TITLE: His Freedom
PART: Three Part B of Three
AUTHOR: Simply Kim
WORD COUNT: 7,759
CHARACTERS: Kuchiki Byakuya, Abarai Renji, Unohana Retsu, Ukitake Jyoushirou, Shihouin Yoruichi, Urahara Kisuke, Hisagi Shuuhei Ayasekawa
PAIRING/S: Abarai Renji + Kuchiki Byakuya. Mentions of Kuchiki Byakuya x Kuchiki Hisana and Hisagi Shuuhei + Ayasekawa Yumichika
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#1: This is a companion fic to "His Crime" and "His Choice", thus, set in the same universe. I just had this idea before – What if there comes a time when Renji would overpower his captain? Well, stranger things have happened, thus, the idea is toyed thoroughly in this lengthy fic.
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
Ukitake started as he heard the particularly loud sound of something exploding. His heart skipped a beat as the wind turned to another direction, swirling in bitter relief; contrary to the current it was lazily wafting along in a moment ago.
All the telltale signs were there.
"It's time." He murmured to himself. Slowly, he straightened up and shook his hair loose, slipping into his coat as he made his way to the door of his resting area.
The Thirteenth Division head's footsteps were progressive, but curiously, not in a hurry. He knew what was happening, and what would soon transpire. Freedom, he said. Ukitake thought, mulling over the young Kuchiki heir's words that one fair morning. But doing this, isn't it a form of caging as well? For some strange reason, the Sixth Division captain confided in him, revealing details of his plans on how to achieve the impossible feats in the history of Soul Society.
"I do not approve." He murmured to no one in particular, offering one of his subordinates a sheepish smile as the boy gave him a curious look. "But having the same stubborn streak as Kaien, no doubt, he would still push through no matter the obstacles."
He chuckled. A soft, almost inaudible sound that reverberated in his body, the tremors making his heart constrict painfully. Why was it that the ones he held dear kept on self-destructing right before his very eyes? There were times when Ukitake felt like he was cursed – and this moment was no exception.
With Kaien, it was mostly out of love... now, what was this out of, this plan that would forever change the lives of practically everyone who knew him?
Ukitake closed his eyes and took a deep cleansing breath.
There was no turning back now. He had given his word and his pledge of secrecy. He may be the captain of the investigative committee, but it didn't mean that he was immediately to disclose what he had gathered.
Slowly, he opened his eyes to the world. He was slowly approaching the light at the end of the hallway. Soon enough, he knew, he would be stepping into the Second Division offices, request on hand, discussing things with Yoruichi first.
The moment the watchers were dispatched, it was all up to providence.
He had nothing left to do but watch.
OxxxOxxxO
The sight of Ukitake Jyoushirou this early in the morning alarmed her. Brows rising up her forehead, she couldn't help but gape at the solemn figure the otherwise smiling captain cut through the light pouring forth from her office door.
"Ukitake-taichou." She greeted cordially, her voice laced with curiosity and, much to her chagrin, a hint of fear. "What brings you here?"
A couple of moments passed before the older man blinked and gave her his usual good-natured smile. "I need something from you, Yoruichi."
The nervousness in the pit of her stomach was growing, and pretty soon, she knew it would consume her. Something in the blonde's tone made her squirm... as if something significant was going to occur and she would undoubtedly be part of it.
Dread.
What is this about? She thought, a drop of sweat sliding down her temple. "Anything, taichou." She answered.
"I need you some of your men to run an important errand for me."
"The corps? What for?"
Ukitake handed her a sheet of paper. With slow movements, her hand reached out and grasped one of the corners, taking it from the Thirteenth Division captain and running her fingertips on the smooth page.
Written in Byakuya-bou's handwriting, no doubt about it...
With careful attention to detail, she read the contents. As soon as she finished, she took a deep breath and looked up, worry clouding her gaze. "He's really serious about this, huh?"
The blond man just nodded quietly.
"He does know that he might not pull this off completely and there's a chance he might lose, right?"
"I have reason to think that he does."
"Before I do what is needed to be done and tell Kisuke to start preparing, tell me why bou-chan decided to do this." Shihouin Yoruichi couldn't help asking.
"Freedom." Ukitake said softly, turning away from her to stare at the darkened skies at the far end of the horizon – an omen of things to come.
"Freedom?"
"He said it is the only way."
OxxxOxxxO
What is he doing? Renji thought, panicking as the onslaught of blades came after him. He couldn't hide, he couldn't seek refuge anywhere. He knew that as long as the wind was there, the deadly petals would undoubtedly find him.
If I don't fight back, he's going to kill me! He realised. His eyes widened as a huge cloud of pink surrounded him. He could feel the pain of razor-sharp blades cutting through his skin, deeper, and even deeper still. He knew it would only be a matter of time before they cut deep enough to expose his bones. If I don't fight back, I'm going to die!
"Hoero – Zabimaru!" He growled, eyes never leaving the distant figure of his captain as he fell back down to the ground. With a practiced snap of his wrist, he released his zanpakutou. Instantly, his blade morphed into his trademark bendable weapon, swinging to and fro like a whip, lengthening at will.
Section by section, Zabimaru dissipated the volume of the blades assaulting him, and soon he got out, just in time for his toes to touch the ground and leap up again into the air with more sakura following close by.
Renji gritted his teeth. This was just his captain's shikai... what more his bankai? If ever he released his bankai, Renji would be in trouble. Frowning, he heard laughter, and for a moment, he was disoriented, until voices entered his consciousness.
/"You're too soft, Abarai Renji."/
He knew exactly who it was... or who THEY were.
"Damn you, Zabimaru, I'm concentrating here." He muttered as he dodged the incoming clump of sakura. "I know I have to end it, but I can't do anything while running like this!"
/"At this rate you will be finished soon."/
"Like hell I will!" He growled, focusing all his effort into blowing up the offensive things running after him with his kidou. "And I can't injure my captain!"
/"Why not? He started it, and you shall follow suit – don't hold back."/
"Are you saying I should aim to kill? Are you crazy?" He shrieked as a stray petal dug right on his sword arm. "Ow, dammit!" He swore, swinging his zanpakutou to deflect those that followed. "I haven't even apologised properly yet!"
/"This is apology enough. If you win, he will accept."/
"You're not making sense!" Renji gritted his teeth as he jumped up a wooden post and set loose another burst of electricity.
/"You are not doing this alone, Shinigami. Fasten your fangs and don't let go. Cut down that tree!"/
And with those words, Zabimaru's presence left, leaving him with his own thoughts, trying to figure out how to fight for his survival.
Metal blades were of no use in this form. If only he had the Quincy's powers he would probably so something about these deadly pink projectiles. If only he had something…
Then, it clicked.
I'm an idiot. Zabimaru was right. There were no buts when it came to survival. A Shinigami must fight his way to remain alive so he could perform his duties as long as possible. He was attacked first, he was challenged first, so he was going to counter the best he could.
His current opponent may be his captain, but when his own superior started assaulting him, he was already an enemy. Every being who stood in a Shinigami's way was his enemy – that was the code. Taking a deep breath, he turned around, facing the cloud of winking blades. With another snap of his wrist, his zanpakutou lengthened, and he went to strike, one whipping after another, keeping Senbonzakura away.
"Hadou no Yon... Byakurai!"
At that, lighting flashed from his hand, enveloping the wave of petals that was Senbonzakura with deadly light. Soon enough, there was an explosion and Renji breathed a sigh of relief as the huge clump dissipated. He could finally buy time and do the inevitable – ask what this was about.
Properly – before he did something drastic.
Or at least, until Senbonzakura decided to come after him again without warning... which was what seemed to be the present case. "Fuck!" With a short yelp, he repeated the incantation and another explosion rocked the area. Dammit, they just keep on coming! I swear, if I get through this, I will stop hacking the sakura tree near my house for practice as long as I live!
"Ike, Zabimaru!" He cried as he, once again, touched ground, facing the horrible onslaught of Senbonzakura. With quick movements, Zabimaru roared, slashing and hacking as Renji uttered another incantation.
OxxxOxxxO
Kuchiki Byakuya gazed appraisingly at his subordinate as he tried to get away from Senbonzakura. He knew it was futile in the other's part, but he couldn't help shake off the feeling that Renji was going to do something really unusual to ward it off.
"Hadou no Kyuujuu, Kurohitsugi!"
And there it was, the huge black box drawn around the winking blades, standing in harsh relief against the orange skies of late afternoon. He hadn't known that he had mastered that form of kidou as well. The only person he knew who had the same ability was the traitor Aizen himself. But then, Hinamori was also fond of the black arts. He knew she knew about this and may probably be restraining herself from using it. Maybe she taught Renji before the Great War when she finally recovered.
This was interesting.
He quickly jumped away to avoid the deadly corners. As he landed on stable ground, he felt cold air on his left leg and something was pouring down his arm. Alarmed, he looked down and saw that the untamed power transcended even the darkened cube that spasmed around his released zanpakutou.Without being engaged in close combat, he was injured. Partly of his own carelessness, but mostly because of his vice-captain's strengthening resolve to aim correctly.
He's definitely much more than I expected. He thought, thick threads of blue pride softening his eyes. Excitement fluttered in his stomach. He hadn't felt this excitement since – he and Kaien were still young.
A small smile stole through his face, fingers touching the steady stream of blood from his upper arm down to his elbow almost fondly.
You never cease to amaze me, Renji... now let me see the power that helped create a new life in Seireitei.
And with that, he released his bankai.
OxxxOxxxO
He had just passed through Jidanbou's gate when waves upon waves of violent reiatsu hit him. He was right in picking out the date of his routine visit to the place he had once thought sacred. Soul Society had grown so much since he had left to spy on the traitor Aizen Sousuke, and lately, he had been visiting regularly, seeing that not many people regarded him as a criminal now.
Maybe because the communication system in the area was improving – or they were finally realising that it was futile to be hostile to someone who had much nerve to join the enemy and be regarded as such just to do his job effectively. It was amusing in a way, but like a mosquito insistently taking bites and drawing blood, he couldn't get it out of his system, this irritation.
Because of his method, he had made many suffer... but it was suffering well worth the fall, wasn't it? Maybe not. But still, the essence of his hard work had not gone unnoticed. People were more aware now. And corruption was at its all-time low. The useless were demoted, the worthless shot down in the battle past.
Only the strong survived.
And now, this was happening.
Ichimaru Gin's smile turned wry as he looked up at the perfectly clear fiery sky. It seemed smaller in Seireitei, this wonderful horizon. But not outside. Outside, he often climbed on the roof just to gaze at it, and only then did he realise what he was missing. It was vast.
And now, that vastness was being uncovered. This small piece of sky was widening. The government planned on letting it stay that way. The offices destroyed were being rebuilt, but in smaller proportions, only fit for few people to work in. Only the residential areas stood out in harsh relief, and for once, he was thankful. After all, living conditions were so poor then. At least now, they put more value on what was important...
Ouch.
Gin touched his stinging cheek and stared at the sticky substance that came with it.
Blood.
Looking up once again, he noticed several fragments of metallic pink winking brightly, fluttering down in defeat. And then, another wave of reiatsu hit. A slight frown touched his brow and he patted his zanpakutou reassuringly. It screamed in answer, his sword. There was a battle and Shinsou screamed. This time, it wasn't excitement. It was worry. He could feel its pain – everything it had to endure just to protect him. And now, vestiges of that huge amount of pain rang once again.
Ah, Byakuya... it's finally time, is it not?
With renewed purpose, he walked on; each step heavy as shocks of what seemed to be an ongoing battle tried pushing him off course.
Oh? Isn't it too early? He thought, amused. He could still remember the most recent conversation he had with the Kuchiki heir:
/"Sign it?" Gin asked, quite confused as Byakuya placed a stack of papers in front of him.
"Yes." Came the response, as always, delivered monotonously.
"What is it about?" He could see the words written on the pages, and he wondered how in the world the computer restricted to the Twelfth Division now printed a document that had nothing to do with it. "This is a high-tech product, I see."
"We have more computers now." Byakuya answered. "That's not what I want you to see. Read, then sign. Now."
Deciding to humour him, he did as he was told. However, instead of amusement, he felt the pique of interest as he read the contents of the proposal. After reading the last line, he looked up at the young Kuchiki and blinked. "This is actually doable – and efficient too."
"I know."
Gin gazed at him curiously. "Why all this? Why not just request it to the old man without changing anything?" He asked, accepting the pen Byakuya held out to him and signing. "It's illogical and time-consuming… besides, the Third Division offices are still open…"
"Because it is necessary."
There was a small bout of silence as each reverted back into their own thoughts. Finally, He smiled, genuine interest marring the light in his eyes. "It is for the best isn't it?"
Byakuya turned away, a small smile adorning his lips.
"It is."/
That was three days ago.
Gin chuckled and continued on, now in a hurried pace. He needed to get the proposal's answer from Yamamoto Genryuusai. If everything goes well with Gotei 13's elder, then they would forward it to His Majesty himself as soon as possible. Maybe even tonight.
Everything will be decided by this match. It was either Kuchiki Byakuya or Abarai Renji who would create a new era for this place.
If the Sixth Division captain was right in his deductions, then there was nothing to worry about – either way, everyone benefits.
Seireitei would become even more capable and definitely safer than ever before.
OxxxOxxxO
Renji was a loss. He had been hit several times and his shoulder was aching. It felt like he was being split open from the side and his legs felt like they were weighed down with lead. He blinked his eyes, trying to adjust to the darkness of night that finally caught up with them.
"Ch'", He swore, eyes narrowing, concentrating, and trying to remain unblinking even as sweat poured down his face in buckets. He couldn't even release his bankai – he wasn't given any opportunity to. Zabimaru's last transformation required space – and lots of it.
Seeing where he was now, it was impossible to just say the magic word. He had been flitting to one hiding place to another, praying to whomever god there was still alive that he would remain the victor of this challenge…
Challenge? That word seemed to be the best way to sum this whole thing up. His captain had been challenging him since he came back a few minutes – hours? – ago. It wasn't enough just staying alive. He mused, catching his breath as he stumbled to another place for cover.
Whatever happens, he had to answer to this challenge. Now that he had mastered his bankai, he was able enough to keep up with this. Kuchiki Byakuya did not raise him up since his transfer to the division like this! He was Abarai Renji – the man who had struggled to win back the place and people whom he treasured all his life!
He was Abarai Renji.
He was the man who fought and won the Great War!
Determination swept through him and adrenaline pumped. With growl, he leapt out of hiding place and into the open. The winking petals regrouped and started towards him with lightning speed.
He only had time to cry out his answer to this atrocious and seemingly, for him, meaningless challenge before the onslaught of never-ending blades rained relentlessly on him.
OxxxOxxxO
Yoruichi wanted to help Renji.
Never in her life, apart from the Great War did she see Kuchiki Byakuya this determined to annihilate something – or in this case, someone. She gritted her teeth as she soundlessly adjusted her position on her perch.
A branch was piercing her right butt cheek, however, seeing that the ones she was currently observing were all haggard and bloodied, she couldn't really complain.
And then there was that instruction to remain as silent as possible – she along with the others from the corps. She could feel their reiatsu around her and it was comforting. Just the thought that no one became an unintended victim of those dangerous blades and that forceful kidou was enough for her to do her best. She didn't want to lose another soldier.
Just as she didn't want to lose any of the two battling it out below her. She signalled a comrade to ignite the main torch to immediately light up the others in Seireitei as well. It was the Sixth Division's job to do so, but for now, its members only had to watch from the Twelfth Division screens closely. Their lives depended on this after all.
How long has it been now since the battle started?
Botchan(1). She thought, gritting her teeth more as a storm of sakura descended upon the Sixth Division vice-captain. This will be pointless if one of you dies… Is there no other way?
Ukitake told her about the whole plan, the whole thing that the young Kuchiki heir orchestrated. If, by some miracle, Abarai Renji won this without adding another name to the list in the House of Candles, then all will be well. Byakuya would pull through and everything would fall into their new places.
Hold out both of you.
Don't you dare die on us.
OxxxOxxxO
"Lesson one, a captain never hides nor escapes from his aggressor." He murmured appreciatively as his vice-captain jumped out of his hiding place and stood with pride, narrowed eyes watching him and his zanpakutou with great intensity. "He faces challenges head-on without any self-doubt and fear."
Byakuya could see his surprised eyes clearly now, with the night time torches finally burning, as he willed Senbonzakura to corner him. "Hadou no Yon... Byakurai." He recited solemnly, body alert if another form of kidou was used to retaliate. He watched as Renji struggled to hold himself up. His hair tie was loosened and some of his hair fell out of it even more now that electricity was also assaulting him in huge unforgiving waves.
However, even if said surprise was evident, he still couldn't erase the slight trepidation that coursed through his veins as the other man's sword arm flinched ever so slightly. For a passing moment, even with wide eyes, the words he had been waiting for to surface finally did.
The roaring drowned the cry, but it was there, zipping past those lips before an electrically fortified Senbonzakura engulfed him completely.
His eyes narrowed, fixed on the undulating mass of pink containing his subordinate.
It's coming. He noted; body taut in preparation, ready to spring away or hurtle forward as fast as possible if needed.
Renji finally called upon his bankai.
Beads of sweat dripped down Byakuya's temples as he pushed with all his might. He could feel Senbonzakura's strain, even as he fed more of his own reiatsu to it, shivering up and down his spine. He is strong. He thought, gritting his teeth. He may be almost as strong as Kurosaki Ichigo the Vaizard, days before the Great War. The atmosphere was the same. The level was the same.
"Lesson two. A captain gives his all in a duel. He gives everything he has in order to attain victory." He whispered almost inaudibly, willing Senbonzakura to create sharp blades in their purest form around the gyrating mass, ready to strike once the other breaks out.
Renji was pushing back from inside that ballooning wall, and he inched forward just to keep up with the strength rushing back at him in huge waves of air. He had to keep his balance or else it would break down…
And it did.
With a blood-curdling war cry, the head of the infamous Zabimaru, now in a slightly smaller form than he had last seen it, broke free. At that moment, he let his swords swing, springing away to prevent himself from getting injured further. He watched with fascinated eyes as his zanpakutou sliced and hacked, but even so, even as the dark cloud of destroyed swords filtered through the air, he could still see that he had done only half of the intended damage.
It frustrated him somewhat, seeing how everything was turning out. As the last of the swords disintegrated, as Senbonzakura returned to his hand, he felt the first vestiges of an emotion he had never thought he would ever feel for his subordinate.
Hate.
It was the same hatred he felt while he was battling the ryouka boy.
It was the same hate he felt when realisation beckoned and the knowledge that he was just used for five long years by the woman he had given his whole being to surfaced, the moment he first laid eyes on the coveted sister.
It was the same hatred he felt as Grimmjow carved a facsimile of a full-fledged smile on his lips in the middle of the Great War.
It meant that he knew deep inside that he was lacking, and thus, was projecting it to another as he was wont to do to save his own injured pride.
He knew what it was and what it represented but still, he hated.
"Lesson three." His eyes narrowed even more. "A captain knows his limits, defers to authority and abides by the existing law as long as he sees it fit and just." Come Senbonzakura. He intoned, closing his eyes as he released his bankai once more. Let us finish what we started.
It was too bad that the hatred disappears just as quickly.
It was too bad that it morphs into a dull ache deep in his gut, adding to the already formed mass of pulsating darkness in him. Repressed anger. Depression. Self-pity. Losing oneself.
That was why he was doing this. It may be cowardly to some, but it was the only way he could affirm his existence and his being. It was the only way he could be free of the chains that bind his body to unwanted emotions.
He felt the familiar whisper of assent in his ears and soon, he was on the offensive. Lightning steps and he was closer to his opponent. Grabbing a sword from the hundred lined up by his will, he jumped, hurling himself forward, hopping on the coiled skeleton snake's torso to lever himself and slice the head with his own strength.
He saw Renji's bloody form emerging from the leftover cloud of dirt. Renji, I'm transcending my limits as your opponent, but this is not a mistake. This is how I would know if I am in my rightful place - and if Seireitei is in its own.
He swung, but in a blink of an eye, he was thrown off his course and came crashing violently on the ground. Renji, battered and bruised, had just leapt up and literally swatted him off, deflecting his blade by pushing quickly down the hilt of his sword and then using a whole arm to send him flying.
Byakuya landed on both knees this time, his scarf in disarray, loose around his neck. The cold stormy wind generated by clashing reiatsu loosened his hairpiece. He could feel strands of his hair tickling his neck – a pleasant experience if not for the fact that he had just been forced on his knees by brutal power he was just realising as strong, if not more, than his own.
Finally, it seemed that he was an enemy in his vice-captain's eyes. Law demanded that he ended things correctly. Renji, on the other hand, would probably disregard the law and just up and away if he didn't stand up and continue.
Red hair flying freely in the wind now, void of its usual tie, he looked formidable.
"Do you really want to get rid of me that bad, taichou?" Renji asked quietly, steel evident in his voice. "If this is your way of doing it, like hell would I give you a chance to!"
Byakuya's legs were shaky as he stood up. The bleeding on his left leg intensified but he pointedly ignored it. "Maybe." He answered back, scattering a hundred swords. It was futile to slice horizontally, because Zabimaru would most definitely return to its original state. The only options were to slice vertically, or to weaken Renji so he could attack closely and more forcefully.
This was a challenge from Renji, this and the strange thirsty twinkle in his eyes. Unspoken but very evident. "Not good enough!" Came the acidic response.
And Zabimaru bared its fangs.
OxxxOxxxO
"Not good enough!" He grated out in anger. "It's my turn now, taichou!"
His zanpakutou grinned in answer and both of them, in complete unison, started to advance. The iconic animal snaked forward aiming to feast on the Sixth Division captain, beady eyes fixed on one figure alone.
Lightning steps to evade. Renji could follow him with his eyes now, and he was quite surprised at the knowledge that he could finally follow his captain's movements with his eyes. It showed how much he had grown in such a short amount of time.
He jumped up, using Zabimaru's slithering body as leverage and following Byakuya. "Hadou no Sanjuusan... Soukatsui!" And he let out another barrage of blue fire. It was the kidou he mastered most, and he was going to use it now that he had a chance to.
He let his zanpakutou's joints detach and attach, following Senbonzakura's deadly path. It was futile, and he knew for sure that his captain did too, but that didn't deter him from doing something about it. He knew the other was trying to slice lengthwise, but he wasn't having any opening – Renji wasn't giving him any.
Kidou versus kidou, bankai versus bankai,they fought. He had been cut and bruised just as much as his captain and he could feel his muscles singing in agony.
Lightning. Wind. Fire. Jutting spikes of rocks. Everything was hurled between them.
The battle was fierce, but Renji was not just attacking randomly.
He was herding him to a corner. Byakuya knew better than to destroy the newly built towers – or let them be destroyed. Zabimaru was capable of doing so, more over if it was in a straight line.
A frenzied grin formed on his lips and with a flick of his hand, executed a binding spell, just as the other found the exact spot he predicted would be the vantage point. For Byakuya, it was a better choice than to settle on that precious pillar overlooking the palace grounds... where the towers were.
"Gotcha!"
OxxxOxxxO
He knew what was happening but he didn't have any choice. He wasn't going to stand atop that pillar where the palace was located. He had been avoiding Zabimaru and he knew that it was more deadly when attacking in a straight line. Looks like it's the end.
"Bakudou no Yon – Hainawa!"
And just as he landed on that exact spot where he would most likely meet his doom, a binding spell, of all kidou forms, was dealt him and he fell on his knees once again, arms tightly strung by unbreakable soul threads.
"Raimei no basha, itoguruma no kangeki, hikari mote kore o mutsu ni wakatsu… Bakudou no rokujuuichi… Rikujoukouro!"
His breath rasped out, showing pain as his midsection was pinned by six shafts of light,
He was immobile.
He struggled for a moment, for the sake of his dignity, but stopped when Senbonzakura, whom he called for aid, was shattered completely as Renji's zanpakutou feasted on it. His friend was weakened as he himself was weakened and now...
It was painful to hear his silent partner all these years screech in pain and humiliation, more painful than what he was experiencing.
He was truly and utterly defeated.
Now, Zabimaru was racing towards him, mouth open, eyes filled with hunger and excitement. He glanced at it once, and soon, his gaze settled on his subordinate.
"Lesson four. A captain carries himself upright and with dignity." He murmured almost to himself, admiring the victorious lines Renji drew below. There was genuine relief and pride on that face… and that mixture of what seemed to possession and mockery. Byakuya forgave him for that – after all, he had finally overpowered the one he looked up to all this time.
That dear, dear face. He thought in a semblance of amusement. He could see those lips moving, those eyes searching his for something – an answer maybe? Joy? A threat? Probably.
The Baboon King was rushing now, closer, closer. It was strange that he couldn't hear it laughing.
It was strange that he couldn't hear what was being said below as Ukitake lurched forward in panic, followed by Yoruichi. He couldn't hear the seemingly panicked cry that came from Renji considering the equally panicked eyes that widened in seeming horror.
It was strange that he couldn't hear anything at all but his own voice as he murmured the final lesson taught him by his father the moment he stood atop the Sixth Division countless years ago.
All he could hear was the rush of blood in his body, that which is still in his veins and some pumped out of his body from the holes he knew were filled with wide beams of light in his abdomen.
He could see the void that was the inside of Zabimaru's mouth now. He could feel its breath on his face. He straightened up and sat on his heels, head held high and a small smile on his lips.
"Lesson five. A captain understands the concept of death and does not fear it."
Your fangs finally caught me, Renji…
And now it ends.
OxxxOxxxO
"Wait! Stop! You'll kill him!"
Renji snapped out of his manic stupor and turned. His eyes widened as Ukitake Jyoushirou rushed forward along with Shihouin Yoruichi and shook him to his senses. "Call it off! Now!"
Startled, he was about to ask what he was talking about when a shiver ran up his spine. He looked back at the place he had been staring at almost blindly and his lips parted in a silent scream as Zabimaru clamped his fangs on his captain and shook him in victory.
"Stop!" He called out in desperation as blood flowed from where the sharp teeth sank, splattering all over as his captain's limp body moved with the dexterity of a rag doll. "Zabimaru stop!"
Ceasing its appetite, his zanpakutou finally deferred to him and reverted back to its original form, on its sheathe by his waist. But not without throwing the loser up into the air in a last surge of battle-high.
Gritting his teeth, Renji collected the remnants of his wits and energy, and vaulted up, catching the bloody mass that was Kuchiki Byakuya in his arms. The torn black sleeves of his clothes dripped with blood upon first contact, and it was only then that he understood the extent of the injury he had inflicted upon his captain.
He should be court-marshalled for this. He gritted his teeth as he landed awkwardly, swamped instantly by the two other division captains. He couldn't look at any of them in the eye. How could he when he had done such atrocious thing?
He knew Byakuya attacked him first, but it was no excuse to send him tumbling down in this state. If he didn't know better, he would say he was on the verge of death. Guilt tripped his conscience and his face paled. He knew, like the other time by the purification tower, this man wouldn't injure him like this on purpose and would call the people from the Fourth Division to aid him. He had heard from Hanatarou that this man practically begged Unohana Retsu to treat his wounds.
"Renji, stop fretting and let go." Yoruichi instructed, prying his tightened arms away from the body they were holding on to. "You are crushing him." He did as he was told, and the body sagged limply.
"He's alive isn't he?" He asked brokenly in hushed tones. "Isn't he?"
A pale hand suddenly appeared and touched the grey forehead gently. Surprised, he looked up and gazed at the worried eyes of the same person whom he owed his life and good health all these years. "Unohana-taichou… he's still alive, isn't he? He's going to be fine?"
A short pause and she looked up at him, her gentle eyes smiling at him with certainty. "He will survive." She assured him. She gestured to someone with a small nod – something, rather. The huge white ray lobbed towards them and opened its mouth. "Place him inside Minazuki and I will transport him to the hospice. Please hurry."
Renji couldn't do anything but obey. And soon, he watched as Minazuki soared in the heavens towards sick bay. What was he supposed to do now? He clenched his fists and was about to walk away and hide himself until he had sorted things out when a firm hand landed on his shoulder.
"Abarai Renji.-kun." Came Ukitake's gentle, almost fatherly tones. "You did well."
At that, he twisted around and stared at the blonde man as if he had grown another head. "What?" His breath caught in his throat. "What are you saying – my captain is dying because of me and you're saying –"
"You did well."
Shock registered on Renji's face as he came face to face with the two people he never expected to be there.
"Yamamoto-dono!" He exclaimed. "Ichimaru-taichou!"
"I'm not a captain anymore, but okay." The infamous spy for the royal family grinned, eyes mere slits as they curved downwards in amusement.
"What –"
"Jyoushirou, Gin, help him clean up. Instruct the people from the Fourth Division to treat his wounds. We will have a special meeting with the rest of the division officials at precisely eleven in the evening."
Then Ukitake herded Renji away.
OxxxOxxxO
It was as if he was riding a whirlwind, Renji mused as he was pushed unceremoniously by the Thirteenth Division captain into the nearest, conveniently deserted, communal bath. Tossing him a bar of medicinal soap and a bottle of shampoo as an afterthought, the blonde gave him a crooked smile and a thumbs-up before closing the door.
The warm water felt good against his bruised muscles and he groaned appreciatively as he turned his head up and closing his eyes to receive much more of the calming spray. The deep cuts and scratches stung, but he ignored them, concentrating on getting clean.
He opened his eyes with a sigh and slowly he rubbed his hands with the soap. He lathered his body, careful not to aggravate his wounds more. These wounds were no match for what his captain had gotten. There was a reason why he didn't want to fight for long periods of time. There would definitely come a point when all that was important was victory. He had a tendency to let all his negative energies out and vent using his blade. The only ones he wanted to stand opposite him during those circumstances were arrankar.
Not Kuchiki Byakuya.
Once again, he groaned, body slumping as visions of his defeated superior lying limp in his arms came crashing back. "What's happening?" He murmured helplessly. "It's his fault for attacking me like that… Dammit, how come I could never understand him?"
"Renji-kun, are you alright in there? Do you want me to wash your back for you?" Ukitake's concerned voice rang from the other side of the door.
Mirthless laughter escaped from his lips at the absurdity of the question.
It wouldn't make me any cleaner anyway, so why bother?
OxxxOxxxO
He could feel his body going numb from the selective anaesthetic.
Even as he opened his eyes and saw Unohana Retsu sewing his side close, he couldn't feel a thing. It would probably be better if he could feel each and every excruciating stitch rather than feel nothing at all.
He could see her vice-captain, Isane, looking on anxiously. He had never even talked to her much before and here she was worried about him. It was a common trait of the people serving under the Fourth Division, he presumed. Not only do they love to gossip, they love taking care of others too.
"Ah, Sleeping Beauty is awake." The familiar teasing tone made the corners of his mouth twitch. "How are you feeling?"
"Urahara-taichou." He mumbled, "I feel nothing. Fortunately."
"That's good to know!" Urahara quipped good-naturedly, tapping his infernal cane twice before putting on his striped green hat. "I was waiting for you to wake up and was planning to stay until then, but you woke up all too soon." He smiled easily, eyes shadowed but kind.
No doubt, the anaesthetic was stronger than usual, and the only division that could supply Unohana with such non-generic drug is the twelfth. As per usual, he was being watched over by him. Ever since he was young, he had been doing the same thing.
Byakuya could remember the captain during their childhood days watching over him as he was nursed to health by his mother. He could remember Ukitake, even if he was frailer than he was, anxiously waiting for him to get better and clutching on the younger Urahara's arm as Kaien hovered about in the same state of distress.
He could remember Shunsui Kyouraku patting Ukitake consolingly on the shoulder in an effort to calm him down and reassure him that the young Kuchiki was alright. And Yoruichi would be there too, quietly waiting for any sign if life from the young master of the noble household, catlike eyes fixed unblinkingly, impossibly wide and impossibly glassy.
Urahara always stayed – but only until Byakuya woke up.
Yet he knew that waking up didn't mean being well.
"Stay." He murmured quietly.
"Byakuya-kun?"
"Stay."
Urahara gazed at him with wide eyes, then, they softened and a particularly evil grin started spreading on his face. "Is it really okay with you that I stay? Do you want me to hold your hand like those soap opera people in the –"
Byakuya closed his eyes tiredly as Unohana and Isane giggled nearby.
"Don't push it."
OxxxOxxxO
Eleven in the evening came and everyone who held the upper two positions were lined up in their own respective places, faces serious and almost impassive. Even Kira, who usually smiled in his own peaceful way, had features carved in stone.
They definitely heard about what had happened.
They definitely heard what he did to his captain.
Maybe they were finally demoting him or assigning him elsewhere until Byakuya came back to try killing him once again.
He gritted his teeth as Yamamoto and his vice-captain swept in in an unusually formal manner. The First Division captain was holding a box – a big one, and curiously, he wondered what was in it, hoping against all odds that it was not his own captain's memento, because that meant... He didn't die. He didn't die. He didn't die… He thought, calming himself with the mantra turning around in his head. In a gesture of respect, he knelt on one knee before his superiors and bowed his head.
He could hear something – probably the box – being opened and a whisper of something he recognised as cloth rang in his ears. He could hear the buzz of hushed conversation and could feel the tension in the air. He wished he could look up to see what the sudden fuss was about, but he didn't dare look up lest he lost the last shred of favour he had with Yamamoto Genryuusai. A slight 'thunk' and he knew the box was closed again.
"Is everyone present?" The old man's voice echoed in the hall, answered by a chorus of ayes from the rest of the assembly. "Good. Then let us proceed." Renji heard the throne creak. Yamamoto had sat down directly across where he was kneeling. Was this going to be a long meeting? Were they going to sentence him?
. "You have injured your captain severely, Sixth Division fukutaichou, Abarai Renji." Yamamoto started. He squeezed his eyes shut, veins taut as he waited for the horrific words. "You have been known to go against protocol and react on your own definition of justice. You make your decisions heedless of what your superior commands you to..."
I'm going to die. He thought, the mere imagery sending a shiver up his spine. They are going to kill me.
"But Kuchiki Byakuya had chosen you, endorsed you openly even, for captaincy."
Renji's eyes snapped open and he stared at the shiny wooden floors in disbelief. He endorsed me? Openly? Since when? Without my permission? I thought he was just asking me privately if I wanted to –
"I have received documents from him, all his intent and all his project proposals for Seireitei – and the entire Soul Society – days ago." Yamamoto continued. "I have deemed them efficient and effective, thus, forwarded to the senators and His Majesty himself. Everything has been approved and the documents have been stamped as official as of this afternoon."
Proposals? Do they think I have something to do with them? And what does my endorsement have to do with them anyway? His thoughts were in turmoil. Renji felt as if he was being blindfolded and led to a path to nowhere.
"Do you understand what I'm saying, Abarai Renji?"
"No Yamamoto-dono." His voice was clipped, patience wearing thin. He had to endure this – he must. Whatever this was. He didn't get it – at all. "I don't."
No sooner than he said negative did the old man laugh. Surprised, he looked up, forgetting protocol yet again, stood up defiantly and glared at him.
"I simply don't understand what you are saying, or implying for that matter, Yamamoto-dono." He grated out. "I do not like being laughed at especially now that my captain is in sick bay and I have no idea why he made the attack that started all this anyway."
Yamamoto laughed once again, the sound making his blood boil. He balled his hands into fists and stewed. His eyes sharpened as he watched the old man gesture for Yoruichi to carry the box straight to Renji. "The answer to some of your questions lies inside that box, Abarai-kun. Go ahead, take it and look inside."
In a blink of an eye, Yoruichi was there, her face impassive, but there was a strange glitter in her eyes that made him falter. The anger was instantly zapped out of him and he looked down at the sizeable object in her hands. It took him a moment to hesitate before he finally held out his hands and took it from her.
He opened it slowly, and the minute he saw what it was, he lost his grip on the box cover, the wooden lid clanking loudly on the floor, its sound ringing in everybody's ears.
"You've got to be kidding me…"
OxxxOxxxO
Hisagi Shuuhei watched Renji closely. He knew what was inside the box even before the assembly started. After all, he was the one asked by Yamamoto to get the box for that thing.
He knew from Kira and Ikkaku that the redhead had been burdened by the thought of being captain since that first fateful invitation for tea. He learned from his vice-captain that Byakuya had endorsed him for captaincy when the competition sign-ups started.
The young master wanted Renji to become captain… among other things.
He thought then that there must be a reason for him to do such thing, but never did he know that it was not as simple as he first deducted. A small smile stretched his lips as he saw Renji's eyes widen, his grip on the box lid lost. The loud reverberation of that singular sound raised the sound and rhythm of his beating heart.
Ichimaru Gin was generous enough to provide him the information he needed as he packed the object inside the box this early evening.
"You've got to be kidding me…" He heard Renji exclaim.
He watched as Seireitei's tattooed renegade drop down to his knees in shock and disbelief. Then, said emotions subsided, and all he could see on those sharp features were helplessness, realisation, awe, and lastly, devastation.
It was only then that Hisagi finally understood this part of Kuchiki Byakuya's mind. His smile slowly widened.
He has chosen well.
TSUZUKU
A/N: One last chapter and this story will be done! Sorry about the LONG delay. I fell out of the fandom in the middle of writing this because of the anime's filler arc, but now I'm finally back – hopefully to stay, so I could continue until the fifth story (Fourth Hisagi x Yumichika: Fifth Gin x Kira) of this Alternate Universe Arc. I hope you enjoyed this lengthy chapter and do give some feedbacks – they're very much appreciated!
(1) Young master