Comrades

Two months after the events at Sokyoku hill, life in Soul Society had returned to normal. The exposure of Aizen as a traitorous mastermind helped the Shinigami to put aside the conflict that had built up when everyone took different sides. Shunsui and Ukitake were in Yamamoto's good books again, while the Commander and Lieutenant of the Sixth Squad were working together once more. Matsumoto, Kira and Shuhei were seen drunk together, a sign that all was well.

Life returned to normal for Soifon as well. The regularity of the guard details, troop inspections and squad drills helped the days to pass quickly. There was one thing different – Soifon found herself no longer plagued with questions when she awoke and when she went to bed. She was no longer jerked from grief to grief, the relentless pain and anger had subsided. Yoruichi – her life, and indeed her death – no longer consumed her thoughts.

For the first time in a hundred years, Soifon was at peace with herself.

She lifted the restrictions on the sakura grove and reinstituted the training of the recruits there, reasoning that since she had benefitted so much from what she had learnt there, others should benefit too. She finally fully embraced the Onmitsukido as her responsibility and not the double-edged legacy Yoruichi had handed down to her. For a long time, she was unsure as to whether she should make them the best force to be worthy of service to the Shihoin family, or to prime them into a killing machine that could take Yoruichi down. Now, she wanted them to be strong so that they could carry out their duties well.

For the first time, the haori slung across her shoulders easily, and she was finally Captain and Corps Commander in her own regard, not there as steward of the post until Yoruichi's return, nor there to prove her ability to surpass her.

Soifon had very little idea of the respect the other Captains held for her. She had long won her place among them and they had found her capable and more than competent for the role. She was much feared amongst the Vice-Captains and the younger shinigami, not simply because of her reputation as a cold-blooded leader and assassin, but because of her power.

I am Captain of the Second Squad and Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukido. My forces ensure the security of Soul Society and the Seireitei. How well I do my duty makes a difference. Soifon permitted herself to smile at this thought.

She stood in line awaiting Yamamoto's instructions. He had summoned a Captains' Meeting earlier today and all the squads' representatives were in place.

Soifon glanced over at the officers standing opposite her, noting three squads with representatives that did not wear the white haori of the captain. Izura Kira, Third Squad. Momo Hinamori, Fifth Squad. Hisagi Shuhei, 9th Squad. They had huddled together in a corner while waiting for Yamamoto to arrive. When the Captain Commander entered the hall, all the Captains stepped readily into place, but these three had hemmed and hawed, uncertain of what to do and unsure of their exact place. Kira had to be told to step forward in line with the captains as he was officially the interim head of his squad, and as such, should stand equally with them instead of behind.

These youngsters, thought Soifon, I know exactly how it feels to have been abandoned by the Captain on whom you had cast all your respect and trust. Kira fiddled with his zanpakuto, Hinamori looked like she might cry, while Hisagi looked downcast and stared at the floor. When the meeting ended, the three of them paced around nervously. Protocol dictated that they, as Vice-Captains should not walk ahead of Captains. They had no desire to stay in the room, but dared not leave while the other Captains were present.

Soifon decided to put them out of their misery. "Kira. Hinamori, Shuhei. We have been dismissed. You may leave now." Surprised at being spoken to, and relieved, the three of them bowed and quickly exited the First Squad Headquarters. Soifon departed just after them, having no desire to make small talk with the other Captains either.

She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she failed to notice someone stepping through the exit at the same time. "Ouch! I… my apologies, Kuchiki taichou." Byakuya stared at her wordlessly, then stepped out of the doorway. Soifon shrugged, and left as well.

Back in her office, she pondered the three young Vice-Captains and Captain Byakuya Kuchiki. Yoruichi-sama came back. Her betrayal of me stemmed from concern for Urahara, the affected Captains and Vice-Captains, and duty Soul Society. There is at least a redeeming quality to her actions. And she apologized to me. Captain Kuchiki betrayed his promise to his wife because he could not betray his promise to his parents. He still chose to save Rukia Kuchiki in the end. I have heard that he actually apologized to her. There is something honourable and positive even in his apparent betrayal.

But what of Kira, Hinamori and Shuhei? Will anything redemptive ever come out from their Captains' betrayals? She heard that Aizen had stabbed Hinamori when she had run to embrace him. She thought of Byakuya Kuchiki who had taken the blow that Ichimaru intended for Rukia. She thought of Yoruichi, who had withheld the force of her shunko punch when she could have killed Soifon with one blow.

Soifon reckoned that the three Vice-Captains would never hear an apology in their life.

She roused herself from her thoughts and recalled Yamamoto's instructions at the briefing. I should get some rest. Much as I am loathe to, I will have to put Omaeda in charge tomorrow when I go for my first mission into the real world. I wonder what the Urahara Shop looks like...