A/N: I don't own Bleach

All I have is my creative mind

We meet again – HITSUKARIN

There are always threes sides to a story…. HERS, HIS, and what really happen

We are still in the flashback… (Manga Spoilers)

Chapter 21: His Side… New Responsibilities part 2

A love taken away

I stood in the great hall with Kurosaki, I had no idea why but I felt I needed to be there for him.

He looked at me calmly saying, 'I still can't believe it'

I observed his eyes which looked empty as he ran his fingers through his hair saying, 'Ever since meeting her I have loved her, and in a blink of an eye she is taken away.'

Everyone knew he loved her but this was the first time, I had ever heard him say it.

I looked at him saying, 'I assume it was your intention to request her hand in marriage?'

He turned and looked at me saying, 'It was always in the back of my mind, but I never thought ….'

I looked at him saying, 'It seems Kuchiki Taicho does not agree with this match.'

Hearing my words his eyes lit up with hope as he said, 'I forgot about that, maybe if presented with an alternative maybe Rukia will be free to marry me'

I then asked, 'so what are you going to do?'

He stood there looking at me saying, 'If I understand this correct in order to set things right they need a marriage between Shiba and Kuchiki?'

I nodded as I said, 'Yes I believe so'

Then he said, 'Akrina, you said she is beautiful.'

Once again I nodded saying, 'Yes I believe so'

His eyes were calculating as he said, 'you are her protector when means you will be close to her.'

Hearing his words the hair on the back of my neck started to stand, I really did not like where this was going.

He looked at me his eyes turned serious as he said, 'I need information ….I need to know about her and her Ni Sama… I need to know everything that took place between the Shiba and Kuchiki Clans.'

My eyes became large as I looked at him saying, 'Where are you going with this?'

His eyes turn determined as he stood there saying, 'Toushirou I need your help. I need to know what I am up against… I will not give up Rukia without a fight.'

I was speechless as I looked at him.

I had yet to come to grips with the strange attraction I felt for Lady Shiba.

My plan was to assign someone from my division to watch over her; therefore I would stay as far away from her as possible.

Now Kurosaki stood asking me to find out information, information that can only be gained by being close to the woman.

Ugh I did not like this at all; it must have shown on my face because he looked at me saying, 'what is it Toushirou?'

I looked at him saying, 'It is something about her that makes me nervous being around her.'

As if reading my thoughts he said, 'Toushirou, I have contemplated what I am about to ask, but with so much at stake I find I must ask.'

I looked at him warily as he stood there saying, 'Toushirou what are your feelings for Karin Chan?'

I looked at him, quickly saying, 'What does that have to do with this?'

He looked at me saying, 'If your feelings for Karin Chan are true, then being around any other woman should not affect you.'

He looked at me saying, 'I know you love her, I seen it in your eyes…. Whatever is going on between you and Lady Shiba… you need to shake it off quickly, because I need your help.'

With those words he turned and walked out.

I stood looking at him as he walked away.

I knew he spoke the truth…but still….

Kuchiki ~ Shiba

Two days later, the Kuchiki elders gathered at the Kuchiki Manor...

Rukia sits quietly at the table listening as Byakuya and several Kuchiki nobles discuss the Shiba Clan.

Byakuya's voice is soft but stern as he looks to the elders saying, 'I have gone throughout the records and I still not have a clear understanding of what is going on.'

He breathes deeply then says, 'Argon, I need you to tell us all that was not written in the records.'

Everyone looks to Argon, the oldest of the elders, he closes his eyes with a sigh and then starts to speak saying, 'Byakuya Sama, as you know from the records the Shiba Clan was once a formidable Clan. Their leaders are born with the power to control their reiatsu and use it in unusual ways. It is said their leader could heal massive victims at once to spread destruction across the land.'

He looks around the table saying, 'It was through the fear of their destructive power that they maintained their hold on all of the people, thus causing resentment amongst the noble houses.'

He looks around saying, 'In order to keep peace it was decided that the noble houses would marry between clans, more importantly marry into the Shiba Clan.'

'The first arranged marriage was with the Kuchiki Princess and the Shiba Akuma son of the 15th Shiba Clan leader.'

'It was said that this marriage would bring forth a strong heir for the Shiba Clan and would also empower the already powerful Kuchiki Clan. It was because of this many in the noble houses became nervous. Upon meeting the young couple found they had an attraction for each other, the clans were ecstatic with anticipation of the wedding.'

Argon looks around with sad eyes as he continues his story saying, 'The night before the wedding the young couple, had gone out for a walk along the pond next to the Shiba Manor. No one knows what happened, but when they were found the princess was murdered and Akuma Kun covered with blood lying unconscious.'

'He stood trial for her murder; he proclaimed his innocence stating he loved her and would never have killed her. His words fell on death ears, without strong evidence he was put to death.'

'With the death of the Akuma, the Shiba Clan became withdrawn and suspicious of the Kuchiki clan, claiming that someone else had committed the murder.'

He sips tea then continues saying, 'Then several years later Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto founded of the Shinigami Academy and the Gotei 13, out of the noble houses only three joined and became Taichos of divisions.'

He looks to Byakuya saying, 'Ginrei Kuchiki 27th leader of the Kuchiki clan and Taicho of the 6th division and Yoruichi Shihōin, the 22nd leader of Shihōin Clan, the Captain of the 2nd Division and Commander of the Onmitsukidō, and surprisingly Hison Shiba, the 23rd leader of the Shiba Clan Taicho of the 10th Division.'

Byakuya's eyes become larger as Argon saying, 'Hison Shiba was different than any of the other Shiba Leaders in the pass. He was very young, powerful and laid back. He had a strong interest in the human world and would go there for days.'

Byakuya looks at Argon saying, 'I did not get that impression from all that I had read about the man.'

Argon looks to Byakuya saying, 'What you read was true he was unpredictable, unorthodox, and clever.'

Argon has a pleasant smile as he says, 'but those where the qualities that made him special.'

Argon looks to everyone and continues to speak saying, 'Until unbeknownst to Hison Sama while he was away in the human world, the elders of the Shiba Clan approached us invoking the marriage agreement made between Kuchiki Clan and the Shiba Clan years ago. Ginrei Sama had known Hison Sama and did not object to the marriage but the Kuchiki Princess, your mother Byakuya Sama had already fallen in love with your father.'

Byakuya's eyes become large with disbelief but he remains silent as he listens, 'Upon returning from the human world, Hison Sama was told of his impending marriage and he was not pleased about it. He and your mother had been friends for years, and he knew she was in love with your father. So that night the three of them met to discuss how to break the engagement without either clan loosing honor. That is when they were attacked, it was a fierce battle, your parents were hurt and Hison Sama had disappeared.'

Byakuya's eyes become large as he says, 'why is there no record of all of this in the archives!'

Argon looks to Byakuya saying, 'Byakuya Sama, I don't know why Ginrei Sama did not put it in the archives.'

Argon's eyes are sad as he says, 'The Gotei 13 and the Shiba Clan searched for Hison, but could not find him. Again the Shiba Clan became untrusting of the Kuchiki clan and now the Gotei 13. They closed the manor and pulled away from the Gotei 13… away from Seireitei.'

Byakuya sits quietly as he continues to listen as Argon says, 'Years later Kaien Shiba took on the role of leader, but because he did not possess the true power of controlling reisatu, it was in name only not birth right. As the vice Captain of the 13th division, he and the Shiba Clan re-engaged the Gotei 13.'

Rukia's head drops as she hears Argon say, 'Even thought it had nothing to do with marriage, again the Kuchiki Clan was connected to the death of a member of the Shiba Clan.'

Argon pauses as he looks to Rukia then to Byakuya, saying, 'For hundreds of years something or someone has been manipulating the two clans. The scroll in which has been presented to you is real and with all that has happened in the past between the two clans this marriage is most important.'

Byakuya stands protectively next to Rukia and looks into her eyes as she says, 'That is what Akrina Sama meant when she said "this marriage is the first step towards peacefully rectifying what was done long ago"

Argon looks over to them both quietly saying, 'Hai… and it is dangerous because we still don't know who was behind the murders in the past and if they will attack Rukia Sama to prevent it from happening now.'

Byakuya stands looking out the window, his eyes full of concern.

A sister's concern

At that very moment…

Hitsugaya stands with Hinamori in his living room discussing of all things his decision to protect lady Shiba.

Hinamori looked at me, her eyes full of concern as she said, 'Shirou Chan, why ...why did you do it?'

I could not help but cuts my eyes at Hinamori saying, 'Momo stop, my name is Hitsugaya Taicho, and second as the 10th Division Taicho it is my responsibility to protect the Shiba Clan leader and her family. We have discuss this already why do you keep bringing it up?'

Hinamori voice is softly as she says, 'I don't like it!'

She looks at me closely saying, 'Why would you protect a strange woman with your life who is not your girlfriend!'

I just looked at her saying nothing but my eyes told her I was getting annoyed with the conversation.

She rolled her eyes and then changed the conversation saying, 'I went to visit Granny, and she is requesting that you come and visit'

I just looked away, I was now thinking about Akrina. I knew I would to have to confront her soon about what my commitment to her would be, but right then I could not shake the nervous feelings.

Hinamori noticed I had not responded; more to the point I was not paying attention.

She rolled her eyes and started shaking me saying, 'Shirou Chan, did you hear me granny wants to see you.'

I looked down at her saying, 'Ok I heard you the first time… I will plan to go in a few days.'

She looks up at me her eyes full of worry saying, 'Please … please something just isn't right so be careful.'

I looked at her thinking, Momo I love her like a sister and I hate it when she worries, but this was something that I had to do and she would just have to accept it.

I pushed my thoughts out of my mind then said, 'Hai… Good night Momo'

She turned walking out the door saying 'Good night'.

With Momo gone I walked into my bedroom, took off my Haroi and laid it on the chair then walked out onto the balcony.

I looked out unto the pond and was surprised when Akrina Sama walked from the manor towards the shore of the pond.

She is in love

She was completely covered as she walked toward the pond, even though I did not see her eyes I knew they were looking up at the stars.

I then heard singing the voice was soft and sad ….

'When the rain is pouring down…And my heart is hurting….You will always be around….This I know for certain….You and me together…Through the days and nights….I don't worry cause….Everything is gonna be alright….People keep talking They can say what they like…..But all I know is everything is gonna be alright.'

I looked around and saw no one was there with her and became concerned that she was alone. I whispered, 'what the hell is going, where is her guards!'

'No one, no one, no one….Can get in the way of what I'm feeling…No one, no one, no one….Can get in the way of what I feel for you...You …you….Can get in the way of what I feel.'

I now stood watching her.

I could not help but start to grin; she seemed relaxed as her body started to sway to a beat that only she can hear singing.

I listened to the words of the song and whispered, 'This is interesting she is in love. I wonder where this man is and why he isn't with her.'

'I know some people search the world To find something like what we have….I know people will try….Try to divide Something so real….So till the end of time I'm telling you there is no one.'

'No one, no one, no one….Can get in the way of what I'm feeling….No one, no one, no one….Can get in the way of what I feel for you...You …you….Can get in the way of what I feel.'

As I listened to the words she sang and felt my heart stop.

A strong feeling of loneliness swept over me which made me lean again the balcony wall.

That is when I realized, she like me was alone, missing the person we loved.

Suddenly I felt six strong reisatu advancing towards her at high rate of speed.

Attacked

I moved quickly.

I ran into my bedroom grabbed Hyourinmaru and flash stepped to her side.

She did not sense them until they were upon her.

She calmly stood there looking at the six cloaked assassins which now surrounded us.

Her voice held no fear as she said, 'What is the meaning of this… why have you come to my home.'

One of the assassins looked at her arrogantly saying, 'Lady Shiba, prepare to die!'

I stood protectively by her side, I glanced down at her as she said, 'someone will die today but it will not be me'

It was then I watched as her gloved hands slowly went under her veil and pulled two platinum chopsticks each with dangling red silk tassels, from her hair.

As she pulled the chopsticks the veil separating the veil which covered her hair from the piece that covered her face dropped to the ground.

She now stood with her face covered by a thick veil, but her long black waist length braid was exposed, once again I felt myself drawn to her.

My thoughts quickly returned to the situation when she shifted her weight of her foot taking her stance.

I complimented by shifting my weight of my foot taking my stance.

We stood back to back facing the assassins I with Hyourinmaru and she with the chopsticks.

It was then I learned that she was the true Shiba Clan leader.

The power of the Shiba Leader

They laughed at her as she stood there holding those chopsticks, even I was a little concerned, but I heard her say, 'Hitsugaya Taicho please don't worry about me I will be fine.'

I was taken back that she was so calm and focused, I glanced at her saying, 'Hai Lady Shiba, I have sworn to protect you with my life and that is what I intent to do.'

She chuckled saying, 'I hope it will not lead to that, but I am glad you are here…Thank you'

I grinned, and then said, 'No problem.'

Her voice got serious as she whispered, 'I will need one alive.'

I just nodded.

One of the assassins which stood in front of her holding a katana in hand then laughed at her saying, 'what are you doing with the chopsticks, lady Shiba, we have come to kill you not feed you.'

She looked at them stating what you see before you is not for eating it is my Zanpakutō, Haburi Naka (power within)

They laughed at her saying, 'you poor little thing, no wonder you need the 10th Division Taicho to protect you.'

I glanced down at her to ensure she was alright.

I observed she stood there calm and unmoving.

Then to my surprise she calmly said, 'one should not talk about a Shinigami's strength until they understand what it is, and it seems from your words that you do not.'

She started to twirl the chopsticks in her gloved hands saying, 'my father taught me that all captain-level Shinigami consciously keep their Zanpakutō in a manageable size; otherwise everyone would be swinging around swords the size of skyscrapers….this you see before you is the size I prefer.'

With those words she attacked, I was impressed as I witnessed the chopsticks she held in her hands grew into two beautiful butterfly swords.

Her strikes were graceful and deadly, I had to grin as I heard her lecture the assassin as she struck saying 'to judge an opponent by the size of their Zanpakutō tells me as an assassin you are ignorant and are not worthy of my attention.'

With her last statement I heard the first assassin fall, quickly she was attacked by the other two.

My own battle was nothing I could not handle.

I had just defeated my second assassin and was about confront the third when I heard the 10th division alarms sounding followed by the shouts of my guards flash stepping to assist.

The assassin I was fighting turned and fled.

I was not concerned because I signaled one of my men to pursue.

I turned my attention to Lady Shiba, she stood battling two assassins.

I intervened, cutting one down, then turned to confront the other only to find she had him pinned to the ground.

I stood looking around, concerned that still her guards had not come forth.

Matsumoto appeared before me asking if we where alright, I responded saying 'I am fine and to take the assassin to the great hall for questioning' then I turned to see Lady Shiba replace the veil which covered her hair with Haburi Naka.

As I watched her I was amazed that she carried a Zanpakutō and it was concealed in such a manner as not to be noticed.

She looked up and thanked me for my help then calmly said, 'I would like to take possession the assassin that was captured.'

I looked at her saying, 'he will be brought before the Gotei 13 Taichos in the main hall and will be questioned there.'

Even though she just stood there, not speaking I could tell she did not like my response. I looked at her closely as she sighed saying, 'I am in debt to you, Hitsugaya Taicho so I will not argue, but I will insist on being present when he is questioned.'

I stood there looking around, becoming frustrated because I still did not see her guards… she was alone.

She looked at me saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho you seem upset.'

I looked at her saying with a stern tone, 'Lady Shiba where are your guards?'

She turned looking at me saying without concern, 'I sent them to Junrinan and Hokutan on Clan business.'

I was irritated and it showed in the tone of my voice as I said, 'You did WHAT…. You sent your guards away and are unprotected!'

As the words left my lips Ganju Kun ran up to her followed by a group of injured children, adults and guards saying, 'Akrina Sama, the clan was attacked near the first district of Rukongai.'

Hearing his words she became outraged as she swung around facing him saying, 'Who would dare attack children.'

She rushed over directing the guards to take the children to the large building in the back of the Manor, and she would come to see about their wounds.

She turned to me pointing to the injured saying, 'My guards are just that…. MY guards and they were sent to guard what is precious to me.'

She turned her back to me and starting walking toward the back of the manor, as she walked she said, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, I must see to my people, when I am finished I will come to the Great Hall to speak to the assassin!'

I watched as she entered the large building and shut the door.

I stood there pissed, because I now understood Sotaichio's words, 'Hitsugaya, she is her father's daughter which means you will have to watch her closely, because if you don't you will find yourself in the middle of chaos.'

A/N…

I hope you enjoyed it

As always please review...

Song:

No One ~ Alicia Keys

Next chapter: Her Side… The Shiba Clan

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LeRukia