Author's Note:
Thank you to everyone for having been so understanding of my situation! Here's finally an update! I had lots of fun writing it so I hope you will enjoy it too! :)
Please let me know if you think that any character has been out of character in this chapter... I am trying to keep everything in my story as loyal to the original Bleach series as possible.
Currently Playing:
Going Home -- Bleach OST
Here to Stay -- Bleach OST
Wo de Tian -- Hins Cheung
Lady Kuchiki
Chapter 3: First Encounters
Having been thrust from one abrupt situation to another within the span of a few hours of her scattered periods of consciousness, the sudden tranquility of the night and clear navy blue sky with its large gleaming moon felt all the more surreal to Hisana. She had made her way out of her room, along the quiet corridor, lit by a single lamp at the end of the hallway, and quietly slipped out of the little cottage that housed some of the non-Shinigami souls treated by the 4th division. There was a small garden outside the cottage, with little plots of flowers, lining out a path that reaches an opening, where in the centre two swings swung languidly in the night breeze, and at the side, stood a stone table and stools around it. Great ebony trees walled the backyard of the garden, standing tall and firm as if guarding the cottage and its inhabitants from the unknown behind them.
For the first time in her young life, Hisana was all alone. There were butterflies in her stomach as she took in her surroundings.She felt like she was in a fantastical reverie as everything, her situation, her surroundings, and even her existence felt so unreal and ethereal. She felt a combination of curiosity, excitement, awe, and a strange emptiness in her stomach. Her heart was pounding quickly and hard, so much that it hurt a little to breathe. Hugging herself tightly, she started on the path that the flowers had seemingly opened up for her. She stepped lightly on the stone tiles, stopping once in a while to gently caress one or two of the pretty flowers that were twinkling up at her. When she saw the swings, like a child, she ran over, excited, and popped herself on. She swung herself, pressing a foot to the ground and kicking off, closing her eyes and smiling as she felt the night air chilling her face, the winds blowing through her hair, and the large sleeves of her kimono fluttering like the wings of a butterfly. After a while, Hisana slowed down the swing, stepping a little foot delicately on the ground to stop it.
She gasped and sighed a little, slightly overwhelmed by the excitement that had washed over her, the heavy pounding of her heart, and the thickening emptiness in her stomach. She placed a small hand on her heart, closed her eyes, and took in a deep breath. She started swinging herself slowly again, taking comfort in the rocking motion of the swing... The back and forth movement...
"Hisana..." She could almost remember how her dear mother sounded.
"Hisana..." She had always loved the days when she was much younger, when her mother would play with her in the family garden. And her favourite part was being pushed on the swing. Her mother would always push her gently, despite Hisana's protests that she wanted to go higher. Her mother would always reply that it was not lady-like, that it was dangerous. "What if you had fallen from the swing and scratched your face? That would not be very hime-like, would it Hisana-chan?" So when one day, her mother was in her study room reading, Hisana, then seven, snuck into the garden. She sat herself carefully on the swing, and then swung herself, higher and higher. She remembered the thrills she had felt with each falling motion of the swing, how it had made her giggle. She then pushed her foot harder on the ground each time, until that last time when she had pushed herself so high that the falling motion of the swing terrified her, so much that her hands slipped. She was thrown face-down one or two metres away from the swing, landing on her knees, scratching them very badly. A maid passing by had seen the whole incident and had screamed, shocked and terrified from seeing the young child being thrown with such force onto the ground. Within minutes, everyone had gathered around in the garden while a few maids immediately tended to the injuries on Hisana, not daring to take her into the mansion in such a state least her mother should see her like this. But her mother, having heard the commotion that everyone was making appeared before the maids could bandage up Hisana's injuries. Hisana remembered how her heart sank when suddenly all the whisperings stopped and everyone became very silent. They had made way for the regal lady that was standing behind the crowd. Her mother came sweeping up, her brows knitted with worry and disappointment. Hisana started crying then, no longer able to hold back from the pain from her injuries, upset that she had disobeyed her mother, and feeling very very guilty. "Mother," She had sobbed, "I am so sorry."
Her mother had not said anything. She knelt down and to Hisana's surprise, hugged her tight to her chest and stroked her hair.
At that memory, Hisana could feel tears brimming in her eyes, and a lump rising up her throat. Where were her parents? What had her uncle done with them? Were they in Soul Society too?
Mother! Father! Please be safe! Please be unhurt!
I love you! Hisana cried frantically inside.
Suddenly, a great gust of wind blew by, pushing Hisana on her swing. Mother? Father? Is that your way of telling me that you have heard me?
Hisana blinked back her tears and opened her eyes slowly, looking around.
She was still alone. But strangely, as if the wind had seeped into the woods behind the garden, the trees were bent back, opening a path.
That's strange, Hisana thought.
She got down from the swing, and took a few steps towards the woods. Turning back to look at the cottage once more, she walked into the woods, along the path that had opened up.
The path was long and winding. And Hisana, impatient and curious to find out what was at the end, began running. She felt as if something was calling out to her, as if it was pivotal that she get to the end. Her heart was pounding very hard, and she was very much out of breath. She felt her lungs burning inside her. But she kept on running, unwilling to stop, unwilling to lose a second.
Suddenly, further in front of her, a blinding pink light exploded. She stopped running and shielded her eyes. The light felt warm and inviting, and she suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. Still holding a hand above her eyes, she took a deep breathe and began moving slowly towards the light. She reached an open area and gasped at what she saw. Thousands and thousands of shimmering pink petals of cherry blossoms were floating mid-way in the air, drifting languidly, lighting up the area. She reached out a hand towards them but they immediately parted ways, opening a path for her. The petals around her softened their blinding light, easing the pressure on her eyes. As if in a trance, she began making her way towards the center, searching, coming to the voice that was calling her.
She stopped suddenly when she reached the centre of the floating petals. The petals had left a circular opening. On the other side of the opening, several metres away, Hisana saw a figure standing there. The pink petals had made him visible to her.
Hisana felt her heart skip a beat. He was looking straight at her, his face unreadable. He was very handsome, with his high forehead, straight nose, a noble looking chin, and black shoulder length hair. He looked young and boyish, perhaps a few years older than she was? Around twenty years old? He seemed to be tall, and looked lean and well-built. He was in a black robe, a white sash tied around his waist, his right hand holding onto the handle of a sword. He looked like a warrior.
Unsure of what to do, Hisana remained where she was, her eyes wide opened, examining the figure. She could also feel herself blushing furiously. Her heart started pounding even harder than it did when she saw him take a step towards her.
Then, as suddenly as the pink lights had exploded, they were gone. In a gust of wind.
He was gone.
Hisana stood there, bewildered.
--
Before Hisana could even reflect on what had just gone on, she felt a big hand on her shoulder. She jumped and turned around.
"Hey you there!" A man with short spiky black hair was grinning down at her. "Guess you don't remember me huh?"
Hisana frowned and searched her brain. "No." She said shaking her head, looking at him curiously. He had on the same robe as the young man she saw earlier.
"Ah well," He said with mock resignation, "I guessed as much. You're Hisana, aren't you?"
Hisana nodded, blinking her eyes in confusion. She was rather sure she had never seen him.
"I am Shiba Kaien, vice-captain of the 13th squad. I was the one who brought you here to Soul Society." He said jabbing a thumb at his chest.
"Shiba Kaien!" Hisana exclaimed at the name. She immediately bowed before the man humbly. "You must be the warrior who had saved me from the... the Hollow. Thank you very much sir, Shiba-san. I owe my life to you."
"Whoa... whoa... That was more than I asked for..." Kaien said, pushing his hands at her. "You don't have to be that formal. It was nothing really." He said rubbing the back of his head.
"Anyway, what are you doing here in the middle of the night? Weren't you supposed to be resting in the 4th squad's clinic?" He asked.
Hisana looked up and saw him searching her eyes. She lowered them and said quietly, feeling guilty as if she had done something wrong, "I was just out for a walk."
He raised an eyebrow. "Here? That must have been a rather long walk."
Seeing that Hisana was silent, and that her eyes were still lowered. He continued. "I came by just now to the clinic to see how you were. But you were not there and all the staff were up in a frenzy, searching for you."
Hisana looked up and widened her eyes.
"They could not find you in your room, could barely sense your reiatsu and had no idea what had happened to you."
"Oh no! I am so sorry! I didn't mean to! I only wanted to take some fresh air and to walk after having lain down for so long!" Hisana stammered.
"Don't worry," Kaien grinned down at the girl, putting a large hand on her shoulder. "I will just let them know that you are here with me. They were just concerned for your safety." He tilted his head and examined her. "Seriously, in your condition, you really shouldn't be wandering about. What would everyone do if you had fainted in some remote area and no one could find you or tend to you?"
"I don't know," Hisana murmured, "I am sorry." She did feel a little faint now that he mentioned it, after all the running and surprises that kept coming up at her tonight.
Kaien shook his head at her. He offered her his hand and clasped the other over her shoulders, supporting her.
Hisana smiled weakly at him, a faint light dancing in her violet eyes. "Thank you sir."
Releasing her hand gently, he reached for his walkie-talkie. "Over 4th division. This is Shiba Kaien, vice-captain of the 13th division. I have found Hisana-san. She is in sound condition." He switched off the walkie-talkie, tucked it back on his belt, and took Hisana's hand. It was icy cold. He held it tighter, sending some of his energy over to her.
Hisana looked up at the man who was holding her. She felt a little embarrassed and unsure. He looked down, seeing that she was examining him, lifted an eyebrow and asked, "What is it?"
Hisana felt her face glow. "Oh! Um... " Oh no! How awkward! She thought, frantically trying to think of something to say. "Are you a warrior?" She blurted.
He looked at her, perplexed.
"I mean," She continued flustered. "Is it your job to fight Hollows? What is this job? Why do they call you a vice-captain?" Hisana wished that she had stayed in bed tonight instead. Or maybe right now, a large hole could open up from the ground and swallow her up. She was making such a fool of herself!
"Oh!" He said, still looking at her curiously. "I am a shinigami. We are the protectors of Soul Society and the human world. We work to maintain the equilibrium between the two worlds."
Hisana knitted her brows, trying to understand his words.
"See, shinigamis are often described as Death Gods," he continued looking out now towards the lake in front of them. "Which is not exactly inaccurate. We do not take away life however. We merely come to the living world to send departed human souls to Soul Society, and to cleanse Hollows. And of course, for evil human souls who had committed grievous crimes during their life time, and are unwilling to repent after death, we send them to hell. We also protect Soul Society from invasions outside."
"Wow! So you are like a samurai! Who protects this afterlife kingdom!" Hisana exclaimed with wonder.
"Haha! Sort of! I guess you can put it that way." Kaien smiled down at the girl, his eyes softening at the wonder on her face, and the innocence in her eyes.
"We are," he continued, "us shinigamis, divided into 13 different squads. Each guarding a certain region of Seireitei, and performing different duties for Soul Society. For example, 4th division, whose members tended to your injuries, are in charge of providing supplies and relief to other squads."
Hisana nodded. "And what is Seireitei?"
"Seireitei, just as it means literally, is the Court of Pure Souls, pure souls referring to us shinigamis and the nobility of Soul Society. It is a secluded part of Soul Society, guarded by walls around it. Other souls live outside Seireitei, in different districts in Rukongai."
"And so you are the vice-captain of the 13th division! You are like second-in-charge! That's very impressive!" Hisana beamed at Kaien.
Kaien grinned. "So are you going to continue your walk? Or are you ready to go back to bed?"
"I guess I should go back so as to not make everyone worried." Hisana said softly.
"True," Kaien agreed, nodding his head. "Shall we go now then?" He asked, ready to pick her up in his arms.
Hisana blushed. "I think I am strong enough to walk. I should be fine."
"Okay then," Kaien shrugged. "Let's go!" He said offering her his arm.
Hisana took it hesitantly, unused to so much contact with men outside her family. She inwardly felt a little guilty, wondering what her parents would have said if they had seen her being held by Shiba-san.
Kaien walked as slowly as he could, making sure he was not moving too fast for Hisana. She looked very tired and was now leaning her head against his arm.
"We're almost there." He said softly to her. She nodded and obstinately walked on. Kaien found himself admiring her, her strength and her determination.
When they reached the door to her room, she suddenly looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Shiba-san, will I see my parents again? Did you see them when you were in the living world?" She whispered.
"Hisana..." He began.
"Do you think... do you think maybe I can go back to the living world? And find them?"
"Hisana," He said gently, kneeing down to level his face with hers. "I am not authorized to bring you back to the living world, however much I would like to help you. But I promise you, that I looked everywhere to make sure that I had not left any soul in the estate that you were living in. And," He paused, "and, I don't think I saw your parents. All the souls that I had performed soul burial on were dressed in servants' clothing."
Hisana looked straight at him with her big violet eyes, her hair a little dishevelled.
"They might have already been sent to Soul Society by other shinigamis, if they had died. Or they might still be alive." He continued quickly.
Hisana swallowed and nodded. She forced a smile at him and bowed. "Thank you very much for accompanying me back Shiba-san. I will be forever grateful to you for saving my life and Rukia-chan's."
Kaien stood up. "Don't thank me again, okay?" He muttered. He lifted her chin up, looking down at her eyes. She looked nervous and confused.
"It is my job as a shinigami. Good night Hisana." He said, finally letting go of her chin.
"Good night Shiba-san."
Kaien looked serious for a moment. Then he grinned and turned around, waving his hand as he said in his usual cocky manner, "Call me Kaien." Before Hisana could respond, he shunpo-ed out of the cottage and into the night.
--
Byakuya sighed as he examined Senbonzakura under the moonlight. He was back at his quarters at the 13th division and was sitting on the wooden steps outside his room. It was on the ground floor and faced a sakura tree in yard. It was nothing compared to his room at the Kuchiki manor. But he was not complaining.
Even though he had learnt the name of his zanpakuto, and had performed her shikai a few times, recently he had not been able to control it. Senbonzakura would simply burst into thousands of pink petals and drift about lifelessly. He had never heard her voice, nor saw her face. Whatever his sword had wanted to communicate to him, she did so by conceptualizing it in his head. But tonight, he thought feverishly, tonight finally, she showed him her face!
He closed his eyes and tried to remember the scene, clutching his sword tightly in his hands.
He had first seen her among the cherry blossom petals, hands outstretched at him, as if trying to reach him. His heart had pulsated rapidly when he finally saw her stepping out of the mass of petals. He remembered thinking how beautiful and elegant she was, dressed in a light silk kimono that shimmered under the petals' dancing light. The green and pink colour of the fabric complementing her pale skin. She looked very young, almost as if a few human years younger than he was in appearance. He had wanted to say something, to ask her questions. Oh so many questions! But she only looked at him silently, her large eyes searching. He wondered if there was something he had done that had dissatisfied her. Why won't you ever respond to me?! He had wanted to ask.
He had tried to walk towards her, to see her clearer. But just at that moment, he felt his vice-captain's reiatsu approaching. Reluctant and annoyed as he was, he had to leave. He could not take the risk of having Shiba Kaien discover his nightly training and his plans. That would just be too much of a hassle.
Byakuya frowned. What was that idiot doing near the 4th division's clinic anyway? It was not even for shinigamis!
He had shunpo-ed back home first, to his private garden. There, he had tried to call out Senbonzakura again. But she did not appear. He tried to concentrate his thoughts, squeezing his eyes shut and trying to recall her face. And then, after much straining, her picture suddenly became clear in his head. And at that moment, his sword suddenly burst again into thousands of cherry blossom petals. This time, they were lively and strong, sweeping about the garden, whirling up into the sky and diving back down with equal force. He had raised a hand, trying to control the direction she was going. And as if they were suddenly synchronized as one, Senbonzakura responded rapidly to every command he made, racing gracefully in the air. He had felt overjoyed, his confidence returning to him.
"Show your face Senbonzakura," He had then commanded with authority. To his surprise and despair, the cherry blossom petals suddenly disappeared and his sword fell out of his hand onto the grass floor unceremoniously. He remembered wanting to kick his sword, to break it into two out of frustration. Why are you doing this to me?! He had screamed inside. But then, the image of her came to him again, and he had sighed and bowed his head in resignation. What are you trying to say to me, Senbonzakura?
Byakuya stood up, holding Senbonzakura close to him. He took one last look at the sakura tree, at a falling cherry blossom, then turned back to walk back to his room. He would try to reach her again tomorrow, he decided.
The author would like to acknowledge:
midsummernightlove, whose fanfiction, Senbonzakura, with its idea that Byakuya's zanpankuto is a manifestation of Hisana, inspired the relationship between Byakuya, Hisana and Senbonzakura presented in this chapter.
