Meanwhile Semina and Yachiru were strolling along having fun.
"So what do ya tink?"
"It's really nice here! I never expected it to be so much fun!" said Semina laughing .
"So will you join the Women's Association ?"
"Well I…"
"There you are Kusanjishi Taichou!" Captain Unohana said smiling. "Zaraki Taichou was looking for you!"
"Au shoot! Ken-chan is lookin for me! Got to go!" Yachiru said shunpoing away.
Captain Unohana turned to Semina:
"And who might you bee my dear?"
"My name is Thukishiro…Uh pardon me Kuchiki Semina maim"
"Oh so you are the one infamous Semina are you?" Captain Unohana said smiling sweetly at Semina.
"My you look just like you mother"
"Thank you…I guess"
" Do you know your way around yet my deer?"
"N-not yet maim"
Unohana Taichou smiled :
"Call me Unohana Taichou"
Semina smiled a bit uneasily at Unohana Taichou.
"Come my deer let us walk together"
"As you wish …Unohana Taichou"
They walked on, talking in a friendly manor to each other.
"Do you like it here in the Seretei Semina-san?"
"I belive I do Unohana Taichou"
"That's good…Tell me do you know in which squad are you in yet?"
" No I'm sorry but Kuchiki Taichou told me it hasn't been decided yet"
"Ah know that you've mentioned it Kuchiki Taichou asked me to come over for a bit…Are you going my way?"
"I thought I'd stick around and get to know a few thing s here in the Seretei …I'm pretty sure I can find the way back on my own thank you"
"Well then I wish you'll make lots of knew friends here" Said Unohana Taichou bowing politely before going her way"
Semina walked on looking around …She was having a nice time strolling around on her own when a man with white hair charged at her full speed!
"Seminaaaaaaa-chaaaaan! Remember me?"
"Aaaaaa help! Shouted Semina trying to ran away"
"Slow down Ukitake! You'll scare her to death" Laughed Sunshui following behind him"
Ukitake hugged Semina with all his strength :
"I missed you ! Missed you! Missed you!" He wailed hugging Semina out of breath"
"Ugh…" She panted trying to get away from him.
"Ukitake?"
"Yes?"
"She's dead!"
"Huh!" Ukitake let go of Semina who fell to the ground gasping painfully for air.
"Uh…uh…uh…I thought I was a goner that time!" She said getting up and dusting her hakama.
"You'll have to excuse Ukitake over here! He's positively been dying to see you!"
Semina looked more puzzled and confused than ever:
"Dying to see me?"
"Yup! We knew you back when you were a wee baby Semina-chan" Shunsui said patting her shoulder.
"Myyyy how you've grown!" Ukitake said crying
"You drunk or something mister?" Asked Semina looking peculiarly at Ukitake.
"Hey she hasn't changed a bit ! Just like the old Semina we knew and loved!" Shunsui said giving Semina a punch on the back.
"Sorry but I don't…."
"Auu cmon…The abominable Snow Man and mister Hairy?" Said Ukitake making a chibi face.
"The what?"
"Those are the nicknames you used to call us…"
Semina paused for a minute:
(Flashback)
A tiny Semina runs around the gardens of the Kuchiki house when Shunsui and Ukitake walk in:
"Yay! Abominable Snowman and Mister Hairy are here!"
"Hi there little shinigami!" Said Shunsui picking Semina up and hugging her.
"Not Abominable Snowman…Cuddly Friendly Snowman! Said Ukitake hugging Semina to death"
"Now, now Ukitake Taichou!"
A lady in a pink kimono with a purple one draped on top walks closer to them.
"If you intend to hug my daughter till she dies then do stop"
"Mama!" Semina runs to the lady
"How's my girl?" Yuki smiles "Honey? We have guests!" A man walks up to them .
"Kuchiki Taichou…"
"Are all the arrangements made Kyoraku?"
"Yes …Everything"
Yuki puts Semina down "Go play with Byakuya for a while and mommy will come and kiss you later…
"Bye Mister Hairy…By Abominable Snowman !"
"Oh it's Cuddly ,Friendly Snowman!" Ukitake wailed.
(End of flashback)
"That was the last day we saw you or your parents"
Semina nodded:
"I don't remember anymore…" She said sadly "I've been trying so hard to forget"
Ukitake rushed forward:
"Semmiiiii-chaaaan!"
"No…no! Control yourself mister…Take it easy" Said Semina taking a few steps back.
"Oh I hope you will be in my squad" Said Ukitake winking at a rather astonished Semina.
"Squad? You're a Taichou?"
"Yup…Ukitake Joushirou , of the thirteenth squad!" Said Shunsui
"And, he's Taichou of the eighth squad Kyroaku Shunsui" Said Ukitake patting Shunsui's shoulder.
Semina turned bright red:
"I'm so sorry for speaking like this …I didn't realize that.."
Just then she felt someone giving her a smack on the head:
"Dumbass! Stop talking as if I'm Byakuya!" Shouted Shunsui.
"Hi-hai…Gomenasai" Said Semina meekly rubbing her sore head.
"Uhhh…Ukitake! They ruined your girl" Said Kyoraku sadly .
"Seeminaa!" Ukitake said sniveling .
"Ano…It was nice meeting the both of you…I guess I have to leave now.." Said Semina uneaslily.
"Hold on ! Won't you join us for a nice drink?"Asked Kyoraku with a laugh on his face.
"Thanks but I…Well I" Semina staggered trying to find a good excuse. "I-I can't hold my liquor! Gomenasai.." She said trying to leave.
"That's a shame" Sighed Kyoraku "See ya later then!"
"Alright…I guess!"
Ukitake rushed forward and gave Semina a big hug:
"Bye bye Semi-chan!" He chimed
Semina lightly hugged him back:
"Bye bye…Abominable Snowman" She said laughing.
"Oh! It's Cuddly Friendly Snowman!" Ukitake wailed.
Semina laughed and waved to them.
It was almost lunchtime and Semina decided that she had had enough of meeting insane shinigami. She started making her way back to the Kuchiki estate when she realized that she was lost!
"Oh shoot! Now what do I do?" Semina said looking around. "These streets all look the same to me!"
Just then she felt a touch upon her shoulder. Startled she turned:
"You Kuchiki Taichou's sister?" Asked someone behind her.
"Um..Yea" She said turning, to see a kind with vermilion hair .
"Your brother asked me to find you before you get into trouble…princess" Said Renji laughing.
"Hold on what's with the attitude buster? I was just on my way to my brother if you don't mind!" Said Semina irritated .
"Huh…Just the same attitude as your brother." Renji sneered.
"Wow buddy now you've gone too far! I barely know you and your jumping to conclusions already. Get to know me a little and then talk ! Okay?" Said Semina brushing Renji's hand of her shoulder.
Renji groaned…She had truly got him there..this aristocratic brat.
"Cmmon…Get movin…"He said pulling her arm.
"Were are we going?"
"Am taking you home what else d'ya think?"
"Hold on…" Said Semina "I think we started off wrong" She said smiling at Renji. "I'm Semina what's your name?"
"The name's Renji !"
"Awesome to meet you!" Said Semina finally getting a chance to talk like a normal person.
Renji's mocking expression changed, Semina was a completely different character than Byakuya. Maybe what Ikkaku had said about her was true! She seemed so nice and friendly! As well as determined and somewhat cool!
"Uh..anyway, how do you like the Seretei?" Renji asked.
"It's fine but I am more used to the good old human world and all…"
"You know Ichigo right?"
"Sure I know him! He's one of my buddies! I know Rukia too! She's my best friend" Said Semina cheerily .
"Really? Me and Rukia grew up together…"
"Wow! I think she mentioned you once and what a good friend you are" Said Semina smiling sweetly at Renji.
"Oh…well I…" Renji slightly blushed.
"I can see she was right !"
Rejis smiled nervously. Semina bobed her eyes at him.
"Shall we go? Renji?"
"Yea sure let's go…Semina"
(Renji's thoughts)
She really can kill with that smile! Just like Ikakku said. Damn alluring.
They spend the walk talking to each other and getting to know one another .
"So, Renji you're a fuckutaichou?"
"Yup!"
"In what squad?"
"Sixth!"
Semina gasped:
"Oh no…" She said beginning to laugh.
"What ?" Said Renji
"I was thinking how nice it would be to have you for a fuchutaichou but about the taichou I'm not so sure…"
Renji laughed and slapped her a high five:
"You got that right…"
They laughed and walked on.
(At the Kuchiki estate)
"Well here we are!"
"Thanks for showing me the way Renji-san"
"Don't mention it Semina! Always glad to help!" Said Renji with a chibi smile on his face.
Semina blew him a kiss:
"See ya!" She said and run indoors.
"See ya!"
(Renji's thoughts)
I think I'm in love…
(Semina's thoughts)
That Renji kid is a nice guy…
Semina walked inside…She had made it in time for lunch.
"There you are!" Akana said rushing up to her. "Come…it's almost lunchtime Lady Semina!"
"Akana please just call me Semina…"
"Well? How was your day?" Akana asked.
Semina stretched… "Tiring phew… I bushed"
Akana laughed:
"Sounds like someone's been having fun! Well then you brother is waiting for you …chop chop"
Semina walked lazily toward the dining hall .
Byakuya was just sitting down when Semina entered the room and sat down.
"I trust your day was interesting" Byakuya said with a sudden spark of interest in his voice.
Semina blushed:
" Well I met a lot of Taichous and your fuckutaichou…Nii-sama"
Byakuya grinned enigmatically:
"You met Abarai…"
"Yes and Kyoraku Taichou and Ukitake Taichou as well as…"
"Me?" Said a voice behind Semina.
"Unohana Taichou?" Said Semina spinning round quickly.
"I neglected to tell you Semina…Unohana Taichou will be joining us"
Unohana Taichou sat down next to Semina.
"My dear? You know about the restraining process I believe?"
"No?" Said Semina "I admit I don't like the sound of that"
"It is a process were part of your reiatsu becomes dormant for safety reasons". Added Byakuya.
"And what happens…I mean who is it done?"
"You merely have a seal engraved on to your body that sets a large part of your reiatsu to sleep for some time" Captain Unohana said, trying to make the process sound less painful. "Everyone goes through it!"
Semina narrowed her eyes:
"I suppose I'll have to do it too?"
"Indeed…It's the law"
Semina swallowed hard. If there was one thing she hated it was branding the skin.
"Will it be painful?" She asked
"Depends on how much reiatsu you posses" said Captain Unohana gravely .
Semina was horrified. If it depends on the reiatsu…Then what Urahara had said about her reiatsu being similar to Byakuya's.
"Oh no…" said Semina grabbing her stomach that had just become a knot.
"Is something wrong my dear?"
"Nothing…it's just that I…hate torturous branding of the skin!" Said Semina turning pale.
"Semina! Stop acting like a small child!" said Byakuya sternly .
"Everyone has passed through this and you are no different! You will endure the pain in silence as I did…"
"P-pain?" Semina said "That's it demand anesthetic!"
Captain Unohana laughed.
"It is normal to be afraid Kuchiki Taichou but I fear your making it worse mentioning the pain…"
Semina sighed:
"When will this happen?"
"Today at noon" Said Byakuya with the same stern tone.
"Today!" Wailed Semina "Can't it wait?"
"I'm afraid not my dear! It is a matter of grave importance that you got thought the ritual as soon as possible!"
Semina sighed and closed her eyes. She imagined the pain and felt even worse!
Lunchtime passed and the only thing Semina could think of was…The Pain!
Byakuya looked at Semina and then at Unohana Taichou.
Unohana Taichou bid Semina and Byakuya a good day and went her way again.
"Nii-sama…?"
Byakuya didn't answer. He knew it would hurt him more than it would hurt Semina…
Noon finally came and Semina felt awful.
( Semina's thoughts)
I bet Ichigo doesn't have that seal on his body! And that talk about me having to endure pain…Geez I hate my life!
Semina sat on her bed fully clothed looking constantly in the direction of her alarm clock. Just a few more minutes to go…If only they would last!
"Semina" Byakuya opened the door. "It is time!"
Semina got up and took a deep breath. She followed Byakuya out of the Kuchiki manner, away from the Kuchiki estate shunpoing all the way toward the Shrine of Penitence. Semia looked at the tall ominous gray tower that loomed above her…She felt that if she took one step..if she tried to look away, the tower would come crushing down on her helpless body. She stood next to Byakuya looking at the tall tower with frightened eyes Byakuya discreetly examined her face with his gray blue eyes. She was frightened…he could tell.
Up…up towards the entrance of the tower they went not speaking a word . Semina looked at the ruby of Katsueki Koukigyokou on her neck.
(Semina's thoughts)
Katsueki Koukigyokou! Lend me your strength…I beg you.
Semina entered the building and felt her reiatsu sinking into the depths of a malevolent darkness. Byakuya waited for he in the middle of the room.
"Come…"
Semina walked closer and closer until she came to a standstill.
She took of the first layer of her shihoukaishou and remained with the white yukata underneath.
She kneeled down facing the hooded guard. She dared not look his in the eyes. Hers were already watering.
She watched the man slide one of the shoulders of her yukata down and pick up a metallic rod in with something that looked like a sakura blossom pattern at the end. It was glowing orange as if it had been heated on a fire. Semina understood that she was about to get branded
The man kneeled down in front of her ready to seal her reiatsu…No mercy was to be shown.
Semina closed her eyes tight and waited…
The end of the rod touched her body and a fierce pang of pain shot through.
The man held it firmly...
Byakuya watched ,he could see that Semina was struggling not to scream. Hot tears had began to fall down her face and he could hear little sobs.
"Be strong and endure the pain in silence Semina" Said Byakuya softly .
Semina nodded compressing her lips . She stiffened her body.
"Don't fight it…Relax…The pain will seas if you remain tranquil."
Suddenly the guard removed the seal and Semina let out a painful cry.
She remained there breathing painfully and crying still. Little by little she became silent. Only her breath was heard.
Byakuya gently wiped the tears of Semina's silken skin with his thumb.
Semina felt confused. Why was he being so affectionate all of a sudden? She didn't know yet she loved it! It made her think of the old times.
She finally got the strength to gaze at her brother.
"I…it hurt very much"
Byakuya felt that he needed to comfort her there and then.
"That is a sign that you have powerful reiatsu ….I was only twelve when I got mine. The pain was excruciating but I met it without fear in my heart." He explained.
Semina nodded , but she couldn't stop the tears that were rolling down here eyes.
"Forgive me…I am not as strong as you" She said beginning to cry .
Byakuya felt distressed . He didn't know what to do towards her.
He stood and spoke:
"Can you walk or do you need assistance?"
(Byakuya's thoughts)
You fool! She is crying and you ask her if she can walk? You miserable fool!
Semina looked up:
"I can walk" She said getting up and adjusting her shihoukaishou back on.
Semina began to walk in silence towards the exit of the tower…she felt weak and helpless.
Byakuya could see that it would have to be a while until Semina had learned to adjust to half her reiatsu.
At the entrance Unohana Taichou was waiting patiently.
"So…How was it?"
Semina looked at her wearily:
"It was like someone was cutting me in half!"
"I see…"
"Unohana Taichou…" Byakuya gave her a concerned glance.
"Yes…Her reiatsu is as I anticipated nearly the same as that ryoka's and well yours!"
Byakuya nodded solemnly but said nothing…
(Several hours later at the Kuchiki estate)
"Oh Akana I wanted to scream so much! I almost died I tell you! That guy showed no mercy whatsoever" Semina said in her tears.
"There…there darling…Why don't I make you some nice jasmine tea?" Said Akana stroking Semina's hair .
"Alright" Said Semina whipping her eyes.
(Semina's thoughts)
I shouldn't be crying like this! Nii-sama endured it when he was twelve and I'm fifteen! I'm such a cry baby but can I help it? No! That's me the big cry baby ! Wait ago Semina! You dumbass"
Finally after a long cry and a cup of tea Semina felt much better. She opened the sliding door and sat on the wooden porch facing the gardens. They were so lovely in the moonlight and it was so warm outside. Semina relaxed and lay down on the porch tucking her hands under her head. She took a deep breath and sighed.
"I wander what Ichigo and Rukia-chan are up to?"
(At the Kurosaki clinic)
"Ichigo damn it! Stop spacing out and look at me!" Shouted Rukia punching Ichigo in the stomach.
"RUKIA YOU ASS! That hurt!"
"It's your fault for spacing out on me while I'm reading you one of Nii-sama's favorite poems!" Rukia said folding her arms and turning the other way.
"Nii-sama?" Ichigo opened his window and gazed up at the sky.
"Semina…I wander what you're doing up there…Are you asleep? Are you awake.
(Ichigo and Semina's thoughts in unison)
I sure miss you…
(At the Kuchiki estate)
Semina continued to gaze nostalgically at the moon! She remembered that one night all she and Ichigo had spend it gazing at the fool moon. Just like this one!
"Uh…" Semina let out a sigh.
"Semina?" Byakuya walked towards her:
"Oh! Nii-sama.."
Byakuya sat next to her in a formal seiza style that her normally sat in.
"The moon is beautiful tonight" he remarked watching Semina's silken skin in the moon light.
"Yea…" said Semina spacing out.
Byakuya couldn't help but notice that she was more comfortable around him tonight.
"Does is hurt?" he asked softly
"Huh?" Said Semina dreamily.
"Does your seal hurt?"
"Mm.. A little"
Semina turned and smiled to Byakuya.
"Arigatou Gosaimasu"
Byakuya looked puzzled:
"For what?" For worrying about me…Semina said adding:
"Just like that day when I had hurt my shoulder in the human world"
"Ah…"
Byakuya had forgotten about that day! The day when Semina…kissed him! It wasn't a dream!
Semina continued to gaze up at the moon. Truly she felt that things between her cold brother and herself had slowly yet firmly began to change. Byakuya felt the same as they both sat there closer than ever before! Just a breath away!
Byakuya was lost in his world of thought when he felt something against him.
He turned to see that Semina had fallen on his lap and there she lay! Resting her head upon his lap.
Byakuya didn't feel like waking her up. She looked so mesmerizingly beautiful in the moonlight! Slowly he caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. She looked a bit like his beloved Hisana! He kept gazing at her lost in his world when she spoke in her sleep:
"Onii-chan…I love you!"
Byakuya's eyes widened for a moment and the softened.
"I love you too…my little cherry blossom…"