Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. Just my original characters.
A/N: As always thank you for reading this story and a big thank to for all you that have left a review, comment, or PM. Thanks for the favs and save it your alerts as well.
Yoruichi watched the nobleman as he slowly lifted his cup of tea and took a small sip. His old arthritic wrinkled hands seemed to struggle holding on to the cup. On two occasions Yoruichi thought she would have to catch his cup. Ginrei was older than Adaeze and Emeka and the last 100 hundred years had aged Ginrei Kuchiki quite a bit. It was not surprising that he made Byakuya the head of the Kuchiki clan, and had him take his place as captain of the 6th Division.
"I guess you're wondering why I invited you to tea", said Ginrei in an aged beaten voice. He paused as raised his cup to take a sip of tea. "We will be at war with powerful opponents soon and I am not sure Byakuya is ready. I want you to train my grandson."
Ginrei must be senile. Maybe he's confused and believes this is when he first asked me to train Byakuya. "Byakuya is a captain now. I am sure he does not need training from me", said Yoruichi as she smiled and took a teacake.
"You're wrong he still has a lot to learn and you're the right person to teach him. I believe you're the only person that can teach him. Byakuya needs to train with someone he can't just beat. Byakuya learns more with a loss than with a victory. After all his years of training he still was not able to catch you on the Senzaikyuu, " Ginrei paused to take another sip of tea.
Yoruichi responded with a hint of sadness in her voice, "There's one problem Ginrei, Byakuya does not want to learn anything from me. He does not even want to see me, there's no way he'll train with me".
"He will. I just ask that you give him three chances. If he refuses to train with you after the third time then just walk away. Please do this Yoruichi without you he might die". Ginrei stared at Yoruichi with concern in his dark eyes.
Yoruichi answered without even thinking twice, "I'll do it Ginrei." Byakuya and I may have issues but I am not going to let him die because of those issues.
Instead of returning to the Shihoin estate after tea Yoruichi decided to travel to the Rukongai to see an old friend. Yoruichi had no problems finding Kukaku's interestingly themed home. The muscular twin guardsmen Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko greeted Yoruichi and immediately took her to see Kūkaku. The one armed buxom fiery Shiba was enjoying her afternoon sake when Yoruichi arrived. "I'm surprised to see you back so soon, Yoruichi."
"Since the entire Aizen's escape to Hucheo Mundo situation things have even gotten even more complicated. More shinigami are in Karuka Town than ever. I've had a run in with Aizen's arrancars and they are a lot tougher then we first thought. Things have gotten so bad the Gotei has even enlisted the help Kisuke and Tessai. There's no doubt there will be a real battle with Aizen and his army of arrancars. Now Ginrei wants me to train Byakuya. " After getting that all out Yoruichi plopped down across from the dark haired Shiba clan leader.
"Let me guess you told Ginrei, "Hell no. I am not training that bastard", said Kūkaku fighting a smile.
Yoruichi cut her eyes to the side and responded softly, " I said I'd do it."
Kūkaku tossed her head back and laughed.
Yoruichi frowned at Kukaku's loud unsympathetic response and said, "It isn't funny."
"Yes it is. Last time you were here you said "Byakuya could go to hell for all you cared" and I said you'd eventually go and get his stubborn ass before he got burnt to a crisp, and you said something about you were finished but now you're going to train him. What next are you going to apologize for leaving?"
"First of all what I did was right so there's no need for me to apologize. I am sorry he grew up to be such an ass. Even if I explained everything that happened he'll still be an ass about it. I learned that from our last encounter. I still mean it if he goes to hell he's on his own. "
"Oh so you two aren't going to kiss and make during your training sessions?" Kūkaku smiled wickedly over cup of sake.
"C'mon Kūkaku do you really think Byakuya is going to let me train him again? The last time he made it very clear he did not want me in his life and I am fine with that. I am doing this out of respect for Ginrei. Byakuya will refuse and I'll tell Ginrei and the issue would be squashed."
She leaned forward a little and looked Yoruichi dead in the eye and said, "But he's going to say, "Yes".
"You sound like Ginrei, I told you what happened between us last time. Why would Byakuya accept my offer to train him?"
"Because he wants to train with you again. Byakuya was an arrogant impertinent brat when you started training with him before. It sounds as if he has not changed for the better, he's even added being angry, cold, and bitter. Before you left he seemed to be on the right track, but without you he just veered to the left. Yoruichi when you returned you brought a lot more then just a group of ryoka with you. Apparently he's still not over you," said Kūkaku as she poured herself another cup of sake.
"Kūkaku he's never been under me," said Yoruichi jokingly with a wink at Kūkaku who couldn't help but laugh at the comment. "Believe me Kūkaku there's never been anything serious between us. After I "died" he-" She closed her eyes and paused. She remembered many years ago another visit to the Rukongai.
Yoruichi loved the freedom she found walking the streets of Rukongai. No one thought anything unusual about seeing a little black cat roaming free in the streets. She did have to hurry on her way to avoid excited kids that tried to pick her up and impatient adults that almost stepped on her. Yoruichi stopped as soon as she heard the name Hisana.
"Hisana, Hisana" an old woman called out.
The pale dark haired girl stopped and walked over to the old woman. "Hi Sanja."
"Don't you look lovely in your fancy new clothes', complemented the old woman. "What are you doing back here; you were just married this past weekend. Is that uppity noble not treating you right?"
So that's Hisana. Yoruichi twitched her tail and examined in the girl from head-to-toe. The differences between her and Hisana were too many to count. Yoruichi grinned, why she's nothing like me, she's the exact opposite. "She is nothing like me", Yoruichi whispered as the grin fell from her face. She slowly turned around and walked away.
"Believe me he didn't have a crush on me or had any interest in me that way. He moved on with is life got married achieved his dream and became the head of the Kuchiki clan. "
"After you ran away and "died", hm,". Kūkaku frowned and tilted her head towards Yoruichi just before taking another sip of sake.
Meanwhile in the Seireitei Byakuya had just sat down to a cup tea when he got word his grandfather wanted to see him. Byakuya hurried to his grandfather's home on the Kuchiki grounds. Byakuya found his grandfather feeding his huge multicolored and golden koi. Byakuya admired even envied Ginrei's koi pond.
"Grandfather you sent for me, " said Byakuya as he walked over to his grandfather.
"Ah yes, I wanted to know how your training was going for the battle?" Ginrei handed Byakuya some food for the koi.
"Well," said Byakuya as he tossed food to the hungry koi. Byakuya watched as two huge red and white koi battled it out for the food only to have most of the food eaten by five very fast smaller golden koi.
Ginrei watched as Byakuya continued feeding the koi. The old man could see there was something different about him. When Byakuya finished Ginrei asked in a very direct tone, "You've been training alone haven't you?" Before Byakuya could respond Ginrei started to walk towards his home and gestured for Byakuya to follow him.
"Yes, I don't need to train with anyone," Byakuya responded in a very confident tone as the two of them walked into Ginrei's sitting area.
"Don't need or don't want, Byakuya? There is a difference." The older Kuchiki lowered himself slowly into a chair.
Byakuya sat down across from his grandfather. "There's no one to train with, grandfather."
"I am not surprised you'd say that and you're wrong." Ginrei notice the confusion on Byakuya's face. "Yoruichi Shihion is back in the Seireitei for a few days", Ginrei paused as he noticed the look of confusion changed to one of anger. "Is there something wrong?"
"No grandfather," Byakuya responded in that same cold monotone voice Ginrei heard the night he told Byakuya of Yoruichi's death, but the look in Byakuya's eyes was different today.
"Good because I've asked her to train with you."
Hell no! "Grandfather, I don't need anything from that woman. She cannot teach me anything I want to learn," Byakuya responded coldly.
"Byakuya you still have a lot to learn from Yoruichi. I'll leave it at that. You are grown man and I cannot tell you what to do, but I am surprised you're letting your personal feelings get in the way of your progression as captain. You should be looking to expand your skills." Ginrei watched Byakuya's face and saw a change in his expression. Ginrei knew he made his point clear. "Oh well I am tired it's been a long morning. I think I'll take a nap. Good day, Byakuya."
Byakuya left his grandfather's home and went to the 6th Division's headquarters. There is no way Yoruichi will come. Why is she even back? She knows I don't want to see her. Why would she want to train me anyway, especially after what I said? Byakuya continued his day as usual except for the fact that every time an officer came in to see him expected that officer to announce Yoruichi's arrival. It was drawing to the end of the day and still no Yoruichi. I knew she wouldn't come.
Part of him was disappointed she did not come and the other part of him was glad to be right. Byakuya headed home he decided to work on his calligraphy. He needed to take his mind off of a certain person and nothing could distract him from his calligraphy. Just as he was finishing his first sheet Byakuya felt someone masking his or her spiritual pressure. That woman. Without looking up Byakuya announced, "So you finally decided to make an appearance Yoruichi", something is wrong that's not, Byakuya quickly looked up to see Yachiru eating a big chocolate bunny Rukia brought him from the real world.
The pink haired vice captain's face was covered in chocolate. She laughed and said, "Byakuya-kun thought I was a cat. Whatcha doing?" The curious girl moved closer to Byakuya sticky hands and all. Yachiru's chocolate fingerprints were now a part of Byakuya's calligraphy.
Byakuya calmly got up and stepped into the hall soon a servant came in with a large bowl of candy. The servant ran out of the room and Yachiru quickly followed. Byakuya watched as the servant and Yachiru disappeared out of site.
"Now wasn't that clever."
Byakuya turned around to find a little black cat twitching her tail and looking very serious at him. "In your cat form, I see. What are you still afraid to show your face, Yoruichi?"
"Byakuya I've never been afraid to show my face. I just wanted to see if your spiritual pressure detection skills had gotten better and I see they haven't". Byakuya opened his mouth to say something but Yoruichi interjected. "That's not the only reason I am here. I wanted to know if you wanted to train with me. I have encountered the arrancar."
"Train with you, are you mad? Why would I want to train with you? I've moved beyond anything you can teach me, " replied Byakuya biting back his anger.
"I'll take that as a no. Good-bye". Yoruichi left without another word dashing past Byakuya out the door. She disappeared before Byakuya could even blink.
Byakuya stood there staring out of the doorway for a moment. She didn't even try to convince me just gave in. That's not like her, unless, unless she really doesn't want to train me. Byakuya held his head down for a moment and took a deep breath. "She only came because of my grandfather not because of me." He held his head back up and frowned, "Well that's just fine."
The next day Yoruichi was on the run. Yoruichi was helping Soi Fon train and Soi Fon had learned a great deal from her last encounter with Yoruichi. The petite captain of the 2nd Division was as relentless as an angry hornet after Yoruichi. "Sting all enemies to death", the words escaped from Soi Fon's lips and she was ready to attack. Her two long braids cut through the air as Soi Fon went in for the strike. Soi Fon had the dark beauty cornered or so she thought. "This is it Yoruichi-sama." Soi Fon pierced Suzumebachi into a tree instead of Yoruichi. Soi Fon was confused for a second too long; Yoruichi kicked Soi Fon from behind and Soi Fon went crashing into the same tree she marked with Suzumebachi. The encounter with the tree split Soi Fon's bottom lip. Yoruichi had drawn first blood and now it was time for both women to get serious.
"Soi Fon you were too slow. You assumed I was the one in trouble and you slowed down", said Yoruichi from the tree across from the bruised Soi Fon. Yoruichi's long purple ponytail blew rapidly from side-to-side as the wind really started to pick up. Soi Fon has been training. I didn't think I would have to get serious this soon.
"Don't worry Yoruichi-sama I want let it happen," Soi Fon quickly appeared behind Yoruichi, "again."
Yoruichi slipped away before Soi Fon could strike but Soi Fon quickly followed. Soi Fon was so close she could almost grab Yoruichi's long ponytail as it danced between the two women. I think Soi Fon has gotten faster. I guess it's time to really show her why I am the Goddess of Flash. Yoruichi took her shunpo up a notch speeding up her flash steps and gain some distance between she and Soi Fon. Let's test your balance Soi Fon. Even with it being a considerably windy day Yoruichi decided to take the chase to the trees. The wind and the shaky branches would aid in her victory. Yoruichi heard a crash behind her she knew Soi Fon had a misstep; it was all she needed now there was enough distance between them to lay a trap.
Soi Fon finally caught up to where Yoruichi should have been but there was nothing. The wind had died down and there was no sound. Soi Fon could not even sense Yoruichi anymore. Then there was a small sound. "From behind again Yoruichi-sama", said Soi Fon as she quickly turned around ready to the block the attack.
Yoruichi instead attacked from the right side low and from angle. She took Soi Fon down before Soi Fon had a chance to block her. Soi Fon was not going to let Yoruichi get in a second hit, Soi Fon quickly rolled the right as Yoruichi tried to stomp down on her. Yoruichi tried again Soi Fon rolled to the left. This time Soi Fon was more prepared and she kicked up as she rolled causing dust to fly. Soi Fon was hopping getting dust in Yoruichi's eye would give her enough time to stand up. Yoruichi was already a few inches taller so Soi Fon being on the ground made things a lot harder for Soi Fon. It wasn't enough Yoruichi blocked the dust from getting in her eyes. Soi Fon only managed to get up on one knee. This did make it easier to block Yoruichi's kick. Soi Fon did an even better job instead of just blocking the kick Soi Fon managed to grab Yoruichi's foot. The dark beauty flipped and kicked to break Soi Fon's hold, it worked but now Soi Fon was back on her feet and she managed to cut Yoruichi's hamstring in the process.
"Good move Soi Fon. If you're not faster than me, make me as slow as you", said Yoruichi as the look in her eye went from playful to serious. If I were Soi Fon I would attack now. Soi Fon charged in almost as quickly as Yoruichi thought of it. Yoruichi blocked Soi Fon's strike with a kaiken, a small dagger. The women then went into a series of lighting fast kicks and punches. An outside observer would not be able to count how many punches or kicks were exchanged during their quick sparring session. After it was over both women were exhausted. Both women stopped and tried to catch their breath. They both stared at each other hunched over and breathing hard wondering if the other would strike again. Soi Fon was battered and bruised and Yoruichi had several Homonka markings covering her.
Yoruichi stood up straight and smiled. "You continue to get stronger Soi Fon."
A full blush filled Soi Fon's cheeks. "Thank you Yoruichi-sama." Soi Fon immediately willed away the Homonka marks Yoruichi received from Suzumebachi.
"Soi Fon that's why I think it's time you trained with Kisuke."
"What! No not Kisuke." Soi Fon created a fist with her free hand. "I don't want to train with him. He'd just waste time and we'd never get any training done".
"No he won't. Kisuke would be perfect for you to train with, he excellent at hand-to-hand, a blast from Benhime would give you an idea of the power of cero blast from an arrancar. Most importantly you can use your bankai." Yoruichi's eyes smiled as they met with Soi Fon's shocked eyes. "Between Benhime's blood mist shield and Tessai's kido level you won't have to be afraid to activate your bankai. There's no need to hold back during your training session with Kisuke. He thinks it's a good idea so he'll be expecting you."
A slight smile crept onto Soi Fon's face. "No holding back. Yoruichi-sama if you think it is best I will train with Kisuke."
"That's what I thought. I mean it's not like you didn't want to see him anyway, Soi Fon." Yoruichi smiled mischievously.
"No, no that's not it," Soi Fon started to blush even more "no, no, I am only training with him because you want me to, no other reason."
Yoruichi give a physical sigh. "Yeesh, so many noes for a yes. I suggest you clear it and leave immediately. You don't want to lose time." Yoruichi flashed stepped away and left Soi Fon standing there still blushing.
Only one more stop and I can go home and soak in a nice hot bath. Yoruichi headed to the Kuchiki residence. She had no problem sensing Byakuya's spiritual pressure and immediately pinpointed his location.
Byakuya was at his koi pond. The population of the koi had dropped tremendously in the past few weeks and he could not figure out who was taking them and why. Byakuya shook his head as he could find no clues and once again another large koi was missing. He was so deep in his investigation he almost didn't notice he had a guest. She's back, why? Byakuya decided to ignore her. After about five minutes of being ignored Yoruichi let out an audible sigh. "What do you want, Yoruichi?" Byakuya continued looking for clues he did not even turn around to look at her.
Yoruichi was tired and hurt she really didn't feel like dealing with Byakuya tonight. In the most unenthusiastic voice she could manage Yoruichi stated, "I wanted to know if you wanted to train with me?"
Byakuya snapped, "Did you not understand my answer last night?" He turned quickly and was about to add more, but then he saw her cuts and bruises along with her ragged appearance. The anger and bitterness disappeared instantly and was replaced with concern. To his surprise Byakuya had to stop himself from running over to her and seeing about her wounds. He turned back around and closed his eyes and thought about how she abandoned him. It wasn't working he couldn't tap into his anger as long as she was there in that condition. He didn't say anything. The one time I wish she were in her cat form, sigh.
"I wanted to see if you changed your mind." Her response was calm and soft partially from fatigue and partially because she did not feel like arguing.
Byakuya did not want her to respond in that way he would've much preferred her response to be cocky or to be harsh. He needed her to leave but he could not bring himself to ask her to go. "No", he paused, " No haven't changed my mind (he told himself and Yoruichi). Good night Yoruichi." He went back to his koi.
"Good night, Byakuya".
The next afternoon Yoruichi went to Byakuya again. This would be the last day they could train together and the last time she'd ask. She found Byakuya at his usual training spot.
"Hello Byakuya," she said as she smiled at him. It was the same way she would greet him before all of their training session.
Byakuya looked passed Yoruichi to the cherry tree behind her. "Yoruichi, what do you want?"
She walked a few steps closer to him. "I am here to ask you to train with me. I told your grandfather I would ask you three times and this is third time."
I knew this about my grandfather and not me. A definite frown appeared on Byakuya's face.
"You'll say "no" and we can go on with the rest of our lives," added Yoruichi
"If you already know the answer, then why ask the question? I don't have time for your games." He did not hide his annoyance from her; it showed all over his face.
Yoruichi started to walk circles around Byakuya. "I gave my word-" Byakuya huffed. Yoruichi ignored Byakuya's huff. "That I'd ask. I don't have enough time to train you anyway. The technique I originally had in mind is too advanced for someone of your shunpo level to learn in such a short period of time". She finished her statement and her circle around him. She smiled and looked him dead in the eye. She saw it that fire. That fire she'd not seen in a hundred years was burning.
"My level of shunpo has exceeded any skill you can teach me. My flash steps are superior, to yours Yoruichi Shihoin".
"Funny I am the one who escaped unharmed from the Senzaikyuu. I was even going to share my molting technique with you but Kisuke will be opening the Garganta soon and I know with your sister and vice captain in Huche Mundo you'll be leaving as soon as it opens."
She thinks I can't learn that move; she has no idea of my shunpo level. The fire in Byakuya's eyes was burning wildly.
"So do you want to train with me, Byakuya? Before Byakuya could respond she stopped him by patting him lightly on the front of his shoulder. "Now you say "no" and it we're fin-"
"Yes, I will master your little trick before sunrise." He looked down on her with fiery determination in eyes.
"We'll see about that, Byakuya-bo," said Yoruichi as she turned and walked away, she smiled to herself (some things never change Byakuya-bo). She turned back around and crossed her arms under her breast. "This move is the Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihou, Utsusemi,"
The Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihou, why does that not surprise me," sarcastically added Byakuya.
Yoruichi ignored Byakuya's comment. "Now try to cut me, don't worry your blade will never touch me."
"I am not the one that should be worried." Byakuya unsheathed Sebonzakura and proceeded to slash through Yoruichi. Soon the image faded and Yoruichi appeared behind him.
She whispered behind him, "Tell me what you saw?"
"I saw an image of you fall towards the ground and then fade," he nonchalantly answered.
"Do it again and this time pay attention", commanded Yoruichi as she walked back into her position.
Byakuya slashed Yoruichi once again but still could not see what she wanted him to see so he tried again and again finally on the eleventh try he saw it. He saw the flash steps.
"Well it's about time you got that part right, Byakuya. Now it's your turn. I want you to practice those steps 100 times". Yoruichi leaped onto the tree huge tree branch and settle down. The same tree she'd used to watch Byakuya train all those many years ago. The tree had grown to be gigantic in the past 100 years. "After that we'll see if you can dodge a blade." Yoruichi noticed Byakuya didn't grumble or gripe like he did when he was younger. He did not look happy about it but his not saying anything actually made situation worse. She watched him and after awhile was amazed by how effortless his moves looked. The sun has already set but at this rate he just might be able to master this move tonight. I hope so Byakuya; I won't have time to teach you others.
Byakuya finished learning the flash steps in less than an hour and half. Night had fallen but moon was full and provided Byakuya and Yoruichi with enough light to continue their training. There was an uneasy silence between them. Yoruichi only spoke to offer correction and Byakuya did not speak at all.
Yoruichi leaped out of the tree and walked over to a tired Byakuya. She could see he was tired his breathing patterns changed and he was sweating. Their training session had been going on for over 4 hours now. "That's enough we'll take a break"
"No," Byakuya interrupted.
"Yes, you need a break you won't be able to learn anything if your body's too tired".
"I am not tired let's get this over with," he snapped.
"Do whatever you want to but I am taking a break I'll be back in 30 minutes be ready to continue. There will be no stopping once I return." Yoruichi flash stepped away with those words.
Byakuya sat down on the lush green grass and looked longingly up at the full moon. He was tired but he did not want to stop. As long as he was training he didn't have to think or feel he just focused on getting the task at hand completed. He didn't like this it felt too familiar, and the familiarity brought feelings of joy and pain and reminded him of what he had been missing for so long.
Yoruichi on the other hand was experiencing a different set of feelings, worry and sadness. She was worried he wasn't going to learn the move in time. She was sad because this is what their relationship had become a cold empty space. For the first time she felt as if it might have been better if they really were strangers. Yoruichi slowly walked back to the training spot. She stopped for a moment and watched Byakuya from a distance. Byakuya why'd we go so wrong? She shook the feelings of sadness and moved forward.
"Ok lets get started," said Yoruichi as she moved from out of the shadows. Byakuya stood up and met her halfway. "Byakuya I am going to come at you slow at first." She pulled out a 17 cm sheathed tanto, a doubled edged dagger. "Get ready Byakuya." Yoruichi attacked as soon the words left her lips. She made contact with the sheathed tanto. "Let's do it again." They did it again and again. When she finally missed she unsheathed the tanto.
"Byakuya, this time it's for real." It started to drizzle just as Yoruichi attacked. She cut him. He didn't move in time. She watched as the crimson liquid flowed slowly from the wound. Why didn't he move? Damn, why hasn't he gotten this yet. We're running out of time. She lightly touched around the wound to make sure he was ok.
The touch did something to him. He knew that the touch came from concern; it made the touch mean more. It started to rain harder. It washed some of the blood away from his pale chest making it easier to see it was just a flesh wound. Even with the touch lasting just a few moments it was enough to change the atmosphere. She looked at him and he looked at her differently. He looked at her the way he did the last night they saw each other. She looked back down at his wound. Byakuya slid his had behind her waist.
No, this can't be happening, he's supposed to be over me, no he didn't have a crush; he got married and moved on. She looked up to say something to him and she saw that fire was completely gone and replaced with something else.
"It's ok," he said softly. He started to pull her in closer. She looked up at him and he expected to see that smile any smile, but there was no smile.
"It's not ok." Yoruichi smacked his fair chest just above the wound so hard the spot was slightly red. He let her go. Instead of a smile a frown covered her mocha brown face. She stepped back a few steps away from him. "You said you could get this move before sunrise and you're not even close to getting it right". The rain was coming down much harder now. Yoruichi got a little shelter from the huge tree she was standing under but Byakuya was completely exposed to the rain. "I don't want to waste anymore of my time and it's raining". He just stood there not saying anything staring at her with this look of hurt and confusion. He was getting soaked and from the look of the rain covering him it as almost as if his whole body was crying. It hurt Yoruichi to say those words and to look at him. She closed her eyes. I am sorry Byakuya. I need you to focus and with the battle coming I don't want your heart in another place even if it's with me. "If you want to get out of the rain get it right, damn it." I care too much about you to let you die.
"Then stop wasting time talking," Byakuya snapped at Yoruichi.
She looked and that fire was back in his eyes. She didn't hesitate to strike. She didn't cut him this time and the image wasn't as convincing as it should've been but it was a huge improvement. Yoruichi immediately turned around and closed her eyes in relief. Yes, Byakuya that's it focus. She smiled a little smile and walked back to her starting point. When she turned back to him the smile had been removed without a trace. "Better, but still not good enough." She attacked again and this time he did it everything correctly. The rain stopped. "Again!" Yoruichi yelled just before attacking. She attacked him over and over, she varied the distance and angle of the attacks but each time she got faster and faster. She never cut him again during their training session.
Byakuya was clearly exhausted but he would not weaver. He could barely stand up straight and at some points he seemed to gasp for air. She knew he had enough and she also knew he'd be able to complete the move under any circumstance. Yoruichi sheathed the tanto and secured it behind her back. She folded her arms under her breast and stared at the tired Byakuya. "That's enough Byakuya, you did well", she smiled slightly, "one day the Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihou, Utsusemi, may save your life remember it well."
"Please, I hope to never be in a situation in which any technique you've taught me will be needed to save my life", he paused as he noticed the sun rising behind Yoruichi. The rain had given way to the sun and Yoruichi seemed to be basking in its glow.
"For once we agree Byakuya, I hope you will never have to use that move." Then she smiled not just any smile but "his smile".
Byakuya froze in place and just stared at her for a moment. Her words, " I hope you will never have to use that move", lingered in his ear. He got caught up in her smile. The movement of her ponytail in the warm breeze hypnotized him. He was transfixed by the sparkle in her golden eyes from the sun, but then he blinked and once again she was gone.
A/N:
Velveteen: Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihou, Utsusemi isn't that the move Byakuya uses against Zommari?
Peace in Chaos: Yes, it is. We discussed it on the Byakuya x Yoruichi fan club on Bleach Asylum. Byakuya somehow learned the same move he was surprised to see Yoruichi use against him. Most of us think it was b/c of a secret training session.
Velveteen: Yeah, a Byakuya and Yoruichi moment, but I was hoping Byakuya and Yoruichi would've made up in the chapter.
Peace in Chaos: Look on the upside there has been progress. They both know something is still there. Plus, I am keeping in line the manga for past and the present. Byakuya's reaction to having to use Yoruichi move in battle was complicated. He said he didn't want to use the move but when they show what he's thinking he's sees Yoruichi in a positive way especially in the anime it looked like he was daydreaming about her.
Velveteen: This is one fairy tale full of angst and sadness.
Peace in Chaos: I did mention earlier life for Byakuya and Yoruichi has not been a fairy tale, Byakuya doesn't even believe in them but who knows maybe just maybe this story will have a fairy tale ending ;)
Velveteen: Another double update, this chapter was like 20 pages so no update next week, huh?
Peace in Chaos: No, unfortunately I will not be able to update until Oct :( but please continue to post comments and reviews and send PMs. They really are motivational. Even I don't get to update I'll still work on it whenever I can.
One more thing depending on how he manga plays out in the next couple of weeks we might get a ByaYoru time skip and flash forward to the future.