Sorry about the long wait! This chapter specifically deals with the past.

Reflection of a Reflection

As he rounded the last set of buildings, he subconsciously gazed at his reflection in one of the windows to check for any imperfections. The look on his face surprised even himself, catching the unexpected frown and seriousness exuding from his own visage. Everything else however, seemed to be in order.

The double doors unhinged at his arrival at the front gate. Flowing into the hall, his best efforts at a flawless entrance succeeded as he heard murmurs from the various court officials lining the carpeted path.

An unusual instance; having so many clan members around. Normally the hall would be empty, save for a few posted guards. Something must be going on that he was not informed of, though the thought of not being told about an event in regards to Kuchiki clan was highly unlikely.

As he approached the inner sanctuary, several white tunic clad house members stepped forward to meet Byakuya. They checked him over while entering an adjoining antechamber. There, proper healing techniques of the Kuchiki clan were executed, removing any traceable scars left on his torso upon disrobing his upper half.

Sure fourth division has exceptional healers, but they paled in comparison to the family elders in technique. To Byakuya the extra effort was a waste, but regulations were expected to be followed. His conscience wandered to Hisana and their brief meeting. Suddenly that idea had to be quickly dismissed, due to the images that conjured in his mind. He was certain that he masked his reiatsu enough…he hoped. A straight face stayed firmly planted as the rest of the exercises were completed and he was permitted to don his kimono.

"Please, Kuchiki-san. Follow us." The small group of healers entered into the next chamber, Byakuya in tow. What he seen there was even more surprising – his father, along with the entire court panel. It seemed that they were awaiting his arrival as they sat idle, briefly talking between each other. The buzz stopped short as Byakuya entered the chamber, and his father was the first to acknowledge his presence.

"Kuchiki Byakuya. Upon your timely arrival and following physical assessment, evaluation will begin presently." The stern face was ever emotionless in its canter.

Byakuya pondered the statement. So the healing regiment was not the only event taking place? Then what was this meeting about?

As if reading his mind, Kuchiki Taicho continued. "We will be discussing in depth, the topic of your involvement with the Soul Society hollow intrusion. Following this issue we will address further supplementary concerns."

A nod from Byakuya. Speak only when spoken to.

"Kuchiki Byakuya, in short, your major role in destroying a renegade hollow was indeed a beneficial happenstance; however, several protocols had been disobeyed or ignored during the procedure. Do you understand what we are implicating?"

"Hai." He suppressed the anger in his voice well. He had an idea where this was leading.

"We commend your valiant effort to contain the beast, sufficed to say we are also appalled that you of all people were the one to slack from official duty."

A lump settled in his throat.

"Such recklessness is not excusable in the Kuchiki house; however we are considering compensative measures for your behavior, since no previous errors have been made on your part. There is also a request from Kuchiki Taicho in the matter, so the court will see you to a fair testament of character."

A shuffling of papers. The room was stagnant.

"First order. Formation was broken during said hollow intrusion."

"Second order. No captains were informed of the incident, though protocol deemed necessary to do so."

"Third order and most importantly. A zanpakuto was released and employed during Soul Society peacetime standards in civilian territory."

"Due to the nature of these accusations, we will need the testament of Kuchiki Byakuya to attest for those actions deemed necessary by the Kuchiki household representative."

Byakuya accounted in the allowed time why he did what he did. His prowess with logic and wording surprised even his father it seemed, for an eyebrow on the man of stone was slightly raised after Byakuya was finished. It was hardly an effort on him; he never broke a sweat.

"Though these accusations are serious, we understand your pressing desire to protect citizens of Rukongai."

A murmur roamed across the panel. When the court reached a consensus, they straightened and solidly locked gazes with Byakuya. Kuchiki Taicho rose from his seat and approached his son, stopping only a few feet apart.

There was something out of place in that look from his father. The granite façade dropped and sharply returned as those eyes pierced his own. Only those steel blue eyes could make Byakuya feel helpless in their emotionless glare. It bothered him, the quick waver that he never saw from his father. What was it?

"Kuchiki Byakuya." The comment was casually tossed in his direction. "This examination, while it was to evaluate your current character, had a deeper meaning then we initially proposed. Soon, you will be filling a position larger than yourself, and you will have to protect those around you. You have been taught all of your life to except the responsibility of your clan."

Byakuya's eyes widened at the connotation. The captain further elaborated to clarify any misconstrued ideas. "We have gathered together to test your integrity as Captain of Sixth Division."

Byakuya trembled inwardly. Becoming captain seemed like a journey that he would always walk, an unattainable goal. Was this really a test for leadership? If it were, he deemed himself completely unprepared for the task, no matter how much training he received. The title became all too real suddenly. He almost told his father that he refused the position.

Hands clasped on his shoulders, smacking his senses back from his inward turmoil. The taicho still locked onto the others' view, seemingly deconstructing his mental shielding with those lifeless orbs.

"Your coronation will be in one month, following the end of your academy instruction. Until then you will receive any additional training deemed necessary, or as you see fit. I will also be available to assist you in this endeavor." The captain averted his eyes at the last statement, and turned to take his seat.

Once the captain renounced the floor, the court resumed. "Our endeavors in Kuchiki clan differ from that from traditional ethics; I'm sure you are already aware of that, fact Kuchiki-san. However you may not be familiar with the rules associated to claiming the title of captain, since your father has held the title for well over two centuries."

Byakuya held his breath. He didn't like how this was turning out one bit.

"In one month, you will battle your father for the named role."

Byakuya was so shocked, he swooned in place. Bottling his reiatsu the best he could in such condition, his best efforts were made from baulking on the spot. His father? What kind of battle – a match between two opponents, clashing katana? Impossible! In all of his wildest imaginings did he figure the Kuchiki clan's captain was chosen by a duel of such physical proportion. And with his father, no less! A man who probably had a century more battle training than he, as well as bankai easily tucked in his surly belt.

Wait. To be captain, didn't he need to demonstrate successfully the capability of bankai? Certainly this was the exception the court spoke of. But why? Wouldn't that further prove his incompetence for role of Taicho?

Mental reasoning churned about inside him as the counsel brought the meeting to a close. Any outward stoicism now had a purpose on his visage, the confirmation of his coronation completed.

Byakuya continued to stand for a moment, trying to perceive what would happen now. Training to become captain? His father teaching? It was all too frustrating to solidly nail down.

Suddenly he realized his father upon him again. Cursing himself inwardly for being so easily distracted as of late, he gave full attention to the approaching captain.

"Kuchiki Byakuya."

"Hai, Taicho." His voice waived only slightly, the tight knot still sticking in his throat.

"Being Captain is a large responsibility, I'm sure you know. It requires much devotion and perseverance, all of which have been instilled in you through school and hard work."

Byakuya was getting the feeling that this would lead somewhere. However the same muddled reiatsu he felt from his father hung in the air again as he spoke. Before he could figure the meaning, it was gone.

"Come with me. We will walk through Kuchiki garden." The towering man gave the command distinctly, but without force. Some things were admirable about the captain, like how he could maintain such a powerful presence with such little effort. Now was no exception: It made the earlier reiatsu seem like a fluke in his own perception.

"Hai." Though no other choices were given, it was polite to accept the invitation.

The gardens of Kuchiki clan were a marvel in themselves; few lay witness to the spectacle deep within the Sixth Division stronghold. From the outside, no one would suspect such a luscious array of plant specimens existing on the grounds, and rightfully so. The garden was maintained by elders of the distinguished house, and it became a privilege to browse through the horticultural expanse. It was very easily concealed, since the Kuchiki residence joined Sixth Division, making an outdoor alcove perfect for cultivating plants.

Garden gates opened as the two Kuchiki walked through the corridor. Smells wafted from the borders, offering lavender, roses, and other exotic aromas as they passed. Byakuya noticed that the arrangements in the garden enhanced the combination of fragrances. Subconsciously he inhaled deeply.

"Yes. I too enjoy this place." His father remarked, apparently hearing his intake of air. "It holds…fond memories for me."

Byakuya did gape now, noticing the inflection of feeling in his voice. Not only that, but the classic rock of reiatsu slowly crumbled around the man of stone: He was captivated that the man he knew contained emotion like everyone else. Realizing that the captain had said something and hadn't even caught a word of it, he had to beg repetition.

"Pardon?"

Steel eyes flashed at Byakuya, suddenly snapping his mind back into place. Even if the man showed feeling, there would be no lack of consequences against dense behavior. This display of emotion was not an indication of weakness.

The captain's face softened only slightly to a look of irritation. "We came here often as a family, when you were young." He reiterated, his gaze unwavering from that of Byakuya. "Myself, you…and your mother."

The word conjured a mental picture of her, though the image now seemed quite faint. How long had it been since he seen his mother's face?

Coming to a center of a path, the captain approached a bench near the walkway and took a seat. He indicated that Byakuya do the same.

What drove his father to sit in the park and chat? Never in all of his life span had they ever exchanged such an odd personal banter. Due to Byakuya's lacking nature in casual conversation, it made for a very uncomfortable experience. Did this have any specific point?

As Byakuya sat, his gaze shifted over the entirety of the garden. A small tug in his mind set his impulses to work – he remembered this place. Though it had been long ago, a distinct image of the scenery around him struck a chord of familiarity. Instinctively his sight settled on a weeping wall in the center of the symmetrical maze of flowers. Without even realizing it, he felt himself rising to look at it. He made his legs give out to prevent incurring another incredulous look.

Though the older man's posture did not change, a distinct dullness in his eyes indicated a stirring inside; though the feeling was impressively masked to Byakuya for all his sense of perception.

"I was your age when I received the title of elder and captain of sixth division. The event was…less than pleasant." The tone in his voice indicated that such informal and personal conversation was not an easy task for the commander. Maybe they had something in common.

"I was young, and utterly unprepared." Annoyance wisped from his voice. "So I made it my mission to see that future generations did not have to endure such improper initiation procedures."

Cold eyes suddenly flicked to Byakuya. "I believe that you have been trained to the best of our clan's ability. I pride myself in that fact."

They averted again, steel blue orbs falling to the wooden slats of the bench. "Though I did not intend for you to be thrust so quickly into captain's position."

A feeling emitted from the taicho. Though the base was distinctly sadness, a depth to that emotion was beyond fathoming, and Byakuya could not decipher it fast enough before it was gone behind the wall of lifelessness.

A chill passed as the hardened visage returned, seemingly reaching into his soul at the mere glance of his father. "I will personally train you further for the next solid month, to ensure the transition to you and our clan is a smooth one."

"Hai." Though hearing the words, Byakuya's eyes were fixed on the ever moving water of the weeping wall, trickling down against the transparent fixture until drips were formed at the bottom, creating a splash into the channel below. The sight was transfixing; he again caught himself not making full eye contact with the taicho. However when his gaze averted to the older man, nothing could have shocked him more.

A brief flicker of something – a smile? On his father's face. It seemed that he too had a moment of nostalgia in that mirror, the vision only lasting briefly.

"Some things never change." Came an almost cryptic statement from the captain.

In the glass of the weeping waterfall, Byakuya realized that he and his father bore a striking resemblance to each other.

Certainly his father had a larger girth – the man had a large tough exterior, honed in battle and training, but their facial features were the same; down to the deep azure pools that cast their glance into the mirror. Light lines under his eyelids indicated excessive long days, absent in the younger version. Raven hair spread through matching kenseikans, one being slightly larger than the other from the additional third extension. The only difference lay in the few white wisps clinging to the temples of the older man, visibly depicting his age over the other window image.

A reflection of a reflection, Byakuya thought. Is this what the future held for him?

Slowly, the captain rose, speaking earnestly to the newly appointed apprentice. "I expect your prompt arrival to practice after every academic meeting, starting today." Casually, the captain dismissed himself and walked away. Byakuya noted the gliding steps as his father moved out of sight. Indeed, it was as though he looked at his own reflection.

Unfortunately, Soul Society had the uncanny knack for scheduling things with efficiency. Normally he appreciated the smooth running operation, but today he found himself wishing that he had nothing else to do. The Kuchiki meeting was over exactly one hour before starting class, then he would have to visit his father again.

Hisana.

Visiting her on the way to the academy was a viable plan; he could tell her the new developments in his life, for indeed much had changed since this morning.

It was very possible that the unexpected extra training would prevent him from seeing her at all during the next month. The thought was less than appealing.

Entering again the fourth division medical facility, he did not have much time to spare. According to the clock, Byakuya had to be in class soon. Advancing to the main desk, he greeted Unohana Taicho.

"Kuchiki-san. Back so soon? I would think that I would see less of you now that you've been released." Unohana was an odd character; even though she seemed genuine and straightforward, that comment had some form of jokiness to it.

"I came to visit Hisana-san." Her name felt strangely pleasant on his lips.

"I would oblige; however I just came from her room, and she is asleep."

Byakuya's gaze did not waiver.

"She definitely needs her rest – she hasn't healed as quickly as you did."

"Then I will leave her a message." crossing over to pen and paper at the desk. "Please be sure she receives it." he asked in all politeness.

"Certainly, Kuchiki-san."

The pen bristled against the paper; he guessed the characters for her name. Then came the bigger question of what to write.

'Hisana,

I must study for induction as Captain of Sixth Division. Extra training is being commanded by my father that I must attend.'

He paused, looking for additions that he could make.

'Though my schedule will be very full, I will attempt to see you as soon as I can. Until then, please take care.

- Byakuya'

The note seemed sufficient enough. Creasing it in several places, he quickly turned the paper over to Unohana. "Arigato, Taicho."

"I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon, Kuchiki-san." She commented as they dispersed their farewells.

AN: I feel like I'm getting a bit off topic, but this stuff is for the plot. Well - it is called memoirs, right? Right? Don't hate me! TT