Chapter 10
Renji was sitting in the Head-Captain's office with Ichigo and Toshiro. They had been talking for an hour now about some organizational stuff. It was boring and he had to fight to keep his eyes focused.
A glance to his left showed him that Ichigo was fighting as well but Toshiro was clearly in his element.
Even though he had loosened up considerably over the last years he was still the same workaholic.
Why was he even here?
It wasn't as if he was a great help with all this stuff. But the Head-Captain was persistent that he had to be part of these meetings.
So with nothing else to do he started to search for the reiatsu of his friends.
Rukia he found in her Division's office.
Kira was with Shuhei on the training grounds of Squad 9.
Rangiku was obviously asleep in her office.
Ikkaku was in the Eleventh Division.
Yumichika at Squad 4.
Captain Kuchiki and Tatsuki were in the Kuchiki compound.
Wait!
Why was Tatsuki with his former Captain?
In that moment he felt a change in her reiatsu and before he could even form a single word it exploded.
Toshiro and Ichigo sprang to their feet a second later when they too felt it but he was already out the door and racing over the roofs of Seireitei.
It took him only a few seconds to get there and the scene in front of him stopped his heart.
Tatsuki stood with her back towards him holding a katana in each hand, waves of black reiatsu swirling around her in the darkness. Captain Kuchiki was standing a few feet in front of her in a defensive stance.
His former Captain's eyes met his and he saw the warning in them to stay back but he couldn't. Something was wrong with Tatsuki.
Suddenly Ichigo, Toshiro, Rukia, Ikkaku, Kenpachi and Rangiku appeared behind him.
"What the hell?" Ikkaku mumbled wide eyed.
"What's going on?" Rukia asked next to him but before he could answer he heard Captain Kuchiki.
"Lower your swords, Arisawa- san."
She cocked her head to the side but didn't answer. She just stood there, her long hair blowing around her.
Suddenly everything happened in slow motion. One of the servants came running, Senbonzakura in hand and tossed it to his master. He caught the sheathed sword but the moment his hand touched the hilt Tatsuki vanished.
Renji heard him say his release command but he wasn't fast enough. Before the Zanpakuto could turn into it's thousand pink pedals a black blade was pressed against his jugular and time stopped.
Behind the Captain he could see her standing, holding her swords in a tight grip.
What was she doing? That wasn't like her.
"Nii- sama!" Rukia almost screamed and Ichigo was pulling Zangetsu but Toshiro stopped him.
"Wait! One wrong move and she might kill him."
He was right but he couldn't just stand here and do nothing.
Acting on instinct he jumped off the roof and landed a few feet in front of them.
"Renji! What ..."
"Don't, Ichigo." was all he said before he turned his attention back to the scene in front of him.
It was just now that he could see her face clearly and he was taken aback.
Her eyes were glowing in a golden yellow with no traces of the dark blue left, no expression showing on her beautiful face.
But he composed himself. He had to help her.
"Tatsuki, listen. I don't know what he said or did but please, put your swords down. No one will harm you." his voice sounded calm but he wasn't.
She didn't answer, just cocked her head to the side again like she had done before. Somehow that action reminded him of a cat.
"It's useless. She doesn't understand." his former Captain said quietly without moving a muscle.
"Please, Captain."
He had to reach her somehow. His mind was working on overdrive to come up with a plan but without really knowing what went on here it was hard.
He took a cautious step forward with his hands raised to show her he wouldn't draw his sword. Her eyes never left him and he took another step.
"Sweetheart, please. Put them down. He won't hurt you. See, he will let go of his Zanpakuto."
He nodded his head slightly and the other man opened his hand to let his sword fall to the ground.
She didn't move for a long time and just starred at him with these golden eyes.
He took another step towards her but she stood still.
Two more steps and he was right in front of them. His former Captain looking at him sceptically.
Slowly he raised his hand and touched the blade that was pressed against the other man's neck.
"Come on, Baby. Let go of him." carefully he started to push the blade away and she didn't resist.
When it was finally gone Byakuya slowly stepped to the side and away from them, a small cut on his neck.
"Go" Renji told him without breaking eye contact with her.
He heard the retreating footsteps and inwardly sighed in relief. One done.
Now he had to get her back to normal.
The reiatsu that was still swirling around her was powerful but slightly different from her usual. He had a rising suspicion to what had happened here.
"Baby, you need to come back to me. Do you remember the night I've found you? The dark house and how you followed my voice to get to me? Do the same. Follow my voice. I'm right here. Come on, Sweetheart. I know you can do it. Just concentrate on my voice."
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
It was dark. Everything was dark and she couldn't see anything. But she could hear. Sounds of insects and wind rustling through trees.
She was running and screaming for someone to get her out of this place but no one came. She was all alone here with the sounds and no sight. Her breathing grew quicker with every second and she felt her heart racing.
Where was she?
Why wasn't there anybody?
Why was it so dark?
"Someone help me!" she screamed but the only answer she got was the chirping of the insects and the echo of her own voice.
Why was she alone here?
Where was everybody?
She was in a state of full panic and the blood that was rushing in her ears started to drown out all other sounds.
Collapsing she landed on the ground in a heap of trembling limbs.
Why?
Why?
Why?
Suddenly she heard something else. It almost sounded like someone speaking but she couldn't make out the words. But that voice. She knew that deep musical voice.
Renji!
"Baby, you need to come back to me."
He sounded so far away but right next to her at the same time.
Frantically she looked around but couldn't see a thing.
"Renji, where are you? Help me!"
"Do you remember the night I've found you? The dark house and how you followed my voice to get to me? Do the same. Follow my voice."
She jumped back to her feet.
"How? Where are you Renji? I can't see! It's dark here!" she screamed into the darkness.
"I'm right here. Come on, Sweetheart. I know you can do it. Just concentrate on my voice."
Concentrate on his voice? How should she do that? All she wanted was to get out of here!
"Close your eyes and just listen to me."
He sounded so calm and she did as he said.
Closing her eyes she tried to blank out all the other sounds.
"Breath slow and deep. You need to calm down. I'm with you Sweetheart. Everything will be fine. Just listen to me."
She could feel her heart relaxing with every word and her breathing calmed down.
Thoughts of the darkness around her tried to take a hold on her again but she pushed them aside. Renji was with her. She was not alone here.
"Imagine a door."
She did and a door appeared before her inner eye.
"Now open it and go through it. Don't be afraid. I'm on the other side waiting for you."
Taking a deep breath she opened the door and stepped through it.
Everything started spinning for a moment but she suddenly became aware of hands holding her upper arms in a tight grip.
She opened her eyes slowly, afraid to still be in this dark place but instead she stared into chocolate brown eyes that shone with relief.
"Welcome back, Sweetheart!" he grinned and pulled her into a bone crushing embrace.
She was back. No more darkness.
Tears started to form in her eyes and she buried her face in his chest and just let them fall.
He was here. He had come to her and got her out of this place.
His strong arms around her gave her a feeling of security and she bathed in it. She was just so glad to be back.
Suddenly he pulled back a little and when she lifted her head she saw him looking down at her with unreadable eyes.
"Gods, never do that again, you hear me? I was scarred shitless that I wouldn't get you out of there."
She didn't really understand how he knew where she had been but she didn't care and just nodded.
His hands came up to her face and he carefully wiped away her tears with a tender expression on his face.
"Wouldn't want the others to see you like that, right?" he murmured with a small smile.
"Others?" she crocked out, her voice felt like she hadn't used it in days.
He took a small step to the side to reveal a crowd standing a few yards away from them. Some were on the ground while others stood on the roof of one of the buildings but all were looking at her.
She could make out a few people she knew.
Ichigo was there, his glowing orange hair standing out between everyone else. Rukia stood next to him, her small frame very distinctive.
Toshiro and Rangiku were on the roof, his white hair a contrast to her strawberry blond.
Ikkaku's bald head reflected the lights as he stood next to a lean dark figure with long black hair that was a bit tousled and belonged to Captain Kuchiki.
Captain Hisagi was there as well as Kira.
"Renji, what is going on?" she asked in a weak voice, completely shocked to see six other Captains, three Lieutenants and at least a dozen other Shinigami standing there.
"You let out a vast amount of reiatsu when you manifested these two here."
He pointed on the ground next to her and when she looked down her eyes went wide. There were two identical katana lying in the grass. Both were completely black and the moon reflected on the shiny black blades.
What the hell? Where did they come from?
Wait!
Did he say she manifested them? But then that would mean …
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
Renji looked down at her and saw the confusion on her face.
"They are your Zanpakuto." he told her and bent down to retrieve the two blades.
They felt warm in his hands and were surprisingly light.
"But how?" she whispered without looking away from her Zanpakuto.
"You've manifested them."
He held the blades out to her and she hesitated a moment before taking them in each hand.
Taking a step back he gave her some space as she cautiously swung the swords.
He still couldn't believe that he had succeeded in bringing her back. But he knew she had a hard battle in front of her.
"Is she alright?" Ichigo suddenly asked from behind him and he turned to see the worried face of his friend.
"Yeah, a little confused but so far she's fine." he answered honestly before turning back to the small woman in front of him.
"Byakuya said she was trapped in her Inner World and her Zanpakuto took over."
She was now twirling the blades around herself, getting a feel for them.
"She was. But..."
"Oi Abarai! She's the one who let out the reiatsu?" came a shout from the rooftop behind them but he didn't have to turn to see who it was. That booming voice was unmistakably.
"Yes, Kenpachi. And no, you can't fight her." Ichigo answered in his stead.
He saw Tatsuki's eyes widen in horror and he felt with her. Kenpachi Zaraki was frightening sight if you didn't know him. And even then you didn't want to fight him. The only two fighting him on a regular basis were Ichigo and Captain Kuchiki. Which just proved his point that they were much more alike than both would ever admit.
"Oh come on Ichigo. I won't hurt her too bad. Just a little fun." the giant grinned as he made his way over to them, followed by Toshiro, Ikkaku, both Kuchikis and Rangiku.
He didn't know if she did it purposely or not but Tatsuki was taking small steps in his direction until she was by his side.
His arm came around her shoulders and he tucked her against his side, glaring at the Captain of Squad 11.
"No." was all he said but his tone was deadly.
He wouldn't allow it even if he had to fight the maniac.
All heads turned towards him with raised brows. He didn't care as long as Zaraki stayed away from her.
"What is the meaning of this?" boomed a voice and everyone went completely still.
Shit, the Head-Captain and he was pissed.
"Abarai. Kurosaki. Hitsugaya. Is there a reason for your sudden departure in the middle of a meeting?"
The old man stepped out of the building and slowly walked towards them, Sasakibe trailing behind him.
All three of them looked at each other before turning back to the Head-Captain.
He felt Tatsuki stiffen beside him and he tightened his hold around her.
"I am sorry, Head-Captain. But Arisawa- san had manifested her Zanpakuto and was struck in her Inner World." he said in a stern voice but his words were followed by a myriad of hisses and curses.
"SILENCE!"
The Head-Captain turned towards him.
"Explain."
"Sir, when I arrived Arisawa- san was already holding her Zanpakuto but by her actions I could tell that it wasn't her but her Zanpakuto in charge of her body while she was in her Inner World without knowing how to get out of there."
He purposefully let out the part where Tatsuki held the blade against Captain Kuchiki's throat. No need to get her punished for attacking a Captain.
"Arisawa, show me this Zanpakuto of yours."
He looked down at her and saw the fear in her eyes. She had gone through enough for one night. So he held out his hand and she placed both swords into it.
Letting go of her he stepped in front of the Head-Captain who had opened one eye to look at him quizzically.
With outstretched arms he presented her Zanpakuto, both swords still feeling warm.
The old man started to grab them with both hands but as soon as he touched the hilts he let go of them and the swords fell to the ground.
Both eyes now open he looked first at Tatsuki, than Renji and than to the katana lying in the grass before he opened his hands. Steam was rising from them and Renji saw ugly red burn marks in each of his palms.
What in the fuck?
Silence reigned in the crowded garden and he could only stare in disbelief at the hands of the Head-Captain. He had no idea what just happened but he bent down to the ground and took a sword in each of his hands. They were warm and his hands didn't feel like they were getting burned.
Looking up he saw the Head-Captain's wide eyes and he automatically took a step back.
"Show me your hands, Abarai."
He turned towards Tatsuki who stepped back next to him with a frightened expression and he handed her the blades with a reassuring smile.
Turning back around he held his hands up to show that his palms were unscathed.
"Head- Captain, what is going on?" Toshiro asked bewildered.
He himself had no idea either. Why did her swords burn the Head-Captain?
"Arisawa, what is the name of your Zanpakuto?" he ignored Toshiro and instead leveled his gaze on Tatsuki.
"I don't know, Sir." she almost whispered but everyone could hear her.
"I see. Zaraki. Try to touch her Zanpakuto."
He stiffened when Zaraki stepped forward with a menacing grin on his scared face. He knew the maniac wouldn't do her any harm in front of the Head-Captain but he still didn't like him being so close to her.
"No problem, Head-Captain. Give them to me, little girl."
The giant Captain stopped in font of them and stretched his hand to her offered sword.
As soon as he touched it he let go again and cursed.
"What the fuck? Damn, that thing is hot."
Renji was confused. What were they talking about?
Turning towards her he took a hold of both blades. Again, they were warm but not hot!
"Kurosaki, Lieutenant Kuchiki." the old Captain motioned for both to try.
Ichigo came first and took one katana, looking around in confusion.
"It's warm."
He turned slightly and gave the sword Rukia who had stepped beside him.
She extended her hand slowly but when she finally touched the hilt her eyes went wide.
"You're right, Ichigo. It is warm." she said in disbelieve and took a firm hold of the hilt.
"And so light. It almost weights nothing."
Exactly what he had thought.
So, what the hell was going on? Why could the four of them touch her Zanpakuto but everyone else got burned?
"It is as I have thought. Arisawa, seal your Zanpakuto." the Head-Captain ordered and Tatsuki looked around in panic.
"But how?"
He was surprised when Toshiro stepped in front of her and bent down so he could whisper something into her ear. He didn't hear the words but he had an idea and when her eyes closed he was sure.