Only Ever Yours
Chapter 19
Shunsui had been overseeing all the repairs of Soul Society faithfully since the Old Man had come to visit him. He still went to visit Nanao when he had the chance but he stayed true to his position and made sure everything ran efficiently. Nanao was recovering well but from what Unohana had told him it would still be weeks before she could leave the medical ward.
His mind was also thinking on the Uncle he had lost. He felt the guilt from the Shihouin's death weighing heavily on his shoulders. If only he had stayed instead of leaving him to fight those bastards on his own. However, the more rational part of his mind argued that Nanao would be dead now if he hadn't. Hell he might have died too now that he thought about it. He just couldn't believe that the man was gone and events turned out as they had. His 2nd Division captain had been taken from him and now he had to hope that whoever the interim commander was respected Sui-Feng's leadership of the Onmistukido. He knew the noble family wasn't going to allow Omaeda to run the division for long though it seemed Sui-Feng had trust in her second in command. If she didn't he wouldn't be in the position."
He had been hard at work and worry, when the sound of a bell rang through the air causing him to look up from a paper on the building contracts.
"Nanao-chan?" Shunsui said standing from his chair his eyes wide. She didn't reply but swiftly wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. He returned the kiss but was about to push her away when an alarm went off in his head. Nanao had never kissed him before, so such behavior was unwarranted. However, it was too late. Another bell sounded as the woman he thought to be Nanao bit his bottom lip drawing blood. He felt his body stiffen as if he were turned to stone. The woman that had been Nanao melted away to reveal an Adept he had battled before, Axazel the Necromancer.
"How foolish you Soul Reapers are for love. That was too easy. No matter, I now control you Kyoraku Shunsui. You see I have power over death and since in essence we have all passed one from the living world the sound of my bells and your blood are enough for me to make you my personal puppet." Axazel smiled as she circled the immobilized commander.
'Dammit. I can't move, I can't even speak. What can I do?!'
To his surprise and horror the Adept smiled. "Oh commander, you can do nothing. Even your thoughts are slave to me. You are mine. I think you'll make a very nice 'Get Well' present."
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
If you're evil and you know it-
Give a shout!
Rape and torture, drink their blood
Grind their hearts into the mud
If you're evil and you know
Then you really ought to show it!
Shout hooray!
Saere skipped down the dark halls of the cavern that Osamu had retreated to rest in. The battle with the now dead Shihouin leader had taken more than half of his masters power away and even moving was a task for the Mighty One. So, during this moment, there was nothing lucrative for Saere to do. He had spent his time playing tricks on those in the living world. His latest endeavor had led to the death of a pretty blonde no older than 25. He had targeted his victim on her way home from work. He had to thoroughly terrify her first. You see, the scent of fear rolling off of ones prey gives their blood a distinct kick, once you're able to sink your teeth into them.
His shadow crept along the wall and at first the young woman thought her mind was playing tricks on her. She blamed it on exhaustion at first but when she began to hear the hollow sound of foot steps she increased her walking pace. A cat yowled from behind her scaring her all the more. She turned the corner down a dark alley way, gasping as she pressed her back against the wall. A cold bead of sweat trailed its way down her back as she listened intently for the sound of footsteps. Reaching into her purse, she grabbed the small circular vial of compressed pepper spray, ready to blind what ever asshole was following her.
Her stalker never came around the corner. In fact the sound of footsteps had stopped. Hesitantly peeking her head around the corner, she released a sigh of relief in seeing no one. She began to laugh at herself thinking that she was definitely being over worked and the stress must finally be getting to her. Yes, that was it.
The young woman caught her breath and willed her racing heart to slow down. It almost did, until she felt cold hands caress her neck before squeezing tightly choking her. Saere leaned over the young woman's shoulder from his hiding spot. The woman's stomach clenched painfully with fear as she realized, she had been leaning against her attacker the entire time she had been hiding. The shadows had sealed the girls doom and right into his arms. With his now terrified prey in his grasp he bared sharp fangs and buried them in the flesh of her pale neck. At first there was scream but the size of the bite in her neck severed her vocal chords causing there to be nothing but the sound of gurgling on her own blood. Slowly her life snuffed out.
Saere licked his lips at the memory and began singing his freshly made song all over again.
If you're evil and you know it-
Give a shout!
Rape and torture, drink their blood
Grind their hearts into the mud
If you're evil and you know
Then you really ought to -
"Will you please shut the fuck up with your childish singing?" Astarael's voice crackled through the darkness making Saere jump.
"What the hell man!" The adept yelped. "You could at least let someone know you're there!"
"Says the fool that runs around in the shadows. Where have you been?" Astarael demanded.
"Hunting, raping, torturing...or were you not listening to my wonderful little ditty?" Saere commented with a smile to wide; sharp yellow teeth glistening in the darkness.
"Who wouldn't hear you singing that foolish nonsense?" Axazel appeared out of the darkness of the hall with a roll of her eyes.
"You're just jealous because you can't sing. I guess I'd be jealous too if I sounded like I had a frog stuck in my throat." Saere childishly stuck his tongue out at the deceivingly pretty adept.
"Any news on the Master?" Astarael asked Axazel.
She shook her head. "No, but there is news of Mosrael..."
"What's that loon been up to? Did he decide to go on an extended vacation?" Saere cocked his head to the side curiously.
"If you paid any attention you'd know he infiltrated Soul Society." Astarael spat.
"Yes his infiltration was successful but, he's now dead." Axazel shrugged.
"What?!"
"You're kidding!"
Silence was thick in the hallway. It was no easy task to kill an adept. Mosrael was not considered one of the strongest but for what he lacked he made up with ruthlessness and cunning. For him to have been put down was, astonishing to say the least.
"Did his killer use the same technique as the panther?" Saere asked leaning against the wall across of Astarael.
"No...actually she used one of the Soul King's tools. She burned him with the power of the Sun until there was naught but ash." Axazel answered, her face betrayed nothing of what she thought of this news. "The one who killed him was the panthers' offspring, Shihouin Yoruichi."
"How could he fail when he had her so close. That is inexcusable." Saere growled with a clenched fist.
"You underestimate the girl." Astarael eyed his companion, "She has attained new strength but there's nothing to worry about as the Master can still handle her with ease. You would do well to be careful around her should you enter battle against her. Then there's the bodyguard to worry about."
"The small one?" Saere asked.
"Not small anymore. Her power has grown exponentially and her physical appearance has changed. I think the talents of Squad Zero are to blame for this recent development. Regardless, she may prove to be a threat later down the road. My source tells me that the girl took on all of Squad Zero by herself."
"By...herself...fuck." Saere's eyebrows almost met his shaggy black hairline. "Where's she now?"
"Rumor has it that Squad Zero imprisoned her for insubordination or killed her seeing as they obviously cannot control her." Axazel answered looking at her claw like nails.
"What a waste. I'm sure Master would find her most useful...especially if she were to join our ranks." Astarael said thoughtfully. A moment later a conspiratorial smile greeted his lips. "Oh Axazel..."
Axazel looked at her ally. It took her a few seconds to realize what he was thinking. "No, besides I already have a puppet that interest me more. I follow the master's orders, not your scheming little hair brained ideas. Besides my man on the inside will prove useful in due time."
"Well if you're too scared I'll ask Nehima." Astarael said with a nonchalant shrug as he pushed away from the wall he had been leaning against.
"You will ask that bitch no such thing!" Axazel snapped stepping into Astarael's personal space.
"Oh and if I do what are you going to do?" The Adept snarled as he flared some of his aura blinding the other two present. "Careful...you might get burned."
"The girl may already have been executed." Saere sighed. "Won't do you any good if she's dead."
"I doubt the Soul King is foolish enough to kill her. She is currently his most valuable asset...and his trump card." Astarael answered.
"So you'd rather I persuade her to come to our side?" Axazel asked. "That wont work."
"No, no my dear, that would be stupid. I merely wish to see her driven absolutely mad. To strip away her every mental foothold in life would make her much more dangerous to her people than to us."
Axazel mulled over the notion for a moment before shrugging. "That's actually not a bad idea. I'll ask Yrael what he thinks so that he can run it by the Master."
"Well while you're off doing that I'm gonna go nap or something." Saere yawned and walked away.
"Oh Saere...the Master told me to give you a message: You're nightly excursions end tonight." Axazel smirked.
"What?! Oh come on my skill is wasting away just staying down here. Did he at least say why?" Saere groaned.
"You never know when he may have a use for you...he wants you close." Axazel said as she began to leave. "He will be obeyed."
"Fuck..."
"Serves you right." Astarael chuckled.
"Shut up."
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
The Darkness had become a comfort. She couldn't remember why she was here but it felt like she belonged here. She had one purpose, to protect her weary charge. She stayed a sentient being, unmoving but aware of everything around her. She sometimes felt like her mind was playing tricks on her. She thought she could hear someone talking to her. A faint scent would tickle her nose. Sometimes it even felt as if a hand would caress her cheek. But Sui-Feng knew better. All that existed here was herself and her sleeping companion. The creature hadn't moved since it had curled around her to slumber, nor had it made any noise. It's breathing remained even and calm, the sound of it soothing as the sound of her own heartbeat. So soothing in fact that it lulled Sui-Feng to sleep for the first time she had been imprisoned. As she slept she began to dream.
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
The day of the wedding Yoruichi found herself crying right before her make up was put on. Kukaku was brought in, though reluctantly. Kisuke had made her promise not to cause a scene but she was hard pressed not to do so. This entire thing was stupid.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Kukaku ground out already knowing the answer to her question. Yoruichi however was clueless.
"Something feels wrong...I just...I don't know what it is Kukaku. I wish I could say that I just miss Daddy but...it's more than that..."
Whatever it had been Yoruichi quickly forgot when a knock on the door interrupted them. Yuu had sent a maid to give Yoruichi a sakura blossom from her favorite grove in Soul Society. Kukaku bit her lip so hard it almost bled. The blossom was from their favorite grove. The same one Yoruichi and Sui used to frequent. Instead of saying anything Kukaku left before she went nuts on her friend. The thing that pissed her off more than the fact that this bullshit was occurring was that Yoruichi didn't know how fucking stupid this was. If the Shihouin ever did regain her memories Kukaku promised that she would slap the woman silly.
Kisuke wasn't fairing much better as he looked at Yoruichi in her wedding dress. She was beaming with a joy he knew to be false. He wanted to ask her...had to ask her but he knew he shouldn't...couldn't.
"Yoruichi..." Kiskue began giving his best friend since childhood a pensive look.
"What is it Kisuke?" Yoruichi asked frowning wondering what could be making her friend so unhappy.
"Do you...," 'Do you remember her?', Kisuke wanted to ask but he knew the answer was no. But something stopped him from asking. He felt her. Sui-Feng was here, somewhere. But, how?
Instead he settled for the more cowardly question to cover up the attempt of his previous one. "Do you love him?" He already knew what her reply would be and took everything in him to not grab her by her shoulders and shake her to her senses.
"Of course Kisuke, with all my heart. I know you wish things had worked out between us but I love you like a brother and I always will. Besides, Kukaku would probably kill us if we ran away together now." Any other time that would have him laughing but now it was all he could to crack a smile.
Kisuke didn't have time to ask her anything else because the time to walk Yoruichi down the isle had come. The entire time he thought he was going to be sick. The joy that shined in her eyes, he knew it was fake. Yuu was either enjoying this or he was good at acting. He just didn't know with the demon sometimes. He glared at the man as he handed Yoruichi over. The second Yuu grabbed Yoruichi's hand Kisuke felt the faint menacing pulse of Sui's reiatsu. It was gone in a split second, so fast, that no one else could have detected it. The fact that he felt anything at all made him wonder if he was imagining it. Maybe he was hoping that Sui had escaped and would swoop in like a White Knight and deliver true love's kiss and return her memory. However, he knew this wasn't a fairy tale and an ending like that would never happen.
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
Kukaku was visibly unhappy through out the entire ceremony but thankfully kept quiet. The entire captaincy of the Gotei 13 was there save for Byakuya. He was still recovering from his mental breakdown. Kenpachi didn't care for weddings and had opted to stay in Sereitei.
The wedding reception was not without some drama as Kukaku finally lost it. The hormones plus current events had driven her to the brink of insanity. She went off on Yoruichi while the princess was alone in the gardens getting a breath of fresh air.
Kukaku had left Yoruichi confused and dejected. She couldn't stop the sad trail of tears as they made their way down her cheeks ruining the hours sitting still for makeup. She leaned against a tree for support because she still couldn't place the cause of her depression. Yes, Kukaku had ripped her apart on the day that was supposed to be the happiest of her life but she hadn't felt right since she woke up.
Reaching between her breast she pulled out the yellow sash that seemed to haunt her since she had found it. She didn't remember it being her father's or anyone else that she should remember. Now looking at it she felt a haunting emptiness.
Arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her close into a body behind her that felt familiar, but it wasn't Yuu. They seemed familiar but Yoruichi had no idea how. She turned in the stranger's arms but there was no one there. However, she still felt hands as they delicately wiped the tears from her eyes before holding her close. The moon cast shadows on the area giving the sakura blossoms around her an earthreal glow. Yoruichi inhaled a faint scent that was familiar, comforting even. She felt a kiss on both of her eyelids, her nose and when Yoruichi thought they would kiss her lips they placed a final kiss on the middle of her forehead.
"I wish you happiness."
The words were like a whisper on the wind.
"Yoruichi!" Yuu called out looking for his bride. The need to be near her was strong for his beast wanted to claim her completely in their bedchambers. Yoruichi looked around hoping to catch a glimpse or trace of whoever it was that wiped her tears away.
"Are you alright?" Yuu asked with concern lacing his voice as he took his wife into his arms stroking her cheek with the pad of his thumb.
"I am now." She before pulling him in for a deep kiss.
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
Yoruichi looked at herself in the mirror. It had been 3 weeks now since she and Yuu had been married. She had spent as much time as she could with Yuu, walking with him in the gardens, bathing, kissing, and making love as much as possible. She felt like she was making up for lost time. His beast welcomed the affection however something about the demon seemed off as if he was unhappy.
As they lay in bed she snuggled into his firm body and rested her head over his beating heart. "Yuu what's wrong?"
"What makes you say that?" The demon asked looking at gold eyes that mirrored her own.
"You seem...preoccupied as if there's something you want to say to me but don't know how. I understand that this marriage has been arranged but I have grown to love you with all that I am. I just hope that you can love me the same." Yoruichi's words were sincere but they caused a lump to form in Yuu's throat because he knew that all the love and affection she showered him with he was unworthy of. Shaolin Feng was a lucky woman to have had Shihouin Yoruichi love her this much. He desperately wished that he could give Yoruichi back her memory and with it the woman she truly loved but his hands were tied. Fate was laughing him in the face and he had no idea who was suffering more; the woman who claimed she loved him, or himself, the demon who had helped take the memory of love she had and replace them with false feelings of his own.
Unable to say what was really on his mind he gathered Yoruichi into his arms and kissed her. She sighed into the kiss dragging her arms along his firm body as things became more heated. That night for the first time, Yoruichi gave her heart, body, and soul to Yuu. She reached completion feeling sated, cherished, and loved. Yuu felt dirty, bitter, and ashamed. He was still trying to find some way to free her from her bond but what good was it if he couldn't return the woman's bodyguard to her? He was interrupted from his thoughts as Yoruichi leaned up and gave him a loving kiss before pulling back and looking into his eyes.
"What is it?" He asked his deep baritone causing a smile to come to her face.
"I love you." She whispered before dropping a surprise on him that he wasn't ready for.
"I'm pregnant."
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
The days passed. Soon days turned into weeks and weeks into months and with it Yoruichi's belly grew round. She was growing a healthy child. The castle doctor had made sure everything was going well at her last check up. Even Yuu was doing better than he had been. When she had told him the news of impending children she had thought he would be happy but instead he avoided her even more, avoiding having to hold and caress her. It made Yoruichi feel unwanted. A few weeks ago he had finally snapped out of it and would lay in bed rubbing her round belly and giving the growing child his youki. Feeding his demon energy into his soon to be pup would make it strong and give it the energy it needed to grow healthy without wearing Yoruichi out to much.
His inner beast had shut up his cries of regret and inadequacy and had decided to focus on bringing his pup into the world. The bathym attacks had become quiet but Yuu knew something was going to happen eventually and everyday he prepared for it. When the day was over he laid with his wife and held her and his child. He didn't have much focus on anything else. Yoruichi had clung to him in this time and her faux love for him had made it impossible for him to be cold to her any longer. If she was trapped the least he could do was make this prison bearable.
Yoruichi was currently sleeping at the moment, curled into his side with her head on his chest. Her body twitched from time to time so Yuu knew she had to be dreaming. Her dreams were quite peculiar and many times he had woken up to her whimpers and her hands reaching out for someone. He would always wake her and pull her closer. She would thank him before returning to a more fitful rest. However, Yuu knew who she was reaching out for and his heart ached that the person couldn't soothe Yoruichi in the only way she could.
For Yoruichi, she was none the wiser about these episodes. She knew that she dreamed, but every time she woke up she forgot the context of it. She knew that something was missing, someone. So when Yuu woke her up she clung to him to fill the aching void in her heart. But his presence was only soothing balm at most. It would suffice for now.
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
Thump thump
Thump thump
Thump thump
Sui let the sleek creature continue to sleep curled around her. Every now and then she would take the liberty to run her hands through the creatures dark fur and pet its ears. The panther said nothing and continued to sleep through it all. Sui took solace in the fur gliding through her fingers. It reminded her of a time long ago. A time she could barely remember. It felt like she had been in this void for centuries. She probably had. She could feel herself getting older. Could feel her hair growing even longer until its black strands became the sleeping panther's blanket. Time was passing, but she remained stagnant.
'For how much longer?'
The thought echoed into her mind till it too faded into nothingness and Sui went back to the one thing she had been doing to keep herself sane. To remind herself that she wasn't alone. She listened to the heartbeat of the panther. Funny thing was, it's heart beat in time with her own.
Thump thump
Thump thump
Thump thump
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
Just like Yoruichi, Kukaku was swollen with Kisuke's child. The man had been so holed up in his lab he didn't even know. He had confined himself to the room since the night of Yoruichi's wedding. She was worried for him, as angry as she was. He was the father of her child and possibly the only person Kukaku would ever...love. Kukaku scoffed at the word but she knew that was the case. Something about being with Kisuke mellowed, but only a little bit. She played housewife for no one but she could only imagine what a family would look like for them. Yes it would wreak havoc because between the kids natural curiosity, they might have a pyro knack like their mother or a scientific knack for tinkering like their father. Heavens forbid that they develop a taste for both.
Soul Society had been quiet. All the destroyed buildings from Mosrael and Yoruichi's fight had been rebuilt. The 2nd Division was being run by Omaeda. Apparently the verbal and physical abuse he had dealt with through the years under Sui-Feng had bred him into the perfect interim commander for the time being. The 8th Division's Fukutaicho had been named captain and it seemed that they were self sustaining for the time. The tranquil atmosphere of Soul Society could fool anyone, but not Kukaku. She knew that they were preparing for an all out war. They were building shelters for the districts outside Sereitei for the civilians that farmed and lived ordinary lives. It seemed that Kukaku would be in one of those shelters as well, as much as she hated to admit it. If this war was to break out while Yoruichi was having her child then she would have had her child already and would be damned if she endangered her or him in any way what so ever.
Thinking of Yoruichi made Kukaku tear up. Once again cursing the pregnancy hormones she caressed her swollen belly. She hadn't seen her friend since she told her off on her wedding night. Not that it mattered she meant every word. This whole situation was crap but she had no other choice but to roll with the punches. She wasn't able to deal with the fact that Yoruichi had become the woman she hated, doting on a man, letting him fight for her, all that crap she said she'd never do. Hell, if Yoruichi was herself she could argue that Kukaku was doing the same with Kisuke.
The hell did matter anyway? If Kisuke wasn't able to get Sui-Feng out and Yoruichi had this kid, nothing was going to stop that demon creature from getting to her friend, because no one could protect Yorucihi like Sui-Feng.
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
"My lady, Commander Kyoraku is here to see you." A female dog demon said bowing. Yoruichi turned her attention from the book she had been reading, not expecting the news.
"Very well send him in." She said smooth her yukata and smiling at her rounded midsection. Her stomach was growing quickly and part of her wondered if she was carrying more than one child but Yuu had said he could only hear one heartbeat. She wouldn't mind having more than one child even if it they were going to be a handful.
Her thoughts were interrupted as she had noticed the captain commander had come into the room quietly. His eyes were staring at her pregnant stomach in a way that made her shift uncomfortably in her seat.
"Shunsui, can I help you?" Yoruichi asked snapping the commander out of the action.
"Yoruichi, I see you've wasted no time with Lord Yuu." He said moving closer still eyeing her belly every now and then.
"It only makes sense don't you think? I'm surprised that you're here since you didn't make it to our wedding. What kept you?" She asked.
"Business and politics, the usual. Besides I have had my hands full with the repairs after you exacted revenge on that monster." Shunsui smiled a little too wide. He seemed different than what she was used to but she gave it to the account that Nanao had been in the infirmary still recovering from her injuries and all the stress he had been dealing with.
"So what brings you here?"
"I simply wanted to see how you were doing. Since you're no longer in Soul Society I have to make little visits to keep a watchful eye on you. I also wanted to let you know that it has been decided that you will have the child in Soul Society." Shunsui sat a little closer to Yoruichi than she would have liked so she stood and walked across the room under the guise of putting her book back on the shelf.
"Well I can assure you that is unnecessary. Isn't that just asking to be attacked?" Yoruichi asked not at all happy with the news.
"It isn't up for discussion." Shunsui snapped uncharacteristically. He quickly reeled in the snarl. "It's imperative that the Soul King is born in Soul Society. It's all politics you see. Should the child be born in this realm he will only be seen as a Demon Lord for demons, not the King of Souls." His explanation was eerily given.
Yoruichi eyed him as now the hairs on the back of her neck were starting to stand. Shunsui sensed her unease and decided to take his leave. He smoothed his robes and walked toward the door, Yoruichi watching him the entire time.
"Don't worry princess we will be ready for you when the time comes. You just focus on having a healthy baby." Those were his last words before leaving.
Yoruichi's jaw clenched as she couldn't help the unease that filled her. She never had been given a reason to mistrust Shunsui before but her father had made sure she knew to always trust her instincts. Something was off about the Commander but she was in no position to investigate what. In fact, now that she thought about it, she couldn't even ask anyone to keep an eye on him. Everyone she trusted was either busy, hurt, or unfortunately, ignoring her. Shunsui had been the first familiar face she had seen in months and the realization caused her heart to ache. Loneliness was something she hated feeling. She didn't understand why things were as they were. She was doing her job as a noble woman of the Shihouin Clan by being married and having a child. Fulfilling her father's wishes in his memory. However, instead of having everyone's support; her husband felt a thousand miles away, her friends were ignoring her, and she was questioning if she could trust her allies.
She longed to be able to train to clear her mind, but with her belly as swollen as it was, she couldn't risk it. Besides Yuu would be furious if she put herself and their child in danger. She was tempted to do it because she knew he would stay home to make sure she was safe. He still seemed distant like he was doing just enough to please her. Whatever it was she hoped he got over it soon. She could feel tears pricking at her eyes. She needed to feel like someone wanted her instead of a brood mare for a prophecy she wanted no part of.
She lay down in her bed clutching her pillow as she let a few silent tears fall. Her heart was aching more than it had in a long time. She missed her father but she knew there was something else causing her to feel this way. Something was missing and her heart yearned for whatever it was. So instead of questioning what she had lost, she let herself mourn for the unknown until she cried herself to sleep.
The feel of fingers stroking her hair was soothing. She nuzzled into the feeling and realized her head was in someone's lap. She was too tired to open her eyes so she just gave herself over to the feeling. It felt familiar this touch, although she had no clue who the person was. She felt that she could trust them. So she lay there letting them pet her hair and soothe her. Soon the hands in her hair began to trace the features of her face. They started with smoothing her forehead, then tracing eyebrows and eyelids, to her cheeks. Smooth fingers traced her chin and finally her lips. She found herself wanting the caresses to never stop. She felt warm lips in her forehead and felt a sense of love fill every pore of her body.
"Yoruichi."
She tried to open her eyes to catch a glimpse of the person who had made her feel this way. She was met with the sight of grey eyes shining back at her.
The child in her belly kicked causing Yoruichi to blink in surprise. When she opened eyes again she was staring into gold irises.
"Yoruichi...are you alright?" Yuu asked his gold eyes holding worry for his mate.
"Yuu?" Yoruichi breathed out. Those weren't the eyes she had seen at first.
"Yes, you looked confused. Were you dreaming?" The demon asked pushing back some of the locks that had fallen into his wife's face before rubbing her stomach.
"I don't know..." She trailed off as she tried to remember. She was interrupted when the baby kicked again. "Oh!"
"What was that?" Yuu asked as he took his hand off of her stomach in surprise.
"Your pup, practicing his technique it seems." Yoruichi smiled fondly. She reached for his hand and placed it back on her belly. Sure enough the baby kicked again. Yuu's eyes widened in wonder. Yoruichi sat up and curled herself into his embrace taking comfort in his warmth. He let her, pulling her closer and being careful of her stomach. He placed his hand on her stomach and poured some of his youki into his child.
"Take the energy you need son. You will strong as your parents." Yuu murmured placing a kiss on Yoruichi's temple. It wasn't like the kiss she felt in her dream but for now it would suffice.
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
"Hey hot shot, wake up...
...Come on, wake up."
"I know you're not dead."
Sui-Feng's head felt heavy. She tried to open her eyes and look up but found herself quickly blinded by a light source. Someone was talking.
"Looks like this place is doing a number on you. I wonder if you're blind yet. I'm not coming in there to find out. But I need for you to be able to still see when the time comes. Come on, open those pretty little eyes." There was a crunching noise and the sound of chewing before her visitor continued.
"I need you to see just a little before we kill you in front of your girlfriend. Just so you can see how much of a slut she is. She's big as a mare, that bitch of yours." The voice laughed before again taking a bite of whatever he was eating.
"And to think, you were so loyal to her that you got yourself locked in here. Eight days later your girlfriend gets married and 3 weeks later, the whore is pregnant. In a couple more months, this will all come to a head and Master Osamu will reign supreme." His mocking voice made Sui grind her teeth.
"I can't wait for the Master to flip the tables on you. As soon as the kid gets here we're gonna give her memory back. Then you're gonna watch as we tear her apart having our merry way with her. Then right before we kill her, we're gonna kill you. That'll teach you to raise your blade at me you little bitch." The stranger threw something down into the abyss. It would have landed on the sleeping panther's head had Sui-Feng's had snatched out and grabbed it.
A half eaten lemon. The citrusy smell of the fruit permeated the area. Having grown use to the area surrounding her it came as a bit of a relief to the ex-captain to be smelling something knew. At least her sense of smell was alright. Whoever had been taunting her had made sure she wasn't going to go blind after that little bit of light exposure. It wasn't much but it was enough to assure Sui that she wasn't blind yet.
It had been so long to know for sure that someone was actually speaking to her. What was that man talking about? Why did he want to hurt someone she cared about? Regardless she wasn't going to let his plan happen. She'd kill anyone and anything that got in her way.
There burning in the pit of her soul got stronger. She knew this person was important. The thought tickled in the back of her mind. Setting the half eaten lemon to the side, Sui wiped the stray juice from her fingers onto her clothes before once again burying her fingers the panther's coat of fur.
"What am I forgetting? Who am I forgetting? How did I get here?" Sui asked aloud to herself closing her eyes and sighing. She felt herself nodding off before she heard the faint in and out murmuring of a soft voice before she once again fell asleep.
...
...
...
"...you promised."
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
"Commander I don't understand why Yoruichi would want to have her baby here. Let alone her wanting a different doctor is absolutely ludicrous!" Unohana sternly stated as she looked at the haggard looking commander. He seemed dead on his feet. His skin was pale and he had bags underneath his eyes. His usually colorful coat was absent from his shoulders and his trademark hat sat just a little bit lower, casting a shadow over his face.
"She wants to be home and closest to her father. Besides the doctor she chose is a Shihouin family doctor. It's set in stone Captain and you'd do well to stop questioning it!" Shunsui snapped, his patience thin with the persistent medic. They had been arguing for the last hour.
"I'll excuse your attitude for now Commander because you look worse for wear but do remember that while Yoruichi may want to have things a certain it is not our obligation to do so if her safety is compromised." Unohana turned to the door and spoke over her shoulder.
"I expect to see for a check-up soon as I am concerned about your health. I'd give you a medical examination now but you've pissed me off to the point that I just might kill you instead." Unohana stated, eerily polite before leaving.
He watched her go making a mental note to keep a close eye on the doctor. Everything was set up as it needed to be. All he had to do was wait a little bit longer. Very soon he could shuck this body and enter his new one. Axazel had been generous to hand the commander's body over as a vessel. Yes, Osamu was one step ahead and right where he wanted to be. This body was perfect for regaining his strength. He could feel the tickle of the captain in the back of his conscious every now and then, but there was nothing to worry about. The captain was thoroughly trapped until Osamu saw fit to release him. The Captain-Commander would still have some use after Osamu left his body. However, after he had outlived his usefulness like everyone else; he would die.
==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**19**OEY==OEY**
Hey all so we're winding down to the final chapters. I make no promises about the time these updates will be posted. Thanks for your patience and hope you enjoyed this new chapter.