The sound of colliding zanpakuto blades rang out through the training grounds. A large cloud of dust billowed into the air, blinding the two shinigami. Suddenly, Rukia was propelled backward; her slender, dark form became visible at the cloud's edge.
"Ha! You'll have to do better than that!" she laughed, haughtily at Ashido's use of kido.
She knew her taunts would instigated his frustration, but she wanted to help him regain his former abilities. He had been in a weakened state for so long, that the road to recovery was taking longer than he had expected. It left him in a state of despair, much to Rukia's disappointment. She knew what he was going through, so it was only natural that she would want to help him.
He used his flash step, hoping to catch her off-guard. He was surprised by how quickly she was able to deflect his attack. "You…h-have gotten stronger..since we last met," he sounded impressed. He was breathing heavily—already winded from their short excursion, even though Rukia had been training with the rehabilitating shinigami for weeks. He was finally feeling more or less like his old self, but Rukia's new-found strength was making him feel more pathetic by the minute.
Rukia could see how strained Ashido was becoming from their sparring. "Do you need a break?" she asked, concern in her voice.
He shook his head, "It'll take more than that to tire me!" He smiled weakly, "Is this all you got?"
She shook her head, smirking to herself. He was just as she remembered: using his arrogance to mask his soft-hearted nature. "Are you sure? I am stronger, you know. I have been training, after all! Besides, it was I who came to Hueco Mundo to find you," she dodged his attack, her feet lightly sweeping across the ground. She deflected a second attack.
"Hmph! With two companions, no less!" he chided.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she yelled, her eyes flashing their anger.
He smirked. She's still so easily goaded, he thought. His momentary distraction prevented him from seeing her tiny body flying through the air. She landed nimbly in front of him, using the hilt of her sword to jab his ribcage.
"Ow, what the—?" he howled, backing away from the angry woman.
"I risked my life!" she fired back. "You're not even worth that." Before he could defend himself, a red ball of fire flew past his head—barely missing his ear.
"R-Rukia! I was kidding!" he yelped, frantically raising his arms in surrender. Had she used kido without an incantation? he wondered to himself. He would have to be more careful about angering the dark-haired shinigami. She had definitely improved since their last encounter in Hueco Mundo.
"Holy shit! That almost hit me!" the newcomer's voice bellowed.
Ashido recognized the man's voice: he was a close friend of Rukia's--the same red-haired shinigami from the forest of Hueco Mundo. Rukia was still mumbling under her breath as she angrily glared at Ashido.
"What did you do to piss her off?" Renji spoke softly, jerking his thumb toward Rukia.
"I'm still trying to figure that out," Ashido answered, running his hand through his short, auburn hair. He had allowed Yachiru to cut it, after much begging on the young lieutenant's part. The Women's Association had organized a party for his return, welcoming him back. He had recognized very few faces among those who attended. Despite his unfamiliarity with the current shinigami, he was humbled by the sincerity of the welcoming party. He even found that he was slightly excited to meet his new division.
He was not, however, excited by the attention he was getting from a large majority of available female shinigami. Ashido had, unknowingly, been voted Most Eligible Shinigami by the Women's Association—a title which made him cringe. He could do without that sort of welcoming back to the Seretei. Rukia had merely shrugged off his detest for the title, informing him that it took the attention off of her older brother. Apparently, the Kuchiki widow detested the designation as well.
"Yup, that sounds about right," Renji grinned knowingly. He straightened his captain's haori, basking in the new-found glory of his position.
"Congratulations, by the way," Ashido murmured, nodding toward the new uniform.
"Thanks!" Renji grinned.
Rukia skipped up to him, punching him lightly on the arm. "Hiya, Captain!"
Renji balked at the formal title, "You don't get to call me that!"
"And why not?" Rukia asked, placing her tiny fists on her hips. "You're a captain now, so I have to address you as such!"
"I command that you don't, then," he raised his chin in defiance.
Rukia giggled at his silliness, "Get over it." She looked over his new haori, nodding her satisfaction. "It suits you. You really deserve it, Renji." Her eyes conveyed her pride at his promotion.
Part of him felt guilty for leaving the Sixth Division, but it was time for him to move on with his life. He had merely taken the position as Byakuya's second-in-command to stay close to Rukia. He was slightly saddened at closing this chapter of his life, but he knew that his old hopes of having a life with Rukia were merely dreams. He would never have her heart, that much he knew. Renji did not feel deflated at the thought. Instead, he felt oddly at ease with the notion—as if they had come to a silent, mutual agreement.
No, her heart belonged to someone else, though he wasn't entirely convinced she had realized that…yet. Renji had meant to talk to her about her sudden withdrawal from the assignment in Karakura, but had been sidetracked with his new duties. The Ninth Division was in need of serious repairing, especially after the Winter War. Hisagi was an excellent shinigami, but he knew nothing about keeping his division organized. The red-headed lieutenant had willingly stepped up to the plate when he was offered the position as the Ninth Division's captain. Yes, it was his time to move on…his time to shine.
"Well, you should be wearing one of these things too," Renji tugged on his haori. "But you're too stubborn." He looked around for her Lieutenant's badge. It was nowhere to be found. "And why aren't you wearing your badge? You didn't lose it again, did you?"
Rukia just shook her head, "It's too heavy. I don't like wearing it. Besides, I'm still getting used to it." The truth was, she wasn't even sure she wanted to be a lieutenant. Byakuya offered her his available vice-captain position—the same one Renji was leaving. She adamantly denied that position. She did not want to be under Byakuya's constant scrutiny. They were just learning to get to know one another, and she didn't think she could handle being with him even more. So, when Jushiro had offered her his much-coveted lieutenant position, she had hesitatingly agreed.
The white-haired captain told her that Kaien would have been proud, earning a few tears from Rukia. Apparently Ichigo had shared her achievement of bankai with Captain Ukitake. He warned her that if others found out, she would soon be up for a captain position—as the Gotei Thirteen was in dire need of capable captains. He had willingly promised to keep her secret , furthering Rukia's decision to take his promotional offer. The need for captains had grown so worrisome, that it was almost to the point that Yamamoto was willing to take a few, chosen vice-captains and promote them until more suitable leaders came along. Rukia had merely shrugged off the idea, indifferent at the prospect of becoming a captain. She really had no desire, right now, to go through the testing for the position. Despite her aloofness at her own promotion—and some nasty glares from a few brown-nosers in her division—she looked forward to the distraction it would provide for her.
Renj interrupted her thoughts. "So, are you two done training for the day?" he asked.
"I suppose we could be," Ashido nodded, looking warily at Rukia for approval. He sheathed his zanpakuto, taking a moment to marvel at his healed hand. He flexed his fingers slowly, marveling at how his entire arm had been healed so easily. "Rukia," he said softly, "do you…do you think I could meet the person that healed my hand?"
Rukia was caught off-guard by the question, "Huh?"
"The woman…that healed me. Do you think I could meet her? To thank her. It's the least I can do," he explained.
Rukia gaped at him, realizing his intent. He..he wanted to go back to Karakura?! She could see the conviction in his eyes, and she knew it was important that he be able to thank Inoue. Guilt suddenly took grip of her heart, and she knew it was inevitable. She slowly nodded her head, unsure of how she would accomplish this task.
"Inoue," she whispered. "I can take you to her, if that is what you want."
Renji watched Rukia, hoping for a hint of…anything. Would she see Ichigo? What had happened between them, anyway? Maybe he would go with them…
"Yes, I would like that very much," Ashido confirmed, his eyes falling on his hand. He smiled his silent thank you to the unknown healer.
Rukia felt her stomach jump into her throat. This was not good. She would have to plan their visit so that she would not run into Ichigo. She wasn't sure she could handle seeing him. Not yet...
"Rukia, your reiatsu!" Renji groaned, as he began to shiver. "Control it, dammit!"
"Oh. Sorry," she blushed as her spiritual pressure recoiled around her. She hadn't realized it slipped from her control.
"Yeah," Renji said, his tone holding the tiniest amount of satisfaction—as if he had just confirmed a silent thought. Rukia sent him a warning glare.
"I should let Byakuya know that I'm going," she looked toward Ashido. "I'll meet you at the gate in about an hour." He nodded his understanding.
Renji and Rukia walked toward the Kuchiki Manor. "I'm really happy for you," she murmured softly. "It's going to be lonely around the manor without your constant interference."
"Aww, I love you too, Rukia!" Renji grinned, as he prepared for her attack. It came, as expected, in the form of a tiny fist colliding with his arm. "Ow! Sorry!" he whined, rubbing his arm. "You gotta control that anger. It's not good."
She merely smiled at him, as she straightened his haori. "White looks good on you, Renj."
"I thought so too," he said, as they ascended the stairs to the tea room.
Rukia laughed as she opened the door. She quickly gasped as she found Byakuya having his morning tea with ...Yoruichi!
"Y-Yoruichi-sama! I didn't know you were here!" Rukia squeaked, caught off-guard by her mentor's sudden appearance.
The former captain waved her hand dismissively. "Eh, I didn't announce that I was coming. I just thought I'd drop in to see how you were doing. And, instead, I found him." She nodded toward Byakuya.
"Am I poor company?" he asked, a smile forming on his lips.
"Do you want me to answer that honestly? I'd rather have lunch with the Old Man running this place!" she smirked.
"So would I," Byakuya replied calmly, his eyes betraying nothing.
Renji looked at Rukia, his eyes matching her surprise. She shrugged her confusion as she turned her attention back to the dark-skinned woman. "What brings you here, Yoruichi-sama?" she asked as she closed the door behind her.
"I just wanted to drop in. See how you're doing. I hadn't seen you since you left," she sipped her tea, her eyes searching Rukia's face.
"I…uh, I've been busy," Rukia replied her face reddening. She had a feeling this was going to go south, and quickly.
"Doing what? You've practically abandoned your friends. Not to mention the people who trained you for months. This is the thanks I get," she sighed in mock disappointment as she shook her head slowly. "Is this the type of respect you teach your sister, Bya?"
Rukia stared, her mouth hanging open. Had Yoruichi just called Byakuya 'Bya'? Her brother ignored the question, as he looked over Renji's new uniform. "You make a fine captain, Renji."
"Uh…er, thank you, Kuchiki-sama!" Renji responded, bowing his head in respect. "I am honored to have served as your lieutenant."
Yoruichi cackled at his short speech. "That…that was precious!" Renji's face turned crimson as he glared at her murderously. "Oh quit it! You're killing me, Freeloader!" She laughed some more. Rukia even snorted at the remark, quickly masking her enjoyment as Renji turned his deadly glare on her.
"And you," Yoruichi's golden eyes fell on Rukia, "I hear you learned bankai." It was more of a statement than a question.
Rukia's eyes flew open, as she realized that Yoruichi revealed something she had yet to share with her brother. The former captain immediately realized that Rukia must not have told Byakuya. She waved her hand, "He would have figured out eventually, I'm sure. "
Byakuya sipped his tea thoughtfully, "So you learned bankai, Rukia?" She nodded silently. He responded with a slight smile. He was not surprised. He even felt a sudden surge of pride at his adopted sibling's accomplishment. "Interesting. Very interesting."
Yoruichi shrugged, "I hope so. I'm looking forward to seeing it sometime, Rukia." Again, the dark-haired Kuchiki heiress nodded. "So, have you seen Ichigo lately?" Yoruichi asked, her eyes watching Rukia's expression carefully as she stirred her tea.
Rukia's face burned with the memory of her last encounter with Ichigo. "No..er..no!" she blurted. Her ears were crimson. Before the visitor could ask another question, Rukia bowed, "Byakuya, I have promised to take Ashido to see Orihime. He wanted to thank her for healing him. I will return shortly. With your permission, that is."
Byakuya considered her hurried request, "I find it acceptable. But do not linger longer than you have to, Rukia. There is a meeting, later, for new officers. It would be best if you made an appearance. "
She nodded, as she silently turned to exit the room. Rukia wanted to avoid any further questioning from the Flash Goddess. She grabbed Renji's uniform, pulling him along as she left the reception room. He retreated in a roar of curses as his new haori tore under her grip.
"Hmm…I think I hit a nerve, no?" Yoruichi spoke over her cup, her eyes following Rukia as she left the two friends to their tea.
"Perhaps. I think that her time here will make her less interested in that hooligan," he replied cautiously. He had a feeling that something had occurred between Ichigo and Rukia, though he was merely basing this off a hunch. Whatever it was, he was triumphant that Rukia had not returned Ichigo's feelings.
"Hooligan? Is that that what you are calling commoners these days?" Yoruchi tsk-ed. "Let her love who she wants! Rukia deserves that much. Besides," she said, smiling to herself, "as I remember, you married a hooligan."
"Hold your tongue, mongrel," he growled. "Or I'll have to remove it."
"You'll have to catch me," she laughed her challenge.
"Rukia! Rukia, slow down!" Renji whined, as he caught up to his childhood friend. He matched her pace. "Why are you in such a rush?" he was confused as to what had made her so angry.
"Let's just find Inoue and get back here!" she hissed as she stomped toward the gate. She anticipated a quick visit. Please don't let me see him! she silently wished.
"Rukia…what exactly happened between you and Ichigo?" Renji ventured. He figured it was now or never. She ignored his question, so he pressed on. "You haven't been to Karakura in weeks, you haven't spoken about him, and you haven't spoken to him!" he pointed out.
"Nothing happened," she snapped. "It's..nothing!"
"It doesn't sound like 'nothing'," he offered. "If you need to talk, I'm here."
She quickly spun on heel, ready to verbally assault him. When she saw the concern etched on his face, her angry resolve melted. "I-I'm sorry, Renji," she whispered. "Thank you."
He didn't know what he said to make her respond in such a way, but he didn't push the issue further. If she wanted to talk, she could find him. He nodded as they hurried toward where Ashido was waiting. He may not know what's going on, but he knew Rukia well enough to know that she was bothered by it.
It'll work itself out in time, he told himself. It always does.
Rukia froze, her heart pounding in her chest. I should have known! she thought furiously. She had focused on Inoue's reiraku to find her friend's current location in the town. It led the trio to a park in the off-skirts of town. It was near the same playing field on which Rukia had saved Karin.
In the pit of her stomach, Rukia knew that Orihime wouldn't be alone in the park. Despite that, she wished that she were wrong. As they closed in on the spiritual thread, she felt her stomach sink. He's here!
She had felt his spiritual energy before arriving, and part of her wanted to run. But, she didn't want to create a scene in front of Ashido and Renji. Besides, Ashido deserved the chance to thank Orihime for what she had done for him. The three stood, scanning the park for Orihime. Rukia spotted them before her companions had.
She longingly watched the usual gang enjoy their picnic; their laughter filling the air. Everyone was smiling, and she silently wished she could join in on the fun. Part of her felt a slight pang of sadness at the happiness that was visible on Ichigo's face. It was as if he had forgotten his proclamation to Rukia—especially the part where he told her that she was his life. It appeared his life had moved on, and he was quite happy. Why are you so upset? she asked herself. You wanted this! she reminded her inner self. She angrily shook her selfish thoughts from her head.
Before she could prepare something to say, she heard Renji call out, "Oi, Ichigo! Inoue! Chad! Ishida!" Rukia refused to look at Ichigo, though she could feel the slight spike in his reiatsu--she had been noticed.
She plastered a smile on her face, as Inoue happily ran toward them. "Rukia!" she sang, as she wrapped her arms around Rukia's shoulders. "I haven't seen you in so long! Where have you been?" She held Rukia at arm length, her eyes studying the shinigami's face. She looked over the raven-haired woman worriedly, "Is everything alright?" she whispered.
"Hi Inoue," she replied, her smile never faltering. "Everything is fine," she lied. Everything is not fine! Why did you come here? It was harder than she expected. To smile, that is. She could see Chad and Ishida following Orihime. Ichigo was slowly trailing behind them.
Rukia quickly changed the subject, for her sake. "I…I brought someone who wanted to speak with you." She gestured toward Ashido.
He walked forward, quietly, his eyes falling on his savior. Suddenly, he fell to his knees. "I-I wish to thank you!" he blurted as he bowed his head in respect. The others watched silently, freezing where they stood
Inoue's eyes widened in recognition, as her cheeks turned pink. "Ashido-kun! Oh, don't bow! Please stand up!"
Ashido looked up at her, his eyes speaking his appreciation. He silently pushed himself off of the ground. "You have done me a great service. You are an exceptional medic, " he told her, his voice gruff with emotion. "I owe you everything."
Rukia briefly let her eyes wander over the familiar faces, finding Ichigo carefully watching her. Despite the smiles and laughter, she could see the same turmoil behind his eyes. She quickly dropped her gaze to the ground, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Did I really see that? Am I imagining it? Her heart was racing as she remembered the kiss they had shared weeks before.
"Are you staying, Rukia?" Chad's deep voice cut through her memory.
"Uh…no, er…I have to return to Soul Society," she told him.
"I understand," his voice boomed.
"Is that a captain's haori?" Ishida asked, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
"Yup!" Renji replied, puffing out his chest. He basked in the admiration. Ichigo snorted.
"What was that?" he roared at Ichigo.
"YOU? A captain? What idiot thought that was a good idea?" he replied coolly.
"You bastard!" Renji yelled, as he butted his forehead against Ichigo. The orange-haired student just stood, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Relax, Renji! I'm just kidding. You deserve it," he stated, his tone serious.
"Wha?" Renji replied, his jaw dropping open. "A-are you congratulating me?"
"Shut up and enjoy it," Icihgo drawled. He looked at his watch, "Well, I have to get going, I told the Old Man that I'd help out in the clinic." He raised his eyes, meeting Rukia's briefly. He smiled as he waved his goodbyes to the others.
"Bye Ichigo-kun!" Inoue called. "Thanks for coming!"
"See you, Kurosaki!" Ishida replied flatly.
"Goodbye, Ichigo," Chad's deep voice called out. Renji was not answering, as his mouth was still hanging open.
"Shut your mouth, stupid!" Rukia yelled, forcefully closing Renji's gaping mouth.
"He…he just congratulated me!" he said, his eyes wide with amazement.
"Yes, yes he did. So quit acting like a fool!" her smiled was strained. She felt Ichigo's reiatsu disappear as he wandered out of her range.
Everyone looked nervously at Rukia, as if they all understood that something had happened between the two of them, yet no one dared broach the subject. Rukia endured the tension for about another hour, as everyone caught up on old business. A round of congratulations were thrown about as Renji informed everyone that Rukia was the new vice captain of the Thirteenth Division.
Renji, Rukia, and Ashido finally said their goodbyes, much to Rukia's glee. Inoue begged Rukia to come visit more often, and Rukia grudgingly agreed.
The trio stood, waiting for Rukia as she used her Reishihenkanki to open the Senkaimon. The gate began forming from spiritual particles as the three waited silently. They stood in front of the dimensional entrance to Soul Society. The doors slowly opened, and they began to step into the doorway to Seretei.
Suddenly, Rukia recalled something. Medic! Rukia's mind registered that tiny part of Ashido's short speech. It as if all the pieces suddenly were coming together. Why didn't she think about that earlier? Perhaps…..
She hesitated, watching her companions' back disappear into the light on the other side of the gate. "Renji?" she called softly, "Can you two handle it from here? I, uh…I h-have something I need to do really quickly."
"Yeah, sure. Take your time," he waved over his shoulder, never turning to look at her. He didn't need to see her to know that whatever it was, it was important. It was her voice—it told him something else....
She couldn't see the knowing smile that spread across Renji's face.
"Thank you," she whispered as she flashed a sad smile. She quickly disappeared in haze of black, as her flash step carried her to her destination. She hoped that when she arrived, the answer would be waiting for her.
We are getting there slowly. If anyone was angered at Rukia's reaction in the last chapter, then I have accomplished my goal :D
And I cannot believe the amount of reviews you all have given me! It's amazing!! It makes me want to get these chapters done much more quickly ;)
(sorry for the delay, I'm working crazy hours, and the doc is giving me ridiculous reading assignments. And he tests me each day, so I have to study first!)