Rayna quietly picked the lock on the large ornate desk in Byakuyas' study. The dim light outside gave enough reflection for her to see shadows in the room, but not much else. Dexterous fingers didn't need the added use of vision. With a click the lock came open.
There was much to do tonight; it was time to free herself of Gotei 13 and the Hirosasuke name. The final offense against her person had brought out the cunning tactician, and tonight she planned to steal her existence away from all of them.
There was nothing else to think about beyond what needed to be done. The single minded path she chose would not allow for her emotions to interfere or she would succumb to their tidal wave and she would be useless. The ache of the betrayal she felt she buried deep inside along with her noble self. Rayna wanted her freedom from them and that called for the master thief.
After escaping from prison Rayna headed toward one of many cashes she had hidden in the Seireitei. When she had hidden the supplies she never imagined she would be using them against Gotei 13, but then she was never able to predict her own fate. Glad that she had learned many lessons well, the thief was thankful for her own prudence.
Sitting in the overly large uncomfortable chair that belonged to many Kuchiki Lords, Rayna began to rifle through the desk. There had been something comforting and familiar about donning the clothes before her invasion on the Seireitei. Adorned in black pants, a sleeveless black shirt, arm length gauntlets and a wide black scarf to cover her face and hair, she looked nothing like the former noble woman.
Though the clothes were specifically made for her, Rayna still felt exposed at the low cut neckline. However it had its uses too. Women had a natural hiding place that men didn't have. But it was useless if you couldn't easily access what was concealed. Coming prepared for anything, the master thief carried a multitude of tools.
Retrieving a light from the recesses of her cleavage, she turned it on to explore the files in the drawer she had just opened. Mindful that an errant ray or reflection could draw attention she quickly pulled the files stacking them on the desk.
There was a crumpled paper that had been smoothed out lying on the top of the files. Rayna barely stifled the gasp as she read the order that commanded Byakuya to place the 'Shinori' device around her neck. Tears filled her eyes; he had known exactly what the device would do. Included with the order, was information from the research and development area. They had made the device just for her, and the dark haired captain knew all of it before he sealed it around her neck.
Tears fell silently on the paper before her. Fighting hard against raging emotion Rayna slammed the paper down on the table. Without reading anymore details she took all of the files that had reference to her name and stowed them in a pack. This was only part of what she had come for.
Earlier that evening Rayna had invaded the sixth division in search of Shaditsukaya. Easily infiltrated, the thief was surprised to find the secure vault did not hold her Zanpakuto. Confused, she surmised this was the only other place it could be. It had only somewhat irked her because she had to come to the Kuchiki manor anyway, but the visit to the captains division was a waste of precious time she didn't want to spend.
Stilling herself, Rayna carefully searched within, looking for the familiar calling. Careful to keep her power concealed she fallowed Shadistukayas whisper. Stealthily, she fallowed the calling, moving silently through the Kuchiki manor until she found herself in Byakuyas personal chamber. Barely entering the room, she was forced to stop. This is one place she would never invade, not even if invited. It was too personal. As the moon suddenly broke free of the clouds its light fell on a well kept shrine.
A beautiful dark haired woman stared at her from the recesses of the shrine, it was Hisana Kuchiki. The emotion that Rayna had barely contained broke free of its damn and she fell to her knees and silently wept. There was so much pain she could not make sense of it all and the tears fell for what seemed like an eternity. Finally able to move, the overcome woman stepped forward carefully examining the picture of the lovely woman. Gentle purple eyes stared back at her. "I am sorry beyond words Lady Kuchiki. I can never be a Lady of your stature. I am just a dishonored thief. But trust that my true self deeply loves your Lord…despite everything."
Bowing with reverence Rayna was overcame once again. Tears streamed down her face as she removed the golden silk ribbon from her hair. Placing it gently on the altar of Hisana, she fingered the soft silk one last time. Pain contorted into confused misery and she turned away from the shrine.
A quick scan of the room revealed her Zanpakuto sitting neatly on a nearby stand. Grabbing it, Rayna reveled in the feel of the one true thing she could trust. Turning silently Rayna slipped from Byakuyas room and headed for the one she once occupied.
Renji opened a second drawer in the dresser that still held Raynas meager belongings. "Just a couple of wilted flowers and a weird looking wire," he said to Shunsui.
"I believe that's a lock pick." The lazy captain offered as he rifled through a small book of notes and drawings that had been scribbled. "The Lady has an eye for beauty but not much to go on here."
"I don't know what Captain Kuchiki expected us to find here. If the Lady has the power to travel to the living world she is probably already there." Renji said exasperated.
"I agree with Yarinju, she is still here. We just need to intercept her path." Shunsui said as he stood to look out the open door to the beautiful garden. Pondering out loud he said, "we need to see those secured files."
"The Akarui doesn't trust us." Renji started as he went through a third drawer only finding worn out clothing. "I trust him even less," he continued as he unceremoniously slammed the door closed.
"How is Byakuya?" Shunsui asked not moving from the open door.
"Damn near done in by the Akaruis' blade. It only missed his heart by a hairs breath." Renji said standing and placing his hand on his Zanpakuto. "Captain Kuchiki didn't even have time to draw Senbonzakura." Discomforted, Renji scratched the back of his neck. "I have never felt such a menacing power… I mean Raynas is stronger but Yarinju had every intention to kill Captain Kuchiki."
"I am certain the blade hit precisely where it was intended. Why did he attack? The Akarui are only provoked to kill in defense of their charges." Shunsui asked sensing something amiss he made his way toward the open garden. It felt like he was being watched.
"He believed Lady Rayna was dead," Renji answered simply.
"There was nothing you could have done. Yarinju is part of an elite force, with the sole purpose of protecting Lady Rayna. The authority to execute on sight is not only their right but they gifted at it. If he thought his charge had been truly lost I am certain the Seireitei would be littered with bodies." The sensation left and Shunsui turned back to Renji. "The Akarui is right; the Lady is up to something. We need to figure it out before she puts herself in further danger and we lose one of the last Tenshiawai." Sweeping past Renji with his pink kimono drifting behind him, the usually lazy captain left the room. Renji fallowed closely behind.
After hearing that Byakuya had been near death and resided in the fourth division, Rayna didn't stay around to hear any more. With speed she didn't know she possessed she found herself outside the hospital wing. Searching within, she was able to locate a very familiar spiritual pressure. With stealth and dexterity that had been honed into beautiful mastery she found herself perched on the windowsill outside Byakuyas' room.
A quick glance confirmed the room held only the occupant on the bed. Opening the window quietly Rayna stepped lightly down from the ledge and into the crisp hospital room.
Compelled by love, Rayna found herself standing over Byakuya as he lay sleeping in the hospital bed. Pulling back the dark hood that covered her face, took in the sight of him. Attached to numerous wires and tubes he lay shirtless and covered with bandages. His chest glistened with sweat. The dark hair was also moist and his breathing was uneven. The battle hardened body appeared tense and ready to break. It was not an easy rest. Carefully she reached out and ran a hand through soft raven hair, and the noble relaxed at her touch.
The sudden opening of the door forced Rayna to hide herself. The room was thrown into brightness as Captain Unohana entered it.
Coming to stop next to the bed, the gentle captain began assessing her patient. After several checks, she had examined the wound on Byakuyas' chest only to note it was completely healed. The Akarui had astounding powers if he had not intervened the Captain of the sixth may have had a different fate altogether
The observant medical captain had not missed the open window. As Retsu began to write in a chart she said out loud, "the wound could have been fatal but your companion removed any threat before Captain Kuchiki was brought to me. The captain is now healed but we have had to keep him sedated until our work could be done. I believe he intended to come after you." Closing the file she set it back in its place, and began to remove the wires and sensors from the dark haired captain.
"The sedation will wear off in about two hours." Retsu explained as she finished removing all the wires and tubes from the captain on the bed. When her task had been completed she made one last assessment of the patient and headed for the door. Stopping to turn off the light she glanced backward and said, "Captain Kuchiki has not rested well if you can offer assistance he could only benefit from it. We will not be disturbing him again until the medication wears off." After that she left the room in silent darkness.
Rayna unfurled herself from underneath the bed, and came to stand beside Byakuya again. Deftly she removed anything that could cause him additional injury and piled it neatly on the table next to him. Gently she reached out her hand and grasped his hand as she slid into the small bed next to him. Wrapping one arm underneath his she held his hand tightly. The other hand she rested gently across his toned chest so she could feel his heartbeat against her palm. Resting her cheek against his bare shoulder she nestled in beside him as best she could without disturbing him. Strong fingers responded by tightening around hers.
Tears began to build as Rayna let go of all her dark emotions. The anger she felt at his betrayal melted away and she was left with nothing but deep and binding love.
The day had come when Byakuya had chosen his honor and duty over her. Rayna had known all along once she no longer fit into that world he would be abandon her. She just didn't expect him to use such harsh methods. The heartbreaking part of it was that her love for him is what had saved her soul.
Once the device started eating its way through her Reiatsu Rayna was helpless to fight against it. She had remained trapped in emptiness for a long time. There was an unusual sensation, as a slight touch stirred a tiny ember within her. Drawn toward the tiny light she focused on it. The tiny ember that fought against the consuming darkness was the love that she held for Byakuya. The device couldn't take it because it wasn't hers to give. The ember belonged to the apathetic noble, because she had already bestowed that portion of her soul on him.
Instead of resisting the device she fed the remainder of her power into that tiny ember, and it flared into a bright flame. The pureness and euphoria of it far out exceeded any power that she possessed and it spread through her quickly. The flame filled her with brilliant light and Rayna hid all the portions of her soul deep within it.
It took some time after that for her to regain her mental facilities, and even more time to plot her escape. Rayna knew Byakuya was there the whole time, but that didn't lesson the pain of his betrayal. The anger she felt was at his rejecting something beautiful that only she could give and all for the sake of his honor.
As she lay there beside him, Byakuya was the only thing that existed. Looking over at the dark haired figure, Rayna watched him sleep peacefully. Brushing her had across his skin she gently dragged her fingers up his chest. Tracing them over the path of his neck she gently stroked the chiseled jaw line. Resting her arm across his shoulder, she lightly combed through his soft dark hair. Never once did he stir at her actions and his breathing seemed to deepen.
Time passed quickly and Byakuya started to resist the drugs. A flutter of eyelid or a jerky hand movement told Rayna he was about to wake. Carefully she extricated herself from him, stood and redressed. The man on the bed tensed and his breathing became uneven and shallow, worsened by the fact that the sedation was wearing off.
Bending over him Rayna softly cupped his face between her hands and touched her lips to his. Byakuya stilled at her touch. The perceptive woman felt the slightest of responses before she pulled her mouth away. Brushing one hand over his mouth she bent down and spoke softly into Byakuyas ear. "Rest easy and regain your strength captain. You are going to need it if you intend to catch me." With a whisper of fabric she disappeared through the open window.
On the bed dark eyes flickered open, as Byakuya came into full awareness. Sitting up he surveyed the empty room. Bringing a hand to his head he ran it through tussled locks. As his mind began to sharpen he heard Raynas words echo in his brain. Staring intently at the hand the she had held, he said. "You are foolish to think you can evade me. The next time I catch you there will be no escaping."
Byakuya stood in his study reading the report that Renji had just handed him. "Captain the 12th is also reporting a theft. The plans for the 'Shinori' device have been stolen and all research has been destroyed."
"What else?" Byakuya asked as comprehension came. Rayna was eradicating her existence from the Seireitei. If he had truly thought about it he would have been able to predict her next move, and intercepted her. Only just arriving from his division he was still taking stock of his own house.
After waking from his injury he quickly dressed and started his search for the auburn haired noble. All efforts were fruitless, even as reports of break-ins and thefts came in.
"Her room has been cleaned out. Nothing is left." Renji said in a matter of fact tone. "And, Nanao reports that several secured files are missing. I thought those files were impossible to access?" The tall lieutenant asked somewhat awed. Lady Rayna had come and gone through most of the Gotei 13 at will and absolutely unnoticed.
Suddenly Byakuya put down the paper and disappeared. Somewhat appalled at himself for not thinking of it sooner he headed for his chambers. Suspicions confirmed he stood in front of the empty rack that had held Raynas Zanpakuto. The intention was clear; she was not only leaving but taking any trace of her existence with her. The longer they took to catch her, the harder it would be. The disturbing part is that they were not the only ones looking.
As Byakuya turned to leave, a golden glow caught his eye as something fluttered to the floor in front of Hisanas' picture. Silently walking over he found the golden crested ribbon that had once adorned Raynas hair. Picking it up, he gently fingered the fine silk.
Unusual sensation invaded into him and he felt a strange Reiatsu calling to him. Shaditsukaya had a very powerful and distinctive spiritual pressure and it felt as if the Zanpakuto was crying. Though it was mean for her protection, the ribbon now gave the Captain a means to track Rayna.
Reaching out he gently touched his wifes' picture. Somehow from beyond death Hisana had compelled Rayna, and she had left a piece of herself behind. "Thank you," he whispered softly. The calling got stronger and more urgent. Something was very wrong. The Shunpo master disappeared with a blur.
Rayna sat in the deep recesses of a cavern that she had found long ago. The trickle of flowing water tinkled and echoed through the cave. An old lantern was lit and hanging from a hook nailed into the wall. Shadows cascaded in dark blue and black. The woman had long ago ceased to pay attention to anything but the files that surrounded her. There in front of her in cold black and white was almost her entire life. Except the years she had spent with Yarinju, everything else was there.
One file sat open facing her. Rereading the same sentence over and over again her mind would not let her go further. 'Captain Keigo Hirosasuke was mortally wounded by his daughter known as Kurirayna Ishume Hirosasuke, before he entered into battle with the Hollows.' Every other thought left Rayna as she tried to grasp onto what was being stated in the report. The truth was in black and white in front of her and the memory still eluded her.
Concentrating harder she reviewed that day over and over again in careful, painful slow motion. Then it was there. The feeling of piercing the flesh of her father started a chain reaction that unlocked memories that had been concealed. The visions exploded with such clarity she was almost sick from it.
The memory took on a life of its own and suddenly that was all there was. Rayna felt her fathers' warm hand wrap around hers as the blade cut cleanly through him. Looking down she found her hands covered in blood, his blood. It trickled down the front of her and splattered to the floor.
Unable to move or even scream, she just stared at her bloodied hands as she began to rock back and forth. The sensation of running her blade through her father would not leave her and the blood on her hands was evidence that she was the one that killed the beloved man. Again the scene played in her head as she felt his warm loving hand cover hers, she plunged her blade deep into his chest. The worst kind of hell took over Raynas mind as she was forced to watch herself thrust her Zanpakuto into him over and over.
Byakuya fallowed the Reiatsu of the Zanpakuto deep into an empty cave in the Rukongai mountains. Ignoring the drabness of it, he found himself in a dimly lit cavern. The cavern was open and held a small bed roll as well as a small chest. The only thing that held his attention was Rayna, half sitting half crouching on the floor. Unable to see her face because she had her hands covering it he approached her carefully.
"Lady Hirosasuke," he half questioned half ordered. The files that she had stolen were scattered all around her. Making his way through them he reached down and touched the auburn hair.
The figure on the floor exploded with a flash of metal as she struck out with her Zanpakuto. "You all knew…," she screeched with another thrust with the blade. "Why not execution?...," again she said coming at him. "Because you thought you could steal or control my power… It didn't work did it?" As Rayna spoke she came at him with a fierceness he had never seen in her.
Byakuya pulled his Zanpakuto and his heart sank, even in the dim light of the cave he could tell that Rayna had been given over to madness. Whatever had been in those files was beyond her realms of coping. The reverberating sound of metal hitting metal echoed through the cave as the woman across from him acted upon her insanity.
Not intending to hurt Rayna, Byakuya only used his blade defensively until he could find an opening. The intention was to disarm her, beyond that he would have to find a way to reach beyond the madness.
Rayna screamed as she struck out again and again. "Am I so disdained that I am not worthy to die by your blade?" Several more strikes assailed Byakuya with astounding speed. The grace that he knew she possessed was lost to the chaos of her mind. The captain prepared to imprison her in his kido. Then Senbonzakura echoed in his head 'I cannot keep her at bay any longer, prepare yourself.'
Before Byakuya had time to question his Zanpakuto, his blade hit against Raynas again and a Reiatsu exploded from the contact. The two combatants were wrapped in a pure golden light. The power of it was so penetrating that Byakuya could barely keep his eyes open as it engulfed him.
The golden light was so encompassing for a moment that Byakuya could not see beyond it. Slowly it began to change and he was caught off guard by the feeling of being transported. When the light faded he found himself unfamiliar surroundings.
The first thing he saw, as his vision cleared, was a Sakura tree sprinkling golden petals down on him. The Reiatsu that had swallowed him continued to dim and the lord was awed by where he found himself. The most glorious of gardens had exploded into endless beauty. Trees of all kinds sprinkled golden petals across the decorated terrain. A soft breeze brushed past and waves of color assailed him as flowers of every imaginable shape and hue danced pleyfully. The scent of Rayna was everywhere in the air, it permeated with the fresh sweet smell of spring.
Looking up Byakuya found himself faced with a tremendous sky. Both sun and moon shown down on the garden, even as grey and white clouds dotted the multi faceted horizon. At times there where rain drops intermingles with white snowflakes. Reaching out his hand Byakuya watched one of the soft golden white flakes land and melt at his touch. Raynas' inner world was true beauty and it reflected not only pure spirit but the mixture of passions that she carried.
"Shinigami Lord," a melodic female voice broke into his awe and he looked to see the manifestation of Raynas Zanpakuto standing next to him. The scales of the golden unicorn glistened in the sun as her great white main flowed behindher.
Offering a formal reverent, but slight bow, Byakuya addressed the great beast, "Shaditsukaya Genkae Akemiharu."
"I am impressed such a powerful lord remembers my name." The beast said leveling golden eyes on him. Twitching its great white main it said, "walk with me."
Despite the direct order Byakuya was compelled beyond reason, and he fell into step beside the unicorn silently.
"Do you know what Tenshiawai are, Shinigami?"
"Angel of light," Byakuya replied knowing the literal translation.
"Yes that is the title given by the king but do you know what they are?" One golden eye stared at Byakuya and he remained silent. The only thing he knew for certain was that he didn't understand Raynas power. "At least you are no fool," the beast said next to him.
Walking several more steps the Qirin spoke with a soft lilting voice. "There is one virtue, beyond all others, that is so powerful that it has the capacity to go beyond mere thought and become tangible. The element that is created becomes spirit and forms into life. Tenshiawai are the result. They have pure absolute limitless power, because of what they are. Despite my mistresses passionate disposition she is a construct of that virtue."
Shaditsukaya stopped speaking so that her words could penetrate. The two continued to walk silently. Byakuya could not tell if it was seconds or days before she spoke again.
"If you understand the creation then you can come to know why she is hunted. Desperate souls are attracted to my mistress because of what she is. They crave what they have lost. It is the malevolent ones that pose the greatest threat, because there is no concept of virtue. The seek power for the sake of power. What they do not know is, her power cannot be contained or controlled." The horse breathed heavily as it continued. "What would a truly corrupt being do with a greater power that they could not utilize?"
Absolute understanding came to Byakuya as he said, "destroy it."
Turning her head sideways to stare at Byakuya Shaditsukaya said, "Then you understand better than I expected." Stopping at the top of the slope the creature turned its head and looked down, "but, she does not."
Down at the bottom of the valley sat Rayna. She was wearing a flowing yellow dress that blew in the breeze all around her. Golden streaked hair was streaming behind her in the wind as she gazed into a dark pond.
"My lady has never known hatred, despair or vengeance. She does not know what it feels like to want to cause pain." Shaditsukaya started walking down toward Rayna.
"If she ever were to succumb to those darker expressions Kuriraynas' soul would be split, her power would be corrupt, and I would no longer exist. Those that seek her power may yet still corrupt her. Come Shinigami, I will show you what threatens my world."
Silently the two approached the figure of Rayna as she gazed into a pool of black water. The Qirin stepped out ahead of Byakuya as he came to a stop before her. The auburn haired woman didn't move, dark brown eyes were held captive in the reflection of the pool. The expression was the same one she had worn when she attacked Byakuya.
"You have seen the reflections of madness, her soul continues to tear even now. Shinigami, I cannot reach her. It is time for her to remember, but her fear has taken her hostage. What she needs is a warrior that will protect her, even from herself." The Zanpakuto nuzzled Raynas hair. There was no response and Shaditsukaya stepped away as if she was in pain.
Crouching down next to Rayna, Byakuya wrapped one arm around her and cupped her face and forced brown eyes to gaze into his. For a long moment they remained unseeing, then captain released his Reiatsu. Tiny specks of emerald flickered for an instant. Standing he forced the noble to stand with him not allowing her gaze to return to the black pool.
Strong winds started to blow around them. Byakuya never took his gaze from hers but he could see beyond Rayna as her inner world started to die. Flowers were wilting and trees began to turn black. The rain and snow dried up as the sun and moon were covered by blood red clouds.
"Hurry Shinigami," Shaditsukaya' strained voice spoke out.
Preparing himself for battle Byakuya wrapped both arms around Rayna and pulled her tightly to him. Struggling against him, the mute woman turned a terrified gaze back to the black pool. "Rayna, trust my power," it was a command, a question, and a gift. When she stilled against him Byakuya took advantage and plunged them both into the blackened waters.
I am so sorry this took so long to update... Had way too much going on and this was important, so I had to get it just right... I really wanted the good romantic cheese...
As for Rayna, her character was created after an idea came to me. Using that idea... I ever the geek created stats for her using a standard RPG gaming format.
Kurirayna Ishume Hirosasuke.
height, 5 foot 8 inches.
Weight, 125 pounds.. (yes she is curvy)
Hair color, a coppery auburn with golden streaks
Eye color, Hazel depending on mood.
Favorite pastimes, include being outside communing with nature, playing games, music and dancing (of all kinds), and books.
Theme some would be 'Passion' by Utada Hikaru
Rayna does not feel negative emotions about others, though she is sometimes quick to be angry at their actions she is also quick to forgive them. She doesn't place expectations on people, and believes that deep down all can be influenced by goodness. Beyond that she gets bored easily and has a knack for mischief and trouble. Because of her nature, she chose to train as a thief, she doesn't really like to steal and only does so out of necessity. However she is a master thief because she found it a challenging game. Despite being continually pushed she will always reject the way of the Shinigami, because it does not suit her.
Tite Kubo owns Bleach not me, I don't have that kind of artistic talent. So, we all know as writers that we base our characters on real people, who do you think Byakuya Kuchiki is based on? I have contemplated this for a long time and have come to one conclusion.... I wonder if others will too.