Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 679
AN: This is kind of a neither here nor there chapter in my opinion… It helps recognize that, yes, Byakuya is still an active captain, but there's other background, I suppose that just helps set the time period. Truthfully the chapter got away from me… Well in any case here it is…
A Kiss for Shelter
Cause and Effect
This was not the first uprising since the 1000 Year Blood War. While the Seireitei proper had taken the majority of the damage during the onslaught, several parts of Rukon had sustained damage and thus was scarred by the events. Grief made for a potent catalyst. The citizens of the Rukon had further lost faith in those that made up the governing body as well as the law enforcement of Soul Society. Their protectors had failed. The unrest was not so unexpected when tempers were still quite sensitive.
The Quincy Invasion had pinpointed the vulnerability of the Gotei; much like Aizen's defection and grand scheme, it highlighted holes in the regime. The fact of the matter, the truth the Central 46 still hesitated to acknowledge, was that no society was without flaw. But most expected more of the afterlife.
Arriving in the Seventy-Six district, Captain Kuchiki surveyed what was left of the riot. His gaze fell on his lieutenant to his right, and lingered as the red-head sidestepped a pick-ax.
The aggressor was swinging wildly, but the damage that might have been done was obvious. However, as ordered, Renji had not drawn his zanpaktou (Byakuya doubted the man would have done so orders or no). The captain had been clear about his division refraining from using their swords. Shinigami-training emphasized the use of one's zanpaktou, but recruits were also taught how to fend off attacks and disarm in other ways.
Byakuya watched as his industrious Second-in-Command snatched the cloth from his own head and in a few swift moves used it to secure the ax, flipping it into his own hands. A small smirk tugged at Byakuya's mouth for a moment.
After he thoroughly chastised his opponent, Renji used the same cloth to secure the big man's arms behind his back.
He dusted off his hands, grumbling as he approached his captain.
"Taichou," He bobbed his head to the man, "From what I understand we're cleanin' house. Few casualties, but for the most part we're good. Been keepin' in touch through hell butterflies."
Byakuya gave a brisk nod, mist-grey eyes still scanning the area, "Good. And my orders?"
"Followed to the letter… Was about to sweep through the rest of the sectors and tidy up."
"Very well. I will accompany you."
They flash-stepped in time. Even disarming opponents coming at them they managed to remain in sync with one another, though Byakuya more often relied on kido while Renji preferred hand-to-hand. From one district to another they assessed, debriefed their men, and corralled the stragglers still intent on rebellion. The two were a well-oiled machine.
Wiping sweat from his brow as he gave the 90th district one more once over Renji finally settled his gaze on his captain.
Byakuya raised a brow at the conflicted frown tugging the other man's mouth downward.
Renji hesitated a moment before speaking slowly, "Taichou- not that I've gotten wind of anything or have seen her, but… you sure… It's just that she stays pretty well informed about what's goin on in the Rukon… You don't suppose Xochitl-san might be…"
Byakuya very nearly scowled, but he simply lifted his chin imperiously, "Impossible. The household guard is under expressed orders. Besides, she is more sensible than to enter this… unrest."
There was a pause before the lieutenant responded with an encouraging, "Mm."
Once Renji had put the thought into his head, though, it couldn't be easily dislodged, buzzing around his consciousness like an insistent and worrisome fly.
She wouldn't be so foolish… would she?
He thought at least he might see Ikarosu throughout, but the boy was noticeably absent. Aside from Renji he was the one individual he might trust to insure Xochitl was not acting on her impulsive nature…
He himself could not shirk his current duty.
The last of his commands dispensed Byakuya turned toward headquarters. But his superior flashstep took him to every district of the Rukon, his heart beating faster moment by moment. As he finally headed towards his home, he did indeed scowl, if only to hide the burgeoning panic.