we meet again Chapter 38: His Side… Feelings, a bleach fanfic

A/N: I don't own Bleach

All I have is my creative mind

We meet again – HITSUKARIN

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

Present time… (Manga Spoilers)

Chapter 38: His Side… Feelings

A Meeting between Two Taichos

It had been two days since returning from the Human world, I sat quietly looking out the 4th division window thinking about all that had happened there.

After being ambushed by the Shadow, Akrina now lie somewhere badly hurt, I did not know where or what her current condition was.

I could only ask myself over and over, 'how I can be her protector if I don't have a clue about the woman.'

Hearing the door as it starts to open, I glanced over to Matsumoto's unconscious body and quickly stood while placing my hand on Hyourinmaru.

I watched with caution as Kuchiki Taicho unexpectedly walked into the room saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho we need to talk.'

I looked at the man and then walked out of Matsumoto's room, stopping only to tell one of my division members to stand watch over her and to report any changes of her condition to me immediately.

We quietly walked the grounds of the 4th division, until we came to an area where we could not be overheard.

He then stopped walking and turned to me saying, 'I am told by Rukia that the Shadow attacked both Akrina Sama and Yuzu Kurosaki and they are in serious condition…Tell me do we any idea who is involved with the shadow.'

I looked at him hard then said, 'We have confirmed that members from both the Kasumioji and Kuchiki Clans are involved.'

He was taken back at how direct my words were, when I mentioned his clan.

He looked at me saying, 'Who in my Clan are you accusing?'

I looked at him saying, 'I have witnesses who claim it was Jaen Kuchiki, who attacked Yuzu Kurosaki.'

He looked quietly around, as if thinking, he then said, 'these witnesses, are they reliable'

I looked at him saying, 'Yes it was Yuzu Kurosaki's betroth and her best friend, both whose guardians are Urahara Kun and Yoruichi Sama.'

Hearing who their guardians where, He just stood there trying to control his anger.

I looked at him saying, 'for you to approach me with these questions you must have suspected something.'

He looked at me saying, 'yes … I did have my suspicions that he was involved but I would never have thought he would go so far as to attack an innocent human girl.'

I looked at him saying, 'we need to find and destroy the Shadow Organization…do you think if he is arrested, he would talk?'

He looked at me saying, 'No, he will not talk, but he can lead us to the others.'

I looked at him saying, 'my thoughts exactly… but what about Kurosaki Taicho, by now he knows all that has happen.'

He looked at me saying, 'Kurosaki Taicho, is very protective of his sisters, as I am of Rukia, I must talk to him and try to calm him down… make him understand, for Rukia's sake we must destroy all of the Shadow Organization and once we have them all… I will not stand in his way when he confronts Jaen.'

I looked at him saying, 'I will send word to Kurosaki Taicho, telling him that we will need to meet with him as soon as he returns.'

He looked at me saying, 'fine, in the meantime I will keep an eye on Jaen.'

I nodded in agreement then we both walked away in different directions.

As I walked away my thoughts were on Kurosaki Taicho, I was just praying the man would not lose his cool and hunt down Jaen Kuchiki, before I had the chance to talk to him…

Turnover of guardianship

It had been several days since Shia Sama had requested a meeting with KuKaKu, but for some reason KuKaKu had been avoiding the Kasumioji Clan leader.

KuKaKu having spoken with Urahara knew that Shoin Sama and probably Shia Sama had something to do with the strange woman who was impersonating Akrina in the human world, and did not want to confront the Kasumioji Clan leader until she knew the condition of Akrina and she had formally turned the guardianship of Akrina to Ichigo.

It had been five (5) days since the attack on Akrina, when in the middle of the night the Shiba Senkaimon gate alert sounded and opened.

Quickly stepping from the gate was Akrina Sama, Yui Sama, Ami Sama, Ururu San, Hiyori San, Jinta Kun, and Kurosaki Taicho, each moving in the shadows ensuring they were not seen.

As they entered into the Manor, they were greeted by KuKaKu, Ganju, the Shiba Elders, and Akrina's personal servants.

After ensuring that everyone had been assigned a room and Akrina had been put into her spiritual bath and in bed, KuKaKu walked into the library where she found Ichigo sitting at the desk reading one of the Shakespearean sonnets.

KuKaKu stood there with a proud grin on her face as she said, 'she will be very happy to see you sitting there.'

Ichigo looked up from his book and replied, 'All this time you knew and did not tell me …why'

KuKaKu entered into the library, shutting the door behind her, she walked over to the sofa and sat down saying, 'Ichigo, it was decided by your father that Akrina would come here and take her place as the Clan Leader… a position she has proven to be great at doing, so well that the elders feel she will even surpass my Ni Sama Kaien Sama and your father Hison Sama as one of the greatest leaders of all time and to get them to understand this she had to do it without you.'

Ichigo quietly listens as she continues by saying, 'She has proven herself to both fearless and compassionate, and it is because of this, that the people all love and support her decisions '

Ichigo then says, 'what about the Shadow Organization … so tell me, KuKaKu Sama how are the elders going to handle that situation?'

KuKaKu looked at him, her eyes hard as she said, 'The Elders know what happened in the human world to both Akrina and the Shiba Princess… If Akrina so commanded it, they and I are prepared to go to war with both the Kasumioji and Kuchiki Clans over the situation.'

Hearing KuKaKu's response, Ichigo's eyes grew large as he leaned forward saying, 'You are what… prepared to go to war!'

She looked at him saying, 'Yes that is what I have said… and before I relinquish my position as the guardian to the Shiba Clan Leader… I have a question'

Ichigo looks at her closely and nods, KuKaKu then says, ' If ever a day would come that you had to decide between standing with the Gotei 13 as the Taicho of the 5th division or being the Ni Sama to Akrina the Shiba Clan Leader and standing by her side...What would your decision be?'

Ichigo looked at her.

His eyes burning with anger that she would dare ask that question.

KuKaKu never blinked and kept her eye locked on his, waiting to hear his response. The two were concentrating on each other so much that they did not hear Akrina walk into the room.

She stood there looking at the both of them with a grin on her face, as she said, 'KuKaKu Sama…my Ni Sama, like you loves me and will protect me with his life, and I love him and will protect him and his position as Taicho of the 5th.'

Ichigo looked up and saw Akrina, as she walked into the library shutting the door behind her.

She was carrying an old book in her hands, as she walked and stood in front of both KuKaKu and Ichigo saying, 'We of the Shiba Clan unless provoked will not start an all out war with the Kasumioji and Kuchiki Clans, so Ich-nii you need not worry.'

Ichigo started to look relieved as he took the book Akrina had handed to him while saying, 'This is dad's diary... I thought you might want to read it.'

She then turned and started to walk towards the door, as she opened the door she said, 'Ich-Nii once you read what is contained between the pages of that book you will understand why we are not going to war with the other Clans... but we are at WAR with the Shadow Organization…and it is a war I that promised my clan we will win without mercy … so with that stated I will hold you to your word that you will allow me to deal with Jaen Kuchiki in my own way!'

Before he could response she had walked out the door, leaving KuKaKu chuckling saying, 'She is so like your father.'

Ichigo shook his head saying, 'Yeah I am really starting to see that…and it is making me nervous'

KuKaKu walked up to him and patted his shoulder, chuckling while saying, 'don't be too nervous yet… as guardian, tomorrow evening you will have to announce her engagement…an engagement she knows nothing about!'

Ichigo just stared at her with a look of disbelief that slowly turned into a grin….

The will of Shiba Taicho

It had been several days since I had spoken with Kuchiki Taicho, I had received reports that Akrina Sama and Yuzu Kurosaki were recovering, and Karin was ok and staying close to both her sister and her friend.

Matsumoto had also awaken and was going to get released from the 4th division sometime today, so all in all everything was going ok.

Until …

I sat quietly in my office looking at the picture of Karin and myself, when I had received a summons from Sotaicho to come the commander's division one (1) office, I had no idea what the old man wanted, but I knew I had to go.

As I entered into the division 1 office, I was met by Kurosaki Taicho, KuKaKu Sama, and Sotaicho.

Seeing Kurosaki Taicho, I walked over to him and started to immediately tell him what Kuchiki Taicho has discussed about Jaen.

The man surprised me by saying, 'I have given Akrina Sama, my word that I would wait until we found out more about the Shadow organization, before confronting the man.'

I looked at him saying, 'I see.' I then turned to Sotaicho asking him, how I could help him.

The man looked at me with a guarded look saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, I have something to show you.'

He turned and carefully pulled out an old parchment and handed it to me, telling me to read it.

I stood there reading the old document and with each word I read I felt my heart beat harder and harder against my chest.

When I completely finished reading the document, I stood there looking at Sotaicho with my mouth hanging drop opening.

I shook my head then said, 'this is a joke right…. You cannot be serious.'

It was KuKaKu who walked up to me and took the document from my hands saying, 'no Hitsugaya Taicho, this is no joke, we of the Shiba clan are very serious about what is written on this document.'

I looked to her saying, 'What about Akrina, how does she feel about this?'

KuKaKu looked at Kurosaki Taicho then looked at me saying, 'I don't know… I guess we will have to see when she finds out today at the engagement ceremony.'

I looked at the woman saying, 'what the hell are you serious… how much does she know.'

KuKaKu looked at me with a serious face saying, 'She will find out bits and pieces, when I return to the Manor.'

She stepped up to me saying, 'you will have a choice of moving into the Manor or staying in the 10th division residence, just as long as you both do what is necessary to provide an heir.'

I was now in shock boarder lining anger.

I could not believe what KuKaKu had just said to me.

I felt Kurosaki looking at me, and as much as I tried to hide my anger I knew he could see it.

Kurosaki Taicho and KuKaKu Sama both looked to me then Sotaicho excused themselves, saying they needed to go finalize the arrangements for the evening activities and walked out.

Leaving me wondering what the hell just happened.

Thoughts of a lover

I walked out of the Division 1 offices.

I needed to be alone to think about what had just been said to me.

I walked and sat on the grassy hill that separated the Shiba Manor and my division, the very place that I had dreamt of sitting with Karin when she finally arrived in Soul Society.

I felt my world was crashing around me, and for the first time in my life I resented being the Taicho of the tenth division

I sat there wishing that Karin were here with me.

I don't know how long it was I sat there staring at the sky.

My attention did not leave the sky until Akrina suddenly appeared.

She ran up from behind me and fell to her knees.

I could tell she was upset to the point she did not even notice I was sitting there.

My first thought was to stand and leave, but then I glanced over to her I could tell she was crying and I did not have the heart to leave her there alone.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as she brought her knees to her chest and started to quietly sing.

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

It was the same song she sang when I watched her as she walk along the pond long ago.

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

It was this song that told me she was in love with someone; then it hit me, they must have just informed her about the engagement.

I now sat wondering if she knew it was I she was engaged to.

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

As she sang, she started to cry harder, I felt her pain because I too wanted to cry…

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

I had just turned my eyes straight when I felt her look up at the sunset, then over to me.

She gasped then scrabbled to stand when I suddenly reached over and grabbed her hand and held it.

I did not say a word to her; I sat there staring at the sunset.

I wanted her to know she was not alone, that I was there for her, so I quietly held onto her hand.

After several minutes I heard Ganju Sama's concerned voice loudly calling, 'Akrina Sama…Akrina Sama...Where are you?'

She turned to me and bowed slightly then stood took a cleansing breath and walked around several trees toward Ganju's voice saying, 'I am here…'

I listen as he said, 'Are you alright?'….. 'Come it is time for you to prepare to meet your husband.'

Hearing him tell her, she had to go and prepare to meet her husband, confirmed my thoughts that she had no idea who it was she was to marry.

I told a deep breath, stood and started to walk to my office.

My thoughts were on Akrina, two things in particular, "first what her reaction would be once everything surrounding the engagement is revealed to her, and second the identity of man she sat crying over…who was this man and where was he, and why was he not with her when it is now that she needed him the most."

I will marry him

Meanwhile….

Rukia sat quietly in the gardens of the Kuchiki manor, thinking about all that had happened when she spoke with Ichigo.

Her emotions were everywhere, and as much as she tried to concentrate on keeping her mind off Ichigo, she just could not do it.

All these years, she knew she had loved him, but was too afraid to say the words.

Her actions were always to maintain the appropriate behavior of that of the Kuchiki Princess… no emotions.

Where Ichigo just lived his life the way he wanted, he could freely tell his feelings without fear of disappointing his family.

Trying hard not to shed any tears, Rukia stares at the sunset while kicking at the grass that lay under her feet, thinking to herself, that in no more than five minutes, in Ichigo fashion, he had confessed his love for her and then in the same breathe, because he did not want feel she was forced into a marriage with him and he wanted the woman he would marry to love him in return, he told her he would not marry her.

She suddenly feels a soft touch on her shoulder and a voice, 'Rukia, I am told you met with your husband.'

She looks up and hides her emotions saying, 'Yes Ni Sama, I have.'

He looks down at her hard saying, 'So tell me, can you love him as much as you love Kurosaki Taicho?'

Her eyes grow large as her mouth drops open showing the shock she felt from hearing his question.

He looks at her saying, 'It is not secret that you love the man'

She looks to Byakuya saying, 'Ni Sama I ...I don't know what to say.'

He looks at her saying, 'there is nothing you can say… just know that it is only now that you are betrothed to a stranger that I would feel better that you married for love …that you married Kurosaki Taicho.'

Hearing her Ni Sama's words, Rukia makes a decision and looks up to Byakuya, saying, 'Ni Sama, you asked if I could love the Shiba Prince as much as I love Kurosaki Taicho… Yes...Ni Sama I can love this man as I love Kurosaki Taicho…and I have decided that I am going to marry him.'

She stands looks to Byakuya saying with a confident voice, 'Please excuse me Ni Sama, I must go prepare for Akrina's Engagement Ceremony'

The announcement

I walked toward the Shiba Manor, I had Matsumoto, who had just been released from the 4th division hospital, on one side and Hinamori on the other, thinking to myself these two had no idea of what is about to happen.

I could only hope that both Matsumoto and Hinamori would not say anything too embarrassing.

My plan was simple, to stay calm until I had a chance to talk to Akrina Sama, I knew from our meeting this afternoon she had no idea she was in engaged to me.

As we walk into the Manor, we were surprised when Ami Sama, rushed up to me with an excited voice saying, 'Taicho …Taicho I want you to meet my Ne Sana Yui Sama.'

She pulled my hand and led over to a woman with a beautiful veil on her face; she turned around and pleasantly said, 'Ami who is this you have pulled over to meet me?'

Ami stood tall with pride saying, 'Yui Ne Sana, this my Taicho and protector, Hitsugaya Taicho, of the 10th Division"

Yui Sama looked to me saying, 'I am so glad to finally meet you…So please tell me about my sister ...has she been a problem for you.'

Hearing Yui Sama ask that question I could only reply by saying, 'Which one?'

Yui laughed saying, 'I see … say no more…I understand…Completely.'

She leaned into me saying, 'Just be patient, everything will work out… you will see.'

It was at that time a servant walked up to her, handed her a note saying, 'Yui Sama, I have a message from your Betroth.'

She turned to me saying, 'I hope, later we will have a chance to talk more.' then turned read the note and walked out of the main hall with Ami Sama following close behind.

I proceeded to walk into the main hall and took my seat which was in the front directly across from the head chair where Akrina would be seated.

I turned, when I overheard Matsumoto comment on how lovely the main hall of the Manor was, she then was surprised to see all of the vice captains and Taicho's of the Gotei 13 in full attendance to include Kurosaki Taicho who was at that moment the center of every noble woman's attention.

It was then I overheard Matsumoto say to Hinamori, 'you know with Kuchiki Rukia out of the picture because she is now betrothed to the Shiba Prince, Ichigo is now on the market!'

I looked over to Kuchiki Rukia and could see the anger in her eyes as the noble women flocked to Kurosaki Taicho.

She looked at me seeing that I had seen her anger, she quietly put a pleasant smile on her face and looked forward.

It was then the doors opened, I stood as the Shiba Noble's procession began to enter into the room.

First to enter was the Shiba Elders who all as they passed me bowed with respect. Matsumoto lean over to me saying, 'See Taicho they must really like you to give you so much respect.'

I just looked at her because she had no idea, what was going on.

Then The Shiba princesses were announced, it was then the entire hall gasp upon hearing Yui Sama name and title as the Shiba Princess.

As they proceeded to walk into the hall, again Matsumoto leaned over to me whispering, 'did she ever tell you she had another sister? ... Man why is Akrina Sama so secretive.'

Again I just looked at her saying nothing, and then Akrina stood in the doorway.

I could tell she was nervous as she started to approach; I quietly watched her as she passed by and sat down.

It was then KuKaKu looked to Kurosaki Taicho saying, "Kurosaki Taicho, Shiba Sama is unable to attend due to some unexpected business back in the human world and he asked me to have you conduct the ceremony and all activities dealing with Akrina Sama's engagement in his stead.'

I looked over to Kurosaki Taicho as he and Akrina looked at each other and I saw in his eyes mischief as he stood before everyone saying, 'I am honored.'

He then carefully picked up the old parchment and started to read…

"I, Hison Shiba, first Taicho of the Tenth Division of the Gotei 13th, do here by write in the laws of the Shiba Clan and that of the 10th Division, that ever a time that a Shiba is not in the position of the tenth division Taicho, and a female sits in seat of power as Shiba Clan leader; that the two would marry providing a heir which would inherit both positions of Taicho and Clan leader"

Hearing Kurosaki Taicho's words, everyone gasped in shock.

I stared at Akrina hoping she would step in and stop this madness.

When she sat there silent, I instantly became angry to the point of hatred, that I was actually being forced to marry her and she would not say a word to stop it.

I just stood there staring at her as Kurosaki Taicho said, 'This is a binding contract, between the 10th division Taicho and the Shiba Clan, if it is not full filled the Taicho and the leader would both lose their positions. The marriage will take place two days after the reading of this contact… It is signed by both Hison Shiba and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto Sotaicho of the Gotei 13th.'

Again everyone gasp with disbelief as they all now look over to Sotaicho who nodded showing the contract was valid.

It was then Matsumoto and Hinamori, both looked up at Akrina Sama then looked to me saying, 'Akrina Sama, this is not right…do something, you are Karin Chan's friend!'

My eyes never left Akrina, as I said, 'Matsumoto …Hinamori silence!'

I then stepped forward and quietly took my place at her side.

It was then Shia Sama abruptly stood up and approached us yelling, 'this cannot happen, you are my son's woman…I have pictures providing this.'

I watched as, Akrina's tone full of irritation stood and looked to Shoin Sama saying, 'What is going on Here…What is she talking about, I am your woman and pictures!'

Shoin quickly pushed me aside, pulling Akrina into his arm, push back her veil back and began to kiss her while saying, 'You are my woman!'

I quickly took hold the man, pulling him from her throwing him into the wall saying, 'What the hell do you think you are doing?'

As I dealt with Shoin Sama, Rukia Sama quickly grabbed Akrina ensured her face remained covered, and then protectively stood in front of her and the Shiba princesses, saying to the Kasumioji Clan leader in a demanding voice, 'Shia Sama! ... How dare you and your son approach Akrina Sama in such a way..!'

I turned to see Kurosaki Taicho who was furious as he took hold of Shoin Sama and called the guards to enter the main hall, telling to them to hold onto the man until things where straighten out.

He then started to approach the front of the main hall, when Shia Sama arrogantly said, 'Rukia Sama, what right do you have to interfere!'

Rukia step up in the face of the Kasumioji Leader, her voice in full of command as she said, 'I am betroth to the Shiba Prince and guardian to Akrina Sama… you are in my home and you will respect my husband and his sister,.'

Hearing her strong words Kurosaki Taicho stopped dead in his tracks and stood there quietly watching.

I watched as Shia Sama, looked at Rukia Sama with anger in her eyes calmly saying, 'Rukia Sama, yes … you are correct we are in your home, let me explain….My Son Shoin has claimed this maiden as his woman, she is not fit to marry no one but him.'

KuKaKu walked over and stood next to Rukia and they both looked at Shia saying, 'that is impossible… when did this occur!'

Hearing those words and remembering she was crying this afternoon, I started to wonder if the man she was in love with was Shoin Sama, until I heard Shia Sama say, 'They last week they laid together while in the human world.'

Then she proceeded to pulled pictures out, of Shoin Sama having sex with a woman who looked like Akrina Sama.

Akrina looked down at the pictures and gasped saying, 'NO WAY…I don't love him, I would only give myself to someone I loved.'

She then looked to Shoin Sama with a disappointed voice saying, 'Shoin Sama why would you laid with another woman and claim that is me?'

I stood there looking disgusted at the whole situation, when I felt Akrina's eyes looking at me.

I walked over to her and said, 'I know it is not you.'

She looked at me saying, 'you do…you do believe me.'

I looked at her saying, 'yes… because I know you where recovering from the attack by the shadow.'

She glanced over at me saying, 'thank you …but that is not going to resolve this issue' then walked over to her sisters who by now started to become upset.

It was then I heard the words Akrina had feared hearing.

Shia Sama in a demanding voice said, 'As the Kasumioji Clan leader, and possible mother in law to Akrina Sama, I demand she under goes the purity ceremony…If she is found not to be pure… she will marry my son Shoin and bare him many heirs!'

I became pissed, as did Kurosaki Taicho who stepped up to Shia Sama screaming, 'I will not allow you or anyone to touch her in that way!'

I watched as Rukia Sama stood holding onto Akrina's left hand and Yui Sama held onto her right hand, while Ami Sama who protectively held unto her waist on the verge of tears saying, 'leave my Ne Sana alone'

I watched as Akrina stood there quietly assessing all that was going on, finally speak saying, 'KuKaKu Sama have the elders prepare the ceremony, Rukia-Nee please accompany me and our sisters!'

As she turned and started walking out of the main hall, I heard Kurosaki Taicho saying, 'Akrina…you DON'T have to do this.'

Without turning around I heard her say to Kurosaki Taicho, 'Ichigo, I know you are not only protecting me because my Ni Sama has asked you to, but you are protecting me as if I were your own sister, and I thank you …but there is no other clear way to resolve this…and I am also sorry …because my Ni Sama has tasked you to stand in for him you will have to be witness the ceremony…as will my betroth.'

I stood there in shock as she walked out of the room with the Shiba princesses and her Sister in law Rukia Sama…

What it takes to be the Shiba Leader

I was pissed as I stood with Kurosaki Taicho, Shia Sama, Kuchiki Taicho and the Shiba Elders into a chamber with a window overlooking a white room with nothing more than an examination table.

I kept asking myself, "why...why she would put herself through this, she could just tell them she was attacked in the human world during the same time as Shoin Sama was with an imposter, she had proof because Unohana Taicho had been treating her since she returned."

I stood there, my eyes firmly looking straight knowing she had to nervous about this, ever since the spiritual bathe we shared, I knew she has feared having to do this, and here she had an excuse not to do it and she was doing it.

I took a deep breath and looked to Kuchiki Taicho and saw he too was not pleased in what he was about to see, but because of his position as Kuchiki Clan leader and Jaen pushing the of possibility having a chance to wed Akrina if I chose to step down as Taicho, forced him into having to participate in this unseemly event of ensuring the Shiba leader was a virgin.

I then looked into Kurosaki Taicho's eyes and those of the Shiba Clan elders and could see that they were angered over the whole situation with Akrina having to go through this ordeal of proofing her virginity, because they too knew she had been badly injured by the attack of the Shadow and lie near death and could not have been with Shoin Sama.

Then I looked at the source of all of this, Shia Sama, her eyes showed arrogance that her son and she would be proven right, that Akrina was Shoin Sama's lover.

I wanted to reach out and strangle the woman and her son to the point I held each of my hands behind my back, balled up and gripped tightly.

As we heard the door open, we turned and looked into the little room and watched as Unohana Taicho, KuKaKu Sama and a Kasumioji Noblewoman escorted Akrina into the chamber.

Akrina walked in, her face was still covered with a veil and she wore a white robe which covered her body.

As she stood beside the table with her head was held high, KuKaKu spoke saying, 'Akrina Sama, you have been accused of not being pure, and therefore unfit for marriage to anyone of noble decent or any officer of standing within the Gotei 13… it is because of these accusations, that we must do the ceremony of purity.'

Akrina stood there and saying nothing, she just nodded her head indicting she was ready for the ceremony to begin.

Unohana Taicho said in a soft voice, 'Please lay on the table.'

Akrina sat on the table and then laid back, it then Unohana Taicho momentary dropped her head sighed, then walked up to the table and carefully pulled open the bottom of the robe revealing Akrina nude waist, as much as I did not want to look I could help myself because she beautiful.

It was what was done next that I became outraged, and turned my head.

Unohana proceeded to open her legs for all to see and she inserted her hand into Akrina, even though she did not scream, everyone could see that this action caused her Akrina's body to react with pain.

Unohana Taicho quickly removed her hand, covered Akrina and turned around saying, 'She is still pure.'

KuKaKu quickly stepped up and helped Akrina from the table.

I could see KuKaKu was standing there holding onto Akrina who was still in pain from what had just been done to her.

It was then Akrina, who stood there with her head held high, spoke for the first time since having accepting the challenge given to her by Shia Sama to prove her purity, saying in a demanding voice, "It has been proven the Kasumioji Clan even though they may have been tricked by an imposter, attempted to force us into a marriage, this action is considered a crime amongst the noble houses, and for their crimes I now demand a public apology not just for me but more importantly to my clan, for the slanderous lies that they publically spoke again us of the Shiba Clan."

She stepped away from KuKaKu and slowly walked over the window were we all stood watching her.

She stopped in front of Shia Sama saying again in a demanding voice, 'Shia Sama…you will apologize tomorrow during Ami Sama's birthday party, you state your crimes and that I am a virtuous woman fit for marriage to a nobleman or to a member of standing in the Gotei 13.'

I looked at Shia Sama who just stood there in shock, saying nothing.

Akrina started to turn around then stopped, she tilted her head mischievously and looked again toward Shia Sama saying again in a demanding voice, 'you will also state publically that Shoin Sama is not a virtuous man, and is only fit for marriage to a noble woman of lower standing!'

It then that Shia Sama screamed saying, 'NO…NO you can't do that to my son.'

Without turning around Akrina Sama, said, 'If my request is not done as I have stated, I will invoke my right as the Shiba Clan leader and go to the noble council requesting that all three of your heirs be labeled as not fit to marry any noble woman of any standing leaving only servants and slaves to choose from as their wives therefore causing the heirs of your linage not to be of noble rating!'

Shia Sama then gasped with disbelief when Akrina who now stood opening the door leading out of the chamber, turned her head again toward her saying in a cold voice, 'you can sacrifice one of your sons or all of your linage…I really don't care which …!'

She then turned and walked out of the chamber.

Leaving us all, except Kuchiki Taicho, in shock at what we had just witnessed…

Kuchiki Taicho just looked to Shia Sama saying in a cold voice, 'You would do best to apologize tomorrow, as Akrina Sama has stated' then walked out of the room.

My thoughts as I stood there …. "Even though I did not like what she had to do, but I now understood why she did it… it was the reputation of not just herself and but that of her Clan that she had to protect... Akrina truly had all that it took to be the great Shiba Clan Leader…and I truly respected her.'

A sister reaches out…

Seeing what Akrina had just gone through, I decided I would go to her and ensure she was alright.

As I approached her apartments I was met by her sister Yui Sama, who had just walked out of her apartments.

As she stood blocking the door, I could tell from her body language that she was upset at what had been done to her sister.

She held her head high as she said in a very soft stressed voice, 'I am sorry Hitsugaya Taicho … now really is not a good time to talk to your wife Akrina Sama.'

Hearing her call Akrina, my wife clearly irritated me, but because I was concerned about Akrina's well being I looked passed it saying, 'Yui Sama, I need to know that she is alright.'

She looked at me saying, 'Please ….come walk with me.'

She turned and started to walk away from Akrina's apartments, while saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, my sister is a strong willed woman.'

Hearing her say this about Akrina, I chuckle lightly as I said, 'that is an understatement…she is a stubborn woman, with trust issues.'

Yui Sama looked at me saying, 'Yes she has trust issues, but one day maybe after …'

She stopped in the middle of her sentence, sighed and became quiet.

I looked at her saying, 'After what…what will it take for her to trust me?'

She looked at me saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, when was the last time you and Akrina Sama had an opportunity to sit down and talk?'

I was taken momentary back by the question, I stood there and thought quietly then said, 'Months ago, when she returned from the human world, just before she was kidnapped.'

She looked at me saying, 'yes and a lot of things have happen since then to include this engagement… you must make an effort to talk to her… you are her husband and her protector, she needs you by her side.'

Hearing Yui Sama now call me Akrina Sama's husband, I instantly became irritated.

She must had picked up on it because she stood in front of me saying, 'just so you are aware my sister had no idea about the engagement until today and she did not know it was you until the ceremony, so please do not hold any animosities towards her, it was done by my father and Sotachio years ago.'

I could only stand there, sigh and say, 'Yes I am aware it is not her doing… it is just our relationship is not one of marriage!'

She looked at me then said, 'is the relationship you have with Karin Chan one of marriage?'

Hearing Karin's name, I looked at her.

She then said to me, 'Yes… I am aware of your relationship with Karin Chan… I too know Karin Chan… we are all very close.'

Before I could reply, one of the Shiba Elders quickly approached saying, 'Shiba Sama, Akrina Sama asking to see you.'

She nodded then turned to me saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, please try to make every effort talk to Akrina.'

Then walked away…

I thought about Yui Sama's words as she walked away, then I decided I need to get to the bottom of what was going on…I needed to see Karin and talk to her.

I need answers

I walked out of the senkaimon gate, and quickly went to Karin's School, where I sat on the roof and quietly waited.

It was not long before the bells rang out, dismissing the students from the building; it was then I saw her.

She was walking with Yuzu San, Ururu San, and Jinta Kun.

As I watched her, I notice there was something off about her, she was still beautiful but something wasn't right.

I tried to sense her reisatu and could not.

I began to become alarmed, but suddenly remembered that Karin had the ability to completely hide her reisatu.

I followed and watched her as she sat on the bleachers watching the girls Soccer game, from afar she seemed normal, but it was something I just could not but my finger on.

I continued to watch her until I finally figured it out.

Karin, being the only person who could sense me in the past, had not sensed my presence; it was like she did not know that I was there.

We had reconciled, so I knew she would at least look at me, but there was nothing.

It wasn't until she walked to the restroom, did I have an opportunity to confront her….

Unexpected developments

I waited until she turned the corner, then I said, 'Oi …Karin'

She looked at me with a look of terror in her eyes, stumbling over her words as she said, 'Hitsugaya Taic…Ah...Ah Toushirou, wha...wha… what are you doing here?'

Hearing her call me Hitsugaya Taicho, I knew it was not Karin, it was her body yes, but it was not her soul.

I stepped up and pulled her into the shadows saying in a demanding voice, 'WHO are you and… where is Karin!'

Again she stumbled over her words saying, 'I am confused what do you mean… I am standing right here?'

I looked at her, my eyes slowly starting to lose their teal color, indicating my temper and reisatu was rising.

It only took seconds for Kon, who was in Kurosaki Taicho's body, to sense my presence and appear.

He walked up and stood by her saying, 'Karin go back to the game I will handle this.'

He then looked at me saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, it is unfortunate that you had to return at this time.'

I stepped up to him saying, 'Kon, where is Karin!...and before you think about lying, understand you may be in Kurosaki Taicho's body, but the pain… you will feel... will be yours…now tell me WHERE is SHE!'

He looked at me saying with fear in his voice five words… 'She is with Akrina Sama'

A father in law reaches out

I had returned to soul society and now walked slowly to my division, my mind was stunned that no one told me she had transitioned into her shinigami form, and now was in Soul Society with Akrina.

I even had met with Kurosaki Taicho and Sotachio earlier today and they never mentioned a word about Karin transitioning and coming to Soul Society.

I entered into my office, and suddenly became aware that someone had been there…

I looked over and saw the wall which held my bookcase was pulled out from the wall revealing a secret passageway.

On my sofa was a hooded cape made of the same reisatu blocking material that Akrina wore and a note…

'My Son,

By now you are full of questions,

Questions that must be answered by the woman who will be your wife, but

As you said earlier today she is too stubborn, and has trust issues.

So I have left this hooded cape and revealed the passageway which will lead you to the answers you seek.

Please use caution, with the information you are about to gain

Whatever you do...

Please do not confront her…

Just use the information to gain her trust.

Welcome to the family

Hison Shiba

P.S. Watch out for her cameras, she watches everything

DON'T get caught!

Dad

I stood there reading the note over and over, yes I wanted answers, Karin was here and Akrina knew where she was.

Akrina would need to trust me before she told me anything, so I donned on the cape and hood, then stepped into the secret passageway, closing the door behind me.

As I walked through the passageway, I noticed it was well lit and her cameras where well placed, I preceded carefully making sure I did not get caught by the cameras.

I then heard music.

"Osanai hi ni nakushita…Sono itami no imi sae….Uzuku made takushita…Boku wa kitto…Ao no hate ni mita…Yokan wo toraete…Kaze ni inori…Hikari no sasu hou he…I will always be with you…See the sky in front of you…Fly high in a life of deepest blue… Uzumaku hoshi no hibiki Ni nosete… Utau yo kono koe ga…Kimi Ni todokimasu you Ni"

The music became louder as I got closer.

Before I knew it I found myself standing in front a Grated window.

I carefully looked into the window, and found it was Akrina's bedroom, and at that moment I saw her as she walked into the room.

She was wearing a robe, with a hood which covered her head and face.

I had to chuckle, thinking that woman really had trust issues; she even hid her face in the privacy of her own room.

The truth behind Akrina

Seeing Akrina, I quickly looked down to the ground feeling rather embarrassed, that I was standing in a hidden passageway spying on the woman.

I started thinking about the letter that Shiba Taicho left and the fact that Karin was here somewhere, I decided I would stand here until I found answers to my questions.

The music suddenly stopped and I looked through the grate and found she now sat at her desk looking down at pictures.

I was amazed as I looked at her desk, it was the twin to the desk I had in my office, letting me know that the first 10th Division Taicho had truly designed the manor to be an extension of his office.

I watched her as she sat quietly staring at the pictures in her hand.

I was about to return to my office, thinking after what been done to her earlier, maybe now was not the best time to be spying on her, then I heard someone with a very familiar voice walk into her room saying, 'I just spoke with Hiyori and Jinta, they've both located their assignments!'

My mouth dropped open as I watched as Ururu San walked into the room.

I then to looked over to Akrina; she put the pictures into her desk saying, 'Let me guess one is at the Inn... and the other is in town arrogantly strolling around?'

She replied, 'Yes, how did you know?'

Akrina looked up at Ururu saying, 'they're both creatures of habit… I have had them both followed since Orion Sama disappeared, one always goes there to drink and womanize, and the other walks around sending silent challenges to me.'

Hearing her words, I instantly knew she was talking about Guenon Sama and Jaen Kuchiki.

I watched as Ururu walked over to her saying, 'I see …What is that you want to do?'

Akrina, keeping her face hidden, looked up to Ururu with a calm unsettling voice saying, 'It is time to act.'

I concentrated on hiding my reisatu as I leaned closer to the grate watching and listening.

Then I heard another voice enter into the room saying, 'When are you going to confront Hitsugaya Taicho and tell him all that is going on…now more than ever he should be by your side!'

I looked over and saw Yui Sama and Ami enter into the room.

Ami looking to Akrina, with concern in her eyes saying, 'Ne Sana, please you must tell him everything …especially now that you are to marry him!'

Akrina then sighed deeply saying, 'I am not going to marry him!'

Hearing her say those words, my heart instantly felt relief, as I continued to listen…

Ami raised her voice saying, 'WHAT do you mean you are not going to marry him, you are in love with him... '

Hearing Ami say, Akrina was I love with me, I was shocked and confused.

Then I heard Akrina say, 'Yes I am in love with him, and it is because I am in love with him that I decided not to marry him!'

Ami quickly looked up at Akrina and started to cry saying, 'WHAT...I don't understand...WHY...WHY!'

I concentrated on maintaining my temper as I whispered, "What the hell is going on… Ami knows I am in love with Karin!'

I watched and listened as Akrina pulled Ami close saying, 'I will not allow Toushirou's position as the 10th Division Taicho to held hostage in order to have him marry me.'

Ami looked up and in a whiney voice said, 'But Ne Sana...'

I suddenly felt my heart stop when I heard for the first time Akrina's voice sounding emotional saying. 'I want to marry a man who wants to marry me, not forced to marry me…so I have decided that once this situation with the Shadow is taken care of I will talk to both our father and Sotachio and make them release Toushirou from the marriage.'

Hearing Akrina's words I felt admiration for the woman but not love, if anything I hope as we could be friends.

Ami was suddenly upset as she screamed…' BUT NE SANA YOU CAN'T DO THAT…!"

I then watched Akrina as she softly said, 'Ami stop …please this is not easy for me!'

Then I heard Yui Sama, say, 'Akrina…by the laws of the Clan, you still will have to marry and provide an heir!'

I heard her sigh deeply as she said, 'One problem at a time, first the immediate problem…The Shadow… with the shadow running around any child that you, Rukia-nee, or I may have will be in constant danger… so they must be dealt for once and for all!'

Ami then said, 'Ne Sana, please talk to Taicho …he will help with this...please… do you forget you were almost killed and are still recovering?'

My heart dropped as I watched as Akrina touched her chest where she was wounded saying, 'Ami, I am fine and that will never happen again…my guard was down.'

Then Yui Sama spoke up saying, 'I agree with Ami, Hitsugaya Kun needs to know, he is your betroth and protector…your relationship with him may never recover if you don't confront him!'

Hearing Ami and Yui Sama both say again Akrina should talk to me I started to wonder why, will she not come to me, then I heard her reasoning when she again sighed deeply saying, ' STOP… you don't understand… I want to talk to him….but Today as he approached me I felt his hate for me, he must calm down before I can attempt to talk to him, because if he is not calm he will not listen and it will make things worse.'

Once again I felt ashamed because it was true, today during the official ceremony announcing our engagement, I did not hide the feelings of resentment and hatred that I had towards her.

I thought about what she said, about me calming down, I assessed that Akrina must be talking to Karin because that was something that she would know.

Listening to Akrina speak Karin's words about me calming down, I had now decided that I would make every effort to calmly talk to the woman.

My attention then turned back to Akrina, as I watched as she kissed Ami's forehead saying, 'I promise when I feel he is calm… Karin Chan and I both will talk to him!'

Hearing her say, Karin's name, only confirmed that Karin was in fact here in Soul Society and Akrina knew where she was.'

I could only whisper, "…. How could Karin come to Soul Society and not tell me!'

I had questions that needed answers, so I continued to watch and listen.

Ururu then said, 'Akrina...so back to the mission at hand… how are you going to pull this off… Ever since he has returned, your Ni Sama is watching you like a hawk…There is no way you can leave the manor without him knowing.'

Akrina's voice perked up with mischief as she said, 'With every negative thing that happens, there is always some good that can be retrieved.'

Ururu looked at her saying, 'Akrina…..you're talking in riddles.'

Akrina then said, 'I have a plan '

She then turned toward her desk and started to run her hand across the ledge of desktop.

I suddenly heard a lock spring open, and was surprised to see her pull a hidden latch and a door under the desk on the right panel opened revealing a hidden compartment.

She reached in and pulled out a laptop from the compartment, sat it on the desk, opened it and then turned it on.

The computer spoke, 'Password Please'

Before Akrina could respond, Ururu tapped her on the back of the head saying, 'It not going to work with thing you are wearing on your neck!'

Akrina responded by saying, 'Yeah...Yeah...'

She sat with her back to me as she pulled her hood down, revealing her dark black hair.

She reached under her hair and removed some sort of device from around her neck and placed it on the table.

The computer once again said, 'Password please?'

I stood in shock as I watched Akrina and heard Karin's voice said, 'Fire and Ice shall never be parted'

The computer replied saying, 'Voice recognition verified … good evening... Karin Chan'

As she quickly turned around facing Ururu saying, 'Tomorrow we make our move", my body shook with emotion, as my eyes saw the necklace I had given to Karin for her birthday hang from around her neck.

I could only step back in shock, as I watched as she pulled the dark black hair back revealing her beautiful face saying, 'Now let me show you, just how I am getting out here without Ich-Nii knowing...'

A/N…...

I hope you enjoyed it…

Songs:

No one….. Alicia Keys

Perfect Blue ~ Jazzin Park ~ Dragonaut the Ressonance

As always please review...

Next chapter: Her Side… For the love of her Clan

I must apologize for taking so long to release my chapters it is just I have been so busy… UGH!

As always please review...it is not hard just push the button and tell me your thoughts about the chapter you just read. (Be nice)

LeRukia