Disclaimer: I don't own bleach - please don't sue me


Chapter 7 : the truth about power


Ehla walked closer to her master and observed. She kneeled and poked Yuzu's arm with her long nails, "Oh that's right – This technique costs lots of energy – she'll have to rest for a bit."

Byakuya locked gaze with the zanpakutou. She was suspicious, "What was that exactly…?" He asked.

The granny sighed deeply as she waved her hand in front of the girl. "I'll explain when she wakes up…long story…" Ehla stood up and stretched, complaining about her joints, "And…something else," She hesitated and patted her belly.

Byakuya was fully alert, he didn't know what this being could do – what her powers were capable of. She could just as easily have a trick up her sleeve and take the girl with her.

"Care to treat this famished lady for lunch..?" Ehla asked interrupting his thoughts as she dramatically tried to stabilize her stand.

He narrowed his eyes; cool mask intact, while he bottled frustration inside.

"Fine –" He intimidated, and the woman agreed friendly not moved by it.

He mentioned for a servant to approach. "Bring this…"

"..her inside for lunch," Byakuya closed his eyes. The servant raised an eyebrow.

"Uh – of course sir." He bowed and gestured for Ehla to follow. She chatted away as she did. But luckily for her she could take her time and enjoy dinner too; as Yuzu still didn't wake up.

It turned dark outside and a cold wind blew against the young woman's cheek. Her eyes slowly opened as sleep still fought to bring her in. He sat on a pillow next to her futon, observing her every movement. He body felt hot but trembled from the cold.

"You poor burning child, I didn't know this would happen," An familiar old voice came from her other side.

Yuzu wanted to turn and look but her body protested against any movement. Byakuya didn't say a word as he stood up. She heard several footsteps and Rukia's face appeared in a blur in front of her.

"Hey, I brought in something for you to drink," Rukia touched Yuzu's forehead; brushing the straight bangs away so she could place a wet cloth on the burning skin.

"Brother, what did the healers say?" Rukia stoop up again and Yuzu wanted to speak but found it hard to call up her voice. The guests left her to fall again in a soundless slumber. Three days passed as her body healed from an unusual tackle. She wished, as she lay worthlessly and bored in her futon for days, if she couldn't be more like Karin.

Karin would never be knocked down this badly, or lay useless in bed for days. Karin would get up, like she often did when kicked during soccer, and fight back any pain.

But she wasn't Karin, nor her brother. She just laid there like the low ranking soldier she was. Feeling depressed, never taking matters into own hands.

The morning of the fourth day, her body gave a bright green light; she had finally recovered.

While Yuzu bathed; Ehla organized the clothes that the girls' sister brought in the other day. The poor dear didn't have much; a shame it was how little she had. Ehla decided that she would do something about it in the future.

But now; matters of great importance laid in front of them.

Yuzu dressed in her uniform; her days of rest have come to an end. She offered an arm to the older and slightly smaller woman. Ehla accepted and they strolled towards the dining room. Rukia awaited them already seated at the table; it was a noticeable gesture, as the petit woman normally would eat at her lieutenants office.

"Are you feeling better?" Rukia asked out of politeness; she knew exactly what the status was. Yuzu had been monitored these days 24/7. One could say it was a healthy amount of worry; but Yuzu saw it differently. She wasn't a patient, a poor victim. Byakuya did this because he saw her as a possible threat.

The man who wondered in her thoughts walked in just the moment she ate her last bite.

"Oh good morning brother! The servant thought you wouldn't join, so they already carried most of it away. I coul–" Rukia was interrupted by his raised hand. He evened it down to his side and gave her a nod, subtly letting his appreciation be acknowledged.

"Kurosaki Yuzu, come with me," He said,

She nodded and took a last sip before walking after him. Ehla also lifted but Yuzu gave her a concerned look. The witty zanpakutou disappeared back into her realm; finding it a better idea to listen in while in that form.

Yuzu caught up but walked silently behind him; she arched an eyebrow as they turned into a direction she wasn't familiar with. The Kuchiki manor was immense and spread out in different wings; this one being unknown to her.

"It's dark," She commented hoping he would answer why they are heading this way.

"That's because this area isn't normally used," His stoic voice made her nervous.

He glanced out of the corner of his eyes at her troubled expression. "I'm not going to do anything inappropriate," He replied. She almost choked in surprise and shook her head way too many time.

"no – ah, I was…" She looked away; not knowing on what to say any further. Maybe she misunderstood it, 'inappropriate' could be referred to many situations.

He opened a door; and they walked into the room where another door awaited them. After multiple doors and a labyrinth of rooms, He finally stopped in what looked like a library.

It was huge! The most largest library she had ever seen…

She slowly stepped forward, nearing the large window where Byakuya stopped and crossed his arms. She closed her eyes for a moment and hugged her arms around herself; This place carried a sense of serenity.

"I've brought you here to be cautious," He said.

She nodded and smiled friendly taking him by surprise. He was unfamiliar to that kind of behavior, it was a weird feeling and he looked away, shaking it off.

This was turning into a peculiar situation, he didn't like it at all, "Where's your zanpakutou?" He barked at her and she tensed making herself smaller.

"Oh –" Her voice trembled. She reached her hand to the side and stretched her fingers, "Ehla..."

Pieces of light came together forming itself into the shape of the woman in an immense speed. He came closer observing.

The old zanpakutou looked worried around her. Her brows frowned; the time has come to explain everything.

This captain had a keen mind and would look though any lies; but he had proven himself trustworthy.

"You must have figured out why we're here," He commented and eased himself in a chair. Yuzu didn't know what he was talking about, and felt uneasy to see that Ehla seemed to be fully aware.

Yuzu sat down on the chair and Ehla sighed deeply. "Where to start…?" The granny murmured.

"What are you talking about?" Yuzu asked,

Ehla didn't answer for she was already struggling with it all, "Yuzu dear, I may have left some information behind while explaining your zanpakutou abilities…"

The old woman hesitated but continued, "…A long time ago; I died as a soul reaper. I held the title of the kido master. The group that served as the kings personal mages."

Byakuya narrowed his eyes, he had never heard of such a thing. The old lady broke the silent pause, "My soul was split in half and one involved into you, child. I kept my mind but turned into your zanpakutou,"

Yuzu stared at her unmoved, "What does this all mean? Is this why I'm a threat; not because my abilities are strange, but because you're guilty of something?" her tone turned emotional at the end.

"I'm not guilty of anything!" Ehla replied sternly. "I did my duties and died protecting the soul society. My abilities gave me a second chance at life; that isn't forbidden,"

"Then why are you being so secretive about your abilities?" Byakuya asked.

"Because I'm afraid they will find her and force her to walk the path I had to walk. To leave her family behind and dedicate her life as a weapon. For that reason no one must know."

Byakuya studied the woman, "I assume you're telling me this because you think I'm to be trusted?" He carefully chose his words.

Yuzu bit her bottom lip; this was a disaster, her zanpakutou might have walked right into their death.

Ehla looked confident at him, "Yes, that's exactly what I think. You're not a horrible man; you wouldn't let a poor girl be stolen away from her family and be forced to give up on life,"

Her words echoed in the large space. A tensed silence fell upon them, and Yuzu anxiously waited for any form of confirm that she was going to be safe.

Yuzu lifted her head and met his eyes. Her cheeks warmed up as she noticed how beautiful they were. It always amazed her how handsome he was.

Clearing her throat the old lady stole her attention back.

"Zanpakuto, I have a few questions before agreeing into anything," He said.

Ehla nodded, "Of course you do,"

He proceeded, "What is this riatsu manipulation exactly? It doesn't seem like a zanpakutou technique,"

Ehla raised her finger excitedly like a teacher would; "And yet it is! You see, this is a classical case of a kido zanpakutou emerging with its owner,"

He shook his head, "It does occur quite often, but only in a shikai or bankai state; It's never this long or stable,"

Ehla leaned her head to the side, "Oh – I've seen this many times, actually, a great amount of the kido corps officers from twenty and above yield this technique. Every ability takes its own form of course, but emerging is a very common one,"

"I see…" He commented leaning back in his chair.

Yuzu leaned forward, "Does this mean that I'm already using shikai?"

Ehla paced around, "Almost, you'll need training first, or else you'll end up on bed rest like last time,"

Byakuya rose from his chair. And turned his attention to Yuzu. He had heard from his grandfather once, of a man who circumvented the kido corps, "If you reach shikai and pass the examination, you could enter a squad as an officer. The kido corps don't interfere with the thirteen court guard squads business," He said.

Ehla came uncomfortably close, "Who gave you those delusions, boy? They interfere with everything,"

He stepped back, displeased about her tone. "Then why not just hand yourself over; an hypocritical way you have of accusing others of being delusional," His cold tone brought in a stare competition.

Yuzu looked between then quivering, "Ah – please don't hand me over…?" She laughed nervously, "…I ah – don't want to…turn into a weapon..? I guess," Her rambling didn't affect them.

Byakuya stepped back and the old lady did the same. "Visit my office alone after dinner, we'll settle matters then," He said in an icy tone.

Ehla replied, "Very well,"

Yuzu felt left out like a child between grownups; she wouldn't let this happen, she may look young for her age, but she was past eighteen and as long as the soul society didn't have a law about age. She would represent herself as an adult.

"No, she's the zanpakutou here, I'm her master; I should be the one settling matters," She wasn't that confident as she stood up for herself, her wavering voice clearly not sounding like someone in charge.

"Oh, calm down your horses – a clumsy bird like you isn't ready to fly yet," Ehla waved her off and chuckled afterwards, coughing a few times.

Yuzu stood up; she would ask permission to leave, if he wanted to speak to Ehla alone, then he could go ahead.

"I'm not done with you," He said. She looked away trying her best to stop her trace of thoughts, playing with her fingers nervously. He noticed how affected she was by his words. He couldn't pinpoint what was wrong but her whole body language screamed something he couldn't understand.

Yuzu side-glanced feeling awkward; she bit her bottom lip,

Ehla sighed wiping her forehead, "Well – time for me to leave you youngsters," The granny disappeared with that back into her realm, leaving a troubled Yuzu behind.

Byakuya walked headed towards the exit and stopped halfway.

"You may stay here from now on. The room you used is hereby yours," He said quite displeased. She pushed her chair into place and walked behind his shadow.


Rukia placed a hand on his chest, it still felt uncomfortable. They didn't really spend much time alone during their slowly progressing relationship; her brother, and his objection of their relationship could be blamed for that. Yet she jumped in Ichigo's arms, when asked in marriage, whispering 'yes' in his ears. This wasn't a thoughtless decision. This small woman had loved him for years and even thought it had been a bumpy road; She knew exactly how she felt now, and what she wanted.

"Ichigo…" She said, "…You can stay the night –" Her words fell into silence as the man before her looked like a thermometer, reacting to the increasing temperature.

" – Oh, cuddle!" She desperately tried before he had a heart-attack, "Just…cuddle, and… sleep. The normal kind!" She cracked a nervous smile and waited for his response.

He smirked at the sight of her rosy cheeks; he liked seeing her like that. "Cute…" He whispered.

"What?"

"Uh – nothing." He responded and brushed a hand through his hair, he seriously needed a haircut. He shook away his side-traced thoughts, "Rukia, I – Uh, yeah. I would want to try that, but you know…"

She crossed her arms in front of her – this situation was eating her away. She had absolutely no privacy. Enjoying a nice day out with Ichigo was an extremely hard task. Everyone had formed their own opinion on the matter; like cheering for a TV couple, fans had chosen sides. Some were on the 'Renji-side' and others, on a lower count, were on the 'Ichigo-side'. It didn't matter if she was already decided, they kept pushing their ideas down her throat.

"Stay," Her firm tone was a warning to panic. He hated seeing her, with her little posture, so stressed. It was unfair, they didn't deserve to be treated this way.

"Alright, I'm staying," He smiled brightly, a soldier who is ready for battle, he would face her brother and his pompous clan anytime. She knew that look and matched with one of her own. They've been through hell together, why not visit it again.

He neared closer, brought in a daze by the smile on her rosy lips, "Come here..," He whispered.

She leaned into his hug meeting his lips, a rare opportunity, as privacy always managed to escape.

Yuzu turned her head away, passing for a tomato, she could squeak like a madwoman. But held in with a hand covering her mouth; finding it hard to breath.

She had never seen such intimacy that close. Of course while growing up, there were enough teenagers gluing to each other. But this was somehow different; this was her brother, with the woman she considered her beloved older sister.

Yuzu wondered if it had to do with the lack of television – maybe she was becoming a prude due to living like a monk, limited to the people she saw or spoke to.

She shouldn't listen in on their private conversation, but blamed them for not having closed the door. She was only doing what her father had taught her when growing up, it wasn't like she planned on it.

"Hey, what are you doing, young lady?" An old servant woman asked. Yuzu raised a finger towards her lips. The woman nodded in understanding; wiping the sweat that glistered on her honey colored skin. Yuzu knew her and was confident that she would join the devilish acts any time, just to get a good laugh.

The woman flashed a witty smirk as her brown eyes told Yuzu, something good was coming, "Come – today is my duty to feed the ghost," That was a crowd shifter as Yuzu immediately jumped up after her friend. She informed Ehla, who appeared on the instant; an old gossiping hag like her wouldn't let such opportunity pass.

Yuzu waited with Ehla for the servant woman to open the large doors. There was a sight that imprinted Yuzu's mind the very first time she saw.

"That poor thing…" Ehla whispered as she leaned towards Yuzu.

It was a woman; she looked mid forties, so beautiful and delicate, her perfect features radiated nicely with her fancy kimono. And yet she was dead. A soulless shell it seemed. The stories went about, how her husband had been discarded from the clan because of treason. His powers had driven him insane, finding eventually death. The story didn't sound complete to Yuzu, but the effect it had on this woman, screamed to deaf ears. No action was taken.

She didn't speak – or laugh or even look. It was sad, and yet a performance, as Yuzu and Ehla flopped down to watch how she ate. Other than the four of them, the large traditional Japanese room was empty. Rich walls told them of how much importance this woman was. The pillows they sat on were an artwork at itself.

Ehla forgot her manners and asked out loud. "What if we scare her?" The other two people in the room shot her a look, "To help, she's clearly in shock; can't you see she's dead?"

Yuzu narrowed her eyes, "Don't you have cookies to bake?" But her comment faded away.

The servant shook her head, "With all due respect, sadistic granny. I'm not taking any risks with this one. You can go ahead, but the head rolling will be all yours," She replied with the harsh tone that fitted her posture; taking a bowl from the table she placed it in the woman's' hand.

Ehla patted her lips with her fingers and leaned to the side touching shoulders with the Yuzu. "Good thing that I can grow my head back then," She whispered amused and chuckled.

Yuzu arched an eyebrow, "It's almost like you're trying to get us killed,"

"Oh don't be so pessimistic! A petite woman like you have to rely on her charms – how are you ever going to get a husband like that," Ehla whinnied.

Yuzu looked like a boiling pan, "I look just fine – and I don't want a husband!"

Yuzu's witty observers cracked a devious smile, causing the girl to heat up even more, "And I don't bend that way either!" Yuzu's voice reached several rooms.

"Bend what way?" Byakuya's cool voice stopped her heart. He stood before the open door to see what the commotion was all about. She was turning into a rainbow as she stared in front of her speechless.

Yuzu eyes shot wide open; Ehla and the servant were clearly plotting, "Oh no…" Yuzu murmured when Ehla brightly looked at him and stood up.

"Oh – in many ways I'm sure, very flexible girl. But that's not the point. You see, she's in her prime of adulthood and were discussing husband possibilities," Ehla said while strolling towards the door; he had to bow his head to look at the small thing.

"Oh, no…" Yuzu covered her face; she seriously needed to do something about her zanpakutou.

She kept her face covered, her long straight hair acted as a curtain, as the embarrassing conversation kept spilling in a domino effect. She would wait until he left. She didn't care if he would actually believe the gossiping hags; she stood by her words and confirmed them in silence.

Yuzu's name was called several times and only responded to when the two witches screamed it out. Yuzu lifted her head.

"See how strange she is – she's going to end up an old lady with cats for children," Ehla commented but it was, luckily for Yuzu, ignored by the captain who walked away.

Yuzu's eyes widened as she realized that he was heading towards Rukia's living quarters.

"ah wait captain!" She left the gossiping women behind. "Wait!" She exclaimed.

He stopped and waited. Her mind was like an overworking factory; she had to come up with something and soon!

"I – ah…something, training…uhm – need to talk..?" She raised her eyebrows and gave a fake stiffened smile.

Byakuya blinked, waiting for recognition to sink in, "What?"

Her body remained stiffened wondering what would happen if he saw her brother and Rukia… "I need to talk" Her voice monotonous of anxiety.

"About what?" He narrowed his eyes,

"Training," She forced out sounding still like a machine.

"Then talk," He proceeded to walk not intending to wasting his time standing there. She followed, inside panicking.

"Ah – I have lots of questions and…" She rambled on.

He stopped and she almost clashed into his back but managed to stop before, "If this is an attempt to cover for your brother – then I declare it failed, you're an awful liar." He said, the corner of his lips almost hinting at a smirk.

"How did you –" She said.

Byakuya interrupted, "He still doesn't know how to control his spiritual energy,"

"Oh…" She whispered blushing after hearing such a thing about her brother.

Byakuya looked around and remembered that he didn't have anything else to do; covering up for a lieutenant made his work much easier. He didn't have to wait for Renji to show up late with his reports or endure the chitchat that came with it.

"You're going to stalk me for the rest of the evening I assume…" He replied and walked to his deck leaning against a fence. She stood not too far from him and silently thought.

"Actually I only came after you to help my brother and Rukia. Good evening captain," She bowed and smiled friendly before leaving him alone. She didn't find the ladies that she had abadoned and decided to return to her room. She was very happy with it.

She opened the door and walked inside; pages and books everywhere on the floor. "What a mess," She looked around already blaming her zanpakutou.

Ehla appeared by the open door, "It's research – I'm still new in the zanpakutou business,"

The granny stretched and sat down in her spot, "Sit," She pointed to the spot opposite from her. A large book appeared between them. The same Yuzu saw when Ehla introduced herself for the first time.

"Now take a comfortable spot because you'll be studying until you fall asleep," Ehla smiled brightly like a teacher eager to start the lessons. Yuzu sighed deeply and rested her cheek on her hands already tired.


Squad two barracks

"Are you leaving?" Soifon approached Karin who was adjusting her slippers.

"Yeah, I need to see the old man, family commitment and stuff," Karin replied.

Soifon leaned against the door and sighed. Karin straightened up – now as tall as her captain. "I heard your lieutenant making a big commotion about tomorrow, what's that all about?" Karin asked casually placing her hands behind her neck looking up at the bright sky.

"Tomorrow we're going for the officers interview at the academy and I'm forced to walk around with him the entire day," Soifon scolded.

"That's so embarrassing, he'll sweat like a pig," Karin complained.

"It's disgusting." Soifon tried to shake off the nauseous feeling she felt every time she thought about him. Then an idea came up in her mind. "Hey Kurosaki, why don't you come in his place,"

"Really? I thought that was only a captains or lieutenants job," Karin said casually and kneeled on one knee to slap off an ant that walked on top of her foot.

"I'm calling out for an exception, my health is in danger," Soifon replied studying the floor for more ants.

Karin straightened up, "Alright, count me in,"


Isshin's house

Karin eased herself in a wooden chair. This whole cabin looked terrible; her father has been babied by Yuzu for too long, that man can't even take care of himself.

Karin covered her face with red cheeks; When she thought her father couldn't be more embarrassing, the man had let his hair grow.

"When are you finally getting a haircut? I'm not going to walk next to you on the streets or acknowledge you as my father," She crossed her arms and looked away with a sour expression.

"Oh – how terrible you are! Isn't puberty supposed to be over by now, Masaki!" He threw himself at the large poster, the only poster in his small cabin.

Karin growled and Isshin stopped his whining, "Anyway I was waiting for you sister to come by and cut my hair – but she's so busy lately…" A crocodile tear popped from his eyes, "My daughter are all leaving me!"

Karin breathed heavily looking at the clock; she knew it was customary for children to visit their parents, but this was just torture…

"Hey," Isshin called his daughter's attention in a serious tone, "I'm really proud of you," He murmured and looked away uneasy about the conversation, "I'll support you on whatever you decide,"

Karin nodded solemnly; she did like the offer of joining the Shihoin clan. She liked Yoruichi and already thought of her like family; but nobility had never been in her plans. The sun was setting, she stretched after standing up.

"I'm going. Get a haircut alright, you look terrible." Karin commented.

He smirked, "So the cave man style isn't sexy…" He stood up after her, "Or is that just a cry for attention, come here with daddy!" He ripped his shirt open showing his naked chest. Karin punched him hard and walked away.

The sky was painted red. Karin enjoyed the warm sun on her skin as she flash stepped back. She was really starting to get along in her new squad.

Her running slowed into walking when she entered the seireitei, the entrance was a long path that leaded towards the market. Laughter echoed from the dinning houses and bars. The street was abadoned but still quite lively with sounds.

Karin tried to look inside as she passed by. "Ah watch it!" She called out stepping aside as a boy, who seemed about her age almost crushed her.

He was gasping, out of breath. "Ah sorry Miss, I was in a hurry-" His eyes widened and he kneeled behind a wooden barrow. "You didn't see me!" He whispered. Karin watched as two men run by. She looked back at the blond boy. His ocean blue eyes met hers and he blushed.

"Sorry for startling you Miss, but I had no other choice," He stood up and adjusted his clothes. She noticed how he wasn't wearing a uniform, instead his clothes looked expensive. His whole posture screamed nobility.

"My name is Karin…so you running away or something..?" She asked.

He smiled and bowed; showing proper manners to a lady, "My name is…uh – actually just call me Tomiichi," He gave a nervous laugh.

"There he is!" A man yelled and Karin reacted in an instant by taking out her zanpakutou and cutting the net they threw. She took Tomiichi's hand and run the other way. She had no idea what she was doing, but these men following him seemed wicked.


Til the next chapter...