Once again he'd been awake all night, deeply buried in his paperwork. He leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms over his head.
- Man, I'm getting to old for this. He said as he yawned.
Senbonsakura had folded his long body into a perfect circle, which was his preferred sleeping position, raised his head and looked curiously at his master.
- Oh, his majesty has awakened and is looking right at me, I'm honored. Byakuya mocked.
Irritated the dragon gave him a stare, baring his long, pointy fangs and let out a faint hiss.
- Hey, hey now. Isn't it you who always tell me to keep my cool, huh? Now stop that and grow a pair of thumbs so you can hold a pencil will you? I could use a pair of hands more here…
He glanced out of the corner of his eye, at his dragon. Spying for a reaction. But he'd simply gone back to sleep.
- Arrogant little… it's always me who has to do the hard work, while he's slacking, not fair! He mumbled to himself.
He heard a ruckus outside the door followed by a loud knocking.
- Kuchiki-sama! There has been an accident at your sister's chambers, we request your presence immediately! A servant reported.
An accident? He thought to himself. What can this be?
As he got out of his chambers, he was met by a handful of servants, waiting to escort him.
- What is this about? What happened?
- Kuchiki-sama A servant kneeled in front of him. It's her dragon, it shot an icicle, which pierced through her chambers and straight into the stone wall of the opposite building. It could have been an emotional reaction from Rukia-sama which caused it to react that violently, but no one is sure, she refuses to talk to anyone. We need you there Kuchiki-sama!
He let out an irritated sigh;
- Okay, let's go then, servants! Follow me. He ordered.
As they reached Rukia's chambers he caught a glimpse of the wall of the building opposite to Rukia's. The icicle hat buried itself about 30 centimeters into the thick stone wall, and was now slowly melting.
Such a strong attack, for a first time… He thought to himself. This does indeed look promising, but what on earth could've caused such a strong reaction!
He slowly slid the door to her chambers aside and knocked lightly on the doorframe, to announce his arrival. The curtains was drawn, the room was dark. His eyes had to adjust so it took a while before he spotted her. She was sitting on her bed, she hugged her legs tightly against her chest and her dragon, Shirayuki, had curled her body around her in a protective circle.
- Rukia? He said gently, but got no response.
He walked further into the room, Shirayuki raised her head with a jerk and her eyes started to shimmer with a faint blue. She let out a shrill hiss, a warning. Byakuya ignored it and continued to walk towards his sister.
This enraged Shirayuki, confused by the feelings she received by her wielder. She prepared another attack.
Enraged she roared at Byakuya, the blue in her eyes were now glowing a bright blue as she started to form a new icicle;
- Don't you try that trick on me, little one. Byakuya said, a glimpse of humor in his voice.
He lifted his right hand at the dragon and yelled;
- Sohekra!
All signals from her wielder got blocked out and she fell lifeless to the bed.
- Nii-sama! What did you do! Rukia screamed in despair. You killed her!?
Byakuya couldn't help himself, he let out a mocking laughter.
- You really think that I killed your dragon just like that? Don't be silly. I just restrained that beast before it can cause any further harm. You clearly cannot control her at all. Now tell me, what happened here? Why are your feelings in such disorder?
He kneeled in front of her and took her small hands in his.
Rukia told him everything, not caring about what he might think of her. And definitely not thinking of which problems she got Renji into because of this. When she was done, she looked at her brother, searching for any sign of how he processed everything she'd just told him. To her surprise she found a sign of anger, he was clenching his teeth. This brought a bad feeling to her gut.
- Nii-sama, what will you do? She asked quietly, as she realized what she'd just gotten Renji into.
A long silence followed.
Byakuya got up and stood with his back against her as he said;
- Firstly, from tomorrow you will start training with your dragon. Secondly, if that servant, Renji, is not already gone, I will throw him out of this city! I will banish him!
- Nii-sama, you can't do that! He hasn't done anything! You can't!
Byakuya let out a maniacally laughter;
- He hasn't done anything!? You little fool. He has done the worst thing a servant can do. He foolishly reached for your heart Rukia!
- I won't ever go near him again Nii-sama! I promise you! Please you can't do this! Let him stay! I beg you! Tears started to flow down her face.
Byakuya kneeled in front of her once more, laid a hand on her cheek and said;
- I can Rukia, and I will.