Life happened.
Disclaimer in chapter One
To say Sui-Feng was tired was an understatement. She had been training all day to master Jakuho but the Bankai was extremely surly. Getting him to submit to her use was a cake walk compared to mastering him.
'Just because I allow you to wield me doesn't mean I will make it easy for you. Earn it.'
The challenge was fresh in her mind as she and Kisuke tumbled through the gate into the yard of the Shoten. They had been in Tenjiro's City for 7 days and during those days the two had spent fighting for their lives. Kisuke was still largely untrained in tapping into the potential powers of his Shikai. Unfortunately for him, Osho believed in hands on training, never once allowing a break for the blonde. Sui-Feng had spent most of her time watching his back as well as her own. Between protecting the scientist and Jakuho's rebellious actions she didn't know how much longer she would last. Pulling herself off the ground onto all fours she looked to see that Kisuke had passed out. Pitiful. He would heal fully with a few good hours of sleep. She could feel herself slowly regaining her strength but it would be while before she would be able to move from her spot on the ground. Instead she rolled over onto her back and stared at the starry sky above her before her eyes slowly began to droop shut.
When she opened her eyes again Sui-Feng noticed the warmth she was surrounded by. Her back had been propped up by the pillows of the futon she been laid on. She looked around with tired eyes at her surroundings. Aromatic candles gave the the room a dull lighting as their light flickered along the walls bathing them in their orange glow. There was a silk screen that flickered softly as a warm breeze swept through the partially open window. It had all four corners tied at the post of the door and appeared to be semitransparent. Sui didn't recognize the room but could never forget the smell. The soft aroma of jasmine filled her senses and...Yoruichi.
"You probably wont be able to move for a while. Tessai gave me some herbs to help you and Kisuke recover. Unfortunately for Kisuke, I think Kukaku is planning on beating him more before he recovers fully."
Sui Feng heard the voice of her princess but couldn't see her. Yoruichi was right she could barely lift her arm yet, she felt comfortable...safe. Around any one else she would have hated be vulnerable in any way, but she trusted Yoruichi with her life.
The movement of a shadow in front of her grasped her attention as she could see the silhouette of the woman she desired most behind the silk screen. She could make out the dark purple of the robe tied shut with a yellow sash that seemed somewhat familiar. The dark skin of Yoruichi's body glowed from the candle light behind her. Gold eyes shined bright holding an alluring aura in them. Yoruichi remained motionless as if she was figment of her imagination.
Slowly Sui became conscious of the sound of music. It was soothing as the deep cello kept in time with beat of the drum, while the violin softly sang with the deep sounds. Simply put, it was softly erotic. As the cello began to sing louder Sui could see the music take hold of Yoruichi, moving through her limbs as they played with the tie of her robe before dancing higher and skimping over her breast to the comb in her hair, holding it just off her shoulders. As the violin answered back to the cello's soft lament Yoruichi pulled the comb from her hair shaking her head to let the tresses fall where they may.
The entire time her eyes were on Sui-Feng. The younger woman to most may have looked disinterested to most, but Yoruichi could see the subtle signs of arousal. Her breath was slightly quicker and her eyes had turned darker in color, like storm clouds. Yoruichi gave a little smirk as she knew Sui-Feng would have no choice but to feel something. Just to torture the girl a bit more, Yoruichi had put aphrodisiacs into the medicine Tessai had given her. She wanted Sui wild with desire for her. Continuing her erotic display she buried her own hands in her silk locks letting a soft groan escape her lips as she tilted her head back as if she were showering. Her nipples had become hard as she felt the urge to touch them. 'Not yet.' She told herself as her patience would be the key to making Sui-Feng lose patience.
Twirling her hips in a small circle to the music, she ran both hands down the front of her robe teasingly running a finger down the slit of it above her legs. Seeing as the robe only went mid thigh, her legs were on display for Sui's hungry eyes. Turning her back to her audience, she bent forward touching her forehead to her knees as she caressed the backs of her thighs and knew Sui-Feng could see that besides the robe, she had nothing else on. Snapping back up and tossing her head back she made her hair shimmer in the dancing light. She heard the soft gasp behind her and smiled at her small victory. Her hands loosened the sash around her waist before pulling it from the silk belt loops of the robe. Sui could see that the robe was open but with Yoruichi's back to her she could only imagine the hard nipples standing at attention and the taut, firm belly that led to something so much more.
The music began to move a little bit faster and with it the temperature of the room became hotter. Yoruichi placed a hand over the front of her robe to keep it closed a while longer as she turned to face Sui again. With her free hand she trailed the silk sash over her lips softly and then her neck. It took Sui-Feng a second before she realized it was her own sash that Yoruichi was using. Oh, how envious she was of that piece of clothing. Slowly, Yoruichi allowed the top of the robe become open as she trailed the silk over each nipple sighing and arching into the touch, all the while giving Sui a seductive look. Sui willed herself to move but she couldn't. Damn Tessai.
The robe was finally open displaying Yoruichi's nudity to Sui-Feng. The chinese woman never knew that she could yearn for something as much as she did Yoruichi right now. That damn sash continued it's trail down her dark belly and over soft womanly curves before touching the apex between the princess' legs. Yoruichi let out a soft laugh as she saw how enraptured Sui was with her show.
"It's too bad." Yoruichi's voice whispered through the air as the robe slowly began its descent off her shoulders. "...to think one could have something so close..." The robe continued it descent to stop on forearms that had been raised so that she could caress her nipples before dropping her hands. "...and never be able to touch it."
The robe and sash hit floor.
Sui felt her mouth dry up as she saw the silhouette flicker with the candle light. The woman looked so much like a goddess Sui-Feng figured that she had to be dreaming. She watched as hands caressed chocolate skin and cupped full breast that called to be suckled. Watched as the hands descended lower only to be pulled away as Yoruichi walked away from the screen. Her disappointment rose quickly at the thought of the show being over before noticing the song had changed. This new song sang sex. The soft coo of the saxophone with the trill of the trumpet and violin. The futon's position on the floor allowed Sui to see everything as Yoruichi climbed back within site of the screen on her fours like a stalking panther with a predatory look in her eyes.
Sticking her butt out behind her, she reached forward with her hands and dipped her breast to the floor much like a cat stretching after a long nap. Pushing herself to sit back on her knees Yoruichi moaned hotly as she grabbed a breast and played dutifully with a nipple. Her other hand trailed down to her womanhood before she softly touched herself. They surprised each other as each heard the other moan. Silver met gold.
"I know how it must be painful to watch this." Yoruichi said provocatively. "Do you want to?"
The question hung in the air thickly as Sui watched Yoruichi caress and tease herself. Her brain was trying kick start so that she could reply but all she was able to muster was a raspy, "Want to...?"
Yoruichi chuckled at the captain's obvious struggle to stay in control. She could she Sui's fingers twitch with every pass Yoruichi's own hands made. Moving closer to the screen she pressed her breast up against it just enough to where Sui could see them clearly. "Touch...me." Yoruichi 's voice seemed more like a command than the continuation of a curious question and it made the fire in Sui's loins go from a small flame to a raging fire.
Sui no longer had any control to keep or give. Yoruichi had taken it all. Sui-Feng wished nothing more than to get up from the futon and rip the screen aside and take the princess. "Yeeesss."
The hissed confession was so erotic Yoruichi moaned in response. "Do you want to take me?"
"Yes." Silver darkened once more. Any darker and the Chinese woman's eyes would be black.
"Taste..." The words was said as Yoruichi took the hand that had been fondling her own wetness to her mouth before licking a digit clean, "...me?"
"Yes!" Sui said with a little more urgency. She wished she could touch herself at this moment but the full use of her hands was something she didn't have.
"Like I said before..." Yoruichi she said as she lay on her back with her hips facing the screen. She sat up on her elbows as she watched Sui eyeing hungrily. "Too bad."
Yoruichi parted her legs revealing herself and began to pleasure herself fully, torturing Sui with each gasp and sigh that escaped her mouth. She teased herself in front of the woman she wanted most. She wanted to make this torture last. She could feel herself losing to the pleasure but this is one fight she didn't mind losing. Opening her eyes once more, she fixed Sui-Feng with a sultry gaze that was met with an equally alluring one. It was that look that pushed her over the edge. She hadn't realized how bad she had needed release and had to stop herself from crying out Sui's name. Instead a steady, needy whine escaped her lips before her body began to relax from the overload of pleasure. Not bothering to clothe herself she stepped from behind the screen and saw that Sui's fingers were twitching with frustration more than ever.
Yoruichi crawled over Sui with seductive poise, Sui could smell the musky scent of her womanhood and bit back a groan. She could feel the caress of heat from her goddess naked body barely touching hers. When Yoruichi leaned over her, smiling that devil may care smile, Sui hoped that if this was some type of torturous dream or hell, that she never woke up. Yoruichi's lips came closer to hers and she felt the strain of her neck muscles as she tried to lean up and capture those supple lips.
"Does it hurt Sui? Wanting to touch me but being unable to?" Yoruichi whispered her breath mixing with Sui's frustrated exhale of breath. Yoruichi found herself treading on dangerous territory as part of her wanted to end the suffering and let Sui do what she wanted to her. However, if Yoruichi kissed her now, Sui would learn nothing.
Deciding to give Sui one last bit of torture, she sat her hips fully on Sui's and gave her one good slow grind. Sui arched up wanting more friction, gasping loudly. Satisfied with her work Yoruichi removed herself from Sui and stood to her feet. She walked back to the screen and before she disappeared behind it she gave Sui an intense look.
"Good. I want it to hurt."
Sui groaned and felt the pull of fatigue and sleep as her body wanted to finish it's healing process. Before the captain knew it, she was asleep.
Yoruichi returned to her room after she had placed the sleeping squad two captain in the room with Kisuke. The after affect of her performance for the captain had taken its toll on her as well but not in fatigue. She was still horribly aroused. It seemed she should expect some sort of back fire from this plan as she wanted the same thing as Sui. To touch and be touched. She had to make a conscious effort not to touch the captain as she redressed her. It took discipline afterward to not just want to curl up on the futon with her and sleep. But Yoruichi knew that if Sui awoke the next morning in her bed that she would not only get an earful from Kukaku but also the whole purpose for this lesson would be defeated.
"I guess it's time for a cold shower before I clean this all up." Yoruichi muttered to herself before making her way to the onsen. It didn't take long for her sex muddled mind to clear once the cold spray hit her body. The princess hissed as it jolted her senses awake, and then with that moment of clarity, her conversation with the Soul King snapped to the forefront of her mind.
Earlier that day
The plan to seduce Sui-Feng had made Yoruichi cackle with glee as it began to fall into place. She had remembered the looks Sui had given her when she thought the Shihouin Heiress wasn't looking and Yoruichi felt the need to capitalize on that. A simple day at the beach seemed like an easy enough plan to execute...except for the fact that Sui and Kisuke had gone missing. Kukaku was just as pissed as Yoruichi as she was still unhappy about witnessing her lover in such pain and being ordered to leave.
Both women were drinking after their plans had been shot to hell when the shoji door leading into the small shop was snapped to the side with distaste and Kirinji entered toying with the senbon in his mouth as he looked around the shop with distaste. His penetrating gaze finally settled upon Yoruichi as he took in her half dressed attire. The tiny cut jean shorts (if the could be called that) were so small they couldn't even be buttoned and the zipper was halfway up. The bikini top was just as precarious as it looked ready to rip at any moment and bare the woman's assets to the world.
"The hell're you supposed to be a stripper? Sorry, I forgot to bring my wallet." Kirinji said his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Who the fuck are you! I'm sick of cock sucks barging into my fucking house!" Kukaku raged as she really was sick of all these new faces coming in without an explanation.
"Shuddup bitch, I ain't here for you. The princess will be coming with me." The Squad Zero member growled.
"And if I say I'm not?" Yoruichi challenged eyeing the man.
"Dearie, if you think you can beat me in a fight you're sadly mistaken. Now I got a schedule to keep and you aint gonna make me late. Get off your ass and let's go. The Soul King don't like to be kept waiting." Kirinji stuck a pinky in his ear to extract some ear wax before flicking the small kernel of wax in Kukaku's direction.
Kukaku lost it and lunged for him but was surprised when she was caught inside a barrier right before her fist could reach the man. "Dammit let me the fuck out!"
"Nope. I think a time out would do you good missy." He said before turning his eyes back to Yoruichi who was standing in shock at the knowledge of her summons. "Now are you going to come quietly or do I have to drag you the entire way there?"
Yoruichi said nothing but nodded in surrender.
When they arrived at Kirinji's city she had been stripped of her clothes and put through a physical examination that seemed even more thorough that Unohana's. Later she found out that the man conducting her physical had been the one to train Unohana so that explained itself. She endured hours upon hours of test before she was bathed by faceless servants and dressed in an all white kimono. Her hair had been brushed till it shined and fell naturally down her back.
Kirinji had still looked at her like she was a pile of shit he had stepped in and led her to where she was now. She had been so lost in her thoughts she hadn't heard the instruction to bow so when Kirinji shoved her she lost her temper and snapped a well deserved punch to his groin.
"I'M GETTING FUCKING SICK OF YOU ASSHOLE!" She yelled. Kirinji had damn near swallowed his senbon as he fell over clutching his testicles.
"Shihouin Yoruichi...I trust you will behave yourself in my presence." The Soul King's voice sounded a little too close for her liking. When Yoruichi turned back to face the dais she understood why.
The King had descended the steps and now stood in front of her. The servants that lined the stairway were prostrate on the ground and unmoving as if dead. Yoruichi understood why. The earthreal glow from this man was blinding and the power that flowed from him threatened to suffocate her. Falling on her face in the most humble bow she could muster, Yoruichi trembled at a loss of words before the King.
"Raise your face to me, I wish to look upon our future." The King commanded. Hesitating, Yoruichi did as she was told. The King looked upon her with kind eyes grasping her chin with a gentle hand as if inspecting her. "You're more beautiful than my vision gives you credit. However, your true radiance has been clouded by unanswered questions...?"
Yoruichi did in fact have many burning questions that she wanted the answers to but her apparent shock at being in front of this man kept her silent. Besides she didn't even know where to begin and she definitely didn't want to forget her place and insult the King.
"Do not be afraid. While I am indeed a powerful being, my future rest in your hands so if you have questions that require answering, ask them now."
"Why me?" Yoruichi blurted out before she stop herself.
"Why you indeed." The Soul King smirked. "I should probably be forthcoming and first tell you who actually saw you in your role as the mother of our future King." The King replied slowly assessing the look of confusion that took over the princess' face.
"I thought...wasn't it you that..." Yoruichi stuttered. If she had been confused before now she was oblivious as to what was going on. Period.
"I can understand your confusion and frustration but it was not me who saw you first. The one who saw you first was the one who got to you first. Call it a delayed reaction but, it was my brother who saw you before me."
"I thought only...the Soul King could see where his successor would come from."
"And I have. We have...had... an intricate connection, my aniki and I. Even after he gave in to the darkness he and I are still...very much connected. He had always wanted to be King. I on the other hand had no desire for this. However the providence of purpose guides us all and it was my destiny to ascend the throne just as it was my brother's path to to descend into darkness. Unfortunately his hatred for being spurned the title of King prohibited him from being able to control the darkness instead of becoming it's puppet."
The incredulous look on Yoruichi's face quickly changed to anger. "You make it sound like it's not his fault." Came the tempered response.
"I suppose it would, if I felt sorry for him. Now that you know who it was that saw you first I can now inform you as to the why." The King kneeled gracefully before Yoruichi before sitting back on his knees, leaving her wonder how he made even sitting down look regal.
"There has always been an intricate balance between the worlds. Shinigami and Hollows, Life and Death, Demons and Monks in Yuu's case, Light and Dark...Good and of course Evil. Each serves purpose to balance The Cycle."
"Yes I know of it. My job is to ensure the cycle goes on and the new King is born." Yourichi said with impatience evident in her voice.
"Silence." Yoruichi's teeth clicked as she obeyed the stern command feeling like a chastised 10 year old.
"You have only been told half of the story. As have I and the same with my brother. There are pieces missing. For instance, do you no think it odd that two were born to the mother. Never in the history of Kings has this happened. Do you know why?"
He wasn't really expecting an answer but it seemed he paused for the dramatic affect.
"The Cycle sought to balance itself. You see, this dark spirit that has taken over my brother was inside our birth chambers much like yours. Except for the fact that it was without physical form. A child's spirit, as it is being born is at it's most vulnerable point. As my brother was the firstborn it fused into his spirit and hid itself, lying dormant. So you see it could have been me...sometimes I wish it had been."
The regret was palpable in his voice. Yoruichi's jaw clench as she still didn't know what the King was playing at. "I thought you didn't feel sorry for him."
"I don't. However if it had been me I would have been able to control the darkness and none of this would be happening. There's no time for what could have been so let me get to the point. You were chosen to be the mother because you will make a choice that will correct the Cycle from this violent pattern and bring peace both to Light and Dark. Your offspring will only be able to do this if you make the right choice."
"What choice?!" Yoruichi raised her voice.
"That.." The King lowered his head. "I do not know. As I said before my brother and I only saw half of the entire vision. What he saw was his end, the second the new Soul King takes his first breath is born the Dark One will die. What I saw was your sadness and sorrow because you sacrifice something..." The King gave her another pointed look before continuing. "-or someone dear to you." The King's was akin to the sound of a guillotine falling.
Yoruichi felt the breath leave her lungs as she felt herself begin to panic. What would she give up? She had already lost so much. Her freedom, her home, her...love. She choked back the rise of tears as she knew that her sacrifice had to be Sui-Feng. Surely it wouldn't be the child she would have to give up!
"I fear my sacrifice has already been made." She all but whispered as she hung her head to hide her watery eyes.
"No...not yet you haven't. There's still a sacrafice to be made. You will know when you make it." The reply gave the princess some relief as she knew she still had time with Sui-Feng.
"I don't want this. Any of it." Yoruichi gave the King a weary look. She wanted everything to go back to the way it was before. Before left Soul Society with Kisuke. Everything had been so simple then. She had her father and the people she cared for most. The simplicity of her life was all that she needed. With Sui by her side she had everything she had ever wanted.
"We often don't want what life has in store for us. Especially when it goes against what we want. Don't lose hope for while there is mush sorrow to come for you...I did see you happier than ever in the end. Keep a strong spirit and trust that time all will work for good." The King reached over and pulled Yoruichi in for a comforting hug. He could see the tears threatening to spill down her face. He willed his spirit to soothe hers. As he did, Yoruichi felt a calm wash over her, as if she somehow knew, everything would be alright.
"You must go now. I will see you in time." The King stood to his feet and pulled Yoruichi to hers before giving her a small smile. For a fleeting instance Yoruichi could see a strong resemblance to Kisuke. The thought was gone as soon as it came. Everything else afterward was a blur.
She remembered being led back to the gates and Tenjiro telling her something but it was muffled as if she were underwater. When she arrived back at the Shoten she quickly took a shower but didn't bother to put on any clothing. She stood in front of her full body mirror and took a long look at her self. While not having aged much she felt older, a more mature resemblance to that of her father. Running a hand through her hair she followed the path the tresses took over strong shoulders and full breast. Finally, trailing down her taut stomach she played breifly with the tuft of hair above her womanhood.
What she saw was a woman, grown and strong. She then saw a fighter who was matched by only one.
Present
Yoruichi felt numb as she knew things would be coming to a head soon. She had no idea how or the exact time but she knew it would be soon. She shook with a small shiver and turned off the spray. She dried off almost mechanically and donned a robe before sneaking into the room where Kisuke and Sui were asleep. She kneeled beside Sui's futon and quietly watched her sleep. A peace washed over her as well as a small ache in her heart. She couldn't help herself as she leaned forward, hovering over the captain's lips. Her purple hair cascaded down around them like a silk curtain.
"I love you." Yoruichi whispered against her lips before kissing them softly.
Sui-Feng's eyes snapped open and she sat up gasping. Her hand went to her lips feeling them tingle. It took her a while to notice the sun filtering through the cracks in the blinds to see that it was morning. Seconds later, the only thing on her mind was how aroused she was. The next was realizing that she was in a futon next to Kisuke who was haphazardly sleeping in his own. Sui was confused as she could have sworn that she had been in Yoruichi's room last night...and that dance. Sui could remember all of the strip tease right up to the finish. Groaning she turned over realizing that she was going to need a cold shower before she did anything else that day. Creeping quietly out of the room so as not to wake Kisuke, she raised a hand to knock on the bathroom door when she arrived at it. Before she could rap her knuckles against the wood it opened and steam filtered out to reveal Yoruichi wearing the skimpiest towel Sui had ever seen.
"Oh, Sui are you feeling better? Tessai said he found you and Kisuke passed out in the front yard." Yoruichi said betraying nothing as Sui could do nothing but stand speechless. The events of last night replaying through her mind were unstoppable.
"You-I mean...we...last night...?" Sui stuttered out unable to make her tongue obey her. 'God why can't I make a coherent sentence or better yet shut up?'
"What? Do you have a concussion? Maybe you should lay back down." Yoruichi said stepping closer only to have Sui step back and swallow hard.
"I'm f-fine. Shower...I need..." Sui cursed in her mind at how stupid she must look. But, who could think straight after what they believed had happened the night before. It had to have been a dream. Having her this close was making Sui's brain short circuit.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Yoruichi asked with a frown as she stepped through the door way so that Sui enter the bathroom while she exited. She saw Sui's eyes drop down as her barely covered breast brushed against Sui's arm as she passed her. Sui let out a groan before nodding hurriedly and all but slamming the door shut.
Sui's heart was racing on her side of the door while Yoruichi smiled triumphantly at seeing the effects after the first phase of her plan. Yoruichi practically skipped to her room before dressing and heading downstairs for breakfast.
Kukaku saw the joyful look in her friends eyes and couldn't help sporting a curious smirk of her own. "That fucking good huh?"
"Kukaku you're a fucking genius." Yoruichi said snatching a rice ball from the plate in front of her.
"About time you realized. What's next?" The pyromaniac asked.
"I was thinking those two could use a little sun. How about a trip to the beach?" Yoruichi smirked.
"Damn woman...you are evil."
When Kisuke woke up their trip to the beach was delayed slightly while Kukaku chewed Kisuke out for leaving on such short notice, not to mention without telling her at all. Kisuke tried to explain that it wasn't his fault but Kukaku would hear none of it. She tried to smack him but he ducked only to be grabbed by the ear and led into the back of the shop.
All the while Sui stayed silent and seemed to be lost in thought as she sat by the open shoij door. Yoruichi knew what Sui was thinking about and knew that she needed to capitalize on it while she still had the advantage. She spotted a jar of suckers that belonged to Ururu and swiped one before unwrapping it. With Kukaku and Kisuke gone from the room it had become very quiet. Upon hearing the rustling of the wrapper Sui looked to find it's source to see Yoruichi wrapping her lips around the sweet candy. The red sucker was encased by those soft, supple lips and Yoruichi sucked on it softly. She could feel Sui's eyes on her but didn't bother to make eye contact as she continued to play with the sweet confection.
If anyone asked Sui if would ever be jealous of inanimate objects she would have vehemently said no, but now she found that she would give almost anything to be that sucker. The way Yoruichi's tongue came out to swirl around the candy before being surrounded by her lips again before she pulled it out with a pop, threatened to give Sui a heart attack. After the torture had gone on for a few minutes Yoruichi turned to catch Sui's eyes as she gave to candy a lascivious suck before releasing it once more.
"Want one?" Yoruichi said with a frown. Sui just simply looked away finding the opposite wall to quite interesting.
"Ok, now that that's all cleared up you two get ready to go to the beach and before you bitches even try and argue, it aint negotiable." Kukaku said coming back into the room before heading upstairs to the room she shared with Kisuke to grab her bathing suit.
"Well she sure is pushy. Do you have anything to wear?" Yoruichi asked Sui with an eye brow raised.
"No, but I'm not much for swimming." Sui replied still looking everywhere but Yoruichi.
"Well you can't sit on the beach all day in that. Come on." The princess said before grabbing Sui's hand and half dragging her up the stairs to her room. When they arrived Sui felt her head spin as the exact same smells from last night hit her. She didn't see the silk screen anywhere, any traces of candles, or anything from last night...it was all gone.
"You alright?" Yoruichi asked again, knowing very well what was wrong.
"I'm fine. Let's...get this over with." Sui said swallowing hard.
It didn't take them long to find Sui a bathing suit but during that time Yoruichi wanted Sui's opinion on which of her bikini's she should wear. The younger captain was hard pressed to keep from getting a nose bleed. Her lack of release from last night and constant reminder of how much she wanted Yoruichi was threatening to unravel her calm demeanor. It wasn't like it was Yoruichi's fault (if only she knew) that she couldn't keep her mind out of the gutter concerning her princess. It was comforting somewhat that they weren't glaring and fighting each other like the had in the Western Lands but something was still off.
Maybe it was her. The stress of everything occurring must finally be making her snap. It was just that last night...seemed so real and now for her to realize it had all been a dream was a bit disappointing.
When they had arrived Sui's mood had darkened as she felt utterly stupid. Yoruichi would never forgive her for what she had said, even if she had apologized. She felt ridiculous for even entertaining the notion that Yoruichi would do something like last night. As she and Kisuke set up the umbrella, towels, and cooler that had been brought Yoruichi and Kukaku went to change.
"You alright?" Kisuke asked looking at Sui.
"Yeah just tired. You really need to learn how to control your zanpaktou. I can't keep watching your back." Sui said without any of her usual snark. Kisuke frowned knowing something was definitely wrong.
"So you're frowning and staring off into space because you're tired?" He prodded knowing it would probably piss her off but he was willing to take that chance. They were going to have to get used to each other, they were partners after all.
"No, I'm frowning because you're bugging me." She said staring him in the eyes. Her added height from fully fusing with zanpaktou and Kirio's food, made her a bit more intimidating than she used to be. Kisuke just shrugged and decided to let the matter drop. However, it seemed Sui-Feng wasn't done making her point.
"Besides, stop trying to act all friendly. We just work togeth-..." Sui's rant stopped dead as she saw Yoruichi approaching them in a bathing suit that was different than the one she picked out at the house. This one was...the definition of naughty intentions.
The black material came underneath her breast before covering them and tying behind her bottoms were tied on either side of her hips and the covering her mound but leaving little material to cover her behind. It may as well have been a thong. Kisuke didn't blame Sui's sudden silence as Kukaku came out wearing a bathing suit that was diamonds cut out at her belly and where her cleavage was most prominent.
"You two going to go change or what?" Kukaku asked trying to sound annoyed as she wanted to laugh at both of them for their predictable pair said nothing as they grabbed their bags to go and Kukaku settled down on their towels laughing.
"I told you she was lying. It's funny how your lust can make the truth come out." Kukaku laughed as she reached over to grab a beer from the cooler.
"It could be lust talking." Yoruichi answered back hoping it wasn't that. Part of her was ashamed that she would even think that.
"Shut the fuck up. Matter of fact I'll prove it to you. Make eyes at someone else. If she doesn't care she'll let you do whatever you want but, if she wants you she'll get really pissy." Kukaku grinned evilly. "Just don't lay it on too thick. You gotta make it look like it's their idea."
"Deal." Yoruichi said. "I think I'll test that theory now. Here they come"
"And here comes our victim at 10 o' clock." Kukaku mumbled.
Sure enough there was a guy that looked like he Byakuya a run for his money in the looks department approaching them. He lowered his shades to get a good look at them and she sent a wink his way. Sui missed the whole exchange as she was rummaging her bag for the sunscreen so she wouldn't burn.
"I don't know what's more beautiful today...the water, the sky, or you." The stranger said but he wasn't talking to Kukaku and he wasn't looking at Yoruichi.
Sui twitched as she abruptly noticed the stranger that was standing next to her.
"Excuse me?" She said as she raised a brow and studied him.
"I mean seriously is your name Summer? Cause you are hot!" Another lame line.
Sui's eyebrow twitched in annoyance but before she could say anything the man was being pushed away from their spot.
"Hey she's taken asshole! Get lost!" Yoruichi shoved him looking pissed as hell. The guy quickly took the hint and took off without looking back. Sui however, was looking at Yoruichi with shock. Had the princess just laid claim on her in public? Yeah, it seemed so. Well shit.
Yoruichi quickly realizing her mistake and went back to lay down on her beach towel. Kukaku had face palmed and sighed before taking a long pull of her beer.
"Way to go." She mumbled before grabbing Kisuke and pulling him toward the water. He tried to resist as he had not finished applying his sunscreen but Kukaku quickly shut him up.
Yoruichi tried to make herself look busy and picked up a magazine from on top of the cooler and began to read it. Sui also opted to stay quiet and busied herself with the sunscreen. She knew that Yoruichi was hiding something.
"Hey Sui, can you stop hogging all the sunscreen I need some too!" Yoruichi said after noticing that the girl had once again spaced off. "Don't worry about that guy. I know you don't like men. I didn't want risk you pummeling him. He's human after all."
"So that's why you did that?" Sui asked incredulously as her hopes that Yoruichi wanted her back were being destroyed.
"Yeah why else would I do that?" Yoruichi said curiously avoiding the truth all together.
"Forget it." Sui said as she handed the princess the bottle of lotion and went to leave. Instead of grabbing the bottle she grabbed Sui's hand and stopped her.
"Stay."
The request was simple. Sui felt there was more to it but after being burned twice in one day Sui decided not to think to much about it and sat an arms distance away from Yoruichi. As the princess applied the lotion Sui tried not to watch and luckily the distraction of Kukaku jumping on Kisuke in the water proved to be amusing enough. That is, until Yoruichi asked Sui to lotion her back.
Sui knew she should say no but after the dream last night, the desire to touch Yoruichi was overwhelming. She grabbed the lotion and poured some on her hands. She stopped cold when Yoruichi untied the bikini top holding it up with her hands until she laid back on her stomach, securing her modesty.
Sui mentally kicked herself back into action and began to run her hands over the smooth skin of her back. Yoruichi bit her lower lip to stifle a groan as Sui's hands caressed her back. The firm hands were practically massaging her back. The lotion was applied for about 10 minutes too long but neither made motion to stop what was happening. They didn't stop until Kukaku and Kisuke came back from their swim.
"Yoruichi-san, you should definitely check out the water it feels great!" Kisuke said happily as they approached.
"How would you know? You cried the entire time you were in the water." Kukaku snapped.
"Well not the entire time Kukaku." Kisuke grinned before grabbing them both a beer from the cooler. If anybody noticed the pyromaniac blush they didn't say anything.
"Shut up idiot." Kukaku replied before swigging her beer.
"You know I just might. I haven't chased any sharks in a while. Hey Sui, you up for a round?" Yoruichi asked as she stood up from the towel.
It shouldn't have sounded dirty and Sui blamed it on the last 24 hours. She shook her head to clear the dirty thought knowing that when Yoruichi said, 'go for a round', she didn't mean sex but yet and still Sui couldn't help but think dirty. Dirty as in the goddess legs around her waist as they rode the waves together.
"Uh, yeah sure." She replied and she stood and followed the woman down to the beach.
When the two were gone Kisuke looked over at his girlfriend as she watched the two thoughtfully. "Okay spill. What's going on?"
"You don't want to know because you'll want to kill Sui. Then I'll have to bring you back and kill you after Yoruichi kills you. So in other words, don't ask." Kukaku replied before ingesting more beer.
"Kukaku you wound me. I thought you trusted me enough to tell me at least what's going on with my best friend." Kisuke replied laughing almost.
"You're not going to like it."
"Kukaku in case you haven't noticed I can't kill Sui-Feng and to be truthful I only know of two people that could and they protect her. So, while I might get pissed, I need to know these things." The blonde explained placing his beer into one of the cup holders on the cooler before turning to her. "Please."
"Sui broke Yoruichi's heart trying to protect her." Kukaku said after a moment of silence.
"What? How?" Kisuke replied puzzled.
"You know what's going on better than I do. What do you think would happen if those two admit how they feel and decide to say 'fuck you' to what ever the fuck kind of situation this is?"
Kisuke paused for a second. "She did it to protect her?"
"Doy. Unfortunately for her Yoruichi doesn't plan on losing her V card to his Imperial mutt breath but she won't have a choice if Sui doesn't come out with the truth before they marry. " Kukaku answered with a sigh. "They're both so fucking stupid."
"So you're helping Yoruichi do what?" Kisuke asked grabbing his beer once more to take a swig.
"She's gonna seduce Sui until the girl can't take it. The truth has got to come out at some point."
"What the hell Kukaku! I'm glad I asked. I don't know how long this little plan of yours is supposed to take? What happens when she's too distracted during training? These guys could kill us easily!" Kisuke whined.
"So while I'm fucking telling you all this don't you think it's time you told me what the fuck is going on?" Kukaku growled fixing Kisuke with a pointed glare.
Kisuke swallowed hard because he knew this was going to be a long conversation.
After the sun began setting at the beach Yoruichi and Sui swam back to shore neither speaking to the other. While chasing sharks had been a game filled with the competitive edge and thrill for them both instead it just seemed awkward.
At the same time Kukaku seemed a little quieter than usual watching both the captain and her friend. The urge to knock some sense into both of them was almost over powering now that she knew the situation. She wasn't saying much to Kisuke either as he should have told her what was going on the second the two came to stay with them at the Shoten. She'd give him a piece of her mind later but right now she needed to digest the information and think.
"Hey Sui Feng can you help me get this stuff to the car?" Kisuke asked as he hefted the heavy cooler in one hand and a folded beach chair in the other.
"Yeah, sure." Sui answered before grabbing the towels that had already been folded and the other beach chair and the umbrella.
Kukaku went to change and Yoruichi followed her. It wasn't until Yoruichi closed the door to her stall that she noticed something was off about Kukaku.
"Hey what the hell is wrong you?" Yoruichi asked peeking over the partition of her stall and into Kukaku's, catching her in the middle of changing.
Kukaku looked up wide eyed at her friend before turning red in the face. "Stop peeping ya dyke!" She yelled as she slapped the princess in the forehead, effectively pushing her friend back to her side of the stall.
"Ow! Dammit Kukaku. I've seen you a million times now. Who cares!" Yoruichi grumbled as she rubbed her smarting forehead.
"I do. Anyway how'd tag with the Sui go?" Kukaku asked using classic deflection to get the attention off herself.
"It was awkward. It just wasn't the same. She seemed preoccupied and well I kind of was too. So..." Yoruichi trailed off as she finished dressing.
The sound of rustling clothing hung in the air as the silence drifted between them. Kukaku unlocked her stall and waited outside for Yoruichi.
Sighing she stared at the closed door. "Look Yoruichi. I've known you for a long time and I see how deeply you two feel for each other so, maybe you two should just take advantage of the time you have left and quit playing this game of tag that's been going on for a lifetime...before it's too late."
The door to Yoruichi's stall yanked open and she noted the sincere look on Kukaku's face that didn't suit the usually brash woman.
"Who told you?" Yoruichi murmured.
"Kisuke." Kukaku answered looking right back. "I don't know why you didn't tell me but it doesn't matter. You both have suffered enough."
Nothing else was said and the car ride home was just as quiet. Everyone had their minds on their own internal issues. They ignored the tranquil sunset and missed the beauty of the different hues of red and orange that contrasted with the fading blue sky.
When they arrived back at the Shoten, Tessai was out front sweeping the pathway and the subtle smells of dinner cooking wafted through the air.
"Kisuke, about time you all got back." Tessai said raising a hand in greeting. "Our visitor has been quite patient waiting or you all."
"Visitor?" Kisuke echoed looking back at his friend.
"Shihouin-dono is here for Yoruichi."
...
..
.
A morose blanket of mourning covered all of Soul Society as there was not a single soul that had not felt Satoshi's sacrifice. The light from his death had been as bright as the sun rise breaking over the horizon after a dark night. This feeling of loss only contributed to the broken down morale of the shinigami. While Komamura had been the only seated captain to fall in battle the rest of the captains may as well have been killed. Renji was in critical condition and Byakuya had been stripped of his zanpaktou and kidou before being placed in a level 3 psych ward. Seeing Hisana had finally caused his placid demeanor to snap into one of unquenchable rage. He trusted no one and even went as far as to attack the medical squad that had been trying to attend to Renji. Kenpachi was flat out missing and no one knew where he had last gone to. Toshiro's left leg had been mangled during his battle with Dyrim but he felt luckier than Shinji as the Vizored had ironically gotten his tongue ripped out by Saere. Apparently the Adept wasn't too fond of the raspberry that Shinji had given him. Nanao was no longer in critical condition but wouldn't be fit for battle for a while. Some even doubted the Commander would allow it. Shunsui was beside himself with anger and sickly feeling of being vulnerable and exposed. How could he lead when he had no idea how to beat their opponent.
Shunsui looked at the bottle of sake in his hand with disinterest not feeling the motivation to drink away his issues. Half of him wished Nanao would slap it out of his hands and berate him for even thinking of drinking at a time like this but the lieutenant lay motionless in the bed. The door opened to reveal someone that Shunsui wasn't sure whether to be glad to see or cower in fear.
"Kyoraku Shunsui." The deep gravely said slowly as he shut the door behind him. The Commander didn't answer as he took in the form of his predecessor. Genryuusai Yamamoto hadn't seemed to have aged a day, although one would only be able to tell if they counted the number of wrinkles on the man's face daily.
"I leave Soul Society in your capable hands only to see it fall to ruin. Explain yourself." Yamamoto demanded banging the butt of his staff on the floor.
"Spare me Old Man." Shunsui murmured. "I'd like to see you out there."
"Insolent little welp! I care not for the battle and how it ended. My concern is what actions you are taking to ensure that you don't incur even more losses the second time around." Yamamoto growled at Shunsui before finding a chair and sitting in it heavily.
"I don't know what you expect me to do." Shunsui ran a hand over his face feeling old. "Half of our captains are incapacitated or missing, and the rest can barely keep on their feet from exhaustion. Our defenses are clearly lacking but with the few resources available to me I...I just...don't know." The current commander sighed again looking down at the full bottle beckoning him to ingest it's contents.
He wasn't contemplating it for much longer when Yamamoto swiped it from him and chugged it down. Shunsui's eyes bulged almost comically as he watched his former teacher practically inhale the alcohol before the ceramic bottle was cracked over his head.
"Ow!" Shunsui rubbed the spot of impact.
"Silence! I don't know where you learned the lesson of giving up and accepting defeat but I'm certain I didn't teach it to you. Do you know why I chose you to replace me?" Yamamoto asked.
"Ukitake was too sick to take command?" Shunsui answered not quite sure what other reason there could be.
"I could have easily named Unohana as my successor. However I chose you for one particular trait that you possess. For your sake you'd better know what it is." The previous commander cracked a warning eyelid at his former student. Shunsui swallowed at hearing the threat and knowing it wasn't an idle one. Unfortunately he had no idea why the Old Man had chosen him. He'd never even wanted the job but there was no way he could say no to the man.
After a thickened silence had filled the room Yamamoto got tired of waiting for his slow witted student and popped him over the head with his staff.
"Your rebellious nature!" Yamamoto boomed. "It's been the one thing that has set you apart from all the others. Because of this trait I thought it best that this unruly future generation had someone to lead them that would not give into defeat. Yet you have disappointed me."
"My apologies-"
"Mean nothing without action. Miss Ise can recover without you sitting at her bedside every waking moment. I advise you to form some type of plan and review just how many resources you have. The demon has been gravely wounded and it will take quite some time for him to recover." Yamamoto stood and leaned in close to Shunsui regarded the man with two open eyes. "While I was close to Shihouin Satoshi I respected him a great deal."
Walking to the door to leave he slid it open. Just before leaving he turned to give Shunsui one last look. "If you let his sacrifice go in vain you'll wish Osamu had gotten his hands on you by the time I'm through with you."
And with that the former commander was gone. Hearing the threat and knowing the man was right Shunsui placed a kiss on Nanao's forehead before heading out to see if there was a last stand that could be made.
"Daddy?" Yoruichi said as she swept aside the shoji door to see her father sitting in the main area nursing a cup of black tea.
Satoshi smiled at his daughter and stood with open arms. "My daughter."
Yoruichi leaped into her father's arms and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tearful hug. "I missed you."
"And I you. As much as I wish we had more time we must hurry back to Soul Society." Satoshi said morosely.
"What's wrong?" Yoruichi said releasing him.
"I cannot say but I'll try my best to explain on the way." He said taking hold of her hand and leading her to the portal to take them back.
"Wait. I'll go with you." Sui Feng said quickly.
"No you stay here." Satoshi said eyeing the captain. The smile on his face not meeting his eyes. "Come Yoruichi."
Sui frowned as she watched them leave. The portal snapping shut behind them. The sound alone set a feeling of unease through the Chinese woman as she stared at the space where the portal had been.
Kisuke had the same feeling but he couldn't place what it was.
"Sui Feng follow me. We have to get to Soul Society." He said hurrying inside and flinging the trap door to the basement open.
"Why can't she just open a portal herself?" Kukaku asked unsure what was making the two so uneasy.
"Satoshi doesn't want Sui there so rather than just arrive the way she usually would, I think it best that she sneak in." He said before descending the ladder. Sui followed soon after silently.
When they reached the bottom Sui called the Cloak of Jakuho Raikoben to her and once again was clothed in the inverted black and gold robes she wore after submitting the Bankai.
"What now?" The Zanpaktou grumbled in annoyance.
"Something's wrong. We're going to Soul Society to investigate." Sui answered checking her appearance to make sure nothing was missing.
The Zanpaktou never answered back and Sui nodded to Kisuke to open the portal. Slamming the butt of Benehime into the top portion of the portal he nodded to Sui Feng.
"If you get into trouble call me." He said.
Sui smirked. "I don't have time to babysit you." She said before flash stepping through the portal.
Yoruichi knew something was wrong the second they arrived. The acrid smell of rotting flesh and smoke permeated the air making her gag. Soul Society looked like a war zone. She missed the look of glee that shined in Satoshi's eyes as he too looked at the scene.
"We should hurry." They flash stepped to the Shihouin compound and into his office passing no one on the way. On the desk laid Yoruichi's uniform and haori. She quickly stripped and donned the clothing while her father went to the book case and pulled a book making the case swing forward and reveal a hidden passageway.
"Where are we?" Yoruichi asked following him through. Her father had been unusually quiet.
"This tunnel leads to the Feng estate. The Heaven and War tool have been stolen by Sui Feng's grandmother." Satoshi said as they walked.
"Jou Mou? Impossible. Father you can't believe-!"
"She has been possessed. There's no choice. We have to put an end to her and reclaim it." Satoshi growled. Yoruichi felt her unease grow.
"Father?"
"Yoruichi..." Satoshi sighed gathering his daughter into his arms. "I know that this is hard to understand as I myself wish this wasn't so but, we have to do this."
Yoruichi didn't reply as her father released her. They continued on in silence. However, Yoruichi's mind was anything but. Where were the guards, the captains? Soul Society was like a ghost town and now being in the tunnel it almost seemed like they were avoiding being seen.
She didn't get a chance to ask as Satoshi took off through the tunnel. She didn't catch up until she noticed the opening at the end. The moonlight cast its rays through the windows. They were in Jou Mou's house but the woman was no where to be seen. Neither was her father.
The house was eerily quiet and Yoruichi felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise. She saw metal glint out of the corner of her eye and ducked the whistling blade before stepping to the side.
"Yoruichi child! What are you doing here?!" Jou Mou hissed in the darkness.
"Jou Mou what have you done?" Yoruichi asked looked at the woman eyeing the raised kodachi.
"What in heaven's are you talking about? Why aren't you with my granddaughter?" Jou Mou asked.
"Daddy told her to stay." Yoruichi answered looking around and still seeing no signs of her father.
"Yoruichi...I-I don't...who...that's impossible child." Jou Mou stuttered wide eyed and fearful.
"Why?" Yoruichi asked a dreadful feeling creeping it's way to her heart.
"Because, The Panther King is dead." Came the disgusting laughter from the darkness as the blood red eyes of Mosrael shone bright.
Another chapter. I'll try harder to update but with the way life is kicking my ass I make no promises. You know the drill. Please Review.