Soi Fon waited uncomfortably outside Kisuke's shop for him to return, hopefully carrying some books from the public library. Yoruichi was nowhere to be found, and Soi Fon was beginning to think that her former commander has finally snapped. So she didn't confide in her, what's so wrong about that? Yoruichi wasn't exactly forthcoming with all her plans.
Soi Fon held up the arrow once more. Who was that man? Why did he attack and then hesitated after seeing my face? Surely he isn't the same man in my dreams...that emperor. Maybe I was once betrothed to him. Despite herself, Soi Fon managed to chuckle at her own thoughts.
"What's so funny?"
Soi Fon's body jerked at the unexpected interruption. "Yoruichi-sama"
"I'm sorry about earlier, Soi Fon", Yoruichi immediately said. "I hope you understand why I reacted that way"
"Yes, Yoruichi-sama" Of course she didn't understand why, but for some reason, saying yes was simpler. Yoruichi has never answered her directly, and so just simply agreeing would suffice.
"I tried finding traces of that man's reiatsu but unfortunately, it just vanished. You say you haven't met that man?"
Soi Fon shook her head. "No, not even in my dreams"
"Those dreams of yours..."
"Kisuke and I suspect that they may not be ordinary dreams, Yoruichi-sama"
"What do you think they are then?"
"Hard to say...and I don't want to make conclusions yet...but Kisuke seems to be sure, at the very least, this isn't similar to Senna's case"
"But why only when you started using Shunko?"
Soi Fon shrugged. "I don't know. It wasn't automatic...it was very gradual..at first I could barely remember those dreams...I just wake up with a nagging feeling that I have forgotten something...it's only recently that they have become so vivid and...real"
"I see..." Yoruichi said, deep in her thoughts. "And that arrow you say...has a similar design with the one in your dreams?"
"Yes...that's why Kisuke and I suspect there's something more to this. I would eventually need to look for that man as well"
"He might be dangerous...I will go with you"
Soi Fon smiled. "I appreciate that Yoruichi-sama, but I--"
"I wasn't asking for your permission, Soi Fon"
Before Soi Fon could protest, Kisuke came back with a wagon-full of books. "Captain Soi Fon, I hope you are fond of reading"
Yoruichi grimaced at the sight of dozens of books. "You really plan on reading all of these?"
Soi Fon kneeled and started scanning the title covers of the books. "Just the ones that discuss the Qin Dynasty...there isn't much?"
Kisuke frowned. "I'm afraid that the dynasty lasted for a very short period of time, and is in fact one of the oldest...so there aren't a lot of detailed discussions except on certain achievements such as the--"
"Great Wall", Soi Fon finished.
"Don't tell me it was you who build it in your dreams, Captain Fon?" Kisuke jested.
Soi Fon sighed. "Build wouldn't be right...more like supervised"
"Oh", Kisuke said, unsure whether to take Soi Fon's answer seriously.
Soi Fon stood up. "I will have to go back to the Soul Society first and report the appearance of that man to Captain Ukitake. I suspect he is that unknown reiatsu that has been reported before. I will go back tomorrow morning and start reading these books"
"Why wait for tomorrow? You can come back later and stay here", Yoruichi said eyeing Kisuke for approval. Kisuke nodded and spoke, "Yoruichi-san is right, it will save you more time, and we can help you in whatever way we can"
Soi Fon glanced at both Yoruichi and Kisuke, suddenly feeling suspicious of what were on the minds of those two bosom buddies. Predictably though, she agreed to Yoruichi's request. "I will be back as soon as I have spoken with Captain Ukitake"
"Great!" Yoruichi exclaimed enthusiastically. "What would you want for dinner?"
Soi Fon stared at her blankly, while Kisuke covered his face with a fan. "Err...I mean you're... our guest...so of course we would have to be hospitable", Yoruichi stammered.
Soi Fon merely bowed and excused herself, much to Yoruichi's relief. Kisuke fanned himself and then spoke. "Careful Yoruichi-san, she may not show it, but it seems that she is more affected by this than what she would like us to believe"
"So? Why should I be careful?"
"Because you might misinterpret her vulnerability, you'll end up regretting it, as you will feel that you have taken advantage of her state"
"Wha-"
"Yoruichi-san, do you honestly think you can hide that from me?" Kisuke said, waving his fan as he entered his shop, not waiting for Yoruichi's defense.
---
Soi Fon returned as promised, eating a bit of the meal prepared for her. "Soi Fon...you don't like the food?" Yoruichi could not mask her disappointment, but even then, Soi Fon still refused to eat some more. "Yoruichi-sama...I don't really eat that much if you remember"
"Oh...yeah..that's right...but anyway...i'll keep this packed so if you get hungry later, you can munch on something"
Soi Fon blushed. "You sound very much like my mother, Yoruichi-sama. Thank you"
Mother?!? No, no, no! "Err...yeah, you're welcome"
"Please excuse me" Soi Fon said as she stood up and bowed to both Yoruichi and Kisuke, although the last one looked pretty much forced. "I will have to start working. I don't have much time"
"Wait!" Yoruichi exclaimed and jogged towardss Soi Fon. "I'll help you...tell me what needs to be looked at"
No need for another set of argument of which Soi Fon knows she won't win anyway. "Thank you, Yoruichi-sama. I would appreciate that"
Yoruichi forced a smile, knowing very much that Soi Fon was merely following her "orders". Nevertheless, she'll take whatever she is given, for beggars can't be choosers.
---
Soi Fon closed one book and sighed. "What have you found?", Yoruichi asked.
"Nothing. Just the ones we have already confirmed. There really is a Qin dynasty and an emperor named Shi Huangdi. The Chinese people, I have heard, kept records in great detail. So why is it that there are only few pieces of information on them?"
Yoruichi pursed her lips. She felt so helpless for not knowing the answers to Soi Fon's questions. Times have really changed from the time when the young girl sought only Yoruichi's advice and she could readily give it. "There has to be some--"
"What is it, Soi Fon?", Yoruichi said, scooting nearer to former body guard, and peered at the book she was holding.
"She's here...Mu Guiying..." Soi Fon's breath became erratic.
"Mu...Guiying?"
"The matriarch.." Soi Fon mumbled as she scanned the pages relating to that woman. She read the information quietly, then began summarizing it for Yoruichi. "Head of the Women Generals from the House of Da...Both the emperor and Mu Guiying came from the Zhou Dynasty. She aided the emperor in his earlier conquests during the Warring States period. Her leadership was followed by...Mei...Feng...only to die five years later...Mei Feng...Mei.." Soi Fon closed her eyes as images once again began to flash and flood her mind.
Soi Fon? You must remember to thrust the sword this way
But Lao Bu...It is so difficult...
Run...Soi...Fon...run and...live
"Soi Fon?" Yoruichi asked, feeling extremely worried at Soi Fon's agitated state.
"Lao Bu!" Soi Fon exclaimed. "Yoruichi-sama...it isn't normal for Shinigamis to remember their past, right?"
"You're not a memory rosary, Soi Fon"
"I don't believe I am...my dreams are not a collage of different memories...it's all coming from one...mine"
"What are you saying, Soi Fon?"
"That...it's a possibility...that I'm one of those rare cases...those whose memories return to them"
"Then who is this Mei Feng..."
Soi Fon stared into Yoruichi's eyes and spoke in an almost hushed voice. "My mother"
"Soi...could it be possible that you are just starting to believe--"
Soi Fon shook her head. "No...she's my mother...or she was...I called her mother...I know it...I am sure of this"
Yoruichi held her tongue. To argue with Soi Fon on this matter right now will agitate her further. If that woman was indeed Soi Fon's mother, then where is her--
"Records...there has to be a more detailed set of records than this" Soi Fon muttered absent-absentmindedly as she scanned more books.
Yoruichi couldn't take it anymore. Seeing her former bodyguard looking so lost and confused was something she was not used to, and would never get used to. Her hands gently slid on Soi Fon's arms, and gripped her wrists. "Soi Fon...that's enough for tonight"
Soi Fon froze and blushed. "Just another--"
"No..." Yoruichi said sternly. "You need to rest"
Soi Fon sighed and nodded. "Yes, Yoruichi-sama". She stood up and glanced at the books one more time before giving it up. Dreams...please come tonight...I need to know what to find.
Soi was ready to collapse on her assigned bed beside Yoruichi's when both she and the latter jerked up. "I feel that too", Yourichi confirmed, standing up to follow Soi Fon. The reiatsu of that mystery man reappeared and Soi Fon immediately grabbed her zanpakutou and ran outside the shop. Yoruichi stood beside Soi Fon while both scanned the area. "Where in the world is--"
Soi Fon's hand swooped and caught the arrow that traveled at unbelievable speed, rendering Yoruichi unable to react despite her skills. Had Soi Fon failed to capture it, it would've hit Yoruichi squarely in between her eyes. Soi Fon seethed with anger and shouted, "You picked the wrong target. Come out now!"
Soi Fon's command was met with silence. Yoruichi stood still, this time more ready and aware of her surroundings, but before she could sense anything, she felt a powerful push to her chest by Soi Fon, causing her to fall flat on the earth. Using her sword, Soi Fon began to fend off the rain of arrows that suddenly appeared, seemingly targeting Yoruichi. Matching the same the same speed and precision with that off the enemy's weapon Soi Fon began moving forward, thrusting and slashing her sword towards the source of those arrows appearing to be hidden from a tree. Soi Fon shouted as she continued advancing, "I said! You picked! The wrong! Target! You idiot!"
The mysterious man catapulted himself from the tree and directed his bow towards Soi Fon's direction and waited for her to draw nearer. He suddenly dropped his weapon and held his hands up. "General Soi Fon!", he shouted. "'I am Fusu! Have you forgotten me?"
Soi Fon stopped herself and backed off, landing a few meters away from Yoruichi. She did not address the man's question, but rather, inquired about Yoruichi's state. "Are you alright, Yoruichi-sama?"
It was only then that Yoruichi realized she had not moved from her spot. It was an overwhelming feeling, to be saved by Soi Fon, twice, with only a few seconds apart. She had forgotten that while her former bodyguard had yet to surpass her strength, she was almost at par, and tonight, Soi Fon might have even leveled the field between them. Kisuke and the rest who were sleeping soon emerged from the shop, eager to go into battle.
"Yes, I'm alright", she answered back as she stood up and readied herself fully this time for an attack. But nothing came about, except for a staring contest between that man and Soi Fon until he spoke once more. "Xiao Soi", he said, this time with what appeared to be a smile of affection.
Soi Fon attempted to conceal a gasp. "How dare you call me Xiao...WHO ARE YOU?!". She gripped her zanpakutou and mumbled, "sting all your enemies to dea--"
"Fusu! I am Fusu! We have grown up together! Why have you forgotten who I am Xiao Soi?" The man walked forward, dropping his bow and all other weapons that clung on his waist. Yoruichi stood beside Soi Fon and shouted, "don't you take one step nearer. It's obvious Soi Fon does not know you". Yoruichi was about to spring herself and attack the man, when Soi Fon stopped her. "Yoruichi-sama, I can take care of this. Let him speak"
The man looked like he was about to burst from happiness upon seeing Soi Fon. He walked slowly, careful not to make any sudden move that will cause alarm from the others. It was only then that Yoruichi caught a full glimpse of that man. He was probably of Soi Fon's age, had very fine handsome features, and patrician in bearing. He kept smiling and gazing at Soi Fon, "Xiao Soi...you don't remember me...but I have proof...please let me show you"
Soi Fon and Yoruichi both held a fighting stance when the young man moved his hand towards his chest and took out a necklace with a jade pendant. He removed it and slowly handed it over to Soi Fon. The captain's eyes grew big and looked shock at the sight of the jade pendant. "How...what..."
"What is it, Soi Fon?"
"Isn't that your symbol, Xiao Fon? That's your name. You gave that necklace to me"
Soi Fon still looked confused, but regarded the man a little differently now. Yoruichi, on the other hand still felt that this was just too surreal, and can't decide the validity of this event. Regardless of the truth though, any man who claims to have received a necklace from Soi Fon is not to be treated as a friend, as far as she was concerned.
The man sighed and shook his head. "We have been separated from each other far too long, Xiao Soi..."
"What the heck does xiao mean anyway? He keeps calling Captain Soi Fon, Xiao Soi", Jinta finally asked, unable to restrain himself any longer.
"My sentiments, exactly", Yoruichi mumbled.
Soi Fon frowned and glanced at the re-headed boy for a split second before returning her attention to the man in front of her. She held the jade pendant once more and made a decision. "Alright, Fusu you say? I will give you the benefit of the doubt. You start talking when I tell you, and you will answer every question that I have. Don't even attempt to try something funny, as you can see, you are heavily outnumbered here"
Fusu smiled and bowed his head. "Yes, Xiao Soi."
Yoruichi scrutinized the man in front of her but said nothing. She needed to trust Soi Fon's instinct on this matter, and if she had given him a chance to explain himself, Yoruichi could do nothing but to ensure Soi Fon's safety. Who are you? She though to herself while eying the man's every move. She gazed at Soi Fon and asked to herself once more, I have the same question for you too, Soi Fon.
---
Fusu sat face to face with Soi Fon, while everyone kept a guarded distance, except Yoruichi who insisted on sitting in between the Captain of the second squad and the mysterious Chinese man. Soi Fon began her interrogation.
Where are you from?
I have come from the far west, not of this country, but of what was once known as the Warring States. I was born in Xianyang, the capital of the city of Qin, which eventually became the capital of the established dynasty by Shi Huangdi.
Shi Huangdi.
Shi Huangdi, the God whom we once served. He emerged as the leader that unified the whole of the Warring States and have established heaven. He had you command his army that famously crushed the Array of the Heavenly Gates and thwarted the assassination attempt of our Lord by the Han clan.
Assassination?
You have forgotten that as well? It has been said that Shi Huangdi underestimated the Hans. But you, from the start, have been suspicious of their activities as a noble family. There was an aristocrat, named Zhiang Liang of the Western Han who devised a heavy cone aimed to crush the emperor's carriage. You, however, with your unmatched speed and courage, saved Shi Huangdi. These two events forged your position as our Lord's closest aide and highest commander of his army. You, who hail from the great Women Generals of the House of Da, coming from the Zhou clam. Your matriarch was Mu Guiying, your adoptive mother was Mei Feng. She had died to protect you.
Why do you know all of these?
Do you remember all of them?
No.
Not even me?
No. I'm the one asking questions.
I'm sorry.
What is your role in the emperor's army?
I have none.
Then why do you know all of these?
I am...his eldest son.
You...you're..his son?
Yes. My brother's name is Huhai...he eventually became Qin Er Shi.
He became the 2nd emperor? Why not you?
Because...I have died right after Shi Huangdi died.
How?
I have committed suicide because I was tricked into doing so, both by my father and my brother.
I thought your father died before you did.
He wrote a letter, instructing me to commit suicide. He had also written that my brother will receive the same instructions. After my death, I found my soul trapped in this material world and is very much conscious even without my body. From there, I have realized that the letter was part of a conspiracy to ensure my brother's position in the kingdom. For what I would assume to be hundreds of years, my soul remained wandering, witnessing all eventual dynasties rise and fall. I became content with watching, until I was forced to flee.
Why?
My father's...and my brother's souls have come back to kill me. Or so they say. I don't really understand how a soul can be killed, but I went about escaping and hiding from them anyway. I am not prepared to place the fate of my soul to them, and so I ran and soon, I found myself in this strange place. And then, I sensed you...I could always sense you, even in the darkest places.
I'm confused. Why did you father choose your brother? Isn't it a Chinese tradition to trust the eldest?What did you do to be bypassed?
I was not fit to run an empire...I was very weak physically.
You're a marksman, how could that make you weak?
That was my only talent...I was no good with anything else...not even intellectually...or tactical...I have trained...after I died...My soul...seemed to attract the weirdest creatures...spiritual beings with grotesque appearances, but had one thing in common...they have, for lack of better description...holes in their bodies. I can consider myself fortunate because for some obscure reason, even my weapons joined me after death.
Hollows sought after your soul. It makes sense, with a reiatsu as strong as yours.
You have seen them too? You're already dead? I have observed it is only the dead who can see them.
Are you some kind of a nutcase? Of course I'm dead. If you say you grew up with me, then I've been dead for centuries too.
But you have claimed once that you found the elixir of life.
I have?
I never found your body. You simply disappeared after I died. So your death may not be as obvious as you made it out to be.
Fine. Moving along. You say that you are the son of the emperor?
Yes.
And that I have once been a loyal servant of your father.
Yes.
...
What is it that you want to ask?
What is my relationship to you? Why do you call me with such... affection?
Why...aside from the fact that we were childhood friends...we were in love.
This is getting weirder by the minute.
But you have been made to vow never to marry...and only to serve my father's kingdom.
ARE YOU SAYING I'M A EUNUCH?!?
Eunuchs are males...Xiao Soi.
Oh.
My father...trusted you...perhaps you were the only one who had gained that much trust from him. He didn't want you to be influenced by anyone, let alone by a weakling like me. He had once admonished me from spending time with you...saying I was a mere distraction.
Let's not go there right now. I still have some more questions that need to be answered. If you say you have sensed me right away. Why attack me?
I wasn't sure if it was really you, or someone pretending to be you. Our first encounter happened and ended too quickly, for me to make a decision. And so I had to wait again for another one.
By aiming at Yoruichi-sama?
My test was...if you were able to catch my arrows in the nick of time...you always did. And so right then, I was absolutely sure it was you.
I see...
...
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE THE MOST STUPID PERSON I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED!!! YOU COULD'VE KILLED HER, YOU IDIOT!!!
I...I'm sorry...
YOU SHOULD BE!!!
...
Alright...alright...I'm sorry for losing my temper...Fusu, am I correct?
Yes
Make no mistake about this, Fusu. If I find out that you are simply embellishing all of these...I will kill you with my own hands...but...if what you're saying is true...that your brother and father are out to kill you...then for the time being, you can choose to stay with me for protection.
---
"WHAT?!?"
There was a collective disbelief in the room. Yoruichi, Kisuke and the rest all groaned at Soi Fon's decision.
Soi Fon stood up, and despite the lack of height, the determination in her eyes made her look towering to all of them . "If you doubt my decision as the Captain of the second squad and Commander-in-chief of the Onmitsukido, that is fine. I will leave this shop with him. Let's go." Soi Fon began walking with a downcast Fusu, but Yoruichi ran and stopped them. "No...I'm sorry...we were just all surprised...I trust your decision, Soi Fon"
"You do?", Kisuke asked bemusedly, who was met by Yoruichi's deadly glare.
"Yes, I do. I seldom impose on any of you, so this will be an exception"
Soi Fon bowed and thanked Yoruichi. "Come on", she told Fusu. "We all need to rest"
"Wait!" Yoruichi exclaimed. "Are...are you saying, he'll stay in our room?"
"Where do you intend to let him sleep?"
"In my room, of course. I think that is only proper". It was Kisuke who spoke, subtly glancing at Yoruichi.
---
Yoruichi carefully scooted closed and gently brushed off some of Soi Fon's hair that fell on her face. Yoruichi pursed her lips and observed that Soi Fon was sighing and smiling in her sleep. What are you dreaming this time, Soi Fon? Are you dreaming of him? Yoruichi turned away and forced herself to sleep in order to remove all jealous feelings and worry.
Soi Fon on the other hand in her deep slumber, mumbled so softly, "Yoruichi-sama..."