Hello, my wonderful readers. I am so, so sorry that I did not update like I promised to. It has been hard lately for me to be inspired due to the heartbreaking fact that both of my grandmothers are dying. I try to remain optimistic and inspired, but it is very hard for me to do so; however, I will not stop this story. I have worked hard on it and intend to see it finished. My boyfriend helped me out with this chapter, (to which I owe him more than a little thanks.)
Also, regarding a question I asked my readers a few chapters ago, I would like to try and write a lemon scene between Shinji and Raine, but I would like to know if you, my wonderful readers, would like it more if I changed the rating to include the lemon scene or if I created a seperate *deleted scene* sort of fanfic. Please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it. Now on with the long-awaited Chapter 8.
Disclaimer: I only own Raine and Otome Fudo. The rest belongs to Tite Kubo.
Chapter 8: Foreboding
I had a hard time trying to find a comfortable position to lie down. My shoulder was in a lot of pain from where Ikkaku had hit me.
"You alright?" Shinji asked beside me.
"My shoulder. Ikkaku clipped it this morning… badly. I'm too cowardly to even look for the bruise." Hesitantly, I got up and removed the shoulder piece of my sleeping garment. I didn't care if I was giving Shinji a show, I needed to see. I winced as I saw a huge black mark right along my shoulder. That wasn't going to go away for a week at the very least; merely looking at it hurt.
"Well that's just super." I thought aloud.
"What is?" he asked. He walked over and took a look for himself. I felt his hands against my skin and I jumped a little. "Well, now I know why yer so uncomfortable. I may have to pay Madarame-san a little visit."
"No," I insisted, turning to him, "it was just training."
"Still, he needs to learn-" I effectively stopped his mouth by standing on my tiptoes and pressing my lips to his. When I pulled away to breathe, I searched his eyes. Apparently all was forgiven, for now. "Ya know, if you want, I can try to relieve some of the pain." he offered. I looked over my shoulder at him. "Yer back is really tense, too. Probably from the way ya've been sleeping."
"It would make sense, after twenty-two years of sleeping on a Western-style bed." I replied. Shinji sighed.
"Come on," he said, pulling me to the bed. After smoothing out the covers, he had me lay down on my stomach. I shrugged off the shoulder parts of my sleeping garment. My hands then gripped the pillow in anticipation. I groaned aloud when his hands rubbed my shoulders. It wasn't meant to be sensual, but my body registered it as such. Regardless, I ended up letting out another one, and attempted to cover my mouth. "What?"
"It… it's just that… I'm not used to anyone touching me like that."
"Like this?" he asked. I felt one of his thumbs gently circle my back. I ended up letting out a small moan. "All that from a massage?" he asked.
"Your fingers are like magic." I said as he rubbed my back. I was in too much of a pleasurable haze to mind what I said anymore.
"Close." he replied. "It's actually kido that I'm using on ya to relieve the tension."
"It's wonderful." I breathed.
"Mm, makes me wonder how you would react when we…" he didn't bother to finish his sentence; he didn't need to. The low tone in his voice was enough for me to catch on to what he was implying. My head cleared almost immediately and self-consciousness was kicked back into gear. I couldn't stop the blush from flooding my cheeks. His hands moved lower before I could even think of a reason to reject that idea.
"How are you doing that?" I whimpered.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." I heard him chuckle. His hands worked their magic on my back. It was like a dream. I couldn't stop the sounds that were escaping my mouth.
Normal Point of View
Rose and Love were on their way back from enjoying a night of drinking together at the bar.
"Man does that bring back memories." Love said. Rose nodded in agreement. "Remind me to thank Raine when I get the chance."
"What for?" Rose asked.
"The chance to see home again."
Rose was about to agree when the two heard a moan coming from Shinji and Raine's room. Both of them froze; Shinji wasn't… the two pressed their ear to the door. Raine's moans leaked through the door.
"What are you two doing?" Love and Rose nearly jumped out of their skin.
"Be quiet, Lisa." Rose said.
"What's going on?" Lisa asked.
"Shinji and Raine…"
"Are they…?"
"We don't know." Rose said.
"Be quiet and maybe we'll find out." Love whispered. Lisa walked over and leaned against the door to listen.
"What in the hell?" The three cringed hearing Hiyori's sharp voice. The three scattered as Shinji opened the door.
"What's all this about?"
"I caught those three hanging around outside your room." Lisa merely looked casually at the de facto leader. The other two were not so much afraid as they were apprehensive as to what their leader would say. "What in the hell were you doing in there, anyway?"
"Raine was having trouble going to sleep. I was trying to help her out by relieving some of the tension in her back."
"Is that what they call it these days?" Lisa asked flatly.
"I would expect this kinda behavior from you, Lisa." Shinji said. "You two, on the other hand," he said as he turned to Love and Rose, then his gaze shifted to Hiyori. "Hiyori, would ya mind doing me a favor?"
Shinji shut the door as Hiyori began chasing Love and Rose.
Raine's Point of View
I'm pretty sure that my blush outdid my hair at this point. I used both of my hands to hide it as best as I could.
"Raine," I heard Shinji say. I shook my head in my hands. Suddenly, my hands were lifted from my face, and I was again looking once more into his beautiful eyes. Dear Lord, everything about this man was beautiful… I heard him suck in a breath as he took in the sight of my face. "There's nothin' more attractive than the sight of yer face when ya blush like that." he said as he leaned down to kiss me. Unable to resist, I looped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him down so that his body was flush against mine.
"That's wonderful." I sighed as he pulled away. He smiled his toothy grin and then looked at me with a loving gaze. I smiled gently back at him. "Good night, my pharaoh…" I sighed. He held me to him as I started falling asleep.
Again I found myself in the world where I walked on water. Otome Fūdo was awaiting me, sitting on the rock where I had first seen her; I didn't keep her waiting. She greeted me with a demure smile and motioned next to her.
'Please, Lorraine, sit.' she said gently. 'We have much to discuss." I did as she asked and took a moment to take in the view. The dark night sky overhead did not effect the color of the pearly calm beneath us, which seemed to stretch on for miles beyond the horizon.
'I can see why you sit here.' I told her. 'The view from here is breathtaking.'
'I can't agree with you more. I sit here, watching your bliss, your peace...'
'My bliss?' I asked.
'This is your inner world, Lorraine. This…' she mentioned, motioning to the scenery, 'is all possible because of you, including me.' I looked out once more at everything. 'Do you see how calm the water is? This is you at your most peaceful, when you sleep. When you are crying, the sky cries with you. When you are frightened, the waves build into a torrent of anxiety.'
'Have you always been here?'
Otome Fūdo was silent for a while. 'I suppose you could say that. Lorraine, I brought you here because I had to warn you…'
'Warn me? Warn me about what?" I asked.
'In a few days, there will be an extensive amount of suffering.'
'Otome Fūdo… I don't understand. Who is going to suffer?'
'I'm sorry; some things cannot be revealed before their time.'
A familiar mist rapidly began to surround me. 'Otome Fūdo!' I called out. A light breeze began blow. Again, I called for my Zanpakto, but she was gone in the mist.
I sprang up to a sitting position, finding myself once again in mine and Shinji's room in the Fifth Division barracks. Shinji stirred beside me.
"Raine?" he asked sleepily. I felt warm arms wrap around me. "What's wrong, darlin'? Did ya have another nightmare?'
"I-I don't know." I said hesitantly. I leaned back until my head once more rested on the pillow and turned to him.
"What happened?" he asked. I bit my lip in hesitation.
"Otome Fūdo spoke with me." I stated. His eyes widened for a moment.
"Oh? And what did 'Little-Miss-Cold-Shoulder' have to say?"
"Shinji!" I chided softly.
"What am I supposed to think?" he asked. "She never gives you a straight answer."
"Oh, and I imagine that Sakanade is that much better to deal with."
"We're not talkin' about me, we're talkin' about you." he retorted. "So what did she hafta say?"
"She… she said… that there's going to be a lot of suffering."
"Whataya mean?" he asked.
"I don't know, but I have a feeling it has something to do with the Arrancar that are after me."
"They're not gonna touch ya." he replied lowly.
"How can you be so sure?" I asked desperately.
"Because I'm gonna protect ya, no matter what."
"Don't promise me anything." I said. "From the way she put it, this isn't something you can protect me from. How do we even know that it is physical suffering?"
"If it's at physical, then at least I know I can protect ya."
"And you could get killed."
"Oh, like you couldn't?" he asked incredulously.
"It doesn't matter to me if I get hurt…"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence, Raine." he snapped. I caught my words and with burning eyes held them in. Shinji sighed and then pulled my face flush against his chest. "And now I've gone and upset ya. I'm sorry." I wrapped my arms around his torso to show that he was indeed forgiven. It was all I felt I could do to hold him there.
"Don't leave." I whimpered.
"I'm not going anywhere." he told me with a shake of his head. He held me like that for a moment before I pulled away, still averting my gaze.
"I only wonder… when this happens, will I be ready for it?"
"You will." Shinji declared as he lifted my chin.
"In a matter of days?"
Shinji's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"
"That's what she told me."
"I didn't think it would happen so soon… I may need to call in for help."
"Help?"
"Don't you worry about it, Raine. I just want you to focus on your training as much as possible."
I bit my lip.
"Come on,' he said, holding me. "You've got a training session with Captain Hitsugaya, and you don't want to keep him waiting tomorrow." I still looked down, unsure of myself. He lifted my chin in reassurance. "Hey," he said gently, "just know that… no matter what, I'm gonna fight for ya."
"I don't doubt you." I said with a light yawn. Not too soon afterwards, I ended up falling asleep in his arms.
I opened my eyes to morning sunlight once more. With one last look at Shinji, I pushed myself out of bed and dressed in a new Shihakusho. Bending down, I gave him a sweet kiss before I left.
Love and Rose were in the main living area. I did my best not to blush in front of them.
"Mornin' Raine." Love said casually.
"Good morning, gentlemen." I said. With Otome Fūdo strapped to my waist, I was preparing to make a dash for the Tenth Division.
"You're gonna run all the way?" Love asked.
"That's the plan."
"Raine, you'll get lost." Rose pointed out.
"Well if you could at least point me in the right direction, I would be very grateful."
Normal Point of View
Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya sat at his desk, finishing his morning paperwork. He was, however, quickly becoming annoyed with his Lieutenant's frantic pacing. He glanced up at her and found her looking constantly at the door. "Matsumoto," he began, gaining his Lieutenant's attention, "I'm aware that you are anxious to meet her, but…"
"Sorry Captain." Rangiku said. She came up and leaned against the desk. "What's she like, this… Raine girl?"
"I can't say for certain. I didn't talk to her."
"Captain…" Rangiku whined.
"Don't, Matsumoto. I'm not in the mood to deal with your antics today."
Not even ten minutes later, there was a quick tapping at his office door. Rangiku and Hitsugaya opened the door to find Raine, panting, her hands at her knees.
"S-sorry I'm… late…" she said.
Raine's Point of View
Captain Hitsugaya and the very busty blonde woman stared at me for a few moments as I gained my breath. I had run, non-stop, to the Tenth Division, gaining a lot of stares from passersby.
"You ran all the way here?" the woman asked. I looked up at her and nodded.
"Impressive." Captain Hitsugaya murmured. I stood at my full height, only to give the small Captain a respectful bow.
"It's an honor to officially meet you, Captain Hitsugaya." I said politely.
"Well, it's nice to know that some mortals can get the title right." he said. I could see the corners of his mouth curve upward in a slight smile. I smiled back at him. "Ichigo Kurosaki could only manage to call me by my first name."
"I was taught to give proper respect where it was due." I replied. "Is there something you would prefer to go by?"
"Captain Hitsugaya is fine."
"Then you can call me Raine."
Then the blonde woman coughed slightly; Hitsugaya rolled his eyes.
"Raine, this is Rangiku Matsumoto, my Lieutenant." he introduced. I smiled at her.
"It's very nice to meet you, Matsumoto-san." I said with a polite nod.
Rangiku smiled and before I knew it, she was hugging me.
"You are too cute." she crooned. "I could just take you home with me."
"Matsumoto," Captain Hitsugaya said with a warning tone, "I don't think that her boyfriend would appreciate that very much."
Rangiku set me down, and with her hands at her hips, looked me up and down. I couldn't help but to blush. It was different when Shinji did it, or I guess I was used to it. I had never had a woman hit on me before.
"Well, let's not stand around dilly-dallying." Captain Hitsugaya said. He and Rangiku led the way out of the office and onto a rather large training field.
"So if you don't mind me asking, what will you be helping me with?"
"I was requested to help you better control your Shikai." he replied. I froze; within my head, I wondered if Otome Fūdo would comply. "Is something wrong, Raine?"
"It… It's just that I'm wondering… my Zanpakto has stubbornness issues. Not that I have any room to talk."
"May I see your Shikai?" he asked. I took a deep breath and nodded.
"Guide, Otome Fūdo." I then held the broadsword up to show Captain Hitsugaya.
"Whoa…" Rangiku breathed. Otome Fūdo was radiant in this morning's sunlight; I would even go so far as calling her stunningly beautiful.
"Indeed." Captain Hitsugaya breathed. "I have heard rumors that this sword can cut another's blade in half. Is that true?"
"Is it true?" Rangiku interjected. "She split Ikkaku Madarame's Hozukimaru in half! He was in a complete tirade about it last night at the bar."
"That's strange, Matsumoto," Hitsugaya began coolly, even though I could feel his temper rising, "because I do remember ordering that you were not to leave your office last night until all of your paperwork was finished." Rangiku's laughing abruptly stopped, and her expression turned somewhat sheepish.
"Well now that we're talking about it, Captain…"
"Matsumoto…" he grumbled.
"Shall we start?" she began. I giggled at the annoyed look on Captain Hitsugaya's face. He glanced at me and pulled out his sword.
"Reign over the frosted heavens, Hyorinmaru!" I felt a slight chill in the air as Captain Hitsugaya's blade grew longer, and another blade was added to the end of the sword's hilt. I backed away. "Not to worry, Raine. I will not harm you; I merely wish to demonstrate my abilities with Shikai."
"In other words," Rangiku began, "he wants to show off."
"Matsumoto!" he chastised.
"Fair enough, I'll shut up." she said with a light sigh.
"Now as I was saying, Raine, a Soul-Reaper's Shikai can possess a number of abilities. Your Zanpakto's ability to cut the blade of another may be such an ability."
"Really?" I asked. "And here I thought it was just a fluke…"
"You'll find that there really are no such things as flukes in our line of work, Delacroix." he replied. "What would make you think such a thing?"
"I… I just think that it would take a lot more effort than that to break a Zanpakto in half like that."
"You need to have more faith in yourself, honey." Rangiku said.
"Matsumoto is right. You are much stronger than you give yourself credit for. Might I ask you another question?" I nodded. "When did you fight Sarugaki and Madarame? What time of day was it?"
"Sometime during the morning, I guess." I answered. "Captain Hitsugaya, forgive my bluntness, but I fail to see what that has to do with my sword's ability."
"I think that your Shikai is a light-based weapon, one that thrives on sunlight. It wouldn't surprise me if you are at your strongest when the sun is directly overhead."
"Oh, is that what you're getting at?"
"I am merely making an assumption due to the glow it's emitting." he replied. "I wonder…" Suddenly, an icy dragon of ice crystals emerged around the blade of the sword. "Attack me, and hold nothing back." I hesitated.
"Don't worry." Rangiku said. "The captain wouldn't suggest this if he didn't know what he was doing." I looked at the woman for a moment and nodded, turning back to the petite captain. I held up my broadsword and moved slowly to my left as he moved to the right. With a flash, he struck true, with the dragon winding a perimeter around me. I struck at the body of the dragon, but found that it did me no good. The ice was thick, and it would take more than Kami eiko no Hikari to break it. Too late, I noticed the head of the dragon, with it's red eyes staring at me. It rushed at me and I knew that I wouldn't be able to defend myself from that.
'Help me!' I cried inwardly.
The dragon was immediately stopped by some kind of invisible force. At first I couldn't see what it was, but after a moment, when the dragon attempted to attack again. It looked like it was stopped by a parade of watery ripples.
"Wow," Rangiku said, her voice going flat, "now that's what I call a force field."
"I thought so." Captain Hitsugaya said. "Matsumoto, if you wouldn't mind…"
"I gotcha, Captain." Rangiku replied, pulling out her Zanpakto. "Growl, Haineko."
I watched as before my eyes, Rangiku's blade dissipated into ashes, coming straight at me. They did nothing to me though, for the ripples stopped all of them, from all angles. "No good, Captain." Rangiku said.
"That will do, Matsumoto." he replied. The ashes returned to the blade form on the hilt that Rangiku held. "You had someone you wished to visit today, didn't you?" I saw Rangiku's icy blue eyes saddened for a moment and then she looked up at him.
"Yes, Captain."
"Go on, then. Your paperwork can wait."
Rangiku nodded and took off.
"Shall we keep going?" he asked, holding his sword at the ready. I nodded with some degree of confidence.
We trained until I was on the brink of exhaustion, collapsing onto my knees. Captain Hitsugaya approached, and I looked up beyond the glasses slipping down my nose to see him offering a hand to help me up. I smiled shyly before I took it. "You've learned quite well." he said. "Why don't we take a break?"
"Okay." I replied. I smiled at him before my mind lingered on another subject.
"If you don't mind my asking… who did Rangiku go to see?" I asked. Captain Hitsugaya paused and his gaze drifted to the floor. "I'm sorry. I didn't know it was a touchy subject."
"No, it's not that, Raine." He sighed. "Matsumoto went to visit the resting place of one of her dearest friends."
"Oh… were they lost during the Winter War?" I asked.
"Yes… His name was Gin Ichimaru."
"Gin Ichimaru? The same Gin Ichimaru that nearly cut Hiyori in half?"
"So they told you stories about the Winter War?" he asked. I nodded in response. "Yes, it was that same man, but what you must understand that he wanted to kill Aizen all along. Over a hundred years ago, he and Rangiku lived together. During that time, Aizen was testing the Hogyoku that he had created for himself by using it on souls in the Rukongai. Rangiku was one of them; it nearly killed her. Gin then swore to kill the man who had caused her to feel so much pain, but he would have to wait for the right moment for that to happen."
"He loved her." I concluded, feeling the tears start to burn my eyes. "He was doing it all for her."
"Yes," he replied quietly.
"Something tells me, though, that he never got his chance."
"No, he didn't. No sooner did Gin attempt to do what he had been waiting for all of these years, Aizen killed him. He stayed alive long enough to apologize to Rangiku and say good-bye to her." I stopped the single tear that began falling down my cheek.
"That must've been so hard for her." I said weakly.
"It still is. I can tell that the smile she wears is merely a mask to hide her pain." I nodded, then couldn't help but notice the slight blush on his face. "Can I ask you some advice, Raine?" he asked.
"Sure, Captain Hitsugaya." I said encouragingly.
"How do you talk to someone who hides their pain like that?"
I paused. "That's a good question, Captain. I think the best thing you can do is make yourself approachable. Gently and calmly tell Rangiku that she can talk to you about anything. From what I gathered, you two are pretty close."
"She is the one who recommended me into the Soul Academy."
"Oh, I see; I thought you two were really close. I mean, you two do act like siblings."
"If I were related to Matsumoto, I would more than likely go insane." he replied, to which I answered with a fit of giggles. He waited for me to finish before continuing. "Thank you, Raine-san."
"Oh, of course, Captain Hitsugaya." I replied. "To be perfectly honest, I deeply respect you."
"Hm? Why?"
"Well you're so young," I could see the vein of annoyance appear on his forehead, so I decided to be tactful, "and yet you're already a Captain. It's amazing; you must be some kind of prodigy."
"Yes, but believe me when I say that it hasn't been easy. I started out much like you: scared, not sure what was the right thing to do. When I was younger, I heard Hyorinmaru calling out to me; I thought it to be a reoccurring nightmare, until Matsumoto helped me realize that I was letting my powers over ice leak… and that I was hurting my grandmother. I did what I thought was best. Still people would tease me for my young age and my short stature, so I only ended up pushing people away." My heart hurt for the young Captain as I saw his eyes become sad once more. Slowly, gently, I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Regardless of that, you're still a great leader, Captain Hitsugaya. You still do care about others. I doubt you would've asked for advice on how to help Rangiku if you felt otherwise."
"You are very kind to say so, Lorraine." he replied. "I have a feeling that you'll gain Bankai and become a Captain-level Shinigami in no time." he said.
"Hm? Bankai? What's that?" I asked.
"It's the second and most powerful level a Zanpakto can reach."
"Something tells me it's really hard to achieve."
"It takes ten years on average of training to achieve, and it is a… prerequisite, if you will, for someone who wishes to become Captain."
"I see." I replied.
In a flash of a Shunpo, Rangiku was back, smiling for us a bright smile. I could then tell what he meant about it being a mask; this smile seemed rather forced. I returned the smile, but remained worried.
"I think you've done sufficiently for today, Raine." he stated. I smiled at him.
"Well then, I'll be on my way." I said with a sigh, making a light bow to the small Captain. "Thank you for everything, Captain Hitsugaya." I said politely. He nodded in acknowledgement.
"It was wonderful to have met you, Raine."
Rangiku walked me back to the Fifth Division Barracks, still complementing me and causing the blush to reappear on my face. Part of me wanted to ask her about Gin, but I couldn't bring myself to let the words come out of my mouth. The last thing that I wanted was to get her mad at me. When we arrived at the barracks, Shinji was waiting for us. I was about to enter when I noticed the mischievous look on Rangiku's face before she pulled me back to her, right in front of Shinji.
"So I will see you at the Shinigami Women's Association meeting, won't I?" she asked. I was inwardly weary of the look of possessiveness that Shinji was flashing at me in Rangiku's arms. "I just can't get over how cute you are." she gushed. Once again I found her hugging me, holding me close. It was sweet; yet at the same time, I felt very awkward. "You know, you would be even cuter if you showed off a little more skin." With a swift flick of her wrists, she opened up the upper part of my Shihakusho so that my chest was exposed. I was incredibly shocked, to say the least. I could hear Shinji gawking; when I looked at him, he was trying to hold in a nosebleed. I was then quick to pull my robe together, and felt my face grow incredibly hot.
"Well I'd best be off. Ta-ta!" she sing-songed. I shook my head and took a moment to fix my Shihakusho before turning to Shinji once more; he seemed like he had everything under control.
"Yer not gonna like me for what I'm about to say."
"Why on earth would you say that? You know that nothing you say can ever upset me… unless you're planning on leaving me."
"Never." he said, suddenly intense.
"Okay," I replied, a little timid at his reaction, "so what is it?"
He sighed. "You've got more training today: Shunpo training."
"Oh, well that's swell…"
"With Byakuya Kuchiki."
"Are you kidding me?" I asked.
"I wish I were." he replied.
"Oh come on!" I said. "The guy already hates my guts. Why do we need a training session to emphasize it?"
"I know, darlin', but they want ya to be prepared for anything."
"But why Captain Kuchiki?" I asked with a groan. "I'll have to grovel my way out of this one."
"I'm not sayin' it wouldn't hurt for ya to apologize."
"Fine," I said with finality, "I will apologize. I don't know how far it'll get me, but I'll try."
"That's my girl." he said lovingly, pulling me into a warm embrace.
"Mm, that's nice." I said, putting my arms around his thin torso. "Come on. Let's get this disaster-waiting-to-happen over with."
"As my lady commands." he said, picking me up.
"Is there any reason beside your own perverted ones that you like doing this?"
"I have no idea what yer talking about."
"Well you must get some enjoyment out of… carrying me everywhere."
"Well, there is the feeling of yer arms around my neck," he said in my ears. I couldn't help the blush that sprouted on my face. "Or the way ya bury yer head into my shoulder. It's really quite adorable."
"I wish you wouldn't point that out." I sighed. He laughed, right in my ear, sending a chill up my spine.
"Why would I deny myself the fun of watching ya squirm?" he asked. I glared at him, but before I could respond he was already in motion. Lucky for me that the Sixth Division was close by.
"Remind me to kick your butt later." I said as I took deep breaths to calm myself. He set me down but still held me to him, making sure that I didn't trip and fall.
"Hey, Raine!" I heard a familiar voice call. Looking up, I saw Renji waving at me. I waved back. "I was wondering when you would get here."
"I only hope that Captain Kuchiki doesn't make this little training session of ours a living hell." I said with a groan.
"Well, I can't make any guarantees," Renji said, giving the back of his neck a light rub. "But if he does you just stick it to him and keep trying."
I laughed lightly at the Lieutenant's attitude and then was directed to the Sixth Division's training grounds. Byakuya awaited me in the center.
"Delacroix-san, Hirako-san," he addressed. I took a deep breath and nodded to the Captain.
"Before we begin, Captain Kuchiki, please allow me to apologize for my behavior a few days ago. That wasn't fair or right of me to say those things to you… not when you're just trying to help."
Byakuya stared at me for a long time. I wished that he would say something; finally he did. "I owe you an apology, as well, Delacroix-san. You would not be in danger if we had done our duties." My eyes widened, but I was grateful
"Well…" I said. "Now that we have an understanding, shall we begin?"
"Yes. Give your Zanpakto to Hirako-san. You will not be needing it."
Hesitantly I looked at Shinji and handed Otome Fūdo to him.
"You'll do just fine." he said to me, giving me a light peck on the forehead. I nodded and then turned back to Byakuya.
"Are you ready?" he asked. I shakily nodded as a gust of wind passed us. "Very well." Silently, he unsheathed his sword and held it, blade up, before him. "Scatter, Senbonzakura." I watched as his blade broke into tiny fragments and scattered into the wind. Before I knew it, there was a torrent of the cherry blossom petals coming straight at me. I rolled to one side as they nearly swarmed me. "You are very good at evading and dodging attacks, but that is not what we are trying to gain here." he explained. "I want you to dodge Senbonzakura's attack using the Shunpo." The swarm of petals reached for me again. This time I attempted to run away and tripped on my own two feet. Once more my glasses skittered across the ground before stopping finally at Byakuya's feet. I watched the blur that was his form pick them up and then he handed them to me.
"What happened?" he asked.
"I tripped. I probably should've told you that I'm a klutz in the first place. Kensei tried to get me in the weights, but that only worked for a little while."
"I suggest that this time you Shunpo like I told you to."
"And how on earth am I supposed to do that?" I asked. "I don't even know how to Shunpo!"
"Try to imagine the place you want to be most. Put your spiritual power into it, and merely step." Again, he sent the storm of petals after me. I did as he told me and closed my eyes, imagining myself in Shinji's arms. Before I knew it, I heard a grunt. Opening my eyes, I looked up and found myself exactly where I wanted to be. Shinji grinned down at me.
"Hey there, gorgeous." he said. I blushed and pushed myself off of him, glaring at Renji, who was snickering a few seats away.
"Very good." Byakuya said behind me. I nodded back to him.
We had practiced for a while before I felt fully able to successfully Shunpo. I felt once more like the toddler who was just learning to walk; all Shunpo took was one step at a time and then you were 'walking'. Unfortunately, Byakuya also wanted me to run.
"Good." he said. "You are much better now. Now, let's see you Shunpo from successive attacks." From then, things got much harder. I found myself nearly unable to stop; the swarming attacks of Senbonzakura were nearly too much for me to handle and too fast for me to stay in one place for more than a second. I would have mastered the art of Shunpo…
… had I not tripped a second time.
A bunch of things happened quickly: I saw Shinji and Renji both stand up, but mostly I was focused on the swarm of tiny, pink-tinted blades coming right at me.
"Raine, get outta there!" Shinji cried.
Suddenly I was scooped into someone's arms and before I could blink we were on the roof of the wall, a few meters away from the ground.
"That was a little too close." a feminine voice said. I looked into the yellow eyes of a dark-skinned woman with long, purple hair tied into a high ponytail. She smirked back at my rather surprised expression.
"Were ya waiting for an engraved invitation, Yoruichi?" Shinji asked. The woman chuckled and then jumped down, with me still in tow.
"You…" Byakuya breathed. "Who let you in, were-cat?"
"You're still going on with that, Byakuya?" the woman named Yoruichi asked, arching a thin eyebrow. "If you must know, Hirako-san asked permission that I could come and provide a little more security for Raine-san here." She looked at me with that wide grin as she said this.
"You know me?" I asked.
"Know you? Kisuke won't stop talking about you. He keeps telling me that you're a prodigy. I, on the other hand, am pleased to meet your acquaintance. I am Yoruichi Shihoin."
"Otherwise known as my Captain's proverbial pain in the ass." Renji muttered. Byakuya glared at his Lieutenant, which caused the red-headed man to fall silent. He then turned his glare to Shinji.
"I will do whatever it takes to make sure Raine is kept safe." Shinji said in response. "Whatever grudge ya have against her is between the two of ya."
"Really, Shinji," Yoruichi began, "if you were going to teach Raine the Shunpo, you could have waited until I got here."
"And what's wrong with the way that I train her?" Byakuya asked edgily.
"Oh, nothing, Bya-kun. It's just that if she's gonna learn, it might as well be from a master."
"How we all well know, Goddess of Flash." Shinji said.
"And of Flashing." Renji commented. "Ichigo got pretty pissed off when you would turn back from your other form without telling him."
"It was worth seeing that silly look on his face. I swear that kid is the biggest prude on this planet." she said with a laugh.
Normal Point of View
"So," Yoruichi said to Shinji. Raine and his fellow Visoreds had long cleared the table. "Where did you find Raine?"
"It's more like… Raine found me." Shinji answered. "Apparently she and the Yamada kid from the Fourth Division had talked before I decided that that had been where I needed to shop. She came around the corner and stopped dead in her tracks. I thought that at the moment she was spacing out like humans tended to do, but it was like she was staring directly into my being."
"Wow." Yoruichi said. "You are a walking bunch of clichés, Shinji Hirako."
"I'm being serious here." he said.
"Alright." she replied, allowing him to continue.
"I got kinda curious that night… wondering how on earth she could see me. I hadn't worn my gigai in a while, not much of a point since the only people I had seen were my fellow Visoreds. After everyone else had turned in for the night, I left the warehouse in an attempt to find her. It took me a while, but I arrived outside her apartment. I only stayed for a few moments, long enough to take her face in, and then I was gone; no one was the wiser.
"And then about a week later, I was out to get away from Hiyori, and then I felt the spiritual pressure of a Gillian, and I felt Yamada's spiritual pressure, which meant that he was on its trail. Just when I was going to let it go, I saw her; I had no idea what she was doing, but I couldn't really dwell on it. The thing had already gotten Raine and was… toying with her. I don't know what compelled me to want to cut the thing's arm off, but it just happened. I allowed myself a moment to look at her; the look she gave me… I wanted to laugh at the irony of it. She looked at me like I was some kind of… godsend."
"Kisuke filled me in on what happened after she was attacked by the Gillian." Yoruichi said. Shinji nodded.
"So what exactly are they after? Do we know?"
"Not a clue." Shinji said. Yoruichi could almost see the rain cloud drifting over his head. She smiled at her fellow former captain.
"You'll figure it out." she said. "I have to say, though, she is something special. I've never met someone so kind or accepting." Her eyes shifted as Hiyori entered the room. "Ah, Sarugaki-san, good to see you."
"What are we talking about?" the smaller girl asked.
"Yoruichi's just trying to find out more about Raine." Shinji explained.
"Oh…" Hiyori said. "So, do you think she's the one that that old Kawagari hag told you about?"
"Hm? Kawagari, as in the soothsayer clan?" Yoruichi asked.
"The matriarch gave me a prophecy as thanks for saving her clan. Maybe I'll pay her a visit."
"I'm afraid that's impossible, Shinji." Yoruichi said with a shake of her head. Shinji waited for an explanation. "The Kawagari clan was wiped out about sixty-five years ago."
Both Shinji and Hiyori stammered at this news.
"Well, that's a shame. That matriarch was cryptic, but she was kinda nice at the same time… and to answer yer question Hiyori- before ya slap me over the head like yer about to- yes I do think she is."
"What exactly were you told again?" the small Visored asked.
"I was told that I would fall in love with someone very different from me, who saw me for something more. Apparently this person would also be a lot stronger than they appeared."
"Yeah, that sounds like Raine…" Hiyori said flatly. With a roll of her eyes, she left the room, obviously bored by all the talk now.
"Well, I do bring news from the world of the living." Yoruichi said. Her gaze became dark. "Kisuke has noticed that there has been a lot of Hollow Activity around your warehouse these past couple of days. It seems as if that's where they're gathering."
"Probably because that's where they think Raine is." Shinji replied darkly.
"He told me to pass on a message: if any more gather there, we may have to intervene. There is too great of a chance that a human may get too close to that area." Shinji was silent for a moment and then met shape-shifting Soul-Reaper's eyes.
"I see."
Yoruichi smiled at him. "Go get some sleep. Raine's probably wondering where you are."
"I'm kinda hoping that she's already asleep." he answered.
"And the odds of that happening are…?" Yoruichi asked.
"Not really likely. She… has this sixth sense about things that're happening. I wish I could explain it better." Yoruichi shook her head.
"No need." she replied. "Go on."
Shinji's Point of View
Raine wasn't asleep like I had hoped- big surprise there. Instead, she stood at the window gazing out at the moon and the myriad of stars. She fiddled with that pendant of hers like she did when she was deep in thought or nervous. I crept up behind her as quietly as possible and reached out to stroke her waterfall of crimson curls. If that girl could be any more jumpy, I had yet to see it. I put my arms around her so as to reassure her that it was just me. The glare I was answered with was really kind of cute.
"Can I help you?" she asked testily.
"I came in so that I could go to bed with ya." I replied.
"Oh," she said, that beautiful blush spreading across her cheeks like wildfire. I smiled and took both her hands in mine. "Come on, tenshi. Let's go to bed." Raine's blush darkened- a feat I couldn't even imagine, but she discarded her glasses and her barrette and descended into bed with me. Heaving a contented sigh, I pulled her close to me, taking in the scent of her freshly washed hair. She curled close to me and closed her eyes. I felt her steady breathing for at least a half an hour before I allowed myself to doze of as well.
Raine's Point of View
I knew I was in some sort of dream, but it had never been like this. Usually I was in a place I knew or remembered. Here, the shadows surrounded me; I felt suffocated. My breathing became quick, fearful.
"At last we meet, Lorraine Delacroix…" a deep voice said. If I didn't know any better- if I could see any better- I would say that it was right in my ear… and yet it also sounded distant.
"Who's there…?" I asked timidly. No sooner did I ask this, my sight became better. Before me was a faint outline, sitting like a king may on a throne. It frightened me even more as I realized that he was strapped to by dozens of black straps and buckles, even over his face.
"You are even lovelier than I imagined." it said. I squinted and gritted my teeth.
"I remember you now." I said flatly. "Mostly screaming in your face… Aizen."
The mentioned man was silent for a mere moment. Then I heard him chuckle.
"Very good. I see you are very wise, even for a human. If I were to completely honest… you have very little spiritual pressure. I wouldn't have been able to catch it had I not sensed my former Captain's as well."
"What do you want?" I asked. Aizen was silent for a moment and then chuckled.
"What do you have to offer?" he asked. I gritted my teeth once more and felt my fist tighten at my side.
"Nothing to you." I sneered. "Not after everything you've done."
"Everything I've done…" he echoed.
"You condemned innocent people to a life of banishment!"
"Innocent…" he repeated with a laugh in his voice. "My child, I made advances that neither you nor those failures could ever dream of."
"Don't you talk about them that way!" I snarled.
"What, that your… family is a bunch of failed experiments? Is that what you do not wish to hear?" He was silent for a moment, and then he let out a sigh of realization. "Oh, my dear… you poor naïve girl… You've fallen in love with my former Captain, haven't you?" I deeply resisted the urge to march over and punch Aizen in the face.
"And what if I have?" I asked.
"Tell me… does he return your sentiments?"
"Yes… he does."
"Are you certain?"
"I fail to see how it matters to you. You wouldn't know love if it came up and bit you in the ass, considering that you took it away from two people."
"A double-agent like Ichimaru had it coming to him. That is the price one pays for disloyalty… and love."
"Well you'll never know, now will you? You will be left here to rot in your misery at having been beaten by a fifteen-year-old boy. Enjoy being forgotten." I turned away, but suddenly I nearly tripped as I felt something wrap around my ankle., I tried to pull away, but as I did, I felt myself getting pulled back. With a cry, I attempted to fight it off; this in turn only encouraged the material to tighten its grip. I shivered as it began crawling up, encasing my entire calf. My attempt to pull it away only ended in disaster as I fell to the filthy floor. I looked up at Aizen's throne and nearly gagged: the bands that were formerly around Aizen's left ankle had detached and now held onto me. Fear flooded my veins and froze.
"What's happening? What are you doing to me?"
"This is your dream, my dear. It has been connected to mine. Perhaps I am to be freed while you take my place."
"No! I won't let you!" I cried out. 'Don't think!' I mentally cried out for Otome Fūdo. There was no answer. I cried out in dismay, but stopped with a gasp as the bands began working their way up my leg. I attempted to fight their grip, but then one formed around my neck and pulled back. "What do you have planned for the Arrancar who are attacking me?"
That seemed to put a stop to the bands. Almost as quickly as they had attached themselves to me, they were gone.
"Nothing. They, like your precious friends, were merely a group I used as a failsafe. I never got to use them, not that it mattered. They would have been slaughtered all the same. I had no hope for them." I felt an anger rise in me, one that I had never felt before.
"So they're going to die trying to get you out of here?"
"It would seem so." he said.
I gritted my teeth for the third time with a force that threatened to break them.
"I'm leaving now, and when I open my eyes, you will be gone!" I snarled.
I heard him chuckle. "Very well then, Lorraine. I'm sure our paths will cross again someday…"
"I hope not. Next time I may not hold myself back if I decide to punch you in the face."
I awoke from the nightmare with a start. As usual, Shinji was awakened by my sudden movement.
"Another nightmare?" he asked, kissing my bared shoulder.
So angry I couldn't think straight, I merely nodded.
"What happened, Raine?" he asked.
"I don't want to talk about it." I replied.
"Raine," he breathed, "if you don't talk to me about it, I'll assume the worst."
I breathed and turned to meet his gaze. With a deep, hesitant breath, I started. "I saw Aizen… spoke with him." The outrage was clear in Shinji's eyes, but he held a gentle arm around me.
"It wasn't real, Raine. Whatever happened, it wasn't real."
"Then why is it that when his bindings wrapped around my ankle, they felt real?" I asked.
"Dreams can do that to you." he said. I lowered my head and began sobbing. "Don't cry Raine." he cooed gently, pulling me against him. I clung to him for dear life.
"I don't have much time… how on earth am I supposed to be strong enough for this?" I asked.
"You will be. I promise." he said.
"I have no choice…" I answered. "I have to learn Bankai."
"Bankai?" he asked. "How in the hell do you know about Bankai?"
"Captain Hitsugaya told me about it." I explained.
"Geez… for being a little brat, he has a big mouth." Shinji sighed. He met my gaze once more. "Ya sure ya want to learn this? It's not exactly easy stuff."
"Yoruichi told me that there's a way I can learn in three days; she also said it would be more dangerous, but it's worth the fight. Like you said, I will be strong enough for this."
Shinji's eyes became sad, but if he loved me like I thought he did, then he knew that I would not back down from this. He sighed. "Go back to sleep Raine. I'll have Yoruichi set things up in the morning for ya." he said heavily.
In my gratitude, I kissed him on the cheek and then did as I was told.
"This charade has gone on long enough…" a deep, feminine voice said amongst her compatriots. Eight other eyes watched her until her bright red eyes opened. "Our knight will return to us, and the glory that is Lord Aizen will smite the wretched Soul Society and the Spirit King once and for all. Rook, Page, you know what to do."
"Yes, your Majesty." both answered.
Talk about spooky... Alright well, I will try to have Chapter 9 up in a short while here. Once again, I am very sorry about the long wait.
P.S. I mentioned the Kawagari clan in here, which will be part of my next fanfic, after this one is finished.