How's everyone hanging in there, guys? Here, I am on day 5 of quarantine, watching the map as Covid-19 approaches like sharks drawn to chum, but we are bunkered down, working and praying. I desperately hope that all of you are safe. I know that this is just a fanfic, but hopefully some of you reading are getting to escape the day for a few minutes with me. Please drop some comments and let me know how you are, how you think the story is doing, and what else you want to read, either with this story or giving ideas for another! Stay safe y'all.
Chapter 18
"Cowards!" Grimmjow yelled at the wide-eyed new recruits to the 9th Division with disdain. It made his mind reel that the people who managed to capture and hold him even still began as weaklings like this. "You all came in here bragging, who's gonna put their money where their mouth is?"
Rolling his eyes, Grimmjow focused on the biggest loudmouth to enter the practice arena. He narrowed in on the unsuspecting student. "You," he said pointing at the poor man.
The man pointed at himself comically, looking around to see if he was mistaken. "Me, sir?" he said softly.
Grimmjow smiled wickedly, exposing his long canines. Shit, he loved making them quake. "Oh, it's 'sir' now, huh? Tch. I don't see anyone else who said… what was it? 'What kind of crap squad did I join that has us learn from some washed-up hollow'? Was that it?"
The student's eyes grew wide as plates and Grimmjow relished every trace of fear in their depths. Smiling even wider he stepped forward and tossed the man a long bow staff. He dropped it as he tried to catch up to the quick movement. Of course, he did.
Jeez, is Hisagi trying to scrape the bottom of the barrel?
Grimmjow finally dropped his smile, his teal eyes flashing dangerously in a glare at the belligerent student. "C'mon, pussy. You talked real big. Can you even land a single hit?" he asked, tilting his head like a curious cat.
The student's face screwed up in anger as he took a fighting stance.
"Jaegerjaques!" A commanding voice rang out from the edge of the practice arena, drawing the eyes of all the students before they bowed their heads respectfully.
Throwing a toothy grin over his shoulder, Grimmjow made no move to change his laid-back position. "Aww, c'mon Cap," he drawled, "You know I'm just messing with them."
"Dismiss them," Hisagi said definitively, "we have to go."
"Alright cap, let me just finish with this one first," he said with a chuckle as he sonido'd forward, making the startled man jump in his skin and grip the staff tighter. "Fighting stance, now," he snarled at the student.
Out of nowhere, a black and silver scythe like blade whipped between the two like a whirlwind of pain and death, yanking both of their attention back to the captain, who was looking sternly at the combat instructor. "No, Grimmjow. We have to go. Now."
"Fucking fine," Grimmjow said with a sigh, "Go clean toilets or some other such bitch work that you guys are suited for." He began strolling over to Hisagi, a protest on his lips, when Hisagi took off in a shunpo and Grimmjow was forced to sonido after him to keep up.
"Why the fucking rush, cap? What the hell?"
Hisagi slanted an annoyed look over at the espada keeping pace with him. "What else? Blue hair."
Grimmjow's teal eyes widened. "Fucking finally," he muttered as he cast his eyes around the nice area they were approaching, "Where'd they find this chick anyways?"
A small frown etched across Hisagi's face as he answered, "The Kuchiki Manor."
"Shit."
At a small nod from Hisagi, they sped up even more into bare streaks of white and black streaks across the sky. Grimmjow's mind was reeling, however. How the fuck had she ended up there? This was not good. If they sensed her power and had her first... No. She had to go with Hisagi. He had to be able to win her over! He couldn't help but wonder what she would be like. Would she be powerful and driven like Kurosaki to where he could just wind her up and point her in the right direction? Or would she be pliable and easily manipulated, but soft, like that woman who had fixed him all those years ago. Shed had a body like a goddess but- damn if that didn't mean he'd have to treat Mara with kid gloves just to get an inch of violent power from her.
His time to ruminate was up to soon as he and Hisagi landed lightly inside the garden walls of a sprawling manor. Kuchiki Byakuya threw them a questioning glance before striding over.
"What are you doing here?" he asked imperiously.
Hisagi assumed a docile expression as he answered simply, "I heard there was a situation here with an intruder. I wanted to see if I could aid you in any way."
"Do you assume I cannot protect my own home, Captain Hisagi?" Byakuya asked him shortly, side-eying the teal haired espada with him.
"Of course not, Captain Kuchiki," Hisagi answered honestly, "But as your fellow captain and possibly even your friend, is it wrong of me to inquire?"
Byakuya's face did not change but his eyes softened. "No, I suppose not," he replied, "Actually it's a rather strange situation. She won't say anything, won't let anyone near her, but she is not actively fending anyone off, either. She is currently curled in that corner there and won't unwind for anyone. I have called the captain of the 4th in hopes that she may have better luck." He pointed toward the far corner of the walls of the garden as he led the duo in.
As Hisagi strode forward, a sword came out in front of Grimmjow halting his step. "You," a guard said nervously, "don't go any farther in."
Grimmjow rolled his eyes but paused his steps and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Whatever," he said to the guard. He could see perfectly well from the edges. Hisagi shot a glance back at him, as if to check on him and Grimmjow wasn't sure if he found that annoying or not. He gave a small nod to the captain to show he was. He could see perfectly well from where he was standing, and his keen eyes searched the area for the one he had been preparing for.
He wasn't really sure what he was expecting of the woman, but all he knew was it sure as hell wasn't… this. This small speck of a woman with blood smeared on her face and matted in her wild hair, all the shades of blue in the ocean and sky. Her black eyes looked out from the shadows where she was, wide and scared. She held herself wound up like a ball, trying to disappear amongst the stones. This was not the visage of power he had imagined at all.
Hisagi approached with Byakuya, stopping his steps when he saw the figure in the corner curl up tighter as they grew closer. "Have you tried speaking with her?" he asked. "Of course, you have," he said in answer to his own question as Byakuya shot him a bored look. Hisagi studied the bloody and terrified girl closely. "How did she wind up here?"
"She came through my personal senkaimon. She must have been sent here."
It was Hisagi's turn to cast a scrutinizing look at the captain beside him, "Who could do that?"
Byakuya sighed deeply as he thought about his reply. "Outside my family," he said cryptically, "there is only one other who could have sent her. I fear she will have to be kept... somehow… until I find out why she is here."
Hisagi fought to maintain his composure at this news. All he could picture was Matsumoto's meaningful look when she dropped her façade to hand him that letter. He had to draw her out here and now to bring her with him, but this was absolutely not his element. Hisagi stayed silent and stoic as his mind raced.
From a distance, Grimmjow watched the two captains converse, fighting a rising growl of frustratioin. Instead, Grimmjow focused on the cowering woman again. Something was wrong, something was missing. Grimmjow closed his eyes briefly before they shot open in recognition. Where in the fucking hell is her power!? He could feel a trace of her rietsu when they came in the garden, but it hadn't increased despite them getting closer and her obvious distress. It should have. Grimmjow focused harder. He had gotten very good at sensing rietsu out of necessity. Not just who was who but what power they suppressed, and he could feel… nothing. She shouldn't even be able to suppress it yet.
With a flick of his wrist, Grimmjow swatted the guard's zanpakuto aside and stepped towards Hisagi with a shout. The guard sprang quickly after him, shouting that he could not go further. The pair of captains turned quickly, as well, Hisagi ordering Grimmjow loudly to stop. In the midst of the chaos, an ear-splitting scream rended the air like shattered glass and drew everyone's attention.
The woman.
She had stood, plastering herself against the wall of the garden. She looked as confused as she was terrified, looking strangely at her arm as it lifted to point at Grimmjow. Her mouth moved, lips trembling wordlessly before she screamed again, "BANKAI!"
Everyone in the garden ducked slightly on instinct, but nothing happened. The girl had begun to dissolve into tears. She didn't understand why this new, bright haired stranger in white had caused such a reaction in her, but the fear of him was visceral. Her weary eyes travelled to the hole in his abdomen before looking at the other shocked faces around her. Why was no one around her doing anything?
She locked onto the gray, piercing eyes of the new arrival that was dressed much like the first man in the garden. Despite the scars and tattoos across his face, his gaze was comforting; his piercing eyes seemed so similar, if lighter, than those that kept replaying in her head. She anchored herself in his concerned gaze, finally gathering her garbled thoughts. "Help," she whispered, "help, please. Remember? Bankai?"
Hisagi drew in a sharp breath as her eyes bored into them, the shining gold flecks seeming to suck him into the dark depths. She seemed so small and afraid. He was shocked to see how much blood covered her clothing. Was she hurt like this? Was that a handprint in blood on her face?! "Captain Kuchiki! Where is the fourth? She needs help!"
He looked back at the girl who's large eyes now welled with tears. She reached a tentative hand for him before yanking it back, head shaking. She glanced at Grimmjow again before turning desperate eyes back to him. "Help. Please!" she said forcefully.
Finally, Hisagi understood. He flash stepped in front of the shocked espada, blocking him fully from her view. He spread his arms, making sure Grimmjow got the message to not try to duck around. "You're safe. You're safe now, I promise," he said lowly.
The small woman finally allowed her tense frame to sag against the wall and she looked around as if finally seeing things clearly for the first time. "Thank you," she murmured before her eyes rolled back in her head and she collapsed onto the ground.
Captain Retsu and Lieutenant Isane walked up to Byakuya right as the girl hit the ground. "This is a troublesome situation, Captain," Unohana said questioningly.
"Indeed," Byakuya said with a nearly disinterested air, "Just please take her to the infirmary for healing. I will look into this."
"Cap," Grimmjow hissed at Hisagi from behind his back.
"Not now," Hisagi said, shushing him before speaking out loud, "Captain Kuchiki, I would like the woman to be cared for in the 9th squad infirmary."
Byakuya's eyes widened a bare fraction, the only hint of his surprise at the request.
"And why would you want that?" A deep voice rang out beside them.
The captains now turned to see a diminutive but powerful figure headed towards them. Captain Hitsuguya's bright turquoise eyes took in the scene quickly. Luckily, he missed the wide eyes that his lieutenant, Matsumoto, cast frantically between the girl on the ground and Hisagi behind his back.
Byakuya sighed, casting his heavy stare on the new visitors. "Why is everyone in my garden?" he practically grumbled.
"Is it wrong for us to be wary of an intrusion event?" Toshiro asked bluntly, raising an eyebrow at Byakuya, "Besides, it sounds like we are here in time to settle a dispute."
"There is no dispute," Byakuya answered shortly, turning to Unohana. "Take the girl."
Matsumoto's lips parted in a silent gasp but Hisagi gave her an imperceptible nod and turned to address both Toshiro and the other Captains.
"Wait! It seemed like I was able to get through to her somewhat. Maybe I can build up a trust." Hisagi approached the girl, turning to look at Byakuya, "You saw her reach for me."
"I'm sure Captain Retsu can handle the situation," Byakuya replied blandly, Toshiro nodding in agreement.
"Captain Hisagi," Grimmjow interjected.
"Not now, Grimmjow!" Hisagi roared before looking back down at the prostrate woman. He couldn't help but feel moved by the sight, she was so small and so vulnerable as she lay near him. She had been so frightened. Covered in so much blood; he wondered what she had been through before this. Hisagi knew that he had to protect her. Something in her called to him to do so.
Hisagi clenched his fists at the side, breathing deeply as he tried to figure out what to do. Raising his head, he saw the surprised expressions of the gathered crowd. He was not one known to ever lose his temper or raise his voice. Both Grimmjow and Matsumoto looked on with pained expressions.
Hisagi took another look down at the girl and began shrugging off his white captains haori and laid it gently over her blood-streaked body. He knelt by her, swiping some hair off her face and tucking the haori around her before he lifted into his arms and cradled her to his chest. Hisagi sucked in his breath as he finally really looked closely at the girl and he couldn't help but admire her delicate features and full lips. Her long lashed fanned over naturally pink cheeks. Her porcelain skin glowed in contrast to her tide pool hair. Her curves, however hidden from view, fit snug against his hard body like she was made to be kept there.
Please forgive what I am about to do, Mara, Hisagi thought to both her and himself.
"Byakuya-sama," he said lowly, finally raising his eyes to meet confused blue ones. His addressing of the Kuchiki clan leader was highly irregular, especially for him. Good, throw them off. Shit, this is so wrong. Hisagi made sure not to let a whisper of his thoughts reflect on his face. He let his gaze linger on Byakuya before turning back to look at the girl. He was afraid his eyes would give him away.
"Byakuya-sama, how did you know at first sight with Lady Hisana… that you loved her?"
It was suddenly as if all the air had been sucked out of the garden. Hisagi looked up from the girl to see all eyes had widened in shock. Grimmjow and Matsumoto's mouths hung open, gaping. But Byakuya- for a brief moment, Byakuya's mask dropped. His whole expression spoke of the pain of loss from wide eyes to trembling lips. He glanced quickly between the Hisagi and the limp figure in his arms before the mask, again, assumed its place.
Byakuya narrowed his eyes at the pair, studying Hisagi for the barest flinch. To his surprise, he saw none. Slowly, Byakuya nodded his assent, catching everyone around off guard again. "You will keep her available for me once she is recovered as I inquire about the situation."
Hisagi nodded as he adjusted his grip on the waif-like woman, cradling her more fully to him to support her head against his chest, and began to walk toward the group.
"Also," Byakuya followed up with painful slowness, "She will still be considered my ward and decisions on her future will be discussed with me."
Hisagi froze, turning to look at the other captain with narrowed eyes. "That should be up to her, I would think. Wouldn't you?"
"Until she is able, then," Byakuya amended.
"Come," Unohana cut in, "we need to get her to your infirmary section and set up."
Hisagi only nodded his assent to her before sending a commanding look to Grimmjow. All three disappeared quickly from view as they shunpo'd and sonido'd away.
Behind Unohana, Grimmjow brought himself even with Hisagi to speak to him. "Oi, Cap, can I finally fucking talk now?" he whispered.
With a soft sigh, Hisagi slanted his eyes to see the disgruntled hollow next to him. "Like I can stop you in private. What?"
"That was a hell of a piece you wove back there. Pretty sure that the chick with tits for days seemed a little upset at your 'declaration'"
Hisagi bit his lip in thought, remembering that Matsumoto's face had dropped the barest fraction but he assumed it was just shock like everyone else. He knew that it was wrong, but he had been desperate. He said the only thing he knew would trip Byakuya up- a reference to his dead wife. "Look, don't be an ass. If you're just-"
"No, no! Not at all, Cap. I think that may have been the most ballsy thing I've ever seen you do. But that was a hell of a line to use when you didn't need to," Grimmjow responded with a smile that seemed to only be a sneer in disguise.
"What do you mean? Was it not necessary? They weren't going to let her leave. If her power gets in the wrong hands-"
"What. Power." Grimmjow replied, his smile verging on maniacal.
Hisagi almost stopped in place as he reached out with his senses to the girl. He could feel her rietsu, bright and crisp as a crashing wave, but it was minimal. Barely above ordinary and… he could sense no more. What have I done? I have betrayed all their trust and she's not… fuck.
"Exactly," Grimmjow laughed out, "but we are in it now, Cap. At least she looks like she may be kinda hot under all that blood. Hope you like her better that Tits McGee because you are stuck with her now!"
Hisagi sealed his lips tightly, containing his hot-headed response. Looking down at the delicate face pressed against his chest, he sighed and held the girl closer. We are indeed stuck now, Mara. I fear you will grow to hate me and the chain I've tied around your neck without you knowing. He couldn't help but note how, in her sleep, she had grabbed onto the lapel of his shihakusho with a delicate hand as if cuddling it- him. Maybe, if he could win her over, it wouldn't be so bad.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Hisagi pulled in front of Grimmjow and sped toward the isolation of his barracks.
.
.
.
"Glad everything was fine here Captain, we will be going now," Toshiro stated to Byakuya, turning to leave the garden before barking out, "Matsumoto!"
"I will as well, Captain," Isane said in her sweet voice, bowing slightly as she addressed him.
Byakuya opened his mouth to dismiss her officially but was cut off by a disturbance from behind them. His Senkaimon. Again.
All eyes turned as the gates opened to emit a single Hell's butterfly and a bloody and torn Abarai Renji who immediately fell to the ground, his broken zanpakuto still held fast in his clenched fist. Isane ran forward immediately but Renji had already risen to prop himself up on his tattooed forearms, flipping over to raise Zabimaru's broken tip at the gate. His piercing eyes glowed red from his blood covered face as he finally lowered his hand and looked around the garden, sighing in relief.
"Renji?" Isane said gently, kneeling next to the broken man, "Is it really you? We- we need to heal you! Immediately!"
Renji ignored her completely, turning his eyes to Byakuya. He could feel the weight of the dark stare his captain levelled on him. "Mara?" he growled out.
Byakuya raised one perfect brow as he studied Renji. He's changed, he thought, looking at the extensions of intricate ink that showed through the blood on his hands and arms. His hair flowed wildly around him, long enough for him to sit on. Those weren't the changes that caught Byakuya's attention the most though, it was Renji's flat expression and direct, pensive stare. Byakuya could see his own blocked façade staring back at him, a controlled disinterest that no one could read what it hid. Renji's eyes now carried a weight of their own as they seemed to filter into and through Byakuya's carefully crafted shell. "Who?"
The narrowing of Renji's eyes at him was the only hint that he was struggling to keep himself in check. "The girl," he hissed menacingly.
"Mm," Byakuya said as he turned his back, leaving Isane to deal with the ordeal of taking Renji for healing, "yes. She is being taken care of. We will discuss this… ordeal… when you are healed. Welcome back, Lieutenant Abarai."
At least she made it here, he thought as he finally caved into the beckoning darkness that hovered at the edge of his vision. But, goddamn, Lieutenant Abarai again. Renji closed his eyes, picturing Mara smiling up from his lap at him, bathed in sunlight, and sighed in peace. But for her, I will always find a way. It's worth it. As blackness closed in on Renji and he vaguely heard Isane's voice calling to others for something, Renji's mind finally began to realize something he had missed- How did he not know her name?
