CHAPTER 40: BONDS. BLOOD. BELOVED.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my readers. Please consider this a Christmas gift that has been overdue for quite some time. I hope you all will enjoy this updated chapter, it's really one of the longest that I have written in a while. :)
If you have realized, all my ongoing fics now have 'On Hiatus' tags over them, except for 'Demons from My Past'. I have decided that I will only complete this final fanfic.
Thank you for the reviews and lasting interest in this story (we are at 40 chapters now!), they do keep me motivated knowing that there are those awaiting the story's development and finally, conclusion. I hope I will be able to complete this fanfic by next year. I have significantly cut down the plot in my mind and condensed the contents so as to allow me to finish it in the shortest amount of time I am capable of (given that I don't really write that much anymore). But do know that it is my full intention to finish this fanfic.
I hope you enjoy the latest chapter.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the Bleach series or its associated characters. I own this fanfic and the plot.
Rukia tried to concentrate on the thesis she was writing, but her jumbled thoughts swam around in her head like the desperation of a drowning animal. She was going to have to make some headway on her work, her health issues had caused her to miss a significant portion of her lab work and classes.
I had parents.
They belonged to the Kiyowara clan and were murdered.
I was almost murdered myself.
Rukia put down her pen and gazed out of the window of her bedroom. She was back home with her father, Otousan did not allow her to return to the dormitory until he was fully satisfied with her health. A small smile played on Rukia's lips as she recalled how worried Otousan had been, how he decided that he would cook the dinners himself from now on, and how she was supposed to shout for help at the slightest inkling of feeling weakened.
How the roles have now been reversed.
Rukia sighed and closed her eyes. The recent revelation regarding her childhood background had been so much to take in, and Rukia sometimes still found it disbelieving.
I had parents.
She could not remember them... her father nor her mother. They had been loving parents, she was told, that they had tried to protect her as best as they could. She could not remember a single thing about them, and it frustrated her. Did her mother tuck her into bed every night with a kiss? Did her father carry her on his shoulders, shouting and cheering happily?
Rukia didn't know, she didn't know anything.
And then they had been caught, and murdered by the very clan whose family name her father carried. And Rukia had unknowingly come face-to-face with the very same clan, when she had crashed Byakuya's wedding to confess to him. She could not recall the faces of those from the Kiyowara clan, but the one whose face was almost identical to her own, she could.
Hisana.
Byakuya's would-be wife then, if Rukia had not decided to come to the wedding.
Her cousin.
The one for whom her life had been planned for a sacrifice.
Rukia slowly put down her pen as she felt a dull headache coming on. And then, there was the mixed blood heritage she supposedly possessed. The mixed blood of a demon, and a human. They said those of such parentage did not live for very long, either dying from a complication of the taboo heritage or murdered by the demons.
Rukia wasn't going to lie to herself. She was scared. No, she was terrified.
Am I really going to die?
But her Otousan… Byakuya… Rangiku… Renji… Nel… Ichigo… her friends, they were all behind her. She might not be able to prevent the things happening to her now, but she had been blessed with those she loved… and she was happy.
Rukia took a deep breath and closed her eyes, making her decision.
xXxXx
The shell shocked expression of the guards greeted Rukia as she slowly approached the entrance of the imposing estate.
Rukia smiled politely. "May I see your young Lady? My name is Rukia."
The guards exchanged looks, but then one of them left the entrance. "Please wait here." The other guard observed her curiously.
Rukia nodded and kept silent.
The Kiyowara estate was huge, rivaling that of the Kuchiki mansion. The perimeter of the estate was bordered by tall trees and painted grey walls. The clan had preferred to preserve the traditional appearance of old Japanese mansions, as evidenced by the carved walkways and curved roofs.
The approaching footsteps brought Rukia's attention back to the returning guard. "Our Lady will see you now."
Rukia nodded and waited for the guards to perform a check of her belongings or even frisk her; but they did none of that. The guards bowed slightly and motioned Rukia forward. They walked down a beautiful walkway into the mansion that led to the gardens. Rukia barely had time to appreciate the serenity and beauty of the landscape, before they arrived at a marble table situated strategically facing the large lake of the Kiyowara mansion.
"Rukia." The voice was soft, as the lone figure rose from the table.
Rukia's eyes widened as they locked onto the familiar figure with the face so alike to her own, save for those sad dark blue eyes.
"Hisana-san."
Hisana smiled, but it was an uncertain one. "Just Hisana will do. Will you…" She motioned with her hand slowly, and again, with uncertainty. "… sit with me?"
"Yes." Rukia approached the table and took a seat opposite Hisana. The Succubus carried herself with much elegance, but there was an overpowering sense of frailty about her, as if she was a pretty willow branch that could snap easily at the slightest sudden breeze.
Hisana coughed once before she sat down. "I was… very surprised when the guard informed me that you requested a meeting with me. I never thought…" Hisana deliberated. "… that you would-"
"-step foot in here." Rukia completed Hisana's hesitant sentence.
Hisana looked up in surprise, but then the Succubus lowered her eyes again.
"I came here… because I had many questions unanswered, Hisana." Rukia took a deep breath. "And you happen to have all the answers."
Hisana smiled. "It is no wonder that you are Byakuya-sama's soulmate. Both of you are so much alike."
Rukia's eyes widened but Hisana had looked out over the lake. The Succubus took a deep breath before she spoke. "Your father's name… is Kiyowara Hisashi. He was the older twin brother of my father, Kiyowara Hitoshi. As the older twin, the leadership of the clan was to be passed to your father but Uncle Hisashi was very carefree. He hated the blood rivalry between clans, and priced peace and humanity above everything else.." Hisana smiled slightly as she turned her gaze back to Rukia. "A wonderful and admirable trait that was apparently passed on to you."
"Your father often disagreed with the clan members over a lot of matters. Father once said that he admired his brother for the unwavering principles he held, even if Father felt it was not in the best interest of the clan. Soon, Uncle Hisashi began to abandon the harsh duties of the clan leader and preferred escapades from the mansion to live amongst the humans. And then… he fell in love."
Rukia's eyes widened.
"Your mother's name… is Miyazaki Juri. Your father bumped into her cart of fruits in the market and spoilt all of them. Apparently she shouted at him, and gave him a real beating. Your father was smitten instantly. From that day onward, he returned to the market everyday to pester your mother to go out with him."
Rukia found herself smiling, even as she listened.
Hisashi…
And Juri…
"They were secretly married and in their eighth year of marriage, Juri miraculously became pregnant. Uncle Hisashi was extremely concerned, even if both of them were overjoyed. There were no records of children borne to demon and human parents; and whatever little of those who survived had gone into hiding anyway. He decided to consult an elder Incubus, but it was from there that the clan found out that the impossible had happened; that Kiyowara Hisashi had conceived a child with a human. Your mother safely delivered... but your family was tracked by the clan and finally caught. Your entire family was brought back to the clan when you were about four years old."
Rukia's eyes widened. The smile had already left Hisana's face.
"You were only four, I was already ninety years of age by then. But the eternal youthfulness of the Succubi meant that you and I were almost similar in physical appearance. In fact, we were almost identical. The entire clan was stunned. Your parents... they were locked up while you were put under the care of several servants. My father was powerless to prevent this as it was a majority decision, even if he was already the clan leader at this point."
Rukia took in a deep breath. She had heard this story from Byakuya, but hearing it from Hisana sent the searing pain through her heart again.
"Your parents were sentenced to death. You were just four then, so very innocent... and I could not bring myself to tell you the truth." Hisana's voice shook slightly. "Because sick as I was, I had finally found a companion, someone I loved to spend time with... someone who made me feel livelier than I had ever been. I did not want to lose you... didn't want you to hate me. So I kept quiet, praying that it would all pass peacefully and we could move on." Hisana's eyes filled with tears. "As you already know, it wasn't to be."
"My father soon found out that there was going to be a coup within the clan, and that my life was going to be in danger. It was then that... they came up with a terrible plan... to substitute you in my place." Hisana had begun rocking slightly in her seat, much like a young child in need of consoling. "My father had promised your father that he was going to take care of you... but instead you were used." Hisana's voice was hoarse. "I did not want to go along with it... but my parents were adamant that they were not to lose me."
Rukia kept silent as she watched Hisana.
"So on the day of the supposed coup, you were told that we were playing a game of hide-and-seek." Tears began to fill Hisana's eyes. "And you were left to run about, so the enemy would kill you instead while I hid somewhere safe. The massacre was horrible, I still hear the screams and terror in my nightmares... every single night." The tears slowly streamed down Hisana's porcelain cheeks. "I immediately searched for you after the massacre was over but you were nowhere to be found. I did not know what happened to you, if you were torn to pieces, if you were taken away to be tortured... I did not know. I fell into a coma for three days afterward, and when I woke up, my health had deteriorated significantly." Hisana took in a rattling breath. "I spent many years searching for you, but it was all in vain. Until that day... in the church... when you stood in front of me, so alive and well, after all those years."
"My parents and myself were stunned. After we returned home, my parents made me promise not to speak a word of this to anyone outside of the clan. But then... Byakuya-sama soon arrived at the mansion, having suspected that we were related all along. I could not deny Byakuya-sama the truth, so I told him everything... knowing that you would also come to know of it."
"Arigato... for telling me everything." Rukia's voice was soft.
Hisana let out a bitter laugh. "You must really hate me now, Rukia. I talk about how I treasured you so much, and yet... it was I who did all those terrible things."
"No, I don't hate you." Rukia's voice was measured. "Can one hate another for things one barely remember anymore?"
Hisana looked up, her eyes wide.
"Yes, my parents were killed. They were killed by the clan. Hating your family will not bring my parents back anymore, so I do not intend to do that." Rukia took a deep breath.
Hisana's eyes filled with fresh tears as Rukia slowly smiled at the Succubus.
"Byakuya-sama… he said you had begun to develop powers unique to our clan." Hisana's voice was soft and uncertain.
Rukia nodded once, and pressed her right index finger to the table. Sharp ice splinters suddenly formed at the base of that finger, traveling quickly toward Hisana across the granite table in a snaking transparent line of frost. It stopped just before Hisana's own folded hands on the table, the ice sprouting up to form a beautiful flower-like ice structure.
Hisana gasped softly, and then slowly reached out to touch the ice flower.
Rukia smiled slightly. "I can only do so much without passing out."
"But it is true then."
Rukia blinked and looked up. "What is?"
Hisana's smile was wistful. "You do deserve the leadership of our clan, with your powers. The power to control ice is innate of a Kiyowara, and these ablities are said to manifest in special members once every three generations. No one in our clan has been blessed with the powers, not since Grandfather's time. And especially not me." The Succubus turned to look out over the peaceful lake. "It seems Father was right. He always said Uncle Hisashi was the true leader of the clan, had he not run away."
"I am not coming back to the Kiyowara clan."
Hisana's eyes widened as she heard Rukia's reply.
The human girl only shook her head. "I just came to see you and have a small talk, I just wanted to know more about my family. I do not belong to the Kiyowara clan and will never lead it, Hisana." She smiled happily. "I am Ukitake Rukia."
Hisana's eyes lowered. "I see."
"A lot of people have said that I might die if my heritage continues to conflict within my physical body. I do keep passing out now and then, and it has been getting a bit too frequent for comfort." Hisana looked up in horror at Rukia but the latter only smiled. "I don't know for sure what's going to happen, but I realized I wanted to meet you once before anything prevents me from doing so forever."
Rukia leaned forward. "I cannot remember memories from my childhood, I don't remember meeting you or our times together. I only heard stories of what the clan had done to me, but that is all in the past and I intend for it to stay that way."
Hisana drew in a rattling breath, as the tears once again pooled in her eyes. "Rukia… I… I am a horrible person. I… am so sorry."
"You shouldn't punish yourself anymore." Rukia slowly but surely reached out and touched Hisana's hand. The Succubus looked up, a single tear falling from her dark blue eyes. "I don't intend to forgive you, but you can start repaying me. As my revenge for what your clan did, I intend to live happily for the rest of my life. And if you wish to repay me, you should live an equally happy life as I am."
Rukia reached out and gently brushed a tear from Hisana's right cheek. "No more tears, okay?"
"Onee-san, faster, faster!" Rukia's short hair flew about her face, but the young child was excited and happy as she tugged on the hand of the older one.
"Slow down, please!" Hisana's words were drowned in between breaths as she struggled to keep up with the youngster. But the wind, oh, the wind felt glorious in her face and hair. She just wanted to keep running, keep chasing down the fields with Rukia by her side.
"Oooofff!" Suddenly, the pressure around Hisana's hand was lost as Rukia tumbled into the grass, apparently having tripped on a stone.
"Rukia!" Hisana rushed forward.
Rukia was starting to sit up, holding her left knee which was now sporting fresh scratches from the ground. She was starting to frown and her lips curved downward and trembled, a clear indication that the young child was about to start bawling. To Hisana, Rukia looked utterly adorable in that instant, the pitiable expression on a face so similar to Hisana's own.
"Hey hey, it's a just a tiny bit of scratch." Hisana squatted next to Rukia. Tears were already beginning to stream down Rukia's face. It was then that Hisana realized, Rukia never did bawl or throw a tantrum. The young human child would let the tears fall instead and try to muffle her sobs, silent and unnoticed until the tears dried up on their own. Just like all those nights in her room alone…
Hisana swallowed and pasted a cheery smile on her face. "Here, I will blow on it. It helps, you know?"
"Really?" Rukia cocked her head to one side, and started to rub her tears away.
"Of course!" Hisana blew on the abrasion over Rukia's left knee. She repeated the act three times, while Rukia watched her with wide eyes. "Now, how does it feel?"
"Much better." Rukia was already starting to smile.
"Okay, come on." Hisana reached forward and gently placed a thumb on Rukia's cheek to rub the last streak of tear.
"No more tears, okay?"
Hisana gasped and looked up at Rukia. And slowly, even as they trembled, the edges of her lips began to curve upward.
"Arigato, Hisana." Rukia smiled for the last time at the Succubus. "Sayonara."
xXxXx
"Assemble the stealth team, I am going in." Byakuya's voice was cold and deadly, as he stepped across the room to the glass window pane.
Renji sighed, watching his leader pace back and forth the entire length of the room, which he had been doing for the last five minutes. It was rather quite unlike of Byakuya to be almost frenzied, and seeing it was starting to give Renji a headache. But of course, only one person could affect the Kuchiki leader this much. Renji tried again. "Byakuya, we don't know for sure if she is in danger-
"I know for sure she is not safe." Byakuya's eyes flashed dangerously at his assistant.
"Look, Rangiku has gone out to do the proper checks, we can just wait-
"I will kill the entire Kiyowara clan down to the last member, if they even try to lay a finger on her." A spontaneous crack traveled through the glass pane at Byakuya's cold words, and Renji almost jumped back in fright.
"H-Hey, cool down. Byakuya, we don't need more-
"Byakuya?"
Byakuya's head immediately whipped toward the door of his office suite. Rukia stood at the entrance, her beautiful eyes big and curious. His eyes immediately scanned her from head to toe for injuries, but she appeared unharmed even as she stepped easily into his office. Matsumoto walked behind Rukia, a knowing look on her face.
"Oh dear…" Renji put his face into his hands. "Take cover, everybody."
Rukia walked up to Byakuya, who stared back at her with emotionless grey eyes. "Byakuya, I-
His voice cut her off. "Abarai. Matsumoto. Your assistance is no longer required here. Thank you."
Renji stepped out gingerly from behind Byakuya and winced slightly at Rukia as he made in the direction of the door, as Matsumoto did the same. "I will send the repairman in tomorrow. Don't… er, break any more stuff, okay?"
Rukia looked at Renji in confusion and he jerked his head silently in the direction of the window pane. Rukia followed his lead and her violet eyes widened as she noted the large crack in the glass.
The door clicked shut, leaving the couple in the room.
Rukia squared her shoulders as she approached her boyfriend. "I was at the Kiyowara residence this afternoon."
At these words, Byakuya turned to look at Rukia. "So it seemed." His lips were the thinnest Rukia had ever seen them. And he seemed so angry, so affected.
"Byakuya, I-"
"Why did you secretly go alone to the Kiyowara mansion?" Byakuya's voice was cold, the anxiety in his body giving way to anger as he stood in front of Rukia. "Do you realize how dangerous it is? They could have killed you!" His demonic aura flashed through the room momentarily but Rukia did not so much as even flinch.
"Hisana was there, she wouldn't have allowed it."
"She allowed your assassination many years ago," Byakuya retorted. "What would stop her now?"
"Guilt, Byakuya." Rukia placed a gentle hand on Byakuya's arm. He did not reject her touch, but his emotionless grey eyes still flashed with subtle anger. "I went to ease her guilt. I realized I have my family, so many friends with me. She has almost nobody, she has lived most of her life solitary. She did not make all those decisions by herself, it was the entire clan that did. And only she had the conscience to carry all the burden of the guilt by herself, and is dying from it. For me, that is too much."
Byakuya did not say anything.
"I also went there to learn more about myself, and the clan I supposedly belonged to. You do want me to know more about my background, don't you?"
"The next time you are feeling curious, bring me with you." Byakuya's words were icy. He turned away from Rukia, facing the cracked window pane. Then he spoke again, but this time his voice was soft. "Do you even know how worried I was?"
Rukia's eyes widened. She walked around Byakuya to face him, not waiting for him to turn to her. The evening orange sun rays played on his handsome features as he stared down at her. "I know… and I am sorry. I just had an urge today, so I-
Her words were cut off as Byakuya abruptly laid a gentle hand on her cheek. "Sometimes I hate myself for being so possessive over you, Rukia." The hand lingered on her skin, soft, tentative. "I try not to, but I cannot help myself. It is a terrible flaw of mine. I just… want you to be safe."
Rukia smiled softly at her lover. "It is a flaw I love you for." She tiptoed and hooked her hands around her boyfriend's neck. He raised an appraising eyebrow at her but obliged, ducking his head downward to meet her lips in a kiss.
When they finally parted for air, Byakuya spoke. "Did you hope that would pacify me?"
Rukia smiled as she nuzzled Byakuya's nose playfully. "I will cook you dinner tonight."
"No. You are going to be the dinner."
xXxXx
Rukia opened her eyes blearily in the darkness as she shifted on the bed. The clock on the wall showed 2.00AM in glowing numbers. She was pressed against Byakuya, one of his hand possessively draped over her waist as she slept next to him in his enormous black bed.
Where were their clothes? Rukia faintly recalled Byakuya undressing her in the kitchen while she did the dinner dishes and even before she could complete her task, he was already making passionate love to her against the kitchen wall.
Rukia smiled slightly and shifted again so she could silently observe Byakuya as he slept. His handsome face was untroubled, the stray strands of his raven black hair falling over the left side of his face. Rukia reached out and gently brushed his hair from his face, before she craned her neck and kissed him softly on his lips.
"What did I do to deserve such a treat?"
Rukia's eyes widened at Byakuya's soft voice. The Incubus's misty grey eyes gazed back at his lover.
"I thought you were asleep." Rukia whispered to Byakuya as she shifted closer into his warm arms.
"I can tell when I am being watched while I sleep."
Rukia chuckled softly.
Byakuya cupped Rukia's face in his hands and brought his face down to hers, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss.
xXxXx
"You are inviting the girl to the mansion tomorrow morning?"
Ginrei nodded, as he motioned for Yamamoto to take a seat opposite him. The older Incubus lifted a drink to his mouth. "Byakuya will be at work, I would prefer him not having knowledge of this little meeting. I merely want to ask her if she has changed her mind regarding their relationship, if she has finally seen the rationale that a union between them is impossible."
Yamamoto only kept silent.
"If she marries Byakuya, there will be little to no chance of heirs. And Byakuya is my only grandson. The end of the Kuchiki clan might be at hand." Ginrei took a deep breath as he looked at the night sky through the glass window of his study.
"And yet…" Yamamoto sat across from Ginrei. "… have you seen Byakuya this happy before?"
"No." Ginrei closed his eyes. "But did he have to find happiness with a human, instead of one of our own?"
Yamamoto chose not to reply, and Ginrei recognised the diplomacy in his lifelong friend. Yamamoto did not necessarily agree with him, but was not inclined to openly conflict with his opinions.
A while later, however, it was Yamamoto who broke the silence. "Ginrei, if I could ask?"
"What is it?"
"Why did you choose to spare the life of the girl back then? I had always wondered."
Ginrei rose and walked over to the huge window glass pane, letting the silver moonlight wash over his figure. He stayed like that for a long time, silent.
"Forgive me." Yamamoto bowed slightly. "I was just being-
"It was her eyes." Ginrei's voice was calm. "The eyes of a survivor." The older Incubus took a long breath. "Determined fiery eyes, even in the face of death. After many centuries of killing, what I see in common eyes would be fear and resignation. Not many could keep such fire… and I just wanted to keep the fire going a bit longer. An impulsive decision on my side, and a decision that is now costing me."
Yamamoto shook his head as he approached Ginrei. "You might have saved the person to bring down the Kuchiki clan. But then again, Ginrei, you might have just saved the soulmate of your grandson."
xXxXx
Rukia squared her shoulders as she ascended the stone steps to the entrance of the Kuchiki mansion. She had received the invitation letter a few days ago, Byakuya's grandfather had requested a private meeting between only the two of them.
Rukia had accepted the invitation, and had kept the meeting a secret from Byakuya. She was certain about what Ginrei would want to discuss, and she was also certain he wouldn't like her answer.
Ginrei's two personal guards met her at the entrance and she was brought to the grand study of Kuchiki Ginrei. The guards opened the oak panel doors and motioned her forward. Rukia stepped forward, as the old man rose from the polished study table positioned directly in front of the gigantic glass window overlooking the mansion grounds. The Incubus was dressed in a smart black designer suit, his white hair combed back smoothly. Rukia had also chosen formal clothes, wearing a light blue blouse and black office pants.
The two guards closed the doors and stood inside the room, flanking the entrance on either side.
"Lord Ginrei." Rukia bowed slightly, but Ginrei waved his hand carelessly.
"You may call me 'Gramps', like the first time." The Incubus gestured to the seat opposite him across the table. "Have a seat, child."
Rukia nodded and approached the table. She sat down, with Ginrei following suit.
"The reason I have called for this meeting... is to ask you if you have given any thought regarding what I have told you during the dinner some time back."
Rukia sat up straight. "I have give it more than enough thought."
"I see. And I hope you have seen my point of view, preferably for the better."
Rukia took a deep breath. "Gramps, what I wanted to tell you is-
Ginrei never heard what Rukia wanted to tell him at that moment, for a sudden explosion rocked the mansion, shaking the ground beneath their very feet.
"What-" Ginrei moved swiftly to the window, looking out over the grounds at the smoke billowing from the east wing of the mansion. The Incubus caught sight of the countless masked intruders now scaling the wall in all direction of the mansion.
"The mansion is under attack." Ginrei's voice was loud and clear as he addressed his two guards. "Aido, inform the team here and at Azaris at once. Jiro, come here."
Rukia had already got to her feet, her eyes wide. She watched as one guard exited the room and the other bowed and briskly approached Ginrei.
There was a sudden blur of movement as Ginrei slammed the guard into the nearest rack, holding his neck in a choking grip.
"Gramps!" Rukia's voice filled with horror.
"How much did they pay you?" Ginrei's voice was low as he addressed his personal guard. "And who?"
Rukia's eyes widened.
The guard Aido struggled but did not speak as Ginrei held him against the rack. "Did you think that I would not have detected your betrayal since a few months back?" Ginrei's voice was calm. "I know everything." When the guard said nothing, Ginrei tightened his grip. The guard started to splutter in desperation.
"S-Sato c-clan!"
Ginrei raised his eyebrows. "A weak clan. Surprising." He moved the guard further up the wall, as the guard continued to choke. "Why today?"
"I... I... told them... t-today... might be your P-Purification... P-Period!" The guard coughed out in between wheezing and choking fits. "A-Also you... you are meeting... t-the girl... today!"
Ginrei's eyes flicked once to Rukia, and she watched in puzzlement as realization dawned on the Incubus's wrinkled face.
"They are not only here to kill me, child." Ginrei's voice was a low growl as he tightened his hand over Jiro's neck. The victim made a strangled cry. "They are here to kill both of us."
Rukia's eyes were wide.
"Us, the Incubi, don't die easily." Ginrei's voice was casual as he was merely doing a explanation on a simple chore to Rukia. He tightened his iron grip around Jiro's windpipe. "If you try to kill one on any ordinary day, anything you pierce his heart with will not kill him." The terrible sound of bone cracking started to fill the room and Rukia realized, to her horror, that Ginrei was completely crushing Jiro's neck. "Instead, you will have to try other, more savage means to kill him."
Jiro struggled desperately in Ginrei's death grip, but the older Succubus was much too powerful and strong for him. Jiro's mouth opened in a horrified scream but no sound came forth, only the desperate scrabbling of his hands and feet as Ginrei slowly but surely began to kill him.
"Gramps!" Rukia's eyes were wide. "P-Please!"
"Please what, child?" Ginrei did not even turn around. "Stop? If I stop killing him, do you think he will stop trying to kill me?" A low chuckle escaped the Kuchiki's lips. "Do not be so naïve, child."
The Incubus turned back to his ex-guard. "You are a brilliant Incubus, Jiro... that is why you were selected to be one of my personal guards." The older Incubus' eyes were steely. "You were right... today is my Purification Period."
Rukia did not know what to say, but at that moment there was a huge sickening crack that echoed horribly within the study and Rukia's sinking heart. Blood had already started dripping from Jiro's mouth, Ginrei's crushing force had apparently ruptured even the blood vessels in Jiro's neck as well. The Kuchiki merely loosened his death hold around Jiro, and the dead body of the Incubus dropped lifelessly to the carpeted floor, the head at a grotesque angle.
"Have you not seen Byakuya kill before?" Ginrei's voice was calm as he easily lifted a white napkin off his study table. He cleaned the blood off his hands and then dropped the cloth carelessly to the floor.
Rukia's eyes were wide, but she nodded.
"My grandson is the most accomplished Incubus when it comes to the art of killing. What you see today is just a mild representation of the daily activities that come with his duty as the head of the clan."
The shouts were getting louder now, and Rukia could almost hear the horrible tearing of flesh everywhere. Her hands unconsciously began to tremble.
"We kill to protect our own. We can try to be kind and spare lives… but this lethal circle of death never ends." Ginrei moved swiftly to one of the carved wooden racks by the wall. "There will never be peace between the clans, there will always be those wanting to usurp power from the one at the top." Ginrei scanned the books, as if casually searching for an intended novel. "So it is simple. We kill… and have to keep killing."
Ginrei deliberated slightly, as he tried to work out the best step in light of what was happening. The mansion was under attack, the assassins were here for the human girl and himself. The spy he had discovered and disposed of easily, even though Kuchiki Ginrei was still feeling the fury at the audacity of the enemy clan to storm his mansion.
The Incubus briefly thought on the possibility of leaving Rukia to the assassins. They would eliminate her for sure, and he wouldn't even have to lift a finger about her disturbing presence in Byakuya's life.
So you intend to break my grandson emotionally.
Ginrei took a deep breath and made his decision. The elder Incubus moved to the book rack and scanned the list of titles. He stopped at the fifth, drew out the book and pushed an unseen panel.
The entire back wall of the rack slid behind to reveal a hidden stairway.
"Keep up." Ginrei turned slightly to a shocked Rukia. "I will not protect you if you fall behind."
xXxXx
"Rukia is there? With Grandfather?" This time, the panic was evident in the usually flawless voice of Byakuya. "How is that possible?"
"We received reports that Lord Ginrei had invited Miss Ukitake earlier to the mansion for drinks." Hisagi nodded.
Byakuya stood still, trying to absorb everything that was happening. Of course, it sounded like something Grandfather would do. Grandfather had never taken kindly to Rukia, and it was just like him to get Rukia alone to try and persuade her to end the relationship while Byakuya was occupied at work. Byakuya was sure Rukia would never give in, but now the mansion was under attack. Grandfather was one of the best combatants as an Incubus, there had been plenty of attacks like this in the past. But Rukia… Rukia was just a human (even if she did have some demon blood within her). And there was no guarantee Grandfather would even protect the girl Byakuya loved above everything else.
"Mobilize the squad… now." Byakuya's voice was deadly cold as he removed his office coat and swiftly strode out the office door.
xXxXx
Rukia covered her hand with her mouth to stifle any sound that might threaten to make its way out of her mouth. She stared in terror and shock at the bloody bodies across the ground, victims of the ongoing battle in the grounds of the Kuchiki mansion. There was fighting and screaming everywhere, and the occasional sound of blades and whizzing bullets filled the air.
Kuchiki Ginrei moved easily through the landscape, stopping once in a while to help his guards dispatch the enemy. He tore through the bodies of many Incubi, using only his hands to inflict lethal wounds and draw blood. Rukia could only watch behind him, frozen.
My grandson is the most accomplished Incubus when it comes to the art of killing. What you see today is just a mild representation of the daily activities that come with his duty as the head of the clan.
Rukia long knew Byakuya had probably led countless missions such as these on other clans. He himself had told her of them, telling her how different he was from her world where there was no killing or taking of lives. He told her, how he helplessly wondered if she would ever love him once she had finally come to know of his bloodied past and the hands that have slaughtered so many over such a long time. And Rukia had promised him that he was Byakuya and it was all that mattered to her, she had taken his pale hands in hers and kissed them.
Rukia squared her shoulders, took a deep breath and walked through the carnage, following Ginrei.
"Lord Ginrei!"
The old Incubus was greeted at the entrance by a group of elite guards, who immediately bowed before the previous leader of the clan. "Allow us to escort you. The car will be coming shortly. The enemy have blocked off the exit and torched the remaining transport means."
Ginrei nodded dismissively.
The guards bowed and formed a defense line around Ginrei and Rukia. The group had only taken no more than three steps, when they were completely surrounded by black-clad assassins. Each of the guard immediately engaged three assassins each, but there were too many. As the elite guards of the Kuchiki mansion were occupied, the rest of the assassins immediately formed two lines facing Ginrei and Rukia. One of the guards saw what was happening and tried to reach Ginrei but the outer line fought him off as the inner one approached the Kuchiki and the human girl.
Ginrei slowly backed away as the group of assassins surrounded them. Rukia's heart thudded in her rib cage as she backed away, mirroring Ginrei's steps behind him. There were at least fifteen of them, how was Ginrei going to fight them off? These weren't normal men, they were all Incubi and all were supernaturally strong and agile.
Rukia scanned the area, looking for a weapon she herself could fight with. There were none, even as her frantic eyes went over the perimeter. She couldn't possibly let Byakuya's grandfather fight alone while she looked on-
"You. Don't fight."
Rukia's eyes widened at Ginrei's voice. She looked up, but the Incubus standing in front of her had his eyes on the enemy.
"I will not have you interfering in my fight. Do you understand, child?"
They continued backing away.
"... Hai."
"Good."
Rukia turned slightly and realized that they were headed straight for a high brick wall.
A dead end.
"Gramps?"
Ginrei kept silent and continued walking backward but he had sped up his progress and Rukia was forced to hurriedly walk backward into the brick wall. Her back finally touched the solid rough texture of weathered brick.
"Very good." Ginrei's voice was only calm.
In a split second, Rukia realized that this was where Ginrei was heading all along. He had intended to be backed into a corner, against a hard wall… where there would be nothing coming from Rukia's side.
Where he would be free to fight, without having to worry about her being a burden.
The assassins seemed to have realized the same thing as Rukia had, for they immediately assumed an attack formation in front of Ginrei and Rukia.
Ginrei calmly reached into his breast pocket and fished out a pair of silver brass knuckles, which he fitted easily through his fingers. The Incubus then slowly assumed a defensive stance in front of Rukia.
Without a moment's hesitation, the assassins attacked.
Rukia stayed rooted to her spot, watching Ginrei intently as he fought the group of assassins. To this day, the agility and speed of Incubi in combat still amazed and terrified Rukia at the same time. Watching Ginrei was watching the unbelievable, as the old man traded fists and kicks against the group of Incubi with unsurpassable speed and strength.
Ginrei swung out and caught hold of one assassin and threw him toward the brick wall. The victim smashed into the structure and Ginrei immediately threw a huge fist into the assassin's neck. Rukia heard bone and brick crack under the force of Ginrei's strength, magnified many times fold by the brass knuckles he was wearing. The dead assassin crumpled to the ground, leaving a deep canyon in the brick wall and blood dripping down to the ground.
Rukia had barely time to comprehend that there was now a dead demon beside her, before Ginrei launched himself at three assassins simultaneously. The previous head of the clan kicked out at one assassin, before immediately thrusting a deadly punch at another. Rukia heard bone crack under the merciless brass knuckles once more, as Kuchiki Ginrei effortlessly killed yet another assassin.
But up front, there were more assassins running swiftly to back up the current team. Rukia's eyes widened as she realized what it was the second team was carrying forward; a spiky wire net.
"Watch out!" Rukia's voice was a strickened shout.
It was too late as the net was thrown forward, trapping Ginrei in with a single sacrificed assassin.
The roar that Ginrei let out was almost monstrous, the sound made Rukia's hair stand on end. The sound of ripping flesh followed next, as the Incubus all but tore his only enemy to bits under the net.
As the assassins regrouped around the net, Kuchiki Ginrei paused for a second before both his hands shot out and tore through the wire. Rukia felt the relief flood her body as she watched the gap widen in the net and a furious Ginrei started to materialize.
The relief turned to horror in a split second as Rukia caught sight of the one assassin poised forward with a knife as Ginrei disentangled himself from the net.
Without thinking, Rukia ran forward but she knew she was not going to be able to reach Ginrei in time. Her hand thrust out as her mouth opened in a scream.
"Gramps!"
Ginrei's eyes widened momentarily, as the blade poised shot straight for his heart.
If I was to be really honest, I do not really know how long I, Kuchiki Ginrei, have lived. Even a century passes in the blink of an eye.
All I know was that it has been a very, very long time.
It had been so long since I was a small child growing up. It had been so long since I worked tirelessly to establish a business chain for my clan, been too long since I had my first few faithful followers. That business chain evolved according to time; the Kuchikis had been renowned for textile, culinary, steel, mining industries… and are now leading pioneers in the hotel chain.
I built a family and was blessed with an heir. I was blessed with many things; a happy family, a thriving business, a powerful clan.
But in spite of the blessings, there had been many bitterness in my life.
My wife was taken from me so early, during my rise to power.
I remembered the day I cradled my dead son's body in my arms. Kuchiki Sojun, my only son. So intelligent, so bright… but borne less stronger than most of the noble family. It had been I whom had suggested the power ritual to increase his health; only for my judgement to fail me and for my son to be taken from me.
But the beacon of light… was the strong cries of my grandson amid the rubble as we killed the enemy off. I could not save my son, but I saved his son.
My grandson, Kuchiki Byakuya.
The only Incubi known in history to have been borne with two Purification Periods.
The one who would grow up to be the strongest of Incubi, the most agile and ruthless of all leaders whom had ever carried the mantle of the Kuchiki leadership.
My pride knew no boundaries.
I would have loved to see him build his own family, his own happy family. To see him bring the clan to newer heights and power, as he was already doing.
Would I live to see that?
Ginrei froze, his steely grey eyes wide. He stared down at his left chest, where his heart still beat fast… and then at the thick layer of ice that now encased the tip of the dagger just a mere inch away from his death.
The masked assassin appeared as stunned as Ginrei, but the assassin was a second late in recovering. Immediately, Ginrei's right hand latched onto the assassin's neck as his left struck the demon's face… once, twice and then three times. Ginrei took hold of the assasin's neck and took a deep breath, before snapping it cleanly with his bare hands.
The assassin dropped to the ground but Ginrei barely registered the corpse as he turned to look at a wide-eyed Rukia, who had her hand thrust out.
"I…" Rukia's expression was one of shock that melted to relief as she watched Ginrei.
"What... are you?" Ginrei's voice was emotionless as he stared at the block of ice that had now shattered on the ground.
Rukia started to take a step forward but then she realized something was wrong. Very wrong.
For Ginrei was suddenly running forward… toward her. His grey eyes were wide, even a bit fearful.
Rukia heard the whoosh of wind a little too late, to realize that someone was attacking her from behind. There was no time to react, she could not even think…
Rukia's violet eyes widened as the blood splattered onto her left cheek.
Blood that was not her own.
Ginrei stood next to her, his arm thrust out… going right through the body and heart of the last assassin. The brass knuckles glinted in the fading evening light, completely dripping with crimson. The sickening metallic smell of blood filled Rukia's nostrils as Ginrei stood close to her.
White lights suddenly exploded in front of Rukia's vision.
Running past so many… too many dead bodies.
Rukia swayed as sudden excruciating pain shot through her head, threatening to split her skull open.
A teddy bear, stained with blood.
Her vision was darkening and Rukia could no longer make sense of her surroundings.
Is your name Hisana, child?
Rukia collapsed to the ground.
xXxXx
Byakuya's feet swiftly strode through the aftermath of the attack upon the Kuchiki mansion. The last of the battles were being fought in small clusters nearby, but it was already clear that his clan was the winner. Byakuya did not care, his heart was beating fast as he approached the garden.
The grey eyes widened as he caught sight of the figure walking toward him.
"Grandfather." Byakuya immediately bowed, as the small entourage behind followed suit. "Forgive me for being late."
Kuchiki Ginrei shook his head slightly. "You did your best, Byakuya. No one knew the attack was coming, but we have dealt with it now. Rest assured I am not injured." There was a single cut above his left brow and a few scratches upon both arms, but otherwise the old Incubus appeared unharmed.
And in his arms, he carried a small, breathing but unconscious woman.
"Take her." Ginrei's voice was emotionless.
Byakuya walked forward and received Rukia from Ginrei. The older Incubus turned and started to walk back to the mansion.
"Grandfather."
Ginrei turned to look at his only grandson.
"Arigato." Byakuya's head was bowed as he knelt on the ground, even as he held the unconscious Rukia in his arms.
Arigato… for saving Rukia's life.
Ginrei did not say a word as he looked at Byakuya. But then he nodded slightly, and walked back to the mansion. My dear Byakuya… you have no idea how big of a fall you are setting yourself up for.
A guard approached the older Incubus and bowed.
"Lord Ginrei. What of those we have captured?"
Ginrei easily walked past his men. "No survivors."
xXxXx
Byakuya watched Rukia intently as her forehead scrunched up in discomfort, her expression clearly one of distress. He stroked her face, trying to wake her up from whatever terrible things she was experiencing as she slept. Suddenly, her body jerked once and her mouth opened in a small scream, her eyes shooting open.
"Ahhh!"
"Rukia…" Byakuya bent forward urgently. "It's alright, it was just a nightmare."
Rukia's disoriented eyes slowly focused on Byakuya, as she took deep breaths. "B-Byakuya…?"
"I am here, do not be scared." Byakuya touched her face again. "You were having a nightmare. You are in the hospital now, it's all okay."
Rukia nodded, but then her eyes widened. "Gramps?… Gramps! How is he? He was going to-"
"Grandfather is fine, he is unharmed," Byakuya whispered. He touched Rukia's left cheek gently. "You gave me a heart attack again, when I found out that you and Grandfather were in the mansion."
"There… was a lot of blood." Rukia swallowed. "In broad daylight… it was… awful."
"I am so sorry." Byakuya's voice was soft.
Rukia read the regret in her lover's voice, and shook her head. "It is not your fault." The girl smiled slightly. "I can take care of myself just fine." Rukia reached out her right hand, she could barely hold it upright. That hand trembled violently but Byakuya swiftly caught it and leaned forward so she could touch his face.
"I heard that you formed an indestructible ice shield around Grandfather's heart… out of thin air." Byakuya smiled as he pressed his face into Rukia's palm.
Rukia smiled back weakly. "Impressed much, Mister Kuchiki?" Even her voice was so soft.
"Very much so." Byakuya replied. He hovered over her and then gently pressed a soft kiss to Rukia's forehead. "But you worry me. Do not overexert yourself next time."
Rukia nodded as she closed her eyes. "Gramps was protecting me the entire time… that was why he left an opening for them to attack." She opened her eyes again to see Byakuya looking back at her quietly. "He could have died. I didn't think… I just knew I had to protect him."
"Arigato, Rukia."
"There is nothing to thank me for. Gramps saved me." Rukia smiled. "Where's Otousan? He's going to be very upset with me again."
"He came to see you just now. Unohana-sensei brought him to the cafeteria downstairs for a while, he will be coming up soon." Byakuya smiled slightly. "You should get some sleep now in the meantime. Otousan will skin me if you don't get proper rest."
"Are you going to stay with me tonight?" Rukia asked, rather timidly. She felt rather like a kid.
"Yes." Byakuya nodded seriously. "And I am going to start right now." He bent down and removed his shoes before easily slipping into Rukia's hospital bed. She let out a soft chuckle, before he enveloped her in his arms gently, careful not to dislodge the intravenous line at her left hand.
"Sleep now… Rukia."
"Hai…" Rukia's voice was soft right before she drifted off.
xXxXx
Rukia fiddled slightly with the platter of bread in front of her, feeling somewhat burdened by the plastic tube of fluid fixed to the surface of the back of her left hand. She was going to have to eat a bit more, then maybe the doctors would consider taking off the intravenous fluids earlier. It was difficult, pulling along the drip stand everywhere she wanted to go, and Rukia wasn't the type of person to sit long hours in a hospital bed.
It had been three days since she was hospitalized after the fight at the Kuchiki mansion. Rukia huffed slightly, blowing the stubborn bang across her forehead.
The door creaked open suddenly, and the girl sat up a little straighter.
"Rukia-san. How are you feeling today?" The old nurse smiled as she poked her head into the room.
"Good, really good." Rukia waved the piece of bread unecessarily as she smiled. "My appetite seems to have returned in full force."
The nurse smiled. "That is wonderful! Well then, you are going to be having some company for breakfast right now."
Rukia blinked in surprise. "I am?"
Her violet eyes widened as the old man stepped into the hospital room and nodded politely at the nurse who smiled and closed the door, leaving only the two of them in the room.
"G-Gramps?" Rukia's eyes were wide. "I mean… Kuchiki Ginrei-sama." The girl quickly amended.
"I have told you that you may preserve the very first term of address you used for me." Ginrei walked forward slowly. He gestured to the chair next to Rukia's bed. "If I may?"
"Please." Rukia nodded slowly, and Ginrei elegantly lowered himself into the chair.
"The reason I have come today, is to thank you for your timely shield during my vulnerable period." Ginrei laid back against the chair. "People may tell of me as a cold heartless monster without so much as a shred of emotion, but I am not above showing appreciation to those who have saved my life."
Rukia's eyes widened slightly, but then she spoke. "I acted on impulse, Gramps. It was all I thought of at the moment… you are the most important person to Byakuya."
Ginrei kept silent for a bit, but then the old Incubus looked up. "While we are on the subject of Byakuya, I am afraid I am also here to ask you if you have changed your mind regarding your attachment to my grandson."
Rukia smiled as she clasped her hands together on the blankets. "No… I am also afraid I have not, Gramps. And never will, while I still live."
"I see." Ginrei's voice was emotionless, but Rukia knew he was certainly not pleased. The Incubus kept silent and mildly stared up at the ceiling, as if lost in a simple decision over what food to eat for lunch later.
Rukia took a deep breath and returned her gaze back to her hands. "Also… I owe my own thanks to you, Gramps… for saving my life back then." Her voice was now soft.
Ginrei frowned.
"I remember, Gramps. When you punched a hole through the enemy as you stood next to me, it all came back." Rukia slowly looked up. "You saved my life before… when I was only a small child in the Kiyowara mansion. You asked me if my name was Hisana and when I said no, you spared my life."
Ginrei was now sitting a little straighter in his chair, but otherwise appeared unaffected. "I see. So you are going to use that as leverage against me now."
"You misunderstand me, Gramps." Rukia smiled. "I have no such intentions. I do not know the reason behind your involvement in the Kiyowara massacre many years back, and I shall not and will not assume anything. It has all happened in the past and I am more than happy to let it sit there." Rukia slowly unclasped her hands. "If you hadn't stopped them, I wouldn't be here right now. And I will be eternally grateful to you for that."
Ginrei looked at Rukia. "Byakuya told me regarding your family background, that you are linked to the Kiyowara clan. It seems you have also manifested the hereditary power of your clan, even if your powers and health be unstable at the moment."
"I know. I don't even know what is going to happen to me anymore." Rukia smiled. "Gramps, you are the only one who has been around Byakuya forever, and has loved him longer than anyone ever has in this world. You don't have to be grateful to me for what happened, Gramps. You don't have to try to like me… but you don't have to hate me more." Her hands tightened together as she lifted her head to look at the Incubus.
"For I, too, love Byakuya as you do."
xXxXx
"How was work?" Rukia smiled happily as Byakuya let himself into her hospital room. He was still dressed in his office clothes, apparently he had drove over directly after work.
"The usual." Byakuya elegantly removed his coat and draped it over the chair by her bedside. "How are you feeling?" He went immediately to sit on her bed, completely bypassing the chair.
"Better." Rukia smiled. "They weaned me off the intravenous fluids this afternoon."
"Very good." Byakuya's voice was soft and then he leaned forward and kissed Rukia on the forehead. The Incubus allowed his lips to linger over her skin and then he spoke, "Don't be scared, everything will be okay."
"Are you scared… Byakuya?"
Byakuya's eyes widened at Rukia's question, a soft tentative whisper from her lips. He drew back to look at her, she was watching him with big violet eyes.
"Rangiku and Renji came over to see me this afternoon. They told me that you are increasingly anxious and tense, even at work. They say you worry about my wellbeing all the time, and haven't been eating well. I don't know for sure, because I am stuck in this room all day and cannot be with you. Plus, you can be a very good actor when you come to visit me." Rukia touched Byakuya's right hand, and gripped it steadily. A small smile curved Rukia's lips. "Don't be scared, everything is going to be okay."
Without thinking, Byakuya reached out and enveloped Rukia in his arms. She chuckled softly and closed her eyes, embracing her lover in turn. Slowly, she felt the tension in his arms give way. "I sure as hell am not going anywhere, Kuchiki Byakuya."
"I am going to kill Abarai tomorrow." Byakuya's voice was muffled in Rukia's left shoulder.
"Oh, he said to tell you that he already knows, and will be calling in sick tomorrow."
The lovers laughed together, and then slowly released themselves from the warm embrace.
"Rukia, let's go out for dinner."
Rukia blinked in surprise. "Now?"
Byakuya nodded slowly.
Rukia chuckled as she looked down at the thin blue hospital gown she was clad in. "How? I am wearing this and-"
"And you look beautiful."
Rukia smiled slightly at her Incubus boyfriend, as she tugged on the ends of the cotton hospital dress. "In a hospital gown? Hardly. I feel like a prisoner."
Byakuya rose from her bedside. "It would be an honour for me to get a pretty lady like you out of jail."
This time, Rukia had to laugh. "I doubt they would allow a patient to leave hospital grounds like this. It's impossible."
Byakuya's smile only got wider as he leaned over his lover. "You forget. Nothing is impossible for me."
The wind whipped Rukia's hair about her face as her cheek just slightly brushed Byakuya's. Her face was flushed with excitement and her eyes were bright.
Byakuya turned to look at her. "For someone who was not very keen on breaking the rules, you seem to be very enthusiastic now."
Rukia blushed but she turned up to look at Byakuya. "It's difficult to be calm when I am carried on a windowsill on the twenty-second floor of a hospital building." A mischevous grin broke her lips suddenly. "But it feels great!"
Byakuya stood directly on the windowsill of the hospital room, carrying Rukia in his arms. They were perched on the treacherous edge, twenty-two floors away from a death drop.
The Incubus turned to his beloved. "Do you trust me?"
Rukia smiled. "Hai."
"Hold on tight." Byakuya's deep voice was almost teasing.
Rukia chuckled softly and looped her hands closer around his neck. A beat, and then Byakuya easily leapt into the air. The wind whistled harshly in Rukia's ears, the adrenaline pumped through her body and she felt her breath halt in her throat as they plunged so many floors down. It was like a steep rollercoaster ride, only she was riding without any safety bars to hold her in, replaced by Byakuya's secure hands. The ground was surging up to swallow them and she had to close her eyes.
Rukia braced for impact, but only felt an amazingly soft thud as Byakuya's feet found their mark. She slowly opened her eyes to see her wide-eyed expression reflected on a glass window.
Byakuya reached forward and expertly slid the window open. "My lady, we have successfully bypassed security and arrived on the third floor."
"Won't we get caught?" Rukia worried as she walked down the street, hand in hand with Byakuya.
Her Incubus boyfriend raised his eyebrows. "Would we?"
"I don't really blend in, you know. You said I need not change." Rukia gestured amusedly again to her hospital clothes. "Where are we going?"
Byakuya did not answer, only gently tugging on her hand as they walked. The couple turned a corner onto another street… and Rukia's jaw dropped.
She stared at the building in front of them, and Rukia's expression was shellshocked as she turned to look at Byakuya. His expression was soft as he gazed at her. Without realizing it, he had taken up her hand to place it around his arm and was holding it in place.
"Shall we, my lady?" His tone was as soft as his eyes were at the moment.
"B-But I-"
"I hope you do remember this place." Byakuya smiled slightly.
Rukia nodded numbly. "I… remember." A faint smile curved her own lips, despite the shock. "Our very first dinner date."
"Come." Byakuya patted her hand lightly and led her toward the glass doors marking the entrance of the exquisite restaurant Le Chalbens.
"I… don't think I am dressed properly," Rukia whispered frantically at Byakuya. He had kept her hand tucked around his arm, and she could not escape. "The last time I came her, I wore sneakers and jeans! Now… I am in a hospital dress! You really like to make me uncomfortable, don't you?"
Byakuya's soft chuckle was her only reply.
A waiter greeted them at the glass doors, bowing deeply. If he was feeling curious at Rukia's odd clothes, he definitely did not show it. "This way, Mister Kuchiki and Miss Ukitake."
Rukia turned to look at Byakuya.
"I made a reservation," Byakuya spoke simply as he turned to look at her.
Rukia nodded and walked alongside Byakuya. But as they passed the main hall of the restaurant and countless empty tables, Rukia started to feel strange. Why weren't there any diners at all? The entire restaurant appeared empty, devoid of any dining activity.
"Byakuya, why-
"I booked the entire restaurant, so you won't have to worry about prying eyes." Byakuya guided Rukia to a beautiful small table placed by a set of huge glass doors just on the inside of the restaurant, overlooking a beautiful lit pavilion in the gardens.
Rukia's eyes widened as she seated herself opposite Byakuya. "That wasn't necessary!"
A small smile curved Byakuya's lips before he turned to the waiter to give their dinner orders. After he had finished, he leaned forward slightly. "I just wanted us to have some alone time together, without you feeling all flustered and uncomfortable."
Rukia had to smile.
"The food is really delicious, just like the last time!" Rukia placed down her fork after finishing the delightful chocolate mousse dessert.
Her lover observed her quietly, having finished his dessert earlier. Without speaking, he rose from his seat and offered her a hand. "Shall we take a walk outside? I saw you looking at the pavilion too many times throughout dinner."
"Oh…" Rukia smiled, bemused. "That would be nice." She accepted Byakuya's hand and he led her through the glass doors into the night air.
Rukia had indeed found the pavilion very beautiful. It was circular and painted white, lit with golden strings of light. Small flower bushes flanked the walkway around it and there was an intricate white pedestal in the middle of the pavilion.
The night air blew Rukia's hair gently and she took a deep breath of the fresh grass and flowers. "It's really beautiful," Rukia smiled as she stepped into the pavilion, Byakuya following easily behind her. She looked up happily at the glowing golden lights above her, they seemed like stars just within reach of her hands.
The soft sounds of a violin jolted Rukia from her dreamy thoughts and she turned around to see the old, somewhat muscular man now playing a polished violin in his wrinkled hands.
"Master Barragan!" Rukia's eyes lit up.
"You do remember," Byakuya spoke, and his tone was pleased.
"Of course I do. How are you, Master Barragan?" Rukia smiled as she approached the music maestro of the famous restaurant. The old man stopped playing his music instrument and took Rukia's hand in his, and gave it a kiss.
"I am doing well, my lovely lady. Now…" Master Barragan waved his hand at Rukia, gesturing her toward Byakuya. "… I daresay this time there will be no interruption from any ill-timed waiter."
Rukia had to laugh but when she turned to look at Byakuya, she found him standing close to her, an intense gaze in his grey eyes.
A beat… and then his hand reached out to her.
Just like the last time.
Dance with me.
Rukia smiled at the memory, and smiled at how Byakuya was once again asking her to dance with him… after all this time. She smiled, even as she accepted his hand and stepped easily into his warm arms.
The romantic violin strains accompanied the night as Byakuya moved slowly with Rukia in his arms.
"Am I missing our anniversary?" Rukia's voice was curious as she looked up at her lover. "It seems like an awful lot of arrangement for just a dinner."
Byakuya smiled serenely as he pulled her even closer. "Is it? Or perhaps I tend to go overboard with these things."
Rukia smiled.
"Do you remember our first dance?" Byakuya's voice was soft, his breath just gently fanning Rukia's right ear.
Rukia closed her eyes and smiled. "Of course."
"You ran off before I could kiss you." Byakuya smiled as he slowly swayed to the music, holding Rukia's body closely against his own. "I told myself then that it did not matter, there was going to be so many opportunities to come."
Rukia chuckled against his chest. "I was so frightened back then."
The violin strains melded to a beautiful end, and the couple finally stopped dancing. Byakuya gently hooked his index finger under Rukia's chin and tipped her face up to him. "Are you now?" His voice was husky.
Rukia's violet eyes gazed back at her lover as she smiled happily. "No."
Byakuya's grey eyes softened and he lowered his face to hers. Their lips met in a gentle kiss, one of tenderness at the memories of all they had shared and hope for a beautiful future to come. The kiss stole Rukia's breath away and she clung to her Incubus lover, hoping against hope that everything would finally turn out fine.
Footsteps announced an approaching waiter, and Rukia parted away from Byakuya. The young boy bowed to the couple once, and then deposited two boxes that he had been carrying onto the white pedestal at the pavilion before leaving.
Rukia blinked in confusion and looked back at Byakuya, whose eyes had never left her.
"Open the bigger box." Byakuya instructed.
Rukia frowned slightly but approached the pedestal. There were two boxes, both red in colour. The first box was long and flat, and fastened with a gold clasp at the front. The second box was significantly smaller but round and could have easily fitted in Rukia's palm.
Rukia reached out and undid the clasp on the longer box. Her eyes widened as she opened it. "What… is this?" She looked up at Byakuya, before her eyes darted back to the carved silver dagger nestled in the box.
Byakuya smiled gently at Rukia. "Rukia, if you take that dagger and stab it through my heart today, I will die immediately, like a normal man."
Rukia's eyes widened.
"In this world, only Grandfather and myself know… and now you do." Byakuya's voice was soft as he continued to speak. "I have told you before that I was gifted with powers beyond that of a demon even of noble blood, at the cost of two Purification Periods. Two days of vulnerability, in exchange for the power." Byakuya smiled as he stood opposite Rukia. "Today is one of the two. Today is the day that I am almost human, as close as I can be to a normal man. The kind of lifeform I had always detested on Earth… until I met you." Byakuya's gaze fixed on Rukia. "And then it became the lifeform I envied so much… a human heart that beats properly, humans that procreate, fragile skin that bleeds easily when cut, everything in your world that I could never be a part of."
Rukia sucked in her breath. Where was Byakuya going with this?
Byakuya's arm waved at the pedestal. "Which brings me to the second box. Open it, Rukia."
Rukia picked up the smaller box, this one had no clasp. She was starting to become worried, wondering where Byakuya was going with this. Why was he suddenly talking about life and death? Rukia hurriedly snapped the little box open… and her eyes widened in shock.
"And so… today, in my most vulnerable state and as close as I can be to a mortal man, I ask you to spend the rest of your life with me… by my side, as my wife." Byakuya's usually emotionless grey eyes were bright and resolute as they gazed at Rukia.
Rukia's breath had left her, and her heart was hammering at the speed of light in her chest. The ornate silver ring almost glinted in the night, set in the form of two snakes meeting intertwined in the center, their eyes set in precious rubies.
"It is the wedding ring of my forefathers, and my parents before me," Byakuya spoke. The ring had been deemed a silly metal by Byakuya during his early days as a playboy, and the Incubus had never dreamt that he would one day want to give the ring to someone, much less find the one woman the ring belonged to. The snakes were a representation of the legendary white dragon serpents deemed sacred by the Incubi and Succubi, the only serpents known to mate with only a single partner throughout their lifetime.
Byakuya watched Rukia carefully, observing her for any reaction. He had taken much time and effort into planning a surprise wedding proposal, and had mulled over the matter for a long time. Would it be too fast? Would the abrupt situation scare Rukia, make her think that he was being utterly rash? Would she… turn him down?
He had gone out of his way to make sure everything was all in place, and that his timing would be proper. Ukitake already knew, Byakuya had first approached Rukia's father to ask for his permission to propose to his only daughter, to which the white-haired man had given his blessings and his smile. He had aslso brought the matter to his grandfather Ginrei with much difficulty, the older Incubus did not say anything to deter Byakuya but had also cautioned him to think it through before proceeding.
Byakuya had thought it through too many times.
The powerful Incubus never knew anything could fluster or make him so anxious this much. It was almost laughable that he, Kuchiki Byakuya, could be reduced to such a state. He always thought a marriage proposal was going to be a cold formal event, and that his future bride was a guaranteed yes. But that was… before he met Rukia, before he helplessly fell in love with her. Would she… agree to marry him? Spend the rest of her life with him… properly as his wife?
He had also mulled over the ring for a long time, wondering if he should perhaps choose a modern band of platinum or gold with some diamonds instead. But in the end, he had allowed his heart to win out, and decided to propose with his parents' traditional wedding ring instead. Of course he was worried that it might frighten Rukia, the ring itself was a scary sight to anybody who did not know its sacred history and was not a very conventional-looking ring to be worn in public.
But in the end, Byakuya realized it didn't matter what Rukia would say in the end. He loved her so very much, wanting only to spend the rest of his life with her and be happy together with her. It didn't matter very much, the timing or the ring. She was the only woman he wanted to marry, and so he would ask her. If she said no, he would ask her at another time, another day. And keep asking as long as his and her time on this Earth permitted.
Byakuya walked slowly toward Rukia, keeping his gaze on her. She had turned to him, her expression shellshocked and her mouth slightly open. Her beautiful violet eyes were big and so entrancing as they looked upon him. His heart was racing so fast, Byakuya could hardly believe how nervous he was. The Incubus had practiced this many times before, being the perfectionist he was, but nothing had prepared him for the adrenaline right now that seemed much more magnified than any full-blown combat with an enemy.
Byakuya slowly got down on a single bended knee.
"Ukitake Rukia… will you do me the greatest honour… and be my wife?"
Rukia could hardly believe all of this was happening. She had been dancing dream-like in her boyfriend's arms and then she was opening two strange boxes and now Byakuya was on his knees, proposing to her.
It all felt surreal even as she stood there ridiculously in a blue hospital gown, but her galloping heart and the blood pounding in her ears were proof that she was living the moment.
The ring was the most beautiful wedding band Rukia had ever seen, and she was transfixed as she stood there and stared at it like an idiot. The two snakes were intertwined together, meeting right at the middle of the ring. It was traditional and had belonged to Byakuya's parents, it must have a very rich fulfilling history.
Ukitake Rukia… will you do me the greatest honour… and be my wife?
Rukia's heart soared at the thought of being married to Byakuya, being his wife, living with him, waving goodbye to him as she headed to work, and greeting him when he was back from his own office. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, cuddle with him in bed, argue on household matters… and make him happy.
But what is going to happen to Byakuya if something happens to me? Will he not hurt for eternity? I am not going to live forever, but he is. I might not even make it past an old age, the way things are going now.
Unable to stop herself, Rukia glanced down at the blue hospital gown she was wearing.
I don't want him to hurt forever. I want him happy.
Rukia looked at Byakuya, the tears unexpectedly pooling in her eyes. She watched as something unreadable passed through Byakuya's eyes.
He knows. He always knows. He knows I am worried, and he knows exactly why.
But Byakuya kept silent, only waiting for her reply. His grey eyes turned resolute as he looked upon his lover.
And as easily as he had read her worries, Rukia read his answers without even needing him to speak.
We have been through this many times before. I am not afraid.
I will wait for you.
He did not speak, he was leaving the answer completely to her. He would not attempt persuasion, would not say anything to sway her. He desired only her honest answer from her heart, free of any influence.
Will you marry me?
There would be no turning back for them anymore, if she accepted his proposal now. But Rukia realized, they weren't going to turn back anymore anyway. They had been through so much, and just this once, she was going to be selfish and overlook all the insecurities.
We can be so happy.
A single tear slid down Rukia's cheek as she turned to Byakuya, her violet eyes filled with happiness. "Yes…" More tears spilled down her face as the smile on her lips gave way to a happy laugh. "Yes!"
An uncharacteristically happy smile grazed the Incubus's usually straight lips, and he rose, taking Rukia's left hand in his right. His other hand retrieved the ring from the red box and then as they stood across from each other, Byakuya slid the ring onto Rukia's left ring finger. The band fitted perfectly, Byakuya had previously taken the ring to a demon blacksmith to have it modified to Rukia's ring finger size.
Rukia looked up to meet Byakuya's grey eyes.
"Arigato… Rukia." The Incubus's deep voice reverberated with emotion as he gazed at her, almost as if he could not believe that she would ever say yes. Fresh happy tears jumped into Rukia's eyes but Byakuya gently reached out and caressed the wet streaks on her cheeks.
"Arigato." His arms folded around her in a tender embrace and Rukia threw her arms around Byakuya in turn, closing her eyes to bask in the happiness and bliss of the moment. She surprisingly felt him tremble but Rukia only tightened her arms around her fiance.
We are… going to be man and wife.
Byakuya drew back slightly to look at Rukia again. He cupped his hands around his future wife's face and gently pulled her to him. Byakuya's lips met Rukia's in a tender kiss, and in it they pledged love and all their hope for a beautiful future together. The kiss stole Rukia's breath away and her body melded with Byakuya's, and she wished for nothing but time to stand still and leave them locked like that forever. The kiss was more intimate than anything she had ever experienced with Byakuya, she felt stripped bare and he could read every shred of emotion she had in her.
But it was the need for air that broke them apart. Rukia looked up, breathless, at Byakuya. She hiccuped suddenly, and realized she had been crying.
"Do not cry. I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world, and you are already shedding tears at the start." Byakuya narrowed his eyes slightly in mild disapproval.
Rukia laughed, and sniffled.
The Incubus reached over and carressed her cheek with his thumb, wiping the tears away for the last time. He leaned forward so their foreheads were touching.
"I love you," Byakuya whispered.
"And I love you," Rukia's reply was also a soft one from her smiling lips.
We are going to be happy.
Hope you enjoyed Chapter 40.
No, it doesn't end here just yet. :) This chapter was really long for me to write, because I compressed many events into one chapter... but also to catch you off guard with the proposal. Hope nobody saw that coming ;)
Somehow I really loved writing the interaction between Ginrei and Rukia, since they actually do go way back in the story. :) And now after many many chapters, our hero and heroine are now engaged, and future husband and wife. :) I thoroughly enjoyed writing the proposal too, the idea of a usually-cool Byakuya getting flustered planning a proposal out was just adorable, in my opinion.
Do leave me a review and let me know what you think. Reviews are a motivation boon for authors, and sometimes even inspiration mines. ;)
Merry Christmas and a happy new year everyone. :) Thanks for still reading 'Demons from My Past'.
Evenstar