Semina entered the room and placed her bags down on the floor:
Truly it was the most beautiful room she had ever seen in her life! It was really fit for a princess…so vast and so beautifully designed ! In the middle of the room was a small tea table with two sitting cushions around it . On it was a porcelain bowl, filled with water with pink water lilies painted no it . In it were small white candles floating on the surface as well as fresh white water lilies and jasmine blossoms. Behind the tea table facing the door of the room was the bed. It was one of those futon beds which were quite soft and vast. There were numerous silken cushions on it with flowers and geishas embroidered on them. The bed itself was covered in a soft silken quilt trimmed with white fur . Embroidered in the center was a geisha in a white kimono with red lips…around her were clouds. Behind the bed was a sliding door that lead to the gardens. On the left side of the room was a low desk with some ink and brushes on it while on the right was a sliding door that lead to the bath room. In the corners were a few ornamental vases while in one there was a dressing table with an oval mirror in a creamy wooden frame as well as a wardrobe with the same color. Finally next to the bathroom door was a changing screen with Yuki Onna painted on it gliding by in the snow.
"Well what do you think Lady Semina?"
Semina sat there speechless.
"It's …indescribable!" She whispered in awe.
"I'm glad it is to your liking !" Said Akana with a smile. "You see the Master wanted to find a room fit for a girl of your age and since he didn't locate a nearly beautiful enouph he gave you this one".
Semina looked surprised:
"I wasn't expecting something so beautiful ! I mean this is ten times the size of my old room!"
Akana laughed:
"Goodness gracious ! You were content with such simple things?"
"Well yes…"
"Oh you are so modest…Just like your mother ! Your even better !"
Semina smiled and gazed around the room, she opened the wardrobe and let out a gasp:
"Uhhh! So many kimonos!"
"Oh my I neglected to tell you…You will have a rather extensive collection as a noble, just as Lady Rukia does!"
Semina gasped…such finery ! And they were all her size!
"But what about my own clothes?"
Akana thought for a moment:
"You will be wearing kimonos here in the house but if you wish you may keep your clothes…there is plenty of room for both!" Said Akana cheerily .
Semina nodded .
"Now then" Aknana said "Your brother requests you to wear this to dinner" She said handing Semina a cream colored kimono with pink cherry blossom petals on it.
Semina looked at it:
"It's pretty"
"And" Akana continued " You ought to fix your hair too Lady Semina"
Semina looked puzzled :
"What's wrong with my hair?" She asked
"Oh nothing is wrong…I mean you ought to make a hairdo"
"But I like my hair just the way it is Akana-san!"
Akana shook her head ! " Just like Lady Rukia and Lady Yuki! When it come to hair …you three are untouchable !"
Semina laughed and hugged Akana…Then she went behind the changing screen and started to put on her kimono.
"Um Akana?"
"Yes lady Semina?"
"I'm having a little trouble with the obi belt here…"
"Akana laughed…here let me help"
In a few moments Semina was ready, she looked in the mirror :
"Well? How do you feel?"
"I don't know…I feel like someone else. Kimonos aren't really my style…"
"You must get used to it though…Remember you are…"
"I know, I know. I'm a Lady know …Auuu ! Somehow I feel like a total…"
"Now now stop complaining and put some of this on" Said Akana handing Semina a small glass vile which smelled of sakura: "It's sakura oil" Semina opened the vile and applied some of the oil on her neck.
"How do I look?"
"Like a Lady!" Said Akana proudly. "Now then hurry up!"
Semina followed Akana up the corridor towards another room:
"My Lord? Your sister is ready!" Said Akana softly . Semina swallowed hard, her stomach was a knot already!
The door slid open and Semina met Byakuya's aristocratic glair:
"I trust you have shown her all ?"
"Yes my Lord!"
Byakuya nodded and turned to Semina:
"Was your room to your liking?"
"Yes…Nii-sama very much, thank you"
Byakuya nodded and motioned for Semina to follow him.
(Semina's thoughts)
Is he really my brother? I never recalled him being so stiff and cold…
They walked side by side until they reached the dining hall.
Byakuya sat down in his usual seat and waited, Semina sat as far away from Byakuya's eyes as possible. They waited for the servants to bring the food.
Semina really had no appetite…she felt that she would never get accustomed to calling this place home. The meal passed silently without the slightest noise. Once or twice Semina glanced at Byakuya but, when shesaw that he was looking at her she quickly shifted her glance back to her plate .
(Byakuya's thoughts)
I wander what she's thinking of when she glances at me like that…
(Semina's thoughts)
I feel he is a total stranger to me…He is ! After all I barely know him at all and it is clear to me that the boy I loved so much is lost…
"Semina…" Byakuya broke the uncomfortable silence .
Semina looked up from her palate:
"Yes Nii-sama"
"After we finish eating I wish to speak to you"
Semina nodded and said nothing.
Moments after they had finished Byakuya got up and Semina followed after him. They were headed towards the gardens…
They walked together in the moon light towards a gray stone bench by the fish pond. Byakuya knew his way around the garden well, he lead Semina through towards the bench. Just then Semina tripped over a small stone …
"Ah!" She wailed as she began to fall down.
(Semina's thoughts)
I'm going to fall into the pond…
Just then she felt two arms around secure around her body. Byakuya was holding her in his arms …
"You ought to watch your step… You could have fallen into the pond !"
Semina let out a sigh…She felt uncannily safe and warm in Byakuya's arm's. He smelt lightly of cherry blossoms and rain.
Semina blushed when she realized that she had her hands around his waist and was hugging him tightly.
"Uh! My deepest apologies Nii-sama" She said quickly letting go of him and lowering her eyes to the ground.
Byakuya looked at her. She really was very beautiful in the moonlight.
"I forgive you… as long as you haven't injured yourself"
(Semina's thoughts)
He does care about me after all!
Semina smiled at him for the first time ! Byakuya motioned for her to continue walking towards the bench. They sat down next to each other.
"Semina…I take it you know of the past…"
"I do.."
Byakuya narrowed his eyes at her with a solemn expression on his face:
"Do not make the mistake in thinking that things are as they used to be…They have changed."
Semina paused for a while and looked at the pond in the moon light. Then she lowered her head and spoke just as coldly as he:
"I realize that…I realized it from the start…"
Byakuya looked at her:
"I didn't come here to take my place as a Kuchiki ! Neither did I come here to honor that arrangement so long ago… I came here because I had vowed to find you! And that is a promise I don't intend to break now !"
She turned her head and looked at Byakuya with her honey brown eyes:
"Come Hell or high water" She added confidently.
Byakuya's looked surprised if only for a minute. The girl who had the courage to look him in the eyes and speak such words was angry! Determined! Powerful ! She was prepared to do anything to protect her promises…Just like Kurosaki Ichigo! Thought Byakuya.
Byakuya stood up and started walking towards the house:
"Very well…" He muttered
Semina got up and walked behind him…It was late in the evening…Semina and Byakuya walked together towards their rooms. Semina turned to Byakuya :
"Goodnight Nii-sama"
Byakuya stopped and looked at her:
"Goodnight…Semina"
Semina smiled at him and disappeared behind her door.
Byakuya sighed and slid his own door open. He regretted saying those words to Semina, it was clear that she was as stubborn and arrogant as he was and somewhat….he liked that!
Semina dropped down on her bed and sighed deeply. What Byakuya had said had hurt her deeply but she knew that she had to except it. She got up and swiftly changed into her white sleeping yukata and fell back down on her bed . She felt stressed and her stomach was drumming.
"Nobody knows who I really am. I never felt this empty before…and if I ever need someone to come along who's going to comfort me and keep me …" She sang trying to feel better.
"Uhhh…Where's that iPod ?" Semina wailed getting up and walking towards her bag…
(At the Kurosaki clinic)
Ichigo lay on his bed pondering…
(Ichigo's thoughts)
So…She's a shinigami! And a Kuchiki at that…Damn it! Now what? There goes the only girl that interests me!
(Semina's thoughts)
Ichigo…Mina-san…I miss you all.
(Byakuya's thoughts)
It is nearly five in the morning and I didn't sleep a wink all night! I was thinking about what I had said…Her reaction was so…
Byakuya couldn't take it anymore! He got up and hastened towards Semina's room . he carefully slid the door open and gently walked in. Semina appeared to be in a troubled sleep …Byakuya kneeled down next to her and looked at her with a cold expression.
"Mmm…" Semina stretched in her sleep
"Onii-chan you saved me! Thank you"
Byakuya was stunned. He slowly cleared the hair from Semina's face and examined her. He watched her for quite some time before he got the courage to lean forward and whisper in her ear:
"You are welcome"
(Hours later)
"Uhh! My back!" Semina woke up and stretched
"Rise and shine Lady Semina!" Akana walked into the room.
"Akana?"
"Good morning child! Did you sleep well?"
Semina rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand:
"I don't know…"
"Well then you better get ready! It's ten in the morning!"
"It's Saturday isn't it?"
"Indeed it is!"
Semina yawned:
"So I can sleep more.."
"Oh no! You have a big day ahead of you ! Now come on !"
Semina wailed and got up. She went to the bathroom and threw some water on her face to wake up. Then she changed into her shihakushou and tied her ruby round her neck.
"Do you remember the way to the dining hall?"
"I don't think so…"
"Come on this way" Said Akana dragging Semina by the arm
"Slow down Akana ! I told you I'm sleepy!"
Semina walked out of the room to meet Byakuya who was just closing his door.
Semina straightened up:
"Good morning Nii-sama"
"Good morning Semina…" Said Byakuya in his aristocratic monotone.
Breakfast past by quickly …Semina had a good appetite today.
Byakuya glanced at the ruby on Semina's neck:
"That gem?"
"Curtsey of my zanpakuto!" Semina said laughing.
Byakuya narrowed his eyes at Semina:
"I see…"
After breakfast Semina walked back into her room and opened the door to the gardens, just then Akana came in:
"Oh Akana? I need to speak to Nii-sama…Do you know where he is by chance?"
Akana nodded and smiled:
"He is in the meditation gardens Semina my dear"
Semina looked at her:
"Meditation gardens? Which way must I go to find them?"
"Just follow the path on your right and don't stop…Call me if you need me !" Said Akana walking away.
Semina paused for a moment…taking a stroll in the gardens wouldn't be such a bad idea. She started following the path.
It was spring time and everything was in full bloom…It was a rather pretty site indeed. Semina took a deep breath and continued . Suddenly from out of no were a flash of pink knocked her down abruptly.
"What the…!" Semina screamed
"BYAKUSHIIIIIIII!"
"ByakuWHAT? Asked Semina looking at the pink haired girl with the shihakushou .
"Eeeee! You're not Byakun at all! Who da hell are you? Do you have any candy?"
"Huh? Asked Semina still in shock from the fall.
"You dumb or something?"
"Who the hell are you!"
"Am Kusanjishi Yachiru ! Da fuckutaichou of da eleventh squad and you're pretty sexy!"
Semina turned red. What the hell was this kid?
"I'm Kuchiki Semina…Uh who are you looking for?"
"I told you already I'm looking for Byakun!"
"Huh? Oh! I get it I'll was on my way to him now! We can go together if you like."
"YAY!"
Semina laughed…She liked this cute little girl.
"What was your name again?"
"Yachiru" The pink haired fuchutaichou chimed .
They walked together up the path chit chatting about this and that when they finally arrived at the meditation gardens:
"Wow this place is huge! Where do you suppose he is?"
Yachiru grinned:
"Follow me…"
They walked over to a bunch of sakura trees in full bloom. Sure enough Byakuya was sitting underneath meditating .
Yachiru started creeping up behind the tall black haired man.
"Yachiru-chan…Not a good idea!" Semina whispered
"Relax! He doesn't wake up!"
Yachiru sneaked up behind Byakuya.
"Kusanjishi Yachiru! How many times must I tell you not to try to scare me while I do my morning meditation?" Byakuya said without moving a muscle or even changing his position
"Hii! Hii! Buakun sexy- sexy wanted to see you!"
"Yes Semina?"
Semina turned red:
"Well…Nii-sama I...I just wanted to know…May I go out with Yachiru?"
Byakuya paused for a moment:
"You may…just keep that creature away from here!"
A smile illuminated Semina's face:
"Thank you Nii-sama!" She said bowing quickly and running with Yachiru.
Byakuya sighed and went back to meditating.
Yachiru took Semina to the eleventh squad living quarters.
"Be right back!" She sand and ran off.
Semina sat outside thinking to herself:
(Semina's thoughts)
What squad will I be placed into?
"Uh!" Someone bumped into Semina.
"Oh I'm sorry I didn't see you!" Semina said turning towards the man she had bumped into.
"No big deal" said Ikkaku patting Semina's back. "I haven't seen you around here beautiful !" He said giving her a wink.
"Ehem…. I'm kind of knew …"
"To the eleventh squad?"
"No to the Soul Society…"
Ikkaku looked puzzled:
"You're not a ryoka are you?"
"Uh …What's a ryoka?"
"You got to be kidding me! You don't know?"
"I told you I'm new to this shinigami thing !"
Ikkaky looked at her…
"Kinda like Kurosaki Ichigo!" Said Semina
"That bastard? Wow you his girlfriend?"
"Uh…no! Just his friend!"
"What's your name anyway?"
"Kuchiki Semina …"
Ikkaku's mouth dropped …
"K-Kuchiki you say?"
"Yup!"
"You his wife?..."
Semina looked at him:
"Who's wife?"
"Kuchiki taichou's !Stupid ass! Who else!"
"No! I'm his sister!"
Ikkaku looked at her in surprise:
"So the rumors were true after all!"
"Oi Yumichika you bastard get over here!"
"What is it this time Ikkaku" Yumichikia said narcissistically as he hoped over to where Ikkaku was standing.
"Sexy-sexy! I'm back!" Shouted Yachiru.
"Kusanjishi fuchutaichou! You know her?"
"Yap! She's Byakun's sister!"
"WHAT?" Yumichika screamed! "She's more beautiful than me! This is treason!"
Semina looked at him and burst out laughing:
"Sorry young lady I was born like this!" Semina teased …
"Wahahaha! Young lady! Good one Kuchiki!" Said Ikkaku laughing .
"Peacock brain is so stupid Sexy-sexy!" Said Yachiru laughing!
"Yachiru –chan it's Semi-semi if you want an nickname that bad! That's the nickname my friends call me!"
"Hiiii! Mew! Mew ! Mew !" Yachiru said acting like a cat.
"Ikkaku it's not funny stop laughing your ass off!" Yumichikia wailed.
"So in which squad will you be in?" Asked Ikkaku.
"I don't really know yet!"
"I hope you end up in sixth squad!" Yumichika sneered .
"Huh? What's up with sixth squad?"
"Oh…nothing much…" Yumichikia said looking away. "You'll just have the most strict Taichou in all off the Gotei 13 Protection Squads darling!"
"Oh? And who is he might I ask?" Laughed Semina not loosing her cool in the least.
"The one and only: Kuchiki Taichou!" Said Ikkaku
"Riiiiiiight…." Said Semina . "Oh I think I can handle good old Kuchiki Taichou…"
"Oh yea? How?"
"With Yachiru-chan!" Semina said with an alluring smile on her face.
"Eeeee! Come on Semi-Semi! Let's go!" Yachiru said grabbing Semina's hakama …
"Catch you later…Oh I didn't get your names by the way guys!"
"It's Madarame Ikkaku and Aisawa Yumichika honey!" Said Ikkaku winking at her.
Semina smiled and did him a thumbs up. Then she and Yachiru ran off.
"Hey Yumichika…That Semina girl is pretty damn alluring…And she's nothing like her scary brother"
"Hmmm… I'm still more beautiful than her!" Yumichika said angrily.
"Yea…yea…whatever…I still think she could be an awesome friend…" Ikkaku said with a silly grin on his face.