Chapter 10: Avenues
It was early morning. The sun was rising. The sky was bright. The world was quiet. Wrapped in a blanket, Hisana sat on the bank of a lazy stream and watched her breath ghost in front of her. It was cold; the winter's chill still infused the spring's mornings. The heat from her cup of tea, however, kept her thin fingers and palms warm, and she bent close to the steam rising from the hot liquid.
Her eyes stung—tired from searching. She always searched. Long days at her division bled into long nights in Rukongai. She was on constant surveillance. The worry in her heart had only intensified in the ensuing years. The flames had turned her former life to ash. Life had taught her to survive, and, in its lesson, it exposed her as a brutal, selfish creature. The Second had beaten into her the skills necessary to infiltrate—to pass seemingly undetected—like a stray wind. She was uncertain what she would learn from the Thirteenth.
She banished the thoughts from her mind. It was too early to think. Too early to properly function. Instead, she mindlessly surveyed the horizon. The morning fog rose from the lazy stream only for the sun's rays to burn the mist when its reach extended too high. She could hear birdsong in the distance. Occasionally, a rabbit's quick movements caught her eye before it hopped into a bush.
"You look cold."
Feeling a heavier blanket settle around her shoulders, Hisana did not move. It took her mind a few moments to process the voice. 'Kaien.'
She finally broke from her inner world. Stirring under the heavy wool fabric, she turned to face him. "Good morning, Vice Captain." Her voice was soft but devoid of emotion.
He sat close to her, holding a cup of steaming sake in his hand. Noticing her probing stare, he lifted his cup and murmured, "Hair of the dog." As he said the words, however, his eyes locked on the horizon.
She offered him a small smile before turning to face the stream. The water was so clear. She could see the flat stones lining the ground, and, when the waves were just right, she could see small fish flicker back and forth, searching for sustenance.
The two sat in a meditative silence for many lingering moments. Both of them were too groggy to speak. Both of them had come to the stream, searching for clarity. Neither of them had found the elusive spark for which they sought.
"You visit Rukongai in your spare time."
Hisana glanced up at him. She was unable to determine whether he had made a statement or had asked a question. "At times."
"Are you searching for something?"
"Yes."
Kaien looked askance. "Where do you go in Rukongai? Maybe I have contacts."
Hisana smiled bitterly, and she averted her attention to the water lapping at the bank. "Inuzuri."
Silence fell over them, and Hisana shifted uncomfortably. The rustling of cloth sliding against cloth filled her ears until Kaien broke the stillness. "I have story about Inuzuri." His voice was at once soft and steady. "I knew this guy once. He told me this tale. Now, he was a pretty colorful guy so take it for what it's worth."
She tilted her head up and gazed into Kaien's face. His features were unreadable, and his eyes remained fixed on the stream as he spoke.
"He said that he met two dark-haired princesses when he was in Inuzuri. He said their souls—their souls burned like fire and ice. He said that he had hoped to save them, but he was called away. When he returned, the sisters had fled. He said he always regretted not finding them, but he was sure they had survived."
She smiled up at him. "What would princesses be doing all the way in Inuzuri?"
Kaien grinned down at her, and he scratched the back of his head. He looked boyish, Hisana noted to herself. "Now, that I do not know. The guy was prone to embellishments."
"Where is your friend, currently?" she asked sweetly, hoping that she had tempered her inquiry.
Considering her question, Kaien's face hardened. He stared into the middle distance, and, after a long pause, he answered, "He left many years ago. Lost to the ether."
She furrowed her brows, registering his pained expression. "Not many people know much about Inuzuri."
His brows perked up. "We met there."
A half-hearted grin lengthened her mouth. "Yes. Yes, we did."
"You are from there."
Her countenance dimmed for a moment, and she lowered her gaze to the ground. "I suppose you could say that."
He looked inquisitive—as if he wanted her to elaborate. Hisana suspected that he had a right to look curious. Not many Shinigami hailed from the South 78th and for good reason. The conditions are harsh. Resources are scarce. Crime is rampant, and the district is not ideally situated for gaining quick admission into the Academy. "A story for another day," she said, standing.
Kindly, Hisana extended her hand to Kaien to help him up. He accepted her generosity, and, straightening, he watched as she adjusted her layers of wraps. Catching his look, she paused for a moment. She wondered what he was thinking about as he observed her. His features looked intense but there were no signs of vexation. It was perplexing, she noted to herself.
So perplexing.
. . . .
The golden hue of morning was maturing into midday. Byakuya stared out onto the Thirteenth's training ground from inside Ukitake's office. The door to Ukitake's office was drawn so the Captain could glimpse the proceedings. Rarely, however, did Ukitake feel the need to correct his seated officers in their methods. He preferred the fresh air and the occasional distraction that bodies in motion often provoked.
Seated in seiza, Byakuya took a small sip of his tea. He could hear the sound of Ukitake's voice; however, he did not comprehend the good Captain's words. Instead, Byakuya focused on the drills being performed only a stone's throw away.
"I have entailed my entire estate to Kaien's beloved piglet, Bonnie."
Within a blink of an eye, Byakuya turned to his companion. Wide-eyed, he stared at Ukitake as if the man had suddenly gone mad.
"You were listening," Ukitake teased. "I could close the door if the drills are bothersome."
Before Ukitake had the chance to reach out to shut the door, Byakuya lifted a hand. "Do not trouble yourself."
Resuming proper seiza, Ukitake's long slender fingers wrapped around his teacup. Quietly, he watched Byakuya, following the young man's gaze. Ukitake appeared quite nonplussed by his company's sudden lack of focus. Byakuya had barely spoken, and the young noble appeared thoroughly engrossed in some musing or observation. Amused, Ukitake scrutinized the training area for items of interest.
There was a flurry of motion. Hisana closely monitored the unranked Shinigami's training. Kaien was running drills with the Third Seat, Miyako, and the two Fourth Seats, Kiyone Kotetsu and Sentarō Kotsubaki. The Sixth Seated officer was likely on paperwork duty.
Ukitake's brows knitted together. There was nothing of out of the ordinary. So, what was Byakuya Kuchiki looking at? Ukitake's gaze shifted to Byakuya, and he tried to discern the nobleman's line of sight. Carefully, he followed Byakuya's stare. "Is there something of interest?" he asked at length.
Byakuya paid the Captain no heed.
Again, Ukitake's attention shifted back to the drills. Nothing. Hearing Hisana's voice sternly correct one of the men, Ukitake considered the possibility that Byakuya was absorbed by the unseated officer's poor technique. He dismissed the idea.
"Is there someone of interest?"
Again, no response.
Ukitake wondered if Kaien annoyed Byakuya. He knew that the two men had an intense dislike of one another. When Ukitake looked to confirm his suspicions, he noticed that Byakuya was not watching Kaien. Then, Ukitake considered the possibility that Byakuya was interested in one of the Thirteenth's females. He considered his roster of Shinigami. The only female that would be appropriate for Byakuya's standing was Miyako. Byakuya, however, was not watching Miyako. He was watching Hisana's squad, which was composed entirely of males.
Byakuya suddenly perked up. His expression remained impassive, but Ukitake noticed the subtle difference in his companion. He looked perturbed. Glancing back to the arena, realization finally washed over Ukitake.
Kaien had finished sparring with the Third and Fourth Seats, and he had wandered over to Hisana. The two began to speak, but the sounds of men skirmishing obscured their words. Whatever Kaien said, however, elicited a giggle from Hisana.
Ukitake watched Byakuya. If he had not known better, Ukitake would have thought Hisana's giggle had taken form, grown legs, sauntered across the field, and slapped Byakuya across the face. The noble took umbrage at the giggle. Byakuya's whole body stiffened at the offense.
Ukitake chocked down a laugh at the sight. "The Fifth Seat is getting along quite well here at the Thirteenth. I am glad that both you and Kaien recommended her."
"Shiba recommended her?" Byakuya seethed.
"Yes, she met Kaien years ago." Ukitake was not sure if he had suddenly damned Hisana because Byakuya looked disgusted. "I assume you have a past with her as well."
Byakuya stared at Ukitake for a brief moment before gazing back to the field. Hisana trained her focus on her squad of men. Kaien stood a hairsbreadth away, observing her instruction. Unprovoked, she glanced up at the Captain's office. Her gaze locked onto Byakuya's eyes.
She froze. Every muscle in her body locked in tension. Her slate blue eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed. She stood in silent panic for what felt like eternity. She had no idea what to do. Ignore him? Acknowledge him? Stare idiotically at him? Hisana bowed her head in his direction and smiled.
Byakuya's displeasured look softened.
Ukitake cocked a brow upon realizing what had just occurred. "Would you like me to invite her to join us? You could gawk at her better then," he teased half-heartedly. To his surprise, Byakuya did not look appalled by the suggestion. He merely glanced over at the Captain. No emotion clung to his visage; however, a gleam in his eye belied a calm resoluteness.
"Excuse me," Byakuya said, taking to his feet.
Ukitake blinked, confused. Before he could utter his goodbye, Byakuya had left.
"So odd…"
. . . .
Hisana gripped her bokken. The weight of the wooden sword felt off to her. She did not connect to it the way she did with her zanpakutō. Kaien, however, would have it no other way. They had argued the matter, and he had won.
She hated the bokken.
"Don't look so pained. It is a wooden sword—not a snake."
A corner of her mouth pulled to the side. She was not so sure.
"You look so uncomfortable. You can't tell me that the Second did not make you train with bokken."
"Actually, I can," she said teasingly. "You see the funny thing about swords is that they make noise."
Kaien smiled at her remark. "Well, I am not training you on hakuda today. The Thirteenth uses swords."
Hisana forced a half-hearted grin. She was not so convinced. "I am ready, Vice Captain."
"No kido," he said firmly.
She pursed her lips.
"No flashstep," he added.
Her brows lowered.
"Only swordsmanship."
She narrowed her gaze. She was definitely going to lose. She hated losing.
Kaien took a position across from her. She watched him carefully. His hands were positioned far apart on the hilt of his wooden sword. She prepared herself against his quick strike. Reflexively, she parried.
"Watch the point of the sword," he corrected. Countering her attack, he let her sword pass his only to come up on the other side. The tip of his sword was positioned a hairsbreadth from her face.
They separated, returning to start position.
"You have to want this," Kaien stated.
She looked up at him.
"I don't think you do."
She inhaled a deep breath, and lifted her head.
"Pretend that I am a foe."
She gave a slight nod of her head. She held her bokken high. Kaien assumed a lower position with his sword. For a moment, she calculated his next move. She was fairly certain that he was feigning a low to midlevel strike. His strike would be high.
Cautiously, she took a few steps closer. Her bokken met his on her downward motion. Kaien crouched. She retaliated by bringing her bokken down from on high. Parrying her attack, he quickly stood and countered with a downward strike on her wrist. The sword's pressure was feather light but enough to let her know who the victor was.
"Don't worry so much about what I am doing," he said.
She returned to the start position. Her sword was high but angled. He positioned his bokken low. He was the first to attack. She had misread his positioning, but she managed to salvage the parry. She countered; he parried. His next strike was high. Hisana crouched, catching his sword above her head. Reflexively, she slid her sword over his and eased his bokken to the ground.
"Much better," he praised.
She bowed. "Thank you, Vice Captain."
"It is getting late," he observed through the dark blues blanketing the room. The setting sun had provided light when they began, but, then, they had to contend with the shadows inching across the floor.
"It is," she said, dropping the bokken to her side.
"We should stop for today."
She bowed her head. "Yes, Vice Captain."
Soundlessly, he crossed the room toward her. He took the end of her wooden sword in his hand. Her grip was firm, but it loosened once she realized that he was collecting it. "See, it wasn't so bad," he said sardonically.
She smiled and looked up at him to find him staring at her with that inscrutable expression from the morning. Her body heated under his gaze, and, unthinking, she tilted her head up. Kaien lowered his head, drawing closer with each heartbeat.
Clack. The sound of the shoji door being thrown back stayed Kaien.
"Vice Captain Shiba!" It was Kiyone Kotetsu. She stood in the doorway, panting. "We lost communication with a squad sent to the World of the Living!"
"I will handle it," he said sternly. He took a step back from Hisana, and he bowed his head in her direction.
"Be safe, Vice Captain," Hisana said softly. She watched Kaien and Kiyone disappear into the night.
Inhaling a deep breath, she moved to the door. She paused at the threshold and looked back into the dark room. Her jaws tightened, and she stepped out, closing the door behind her. She began toward her quarters when she spotted Miyako.
"Good evening," she greeted cordially. A feeling of contrition burned in her chest. Miyako was very kind and gentle, and Hisana had a sinking suspicion that she was rather taken by Kaien. Hisana also had a feeling that Kaien had an affinity for Miyako as well.
"Hello, Hisana," she replied. "Did you hear about the squad?"
Hisana nodded. "Vice Captain Shiba has gone."
"I hope everyone is safe," she said softly into the night.
"I trust that he will do everything to ensure his squad's safety."
Miyako smiled at Hisana, but her eyes hinted at her apprehension. "I hope Vice Captain Shiba returns safely."
Hisana managed a small smile. "He will. He is very strong."
"And good," Miyako added.
Hisana nodded. "And good," she echoed. "Is there anything that we can do?"
Miyako shook her head. "Nothing but wait."
Hisana politely bowed, and Miyako reciprocated the action. "Good evening."
Hisana continued to her quarters. Upon entering her humble room, she turned on a light, and she began to disrobe. The night's chill kissed her skin. Reflexively, she folded her sweaty uniform and undergarments. Her hands quickly worked to unfurl a subdued yukata. She inspected its quality. It was a mint green color with a swimming salmon pattern across the bottom fourth of the garment. It was tattering at the seams, and the hem was fraying. It would do, she told herself.
She dressed and was out the door.
The city was a bundle of kinetic energy. It was the last day of the festival, and the organizer had meant for the finale to impress. Firecrackers burst in the sky; raining brilliant colors down on the citizens. Warm bright lanterns lit the streets. Confetti scattered on the wind. Street entertainers plied onlookers with their talents. Vendors aggressively vied for patrons. Music of every kind intermingled into one loud cacophony.
Hisana pushed through the crowd. It felt like she was infiltrating a living organism. The throng was warm; it moved, breathed, and pushed back. Bright colors, flashing lights, loud noises, and pungent confections numbed her senses. Finding a clearing, Hisana took the opportunity and flashstepped out of the market.
She stopped at the outskirts of the thicket leading to the covered bridge. She glanced over her shoulder. She could still hear the roar of merrymaking in the background. The market gleamed brightly like a polished jewel. Inhaling a breath of fresh air, she followed the well-worn path to the bridge.
The normal tranquility of the bridge and stream had been disturbed. The phosphorescent flowers did not shine as brightly. The din emanating from the marketplace broke the area's stillness. The air had an almost smoky quality from the vast quantities of food being prepared. Despite the festivities taking place miles away, peacefulness still lingered over that area. She felt instantly calmer as she crossed the bridge. Just as she was about to take another step, she froze in her tracks.
Shock.
Her heart stopped beating. She watched him with wide-eyed wonderment, and her breath caught in her chest when he found her. Hisana was certain that an eternity passed before she could find the courage to breath. Two eternities passed before her heart started with an angry thump.
He was dressed in the raiment of a nobleman—fine silks that were skillfully woven. His haori was white. His haori-himo was fashioned from a precious metal, and it caught in the moonlight, glinting with each breath he inhaled. He looked handsome, she thought to herself.
Remembering her manners, she bowed politely. "Good evening, Lord Kuchiki."
He stood stock-still. Not a muscle moved. For a brief moment, she wondered if he had even heard or seen her, but his gaze was fixed on her. "Forgive my intrusion," she began, but he interrupted her.
"Where are you going?" he asked, deadpan.
She blinked. She was not sure whether he was genuinely interested or if he was reproaching her for leaving the Seireitei at such a late hour. It was obvious that she was not on official business for the Thirteen as she was dressed in pedestrian clothing. "Who said that I was leaving?" she managed, finally finding her voice.
He looked incredulous.
She smiled back her anxiety. "Lord Kuchiki, you are a very perceptive man."
Flattery got her nowhere.
She lowered her head and averted her gaze to the bridge's wooden boards beneath her feet. "I am looking for something."
"Lord Kogimi?"
Hisana's eyes widened, and an imperceptible look of relief passed over her face. "Yes, Lord Kogimi—have you heard anything about him?"
Byakuya took a few paces toward her, and he turned to the stream. "No. No one has."
Hisana's brow furrowed. "He has not returned to his home?" Mindlessly, she mimicked Byakuya's actions. She turned to the stream and rested her hands lightly against the coarse railing.
"No. His family sent a search party."
"Nothing?"
Byakuya gave her a sidelong glance.
"I will follow up with the Second tomorrow," she said softly—more to herself than to him.
"The Second?"
Her gaze flitted up, and she nodded. "The Second and Thirteenth are cooperating on this matter."
He looked uneasy about her revelation. "You are not concerned?"
She smiled at his question. Of course she was concerned about working with the Second given the circumstances, but she was not going to question, openly at least, her division's judgment on the issue. "I am optimistic."
He continued to study her in the moonlight. She could feel her skin heat under his gaze, and she repressed the urge to chatter nervously. For about a minute. "It is lovely tonight, no?"
He said not a word.
"…and it is the end of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Aren't you being missed?" That question elicited an eye-roll on his part. It was brief, but she caught it and giggled. She tried her best to stifle her giggle with the sleeve of her yukata, but it was futile.
He exhaled a deep breath and gripped the banister in his hands. His eyes narrowed as he stared into the thick of night. Silence ensued. She wondered what he was thinking, and she wondered if she had offended him.
"Will you walk with me?"
Hisana blinked, uncomprehending. "It would be an honor," she said almost reflexively. Her stomach dropped, and her breath hitched in her throat. She had no idea why she said that. She had no idea what he wanted. Part of her questioned whether she had hallucinated the inquiry.
He began forward a few paces, and she followed behind, respectfully.
"I asked you to walk with me, not ten paces behind me," he corrected.
"Apologies," she murmured, quickening her step to keep up with his long strides. She wanted to ask him where they were going, but she found the question gauche. She also doubted he would deign to respond to it. Instead, she kept pace with him. Her mind worked a mile a minute—calculating possibilities.
He was unarmed as was she, and they appeared to be nearing the marketplace. She doubted that he wanted to spar with her. The fact that they were approaching the marketplace concerned her, however. She wondered if anyone would catch them, and, if they did, what would they say or think? Would they even notice her? Byakuya was such a commanding force—it was entirely possible that she would be hidden by the sheer commotion his presence incited. She was not a noble woman. She was dressed in…
She glanced down at her fraying yukata. 'Oh, no!' Horror burned through her, sending painful pinpricks up and down her nervous system. No amount of smoothing the fabric down would improve it yet her hands mindlessly went to work.
Upon reaching the market, Byakuya stepped into the fray without a second thought. As he did, he took her hand in his. It took every fiber of her body to repress the urge to flee. Convincing herself (1) that no one saw his act because they were too absorbed in the festival and (2) that he taking her hand was only done out of a sense of practicality—the crowd was thick, and they could be separated—Hisana continued forward. Without fleeing.
"Lord Kuchiki!"
Terror ripped through Hisana at the sound of a young noblewoman's voice.
"Lord Kuchiki!"
Byakuya turned to the sound of his name. It was the noblewoman that he had dubbed Lady Kokiden days prior. She smiled brightly the moment she caught his eye. "It is so good to see you tonight. I sincerely hope that you are feeling better tonight after falling so ill yesterday."
Hisana's eyes widened to the size of half dollars, and her brows shot up. 'Ill?' She "sincerely" believed that he had lied to the dewy-eyed beauty standing before him.
Byakuya spoke nary a word, but she continued. "I was so concerned that I purchased you a gift." She reached into the breast of her kimono and handed him a small wrapped parcel.
Half-heartedly, he took the gift and glanced down at Hisana, who appeared too bemused for her own good. His response, however, ultimately betrayed Hisana. The lady had not even perceived Hisana until that moment, and, upon seeing Byakuya's hand against Hisana's, she seethed. Her brown eyes flashed anger, and she breathed a haughty breath. "Oh, I didn't even notice you," she announced in a forced sing-song cadence. "Who are you?"
Hisana could feel the woman judge and subsequently hate everything about her. The Lady's gaze started with Hisana's head and ended with her footwear. Her lips twisted in disgust.
Hisana stiffened under the woman's piercing stare. She could almost hear the woman's caustic inner dialogue: Her hair is ragged. Her face isn't fair. Her clothes are cheap—not inexpensive but cheap. She is common—a peasant.
"She is my consort for the evening," Byakuya pronounced in a low voice.
The Lady's complexion blanched. She looked flabbergasted, and she inhaled so sharply that Hisana heard a small cry at the announcement. "My apologies if my demeanor has been perceived in any way offensive."
Hisana smiled bitterly at the woman.
"Good evening," Byakuya murmured, and he turned on his heel, pulling Hisana along with him.
"I am sorry if I caused you any social disgrace," she began.
He looked down at her as if she had gone mad, and she grinned. As if her association could possibly tarnish his name. He held enough power that he would have to be thoroughly dishonored for the nobles to think poorly of his actions.
Carefully, he navigated her toward a certain someone. When she saw who it was he had been seeking, it all made sense. Byakuya had not lost his senses after all, she mused to herself.
He released her hand as they approached the small noblewoman. She stood with tear-stained cheeks, and she held a handkerchief pressed firmly against her lips. "Lady Kogimi, please, meet Hisana," he stated softly.
Hisana bowed politely. "Lady Kogimi, it is my pleasure."
Lady Kogimi's teary eyes gazed into Byakuya's face imploringly.
"Hisana has been assigned to locate your husband." It was a prevarication, but Hisana did not correct him.
"Yes, Lady Kogimi, I would very much like to resolve this matter."
The Lady smiled and threw her arms around Hisana. "Thank you," she sobbed into Hisana's shoulder.
Hisana eyed Byakuya as she stroked the woman's back. "Tell me everything."