Thanks a lot to Melanie, Laura and Sakura Fuyu, thanks for all your support! You're all so nice to me! Giving me support, thanks for that, and as a thank you, I'd like to dedicate this chapter to you, I hope you like it. Things are gonna get exciting; just bear with me.
Speed Dating with Gotei 13: Test Set
While Kisa and Byakuya were in the elevator, someone had just discovered something incredible at the SRDI, where there was still some debris lying around in the affected area but clean enough for the Division's officials to continue working.
A shinigami, who had been among the witnesses when Kisa lost control, was studying one of the two blood samples he managed to obtain from her that time. One was taken when she had just been paralyzed and the other when they saw the drastic changes in her body. He had just processed the results and was then comparing both samples. He was intrigued, to say the least.
-Unbelievable…! This can't be…! – He exclaimed while he kept on analyzing.
Back at the hospital of Division 4, Kisa returned to her room to continue receiving visitors. The one she was to receive first was already waiting for her, looking somewhat uneasy. She too felt awkward when she saw him, remembering how it had ended before…
-Sorry to keep you waiting. – She greeted politely. - … Sorry for what happened yesterday too. – She apologized seriously.
-No, Kisa. I'm the one who has to apologize…
-No, Sajin! – Kisa interrupted him hurriedly and earnestly. - Please don't apologize because you certainly have no reason to. – She bowed her head slightly. - I'm grateful to you for having told me the truth. I know I did not make it easy for you. – She raised her face again, revealing an apologetic smile. – For now, though, I am very happy Byakuya is all right.
-I heard he would recover fully.
Kisa's smile lit up with her cheeks blushing from happiness. Captain Komamura did not miss that. Nothing could have convinced him that smile was not honest.
-…Really, I thank you very much. – She told him while looking straight at his eyes with heartfelt emotions in them that were, he believed, much more complex than they looked at first glance.
Komamura smiled himself as if infected.
-I now know, Kisa, just how important you are.
-Me important? – She tilted her head clueless, wondering how he came to that conclusion.
-Yes, you are important, even though it seems you are yet to notice. You need to push aside your own insecurities and realize that. The day you do, you'll see this is a power of yours that you should take advantage to the fullest. That is why your heart remains unchanged from what it is now.
Kisa's befuddlement increased visibly. She had no idea what he meant with that, and he decided to leave it that for the moment. He would have liked to have a nice long talk with her about what he meant, but he was aware her schedule was packed with other visitors who were also waiting outside.
Captain Komamura gave her one last friendly smile to tell her she did not need to think too hard right then and there.
-Now I can officially say my visit is done. I expect you to also recover well from your injuries.
Kisa nodded.
-Thank you. – She said goodbye with a smile, showing a few dimples, for she was glad he had visited her after all.
He nodded before leaving the room.
X End of Komamura Sajin's visit X
The second he left, Soi Fon took her turn.
X Soi Fon's visit X
-My name is Soi Fon. I am the current Captain of Division 2 and of the Onmitsukido.
-Hello, Soi Fon. Pleased to meet you! – She greeted with a wide smile, very much in a good mood.
Soi Fon sat in a chair near her bed and started the questions while looking at her in the eyes. She also uncovered the sheets surrounding her body; she intended to analyze her every reaction of body language and behavior.
-Yoruichi-Sama told me everything about your 'inner battle'. It's pretty hard to believe, but if she says you were telling the truth, I'll believe so too. That, however, does not mean I will not analyze you thoroughly. If you happen to have somehow managed to trick Yoruichi-Sama, I will not let you get away with that.
Kisa's smile changed in air after she heard her. She actually looked happier than before.
-What do you find so amusing? – Soi Fon asked seriously with an almost blank expression, neither amused nor upset but very suspecting.
-That was enough for me to tell you must be very close. – Kisa replied smiling as if she had not heard her before, but Soi Fon was sure she had. – The brief time I've been here, observing others, I have noticed that everyone has an unmentioned trust towards one another, but it seems few say it outright with confidence. I have been wondering if, perhaps, this was a place where people have to see to believe. I'm glad you've proven me wrong, Soi Fon. - She said with her grin.
Soi Fon was admittedly surprised to hear her, though she would not show it. She was already grasping why the others that had met her were adamant about their stand regarding her.
-About what you claim to know of Seireitei, what have been your main sources of information?
-The library downstairs and Byakuya. – She replied right away, still looking cheerful. - He wouldn't talk much, but he did answer some of my questions and, just by observing him, I felt I could understand this place better. The library in this building is small, but it has helped me learn a lot. I know now that this place is composed of spirit particles, for example. I've also gotten some information from Yoruichi, Sajin and Izuru-Chan. So far, I believe everyone has a lot of great things in them, is that not so? – She finished and at last turned to Soi Fon.
Soi Fon sighed and let out a soft grin.
-Aren't you just something? Asking me questions when I am the one who's supposed to make them. You…Are just like Yoruichi-Sama said you were.
Soi Fon paused while Kisa stared at her tilting her head.
-Tell me. What about them do you think is great and how can you be sure you are right after only having met them briefly? – She asked her with a playful grin that was, if Kisa was not wrong, testing her.
-I won't say I feel I have known them for long after having met them shortly, even though I did basic research out of curiosity, nor will I arrogantly presume I cannot be wrong. That said, I believe Shihoin Yoruichi is an amazing woman. The moment I saw her for the first time, I felt overpowered by her warmth and her smile. She's very elegant in a unique way. The way she expressed kind understanding as she patiently listened to me was both like and unlike Retsu's. Retsu has a sweet motherly air to her, but Yoruichi also has that something that made me feel I could tell her anything because she was a fair and supportive person with a bright attitude. The effect some of her attention had in me let me feel better, she let me free from the sphere of negative thoughts I had had until she visited me, and I was thankful. What I read about her supports my belief that she is admirable too.
Soi Fon smiled and blushed as she listened to her. She no longer cared if the girl had perhaps known she was fond of Yoruichi-Sama; she was marveled at her words with which she more than agreed.
-Izuru-Chan finds it hard to express himself entirely, at least to strangers like me. He's also modest, which makes me think not many notice him. I think his dedication has been commendable. After his former Captain betrayed Soul Society and left, he by himself has kept Division 3 running and, from the stats about the overall performances of the divisions, it is clear he has made a great job. – She smiled wider. – I know little to nothing about Captaincy, but I dare say he's done as good a job as any other. The lower seats of his Division expressed very positively about him in an article too, saying they found it an honor to follow him. When he visited me, I admit it was somewhat awkward initially, but soon I saw how he is very kind to those he wishes to. He is very understanding, and perhaps people have yet to notice that. "Crying is part of being alive", he said to me when I was trying not to cry, though I ended up doing just that. – She sighed neither sadly, happily nor bitterly. – I will not condemn him for not having told me the full truth about Byakuya's condition. I would have been no less unreasonable with him than I was wit Sajin, unfairly. I believe he simply couldn't because he cares for others and finds it hard to hurt them even if he knows it might be the better choice.
Soi Fon, effectively, paid little heed to Kira-fukutaicho. Moreover, Soi Fon was sure Kisa would have assumed that much. Listening to Kisa talk about him that way was surprising, for it was not likely she was trying to please her then…
-I think of Sajin as a friend already. I strongly feel he's a good man. As of now, he has been a bit lonely, but I hope one day he can overcome that pain of having been abandoned by a friend and finds someone else to give him even greater encouragement than Kaname. I felt honored he opened up to me at that time, and I understood how much he cherishes his relationships with others. I read in a profile of him that he is not perceived as a very warm being. I can only guess he does not open up to everyone because of how much he comes to cherish each bond he makes. I would be thrilled if he could also consider me a friend, though I know it is too early to think that way, for I am yet to find…A stable situation.
Soi Fon immediately understood what she meant. Kisa was being honest with her about wishing for this chance she was being given to ultimately result in her favor.
-Isane has been somewhat like a sister to me. She's taken care of me as best as she can. I am really happy she sincerely wishes for me to get better. – She smiled. – What can I say about Retsu? She's been beyond great with me. She has supported me every step of the way, even when I have given her no reasons to not suspect me like the rest do. I am aware it is her who voiced in favor of me receiving his opportunity… No matter what I do, I know I'll never be able to repay her everything she's done for me. She's even more beautiful inside than she is outside. And Byakuya… I cannot sincerely say our interactions can be considered normal, but it feels right somehow. He has protected me in a way that has taught me much, leaving a deep impression on me. His heart is beautiful and his smile kind. Initially he was more aloof, but he now listens to me very attentively. Although it is awkward, I admit I am moved he is like this with me even though his duties towards me are over. I cannot help thinking someone like that is wonderful. I wish I knew more about him, for I know little, if anything at all, regarding him, and I've been curious. A long time ago, I noticed in his way of portraying himself a latent feeling of sadness. I know not what in his past left such a mark in him, and I know I have no right to ask, nonetheless, I still wish he overcomes it. I think once he does he'll be able to smile more. It's just a vague hunch, though. At the very least, I do know he deserves to be happy as much as everyone else.
Soi Fon was rather engrossed as she listened to her openly saying her thoughts on others, only mentioning positive sides of people she had worked with for so long yet had failed to regard in that way.
-As for you, Soi Fon, I am yet to know you as well, but I can see you fulfill Yoruichi's previous duties. The articles mentioning you considered you as an excellent Captain. You are commendable. Even though you are different from Yoruichi, I somehow see in you something that she also possessed in her presence…
Kisa trailed off and blinked as if confused by her own words, confusing Soi Fon.
-I hope I have not come across as someone just randomly mentioning good qualities as if to look favorable, or as someone who conceitedly believes she understands everyone easily…
-So I see…
Soi Fon stood up; she did not need to hear any more. She was convinced Yoruichi was right, and her inquisitiveness was partly calmed. Even though she still had questions regarding her situation, she had already decided on her stand regarding her.
X End of Soi Fon's visit X
Soi Fon left the room and found that the other representatives had arrived.
Her past might be a threat, but she isn't. She does not feel suspicious as of now, though she is still intriguing. – She thought with a grin.
Next was Lieutenant Iba's turn to visit…
X Tetsuzaemon Iba's Visit X
He was visiting for mere curiosity. After reading Kisa's response to Kuchiki-taicho's question as written in his report, when she answered she had come from Chihuhua, he became very interested, for he had lately been feeling interest in trying tacos.
He expected to find someone with an exotic type of beauty, short with her black hair, dark–skinned, maybe a mole by her big dark lips. Instead he found someone with relatively light-colored skin, dark brown hair, only slightly taller than the average female shinigami officer, common-sized eyes and no mole. She was average.
Kisa did not miss his shocked guise that appeared as soon as he entered, causing a drop to appear at the back of her head.
-Hello? – She asked, trying to get his mind back to reality.
-Oh Hello, Average. – He answered looking quite disappointed and uttering words very slowly and monotonously. – Iba Tetsuzaemon, Lieutenant of Division 7.
The drop on Kisa's forehead grew bigger, and a smaller drop joined it. 'Average'? – She wondered confused.
-May I ask why you look so down? Are you feeling unwell? – She asked sincerely worried
-Eh, no…
-Do you have a fever? Or maybe you're dizzy? – She continued.
She moved to stand on her knees in the bed, and her hand reached forward to his forehead. When she felt his temperature regular, she sat again and began pondering with notorious focus.
-Hm. I'm afraid I can't think of any reason for your funny behavior, Tetsu. If you feel bad, you need to speak up. Else, it will go unnoticed, and your condition might deteriorate if you push it aside while working hard.
The Lieutenant looked increasingly surprised as he heard her. He knew, just like that, that she was not a bad person; it was hard to believe she was a threat. The huge evil aura felt around all of Seireitei the other day was nothing like hers was at that moment. It must have been inexplicable, but I know that isn't the one I'm talking to righ tnow. – He concluded. - …'Tetsu'?
For the rest of his visit, he asked her questions about Chihuahua, which she told him she could not answer, for the past and only 3 months she remembered she had not been there. She was able to answer some of his questions about tacos, though. They talked of nothing like what she talked about in her other more serious visits, and she enjoyed that, laughing several times. She realized then she needed that, for she had not laughed so wholeheartedly in a pretty good while. Her laughter was not noisy. In fact, at several intervals it was almost silent. It was her notable shoulder movement that would show how hardly she was enjoying herself. One time she laughed an entire minute, not faking a single second. She found him thus amusing. He liked her even though she was not how he imagined at first. She turned out to be much more pleasant.
He left soon later, for he had nothing else to do now that he had wasted time and found his opinion about her; not to mention there were others waiting outside for their turn.
X End of Tetsuzaemon Iba's visit X
Captain Kyoraku was up next. He wore a very suspicious look on his ever-suspicious eyes.
-What are you up to, Shunsui?
-Why would I be up to anything, Juushiro? Am I not supposed to see the girl and decide my stance about her?
Captain Ukitake Juushiro was pretty certain Shunsui was plotting something. The large number of years he had been with him had let him have the skill to discern that much with just a look into his eyes.
-It's good that you are careful and do your duty of investigating her, but do not make her cry, Shunsui.
-Why, you know I dislike making women cry better than anyone else…
X Shunsui Kyoraku's visit X
The first thing he noticed was her appearance. He found in her an air as lovely as any woman's, though nothing extraordinary. He would have been much happier if she would've been more mature physically, of course.
Although… - He paused to think more carefully. – Her cup size looks like C.That's promising for when she gets older… Alright, that will do it.
She wore shorts under her gown due to the hotness of the room, so he was able to see a part of her calf's wound. Hoh, those legs are not bad at all. I see then; she's the legs type,then. – His incomprehensible mind thought vaguely.
-Would you like some sake? – He offered in a strange dreamy mood; to Kisa, it sounded like his attempt of a 'sexy and manly' voice, causing a sweat drop to show in her head's side.
-I cannot say for sure, but I might be underage. I shouldn't drink.
It had been a while since the Captain had last heard that. After all, there were few among the Gotei 13 officials that were not old enough to drink; Captain Hitsugaya aside, even the youngest ones where very close to reaching that age.
He continued smiling and holding the bottle in front of her, as if the blank pause occurring then was unperceived by him. Then, his grin widened.
-This good sake, you know? – His grin widened. – I won't tell on you if you try some.
-Eh… T-Thanks, but…N-No, I'm fine… - She stuttered, surprised to hear a high official saying something like that in such a carefree manner; he was quite different from the other Captains.
-I see; that is a pity, that you follow the rules so strictly…
Kisa's favorite drop would have grown in size were it not because of the sudden look his eyes shot straight at her. Those eyes were more than just serious; it would have been enough to alarm about anyone. Her guard rose. Her brown eyes looked up to his green-gray ones and would not let them out of their sight, or, rather, they were trapped and unable to look anywhere else.
-I should be clear to you about something from the beginning. I didn't come here to know which side I will stand for; I came here simply to reveal a past.
A brief yet prolonged pause happened as she tried to understand.
-A past? – She asked calmly while she fought to not let her befuddlement overpower her.
The Captain of Division 8 sat in the chair in front of her bed to be with her face to face. Due to that, she blinked. A blink is all it took for her to lose track of him. The next time she opened her eyes, they met a man smiling the same way he was when he entered, causing confusion ot appear in every corner of her visage.
Her lips were agape as she stared at the man in the flowery haori in expectation, hoping he would explain what he was doing, to tell her what he was thinking, what was happening.
-Well, I have questions to ask you. First of all, why are you cute?
A much more pregnant pause than before followed.
Kisa's head fell to point downwards entirely and felt a nerve standing out of her forehead. She had to remind herself to calm down. She could not mess up her opportunity by losing her temper, no matter how…Unbelivable that man sitting across with an oblivious smile was.
Said man was actually expecting a punch or any sort of aggression, so he was surprised to see her suppress herself. He also noticed she was blushing slightly.
Her emotions at that time must have been much stronger since this willpower failed to suppress her.
-I beg of you to be serious… - Kisa replied while grimacing from the irritation caused by his strange behavior and the self-awareness she had about her blushing cheeks; her sweat drop's size increased too.
-I see. Then, what is it that you feel for Kuchiki Byakuya? – Kyoraku asked with an amused smile.
Effectively, he complied with her wish and became serious, even too straightforward. She blushed tomato red, completely caught off guard at the sudden change.
-W-Well, I… I, think of him as a guardian… I appreciate the attentions he has provided to me, and I am truly thankful for everything he has done. I cannot say I am happy about what has happened considering what it cost him, but…But I believe him very kind and an amazing man.
She felt uncomfortable when he looked at her expectantly. There was no way she could go on beyond that, nothing more she wanted to say about it.
She was not oblivious to some rumors claiming she had a very intimate relationship with him. She had heard about them only earlier, however. This triggered in her reflecting about everything that had happened since she met the Captain of Division 6, and, if she was honest with herself, she was confused as to what she felt about it all. She could not understand why he had protected her the way he had.
When she insisted in keeping silent, Kyoraku decided to let her think about it later, and, actually, that was his purpose for asking her such a question.
-How much do you know about Kuchiki-taicho's past?
Her brown irises contracted momentarily. Once again, the Captain who looked like he knew more than he'd say caught her off guard.
-The past is past. – She replied quickly after composing herself. – It is not my place to ask him about it, especially since I can tell him nothing about mine either. I am alright with that. I am not mindful about it. I'm just happy he's who he is.
-I imagined you would not know. As I said before, I came to reveal a past to you, the past of Kuchiki Byakuya.
She almost gasped.
-W-Wait a moment…! Y-You can't do that! He is the one who should tell me, and only if he wants to! I am not the type of person who will dig into someone's personal affairs when I am not wanted there…
-Did you know he is a widower? – He interrupted her.
Her lips and eyes opened wide in shock.
You are right. These are the exact words you should say, but doing what is correct is at times ignored for greater purposes, and, right now, you need to hear this. – He did not say his thoughts aloud, but that was the logic he followed.
-What…? – She could barely speak from the sudden bomb he threw at her with trembling eyes.
-Their marriage lasted close to 5 years, if I'm not wrong. She was Rukia-Chan's older sister. -
Wait. Rukia is Byakuya's sister in-law?
-Over 50 years ago, his wife died in an early spring morning before the first cherry blossoms bloomed. The anniversary of her death was a not a week ago.
Just around the time I met him… – She realized.
-As you probably realize already, it is because he mourns for her at this time of the year that he took a walk by the forest, where he met you. He was there for that reason…
Is that the reason why…Why he would had been so serious at the time I met him, and at the time he was escorting me to Division 12th's quarters…? And I acted the way I did! I… I can't believe I was oblivious to him being sad all that time. I am even more confused now.How come he's forgiven me despite this all? (…) It's true, then. I do not know Byakuya at all…
Serious silence enveloped the room for a whole minute, though Kisa could not tell how long that had been due to the nature of her thoughts.
-Her name was Hisana. – He continued after the pause.
-Hi…Hisana? – She asked huskily, still searching for the most of her voice.
-She was from Rukongai originally, in one of the furthest and poorest districts. She was a poor commoner girl who lived through very desperate situations and was unable to care for both herself and her sister, so she abandoned Rukia when she was just a baby. She met Kuchiki-taicho later and married him.
She abandoned her…? – She was speechless even though she almost wished to shout, but that was impossible because her lungs lacked the air for it, and she was yet to remember to breathe.
Moreover, he looked at her in so shrill a manner she felt he could read her mind, almost giving her skin goosebumps. It was as if he were waiting for her to breathe again, only so he could take her breath away again.
She breathed and immediately found her voice then. She felt relief in her lungs, but her heart felt heavier.
-Guilt haunted Kuchiki Hisana everyday since she abandoned her sister, however. Once she married and was able to spare some energy for something other than mere survival, she would venture into Rukongai every day to search for her. Because her condition was fragile, though, it was not long until she debilitated because of the strain, which ultimately led to her death without having successfully found her younger sister.
I… I still am having trouble believing this…
-Rukia-Chan does not remember her sister because she was young when she abandoned her. I cannot say I know for sure, but it seems she does not resent her. Especially because the reason she was adopted into the Kuchiki Clan is because Hisana's dying wish to Kuchiki-taicho was for him to find and care for her. He found her some years later when she enrolled at the Shino Academy.
This is all so hard to believe. Byakuya…
-His parents died when he was young, as did his grandfather, who was the predecessor to the position he occupies at 6th today. He had to become head of an influential clan since he was very young, and he found little emotional support among the people in his household. His late wife was the only one to be there for him during those times, though it cost him. She was a commoner from Rukongai with nothing on herself besides her given name and the clothes she wore. He was the head of the Kuchiki clan, one of the most prominent aristocrats. As you would guess, the elders of his clan strongly opposed to his marriage and took stands that made things difficult for him and tried very hard, though to no avail, to impede their union, and he chose the hard path of dealing with it in order to be with her. After she died, they didn't mind to hide their relief and immediately began attempts to fix him with other 'good choices'. Even now, they still demand of him to remarry to have an heir. He struggled with them when it came to Rukia-Chan's adoption as well, for Rukia also grew as a homeless girl from Rukongai.
I feel so sad just listening to this… Byakuya has had it so difficult; his problems make mine seem insignificant…
-Recall and thoroughly inspect what you remember of him during the time you've spent together. Was he stoic or cold? Did he act like nothing could impress him, like nothing could see through him?
Her heart did as the Captain told her and remembered, realizing Captain Kyoraku was right about that being his attitude initially.
I admit I thought his mind was inscrutable then…
Ignoring her will and orders, her feelings flowed as tears filled her throat. She fought back her weeping and tears, for crying was the last thing she felt she should do.
Once he saw she had gained some ground in that struggle, he continued, to the misfortune of her sad soul, which felt unable to smile.
-Since she died, he has secluded himself, changed significantly too, such that his sorrow wouldn't interfere with his work.
As he kept on speaking, her bewilderment kept growing exponentially as well as the sadness that arose from sympathy and something else. She regarded that as the saddest, most heart-breaking past she'd heard.
-He pushed those feelings aside believing them a weakness, though I've heard he still visits her altar every day for several hours.
Xx Flashback xX
-A memory, huh?
-Yes. I don't have that many, but I wish I did. Mine aren't like this one right now… I want to have this nice memory. It must for sure feel good. Do you have nice memories, Byakuya?
-Yes…
Xx End of flashback xX
Kisa's mind sank into its darkest depths. She was drowning under so much water, yet she did not bother to move a limb; she would do nothing to get out of there. She had been shocked to a very sensitive point. The wish to fight back was not present. Her eyes became lifeless, empty, staring at the obscure nothingness in her front without really seeing anything in it or thinking what it meant for it to surround her.
Byakuya, you've been through so much pain. You have faced living with this kind of past every day for so long! I might see why you did not tell me about it… What does it mean that you chose not to talk about it? Is it because it pains you to or because you were protecting me? I can't believe how selfish I have been all this time when it comes to what I've done to you, how far you've suffered because of me. How can you be nice to me if I'm hurting you this badly? Byakuya, I… I'm so sorry…! – She thought as she once shed a tear.
The Captain seemed to be done talking about it since, albeit she had no idea how much time had passed since the last sentence he spoke, she concluded he would have already resumed throwing reality at her mercilessly.
She was mute for an instant before she could retrieve her dead voice. Her frozen agape lips slowly regained motion, her neck turned, and her eyes were steadily fighting to return some shimmer to her look.
-I knew nothing about this life. – She began.
-You do now.
She turned to his eyes and looked straight at them, arousing his curiosity and thanked him with a forced voice that sounded too calm to belong to a living being.
-I do not understand the reasons you had for telling me this.
-I cannot say it outright, but I assure you I have a good reason.
-You want me to learn about his past. Why can't you tell me why?
-I will tell you in time, perhaps after you retrieve your memories. – Having said only that, he stood up and left.
She felt very befuddled, to say the least. She could not read him at all, and she could hardly bother to when there was so much more she could not stop thinking about.
X End of Kyoraku Shunsui's visit X