Rukia Baby

by

Mojo-licious

Chapter Eleven

- Observations -

Seireitei, twelfth division..

Kurotsuchi Mayuri was seated on his plush leather chair pondering the most recent events. Through his diligence he had managed to deduce the effects of the Red fever and figured out how to avoid it all together. The disease itself targeted those who used specific energy flows to perform the demons arts. To get infected, the user had to be facing one of the specially marked hollows and performing a demon arts spell or attack. The air born virus would then enter the release points of the demons arts user and strike the energy pathways, clogging it and diverting the energy flow towards the organs which in turn caused them to overload and breakdown. The two autopsies conducted on the most recent victims had revealed tattered internal organs that exploded from within, sending both patients to their death. The current and only option to keep those infected, alive, was to treat the pathways and remove the blocks, which meant hours of patient monitoring and hours of careful energy transference. It resulted in keeping the fourth division open all day, every day and Mayuri was pressured by General Yamamoto to find a better solution. The pressure was grating on his nerves and made him more snappish than usual.

For what seemed like the hundredth time he stared at the large screen trying to gauge the molecular structure of the virus. His yellow eyes narrowed in annoyance as he sat waiting for his vice-captain, Kurotsuchi Nemu, to return with the information he had requested. Feeling utterly bored at having to stare at the same screen for half an hour, he turned and sighed wondering how much longer it would be before she turned up.

"NEMUUUU!" he shouted impatiently. Those working behind him paused and quickly reverted their eyes back to their experiments. Their captain was not the easiest person to deal with, especially when he was angry or agitated about something, which he often was. Mayuri's yellow eyes looked around sharply.

"Where is that idiotic girl?" he bellowed. As if on cue the twelfth division doors opened and Nemu entered with a small scroll in hand. All eyes fell onto the two figures as everyone braced themselves for the inevitable.

"Finally! I was starting to think you had gone off with that Quincy boy," Mayuri stated, his eyes falling to the scroll in her hand. A collective sigh of relief was heard in the background before the others diligently went back to work. Unlike other times their captain had refrained from beating their vice-captain. Nemu approached her 'father' and bowed offering him the scroll. Mayuri snatched the item and opened it. His eyes quickly scanned the contents.

"Nemu, is it true that Kuchiki Rukia survived the illness?" he asked curiously.

"Yes.. according to the fourth division vice-captain it was a full recovery though she is now a child," she answered.

"A child you say.." Mayuri stated, pondering the possibilities of such a thing occurring. He recalled Hitsugaya's report and his findings on the adopted noble. There was something between the new breed of hollows and the young girl, that much was certain. Still he needed someway to investigate what the connection was without butting heads with the sixth division captain. Diplomacy was not one of his strong points, yet it was necessary to get his way. He simply needed to experiment on the young noble, take a few samples and run a few tests. He couldn't understand why something so simple was abhorred by the other captains. It certainly made his life more difficult as he had to be calculating in the way he presented his information to run his experiments. Mayuri's eyes brightened as he realized what he could use to disguise his request and get his wish. Standing up, he decided a visit to General Yamamoto was an order. From there things would proceed smoothly and he would get to experiment on the young noble. A grin spread across his face as he made his way across the room.

"Come Nemu we have business to tend to," he commanded and was soon flanked by his vice-captain. The other members of the twelfth division watched as their captain left, wondering yet again what he was up to. The distinct gleam in his eye meant a new subject had been found; it would be a matter of time before they found out who it was.

Underground in a hidden base...

A large screen flickered to life revealing a small form cowering in fear. A pair of red eyes gleamed in the shadows watching the image intensely. Cloaked in the darkness of the cave and seated upon a rigid throne he continued watching the small form. Those breathtaking violet orbs, the fear in them invigorated him as a cruel twisted smile crossed his features.

"Return," he whispered and soon the screen went blank, the reconnaissance hollow reappeared several feet from him with its head bowed. A flick of his wrist had it burnt to ashes, the sight of it having bored him, but the memory of those fearful eyes had him gleaming with anticipation.

"My little dragon.."

"Fear not little one," the being whispered as the screen flickered back to life replaying the image. A close up of the small toddler filled the entire screen as the figure rose.

"We shall be reunited soon enough."

"Very soon my pet.." the voice whispered. The figure turned, walking away from the large screen. Grabbing his cloak he stepped out of his room and into the large hallway of his base. Torches lined the walls lighting the darkened tunnels. The place was a myriad of tunnels and corridors, each looking almost identical to the other. It was built to confuse the enemy as only those living within the walls knew where each and every room was located. He entered a specially designed room, which was of enormous proportions. It was a replica of a coliseum. The doorway opened into an archway, which further led into an open sandy arena. The artificial skies and sunlight lit the area. Traversing the expanse of sand, the figure continued towards the other end of the arena where three large cylindrical tubes stood housing his prisoners. His eyes looked at them in amusement, watching especially as the female captive punched the glass in an attempt to break free. Gold eyes glared at him with hatred.

"Temper, temper," he chastised. Turning his head he noted the calm and serene short haired man who sported an odd green striped hat which was tilted forward to hide his eyes.

The cloaked figure shifted his attention to the final occupant who was shrouded in a specially tinted tube with a device placed around its head.

"I suppose its time you met your counterparts," the figure announced. The sound of metal creaked on the side as one of the many arches opened revealing three figures.

"Meet my latest creation.. Shihouin Yoruichi, Urahara Kisuke and of course Aaroniero Arleri. I suppose they will be your substitutes for a while so as not to raise any suspicions."

The three replacements grinned viciously, their eyes tinting red in the process as they glared at the original forms, who stared at them in surprise. The retired second division ops captain and the previous twelfth division captain turned from their doppelgangers to the doppelganger Arrancar bearing the face of the late Shiba Kaein. Turning their heads they looked at the being in the tinted tube.

Loud thunderous footsteps soon had everyone's attention. The grounds shook picking up dust. A silhouette of a group was seen in the distance. Several moments later ten warriors stood dressed in shinigami robes and black haori's which bore the crest of a large red dragon with jade eyes on the back. The warriors ranged from the exceptionally big to average size, each bearing a katana and each possessing a tattoo of a black dragon on the side of their necks.

"You two," the figure called. The lookalikes, Yoruichi and Urahara stepped up to the figure and bowed slightly.

"I have a mission for you two. Bring me Kuchiki Rukia."

The original versions exchanged glances wondering just how the young noble fit into the scheme of things. As they watched their doppelganger versions flash step away they hoped that Rukia had crossed over to Seireitei as it seemed like the safest place for her.

Seireitei, Sixth division quarters..

Kuchiki Byakuya stepped into the sixth division and put the umbrella beside the entrance. He noted that Rukia was not quite herself as she clung onto him, leaning her head against his chest. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the situation and wondered if she was feeling unwell. She didn't seem sickly or tired. Gently he shifted her in his arms but she remained silent and seemed to curl into a ball.

"Taicho," a figure called out and Byakuya's eyes settled on a youth who had his head bowed.

'Rikichi,' Byakuya recalled mentally, as the youth was often around Renji.

"What is it?" the sixth division captain asked, as the youths gaze fell onto the small form cradled in his arms. It took a few moments for Rikichi to snap out of his daze.

"Ukitake-taicho is in your office T-taicho," he stated while bowing slightly. Byakuya nodded his dismissal and was about to pass the youth when he paused and looked back at him.

"Tell Abarai fuku-taicho to come see me in my office once he returns," Byakuya stated.

"H-hai taicho."

With a nod Byakuya was off. Richiki lifted his head once he saw the man at the end of the corridor. He could never get used to his captain's presence. It was overwhelming at times as just standing next to the powerful noble was a task in itself and he admired his vice-captain greatly for being able to do so. Richiki watched as several of the captain's fan girls gathered in an instant. Before he could escape they pounced on him and soon began drilling him on the chibi form in his arms. With no vice-captain in sight, the group surrounding him grew as he was bombarded with questions. Richiki sighed, life at the sixth division was anything but boring.

Ukitake Jushiro watched as Byakuya entered the office and noted the small curled up toddler in his arms. The older man's eyes regarded the toddler whose behavior seemed to be at odds with the description the fourth division captain had given him. His eyebrows knotted in confusion.

"Is there something you needed Ukitake-taicho?" Byakuya asked, wanting to get on with his report. Ukitake shook his head.

"Nothing immediate, I just wanted to check up on my subordinate," he relayed and Byakuya nodded. Ukitake remained seated while Byakuya waited patiently for the man to leave. The Kuchiki head looked questioningly at the thirteenth division captain, who merely smiled.

"You seem to be in a hurry," the man stated and Byakuya nodded claiming he had reports to finish.

'Perfect,' Ukitake thought.

"Why don't I take Rukia off your hands for a while so you can get your work done?" Ukitake suggested. Byakuya looked down at the small toddler who seemed to take an interest in the thirteenth division captain. With Renji away and his report pending, it seemed like a good alternative. Rukia was part of the thirteenth division, so handing her over to Ukitake didn't seem too problematic. Still there was the question of whether or not she wanted to go with the long haired captain.

"If she wishes it then its fine with me," Byakuya added noting the older man's grin.

Seemingly out of nowhere Ukitake produced a cute pink rabbit plushy.

"Rukia-chan," Ukitake voiced as he placed the rabbit in front of the toddler.

"Will you come to the thirteenth division with me?" the captain asked. If it wasn't for years of practiced etiquette Byakuya, like most people, would have crashed onto his side in shock at seeing his senpai resort to such childish tactics; but the Kuchiki head was anything but average and kept his mask in place. A slight arch in his brow was his response to Ukitake's more playful nature.

Whatever thoughts Byakuya had on the man quickly left at the sound of childish giggles. He noted that Rukia seemed to enjoy Ukitake's act as her mood quickly changed. The toddler giggled at the bunny and then leaned back to look up at him, her violet eyes were bright and filled with happiness. She pointed to the bunny and then giggled as it danced on the table for her.

"Rukia-chan," Ukitake called and Rukia waved her arms excitedly as she bounced up and down on Byakuya's lap. Ukitake's smile widened as he realized he had won her over with his plush toy.

After a few minutes the thirteenth division captain cradled Rukia in his arms and helped her wave her goodbye's to her nii-sama or in Rukia's words her nii-chamaa. Byakuya watched them leave his office and then looked down at his paper work. Though he was diligent in completing his tasks, he found himself distracted. His concern shifted to his step sister and her sudden mood swings. Something had spooked her; that much he was certain of as she had clung onto him tightly losing all interest in her toy. He had remembered Hitsugaya's report which claimed that Rukia could sense the specially marked hollows even before they materialized. The likely hood of her detecting a hollow back then seemed highly probable as he had felt his own senses tingle momentarily alerting him to a presence which suddenly disappeared.

After carefully weighing out his options Byakuya decided to revisit the area, if anything it would at least help him clear his mind and give him the chance to retrieve Rukia's toy. Despite the downpour, the duck he had left behind would make the area easy to find. He stood preparing to leave the room when he heard his vice-captains voice.

"Taicho." Renji entered the office and bowed respectfully to his captain. Byakuya nodded to the man and asked him to remain in the office while he tended to something. Renji complied and watched his captain walk down the corridor. Stepping back into the sixth division office, he suddenly remembered what he had wanted to ask and checked the corridor again only to find it empty. Kuchiki Byakuya had left the premise. A sigh escaped the red head's lips as he wondered if Rukia had been taken to the Kuchiki manor. He grunted as he sat down and abruptly leaned over his desk. A small squeak caught his attention and he pulled out the yellow ducky he had found while walking back from the fourth division. He smiled wondering how Rukia would react to the small toy.

To be Contd…

I redid the last paragraph because I felt Byakuya was a little out of character in the previous version.. I'll explain Ukitake's behavior in next chappie.. tehee.. hope this answers some questions.. Thanks a bunch for the reviews.. it really pushed me to produce this chappie.. hope you enjoy..