Siblings
As the days went on, both Michiko and Byakuya were getting used to the changes they were experiencing brought by their pregnancy. Michiko decided to tell her husband of the good news that they were infanticipating on his birthday, which she felt would be a good birthday surprise for him. Byakuya on his part chose to let his wife find out herself that she was with child. Since both were keeping secrets from each other (only about the baby), any changes in their moods or sudden cravings were never discussed.
It was as a day like no other when Byakuya and Michiko were heading back to their respective headquarters after having lunch together at their favorite picnic spot when Byakuya received a message from a Hell Butterfly.
"Hanata, I'll be going to Yamamoto Soutaichou's office, I'm being called for an urgent meeting – I don't know what time I'll be able to come back" he said to his wife
"It's alright my love, I'll be going straight to the manor after my duty. I'll see you at home. Take care hanata" Michiko said and kissed her husband as they parted ways.
At Yamamoto Soutaichou's office, both Byakuya and the 11th Division captain, Zaraki Kenpachi were told to retrieve Hitsugaya's Team in the human world. At the Gates, both captains waited for the portal to open and stepped inside quickly.
That evening as Michiko was preparing dinner for her family, she sensed her husband's agitated reiatsu approaching. Quickly she instructed their house help to continue with her cooking and hastened to greet her husband who was at the manor's receiving area.
"Byakuya-sama… Ogenki desu ka?" She said, worried upon seeing her husband's somber expression.
Byakuya merely looked at her and it was at that moment that she noticed her sister-in-law Rukia standing behind him, her expression almost reflected her brother's. Rukia politely greeted Michiko and as she greeted the young woman in return she was surprised that Rukia excused herself and hastily went to her bedchamber.
Michiko was curious at the siblings' expression and before she could ask her husband, it was then that Byakuya silently embraced her. She looked at her husband and kissed him gently.
"Its not that I am prying hanata, but did the two of you have an argument?" Michiko asked.
"Not really… its just that I have a strong feeling that Rukia wanted to go to Hueco Mundo to save their friend Orihime… but it seems that the human went to Aizen on her own freewill and… " Byakuya sighed in exasperation.
"Ne hanata… rest easy… you can contemplate on that later on… would you like to have tea in the gardens? Dinner is almost ready" she said
"Arigato hanata, I would love that very much" Byakuya said his features softened at his wife's thoughtfulness.
Dinner that night was unusually quiet, since Rukia was obviously thinking of her friend Orihime Inoue who was in Hueco Mundo. Both siblings were polite with each other but tension could be felt in the air. Only Michiko and Shiro were having their usual conversation and after finishing his meal Shiro politely excused himself from the table, in which Rukia followed suit. Only Byakuya and Michiko were left and she was surprised that her husband almost did not consume the food prepared for him.
Knowing that her husband was not in his best disposition, Michiko just let him be and as she stood up to call the servants to clear the table, she was surprised when he suddenly took her hand.
"Michiko… would you indulge me… can we walk?" he said, his expression solemn
"Of course Hanata…" she replied
After putting Shiro to bed she went to their bedchamber and found her husband at the garden, silently she took her cloak and went to him.
"Hanata…" she said
Byakuya smiled at her and took her hand as they walked in their vast garden, when they reached the largest cherry blossom, Byakuya drew his zanpakutou and thrust it forwards. Seconds later the Gates opened and Michiko followed her husband. As the Gates to the human world opened, Michiko was surprised to see they were in their rooftop garden. Byakuya closed the Gates and silently led his wife to their gazebo.
"I wanted us to have a place to ourselves… "He explained as they sat on the cushions
"Byakuya-sama, if there's something troubling you I am always here to listen" Michiko said
"I know hanata… a lot of things are troubling me… one is the coming war with Aizen…" he began. He also told her that afternoon he and Zaraki Taichou were sent to the human world to call back Hitugaya's Team and his feelings about his sister's resolve in going to Hueco Mundo…
"Rukia will go to Hueco Mundo to rescue her friend Orihime… I have a strong feeling that Kurosaki Ichigo is already making his move to go there. That boy is cocky at all times but knowing him, he greatly cares for his family as well as his friends. Somehow he and Rukia are alike… As for my sister… I fear for her safety… I almost lost her before and I feel that I would be putting her life at risk by permitting her to go" He said.
Michiko looked at her husband and tenderly caressed his face. "Rukia is of age my love, I understand how you feel about this but we cannot be overly protective on her all the time. Never doubt on her capabilities hanata, because once she feels that she would lose confidence in herself.
Byakuya looked at his wife and smiled "Words of wisdom from a true warrior…my wife…"
"I'm from the 11th Division milord, never forget that…" She teased. Then she added "Hanata, you know what's best for Rukia-san… I know that whatever decision you make will be for the best. Always remember that I am here for you… always"
"Arigato watakushi no tenshi" (thank you my angel) He said lovingly as his kissed his wife.
"Dōitashimashite watakushi no hoshi" (you are welcome my star) She replied.
They spent the night in the gazebo, wrapped in each other's arms. The following day, both returned to Seireitei and Byakuya asked one of his family seamstresses to make two mantles before leaving for his Division. The following night, after dinner he summoned Rukia to the study room. As Rukia entered, Michiko saw how forlorn her sister-in-law looked and remained silent as she waited for Byakuya to speak first.
"Rukia, before anything else understand that I am following orders from Yamamoto Soutaichou and that is the main reason why we ordered you and your teammates to return here in Seireitei." Byakuya began
"I – I understand Nii-sama" Rukia replied, her head still bowed low
"It was his instruction to bring you back… nothing more. I have strictly complied with that order and now that you are back here in Seireitei, you are free to do as you may wish... I know that both you and my Fukutaichou would like to go to Hueco Mundo to save your friend…" Rukia suddenly looked at Byakuya as he ended his statement
"Ni…Nii-sama…are you saying that" Rukia stammered
"Yes… If you choose to go to Hueco Mundo, then I have no objection. You and Renji may leave tomorrow and Michiko and I would take you to Urahara-san's place. And I would also like you and Renji to have these" Byakuya handed the mantles to Rukia who was speechless and moved by her brother's gesture.
"Domo arigato Nii-sama, Onē-sama…" Rukia tearfully clutched the mantles and hugged her brother, who hugged her in return. Rukia then looked at her sister-in-law who smiled at her and held out her arms, Rukia embraced her and Michiko simply said "I wish you well on your journey Rukia… now you need to rest, you'll have an early day tomorrow"
As Rukia left the study room, Byakuya looked at his wife who went to his side and silently embraced him. Wordlessly he held her, his lips touching her head; her scent of lavender and chamomile soothing him. Holding her in his arms made him forget this worries and he is thankful to have Michiko with him through this troubled times.
Las Noches – Aizen's stronghold…
At the Great Hall, Aizen was sitting on his high chair, with the Espadas before him. Former 9th Division Captain Tōsen Kaname and former 3rd Division Captain Ichimaru Gin were beside him. As the ten Espadas were waiting for him to speak the great door opened and all eyes were at the newcomer. The newcomer silently walked, his steps silent, his stance, confident. He did not bother to look nor acknowledge the Espadas, Tousen and Gin included. His eyes looked straight at Aizen who remained seated and smirked.
"At long last my compañero… bienvenido el Hueco Mundo" Aizen said casually
"At long last indeed…" said the newcomer.
"And who the hell are you?!" Grimmjow asked. Grimmjow felt uneasy since he and the newcomer were almost identical in features, save for the newcomer who has longer, turquoise colored hair and deathly pale complexion. The newcomer's hollow mask was located on his right cheek and the hollow hole at the center of his chest.
"Ahhh Grimmjow… your manners, please" Aizen languidly said as he glared at Grimmjow who seemed to have lost his breath as he received Aizen's deadly ire.
Grimmjow remained silent and glared furiously at the newcomer. The other numeros were silently evaluating the newcomer since it was the first time they saw him.
"Everybody… this is our new comrade, Plateado Arturo.
oOo oOo oOo
Translations:
Ogenki desu ka: how are you?
Arigato watakushi no tenshi. : Thank you my angel
Dōitashimashite watakushi no hoshi : You are welcome my star
Compañero : Companion
Bienvenido : Welcome
Author's Note: My deepest apologies for taking these two chapters so long to post… since my story is during the arrancar arc, I really wanted it to be interesting as well as it can stand alone without being too dependent on the real story. As for the new villain, at first I thought of having Grimmjow but thanks to my son I feel I hit the jackpot when he told me about this arrancar character in one of the Bleach games by Sega… (though not included in the bleach manga or anime) so I browsed it in Wikipedia and here he is…Arturo Plateado, who will be in my fic. Below are the details about him courtesy of Wikipedia.
Arturo Plateado (lit. Silver Arthur in Spanish) is an arrancar designed by Sega, in conjunction with Tite Kubo, specifically for Bleach: Shattered Blade. Arturo has long turquoise hair, deathly pale skin, and the remains of his hollow mask on his right cheek, his appearance almost mimicking Grimmjow's. It appears to be the jaw, but is extended around the back of his head. His hollow hole is located at the center of his chest.
To those who read, reviewed, commented and gave suggestions, those who picked this fic as their favorite story, story alert and for picking me as one of their favorite authors… thank you so much.
Reviews are most welcome : )