This Chapter is a bit of a mixed bag, and I hope you enjoy it. As always, thanks for reading and for taking the time to review. I cannot express how important it is to receive encouragement from readers. My sincerest gratitude to you all.
Warning: Will contain at times; coarse language, drug and sexual references (lemons), occasional violence and OOCness. Rated M for suggestive themes.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or its Characters.
~ TWENTY-SIX ~
Time came to a standstill. All commotion stopped. Renji groaned. But still Ichigo kept yelling while trying to get out of Renji's grip. Everyone was yelling now. Ichigo couldn't grasp what was happening. It couldn't just be his delirium-filled mind playing tricks on him. It had to be her. And yet it couldn't be... What was she doing with the enemy?
"Ichigo, you dummy..." He heard that jibing way of hers in his head. She always called him that, usually followed by a rib to his gut. That was just the way they were with each other. He was her tall orange dummy, and she was his annoying purple pipsqueak.
All of a sudden, Tōshirō backtracked. He wore an ice-blue gauntlet that ran down the length of his right arm, bracing a katana 1.4 meters long. Cables ran from his shoulder and connected to a cyber-link headpiece; Technology combined with age-old weaponry. That way, Tōshirō could control Hyōrinmaru as well as fight.
"Abarai, get Kurosaki out of here!"
Renji didn't need to be told twice. Getting a firmer grip as Ichigo resisted like a man gone mad.
"What the fuck's wrong with you?! It's Senna! We have to go get her!"
"Ichigo, quit being a dumbass," Renji shook his head, feeling a little embarrassed at having to man-handle his younger friend. It had to be done. Tōshirō was right. Knowing how the orange-haired swordsman could get, he'd go from stupid to stupider. And as much as he took pity on the situation, he knew one thing for certain, "Whoever that chick is down there, it ain't Senna."
"Asshole, you know it is-!"
"-Come on slowpokes!"
Worried, Nel had returned to see what the hold up was, but consumed by an ominous feeling of melancholy, she turned her head towards the scene below. Demon yellow eyes bored into her wide cloudy grey ones. An awful terror began clawing at her insides, filling her with an aching despair. It made her head shriek and her heart cry.
Yet there was a familiarity. As if she knew him...somehow.
'This aura... This feeling...' Nel didn't remember his name, whispering aloud, "Do I...know...you?"
An image came to her of a man who plagued her sleeping moments; Long jet-black hair, cruel smile baring teeth and a white eyepatch over his left eye. She felt she knew him too. Perhaps even more so than the black winged Monster. The one-eyed man hated women. Detested the opposite gender with a vile repulsion that superseded all rationale. Nel had a feeling that some time ago, this man was the cause of her scars. Anything more than that, she wasn't sure she wanted to know.
Darkness engulfed her, covering her skin as if sheathed in fine fur. Her eyes glowed blood red and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Gritting her teeth, the urge to scream was so strong. But she couldn't- She had to resist. She didn't want to hurt these nice people.
Immediately, Nel was overcome by a secondary sensation - A psychic push of light glowing warmth - Her eyes flicked to the white robed woman.
"No you mustn't." Spoke a voice inside Nel's head.
"Who are you?"
"I am Nobody." She seemed to smile, though her face remained hidden under the hood.
Nel snapped to as she felt Shūhei half-pushing, half-dragging her towards the exit, his face red from the physical exertion as well as sheer embarrassment. Dark grey eyes read; 'I'm sorry'. He wouldn't dare speak, what with a chin's-breath away from being face-first in her heaving bosom. But Nel was alright now. Whatever had taken ahold of her had somehow been dispelled by the mystery woman.
"Wah puny scar-face man, put me down before you hurt yourself," She quipped.
He did. Gladly.
"So you can manage on your own?" Shūhei said, still worried despite seeing her freaky eye color change return to normal. Nel just nodded.
Then Renji came flying with Ichigo bouncing off one muscle-bound shoulder like a ragdoll. His face fire engine red.
"Oi! You waiting for an invitation?!" He blasted. "We've gotta get out of here!"
Just then the foundations rocked. Nel, Shūhei, Renji and Ichigo felt the tremor of an unknown blast crash behind them. The sound was deafening. Alarm spread across their faces. Seconds later they made a beeline for the exit, too wired to speak. The fight was on - Tōshirō choosing to battle the unknown Entity to give them time to escape. A formidable fighter, his sacrifice couldn't be in vain.
Ichigo meanwhile kept mumbling. He had turned a whiter shade of pale, his breath coming out in ragged puffs as his pulse accelerated, near thumping out of his chest. He couldn't hear a word that was being spoken. All he was certain of was that he'd felt her - Senna. Maybe it wasn't her in the traditional sense, but she was in there. He couldn't explain it. He just knew.
"Where's the Captain?" Rangiku asked Shūhei.
She had started calling Tōshirō 'Captain' ever since Gin's departure. Since her initial moments of grief, the blonde bombshell had moved onto the 'denial' stage. No one had the heart to tell her bottling things up was one of the unhealthiest ways of coping. All they could do was stand by and wait for the fall. Now, more than ever, they had to stay strong.
"Buying us time," He replied solemnly.
Rangiku stopped for a moment, unsure of herself and cast her bright blue gaze back at the passage opening, gaping back at her like an open mouth. Despite being polar opposites, she had always carried a fondness for the serious and somewhat emotionally-closeted junior. Almost like a gravitational pull that bound them together, stemmed from their detachment to their original matches. She couldn't stand to lose Tōshirō. Not her baby...
Shūhei knew it too. Placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, he gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, you guys go and get to the new Hideout. We'll meet you there."
With a firm nod, Shūhei disappeared back into the cave.
Then Rangiku turned to see Isane healing Ichigo. Renji and Nel stood on either side looking sullen after an obviously unfavorable end to a dispute. It didn't take her long to figure out what was going on. Her stomach flipped, but she said nothing. Once Ichigo made his mind up, nothing would convince him otherwise; Loyal to a fault.
"This is the best that I can do," Isane cautioned, "Please try not to overexert yourself."
Renji followed the warning with an incoherent grumble, disquieted. Not that he would admit it outright. To him, getting involved in another man's battle or showing concern was not only an insult but also a sign of weakness.
"Just come back in one piece you hear, so I can knock some sense into you the next time you decide to play 'hero'."
Ichigo looked up at his friend and shot him his trademark half-smile. If you didn't know him, you'd think it was a scowl. Already the color had returned to his cheeks, making him look more alive than he had five minutes prior.
"Yeah, yeah, you'd miss me, I know."
"Blow it out of your ass. Like I care," Renji shot back, arms staunchly folded across his bulky chest. Yet the duo knew the truth of it deep down; Soul Brothers for life.
Then going their separate ways, he left to join Isane, Rangiku and Nel waiting in their black van, the latter having claimed the driver's seat. Renji grinned a little... There were worse things than being left to protect a trio of beautiful, busty women... And though he wasn't the brightest spark in the shed, he knew enough to know that Nel had no place behind the wheel. Opening the car door, he muscled in, much to her disappointment.
"Oi move over, I'll drive," He snickered.
Turning the keys in the ignition, Renji started up the van while Nel slumped back in the passenger seat, pouting. "I know how to drive now. It's fun."
"Yeah, so is living..."
Then he felt a tad guilty when it looked like Nel was about to cry. Despite everyone being so nice, she was having a hard time adjusting. Not remembering who she was or where she came from made the situation even harder. The only time she didn't feel quite so lost was when Ashido was with her.
And then there was that Demon-looking guy who seemed familiar. She was almost positive now that she knew him. Had they been Comrades once? ...Even thinking about the term disturbed her, because it meant she was actually on the wrong side.
The words; 'Army' and 'Ten' sprang to mind. A vague recollection of her in an Army? There were originally ten of them in this so-called Army... So she hadn't been alone. There were others just like her...
In her mind's eye, she envisioned the blurry silhouettes of their group, together. Nel stood third in line. Next to her was the winged creature. In fifth place loomed the man in her dreams. Oddly fascinated by how he appeared titanic even in her imagination. After that was a figure holding an oversized fan, another giant male and a last remaining pair. Someone in the tenth spot was missing. Likewise, a male and female took up first and second position, facing two mysterious men, one who was in a wheelchair. The other appeared older, yet sturdier. They were all dressed in sterile white. Cold and Clinical.
Shisha no guntai. 死者の軍隊。
"Army of the Dead." Nel said to herself. Lost deep in thought, it was as if her barred memory bank had sprung a leak.
"Eh, say what now?" But she just peered over at the tattooed redhead and said nothing, her face puckering up into a sombre frown. Deep brown eyes looked thoughtful, then strained back on the road ahead. Frustrated by how quickly things had gone awry, he counted on seeing the gang safely back together, for once letting the silence hang. Until he thought he'd go stir crazy. "Hey, Greenie, that Demon dude is like you, right?"
"How did you know?" Afraid at being caught out, her face fell.
"Well you've both got weird facial markings, so I figured..."
"See you're not as dumb as you look-"
"-Who said I was dumb?"
It was as if she didn't even hear him. Doing her best emo look, Nel tried to pass it off as ominous and foreboding. Epic fail. At least Renji had the good grace not to laugh.
"I'm dangerous. If you know what's good for you you'd leave me in the dust."
"Nah, you're just a woman with a mean scream who can't drive for shit. But you're one of us now. Whoever you were before doesn't matter. That's all there is to it," Renji replied. His experience in dealing with the opposite gender wasn't great, but he was firm in his beliefs... Besides, weren't they all dangerous in their own way?
Nel looked at him in surprised delight. Of all the group, Renji had been the hardest to figure out, keeping up a pretense of being too macho. Now she had a better idea. Catching him off-guard, she lunged at him in a sideways hug.
"You're just a big softie!" She squealed.
Renji swerved hard on the wheel to correct his steering and tried to shove her away. Not easy when you drove stick. "Oi get off me, crazy woman!"
She sat back, all smiles. "Gooey."
"Next time you're sitting in the back," Renji grumbled, shaking his head.
Thinking back on the others, he was grateful that at least Rukia was safe, even with her Agent boyfriend. Not that he knew how to take Byakuya. For Renji, it was dislike at first sight; Fancy clothes. Pretty-boy looks. And a pompous attitude, the Agent seemed as far opposite to Rukia as egg rolls and bananas. But she was hooked on the guy, and if Renji was any friend at all, he'd stand by her choice. It helped that Shūhei seemed in better spirits too. Acceptance at last.
But what was really on Renji's mind was that Byakuya, likable or not, was the only person who had told him about his match, Yoshino Soma. And relayed a message from her, ending a near lifetime of curiosity and hurt...
...
Running along the passage, Ichigo soon caught up with Shūhei, who had come to a standstill by the now destroyed gangway. Clouds of rubble hid the scene from down below. Sparks of red, purplish-black and blue light sprayed out in intermittent bursts. Whatever was going on down there, it wasn't child's play that's for sure. And only sending in one enemy? That had to mean either They were pretty cocky or Black Death incarnate was one nasty character.
Shrugging, the two unsheathed their weapons and stepped back to prepare for a flying leap.
"I'm going after Senna," Ichigo said.
"I'll cover you," Shūhei affirmed. "Watch yourself."
Resolute, amber eyes met ash grey, then they jumped off.
A quick bite to eat, then Rukia took her daily contraceptive... She had accidentally missed her last pill due to their previous little break-up. Surely it wouldn't matter... She hoped.
Rukia smiled at Byakuya as he parked the Lexus LFA in the driveway of the Ukitake family Estate, Ugendō. The place was medium sized and homely with tidy, well-maintained grounds kept by its eight occupants. Being the eldest of six brothers and two sisters, Jūshirō supported their household on his tertiary wage. Love, happiness and family made up for any lack.
A phone call later, and here they were. Byakuya's wary gaze cast a stormy heatwave at the house to match his mood.
"I do not approve of this," He said tersely.
"Jūshirō is a good man, and I trust him," Rukia sighed.
She knew Byakuya wasn't big on trust issues, but as soon as the two men got talking she was sure he would come around. Friendly and charismatic, Jūshirō Ukitake had a way with people like no other. It was for that reason he'd been able to show Rukia her own potential. Consequently saving both their lives;
...
The ding of the bell signaled class was over. Students quickly vacated their seats. The females initial excitement of daydreaming over the hot and youthful-looking male Substitute teacher hadn't lasted the full course of reading Murasaki Shikibu's 'The Tale of Genji', a novel written in the eleventh century portraying courtly life in medieval Japan.
"Essays are due in by the end of the week," The Substitute teacher said cheerily, soft green eyes twinkling with mirth when met with a chorus of groans.
'Too cheery.' One young woman remaining behind thought. She had sat and watched as the handsome, yet possibly over-zealous Lecturer's rendition of the popular historical romance, which he'd argued that despite the common misconception, it was still relevant in modern society; An idealist's notion. A wasted effort, though she had to give him points for fanaticism.
But what was romance to her? At eighteen years of age she was a high-class Assassin. The best of the best. Romance simply didn't exist for her kind. Nor did love or intimacy. She was still a virgin, and proud of it. Far removed from that part of herself.
Now she was here. This man who she knew only by name was her next target. And she'd gone about this all wrong, choosing to spend the past forty-five minutes listening to his lecture instead of making her move... Why? She didn't know, but she'd started to wonder ever since she'd began monitoring Jūshirō Ukitake; For what reason did They want him dead so badly?
"Can I help you, Miss?" Coming up alongside, Jūshirō startled the young woman.
'Why do you have to die?' She wondered again. Craning her neck upwards at his towering 6'1½" form, cold violet eyes met sparkly green. 'Kind eyes.' Long, fine white hair tied back in a ponytail, oddly his eyebrows were black. She couldn't help but notice how young and handsome he was.
"You're the first person to stay after class," He mused, smiling. "Did you fall asleep, perhaps?"
"No," She said at last. Stupid, stupid, stupid. She'd broken the first rule of engagement - Allowing her target to know she was there.
"It's alright if you did, I won't be offended. You young ones lead such busy lives." His smile stayed warm and kind. She just blinked at him...What a funny man. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of seeing you on campus before. Are you a transfer student?"
"Yes..."
Kicking herself, what could she say? No, I'm here to kill you? What the hell was wrong with her?!
"Ah, you're curious."
"What makes you say that?" Rukia said sharply. This was all going wrong. Determined to get back on track, she double-checked they were alone and dropped her voice to a stage whisper, "Look is there somewhere more private we can go?"
His face dropped. "Oh no, I'm not that kind of teacher. I'm sure you're a very bright young woman and quite attractive, I might add, but-"
"-The hell?! What are you some kind of moron?! I didn't mean it like that!" Scowling up at him. For some reason she didn't want to perform the deed out here, and there was something not quite right with this whole scenario. Could it be that he fascinated her? Jūshirō laughed at his own foolishness, which riled her up even more. "Hey, stop laughing. It's not that funny."
"My apologies, I seem to have misread you. Normally I can gauge how people are feeling quite well, but my radar is a bit off today." Chuckles subsiding, Jūshirō went back to looking thoughtful, serious even. Beginning to feel weirded-out, Rukia bit her lip, then he startled her again by saying, "Yes, perhaps we should go somewhere more private."
Trailing behind him, Rukia was consumed by the feeling that he knew too much. Walking out of the classroom, he led her down the corridor to a small room normally used for consultations. Jūshirō motioned for her to take a seat and began making some tea. Rukia declined, watching him blankly, one hand feeling for the trigger on her wrist-blade just to be sure.
"Would you like some tea?"
"No, thanks," Rukia declined again.
Accepting her refusal, Jūshirō asked a different question, "Can I at least know your name?"
"Hollow."
"What an interesting name..." He finished pouring himself a cup of tea, then sat down. A few moments passed by in silence. During that time, they waited, just staring at each other. "Hollow, why are you so confused and scared?"
"I'm not-" Then correcting herself at his inquisitive look, Rukia looked away. "You can't know that."
"Actually I do." Her eyes locked onto his unwavering ones. "You see, I'm an Empath. And that allows me to experience what others are feeling. Sometimes people's emotions are so strong that they leak out," He explained, looking apologetic and sorrowful at the same time. "Is your life really as empty as you think it is?"
Rukia couldn't keep the shock off her face. This man was an Empath; So did that mean he was like her? Was that why he was to be eliminated? Nevertheless, that one question made her want to cry. Maybe he thought he was merely an Empath, but it was more than that. In eleven words he'd touched a piece of her soul she never knew existed. She immediately sat down.
Then he reached over and held her hand in a gesture of comfort. Rukia didn't pull away.
"Why are you really here?" He asked gently. Everything about him was gentle. Soothing. Like a human panacea.
"You don't know?" Rukia said tremulously.
"It's alright Hollow, I bear you no ill will. Should we have met in another lifetime, perhaps we could've been friends. Even death is not the end." Jūshirō kept on smiling. He'd already sensed her inner conflict, and knew what she meant to do. But if he could save her before his end, then he would go happily. "You feel alone. Yet I don't believe anyone is truly alone..."
...
"His inclinations are broad-minded," Byakuya continued, wary of how well Rukia might truly know Jūshirō Ukitake. The Kuchiki and Ukitake family occasionally attended the same social events and Byakuya had seen Jūshirō more times than he cared to admit.
"Oh, because he's an Empath? And to someone who doesn't like to admit their feelings, that must be horrible." Rukia dripped sarcasm. She'd almost poked her tongue out at him. Narrowing his eyes into a glare, Byakuya had to fight the urge not to punish her for that wicked mouth of hers. Unable to help herself, Rukia broke out into a smile and put a hand on his knee. "Remember, you agreed to be nice."
"I did no such thing," He was quick to point out. Her hand inched higher up his pants leg to his thigh. Byakuya kept cool, a smirk playing at the edges of his mouth. He knew what she was doing - Tease. But two could play at that game. "However, I suppose I can concede this once if it means getting this ordeal over with, although you should reconsider how nice you wish me to be."
Rukia caught on, though that was news to her. "Huh, you don't mean what I think you mean? I thought Jūshirō preferred women?"
"Preferable yes, not exclusively." He said offhandedly.
"And you know this how?" Taken aback, her jaw fell to the floor.
Byakuya didn't elaborate and was the first to get out of the car, leaving her hanging. So rude. For all the good it would do her, Rukia promptly followed suit. He was getting payback.
"Oh, you'll get yours," She muttered under her breath.
Still, she'd learned something new.
Standing on the front doorstep, Byakuya rang the bell. The night had just gotten even more interesting.
A black Maybach 62 sedan pulled up outside Shibuya Towers, and idled in the turntable, its unique license plate read; K 3. Noticing the distinguished visitor, a ripple of discord spread through the nearby Officers. It was to be expected, yet that didn't change the ongoing animosity of Law versus Money.
"Let me handle this," The Lieutenant in charge informed the others. No one argued. Better him than them, they thought.
Walking up to the vehicle, he rapped on the dark-tinted window, silently willing himself to remain calm. Marginally comforted by the fact that she had arrived as opposed to the other two Elders, dubbed; K 1 & K 2. Ms Kuchiki was by far the easiest of the Council Triumvirate to deal with.
The window wound down. The gold, pupil-less eyes of Ms Kuchiki's manservant stared back at him, making the Lieutenant shuffle nervously on his feet. He didn't say a word. It was one thing talking through a car, another to speak without being spoken to first. And if he pissed off the illustrious Ms Kuchiki, he would be stripped of his badge before he could say, 'Sorry Ma'am'.
Then a female voice came from inside the car, crisp and direct. Smoothing the imaginary wrinkles of an Armani navy blue skirt over her knees with finely manicured hands.
"Lieutenant." She didn't bother with his name. In her mind it was irrelevant. "Let me get this straight. A burglary took place at my Nephew's penthouse and yet nothing was taken."
The Lieutenant's discomfort increased another notch. Was it a question or statement? Never mind how she already knew the main details of the crime. In fact, he was probably better off not knowing. Ignorance was bliss.
Unaccustomed to waiting, Ms Kuchiki prompted him again, "Lieutenant."
"No- Yes, Ma'am."
"Which is it? It can't be both."
"Nothing was taken, but we did find this..." Snapping his fingers at another Police Officer, a dirty laptop satchel was dumped into his hands. The Lieutenant passed it through the car window to Golden Eyes like a hot coal, who then placed it on his lap in direct view of his Mistress.
Turning her nose up at the seemingly unimportant item, she said icily, "And why would that interest me?"
"It was found in Mr Kuchiki's suite. It's not listed on the inventory report either. We checked."
"Very well." Actually managing to sound pleased, or at least as close as she was capable. "There has been no word from my Nephew, I assume?"
"No Ma'am. Mr Kuchiki did check in, but wasn't present at the time of the incident. Evidence suggests he wasn't alone."
"I see."
Cool grey eyes narrowed into an unseen hardened glare; A Kuchiki trademark, along with ink-black hair. With a click of her fingers, her manservant raised the window. The Lieutenant stuck his hand on the pane to stop it going up. He had to file the satchel as evidence. But that wasn't going to happen.
"Ah-"
"-We are done here," Ms Kuchiki stated firmly. "See that this incident is never mentioned again. It is what we pay you for."
Rebuffed, the Lieutenant quickly moved his fingers away before he lost them. Then the Maybach 62 drove away into the night. He couldn't say he wasn't happy to see the back of it...
...Sitting rigid in tan leather upholstery, the Kuchiki Elder pressed a hand to her temple to ward off a migraine. It seemed her Nephew was hiding something...someone, which didn't please her at all. The rules of their House were absolute. And yet it did explain why Sakura had pulled out of contention to become the future Mrs Kuchiki. Naughty Byakuya. Heaven forbid the Kuchiki heir was entertaining the notion of wedding one of his floozies. Surely he knew better than to go against the Council.
"Sasakibe, get my Nephew on the phone. I need to have a serious discussion with him."
"Yes, Mistress," Golden Eyes aka Chōjirō Sasakibe courteously replied, immediately dialing. He would go through his entire address book until he got Master Kuchiki on the line.
"And search the satchel. I want to know everything there is to know about this secret accomplice."
"Consider it done."
Rubbing at her forehead again, she felt heavy with remorse. It all went back to Sojun. Though eight years had passed, his death still haunted her. She had loved and adored her brother immensely. As she did so often, she thought about how things would've turned out if he hadn't died.
'Your son...is so much like you. Nii-sama, what would you have me do?' She thought to herself.
"-Yes, Master Kuchiki, she wishes to speak with you." Sasakibe said into the earpiece. Nodding, he promptly handed the phone over to his Mistress, then unzipped the satchel and pulled out a laptop. Ms Kuchiki raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment. The truth would come out eventually.
"Byakuya."
"Yes?" Came a monotonous baritone voice on the other end. The Kuchiki heir wasn't giving anything away; A game of minds.
"How long did you think you could keep your love affair a secret?" She cut right to the chase.
Byakuya didn't waver in his reply. "Obviously much longer."
"You know the rules. They cannot be changed. Or will you renounce your inheritance for the sake of foolishness." She almost sighed.
"I do not act on foolishness, and you would do well to remember that," He said curtly, the edge creeping into his tone. "My mind is made up. If I must relinquish my inheritance, then so be it."
"You insolent brat! How dare you so willingly throw your father's legacy away-"
"-My father was a better man than I. Had he been faced with the same predicament, his choice would have been no different."
"You are truly serious?"
"Yes."
"What is her name?" Right at that moment Sasakibe turned the laptop screen to face her with the cursor hovering over the system username, answering her own question. She read it in her head and said it aloud before Byakuya had a chance to reply. "Rukia."
There was a lengthy pause on the other end, but she stopped paying attention. It wasn't until Byakuya spoke up again that it sunk in.
"Correct."
Now it was her turn to pause, stunned by the recognition. Her nephew wasn't likely to remember on account of his condition after the accident, but she along with Byakuya's mother, her sister-in-law, had heard him speak the name 'Rukia' in his sleep. She'd thought perhaps a childhood love which spelled future trouble for the Kuchiki clan.
Even Sojun had become intrigued, going so far as to contemplate overturning the Marriage law to allow family members to wed outside of the Noble houses; If it turned out this Rukia was a commoner. All with the intention of making it up to his only son for happiness lost. But when Byakuya finally woke up, he didn't remember a thing, denying any knowledge of a girl named Rukia. Kuchiki Life returned to normal for another year...
"So you found her..."
"What do you mean by that?" Byakuya's voice strained, but his Aunt now needed time to think, and to meet the illusory 'Rukia'.
"Bring her to the Manor on Sunday. It is not a request."
Concluding the end of their business, the call disconnected. Even a play-by-play video monitor would've had a hard time deciding which Kuchiki hung up first.
...
"For me, this is as normal as it gets..." Rukia commented wryly, standing guard over a kettle waiting to boil.
Busy in the kitchen helping Jūshirō make tea, she realized how much she'd missed his company, the awful jokes, freely-given hugs and his never ending willingness to lend an ear. In truth, he loved people, always finding the good in everyone. Simply put, Jūshirō Ukitake was a rare commodity of the human condition that ever had the misfortune to exist in a vengeful world.
Jūshirō took a cannister off the top shelf in the pantry and refilled it with green tea leaves bought in Kyûshû, his favorite special blend. He too was delighted at seeing the change in Rukia, and at how far she had come.
"You always did work yourself too hard," Mock-scolding. "Perhaps a weekend getaway to relieve any tension is in order. You always wanted to see the Alps, and Nagano isn't all that far."
Getting a little misty-eyed, Rukia smiled a small smile. It was touching that he remembered.
"One day... When this is all over..."
Jūshirō looked at her thoughtfully once more. Though they'd remained in contact over the past three years via letters, cards and the occasionally phone call, she had been deliberately hazy about her professional activities. For his benefit, she'd said, nevertheless there had to be a good reason for her visit tonight and that didn't include showing off her new boyfriend; An unlikely match to most, yet even he could see how well they blended together. Like uniquely-crafted tea leaves - A perfect combination.
"About that, you still haven't told me why you're here," He said kindly.
"Can't a friend just pay a visit?"
Inadvertently biting her lip, she tried as hard as she could to guard her emotions, feigning innocence. But Empath or no, Rukia was a rotten liar. All who knew her knew that.
Smiling serenely, he saw right through the ruse without having to read her.
"Rukia, I am glad to see you, but we both know this isn't a spontaneous visit." Letting the tea pot settle, Jūshirō began setting a tray with freshly prepared ohagi, another one of his favorites. "This has something to do with the press launch doesn't it?"
"Yes and No," She admitted, looking rueful.
"Well whatever it is, you can tell me. I have, and always will be, your dear friend."
"I know, and I will tell you, promise. It's just that I think it would be best if Byakuya hears it too." Thumbing in the direction of the living room where Byakuya had his back turned, talking on his cellphone. Rukia couldn't hear a word being uttered, near bursting with curiosity. "So...um, what kind of feeling do you get about...you know..."
"Oh dear..."
"What?!" Violet eyes went wide as she gasped, thinking the worst.
"I think you've stirred enough... Tea killer."
Chuckling and shaking his head, Jūshirō took away the cup of tea she had in her hands. Her jaw dropped as comprehension sunk in, then she scowled. Sorely tempted to swat her prankster friend.
"You need to work on your sense of humor," Rukia muttered in annoyance.
He just gave her a knowing look and smiled. "It would be rude of me to pry. Besides, it doesn't take an Empath to know that he cares about you. So just be happy and enjoy it. Romance suits you."
"Pfft, I guess you're right..."
Meeting up with Byakuya, she got the distinct impression something had cropped up. And just when things were settling down too.
"What's happened?"
Guarded eyes shifted to Jūshirō then back to her. "We will discuss it at a later date." Translation; 'It's private'.
Rukia breathed a sigh of relief and left it at that. She was worried they would have to leave so soon, putting their discussion on hold. Somehow, that wouldn't be a good thing.
Sitting down on the couch next to Byakuya and facing Jūshirō, she gratefully accepted a fresh cup of tea. It was time to get down to business.
"We got attacked by the Shadow Squad tonight, and I was wondering how high up the hierarchy ladder you are with your Employers."
"Not very. Standard level access restricted to the Research Lab and Administration only. Anything above or outside of that I have to clear through my Superiors," Jūshirō answered truthfully. Standing up, he went over to his workstation and picked out a file from the cabinet, placing it on the coffee table before them. "My work contract," He clarified, gesturing to the plain manila folder. "A year ago I stumbled across texts mentioning the existence of the Jōkaishō crest, an emblem used in ancient rituals."
"An old wives tale," Byakuya interjected.
"Perhaps, and to an avid Historian such as myself, fascinating. If I could read the legendary scrolls with my own eyes, that would be a dream come true."
Rukia scanned through the contents of the file, frowning in concentration. She'd never heard any tale of a Jōkaishō crest before. "What kind of rituals? And why is Lindocruz so interested?"
"Essentially DNA manipulation, though that term wasn't known centuries ago. History speaks of an underground Sect, who called themselves The Vasto Lorde, conducted human experimentation using science and myth. It was believed that the Jōkaishō crest held the key." Trading uneasy looks between them, Jūshirō paused before continuing, "Lindocruz Pharmaceuticals approached me to undertake a study into the feasibility of such methods for the advancement of modern medicine."
"And in the quest for knowledge, how could you say 'no'," Rukia concluded.
"In a nutshell, yes." His grass-green gaze spread about the room, introspect. "With my illness who knows how long I have left. Until then, I'm living for my family and my work. My friends are an added bonus."
Rukia nodded glumly. She hated thinking about his strange incurable disease, so rare there wasn't even a name for it. Having to put up with frequent bouts of coughing up blood, dizziness and exhaustion. How could such a good, decent person be cursed with such an ailment?
Meeting his calm, gentle gaze, her stomach did flip-flops. Rukia praised Jūshirō's strength of character, hoping desperately she wouldn't see him die.
Beside her, Byakuya's arm around her waist clinched tighter, disrupting the static tension in the air. Her hand in his squeezed back, grateful for him being with her. Admiring his profile for a moment, a wide smile graced her lips, impressed by his nonchalant charisma. He really was making an effort. Definitely racking up those brownie points...It might just win him a special treat later on...
Then going back to Jūshirō's file, she spotted a photograph pinned to a profile sheet and did a double-take. Dressed in lab whites the female's appearance looked different, but Rukia still recognized her - The woman who had fought with Gin and eventually aided in his escape. She bristled with anger.
"Who is she?" Rukia asked.
Holding up the picture for Jūshirō to see clearly, his expression held fondness in his eyes.
"Nemu Kurotsuchi, one of the Lab technicians at the base in Seireitei. She handles the scientific aspect of my research. Lovely girl, very studious, although I'm afraid she can't quite take a joke," Jūshirō laughed.
He was met with two identical dead-panned expressions; a la Kuchiki.
"I wonder why..." Smiling in spite of herself at Jūshirō's penchant for practical jokes. All apart of his easy allure. Rukia also couldn't help but notice their matching eye color; A deep jade green. It spiked her curiosity. "Just watch yourself, anything could happen at any moment."
And then a tiny girlish voice piped up from the doorway. "Jū-chan, can you tuck me in now please?"
Little pudgy hands rubbed at tired green peridot-colored eyes. The Ukitake family trait of coal black hair in fine example on the youngest of the siblings... A true 'awww' moment. Rukia's insides turned to mush. Flashing her best sisterly smile, she gazed at the cute five year old. Byakuya instantly became uncomfortable. Children unnerved the Special Forces Agent.
"It's alright, I'm sure Rukia won't mind if you ask nicely," Jūshirō said to his baby sister, aware of her fascination with the older, elfin-like female. His current lover Retsu had to remain in the city to work that weekend, and hadn't the chance to visit yet.
Speaking in silent code the three of them exchanged looks which ended in smiles. Rukia happily got up and saw the little girl to her room, surprised and elated at the honor, even though she adamantly believed she didn't have a maternal-bone in her body. Barely within earshot, the pair overheard a last remark.
"Any chance of the pitter-patter of little Kuchiki's running around sometime soon?"
That was Jūshirō's voice. Byakuya's response was classically acidic.
"No."
Rukia steadily walked on. She was in full agreement, but Byakuya's downright denial hurt a little. Would he ever want kids? An heir to inherit his legacy? She hoped so... In the distant future.
Reaching the bedroom, she saw the second sister already fast asleep. The little girl bounded up into her own bed and burrowed under the covers.
"Jū-chan always tucks me in when he's home," She said happily, her face alight with a beaming toothy grin, adding, "Nee-san sleeps too much."
"It's time for you to get your beauty sleep too."
"Ahuh, I'm going to grow up big and strong so Jū-chan won't have to look after us anymore, then he can get better."
Brushing the bangs out of her eyes, Rukia put on a brave smile. The innocence of children was so precious. The little girl snuggled in deeper and closed her eyes.
"Sweet dreams," She whispered and got up to leave.
Twin pools of peridot sprang open again. "I wish you were Jū-chan's girlfriend."
Smiling, Rukia shook her head. "I'm really attached to my boyfriend."
"Oh okay. He's pretty too just like Jū-chan..."
Then there wasn't another peep. Falling asleep in the blink of an eye. Rukia turned off the light and walked out, musing to herself. Oh, to be that young and carefree again...
...Meeting Rukia in the entryway, Byakuya was keen to depart. Though the visit had been amicable enough, as well as productive, he didn't want to overstay his welcome. He was also tired. The night before had been his first without Rukia in three weeks and he hadn't slept a wink. On the bright side his home arsenal was well-oiled and polished.
Rukia eyed the two men nervously. Next to each other it was like looking at white and black chess kings. But she needn't have worried. Byakuya had passed the test of cordiality.
Jūshirō held his arms out for a hug goodbye, which she willingly obliged.
"I hope it won't be another three years before I see you again," He joked. Looking at Byakuya over the top of her head, Jūshirō nodded farewell. "Be well. You're in good hands having Rukia here with you."
"Without a doubt." He said in a civilized manner and walked out.
With one final squeeze, Rukia gave her own goodbye. "Be careful. We'll be in touch."
Then she waved and ran out the door to catch up. Curse her tall men and their long strides...
Arriving at their apartment, a rush of warmth washed over her. It was good to be home. Then her eye caught the gleam of metal partially hidden under blue tarpaulin. Too thin in body to be a car.
"What's that?" Brimming with curiosity.
Byakuya remained expressionless. Trust her to notice straight off the bat.
"A motorcycle."
"You bought yourself another bike? Like you don't have enough wheels..." Rukia teased, yet she moved towards the latest addition to Byakuya's legion of vehicles, enthralled. Knowing him, the bike was sure to be smooth, flashy and have enough horsepower to choke a lion. What came next she didn't expect.
"It's yours." He worded carefully.
Flabbergasted beyond belief, Rukia missed a step. Did she just hear what she thought she did? And this was coming from a guy who didn't approve of her riding motorcycles?!
"What ever happened to 'motorbikes are death-traps'?"
"Call it a compromise." Smirk intact, he left it at that.
To his mind, Rukia would continue to rush headlong into danger. Fool-hardy and reckless. The difference being, he now knew her capabilities exceeded what he'd first thought. And that was both a comfort and painful concept. Byakuya had put in place as many precautions as he could think of, including satellite tracking technology and hydraulic suspension. She could go anywhere and he could pinpoint her location exactly via PDA or any remote station.
Byakuya removed the tarpaulin to reveal the sleek mechanical beast underneath. A gasp escaped her mouth. It wasn't just any bike, it was her old Yamaha TRX850. New and improved, and complete with a custom spray job. Running her hand over the glossy Russian violet paintwork, fingers traced the outline of Chappy stenciled on its front-guard. Very Onion Knight. On further inspection, Rukia saw the Yamaha had been decked out with a whole heap of new modifications, some she didn't even recognize. Her head spun.
"I take it you approve."
"That's an understatement," Rukia exhaled in a breathy whisper. She almost felt numb with elation. Tearing her eyes away from her speed-machine, she tackled him in a hug and showered him with kisses. Double points score. Busting to take her new toy for a test run, she smiled impishly. "Someone is going to get an extra special treat later, but right now, how about we have a race?"
Byakuya arched an eyebrow. Beguiling Temptress that she was.
"Now?"
"Yes." Violet eyes danced and her grin widened. "Or are you afraid you might lose to a girl?"
She hit the bullseye for male pride. Game on.
"State your terms."
Humming and hahing, there was one thing she wanted most; Some decent quality time where they could pretend to be a regular couple. "The loser has to do whatever the victor wants for a whole night."
He smirked. A wager far too sinful to resist. And he was sure their versions of being a 'love slave' were very different. "I always play to win."
Them's fighting words. Laughing, she shook her head in exasperation. Trust him to say that. Still, she loved it. There was that seductive boyish quality showing its face again, making her heart flip.
Then they left the garage to change into racing leathers.
It didn't take long.
Byakuya ran a preliminary check of his bike's onboard systematics. He had on a black zip-up leather jacket, a white collared shirt, black leather pants and charcoal boots. The garage door whirred open as Rukia walked in, dressed in a dark purple leather catsuit with matching black leather training gloves and high-heeled boots. So skintight, the outfit showed every curve of her svelte body. Byakuya forced down a low groan, tempted to toss the race and take her to bed - His competitive streak won out.
It did bring back memories though; The night of their reunion. When it all began...
Straddling her bike, she simpered. "Kuchiki, get ready to eat my exhaust."
Keys turned. Throttles kicked into gear. Engines revved.
"On my mark... Get set-"
He didn't get to 'Go'. The Yamaha TRX850 roared out early and hit the road flying. It didn't matter. Byakuya shot off seconds later, slate grey eyes alight behind a pair of tinted anti-flash glasses to deter visibility reduction. A tiny fact Rukia had missed.
The MVAgusta F4CC soon caught up. Clocking insane speeds, they barreled down the highway like black and violet bullets. Neck and neck. Rukia laughed soundlessly. Unapologetic for her head start. Taking the corners with matching ease, it was any man's game.
'Alright baby let's see what you can do.'
Rukia pressed the control for the onboard navigator to bring up the schematics of the terrain, and quickly plotted in a new course that would shave minutes off her time. She missed Byakuya's attempts to wave her down, wondering what she was up to.
Then Rukia looked over, blew him a kiss and zoomed off ahead, disappearing around the next bend. Byakuya sped up, but she was nowhere in sight. Cursing under his breath, he initiated the MVAgusta's tracking protocol. He hadn't counted on using it so soon... Shortly her beacon showed up as a blinking blip on the screen.
The bad news was; Rukia was heading straight for the rocky wastelands, otherwise known as Hells Gate.
Throttling the brakes, Byakuya spun the bike on its wheel into a hard 180° turn and charged after her. Just when he thought he'd put in enough safety measures, she had to find new ways of being problematic.
Tōshirō held his katana firmly in a two-handed grip. Custom crafted; Reitō tengoku was a thing of beauty. Its gyaku-sori blade stretched out to 41.1 inches; tsuka 13.9 inches long, and its tsuba was fashioned into a four-pointed bronze star. His icy gaze deadlocked on the winged creature, knowing with every certainty that he hadn't yet seen the full extent of the enemy's abilities. Still, there was no doubt as to why he alone had been sent to fight.
Turquoise eyes flicked to the landslide signaling Ichigo and Shūhei's arrival. Tōshirō frowned. He had made it quite clear that he could handle things on his own, preferring his friends to have escaped.
Suddenly the white-robed woman appeared at her comrade's side, her face completely covered. But Tōshirō thought he saw a hint of a white mask underneath her hood.
"Hellion, I want that one," She spoke, singling out Ichigo. "I like his hair. It reminds me of my favorite color; red."
"I don't care." Ulquiorra glanced at the approaching pair, disinterested. He meant to add 'just don't die' but he didn't. Under orders from the Dollmaker, it was his job to guard Nirvana. Caring wasn't part of the package. And how she likened orange to red didn't compute.
Overhearing, Tōshirō kicked off on his back-foot and moved in to attack. But the enemy duo from hell were too quick...
...The woman dashed speedily away, unsheathing a long bone-ivory khakkhara from under her robe, and landed a smashing blow on the ground between Ichigo and Shūhei. They lunged to either side to avoid getting hit. Dipping her staff as one would to catch a fish in its net, she moved into a sweeping arc and caught Ichigo off-guard, sending him crashing up against a pillar. Seconds later, he looked up to see her standing over him.
"Hello, dummy, so you want to play?" She taunted. Twirling her staff in circles between her palms, she edged the tip to point at his chest. A red ribbon tied around the base of its head. "Watching Hellion and your white-haired guy over there is so boring, you know? And forget steampunk rip-off. He seriously needs to lighten up. Hey, maybe you should give him some happy pills or something. That'll cheer him up!"
Ichigo could clearly make her out now, but he hadn't expected to see her the way he did. He scowled. Senna would never go against her friends. Everything about her was all wrong. Strands of purple hair brushed her shoulders; She always tied it up in a ponytail with a red ribbon; She wore a doll mask with holes for her amber eyes that glowed inhumanely, ending in a diagonal cut from left cheek to the right side of her jaw. Scarlet red lipsticked lips spread into a contemptuous smile.
"Senna...?"
"The name's Nirvana." Her voice turned cold. "I don't know any 'Senna'. She's not your girlfriend, is she?"
"Senna is you. You're my girlfriend..." Ichigo hesitated. He would have a better idea of what to say if he knew what the fuck was going on...
Nirvana laughed. "Aw how sweet, you think we're going steady... Well you are cute, so I could consider it." Eyes twinkling mischievously, she leaned forward on her staff to get in closer, like she had a secret to tell. "My buddy over there won't like it though. Not that he cares- Nothing fazes him, except if anything happens to me, Hellion will get his ass-kicked by the Dollmaker. So..."
Faces barely inches apart, their heads turned to look at Ulquiorra, Tōshirō and Shūhei duking it out. Hyōrinmaru circled overhead, diving in to attack in intermittent bursts. Aerial tactics. Moving so fast, Ichigo could barely keep up. If Hellion was bad enough, how much worse was this Dollmaker person?
He thought fast. Nirvana, or whoever the hell she was now, still seemed like the playful, upbeat, curious Senna he knew, or at least he hoped so. What he was about to do next banked on that theory.
"Yeah, these guys really blow." Ichigo smirked, getting into character. "Acting all doom and gloom. Boring as hell."
Nirvana tilted her head to one side, observing him curiously. Her subconscious swarmed with an array of memories. Countless fragments of people's lives; So many, that she couldn't tell a lie or trick when she was told one. She couldn't explain it, but she sensed this guy meant her no harm.
"Hey, there's a circus in town. Wanna go check it out? It'll be fun," Ichigo faked.
"Sure! I can always kill you later," Nirvana chirped happily. Ichigo kept a straight face, and stood up. He bent his knee and gestured for her to ride piggyback, ignoring the sickly sweet smile she wore. "Oh, and don't be a cheap date. You have to buy me flowers."
Her comment reminded him of Rukia buying flowers for Senna, thinking in his head back to when things started to go wrong. But pushing the memory aside, Ichigo left the destroyed remains of the Hideout. If they could just get away, he'd worry about what to do next - That didn't include being on the pointed end of Nirvana's khakkhara.
They hadn't gotten far when she asked a question, making him miss a step.
"Who's Rukia?"
"Just a friend," He replied. 'Our friend' He corrected in his head, but a feeling he got made him keep that fact to himself.
"Do you like her?" Nirvana asked again.
Ichigo didn't like the way she said it. Almost threatening-like.
"When she's not being a total pain in the ass..."
"Oh good, because it would be kind of sad if you were really attached to her..." Changing back to her former happier persona. "...It's not that I don't like her, I do. It's just that she prances around acting like she's better than everyone else. That she's had it tough, when we all have. And how she cries about her dead partner, who isn't dead- Oh, remind me to tell Hellion later. That'll put a ruffle in his emo cap, especially since Zero and that stupid Rukia killed Nyx..."
Hearing her rant, Ichigo had to force the bile at the back of his throat down. His chest tightened. She may look like Senna, but she didn't act like it.
"...You shouldn't hang around her anymore, Ichigo, she's dangerous. They want her dead because They're afraid of her, afraid of what she can do. She won't be controlled. They tried. So she has to die."
Her oddly flippant tone made his blood curdle. His girlfriend had been turned into a sick and twisted femme fatale. And he was clueless as to how to change it.
Author's Notes: I put a lot into this Chapter so the fight against Ulquiorra/Hellion will be in the next one :D
Terms used: Reitō tengoku - Frozen Heaven. Gyaku-sori - Reverse bending blade. Tsuka - Hilt/handle of a Japanese sword. Tsuba - Round/square guard at the of the grip.
Extra Special Thanks to; ReckoningDay, vicky73, Dani Stark, Guest, arlingtonsteward, aria, Noctis Vee Caelum, Lilith's Heart, silverqueen, Yuki-onna 0, ANONYMBYAKURUKIFAN, Emily, DRUON, Jasmine, bxrfan, Anne, BexBluedragon, seras3791, CielDoll, LuciL06, JessicaTrueBlood, velvetsins, kiti4life, YuzurihaNoRyuu, Nyanmaru94, Guest, RagelvlitsOver9000 & Guest for your reviews. You're all awesome! I can't thank you enough!
Also a HUGE Thank you to all the new readers/followers of this fic. And for the favorites/alert adds. Much appreciated.