A/N:hiiiiiiii.
I think an apology for my long disappearance is mandatory, so…
Dear Awesome readers-who-are-hopefully-able-to-forgive-deathbychappy6,
First, to explain that I was really busy these past days, my grades were dropping, so I got them up. It was also volleyball season, which will be over soon. Thanks for the reviews! You're awesome! XD If you want any info on my other stories, check my profile down to Story Stats. Ok, the last chapter's ending, I kind of changed it a little bit, literally 1 sentence, but either way it's kind of the same. Now, some good news :D Volleyball season is over in 2 weeks and I'm going to be able to write more and update a bit more daily. YAY! Ok IMPORTANT ALERT. HUUUUUGGGE chunk of plot here. Absolutely HUGE.
6-Byakuya's POV
3-Kioko's POV
5-Hikari's POV
9-3rd Person
Like I said, for the list above, not necessarily going to be used, just listed above. I love you all! (In the non creepy way XD) I am REALLY sorry, again. Well, this is chapter 9, so, I hope you like this
Disclaimer: I do not own bleach only Hikari, the Watatsumi's, and her zanpaktou and other OC's. If I did, Byakuya would have a brother :3
Chapter 8-To the Point of no Turning Back
I thought for a moment, contemplating what might have happened in the time he was gone. I was positively sure that a hollow didn't break through my manor and bash him on the head to mix up his memory, yet it was the only possible way. I snapped my head in his direction.
"What was that for?" the tone in my voice a bit more panicked than confused.
He slid his hand away from mine and put strand of hair out of place behind my ear.
"It's not good to be yelling so loudly at this time of day. You'll wake your residents"
"H-Hikari-sama?" I heard a small whisper off to the side. I turned to a red faced Haruko, who I had forgotten was here until now.
She stood up nervously and walked our way, stopping in front of us. I shook my head nervously, trying to say that wasn't what it looked like. She bowed so fast that her turquoise curls bounced as she faced the floor.
"Congratulations, Lord and Lady Kuchiki! I wish you both the best of wishes!" she said as if she was trying to hold her breath.
The raven haired clan leader raised his eyebrow and turned towards me again.
"What is she talking about?"
I frowned and slowly turned my head back to meet his gaze with mine. "I don't know, you tell me, you seems to know what you were talking about to my captain"
.
..
…
"… Suzuki, what are you spouting about?" he said as if he had used that question more than once today.
"The 'should there be a reason'… The hand holding… The 'she's a very important person'… the handholding?" I emphasized the last part with a louder voice. He pondered for a moment, then like a light bulb turning on, he finally understood. The curly haired maid stayed frozen, waiting for her pale color to return and for her to be dismissed. But I was too distracted at the moment, waiting for his answer.
"Suzuki, I can't simply tell captain Hitsuguya I chose to take a day off to spend it with you, so with common sense, I didn't explain, even more with this sprain. He would report it to the head captain and I would be sent to stay at home" he replied in a 'duhhh' kind of voice.
"What about the 'very important person' part, huh?" I said still trying to hold my place as the sane person.
"Do you not agree? In my opinion, a third seat seems important, considering what happened to my last third seat adjutant"
I put a finger to my chin, seeing how he made his point.
"Alright, but explain the hand holding" I still felt the numbing warmth from when his hand clasped mine.
"I was gone for a long time. I was going to apologize as a gentle man…" he slowly walked to the table and delicately picked a red rose from a clear vase. He kneeled before me and grabbed my hand, holding out the rose for me to take.
"Do you forgive me?" he asked in the softest tone I've ever heard him speak in. his gray eyes stared and I heard Haruko gasp. I couldn't blame her; even I was turning a little red just looking in his eyes. I took the rose out of his hands and smiled.
"Ehh, I'll think about it" I looked at his facial expression which made me laugh. Boy, do I know how to ruin a moment.
"I'm just kidding, sure I do. But you know, I kind of thought you bailed and thought I was contagious after you found out"
He stood back up and dusted off his uniform while I waved my arm to finally dismiss Haruko and she left with a squeak.
"It hurts how you think so little of me"
"Well, I'm sorry, but you were gone a long time, what was I supposed to think?" I said.
"That a hollow possibly broke into your manor and hurt my head?" he said in a slight humorous tone. I joined in with a- "That's what I thought! And I thought it was ridiculous!" until I broke into a light laughter and him showing a slight curve at the ends of his mouth, his eyes more relaxed and amused than his usual cold and distant.
"Well, what about Captain Hitsuguya?"
"I don't involve myself in pointless gossip, but if that concerns you so much then I'll clarify what I said"
"Ok, so if they started gossiping and stuff, you wouldn't care?"
"It's called adult hood, Suzuki"
"Wow, you're really mature"
"Have you really just realized that, Suzuki"
I giggled. "Well, I hope it won't be too late"
I glanced out my window to find that the sun had finally come out of hiding. It was already bright and sunny and the flowers and grass rustled with excitement in the wind. I couldn't help but smile as I felt the warmth of the outdoors slip through the windows, a bliss calmness dawning on me.
Captain Kuchiki looked back from me and the window.
"I see... You were waiting for the sun to come out?"
"Yeah, it reminds me of when I was young and mom would take me outside to play in the garden..." I whispered feeling a bit of nostalgia.
"I see. Would you like to go outside then?"
"Do you want to?" I asked with the obvious excitement in my voice.
"It's your call. I abide by your will"
"Yay!" I said out of happiness.
I couldn't wait to feel the fresh air and be the exuberant child I was back then. I remembered how all my troubles would flush away at the simplest breeze that would blow against my face. I haven't been able to even look at the garden ever since my mother died. Maybe today was the day I'll get over it, with my own captain there.
A sudden ringing interrupted my train of thought, followed by a buzzing noise.
Byakuya-sama reached into his pocket and read the caller ID on his Soul Phone. I saw a slight frown in his expression.
"Not now..." I heard him mutter under his breath.
"What is it?" I ask.
"It's the Kuchiki elders. If you would excuse me for a moment" he says before leaving again.
I stiffened. Today seemed like a busy day for him. I felt a bit awkward having to take away his time for my own purposes. He was a captain of the Gotei 13 and a leader of a whole clan. He had a life to get to.
I heard a distant 'beep'. Moments later, he came back with a small scowl on his face.
"Is there something wrong?"
"An urgent meeting has come up. I apologize for all these interruptions"
I softened.
"There's no need to apologize. You're busy, it's fine. You can go" I said as lightly as I could.
I watched his face as it turned from his scowl to a little more of a hurt or sad expression, yet with his usual mix of blankness.
"Would you like to come with me?"
I blinked. "What for?"
"I have a garden of my own and I think you'll like it as well. I could get back to you right after"
I thought for a minute.
I'm giving him permission to bail… why isn't he taking it?
"I see, you still have to do you're part of the deal, Alright, why not" I smirked and he replied with a confident 'hm'
~6~
I hurried to the said meeting room, hoping I wasn't late. The elders were strict about showing up on time, especially when it was urgent. When I finally stood in front of the doors, the doors started to creak and I regained my posture.
As the doors opened, it revealed a bright light, a dark figure emerging from the brightness. My eyes widened as the head of the Watatsumi slowly walked past me with a smirk plastered on her face.
~5~
The last time I was in the Kuchiki manor, it wasn't the most... normal experience. But I had to say, this visit was not so bad.
Right after that recent conversation, we flash stepped to his manor, him leading the way. Although, occasionally, he would slow down to my pace and see if I was all right. But when he would, I would smirk and challenge him to a race. Unfortunately, he was a bit faster than me.
But every time he did that, he made me feel fragile, like I could break down any minute. It led me to think that maybe it was because now he knew I had this deadly illness. I thought that maybe some past references would stop him from treating me like that. I can't have him acting like that.
I'd have to tell him that when he gets back.
I was now walking through the Kuchiki hallways. Again, I was lost, but there were long windows along the walls that showed a preview of what his garden looked like.
It was lined with different flowers, all assorted in different colors surrounded by grass. Beyond it was a plain open field with just grass and a column of cherry blossom trees in which the gardener tended to as I waved and gave a soft smile. This view was so beautiful; I didn't mind being lost in this part of his manor. It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. It was more of a homey feeling than my manor ever made me feel.
Flashback…
"Mom! Mom!" The small blonde haired Watatsumi called desperately for her mother running through the hallways as she was being chased by two of her elder's guards.
"Come back here you damned child!" they yelled. She turned a corner reached a door, wiggling the door knob before kicking it open.
"Mom!" her body started staggering and she trembled, looking to her knees for support. The group elders surrounded the bed of flowers, crying over the dead body of the Watatsumi mistress. One of the elders sent a glare her way.
"And she left you behind…" he muttered under his breath while another elder hit his arm, the others giving disapproving looks.
"But… she promised…"
.
..
…
Being here was definitely better than my manor. I've looked back at that memory so many times that all the tears I've cried for her just ran out.
I continued to walk until I heard other pairs of foot prints followed by giggling.
A group of nicely dressed women came around the corner walking my way leaned in, whispering and giggling with a short raven haired girl following behind with her head laid low.
One of them had wavy, long pink hair held back by a bow and devious, pink cat like eyes wearing a red kimono with a white leaf pattern. The other had long, layered silver hair held in a high ponytail by a red ribbon with bells with gold streaks in her bangs. She wore a light blue kimono with gold line designs. The girl behind them wore a standard shinigami uniform with her zanpaktou at her side. I lit up when I realized who the girl behind them was.
"Rukiiii-a?" My voice changed from happy to questioning. I saw Rukia raise her head to inform them something, but as they turned their head to listen, the laughed and went back to their conversation, leaving Rukia to lower her head again. I frowned.
What did they say?...
I put my hands behind my back and walked towards them, smiling.
"Hi Rukia!" the 3 girls turned their attention to me.
"Hikari-san, what are you doing here?" she asked.
"Oh you know, nothing much. Who are your friends?"
She frowned and the other two girls looked at me weirdly.
"Friends?" One of them said.
"We're not friends!" the other said.
"This is Lady Asuka and Maiko Kuchiki, a separate branch to Nii-sama's blood line. They are the granddaughters of two elders. I was ordered to escort them to an urgent meeting today, but they don't want to go…" Rukia said.
"Won't you get in trouble?" I asked.
"Well…" she looked at the floor again.
"What do you care?"
"And who are you anyways?" The two broke in.
"A friend of Rukia's. I think you two should get to the meeting. You'll all be in trouble"
"So? We'll just blame it on her"
"Not like she'll care, right Rukia?" they turned to her and Rukia looked off to the side.
"But I care, and I'm sure Byakuya-sama wouldn't like it either" I stated firmly.
The girl with the gold streaks widened her eyes, tugging on the others sleeve.
"Asuka! I don't want to get in trouble with Byakuya-sama! You know…"
The girl called Asuka scoffed.
"Him? My Takeshi's better, but don't worry Maiko. It won't ruin your chances. Not unless someone tells him"
"I'm telling him"
In an instant, they turned their heads towards me. "What?"
"I'm seeing him this afternoon. I refuse to see Rukia get in trouble"
Asuka smirked. "Wow, you're pretty brave considering you already know who we are. Don't believe her Maiko. Who do you think you are?"
I slowly walked passed them and they took steps back, eyes widening and trembling with their eyes glowing blue. Rukia moved their shoulders to see if they were awake.
"Hikari, what happened?"
I giggled. "Telling them who I am. It's this thing that I can do that shows that is the head of the Watatsumi clan and your inner soul, A.K.A your zanpaktou striking a bit of fear into them. All I have to do is send a bit of spiritual pressure through their pupils to throw off their senses. My sister is the head of my family, but for some reason I got the gift" I said rambling on while Rukia tried shaking them. After a while, she gave up and started laughing.
"Ha! Arigatou Hikari-san"
I smiled. "No problem. But better get them to the meeting soon. I'll explain everything to your brother"
"Ah, so you're here for my brother?"
"Yup. Wow! Not in that way. Please, there have been way too many misunderstandings today. I don't want to have to explain it to you too"
She smiled. "Don't worry, I don't believe in the rumors going around"
I sighed. "Ugh, Thank you…Wait, there are rumors going around?"
"Well, yes"
I face palmed. "Did they happen to come from some of the SWA"
"Well, Lieutenant Matsumoto and a little from Lieutenant Kusajishi, I think."
"Ahg! She's is so easy to strangle right now!" I sighed.
"Well, I'll see you later Rukia"
She looked at her soul phone and sighed as well.
"Actually, Hikari-sama, it looks like I won't be able to take them to the meeting in time, it's going to be over soon. Would you like to come with me?"
"Sure" I said and we tried to figure out how to drag the two trembling women.
~6~
"Are you telling me what to do?" I argued.
"Byakuya, we had no wish to be involved in these affairs"
"But we're afraid that Watatsumi-sama's visit here is getting us a little nervous"
"This could get us into another war of our families, which could branch out into other problems"
"That one girl can cause us a world of trouble, Byakuya"
"If it wasn't for our ancestors, we wouldn't have won."
"Think for a minute. Getting… ah, what's her name out of your squad can keep us from taking any risks"
"Hikari, and she is not a Watatsumi, she is a Suzuki. She doesn't involve herself in anything about noble ranks in society!"
I grit my teeth in frustration, looking up at the lined elders, much like central 46.
"Watatsumi told me what happened, was it true?" I hated to bring the reference of what I hoped it was a lie. The elders started to whisper and make conversation until silence fell and only 1 spoke.
"What did she tell you?" they asked. I explained what had happened, exactly how Kioko told me. It fell silent again.
"Byakuya, you are missing the point here"
My eyes widened. "So it is true, even about Hisana?" My voice rose and I couldn't control it anymore.
"Well, Byakuya, she missed one important detail, and well, this was our ancestors, But you're leadership was definitely of hard work, perseverance, inevitable, and don't get us wrong-"
"That doesn't change facts. Hisana… and Hikari..." I caught my tongue and realized I had used her first name.
Why am I fretting, she did give me permission… But it shows lack of respect and casualty…
I decided.
"Byakuya, look what she is turning you into? You are getting to familiar with that girl. We have profound respect for the Watatsumi, we wish no trouble"
"She is only a mere third seat, easily replaceable. What about my granddaughter Maiko?"
"No. I refuse to abide by this, and Maiko be damned if she appears to work tomorrow instead of Hikari"
"But Byakuya, this can also benefit you! She is in your squad no more than 2 weeks and already an accident occurs, and that sprain? Does that have anything to do with this?" I hid my hand.
"I took full blame for that. I relied on her too much, and this was nothing more than a mere sprain, it means nothing"
"Byakuya, listen to yourself!"
"I feel déjàvu from 50 years ago with Hisana" one said. Ignoring that comment, I continued.
"No. I will not. You have now lost all my respect. To find what that Watatsumi had told me was actually true is ridiculous. I'm ashamed. Everything will stay the same, and if you intervene in anyway, expect that I will be defending with my life and I will be using all authority against. I am not an enemy you wish to have, mark my words"
An elder stood. "Exactly what you said 50 years ago!"
Actually, not THAT huge… anymore at least. I planned to write more, but it's already 19 pages in Microsoft word! Stay tuned because next chapter is coming in a week.
