Bounts and Kuchiki Manor

'Damn. He's gotten even stronger since our fight back in the Human World,' I thought as I panted. I was crouched on one knee trying to analyze his techniques and moves.

We, being Ichigo, Orihime, Chad, Uryuu, and myself, had followed the Bounts into Soul Society. The other Soul Reapers went with us since they were there to begin with in the cave. Rukia has been hurt further trying to help us and Ichigo was thrown into a funk after he was beaten by Kariya. Now, we all went different ways to fight the Bounts before they could destroy Soul Society. I felt many presences getting closer to our location near the First Division's barracks. Before I could discern who they all were, Kaede's voice interrupted me.

"Do you not understand what it's like for us Bounts? We don't belong anywhere! You don't know what that's like! Never aging, everyone hating you for something you have no control over!" Kaede yelled at me.

"Get over it! Quit whining and crying over it! You Bounts have had hundreds of years to find the answer to your problem. I'm sixteen and I've already found the answer. You think you're the only one suffering? I'm a human Soul Reaper, technically belonging to both the Human World and Soul Society. If I can't belong to both then that means I belong to neither. And don't get me started on my inner Hollow. So shut up! It's not where you belong, it's who you belong with!" I yelled. "But nothing…no excuses could possible reason why you prayed on the souls of living humans. That…I cannot forgive."

I charged at him and brought my blade down faster than ever. It torn through the guy and sliced him in half. He soon turned to ash and blew away with the wind. I sheathed my sword before walking towards the Fourth Division. Maybe Captain Unohana would have something for my to busy myself with. I was passing Ichigo when he said something.

"Emi? Are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm fine. The stupidity of the Bounts is just getting to me is all," was my response.

We had been in Soul Society for a few days. Strange how we usually stayed for a week or so when we visited but at least this time was on friendlier terms with the Gotei 13. I was currently walking to the Kuchiki Manor to visit Rukia who was resting there. She still hadn't fully recovered before going to the Human World to help us, resulting in more damage to her soul from that Bount. I knocked on the door and was shown to Rukia's room by a maid.

"Hey, Rukia." The girl was laying in her bed mat. "How are you feeling?"

"Good. Where's Ichigo?" she asked.

"Fighting with Ikkaku, as always. Boys," I said, sitting down. "I just came to visit you for a little while."

"Of course," Rukia replied. "Thanks for the thought. You're always so caring."

"I guess it's because I'm an older sibling."

"Yea. I wonder if that's how Nii-sama feels sometimes."

"I'm sure he does. He's just not the type to show it so openly."

"Yea. Do you want to go for a walk in the gardens? I've been inside all day."

"Alright. But promise me, if you start to feel bad you have to tell me. That way, I can bring you back." She nodded and led me to the gardens.

The Kuchiki gardens were beautiful and Rukia informed me about the flowers and such. I had to admit, I was impressed. There was a Koi pond in the middle with big koi fish. We were soon laughing and talking about random things. After twenty minutes or so, Captain Kuchiki appeared.

"I see you both are enjoying the gardens," he said.

"You have beautiful gardens and a large variety of flowers here, Captain Kuchiki," I complimented.

"I'm glad to find others enjoy them, besides myself and Rukia," he answered.

"Emi was just saying that if she lived here, she would constantly be found here," Rukia said. "The lilies and bluebells are her favorite flowers but so are the Sakura blossoms."

"Oh? We learn something new everyday," he said. "Well, enjoy your time here. You are always welcome, having such good manners unlike another Kurosaki I've met. Have a nice day. I must be getting back to the paperwork in my office."

"Have a nice day too, Captain Kuchiki," I said.

"Bye, Nii-sama," Rukia said. With a curt nod, he left us alone.

I left Rukia in her room to rest after the hour we spent outside. I closed her door gently before walking back the way I was led here by the maid earlier. Turning the corner, I nearly ran into someone. He was an elderly man but stood tall. He wore a kimono and hakama that was embroidered with the Kuchiki Clan crest. I knew this must be a relative of Captain Kuchiki and Rukia, so I bowed immediately.

"Sorry Sir. I didn't notice your presence before turning the corner," I stood back up. The man looked a lot like Byakuya, especially with the way he carried himself.

"No harm done, though I see you are a Soul Reaper. Are you here for an appointment with my grandson?" he spoke with a stern, proud voice.

"No Sir." So this is Byakuya's grandpa. Hm… "My name is Emi Kurosaki, Sir. I was just visiting Rukia."

"Oh, I see. You are one of the Substitute Soul Reapers for Karakura Town," he said. I nodded to confirm his words. "Would you do me the honor of being my guest for tea?"

"Of course, Sir," I said, following him down the halls. Like I can say no… but no harm done, right? A smile graced my lips in the man's wake. Perhaps it would be fun to see Byakuya's reaction.

I was seated at the low table on a comfy cushion across the man.

"The tea is wonderful, Captain…uh, Lord Kuchiki?" it came out as a question since I didn't know what to call the man. I could've kept calling him 'Sir' I suppose.

"Ginrei is fine," he replied.

"Ginrei then. It's nice to meet you," I tried to start a conversation.

"I could say the same. Between Rukia and my grandson, I have heard much about you. You are a Substitute Soul Reaper as well as your brother, and you both have achieved Bankai. Is that right?"

"Yes, Sir," I said, feeling like this just turned into an interrogation.

"It is not against the law for Soul Reapers to have relationships with Humans, but it would be humiliating for all parties included."

"I understand that but why are you telling me," I asked, completely out of whatever loop he was talking about.

"Are you aware of the Kuchiki's status here in Soul Society? The difference between Nobility and those born in the Rukongai?" Ok, that was it.

"Yes, of course. It all depends on pure chance." He raised his eyebrows at my tone. "Like, it was chance that you and Captain Kuchiki were born as nobles. Souls are born into the Rukongai after they die on Earth in the Human World. The ones that don't go there are born into Soul Society when women here get pregnant. It's all by chance. Personally, I commend those born into the Rukongai. The ones with spirit energy have to fight to survive. There's a higher crime rate and more casualties as a result. Forgive me if I don't praise you or any noble for having everything handed to them throughout their life. Not all of us can have such a high horse to ride, being the first to know when it starts to rain. The distance people place between others here is just ridiculous. And when I heard Captain Kuchiki's story about his late wife, I found an all-new respect for him.-"

"-For anyone to find love like that is so lucky. It doesn't matter where someone comes from but where they're going…together. Captain Kuchiki is a good man and he deserves to find someone else. And who knows if he'll find love again? But when he had it…with Hisana, Rukia's sister, his family should have been rejoicing. You should've all been happy for the simple fact that he was happy. That's what family is for." I took a breath after my rant, only slightly afraid how the stranger would react.

"You are all but a stranger to me. You've come into my house and thrown our houses inconsistencies in my face. No one has ever done that before," he said. "You have courage if anything. Not many would say what you did, in the tone you used, and live to tell about it. I commend your brave actions and the meaning behind your harsh words. I find you worthy of my respect. I see that you have profound feelings for my grandson."

"Just great respect. He's good company," I replied, a bit taken aback by his meaning. "It seems I'm immune to his cold demeanor. He just can't fool me like the others."

"I see," he said. I took another sip of tea.

"I'm sorry for over-stepping my bounds. I just…get heated sometimes when I disagree with people. My father has never been strict so he's only told me that it's good for a girl my age to have fire and passion. He's more of a goof, really. But he's my father and I wouldn't trade him for anything." I smiled at the older man.

"I must agree with your father to a certain degree. When Byakuya was younger, he would always get so mad…usually at Yoruichi when she stole his hair-ties. Sometimes, if you look closely, you can see his younger self when he gets angry. Very frightening, I admit."

"I can imagine," I said after laughing. "It's a good thing I don't scare very easy."

A knock then sounded at the door. I turned in my seat when Ginrei permitted the person entrance. Captain Kuchiki stood in the doorway, frozen after spotting me. I couldn't keep the smile from my face.

"Byakuya, what a pleasant surprise. Is there something you need?" Ginrei asked.

"I merely wished to speak with you, grandfather," he replied, looking to his grandfather.

"I should be going anyways." I stood and bowed to Ginrei. "Thank you for the tea and nice conversation. Good evening, Captain Kuchiki." I walked passed Byakuya as he moved aside to allow me out. "Ginrei." I bowed slightly again then stood before looking at Byakuya. "In the future, you may have to remind me not to take your hairpieces." I knew my voice and the look in my eyes had to be teasing him. I couldn't help it. I then turned and left. Using flash-step, I was back at the Tenth's barracks within moments.