Author's Note: Well, I sincerely apologize for my lack of updates; I hit a major writer's block and until recently have been unable to write anything of value.
Just a forewarning, this chapter is rather lengthy to make up for the lack of updates recently. I hope it doesn't deter you from reading it…I just found that this chapter had a fair amount of scenes that needed to be there.
Please enjoy reading!!
White Phoenix
Chapter 6
Three months had gone by rather quickly; Rukia's exercises had gone as planned, and after she completed her run from the east side of Sereitei to the west, she painfully headed towards Hitsugaya's office to receive her itinerary for the day. It was when she was done she would train with Hitsugaya himself, and she noticed that each day his attitude changed. Afraid to mention this to him directly, she kept it to herself.
Today she sped through her routine as she pondered these thoughts. She almost ran late.
"About time," Hitsugaya said as she fumbled through the door. Rukia glared at him as sweat dripped off of her brow.
"I'm sorry, Hitsugaya-taicho," She wheezed, "I accidentally slept in."
"Sleeping in? Kuchiki you know better than that."
She glanced away from him in shame. "I know, and I apologize."
"Just don't let it happen again." He continued to flip through paper. Rukia stood stiff and watched him intently.
She cleared her throat. "Um, anything I can do to help today?"
"Here." His voice was flat as he shoved a stack of paper into the air, expecting her to take it. Rukia stared at it for a moment before silently taking it from his hands. "You can help file papers for me."
He seemed very distracted. Rukia could only sigh inwardly as he never once caught eyes with her. How come one day he would look at her and the next avoid her completely? Rukia's mind wandered, but only half-way.
"Yes, taicho." She replied obediently and strode over to the file cabinet. It was rather large, and had many names and numbers labeled on each drawer. Some had stickers placed over stickers that ran together in a jagged fashion. Rukia raised an eyebrow.
As if reading her mind, Hitsugaya pushed away from the desk and walked up to her.
"You will place reports regarding injury in this cabinet here," Hitsugaya pointed to the top file drawer. "And in these you will put all reports dealing with the living world. Make sure you put them in order alphabetically. This drawer here is for location and level of hollows throughout the living world, and the dispatch units used for each mission. The dispatch unit information will be placed behind the hollows information. Do not forget that. Then here are write-ups of odd goings-on in the living world…"
"Odd goings-on?" Rukia asked quietly.
Hitsugaya furrowed his brows. "Yes. Meaning strange reiatsu, disappearances, and traces of Shinigami in areas they were not assigned, and so on. Especially when we shut down the portals a month ago due to the menos attack. That is where most of these papers are coming from." He seemed disinterested in their conversation, and Rukia felt embarrassed.
"Oh."
"Go ahead and get to it. If you finish in time, we will begin our one-on-one training early. If you are going to be lieutenant then you need to become stronger and learn bankai."
Rukia nearly dropped her stack of papers as she turned to goggle at the white-haired captain in front of her. Had he gone mad?
"E-excuse me?"
Hitsugaya looked up and gave the raven haired girl an expectant look. "If you are going to be lieutenant, you need to have bankai."
Rukia could only fiddle her fingers over the smooth paper as the air between them became cold and stale. Hitsugaya's eyes did not waver; he was waiting for her to respond.
"U-um...thank you for giving me that chance…"
"I did not give you that chance. Your brother did. If you need to go and talk to him, then do so."
Without another word from Hitsugaya, he stood up and left the room. Rukia looked down at the reports in her hand; Hitsugaya must have forgotten what he assigned her. Then again, he was captain, and she need not question his indirect orders. She set the stack on top of the cabinet and left to see Byakuya.
I wonder why Onii-chan decided to give me this opportunity…
X-X-X-X-X-X
Hitsugaya shuffled his feet as he numbly walked towards the 4-bantai headquarters. He prayed Unohana would be there; for once he was confused and felt the urge to talk.
"Ah, Hitsugaya-taicho," Unohana welcomed him brightly.
"Hello Unohana-taicho." He mumbled.
She tilted her head. "Anything wrong? Are you sick?"
"No. Not quite. I just…"
Unohana smiled and ushered the small captain inside of the medical ward, where Hanatarou sat at the front desk sorting papers. The young boy looked up and nodded curtly before returning to his work.
"Come with me Hitsugaya."
He willingly followed her towards the rear of the ward, where it opened up to a beautiful garden. Hitsugaya remembered this from his last forced visit, when he had happened to see it through his window. The view was stunning.
Unohana sat down on a small bench and invited him to sit down. He sat quietly and looked at his hands.
"What is on your mind Toshirou-sama?"
Hitsugaya did not flinch at the use of his first name; he was used to Ukitake.
"There is a lot." He stated.
Unohana could only smile. "I can see that. But I have no patients today so I can sit and listen as long as you will."
"I appreciate that Unohana-taicho."
She nodded.
Hitsugaya observed the floorboards beneath his feet as he fought with his thoughts to sort them out. He wanted to make sure that he did not babble; there were only a few people he could put up with that had a habit of babbling. Running his hand through his gleaming white hair he tilted his head and sighed.
"I'm confused."
"I can see that Hitsugaya. I do not mean to be rude but instead of stating the obvious why not talk about it?"
He grunted. "Do you not realize that I'm trying to?"
"Indeed. Forgive me."
Hitsugaya grunted again in an effort to speak. "I'm not sure…how to start…but do you think it is bad that I have requested a new lieutenant?"
Unohana shook her head. "I do not. I believe you need someone to help you with your pile of work, no matter how much you enjoy doing most of it by yourself."
"I just…feel like I am betraying Matsumoto."
He finally revealed the root of the problem: Matsumoto. Hitsugaya was so afraid to make a move for fear of officially replacing the woman he had dearly cared for and loved. Unohana could only smile as she watched the white-haired captain struggle with an emotion he rarely exposed to the light.
"You are not betraying anyone Hitsugaya. In fact, I think Matsumoto will be proud to see that you are slowly leaving your grief behind. For her, I know she would want you to be strong."
"I am strong." Hitsugaya strongly boasted. Unohana laughed.
"Strong physically, yes. But I could tell that her death deeply troubled you. It has not been very long regarding her absence, but in regards to not having a permanent lieutenant replacement it has been a fair amount of time. Hold her in your heart as you should, but in your work you must push forward."
Hitsugaya could only sigh and hold his head in his hands. Unohana placed a comforting hand on his shoulder; he flinched slightly.
"You can do this. I know you can. The fact that you have requested a new lieutenant is a big step, and for that I am proud of you."
"Nn-"He grumbled.
"Who is the lucky squad member?" Unohana inquired sweetly.
Hitsugaya stood up and shook himself off. "I cannot say until I know for sure that they will take the position. There is the need for assessment and personal observations."
Unohana nodded with approval. "Very well then, taicho. I know you will make a wise choice. You have a knack for finding the right lieutenants."
X-X-X-X-X-X
Keeping his tongue, Hitsugaya exited the brightly lit room and walked out into the garden. He turned to see that Unohana had already excused herself back inside, and left him alone with his thoughts. He thanked the gods that she understood the mental torment he was dealing with.
The water in the pond rippled in the wind, and his cloak wrapped around his body. In his heart, Hitsugaya could feel Matsumoto wrap her arms around him and whisper softly in his ear, "I'll always be your friend Toshirou. I'll always be here."
Hitsugaya looked up into the sky and felt the warmth of the sun on his skin, and smiled to himself as he saw the strawberry blonde smile at him from above. For the first time since her death, he felt light.
He then thought for a moment. "Friend?"
"Enter."
Rukia entered the dimly lit room with a hesitant breath; the candles on the desk flickered as the black-haired taicho sat erect, his hand shifting as he wrote on a piece of parchment. He did not turn to acknowledge her.
She bowed heavily against the floor, her forehead pressed against the cold wood.
"I came to talk to you, Onii-chan." Rukia choked out into the silence. Byakuya continue to scratch on the paper.
"What did you wish to discuss?" He asked.
She swallowed hard. "About why you suggested I be made lieutenant."
"Isn't that obvious?" He asked, turning to face her.
"No, not really."
"Rukia, you are strong, and capable of surpassing your squad members without a struggle. I see no reason for me to sit and wait for someone else to recommend your placement. I hope you see this as an opportunity to show your power."
"I will, Byakuya-sama. But how come now? Why did you not consider this before?"
Byakuya tapped the edges of the papers on the desk to put them strait before placing them in the corner of his desk. "You are now sitting in your desired position, Rukia. Though temporary, this is the chance to learn what it means to be lieutenant. Hitsugaya will be your mentor and watch over your progress—"
X-X-X-X-X-X
"Hitsugaya-taicho?" Rukia interrupted loudly as she clutched her sleeve at the thought of the stone-faced captain watching her every move.
Byakuya cleared his throat to silence her. "Yes. Hitsugaya-taicho will make observations and keep written documentation on your progress. In the end you will challenge your bankai, and once achieved we will place you in the position of lieutenant."
Rukia could barely keep her mouth from hanging open as she listened to her brother speak. It had only been a few months since she first stepped foot in Hitsugaya's office; now she was being observed and tested to become an official lieutenant.
"Rukia? Do you understand what you must do now?" Byakuya snapped her from her thoughts.
"Yes, Onii-chan. I will not fail you. I will obtain my bankai and become lieutenant."
"And do not fail Hitsugaya either. He has placed much of his time on you, remember that."
Rukia nodded slightly before standing and exiting the room with a bow. She went in feeling a heavy burden looming over her back, and now leaving the room she felt it settle on her shoulders. The sun was bright compared to the dark room, and she shielded her eyes as she made her way back to Hitsugaya's office.
As she found herself halfway back, a young Shinigami stopped her mid-step. He was out of breath and seemed frustrated. There was an aura of 4-bantai seeping off of him.
"Rukia-fukutaicho?" He inquired.
Rukia nodded. The boy handed her a piece of paper.
"Hitsugaya-taicho requests your presence in the 4-bantai garden." Before she could respond he ran off again, leaving her holding a folded piece of paper. She opened it and read it to herself.
Kuchiki-
Meet me in the garden behind Squad Four's headquarters. We will practice now, and if you are still walking you can finish filing those reports. Be prepared to practice; do not forget your sword!
- Hitsugaya
Without folding it back, Rukia placed her hand on the hilt of her sword to check its presence, and then rushed towards 4-bantai's private garden, where Hitsugaya patiently awaited her.
X-X-X-X-X-X
"GRAAAAGHHH! BAN-KAI!"
A strong wind rushed through the dusty desert, stirring up the loosened dirt in a small cyclone.
"Whoa, take it easy there Renji! Don't pull a muscle!"
Renji laughed and dropped his sword to his side; he felt a slight sting in his shoulder but it was faint. "Oh come on, you know I have to have some cool introduction for my bankai."
Ichigo smirked and crossed his arms. "You sounded like you had constipation."
"Very funny idiot." Renji scoffed.
"Hmm, I have to agree with the idiot on this one," Urahara said lightly, pointing to a scowling Ichigo. Renji could only shake his head.
"Why do you have to agree with him Urahara-san? That's how everyone else opens their bankai."
Urahara shook his head. "I don't, and I know damn well Ichigo doesn't."
Ichigo nodded in agreement. "I just…say it. Simple as that."
"I can't be simple." Renji argued hotly.
Ichigo smiled again. "Don't we all know it."
"Watch yourself Kurosaki! I can bring my Baboon King out if I need to."
"You wouldn't do that, Renji. Not when I have my sword with me as well." Ichigo threatened as he patted his swords' hilt slightly. Renji growled.
Urahara clapped his hands. "Okay, okay children. We are here to train Abarai, not distract him with meaningless arguments…although it is fun."
"Tch-" Renji mumbled.
Ichigo pulled his sword out and placed it over his shoulder. "Fine then. I think we need to test his speed today."
"Good idea," Urahara agreed as he drew his sword from his cane and pointed it at the red-haired lieutenant. "Let's see what you have Abarai. Bring on your best!"
Renji smirked and held his sword out towards his two friendly opponents. "Alright then! Here I come!"
Renji pulled the sword into his elbow as he thrust forward, keeping his feet equal space apart to keep his balance. Ichigo, already reading his attack, reared back and stepped aside in time to see
Renji fly by him in a flash of red, black, and white. The red-head turned and gave Ichigo a wild eye; he was ready to fight now.
"You are too predictable, Abarai." Urahara stated coolly as he blocked Renji's jump attack without any effort. "If you do not obtain a separate set of tactics you will die in the fight to be captain."
"I know that!" Renji roared as he took his stance once again, his eyes narrowed against Ichigo and Urahara.
"Then show that you know!" Ichigo challenged as he mirrored Renji's stance.
Without hesitation Renji ran forward, sword poised at Ichigo's chest. Ichigo, assuming the rest of his friends' attack, flash-stepped out of the way, but was one step behind as Renji appeared behind him and placed his sword against Ichigo's neck.
Renji chuckled with delight. "You mean those tactics?"
Renji felt a cold blade against his own neck, and turned to see Urahara standing at his side with his swords' blunt end sitting against the lieutenant's jugular vein. Renji gulped hard. Urahara simply hovered there with a pleased gleam in his eye.
"Did you forget, dear freeloader, that there were two of us against you?"
Renji dropped his sword to his side and landed on the ground as light as a cat. "Damn you guys."
"Don't give up idiot," Ichigo encouraged his friend, slapping a hand on his shoulder. "It is not fair that there are two of us against you. If it had only been me, you would have won."
"Whatever." Renji sulked as he took several steps from his friends, but drew his sword again. "I will make sure that I am the one holding my blade against both of your necks!"
Urahara sighed happily. "Come at us again then!"
"Gladly."
X-X-X-X-X-X
Hitsugaya swung his legs over the side of the pond, his ankles soaking in the chilly water. There was a soothing sensation that tingled throughout his rigid body, forcing him to relax. A sigh escaped his lips.
"Where is that stupid girl?"
"What stupid girl?"
Hitsugaya whirled his head around to find Rukia standing directly behind him, arms crossed and foot tapping in the lush green grass. Without flinching he stood at full height against her and threatened silently to keep her mouth shut. She obeyed.
"Finally," He breathed with exaggerated exhaustion. Rukia rolled her eyes.
"I am not that late Hitsugaya-taicho. I was all the way across Sereitei."
"And did you forget how to Shunpo? Or has your morning exercises slowed you?"
Rukia glowered at the grumpy captain, holding her tongue tightly. "I didn't forget anything. I even brought my sword." She clasped the hilt in her hand.
Hitsugaya nodded in approval and turned away. "That's fine then. As long as you didn't forget everything."
I didn't forget anything! She thought desperately, hoping Hitsugaya could hear her thoughts. He did not move. Rukia sighed.
"So, did you come prepared to practice?" He asked as he took a few more paces before turning heel towards her.
"What else was I to come prepared for?" Rukia asked sweetly, catching a glimpse of frustration in his teal-green eyes. She basked in the moment before he huffed and drew his sword.
"Less talking, and more practicing."
Rukia drew her sword out and faced him.
"My pleasure, taicho."
Hitsugaya grunted as he pulled his sword up to guard his torso, a determined gleam in his eyes. Rukia swallowed hard as she unsheathed her sword and took her stance before the white-haired captain. He blinked twice; her stance was perfect.
"You have nice posture Kuchiki, I have to give you that." Hitsugaya commented, a heat rising in his abdomen. Why did passing the girl a compliment fluster him so? Rukia nodded and sharply steered her eyes away from him.
Lately he had been doing this to her and it drove Rukia mad.
"Thank you, taicho, but I thought you said less talking and more practicing?"
"You are right. My apologies."
"Unless," She warily ventured, "You want to talk?"
Rukia had talked to Unohana several times over the past few months; apparently Hitsugaya would come by the infirmary, stare at it with the intent of walking in, and then shuffling away with a resigned scowl on his face. She felt it was her duty to help her captains in any way possible, even if it meant a simple chat.
"What good will talking do you? You must practice." Hitsugaya said, his brows fusing together.
"I think we can take just today off taicho. We have been practicing every day for the past three and a half months now, and I do my exercises in the morning. Surely it can't hurt?"
Hitsugaya snorted. "You are just being lazy."
"No I'm not." Rukia argued, her voice rising in annoyance.
"I do not allow laziness, Kuchiki" Hitsugaya stated flatly. "It will get you nowhere, and you will end up failing lieutenant status."
Rukia began to boil at this, and in her rage she said, "Matsumoto was lazy but you rarely reprimanded her! I suggest time to talk and ease your mind and you call it laziness!? I help you with your papers! I run errands, and I do as you ask! What else can I do?"
"You can simply do as you are told!"
"I am doing as I'm told! I'm trying to be the best temporary lieutenant I can be! I don't give a shit if you don't consider me your lieutenant—"
"You're right, I don't!"
"Then why help me? How will it benefit you?"
"Byakuya-sama asked me to!"
"You don't have to do what he asked you to do, you know!"
"Yes, I do! No matter what I have to get you to lieutenant status, no matter how much I don't want to."
"It must be so hard!" Rukia was clenching her sword with intense pressure.
"It is when you don't know the first thing about being a lieutenant!"
"Well, sorry I can't be Matsumoto!"
"Damn right! You never will be, so any effort in trying to surpass her is futile! Where she was and where you are are far from each other, and don't ever hope to close the gap. She was strong,
and skilled, and protective over me and her squad! Though her paperwork was never done, she made up for it with her loyalty! You will never be her!! NEVER!"
Hitsugaya found his face wet with tears; the anger he released was not aimed at the stunned Rukia standing fearfully across from him, rather, it was the anger he pent up inside since Matsumoto's death. His shoulders shook violently as he sat back onto the grass and held his head in his hands.
Rukia lessened her grip on the sword and saw how distraught the young captain was. As she relived the moment in her mind, all she could do was smile. While sheathing her sword she walked over and embraced him lightly.
"Thank you, Hitsugaya-taicho." She whispered.
Hitsugaya felt Rukia wrap her arms around his shoulders, her head resting on the back of his neck. For the first time he did not flinch; though he was afraid to admit it, he found her scent and warmth rather relaxing. But in the back of his mind he was utterly confused.
"For what? All I did was cut you down." Hitsugaya felt guilty now.
Rukia could see hear his remorse and sighed. "No, you were releasing your emotions. You held them in for so long, and even though you used me to free yourself…well, I'm glad you did. This is why talking helps, Hitsugaya-taicho. It saves you from this excess pain."
It was new, but if it meant escaping stress, anxiety and depression, then Hitsugaya Toshirou was not going to ignore this method of talking. With a relaxed sigh he put his head up and placed a hand on her arm.
"Then in that case, you are welcome…Rukia-fukutaicho."
Authors' Note: Well, I have to admit this was one of my better chapters, and I myself enjoyed the end very much! I'm not sure how I was able to pull it together, but I did! And thanks to BlackBelt for the inspiration I needed to finish this chapter. Without her, I might not have finished this story at all.
I hope you enjoyed, and the next chapter should be up in a couple of weeks!
EvilMoose
