-42-

Things lost in the fire

Kira Izuru

Lieutenant of the Third Division under Manatsu Dengeki

Like coming out of a tunnel, he finally saw what was right in front of him. He was ready to walk his own path. Gin Ichimaru had that kind of power.

It was sunny with a chance of clouds in Karakura. Sakura trees started to blossom. Winter was slowly receding, letting room for Spring to move in. The town was quietly waking up, unaware of all the troubling supernatural events of the past couple of days.

Ishida and Chad were silently walking to school. Ryo Kunieda and Mizuiro Kojima were not far behind. Mizuiro had his eyes glued to his cellphone.

Orihime sat on a bench in the schoolyard. She was in the middle of a crowd of giggling high school girls, with Tatsuki explaining in her stead how she had to pay an unexpected visit to an old relative. Orihime's mind was far away, thinking how inadequate she was feeling in this world now that she reunited with Ichigo and Ulquiorra, how useless she still felt at times.

Isshin was opening his consultation room in his clinic, singing to no one in particular. Ichigo's bedroom upstairs was desert except for Kon, who was having a date with one of Yuzu's dolls in Ichigo's closet. The twins were lingering behind doing the dishes, chatting animatedly about what they hoped to accomplish in school today. Birds soared in the sky in triangle formation just above a certain redhaired who was busy putting out the cigarette in his hand. He gave a last look over his shoulder to the ruins of the bridge and picked up his backpack in the grass. A group of construction engineers was already on site, expertizing the broken bridge, while machines were clearing up the debris.

The newspapers were still talking about the "Lucky collapse" as a day where the Gods were watching over Karakura. "Lucky" since the incident didn't involve any human casualties, just a dozen of cars wrecked along the way and lots of carcasses and junk to be dragged out of the bed of the Onose. It was a miracle no one got hurt. Experts suggested the collapse resulted from a fatal combination of circumstances, mainly natural wear and faulty maintenance. KuKai Co, a large conglomerate, based in Tokyo, announced out of nowhere it would be donating 5 billion of yen for its reconstruction. KuKai was one of Tokyo's oldest Zaibatsu, a giant of 85 000 employees only in Japan, one of the ten wealthiest Japanese traded companies. So imagine the Karakura inhabitants' surprise, when they learned that in a move no one had predicted, the conglomerate decided to donate money for the Onose bridge. Even more strange was the fact that the Kojima group that initially build the bridge thirty years ago refused the sudden generosity and said via their reps that it would take full responsibility for the damages. Well, what to say about that? People were fighting to give money to rebuild a tiny bridge in modest town; life couldn't get any easier. The lucky collapse was considered by most residents like divine intervention, a good omen for the future.

Sia- California Dreamin'

In what started to be a ritual, breakfast was served in the Shinigami headquarter. Byakuya sat at the end of the ever-growing table, reading the newspapers. He was especially interested in the article about the supposed rivalry between Kukai Corp and the Kojima group, an economic point of view he found most interesting. Keikosuki was attending to everybody, doing what she liked the most, meaning filling empty plates, turning people into "happy pigs." She was also explaining her inspiration for each dish, grinning proudly. Hisagi, Shane, Momo, and a couple of surviving 4th squad officers were stuffing their faces with food, politely pretending to listen to Keikosuki's chatter.

She tapped Byakuya's shoulder, feeling very proud of herself as more hungry people invaded their living room at once. Even unseated soldiers of the sixth were bold enough to sit beside their captain. It was all rather informal. Byakuya caught a glimpse of the sky through the bay window. He watched a group of birds flies toward the west. Momo Hinamori and Hisagi Shuhei were laughing at a joke Shane made. His vice-captain was so lively today. Hisagi told Hinamori to come to Chad's concert. Byakuya was suddenly startled to see Renji Abarai up. Renji approached the table limping slightly, dragging the spirit compressor, the machine keeping him alive, behind. Hisagi's face brightened up at the sight of his captain, and he rose to offer his chair. Renji and Byakuya greeted each other formally. More soldiers from the ninth division joined. Byakuya suppressed an amused grin. Keikosuki was jumping up and down gleefully. He watched her shunpo'ed her way back to the kitchen to grab even more food. He exhaled softly. All the noises suddenly didn't bother him so much. As she reappeared with a large tray under the ovation of the crowd, Byakuya even welcomed all the bright colors in her stupid smile. He followed her again a bit too lovingly for his own good as she ran back to her ovens.

Renji felt a lot better, even if his situation was still touched and go at times. But he had realized that Byakuya was right; there was no point in moping and sulking. He failed and his body was broken as a result. But he was still a captain. His temporary incapacity couldn't change that. He had to lead by example and do his best to encourage Hisagi and all the others. If he could do that while munching pastries among friends, it was even better. When the table started to shake, he was finishing his fifth mignardises, and Hisagi was telling him about Chad's gig.

They were all brought back to reality crudely as the familiar bell alerted them Soul Society's doors were about to open. The opening of the gate was impossible to ignore from the open dining room.

Mayuri emerged first with Nemu. Part of the furniture was pushed back by third division soldiers. Dengeki Manatsu, Shunsui Kyouraku, Nanao Ise were next. They stood on the side just like Mayuri as Isane Kotetsu emerged from the portal, screaming orders, she was covered in blood. Stretchers and stretchers rolled through the portal, heading to the medical bay. Counting seven officers from the Onmitsukidō down, Byakuya immediately rose on his feet.

They all did, understanding something terrible happened. Bannermen from the third squad soldiers passed through the portal. Covered with a white sheet, Kira Izuru's body was rolled on a stretcher through the hallway to the elevator. Momo Hinamori was the first to scream. She screamed so hard Keikosuki came running from the kitchen holding a knife, and Byakuya's only reflex was to grab her by the arm and pull her toward him. She crashed against him meekly. Shaking like a leaf, she recognized Kira on the stretcher. God only knew what she was thinking at the time. Byakuya witnessed the morbid parade coldly. He said nothing, showed no emotion. Each time Byakuya would see such a procession, he would secretly be brought back to the day his father left this world. He had been just a lieutenant like Kira. Renji was just as tense, standing straight.

On his side, Hisagi was doing a poor job of holding back Momo. Hisagi barely knew what to do with himself. Shane was standing with Renji at a reasonable distance. Keikosuki turned to Byakuya with big fearful eyes, and he realized he was still holding onto her tight. The captain of the sixth squad let go immediately as if he just got burned.

This was war.

She better learned from this. It was war, and it will get even more ugly.

Instead, Keikosuki kept looking at him with those purple-green eyes of her, looking like that kid lost on a battlefield, looking like she didn't belong here. Byakuya knew deep down there was no way this one will ever learn. It made his insides twitch in disgust. It made his blood boil in anger. The fact that he knew she would never learn.

In an instant, sunlight was no longer reaching the inside of the building.

All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray

Rousing from a heavy slumber without dreams, Kira Izuru fought to open his eyelids. All he could hear were screams and shouts from voices he didn't recognize. His awareness came flooding back slowly, and with it came the coolness of the room. He was surrounded by steel. He was going down. He had no control over his body. He didn't know where there were taking him. To the grave or the furnace, it made no difference to him. When he opened his eyes tentatively, the scents of meds and sterile alcohol wafted in his nostrils. He spurted some blood under his oxygen mask. All around him was an ethereal white. Gradually, he found the colors and patterns again. But everything was moving so fast. It took him a while to realize he was lying on a stretcher being rolled along an unknown corridor. The walls were lilac-blue, the ethereal ceiling white.

Gin's silhouette was fading as he felt his life slip away slowly, blood seeping through the debris. He blinked. Bankai. It resonated in his flesh. Such a fucking reiatsu? Shinso tore into him ruthlessly. He opened his eyes, but it was way too late for regrets. It was way too late to admire Gin's real features. He was too beautiful to be from this world. But even that, Kira knew he could never share what he just learned about Gin with anyone. Shinso tore his flesh out, silencing him forever. It felt like he was suddenly burning from the inside out. Kira closed his eyes at the painful memory.

One small hand shook him again. Kira finally noticed Momo Hinamori and Hisagi. She was surrounded by nurses and doctors and a couple of officers from the fourth division.

"Kira-Kun! You're awake! I'm so happy! I thought..." The brunet said, wiping her tears.

"Hold on, buddy!" Hisagi said.

"Where am I?" He stuttered.

"You're in the HQ in Karakura. We're taking you to the OR in the level -3. " Momo said.

"You? There? What did you say?" Someone cut in.

"Oh! Captain Dengeki, Kira, is awake."

Dengeki pushed everyone out of her way.

"Really? Good. He and I got to have ourselves a little chat."

"But Captain Dengeki, he needs immediate surgery. You said so yourself."

"I said let me talk to him..."

"Captain Unohana had just been called. She will be here shortly to oversee it all." Momo pleaded.

"It can wait."

"Captain Dengeki…"

Izuru did not immediately recognize his captain's voice. They had so few conversations in common that he did not know by heart. He did not even know what was behind her words, anger, worry, or regrets or fatally none of the above.

"Leave us. Now."

Momo turned to Isane. Unfortunately, Isane was busy trying to bring back a member of the Onmitsukidō who was in cardiac arrest. She called for help, and Hisagi left to help her. Momo and Dengeki were ready for their showdown. Manatsu took the first step by stopping the stretcher with one hand, showing her determination. The nurses turned to Momo, in hesitation.

"He needs that surgery."

"I absolutely do not care, Momo Hinamori. Why are you meddling?"

"Well, he is my friend!"

Clearly unimpressed, Manatsu Dengeki stared the vice-captain down, folding her arms over her chest, clearly challenging.

"He is my lieutenant."

Momo bit her lips shyly. Finally, she went in search of Unohana-taicho.

As the nurses were taking a step back, Dengeki grabbed a chair and sat down next to Kira's stretchers. Kira tried to stand up without success. He couldn't even move a toe. The lieutenant realized he was paralyzed from the neck down. Not only did his body no longer obey him, but he ached everywhere. He couldn't even feel his internal wounds anymore, which was probably not a good sign. He was so exhausted too.

Manatsu did not take her eyes off him.

" Girlfriend?"

She crossed her legs patiently.

"Just a friend. Why do you care?" He croaked, his voice hoarse.

"I don't. I only figured that the nature of your relationship would determine how fast she will run to fetch some help like the good little puppy she is. I bet she will go get Unohana, but I fear the worse. You never know with her type. If she brings back that airhead she got as a captain, I will probably want to kill myself... after I end your life of course for putting me in this situation."

"Air...head?"

"She is, isn't she? The worst type. The type everyone loves."

"I can see you don't like her."

"She is nothing special, I can assure you. I don't like most people. I don't trust most people. I love my wife. "

"Your... wife? You're married."

"Yeah. I like to get home now and then and make sweet passionate love to my wife. I like to play with my kids sometimes too. But honestly, I care more about my wife than anything else."

Kira sobered up quickly. The pain wasn't gone by any means. It was quite literally tearing him apart.

"Is that too much information for you?"

He wanted to shrug. He wanted to cry out in pain. Finally, he could only stare at the ceiling.

"Again, I don't care. I'm telling this so you'd know I can't do that when my lieutenant is being a dick."

"I don't... " He vomited some blood again.

"Shut up, you stupid fool! How dare you go against my orders? You are alive but barely. You're in the worst state, and you need surgery. Lots of surgery. He crushed your back. Multiple bone fractures. Your spinal cord was completely severed, your Achilles tendons slashed too. I don't get it but it was probably his way of playing with you. You have internal bleeding. That's the worse. You are still at risk for vascular embolism. But you're lucky; he didn't leave you an empty shell like some of his latest victims. "

The heavy taste of blood was on his tongue as Kira smirked at her choice of words. Lucky was precisely how he felt right now.

"Thank... you for...reminding me. But I didn't need a cliff's notes version of my medical chart. I feel bad enough as it is."

" As if that man needed to overdo it, he made sure to seal your reiatsu with a very potent kido spell. We all thought you were DOA on site. It took me half an hour just to undo that spell. Lucky I was helped by Kyouraku. I thought you were going to pass away before I succeed."

"Captain Ichimaru has a dark sense of humor. Not everybody understands..."

"Oh, so that makes you laugh?! Is it something you share with him? Will you explain to me how Ichimaru had access to kido knowledge so ancient and complex, even I, formerly a senior kido corps member, didn't know about."

"He knows... how to read... books."

"Very funny! Let me warn you if I was able to repair the damage caused by the kido spell; the rest is at the discretion of Unohana-taicho and her lieutenant. You will need a lot of work. There's a chance you won't even make it past the operating table. Izuru, tell me, what went through your head?"

He was in a bad state. The odds were against him. He didn't really need her to know that. There was not a muscle or a joint spared by pain. Kira made another attempt to get up and groaned when he realized that just thinking about standing put him in a world of pain. Manatsu leaned over.

"You will not run or walk or move on your own for a while. Do you understand? He did that to you, your precious captain. What happened?"

What had gone through his head? Kira did not have a clue. He just knew he needed to face his old captain again. To mourn the past, perhaps? To understand what he lost? To understand his own feelings. Nothing was less clear. He was still unable to mourn his former captain as if what they had was gone. He couldn't put him in the back corner of his mind. This face-to-face had only managed to silence one of his deepest anxieties. It was the idea that he had only been a pawn for the amusement of his former captain, the idea that he had been chosen for his credulity, the belief that he did not deserve to be here. Yes, Gin had answered his prayer in a strange way. He could live or die with that.

"Was Ichimaru worth it? I mean, it's obvious that you were by no means qualified to face such an opponent. I know you're not naïve enough to think otherwise."

Kira swallowed hard. Manatsu pushed a strand of Fuschia hair behind her ear, betraying her frustration. She quickly distanced herself with a sigh.

"I see. You're not going to say anything of value! Yet you have disobeyed my orders to stay away!"

She had raised her voice unwittingly, her cheeks almost as scarlet as her eyes.

"Even if I said anything, you wouldn't like what I have to say…" He said tiredly.

"Sorry? Izuru-fukutaicho, I don't think you understand the position you are in. I don't have time for this nonsense! You know that the enemy can strike at any moment ... Gin Ichimaru must die. I should be leading the strike."

Her. Facing Gin. She was dreaming, her eyes open. But he couldn't tell her that so he said.

"I learned things ... about myself. That felt good."

Manatsu shook her head in disbelief.

" I am your captain! I am the captain of the third division!"

" I know you are. But he is too, Captain Dengeki. He is too..."

Manatsu remained speechless. It was the first time he had recognized her title. But what he had said afterward caught her off guard. Even after Gin severed his Achilles tendons, rendering him crippled, Kira still regarded him as his captain.

True Kira couldn't have explained to her his true feeling. It was even worse than what Dengeki thought, Kira valued Gin even more. For, the sufferings Gin had caused him were nothing compared to what he had given him. He would remain disabled for a long time. Years or decade maybe? Maybe forever? There was a chance he could never serve the Gotei again. The spinal cord was fragile, even for shinigami. It was one of the only places in the body where it was hard to concentrate reiatsu for cell regeneration. It was a lesson that all shinigami learned in their first year at the academy. It was for many a verdict worse than death. Kira should have hated his executioner.

But no, Kira knew now that he had not been in Hinamori's shoes. No, he was not the toy of his captain. He mattered to Gin in the end. That guy had always been about crazy symbolic gestures. Gin had left him alive in exchange for his legs, the legs that could not follow in his steps. It was the legs that would prevent him from being on the battlefield before long and the same legs that would have put him in a precarious position all over again to choose between his mission and their friendship. Never had anyone done so much for him. Few had received so much consideration from Ichimaru Gin. Even if he tried to explain to her, she would not understand. The only person who could understand was Ran, and well, she was gone too.

With a suspicious grimace, Manatsu turned to leave.

"Very good! I don't have time for this! You will get your surgery. But you are under arrest for insubordination, Vice-Captain Izuru. You're facing martial hearing. Try to meditate on your actions and learn from them. When I return, I'll decide for myself what I will do with you. Still, nothing to say?! You're not even going to try to rest your case! Very well! Take him out of my sight!"

Kira stared at the ceiling, his eyes devoid of emotions.

"Tell the guys that I'm sorry I can't fight with them! Take care, Captain!"

Enzo Weavorpine

Primeros n ° 3

He remembered life before Gin Ichimaru. He remembered a much more talkative Matsumoto Rangiku.

The pendulum made a dull noise. Enzo took refuge in this room after walking around the palace for an hour, carrying Rangiku Matsumoto like a sack of potatoes. The clock had seduced him. Little did he know that he was in the room of old Barragan Luisenbarn; all he knew was that for him listening to a pendulum was something comforting. It was like a well-honed orchestra, music for the most cold-hearted. Antiques crowded the stuffy room, from china porcelain to a gathering of old Japanese tapestries, English teapots, and Russian dolls, silver spoons, a glorious melting pot of different cultures and fashions through the ages. Many items have long lost their luster. Many items Enzo couldn't even guess their use. Barragan may have ravaged an antique shop in the living world or considering the thick layer of dust, it was maybe even older than that. He had no idea. He just sat in the large baroque chair, legs crossed passively, trying to tame his own fiery temper. Behind him on the white wall, a vast tapestry represented Ying and Yang, a subtle lesson of history about what happened when Good won Evil... or Evil won Good. On another painting, a Daimyo was posing with a little boy and a girl. Enzo wasn't really into art. But Barragan seemed to be the only Espada to have a shared passion for the passing of time, and you gotta respect that. Even though it was a little too cluttered for his like, Enzo could admit it he felt perfectly at home here. What did that say about him?

He hardly had time to hang out with the Espadas. He regretted not having the power to go back in time at will. With Barruk, he'd pay Harribel Tia a little visit. He sighed. Admittedly, it was awkward for him to think of another woman when he was in such a good company, but he confessed that he had imagined his reunion with Matsumoto Rangiku differently too.

First, Barruk was still slowly recovering from his wounds so he couldn't assist. It was less fun without his bro. Barruk also seemed to be obsessed with Kuchiki Byakuya's female. He did some research, but neither she nor her Zanpakutō was in Aizen's database. So, he could only call her the fucking Kuchiki whore. Barruk kept the same vacant look as someone who Rigor Mortis had fun with. Enzo knew only one thing for sure. That bitch just made it on top of the list of people with whom he was going to have fun when all hell breaks loose. He doubted that Rangiku-chan would hold his attention for long. This was boring, he thought to himself. After slashing her thigh and soiling the sheets, hemoglobin dripped directly into a bowl at the foot of the bed with large reassuring splashes.

Rangiku had become such an obedient girl over the years. She was bleeding when he caressed her soft skin with his claws. She was all soft and pliable around him. But other than that, she did not make much of an effort to make their game enjoyable. She seemed empty a shell a bit like when they first met. When they left her afterward and she kept staring at the sky like a broken doll. When he remembered their moments of passion, he could not help notice that at the time she at least tried to run, scratch his face, or scream. She was much more of a team player. She made the game so exciting as a result. What happened to his favorite lay? Why did she refuse to engage in a chat with him?

Her hair scattered like a crown on the pillow, her eyes closed, Rangiku remained frozen like a glass statue. The mattress was growing scarlet beneath her. She still gave that air of perfect serenity.

Enzo had tried everything to get her attention. The ticking of the clock became more oppressive in this large gray and empty room. He grabbed the marble armchair. Reflecting on it, she had also been like that the first time. This slut stayed there staring at the sky and there was no way to wake her up. Maybe she was fooling with him. He waved the sealed form of his zanpakutō and stroked Rangiku's face with it, making tiny cuts around her neck. He wasn't even sure she was still breathing.

"This time, if he won't come for you, I will have to go and drag that motherfucker myself! Since you refuse to give me a smile, I'll carve my name on your skin so that your lover knows who you belong to all those years. What am I saying, doll? You're not leaving here alive."

Nothing. He paused his face contorted in anger. Not even missing her heartbeat.

"I'm way too nice on you! Let me gut you open..."

Enzo stroke her silky mane softly before he felt a jolt of electricity in the tip of his claws. Gin Ichimaru's childlike features appeared in front of him, sporting his signature malicious grin. He bolted away. Blue eyes, babyface, the kid leaned over him, his zanpakutō a few inches from his face. The memory so vivid he could feel his hot breath against his, his spiritual power rendering the air toxic around them. He did not even have to ask the question. Gin winked.

" Ichimaru Gin, nice to meet you. You guys are really badass! Are they all like that in the fifth squad?! I have not really mastered my zanpakutō yet. Shinso is being a pain. So, I thought there was no way I could challenge you guys. But I heard you targeted another little girl the other day. So I thought, why not join the fun. I am happy I made that decision. It was thrilling a hunt."

He smirked again.

"I'm going to… Call for help, asshole! They're going to be here shortly!" He remembered spitting.

"Is Aizen going to be there?"

"Teme, who are you? Where do you know Aizen?"

"I'm your replacement fresh out the academy. You're the third seat, right?"

His face stained with blood, his hands also red, covered in grime and filth, Gin stopped the decapitated head at his fist from rolling further. Enzo convulsed in horror. Gin sent it further into the midst of other lifeless bodies, licking his finger clean.

"See, I remember someone saying you shouldn't waste food."

Snowflakes fell on them.

Enzo closed his eyes and started screaming. Gin put his hand on his mouth.

" Tsk tsk, hush, you're gonna wake your friends up."

Gin caught a glimpse of his own gory handy work, unidentified limbs everywhere.

"Maybe not after all. Maybe they're too busy right now." He said with his most devilish grin.

"I didn't do anything... I don't even know you."

"Wrong. You took everything from me. You're just a petty thief."

"I don't know... Tell me... I'm sorry... I will give you anything..."

"You're not but you will be."

Staring at the pile of severed limbs, Enzo felt like his heart was going to burst out his chest. He was petrified. But it seemed the boy could read in him like an open book.

"Hey, don't worry, I don't think you'll end up like him. I have another idea."

Gin let out a small sneer.

"In fact, I have tons of ideas."

His smirk was gone and his eyes uncompromising.

"I'm quite good at what I do just like you."

Enzo screamed in terror and jerked back away from his invisible enemy. He wanted nothing else suddenly than to get away from Rangiku Matsumoto as fast as he could. He stumbled backward, tripped, and ungraciously fell. Sprawled on his back, he struggled to rise again, pushing wildly on his legs, grabbing on the furniture for support. Before long Enzo was on his knees gasping for air, crawling as he curled up in the corner of the room like a wounded animal. He took a deep breath. What was going on? What was happening to him? Enzo let out a nervous sneer.

" What? I just need some fresh air. Don't think that ... I'm done with you! I just need to get some fresh air. And after that, I'm gonna take care of you and your lover! "

Rangiku remained there like a doll princess sprawled on her pillows, blood dripping slowly from her thigh. However, Enzo could have sworn he saw her lips twitch in a smile.

Next chapter = Play Cat with me