Rayna looked down at two pairs of eyes, one set, crystal blue and the other, deep purple. The morning had been very trying and she was tired of indirect answers. After bringing the boys back from their despair she had decided it was time to find out the root cause of the current situation. If Runi had remained true to form she was going to spend the rest of her day making apologies.
"Runi, what did you do?" she asked again. The tone that she now used conveyed her loss of patience. The child just sat in front of her silently.
When Rayna and her new escort had arrived at the 6th divisions' prison, it was to find Renji awaiting them. "Captain Kuchiki said I could release the prisoner to your care," he said his manner formal. As he turned and unlocked the cell block door Rayna rolled her eyes. Clearly the captain had told him about her family name. The heavy door opened and he seemed too contrite to even look at her.
Rayna followed him down a familiar hall lined with cells. "Lieutenant Abarai, I think we are past formalities, don't you? You are the one of three persons that I have had the lack of grace to get drunk in front of. After that modesty and manners are unnecessary don't you think?"
"Renji, you didn't invite me?" Shunsui asked following behind the two a little disappointed. Byakuya had told him a great deal about his charge for today. Not only because the lady needed an escort but because the Captain needed answers. Rayna was a descendant of the Hirosasuke clan kept in secret because she carried the Kings blood trait. The experienced captain had never encountered the blood line before so he was not sure what that meant, but he did agree to protect the girl and make sure her Reiatsu was kept under control. Nanao had been sent to the records hall at the dark haired captains' request. Seeking information was her specialty and Byakuya needed it.
Renji stiffened and kept walking to the end of the cell block. "I am sorry… Ur… Lady…" he stopped talking and rested his hand on his Zanpakuto. When he stopped in front of a cell he just stood silently looking away from Rayna to embarrassed to respond.
Stopping in front of the tattooed redhead, Rayna reached out a hand and gently touched his arm. "It could have been worse, Renji, you didn't wake up where I did the fallowing morning. No one should have to face your captain with a hangover."
As pure happiness filled him his resolve faded and he smiled down at the noble woman. Rukia had said Rayna was different but he had not believed her she was part of the Kuchiki clan after all. Renji was starting to like the girl despite himself, "tell me about it." The smile on his face faded "are you sure you can handle this one? The boy has been…," he fell silent again because there was no nice way to put it.
Rayna removed her hand and turned to survey the scene inside the cell. "I am well aware of Runis'… tendencies." It was hard to keep the shock from her voice. The cell was a disaster. There was no furniture in the cell, but there was food and smashed dishes everywhere. Over in a darkened corner there was a huddled mass. The only sign that it was human was the blond curls that peeked out of the shadows. Rayna could feel the anger and despair coming from him.
"The only one he will let near him is Lieutenant Hisagi. Anyone else he kicks and bites at. We still can't figure out how he managed to start a fire in the cell," Renji offered by way of explanation.
"How long has he been here?" Rayna asked, as she waited for Renji to slide back the bared door.
"Five days," Renji replied, as he slid the cell door open. The truth was hard to tell, and it made the tall lieutenant uncomfortable. The tenderness written on her face told him that the boy was well loved by her.
Rayna flinched inwardly. The children of the house were a responsibility she had taken on and the guilt she felt over abandoning them was almost more than she could stand. Picking her way through broken dishes and piles of food, she came to kneel before the huddled mass.
Reaching out a hand she gently rested it on the Childs' head. The contact sparked her spiritual pressure and a wave of it escaped her before she could control it. The boy looked up with a tear streaked face. Without speaking he flew into her arms. "Runi told me you were dead," he wailed as he clung to her neck desperately.
Shunsui watched the scene with peeked interest. The wave of pressure that he felt go through him was unlike anything he had ever felt before. Nothing could have prepared him for its pure elation. The sensation only lasted as second, but he had a whole new understanding of the Kings blood trait and why Byakuya insisted that he never leave the girls side.
When Renji felt grey eyes on him he just said, "I know, I have already felt it, and that was nothing compared to what it could be." Thinking back on the night they had rescued her from the living world, the wave that was released in Kisukes' shop had stunned them all into silence.
Rayna wrapped her arms around the child and stood carrying him from the cell. Careful, so that she didn't track through food she made her way out of the cell. "I will be back later to clean up after the child. His brother must be seen to first."
Renjis jaw almost dropped. No noble would ever offer to clean up such a mess. With a smile he replied, "that won't be necessary. I can't think of a better punishment and I have a couple of candidates in mind." Closing the door he smiled down at Rayna. Rukia was right she was different.
Nonus condition was not much better. Rayna found him asleep in a crisp hospital bed. When she walked into the room carrying Runi fallowed by Shunsui, Captain Unohana had walked in behind them.
"The boy should not be disturbed," she suggested in her gentle manner. "His condition is delicate and disturbances upset him."
"How is he physically?" Rayna asked as she set Runi down on the end of the bed. Smiling down at him, she ruffled his blond curls in a gesture of reassurance.
"It is not his physical condition that causes his suffering. We have done all we can but time will be needed to cure the rest." Retsu replied trying to reassure the teenage boy that stood in front of her.
"I appreciate your efforts Captain Unohana, but there is more that can be done." Rayna said this as she sat on the edge of Nonus bed. The child roused and as his eyes focused on her he too began to cry. "Rayna," he screeched as he tried to sit up and wrap his arms around her. Rayna met his embrace scooping the child up and resting him in her lap. "I thought the bad boy killed you. He said he had Runi and he was hurt." The sobs that escaped him racked his body with tremors.
It was not uncommon for Nonu to make himself sick with worry, The best cure for his worry was usually Runi, but if the two boys had been separated his state would deteriorate fast. Fear and misery emanated from the dark haired child and Rayna could not hold back her spiritual pressure. It flowed on its own accord into the child. She barely managed to keep it between the two of them.
Retsu was about to use her Kido to scare the boy from the room when the rise in spiritual pressure caught her attention. It was familiar from years long gone by and suddenly she recognized the boy as the Hirosasuke daughter. The new situation was perplexing because many had gone to great pains to hide the girls' existence. Turning surprised eyes to Shunsui she motioned for him to meet her outside.
A short time later Hanataro had come in with some food for the boys and they ate merrily as the world seemed to right itself around them. That was when Rayna had begun to question them about the events that had led up to Runi being placed in prison.
"Runi, don't make me ask you again." Rayna said as she looked down into a round defiant face.
Sitting on the bed next to Nonu, his bravado had returned, and then some. Runi crossed his arms and stuck his chin out at Rayna before he answered. "They said I couldn't go with Nonu. What was I supposed to do? They wanted to take him away."
"I asked you what you did. I am pretty sure I already know why." Rayna admonished bending over to look directly into purple eyes.
"Don't I get any credit for taking a couple of them down first? I knew they would come back." Runi said trying to placate Rayna, "besides, I warned them. I told them if they came back I would make sure they regretted it."
Sighing outwardly Rayna stood back up and looked down at the child. This must have been bad. Whatever it was. Because, as proud as Runi was of what he did he was not willing to fess up. The troublesome boy thought his tactics where clever and bragged about them despite knowing he would get into trouble.
"Runi didn't mean to Rayna. I think he was just scared of the bad boy." Nonu said, speaking up on behalf of his brother.
"I wasn't scared," Runi snorted. "But I bet they were."
"Runi, this is my final warning." Rayna said in her sternest tone as she placed her hands on her hips.
Amazingly the boy did back down a bit. For a second Rayna thought he may even be penitent, but pride washed over his face and he stuck out his lip. "I built a catapult, filled it full of dead rats, set it on fire, and launched it at them."
Twenty minutes later Rayna exited the room very red faced. After she had gotten the entire story from Runi she knew that there were a lot of amends that had to be made. Hopefully she would be able to settle the matter easily. The red head bit her lip doubting it. Fending off flaming dead rats as they hurled through the air was something that could prove difficult to apologize for.
The two captains stood in the middle of a quiet hallway talking. Rayna approached the two as she began to speak. "I don't think Runi will give you any more trouble but it is best to keep the two boys together just in case. Separating them agitates him and makes Nonu unwell. The two share a soul it is cruel to keep them apart." Glancing at both captains she continued in her noble manner. "If possible I would like to apologize to the victims of Runis… er… mischief."
"I am certain that arrangements can be made," Retsu said with her usual half smile. The incident at the house was common gossip. Most who heard, just laughed at the boys' cunning. Even Lieutenant Hisagi had said he hated putting the boy in prison for such a clever tactic.
"I will try and visit them later, but I have a fee…" Rayna trailed off. A desperate calling had gotten her attention.
"Do you need assistance?" Retsu asked noting the tired look on the now familiar womans face.
Rayna stared at a pair of sealed double doors. "What is down that hall?" she asked absently. The misery had started to consume her. Assuming they didn't allow creatures of Hueco Mundo in the hospital wing, the spirit that beckoned was in dire need.
"That is the intensive care unit," Shunsui offered. After the conversation with the medical captain, his interest had been multiplied. It was common knowledge who resided in the intensive care wing. If Rayna did not know then she could sense soul suffering, and her ability went beyond what he had already witnessed.
"Has there been a great disaster?" Rayna asked. The bleakness was so desperate it seemed impossible that it could come from one person.
"No, but there is one that has resided there for some time," Retsu said gently.
Rayna stepped forward without preamble. "May I see?" she asked distractedly. Before either captain could reply she started fallowing the path of the suffering.
Neither captain was about to stop her. Momo Hinamori lay beyond those doors. Her soul had been broken beyond repair. Many feared that every day would be her last. From all they had learned, they both were in silent agreement that this could be the Lieutenants last and only chance. Retsu stepped forward and pressed a button on the wall that opened the double doors.
Without direction, Rayna walked her way through several sterile hallways. The pull of the miserable spirit guided her. Unaware of anything beyond painful sensation, she did not notice the two interested captains following closely behind. When she entered the darkened room she passed by a third white haired captain oblivious to his presence.
"Hey, only authorized persons can come in here," Toushiro said as he started toward the boy. The intrusion into his privacy was unwelcome. The worry he had felt turned sour at the interruption. "I am going to have to ask you to leave," he commanded.
"Captain Hitsugaya, the boy had my permission." Retsu said coming into the room behind Rayna.
Rayna paid no heed to what was transpiring around her, she was so drawn to the dying woman on the bed before her. The dark haired girl was connected to several machines that beeped and whirred around her. The soul inside had been depraved beyond the girls capability to repair it. If the machines had not supported the life of the vessel, it would have just slipped into death. For Rayna it was almost painful.
"What is he doing?" Toshiro asked as he stepped forward to stop the boy.
Shunsui put a hand on the small captains' shoulder to stop him. "Wait, this is something you're gonna' have to see to believe." Anticipation welled within him. Nothing could have prepared him for the spiritual pressure that he had felt pass through him earlier. Explanations would be impossible. This was something that the young captain would have to experience to understand.
Rayna stood over Momo and raised her hand to gently push dark bangs away from her forehead. The skin was cold and clammy as if death had already come. Purposefully she bent down and whispered in the girls' ear, "you have to remember the soul is its own light. Even in its most desperate hour it can illuminate the darkness." With that Rayna placed a second hand on over her heart and let spiritual pressure flow.
"Hey…" Toshiro stopped as the most alluring Reiatsu flowed from the boy. Power exploded into the room as beguiling warmth wrapped itself around him. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever felt before.
Taking Byakuyas warning about the girls' pressure being a beacon, Shunsui was forced to act. Reaching out a hand, he placed the strongest Kido barrier he could summon around the room. Rayna must have sensed it because the Reiatsu rose. Both women before him started to glow with it.
The scene before Captain Unohana was so distracting that she almost didn't notice the trickles of blood that had started to flow from Raynas nose. Understanding came suddenly as she realized that it must damage the woman internally to try and control such power. "Captain Kyoraku," she said in warning.
"I've got it," he replied. Using Shunpo he was behind Rayna ready to pull her off of Momo.
Sensing his presence Rayna chocked out, "it's almost done." The pain of fighting back her power was almost debilitating. Her head throbbed, lungs burned with every breath she took in, and her heart felt as if it was going to burst. The soul of the girl on the bed was responding and it opened to her allowing her to fill and heal it. At first it demanded more but now it was weeping with joy, the healing was almost done. Finally the broken soul sang out with hope and Rayna pulled her Reiatsu back into herself. Feeling drained she stumbled and a pair of sure hands caught her. Dizzy with weakness she collapsed into them and found herself swept up and carried out of the room.
Toshiro watched with wide teal eyes as the boy was taken away by Shunsui. Uncertain of what had just taken place, he looked at Retsu questioningly. The look she gave him was hopeful and reassuring. Machines suddenly went haywire. Rapid beeps and buzzing intruded into their silent conversation. They both looked over at Momo as she started to breathe on her own.
The captain flew into action removing tubes and assessing the Momos condition. The alarms must have alerted others, because the room soon was full of medical officers. Toshiro felt that he had just witnessed a miracle and stood back, allowing the medical staff to welcome his childhood friend back from deaths grasp.
Shunsui almost ran over several Shinigami trying to get Rayna out of the hospital wing discreetly. Once she had finished he had instinctively known it would draw a crowd. Using Shunpo he headed towards the 8th divisions office.
Rayna struggled against the weakness that had over comer her. It was too soon after her injuries to release so much power. Berating herself for being feeble she concentrated on evening out her breathing. What choice did she have? The soul was about to let itself die, she had to intervene. As her heart settled she relaxed into the strong arms that carried her. Exhausted, she couldn't fight against sleep any longer.
"We are almost there little one." Shunsui said taking a downward glance at the lady in his arms. The 8th division office was empty, and Shunsui made his way to the couch carrying Rayna. After placing her comfortably on the couch, he strode over to his desk and pulled out a clean cloth. Walking over to the sleeping lady he knelt down and wiped the blood from her face. "Well done my lady," he whispered before he stood back up and left her to rest.
Rayna stared into endless grey eyes as she moved across the floor with Shunsui Kyoraku. "What use would a captain have for being able to waltz?" she asked teasingly. Soft brown hair brushed against her cheek as he twirled her around the 8th division office. Following his movements, the redhead found him a very practiced and able partner. The two danced together gracefully as he pivoted and twirled her around a desk with ease. There was a soft waltz playing in the background.
"I have less use for fighting than I do for dancing," Shunsui replied staring at the lady held in his arms. Despite wearing the guise of a teenage boy, her beauty could not be mistaken. Although he did have her remove the unattractive black hat that covered lovely golden red hair. The Kuchiki house clothes did little to detract from that beauty, however the white cloak she wore earlier did hide it well. Shunsui was almost envious of Byakuya for having such a delightful creature living under his roof.
"… And even less use for actual work," Nanao chimed in. There was no animosity in her voice toward Rayna just annoyance at her captain. Of course, he would be goofing off while she did all the work.
The information she had compiled for Captain Kuchiki sat on the corner of her desk. It did not offer many more answers, but it did offer proof that Rayna was in very real danger. There was also the question of another traitor amongst their midst. The last file she needed was beyond even her captains' security clearance. However she had the presence of mind to include the file that the Akarui was looking at when she had found him in the records hall. It still boggled her mind that she had actually met someone that only existed in legend, and he seemed so unassuming. If he had not given her his security code she would not have believed it.
Resting her hand on her chin she watched the two glide across the office floor, skirting around a coffee table with agility. It had not taken long for the rumors of Momo Hinamoris miraculous escape from death to filter through the Seireitei. Nanao had come to tell her captain the news. The lieutenant was surprised to find him sitting in his office talking quietly with Captain Hitsugaya. The noblewoman was sleeping peacefully on the couch behind them.
"Have you ever encountered someone with her ability?" Toushiro questioned Shunsui.
"No, but then I have never been in the presence of someone with the royal blood trait before," he answered resting his hands across his stomach.
"How could we not know she lived in the soul society?" the teal eyed captain asked furrowing his brow.
Shunsui sat forward with a rare serious look on his face. "Captain Hitsugaya you ask questions that can't be answered. The Lady is surrounded by secrets and protected by an Akarui. Consider what she did a miracle and let it go. Your questions could put you in danger or even worse, her."
"I just want to thank her." Toushiro sighed as he gave in. The much older Captain was right.
"Ah, Nanao-chan have you come to relieve me of my loneliness?" Shunsui asked her with a wink as he purposefully changed the subject. The whack of the book on his head was expected.
"Captain this is serious. I think the Lady is in real…" Shunsui stood and clapped a hand over her mouth before she could finish.
"Lady Rayna, how nice of you to finally join us. I was just sending Nanao to get you something to eat." Looking back down at his lieutenant he gave her another wink before turning her and literally shoving her toward the door.
"Thank you," Rayna said as she blinked herself awake. The prospect of food made her sit up. "I am not picky," she spurted out as she watched the lieutenant leave. Painful hunger was a side effect of using that much Reiatsu and she needed to replenish her strength so that she could restore herself to normal. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes she stretched and took in a deep breath.
When Nanao had returned it was to find her captain and Rayna sitting at the small table, alone and laughing. Nanao presented her with a large plate of food, which she took gratefully. The redhead started eating in the most undignified manner Nanao had ever seen. It was akin to dinner time at the 11th. When the noblewoman realized what she had done she paused with her cheeks full and said, "anch ew."
Shunsui burst out laughing again. Assuming Rayna would be starving, he did not expect for her to leave all decorum behind in order to satisfy her stomach. "We can always get more." He said grinning down at her.
Rayna swallowed with a loud gulp before speaking. "I am sorry, I am certain that this is not how you intended to spend your day." This time she began to eat with the table manners that had been engrained in her since birth.
"Escorting a beautiful woman is a perfect way to spend my day." Shunsui said as he continued to smile at her.
"It's a good excuse to get out of doing paperwork," Nanao added.
Rayna looked up at the intelligent woman. "I am sorry Lieutenant; I did not mean to burden you further."
"My Lady I did not mean to imply…" Nanao trailed off somewhat embarrassed. Truly she did like Rayna.
"Ah, Nana-chan refers to her Captain. Mores the pity, that she will not enjoy more frivolous activities."
"Humph, If you had your way we would all be dancing around drunkenly with bottles of Sake in our hands."
"Can you think of anyway better to spend the day?" Shunsui countered. From there the conversation spiraled out of control and to Nanaos' annoyance the two ended up waltzing across the floor. Rayna had really tried to resist her captain but Nanao knew how charming he could be and eventually he got his way.
A sudden movement caught her eye and Nanao stood up clearing her throat to get the attention of the others in the room. "Captain Kuchiki…" she trailed off as spiritual pressure filled the room. The look on his face was unreadable but his gaze was directed at the two dancing across the floor.
So it is still painfully cold so hopefully I will get the next chapter done too. I really do hate editing. So if anyone catches and errors let me know.
Todays soundtrack included Tokio Hotel and not much else. The TV was infected with kingdomhearts again, although it is an interesting story.
I do not own Bleach Tite Kubo does. I don't seek profit. I am just doing this to escape the miserable cold.