"Aizen." Naomi said softly, "What did you know that we didn't? Who's the traitor?" She turned her eyes toward the sky, willing the sky to give her an answer.
There was none, of course. Naomi sighed; now that Aizen was dead it felt like Seireitei was being turned upside down. Nothing seemed right anymore. The emergency rulings and decrees felt suspicious and wrong.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Naomi snapped her head towards the right to see Unohana-taicho.
"Unohana-taicho, what're you doing here?" The young Shinigami questioned.
"I was going to go see the sotaicho, but it looks like he's elsewhere." She answered.
Naomi was about to ask her why she wanted to see her grandfather, when there was a small whoosh of wind next to her and her grandfather's voice said, "I'm here. Let's go to fourth headquarters and talk."
"Gramps," Naomi said startled. He patted her shoulder but said nothing as he and Unohana-taicho began to walk down the corridor. Turning back to the railing, she began to mull over all the evidence she had collected. Aizen was stabbed and pinned to a wall. So whoever must have done it, had to be someone within Seireitei, but it had to be a captain. No one else could kill a senior captain like that.
It would take a while before she could find the culprit. Her best bet was Ichimaru. He was certainly evil enough and no one seemed to really trust him except his own lieutenant. "Alright," Naomi stretched her arms, "time to take this investigation into my own hands."
With that she walked away, oblivious to the fox-like eyes watching her every step.
-_-_-_-
So that's the Shrine of Penitence. It's much bigger when you get closer. Haruka thought as she stared towards the white tower. She really didn't know what she was doing there. If she was caught she could get in big trouble. Only people with business here were allowed.
Chewing on her lip, she hesitantly took a small step forward and then a small step back. What do I do? Do I just go down there and see if I can talk with her or go back? The two thoughts were battling in her head when suddenly a voice angrily called out to her, "what're you doing here?"
Uh-oh, a guard was frowning at her and behind him she could see another guard that was flat on his back. What is he doing? She took a closer look at the guard that was standing up and she could see that he was trembling, as if it took all his willpower and strength to stand up.
"Are you trembling because of that reiatsu?" Haruka bluntly asked him.
"No!" He denied quickly, but then thought better of it, "oh come on, it's intense! Can't you feel it?"
"Of course I can." Haruka assured him. About fifteen minutes ago she had passed by Zaraki-taicho fighting the Ryoka with orange hair. Neither of them noticed her so she slipped by quietly and quickly. After that she felt Zaraki-taicho's immense reiatsu being released. All around her she could feel it pressuring her. For the most part she attempted to ignore it and forced herself to stay upright, and it worked out for her quite well. "I'm just not letting it bother me."
The guard stared at her as if she was insane, "how can you not let such intense reiatsu bother you?"
"I dunno." Was her truthful answer to the man.
He looked as if he was about to cry, "When will this reiatsu stop?"
Then as if he commanded it, it stopped. A look of great relief swept over the first guard's face as the second one stood up, "Finally it died down. Still it was fierce."
With that the first guard turned around, "what's wrong, man? You're trembling all over! Pathetic."
"What!?"
You should talk; you're trembling more than him. Haruka sighed as she watched the two carefully and began to step to her right.
"You're the one trembling!" The second one voiced her thoughts.
"What part of me is--, huh?" A small drop of green liquid fell onto his forehead. He looked at it in confusion. Reaching up he touched it, "Is this bird poop?" Suddenly he made a small gurgling sound and fell over unconscious.
"Hey!" Both Haruka and the remaining guard looked up to see and small figure climbing down the roof, "there you are, you lowlife!"
Haruka looked behind him just in time to see a large man jump down and slam his elbow into the back of the guard's head. Immediately she knew who he was, a Ryoka!
The force of the man's hit caused the guard to go flying down the walkway; Haruka barely had time to flatten herself against the wall. A rope fell down from the wall and young Shinigami boy, with a fourth squad medical pack slung on his back, slid down. With a bland expression he said, "Ganju-san, you overdid it. That's mean."
The man known as Ganju ran past Haruka, "Shut up! What about you and that medicine?"
"Oh, you mean this?" The boy showed something to Ganju and began to explain it to him.
Meanwhile, Haruka had left her place from the wall and was staring at the two incredulously. Those two struck her as odd, and it was even odder that a Shinigami was helping them. "Err… Hello?"
The larger one, whipped around, "Eh? I left one conscious?"
"Well, technically I'm not even a"—Haruka didn't have time to finish her sentence when the man's fist came flying at her face. "Hey!" She ducked and shifted to her right. "I'm not a guard!"
Apparently he wasn't listening to her as he brought his fist back, pivoted on his right foot, and aimed her again. Exasperated, Haruka did the only one thing that came to mind when a woman was being attacked. Lifting her right foot, she kicked him in the nuts. Hard.
Ganju stopped his assault and all color left his face, as he fell down to the ground in a fetal position, whimpering. Both Haruka and the unknown boy stared. "Um, sorry about that." She turned to the other boy, "are you here to save Rukia?"
He looked taken aback. "Y-yes, we are."
To his surprise, Haruka smiled, "Thank God! Rukia's my friend and she's in the same division as I am." She added at the sight of his confusion. "I'm Haruka."
"Hanataro and the man on the floor is Ganju-san."
Ganju managed to pull himself up, "Hello,"
"Again, sorry. I panicked a little."
"A little? I don't think I'll recover from that." He gave another slight whimper.
"Sorry," Haruka apologized again. She turned to Hanataro, "Shouldn't we hurry up and get Rukia?"
"We should." The young boy agreed.
Both Haruka and Hanataro turned and started to walk for the Shrine when Ganju called out, "hey, hey! Wait a sec, why should we trust you? What are you even doing here?"
"Hmm…" Haruka pondered over his question. To tell the truth she didn't even know why she was here. Possibly she was having thoughts of grandeur; after all, she didn't want Rukia to be executed. "Y'know, I don't really know. I guess, maybe grandeur thoughts?"
Ganju's jaw dropped, "You don't know? Are you insane?"
"I'm not insane."
Hanataro pulled on Haruka's sleeve, "then if you don't mind; can we help Rukia-san?"
"Of course," Haruka nodded. And with that the three of them headed down the long bridge to the Shrine of Penitence.
They arrived at the door, which was pretty tall with three circles on it. I don't see a doorknob. Haruka thought.
"So this thing is a shutter type. So… how do we open it?" Ganju thought out loud.
"It's alright," Hanataro leaned down and began to rummage inside his uniform.
"What're you gonna bust out now?" Ganju asked.
He pulled out a small wooden block with four uneven grooves that made it look like a makeshift key. "Last night, I borrowed the spare key from the key cell cabinet from the underground canal." With that he began to unlock the door.
"Hey, is it okay for you to do that?" Ganju looked a little concerned.
"Of course it's not." Haruka answered for him, "If he's caught, he would be charged with treason and in a worst case scenario; he would be executed. I would be arrested for helping you, too."
"Then why help?" Ganju seemed really concerned.
"Last night I was thinking." Hanataro began, "Ichigo-san is always getting hurt from fighting and all I do is run away. I thought, "That's not cool". I want to save Rukia-san, too. I decided I would do everything in my power to save her; even if that means I will be punished later on." He turned around and smiled, "even though, stealing a key is the best I can do."
"Thank you." Both Ganju and Hanataro looked at Haruka. She was smiling at them, "that really means a lot to me. Rukia is a really good friend and I wanted to help her too, but there really wasn't much I could do. But, your words give me hope that even someone small and insignificant can change things."
"Girlie…" Ganju muttered, "Are all Shinigami this emotional about this kind of stuff? Anyhow," he turned to Hanataro, "this is plenty. Stealing a key is plenty."
"Besides," Haruka added, "we won't make such a racket. So let's save Rukia!"
Ganju stepped forward as the door lifted open, "Geez, everyone is so friggin' desperate to save this person. This 'Rukia' must be one hell of a cutie."
Haruka sniggered as Hanataro mumbled, "that's not really the point…"
"Don't be embarrassed!" Ganju told him as he peered inside, "now let's have a good look at that face. Hey, Rukia-cha"—He stopped short when he saw Rukia and made a small gasping sound.
"Who are you?" Rukia asked, "Ichigo's companions?"
Ganju didn't say anything as he just stared at her. Haruka made her way past him and ran to Rukia. "Rukia!" She exclaimed and she wrapped her arms around her friend. "I'm so glad to see you!"
"Haruka? What're you doing here?" Rukia pulled away, puzzled.
"I came here, hoping for a way to see you when these two came up and took out the guards." Haruka took Rukia's hands, "they want to bust you out."
Hanataro finally made his own appearance from behind Ganju, "It's me, Rukia-san! I'm so glad. You're okay, aren't you?"
"You… Hanataro?" Rukia gasped. "What're you doing here?"
Hanataro ran forward, Haruka moved aside as he copied Haruka and grabbed Rukia's hands. "We'll talk later! Let's go Ganju-san, Haruka-san! We should hurry and get away!"
Ganju, however, was just standing there, seemingly in shock at the sight of Rukia. "Ganju-san, what's wrong?" Hanataro asked him.
Rukia stepped forward, "That pattern on your clothes. An unraveling swirl falling from Heaven." Haruka turned to look, sure enough; it was an upside down line that had a small swirl at the bottom. The exact same pattern as the one Kaien-dono had tattooed on his arm. "Are you part of the Shiba clan?" Rukia asked.
"The Shiba clan?" Haruka asked, "You mean he's…" She trailed off.
"You know each other?" Hanataro was obviously not getting the meaning of the question.
"Yeah… I know her." Ganju's eyes were fixed on Rukia, "as if I could forget… that face… She's the one who killed my brother!"
Haruka gasped, "You're Kaien-dono's brother?" She stepped forward, "you don't understand! That isn't what happened!" The fear that was hidden inside her had come true. The boy who saw Rukia was here, and he wanted revenge. And she knew Rukia would only add fuel to the fire.
"My brother was wounded from a sword. The back of his neck was slashed and he was stabbed in the chest." All of the sudden he began shouting, "If my brother fought a Hollow, why would he die of sword wounds? And back then, she said to me, that she killed him."
"Ganju-san!" Hanataro stepped forward to him.
"That isn't what happened!" Haruka cut off Hanataro, "if you knew the entire story you would understand that Rukia didn't kill him!" She was starting to shake; old wounds were beginning to resurface again.
"No, Haruka." Rukia cut in. "He is correct." She began to address Ganju, "member of the Shiba clan, without a doubt, your older brother was…" She stepped forward.
Don't say it, Rukia. Don't say it. Haruka pleaded silently, the last thing they needed was Ganju to get even angrier by Rukia's belief.
"Shiba Kaien… was slain by my hand." Rukia finished.
"No Rukia!" Haruka shouted at her. "You didn't kill Kaien-dono! The Hollow did!"
"Haruka be quiet." Rukia sharply told her, "it is the truth and you know it."
That set Ganju off; he ran forward and grabbed Rukia by her collar. "Do as you wish. If it is by your hands, I will accept death." She told him flatly.
Haruka couldn't take anymore. She charged forward and forcefully separated Ganju and Rukia. "That is enough! Rukia, you have to face the fact there was nothing you could have done! Kaien-dono was killed by the Hollow!"
"What do you know, Haruka?"
"I was there that night, too! I remember it all too well. You and I both have guilty feelings about that night! Do you even know how many sleepless nights I've had when I learned my Zanpakuto's ability?" Haruka was near to tears. "It wasn't your fault, Rukia."
Rukia was surprised at Haruka; she had never even thought that Haruka was also regretting her actions from that night. Haruka turned to Ganju, "please Ganju; help us save Rukia."
Barely a second after she uttered those words, a fierce reiatsu flared up. It went straight through the cell. All four of them froze and turned to stare out the doorway.
Calmly walking towards them was none other than, Rukia's elder brother, Kuchiki-taicho.
"Oh shit." Haruka whispered.
"That's the sixth division captain, Kuchiki Byakuya-dono." Hanataro said fearfully.
"This is not good," Haruka, whimpered slightly, she should have known he was keeping his eye on the Shrine, watching for any sign of the Ryoka.
"Kuchiki Byakuya…" Ganju trailed off.
"You know him?" Hanataro asked.
"Yeah. The Kuchiki clan is the one that holds the title of 'true first' amongst the four great noble houses" Ganju explained, "He's the current leader. Out of the thirteen captains, he's the most famous. This is the worst thing that could happen. There's no way we can win."
"That's true," Haruka, whispered, "He's ruthless."
"It might be better if we begged for our lives and hope he lets us go." Ganju grinned; the man had most definitely given up.
"Nope, he won't even do that." Haruka told him curtly.
"Ganju-san! What're you saying?" Hanataro ran in front of him, "Let's run away with Rukia-san!"
"Idiot!" Ganju berated him, "Do you see a way out?"
"He has a point," Haruka added, "We won't get away. Besides, this bridge is the only way in or out."
"Besides!" Ganju started to yell again; "you're telling me to risk my neck for her?" He pointed at Rukia. "She killed my brother!"
Haruka frowned, obviously Ganju was hell bent on hate for Rukia. Rukia and Ganju need to understand. Rukia's eyes saddened as she looked down. Haruka placed a reassuring hand on Rukia's shoulder.
"I understand." Hanataro spoke out. His hands were clenched and he was shaking. "I guess it can't be helped. You didn't have a reason to save Rukia-san to begin with. Forcing you to stay here would be really insensitive of me. So at least when you escape please take Rukia-san with you."
Three pairs of eyes turned to stare at the boy. He is not thinking of standing up to Kuchiki-taicho? Haruka was struck dumb, he'll get himself killed and Rukia will be captured again anyhow!
The next words he said confirmed Haruka's thoughts, "I'll stay here and hold him back."
"What the hell you talkin' about?" Ganju sounded as shocked as Haruka felt.
"Hanataro-san, he'll flatten you in less than a second!" Haruka pleaded with him, "Don't do it!"
But he had already made his resolve as he said to Ganju, "I think I understand how you feel. There's one who would risk themselves for an enemy."
"That's not what I mean!" Ganju argued, "You felt that reiatsu! There's no way we could handle"—
"I know that too." Hanataro cut in. "But still, I've come this far all because I wanted to save Rukia-san. I can't leave without doing anything." He looked sad but still he bowed low to Ganju, "thank you for everything." When he came up there was a sad but yet hopeful smile on his face, "here I go."
Haruka was struck into silence by his little speech. He was really willing to die just so that Rukia would escape, if only momentarily. Why does he think like that? Even in this hopeless situation he wants to help. What makes him go on? Haruka gritted her teeth as she forcibly held back tears. Where does his strength come from?
She couldn't say anything as Rukia tried to dissuade Hanataro from going and Ganju stopped her as well.
"What does he even think, going out there with out a Zanpakuto?" Ganju sounded angry, "Goddammit!" He threw Rukia to the ground and gave a very loud war cry and ran out after Hanataro.
Haruka bit her lip, "I'm sorry Rukia." Rukia looked up at her in question, "I hoped that your rescue would go smoother." She gave her a sad smile, "I don't wanna see my friend die."
A loud crash made the both of them look up; Hanataro landed at the doorway. Apparently Ganju had thrown him back. Haruka made for the door, "are you okay?" she asked.
Hanataro nodded, "But Ganju-san…"
"I know," Haruka stepped outside, "We'll only get away if a miracle happens."
"Haruka-san…" Hanataro trailed off.
"I should help him, even if I'm going against Soul Society." Haruka sighed, "Please do your best to help Rukia escape." With that she ran after Ganju. I am so going to get arrested for this. She thought as she ran.
Up ahead, Ganju was already trying to fight Kuchiki-taicho, with no luck. He attempted to throw something at him, but in a blink of an eye, the captain appeared behind him and in front of Haruka.
"You damn pretty boy!" Ganju yelled out in frustration. "Fight me!"
Haruka stopped as Kuchiki-taicho's cold and firm voice spoke coolly, "disappear."
With that, blood instantly shot out from Ganju's arm. Haruka heard Rukia's terrified gasp from behind her. Funny… She didn't even remember hearing those two come from out of the cell. I didn't even see him draw his blade.
Kuchiki-taicho merely blinked and took a step forward. "Hold it." Ganju sputtered out as he struggled to stand. The captain merely looked behind his shoulder. "It seems you do not understand words. I told you to disappear."
The man merely gave a grin and shouted, "Shut yer trap! There ain't a single coward who'd turn tail and run from just that! Not among the men of the Shiba clan!"
That got Kuchiki-taicho's attention. He fully turned around and faced Ganju, "I see, so you are part of the Shiba clan. Then I apologize for going easy on you." With those words, he drew his Zanpakuto.
Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no. Haruka's mind started to race. This was very bad.
Kuchiki-taicho raised his Zanpakuto so it was pointed upward, "I shall not let you leave here alive." He moved his wrist so the flat part of his sword was showing.
"You mustn't! Nii-sama!" Rukia was screaming.
"Scatter, Senbonzakura."
Even though Haruka was behind him, she could see that the blade was glowing pink. This is his Zanpakuto's ability? The suddenly, the blade dissolved into many particles that resembled sakura petals. "What is this?" Haruka murmured to herself, as the petals surrounded Ganju.
"RUN!!!" Rukia screamed once more.
Haruka didn't have time to react. One second Ganju was standing there; the next second blood was gushing out of his body. "Ganju!" Haruka screamed as the Shiba clansmen fell to the ground, motionless.
When Kuchiki-taicho turned around, Haruka's brain snapped back into action as she realized she was the next one in his way. This is bad. She was trembling all over as she placed one foot out in front of her and placed her right hand on the handle of her Zanpakuto.
"You understand what it means if you draw your Zanpakuto against me, correct?" The captain's voice was cool.
Blood was ringing in Haruka's ears as she forcibly took a deep breath and exhaled. Raising her eyes, she met his and nodded, "I understand. My will is set." With those final words she unsheathed her Zanpakuto.
-_-_-_-
Sorry, for getting this out later than expected! I was going to attempted to squish everything up until Gin and Hitsugaya's night fight in, but I decided against it. I want to try and take it slow. No Gin, I know. Its hard to write him in when he, himself, doesn't appear that much.
BLEACH is copyrighted to Tite Kubo. Haruka and Naomi are mine. Constructive criticism appretiated.
