TITLE: His Freedom: Amid Clandestine Friends
PART: Side Story#1
AUTHOR: Simply Kim
WORD COUNT: 2,311
CHARACTERS: Kuchiki Byakuya, Urahara Kisuke, Abarai Renji, and Unohana Retsu. Mentions of Kuchiki Rukia, Kurosaki Ichigo and Ishida Uryuu
GENRE: Alternate Universe/Angst/Drama/(A bit of) Humour
DISCLAIMER/S: I'd love to have the creativity and talent Kubo Tite does. Unfortunately, I don't, so I don't own any of these characters or the series... just this story.
NOTE/S: This is a side story to "His Freedom", taking place right after Aizen's rebellion and alongside the battle between Shinigami and Quincy mentioned in "His Crime".
NOTE#2:Blah or Blah is for emphasis. /Blah/is for conversations over the phone or flashbacks (if any). /Blah/ is for the conscience or whatever inner voice there is talking. Blah is for thoughts or random Japanese words. Some of these words are footnoted at the end of every page (I'm beginning to understand the need for footnotes in fiction. Thank you dear friend, you know who you are. XD).
NOTE#3: The Bounto Arc didn't happen. The past scenes here are heavily manga-based.
HIS FREEDOM: AMID CLANDESTINE FRIENDS
He felt like he was going to die.
Pain shot repeatedly across his body as the Fourth Division captain doted on the places where his skin and muscles tore. He could hear her and the unmistakeable voice of her vice-captain Kotetsu Isane as they talked about the latter going to the Twelfth Division headquarters to get one regeneration fluid bottle from Kurotsuchi Mayuri. He could feel the hesitation of the younger officer, but it was easily quelled by her captain's assurance that she would deal with the conniving creature if he didn't give his assent.
"Byakuya-kun..." Unohana Retsu murmured almost mournfully. "You have so much injuries... please try to cooperate with our healing methods. Your body is fighting me, that's why you're in pain..."
Kuchiki Byakuya couldn't say anything – the corners of his lips were stitched close after the horror Arrankar Grimmjow did. He could still hear the endless taunting. He could still hear the horrible sound of clanging metal. He could still see the features lined with madness, one arm wielding a blade and slashing him right across his shoulders, and another down his torso, forming a semblance of a Christian cross. He could still feel the bite of the arrankar's zanpakutou urging him to smile by cutting the edges of his lips upward. He could still taste the blood that oozed out from the gaping wounds that made his lips forcibly lengthen.
He still felt the blow to his nobleman's pride in the aftermath of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi's untimely destruction. In midst of fighting, he had just heard the tensai call forth his bankai when he was suddenly winded by Grimmjow's stealth and was whisked away to a deserted area between worlds to be tortured.
"Smile, Shinigami, smile!" Came the taunting growl, and then the feel of wetness on his face as some of the blood pouring forth from his cut lips was licked perversely.
And then, by some sheer stroke of luck, Kurosaki Ichigo was there, along with none other than the Quincy, Ishida Uryuu, right beside him. The latter was a bit shaken at the extent of his injuries, and he could almost feel the pity radiating from the younger human as Ichigo jostled him away from the arrankar's clutches. With surprisingly soft hands, he was pulled into seemingly frail arms and taken back to Soul Society.
The last thing he remembered were kind Quincy eyes and a soft voice assuring him that he was safe – and he was home.
"Byakuya-kun, don't fight it..." Unohana's voice intruded on his thoughts once again. "Please don't – ah, Isane, did you get a bottle from him?"
"No, taichou." She responded, obviously panting. "Kurotsuchi-taichou didn't want to give me some, but fortunately, Urahara-san was nearby and gave me this vial with strict instructions to put just one drop into a glass of water and let the patient drink three times a day!"
He felt Unohana's spirits lighten. "Good, do that and give me the solution quickly, Kuchiki-taichou needs his medicine as soon as possible to prevent infection..."
"Hai!"
In a few moments, he felt a small tube being inserted down his throat as gently as possible. It didn't do any good though; the edges of the tube were sharp and nicked his flesh. As bitter liquid trickled down his throat, he felt himself give in.
He was so tired...
OxxxOxxxO
When Byakuya woke up, the first thing he saw was the white infirmary ceiling... and then, as if on cue, a scratching sound was heard. Slowly, he blinked. This was almost like the first time he was confined like this. He turned his head towards the direction of the sound... if he was not mistaken; the one making all that infernal noise was –
"Byakuya-bou, you're awake – are you alright?"
He was mistaken.
"Urahara Kisuke..." The older man was playing with his cane and scratching it against the wooden floorboards.
"Ah, you're still as polite as ever." Came the amused tones. "I was waiting for you to wake up, and frankly, I'm surprised that you did so earlier than expected!" He waved his equally infernal paper fan and grinned in that infuriating way of his. Really now, there were some things that never change.
"Urahara, act your age sometime." He chastised.
The other man let out a laugh and shook his head in disbelief. "I could say the same for you, Byakuya-bou!" he started. "Seriously, have you learned anything from your vice captain at all, even after all these years?"
Something lodged in the pit of Byakuya's stomach at the mention of his subordinate. "Renji..." He murmured, eyes staring straight at Urahara in question. The other man sobered up quickly and his gaze was suddenly bright and all knowing.
"He's safe. Just a bit injured, is all. He held his own beautifully." The former Twelfth Division captain confirmed. "He'll be out of the downstairs room in two days... which is more of what I can say about you. You're gonna get out in two weeks." His gaze was suddenly tinged with the emotion Byakuya begun detesting after Ishida Uryuu's help.
Pity.
Byakuya turned away and faced the wall below the windowpane in self-disgust. The heir of the Kuchiki Household didn't hold out on his own. He had to be helped by a couple of Ryouka, one of which was the person who broke his adopted younger sister's female heart – or so, she jokingly declared before the war started.
He was not fit enough to keep himself uninjured... or at least, fit enough to be at equal strengths with the arrankar. He flexed his hand instinctively. It was still a bit painful, and the regeneration was slow but sure. He could feel the effects of the medicine coursing through his veins like little ants journeying from anthills under siege... It bit as it glued cells and tissues together. Pain meant he was going to get better.
"Byakuya-bou..."
"Leave me be, Urahara-san... I need to rest some more."
OxxxOxxxO
They may think he couldn't hear them, but he could.
They may think he couldn't see them since he was still in the infirmary, but he knew what was going on outside.
All because of the Fourth Division members' wont to gossip. For much of his life, he had allotted a bit of disdain for these Shinigami who were not adept to combat. But now that he had finally understood the extent of their work, he had begun to view them differently.
After all, anyone who were almost always shut inside the infirmary but still knew much of the outside world deserved a lot of respect for all their resourcefulness.
First, he learned that his vice-captain, Abarai Renji had finally been off sickbay. He was now subbing for him as their division regrouped. The redhead had seen much carnage and now, he was well and moving on with the whole team behind him.
Second, he learned that the Sixth Division was in awe of him and was following his every command. It seemed as if he had gained much leadership skills on the field – much more that Byakuya ever thought possible. He heard that he led a purifying mission twice without any trouble. It was a far cry from the Abarai Renji he knew who trespassed into other divisions' territory and went against protocol. Byakuya had this small fantasy that Renji was being deliberately agreeable because his captain was still in sickbay.
He snorted inwardly as he listened to a group of Fourth Division members lounging right outside his closed door. And recently there had been rumours circulating that his clan was thinking of removing him from his post and placing someone more 'knowledgeable and experienced' than him.
He stared out the window thoughtfully.
He had long acknowledged the fact that he was not the best fighter around. He may be powerful, but battle against Kurosaki Ichigo had proven that firsthand... and then there was Grimmjow. He had never been one to brag, before, he was just stating what he knew. But now that everything he stood for was disproved, what was he capable of?
During the time that he was still in the field with his division, he was someone who was followed mainly because of fear. They thought he was someone invincible, someone so powerful that they were supposed to revere. Now, everything changed. Where he was, his vice-captain thrived. Since he was being followed unconditionally for all his good-natured brand of leadership, there would be a time when he would surpass Kuchiki Byakuya.
He was not jealous.
He was just stating facts.
With resignation, he closed his eyes. His heart was heavy, and for some strange reason, he could see the softening of the Quincy's eyes as they stared down at him in sympathy. Yes, sympathy. He had always thought it was pity, but he was mistaken. During his early days bedridden, he thought of everything that had transpired, and he deduced that the young Quincy was in the same boat he was in. he was also trying to prove himself to uphold his pride. He wanted to prove to himself and the world that no one, especially a Shinigami, would overpower him. That gaze was filled with sympathy, not pity... nothing but a gesture of kindness and generosity.
It gave him the idea that he was pursuing the wrong things, looking at things the wrong way. There were many ways on how to keep the nobility of the Kuchiki household, but he had chosen to delve into the way of power.
He was reminded of what his late father said long ago... that being noble does not constitute acquiring a place where people respect you because of the power you wield – but of the heart you possess.
For almost a millennia, his family had been thriving on being the most powerful of all the noble families. The Kuchiki surpassed even the house of Shihouin... all because the heads that were instated were those who promoted fear in the hearts of many.
He thought he was one as well, but it took a Ryouka for him to figure out otherwise.
/"You are too kind, Byakuya."/
His eyes snapped open in surprise.
He wasn't in the infirmary anymore. The drab walls were replaced by rolling hills and he was lying in a patch of cool grass. It was pure magic that he could actually sit up. A small smile graced his lips and his eyes lost their usual sharpness.
"Senbonzakura." He murmured in greeting. He was instantly relieved at the sight of the towering sakura and its sturdy branches waving lazily in the soft breeze.
/"You think of others too, contrary to what they all say. You actually think of their welfare before your own."/
He could not refute the deity's words. "It doesn't change anything." He allowed.
/"But it does, Byakuya, it does. Soon enough, they will realise and you will finally be understood."/
"It's amusing to hear you say that, Senbonzakura."
/"Hmm?"/
"Ichimaru Gin said the same thing before he went off to spy on Aizen."
/"You do know I can accidentally kill you, don't you?"/
The young Kuchiki heir gave up a small burst of laughter before he was reminded of his thoughts of failure. "I am troubled, my friend." He admitted slowly. "I don't know how much more I can endure..."
Byakuya started as a sudden stream of bright light emanated from the guardian tree, and slowly, the familiar transformation took place. Soon enough, almost feminine arms reached out to him, soft ethereal skin touching his and offering comfort... and there Senbonzakura was, in all his full glory.
With one swift motion, Byakuya was enveloped in a warm embrace, the scent of the sakura blossoms rushing through his senses. /"Ah, you're still so much like a child, Byakuya... you still have no idea how to run your own life..."/
"I have run my life like I should –" He started in protest, but was cut off as Senbonzakura managed to tighten his hold.
/"Yes, you have been running your life as you should, but not as you want it to."/
"..."
/"You understand now, don't you?"/ He smiled through the young Kuchiki's unbound hair. /"To hold the world in your arms, you must first understand the path you are to take. If you are too burdened, then there is little point in taking it."/
"I am weak."
/"Never say you are weak, Kuchiki Byakuya – if you are, then we wouldn't have met. Remember my beloved little Shinigami, I was the one who chose you, not the other way around."/
Byakuya closed his eyes once again, revelling in the warmth he felt upon hearing those soothing words. For a short moment, he was satisfied. It was like nothing existed but the feel of welcome arms around him.
Even with these arms restraining him...
I feel free.
OxxxOxxxO
The next time he opened his eyes, he was back in the hospice. The place where everything was painted white. He came to detest the colour after such a long time staying boxed in, but after his talk with the embodiment of his zanpakutou, he felt like he could deal with anything.
Skritch. Skritch. Skritch.
There was that annoying sound again. If he was not mistaken it was Urahara with his cane... however, a singular signature reiatsu flared nearby, and then, he knew exactly who his visitor was.
"Renji." He managed after swallowing a lump that formed in his throat.
"Taichou..." Came the redhead's quiet response. "Are you okay?"
Am I?
Slowly, he turned towards him; his eyes alight with something akin to understanding. Upon seeing the unsure features of his vice-captain, a small smile graced Kuchiki Byakuya's lips, one unlike that which the Arrankar Grimmjow had forged. Nodding slightly, he answered in the softest voice he could muster...
"Yes, Renji, I am alright."
ENDE
A/N: Sorry if this came out so late. ; I was busy with other stuff so... ; Anyway, I'll be posting the thirdand last chaptersometime this week before moving on to Side Story#2 and the fourth part of this arc featuring Hisagi x Yumichika among other things.XD Feedbacks are greatly appreciated!