Kurai household, Late evening
It was late now since the attack on the Kuchiki and Kurai households. Leliel and his son had barely gotten themselves out of the mess without great casualties. Captain Unohana of squad four was still tending to Leliel's wound which could have been much worse from the way he handled himself.
"How is the wound Captain," he asked.
Finishing the healing process as of late, she bandaged his arm carefully and brought out the medicine he needed to take. "Your arm shall heal fine within the next couple weeks. But I want you to take these pills for your other condition."
"You felt it, didn't you Retsu." Asking her directly, her eyes saddened to the illness he took on and she worried to how long he would live. "My kids know nothing of this Retsu, please keep it from them. They worry too much about me as it is, and after this assault they would be more wary."
"I understand the concern you show for the two, Leliel-sama, but this illness worries me to how much longer you would last." Her hands took hold of his and she wished for his swift recovery.
"I know my illness drains me of my time with them, and that is why they must not know of this." Handing back the medicine she tried giving him, she nearly pleaded to have him try them out. "My wife is waiting for me Retsu…I'll live out my days in peace until the time comes for me to join her."
"Reina was a lucky woman to have met you Leliel…I'm sure she is waiting for you."
His eyes crinkled when he smiled to the thought, and his sighing only deepened his will to move forward.
"Do the kids know of the lineage yet Leliel-sama? Their tenth birthday was the passing of the line to them…" afraid for their future of that power, nothing was shown to them as of late.
"I have mentioned it once or twice to them, but the rest of the dark arts will not leave me until the day I die."
"….I fear that power you hold Leliel…it's a bad omen to have ever come across your family."
"It is a power that those two must learn to control. I can only hope for their sanity to rule over it. He is a cunning beast that would take advantage of them. I fear for them as much as you do Retsu…"
Letting the conversation drift off, the hour grew late each moment they spent together and it was high time to head off to bed.
"I will come by for a decent check-up if it helps your mind Retsu… that much I can suffice."
"Thank you," in great relief over that, she left him some pain killers for his arm and headed off to her quarters.
Leliel had grabbed his medication, walked out of the room to find Raito leaning on the banister in a deep slumber. Chuckling to the sweet sight, he lifted his son into his arm and carried him away to the decent part of the mansion that wasn't damaged during the fray.
My son, protect your sister with your soul. Don't let the evil in your heart consume your judgment, for it will be the end of your sanity as you watch the world and those around you fall by your hands.
At the bed chamber, Aizen had stood by the door frame in an eerie sort of way as his glasses reflected the moon, obscuring his eyes from being seen.
"Kurai-sama, I was checking the grounds for any leftovers in the fray." His smile ominous, his Lieutenant badge glistened in the moonlight and reflected the brightness before fading into the shadow from his movements. "I'm glad that all went well without casualties here."
"Thanks to you and your men Sōsuke, we seemed to have come out with nothing but a few battle wounds."
"I do apologize for your arm though, such a careless mistake on my part for not properly defending you." He spoke.
"My son is more important than my own life. I thank you for keeping him safe while I tried to defend my own honor."
"I was most honored to have witnessed a great swordsman like yourself back into battle. Your skills have not dulled over the years; it was quite a sight to behold." Giving his respect, the way he sounded made Leliel keep up his guard around him. Though he was part of the gotei 13 and well supervised, his Captain, Shinji Hirako, was also well aware of this man's presence and kept a wary watch over him.
"Have some of your squad scout the area once more and place several here for security measurements. Good night Sōsuke…"
"And to you Kurai-sama," bowing before heading out, the spiritual pressure lightened around the room and Leliel could not help but wonder of that man's potential in the upcoming future.
-Kuchiki Household, Stroke of Midnight
It was strange to hear such scary sounds from the floorboards of the house. I awoke, startled by a shadow next to the door. The thin rice paper made the figure loom even closer towards opening the frame and having me scream for guards when I realized what the figure turned out to be.
"Byakuya…?" I breathed. My heart pumping blood again, I tossed a pillow at him for giving me such a fright. "What are you doing here so late? I was going to scream," I scolded.
"I'm sorry…" closing the door behind him and tiptoeing over to the bed, I sat up and rubbed my eyes with a large yawn. "Today during the assassin fighting, you used a Hadō spell to give grandfather and I the chance to make a move. Did Raito teach you that spell?" I guess he was bothered by that and couldn't sleep without knowing an answer.
"…..yes," guilty as charged, Byakuya only tapped his chin in deep thought about the incident. "You won't say anything will you? Raito wanted to keep this a secret from everyone until I was older."
"But you used it in front of me and grandfather? Didn't you expose yourself?" He said.
"….." he had a point. "Still…I will talk with Ginrei-sama about it, as well as Captain Kyōraku to keep what I did a secret from my father."
"Wait, Captain Kyōraku knows of this as well?" Surprised, I nodded in complete guilt as he scratched his head how to make all this work out for me. "I could probably talk to grandfather about it myself…but Captain Kyōraku would be another story."
"I'm sure there's a way out of this. Byakuya, I really want to continue dancing in remembrance of my late mother. It's my dream to become just like her…"
His eyes looked my way and closed the moment our eyes met and he turned to face the window.
"I will keep this a secret…and I'll probably talk with Raito about having me help you out with your reiatsu control. You use too much when you shot that Shakkahō spell, that's dangerous."
"I had no idea…" baffled, he smiled as he came closer to my bedside and held up his pinky at me. "What's this about?"
"My promise to you," the way he looked at me with his big eyes pulled me towards him to do the same gesture and he wrapped his pinky around my own. "I'm making this promise to you and your brother that no matter what I will keep this secret for as long as I live. And…" trailing off, I had to lean forward to hear the rest before his face turned red and shutting his eyes. "And I also promise to make your dreams come true!"
Feeling such a thrill of excitement, I could only giggle to how great this feeling was and accepted his promise with a smile. It was our promise to one another, and I couldn't have asked for a better one if I tried.
-Five Years Later
It's been five long years since the day of the noble assassination attempt. My brother and I are living our separate dreams of fulfilling our father's request. My brother was now going to Shinō Academy for his soul reaper days to serve in the gotei 13. In fact, he had already picked a squad to be in since the day he began training to become a soul reaper.
Squad 5
I won't say anything negative about his choice in squads, but the reason was because of Sōsuke Aizen, his idol. His admiration towards that Lieutenant grew over the years, and our father allowed the training sessions to continue with that man all this time. Though I can say I also benefited from brother's training sessions. The second person that trains Raito on a weekly basis was none other than Gin Ichimaru. He's part of squad 3, but I think of him as my own idol because of his way of fighting. After being nearly found out several times trying to imitate his spells and fighting style, I gave up sneaking peeks at brothers training and had him teach me himself. It all worked out in the end, and after all this time keeping my secret training away from everyone, I was accepted into the highest dance Academy there was in the Seireitei!
Of course not all is happy success and secrecy; without realizing it, Raito and I were invited to a wedding that belonged to Byakuya! Imagine the shock in our faces when we held the invitation in our hands. Can't say our father was in the best of moods from hearing such news, but Raito and I couldn't contain our curiosity to who this woman was.
Merely taking a week to know this woman named Hisana to be the bride, I felt my heart twinge every time we met with them. I know better now of my feelings for Byakuya, and my brother knew just as well but said nothing in my stead. But I showed no emotion of my sadness of his happiness with Hisana, I supported them both as much as I could handle. It only strengthened my resolve to become the most desirable woman among the Seireitei after this though, so my focus was mainly on dancing and learning spells in absolute secrecy! But my will lasted a moment like a butterfly's lifespan when Byakuya asked me personally to dance at his wedding to bless Hisana and himself. My heart was squeezed so hard I couldn't breathe correctly, but my mind knew he meant no ill will to his dense mind towards my own feelings. I accepted of course, because I supported his happiness and wished nothing happen to his beautiful smile.
The week passed in a blink of an eye as I was dressed in the white silk kimono alone with a garland of flowers around my neck and hip. It was befitting for a bride to look the way I did, and my brother helped with my hair to make my face the most alluring centerpiece of the party.
"Brother, this isn't a dance recital. I cannot be more beautiful than the bride," my eyelids closed for the make-up he was applying, he grunted and brushed the blush onto the lids gently.
"I still think father's right about this whole wedding though," finishing the blush and moving onto the black liner to make my eyes pop, he continued his ranting. "I know your feelings towards him, it's as plain as day for the whole Seireitei to see."
"And here I thought I was discreet about my feelings," I battered. He tapped my nose in displeasure and continued with the other eye. "It's fine this way Raito…he's happy, and that makes me happy."
"Right," clicking his tongue, "and the swarm of emotions you pour into me isn't a sign of discomfort?"
"….."
"You can't hide it from me you know, it's merely impossible."
"So be the curse of having a twin," I sighed. He playfully messed with my face making me panic if he ruined the make-up, but all was gorgeous. "You can be such a jerk you know that."
"Yeah, comes with the brother manual to picking on their sisters." His crooked side grin always made me smile back at him. His hair was much longer now that I think about it, so it gave him a proper noble look about him. Since I was all dolled up for the dance I'd be doing, I figured I would fix his hair that always hung loosely to the side in such a casual manner.
"This is a special day for Byakuya Raito, try and look dignified." Rolling my eyes as I combed my fingers through his hair and tied it up in a royal bun that let the rest of his hair hang down past the nape of his neck, he looked good. "I swear that you and Byakuya are a danger to all women here in the Seireitei looking like this. You two must be creating a fuss at the Academy… hearts shattering all the time from being ignored most likely scenario."
"Oh come off it, we're not that evil."
"So you play around…I see how you are," teasing him, he flushed and told me the opposite as I could only laugh. "Come on, we'll be late for my intro." My arm out, he took hold and guided me out like an escort to the beautiful spring setting of Byakuya's courtyard that had cherry blossoms in full bloom that scattered all around in the light breeze.
"Congratulations to the both of you," Raito spoke. Bowing only his head while still guiding me, it felt different in my placement as I thought I was to be given away. I laughed the thought out and looked to my displeased father and Ginrei over this wedding and closed my eyes till spoken too.
"Thank you Raito, I am glad you two could make it." Byakuya said gratefully.
"We'd never miss this chance Byakuya, you know that." Raito said.
"Yes," his voice was like rich velvet in my ears as I listened. And as my arm was released to be given to the bride and groom, I opened my eyes to meet his and flashed to the past of the days we spent frolicking in this same courtyard. "Thank you once more Mizu for doing this for me…it means the world to me."
"I was happy to do this for you Byakuya, and I bless you two with great happiness in my heart." Dipping down slightly, I reached my hand to catch a fluttering blossom and hold it gently in my palm. "Spring is a mere passing of beauty, and as the seasons change, may your love for one another grow over the years in undying seasons." Kissing the blossom with my painted lips, I backed away and began dancing a bonding ceremonial dance for the both of them. I may have cried during the procession, but the feelings I poured into this filled their hearts, and that was enough for me to live by. But my mind always drew back to the promise that Byakuya would make my dreams come true…does he still recall such a childish promise?
Making the last move of placing the flowers over the both of them, I kissed my fingers and touched Hisana's forehead for wisdom. Doing the same and touching his lips, I gave a blessing of charisma and the ability to lead with his words. They both accepted my gifts and I dismissed myself for them to take the first dance.
"…." Raito awaited me to come to him to comfort my wavering heart. He knew of my turmoil and ugly self inside, and yet he hides this from the world so I may continue on with my dream. "Let's dance sis," Taking my hand and guiding me out, Raito and I danced a slow song a bit off rhythm to ease my anxiety. Father joined in and took me away to have a dance, but Ginrei stood off to the side since we knew that he was completely against this whole wedding arrangement.
"You danced beautifully Mizu," father whispered.
"Thank you father," leaning on his shoulder and enjoying this slight moment, father was interrupted and had passed me to another man's arms? "Hmm…?" Looking up to find the gray eyes I've always admired, I smiled to find Byakuya in my arms.
"You were beautiful today Mizu, again, thank you for being here." His forehead touching my own, I forgot to breathe when I spun lightly to his pace. "I would have been lost if you weren't here with your brother."
"You would be a mess without us in your life," unable to help myself but chuckle, I took this opportunity to lean on him and have this blissful moment to myself before the song ended. "Thank you for this opportunity to dance at such an important union. This will help my career in the dancing world."
"I would think your career in dance would take flight on your skills alone, even without this chance."
"You never know…" the last of the notes had ended, and I pulled apart from his built chest and curtsied for the memorable dance he shared with me.
"Hisana-san," watching her walk towards us with a permanent smile on her face, she started adorning me with compliments.
"Mizu-san your dance was wonderful to watch. I've never seen such a grand sight before…it will be engraved in my memory for as long as I live."
"Thank you for such kind words."
"And you're fifteen…?" I nodded, and her eyes were in wonder. "I would never have known if you came to me with such wonderful attire." My true feelings would be to state I was better than her and looked more of a bride than her, but the way they looked together and how happy they were made me fall back and smile like I do on stage.
I felt that the time for me to return to the dorms arrived as I saw Raito beginning to take leave and I thought it best for me to go with him now before too much of my heart experiences a break.
"I will be excusing myself from here Hisana-san, the dancing world requires me back." Making something up, she gasped respectfully to my pardon.
"Oh, of course, sorry to keep you here," apologizing sweetly, I looked to Byakuya who crinkled his brow for my departure and tapped his head playfully.
"You're far too young to start wrinkles on that head of yours Byakuya, give some thought to the woman you now share your life with." Lifting the mood a bit, he brushed the strands of hair back in a noble fashion that captured my heart again and again before looking away and taking leave with Hisana in arms.
"Ah, Mizu a moment please," Stopping me in my tracks, I faced Byakuya again as he came up to hold out a small card? "This is the date you'll be performing the dance The Night Goddess correct?"
I looked at the time and date and confirmed it, but asked why he was wondering about it. "This is over a year old now, I would think it was lost." Can't help but wanting to giggle, he kept this old thing for so long.
"Never could I imagine losing an invitation to see your wonderful dancing Mizu, I'm glad it hasn't changed."
"I'm honored to have you recall such an invite from me." More than honored really, I was filled to the rim of sheer delight that he remembered. "I will perform my best when the time comes."
"I look forward to it." Kissing my hand and leaving me, I took leave with Raito and felt my hand burn where he kissed. If only that kiss were to be on my lips I would be happy for the rest of my life.
