Kaida lay still, wondering to herself, am I alive? She was aware of something soft beneath her, and shifted slightly, and then pain hit her body like a truck.
Yup. Definitely alive.
Kaida propped herself on her elbow, slowly opening her eyes and blinking around her. She recognized this place. It was squad four's barracks. She had been here several times before. Thanks to Kenpachi…
"You're awake," whispered a voice.
Kaida turned to see Lieutenant Isane smiling at her and walking her way.
"Yeah…" Kaida frowned, then her eyes got big, "Wait! Where the hell is Aizen?!"
"Sh!" Isane waved her hands, "I was trying to be quiet so as not to wake him," she nodded to Kaida's right.
Kaida turned to see a surprising sight. Slumped over sleeping in a chair beside Kaida's bed was Toshiro. He was bandaged up and not even in his Captain's robes. Kaida felt a small spark of joy at the sight of him nonetheless. Toshiro was alive! She had been certain Aizen had killed him.
"Since he can't leave the barracks just yet, he's been either here or with Lieutenant Hinamori in the other room," said Isane softly, "I think he felt responsible for both of your injuries."
"He shouldn't, the dumbass," muttered Kaida, "It was Aizen's fault, not his."
She stared at Toshiro's sleeping form for a moment, incredibly shocked that he would bother waiting at her bedside at all.
Had so much really changed?
She remembered the tears and rage she felt when she thought he was dead. It was fascinating what happened. In a way, Toshiro looked kind of adorable sleeping. But Kaida slowly smirked. Even if their rivalry had subsided… she couldn't resist.
"Good morning, Toshirooooo!" she wailed and pounced out of bed on him, knocking the chair over, the two of them rolling across the floor.
"Ah! Third Seat Abarai!" Isane gasped.
"What- what the hell!" Toshiro was awake now, and shoved Kaida off of him, "What the hell was that for, Kaida?!"
Kaida landed hard on the ground and yelped in pain, but was laughing at the same time, "Oh- ouch- it hurts so bad, but so worth it. So worth it…"
"You're still injured, you idiot!" Toshiro snapped, "What do you think you're doing!"
"So worth it…" Kaida repeated in a rasp.
"I swear one would think you would have changed a little after a near death experience…" Toshiro muttered as he got to his feet, wincing a little.
"Are you alright, Captain Hitsugaya?" Isane asked.
"I'm fine, thank you," said Toshiro briskly and looked down at Kaida as Isane came and helped her up, "I suppose you will want to know what happened."
"Duh," Kaida said as Isane helped her back into her bed, "Thanks, Isane," she smiled at her.
"Just, please refrain from doing that again," Isane sighed.
"Aizen turned out to be after an invention of Kisuke Urahara's called the Hogyoku," said Toshiro, sitting his chair back up and sitting back down.
Toshiro swiftly told her the entire story, of Aizen's entire plot to create Hollow Soul Reapers, and to basically go beyond the limitations of an ordinary Soul Reaper. How Kisuke had hidden the Hogyoku inside Rukia's Gigai. Something that Kaida was going to have to yell at him for. And how Aizen had retrieved it from her and escaped to Hueco Muendo with his fellow traitors, Gin and Captain Tosen. Rukia was okay, and now recovering from her ordeal properly, she was also no longer charged with execution, and the Ryoka were now considered heroes. In fact, no one had actually gotten killed in the entire ordeal. The only ones that got close were herself, Toshiro, Momo, Renji, Eravi, and Ichigo.
"So… that's it then?" muttered Kaida, frowning, "He got away?"
"Yes," said Toshiro, glaring at the ground, "But next time, I can assure you that we will be prepared for him. That was not the last we've seen of Aizen. And, Kaida," his gaze went up, "I knew you been hiding something when you returned without Rukia three months ago."
Kaida grinned sheepishly, "Cat's out of the bag, huh?"
Toshiro smirked a bit at her, "You could say that. Though there won't be any punishment. With everything that's happened, the head Captain is deciding to let you slide. You're quite lucky, Kaida."
Kaida laughed sheepishly, "Yeah, well, seems that way considering I'm alive."
"By the way, perhaps you should hear this now before you hear it from someone else," said Toshiro, leaning back in his chair, "Renji and Eravi both achieved Bankai during this ordeal."
"Wait WHAT?!" gasped Kaida.
"I don't see why you should be so surprised. Renji had far more reason to be surprised when I told him you achieved Bankai long ago and had kept it secret," said Toshiro, closing his eyes.
"YOU TOLD RENJI?!" wailed Kaida, "Why would you DO that?!"
Toshiro opened one eye, his face irritated, "Why wouldn't I? Achieving Bankai isn't something you should keep secret, Kaida. Now we know that you're far more capable and can go on higher class missions. That will come in handy with Aizen looming in the darkness."
Kaida slumped back in her bed, "Toshiro, you idiot, I kept it a secret for a reason!"
"Yes, I know," said Toshiro, glancing at her, "But with the loss of three Captains, I didn't have much of a choice."
"What are you saying?" Kaida demanded.
Toshiro got to his feet and began to leave the room, "Get well soon, Kaida." Was all he said before he vanished.
*.*.*
The next week Kaida was released from squad four's barracks. As soon as she was freed, she only had one mission. She swiftly made her way back to squad eleven's barracks. Eyes narrowed, walking with direct purpose, she opened the door to the lounge area and spotted him.
"ICHIGO KUROSAKI!"
"Eh?" Ichigo blinked and turned. He was sitting on the edge of the room watching a few members sparring. When he saw Kaida his eyes got wide, "Oh, Kaida, you're all bet-"
WAM!
Ichigo went flying across the room, slamming into the far wall. He fell to the floor and groaned in pain before sitting up, face twisted in anger, "What the hell was THAT for?!" he demanded.
"I'm only going to tell you this ONCE Ichigo!" Kaida snapped, storming over to him and making him wince at her approach, raising an arm defensively, "No one, AND I MEAN NO ONE, hurts my big brother! GOT IT?!"
"I didn't have a choice he attacked me-" began Ichigo.
WAM!
"Augh, WHY?!" Ichigo wailed as he picked himself off the floor again from a few yards away, "Jeez, I just got better, you don't need to give me more injuries!"
"No one!" Kaida repeated, crossing her arms as she loomed over him, "I'm only going let you slide this one time because Renji forgave you, but if I ever catch you hurting him ever again, I will kill you, Ichigo!"
"Alright, alright!" Ichigo muttered, sitting up and rubbing his head, "Just stop hitting me!"
"Hmph," Kaida folded her arms and stepped away from him, "Stupid strawberry."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!" Ichigo demanded.
"That's what your name means, doesn't it?" Kaida asked.
"Does not!" Ichigo cried, "Well, in some dialect, yes, but-"
Kaida let out a laugh.
"Pah! Alright, and what does Kaida mean? Little shit?" Ichigo demanded.
"It means little dragon, actually, which is hell of a lot better than strawberry!" laughed Kaida.
"I suppose your name kind of goes with your Bankai, then, from what I've heard of it."
Kaida's laugh cut off and she turned, beaming, "Renji!" she pounced at him, making to latch onto his torso in a hug.
Renji caught her by the back of her kimono before she could and just glared at her before setting her on her feet.
"Renji-?" Kaida began.
"Why didn't you tell me?!" Renji demanded.
Kaida flinched, "Uh- which part?" she asked sheepishly.
"All of it!" bellowed Renji, "Being there when Rukia gave up her powers! Having a Bankai!"
"Uh, well…" Kaida shifted uncomfortably, "Rukia made me promise not to tell you about her giving her powers to strawberry over there."
"So what?!" snapped Renji, "You should have told me! I'm your brother! Rukia and I practically raised you together!"
"I figured Kisuke would take care of her," muttered Kaida.
"Alright, fine, then what about the Bankai?" growled Renji, "Captain Hitsugaya said that you've known how to do it since before he was a Captain! Why didn't you tell anyone?!"
"Actually, she did tell someone," muttered Ikkaku, sitting a few feet away, "My guess would be she refrained from telling you because she didn't want you to feel bad."
"Ikkaku, you knew?" Ichigo gasped.
Ikkaku leaned back, closing his eyes, "I was there when she achieved it the first time."
"And that's the only reason he knows!" said Kaida defensively.
"So, are there any other secrets I should know about?" Renji snarled, looking back at Kaida, "Hm?"
"Uh, not that I can think of at the moment, no."
"Good," Renji snapped, glaring at her with a deep anger for a moment longer before it melted away and he grabbed her, pulling her into a tight hug, "I was so damned worried about you, you little shit."
Kaida gasped at the sudden hug attack but then smiled a bit and hugged him back, "I told you I'm not a kid, you don't have to worry about me," she muttered.
"Well tough luck, I'm going to anyway," said Renji as he stepped back from her, "You're not the only one with a Bankai anymore."
"Toshiro told me," said Kaida, grinning a bit, "I heard Zabimaru is quite the badass giant snake monster."
Renji grinned a bit smugly, "Yes well, I still need to practice some with it. It takes some getting used to."
Kaida beamed, "We can spar together, Renji! Bankai on Bankai! It'll be fun!"
"So it's true then."
Kaida winced and turned to see Kenpachi step into the room. He looked Kaida over with his one visible eye narrowed.
"Hitsugaya gave me the report and I didn't want to believe him that you'd been holding out on me, Kaida. You're tellin' me you've had this Bankai all this time?" he asked roughly.
"Eh- maybe?" Kaida gave him a huge smile.
Kenpachi chuckled softly, "Well then, Kaida. I'm going to have to see you when you're fully recovered to test your Bankai for myself."
"Wait what?" Kaida's eye twitched.
"You heard me," said Kenpachi, crossing his arms and grinning wickedly, "We've sparred before and I was always under the impression you were giving it your all, but now that I know you've been holding back I need to reassess where your skills are. Not to mention it could be really fun."
"But- Kenpachi-" Kaida began, laughing nervously.
"Weren't you just saying sparring with your brother would be fun? So why wouldn't it be with me?" Kenpachi leaned down to her level, smirking.
Kaida's eye twitched again, "Well- it might be a while before I'm up to my full strength again," she said in a tiny voice.
"You're right!" Kenpachi straightened and looked over, "Ichigo! You're wounds are healed, right?"
"Uh, yeah?" Ichigo looked over, perking a brow.
"Then let's fight!" roared Kenpachi, unsheathing his battered blade.
"What?! NO! No way!" Ichigo wailed and ran out through door and into the street.
Kenpachi smashed through the window after him, "Come on, Ichigo, FIGHT ME!"
"I'm not fighting you again!" Ichigo cried back as the two disappeared into the distance.
"Looks like Captain Zaraki is still determined to make you into his little clone," said Renji, glancing at Kaida, "Even though he doesn't even know the name of his Zanpakuto."
"Yeah, he confuses me sometimes," sighed Kaida, leaning back against the wall.
"So," Renji turned to face Kaida full on, frowning down at her, "Is it true about how powerful Aizen is? I mean, I know he took me out easily, but I was already weak from my fight with Captain Kuchiki. But… the story is he demolished both you and Captain Hitsugaya in one hit each."
"It's true, as much as I hate to admit it," muttered Kaida, pouting a bit, crossing her arms, "I was told that it turns out his Zanpakuto can actually cause complete hypnosis."
"Yeah, that's how he faked his death," said Renji.
"And Gin and Kaname joined him…" sighed Kaida, "Losing three Captains in one sweep… how long had they been planning this I wonder? How long have they been major pricks? All along?"
"I don't know," admitted Renji, "But squad five is under the most strain. They lost their Captain and their Lieutenant is in urgent care."
"Yeah," Kaida shook her head, "How's Eravi doing by the way?"
"He recovered before you," said Renji, "All he had to deal with was Ichimaru, not Aizen himself, but he was caught by complete surprise. He's back in squad nine helping Shuhei get things settled."
"And Izuru?" asked Kaida.
"He had nothing to do with the main plot that Aizen was scheming," said Renji, "He's trying to run squad three right now. He had been lied to by Ichimaru, manipulated. Everything is in chaos."
"Where's Toshiro?" Kaida asked, "He's well enough to be sitting at his desk doing boring paper work already, huh?"
Renji looked down at her with a bland expression, "You're still going to pull that? From what I heard, the two of you have put that stupid rivalry aside."
"Huh?!" Kaida gasped, mocking outrage, "Who would ever tell you such a thing?"
"Rangiku."
"That gossip."
"In any case, you sided with him when Momo tried to attack him from Aizen's note," Renji said, "She said from then on, the two of you worked together, and weren't bickering nearly as much."
"Yeah, well," Kaida shrugged, "He's not as much of a loser as I originally believed."
Renji smirked a bit and ruffled her hair before taking the red scarf from his arm and holding it out to her, "Well, it might well help pulling together in times like these. Best to put that old grudge with him aside now, because we all need each other for what's coming. At least that's my guess."
Kaida took the scarf in her arm and looked at it before taking it on the end and making a clean straight rip right down the middle long ways, making two thinner ribbons.
"Ah! What are you doing?" Renji cried.
Kaida snatched his hand and wound one of the ribbons around and around it then tied it off and patted the back of his knuckles.
"Because just like you once wanted me to have a reminder that you would always watch over me, I want you to have a reminder that I will always be there for you," said Kaida, grinning up at him, "I won't let anything ever hurt you again, Renji."
"Kaida," grumbled Renji, turning red and glancing around, "I don't need coddling, I'm the big brother here."
"Tough muffins!" said Kaida and took her half of the scarf and was about to wrap it around her neck and part of her face like normal, but for some reason, her mind supplied a curious memory.
The memory of Toshiro's eyes when he saw her without her scarf. Of when he saw her Bankai, and her face was in full view.
Kaida took the ribbon and carefully tied it about her head, using it to pull the majority of her hair from her face, though a few wild strands still found their way down. Kaida grinned up at her brother.
"We'll make a pact, bro," she said firmly, "I'll keep you from getting hurt and you keep me from getting hurt, but let's vow to fight so damn hard we don't need each other to help unless it's the most dire of all tricky situations. 'Kay?"
Renji smirked, "Alright. You got it."
*.*.*
Kaida strode down the street, her hands laced behind her head. Ichigo and his human friends had returned to the world of the living about a week ago. Things had calmed down somewhat in the seireitei. No one knew what Aizen's next move was yet. However, it was safe to assume it was going to be a while yet before he showed his douche bag face again. Kaida remembered vividly of how easily he cut her down.
She also remembered him saying he didn't kill her because he might have use for her later.
Creepilicious, Kaida thought with a slight shiver.
A Zanpakuto that could cause complete hypnosis? That could mean any number of things! But he couldn't possibly have complete control over someone's mind otherwise he would have just had all the Soul Reapers kill themselves or something…
Right…?
Right?!
Kaida sighed. The whole Aizen thing had shaken her up. She had never been so close to death. But a few good things had come from it.
"Kaida."
Kaida turned, perking a brow and froze to the spot when she saw Kenpachi coming her way. She still hadn't taken him up on his sparring match proposal yet, and had no intention to now. She would probably just end up right back in squad four. Bankai or not, Kenpachi was a beast. From the stories, she heard he took on Kaname and Sajin with both their Bankai's out and didn't even break a sweat. Yeah. No. No thanks.
But Kenpachi wasn't grinning his 'I'm going to cut you into ribbons and laugh the entire freaking time' grin. He looked serious. He paused when he reached Kaida, frowning down at her. They both stared at one another for a moment. Kaida was getting slight willies from him just staring at her like that. And then-
"Hiya Firefly!"
Kaida nearly fell over when Yachiru burst up from Kenpachi's shoulder, beaming hugely, her pink hair fluttering.
"T'sup Yachiru?" Kaida breathed, still catching her breath.
"Didja tell her yet, Kenny?" Yachiru asked.
Kenpachi glanced at her, "You've been here the whole time, you know I haven't told her yet."
"So tell her!" Yachiru grinned.
Kenpachi sighed and then looked back at Kaida, "Listen up, Kaida, I didn't want to be the one to tell ya this. Frankly, it pisses me off."
"Tell me what?" Kaida asked, tilting her head.
"It looks like the Head Captain is determined to fill the empty Captain slots as soon as possible," Kenpachi said, crossing his arms, "Don't know how that gives him the right to reach in and pluck my third seat from my squad, but hell. Apparently I don't get a say, if your skills match up."
"Wait, what?!" Kaida wailed, taking a step back, "What- wait- Kenpachi! Please for the love of all that is sane, tell me you're not telling me what you're telling me!"
"That barely made any sense," laughed a voice.
Kaida turned to see Eravi Tentzu heading down the street, his white and black cloak billowing out behind him, his thumbs tucked into the cloth strap wrapped around his middle.
"Domino!" Kaida and Yachiru both said in unison.
Eravi chuckled and waved lightly, "Yeah, I just got the news too, Kaida. Looks like since we're the only ones that can achieve Bankai and aren't in a fixed Lieutenant slot like your brother, it turns out it's our 'responsibility' to step up."
"This is dumb!" Kaida pouted, crossing her arms, "I knew that if word got out about my Bankai this would happen. It's why I never told anyone."
"You can still say no, can't cha?" asked Yachiru cheerfully, "Then you can stay in squad eleven with us!"
Kaida pondered for a moment. Yes, she was fairly certain that it was possible to refuse a promotion. However… she knew that Old Man Yamamoto had a point. They had to fill those Captain positions. The squads were in chaos. Especially squad five. So that annoying little conscience that she sometimes had poked its head up and prodded her hard in the side. It was true. Eravi and her were the only ones able to do it. Even if they refused, it would be constant nagging, possibly even demotions in repercussions.
"You're gonna take it, ain't cha?" asked Kenpachi gruffly, "I can see that look in your face. Like you see a destination, and you're gonna do whatever it takes to get there."
Kaida sighed heavily, "I don't think there is a real choice here, Kenpachi. They'll say there's one, but reality disagrees. I have to take it. So do you, Eravi," she glanced at him, "At least you can stay with your squad."
"Not sure how they'll take to calling me a Captain," muttered Eravi, frowning thoughtfully, "But I have always been close to Shuhei."
"The evaluation will be in the next day or two," said Kenpachi, turning.
"Kenpachi," Kaida called to him as he began to walk away.
He glanced back, those bells tied in his hair ringing.
"Thanks," Kaida grinned at him.
"For what?" Kenpachi asked roughly.
"Everything."
Kenpachi smirked a bit, "Ya only got yourself to thank, kid. And even if you do become a Captain, don't think that get's you out of training with me."
"Of course it wouldn't," sighed Kaida, hanging her head in defeat.
Yachiru giggled, "This'll be fun! I wanna see your Bankai soon, Kaida!"
Kaida grinned lightly at her, giving a thumbs up before they left her sight.
"Your Captain doesn't seem too pleased," said Eravi.
Kaida looked over at him, "I think Kenpachi has always wanted an heir to his throne of Captain of squad eleven. My guess is he wanted it to be me."
"What about his Lieutenant?" asked Eravi.
Kaida laughed, "Yahciru? Nah, she wouldn't be his heir. See, I can't see Kenpachi going anywhere without her. And she follows him no matter where he goes. So it's simple, if he ever goes, so will she. And he knows it."
"Suppose that makes sense," Eravi leaned against the wall, "See, what I'm trying to figure out… even though Head Captain Yamamoto knows about our Bankais, there still had to be another Captain to recommend us to him. So, it obviously wasn't my Captain who recommended me considering he's off playing with Menos Grade," he said this part with slight venom in his voice, but calmed afterward, "And I highly doubt Captain Zaraki was the one to recommend you after that display."
"Honestly, I can see any of the Captains recommending you, Eravi, you're perfect Captain material, always had been," said Kaida, crossing her arms, "But me? Heh. I'm irresponsible, terrible at Kido, don't listen to rules or protocol, constantly disrespect titles to everyone… I don't think anyone would recommend me. Even though my way of doing things is freaking awesome fun," she laughed.
Eravi chuckled, "I can think of someone who would do it," he said before flash-stepping away.
*.*.*
Kaida sat on the plush pillow, head in her hands, elbows propped on the knees of her crossed legs. Across from her were Head Captain Yamamoto, Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, Captain Jushiro Ukitaki, and Captain Sajin Komamura.
"Third Seat of squad eleven, Kaida Abarai," said Old Man Yamamoto in his deep most formal voice, "After your evaluation and testing your skills, myself and the three Captains present have come together and decided that there is no fault in your abilities or personality that could prohibit you from being a Captain."
"Really? Personality too? Kinda surprised on that one, figured someone would have at least one complaint…" Kaida muttered.
"Actually, your boldness is quite a valuable quality in that of a Captain," said Jushiro, smiling lightly at her, pushing some white hair from his face, "Shunsui and I decided that your bravery and quick thinking in battle will be an excellent asset."
"Yeah, so shut your trap and don't push it," said Shunsui with an amused smirk.
"I hereby promote you to Captain of squad three," said Yamamoto swiftly, "Congratulations, Captain Abarai."
"Wait, squad three?" Kaida blinked, "Er- no- no offense, Yama, but, squad five is missing both their Captain and their Lieutenant, wouldn't it… maybe… be wiser to give me to them?"
"I can understand your point of view, Captain Abarai, however, squad five will under my personal eye for now. We do not know how far Aizen's influence spread through the ranks," said Yamamoto, "Now, go and get on your new uniform, and be ready in an hour for a Captain's meeting in which you and new Captain Tentzu will be formally introduced to the other Captains."
"Uh, yeah okay," Kaida said, getting to her feet and saluting good naturedly, "So, I just- go to… squad three's barracks…?"
"No, not there. Here, I'll accompany you," said Jushiro with a good natured grin, "I remember when I was first promoted, it can be quite flustering."
"Thanks," Kaida laughed, rubbing the back of her neck.
"I might as well tag along," Shunsui stood, "Anything else to add, Sajin?" he glanced at the great dog like Captain.
Sajin shrugged, "Her abilities are amazing, that cannot be denied, but keep in mind that a Captain's duties extend beyond just having a Bankai. Keep a cool and sharp mind, Captain Abarai. If you're ever in need of advice, we are here."
"Hurry up now," said Yamamoto sharply.
The three of them left and Kaida sighed heavily. She would have to move all her stuff to squad three's barracks… squad three. Squad three! How had she ended up being their Captain?! If she recalled correctly, their flower symbol, the marigold, meant despair, and basically meant that they detested fighting. That they tried to avoid it at all cost, but when they had to, they did everything necessary to end it swiftly and efficiently. Kaida. Was. From. Squad. Eleven. Not sure what part of that Yamamoto missed. But she wasn't exactly… afraid of fighting. Or despairing over it. Or whatever.
She loved fighting. Lived for it.
Yeah, Kenpachi had rubbed off her quite a bit it seemed.
But, she supposed since it would be easier to let Eravi become Captain of squad nine since he was already part of them, and because Yamamoto wanted to keep an eye on squad five, three was the only squad to give Kaida.
Captain…
It was such a weird feeling. Kaida had done so much to avoid this. But here she was… she guessed that there wasn't much for it. The one upside to this was going to be rubbing it in Toshiro's face. She couldn't wait to see the look on his face when she showed up to the Captain's meeting.
In fact. No one but Yamamoto and the three Captains that tested her, and Kenpachi, she supposed, knew she had been promoted. She grinned a bit at the thought of the looks on their faces when she walked in.
She just hoped she wouldn't have to touch paper work. Ever.
"You're awfully quiet," said Shunsui, smirking down at her as they walked, "Very unlike you, Kaida."
"Sorry," Kaida laughed, "Just thinking. It's kind of surreal, ya know? All of this. Aizen, and me becoming a Captain… somehow it doesn't feel real yet."
"Yes, quite a lot has happened this past month," said Jushiro, "But for me the weirdest part is not seeing you and Captain Hitsugaya yelling at each other every time you're together."
Kaida shrugged. It was true, her and Toshiro's old heated rivalry no longer had the venom in it. Their teasing to each other held a new tune, much more good natured, more light. Kaida wasn't sure if she liked admitting that the little white haired Captain was her friend now.
"I suppose that even something as terrible as what Aizen did can cause some good things to happen," said Shunsui, "Like old enemies becoming friends to face it."
"Here we are," Jushiro paused outside a building and headed inside. It was the building where the Soul Reapers got their kimonos. It turned out there was a special section toward the back for Captains.
A few workers went to Kaida and took her measurements.
"With or without sleeves?" one asked.
"Uh," Kaida shrugged, "Without," she decided.
"Same fashion as Captain Zaraki, eh?" asked Shunsui.
"He's a huge part of why I'm even here," said Kaida.
It didn't take them long to make the robe. Kaida stared at the squad three symbol on the back for a moment. It was here that she fully put her days in squad eleven behind her. It was depressing, actually. Kaida loved that squad. Ikkaku and Yumichika, her hilarious pink haired Lieutenant Yahciru, and her fight crazed Captain Kenpachi. But that conscience reared its head again and she sighed, pulling it on over her kimono.
"Well, look at that," Shunsui said with an amused grin, "When I first saw Toshiro's Captain's robes, I never thought I would see any smaller than that."
"Shut up, I'm not that much shorter than him!" Kaida grumbled.
"We better get back," said Jushiro, "They'll be starting that Captain's meeting soon."
"You two go ahead, I have to check something," said Kaida.
"Don't be late," said Shunsui with a grin, "I can't imagine Old Man Yamamoto would be too pleased."
"Eh, might as well get used to it now," laughed Kaida.
Jushiro and Shunsui left and Kaida went up onto the roofs. She stood up there for a long moment.
Hotaru?
She reached her mind out to her Zanpakuto, closing her eyes.
I am here, Firefly.
Kaida smiled lightly at the familiar voice.
Can I do this? She asked.
I will be with you the whole way, Firefly. So long as you keep true to yourself, you will become a great Captain.
I never wanted to be a Captain.
What you want and what is destined hardly ever sync up perfectly. You must keep on, no matter the circumstances. Burn through the storm, Firefly.
Kaida took a deep breath.
Alright. Can do.
And with that she leapt off the building and rushed back toward the squad one barracks.
Naturally, she was the last one to show up. Eravi was waiting outside the doors, shifting foot to foot. He looked extremely odd without his usual cloak. Kaida had forgotten that his hair was black and white as well. He had the squad nine Captain's coat on, with sleeves. He glanced back and grinned.
"There you are. I was too nervous to go in on my own," he admitted softly.
"'Cause you might run into something?" Kaida smirked.
"I'd say you can't talk that way to a Captain, but seeing as you're one now too, that won't work."
"Like it would have worked if I wasn't," laughed Kaida, "Where's your cloak?"
"Figured for my first appearance I should leave it off. Feels weird though. Pretty sure I'll wear it over this from here on out," said Eravi.
"Fair enough, I mean, Shunsui wears his pink coat over his," said Kaida with a shrug, "Shall we?" she nodded to the door.
"Guess so," sighed Eravi and turned, opening the doors.
The other Captains were all already there, lined up in their normal fashion. Kaida and Eravi stepped inside, Eravi looking almost rigid and formal, Kaida with her hands laced behind her head and a big grin on her face. In addition to the Captains, Lieutenants Shuhei Hisagi and Izuru Kira were here, looking wary.
"May I introduce you to the new Captains of squads nine and three," said Old Man Yamamoto at the head of the room, "Captain Eravi Tentzu will be taking over squad nine, while Captain Kaida Abarai will be taking squad three. Myself and Captains Komamura, Kyoraku, and Ukitaki have all evaluated their abilities and have determined that they shall be promoted without further hesitation."
"Are you kidding me...?" muttered Soifon, the Captain of squad two, "That little brat was made a Captain…?"
"Interesting," muttered Mayuri, Captain of squad twelve, "I expected Tentzu, but the girl…?"
Eravi shot a sharp look at Mayuri. Kaida frowned at this. She knew that he and Mayuri always had a weird sort of tension between the two of them. She was always curious as to how it started.
"Excellent choices," said Retsu Unohana, Captain of squad four, smiling lightly, "Both of their abilities should assist in their own unique ways."
"If you say so," grunted Soifon.
Kaida spotted Toshiro and saw to her surprise he didn't look the least bit surprised. Not even angry. In fact he was just staring ahead blandly.
"Well, at least ya pull off the Captain's coat well, kid."
Kaida looked over to Kenpachi on the other side of her. She grinned, "Thanks, Kenpachi," she said.
"K-Kaida Abarai?" that was Izuru.
Kaida turned to see him staring at her with his one visible eye huge. She waved at him, grinning, "T'sup Izuru?"
"Heh, Eravi, suppose I should have guessed," said Shuhei, smirking a bit.
Kaida looked back at Toshiro again. This time, he was looking her over carefully. Kaida crossed her arms.
"Surprised, Little Shiro?" she prompted with a grin.
Toshiro grunted and closed his eyes, "Hardly."
"Huh?" Kaida pouted, "Not even a little?"
"Of course he wouldn't be, who do you think gave me the recommendation to promote you?" asked Yamamoto.
"Wait WHAT?!" Kaida wailed, eyes wide as she looked at Toshiro.
He did not open his eyes to meet her gaze, "You and Eravi Tentzu were the obvious choices," he said simply.
"Would either of you like to speak?" prompted Yamamoto.
Kaida tried to recover. Yeah, her and Toshiro had gotten past their rivalry for the most part, but for him to recommend her for the Captain's position? He constantly noted how irresponsible she was, how she was so far from Captain material it was ridiculous. So then why did he do it?! She looked at Eravi and gestured for him to speak first, not able to find her voice at that moment.
Eravi nodded and faced the Captains again, "I understand that we have been through extremely trying times with Aizen's betrayal. But I promise I will do my best to keep squad nine together and become a great asset to the court guard squads so we can take Aizen and his cohorts down the next time he shows his face. I respected Kaname Tosen a lot. And I think I speak for all of us when I say that his betrayal was completely unexpected. It did not fit his ideals or morals, the ones he taught me, and the ones that I will continue to teach in squad nine. However, I vow that I will never go against my own morals like he did. Squad nine will reform and be strong again."
"Very good," said Yamamoto briskly, "Captain Abarai? Do you have anything to say?"
Kaida looked up.
Captain Abarai.
Yeah, alright, she supposed she could get used to that.
"Well," she laced her hands behind her head again, "All I can say is this is gonna be fun," she smirked, "That's what I can promise."