Chapter 7: Memories of Byakuya
Byakuya: So your memories have returned?
Kokoro: I doesn't work like that I may remember pieces but I have ceased to remember a large sum at one time. But I do remember this house and this family.
Byakuya: I see. What exactly do you remember?
Kokoro: I remember when I first came here when I was five.
[note: the following is Kokoro telling her past]
I was drained of all my energy and was wandering around the city until I came to your house. I collapsed at the sakura tree and Ginrei found me. He took me in and raised me back to health. He invited me to join the family and adopt the family name but I refused. I wanted to keep my own family name but he still allowed me to stay and live here. I was a very quite child. I remember seeing you for the first time. I was with Ginrei as he was talking his daily stroll before duties; you were training very hard in the court yard. Then a strange woman appeared and took you hair band allowing your hair to fall. You called her Yoruichi and began to argue with her but she just seemed to laugh. I trotted over to you guys to get a better info on what was going on. As soon as I got there you and Yoruichi flash stepped at an incredible speed. I followed you guys keep up with your speed easily. You shooed me away but I was persistent on staying with you. You eventually gave up and continued to follow her trying to tag her. At first I didn't realize it was a game but I played along anyways. I imitated your movements and tried to tag her as well. Eventually when you missed I sprung into action mocking you but when she dodged me I flashed stepped behind her with more speed than she had used and tagged her on the back. The game suddenly came to a halt and you both just stared at me. She praised me then u stormed off for unknown reasons. I followed you back home but you just ignored me. This continued for days and I felt alone for a long time. One day as I was on a walk you ushered me to you and Yoruichi but I ignored you and continued to walk. That same night I wondered into your room and you were working. I asked you
"What are you doing?"
You waved you hand meaning to leave you alone but I pressed on finally you asked
"If I draw you something will you go?" I nodded my head in reply. Then you began to draw a bunny.
[Note: Back to the present]
Kokoro: And the rest well you know.
Byakuya: I remember that day
Kokoro: I also remember Hisana and Rukia and Even when Ginrei asked me to marry you
Byakuya: What?
Kokoro: Didn't he tell you? When I was about 16 he asked me if I wanted to be your bride
Byakuya: By the way the things turned out you said no
Kokoro: Yeah… Want to hear the story?
Byakuya: Sure I don't have any work to do
[Again the following is in the past]
Well it was exactly the day I turned 16 and Ginrei took me on a walk just like we had always done. It was just like a normal day but just as we passed you with some servants Ginrei put his hand on my shoulder.
"How would you like to marry my grandson?"
I looked at him with baffled eyes but he just smiled. I couldn't find the words to say. I have never thought out us in that way before. It's true I had feelings for you but I was just in a brother sister way. I knew we could be nothing more at the time. Besides I had this gut feeling like you were about to find the one who will cherish you the most. Therefore my answer was no. Ginrei looked disappointed in me but I assured him even though that I won't take the family nor marry you I will still be here as a part of the family for the rest of my life. Sure enough years pasted and you met Hisana then past away. Then I also spent my time traveling the districts for a month then returned. By the time I had returned you had already found Rukia and Ginrei was gone. I stayed with you for a while but you had changed and Rukia was uncomfortable with me there so I spent most of my time traveling back and forth. Then..
[Back to Present]
Kokoro: Urgh!
I dropped to my knees and cradled my head. It was like something was forcing me not to get even close to remember everything at once. My head was throbbing in so much pain that I can't even describe how much it hurts in words. But through all the pain was a faint picture of a man smiling.
Byakuya: Kokoro? Are you feeling unwell?
Kokoro: Does it look like I'm OK!
Byakuya: Don't address the head of the Kuchiki family like that!
Kokoro: What does it matter to me I'm not a Kuchiki!
He stiffened and I immediately felt guilty but before I could apologize he waved his hand and spoke.
Byakuya: Would you like to adopt it?
