So, the first chapter was a prologue, this is the REAL start of the story. It is in first-person perspective, I hardly ever write in first-person but I felt like giving it a shot. Hope you enjoy!
Author's note: I DO NOT OWN BLEACH
So many years...
So many years has passed since the day that I received my name...
And now...
"Ukitake-san!"
"Hm?"
Looking up from my paperwork, I hurriedly signed off on an urgent request for assistance in the Human World due to a Hollow infestation in Karakura Town. My eyelids felt tired, yet I opened them just enough to look alive as the two voices who called out to me slid into my office abruptly.
"You called for us?" They said in unison keeping their heads low to the ground as they knelt before me.
I blearily looked at my two 3rd seat officers, Sentarō and Kiyone.
"Here, Kiyone-chan," I handed the paper I had just signed to the orange-haired girl, "Give this to Rukia-chan."
Sentarō snatched the paper from my hand and held it gingerly in his own, "We will carry out this deed most righteously, Ukitake-san."
"Hey!" Kiyone snarled, "You better give that back Sentarō, Ukitake-san gave it to me!"
I could feel an impending migraine forming.
"Come and get it!" Sentarō taunted.
Twitching with annoyance I brought my hand up to shield my eyes from the scene before me.
Kiyone cried, "Why you-"
"Enough!" I finally bellowed, slapping my hand on my desk and glaring at them, "I don't care who takes the order, but get it done!"
"Eep!" Kiyone squealed snapping to her feet along with Sentarō, "We apologize, Ukitake-san!"
Sentarō bowed low before me as I rolled my eyes, "Just go."
In a cloud of dust they disappeared, relief washing over my tired eyes. I glanced out my open window and noticed how perfect the day was. The sky in the Soul Society was bright and blue, fluffy white clouds littered the never ending sky. I lowered the cloth mask that sat on the lower half of my face, bringing it around my neck so I could breathe in the sweet air. Days like these were always my favorite, so peaceful and calming.
I continued to ponder on my existence, on my luck on being where I am today. It was no secret amongst the Gotei 13 that I had risen quickly, graduating from the Shin'ō Academy in four years instead of six, and earning a seated position immediately upon graduation within the 13th Division of the Gotei. The rumors about my legitimacy and the whispers of my heritage waned as my years in service proved my worth.
I knew how it looked the moment Ukitake Jushiro had named me his heir, but he saw something in me that, even to this day, I have yet to see. Others saw me as the sad, pitied orphan that must have some disfigurement since I covered half my face. Yet... I grew strength from their words. I not only wanted to prove to myself, but to the man who gave me a name that I was worthy to carry on his legacy.
Upon my induction into the Gotei 13 I stayed deep within the 13th Division's barracks, I preferred to not associate my presence with the other Divisions because I feared that they would try to make me leave my Captain's squad. I knew everything I needed to know about the other 12 Divisions and their officers from my time sneaking into the Seireitei so long ago. I knew about the blood-lust of Zazraki Kenpachi, I've felt the healing presence of Retsuo Unohana, I've seen the drunken mishaps of Kyōraku Shunsui, but the one Captain that I've failed to observe, back then and even now, is the elusive Captain Kuchiki Byakuya...
Kuchiki Byakuya...
To me, he was like a ghost, always talked about, but never seen. Of course, I don't help myself by staying cooped up in Squad 13's barracks, but of all the years I have been in the Seireitei, I have never even caught a glimpse of him. Not even when Kuchiki Rukia joined my squad. I expected, at some point, to see the powerful, head clan member visit his little sister, but not once did he step foot into the barracks. I've felt his spiritual pressure, that crushing, powerful pressure, but that's the only inkling I have that he even exists.
I quickly brought up the black cloth over my nose and adjusted it around my cheeks as I felt a presence approaching. Just as I was fidgeting with my favorite beige wrap that now sat as a scarf across my neck, my Captain and father appeared before me.
"Ah, Mirai-chan!" He exclaimed, his snow-white hair swaying from his shunpo, "I see you're taking up the Lieutenant responsibilities well?"
"Hai, father!" I replied with equal enthusiasm, smiling from beneath my mask feeling it crease my eyes, "Again, I appreciate the opportunity. I know it's not easy ever since we lost..."
I trailed off.
Shiba Kaien.
He became my Lieutenant upon my entrance into Squad 13, from then on I respected him highly above all others. He helped my father during the worst bouts of his sickness, offering to take much of the load off concerning my father's Captain duties. I promised him that I would follow him even to death if that was what was required of me because I owed him everything for making life easier for my father. I remember him patting my head after becoming the 9th seated officer after graduating and telling me he never thought the brat he apprehended would make it so far.
"It wasn't easy, but I think I made the right choice." My father said sadly. I regretted bringing up our fallen Lieutenant, but I could say nothing in response.
"I hear you are sending Rukia into the Human World." He said nonchalantly, "What possessed you to send her?"
I shrugged, "I thought she could use the distraction."
We both knew exactly what was the cause of distraction for our unseated officer.
"I think you made a wise choice."
"Thank you, Father."
He smiled at me, walking around my desk and enveloping me in a warm embrace.
"I am very proud of you, Mirai." He whispered into my ear.
I could feel a stinging in my eyes at his tender words. I clung to him fiercely burying my face into his haori, "It's all thanks to you, Father."
My Captain chuckled, I could feel his strong body rumbling from the action, "Well, I guess you're right."
We both laughed as we broke the familial hug, I thought about what was bothering me earlier and said, "Father, why have I never seen Captain Kuchiki?"
"Captain Kuchiki?" He echoed cocking a thin black brow, "What made you think of him?"
I shrugged, "Nothing really, I was thinking about all the other Captains and realized that I have never personally met him."
"Considering you spend all your time here I'd think maybe if you ventured to the other Squads' barracks you may finally see him." My father commented looking out my window. He looked so serene and at peace, not minding the ailing sickness that wracked his body. I watched as he coughed lightly on the back of his hand, his face grimacing in acute pain. Instantly I was at his side with my hand behind his back.
"Father! I have some of your medicine here." I handed him a bottle from my desk drawer, "Please." I implored him to drink it.
"Ah, thank you." He tilted the contents of the tiny bottle into his mouth and swallowed.
"You really should be resting." I admonished putting the empty bottle on my desk, "I have some errands to run, please go back home and lie down."
"Hai, hai," My Captain mumbled, "You were much more fun before I made you a Lieutenant. You used to leave your mask down in my presence." I could hear the pout in his voice.
I glowered at my father, but it made me think on why I wore my mask in the first place. I had not shown my father my face during the first few years in his care, I was too used to wearing my beige wrap around my face and much too comfortable. When I graduated, however, I felt that my gift to him for giving me the chance to be a part of his Squad was to finally reveal myself to him. He told me at the time that he saw no reason as to why I should hide my face, but I responded that at first I hid it so that I wouldn't be recognized as a female since in the 78th Rukongai District it was very dangerous to be a young, orphaned girl, now, however, I continued to wear any sort of mask as a fashion statement.
"I really think you should start showing your face, Mirai-chan."
"The last time I went out without my mask, per your request, Shunsui-baka wouldn't leave me alone."
My father narrowed his eyes at me, I felt myself cower slightly. He said in a low voice, "Stop calling Shunsui names, he is a Captain, Mirai."
I rolled my eyes, "You can't ask me not to make fun of him when he's always drinking sake and teasing his Lieutenant!"
"You still need to watch your tongue around others."
"Alright, alright," I put my hands up defensively, "I promise not to make fun of Shun-san, now I must go, Father. Please go back to bed."
I began to walk out my office hearing my father talk about how beautiful a day it was for a walk in the cherry blossom gardens.
After finishing my rounds going through Squad 13's barracks, I found myself wanting to go to the cherry blossom gardens. They were located quite far from our barracks, near the Kuchiki manor, and I was reluctant to make the trip, but the clear sky was beginning to wane and I didn't want to miss the first bloom of the season. Year after year I hoped the mysterious Captain Kuchiki would be present considering I discovered his passion for sakura trees, but I never saw him. Not once.
Before departing, I went back to my room and decided to change out of my uniform. Standing before a floor-length mirror I surveyed myself before removing my robes. My chocolate-colored hair lightened considerably over the years and was now adorned with highlights of soft blonde. It was tied back in a loose braid snaking down my back and resting right above my tailbone. I liked the way my bangs fell over the sides of my face hanging loosely down to my chin, further shielding my face from view. Clipped onto the right side of my head was a long, tinkling hair-piece gifted to me by my father, he said that the female heirs of his clan would wear these to signify their aristocratic standing. I fingered it lightly, the brightly colored flowers trickling down the lengthy priceless metal touching below my chest. It was the only feminine item I willingly wore in honor of my father.
Like most other Shinigami, I donned the standard black and white shihakushō, however underneath I wore a skin-tight, black, sleeveless turtleneck shirt that had a connecting mask to it so that I may bring it up over my chin when needed. I liked leaving the front of my robes slightly open settling the silver chain I had worn since I was a child over my black undershirt. Beneath my shihakushō I donned black leggings that reached my ankles right below my socks. My zanpakutō sat on my back, the hilt and sheath were connected by a thick, purple strap with the Ukitake Clan symbol stamped proudly on the front. I removed the beige wrap that I now wore as a scarf and set it aside on my desk table, eyeing the folded cloth beside it.
My father must have placed it there, it was my Lieutenant badge. I picked it up tenderly, still amazed that I had made it so far. I used to dream about being a Shinigami, never even hoping that I would become strong enough to make to a Lieutenant position. It wasn't an easy road, though, it took decades for me to be where I am today.
"Lieutenant Ukitake..." I whispered to myself, grinning goofily as I heard the words leave my mouth.
I set down the badge and began to strip my shihakushō undoing the braid in my hair letting it fall in soft waves off my shoulders. I rummaged through my small closet and produced a simple, knee-length kimono adorned with black stars. It was my favorite kimono to wear, a gift given to me by my Father and Kaien after I became a 3rd Seat officer.
Slipping it on quickly I tied my black obi loosely and slipped my zanpakutō on my shoulders adjusting the strap so that it lay snug against me. As I was about to leave I hurriedly slid off my sandals and removed my socks, whenever I was off-duty I traipsed around barefoot around the 13th Division's barracks.
"Ah..." I sighed contently feeling the smooth, wooden surface of the floor beneath my feet.
I looked out my window just above my bed, the sky was still beautifully blue, but I knew the afternoon sun would draw near. If I wanted to catch the sakuras in bloom I would need to hurry. I fixed my wrap around my neck and adjusted the hair-piece before shunpoing out my room through my open window.
The warm, spring wind whipped my face as I deftly leapt from rooftop to rooftop in the Seireitei, I looked down to see some fellow Shinigami glance up feeling my reiatsu but I was gone before they could even find me.
"Hey! Ukitake-san!" I heard a faint voice greet me as I blurred out of sight.
I continued to press forward, seeing the forest of sakura trees approach quickly. Once I arrived, I leapt down to the outskirts of the garden and bowed slightly, I always felt the need to show respect to such beautiful sights. I felt no other presence in or around the garden so I slipped my mask down to breathe in the fragrance wafting in the air, it smelled heavenly.
"Sakura trees are so beautiful..." I murmured, stepping forward feeling the smooth blades of grass slip between my toes. I smiled as I drifted in between the trees touching the delicate flowers that had just opened to bloom. I saw a small sakura flower open slowly to greet the world, I watched it in wide-eyed fascination. No matter how many times I would watch the sakuras bloom it would never fail to mesmerize me.
I sat beneath one of the trees and languidly stretched my limbs out rubbing my bare soles against the soft grass. Paired with the sakura scented air and the amiable warm weather I drifted to sleep quickly watching a pretty pink flower fall into my lap...
A flare of reiatsu woke me from my nap, I snapped my eyes open and looked around. The bright sun had now shifted to a waning afternoon light, orange and yellow rays shooting through the sakura garden.
"Ugh, I overslept." I muttered rubbing my eyes sighing tiredly.
Through my blurred eyesight I saw a figure standing before me a few meters away. I narrowed my eyes and saw that he was wearing a haori.
A Captain!
I hurriedly got to my feet and bowed low keeping my eyes to the ground.
"I apologize for my untidiness, Captain, I fell asleep."
I heard no response as I continued to remain slanted, I chanced a glance up to see which Captain had stumbled upon me.
"You would do well to be on guard at all times... Lieutenant Ukitake." His deep voice murmured, whispering in the wind to my ears.
My silver eyes narrowed on the 3 kensaiken adorning the top his raven black hair along with the other 2 attached to the right side. Around his neck was the famous ginpaku kazahana no uzuginu, a silvery white windflower light silk scarf that only one person in the whole of Soul Society wore.
"Captain Kuchiki..." I breathed wide-eyed.
Of all my years of service, this was the first time I ever laid on eyes on the legendary Head of the Kuchiki clan.
His soft, long black hair drifted in the wind, his bangs hanging low across his forehead and falling over his perfect nose. He exuded confidence and class that I had never seen before, his entire being screamed his dominance over everything. My eyes trailed across his striking face, his piercing grey eyes watching me with equal interest. I noted that his shoulders were quite broad, broader than even my father's, and they looked very strong clothed in the typical captain's haori. Swathed on his hands were white gloves that further displayed his elegance. He was quite tall, definitely standing a good few heads over me considering I was barely taller than Rukia.
I have never seen a more handsome, beautiful man in my life.
"It is getting late, Lieutenant," I heard his deep baritone voice say to me, "You should head back to Squad 13 barracks unless you want to catch a cold."
"Uh, ah, yes, sir." I flustered feeling my face turn a deep shade of red. I bowed deeply once more and shunpoed out of the garden as quickly as possible.
"My Lord, was that not Ukitake Mirai?"
Byakuya stared at the spot the nervous Lieutenant had vacated underneath his favorite sakura tree. His head servant and most loyal friend stood hunched over his cane watching his master with cataract-filled eyes, smiling toothily at him.
"Yes, it was." The Head of the Kuchiki Clan replied continuing to gaze at the spot.
"She looks different from the last time we saw her."
Cold, grey eyes broke its gaze at the tree and settled on the old servant who watched contently, "I thought I said to never bring that up, Nobuo-san."
"Ma, ma, Byakuya-sama, I just wanted to note that she has grown into a lovely young woman."
"Indeed..."
"It's hard to believe she's been in the Gotei 13 all these years and this is the first time you've seen her."
The wizened Nobuo looked at his stoic master levelly before continuing, "You've been avoiding her all this time, why show yourself now, my Lord?"
Byakuya did not answer, he looked up at the tree and watched the cherry blossoms sway in the early evening wind. Why indeed did he choose today to finally see the young girl he met so many years ago? Maybe it was the coming of spring, or the blooming of the sakura blossoms, but when he felt her reiatsu from his home he struggled whether or not to go to the garden as well. When he finally decided it was time to introduce himself to the Lieutenant of the 13th Division, he was surprised to find her fast asleep beneath his favorite sakura tree.
When she awoke and surveyed him with her wide silver eyes, he felt as though someone else was staring at him. Someone from long ago...
He knew from his own lieutenant and other squad members of her prowess and strength, he was questioned often about recruiting her into his own squad when she graduated from the Academy. He firmly decided against it, saying that she would do better in her own father's Division. Years passed and he only caught whispers and gossip of the masked daughter of Captain Ukitake Jushirō, her quick rise to power within Squad 13.
He recalled hearing Abarai Renji telling the other Shinigami how she visited Captain Shunsui's Division with her father sans her infamous mask. Apparently when questioned about her appearance, the 8th Division members could only mumble and blush a bright shade of red. Byakuya became increasingly curious about the young Ukitake and found himself wondering more and more what the little girl he had saved so many years ago in the West 78th Rukongai District had become.
Seeing her in person now, Byakuya felt a number of emotions hitting him all at once, yet he retained his cool demeanor before the young woman. He was mesmerized by her beautiful silver eyes that were hooded in exhaustion, her caramel hair was in disarray, the soft waves thrown over her shoulders. The kimono she wore fit her beautifully, even though she was as covered as any lady should be he could tell that her small body was very strong.
But what struck him the most was the mask she had bunched up against her neck. He heard stories that she never went anywhere without her mask fitted perfectly around her face, but for the first time meeting her he realized she was mask-less. His charcoal eyes lay briefly on her parted pink lips, feeling a warmth settle in his chest. Her skin was pale as snow and looked as soft as silk. Her nose was petite and slightly turned upright giving her a more youthful look.
She was the most alluring, exquisite creature he had ever laid eyes on.
And she was an exact replica of her.
Waves upon waves of emotions shattered the Captain of Squad 6.
When he first met the now-named Mirai, she was an orphan on the streets of one of the worst districts in Rukongai. She was a frail, tiny girl living in shambles. His ever loyal retainer Nobuo had informed him that he received a report saying a child matching the description of a deceased, ancient clan member he had been searching for in vain. Immediately he sought out the girl, wondering if it was fate.
It was raining that night so many years ago. Her weakened reiatsu lead the noble to a shoddy alleyway where a makeshift shelter stood precariously against the raging storm. A mousey child lay helpless, her brown hair tangled and dirtied. The moment she looked up at him, he felt his heart shatter.
It was as if he was thrown back one hundred years ago.
That face...
The face of the first person who enraptured his heart..
Before Hisana...
The person he thought he would never see again...
Tsuya...
Ohohoho!