Author's Note: All characters are property of Bleach, though I doubt I really have to say that. And don't forget to review! Are you ready to take this journey with me?:D
"'Tis midnight now. The bent and broken moon, battered and black, as from a thousand battles, hangs silent on the purple walls of Heaven."-Joaquin Miller
Chapter 1: This Lovely Living
Renji settled down on a wooden bench reluctantly as the small wide-eyed girl in front of him read from a crisp white sheet of paper. Black ink bled through the pristine page in sharp contrast, and caught Renji's curious eye. At first, when Momo had interupted his daily training and stated she needed to "read something to him", an objective moan had growled in slight annoyance.
"Can't it wait?" he had groaned as he was pestered by his friend, "I can read it myself anyway. Why can't this hold off until sword practice is finished!"
But the petite, yet fierce girl was persistant. Renji should've known better than to believe that Momo Hinamori, 5th Division lieutenant, would take no for an answer. Yes, in the end, Renji's protests and objections were proven futile and he was unwillingly forced from those training grounds, with small and strong hands dragging him through the old, stone archway exit. Now he sat, his sword tossed over his shoulder and curiosity piled high over his thoughts. What the letter relayed, Renji couldn't tell for himself, but the bursts of excitement and fits of giggles ringing from Momo wasn't bringing him any closer to finding out. The message had been sent from Central 46, which meant either one of two things: a.) This was a termination letter and he was being asked to leave the Seireitei immediately, or b.) Something else. Something much better.
"Okay, so it says,
'Renji Abarai, 6th seat of the Eleventh Division, you have been awarded the honor of becoming the next Sixth Division lieutenant. Your promotion will become official in one month and begin the following day. You have been assigned to Captain Kuchiki, of the Kuchiki clan. Please make the necessary preparations and arrangements prior to your division transfer. You are wished the best of luck.'"
Momo closed the letter and beamed at her red-head friend. Noticing his lack of a response, she turned to the blond beside her for assistance.
"Isn't this great, Izuru? Renji is finally a lieutenant! I think it's about time we give ourselves a name. They could call us, 'The Three Lieutenants'! Oh, how I like the sound of that..."
Izuru smiled warmly at her, placing his finger on his chin as if in deep thought.
"Hmm..Yes, I suppose it does have a nice ring to it."
Renji frowned internally at the cruel irony of his situation.
This man, Byakuya Kuchiki, whose name was so popular and so often spoken of throughout the Seireitei, as well as the Rukon District, was to be his future captain.
The early April breeze blew throughout the city and ebony butterflies fluttered in the air until the sky was inked with black. Humming birds chirped and their song rang across the town, while pinks and orange stained the afternoon sky. Who knew a lousy stray from South Rukon would end up enjoying such a blooming spring in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads?
Who would've guessed it?
Being a lieutenant would put Renji that much closer to Rukia. He wasn't going to allow the harsh and terrifying shadow of Byakuya Kuchiki frighten him into despair. No, not just yet. When he realized that, he was convinced. He would accept the promotion, and become the new lieutenant of the Sixth Division.
"Hey, aren't you gonna go tell her? Rukia? I hear she was assigned to a mission in the World of the Living. Shes scheduled to leave tonight. You'd better hurry if your going to catch her." Izuru clasped his always-uneasy hand on the red heads shoulder.
Renji stood, allowing the arm of his friend to fall back to his side.
"Thank you. I'll tell Rukia about my promotion in a month, once it all becomes official. Maybe then we'll be able to continue with the the friendship we once shared..."
"Oh, Renji don't be such a downer! What's with you, you're supposed to be happy!" Momo poked him in the shoulder as if in playful scolding.
"Oh, sorry."
Momo laughed, and assured him that it was alright. Yes, her eyes were bright and cloudless, yet she was still blind to the regret that dwelled so sorrowfully in the eyes of her friend. That regret that made Renji so weary went unnoticed by her.
But he was too lost in thought to fret over that now. In the depths of his mind, he pondered in heavy reflection.
I've got to work hard, and after that, I'll work harder. I must. So just a little farther, I know I can do this. Just a little while longer now. And I'll be there, Rukia.