Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo/Shonen Jump. I do own OC and plot.
Author's Note: Sorry for the late late post, again. I had homework over spring break, and barely had time to write. I already started on the next chapter, and think you guys will enjoy the next pov. Thank you again to those who are reading and commenting this fanfic. It is greatly appreciated. :)
Title: Good News; Bad News: Hisana Pov
'I would never hide anything from you, Hisana.' Suke said looking down at me as he brushed back my bangs. 'As I know you would never hide anything from me, we did make that promise all those years ago. Friends until the end.'
I played that scene over and over again in my head, and each time feeling more guilty. Not once have we withheld information for each other. We believe that best friends shouldn't keep secrets from one another.
I sighed and raised my zanpakuto. The blade gleaned from the moonlight. "I probably should have told him about Ayahiko, huh?"
Probably, My zanpakuto said as I a blasted a wave of spiritual pressure in the open air, causing a strong gust of wind.
" But what if the meeting with Ayahiko wasn't real? For all I know, I could have been another stupid dream." I said aloud as I tend to do during my conversations with my zanpakuto. I did another blast of spiritual pressure into the open air.
I immediately blushed at the thought. Dreaming about Ayahiko, it's not like the thought has crossed my mind. All the girls at the academy were love with him for his charm and keen intellect. And being good looking wasn't a bad feature either, I suppose.
However, the most important question remained:
Do I still love him? Gesshoku asked, her voice dripping with curiosity. Does he still love you?
I stopped in my tracks and looked away. "I-I don't-" Shaking my head, grunted and grasped the helm tighter.. "Nevermind that, let's continue training. I want to fully mature and master our bankai."
We never had a real relationship, Ayahiko and I. Sure, we flirted and had crushes on each other, but I don't think he'd ever loved loved me. His betrayal made that very clear, but when I saw his true self in the dream or whatever it was-the Ayahiko I grew to know and love underneath that cold mask. He looked afraid, which isn't in his vocabulary. He looked lonely, which is impossible because he always had me and Suke. Plus, Kaien to look up to.
I frowned. Kaien. He's another subject I don't like to talk about. Despite my dark past and foreboding future, I vowed on my parents and brother's graves that I will bring honor to the Shiba, Kurosaki, and Kuchiki name. I vowed that I will save all those who are enslaved by the emperor, including those former comrades who have lost their way. And finally, I vowed to myself that I would-no,
"I will become stronger!" I raised my zanpakuto and swung it behind me with one hand. "Getsuga," I rose my spiritual pressure,causing it to manifest and cling onto the blade. "Tenshou!" I screamed, swinging my arm down in a side forward motion in a fast whoosh, sending a crescent shaped beam of silver tinted blue energy into a large rock nearby, crumpling it to dust.
Panting from exhaustion, I smiled at my result, but began to feel dizzy. I started to fall backwards.
Lady Hisana! Gesshoku cried as she slipped through my fingers.
Before I reached the ground, I felt someone catch me. I looked up and saw that it was my Uncle Byakuya.
"Un-" I stopped myself. "Um, I mean, Captain Kuchiki."
He set me down, giving me that frown of disapproval I knew all too well. "You should be resting." His tone was cold.
I noticed he didn't dare use my name and didn't react when I almost called him Uncle. Deep down it sort of pained me to see him not recognize me, but I knew that he and many from this time would not. It comes with the territory of being from the future. I may know everything about him, but he knows nothing about me.
I knelt down to pick up Gesshoku. "Every day the future is being corrupted, and the emperor grows stronger. As we speak, his lackeys are attempting to track my friend and I and knock history off course. My invisibility won't last forever. I must be ready at all times."
"If you do not rest, you'll risk your chances of victory."
"But-" I started to argue, but was cut off by another male voice.
"Captain Kuchiki is right, you must take it easy, young lady." I heard someone say behind us. I turned around and saw the Captains of squad 8, 13, and 10.
"C-captain Kyoraku!" I said, looking at him and those behind him. "T-oshiro? Captain U-ukitake? What are you all doing here?"
Toshiro frowned, crossing his arms. "That's Captain Hitsugaya to you." He said with a glare.
I placed my hand on my head in a nervous gesture. "Sorry, I'm just so used to calling you informally like my father."
Uncle Byakuya face went stern.
"Figures," Toshiro or "Captain Hitsugaya" said. "And to answer your question, we couldn't help but notice your little training exercise on Sokyoku hill."
"That's impossible. Hansuke gave me a device that works like kido. It makes an area invisible-."
"You mean this box?" Captain Ukitake asked, holding a small tech box that was cleaved in two.
He handed it to me. I sighed. Why can't he invent something that's indestructible? "I'm very sorry to have disturbed you all." I gave a formal bow. "Training is important to me and Sokyoku Hill is one of the only places I can train in quite."
"Nonsense, it was very entertaining. You are highly skilled, young lady. " Ukitake said with a smile.
"Oh, I'm not that skilled." I said honestly, but I'm sure they took that as modesty.
"We were hoping to catch a glimpse of your shikai release." Captain Kyoraku said, tipping his sugegasa hat back, revealing his grey eyes and long, wavy brown bang that framed the left side of his face. It was strange seeing him without his left eyepatch.
I glanced away as I sheathed Gesshoku. "My-my zanpakuto's ability is nothing grand. It's shikai and bankai is nothing compared to your, Katen Kyōkotsu and Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū. They're very impressive and unique techniques. In fact, all the captain's bankai and shikai are."
All the captain's faces went still in shock.
"You've seen Captain Kyoraku's, bankai?" Captain Hitsugaya asked.
"Personally? No, but as bedtime stories, my mother and father would tell me your battles and adventures as Soul Reapers." I replied sheepishly.
"Ichigo and-" Hitsugaya began to say as Ukitake said. "Rukia?"
I nodded, but the look on their faces indicated that they didn't come just to see me train. They came looking for me, specially for answers.
I must retreat before they start bombarding me with questions.
"Y-yeah, anyways, I should get going." I started walking backwards, slowly. "Suke is taking way too long time in squad 12 barracks, plus I have to get my backpack that has my belongings from Renji-I mean, Lieutenant Abarai and-" By my second step, my stomach grumbled so loud that stopped in my tracks. I gazed down in horror, then realized that I hadn't eaten since the day before yesterday. Slowly, I tilted my head upwards and flushed even more. "I'm sorry, I haven't eaten since the day before yesterday. Lot's happened since then that I forgot to refuel…"
Captain Kyoraku gave a light laugh. "It's alright, Hisana. No need to get embarrassed."
"I got an idea." Captain Ukitake chimed. "Why don't you all come over for a nice hot cup of tea back in my barracks?"
"I'll take you up on that invitation, Jūshirō." Captain Kyoraku said as he glanced at Captain Hitsugaya and Uncle Byakuya.
"I should be returning back to the world of the living right now with Rangiku," muttered Captain Hitsugaya. "but I suppose I can have one cup."
"Very well," Uncle Byakuya said nonchalantly.
"Well, how about it, Hisana-chan? You can drink tea and refuel as you wait for your friend." Captain Ukitake pressed.
Uncle Byakuya looked at me, obviously wasn't about to take no for an answer. He was probably thinking that if I was truly his niece. I wouldn't rudely say no to a gracious invitation-from a well respected Captain no less.
"It would be an honor, Captain Ukitake." I replied giving the three of them my best smile that covered my nervousness.
"Great!" He replied happily then flash stepped away, following the rest of us.
The thirteen squad barracks was exactly as I remembered it last, expect the captain's office. Captain Ukitake began to set out cushion pillows for us to sit around a small table.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable, while make the tea." He said, warmly as he smiled at all of us then left the room.
I sat down across from Captain Kyoraku with Captain Hitsugaya on my left and Uncle Byakuya to my right. There was an awkward silence between the three of us, so I looked around the office too see the difference between my mother's and the former captain's. The office I knew had more life. My brother's and I drawings and awards were hung on the walls along with family photos. She'd had snowdrop flowers in a vase, and the occasional stuffed rabbit out. Captain Ukitake on the other hand, kept his office nice, neat and fairly traditional. I noticed there were some incense rods in bowls that smelled like Jasmine or Eucalyptus. Two fragrances that are known to have a relaxing presence.
Breaking the silence, Captain Kyoraku cleared his throat. "So, Hisana-chan, how long have you been a Captain?" He asked, as a conversation starter.
Here we go, I thought sitting up straight. I looked away from the incense and sighed. "When you're fighting against someone who controls time and space, you lose track." I replied vaguely.
"This emperor, you-the future gotei 13 have truly no clue to who he really is?" Captain Hitsugaya asked next.
I shook my head. "We've sent numerous squad members into his palace, but few had ever return. Those who did return either had their memories wiped clean or were too frightened to even recall the details. I would have gone and investigated myself, but a certain someone forbade me to volunteer for the task."
Captain Hitsugaya and Kyoraku looked at Uncle Byakuya.
"I'm sure I had a reasonable explanation." Uncle Byakuya said expressionless.
"Oh, you sure did, but that never stopped me in achieving my goal in becoming a captain.." I smirked, recalling the memory of joining what was left of the 13 court guard squad and training until I reached a captain's level.
"If you don't mind me asking, Hisana," Captain Hitsugaya said curiously. "How old are you?"
"How old do you think I am, Captain Hitsugaya?" I replied smiling. "What if I told you I was over three hundred years old." They all went in a shocked expression, and I laughed. "I'm just messing around, I'm not three hundred years old. I was told not to reveal too much about personal futures and whatnot, but I see no harm in telling you all. I'm fourteen years old, about to turn fifteen soon. Hansuke is a year and three months older."
The three Captains blinked and gaped.
"Wow, so young and already achieved a Captain status." I heard Captain Ukitake say as he opened the door then picked up the tray with tea and some snacks. "Your family must be very proud of you."
I tried to put a brave face on, but I can't help it. The memories were so painful. "Yes, very proud or I least I hope so." I said softly, quickly wiping a tear from my right cheek. It got all quiet and awkward again. I could feel Uncle Byakuya's stare on me once more. I shifted in my seat as Captain Ukitake handed me a small cup that had fresh green tea.
"Thank you," I replied and blew on it before I took a sip. My charm bracelet on my wrist jingled with each movement.
"Your partner on this mission, what's his name again?" Captain Ukitake asked.
"Urahara Hansuke," I replied, thankful that the topic had shifted.
"Is he really the son of Yoruichi and Kisuke?" Captain Kyoraku said with disbelief.
I smiled, "Oh yes. He has Mr. Urahara's intellect and sense of humor along with the strength and I-dare-you-to mess-with- me-attitude Miss Yoruichi. He's known as the master of science and shunpo master."
"Is that why you're his betrothed?" Uncle Byakuya stated.
I choked on my tea and flushed red. "Me and Hansuke betrothed?!" I croaked out, still tapping on my chest.
"You are wearing a crescent moon charm on your wrist; a symbol of the shonione clan. No women wears another man's family crest unless otherwise." He pressed.
"Ah, I guess that makes sense. I see the way he looks at you." Captain Ukitake chimed.
"You two make a lovely young couple." Captain Kyoraku added with a smile.
I cleared my throat and slammed the tea cup on the table. "Me and Hansuke are not a couple!" I said to them flustered. At least, I don't think we are. I don't think he even likes me in that way. "I-we've known eachother since we were in diapers! This charm bracelet he made for me." I raised my wrist to show them the silver crescent moon charm. "It's more than just a stylish piece of jewelry-"
Uncle Byakuya raise an eyebrow. "More than a price of jewelry?"
"It's a special device that allows me to decrease my spiritual pressure to nothing along with hiding the lingering time essence from the Kuronosukī. And overall, it's a token of our longlife friendship! Nothing more!"
"The Kuronosukī? What's that?" Captain Hitsugaya questioned, hoping I would give him answers.
"When the emperor took over and created his royal guards, he gave each of them a small fraction of the Kuronosu's power in the form of keys known as 'Kuronosukī'. It allows them to go back in time just once to fix or see into their personal futures. However, he failed to mentioned that a faint odor lingers on you when you travel through time. The odor is like a beacon just screaming, 'look at me I don't belong in this timeframe'."
"And so Hansuke created it, so the emperor or his guards won't find you two."
I nodded and took more sips of my tea. "I have to have it on the most because I'm terrible at concealing my spiritual pressure."
"That you are, Hisana, but it's not your fault. It's genetics." Suke said behind me. I turned around and saw him sitting on the open window frame with my cherry blossom print backpack.
"Suke!" I squeaked, hoping he didn't hear the entire conversation. My heart raced as he hopped down and threw my backpack to me.
I fumbled as I caught it. "How did you know where I was?"
"You serious, Kurosaki?" Suke asked with a smirk. "Are you forgetting who I am to you?" He put a hand over his heart, acting wounded.
I briefly gazed at everyone and Captain Kyoraku was smirking at the two of us. I growled and threw my backpack at his face.
"Of course I didn't forget, you idiot!" I yelled, flustered. "Now, did you find anything? Any leads at all?" I quickly said, changing the subject.
He chuckled as he moved my backpack out of his face. "Good news, bad news situation I'm afraid.. Good news is, I found where the royal lackeys are. They're here in this time steam, probably trying to track us down."
"Thanks to your awesome friendship bracelet, they'll have one hell of a struggle sensing us. " I said glancing back at Captain Kyoraku, who just lifted an eyebrow that said, 'sure you're just 'friends'. "What's the bad news, Suke?" I inquired.
Suke frowned, rubbing his back of his neck with his right hand. He does that when someone's underhanded him. "Before they relocated to the world of the living, they went into Hueco Mundo."
"You don't think…" I stuttered as I took a step back.
"It gets worse," Suke said sternly. "Ayahiko was the one who brought them."
Suke and I said our farewells to the Captain's, and left soul society. Captain Yamamoto personally watched us depart and reminded us that we had exactly a month before he sends someone for a report. We didn't really talk much through the precipice world. After a shock like that, he knew I needed time to wrap my head around. Maybe this was good thing that we knew at least one of the lackeys was him. It gave us the advantage because we knew his strengths and weakness. Perhaps, this was fate giving us-me a chance to save him.
If I could get him to switch sides, we'd have a better chance at defeating the emperor and saving our families. I thought then realized how challenging it looked. Could I really change him?
When we arrived in Karakura Town via senkaimon/hellbutterfly, Suke and I saw his parents waiting for us on the other side.
"Mr. Urahara, Miss Yoruichi, what brings you here?" Suke asked, but by the expression on his father face meant serious trouble.
"Don't you mean, mom and dad." Yoruichi said, folding her arms.
Suke and I froze.
"That's right, kids." Mr. Urahara said, pulling out a red diary from his sleeve. My eyes went wide as I swiftly took off my backpack and opened it to see if that was mine. I searched through all my belongs and found it missing. I shifted my head and glanced up to see him lower his fan, giving us a sly grin. His grey eyes twinkling in the moonlight. "We know everything."