Second chap up! Same day, but I've wanted to test this kinda thing for a while. Let me know what you think. Also, I don't own Bleach. Apart from the stuff I have in the cupboard. Ok, lame pun made, let's start the story!
(Knock Knock)
Come.
Yo, Byakuya.
...
(Cough) -sama.
...Close enough. Sit, Kurosaki. I wished to speak to you about Rukia.
Sure. Is this about the training? Because, hey, I can explain a few scratches, I just don't know how to teach otherwi-
I understand completely. In fact, she seems to have improved greatly.
Oh. Um. Well, I guess that's more thanks to her effort than mine. I thought you were gonna scold me for some of the scrapes she ends up with.
Think not on it. She is improving. If she were not, then we would talk.
Fair enough, I guess. So, what's this about, anyway?
You were close with your first assumption; this is about her training. I fear it may be for naught.
Sorry?
It appears the elders have chosen to veto my option. All they wish is for the bloodline continued, and that means that no matter how much training Rukia does now, how powerful she becomes, it will not matter, as when I pass, she will be put out. She is superfluous.
What the hell? Isn't there something we can- I mean, you can do?
It appears not, Kurosaki. The only way for her to stay would be for her to...take upon herself the...Kuchiki genes.
Um, I'm not sure I follow ya.
As in, she must be the one to keep the family tree branching.
What? Oh, I see. As in, uh, being the mother to the next heir. Well, I'm not sure Rukia would be ok with shacking up with-...I mean...committing propagation (?) with some random noble guy.
Yes, I too doubt that. Especially since, because the rest of the heir-hood already have their spouses, that 'random noble guy' would have to be me.
...
...
...
...
WHAT?
This is, in their view, the only way to ensure the gene is passed to the next generation while ensuring that Rukia is still a part of the family.
Oh, come on! There has got to be something. Wait. Why the hell are you telling this to me again?
You are close friend to Rukia. You also have been able to see a way out of many situations that were, indeed, quite desperate. I did not want to tell my sister until I was absolutely sure about this. If it comes to it, I will force the council to accept that I will not fornicate with my dead wifes' sister. The very thought is... is...
Disturbing...
Thank you. However, this will mean that when the time comes, Rukia will not have a noble foot to stand on. What I need is a way out that continues the line while protecting my sister. I thought, as an outsider, you might have another perspective into this matter.
... ... ...Ok. Well. Right. No problem. Solution, coming right up.
Hmm?
What?
You do know that you do not need to come up with an answer right now?
Yeah, but if the time limit is you dying, then we might as well get it sorted out than forget about it.
If that is your desire, then I see no harm.
Ok. Let's see. Huh... ... ... ... ... ...Ok.
Yes?
I might have something.
Nonsense. It has barely been a full 5 minutes.
Oi, do you want my help or not?
...By all means.
Ok, then. See, if what they are concerned about is your blood line, and a bloodline is a thing not just from the past up until you, it goes forwards as well, then why don't we just say that when Rukia has kids, one of them will marry your son/daughter? In the end, in terms of genetics, it will be like you had a child with Hisana, right?
But why should they choose Rukia for my child's mother-in-law? What makes her stand out from the thousand other women who would gladly make this kind of arrangement?
Because me and Rukia are going to continue to train, until they believe she is powerful because of her blood, not her own determination.
...Yes.
Yes what?
Pardon?
Yes what?
Yes, that will be an appropriate solution.
No, 'Yes, that was bloody brilliant, Ichigo. Nice work with this conundrum.' Or even just 'Good job'.
...Thank you, Kurosaki. This solution was quite difficult to come from. You have my thanks.
Ok, ok, I won't push it. But it wouldn't kill you to be a bit more informal, once in a while.
I am a noble, an heir to great fortune and power, an example to all of Seireitei. Colloquial is not something of which I am I am permitted. But. Thank you, Kurosaki Ichigo. This answer you have supplied me with will be of great help.
Huh. Well. Anytime, I- actually, that's another thing. I was able to solve this 'little conundrum' of yours in less than five minutes. You've been doing this all of your life.
...Yes?
Well? The answer was too easy. You should have gotten it right away.
Oh? Should I have?
Byakuya, was... was this some kind of test?
Kurosaki, that is a little paranoid, do you not think? Would I have invited brought you here just to test your reasoning abilities? To solve a puzzle? Whatever reason could I have for doing that?
I...I...Um, I don't really have an answer for that one.
Then the only logical conclusion is...?
That you didn't?
Exactly.
Oh. Alright, then. I guess I had better head off, then.
That would be best, now that our business is concluded.
Are you patronising me now?
Why would I be doing that?
(Sigh)You know, I don't think I want to know.
A good choice.
...I'm going now.
Oh, Kurosaki? One final thing.
Yeah?
Yo.
