FINALLY!
Oh, I cannot tell you how happy I am that this semester is over! No more Plato!
Seriously, I think the only reason people consider those Ancient Greeks "geniuses" is because no one can understand what the hell they're talking about!
Now, as always, responses to your comments:
ShiragikuOokami: Yeah… I'll just keep quiet about your Benin comment for now… If you're going to feel anything resembling sympathy it will be in a later chapter.
Byakuya really should have killed her but killing a noble usually causes more problems than it solves, especially if she's still technically your fiancée.
And what did you mean by "Someone definitely has a potty mouth…throwing around words like that, *sigh* especially calling my favorite character's sister that." I'm a little confused as to who you're talking about.
Bleached Pikachu: Yes you were right about the assassination attempt, I will give you that.
Are you really surprised that Benin slept with Koga? She was just climbing up, or down if you will, the Kuchiki ladder. And Koga hates his cousin so what better way to express that than by sleeping with your cousin's future wife?
EmpressSaix: I'll definitely have to read your story when I actually have the time.
And I will say this, Bansui is Ayumi's father.
Now remember:
Bansui is Koga and Nanako's paternal grandfather.
Nanako is engaged to Takehara Tatsukichi.
Tatsukichi is Ayumi's cousin.
Ayumi is actually Nanako's aunt.
Tatsukichi would be marrying his cousin's niece/ Nanako would be marrying her aunt's cousin.
Have fun working that out! (Aren't family trees and marriages fun ;) (Makes your head hurt, doesn't it?)
xxGrayxx: I wonder if there is some sort of psyche ward in Seireitei? If so, then Byakuya should really check himself in! I doubt it though. Otherwise Mayuri would be locked in solitary confinement. Seriously, why didn't anyone just send him back to the Maggot's Nest?
RukiaGallega: Is Keigo's sister the one who is in love with Ikkaku because he's bald? I don't really pay attention to the "human" characters if you know what I mean.
Yeah… I think if Byakuya concentrated too much on Benin in his bed he would be impotent…
I haven't heard of those books but I will have to check them out!
And about Ran and Unohana in the same room… what's your definition of a "safe distance"? ;)
I only know the basic outline of "Death Note". Are you referring to Light?
I misunderstood your meaning of the word "mess". In case you haven't noticed, my definition of "messing" with someone would probably qualify as a form of torture under the Geneva Conventions!
Kaze05: I love cliffhanger too (in case you haven't noticed ;) Leaves the reader wanting more! And I've already made my opinions on Rukia's loss abundantly clear.
Toushirou-chan: It's really "learn as you go" for Byakuya now, which outside of a battlefield he fails miserably at.
And remember its Miyahara Ran. Miyahara is her surname.
Yes, that scene should make you nervous; two of the most powerful, power-hungry women in Seireitei having a secret meeting? What "mischief" could they be up to? ;)
Ganryu is Benin's uncle not her grandfather (Which is important later on. Can you guess why? ;)
Zalero: I love Ran's antics too! They are so fun to write! Benin is not so fun to write…
I really don't like writing about her because I hate her. Kind of odd I know since I created her, but I have already said I have mental issues so I guess that's ok! If nothing else she's necessary for the plot.
And yes, "I'll find some other bed to warm myself this night" is exactly what it means. Again, are you really surprised?
Kisa: I would say that Byakuya is still going through his transition from his Ichigo personality to the emotionless statue we all know and love! And who knows, that might be a reason why Byakuya doesn't like him but it is very clear now that he has an immense amount of respect for our beloved strawberry!
I hope Tsukishima is dead! That was one sadistic bastard!
And here's what I don't get about Ginjo: if he was the first Substitute Shinigami then shouldn't he have a zanpaktou of his own? And is he trying to beat Aizen for the amount of quick, unnecessary, and ugly transformations?
Is Ginjo like Grimmjow? Well they're both arrogant, rude, surprisingly cunning, like to laugh very loudly, and want to kill Ichigo… wait… that sounds familiar as well…
MorganBanner: Don't worry I got through your comment! I've mentioned that I like longer ones. Gives me more to respond to which is part of the fun for me!
Now I know what you mean by romance (though not as extreme as the whole "ten-foot spear tipped with some kind of radioactive material"). I don't like stories that are just fluff. I like something deeper involved. And maybe you like this because my story is not just about Byakuya and Hisana's relationship, but more about the consequences of their relationship, if that makes any sense.
Yes, I basically have an entire folder dedicated to my stories and as you can probably guess this takes up about 99.9% of it!
Now as for Ran, even if you ran away (pun intended!) if she wanted to find you she would find you!
I will admit it is fun writing about people's reaction to Benin. And thank you for complimenting me on my OCs. The key to making good ones is to give them their own goals and motivations. The personalities come after that. At least that's my advice.
I'm not sure Kenpachi would really be interested in fighting a bunch of elders, but it would solve a bunch of Byakuya's problems!
And I'm caught up on the manga. What I don't understand is doesn't Kubo have like an editor or someone to say "These fullbringers are useless and no one will like them. Come up with something else." Especially in regards to Rukia. She's one of my favorites but her "fight" with that annoying Riruka was terrible. At least Ichigo's new bankai is awesome! Now kill Ginjo and let's get onto the next storyline. (And why is the anime adding all of these filler episodes in a quasi-filler plot?)
The story with Rukia's execution is kind of up in the air. The way this is going there might not be enough characters left for a sequel! :D
I'm also considering doing a re-write of this. Around chapter 17ish I started having a bunch of really great (my definition of great of course!) ideas that I couldn't put in. Don't you hate when that happens?
YukinaTheSoulReaper: I have watched "The Tudors" and did get some inspiration. If you like shows about courts and intrigue, I suggest watching HBO's "Rome" and "Game of Thrones" as well as ShowTime's "The Borgia".
So the common theories for who tried to assassinate Hisana are someone from the Kuchiki Clan, someone from the Ryodoji Clan, or Ran herself.
Maybe you're right, maybe you're wrong. Wait and see…
Now you knew this was coming whether you wanted it to or not! And I apologize in advance for something else.
Please remember to comment! I respond very enthusiastically!
XXXXXXXXXX
(That same night, the Kuchiki Manor)
Immediately after the harlot was out of his sight, Byakuya stormed out of his chambers, white hot fury still coursing through his veins.
He recklessly made his way down the familiar hallway, not caring if anyone else saw him. Fortunately no one was around, leaving the heir alone with his thoughts.
It was clear that Benin did not order the attempt on Hisana's life. It could have been someone else from the Ryodoji Clan, Ganryu perhaps, but his instincts said that wasn't the case.
There was something a little odd about that relationship. Ganryu seemed unwilling, or unable, to exert proper control over his niece even though he was the head of the clan. In any event, the Ryodoji's isolationist policy had made the family outsiders in the aristocracy so they depended on their own blood. It seemed highly unlikely to Byakuya that Ganryu would organize something like this without Benin's knowledge.
"Did you not think that they wouldn't find out? They are a powerful clan with plenty of resources and a proud linage. Everyone knows what certain clans will do to protect their family honor…"
Miyahara's words echoed through his mind. Did she truly believe that the Ryodoji's were responsible, or did she just want him to think they were? She didn't mention what clan it was. Could it have been a different one? No, who would have the motivation? Could it have been another elder determined to protect the Kuchiki bloodline? That would mean that Miyahara's web wasn't as thick as she thought. He didn't know if that was good or bad, but it was certainly an unwelcome complication.
In no time at all, the death god found himself in front of what he considered to be the gateway to hell.
Not bothering to knock, Byakuya opened the door… only to be confronted by a dark, empty room.
Her oak desk was clear of papers and the candles clearly had not been lit at any point during the night.
The vice-captain then moved toward her personal chamber but it too was completely empty, the bed having not been touched.
As he discovered each of the rooms in the apartment to be vacant, Byakuya's uneasiness grew.
Miyahara wouldn't have just decided to take a little vacation at a time like this. So why…
A new wave of anger overcame him. Of course. Miyahara must have known what Benin had pulled and knew that the woman would admit that she knew nothing of Hisana. That means that the damn elder did know who tried to kill Hisana and had deliberately misled him!
And now she had conveniently disappeared.
A sigh of utter frustration left his lips. It would be virtually impossible to find her now. Miyahara had allies, or people she just owned, throughout Seireitei and was wise enough not to stay in the same place for long.
Maybe this was for the best for now. If he saw her now, the lieutenant might do something that he wouldn't regret but would be reprimanded for.
Running a hand through his black tresses, Byakuya finally realized just how exhausted he really was. It was utterly amazing he hadn't gone completely mad yet.
Unconsciousness would be a blessed relief, but as he walked out of the door he remembered that his own bed had already been contaminated. One of the guest rooms would have to suffice.
And he made a mental note to have the servants burn those sheets in the morning.
XXXXXXXXXX
(The next evening, the Ryodoji Manor)
"What do you mean there is no 'Hisana'?"
The poor book keeper flinched at his mistress's tone. Ryodoji Benin was not someone you wanted angry. At least you didn't want to be the focus of her rage.
"Ryodoji-sama, I have already explained this. I spent all of last night and today looking into the family trees of all the middle and lower houses of the aristocracy, and there was no woman named 'Hisana' listed."
"You're sure?" the noblewoman shrieked.
"Yes, I am sure milady."
"Then expand the search to all those without rank in Seireitei, including the Gotei 13, the Kido Corps, and the Onmitsukido."
The poor man nearly had a stroke.
"Madame, please! There are thousands of shinigami in the Gotei 13 and the identities of those in the Kido Corps and Onmitsukido are supposed to be a secret! And the census for the commoners is technically under the Central 46's jurisdiction…"
"You have three days."
The man's eyed bugged out of his head before bowing and stumbling out of the room.
Benin sighed, weaving a hand through her lavender locks. "Gods, they're all useless."
The lady was tired so perhaps a small nap would suffice.
The noble would find this whore if it was the last thing she'd ever do, and teach her what the consequences were for soiling Ryodoji pride. Still, 'Hisana' wasn't a common name so it shouldn't have been a challenge to find what clan she belonged to. She clearly would not belong to the highest of nobility, but now it seemed unlikely that she was of the aristocracy at all.
That only left a soul reaper or a commoner.
The former would be most likely, and probably from the Eighth or Thirteenth Divisions since the captains were Byakuya's former teachers. It was at least easier to see how a lieutenant could be drawn to a fellow soldier, at least more so that some shopkeeper or, dare she think it, a servant.
Well, clearly he wasn't just drawn to her but was actually in love with her.
The question was why.
This 'Hisana' clearly did not have a proper linage, wealth, or connections so what did she possess?
Perhaps she was a relatively high ranking shinigami.
That would explain why Byakuya thought that such a union would at least be tolerable if there was a chance that a captain-level child could be born. No, the Ryodoji Clan had generation after generation with captain level fighters. One fluke couldn't compete with that.
Maybe she was beautiful.
Benin couldn't hold back a snort. With her tall, curvaceous, well-endowed body she inspired lust from all men.
Well, except one. That was the problem.
Benin would never understand how Kuchiki Byakuya had not fallen for her charms when so many others had.
Of course, who was to say that this 'Hisana' was even a woman…
Now that made her laugh and she continued to do so until she walked into her bedroom, only to have another waiting for her.
It was a tall man wearing a shinigami's robes with tyrain hair with a part that was deep magenta and startling green eyes.
"Kuchiki Koga, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Benin asked in a bored tone.
The third seat smirked at the woman's response.
"I heard what happened last night and I just wanted to make sure you were alright. You're not the type to handle rejection well."
"Oh, thank you for your concern," the Ryodoji said sarcastically.
The man stood before placing a hand on the woman's shoulders and began to massage them.
"I am concerned. Perhaps I can be of some assistance…" he whispered, lowering his lips to her neck.
Benin was too agitated to feel any real lust but she knew how to play this game.
"Yes, you can be of some assistance," she said seductively, running a hand through his purple hair. "Do you happen to know who this other woman of Byakuya's is?"
Koga chuckled, anticipating her reaction.
"What, you mean the peasant?"
Benin literally froze at the word. "Peasant?"
"What, you didn't know? This 'Hisana' is from Inuzuri."
"Am I supposed to know where that is?" she asked in irritation.
"It's the seventy-eighth district of Rukongai."
"SEVENTY-EIGHTH?"
There was a very good chance that the other side of Seireitei heard the shriek.
Benin moved toward a table, her entire body shaking with rage. Her golden eyes narrowed into slits as her breasts heaved with her heavy breathing.
This could not be happening! Kuchiki Byakuya was trying to break his engagement to her, Ryodoji Benin, to be with a woman from the seventy-eighth distinct of Rukongai! Had he lost his mind?
"I'm going to kill her!" the noblewoman screamed. "I'll rip her to pieces! I'll invent a new definition of pain!"
Images of agony played out in her head, but it wasn't complete because it was only a generic woman enduring the torture.
Benin started to walk out of the room but Koga wrapped his arms around her waist.
"She's not there. You think Byakuya would risk it?"
"Then where is she? You know don't you?"
"Maybe…" he teased.
"Don't even start! Where is she?"
"Why would I tell you?"
"Why wouldn't you? Why would you want to defend…" she stopped at a sudden realization. "Unless you want Byakuya to marry this slut so that he is discredited in the eyes of the other elders while you look like a better successor to Ginrei. Is that the plan?"
Not that this was Koga's ideas. This had Amatsuki Bansui written all over it.
"Yes… I have an idea. Why don't you marry me instead?" the shinigami asked casually.
"Oh, what's this? Have you fallen in love with me?" she asked with fake enthusiasm.
"Don't get sentimental. I just like bedding with you. Besides, it serves our interests. I look like the more responsible candidate, honoring my clan's commitments, and you get to be Lady Kuchiki. We both win."
She freed herself from his grasp before turning and looking into his green eyes.
"Interesting, but there are two problems with that scenario. First, it would still require Byakuya to forsake me for his little tramp… and I will not be humiliated in front of the whole city…" she trailed off dangerously.
He pondered this for a moment. "Well, what if Byakuya suddenly died. You become the sympathetic de facto widow and I am the grieving cousin who has all the responsibility thrust upon his shoulders."
Benin paused before continuing. "The Head of the Kuchiki Clan must also be the Captain of the Sixth Division," she stated as fact.
"That is correct," he replied with irritation. Koga knew where this was going.
"There are rumors that Byakuya has already achieved bankai."
"I have heard that gossip."
"Is it true?"
"I cannot say."
"But you believe it. It is written all over your face. And did you know that after our wedding, Ginrei was going to 'retire' if you will and allow Byakuya to succeed him to make sure you didn't."
Emerald eyes widened at this.
"Apparently you do not know as much as you thought," the lady said smugly.
Before she could utter another word, he captured her lips with his own before carrying her to the futon.
"You know… I never… slept with you out of… of hatred like you. I only wanted to compare the Kuchiki cousins," she panted out. "But now that… that we want separate things… this will be the last time... and even if you do manage to overtake Byakuya… I will still send him his dear Hisana's head in a box…"
XXXXXXXXXX
(Later that night, the Suzunami Manor)
"I hope you enjoyed the day," a beautiful red haired woman said, looking down slightly at the figure next to her.
"I did, Konoka-san. It was wonderful to meet the rest of your family," the second woman responded, violet eyes full of sincerity.
The lady smiled as they made their way down one of the manor's hallways.
Konoka had a family get-together and had introduced Hisana to her daughter Shiyo, as well as Seigen's adopted children, Fujimaru and Matsuri.
Hisana was truly grateful that Konoka trusted her enough to allow her to be around her family. The young academy students were as different as two people could be. Though both had the same messy blonde hair and bright blue eyes, Matsuri was as serious and hardworking as Fujimaru was laidback and lazy. Still it was clear that they loved one another with all of their hearts.
Then there was little Shiyo. She truly took after her mother, especially with those big green eyes. The only difference was that the energetic girl's hair was mahogany instead of scarlet.
Byakuya and Seigen had a full day's work at the Sixth Division barracks so Konoka had decided to throw a lovely picnic for them.
The twins were getting ready to enter their final year at the academy. Matsuri had commented that she was amazed her brother hadn't been expelled which, naturally, had led to a fight between the two. Of course, that had stopped once the food was brought out.
And Shiyo was absolutely adorable. Nothing seemed to hold her attention. One minute she was staring at a flower and the next she was chasing a butterfly. It was too cute.
"Thank you again for the wonderful day, Konoka-san," Hisana said while bowing to the noblewoman.
The aristocrat smiled in response. She had told the dark haired woman time and time again not to be so formal but she did not listen.
"It was my pleasure, Hisana. Goodnight."
Konoka headed to her own chambers, leaving Hisana at the door.
It had truly been a wonderful day, but a hint of sadness crept into her violet orbs.
Seeing the children had been wonderful but now the guilt was returning. If only her sister could have met the others. If only she could have played around with them.
What was she like? Was she as easygoing as Fujimaru? A perfectionist like Matsuri? Or maybe as bubbly as Shiyo?
Hisana had no idea.
Sliding the door open, she was confronted by the fourth new face she saw today.
It was a fairly tall and slender woman, dressed in simply but expensive black robes, similar to Byakuya's shinigami attire. A snow white haori was draped over her shoulders without a single wrinkle. She was older, perhaps appearing as a human in her early forties, but her skin was flawless. Her copper locks were held in a tight bun at the back of her head. Glasses covered her eyes which were the darkest shade of brown, the color directly before black.
She was beautiful.
Her full red lips rose in a kind smile as she bowed slightly.
"Sato Hisana-sama, it is so good to finally meet you." Her voice was very compelling, soft but strong at the same time.
The peasant closed the door behind her and moved forward.
"Forgive me, but I am confused. Who are you?"
The other figure straightened her back, looking Hisana directly in the eye. "My name is Miyahara Ran."
"Miyahara Ran."
The name sounded faintly familiar but Hisana could not remember where she had heard it.
Her confusion must have shown because Ran spoke once more. "I am an elder for the Kuchiki Clan."
Maybe Byakuya had mentioned her before? That seemed to be the obvious conclusion but she thought she had remembered all of their conversations. She needed to pay better attention.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miyahara-sama," Hisana responded by bowing.
Ran laughed slightly at this. "Hisana-sama, you will soon be the First Lady of the Kuchiki Clan! You do not need to bow to anyone."
It sounded so final when she said that, as if it would happen in a few days. It was strange to hear someone else besides Byakuya say it.
Shaking her head slightly, Hisana recovered her manners. "Please have a seat," she said gesturing to the small table.
"Thank you, Hisana-sama."
Sitting on the mats, both women were silent for a moment before Ran spoke once more.
"I cannot tell you how pleased I am to finally meet you. Byakuya-sama speaks of you constantly."
Hisana blushed slightly at this. "Thank you but I must apologize. You know me but I do not know you. Are you close with Byakuya-sama?"
A hint of sadness crossed her dark eyes. "So Byakuya-sama has not spoken of me?"
"No, he has just… just not in detail," Hisana tried to correct herself in order to ease her guest.
"It is alright, Madame. I am not surprised. Byakuya-sama does not speak of his family often now does he?"
"No… he does not… not even to me…" Hisana trailed off. It was true that she next to nothing about his immediate family. Why had she never asked? What a bad fiancée she had been.
"It's alright. I know what a painful topic it is for him. So many tragedies in his young life…" Ran said, whispering the last part to herself. She corrected her posture before looking back at Hisana. "As I said, I am one of the Kuchiki elders. I am well aware of the situation and I just came to introduce myself."
Hisana caught onto her tone. "And to make sure that my feelings for Byakuya-sama are sincere?"
Ran chuckled at that. "Is it that obvious?"
"The care and concern in your voice is unmistakable. Almost… maternal…" the smaller woman trailed off.
"I am not a very good actress, especially when it comes to Byakuya-sama's wellbeing." The smile disappeared before she spoke once more. "He has been through a great deal. His father died in the line of duty and his mother succumbed to grief not long afterward. Ginrei-sama needed to lead the clan and his aunt Shizuka had her own two children to attend to. Such a sad childhood…"
Memories of Hisana's own family came to mind.
"Have you lost someone as well?" the peasant asked softly.
"My mother died while giving birth to me and my father passed on when I was young. In case you haven't noticed, I am not so 'elderly' for an elder. Byakuya-sama's mother, Shoko-sama, was a dear friend and asked me to care for her son. That is what I have always tried to do. So when he finally confessed to me about his relationship I was, of course, concerned. Many try to use this family for their own selfish ambitions."
Hisana nodded at the statement. "I understand. I would have those same reservations if I were in your position. I know words will not be enough, but I truly love Byakuya-sama with all my heart and soul. I hope I can prove myself worthy of your approval."
"You already have," Ran said before looking down. "I must apologize in advance."
"For what?" the raven haired lady asked in confusion.
"I confess I have been spying on you. I wanted to make sure you were not just pulling off an act. But I have seen with my own two eyes how warm and genuine you are, and I have seen the way Byakuya-sama looks at you with utter love and devotion. I cannot tell you how pleased that makes me. All I want is his happiness," Ran's dark eyes penetrated Hisana's violet ones.
"It's alright. You were just looking out for his best interests. He is lucky to have someone like you in his life," the peasant responded sincerely.
"And I am happy he has you. I don't think you know how happy you've made him."
There was a small silence before the elder continued.
"And we are all happy not to have Ryodoji Benin as a member of the family!"
Both began to laugh though Hisana needed to know something.
"Is she really that bad?"
"Now I'm sure Byakuya-sama has spoken of her," the other woman replied with certainty.
"Yes but… he's bias…"
"Ha, yes he is but whatever he has said about that woman is probably an understatement. And all the other Kuchikis feel the same… perhaps you should ask Byakuya-sama to arrange a meeting with his aunt Shizuka-sama and cousin Nanako-sama. Get to know the rest of the family."
Hisana's eyes widened at the suggestion but then smiled. "I would like that. I have already met Ginrei-sama."
"Oh, and how was that?" Ran asked curiously.
"It is… nice. He seems like a good man."
"Yes, yes he is. And I'm sure he and Byakuya-sama would be thrilled if you became close to Shizuka-sama and Nanako-sama."
"So you say that these two are Byakuya-sama's aunt and his younger cousin, right? Doesn't he have another cousin in the Gotei 13?"
"Third seat of the Sixth Division, Kuchiki Koga… you don't want to meet him," the elder said seriously.
"Why? You say I can meet his mother and younger sister so why…"
"Koga-sama is very… proud… of his linage, a trait he got from his maternal grandfather. I will not lie to you, Hisana-sama. He will never accept you into his family. He will always see you as a Rukongai peasant and unworthy of the Kuchiki name," the copper haired woman said somberly.
"I see. I can't say I'm surprised."
Hisana lowered her eyes but Ran quickly responded.
"But Shizuka-sama is a kind woman and Nanako-sama is utterly adorable. I know they would love to meet you."
"Alright, I'll ask Byakuya-sama the next time I see him," Hisana said in her most cheerful of voices.
"Good. I apologize but I must take my leave," the older woman responded.
"So soon?"
"I'm afraid so. There is much to be done at the manor."
"I understand. I hope we can see each other again."
"Soon, I promise." Ran stood and straightened her robes. "Oh, I do have one favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"Don't tell Byakuya about are meeting. I believe he wanted us to have a formal introduction but my curiosity got the best of me."
"Of course, I won't say anything."
Ran smiled brightly before bowing and leaving.
After the door closed, Hisana raised herself as conflicting thoughts overcame her.
She truly wanted to meet Byakuya's other family members but what the elder said was concerning. It would have been the utmost of naivety to believe that she would be welcomed with open arms into a noble clan, this was not a little girl's fairytale, but… but to know that Byakuya's own cousin would never acknowledge her was disheartening. Hopefully, she would be able to make a good impression with the two females.
At least she had the support of his grandfather and now his surrogate mother.
How fortunate Byakuya was to have someone like Miyahara Ran in his life.
What a blessing indeed.
XXXXXXXXXX
So I'm sorry for putting the image of Benin and Koga together in your heads.
So what did you think about the meeting of the two most important women in the story? Not disappointing I hope.
Now before anyone says "But Yoshino told Hisana about Ran in chapter 25!" yes she did, but Hisana doesn't remember! Ever notice how characters seem to be able to remember every conversation even if it's about the most mundane topics? Regular people's memories aren't that good so why should a fictional person's be?
Of course the new question (or the same really) is what could Ran possibly be up to now! :D
"And he made a mental note to have the servants burn those sheets in the morning."
Heehee! So would I! ;)
I love responding to comments so keep them coming!
Love from EvanSol0919!
