HI! Long time I know but real life comes first right now. I have however been making a conscious effort to get this out. I hope all well with you my faithful readers. I know some of you rather dislike Yuu and it amuses me to no end. No without further ado!
Only Ever Yours 12
Sui-Feng's haori flared angrily behind her as she marched the elegant halls of the palace to Yoruichi's room. Everything was starting to go to shit. They had been in the Western Lands for a week and she had been having hell trying to keep up with her charge. Yuu had, apparently, taken it upon himself to help Yoruichi outsmart the guards. To make matters worse, she wasn't getting any compliance from the guards of the castle. She had tried to find out about patrols on the grounds and in the halls but the captains refused to give her any information. She had the urge to give the lord of the castle a piece of her mind but knew it wouldn't help matters and instead provide him an excuse to try to remove her. Instead, she was on her way to set Yoruichi straight.
Meanwhile, Yoruichi was in her room sitting at the vanity while a servant girl styled her hair. The girl seemed to be no older than Sui-Feng and was very vocal about how much she loved Yoruichi's gorgeous locks. Yoruichi gave her thanks but was only half listening. She was nervous about tonight. She had no idea why she agreed to accompany Yuu to the gala his castle was holding tonight.
Flashback
"So I've been thinking," Yuu began, toweling the sweat from his body after an intense sparring session with Yoruichi. "Do you dance as well as you fight?"
Yoruichi gave him a sideways glance, "What does that have to do with anything?"
"It could be a compliment... there's a gala being held tomorrow and I feel that it would be nice if you accompanied me. All the lords will be there and quite a few important people. Originally this was to be held for me to find a mate but I already have someone I might be willing to lay claim to." He explained.
Yoruichi almost choked on the water she had been drinking before turning to look at him. "Lay claim to? Me? But it's only been a few days! I'm not sure-"
"I'm not saying I'm ready to marry you. I just think it's right for it to be known that I am indeed courting you. While it has only been a few days I think it's fair to say that you've piqued my interest." Yuu smiled as he donned the vest he had worn that morning.
Yoruichi rolled her eyes at his admission. "I'm sure I have with beating you into the ground the last couple of days physically and mentally."
Yuu barked a laugh. "Please," He shook his head with a smirk. "You keep me on my toes I'll give you that."
He began to saunter closer to her as if ready to pounce. Yoruichi backed away from him, though she was curious as to what he was up to. She didn't notice the wall behind her until her back hit the unmoving object. Yuu quickly closed the distance so that they were face to face. Gold eyes clashed. Yoruichi found herself unconsciously wishing that were stormy silver instead.
Yuu leaned in to Yoruichi's ear. "Besides, you're feisty and you are loyal to your beliefs. Two things that are hard to find in a woman. I like those things about you. I'm interested. Is that so hard to believe?"
Yoruichi thought on his words. It wasn't hard to believe at all but she still didn't know if she was ready for this. "No, it's not. I guess I just need more time."
"I can wait. Like I said before I don't want you to be reluctant. I have to ask though...is there something holding you back?"
Yoruichi looked away. She knew there was something holding her back and she knew what, or more specifically who, it was. "No." She lied. "I am still trying to adjust to everything is all."
Yuu didn't believe her but decided not to call her on it. "That's good. You know trust is key right?"
Yoruichi smiled knowingly, "Of course but don't forget I'm an assassin so I can't tell you everything."
Yuu rolled his eyes. "Fair enough princess. Can you tell me that you'll be on my arm tomorrow night?"
Yoruichi bit her lip as she thought on her answer. If she said no she was closing off an opportunity. She was single and this was a very handsome man asking her to be with him at an important event. Any other girl would be more than thrilled. Besides, she could tell he was willing to give this courtship a chance, so shouldn't she?
"Ok, I will go with you."
End Flashback
A knock on the door interrupted Yoruichi from her thoughts as she looked at the door behind her in the mirror. The servant girl had finished her hair and was packing up her supplies.
"Come in." She answered at the second hurried knock.
The door opened and Sui-Feng came into the room. Yoruichi tensed up at the sight of the captain. The servant girl either was in a hurry to leave the room or she felt the immediate tension in the room between the two women but regardless, she was gone.
Sui-Feng was taken aback at Yoruichi's appearance. She was wearing a lavender yukata that hugged her curves and fanned out at the bottom to sweep the floor around her feet. Her hair was similar to how it had looked at the festival but instead of falling loosely at her back it had been put into a long braid. She looked beautiful as ever and Sui realized how much she had missed looking at her former mentor.
Yoruichi was having similar thoughts. While Sui-Feng's appearance was no different than how it was the last time Yoruichi saw that she still looked as enticing as ever. A pang was felt in her heart, as the hurtful words sprang to the forefront of her mind and caused her to once again become bitter.
"I thought I told you to stay away from me."
Sui-Feng snapped out of her thoughts and frowned at the statement. "And I thought I told you to stay with the guards."
"I can take care of myself. Besides, Yuu has been with me when the guards are not. He is able to defend should I ever need it." Yoruichi answered turning back to the mirror.
"Screw that bastard! It's bad enough that you're already hard enough to keep up with, without him helping you!"
"Then leave! I don't need you here!" Yoruichi all but yelled. Sui-Feng stepped back at the venom of her words.
"Yoruichi-"
"Don't!" Yoruichi shook her head. "Don't say my name. Haven't you done enough already? You did this, now deal with it."
"I did this?!" Sui yelled her fist clenching in frustration. "I didn't ask to be sent here with you! I know you hate me! I'm here to do a job and damn it I'm going to do it if it kills me. I made a promise to Satoshi. I plan to keep it."
"That's right." Yoruichi stood up to get in the younger woman's face. "I'm nothing but a job to you. I always have been. Well guess what, your house may have been tied to this family but you are tied to me! I am the one that brought you as close to me as I have. I put you on my court and I have every right to take it away. You're a bodyguard because I made it that way. You weren't even strong enough to defend me when I first brought you on. I trained you, I left you my legacy, and you are what I made you! Since you can't seem to understand me when I say leave me alone I am denouncing your service to the Shihouin House."
Sui-Feng's eyes widened as the words came like a blow to the gut. She couldn't breathe. Yoruichi had all but run her through with a rusty blade by removing her family from service. Her guards outside the door had heard it, their stiffer than normal shoulders giving them away. Such a thing was the worst shame that a lesser noble family could have happen. Sui tried to swallow the lump in her throat as she searched Yoruichi's eyes for some sign of regret but found none. Closing her eyes to shut out the gold eyes that would forever haunt her dreams, she turned away.
"So be it." The petite captain whispered. She left without another word and missed the shameful look that came to Yoruichi's face.
Sui-Feng walked down the hall and passed Yuu in the process of leaving. If looks could kill Yuu would have been dead a thousand times over. He found himself taken aback by the intense look but chose to ignore it for the time being as he reached Yoruichi's door.
"Yoruichi." He called out before carefully walking inside.
"Yuu." Yoruchi breathed a sigh. She was really beginning to regret what she had just done but she was so hurt from what Sui-Feng had done she couldn't stop herself. She wanted to make the girl hurt like she had.
"Are you alright?" Yuu asked noticing the woman's tense appearance.
Yoruichi stepped closer and leaned in to him leaning her head on his collarbone. "I'm fine...just a little nervous."
Yuu suspected it was because the angry bodyguard he had passed on the way, but decided bringing it up wouldn't be for the best. He brought his arms around Yoruichi's small waist and hugged her close. This was the first time they had ever been so close to each other and both of them found it to be soothing, though, Yoruichi was used to the feel of a different body against her own.
'...What have I done?'
The main hall was noisy with life from its guest. After Yoruichi had calmed down some, Yuu had led her to the gala. The herald introduced them to the guests and they went down to mingle. Yuu introduced Yoruichi to the lords of the East, West, and Southern lands and quite a number of dignitaries. A few eyed her with distaste, but Yuu quickly got rid of them after bearing sizable fangs at them once he thought Yoruichi wasn't looking. She noticed, but decided not to say anything; they weren't her guest after all.
They had just finished speaking with a dignitary and his wife. It hadn't gone well after the wife didn't know how to hold her tongue and insulted Yoruichi for being human. The dignitary immediately got on his face begging forgiveness from the Western Lord. Yoruichi scoffed and pulled Yuu away from the scene leaving the dignitary to loudly admonish his wife. Yuu noticed that Yoruichi was taking everything in stride. Maybe it was time to give the introductions a rest. He led her to the ballroom dance floor and pulled her close to him flashing a devilish smile at her questioning look.
"Just follow my lead." He said. She did exactly that and learned the moves quickly until they were dancing as if they had been doing it for years. Yoruichi allowed herself to be lost in the moment and smiled. Yuu smiled back sighing internally as she relaxed against him.
"Better?" He asked.
Yes." She nodded. "I'm glad you can take a hint. What's their deal with me being human?"
"It's unheard of for someone of my status to date a human. Actually it's frowned upon. The possibility of me mating with someone that could only produce me a half demon makes others nervous because they feel only purebloods can rule.I don't share that sentiment."
"Why not?" Yoruichi looked at him cryptically. "It seems like you have the women throwing themselves at your feet. Why settle for a human soul reaper?"
Yuu swayed her to other side before rolling his eyes. "Well for starters, I don't want a woman to throw herself at my feet...that's creepy."
Yoruichi laughed at the face he made. "And the other reasons?"
"Did I ever tell you why I accepted your father's invitation to the Festival in Soul Society?" Yuu asked. When Yoruichi shook her head he continued. "I had heard stories about you from my father. Then there was the one time Satoshi paid a visit and I heard that you had run away from home and that caught my attention. Royalty that pushes against the mold. I don't like it when people acquiesce to things just because it is expected of them. I like rebels. Then when I was told you had returned and the true nature of your earlier fight I couldn't help but admire your courage and conviction. So I told myself, if I were to give away my heart then you just might be the woman to give it to."
Yuu looked down at the beautiful woman he was dancing with and gave a blushing smile.
"Why, Lord Yuu are you blushing?" Yoruichi teased with a laugh.
"Nope must be a trick of the lights...You look stunning tonight. By far, you are the most beautiful woman in the room." He gave a sincere look. Yoruichi was a bit startled as it was the first time he had complimented her on her looks. When they weren't insulting each other he mostly only complimented her fighting ability encouraging her to be better much like how she and Kisuke had when they were children. Now, with him looking at her the way he was and holding her gently, Yoruichi felt her stomach flutter nervously. Unsure how respond to the admission, Yoruichi stayed silent and laid her head on the demon's shoulder as they continued to dance.
Sui berated herself for feeling this way.
"What's wrong with me?" She thought. She ripped her eyes away from the two dancing and moved from the wall to excuse herself outside. Her guard filled the gap that she left and continued to watch over the princess, some spared a questioning glance in the direction their commander left, but knew better than to speculate.
Sui paced out the southern doors, down the decorated platform, and through the courtyard, toward a secluded area in the woods. When she felt she was far enough away, she stopped and punched an innocent tree.
"Damn you, Yoruichi." She choked out. Her breathing betrayed her grief as tears of anger and frustration leaked out. She stared at nothing, lost in her thoughts wondering, "Why do I miss you so much?" she said aloud to no one.
In the midst of her frustrated grief she didn't feel the bite of the blade on the back of her neck until it was too late. She froze knowing any sudden movement might be her last.
"How many times must I tell you Shaolin?" Shutara's voice hissed through the night. "You must forsake your emotions! She ripped the blade away from the captain's neck and grabbed her elbow to throw her back hard into a tree.
"Your mind is in complete turmoil because of this woman. I can see why you detest her Suzumebachi," Shutara said looking at the blade with a sigh.
"You're asking for me to forget about her!" Sui-Feng snarled angrily at the woman, eyes flashing.
"I have done nothing of the sort." The woman sniffed with disdain. "I have only asked for you to set aside these trifling emotions. Yoruichi clouds your judgment. Your anger, frustration, and hopelessness toward the situation does nothing to change it. You cannot force the events of life, only flow with its current. Your mind is in such turmoil all the time. You don't even spend the time needed with the Zanpaktou that is a part of you!" Shutara pointed the tip of the sword toward her, its metal flashing in the moonlight.
"I speak with my Zanpaktou." Sui-Feng countered.
"Only when you need something. When was the last time you went into meditation and spent time with her? She is a part of you that you ignore. You aren't worthy to hear her voice." Shutara hissed.
Sui-Feng became even angrier at the words, for they rang true. Before Yoruichi came back, she spent time conversing with Suzumebachi. While the relationship was tense, knowledge and clarity was always the result after she came out of meditation. She had noticed after the dreams had started that Suzumebachi spoke to her less and less but she had been so preoccupied with everything going on she never thought to find out why.
"You're right." Sui-Feng relented with a sigh. "I have been neglecting her. It's just everything-"
"Everything has no meaning if you haven't the means to change it." Shutara interrupted her in a stern voice. "Stop fighting everything and feeling sorry for yourself. Focus on the task given to you from birth."
"Protect the Shihouin Family." Sui-Feng answered quietly.
"That was your father's task." Shutara stepped forward so she could look the captain in the eye. "Yours is to protect Yoruichi and to be able to do that you need to let of all emotions tied to her go or else you'll never have the skill to do so."
Shutara held Suzumebachi's hilt out to Sui-Feng. " Meditate. I will be here when you finish."
Sui-Feng slowly took it from her and walked over to small clearing so that she would be sitting in the unobstructed light of the moon. She could see Shutara out of the corner of her eye, watching her. Inhaling deeply she closed her eyes and focused her breathing and mind. She searched herself pushing aside all the anger and frustraion she felt, until she felt the muscles in her body relaxed and the familiar spirit of her Zanpaktou was all that was present.
Opening her eyes she was met with an unfamiliar scene than what her mind usually presented. She was in an open field where the sun was shining strong and green grass could be seen from all around. There were no dark clouds and instead of being uprooted and gnarled, trees grew strong and were lush with growth. The biggest change was the calm that could be felt. Looking around she didn't see the red-haired hornet that usually occupied the area. In fact, Suzumebachi was nowhere to be found.
"Suzumebachi?" Sui-Feng called out, standing to her feet. Instinct told her to duck as a swarm of hornets swept violently over her head. The swarm turned and came back at her, so she rolled out of the way and stood to one knee ready for the next strike.
The hornets came to a standstill and held a mellow hum."Why have you come to us?" A voice came from it sounding ghostly.
"Suzumebachi?" Sui-Feng asked uncertain. She had never seen her Zanpaktou take such a form. "What happened to you?"
"We separated ourselves from the inner turmoil you continuously subject us to. A wielder that holds us back is unworthy of the power we hold."
"We?" Sui-Feng frowned.
"You have only seen a form that you could handle because of your mind. You hold us back, keep us from being our true self. Our name does not suggest we are one." The swarm answered swirling and moving like water.
"Your true self? So this is your true form." Sui-Feng asked standing to her full height.
"You still do not understand the power you wield." It spoke before its movement changed and the swarm began to form a human like shadow before glowing brightly. Sui-Feng shielded her eyes from the intense light. When she looked back, the woman from her dreams stood before her. The power of her spirit swirled the grass at her feet as she looked on Sui-Feng with bright glowing eyes.
"We are Suzumebachi." The woman's voice sounded like many beings talking in unison. The sound echoed around the area with power. "Our name suggests that we are many yet, we are one."
"Why not show this to me from the beginning?" Sui-Feng watched the woman in awe.
"You were not ready just as you were not ready to achieve bankai. You held such immaturity in your thinking that you forced us into something that showed exactly what you wanted: brute strength. Jakuho Raikoben looks nothing like you made it look." Suzumebachi answered.
"I made it look? How can I make my Bankai look a certain way? Isn't it predisposed to be certain way once my power reaches that level?" Sui-Feng asked completely confused at her Zanpaktou's words.
"Power is all that matters to you? It was annoying the fact that you were ashamed of us because of what Jakuho Raikoben became. Think Sui-Feng, why would we go from a Shikai that was full of finesse, speed, and deadly power to something as large and boorish as that?" Suzemebachi frowned at her wielder accusingly.
"I'm not sure." The captain answered shaking her head.
"Because your mind! Your anger, unhappiness, pain, we feel it all! Anger contradicts wisdom, pain begets revenge, sorrow gives way to hesitation. So naturally you got exactly what you wanted from your Bankai...power." Suzumebachi spat, eyes glowing brighter with each word. She came closer, standing within arm's length of the captain.
"So what is my Bankai's true form?"
"You are far from worthy to see it, but in time you will. Listen to the woman who is trying to lead you. If you listen to her instruction and are able to wield us suitably we will see if you are able." Suzumebachi lifted a hand to Sui-Feng's chest and a white light left her hand and enveloped Sui-Feng. The captain screamed as every nerve ending felt like it was on fire. She could feel every bone and muscle in her body burning as if made of molten lava. Unable to take the pain she fell to the ground clawing at the dirt. The pain only lasted a minute but to Sui-Feng it felt like hours.
When the pain finally stopped, and Sui-Feng could breathe she looked up to see Suzumebachi walking away.
"Wait!" Sui-Feng called but as soon as she reached out the woman turned back into the swarm and it floated away. Sui-Feng stood still for a while beyond puzzled but knew that she had to fix her relationship with Suzumebachi.
When Sui-Feng left her mindscape, she opened her eyes to see the moon was behind her in the western part of the sky. She felt achy and wet and noticed that she was drenched in sweat. She turned her head to see Shutara in the same place she had been before she had gone into meditation. Looking down in her lap at her Zanpaktou she could feel the steady thrum of vibration going through it. She could hear the humming it had given off when it had first materialized as nothing but a wakazashi.
'What did she do to me?' Sui-Feng wondered. 'What was that light?'
"I see you have questions." Shutara said breaking the silence and looking at the sweating captain.
"Yes." Sui answered her throat feeling raw.
"Good. They'll be answered in time with training." Shutara said as she unsheathed a katana from inside her robes.
"Now?" Sui asked standing to her feet. Every fiber in her body protesting with each movement.
Shutara didn't answer and shot at Sui with the katana raised. Sui quickly blocked the blow with her Zanpaktou and jumped back. Shutara was on her like lightning sending blow after blow at the captain who was hard pressed to defend. Sui-Feng could feel the blows coming faster and faster and knew that if she didn't figure something out she would be cut down. Her back hit a tree and she rolled away from it bringing her sword around quickly to block another strike. Her arm ached in protest as every block caused tremors to vibrate up her arm.
"You are faster than this Shaolin! Stop holding back!" Shutara yelled swinging fiercely.
Sui shunpoed to the left hoping to catch the women off guard but instead felt her stomach plummet in fear as Shutara appeared over her left shoulder to bring the katana down. Sui cried out in pain as she was cut across her back. She fell forward but caught herself with her hand as she scrambled to get up. Facing Shutara, she saw the woman flick her blood from the blade and cock her head to the side.
"Why didn't you block me or dodge?" She asked as if amused.
"You're too fast." Sui answered ignoring the stinging pain in her back.
"Not true. You're built for speed Shaolin. You are faster than anyone in Sereitei, even your so-called goddess of flash and yes, even me." Shutara said coming forward. "Before the sun rises you will show me that speed or I will kill you."
'She's going to kill me. I can't possibly be faster than her. How can I beat her in speed?' Sui-Feng's mind raced for a solution.
'Once again you hold us back.' Suzumebachi's voice was heard. Sui's eyes widened but didn't have long to think about it as Shutara sent a lightning fast barrage of attacks her way. Jumping, twisting and turning her way out of danger Sui-Feng focused just long enough to converse with her Zanpaktou.
"How am I holding you back? Tell me!" She cried mentally
'You swing us around like a novice, never truly wielding us, feeling us, using us...Can you feel us Shaolin?' Suzumebachi asked slowly, her voice sending a vibrating pulse through the captain at the word feel. The feeling caused Sui-Feng to falter in her movement allowing Shutara to give her a rather deep slash across the chest. Sui-Feng didn't cry out. She was too wrapped up in the intense feeling the vibration caused within her. It was in her arms, chest, legs, and heart. She looked up at Shutara who looked to be drawing back her sword hand for another strike. Then everything slowed down.
Sui-Feng could feel the steady thump of her heart, the slosh and surge of the blood pulsing through her veins. She could feel the wind differently as it blew. She looked back to Shutara and could feel the vibrations of her movement as she disturbed the air around them with her movements.
'That's right...feel. With us, through us, your abilities are so much more. Do not hold back. Do not be afraid. The power you wield is so much more than you know.' Suzumebachi's voice was like a caress through and in her body calming and relaxing her. 'See your opponent and act.'
Sui-Feng looked at Shutara and the sword arm began to descend. She side stepped the blade, allowing the metal to shine past her and into the tree where she had been standing. Sui-Feng jumped back and landed a ways away from the woman who was still moving in slow motion.
'How do I make it stop?' Sui-Feng asked.
'Feel.' Was the only answer she received. Huffing in annoyance she closed her eyes to feel through the vibrations around her. The vibrations she felt, the slower everything moved. She focused on her breathing and released it slowly. She focused on the feeling, willing it to go faster. It was intense focus but she noticed that things weren't moving as slow.
'Think of a hornets wings and how fast they beat the air, like a racing heart, each movement has a purpose.' Suzumebachi said.
Sui took the advice and listened to everything around her. She could hear everything in a magnified proportion but while everything else had slowed down she could hear her own heart beating normally. Deciding to focus on that she focused her breathing with her heartbeat until the sounds around her became normal again.
Crickets began to chirp normally, the owls hoot was no longer drawn out like a fog horn, and the sound of Shutara's katana hitting the tree resounded in a thump as metal cleaved into wood.
Opening her eyes Sui-Feng's met Shutara's and the smile that was on the woman's face. Sui frowned back at her in annoyance.
"That was a start but in time you will learn to control it." Shutara grinned and sheathed her katana inside her robes, once again hiding it from view.
Sui fell to her knees as she gasped haggardly for breath. When she finally evened it, she looked at Shutara. "I don't even know what that was." Sui shook her head in disbelief.
"Hornets or insects in general feel vibrations moving through the air around them. Have you ever wondered how flies seem to move away from you just as you swat at them? The vibration of your arm cutting through air warns them what is coming. The same for hornets except instead of merely escaping the danger, they make the attacker pay." Shutara explained.
Sui-Feng thought about the words and how it made sense. "But why now? These abilities are unbelievable, why give them to me when I could have used them in the Winter War?"
"You were not ready and time would not permit it. Everything happens for a reason. The reason you know of the ability now is because of your situation. You are going through the same process I had to when I was training. Give it time and you will understand." Shutara moved forward to Sui-Feng and looked at her robes that were red from her bleeding.
"Sheathe her." Shutara instructed. Sui-Feng slid Suzumebachi home and was disturbed when the woman grabbed the front of her shozoko and pulled it open to reveal her cut and the bindings that had become loose from it.
Sui pulled away crossing her arms over her chest. "What are you doing?" She hissed feeling the pain of the movement.
Shutara cocked her head to the side with an amused smile. "I am going to heal you, not molest you. Although, I must say I like what I see" Licking her lips slowly to show what she meant, she laughed lightly when Sui-Feng began to blush heavily.
"It's a joke. Now let me see, it's not like I haven't seen it before." Shutara gently grabbed the captain's wrist and pulled them away from her chest. Bringing up a pale hand over the top of the cut she traced her index finger along the gash slowly. Steam rose from the skin as it healed and Sui-Feng's head fell back from the sensation. It could only be described as pleasurable as a moan escaped her lips and goosebumps raised on her skin. Shutara smiled knowingly at the effect her healing touch usually had.
"Turn around." She commanded the captain and did the same to her back. After she was completely healed, Sui slowly pulled her shozoko back together and noticed Shutara watching her intently.
"What is it?" Sui-Feng asked quietly. Shutara said nothing and turned to return to the castle and Sui followed. When they arrived in the courtyard Shutara turned to look at the younger woman.
"They are all going to their quarters for the night. I warn you not to abuse your new found speed until you have mastered it. It could cause you trouble." Shutara warned before walking away. Sui-Feng nodded and continued into the castle. The guards at the gates eyed her as she passed through. She made her way through the halls to Yoruichi's chambers and met with the onmitsukido guard that was on duty at that time.
"Gundanchou-kaka." He said with a sharp salute. He faltered when he noticed the blood on her shozoko and haori. "Are you alright-"
"Fine. Report." Sui-Feng cut off his question, the tiredness beginning to creep into her voice.
"The guests have all gone home and no threats have presented themselves. The previous guard had nothing to report."
"Good. I take it she is in her room now." Sui-Feng commented.
"Hai! The princess is currently in her chambers with Masahiro-dono-" The soldier stopped talking as he noticed the murderous look on his commanders face.
"How long have they been in there?" Sui hissed looking at the door across the hall from where they were standing.
"An hour...maybe longer, sir." He answered nervously.
Sui-Feng snarled at the information. She accidentally let her reiatsu flare but quickly reined it in.
'Are you going to allow her to ruin the progress you so recently made?' Suzumebachi's sharp voice brought Sui-Feng out of her anger.
Sui took a deep breath and then released it. Just as she did, the door opened to reveal both Yuu and Yoruichi smiling and laughing. Sui's teeth clicked as her jaw clenched and she fought to keep her expression and temper in check. Suzumebachi had warned her once already. It seemed neither of them noticed the captain as Yuu turned to face the Shihouin princess.
"You honor me by accompanying me to the gala tonight, but admittedly you honor yourself more just being in my presence." Yuu said with a smile. Yoruichi mockingly rolled her eyes. "You think you're such a big deal and a great catch?"
"Quite." Yuu replied with a cocky smile.
"Arrogance and narcissism is not attractive, Yuu-san." Yoruichi playfully admonished him.
"What you refer to as arrogance and narcissism, I refer to as self-respect and honesty about my status. I've been entrusted to lead and do what is right for my people. Sometimes I must use the mask of arrogance to achieve my goals but I know humility as well." Yuu explained, the smile never leaving his face as he looked her in the eyes.
"Doesn't change the fact those are unattractive qualities." Yoruichi poked a finger into his chest.
"Were I truly that type of person, your argument would be valid. I challenge you to get to know me before making a judgment, much the same way I'm doing for you." Yuu's leaned in.
"Meaning?" Yoruichi leaned back against the edge of the door.
"You are a princess who rebels against her station with no purpose. I've heard stories of your battle prowess and cunning but there are other things people say about you. I chose to ignore them because I'm interested in you for more than what your titles will afford me. You are a stunning creature not suited for mortal eyes but I know there is more to you than looks alone. I want to get to know you as a whole. I know what I can offer you as a mate, but I'm curious as to what you will offer me." Yuu explained slowly. Yoruichi looked at him in wonder at his words. The honest truth behind them made her feel something that she couldn't yet name.
"I think it's time I let you sleep." He said pulling her hand to his mouth and softly placing a kiss on the inside of her wrist. She surprised him when she allowed her hand to rest on his cheek and curiously trace the purple stripes that contrasted with his pale skin.
"Goodnight Yoruichi." He said pulling back slowly and moving further into the hall.
"Goodnight Yuu-san." She answered back quietly. She didn't know if it was the customs or Yuu himself but she could feel herself slowly beginning to like the dog demon. Still leaning against the door she watched him leave. She straightened up when she felt a reiatsu simmering near her and looked to see Sui-Feng staring at her, the expression unreadable. Gold clashed with silver as neither of them said anything and just simply stared.
'I miss you.' Sui-Feng thought as she looked back at her goddess. Her stare intense as she thought about how badly she wanted to snatch Yoruichi in her arms and remind her who she belonged to.
Yoruichi noticed the heat in Sui-Feng's eyes and glared back in defiance.
'Why does she insist on tormenting me?' Her thoughts stopped when she saw the state her former protégé was in.
"What the hell have you been doing?" Yoruichi snapped eyeing the shorter woman. Her eyes traced the blood stains on Sui-Feng's robes and observing the rips in them.
"Training." Sui-Feng answered quietly. She was tired. Between Shutara and Suzumebachi, the captain didn't think she would be able to make it another week. Who knew how long the lessons would actually last. She knew they were going to make her go through long torturous hours of honing her new found skills thanks to Shutara's unique healing ability. However, while her injuries had been healed, it had done nothing for her energy.
"It looks like you've been getting the shit beat out of you." Yoruichi retorted.
Sui-Feng looked at her for a while not saying anything, just observing her princess. To Sui-Feng it looked like the Shihouin's angry frown was more of a look of worry for her ex subordinate's well-being. The silver eyed woman smiled, 'Who am I kidding?' She thought.
"Something funny?" Yoruichi asked with a slim eyebrow raised.
"I was just thinking..." Sui trailed off and straightened up to give the woman an honest smirk. "This beating is the least that I deserve after what I said to you."
"Is that supposed to be some kind of apology?"
"No." Sui-Feng replied. "But, it is a start. Goodnight, Yoruichi-sama." Sui-Feng bowed her head to her princess, something that hadn't happened since the night of the festival, turned on her heel and left.
Yoruichi stared after her, the hard features on her face melting to something softer...a look of longing. She waited until the Gotei 13 uniform was no longer in sight before whispering, "Goodnight, little bee."
Soul Society
All the surrounding districts in Soul Society had been evacuated. Their new residency was safe inside the walls of Sereitei. Some of the captains like Byakuya thought it a bad idea to let such a large number of people in the gates with no true way to police their behavior. However, it seemed that his fears were misplaced as not a single person dared to cause trouble. Word about the massacre had spread like wildfire throughout the districts and there wasn't a single soul that didn't know what had happened. At first, the stories of the black ghost sucking the life out of people had been laughed at by the strongest and fearless. They couldn't laugh now as reality slapped them in the face. They had witnessed the destroyed village as they passed through the gates. Bodies strewn all over the place, the ground still red from spilled blood, dogs whimpering while looking for their masters. Mothers shielded their children's eyes away from the awful sight.
Hitsuguya was standing outside the gate to show the presence of the Gotei 13 as the civilians shuffled through. As he watched the scared group he saw a little boy point at him. "Mommy he's a soldier he can protect us right?"
The mother hushed the boy and averted his gaze so they could continue inside. Hitsugya frowned at the boy's statement. Of course all these people here depended on them to keep them safe but, could they do that this time? They had done well in dealing with Aizen but this was a completely different situation. The white haired captain would rather deal with Aizen 10 times over rather than this new enemy. The story the Shihouin Patriarch had told them seemed unbelievable at first, until they saw the girl. The memory made Toshiro burn from the inside out with unbridled hatred. He didn't even think the hollows were that brutal. They at least had the decency to put their prey out of its misery, not pin it to the wall like a message.
He was taken out of his thoughts when Shinji showed up looking annoyed as always. He hadn't taken the news well that such a threat had been lurking and they were the last to know about it. He had heard things in the past about Osamu but it was usually from bad bedtime stories that were trying too hard to scare you. Now that the story was a reality he didn't know how to respond. Sure he was angry but he knew that after Yoruichi had helped him and his friends out during their hollowfication he owed her his life.
He looked over at the shorter man before grunting, "So we get to fight the boogeyman while the cat lady gets a vacation, or knocked up. This is bullshit"
Toshiro glared at the man's vulgar language before turning his attention back to the thinning crowd. "If you look at it from the view that we're fighting to save her you're right, this is total bullshit. But this isn't just for her. What do you think will happen if this guy had no target at all? There'd be nothing holding him back from just killing everything. Be glad he has a goal underneath that sick exterior instead of being some mindless killing beast."
"And he's not already a mindless killing beast. He tore an entire district apart and nailed a little girl to the wall. How is that achieving a goal?" Shinji seethed.
"He got our attention and he knows it. I would be surprised if he's watching right now. We're just sitting ducks until we figure out how to push back or what to do. I actually think Shihouin-dono didn't tell us everything." Histuguya answered.
"How do you figure that?"
"Did she ever tell you the entire plan from the jump? Or Urahara? I feel it runs in the family."
Shinji mulled it over and had to admit the kid was right. Yoruichi and Kisuke were annoying that way, never being completely upfront about something or leaving things out. It was what made Shinji punch Kisuke in the face before the Visoreds left the Shoten. He knew the guy meant well, but he definitely was going about it the wrong way. "Could argue that not knowing is half the fun but who am I kidding? Yeah, all I know is the sooner she pops this kid out the better. I don't really know how much that'll help seeing as it's gonna be a snotty kid that won't be able to properly protect himself until he's at least 15 and that's hoping for a miracle."
"So then we'll probably get baby-sitting duty."
"Like hell!" Shinji grunted. "I aint baby-sitting no snot nosed kid. It's bad enough I have to deal with Hiori. She's a big enough pain in the ass."
"You better hope she doesn't hear you say that." Toshiro pointed over the man's shoulder.
Shinji froze and felt himself begin to sweat. He slowly turned his head to look behind him and saw no one. It wasn't until he heard the young captain laugh that he realized he had been dunced.
"Fuck you." He growled. "You've been hanging out with your girlfriend too much. How's Kurosaki taking that?" A sinister smile graced the lanky man's lips.
"That's none of his business and yours either. Karin will tell him when she's ready but for now he's busy with his own business with him and Rukia getting married soon." Toshiro watched the final stragglers get inside the gates. Jindanbo was called over to close it. Once it was shut Hyorinmaru was summoned to surround the gate in a wall of ice 10 feet thick.
"Whew well that's pretty impressive but how the hell are we supposed to get back in?" Shinji's eyebrow twitched.
"Eastern gate, but that's only after we secure the area." Toshiro answered as he began to walk his patrol.
Shinji scratched his head before walking the same way. "I knew that."
The patrol was quite which caused unease in both the men. Like the calm before the storm. They had ventured out 100 meters from the gates to check the area and then swept the perimeter from the southern gate to the eastern gate. They were starting to head back when something sliding across the ground made Toshiro freeze.
"Shinji..." He said with practiced calm.
"What?" The blonde snapped annoyed that he was even doing the task at hand.
"...don't move."
Too late. The ground underneath them erupted as two monstrous figures broke through soil to grasp at Shinji. Luckily the visored was faster and leapt away just in time. Hitsuguya pulled the zanpkatou from his back and took his stance in front of Shinji while he pulled himself together. His eyes narrowed as he processed just what was in front of him.
The first figure was cloaked in rags and bandages, with bandages covering his eyes. His body twitched and rocked like he was dancing to an eerie tune only heard by him. The second figure Toshiro could barely make out. This enemy was darker than the backdrop of night behind him so he just barely stood out. The wisps of darkness around him almost looked like smoke rising from his body.
"I am only going to give you one warning." Toshiro said, his voice cold, "Leave these lands and you will leave with your lives."
Both figures made peculiar sounds that sounded like laughing. Dyrim, the dark figure, spoke his voice sounding like the hiss of a cobra.
"Boy, we are very much dead so it looks like you have nothing you can take from us. You do, however, have life, life that I intend to feast on. Those eyes of yours certainly look appetizing; I never tasted eyes like yours. What about you Saere?"
"I think I would love nothing more than to end this senseless prattle and destroy them." Saere answered as he leapt at Shinji. Shinji leapt forward to meet him and the steel of their swords sent sparks into dark night from the impact. Shinji pushed forward only to feel no resistance. Saere smiled from behind the man and swung his sword at Shinji's unaware neck. He frowned when he never felt the impact of steel and flesh.
"Did you think it would be that easy?" Shinji said standing upside down in midair above the Adept. "You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into."
"Oh? I think I know exactly what this is. It seems we are the same. I hold the deception of movement while you hold the deception of the senses. Very interesting." Saere grinned sinisterly.
"Don't compare me to you. We are nothing like your kind." Shinji spat. He could hear Toshiro fighting his opponent not too far away.
"I have learned that fighting holds ultimate truth. I will show you how very much alike we are." Saere jumped at Shinji.
All along the perimeter the sounds of battle could be heard as the captains defended their positions. Satoshi and Shunsui grit their teeth as they knew that this would be a long and tedious battle that they might not walk away from. The war had begun.
The Western Lands
Yoruichi had been making excellent progress with Yuu. Her demon magic would be unmatched by the time she returned to Soul Society. Yuu was a good teacher and Yoruichi found herself enjoying the time she spent with the demon. The banter had taken a different tone, almost flirty. Yoruichi had also noticed that she wasn't feeling as guilty about Sui-Feng since she was too busy to think about it. Yuu had been preparing her for her transformation into a panther by showing her how to bring certain animal characteristics out and use them. Much like her father used to do when she was little. She often remembered him wrapping his tail around her leg when they played tag, or using it to tickle her. Isolating a body part and focusing on transforming that one area only proved to be more difficult than learning the new demon magic, but it was possible.
Yuu had also mentioned that if she was able to control calling out her feline powers while still in human form she would have less of a problem when it came down to her whole body. She now trusted him enough to know that he knew what he was talking about.
She was currently taking a break. Yoruichi had just got done morphing her eyes and decided that she had gotten the hang of it. Next she was going to implement her hearing and see what she could find. Yuu had gone to make rounds so she was on her own for the day. She let her mind wander and began to think about how different Yuu was from the other people she had met in her life. He was an absolute asshole when she first met him but now she had a chance to actually see him for who he was. He had a purpose for everything he did as he was sincere in the same way. Although their first meeting had been more than rough with him calling her a bitch one too many times, he had stopped with the name calling and had begun calling her princess. He had made sure that he could put a smile on her face, knowingly distracting her from her inner turmoil. She was grateful for his action and could feel something inside her stir when she thought of him now.
She shook head to clear it of the thoughts and began to focus on changing her ears. It took a few minutes of intense concentration before she had it. Focusing on her surroundings she listened to the birds chirp and the insects warbling all around her. She heard the sound of someone making a pained groan and bones snapping in the distance and froze when she noticed it sounded like Sui-Feng.
Sui-Feng bit her lip breaking the skin as Shutara had thrown her to the ground snapping her forearm in the process. The pain was almost blinding and made Sui want to vomit but she knew that she couldn't risk stopping before Shutara said it was time. The last time she had done that the woman had left her worse for wear without bothering to heal her.
"You're faster than that!" Shutara snapped as she went after Sui again all her arms poised to strike. Sui grit her teeth as she focused past the various pain she felt and sought out the hum of Suzumebachi. She had been pulling on the power all day but wasn't able to control it as well as she should. For her lacking Shutara was making her pay.
She felt the hum pulse through her body and immediately time slowed. She nimbly dodged each arm strike from her teacher and front kicked her away. Shutara smirked and held up a hand to stop her. "Enough. I think I've had my fair share of beating the snot out of you. Lay down."
Sui-Feng all but collasped. Her clothes had been cut to ribbons and her entire body was bruised and battered where it wasn't bleeding. Shutara rushed over and gently gathered the girl into her arms.
"Maybe I overdid it a little."
Sui-Feng snorted and then hissed as the action made her ribs ache in the most unpleasant way. Shutara hushed her and went about removing the clothes to heal the captain. She restored Sui's broken arm first and then went about healing the cuts before the bruises. She had almost finished when she felt Yoruichi approaching. She decided that leaving Sui-Feng where she was could prove most interesting, so she dressed her back in her bloody and torn clothes and propped her against a tree before disappearing into the surrounding area.
Yoruichi's curiosity had gotten the better of her and she had gone to investigate the curious noises she heard. She was stopped cold when she came into a clearing that had clearly been the victim of a great battle. She heard the sound of someone breathing and turned to find Sui looking like complete hell and all bloody and dirty.
"Sui!" Yoruichi cried as she ran to the girl's side. She carefully examined her to see the extent of the damage when she noticed that the girl for the most part only had a number of cuts that weren't life threateningly deep and bruises. For that Yoruichi was thankful. Before she could stop herself she gave Sui a grateful kiss on the lips.
Sui hissed in pain as she shifted and mumbled something Yoruichi couldn't make out. Deciding she couldn't properly check Sui-Feng over where she was, she picked Sui-Feng up and shunpoed back to the castle. The onmistukido guards at the door gasped when they saw the state their captain was in. Thinking it was Yoruichi that had done it they sent her murderous looks which Yoruichi returned tenfold.
"Fuck off. I found her like this." She growled as she went into the room kicking the door closed behind her.
It didn't take long for her to remove the tattered clothing from her protector's body and to place her in the warm water of the bath. It was wide and deep making it a comfortable fit for four people and a bit uncomfortable for five. To ensure that she could keep the woman from drowning as she washed her, Yoruichi removed her clothes and threw them to the side before joining an unaware Sui-Feng in the tub. Picking up a cloth she carefully wiped the dirt and grime from the captain's face with care. She paid extra attention to the small cuts washing any dirt from them and using kido to close the wounds she could. Her eyes traced over the pale features of the woman with a pensive look. Emotions conflicted as she wanted to remain angry at Sui but she couldn't with the woman so close, so off guard and vulnerable.
Yoruichi thought back to the night before she fled Sereitei with Kisuke. She had known about Sui-Feng's concern for her behavior. The fact was, Yoruichi knew what needed to be done but she was far from ignorant of her choices. She knew that she may never be able to return to see the people she cared for. Her father would be disappointed or even saddened but she knew that if he were in her shoes he would do the same. There was only one other person that made her hesitate, and that was Sui-Feng. She knew the girl would be angry, hurt, and confused. That's why she only smiled at the girls' questions. Later that night, she felt that the least she could do was to leave Sui-Feng a sign or note but when she arrived at the girl's quarters she stopped herself. If she even drop a small hint there was no doubt that Sui-Feng would have followed it like a hound possessed. So instead she settled for spending what little time she had left watching the girls' deep even breaths. Watching Sui-Feng sleep made her feel at peace.
Even now Yoruichi felt her resolve swaying. She longed to caress the lips of the captain with her own and press their bodies together. Sighing at thoughts she felt were weak, she moved on to systematically cleaning the rest of the sleeping woman before pulling her out to dry her off and place her in her bed. Yoruichi donned a robe as she joined Sui on the bed propping her head up with her hand.
She watched the steady breaths of Sui-Feng and couldn't help it when her finger delicately traced over supple lips.
'I can't love anyone else...can't you understand that?' Yoruichi thought. Unable to help herself she moved closer and placed her head in the crook of Sui-Feng's shoulder. She tried to stop the tears that forced their way past her eyelids. The entirety of her situation felt heavy on her shoulders but there was nothing she could do to change reality. Running would put the balance of two worlds out of harmony and she didn't want to be responsible for that. Her sense of duty told her what needed to be done, but her heart was an entirely different matter. Her heart undeniably confused. It was angry at her father for not being truthful sooner. She hesitated in being herself around Yuu and felt like she was following a script in her interactions with him. She hurt because of the fact Sui-Feng did not love her, even though the girl's actions showed different. To top it all off, the continuous pang of longing remained to remind her how much she truly did love Sui-Feng.
Duty would see that she married Yuu gave him children and the Soul King his heir. Her heart begged her to run away again but she knew that no matter how fast she was, she couldn't run forever.
Yuu had been busy all day signing trade agreements with the Northern Kingdom and revising some of the routes chosen for the shipment of the goods. While administrative task bored him, he always made sure to keep no stone unturned for a good deal. Economics was unavoidable in any realm, Soul Society and the Mortal Realm was no exception. When everything was finished, he abandoned his office for more pleasant company. He had found himself enjoying Yoruichi's company and their banter but something was holding her back. What it was he didn't know but he wasn't foolish enough to try and force Yoruichi into something she didn't want. If she wanted time he was willing to give it. However, something like a pinprick sensation in the back of his mind kept telling him something was off about the Shihouin woman and her guard.
He finally made his way to her room but stopped when he detected the faint scent of blood and the salt of tears. He growled at the guards at her door. "Is Yoruichi in there?"
The first soldier eyed the Western Lord but didn't answer he felt there was no need to comply with the man that made his job harder and his leader's life difficult. The second guard however, kept his emotional detachment but answered crisply.
"She is."
"Step aside." Yuu grunted and moved past them as they did so into Yoruichi's room. He wasn't prepared for what he saw. Both women were sleeping on the bed, Yoruichi had cried herself to sleep and intertwined her limbs with the Chinese woman's. Then something clicked, Yuu's jaw dropped in disbelief. Slowly recovering from his shock, a sad smile formed on his lips as he realized her never had a chance with the Shihouin. The reason his advances had been received so awkwardly, the tension with her guard, and the undeniably hatred he felt radiating off of the small guard whenever she was around them. Yuu turned and silently left the room. It seemed he would have to be more direct in his approach with Yoruichi in finding out what she wanted. Yuu knew Yoruichi's predicament wouldn't get any better but maybe with the proper communication something of a bargain could be arranged.
Yoruichi woke first and noticed that she was still in bed with Sui. Knowing she didn't want to deal with the woman when she woke, Yoruichi quickly dressed and picked up Sui to carry her to her room. The room wasn't far from hers but it was small and Spartan. A small window provided the only light in the room as the moon shone through. She carefully placed the captain on the bed and moved the woman's hair from her pale face. Sighing for what felt like the hundredth time she turned to leave the room. She stopped at the door to look at Sui one last time as a tear slipped from her eyes. She shook her head and left the room quietly closing the door behind her. The silence of the hallway greeted her sounding as empty as she felt.
Wiping the last few tears from her eyes she straightened as she knew what she had to do. The only way to end this nightmare was to do what destiny commanded of her. She was going to marry Yuu. She planned to tell him in the morning. As she walked away from Sui-Feng's room she only wished it didn't feel like she was leaving Soul Society all over again.
Well there you have it chapter 12! Make sure to review and as always I love your constructive criticism. Thanks to MKThrall for betaing this and continuing to be an inspiration. Until next time :)
Melodious