home Yuzu – Why don't you just move to a retirement house, I'm sure you'll have a blast there." Karin retorted annoyed – she was pissed – for several reasons and needed to get it out somehow.
Rukia turned toward Ichigo, touching his arm, "Ichigo – I think your sisters are old enough to stay for the karaoke," They locked gaze and she looked at him – reasoning with a smile.
"Hey Captain – are you and lieutenant Kuchiki having some disagreement on how to raise your children?" A loud – and probably drunken squad member shouted from the crowd. Both Ichigo and Rukia blushed as she quickly let his arm go.
Karin glanced at Yuzu who giggled. Ichigo turned towards Karin his cheeks still red. "Sorry Karin – next time,"
"That's what you always say," Karin muttered and took her bag. Yuzu followed her out quickly as a man called 'cutie' after her. She had a red face embarrassed. Pervert! Yuzu yelled at him – in her mind – too afraid to do that for real.
The girls walked back in the night. Yuzu wrapped her arms around her. "Brother can be so oblivious," She started and Karin placed her hands behind her neck as she walked.
"Tell me about it – It was so pink, I'll be having nightmares tonight." Yuzu giggled happy that Karin seemed better. But she knew it wasn't that easily. Yuzu's expression soon turning seriously. She remembered her plan – could she do it tonight? Deciding - she breathed in deeply preparing herself for her next move.
"Karin I need to go somewhere first." She was nervous, insecure. They stopped walking. Karin watched her suspiciously, confused where this had come from, "Please Karin," Yuzu whispered, her eyes begging for permission.
"Why?" The older twin asked.
"I can't tell." Yuzu told her in hurry looking around. Karin was worried; she bit her lip and nodded. Yuzu's expression brightened.
"Don't do anything stupid Yuzu."
"I won't!"
Karin didn't know anything about this – and she knew that she wouldn't get the truth either. Yuzu always seemed to be an open book – everyone thought so. But Karin knew better – her sister was messed up. Yuzu didn't act on her own – she always tried to be someone people would find more likable…
Yuzu ran in the direction she had traced many times with her fingers over a map. She decided to go to his office; there she would leave a letter.
It wasn't a long run – yet she was breathless – gasping but continuing. She would thank the captain of the sixth division for his trouble – and bring on the message that she would stop her research. Hopefully that would get her out of his radar.
There, the office!
She stopped. He was outside. He shouldn't be here, it was past office hours…
Byakuya was leaning over a fence while looking at the sky, she was sure he had noticed her as she neared him – building up courage. She was suddenly painfully aware of her lost of words as she stood close to him. He noticed her features silently – and waiting.
She gulped and lowered her head. "Thank you." Her voice trembled, his eyes widened – Hastily she turned around, feeling relieved for doing what she intended to. Without meeting his eyes.
Come on, run Yuzu!
She gasped, The letter! What am I supposed to do with the letter? She hurriedly placed it on the floor and ran for it. I'm so stupid! Her mind screamed as she kept running as fast as she could. How embarrassing! She turned a corner but didn't slow down.
Again, he could only watch her leaving form and wonder what had just happened. He glanced at the letter on the floor then back at the sky.
Very interesting…
Before he went to bed he glanced one last time at the envelope on his nightstand. He breathed in deeply and out – reaching for the letter. He was still a bit mad at having to pick it up from the floor. But he couldn't just leave it there to be found.
In her letter – she thanked him, but still wished to investigate it on her own when granted permission. He didn't know what to make of it. Was she hinting that he didn't provide her with correct information? He shook his head – tired. He shoved to the middle of the bed and stared at the ceiling.
.
On a hill the sun set was barely visible as darkness took over.
Karin had been there for hours, her body was starting to struggle as it almost refused to stay in the same position. But she wasn't nearly done, her wish to learn her zanpakutou's name was driving her mad. Obsession was what her sister would call - and maybe it was. Karin didn't think it was necessarily a bad thing to be obsessed - she needed this as a distraction. What better solution than working towards a goal after closing a painful chapter in her life.
She knew she had to move on...lingering on hope or lying to herself that she could be just his friend was established destructive.
Karin pushed her depressing thoughts away and tried to concentrate. She was able to communicate with her zanpakutou, she didn't know its name but was nonetheless satisfied with her progression so far. None of the other ranked officer students have been able to do that.
She tensed...closing her eyes...
There seemed to be various voices present – they all called out for her - like a child reaching for its mother. The power they held was always very present. It was immensely strong and refused to tell its name until they were sure she would be able to yield them. Karin opened her eyes again - another attempt seemed to have failed. Her stomach screamed - her back ached and little sharp wounds around her body bleed.
It all didn't matter - she had to prove she was strong enough. Concentrating again - she stared at the sword in front of her, she was told that it was supposed to lay on her lap - but its vibration felt uncomfortable, as if trying to enter her. Distance and control - just like her kido - seemed to be the key point here.
Karin had slowly discovered that her zanpakutou wasn't ordinary - she even felt weary to inform what she knew to her teacher. Yuzu would worry - so Karin protect her from the knowledge. But she was struggling - everyday it was getting harder. She often found herself woken up in sweat - late at night gasping frightened, her dreams were vivid - as she sucked out the life force of her beloveds.
leaving dead bodies lying around...
Her eyes closed as her brow tensed - she didn't want to suffer anymore...
(Then maybe you should get stronger) A voice from within her replied – just as the first time, it was this voice that spoke up first. Karin wondered if it was the leader...
(Why aren't looking for us, why are you holding back..?) A deep, more cynical voice asked. "I'm not holding back pal," Karin replied sternly.
(something is holding you back…maybe it's your lack of strength...or maybe...you're afraid) A feminine voice replied sarcastically and several others laughed. Karin stood up – she didn't plan to lose this battle. "I am strong enough, now come out so I can show it to you, instead of saying annoying things from inside my head,"
(Then find us master) The lighter feminine voice ended their conversation articulating the last word – teasing with a hint of spite.
Ended the conversation huh..? Karin kicked the zanpakutou – and no response. She watched her silent sword. I'm not afraid...
"I'll force you into obedience!"
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Whoa - long text. The chapters may vary from length.