Aletta: Boy, has it been long since I last posted! I apologize, and will save the excuses and let you read.
"Good morning, Captain Miura!" Hinamori yelled as she ran in with the daily reports I was expected to finish along with the old paperwork Aizen left.
"Call me Ava, or Miura-san. Captain is too stuffy for me." I said, and groaned as I noticed the papers slamming onto my desk, "Why does Captain-Commander hand out so much paperwork for the Captains?"
"I think he simply wants something for us to do in our spare time that will still give us an air of authority" Someone said, and I looked up to find Kyoraku, "But I feel there are many other things we captains can pursue other than a perfect signature. Which I may say," He continued, picking up one of my papers, "You have lovely handwriting."
"I don't mean to be rude, but do you have a reason here?" I said, snatching the paper back and putting it back in its pile.
"Just to say hello to the pretty new Captain." He said with a flirtatious smile.
"Thank you, but I have work to do, and I am sure you do as well." I chuckled, standing up as I finished the last paper to do for the day, and turned to Hinamori, "I think it's time to introduce myself." Hinamori nodded, and I could feel my stomach knotting as we left for the Fifth Division barracks.
--
"Captain Miura!" People kept greeting me, followed by bows most of the time as I walked down to the mess hall to be introduced to my division.
"Miura-san, relax. Everyone's excited to meet you, there's nothing to be nervous about." Hinamori said, patting my back.
"I need these people to accept me, to be able to follow my lead in the coming war or there is no point to me being captain. You all were led by Aizen, and if people prefer his leadership over my own, then it is simply more to his side." I said, acknowledging the bows as I neared the hall, "It's either me or Aizen." I said, glancing sideways at the Vice-Captain, who was staring intently ahead of me, "Still with me?"
"Hm?" She said, turning toward me with a big smile, "Of course I am. Anyone who can make Shiro-chan happy will always be a good friend of mine." She replied, opening the door for me.
As soon as the doors slammed shut, I was surrounded with silence. People turned in their seats to stare as I took a seat at the end of a table with Hinamori, then the whispers began.
"I heard she killed Ichimaru Gin."
"I heard she had fought with Aizen, and left with only a small nick, only she won't ever show you the scar."
"Why is that?"
"It's not a place you would show in the public. That's why she doesn't show much cleavage, though I would definitely like her more if she did."
"I heard she is Captain Hitsugaya's girl."
"That is so cute. The shorty captains!"
"She's not as short as Hitsugaya."
"But she is pretty short. I would guess at about 140 centimeters, maybe more, maybe less. Definitely shorter than Vice-Captain Hinamori"
"I heard she's every Captain's girl, and that's how she really got to be our Captain. I bet she doesn't even know her Zanpakuto's name."
"That story makes more sense. Last I had seen her, she didn't know its name. Hell of a kido master, though."
"Kido doesn't get you a Captain's seat, but the approval of five or more Captains will. I can think of five captains that could be persuaded." Whispers sounded from several mouths, and I stood up loudly as the whispers died down again.
"Does anyone here have questions for me?" I said, looking at a member I knew was insinuating I was using my sex to get my position.
"Did you really kill Gin?" A shy young woman I recognized as the tenth seat piped up. I smiled brightly to her.
"I did."
"Did you fight with Aizen? Do you really have a scar from it?" Someone else said, and I found the man who had said that rumor earlier.
"I did not fight him. I spoke with him, so there is no scar to speak of. There is, however, the scar I received the second fight with Gin." I said, pulling apart my robe to reveal the small circle discolored skin over my stomach above my belly button. A few people murmured approvingly, and the seventh seat who happened to sit across from me reached over and touched the scar.
"Are you really Captain Hitsugaya's girl?"
"In a matter of speaking yes. He holds as much power over me as I do him. I care deeply for him, but this squad is my priority nonetheless. I did not use him for my own gains other than some comfort at night." I said with a sly smile, and was rewarded with hoots and giggles alike.
"How can we believe any of this? All I can believe is that you are with Captain Hitsugaya. You don't even know your Zanpakuto's name." The third seat said, from a corner far away from my little podium. The second his finished his question, a spirit arrow flew past his ear, burning a hole in the hall. His eyes popped open as the wind rushed by his ear, and his head snapped around to see the hole in the wall, "H-how d-did you do that?" He gasped, burning his finger on smoldering hole. I presented my sword, holding it parallel to the ground on my open palm.
"This is my Zanpakuto, Blute. Her ability is similar to that of a Quincy spirit bow." I said, tilting my head up as people stared in awe, "Are there any more questions?" I asked, sheathing my sword.
"I think you have everyone's respect." Hinamori whispered after a long pause of silence.
"I hope so." I whispered back, "If there are no more question, I have one for all of you. Having satisfied your curiosity, do you want me as captain? If you do not wish me personally to be your captain, I will leave without complaint. If for any other reason you do not approve, then join Aizen in Hueco Mundo. I will look away from this defection if that is the case, but I will not allow any who would rather follow the enemy's lead." I said, swallowing and taking a deep breath, "So do you want me to be your captain?"
The room filled with thunderous applause. I looked around the room and found nobody had left, they were all on their feet, cheering. I let out the breath I hadn't even known I held, and nodded my thanks and sat down with my head bent over my lunch. Hinamori patted my back, the seventh seat across from me patted my arm.
"Great speech. I don't think anyone in Soul Society would refuse you as captain after that speech." She said, "And you have certainly earned your place here, despite what anyone might have said." I smiled at the woman.
"Told you there wasn't anything to worry about." Hinamori said with a big grin"Would you have really left, just like that? Can you do that?" Someone behind me asked, and I simply nodded.
"To be honest, I didn't want to be captain. If I have to, I would simply leave Seireitei to avoid being captain, and yes I would do that. Ask Captain Hitsugaya if you don't believe me, I have a nasty habit of disappearing and not being found if I can help it." I said, turning to face him with a big smile, "But I'm here to stay and do my best if you want me here. And I think this division itself could give the Espada a run for their money with some work."
"Give the captain a chance to eat her lunch." Someone next to the man yelled, smacking him on the arm, "Sorry for the tough time people seem to keep giving you."
"Thank you. I would be worried if I wasn't given a hard time." I said, turning back to my soup.
"What's Captain Hitsugaya like?" A woman asked, taking Hinamori's seat before I realized she had left.
"I heard he likes to do it in freezing cold."
"That's ridiculous, he gets off by fighting with the girl first. That's why he's going with a Captain-class girl. Any weaker and he might kill her."
"You both are so vulgar. He's not as cold-hearted as you two seem to think. I bet he's very romantic when he wants to be. I heard he took Captain Miura to the real world for their first date."
"Well I heard he was gay and had a thing for that ryoka Kurosaki. I mean, how else could he handle that Vice-Captain?"
"Well, obviously he isn't, so let the Captain speak." The seventh seat piped up, and the room was quiet again.
"I am not discussing my love life. If you have a question, ask it, but I will not give details." I said, my face turning red.
"Where did he take you on your first date?"
"Is he good in bed?" Someone called out, and was received with hoots and hollers.
"You are called to First Division for Captain's meeting." A hell butterfly said, landing on my shoulder.
"Thank god." I whispered, "I have to leave now for a meeting. I will answer questions some other time." I said, a disappeared before anyone else could stop me.
--
I appeared outside First Division to find everyone was already inside. I took a deep breath and walked in with my head held high.
"Now that she has decided to join us, we may begin with introducing the newest captain of Fifth Division, Miura Ava. " Captain-Commander boomed, and I couldn't help but jump at bit. Hitsugaya gave me a sympathetic look, and I returned it with a smile.
"Yare, yare, Yama-jii. No need to scare the new girl." Kyoraku said, tipping his straw hat to me.
"Thank you, but I will simply make sure it doesn't happen again, sir." I replied, taking another deep breath.
"Good." Captain-Commander said, and started the discussions. There was some budget discussion, concerning 'extra money to include recreations to improve morale', some training techniques discussed, and I brought up scheduling time in the training arenas.
"I would like a chance to familiarize myself with my division." I explained, receiving an approving nod from the Captain-Commander, and allowed me use of an old arena for training.
The meeting ended with the final discussion over whether or not Sixth Division or Eighth was on hollow duty for the month, deciding it was 'Sixth's turn'.
"Not bad, for your first day as captain." Kyoraku said, thumping me on the back.
"Thanks." I replied, rolling my shoulders and searching the mass of Captains for Toshiro, "Where is Hitsugaya-kun?" I asked Kyoraku.
"Oh, he wanted me to tell you he had to leave and didn't wish to speak to you today. Seemed pretty mad too, whatever happened must have really ruffled his feathers."
"Thank you, now I must get back to my work. I have plenty of work."
"That is true. Are you moving out any time soon?" Ukitake said, cutting in on our conversation. I stopped in my tracks; I had completely forgotten about moving into the Captain's quarters.
"I will get on that today." I said, disappearing to the 13th Division cabin.
--
"Miura-san, would you like something to eat?" Ukitake said, poking his head in the door. I looked out the window, it was already evening, and I still didn't have all my things out of here. When did I get so much stuff?
"I'm almost finished here." I said, hurriedly stuffing the last of my things into my bags and slinging them over my shoulder as Ukitake entered with a plate of sweets.
"Why don't you take some of these home with you? Give some to Hitsugaya-kun and Hinamori-san." Ukitake said, handing me a brightly colored gift and the platter.
"I will make sure they get them. Good night." I said, flashing back to my new home in Fifth Division, "Sorry I was out so long-"
Hinamori cut me off with a wave of her hand, "I already informed the division we have our first training session tomorrow after lunch, you already finished your paperwork for the day this morning, and I sent it to the Captain-Commander while you were out. And Shiro-chan wanted me to tell you he still doesn't want to speak with you. He's having a temper tantrum, you should probably find him. 'Never go to bed angry,' they always say."
"Thank you very much. I think that's all that needs to be done for the day. Enjoy your evening." I said, placing the platter of sweets on the table, "These are a gift from Ukitake. Feel free to take them home." I offered, and headed into my quarters to throw my things on the floor and went off to find Toshiro.
--
"Come on out, Toshiro." I said, checking the Tenth Division for the third time, "It was just a joke, you need to lighten up." I said, and Matsumoto's head poked out of the office, her head tilted at me.
"Found him yet?" She called out, and I shook my head, "Don't worry, he can't keep a grudge forever." I sighed; she was I flashed to the grove to think and relax before I give up and go to bed.
I purposely chose to avoid the tree Hitsugaya secured for me so he could find me, but out of the corner of my eye I found the captain lounging on that very tree. I almost laughed to think that he was here the entire time. He looked up and noticed my presence, but didn't move a muscle.
"It's about time." He said, with a big grin, "Matsumoto said something about today being April First, or April Fools Day."
"You knew?"
"Of course I did. I know Matsumoto better than you, and I could tell it was still morning out." He said, leaning against the tree trunk, "Don't underestimate me. So the joke is on you for thinking I was upset."
"Does that mean we're even?" I said, leaning against his leg. He reached for my chin and pulled my face towards his.
"I think so." He murmured as he kissed me.
"Then can I ask you a favor?" I asked, breaking away to give him my best puppy-dog face.
"What is it?"
"Well, what are you doing after lunch?"
"Nothing. Are you going to tell me what I'm committing myself to?"
"Nope, but it's nothing to worry about. Just remember I will owe you big time." I said with a flirtatious smile.
"You're not making me do paperwork, are you?" He asked suspiciously, I couldn't help but laugh.
"I would not allow myself be at your mercy for a day free of paperwork."
"Then what?"
"You'll just have to show up at Fifth headquarters around noon to find out." I said, ending the interrogation with a kiss and disappeared.
--
"Do I get to find out now?" Toshiro asked, his arms around my waist while I waited for my toast.
"Not until noon." I said, turning in his arms, "But I would get going to get your paperwork done first." I said, putting a slice of toast into his mouth. He took a bite of the toast and disappeared with a pout.
--
I signed my last paper for the day, it was almost noon. I looked up, half expecting Toshiro to be here and waiting for the big reveal.
"Hinamori-san?" I called, opening the door to my office and taking in the fresh air, "Hinamori-san, I believe it is time to get ready." I said, and the Vice-Captain appeared right next to me and making me jump.
"Sorry, Captain Miura!" She cried, sliding into the office on the balls of her feet, "Ready?"
"Wait a moment..." I said, chuckling as I recalled my own days in Sixth Division. I looked out the window, and there was Toshiro strolling toward the office, "See you there." I said, flashing toward him to grab the crook of his arm and pull him toward the arena.
--
"Good Afternoon, Captain Miura, Captain Hitsugaya!"
"Good the next few days, I will be evaluating your abilities in hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship, and Kido. Today, I would like everyone to split into two groups. One will be proving themselves in hand-to-hand combat with me, and the other will prove their swordsmanship with Captain Hitsugaya." I yelled to the group, "Any questions?" Hitsugaya gave me a bewildered look.
"You want me to fight your division?"
"Not at the same time. One at a time, to determine their skill level corresponds with their current seat."
"Then shouldn't you do it?" He complained.
"I would, were the conditions good and I had unlimited time to perform this evaluation. But war could be coming at any time and any time I can save on the preliminaries is time I can use training these people."
"You owe me big time," Hitsugaya said, glaring at me, "Huge. What do you want me to do?"
"Kobayashi Takeru!" I yelled, and a Sixth Division member about half a meter taller than I am with short brown hair ran out and kneeled down at my feet, "This is.. what are you now, twentieth seat?" I asked, tapping my toe until he nodded, "Twentieth seat of Sixth Division who has offered to write your notes on each officer." I said, "Kobayashi, I am sure you know Hitsugaya-kun. You are to write down everything he says for the remaining afternoon. Understood?" I said, tapping my toe again to get his attention. He stood up, nodding furiously again and bowing low to me and Toshiro.
"Yes Captain Miura!" He yelled, pulling out his pen and paper.
"Where did you find him?" Hitsugaya asked, and I smiled a bit as Kobayashi started scribbling that down. I glanced over his shoulder to examine his handwriting. He had finished writing before I looked, and it was pretty neat. He gave me a nervous sidelong glance, and I nodded approvingly.
"You can leave for now, Kobayashi. Good work." I said, watching him return to the crowd of people now being organized by Hinamori, "He used to tease me back in Sixth Division. I looked him up yesterday and he was only too happy to help his old friend." I said with a mischievous grin, "Just say whatever you think I should know about the officer. Zanpakuto ability, fighting style, weaknesses especially. Well, ready to get started? We have a long day ahead of us." I said, turning again to the mass of people.
"I think we're almost ready. Now, I want all of your to remember, hold nothing back." I said, and flashed toward the south end of the arena and placed my Zanpakuto on the ground, "My group, place your Zanpakuto over here."
"Follow me." Hitsugaya called, and half the mass followed Hitsugaya, and the other walked over here and placed their Zanpakutos around my own.
"Bakudo number 8: Seki." I said, creating a shield over the pile of swords, "I advise against trying to snatching your swords until I am finished with the exams." I said, placing my hands behind my back and strolling to an open place in my end of the arena. I risked a glance back at Toshiro; already he was locked in battle with the third officer, his fire-type zanpakuto already causing a large amount of damage. I looked away, turning back to the Division, "Hinamori, I will begin with you." I said, "No kido, just your feet and hands and Shunpo-" I said, and barely dodged her first strike aimed to possibly crack my head.
--
"Alright!" I yelled, after pinning my last member. I glanced over at Toshiro again, and he was already leaning against a wall, his half out cold on ground around him, some even receiving medical attention. He had a huge grin on his face, and I noticed Kobayashi looking rather windswept and his face was coated in lacerations, "Good work, everyone. The rest of the week I'll allow your injuries to heal and we'll see what Fifth Division can live up to its reputation in Kido. Go to bed, you've all earned it." I glanced over at Toshiro and practically stumbled over toward him.
"Gigantic." Hitsugaya groaned, "Monstrous. Obscene," He continued, rolling his shoulders and pushing himself off the wall, "I don't even know where to start with your payback."
"How about a back rub?" I offered, nudging him playfully.
"It's a start." He agreed, and disappeared.
"Hey, Miura!" Zaraki yelled, "Looked like you were having a real party there." He said, and I turned to meet his feral grin.
"I'm not going to let you join. It's training for my division, and I don't want my officers killed." I said, meeting his strong gaze without so much as a shiver in my core, surprising even myself.
"What a party-pooper, Miri-san." Pouted the little Vice-Captain from Captain Zaraki's shoulder. I opened my mouth to correct her, when I realized she would simply create a worse nickname and promptly shut my mouth.
"Can't help that. Maybe I'll enlist your help later on, if you can promise not to kill anyone." I conceded. Yachiru still pouted, but Zaraki's face tells me he's already bored with the conversation.
"Well, let me know if I can join." He siad, and disappeared, and I flashed home to sleep.
--
The next day, everyone walked in with loud groans and complaints of sore muscles or cuts too deep to perform kido, rolling up their sleeves and opening their robes slightly to show their purpled bruises and cuts. I had checked with Captain Unohana; all these men and women were fit to use Kido, no matter what any of them say.
"Captain Miura." Captain Kyoraku called out to me, flashing right beside me and grabbing my arm, "Your Kido performance examination will be supervised by Vice-Captain Nanao Ise." He announced, and Nanao appeared and nodded her head toward me before gathering up my division.
"What is going on?" I said while Kyoraku led me to another arena, by the looks of it. I look around, and Rukia was battling Orihime.
"Stop being so defensive!" Rukia yelled, cracking the golden shield in front of Orihime, "Attack!"
"What is she doing here?" I asked, turning to Kyoraku.
"Training, but there was something I wanted to talk to you about here." He scratched his chin, "Turns out Aizen was looking at some documents before he left."
"What kind of documents?"
"Most about the hogyoku he stole, but one was concerning the Royal Key, or to be more specific, how to make one." Kyoraku said gravely, "Yama-jii suspects he'll use the Hougyokou to make a Royal Key and take over the Spirit King himself." My blood ran cold as I watched Rukia batter against Orihime's shield again.
"How long?"
"Winter is apparently the time the hogyoku will awaken." Kyoraku said, and put a hand on my shoulder, "To make the key, Aizen will need a town with a radius of one spirit mile with a high spirit concentration within." He said, and squeezed my shoulder.
"It's Karakura Town, isn't it?" I said as the dread settled into my bones, "My division will be ready by then." I said stiffly, and turned to leave before Orihime turned and noticed me.
"Is she okay?" Orihime yelled at Kyoraku.
"She's fine, Orihime-san." He called back.
"Focus on your training. You need to keep your head in this battle; your enemies will not let you be distracted." Rukia yelled, smacking Orihime hard on the back of the head.
"Yow, I'm sorry. I'll try harder." The orange-haired girl apologized.
"Apologies won't help." Rukia said harshly. Orihime flinched and looked down at her feet, "Go home, Orihime-san. We're done for today. Say hi to Ichigo for me." She finished with a sigh and turned to Kyoraku.
"Yare, Yare. Don't you think you're being just a little harsh on her?" Kyoraku chided, tilting back his straw hat. Rukia crossed her arms and shook her head sadly.
"Orihime doesn't have the resolve of a warrior. She doesn't even attack to defend herself. She will do more harm than good in battle."
"Everyone here feels they need to contribute in some way. She's quite spirited," Kyoraku commented, placing a hand on Rukia's shoulder, "so don't discourage her, Kuchiki-san. Have patience."
Good advice, I have to admit, but my adrenaline was already racing to keep up with my thoughts and my heart. I didn't dare slow down now.
Aletta: So, here is the chapter. Which reminds me: I need to catch up on Bleach. I'm currently reading FMA and DeathNote and other random manga, and have neglected Bleach, so nobody give me spoilers or admonish me for references I overlooked.