Rukia leaned against a wall staring out the front window of Kisukes shop. Waiting on the unknown was starting to make her nervous. It had only been thirty minutes since Ichigo had left with her brother, but it seemed like an eternity of lethal possibilities. Everyone in the shop shared her fears. Inaction was starting to grate on them, because they all truly wanted to save Rayna. Anyone that had spent any time with the woman was afraid for her and the state they would find her in, if at all.
Rayna was something more than a Shinigami, or a noble. There was no way to explain it other than to say that Raynas Reiatsu encompassed all the pure emotions of joy and happiness. It was focused in to one very powerful spirit and that was carried by Lady Hirosasuke. Rukia didn't really understand how she was so powerful, she just knew that she needed to be protected. Being caught in the wave of Reiatsu that was emitted by the kings blood was like being wrapped in a state of elation. It explained why desperate creatures where attracted to her. Now, she had faced off against an Arrancar and was wounded and missing. The brunet hoped the situation didn't get more desperate.
In the little time she had spent with the noble woman she had come to really like her. Rayna had a way with people she simply took them as they were. Greeting everyone she met with a smile and on open heart, many had come to regard her highly. Surprisingly, she didn't act like a noble woman, except when she challenged Rukias older brother. The temper she possessed was the product of a passionate nature not a churlish demeanor.
There was also fear for her family. Even though she was an adopted Kuchiki, she felt the honor of that name very deeply. If Rayna died, or was lost while under the protection of their house it would virtually bring the name to ruin. The Kuchiki house would be ostracized by the other noble houses for not being able to perform one of the most honorable duties.
The sweet shop was blanketed in silence. They all worried for the fate of the lady. Rukia looked at the others in the room. Kisuke sat at his table with an untouched cup of tea in front of him. Orihime sat next to him ringing her hands in frustration. The serious looks on their faces seemed out of place on them. Tessai stood at the back of the room, looking like he needed something to do. Renji had abandoned them taking a post outside.
Deciding it best suited her mood to join Renji, Rukia pushed herself off of the wall. The front door banging open froze her in place. Looking up she saw Renji, followed by her brother who was cradling an unconscious Rayna against him.
The state of the woman was shocking and almost grotesque. I thin layer of ice had mixed with the blood and dirt that covered her. Raised dark purple splotches dotted what used to be porcelain skin. That same creamy skin was frozen blue and had started to crack and tear in other places. What used to be vibrant gold streaked auburn hair was now frozen icicles. Her head and arms dangled lifelessly as Byakuya walked past Rukia carrying her and she silently questioned whether the woman was still alive. A slight eye movement was her reassurance, but the situation was still dire.
Orihime stood up and gasped, bringing everyone out of their shock. When she headed for Rayna Kisuke stopped her, "give us time to do our work before you can do yours," he ordered calmly. Stepping in front of Byakuya he directed, "Captain, we have a room ready for her." Leading the way he walked through a doorway in the back of the room, taking the silent noble and Tessai with him.
Rukia looked to Renji for more answers and he simply shook his head as he looking down at her with a grimace. "Captain said I was to wait here for her companion and Ichigo. That's all," he said grimly looking between her and Orihime.
Kisuke led them down a narrow staircase into a dimly lit basement. Turning down a darkened hallway he stopped in front of an open door. "The barrier in here should help." Walking in ahead of them he flipped on a switch and two hanging lamps illuminated the room. There was a hospital bed and several pieces of medical equipment. Kisuke must have felt the need to explain because he said, "it is always best to be prepared."
Walking in, he opened a drawer and pulled out some medical supplies before turning to the bed and stacking several pillows. Looking directly at Byakuya he explained, "Captain I am sorry to burden you with this but, we are going to need your help." Without waiting for a reply he then nodded at the large man on the other side of the bed, "Tessai."
Tessai approached the captain quickly taking Rayna from him. Laying her gently on the bed he began to carefully remove her clothing. "Try and let her have some modesty but it is best for the skin to touch." Kisuke said walking over the Byakuya.
Kisuke faced the stone faced captain without hesitation. Explanation would have to be brief and he hoped the noble wouldn't question him, because they were running out of time. With absolute seriousness he began, "Captain Kuchiki, when Lady Hirosasuke healed you she had to combine a lot of her own Reiatsu with yours. Your are the most recent among us to be touched her, so those remnants she left are the strongest in you. The poison that is killing her is eating her spiritual pressure. Rayna has the ability to cure herself but the wound she sustained has weakened her, and she doesn't have the strength to control her power. It is up to you to call out her Reiatsu with the remnants you carry. Beyond that you're going to have to control her spiritual pressure. The Lady is too weak to control it herself. Unfortunately, you won't be able to manage it for long. So, let us hope that she is capable of drawing it back in once she has released it."
Tessai interrupted, "boss, she's stopped breathin'." He looked up at the two men as he held the now almost nude Rayna. Her appearance had deteriorated. Black holes had begun to appear on her, eating away at her flesh. The blue of her skin had taken on a grey sheen, and black fluid was trickling out of her nose and ears. It was as if she was rotting from the inside.
"Captain we have only seconds, " Kisuke said worriedly. "In order to do this we need to remove any barriers… That means clothing. I apologize for the compromising situation but it must be done."
Byakuya understood, but only because he had had the experience of touching Raynas skin. Silently he removed his scarf, Hiaori, and Kosode, and handed it to the ex captain. Looking up he was almost relieved to note that Rayna had taken on some of the fashion of the real world. Laying in the bed she wore a lace bra and a pair of modern underwear. Silently he walked over to the bed and helped Tessai slid the woman into his lap.
Biting cold burned his flesh as nearly dead woman was placed against him. Tessai draped her across his chest her head falling back on his shoulder. She was stiffing in his arms as the last of her life tried to leave. His honor demanded that she be spared, regardless of the tumultuous feelings she stirred within him. Byakuya closed his eyes to search for the the remnants of her spiritual pressure. It was difficult because he too was now getting cold. Rayna's frozen body was in direct contrast to her spiritual pressure. Remembering what is was like seemed impossible. The only thought he could grasp onto was how drawn to her he had been, what he needed escaped him.
Instead, thoughts of his wife invaded and he couldn't concentrate on anything else "Hisana," he whispered aloud without thinking as memories assailed him. Happiness that he had not felt since before her death filled him. Thoughts of his short marriage no longer caused him pain, instead he cherished them. Realization gripped him, and he opened his eyes looking down at the woman across his lap. That was the gift that Rayna had given him. The devastating loss of his wife had been replaced by memories of their love, because she was able to mend what had been broken. She had done something that not even time could do.
Astounded, he wondered at her abilities and what she was truly capable of. He knew that spiritual pressure was often a byproduct of the person wielding it. Rayna couldn't have such an alluring beautiful Reiatsu unless she was compassionate, virtuous and strong. That was truly why he had been so drawn to her. Being compelled by the noble woman didn't lesson or diminish what he had had with Hisana. It seemed natural because the two were very alike despite outward appearances. The shame would be in denying his feelings. Shaditsukaya had been right he would need more than his honor to save her. Byakuya needed to open himself up to her.
Despite the realization, the feeling of her spiritual pressure eluded him. Instead images of Raynas beautiful face came to mind. Byakuya thought of how her hazel eyes turned to liquid amber when she defied him. Those same eyes flashed sparks of gold when she insulted him. Then there was the strange look of mischevious she got she was up to something. Or how stunningly beautiful she looked when she commanded a noble presence. The image that stayed with him above all was how green hued her eyes were when soft lips and rounded features smiled at him in the morning sun. After that the sensation came. Memories of the first time he felt her presence channeled into the reaction he felt at touching her skin. That brought the memory he needed and he felt the stirrings of her Reiatsu inside himself.
Allowing it to fill him he reached out to Rayna with his power. The tiny ember of her dying soul flickered beckoning him. Spiritual essence overflowed from him, but there was still no response from Rayna. Bending down, he touched his warm cheek to her cold one and ordered in her ear, "it is safe, Rayna. Now, wake up. "
Reiatsu exploded from Rayna, filling the room with beautiful prismatic light while she simultaneously took in a long heavy gasp of breath. Byakuya embraced her tightly, burring is face in the recesses of her neck, closing his eyes against her brilliance. The spiritual pressure she had released was so pure and powerful it was unlike anything he had ever experiences. Her body started convulsing as she took in one labored breath after another. Awed into reverence he continued to hold onto her, trying to quell her shivering.
Spiritual pressure continued to build and push against Byakuya's limits threatening to release itself into the living world. Without her help it would break the barrier and escape drawing the creatures of Hueco Mundo. The temptation to just let it flow through him was almost beyond his control. It was a battle that he was close to losing within himself. Reaching up, he placed a hand on her frozen face. Hazel eyes flew open as he forced her to look at him. "Control your Reiatsu," he commanded and power began to rescind back into them.
As the light around them continued to fade, Byakuya watched base instinct posses her. Clouded eyes held no trace of awareness. The will to survive had taken over and Rayna was purifying herself of the poison. Unaware of her own actions she closed her eyes again and fell into unconsciousness. Still too weak to control her spiritual pressure on her own, it continued to flow between the two.
The sensation of warm blankets covering them reminded Byakuya they were not alone. Tessai stood over them layering them with one heavy blanket after another. Tears filling his eyes. "You did it," he said between sobs.
"That was the hard part, but we still have a long way to go," Kisuke said with relief clearly written on his face. Before walking over to the side of the bed and preparing some medication. "We will keep her..."
He was interrupted by Yarinju bursting into the room. His face pulled tight with emotion. Ignoring the wound that was now bleeding through bandages, he walked over to the bed. Fears alleviated, his face softened at finding Rayna alive. Even if she was half naked in the arms of a man. The situation went against his own propriety. Any other time he would have killed the captain at finding him like this with his lady but he knew why it had been done. Captain Kuchiki had brought her back from deaths grasp.
Because serious healing couldn't be done until the poison had been eradicated, he stepped to her and gently brushed back wet strands of hair. Needing to do something to help, Yarinju pulled a clean cloth from the bedside table and began wiping at the dirt on her face. A sure hand came up and relieved him of the cloth. Looking up at Byakuya, the tired man explained, "she hates to be dirty."
Cognizant of Yarinjus greatly weakened state, Byakuya replied, "I am aware." He took over the duty of cleaning the now sleeping Raynas face.
Tessai rested a gentle hand on the blond mans uninjured shoulder, and he suddenly looked very tired. "The boss has a bed for you next door." Taking one last look at his lady, he felt that she was in the best care possible. Any second now his strength would waver and he did not want to disgrace himself. It was best to heal himself and come back later. Slowly turning he followed the large shop assistant out of the room. He only made it just beyond the door before he fell to his knees.
Kisuke pulled his fan from his pocket, aware that there was much still to be done. "I will send Orihime in to heal the rest of the wounds, but it will have to be done as she cures herself from the toxin. And, I am afraid, it will take some time for her Reiatsu to restore her." Blue eyes surveyed Byakuya, "this should help," he said motioning to a cup on the table. "I will leave her in your capable hands." Turning, he left the room fanning himself.
Carefully, Byakuya continued cleaning away blood and dirt from Rayna's face. Occasionally her features would pull tight with pain, but for the most part she rested comfortable. Labored breathing had steadied into long peaceful breaths and her body no longer shivered uncontrollably. Time and patients would be the best aid for the healing process. He considered her as he wiped away the last of the gore. The stoic noble had come to make a decision where the redhead was concerned. And now, he had even more questions, some of which, were for her alone.
Rayna awoke slowly. Lost in a deep fog, she had to struggle to find consciousness. Sensation was slow to return. Sound was the first sense to penetrate her clouded mind. A soft rushing noise welcomed her. It was steady and soft, like the waves of an ocean. For several long moments, she lost herself in that comfort. As she listened, her sense of touch returned. Wrapped in a pleasant heat, she felt cradled by the soft warmth. Wherever she was, it was a warm comfortable place that felt safe. Resisting the urge to fall back into the dark pools of sleep she focused her mind.
Concentrating with every fiber of her being, Rayna forced her eyes open. Immediately, she regretted the decision as light flooded in. The pain of it started a chain reaction in her body. Cringing away from the bright light her entire body spasmed and throbbed in agony. A weak gasp escaped her as she willed the pain to subside.
"Lay still, you have much healing left to do." Byakuya said in hushed tones. A strong arm tightened around Rayna as a gentle hand came up and brushed through her hair.
Pain started to subside as the reality of her situation hit. The rushing sound under her ear was the reverberation of Byakuya Kuchikis breathing. The soft warmth around her was, in fact, her laying on top of him. One of her arms was draped across him while she rested her head against his chest. Finally and most shocking of all was that she wore little to nothing and she was laying on bare skin. The Captains bare skin.
Fighting against blinding pain she struggled to move again. Muscles screamed in agony as she tried to push herself away. That was when she noticed that her Reiatsu was flowing into him. The captain was controlling a portion of her spiritual pressure. She was awestruck at his power, because Raynas mother was the only one capable of that much control. Concentrating she pulled at her spiritual pressure trying to contain it within herself. It fluctuated, but she didn't have the strength to reign it in. Raynas Reiatsu kept flowing between the two of them.
"Rayna," It was a question, an order, and a gentle whisper meant to offer comfort. Giving up the struggle of both mind and body she tilted her head up to look at him as her eyes finally adjusted to the light. Deep twilight eyes of violet looked back at her unflinching. Rayna had never considered that they would be a dusky violet, to her they always seemed black. Captivated, she couldn't look away.
"It is best you rest," Byakuya said in a quiet tone. Without breaking eye contact he gently traced fingers down the side of her face. Bringing his hand to rest on her chin his thumb brushed over her lips. Shifting he suddenly pulled his hand from her. The spell of the eye contact broke as he looked away. Rayna closed her eyes for a moment and felt something touch her lips. "Drink," he ordered again.
Obeying she opened her mouth as a sweet concoction of honey tea and heavy cream filled her mouth. Rayna drank heartily as the fluid moistened her parched throat. The tea was tepid and it filled and warmed her stomach. When she had finished Byakuya pulled the cup away. Carefully reaching up underneath Rayna he shifted her position. So that she was cradled into him with her head half resting on his shoulder, half nuzzled into his neck. Rayna resisted and her body screamed in pain.
The arm around her tightened. Again, fingers came up to brush hair from her eyes. "Rayna, if you wish to challenge my will, wait until you are healed." Taking his hand away, Byakuya reached down and pulled the blankets up around them. Bringing his fingers back to her chin he tilted her face up to his. "Rest, you will have plenty of time to voice your objections tomorrow." Slowly he moved closer as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Byakuya offered strength, warmth, and comfort. Rayna was no longer able to resist and she relaxed into him. Settling her body next to him she allowed herself to ease into the shelter he offered. Before she fell asleep she whispered softy, "be assured, I will."
Like I said editing to perfection but I am certain that it has errors.. but I think it is better. Background noise included Fullmetal Panic and Pandora radio. I don't own bleach Tite Kubo does. Although I can appreciate HOT guys with Katana's is there anything better really?