Sorry once again for the late update, but I've had a really hectic couple of weeks. So as a way to make up for it (and because it ended up being far too long) I am posting chapter 10 in two parts; Part 1. begins with a past scene.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate any feedback and a HUGE Thank you to everyone who takes the time to review.
Warning: Contains coarse language and violence. Bit Canon/but mostly OOC. Rated M for suggestive themes.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, but this story is my own.
X
(Three hundred years ago...)
"My Lord, the Kuchiki clan is upon us, and we are surrounded," a vampire Scout kneeled and informed his Lord.
The Head of the Unohana clan appeared grave at the news, though having denied the edict to surrender and pledge allegiance, this act didn't surprise him. "I will not kneel to them," Lord Unohana said.
"Has there been word from the Erus?" Unohana Retsu asked.
"No. Whether or not our messenger made it to the King, it no longer matters. We make our final stand tonight."
"Their numbers far outmatch ours, Father, and it is said that the grandson of Lord Kuchiki wields the legendary Soul destroyer," she responded.
"We have no souls - what useless power," he rebuffed, and turning his attention back to the Scout, ordered, "Release the Revenants."
A look of fear flashed across the vampire Scout's face, nevertheless he did as he was told. "Yes my Lord," he bowed and left to relay the order to Commander Kano Ashido.
"The Revenants will not stand against them," Retsu pointed out.
"No, but their purpose is to fight and die for us. We are a pacifistic clan, and therefore ill equipped for War. Retsu, you are my only daughter and heir to the Unohana clan. Should I fall our bloodline rests with you. If you must, you will escape or yield."
"No father, I would rather die. The Kuchiki clan do not wish for peace between Vampires and Humans. They only seek to dominate, and that I cannot align myself with," Retsu protested.
Lord Unohana gazed at his daughter with a mixture of fondness and admiration, now turned to a sense of hard finality. "It isn't a request, it is my command. Escape or yield. We aren't the only ones who yearn for a harmonious co-existence with Mankind. Sooner or later there will be peace between vampires and humans. In the meantime my last order to you is to survive," rising from his throne he bent and kissed Retsu tenderly on the forehead.
"Yes my Lord and Father," Retsu replied and watched with great admiration and sadness as her father left to join their army in battle. All of the Unohana clan were resplendent in their colors of crimson and bronze...
...
Atop the hill overlooking the Castle where their enemies were stationed, Ginrei, Lord of the Kuchiki clan stood in the center of a line formation. To his right stood his grandson Kuchiki Byakuya armed with the legendary katana, Anima Vastator, and slightly behind Ginrei on his left was his Familiar, a Shifter named Cirucci Sanderwicci. On the other side of Byakuya was Szayel Aporro Grantz and Nnoitra Gilga, while Kuchiki Koga and Kenpachi Zaraki took up the left flank.
All were finely attired in bodysuits of midnight blue velvet and leather with silver trim, with the exception of Cirucci who chose to wear a fully silver-colored catsuit. "Cirucci, you aren't wearing your armor," Ginrei pointed out to his Familiar.
Cirucci's submissive smile didn't match her words, "Dark blue clashes with my hair, and I am still wearing silver if that counts. Not that I need armor in beast form."
"From henceforth, you will represent our Clan in proper form," Ginrei said in a harsh tone.
"Yes my Lord," Cirucci bowed in submission.
"Grandfather, their Commander stands before us. What are your orders?" Byakuya spoke up.
"We wait. They will send out the Revenants first. At my command, Byakuya you will lead the Vanguard and press for the Inner Sanctum. Szayel you are to assist. Kenpachi you will flank from the right, Nnoitra - the left and Koga to bring up the rear," Ginrei stated. A dark look passed over Koga's face. As Ginrei's son-in-law, he expected to be given the lead position and to be Ginrei's right hand man, instead he was passed over in favor of his own nephew, Byakuya.
"Yes my Lord," they all murmured.
Next to Byakuya, Szayel whispered to the heir, "Byakuya, my life is yours. I would rather die than see one hair on your head harmed. With my devices I will win you an easy victory," he gushed. The vampire Scientist preferred the intricacies of Science and invention over the feral, bloodthirsty practice of battle and the thought of staining his outfit horrified him.
"There is no such thing as an easy victory. The mark of war is forever stained long after the battle has ceased, and if you cannot acknowledge the true fear of war, you have no place on the battlefield," Byakuya said icily. Hearing his grandson's words, Ginrei flushed with pride, though he remained silent and completely focused on the task ahead. Koga's expression darkened even deeper.
"If you're so concerned with keeping your clothes clean, you should've stayed in your puerile cage you call a laboratory," Nnoitra said as he smacked his lips and flicked his tongue over his fangs in savage anticipation of the fight to come.
Then the primal roar of the hoards of Revenants rolled out across the battlefield as they came streaming from the west and east wings of the Castle. Commander Kano directed his force onwards through the center.
With the black middle wings of Anima Vastator linked firmly around Byakuya's right arm, he felt its power course through him. "My sword, are you ready?" Byakuya asked the legendary weapon.
"Sic," (Yes) Anima Vastator rumbled in pleasure and purpose, and sensing this, Byakuya smiled. The katana was a tool of destruction, imbued with the power of Light. Nothing gave it more satisfaction than achieving the goals of its wielder.
"Hey Kuchiki, your opponents look stronger. Switch with me," Kenpachi called out to Byakuya.
Before the Kuchiki heir could reply, Ginrei gave out the command, "Advance!" Byakuya was the first one to set out.
"Fine, let's make a bet I kill more than you," the muscle-bound Kenpachi said instead.
"Deal," Byakuya responded with a competitive glint in his eye, and holding his katana upwards, uttered the chant, "Dividere." (Divide). Numerous razor-sharp black feathers separated from the six wings of Anima Vastator and tore out towards their enemies and cutting them to pieces.
"Show-off," Kenpachi grinned and began to cleave through his own opponents.
Vampires and Revenants clashed. The speed, agility and fighting skills of the Kuchiki vampires outclassed the slower, yet brutal and mindless Animated corpses. Thunderous roars and war-cries rang out all over the battlefield as blurs of midnight blue with silver and crimson with bronze clashed and fought. The moonless night sky seemed to show its agony with torrential rain and crackling lightning in remorse of the deathly scene below.
With his hypersonic speed Szayel consecutively detonated the fuses on his hidden UV mines, and instantly disintegrated all who were trapped within each of their radius. Out of all the vampires, Szayel was the fastest. With his right arm behind his back, the left-handed vampire zipped in and around the enemies, slicing their heads off with his razor-sharp nails.
Nnoitra savagely shred and tore through his foes with his fangs and hands. Ripping the arms off one Revenant, he kicked it to fall flat on its back and stomped on its head with one black leather boot. Then he thrust the severed limbs into the sides of another and tore its head clean off its shoulders. Unclasping the buckles of his shirt to expose his chest, Nnoitra dug his fingers into his own flesh and extracted one of his ribs.
One horrified Unohana vampire became wrought with fear. "What are you?" he gasped.
"I'm your worst nightmare," grinning evilly and latching onto the doomed vampire with the bone, Nnoitra used his fangs to tear out his windpipe. Then whipping the bone back to snag a Revenant lumbering up from behind, Nnoitra whipped around and sank his teeth into its heart.
Grabbing hold of the heads of two vampires mid-speed Kenpachi smashed their skulls together, turning them to rubble. Calling out to Byakuya who was barely moving an inch yet slaying all in his wake, "Kuchiki, one-thousand one-hundred and four," then picking up a Revenant he separated the head from its body, "One-thousand one-hundred and five."
The corners of Byakuya's mouth twitched up into a smile, but he didn't comment. His blood-red eyes zeroed in on Commander Kano who appeared to be a formidable opponent. The younger handsome auburn-haired vampire sub-Leader of the Unohana clan had killed many Kuchiki vampires and had yet to sustain any damage. "Kuchiki," Ashido said as the two caught each other in their sights.
"Kano. You did well to come this far," Byakuya replied while keeping a firm tight lid on his noble-mask. "However you are no match for me. Stand aside."
"I can't do that."
"So be it. I will grant you a merciful death. Only a few people have been worthy enough to see Anima's true form," Byakuya stated with deadly calm and recited the incantation to release the katana's fourth and final stage, "Septem Inferna." (Seven hells). Extending out the lengthy blade, it glowed with a luminescent aura contracting within itself to separate into seven white blades in the form of Angels. Then with a motion of his hand, Byakuya directed them towards Ashido.
With lightning speed each blade found a mark on the vampire Commander. Two pierced each arm while another two landed in each leg. Two more drove through Ashido's abdomen and chest and the seventh went right between Ashido's red-turned-light grey eyes as his existence faded. No longer able to move and realising his fate, Ashido whispered his final words, "Forgive me my Lord and Lady."
"Luceat." (Shine). At the command the seven Angel blades erupted with the divine magic of Light, turning Ashido to dust. The deed done, Anima Vastator reformed into a single blade and returned to its wielder rumbling in ardor and gratification. Then Byakuya turned to his comrade, "Szayel clean up the rest of this filth. I will continue on."
"Your will is my command," Szayel responded and released a swarm of mechanical stars infused with ultra-violet vials that exploded on contact.
Shifting into her beast form of an Arachnid with a serpent's tail, Cirucci dispersed spikes of poisonous barbs, then used her multiple arms to ensnare her victims and stabbed them to death with her claws. Lacking the speed of the vampires however, her downfall came at the hand of Lord Unohana himself who broke her arms and hacked off her tail with his Greatsword.
Ginrei stepped in and rescued her from the finishing blow, and squared-off against his fellow Lord. "Unohana, you should have surrendered while you had the chance," Ginrei spoke.
"Our fates are sealed. This will not bring her back," Lord Unohana said wearily. He knew full-well what the outcome of their duel would be.
"No, but I will have justice against the clans who brought about her death," Ginrei replied.
"I loved her," Lord Unohana said earnestly.
"Out of respect for your friendship she listened to your fanciful ideas of our race co-existing peacefully with Humans. If it weren't for you, my daughter and her husband would not have been murdered. So their deaths lie at the door of your clan," Lord Kuchiki said. As the two pure-blooded vampire Lords fought, Ginrei proved to be the victor with his superior fighting ability.
Pressing on into the Inner Sanctum and eliminating all in his path, Byakuya finally came to the place where Retsu remained - there had never been any chance for her to escape. "Carcere Lucem," (Prison of Light) Retsu chanted, summoning a barrier.
With a swing of his katana, Byakuya broke through the ancient shield magic with ease. "You are adept in the magic of old. Surprising," though he didn't look it. Byakuya looked at the woman before him clad in a crimson-colored catsuit with bronze-colored trim and her long dark hair woven into a plait. Retsu wore a smile that didn't extend to her eyes. "Your people are being annihilated as we speak. Very soon, you will be the only one left, should I decide to spare your life. That, I will leave up to you," he said, and communicating telepathically with Anima Vastator, gave it his order. A light quivering pulse signified to Byakuya the weapon's agreement. The legendary sword once again separated into seven Angel blades though this time they hung in the air and formed a semi-circle around Byakuya.
"The legendary Soul Destroyer is impressively beautiful," Retsu admired, yet in quick succession she summoned five more barriers and launched them at the Kuchiki vampire. Each barrier was easily dispelled by one of the blades which moved to strike then returned to its place in the arc as Byakuya strode towards Retsu without a care.
"Your magic will not work against me," he informed the Pure-blooded female vampire. Anima Vastator being the higher form of Ancient power could easily defeat even the strongest Light and Barrier magic that Retsu could throw at him.
Both pure-bloods stood in a stand-off until Retsu admitted defeat. She could not hope to escape and Byakuya was far stronger. And there was her promise to her father... "I yield," she conceded and bent her knee.
"Wise," Byakuya acknowledged. Afterall he wasn't a complete monster and regarded the action with honor. Then another figure entered the Inner sanctum. Without taking his eyes off Retsu, Byakuya spoke, "Uncle, you should not be here."
"The battle is won, save for this one there is no one left. Kill her and we will go," Koga said unmoving. His face looked harsh and manic.
"She has surrendered and will be presented to our Lord for judgement," Byakuya replied.
"Unacceptable. We spare no one," Koga's tone became stern.
"It is not your place to say," the younger Kuchiki vampire interjected.
Scowling, Koga went to make a move for Retsu but Byakuya swiftly stopped him. Four blades hovered within inches of Koga's head and neck. Koga scowled even deeper in contempt. "You would kill your own Uncle to save an enemy?"
"No. I would kill my own Uncle to save my pride. Who are you to go against the laws of our House?" In submission Koga stepped away and raised his hands in surrender. At Byakuya's gesture the four blades retreated back into the semi-circle and Retsu started forward to be taken to Lord Kuchiki.
"You are not above me," Koga rasped in a barely audible voice and he aimed for Byakuya just as six of the Angel blades homed in on the spot Koga occupied a few moments ago.
It all happened in the blink of an eye... Byakuya's eyes widened as he felt the sharp impact of steel and blood trickle down his front. Both Kuchiki's locked together as if in a devil's dance, their gazes met one last time. "Damn you Byakuya..." Koga spluttered, staggering backwards in shock.
...
In the wake of the battle, one-by-one the Kuchiki clan Leaders returned to their Lord's side, with the exception of Cirucci who had been fatally wounded and lay twitching in a pool of her own blood. Szayel arrived there first with Nnoitra coming in a close second. His left eye had been gouged out and was now hanging out of its socket by a thread of sinewy tissue. Nnoitra ripped it off and ate the disconnected eyeball.
"Vile," Szayel paled slightly, showing his distaste. Nnoitra promptly ignored the vampire Scientist and curled his lip at the dying Shifter. Being Ginrei's Familiar, the other vampires automatically assumed she would be 'turned'. Then Kenpachi was there.
"Where is my grandson? And Koga?" Ginrei inquired. For a moment all the other vampire Leaders stood silent.
"Dead," Byakuya answered and he gestured for Retsu to step forward.
Ginrei nodded solemnly, yet the relief that Byakuya survived was evident. "This territory is now yours Byakuya. Do with it as you wish. Nnoitra, Szayel, bring the female," and picking up Cirucci, Ginrei left the battlefield.
Nnoitra and Szayel took hold of Retsu and followed suit, while Kenpachi came up next to Byakuya. "Two-thousand, seven-hundred and thirty-three."
"The East is yours," Byakuya said with a small smile. He never had any intention of retaining this territory as he simply didn't want it.
"You devil. Let me win again and I'll fight you myself," Kenpachi's booming laugh stretched out across the plain as the muscle-bound vampire sub-Leader went to claim his new land.
"You can try," Byakuya smirked and left himself.
...
The next night a peace treaty was issued forth from the King of the Vampires Yamamoto Genryuusai, and disputes over territories were now at an end. To finalize the agreement, all Clan Lords convened at a high council meeting held at the Palace.
Byakuya was the first to meet Ginrei upon his return. "From now on our Lands will remain as they are. However we still retain the right to govern our Lands and no other vampire clan may trespass without our consent. With Koga deceased, you will take control over the Western territories," Ginrei informed him.
"Yes grandfather," Byakuya replied.
"And one other thing, the Unohana female I give to you as your mate."
"No."
Ginrei arched an eyebrow in surprise. Of all people, the vampire Lord didn't expect a refusal from his grandson. "She has already accepted. Being a pure-blood, it stands within reason."
"My decision still stands. I do not desire her," Byakuya said simply.
"You don't have to. Byakuya, in time you will be Head of this clan and your heir thereafter. It would be prudent for you to stake your claim now," Ginrei reasoned.
"Grant me this one request and I will ask for nothing else."
Ginrei pondered on the fact that his grandson had never asked him for anything before. From the start to the end of the Clan Wars - which in part was caused by the death of Byakuya's parents - he was now all the family Ginrei had left. Unable to refuse Byakuya, Ginrei reluctantly agreed. "Tell me first what it is you hope to achieve. Do you wish to emulate your parents?" the vampire Lord asked.
"No."
"Good. I would not wish more tragedy to befall this House. Your parents weren't only true-mates, but their love for one another nearly caused the World to come to ruin. Save for you, nine-hundred years is a long time to suffer the consequences," Ginrei said sadly.
"I do not require Love. I only want a true-heir," Byakuya finished, and requested to take his leave with an inclination of his head. At Ginrei's nod, he bowed and left.
"Your mother said the same thing..." Ginrei said to himself.
...
Back at his Manor, Byakuya went to the middle courtyard and unlocked the newly-built weapon's case for his legendary katana.
As if it could sense the impending change, Anima Vastator resonated with anxiety. "Quid mihi fecit? Non ego te iuvat?" (What have I done? Have I not served you well?) the male counterpart of Anima Vastator cried.
"You have served me honorably. Rest until it is time to wield you again," Byakuya replied. With a sorrowful reluctance, Byakuya drowned out any further protest and incanted, "Anima Vastator, Somnum." (Destroyer of the Soul, Sleep). Disconnecting itself from Byakuya's arm, the six black wings enfolded into one another and its color became dull giving the katana the appearance of an ancient weapon battle-worn and past its prime. Placing it reverently on its stand, Byakuya locked the case and walked away.
Three hundred years would pass before Anima Vastator would fully awaken and in that time it grew bitter and lonely, waiting with dying hope to be wielded by its master once again...
(The present day...)
"What have I done?" Byakuya cried in his head.
It all happened so fast. Blinded by a luminescent burst of white light, a flurry of snow amassed around them. His breath catching in his throat, a feeling of dread filled the vampire Lord. "RUKIA!"
The ground beneath them turned to solid ice from the impact. Byakuya could feel his katana pulsate then cower in submission from an overpowering force stilling Anima Vastator's attack. As the blizzard died down he was caught off-guard by what he saw - Rukia in her Gifted form, only this time it was different. Her eyes had an ethereal glow and a resonating circular object could be seen emitting from her chest. A lone index finger held the tip of Anima Vastator like the sword weighed no more than a feather.
Her face in an almost child-like expression, Rukia stared at Byakuya and opened her mouth to speak then snapped it shut again. With a shake of her ivory-colored hair she seemed to contemplate something. "Rukia doesn't know Latin," the voice of a young girl spoke clearly in the common tongue, though the disappointment was thick in her tone. "You'll have to teach it to her, Vampire."
Though relieved that Rukia was unharmed this new development unnerved him. He was certain of Rukia's abilities and they did not extend to this kind of Ancient power. His eyes widening in surprise, he questioned, "What is the meaning of this?"
"You could say 'thank you'. I did just save your wife," she mock-scolded.
"For that you have my gratitude. However the question still remains as to who you are..."
"Resurgere Mortuis. Nos sunt consanguines," (Rise of the dead. We are kin) Anima Vastator announced.
"Yes, or the Orixus Seal as you Vampires call me," Resurgere/Rukia giggled. "We meet at last."
"Care to explain?" Byakuya asked, looking stoic.
"Oh right, you wouldn't know...I didn't know if I could come out or not either...talk about pressure! There's a first time for everything..." she lowered the blade with her finger and wagged pointedly at it, "You probably would've sliced Rukia to ribbons if I hadn't been able to step in, shame on you Anima! Poor thing didn't know what to think being attacked like that...um why did you try to attack her anyway?" talking to the legendary weapon and disregarding Byakuya who was looking on coldly. He had suspected that Rukia was in possession of the missing Vampire relic. He had not however anticipated anything remotely like this scenario.
"Trecentis annis ad esse coniungentur expectavi. Nunc sunt illa connexa." (I have waited for three hundred years to be reunited. Now they are connected) Anima Vastator replied in its defence.
"And? Try six thousand years... You always were on the temperamental side," Resurgere/Rukia said in mock-seriousness, then she turned her attention back to Byakuya, "So you're him. You're cute, I can see why she likes you, though the other one wasn't bad either...once you get past the bright hair," she giggled again. The vampire Lord looked at her darkly. He did not like to be reminded of his wife's past love, and sensing this Resurgere/Rukia giggled for the third time. "Oh the jealous type... You chose well Anima, he suits you."
This time both Vampire and katana bristled. He could sense the irritation emanating from his weapon. "My thoughts exactly," Byakuya said in a barely audible voice.
"Don't you Vampires ever learn? Your Erus summons us with the magic of old and all you do is lock us away to be forgotten," she continued, a frown creased her forehead.
"Your power would not awaken and times have changed. We have not seen war for three hundred years," Byakuya stated matter-of-factly.
"I don't know how I did it either, but that doesn't mean you should cast us aside when you see no further use for us! We do have feelings," pouting now.
"Anima Vastator, if you never dare to raise yourself against Rukia ever again, I will keep you by my side. Do you agree?" Byakuya stipulated.
"Te habere mea verbum." (You have my word).
Resurgere/Rukia smiled in satisfaction. "Glad that's settled. Vampire, since you mean so much to Rukia, I would be willing to do you a kindness. I can make you Human," she declared happily.
The same bone-chilling dread that he felt after his nightmare those few months ago spread over him. "If that indeed is your true power, you are far more dangerous than we were led to believe."
In response she blew him a raspberry, earning her a death glare from the vampire Lord. Byakuya was hard-pressed to think of an encounter that annoyed him as much as this, and unfortunately it came from the form of his beloved wife. Undeterred, the relic took a skip forward and touched her finger to Byakuya's forehead. A light pulse of energy flowed in and out of Byakuya making him shiver the tiniest bit. Looking bashful Resurgere/Rukia spoke, "Oh, it is a child you desire... You don't need my help for that...That would be a little strange, even if I am over six times your age," she smiled teasingly. "But I can ensure Rukia's wellbeing."
"Are you certain of this?" Though Byakuya was feeling slightly disturbed by this Ancient entity, he would accept anything ensuring Rukia's safety.
"I know her heart, though Rukia doesn't even know I'm here," the relic said looking thoughtful, then she nodded wisely, "You fear for her, but her will is strong."
Byakuya arched an eyebrow at the relic's somewhat-odd behavior, nevertheless he was grateful for her intervention. Still, the vampire Lord had no false pretenses that one day the relic's location would be discovered. With this new knowledge, Byakuya was faced with another quandary. "There are many who seek to claim you. If you were to fall in the wrong hands it would be chaos," he said in a monotone.
"Yes-" she swooned as a wave of dizziness shook her. Byakuya's strong arms held her up and a little twinge shot through his left arm and her right. Resurgere/Rukia looked looked up at Byakuya and smiled. "Ah that's interesting..."
"What is?" Byakuya went back to looking a little uncomfortable.
"Vampire, are you blushing?" she teased, noticing the slight color on his cheeks.
"I don't blush," he said in a low voice.
Giving him a knowing, yet sheepish look, she suddenly became startled. "Oh somebody's coming. Play nice you two," and waved her hand goodbye, and Rukia's aura returned to normal.
Rukia stared blankly as Byakuya held her in close inspection. "Um what are we doing here? One minute we were in your office and now we're here...?" the confusion written all over her face.
"Is that the last thing you recall?" Byakuya whispered back.
Rukia nodded and began to gnaw at her lip. "I must be more tired than I thought," she muttered. Byakuya simply looked at her, effortlessly masking his emotions.
Just then Renji came out into the courtyard and looked uncertainly at Byakuya and the rear view of a woman he didn't recognise. "Eh who's the little hottie in white...?"
At that Rukia whirled around with a sour expression on her face, "Dammit Renji, who do you think?" and transformed back.
"Rukia? Holy shit! Eh that's good...talk about awkward," Renji blabbed, then noticing the frost-covered grounds shot the pair a weirded-out look. "Is this what you two do for foreplay?"
"Moronic." - "IDIOT!" Byakuya and Rukia said at the same time.
"Agh still so creepy...I'll take that as a 'no'. Just as well, what with the furniture bill these days..."
Renji was met with two sets of death glares from both Kuchiki's. "You do remember about my ice abilities...?" Rukia remarked.
"Yeah, right. Heh strangely that suits you Byakuya," and still getting the same malevolent looks, added, "Since you're both... cold." Renji laughed to himself. The word that came out wasn't the one in his head...
Not bothering to reply, Byakuya turned and walked away. "I'm right behind you," Rukia uttered, and with an exasperated sigh Rukia said to Renji, "See you later."
"Yeah whatever," and Renji also left in the opposite direction with a sly grin. He would never tire of teasing them, especially Rukia.
In the Northern territories Cirucci lapped up the last droplets of blood from her third victim for the night and unceremoniously shoved the now dead woman off the chaise lounge to fall on top of the other two female bodies. To satisfy her bizarre obsession the vampire sub-Leader carefully selected women in her likeness, injected them with a paralyzing toxin and dyed her helpless victims hair purple.
Satiated now, Cirucci called for her Familiar to do her duty, but Orihime didn't respond. Sitting rigidly in a crouched position, Orihime's blue-grey eyes looked dank and hollow as if entranced. Severely annoyed Cirucci yanked on the chain attached to her Familiar's collar. "Wretched creature, have you lost your hearing?"
Grabbing haplessly at her throat Orihime squealed, "Resurgere Mortuis."
"What did you just say?" Cirucci's voice became a shriek. Orihime realising the words the she had just uttered, repeatedly shook her head in an attempt to cover-up her mistake, but it was no use. Aside from her barrier and healing abilities Orihime knew that Cirucci chose her as a Familiar because she was descended from a line of Mages born from the magic of old. "Out with it Witch!" Cirucci snapped and dragged Orihime closer.
Racked with choking gasps, Orihime surrendered, "The Orixus seal has awoken."
"Where?"
"Somewhere in the West..." and she was rewarded with another stranglehold on her collar.
Cirucci thought for a moment. Even though Byakuya was overseer of the whole Kuchiki Clan, their territory was divided into five parts; North - which she governed, East - Kenpachi's area, South - Nnoitra, Central - where Szayel controlled and the West which was Byakuya's main territory. Not wanting to let slip this opportunity, Cirucci devised a scheme in her head and looked Orihime up and down. "That Shifter, what's his name?" she inquired with an evil glint in her eyes.
"...Ulquiorra?" Orihime replied, blushing slightly.
"That's it, horrid name. I've seen him looking at you," ignoring her Familiar's pleasantly surprised expression, Cirucci added, "You might be of some use to me afterall." Taking hold of Orihime she vamp-sped away and dropped the orange-haired woman on Szayel's front doorstep.
The vampire Scientist took one look at Orihime and turned up his nose. "I'm not interested," he said haughtily.
"You'd have to be blind, deaf and stupid to not know that," Cirucci shot scathingly then became demure, "No, I have something else in mind and who better than you to turn this thing into the image of bodily perfection."
Suppressing the urge to gag at Szayel's flush at the compliment. "It is true. I am simply too divinely beautiful," flipping his hair in acknowledgement, "I accept your challenge. Say, five months?"
"You have three," Cirucci dropping her pretense, lost her sickly sweet smile and left before she really did throw up.
The next night Rukia and Ulquiorra finished dinner just as Byakuya was on his way out the door. "Are you going somewhere?" Rukia asked. For some reason she couldn't remember.
"I have a business meeting to attend to. It is unavoidable," Byakuya replied, vaguely wondering how much of Rukia's memories Resurgere Mortuis had wiped.
"Oh alright. Will I see you later on?"
"Most likely you will return before I do. Who knows how long this meeting will go for," he said.
"That's right, I'm going to see my sister tonight," Rukia smiled and added half-seriously, "Sure you don't want to come with me?"
"I would rather sit through a hundred meetings and eat hot coals than be in your sister's presence," Byakuya shot darkly.
Rukia laughed and shook her head. "Coals wouldn't hurt you."
"It might itch a little," he smirked, and was about to turn around again.
"You're forgetting something," Rukia shot back. Puzzled, Byakuya stood stock-still. Raising an eyebrow Rukia got up from the table and wrapping her arms around his chest, gave him a kiss goodbye. "Never leave home without kissing your wife goodbye," she teased.
Byakuya smiled. "And you will never leave home alone," he said in all seriousness.
"I can look after myself," came the indignant reply.
"Rukia, you promised," Byakuya said in a slightly scolding tone.
"Alright, alright. I have Ulquiorra with me anyway."
"That's better," and content in the knowledge that she would obey, Byakuya went to work.
...
Walking nervously through her old neighborhood, Rukia willed herself to calm. She wasn't looking forward to this meeting with her sister. Beside her, Ulquiorra sensed her discomfort. "Rukia, we don't have to do this right now, if you don't want to."
She shook her head. "No, I do, I've left it too long already. What kind of sister would I be if I ran away now."
"Your sister detests Byakuya. This will not go well," the Shifter commented.
"That's an understatement," Rukia grimaced, "But still, I have to." as they arrived at the foot of the drive where her sister lived. Taking a deep breath, Rukia urged herself forward. Ringing the doorbell, they waited.
Just as Rukia thought there wasn't anyone home, Hisana answered. The older sibling's face turned from wariness to joy at seeing Rukia. "RUKIA!" Hisana cried, wrapping her in a bear hug. "OH I am so happy to see you," she said as she led her younger sibling inside, shooting Ulquiorra a slightly stern look over her shoulder.
"It's good to see you too," Rukia smiled, and on this point at least, it was. No matter what, she loved Hisana despite her older sibling's obvious harsh feelings towards her choice in partner.
"I knew this would happen-" Hisana began as she continued for the lounge room, dragging Rukia behind her and motioning for her to sit.
"-What would happen?-" Rukia questioned, confused.
"-I'm just glad you've finally come to your senses-"
"-What are you talking about?-" still confused.
"There was no way you'd be happy with someone like that-"
"-I am happy-" this was beginning to get on her nerves.
"-We will move somewhere where he can never find you again," Hisana determined, then realising that Ulquiorra was still present, added, "After the pet leaves of course." Ulquiorra stood there unblinking. He did not care to respond nor react.
Rukia shot up again. "Hisana, I'm not coming back home!" she raised her voice a little to ensure Hisana heard her this time.
"WHAT?"
"I said 'I'm not coming back'. I'm happy with Byakuya. I-I...only..." Rukia lowered her voice.
"You don't mean that," Hisana interjected.
"Yes, I do." violet eyes met sapphire blue ones in a determined stare.
Hisana jerked Rukia's face up to meet hers making her wince. "You're sleeping with him," she hissed. It wasn't so much of a question as it was an accusation. Ulquiorra moved forward, but Rukia stilled him with a gentle touch on the arm.
Rukia carefully took Hisana's hands off her and looked at her evenly. "Yes. That is why I have come to see you. We're married."
Taken aback, Hisana paled and sat down hard on her chair as the world felt like it had fallen out from underneath her. Looking to Rukia's left hand for confirmation, her throat constricted. "You married him... Wait, it can't be binding, he's a Vampire for heaven's sake! Don't worry we can still get you out of this - You're not pregnant are you?" she rambled, choosing to be oblivious to Rukia's reaction.
"...No..." Rukia whispered, though not from lack of trying. Rukia just didn't feel ready for that yet and Byakuya had told her that he was fine with it.
"How could you be so stupid...throwing your life away like this!"
"It's not like that! We love each other!" Rukia protested.
"LOVE? STOP BEING SO NAIVE! WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT LOVE!"
"If he loves me enough to marry me, I believe I know the concept of love," Rukia said quietly.
"You know nothing. Giving into the charms of a cold heartless Vampire is nothing but delusional infatuation. Rukia, wake up and see sense!" Hisana choked, shaking her head.
Rukia felt a sad disappointment in her sister. She knew Hisana would take the news a little hard, but not to this extent. "I don't believe that."
"Well you wouldn't - Your actions prove how immature you truly are. After everything I did to keep him from you..."
"What do you mean by that? What did you do?" Rukia narrowed her eyes in confusion and vexation.
Hisana became quiet for a moment and took Rukia's hands in hers, looking at her pleadingly and gently said, "When you were a younger, he was searching for his mate in order to have an heir."
"Yes, I know, Byakuya told me," Rukia responded. It was after he had proposed that he'd told her all about his search for her. (What Rukia didn't know was, the lengths he had gone to achieve his goal). It also hadn't escaped her notice that her older sister was deliberately not saying Byakuya's name outright.
A pained expression momentarily flashed across Hisana's face. "I did what I did in order to protect you. As soon as he gets the baby that he wants, he'll throw you away like a piece of garbage," she said with underlying fury.
"That's not true!" Rukia shot back.
"Don't think he actually cares about you, because he doesn't. A man like him will take what he wants, regardless of the consequences."
"HISANA STOP!" That did it - Hisana froze like a statue. Rukia hadn't ever talked back to her older sister like this before. "I married Byakuya because I love him. That is binding enough. I'm sorry you feel such hatred for him, but I have made my choice. You've always been there for me and for that I'm grateful, but I'm old enough to live my own life and to make my own decisions..." Rukia paused and realised that her hands were trembling. Hisana's words came back to her and her face contorted into a shocked grimace, "It...wasn't a dream, was it?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Hisana said testily. And she honestly didn't either, since Rukia hadn't shared what she thought was a dream, with her but with their father.
Shaking her head in part disbelief and part remembrance of Hisana not knowing, Rukia explained, "I used to dream that you were taking my blood... It wasn't a dream. I know that now."
Hisana gasped in shock. She had always thought that she had been so careful and Rukia didn't have the slightest inkling. "I never thought you'd ever have any idea...Yes, I took your blood to make him think it was me he wanted."
"But why would you do such a thing? And how long were you planning to keep it up?"
"I couldn't let him take you! You were so young, and you're my only sister. I would do anything to protect you," Hisana cried.
"All my life you kept me sheltered. I never had any friends and I was never allowed out. I mean...for years I believed Daddy worked at a Fish Market. You say it was to protect me, but all you've ended up doing is lie to me," Rukia said sadly as she stood up to leave. Hisana stood as well and tried to take hold of Rukia's hand again. Shrugging her off, Rukia looked at her older sister in a new, sorrowful light. "If only you had been honest with me. I would have understood."
"Rukia, please, you have to understand that we just wanted you to have as normal a life as you could, and without some monstrous vampire Lord claiming you as his mate," Hisana tried to reason.
"We? Did father know as well? And for once tell me the truth Hisana," sounding embittered.
"No he didn't, though I suspect he had his suspicions. When I said 'we' our father's goal was the same."
Taking a slow deep breath Rukia relaxed a little. She had loved her father so much. "Thank you. I'm sorry..." she looked at Hisana with a remorseful finality. "I hope in time you can find it in your heart to respect the decisions I've made, and maybe...be happy for me. Byakuya isn't the monster you think he is, and I have no regrets," and turning to address Ulquiorra, "Please take me home."
He took Rukia by the shoulders and disappeared, leaving Hisana to wallow in the consequences of her past actions, not knowing if this would be the last time she would ever see Rukia again...
...
Still holding her by the shoulders, Ulquiorra stared intently at Rukia. He felt for her over the emotional confrontation she had had with her older sister. "Are you...alright?" he asked, not really knowing what exactly to say.
"Yes...I think so," Rukia smiled bitterly. "I don't think I'll ever understand the need to lie to someone like that... but... that's just me..." she choked as tears began to spill down her cheeks.
Ulquiorra was torn between the desire to comfort her and the need to keep his distance. Rukia was the first true person he could ever admit to calling 'friend'. "Rukia-"
She stopped him, "-It's alright. Thank you Ulquiorra, you're a good friend," and brushing away the tears on her face, added, "I think I'll go lie down."
Ulquiorra watched silently as she left. He knew she needed time to be alone and think...
...As Rukia tossed and turned, it soon became evident that attempting to rest was futile. Smoothing the sheet beside her in the spot where Byakuya would normally lie, Rukia felt the emptiness his absence created. Still fresh from her conversation with Hisana, she sat up and hugged her knees to her chest tightly. "Was Hisana right? Once she gave Byakuya a baby, would she then be discarded?" The thought made her blood run cold, and she involuntarily shivered. Rukia didn't want to believe the things Hisana said, but there was still so much she didn't know.
Climbing off the bed, Rukia opened the bay window doors and stepped out onto the balcony to gaze up at the full bright moon. It was a glorious night, and the effect was calming. Then out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of a figure dart past. "Hello?" Rukia called out. The figure stopped and looked up at her. It was a man with short black hair and tufts of red hair on one side. His appearance looked dirty and ragged and it seemed as if he was also badly wounded. "Are you alright? Do you need some help?" she called out again.
"...Help...me..." the man rasped.
"I'll help you-" she started, but the man took off into the woods. "-Wait!" making a split-second decision Rukia bounded over the railing and ran after him...
...Meanwhile back in the living room, Renji who had been secretly present all along, made himself known. "Oi you're treading on dangerous ground," he said to the Shifter.
If Ulquiorra was surprised, he did well to hide it. "I serve to protect her, and care for her as a friend, nothing more," he replied coolly.
"Yeah well see that it stays that way," Renji warned. Not only was it unusual for Ulquiorra to speak so much to him (if the Shifter wasn't insulting him, that is) but he had seen the Shifter's hands around Rukia's shoulders, which had to be a new record for someone who obsessively went out of their way not to make personal contact. "I don't have to remind you what Byakuya is like... Shit, remember what he did to me just for looking at her wrong..."
"That was different," Ulquiorra said with a touch of anger at the memory.
"Same principle. Look, my advice-" Renji broke off at having picked up a foreign scent, "-Wait! Do you smell that?"
"Rukia!" Ulquiorra phased to her and Byakuya's bedroom and barged in to see the bed coverlets were disheveled and Rukia was gone. Flicking to the bay window doors, they swung open in the light breeze.
Renji burst in after him, "Someone was here..."
"Rukia is gone. Get Byakuya. I'll track them, they couldn't have gone far," Ulquiorra took off out of the balcony.
Arriving there promptly, Renji sauntered past a protesting Nanao who was livid at his audacity to interrupt Byakuya's appointment. "You can't go in there!"
"Bite me," Renji shot back as he let himself into the boardroom.
Scowling in distaste, Nanao sat back down. It was his funeral afterall... "Not if you were the last vampire on Earth," she muttered under her breath.
Byakuya was far from impressed by Renji's intrusion. The group of business associates, shocked into silence, were less than thrilled themselves. Eyes narrowing into deadly slits, Byakuya was momentarily speechless at Renji's uncharacteristic nerve, then his mind flicked to his wife. "Rukia?-"
"Yeah-" Releasing Renji from his grip, Byakuya sped off before the former could say another word...
...Coming to a clearing she saw him standing there. "There you are," Rukia said a little nervously, "Why did you run off like that? You're hurt."
Drawing closer she had to suppress a gasp. The man was more injured than she first thought. It looked like he had been stabbed in the chest and his body was caked in dried blood and dirt. He was wearing a midnight-blue colored bodysuit that was ripped and torn in many places revealing patches of milky white skin. Rukia tentatively stepped forward holding a hand out. "I won't hurt you... What's your name?" she asked.
The man looked at her warily, then his face softened and he opened his mouth to reply. "...En-vy..."
"Your name is Envy?" Rukia repeated.
"I...can't...remem-ber..."
"Oh that's okay. I'm Rukia, Kuchiki Rukia," she smiled, partly because she was still getting used to her new name.
"Kuch-iki?" he became shocked and angry.
"Ahuh-" the rest of her sentence was cut-off as he suddenly grabbed her and held her by the throat. Rukia couldn't help but notice how unbelievably strong he was. She began coughing and tried feebly to claw at his fingers. "W-What...?" she spluttered in a choked gasp.
"Death to the Kuchiki's!"
(End Part i...)
A/N: Erus: King Vampire. I'll be uploading Part 2 later on tonight.