Ch. 9 His Shikai

A/N: This must be the fastest update I've ever done in my entire history on . It's sorta scaring me. XD Anyway, here is the next chapter to "Sakura Biyori." Please R&R!

Disclaimer: You all know it already…

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"I love watching the moon on certain nights. It's just so bright and beautiful next to those small, twinkling stars… Especially when you look at its reflection in the river," rambled Hisana, gazing up at the stars and moon, a soft smile on her face. Byakuya and Hisana were sitting together by the river. After that night when both had realized their love for each other, they had been meeting each other more than usual, just to get to know each other better and to spend more time. This night was just one of their rendezvous.

Byakuya watched Hisana gazing up at the sky. 'I should bring her out more often. Spending time together is very precious to me.' "The reflection is very beautiful, I agree…"

A sakura petal blew idly on the wind and got tangled in Hisana's hair. A hand fished it out and fingered it delicately. Hisana looked up at Byakuya with curiosity. Her eyes seemed to ask the taichou, "What's wrong?"

"My zanpaku-tou… this sakura petal reminds me of it… Its name is Senbonzakura," mused Byakuya, turning the petal over and over in his hands. 'A thousand cherry blossoms… yes, this single petal reminds me of my shikai…'

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'Senbonzakura…' "Your zanpaku-tou's release must be very beautiful… like that petal you are holding," Hisana said, admiring said petal. "That single petal holds the beauty of the whole tree's, somehow. Perhaps it's only because whenever I see even one petal, I think of a sakura tree…"

"Would you like to see my shikai? It will not harm you if I command it not to." Byakuya's offer, though the intention wasn't to harm the young woman, frightened Hisana.

'"If I command…" He won't… HURT me… will he?' Her thoughts raced through her head and her heart beat furiously in her chest. As his zanpaku-tou was unsheathed, her breath caught in her throat, eyes wide in fear, yet they also held curiosity.

"Chire, Senbonzakura."

The blade dissolved into thousand of brilliantly glowing petals. They danced around Hisana and Byakuya, intertwining between the two adults. As they danced, the moonlight reflected off the petals, creating an even brighter, pink glow around them. Then they returned to their owner, and resumed the form of a sword's blade.

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Byakuya watched his companion stare with awe and wonder at the petals in the air. He knew she feared them at first because of what he carelessly said. That's why Byakuya felt relieved when he saw her relax and enjoy the sight. 'I must choose my words carefully.'

He called back the petals. "That is my shikai. I know it is beautiful for others to see, but in actuality, it is very dangerous for my enemies." He smiled briefly and gently took Hisana's hand, squeezing it. "Don't worry. It will never harm you."

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Another chapter is finished… and Byakuya showed his zanpaku-tou to our beloved little heroine! Anyway… please review!

Love always
hisanachan