Sorry for the long time since the last update... I had way to many projects going.. then took a devastating blow to my confidence.. By the way not that it really matters, but for those of you that want to know where the OC Rayna came from see the end of the story...
Thanks for the Faves, Reviews and kind words of encouragement.
Tite Kubo owns Bleach, I don't get any money for this.. I just... Well lets face it who doesn't fantasize about Byakuya Kuchiki?
Sorry for any editing errors... I reserve the write to correct any portion of this in the future. Oh, yeah trying to improve my imagery so feedback is much appreciated... Todays' background noise was Ultraviolet, and the calm musical stylings of Vitamin String Quartet.
A misty rain washed over the beautiful private garden outside of Raynas room. The fabric of the borrowed Shihakushou she wore was beginning to dampen. Ignoring the chill that was setting in she stepped underneath a late blooming hibiscus tree. She wanted to take in every sight, smell and sound of the soul society. The sky, though it was overcast with grey, was the most beautiful she had ever seen it. As she looked up through the branches of the Hibiscus tree the red flowers dotted its grey with color. Soft grass tickled against her bare feet and she breathed in the cool stormy autumn air. The slight breeze blew threw her freed hair and dried the tears in the back of her eyes.
It felt as if lifetimes had passed in just mere days, because so much had changed for her. The time of her departure was quickly approaching and she found it harder and harder to fight against the longing to stay. Every time she left a place she felt as if she left a piece of heart behind. There were so many here that she loved, it felt like she was abandoning them. There was a feeling of finality that she couldn't shake.
Yarinju had already arrived to escort her to the Seireitei. Once there, the seal was to be removed and she was to be taken to court. Rayna understood the importance of her transition. Everyone she cared for would risk their lives for her, and she could prevent that by taking away the risk. It was within her power to stop others from dying for her. That was one of the main reasons she had agreed to go to court.
The reports she had read told her that The King had named her kind Tenshiawai and she already knew that she was unusual. Healing souls seemed so easily done, controlling her power was what was difficult. Knowing the ability was rare did not mean it came with complete understanding and now she was even more confused. Questions raged in her mind that had to remain unanswered. Perhaps being at court she could learn to fully understand and control her power so that she could return.
As they often did today, her thoughts finally ended up on one image, Byakuya. The raven haired aristocrat was the second reason she agreed to go to court. Leaving would be much harder because of him. The only consolation she could offer herself was the thought of one day returning to the captain. What she was had robbed them of any peaceful future.
Most of their day together had been spent going over the information that she could share about her family. After relinquishing her duty to him she felt an ease that she could not describe. But, she wanted to arm him with as much information as possible so that he could complete his quest. Reviewing the past brought back many memories most of them happy, and she had shared many of those thoughts with Byakuya.
Raynas mind now mind turned to the past first thinking of Musagai. He was her twin, but he was her exact opposite where she was passionate and stormy, he was calm as still waters. Their relationship was somewhat symbiotic. There were times when nothing could calm the redhead, especially when the sense of soul suffering became too much for her to bare. The male twin was the only one that could comfort her. All he had to do was console her with his voice and she would be held hypnotized in his calm. Their mother had also begun to teach him how to shield and seal her power but the tragedy of their parents' deaths had disrupted it. Wishing she could see him one last time she was forced to leave him again without offering the comfort of a farewell. Rayna hoped the message she had left for him would alleviate any pain she caused.
Then there was Kane, Raynas oldest brother. If the twins resembled their father, then the oldest born was the absolute image of their mother. Stark white hair and pale blue eyes adorned a very regal face. His features were more aristocratic and chiseled than Byakuyas. Being the eldest by about 80 years he was groomed to be a noble since birth. It was from him that the redhead had learned a great deal about nobles and their politics.
Absently Rayna held out a hand and watched rain fall into it, as she reviewed the past. Kane was always so formal and proper. As a child he was always correcting her and her behavior, constantly reminding her of her place as a Hirosasuke. When her power continued to grow he was the first to admonish her when she did not control it. The elder brother was never very close to the twins, but he did take part in raising them as a noble should be raised. His teachings had taught her power of a commanding presence and how to use it. The noble behavior was instilled in her because of his lengthy lessons.
Staring at the darkened sky Rayna almost snorted at the memory of him trying to teach her how to behave in a noble setting. There could be no better teacher than Kane and he always insisted that he would lead the Hirosasuke house to greatness and would not have her dishonor them with indecent impassioned wild behavior.
Pain slashed through her memories, and she shook the rain from her hand wiping it on her moist clothing. Rayna had gone beyond dishonoring him and the family. After she rejected the way of the Shinigami and chose the path of a thief, she had known there would never be a place for her in Kane Hirosasukes clan. As much as she longed to see him again, she knew that he would hold nothing but disdain for her. Even though some of the truth was harsh, it didn't stop her from loving him.
A soft cloak being slid around her shoulders interrupted her train of thought. Looking up she found a pair of intelligent grey eyes looking down at her. "Lord Kuchiki, thought you might be in need of something warmer," a sure voice said. The elderly gentleman that stood next her was one that she had never encountered before. He was slightly taller than her and he looked regal even with his white hair and mustache. The simple grey kimono added to his staunch austere, and the noblewoman realized that this man was a powerful member of the Kuchiki family. "Thank you." Rayna said quietly ahs she pulled the cloak around her and tied it closed.
Soft rain falling was the only noise for a long time then he spoke again. "You are not what I expected in a Tenshiawai." The man said as he stepped closer to her so that he could look down into her face.
Rayna looked at him and earnestly said, "Tenshiawai or not, no one really expects me." The slight smile she offered was her way of extending her friendship.
There was a slight twitch of his mustache before he spoke again. "It is said that your spiritual pressure is unlike any that exist in the soul society but I sense no Reaitsu emanating from you." Elder nobles were always direct; it was something Rayna could appreciate about them.
Breathing out through her nose heavily she said. "No, today you wouldn't, Lord Kuchiki has placed a seal that… er…" Rayna stopped not certain how to explain what had truly taken place. She didn't want the man drawing conclusions based on partial truths.
"I see, so is your Reaitsu dangerous it has to be controlled?" The grey eyed man asked.
"No," Rayna said again, looking away from his scrutiny. She hoped that would end the conversation but she had a sense that it wouldn't.
"Do you deny that you carry the Kings bloodline and that it holds great power?" The elder asked in a gentle but demanding tone.
Rayna looked back up at the grey eyed man and felt trapped. This was a test to assess her. This man was more than he appeared to be and she felt that something important weighed heavily on her answer. Feeling that she could never measure up to whatever he expected she answered truthfully. "I deny that it is my Reiatsu that holds my true power."
"Then where does your true power come from?" The man pushed, scrutinizing her further, he seemed to be analyzing her every gesture.
"It comes from deep within the recesses of my soul," she answered simply holding his gaze. "My true power emanates from what I feel in my heart." Rayna bit at her lower lip, she was unsure how to explain it. Continuing on she said, "even if I had a century to do so I could not explain it." Slowly she raised her hand and placed it on his shoulder. "Perhaps the answer you seek can be found within your own soul." Releasing the tiniest ray of spiritual pressure she watched as he felt it flow throw him. For an instant the stony mask he wore was lost and there were traces of surprise on his face, followed by awe.
When Rayna pulled her hand away she smiled up at him. The noble elder silently looked down at her while the Kuchiki stone mask fell back into place. Folding his hands behind his back he said. "Child you are truly unique, it is a great honor to offer you sanctuary of the Kuchiki name."
"The honor is truly mine." Rayna said somewhat overwhelmed, then became serious. "There is much risk that follows me," she continued because she felt obliged to tell him the rest of the truth. Staring out at the falling rain, she said, "I am afraid that I put your Lord and his house in peril. My Reaitsu is not dangerous, but the ones that seek it are, and have proven to be fatal to those that are near me."
The two fell into silence and Rayna glanced at him trying to discern what he was thinking but the stone mask was still in place. When he held her gaze again he spoke with the reassurance of an authoritative figure, "you should not doubt Lord Kuchikis ability."
Rayna felt flustered she did not mean to imply that Byakuya was weak. She corrected, "I was not implying that I lacked faith in the Captains ability. I simply wish to protect him."
"Hm," was his reply, but there was a world of understanding in that small confirmation and Rayna admonished herself for being so carless. How had such a short conversation revealed so much of her?
Anything else she was about to say was interrupted by Byakuya approaching the two. Dressed in his shihakushō and Hiaori he wore his formal robes and insignia over it. Rayna felt her breath catch as he neared. Emotion filled her and when she looked at him there was no hiding how she felt. The look was an expression for him alone and was her way of silently conveying her feelings for him.
"I will leave you in our Lords care," the elder stated. Rayna became aware of the very public display of affection that was written on her face and tried to hide it by looking away.
Byakuya watched Rayna turn away from his family elder, trying to hide the glorious look on her face. Humor almost touched his own expression, because she was not very good at hiding her emotions. Although, in that brief instant she held his gaze he was elated by the many facetted meaning of that look. Today he had won the last and most important battle with Rayna. With that victory, peace had been the reward for both of them.
Thinking back to this morning he had remembered that defiant look she had as she repeated, "I will not go." This was not a battle that he had been prepared to have and didn't like that it was now being forced upon him. Sighing outwardly he deftly grabbed the sheet she was holding, wrapped her up in it and held her captive in his lap as they both half sat, half lay on the soft futon.
Rayna started to protest but he covered her mouth with his and silenced her with a soft kiss. Forcing himself to pull away he looked deep into her eyes trying to decide how to win the battle. It saddened him to know that despite knowing she loved him and would willingly submit to him, he did not have her complete trust.
"There are things that I must see to." Rayna started and he interrupted her with another kiss. After short moments he felt her body respond to his ministrations and he stopped before he lost himself to passion. "That is not…" the redhead started again as she regained her resolve.
Silencing her with his mouth had become a tactic that he was starting to enjoy. Rayna responded every time he touched her despite her defiance. Ending the last kiss he asked, "is there nothing in you but defiance? Your wish seems to be to continually object to my will." Suddenly he felt exhausted and he could not stop the tone of exasperation that tinged his voice. "War is not place for you."
"I don't want to fight a war." Rayna replied confused.
"We are already fighting one, and the enemy that seeks to destroy us also lusts for power…your power." Before Rayna could protest he leaned in and kissed her again. This time when he pulled back he softened his words by running his hand through the hair at her temple. It flowed in cascading waves of red and gold down her back spilling onto the futon shinning against the stark white of the sheets.
Silently he committed to memory the image of her lying across him with her glorious hair splayed out around them. He used his other hand to tighten the sheet around her. Byakuya needed to make her understand. "I would have the reassurance of your safety. There is only one place that can offer that security and you would deny me that comfort."
Still looking confused, Raynas hazel eyes filled with compassion and love as she looked at him. "I…would give you any comfort you asked for, but do not ask me to relinquish the claim on the traitor that has destroyed my family."
Purposefully, Byakuya allowed the practiced control slip away so that she could see the turmoil deep within him. "Do this for me, Rayna. Go to court, let the King protect you," he said filling his voice with soft emotion.
The dark haired captain was forced to close his eyes momentarily as he watched her split in two. She wanted to trust his power and him. Rayna wanted to give in, but she also wanted to restore the honor of her family. Soft lips trembled when she said, "I need to end the tragedy of the Hirosasuke clan… I need to restore the honor of my parents, my family… and myself."
Releasing the sheet, Byakuya cupped her face. When he opened his eyes again he allowed his emotion to deepen and show on his usually staunch features. "You are truly of noble of the highest quality. Your intent is beyond reproach but… Your father would not want you sacrificing the life that was more precious to him than his own. Despite your intentions…" He had to make her understand the danger she would place herself in. The noble daughter had to understand the risk she would take if she stayed. "Rayna you are hunted, even now. This is best left to others, ones capable of dealing with such treason."
Tears fell down her cheeks as Rayna said, "I need to see an end to this,.. the pain of the past resolved. I need to…"
Raising a finger to her lips he silenced her, just before he gently brushed away the glistening paths beneath her eyes. "I know," he breathed across her lips. There was just enough space between their lips for air and he could feel a quiver as she blew out the breath she held. The scent of spring flowers filled his nostrils and he intoxicated by her essence. There was nothing else he could do to persuade her but tell her of his own fear. Byakuya did the last thing he thought he would ever do in front of Rayna, he showed weakness. Closing his eyes against his pride he breathed, "I need the assurance of your safety."
Byakuya rested his forehead against hers momentarily before he pulled away and opened his eyes. The look that he was greeted with was devastating. Rayna had made up her mind and the decision was clear. Emerald eyes were tinged with orange and flecked with amber.
"Then I, as Tenshiawai and with title and rights that have been bestowed by the king himself, give you the obligations of my honor in my stead. Lord Captain Kuchiki, I abdicate my claim on the traitor amongst the Hirosasuke clan and give you the responsibility." Rayna said with an authoritative whisper just before she pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth.
A wave of delirium consumed Byakuya. The first and last barrier she had set against him had been destroyed. He had finally earned her trust. Joy filled him and the corners of his mouth twitched, hinting at a smile before he said, "then I will abide by the will of a thief."
Raynas expression changed as her eyes glowed with happiness, and musical laughter tickled the walls of her room. It was amazing to watch how quickly she would follow the goodness of her heart and let go of sorrow. Disentangling herself from his grasp she gently cupped his face with her hands and pressed her lips to his. The kiss she gave him was not like any other they had shared. It was full of everything she felt plus it held an offering. Promise whispered in her touch; the promise of absolute trust and love. Byakuya responded with his own pledge, and that was to never betray either.
When she pulled away, Raynas expression had changed again and her eyes glowed with wanting. Fascinated, Byakuya watched as she dexterously removed the sheet that bound her freeing her beautiful naked form. The redhead had an innate self confidence that was intoxicating. Unabashedly she wound her naked body around him and locked her legs behind his waist.
Rayna was innocent and provocative all at once and Byakuyas body began to react to her. Silently she pushed away the trappings that covered his torso and pressed her body into his. Shuddering at the sensation he was welcomed by her supple body. Unable to resist her, he slid his hand down the length of her arms. Velvet skin tickled his palms and fingertips. Trailing them down her back, he brushed them underneath soft hair. The woman on top of him was inviting beyond his ability to resist her. Wrapping his hands around her he pulled her so closely to him he could fill air rush into her lungs.
Caressing her lips up the side of his neck she stopped next to his ear to whisper, "yes, I am a thief." Momentarily she nibbled at his ear lobe before she continued, "a thief that holds title that outweighs your own." Pressing her lips against the corner of his jaw she caused his flesh to tremble. "But, even so… I am yours to command," she purred seductively.
Rolling her on her back, Byakuya pulled away from her long enough to unceremoniously strip himself. After he was free of any constraints he molded his toned body with hers. Cool skin burned against his heat as he was enveloped in its softness. Then he joined them together further as he entered her without warning and the redhead lost her breath to the pleasurable surprise. Trailing his lips down the side for her mouth and along her jaw line he spoke quietly in her ear. "Then there will be no more objections from you."
Dawn broke with them still entwined in one another. Despite their lightened mood they both knew their time was limited. For the two of them it stopped in those moments and they were all that mattered to one another. Now looking into her hazel eyes he felt that same abyss start to swallow him.
Rayna approached him and pressed her cold and shivering body to him. The rain had chilled her despite the cloak she wore. Wrapping his arms around her he allowed his warmth to flow into her. Pleading eyes looked up at him and she said, "I don't want… ask me to stay and I will."
Bringing his face to down, Byakuya gently rested his forehead against hers. Closing his eyes he said. "I would, but I will not risk my light for my pride."
Blinking back tears Rayna said, "then I will not ask again." Closing her own eyes she pressed harder against him as she wound her arms round his neck. Resting her face in the crook of his neck Byakuya felt her breath dance across his skin. "But, know that my soul rests within yours and I will long for it when I am away from you."
The grip around her tightened and he brought his lips to hers. The Kiss he bestowed on her was tender and demanding. Rayna returned the sentiment and drank in the taste, feel and smell of him committing it to memory. Without preamble her Reiatsu exploded from deep within filling them both with her virtuous light, despite the seal she wore. As the rain began to fall harder the two basked in its elation and both began to glow with power.
Yarinju stood in Raynas room silently contemplating the pair outside in the garden. As he watched the couple he was saddened for his charge, and what she now must face. The young woman had become a surrogate daughter to him. It seems that his fate was to perpetually take her away from those that she loved.
Earlier when he had arrived Rayna had welcomed him with open arms. The relief he felt at finding her whole and unharmed was almost staggering, especially after his grief at thinking she had been killed. But, Yarinju had not missed the tinge of sorrow despite her joy at being reunited with him. The loved woman-child knew that it was almost time to leave.
Raynas grandmother had confirmed what he had long ago suspected, she was one of the most powerful Tenshiawai born in over a millennia. This made it even more important to get her to the safety of court. Unfortunately this meant separating her from the captain. Yarinju had allowed them as much time together as possible, because he would be able to accompany Rayna. Separating her from the captain was one more sorrow she would have to endure and he feared for the redhead.
A familiar Kuchiki elder coming into the room interrupted his thoughts. Glancing over, Yarinju silently watched the white haired man take a place next to him. "I thought Tenshiawai didn't' choose one over the rest."
"They don't, which makes what we are witnessing is a miracle," Yarinju confirmed as he leaned heavily on the door frame crossing his arms in front of him.
"Will she be banished for her choice?" the elder asked concerned.
"No, it may even be celebrated. Raynas mother was not Tenshiawai; therefore her choice to marry beneath her was met with political upheaval. The King chose to enforce the banishment as a form of mercy. It was obvious that she deeply loved Captain Hirosasuke and she would have sacrificed that love for her fathers' wishes. The heartbreak would have split her soul and her blood trait would have been lost. I suspect the King got the results he was hoping for, even if he was only just now aware of it."
Yarinju considered the history that had played out long ago that now affected the present. "The King has again had to step in order to preserve the balance. By decree Rayna is only answerable to him and the laws that banished her mother would not apply to her."
"The King is wise and just." The elder paused for a moment before he changed the subject. "I assume you were ordered to find and kill the traitor," the elder inquired without asking.
"Yes, but the recent truth Musagai revealed has changed the situation…how could I?... Though she is not mine by bloodline, she is my child. I will not damage her further by exposing her to more pain." Yarinju confessed as he rubbed a hand over his weary features.
"Does she know?" The familiar friend from long ago asked.
"No," he replied simply.
"She could offer absolute proof and then Gotei 13 could deal with the situation for you." the man continued.
"Yes, and thus exposing her to further sorrow. A portion of the truth nearly drove her to the brink of self destruction…" Yarinju trailed off.
The nobleman simply nodded, "Hm, does Byakuya know?" he asked solemnly.
"He does now," Yarinju sighed outwardly. "I thought it best to prepare him in case Lady Rayna does discover the extent of the truth on her own. Despite her promise to leave without protest she would confront the issue. "
"You know your charge better than any of us I trust your opinion." Silence broke for a moment before the elder changed the subject again. "As long as the traitor is allowed to exist amongst the nobles it will not be safe for her in the soul society. I fear until the likes of Aizen and his followers are dealt with she may always be hunted." The elderly man said expressing his own concerns.
Yarinju fell into a momentary silence, before he offered his own opinion. "I believe she has made the correct decision in a champion and a companion. There is only one penalty that would suffice for what has been done to my Lady and her family. I believe your lord will be swift when the time comes for reparations."
"Then young noble has been damaged beyond her capability to repair his soul?" The elder questioned changing the subject again.
"There is a difference between a damaged soul and a truly corrupted one. Rayna cannot affect the heart that has depravity at its core. She does not truly understand this very basic knowledge. We are warriors so we comprehend it all to well. It is the way of the Tenshiawai; unfortunately, her innocence puts her in a danger that we can't fathom." Yarinju stated with authority.
Trying to end the conversation he continued. "Lady Rayna is one of the last of her kind; protecting her is my only duty. My honor compels me to execute. Even now, I have to fight it. But, I will not risk her life or her soul to bring her eldest brother to justice."
Thanks ever so much for reading...
The idea for Rayna came from the fact that I am a die hard table top RPGer. My favorite game being Dungeon and Dragons (AD&D or 3.5) take your pic I love both.. and when I am not running I am always the rogue of the party... That idea spiraled into something that I thought Byakuyas pride would allow him to have. I have something of myself in all my characters, because I am that kind of writer and they are my fantasies after all. (sorry if this seems shrewish but I felt obliged to explain)... I am not willing to explain the rest but for those that have accused of... plagiarism... (I just vomited in my mouth) know that for every page I publish there are no less then 5 pages of deleted and edited scenes that are disregarded...