This is just one of two, sorry it took so long to update but both chapters had to come together, you'll see why. Oh and did I tell you I am a die hard romantic... Tito Kubo owns Bleach, not me. I am not nearly that cool. Today's back ground noise included whatever pandora played for me and "in Plain sight," totally crushing on Marshal. (it is sad that I pick my TV according to guy hotness, come to think of it is there any other way to do it?
"Sorrow and Hope"
"What do you mean Tenshiawai can't wield a Zanpakuto? Rayna had one and... I though she was..." Rukia said with a startled confused expression.
"She was, and one of the most powerful born in quit some time," Shunsui confirmed sitting next to Joshiro. "But their spirit energy is so pure it usually refuses to take the form of a weapon," the languid captian continued as he sipped his Sake.
"Then how?," Rukia asked looking at the two men. The low table in her captain quarters was host to a informal tea.
"Rayna's mother and father used a signet to seal that power into a form the lady could conceal. Normally Tenshiawai have soul companions that can manifest at will, because they are the extension of their masters. Usually they are beautiful and gentle creatures that help their masters find ones that are in need." Joshiro explained as he sipped a glass of tea. "You don't find a Tenshiawai without their manifested spirits. Rayna's parents hid her companion in a different form, one that was meant to protect her. "
"So they made her soul companion to into a Zanpakuto," Renji pondered out loud, thinking it was cruel. "And, forced Rayna to become a Shinigami," he asked from his place next to Rukia.
"No, it was a fail safe meant to protect her. Tenshiawai cannot kill. Up until now not even the Akarui were aware of this. The warrior spirit in the seal changed the soul companion so that it would protect Rayna, even if it had to kill for her. It had to be capable of doing something she could not." Nanao explained pushing up her glasses.
"Did Keigo and Hiran suspect Kane?" Rukia asked.
"Not at first, but they did once he was placed in Aizen's division," Nanao enlightened. Rifling through the report in her hand, she read several pages before she continued. "It seems the oldest Hirosasuke lad had no talent as a Shinigami. I am willing to bet he only achieved rank so that Aizen could have access to Rayna and information on her."
"I hope we have seen the last of Aizen's treachury," Joshiro said trying to end the discussion. It had been three weeks since Rayna's demise. News of the existence and death of a Tenshiawai had spread like wildfire. A wave of sadness followed that news. The entire Seireitei seemed to have a strange sense of defeated spirit. It was as if it had not quit raining for months and the gloom was affecting everyone. Aizen was still winning battles that they didn't even know they were fighting.
"I have to go," Rukia suddenly said as she stood up. Brushing imaginary dirt from her formal dark purple Kimono, she smiled a somewhat embarrassed smile at the crowd watching her. "A meeting of the four nobles has been called and I am required to attend," she explained.
"I thought this might happen," Joshiro said shaking his head.
"What," Renji asked.
"Well, a 'true first' noble allowed a Tenshiawai to be killed under his protection. They will demand punishment," Joshiro enlightened.
"You mean they are going to... to the... Captain Kuchiki," Renji looked around wide eyed. Everyone bowed there heads unable to look at him. Standing up he grabbed for the hilt of his Zanpakuto, "those gutter snakes... Maybe they should get acquainted with a..."
"Renji it is OK, Nii-sama expected this," Rukia tried to sooth him. Despite her own fears, she smiled up at him with reassurance. "They may only want to berate him for what happened in Hueco Mundo."
"Not likely," Shunsui chimed in. "And, it is sad really, Byakuya has suffered more than any of us at her loss."
"Shunsui," Joshiro admonished.
"Well, maybe she can help, before he kills his entire division with training." Shunsui said, setting his cup of sake down on the low table in front of him.
"Captain just wants us to be ready for the winter war," Renji said with a proud grin. Bandages peeked through the folds of his Shihakusho.
"And his unit is reporting more injuries than the 11th. Doesn't that seem odd to you?" Shunsui asked looking directly at Rukia.
Suddenly Rukia understood all to clearly, "Yeah, it does." Patting Renji on the hand she smiled at him half heatedly before she turned and left.
Byakuya stood in his garden watching the coy swim around the pond playfully. Nothing seemed tranquil or beautiful any more. The whole world was vacant and empty, he was vacant and empty. Fate had given him two women to share his heart with, and he failed to protect both of them. Despite everything he was, he could not stop Hisana from dying of a broken heart. And, even the power of a captain had not been enough to protect Rayna. He had failed as a noble, as a captain, and as a man.
Clenching his fists at his sides he closed his eyes, trying to shut out everything. Emerald hues filled with love and fading into death, relentlessly haunted him. It was all he could see, it was all he could feel and it was all that he had left. His treasured memories of Rayna were swallowed by her broken and bleeding body, dying in the dirt of the Rukongai. Setting his jaw he forced himself to focus on the colorful coy. The red and white fish were less tormenting then the reflection of faded emerald eyes.
A familiar presence came to stand behind him, forcing him to the present. "Nii-sama," Rukia questioned softly. Turning his head he looked at her over his shoulder. The reflection of Hisana stood behind him reminding him of his own weakness, and he had to look away.
"It is time to go," Rukia said trying to smile.
"I am aware," Byakuya replied as he turned and headed toward the manner. Still, he couldn't look at her. The white formal Haori he wore gently blew behind him as he passed Rukia's small from.
Rukia had noticed the way Byakuya had gone back to his former self. He rarely ever glanced her way. At first she thought was because of the pending forced disgrace of the family, but now she understood better. Gathering her courage she ran to catch up to him. "Nii-Sama, I miss Lady Rayna too," she said sympathetically.
There was no sign that he had heard her, because the stone mask was so firmly in place. Bowing her head she didn't know what else she could do to try and comfort him, especially if he would not allow it. A slight touch on her shoulder made her look up at him. For an instant his expression seemed stormy and lost, but it was there and gone so fast she thought she imagined it. "Come Rukia," was all he said as he continued to walk next to her. Uncharacteristically, they walked the entire way to the formal noble meeting chambers. Byakuya didn't say anything else but silently seemed to be grateful for her presence.
The council room was a large square room with brightly polished floors and crisp white walls. It was a formal meeting hall, that had been split into four separate sections. Elegant chairs were neatly arranged on raised platforms that faced a central floor below in the center of the room. The area in front of of those compartments was reserved for each of the four noble houses. The back segments reserved for the lesser nobles. Rukia sat quietly watching the room fill with the upper class of the soul society. The only empty space was the chairs reserved for the Hirosasuke clan. A respectable period of morning would be allowed for them, it was doubtful that any of their clan would put in an appearance today.
The closing of large wooden doors signified the start of the meeting and hushes whispers died into silence. Formal introductions and pleasantries where exchanged as each of the high nobles present was recognized. Then a large lesser noble quietly made his way to the center of the room. The rotund man was clearly greedy for position but, he was just one of many that hoped to replace the Kuchiki house in their standing. Glancing around the room Rukia was reminded of vultures sharpening their beaks before eating at a dead carcass. It made her stomach hurt to see the open animosity on their faces and it was clearly directed at her brother. Glancing up at him, she noted he was the same stony paragon. His expression was blank and unreadable.
Folding his hands in front of him, the large balding lord started to speak, "Honorable lords and high nobles, let us not mince words. We have come to discuss the recent actions of the Kuchiki Lord." The man actually licked his lips before he want on, "High lord Byakuya Kuchiki failed to protect one of the last Tenshiawai and this matter cannot go without consideration. If we do not act swiftly his actions could be a reflection on us all."
Rukia could not keep the anger from her face. The selfish upper class had no idea what Byakuya had lost or how he already suffered. There was a movement as someone else quietly entered the room and purple eyes widened in surprise. Musagai Hirosasuke had come in followed by several servants. There was a calm about him that almost seemed comforting. Quickly and silently he filled the seats that were designated as his.
The chubby cheeked noble in the room waited for Musagai to position his clan before he continued. "Lord Kuchiki should be held accountable for his weakness and failure to protect one of the kings bloodline. To maintain our dignity, it should be considered that the Kuchiki clan be stripped of their standing as high nobility."
Gracefully, Musagai stood and quickly made his way to the center of the room. Dressed in a formal black kimono and Hakama he commanded the attention of everyone. His auburn hair was partially pulled back into a short pony tail so his features were perfectly visible by all. There was a strange wizened intelligence written on his countenance. Patiently he addressed the room, "the Hirosasuke clan does not demand such recompense, nor would do we hold Lord Kuchiki in any ill-favor."
"It is not your decision Lord Hirosasuke…" the greedy lord began.
"Not mine alone but it is one that should be kept between the four great houses," Musagai interrupted with a gentle voice as he looked down on the other man. The insult was delivered with the tone of a parent admonishing a well loved child but it was an insult and the lesser noble began to turn red. "The disgrace belongs to the Hirosasuke clan and it is ours alone to bare."
Another lesser lord stood spoke, "Lord Hirosasuke your own disgrace should be addressed but these proceedings are for the Kuchiki Lord." The frail thinning man said this as he stroked his thin long beard with shriveled fingers. Dark brown eyes were full of contempt as he assessed Byakuya. Rukia could see the hatred that stemmed from jealousy written on his face.
"There is no separation between the two houses on this matter. It fell to our house to protect Lady Kurirayna first. Lord Kuchiki helped cleanse our house of corruption his actions should be…"
"That makes this disgrace more shameful." The hateful noble interrupted. "Two noble houses failed to protect one child of virtue. That alone should be befitting of treason and punishable by law, but since you are of high nobility the most that can be done is your utter disgrace." There was a low rustle in the room as its occupants began to whisper.
"Again I say that the council should be held in private between those that have established themselves with honor. The Hirosasuke and Kuchiki clan have sacrificed many of their own to maintain the balance can you say the same Noble Takahai?"
Gracefully Rukia covered her mouth to hide her smirk. Musagai Hirosasuke had effectively put the man in his place and the thin noble knew it. The auburn haired lord shared many of his sisters attributes including her commanding presence.
"Then I will further press the charge on behalf of the high nobles." A tall well groomed elder from the fourth noble house stood. "Lord Hirosasuke, consider your own position. If it were not for your bloodline we may consider the same for your house. As it stands we have given respect to your loss, but we will consider any resistance to these proceedings a disgrace. As you said the honor of protecting the Tenshiawai fell to you first."
There was a rustle of fabric next to Rukia as Byakuya stood and spoke, "The Kuchiki clan will not allow for any more tragedy to befall the Hirosasuke clan. Let us be judged on my actions alone. Musagai has restored the honor of his house with the death of Kane Hirosasuke. He administered the killing blow himself and in that single act cleansed his clan and his name."
The tall regal man came to stand in the middle of the room with the others. Addressing Byakuya directly he could not keep the sneer from his face. "Lord Kuchiki your words do not hold much sway here," he barked, before turning to the crowd. "I demand the immediate repudiation of the Kuchiki house standing. It is important for us to retain our honor before soul society, the Seireitei, and the king."
There was a stir in the room as its occupants began to whisper excitedly again. Rukia looked back to Musagai and for just a split second she caught a familiar flash of mischievousness in his hazel eyes. Speaking loudly he said, "no-one here can lay claim to the royal blood line as I do. If the title of the Kuchiki house is removed then the Hirosasuke clan will repudiate its own."
Rukia could not stop the gasp of surprise that came out. The political power play was a good one. One dishonored high noble house was acceptable two would meant dissension amongst the high nobles. They would be fools to continue with the proceedings. Shuffles of discomfort came from around the room.
"Unwise words coming from such a new lord," the elder admonished. "During these times of displacement we must enforce our strength. Lord Hirosasuke if you wish to sacrifice what is left of your honor to protect the Kuchiki clan, the consequences will not be to your liking."
"I do not retract my intention," Musagai said with defiance. "If the impeccable honor of the Kuchiki clan is to be questioned and persecuted, then the disgrace should be shared by the Hirosasuke clan. I have no desire to be associated with nobility that will not recognize strength while demanding sacrifice. Again I say, if it is your intention to dishonor one house, you may have the title of two."
"That will not be necessary," a loud female voice interjected from the door way. An audible shift could be heard as the entire room looked at the owner of the voice.
Byakuya exhaled sharply through his teeth and lost his breath all together. Blood turned icy then rushed through his veins as his heart started pounding hard. Hope mixed with fear and he could not move. He hoped that it was not his imagination and afraid to find out if it was.
"Lady Kurirayna Ishume Hirosasuke wishes to address the council of nobles, will my petition be heard?" Rayna asked gliding into the room as if she floated across the floor. She was a vision of nobility, dressed in a a formal gold Kimono cinched in with non traditional dark green corset. Auburn hair had been tamed and was pulled into a tight knot at the top of her head with tendrils framing her beautiful round face. Jeweled hibiscus flowers decorated her hair and matched the ones that were embroidered on the long sleeves of her kimono.
"How dare..." the fat noble started as he stormed at Rayna before she had a chance to reach the center of the room. There was a flash of black and metal as a katana appeared at his throat, holding him in place. The blade was held by another woman clad in all black. She wore a long fitted sleeveless dress with a loose hood that covered her face. Gold bracers at the top of either arm bore the kings seal.
"If you chose to threaten my lady, in word or manor, you place your own life in peril," a sweet voice said from beneath the hood.
Rukia shuddered at the power that was filling the room. It was more than threatening or murderous, it held a an absolution of death. The younger Kuchiki sibling wondered if the large noble had seen the bracer giving the Akarui the right to kill him.
Byakuya sucked in a tight breath as his world narrowed to the vision of gold. Rayna had not turned to face him yet, so the speechless captain still doubted what he was seeing. It was her voice and form, but he could not be certain that he was not going mad. Silently he prayed that his madness would not end, and the vision would remain.
"Mizuke," Rayna prompted gently and the hooded figure lowered her blade. The Akarui did not move from her position, even though the Reiatsu in the room lessened. The fat noble took a step away from the two women as he nearly shook with fear.
"Am I permitted to speak?" Rayna asked the elder that stood next to Musagai.
Musagai answered for the lord, "how could we deny such an elegant request." Rukia caught the slight upturn of his lips before he bowed low before his sister. Everyone in the room fallowed his example accept for the nobles on the floor and Byakuya.
Rayna waited patiently for the room to settle before she spoke again, "I hope you will forgive my intrusion but I had to speak out before a great travesty was committed. I am alive and present, here to bare witness to the greatness of Lord Captain Kuchiki." Rayna addressed the entire room. "The battle was fierce ,wounds were sustained and some even gave their lives so that I may address you today. Please consider those actions before you commit an ignoble gesture."
Finally finding his voice the tall regal noble spoke up and again asked with more ire, "How dare you..."
Turning on him Rayna addressed the man directly, "I dare because you question the honor of the ones that have exemplified it." Her posture took on a commanding presence that could only be rivaled by Byakuya's. Every eye in the room was affixed on the beautiful gold clad figure.
The fat, now sweaty noble, came to stand behind the regal elder before he accused, "this is a ploy, the Tenshiawai are said to have a Reiatsu like no other..." The dark figure next to Rayna only slightly leaned forward and the man nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Very well, I am certain there are others that doubt," Rayna said glancing sideways at Byakuya. Closing her eyes she breathed in heavily before the room filled with alluring warmth. There was a collective gasp from its occupants and then the room fell into absolute silence. That silence blanketed the chamber, even after the warmth faded.
Taking advantage of the quite Rayna continued, "I came to deliver a message from his majesty the king. The Kuchiki name is held in the highest esteem in his court and he offers his personal gratitude to Lord Kuchiki for protecting my spirit." When she said this she again glanced at the lord who still stood motionless. Turning back to the audience she continued, "the Hirosasuke clan has been given clemency for the crimes committed by Kane Hirosasuke and his name is forthwith to be removed from the families records. Musagai Hirosasuke will make an excellent lord and his standing is not to be questioned, nor is that of Lord Captain Kuchiki." There was a rustle of movement as the room began to regain their senses. Turning to her brother Rayna gracefully offered him her hand as she smiled at him wryly. "Brother I assume you can further convey my sentiment."
Gently Musagai reached out and grasped her hand in both of his, "I think they will listen now dear sister." His eyes were full of mischievousness and the smile he gave her matched hers in appearance and manner.
Rukia had never seen such a blatant display of manipulation. The two of them had done it on purpose they had made sure that the Kuchiki name would not be questioned and re-established the honor of their own house. Stifling a cough to cover up her smile she turned purple eyes to her older brother who stood motionless and silent next to her. There were traces of disbelief written on his face, but she was certain that no one else noticed it .
Releasing her brothers hand, Rayna turned faced Byakuya. "Lord Captain Kuchiki," she said as she bowed gracefully, addressing him directly. "Hopefully, we can conclude our own business when you are done here." Facing the rest of the room smiled genuinely up at them, "Thank you honorable nobles and lords for allowing me audience." With an innate grace and beauty she silently walked across the wooden floor and exited the room taking the hooded Akarui with her.
The slight whispers in the room exploded into conversation as everyone started talking excitedly. This would be gossiped about for weeks to come. Most of the noble class had been abruptly introduced to an Akarui and had the honor of being in the presence of a Tenshiawai.
Musagai spoke up from his place in the middle of the floor. Addressing the two that stood with him as well as the rest of the room he said, "I believe that should conclude our bushiness for this council unless anyone has other urgent matters that should be addressed." The crowed continued talking excitedly amongst themselves and Musagai continued despite being ignored, "then I conclude this council until next time High lords and nobles." Stepping away he wore a satisfied smile. Nodding to his own house representatives he left the room with them fallowing closely behind him.
Byakuya snapped out of his shock just as a the elder noble approached him. Thoughts of Rayna distracted him and he could barely keep his aristocratic mask in place. Then an urgency like he had never known vibrated through him and he was uncomfortably impatient to be done with the council. The withered noble addressed him penitently and it annoyed him further to know that he would be trapped here with inane chatter and insincere apologies.
"I apologize Captain Kuchiki, I… I… simply sought to strengthen the great houses of the soul society," the elder noble explained.
"I bare no grudge nor will the Kuchiki clan," Byakuya said dismissively accepting the excuse. Time and time again he said this as one member of nobility after another approached him. The string of those that wanted to make sure they were still in good standing with his clan seemed unending. His impatience was reaching intolerable levels when a familiar Kuchiki elder appeared at his side.
"I am certain Rukia can assure them while saying your farewells," he said.
"Propriety must be seen to first," Byakuya ground out between clenched teeth.
Leaning in closer, so that only Byakuya could hear, the elder ordered, "get going boy it is rude to keep a lady waiting."
Byakuya looked at him, questioning what he had just heard. A sharp nod was his reply. There was a spike in his spiritual pressure and he disappeared. Just as the next lower ranking noble stepped forward Rukia stood to greet them with the familiar elder at her side. Again he leaned in before whispering in her ear, mirth filling his voice as he said, "Your brother can be quite impetuous at times."