Hi everyone! I know it's been about two weeks but I moved and have been in and out of the hospital. I'm doing better now so for that I'm thankful. So here is the last chapter of Sui-Feng's past it's not as poignant and as I want it to be but I think I did a good enough job for being hyped up on pain killers. Oh a little note to MK Thrall: My aren't you pushy...I like that. I know if I we continue this love hate relationship that I'm doing my job as a writer. Trust me, there will be many more times you hate me before you love me I'm sure. Jou Mou will have her time soon enough trust me, the old lady loves to drive people batty. Well, enough of that remember guys please review. It lets me know you all are still interested because trust me the lack of reviews are starting to make me rethink the time I spend writing this.
Only Ever Yours 8
The smell of sweat hung in the air as the sunlight filtered through the windows and into the room. Two sai whistled through the air as their wielder went through a series of kata. The sweat dripped from his brow as he sharply exhaled with the last strike and froze with a look of intense concentration on his face.
A lone chorus of clapping filled the air as Batsuraku made his way over to his son. "Keiyuun you are indeed a force to be reckoned with. I am quite pleased."
"Thank you Father, any word on the whereabouts of that twit you call a leader?" Keiyuun toweled off his bare bronze chest as he regarded his father with disdain.
"No we haven't " Batsuraku replied, "but we will find him soon. There are only so many places he can be. The men are working on pinpointing his daily whereabouts, but for now you just stay focused on your training."
"Do not tell me what to do!" Keiyuun growled angrily as he advanced on his father. "I've had about enough of you telling me what to do. If you had done what you should have years ago I would be ruling this family not that nitwit!"
"Me? Let me remind you boy that you showed yourself to be more than incompetent when you allowed Yoruichi to beat you senseless in front of the elders. You knew she would not marry someone she could easily beat." Batsuraku spat back.
"You should not have allowed the ultimatum. She was of childbearing age and all you had to do was sway the elders. You couldn't even do that." Keiyuun pushed past his father and out of the dojo.
"Child you would do well to remember your place." Batsuraku called out.
"My place?"
Batsuraku walked up to his son so that they were eye level. "I am you father. Without me you would have the beating heart or the blood pumping through your veins. Just because I have told you that I plan for you to be clan head doesn't mean I have no problem replacing you. You will respect me."
Keiyuun spat on the floor, "As you keep reminding me, father. Let me know if you find anything. I'm going to go destroy some hollows."
Batsuraku watched in annoyance as his son waved him off and left. The boy would be the death of him. He was too confident in his abilities and that was why their first plan had failed. Batsuraku had planned to push the elders into making Yoruichi marry right after she became of age to bear children, however Satoshi had gotten wind of his plan because of Keiyuun. The boys cockyness had made him slip up and say that Yoruichi would soon be his wife whether she liked or not. Satoshi then decided to give the girl a say in the matter which was unprecedented. She had decided that whoever her mate was, would have to beat her in hand to hand combat and make her fully submit. Before Batsuraku could even protest Keiyuun had accepted the challenge in front of the entire council.
Yoruichi beat the snot out of him and his pride. She had taunted him with every blow she landed and every strike he missed. After that day Keiyuun had dedicated all his time to train so that he could someday take Yoruichi's titles away from her so that she would be nothing but a lowly wife.
Kenta observed Sui-Feng while she trained with her shikai. The houmonka no longer faded anymore and now remained permanent on her target. Sui-Feng stopped and wiped the sweat from her brow.
"It seems like I have nothing else to teach you with your shikai." Kenta called out.
"Hai, I think you are right. If only I was ready for bankai." Sui-Feng grimaced. She still felt that she was too weak and inadequate.
"Who says you're not? I think you are more than able, but are you willing to do what it takes?" Kenta walked over and placed his index finger in the middle of her forehead. "It may take years, but focus and dedication will make it happen. Keep a clear mind when you meditate. Right now you need to go see the Sou-taicho, he has an assignment for you."
Sui-Feng looked at him in question and the were-panther shrugged.
"You'll find out when you get there. I'll be around if you need me." Kenta vanished with a gust of wind and leaves leaving Sui-Feng alone on the training ground.
When Sui-Feng reached the first division she was beyond nervous, but you couldn't tell it from her expression. She had removed her mask because no one was allowed to approach the captain commander with their face concealed. She bowed once before moving forward to kneel before the commander.
"Sui-Feng your services are needed by the Gotei 13. Are you prepared?" Yamamoto's voice reverbrated in the room.
"Hai, whatever you command of me I will do." Sui-Feng answered.
"Stand up."
As she did Yamamoto looked her over. She was still very much a child and very petite at that but he could feel the power that slept dormant in her.
"I am placing you in charge of an investigation that I know I can trust you with because of you dedication to duty. I need you to find any and all defective soldiers in the Onmitsukido. We have had suspicions that there are those that want to wrest control away from the current Shihouin head. We need you ensure that doesn't happen." When Yamamoto finished, Sui-Feng looked up at him in confusion.
"Forgive me commander but are the Shihouin's aware of this? Couldn't they just purge the ranks and recruit fresh blood?" Sui-Feng asked.
"That would be quick and effective but a purge of the ranks would lose what loyalty still exist within the ranks. I am sure that you can find those that are still very loyal to the family you serve. You are dismissed." Yamamato banged his staff and Sui-Feng stood to her feet and left. She had to make plans on how to begin this investigation and she knew that she could trust no one.
As night fell Sui-Feng waited in a tree that hung over the walls of the 2nd division. She made a mental note to suggest them to remove it because it made it too easy to sneak in and it was a great place to hide. There was activity at the east wall of a group of people walking into the barracks. Sui-Feng waited for the guards to pass before sneaking in behind the large group to blend in. The doors closed behind her and she pressed into the shadows of the walls to move into the rafters above. As she settled in she tuned in to the conversation being had below.
"-undeserving of the title he possesses. We must rise up and remove him now that his traitorous daughter has left. If he dies, when he dies, the Shihouin will be placed under new leadership and I promise you that all of you will be rewarded for your loyalty for me."
Anger welled up inside of Sui-Feng at the words spoken. Her eyes sought out the bastard who dared to speak such treachery. The face of the perpetrator was obscured by a long hooded mask. Sucking her teeth in annoyance she sought for better position when a hand grabbed her arm. She struck out only to have her fist caught.
"Don't move. You are in optimum position right now. Don't ruin it." She relaxed at the whisper of Kenta's voice. She was curious as to why he had come but guessed that it was probably the same reason she was.
"Shihouin Satoshi has done nothing to secure our future as a noble clan and as the punishment force. It is the obligation of all of you standing here to change that fact. First we will have Satoshi assassinated by a squad of my choosing. Then we will remove any and all who oppose this shift in power. If that girl does happen to come back, which I highly doubt, we will use her for the only thing she is good for; bearing children. Afterward we will dispose of her like her father." The hooded figure spoke with such hate and malice that the two concealed in the rafters above had to make sure they kept their reiatsu hidden.
Kenta wanted nothing more than to kill them all right then and there. Sui-Feng felt no different especially when he spoke his plan for Yoruichi. Her jaw clenched in fury and anger.
"Your new Gundanchou will approach you in a months time to pick the assassination squad, until then stay on your guard. Dismissed!" The barracks were quickly emptied of the traitorous soldiers and its leader. Sui-Feng and Kenta gave the hooded a figure and his protection group and small head start before tailing them. While Kenta had a very good idea as to who was underneath the hood, he wanted to be sure. Besides, with the feeling he was getting Sui-Feng she might be planning to kill the man the second she saw his face.
They traveled for a while until they arrived at the lesser grounds of the Shihouin Estate. There their target dropped his guard and with it the hood concealing his identity.
Kenta growled quietly as his suspicions were confirmed; It was Shihouin Batsuraku. Sui-Feng began to pull her zanpaktou from her back when Kenta stopped her.
"Wait. There is another he's working. Besides, from what he said we have a months time before they strike. Now is the time for recon and preparation. You mustn't let what they said about Yoruichi get to you." Kenta explained quietly. Sui-Feng hesitated but slowly re-sheathed her sword. Kenta signaled for her to follow him and they traveled for sometime until they reach a dense part of forest outside Sereitei.
"I understand the need for patience sensei. Forgive my lack of judgment." Sui-Feng spoke with a sigh. She removed her mask giving her head and hair a shake.
"You're learning. Quite quickly, might I add." Kenta regarded his student. Something seemed different. "Your hair."
"Hn? What about it?" She grabbed a fistful of her dark locks observing them.
"It's gotten longer. I have to add that you've gotten taller as well. Seems like the little bee is growling up." Kenta laughed as Sui-Feng shot him a glare. She had gotten over trying to attack him every time he used the nickname but after a while she knew he would use it as long as she couldn't beat him.
Kenta leaned back into a tree and folded his arms across his chest. "Anyway there is something I would like to speak with you about. I would like you honest answer. How do you feel about the way Yoruichi ran the 2nd Division?"
"Honestly?" Sui-Feng pondered the question. She had always felt Yoruichi was too lax with her responsibilities but she always got them done. "She got the job done, but I would think the division would be more than it is now if she wasn't so lax half the time."
"I thought so. How would you run the division?" He asked with what sounded like innocent curiosity. The girl didn't know she was being interviewed for the position.
"If I had a choice I would make it like it was when my grandfather was a soldier. My subordinates would be the definition of stealth, speed, endurance, and discipline. If they were unable to fulfill their duty than they would be found another line of work instead of executed or banished. However, disrespect and insubordination would in no way be tolerated." She narrowed her eyes at the last part.
"How do you feel about the numbers we witnessed with the heretic group?" Kenta scratched the side of his face as he spoke, noting that he needed to shave.
"It means this rebellion has been in the works for a while. I'm guessing that current events has made them feel that it will be easier to strike. I'm surprised it was a Shihouin Elder. I was expecting a lesser noble clan." Sui-Feng commented.
"Shihouin Batsuraku. He's a thorn in my-, our side now."Kenta caught himself.
"He will be terminated as soon as the opportunity presents itself." Sui-Feng clenched her fist at the thought and almost thought she could feel Suzumebachi hum in agreement.
"Well if you're not tired I suggest you begin training for your bankai. It usually takes about 10 years so there's no time like the present. Remember calm mind." Kenta began to walk off. "Oh and remember to report to the Sou-Taicho in the morning however I would leave out the identity of our friend for the moment."
Sui-Feng nodded as she watched him go. There was something about Kenta that seemed so familiar but she couldn't put her finger on it. The way he acted made her trust him almost as if they'd known each other longer than they really had. She shook off the feeling and pulled Suzumebachi out of her sheath. Laying it across her lap she closed her eyes and focused her breathing going into a deep meditation. She focused on the low, steady continuous sound the sword had given off when Suzumebachi had fist made herself known.
'I see you've come to me for more training.' Suzumebachi said as the small zanpaktou circled her master.
"I wish to reach bankai." Sui-Feng answered. There was a pause.
'You are not ready. Open your eyes.'
When Sui-Feng did she was shocked to see the world her Zanpaktou inhabited. The ground was upturned, trees were uprooted and vicious tornadoes circled around them. In short she was surrounded by chaos.
'You see what you have left me to deal with. Your mind is in shambles. I fear that if we take that next step you will destroy yourself in the process and I cannot allow that. That woman has made you miserable. It's best you just forget about her.' Suzumebachi said with disdain
"Do not tell me what to do." Sui-Feng spoke angrily. As she did the wind became more furious around them.
'Then you are not ready. Until your mind calms and you release yourself from the turmoil you put yourself through I don't see why I should train you. You're holding us both back from true potential. Do you really think she cared about you?' Suzumebachi buzzed angrily.
"Of course not!"
'Then why do you still regard such respect for her when you speak her name! It sickens me. You are nothing but a pawn to her. She discarded you like trash.'
"Then train me so I can make her feel my pain!"
'Do you think me a fool? You plan to try and bring her back. You won't find her and I will not let you use me in your ridiculous quest. All your talk of rules and discipline. What happens when someone defects from the Gotei?' Suzumebachi had floated closer. Sui-Feng could clearly see the judgement and contempt in her eyes. The Zanpaktou was right.
"They are hunted down and destroyed." Sui-Feng said with conviction.
'Something you are unwilling to do because you lack the will to do so. Until I see otherwise I will not give you what you seek. Leave me.' Suzumebachi was engulfed in a white light and spiritual pressure that Sui-Feng had never felt before took her breath away.
Sui-Feng was violently thrusted out of her meditation. She was breathing hard and sweating profusely. Never before had her Zanpaktou reacted that way. She had also never been so truthful with her thoughts either. Their relationship since Yoruichi left had been strained but never like this. Sui-Feng knew what she had to do. She would have to be prepared and willing to end Yoruichi's life.
3 weeks passed and Satoshi had been keeping an eye on Batsuraku. The man was careful but under Satoshi's watchful eye he was able to make notes on the men that were reporting to the traitor. Most were high ranking officers of the Onmitsukido which bothered him but once they were removed he would see to it that their predecessors were faithful to him.
If only the Feng family wasn't so small he would have them all replaced by the family members that had been loyal to his house for generations. Sui-Feng had showed him that she would be the one to take his place as Gundanchou. It would be much easier on him and since she knew how to run the Onmistukido by watching his daughter he knew she was the right choice.
As he walked through the halls of his home he noticed Keiyuun slip through the door that led to his office chambers.
'What is that boy up to?' Satoshi thought as he slipped through the door that led to his personal chambers. There was a secret doorway that only he knew about that led to his office. The mirrors in his office were not for show, one of them was the doorway into the office. He watched Keiyuun rifle through his desk looking for something. The young man paused as he found a secret compartment in one of the drawers and pulled out a black folder. He looked through its contents before a pleased smile reached his face. He made the area tidy as it was when he first came in. Looking around he quickly left the office. Satoshi opened the mirrored door and went straight to the desk and opened the compartment.
"Damn." He muttered. Keiyuun had taken the name of every Onmistukido soldier's name, ability, and residence. What ever Batsuraku and his son were planning was about to reach its climax. He couldn't wait any longer to act.
Keiyuun made his way quickly to his father's office. The guards nodded to him and stepped away from the door sso he could walk inside. His father was looking over plans for the attack.
"I take it you were successful." Basturaku spoke without looking up.
"Yes. After we mark off all the names that are loyal to us we can begin to go after those loyal to Satoshi. If they refuse to swear loyalty to us then we will kill them." Keiyuun smiled evilly at the thought.
"I will take care of the list. I want you to put together a squad. We will test them and see how they do against those who are targeted from this list. If they prove successful then we will go after Satoshi. Our time is coming Keiyuun and soon we will be the leaders of the Tenshi Heisoban.
"I appreciate the concern little bee. I'll see you tomorrow." Yoruichi said before she started to walk off. Sui-Feng watched as her walk broke into a run.
"Wait!" She tried to yell but the words stuck in her throat. She tried to cry out again but still no sound was uttered. She broke into a run chasing purple tresses. She ran like never before.
'She's leaving me. I can't let her.' She thought as she pumped her legs faster. It seemed like the faster she ran the farther her goddess was from her. A gate opened in front of them and Urahara Kiskue stepped out reaching for Yoruichi's hand. Her heart broke as she saw the woman grab his hand and let herself be pulled in.
"No!" Sui-Feng tried but it came out as a strangled noise. Her lungs and throat burned from exertion. Sweat poured from her body. Just as she reached the gate it began to close. She leapt for it only to have her progress stopped as a knife went straight through her heart.
"Why would I need you when I have Kisuke?" Was all she heard before the door shut.
Sui-Feng woke drenched in sweat. Her hand flew to her chest to check for the blade she felt go into her. Finding nothing she looked around. She was alone in the training field. She must have fallen asleep from exhaustion. She focused on calming her breathing and regaining her composure. Standing up on shaky legs she heard someone approaching. Looking toward the noise she noticed Kenta giving her a strange look as he approached.
"Are you alright?" He asked when he was close enough.
"Yes. Is there something you need?" She clipped.
"We have a problem. It seems our enemies are moving earlier than we thought. Shihouin Keiyuun son of Basturaku has obtained a dossier of all Onmistukido soldiers. Less than half the soldiers that were still known to be loyal to the Shihouin house have either defected or been killed. We have to stop them." Kenta explained.
"Do we know who they might strike next?" Sui-Feng asked as she checked her gear.
"I have a hunch it's going to be you they are looking for since the Feng house has forever shown loyalty. I think they headed for your compound."
Sui-Feng was gone the second the sentence was finished. Kenta was hot on her heels.
When they arrived the meager gate that had been standing was nothing more than splinters of wood littering the ground. Some of the buildings were ablaze and the sound of people yelling rang through the air.
Sui-Feng and Kenta and Sui-Feng dashed through the street with one destination in mind; Jou Mou's home. When they got there, luckily the house was untouched by the fires but they saw a figure battling 7 men. The person was holding their own but it would only be a matter of time before they made a mistake and was cut down.
"Grandmother! " Sui-Feng yelled as she jumped into the fray. "Are you alright?"
The old woman didn't answer right away as she side stepped a kick that had been aimed at her midsection. Before the attacker could re-chamber his leg she slammed the kunai she had been holding into his leg. He released a howl of pain and stumbled back.
"I'm fine just get these bastards off of our property!" Jou Mou panted with exhaustion. The old woman had cuts and bruises but years of battle made her focus past the pain. Sui-Feng yelled in rage and leapt at the nearest attacker driving her fist into his solar plexus knocking the wind out of him before aiming a kick at his knee snapping his leg in half. Th next enemy tried to stab her in the back but she sensed the danger ducking under the blade seeking her flesh. She turned and slept the legs out from her attacker snatching the sword out of his hand in stabbing him though the stomach just as his back hit the ground. She quickly removed it and slashed the throat of the man who's leg she had broken.
Kenta had knocked out the man that Jou Mou had stabbed before he could get up. Two men attacked with their swords on either side of him. Pulling two hidden kunai from his sleeves he blocked their strikes. He twisted to the left stabbing the attacker on his right in the thigh and grabbing his sword hand his impale the man on his left. As both men fell he pulled the sword he had run through his attacker out of his body and decapitated man to his right.
The last two men were either true believers in their cause or just plain stupid. They turned to face the man and girl who had cut down their comrades with ease. Their swords held at the ready they sized up their opponents waiting to make their move. When they blinked their opponents were gone, all that remained was pain. Both simultaneously looked down to see the blade of a sword protruding from each of their chest before they fell to the ground lifeless.
Sui-Feng looked around in anger at the compound she was responsible for. It had been destroyed and with the trouble they were having with income meant that there was no way she could rebuild. She had failed her family but someone would pay. She began ripping of the mask of each of the men they had killed. None of them were Shihouin. The one man that had been graced to only being knocked out groaned in pain. Sui-Feng walked over and kicked him in the leg. He screamed in pain.
"Where is your leader?" She yelled grabbing him by the front of his shozoku. "Tell me or I will show you things worse than death."
"H-he aint here bitch! You won't find him either but we will kill you. You're nothing but the Shihouin's bitch and we will put you down if you refuse to-"
He never go the chance to finish his sentence as Sui-Feng stabbed him through the eye with a kunai.
"This ends tonight." She ground out as she threw the lifeless man's body to the ground.
"What do you plan to do?" Kenta inquired.
"If those bastards want me they wont have to find me. I'll go to them." Sui-Feng went into her grandmothers house to the fire place. She pulled out all the equipment she would need before running out. Kenta and Jou Mou looked at the look of fury and determination on her face. There was no talking her out of it, Sui-Feng would face a possible army by herself if need be.
"Hold on dammit! What is this about anyways? Who is this man that's looking for you?" Jou Mou asked getting impatient.
"There are two men who mean to overthrow the current head of the Shihouin House. It seems they plan to eliminate those who don't pledge loyalty to them instead." Kenta explained. Sui-Feng was already walking toward the 2nd Division.
"I apologize grandmother but these men will never trouble you again. Seek refuge at the Shiba household." She shunpoed off before her grandmother answered.
"Does she even know who you are?" Jou Mou eyed Kenta.
"No she doesn't and I think that is for the best. 'Kenta' plans to disappear once this is all resolved."
"Well you better get moving or else Satoshi will disappear as well if my grand daughter isn't returned to me alive." Satoshi didn't need to be told twice before taking off after the Feng leader.
The entire 2nd division was in an uproar those who had heard about their comrades defecting or being killed had reached the ears of all. Men who remained loyal fought to try and get out before they too were slaughtered. They knew that retreat was the best option because they desperately needed to regroup and form a plan. The 7th seat officer Gan Kenichi was giving his men cover as best he could but was hard pressed as he would soon be overpowered by the sheer numbers he was against. What worried him most of all was the sai-wielding demon that was quickly approaching him as his other comrades that stood with him fell. He raised his blade to stop both sai as they descended for his shoulders and fell to his knees from the force of the blow. As he pushed his attacker back he noticed the Shihouin features his attacker had.
"You asshole! You'd betray your own family?" he yelled. Kenichi was kicked in his chest and onto his back. A sai flew through the air and pinned him to the ground by his throat. As the blood gurgled past his dying lips as Keiyuun lowered his head and stared into the dying man's eyes.
"They aint no family of mine but don't you worry, I'll take good care of the rest of your friends." He patted the dead man's cheek and pulled the sai from his throat. Keiyuun looked around with murderous glee. The spilling of blood was beautiful to him. The sound of dying men's cries, the pitiful creatures crawling to get away, the lifeless dull cow eyes staring at nothing pleased him. Any and all who dared to stand in his way would fall in the same fashion.
His thoughts were stopped short as the shouts changed their tune. The men on his side were beginning to be pushed back. He looked and saw a petite girl with long black hair tearing through his man like a beast. She showed no mercy and no fear. His men couldn't touch her, it seemed that she was far too fast. Then what happened next surprised Keiyuun. The girl pulled out her Zanpaktou. The air around her changed as her reiatsu skyrocketed making some of the men in front of her pass out cold.
"Jinteki Shakusestu, Suzumebachi." The way the girl called out her Zanpaktou chilled those around her as it shifted to become a gold gauntlet around her hand. In the blink of an eye she was gone. The men began to dissipate like burning leaves in the wind.
'Very interesting.' Keiyuun thought as he made his way over with an excited smile on his face. He was so eager to get to her that he began cutting down some of his own men that happened to be in his way.
Sui-Feng saw Keiyuun approaching and her anger quadrupled ten fold. She disposed of the men that still dared to stand in her way and met Keiyuun in a clash of steel.
"It's Yoruichi's little bitch! I was wondering when you'd show your face you little cunt!" Keiyunn yelled.
"I'm going to kill you." Sui-Feng said with an eerie calm as she blocked each blow he threw at her. She was faster than him but the fact that he dual wielded a weapon made up for it.
"Aww. did I hit a never talking about your whore princess? You know she was a whore right? Always flouncing around naked, sitting with her legs wide open. To think that they wanted her to become my wife." Sui-Feng faltered at the mention of him marrying Yoruichi. Why hadn't Yoruichi told her?
'Now is not the time! Kill this bastard or that woman is going to get you killed!' Suzumebachi hissed at her wielder. Sui-Feng shook of her shock punched Keiyuun across the face with her left hand wanting nothing more than to wipe that cocky smirk off his face.
"You hit like a little kid too. You know, she used to talk about you. She said that you were her faithful little pet. Did you cry when she left?" Keiyuun sneered as one of his sai got close enough to pierce her left shoulder just below her collarbone. As her shoulder began to leak blood profusely she noticed one of Keiyuun's men trying approach her from behind. Just as the rebel thrust his sword at unprotected back she side stepped hoping he would accidentally hit Keiyuun. He barely nicked him.
Keiyuun kicked the man so hard in the head that there was a sickening crunch. He fell to the ground limp. "She's mine dammit! I don't need your fucking help!" He yelled as he kicked the mans dead body.
'This man is obviously mad.' Sui-Feng thought as she changed her stance. He was coming at her one sai behind his back, the other poised and ready to strike. Sui-Feng dodged each dangerous strike as it came closer and closer to her flesh. She felt her back hit the wall and rolled away just before the sai impacted with body.
"Damn! Stop moving you slippery little bitch!" Keiyuun yelled in fury. His right arm was stuck in the wall along with his sai. He tugged to get it loose but found that he was completely stuck. Sui-Feng took that chance to strike him with Suzumebachi. She hit him in the center of his stomach and the Houmonka formed. As she began to withdraw her hand from Keiyuun's stomach to ready the second blow, he grabbed the wrist of the gauntlet stopping her. At the moment he yanked his arm out of the wall and aimed his sai at her face. Sui-Feng quickly reverted Suzumebachi to shikai form and jumped back from the danger leaving her sword protruding from the man's stomach.
"Ha! I got your pretty little toy now. What are you going to do without your zanpaktou? Nothing that bitch Yoruichi taught you is going to save you. No wonder she left you here. You're weak, useless, and pathetic." Keiyuun might not have known it but each word he spoke was digging his grave deeper and deeper. He removed the sword from his stomach with a sickening squelch and threw it to the ground.
The air around her shifted as her reiatsu once again changed. A white energy began to dance around her lithe form and her eyes were hard as steel. Tornado like whirlwinds of spiritual pressure formed around both her hands and the clothes on her back began ripping due to the force.
"I have surpassed Yoruichi." Sui-Feng took a step.
"The Onmitsukido don't recognize traitors." Another step.
"You both have hurt and betrayed my brothers in arms and the ones who followed you. You do not know honor." Another step.
"And I...am going... to kill Yoruichi." Sui-Feng spoke the name with venom. Keiyuun couldn't believe what he was seeing or feeling. The pure energy that whirled around the girl gave him chills like nothing else ever had. He would run but her reiatsu kept him from moving. Sweat dripped down his forehead and into his eyes causing him to blink. It would be the last mistake he ever made. When he opened them all he saw was the fury in Sui-Feng's eyes as she grabbed his head with her right hand and slammed it into the ground. She looked him in the eyes through gap in her fingers and she squeezed his face tighter making the bones in his face begin to crack.
"But first. I am going to kill you..." Those were the last words heard before everything was rocked with an explosion.
Kenta looked down at the carnage that littered the courtyard of the Onmistukido. He had seen the last part of Sui-Feng's fight and heard her words. He hoped she wasn't as serious as she sounded. As he jumped down from the wall he raced over to where Sui-Feng was laying. Her clothes were torn from the technique she had used and there many small cuts on her back and shoulders. Whatever technique the girl had used was far from completed, but when it was it would clearly be destructive.
"I see you took your time getting here." Kenta said as he turned to see the Yamamoto standing on the wall he had been on just moments before.
"The Gotei has no place in the affairs of nobles. Even if the 2nd Division is indeed part of the Gotei it belongs to you so I can't stop a noble rebellion. I see the girl found the perpetrator." Yamamoto peered at the battered girl with one eye. "Whose reiatsu was that just now?"
"Hers." Kenta answered before picking her up. "I'm taking her to the Shiba's. Please send Unohana."
"Why not the 4th division?" The old man inquired.
"Her grandmother is there waiting. Commander could you please remain here to regain order here and arrest those involved in the rebellion. I have some unfinished business to attend to." Kenta readjusted the girl in his arms and looked at her weary face. Was the burden he had in mind too much for her?
"Shihouin Satoshi." Yamamoto called. Satoshi turned and looked at the commander. "If she is the one you choose you have my approval."
Satoshi nodded and shunpoed away.
Satoshi dropped off Sui-Feng at the Shiba's and was roughly thrown aside the second he set her down on the futon by Jou Mou. The old woman checked over her granddaughter to make sure that she wasn't in mortal danger. When she was satisfied she grabbed Satoshi and gave him a bone crushing hug.
"C-can't b-b-breath!" Satoshi squeaked before she let go.
"Thank you. Is this little fiasco over with?" Jou Mou asked leering at him.
"Not yet I have one more thing to do." He answered and left.
"Who the hell was that?" Kukaku hollered as Satoshi dissappered. "Sexy as hell!"
"Shihouin Satoshi." Jou Mou laughed at the way Kukaku's face fell before tending to Sui-Feng.
Things were not going as planned. Keiyuun had once again not listened to his advice to go about things quietly. Word reached him about the all out battle being waged at the 2nd Division and he knew that it was only a matter of time before Satoshi showed. Then what the next messenger told him chilled him to the bone. His forces had been flattened and his son killed, but worst of all, there had been no sign of Shihouin Satoshi the entire fight. Rumor had it that the small girl that had always followed the Satoshi's daughter had gone in and single handedly destroyed the rebellion. A small girl from the Feng family. She should have been the first to die. How could he have missed such an intricate detail in his plans?
His thoughts were interrupted as all the light in his house went out. His breath caught in his throat as he felt his beartbeat begin to speed up. Everything was too quiet. Then, there sound of a the guards dying to his right and to his left. He jumped out of his chair in fear. Then the ones behind him and then the two at the front door.
Basturaku reached into his desk and pulled out a wakazashi from an internal compartment. He backed up until his back was against a wall. He screamed as he felt pain in his feet and looked down to see two katana blades protuding through the floor and each of his feet. Then two were driven through the wall his back was against and into both of his shoulders. Basturaku couldn't move. He didn't know if it was from the pain or the fear making him delusional but he began to see a figure materialize out of the darkness in the floor. A man in a mask approached him and Basturaku did the only thing he could; beg for his life.
"I'll pay you double what he payed you. Please! I can make you able to live like a king." He was gasping for air from the pain. The shadow with blue eyes just came closer and closer with each step.
"I can make you Gundanchou of the Onmistukido! I can make your family noble! Spare me please! It was my son's idea!" He sobbed with every plea. The man began to remove his mask. Purple hair tumbled out and contacts were blinked out to reveal gold eyes. He leaned in close to Batsuraku's sweating face looking in his fearful eyes at the realization that he had been caught by the man he had targeted.
"What was that you planned to do to my daughter?" Satoshi growled as his eyes became catlike slits. He slowly pulled the sword that sat on his back out of its sheath and traced the sharp steel edge down the pinned man's adams apple.
"Born in the shadows of night, stalk your prey. Rokhan." Satoshi growled out in an deadly voice. Basturaku's eyes widened in sheer horror as Satoshi's sword glowed and separated into 3 giant panthers. Their sharp teeth snapped hungrily at him coming only inches from his petrified body. Their muzzles were pulled back and wrinkled from the intese snarling and growling. Batsuraku whimpered.
"Eat him." Satoshi snarled as his eye teeth elongated as he watched his zanpaktou tear the traitor apart.
Everyone in a 5 mile radius heard the tormented man's screams.
Later anyone that had been in the area would see all of Batsuraku's propety up in flames as black panther stalked away.
3 months later
All those involved in what had been dubbed as the Shihou Rebellion, had been placed in the Maggots Nest. The officers of the Onmitsukido that Satoshi had known to be traitorous were executed. The families that lost loved ones during the fight were well compensated for their loss. A memorial was etched into a wall near to the Shihouin gates of the names of all who were lost. Satoshi removed half of the elders that he had suspicions of disloyalty by eliminating their seats. He then placed the spies that reported to him in new advising positions.
Sui-Feng had healed nicely but it seemed that something was different about her. She seemed more distant and answered almost mechanically. Kukaku felt that it was the stress of everything going on, but Jou Mou knew better. Sui-Feng was mentally protecting herself. The girl was removing all emotion from herself and taking the next step in becoming a battle hardened soldier of the Onmitsukido.
Unohana Retsu had come and examined the girl after her battle and conducted the psychiatric test Satoshi had requested of her earlier. She passed, although the empty look made her think the girl was harboring some inner demons that could only quelled with time. She then reported at a meeting she had with the Sou-taicho and Shihouin Satoshi.
"Sui-Feng is physically prepared for duty and shows no symptoms of any post traumatic stress disorder. However I must say that she has completely blocked off all emotions. I fear the emotional detachment could become a problem in the future." Unohana explained to Satoshi and Yamamoto as they sat in Satoshi's office.
"The emotional attachments are deemed dangerous in the Onmitsukido. We train our soldiers to detach themselves and with the recent events that have occurred around her I must say I suspected she would do just that. Satoshi explained as he stroked his growing goatee. Wearing a mask made facial hair sweaty and uncomfortable so he had remained clean shaven. Now he had the opportunity to grow it back.
"Do you feel she is fit for the position in question Unohana-taicho?" Yamamoto ground out.
Unohana gave a pause, "Yes, Sou-taicho. She is fit for captaincy."
"Then it's settled. Yamamoto Sou-taicho, I Shihouin Satoshi, wish to nominate Sui-Feng, Head of the Feng family in my place as Gundanchou of the Onmitsukido." Satoshi said with authority.
"Agreed. I'll call for a captain's meeting in an hour so a vote can be made." Yamamoto said as he stood and left. Unohana stayed behind.
"Is there something you wish to say taicho. Are you going to ask me on a date?" Satoshi joked. He gulped as Restu made her reiatsu spike.
'I forgot how scary she can be.' Satoshi thought.
"Oh, my no. I wish to let you know that Sui-Feng has some inner demons that could pose a threat to your heir should the opportunity arise. I will see you at the captains meeting Shihouin-dono." She said sweetly before she left.
Satoshi sighed and stared at the painting on the wall of him and Yoruichi when she was just a baby. 'Fate protects you my daughter.'
A hell butterfly floated through the Shiba's window and onto Sui-Feng's shoulder just as her grandmother finished the last braid. Sui-Feng had told her grandmother she wanted something different done to her hair and that the long locks weren't tactical to keep. Jou Mou gave her the same style she had at her age.
"You look like a grown woman. I keep forgetting how young you are." The old women comment as she placed the last gold hoop onto the braids.
"I am being summoned." Sui-Feng announced as she stood up.
"Oh, by who?" Jou Mou raised a silvering eyebrow.
"The Captain Commander." She answered. "It might be something else he wants me to look into."
"I'm so proud of you." Jou Mou whispered as her granddaughter left.
Sui-Feng walked through the doors and was shocked to see all the Captains of the Gotei 13 present and in place, she didn't show it.
"Sui-Feng of the 2nd Division approach me." Yamamoto ordered crisply. She approached head held high.
Yamamoto cleared his voice before he began. "Today we are here to place someone in the vacant captaincy slot of the 2nd Division. Usually that seat is held by one of Shihouin blood but the current head has requested someone else take his place as Gundanchou. He has requested Sui-Feng."
Sui-Feng looked up in wonder and spotted Satoshi looking at her with piercing eyes as if he were able to see what she was thinking. The captains exchanged looks of confusion and disbelief as Sui-Feng was nothing but a mere child to them.
"The runt doesn't even look like she can fight." Zaraki grumbled as he eyed the girl.
"You have all heard about the battle that was a result of the Shihou rebellion? The 253 incapacitated soldiers that were the core of the rebellion were put down by this single girl. She suffered minimal injury. She has not yet relased her Bankai but observation from a reliable source has told me that she will soon." Yamamoto answered silencing Zaraki who seemed pleased at the body count
"My source told me that she knows all she needs to run the Onmistukido and that it will be the best move for the Gotei as well as the Shihouin family. She lives by the rules the Onmistukido thrives on and has shown that she can lead. Besides her family has been loyal to mine for generations and I know she will continue to do so. " Satoshi explained giving Sui-Feng a long steady look.
"I have but one concern." Yamamoto began, "Shihouin Yoruichi has been branded a traitor to Sereitei. If confronted or approached by her or Urahara Kisuke what will your actions be?"
There was silence in the room as they waited for her to answer.
She looked up with steely grey eyes. " The Onmitsukido recognizes all traitors to the Gotei 13 as targets for termination. I plan to enforce this rule."
Nobody noticed a grimace of irritation and disappointment flash across Satoshi's face.
Satisfied wit the answer Yamamoto continued. "It is put to a vote. All in agreement with Sui-Feng being made Captain speak now." Yamamoto boomed.
"2nd Division agrees." Satoshi boomed
"4th Division agrees." Unohana nodded
"5th Division agrees." Aizen answered
"6th Division agrees." Genrei spoke out.
"7th Division agrees" Komamura bellowed.
"8th Division agrees." Shunsui shrugged tipping his hat.
"The 9th and 10th Divisions are vacant." Yamamoto said.
"Yeah give it to the kid and then let me fight her." Kenpachi grumbled.
"12th Division concurs." Mayuri remarked as he rubbed the pads of his thumb and middle finger together.
"13th Division agrees." Ukitake answered softly.
"Sui-Feng you are now charged as Captain and Gundanchou of the 2nd divsion. You will be briefed on your duties. You are expected to report to Central..."
Sui-Feng barely heard anything being said as she felt the heavy haori of the 2nd Division fall on her shoulders and the painful burden of Yoruichi's shadow that she vowed to destroy.
Present Day
"I trained everyday hating you, trying to surpass you, forget you. You haunted my dreams at night. It got to the point that I had Omaeda destroy you old quarters and rebuild them. Rebuilding the 2nd Division was a nightmare at first but your father gave me free reign to do what I wanted." Sui-Feng murmured the last part. She felt drops of water hitting her hand and looked at Yoruichi. Her goddess was crying.
"Yoruichi?" Sui-Feng questioned as she watched the woman's body shake with sobs.
"I-I'm so sorry. I regretted leaving you behind the second I left but I knew it was for the best because I care about you. You have no idea how many times I thought about risking everyone's safety just to come back and see you. I was so angry with everyone for the longest time but I had to do what I did. I never meant to hurt you. Gomen nasai." Yoruichi whispered, "Please forgive me."
Sui-Feng was silent as she looked into the gold eyes that she had grown up loving. They were usually fully of playfulness and now sorrow. Yoruichi was apologizing for the pain she had caused. Earlier Yoruichi had said something about not making a decisions that hurt both of them. They had both made that mistake. Even though they thought it was for the better and all they caused was pain for both of them. Sui-Feng planned to put an end to it.
She placed her fingers under Yoruichi's chin and gently lifted her head and used her other hand to dry the princess eyes. "I already have." She then dipped her head and kissed Yoruichi's lips. Yoruichi raised a hand to cup Sui-Feng's face.
Apologies were heard between soft chaste kisses, so were murmurs of forgiveness. After a while, Yoruichi calmed down and eventually and fell asleep. Sui-Feng noticed her companions even breathing and picked her up bridal style and shunpoed her home. She quietly walked into the candle lit room and placed her princess in her bed and kneeled next to her. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She would remember this night as the night she was liberated from her past demons, fears, and insecurities. She pulled a lock of hair from Yoruichi's face and tucked in behind her ear.
"Stay with me tonight." A soft whisper came and gold eyes opened. Sui-Feng nodded in compliance and began to undo the ties of her haori. Yoruichi stood and placed her back to Sui-Feng.
"Can you undo my obi?" She requested. The younger of the two walked over loosened it till it fell to floor. Yoruichi's furisode loosened and she let the clothing begin to slide off her shoulders. Sui-Feng felt her face heat up as she stared at the smooth shoulders that had been bared to her. In such close proximity she resisted placing her lips on the flesh before her. Yoruichi turned around and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"I'll be be back. There is a night yukata in the closet." She whispered against Sui-Feng's lips making the younger girls eyes flutter. Yoruichi slowly stepped away and headed to the onsen to remove her make up and change.
Sui-Feng changed quickly but wasn't sure if she should stay standing or sit down on the bed and wait. This was fairly intimate to her and she was nervous. Yes, she wanted Yoruichi but she was still firm on the need to take thing slow. Luckily, she didn't have ponder long as Yoruichi came out of the onsen in a thin white yukata. The contrast with her skin was beautiful and hair hair was loose. She blew out the candles one by one and then locked the door. The moon flooded through the windows giving Yoruichi an ethereal appearance. The beautiful goddess walked forward and grabbed Sui-Feng's hand leading her to the bed. She gently guided the younger woman under the sheets and then joined her. She kissed the dark haired girl one more time before snuggling her face into her shoulder. Sui-Feng wrapped her arm around her and Yoruichi tangled their legs.
"Good night little bee." Yoruichi whispered.
"Goodnight Yoruichi." Sui-Feng whispered back and with that the two captains gently fell asleep in each others arms for the first time.
Damn this chapter 9,000 words, ugh. Ok now we can move on and this story can get back on track. Again please review and you all will hopefully hear from me soon.
Melodious Reprieve