Rayna stood opposite Lieutenant Hisagi in the nearly empty training yard at the Kuchiki estate. There was a small audience of onlookers watching them as they squared off against one another. Rayna long ago ceased to pay attention to their presence. The lieutenant had put her through her paces and she was now starting to breathe harder. As she side stepped another blow she brought her Zanpakuto to strike out at him. The blade missed but the kick she landed to his gut connected, as he exhaled sharply.
The impromptu training was welcome exercise. Rayna had not been able to truly work the muscles in her body for more than a week. At first there was protest, but now she could feel the ease of them as they finally moved gracefully according to her will. When the day had started she had never predicted that it would come to a training session. Earlier she could have sworn that Byakuya would send her away.
After the raven haired captain left her bedroom she sat with her knees curled against her lost in deep thought. The suns' rays finally broke into her reverie and she made her way to get dressed. Rayna felt that she had to tell him the truth about her past. The feelings she had for him would not allow for anything less.
Trying to come up with the best way to tell him was impossible. When she had finished washing and dressing herself she came to the conclusion that this was not something that could be planned. The only genuine way to do it was allow her heart to tell its' truth. Rayna knew once he heard what she had to say he would send her away. Not willing to disgrace him, and unable to leave on her own, the saddened noble thought it was best. Admonishing herself for not controlling her passionate nature where the captain was concerned, she headed toward his study.
Rayna waited in the empty room until Byakuya made his appearance. Apprehension filled her as she felt the familiar spiritual pressure approach. Standing in front of the window she looked to the world outside for comfort. There was none to be had. When the captain entered the room he came immediately to stand beside her. Rayna pulled away when she sensed him reach for her.
"Lady Rayna," Byakuya questioned.
Courage failing her, once again, she didn't look up as she said, "Captain, I believe it is best you send me away from your house, because, I find it difficult to leave it willingly." Rayna spoke in a hushed whisper.
"I will not. Nor will I allow you to go against your word. For now you remain under the protection of the Kuchiki name." Byakuya replied barely able to keep the vehemenence from his voice.
"Then you leave me no choice Captain I must leave if only to protect your house." Rayna tried again. "Please, send me away before you know the truth."
"No truth could make me give such an order," Byakuya reasoned.
Turning deep brown eyes on him Rayna said. "You should not speak so lightly. I wish I could tell you that I am an honorable noble suited to your title and class but I am not. I will not bring ruin to the Kuchiki name, and I am too weak to leave you willingly. The order must be given." Unable to keep the quiver from her bottom lip Rayna persisted. "It is best you know the entirety of my disgrace so that you can do what is necessary."
Moving so that she could gaze out at the day and not at the man next to her Rayna started her tale. "As you know when most Shinigami are born they do not have high spirit pressure, it is a trait that grows over time. I was different, when I was born my Reiatsu had already presented itself, and powerfully. My parents decided to keep my existence secret expecting that my power would grow.
"They did not know the extent of my power until the first time I healed a soul." Rayna paused to look at Byakuya, "Yarinju was my mothers' constant servant at the time. He had lost a wife who was pregnant with child and I could sense his suffering. The sorrow and anger he felt was mine to share and heal. I think it is because of that day that he remains with me."
Looking back outside Rayna continued, "Luckily the first time my mother was nearby. Being familiar with the blood line power she was able to shield us from drawing attention. But from that day forward I began to train extensively on how to control my power.
"Until I could control that power on my own my mother had to rein it in with her own Reiatsu." Glancing at Byakuya sideways she pondered out loud. "Strange, that you are the only other person that has ever been able to accept any portion of my spiritual pressure without going into a euphoric coma of sorts." Stopping, Rayna took a moment to consider the oddity of it before she went forward with her explanation.
"For a long time I didn't understand why that power had to be hidden. I didn't realize that not all souls have goodness deep within. Nor did I know that my power would be hunted. I thought that because I could heal a soul I should."
"As I grew older and my power grew, my father went before Central 46 to petition on my behalf. He wanted to train me in private. The council accepted his reasoning. They all felt that I needed to be protected above all. Part of protecting me meant preparing me to face an enemy in battle. So, I was trained as a Shinigami in secret."
"I excelled at it for two reasons. Limitless pure power and because I thought it was a great game. The curriculum my father planned fallowed closely to the ones that are used at the academy. After a time, that meant missions to the living world."
Leaning her head on the window, Rayna looked down at the hand she had unknowingly placed against the glass in front of her. "Every time we went we encountered Hollows. At first they were lower level ones and easily defeated but as time went on they became more powerful."
Tear filled eyes looked to Byakuya. "I know it isn't an excuse, but I just didn't know I was attracting them. I thought I had my power under control and what we encountered was normal. I was such a fool." Facing back to the sun Rayna wiped away an errant tear. "The last mission we encountered a very powerful Hollow with a strange ability."
Byakuya watched as Rayna struggled not just with her sorrow but with confusion. This must be where her memory was erased. There was no real comfort he could give her other than to let her know he was still listening. Taking a step forward, he placed a strong hand in the small of her back.
"I am not certain of all the details. The memory of the battle is very foggy. Yarinju says it was because I fell to my own wounds. I am not so certain. I do know that somehow my father was wounded and a great portion of my Reiatsu was released." Rayna moved to pull away from the man next to her, but the hand on the small of her back wrapped around her waist and held her in place.
Tears streamed down her face when she looked up at him. "It was too much; I had attracted hundreds of Hollows if not more. Even a captain as powerful as my father was unable to handle them because he was wounded. They were so insatiable in there lust for my spiritual pressure. They destroyed everything in their path, even one another to get to it. The only clear memory I have before I succumbed was of my father being torn to pieces in battle as they ate his soul."
The tears that had begun to flow would not stop now matter how hard Rayna tried to blink them back. Finally she brought bother of her hands up and smoothed them over her cheeks in an effort to stop herself from crying openly. "It was my fault. I was so naïve about my power and the dangers of it."
Rayna continued to wipe away tears until they stopped flowing. Eventually she was able to speak with a steady voice so she continued. "The first time I awoke, after I was injured, I was in the 4th division. I have very vague memories of arguments and talking. The second time I awoke I was in prison. It seems that Central 46 held a trial without my presence. Yarinju came and told me I had been given a gift. My existence was to remain secret and they upheld an order of protection unless I was proven a threat."
"That night after I was taken from the prison we got word that my mother had died of a broken heart. As was her right she had stripped me of my name and title. After that we traveled to the living world and lived there unnoticed."
Incapable of holding his gaze any longer and finding it impossible to look away Rayna finished what she had to say. "Unlike you, I am incapable of controlling my emotions they flow freely and are directly tied to my Reiatsu. So here I stand before you with my whirlwind nature, limitless power, and in absolute disgrace. Captain Kuchiki if you truly want to protect your house and your family name you will give the order to send me away."
The silence stretched between them as Byakuya looked into deep dark brown eyes. The look in those eyes was one he never wanted to see again. Bringing up a hand, he brushed away tears with the back of his knuckle before cupping her chin in it. "The order of protection still stands. Rayna, if I had judged you a threat I would have already placed you in prison. Your past does not change my assessment. Unless it is necessary to keep you safe I will not allow you to be separated from me."
Rayna stared deep into his eyes trying to discern his thoughts. All she saw was endless pools of midnight blue as his mouth came down to meet hers. The lips that pressed against hers were tender and meant to offer comfort and reassurance. Excepting it, Rayna was helpless to her own response. Grasping at his Hiaori she gave way to her will and allowed her body to soften into his. Supple lips caressed his as she offered her own solace. When the kiss ended the blue eyed captain looked down at her and said, "Beyond anything else you are a light that burns brightly within me. Your spirit casts away darkness and sorrow that I had long ago become accustomed to. I will not willingly extinguish that light."
For the first time in her life, Rayna was at a loss for words. Using her hands she brushed them up over his muscular chest, across his shoulders and wound them around him. Nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck she breathed in the familiar musk of fresh water. The worry she felt did not subside, but she was helpless to resist the raven haired noble. The whole truth had not swayed him in the slightest. All she could do now is desperately hope that the trust she had placed in him and his power would not be their downfall.
Rayna pulled herself from Byakuya as a servant approached. Using Shunpo she stopped in front of the large book shelf pretending to peruse books.
The servant bowed deeply before addressing Byakuya, "Lord Kuchiki there are several Shinigami in the front garden requesting an audience." The raven haired nobles' only response was a curt glance of recognition.
"Come Lady Rayna, you have guests that must be attended to." Byakuya said to Rayna waiting for her to join him as he walked to the door.
Byakuya led Rayna to an outer garden that she had never been in before. It was full of magnolia trees in full bloom with light pink flowers. The beauty of it was lost on the excited noblewoman. In the midst of the garden stood Captain Kyoraku, Nanao, Rangiku, and Shuuhei. The latter stood holding the hand of Nonu. Runi stood next to them carefully surveying his surroundings. "Nonu, Runi," Rayna cried as she walked quickly toward them arms held out. As she knelt down, the twins jumped into her arms. Pure spiritual pressure flowed into them of its own accord.
When the boys pulled away from her embrace Nonu was the first to talk. "We got to spend the night in a real Gotei 13 division."
Runi chimed in next, "Well at least they think we did." Runi smiled coyly at his own cunning.
"Runi do try not to cause a commotion. You don't want to end up in prison again." Rayna said unable to keep the smile from her lips.
"As if that could keep me," Runi said crossing his arms over his chest. "I was just showing Nonu how to hunt Hollows."
"We were careful, Rayna." Nonu added protecting Runi from his own mischief. "Besides Lieutenant Hisagi said if were good and clever and practice we could go to the academy and be real Shinigami."
"I am certain of it. The worlds beware of two Shinigami such as you," Rayna laughed. Taking the boys hands in her own she stepped forward and brought herself in front of Lieutenant Hisagi. "Lieutenant I offer my most humblest apology on behalf of myself and the children for Runis'… Initiative."
Shuuhei smiled down at the woman. Rangiku and Renji had filled in a lot of the missing pieces about the Lady before him. Nobles such as her were uncommon. Still feeling the sting to his pride from when Rayna had bested him he said, "I cannot accept."
Rangiku now spoke up with a gasp as she punched the tattooed man in the arm, "Shu you shouldn't..."
Interrupting what she was about to say he Shuuhei continued. "I cannot accept until I am offered a rematch on the training field. This time Lady Rayna I will not under estimate you. Only then can I accept your apology."
"Done," Rayna said with a smile as she stood up quickly to face the tattooed lieutenant.
"In that case, Captain Kuchiki we have matters that need to be attended to." Shunsui Kyoraku said to Byakuya as he led Nanao away from the group. The three of them disappeared into the house.
That was how Rayna found herself on a nearby training field. Dodging another blow. Unfortunately, she had missed the sweep of Shuuheis' foot as he kicked her legs out from underneath her. Landing hard on her back, the redhead exhaled deeply before she began to roll away from his continued onslaught. It took several rolls and some clever maneuvering but she finally found her footing just in time to block the blade aimed at her midriff. Perrying she brought her own blade around and aimed for his shoulder. The experienced lieutenant blocked her blade easily and the two continued to face off against one another.
Rangiku, Renji, Nonu, and Runi all stood together on the training field watching the match. Byakuya stood next to Shunsui and Nanao, observing from a nearby terrace. Rayna had a divine grace that flowed as she battled the Lieutenant of the ninth division. It was as if she danced with her Zanpakuto through the confrontation. It was marvelous to watch. Whomever had taught her to use her blade had taken into consideration the Ladies inherent grace and dexterity.
Assessing her weakness quickly Byakuya had come to discover that Rayna did not want to hurt her opponent. Often she chose tactics that were meant to weaken or stun. This was something he had already surmised about the lady. The only other correction he would offer is that her expressions were easily read. When she knew she was about to have the upper hand she would have an all too familiar look of mischievousness. Lieutenant Hisagi quickly caught on and started to guard himself more carefully when he saw that look. Unfortunately, it was a warning it did not give away her intentions and despite being prepared Rayna often broke through the lieutenants defenses.
"Where did she train?" Shunsui asked as mesmerized as the others watching.
"I am not certain. Some with her family some… Maybe the Akarui." Byakuya offered, unsure himself.
"I have not seen her use Kido. The lady has massive amounts of power at her disposal that could only help her. Not that she necessarily needs it. The grace with which she fights is astounding."
"I can only speculate," Byakuya offered still engrossed in the battle on the training field. Rayna had just dodged an attack and had placed some distance between her and her assailant. Lieutenant Hisagi used the distance to his advantage as he uttered a familiar chant and threw a spear at her that turned into several.
Unflinching Rayna dodged and danced around them as if they moved in slow motion. Byakuya noted that she was only slightly out of breath. The last of the threats had been dodged with ease. Rayna countered the attack. Swinging her sword in a fluid motion, she circled it behind her building its power. Calling forth her shikai she aimed the blade at the lieutenant and a white orb exploded from the tip. It headed toward the lieutenant with lightning speed. The surprised lieutenant was able to disperse the light unharmed. But it had taken some doing because Rayna had caught him off guard.
The release of her Shikai also released her spiritual pressure and it could be felt by all. Before Shuuhei could continue Byakuya spoke out, "That will be enough training for today."
Rayna had already known what she had done; the guilty look on her face could not be mistaken. She headed the captains' order and sheathed her Zanpakuto. Hisagi did the same as he stepped toward her. Byakuya watched as the two approached one another out of breath. The dexterity she had was astounding. The observant captain now knew why the Akarui had insisted on placing her here. Rayna needed to exercise more discipline with her control. She also needed to be prepared to kill her enemy. Lieutenant Hisagi had assessed that weakness and tried to draw her out but he was unwilling to offer the incentive needed to push her further.
A subtle cough brought his attention to Rukia who had now come to stand beside him. "Nii-sama, a man awaits an audience in the receiving room. He claims to be from the Hirosasuke house."
Byakuya went into action heading directly toward Rayna. Just before he reached her a blur of movement blocked his path. A figure had appeared with a drawn Zanpakuto. The figure had caught Lieutenant Hisagi off guard and he was now sprawled out on the ground. That same form forced Rayna onto her back and now stood over her, a blade threatening to take her life.
Using Shunpo, Byakuya forced his way between the two. A sure hand had captured the one that had held the ominous blade. Senbonzakura was at the man's' throat as Byakuya stood over Rayna
"Stand down Captain Kuchiki," an angry male voice said. The man raised his face to Byakuya and there could be no mistake about who was now facing him. The man was almost the image of Rayna. "By right of the Hirosasuke name I have come to retrieve Kurirayna Ishume Hirosasuke under charges of treason. It is my right as her brother to issue such order."
The man did not flinch or back away from Byakuya even as he allowed his spiritual pressure to rise. "The head Captain has to approve such a charge and issue the order."
"He will," the man did not back down even as the blade at his throat gleamed menacingly.
"If you intend to harm one under protection of the Kuchiki name without right than I will be forced to kill you boy, do not be foolish," Byakuya ordered.
"Even as Lord of the Kuchiki clan you cannot interfere in other Nobles affairs. I will be taking my sister with me," the man demanded.
"The order of protection goes beyond your capacity to break. I will not repeat myself. If you continue, you will die." Byakuya said this as a second voice interrupted into the conversation.
"I believe you are outnumbered. If you wish to take the Lady you will have to bring your case before the head captain." Shunsui said in a deceptively lazy manner. The Hirosasuke noble now had a second Zanpakuto at his back ready to pierce through to his heart.
Assessing the man, Byakuya had already determined his motives. The Hirosasuke noble was here for revenge. The look of pain and anger was one that he had seen before. The sudden rise in Raynas spiritual pressure caught the raven haired captains' attention. The power of it was so immense it flooded into him and for the briefest moment he stood transfixed by paralyzing euphoria.
"Musagai…" Rayna had come to stand next to Byakuya and was now reaching out a hand toward her twin brother. The anger she felt coming from him was immense. The emotion was an effect from an injured soul that had long been damaged. Helpless, Rayna was unable to stop herself from reacting to it. Stretching out her hand, she could not stop the flow of Reiatsu as it built within.
It was too late to stop Raynas actions. Byakuya recovered from his state of euphoria just in time to place a barrier around them. Knowing it wouldn't hold, he hoped it would be enough to prevent her release from being a beacon.
At that same moment, Shunsui saw the look of love and compassion. Understanding came as he realized the situation was about to go beyond of their control. "Lady NO!" he shouted, but it was too late. When Raynas hand made contact with its intended target, Reiatsu exploded into the four of them with such force it threw them all back breaking through the barrier that Byakuya had placed.
Shunsui recovered only an instant before Byakuya did. "Get her and go I will take care of him." Nodding toward the dumbfounded crowd he commanded, "Lieutenants Hisagi and Abarai get the Hirosasuke lad inside quickly and try not to be seen." The two appeared and lifted up the unconscious noble and left in a blur. "Lieutenant Matsumoto, take the children back to the 9th and keep them hidden."
Shunsui came up behind Byakuya just as he lifted the now unconscious Rayna. "They have grounds to place her in prison. This could be considered an attack on the Hirosasuke house. Where do you plan on taking her?"
Byakuya knew that he could not hide the lady from her family without the help of the Akarui. They would be hunting her in earnest, because they had confirmation she was alive. The new information he had received today had only confirmed what Yarinju had told him. There was a traitor in that house, and now they knew exactly where to find Rayna. There was only one place he could put her that he could keep her safe and satisfy the demands of the Hirosasuke house. "I am taking her to the Sixth division prison."
Sorry this took so long, but I had other projects that ate at my brain. Then there is the whole taking over the world thing... that tends to eat up a lot of my time. And, sorry about the bad editing, I am sure there are errors, so feel free to point them out.
I do not own Bleach Tite Kubo does, I don't seek profit. I just wanted to add a little of my world to his... hehehe and darn it if it isn't tons of fun.
For those that want to be in the know... yeah Rayna has Character stats, which was how she was created, still trying to decide if I am going to publish them at the end of the next chapter.