Colliding Worlds
Book 8
Forbidden Love – Chapter 8
With fraying nerves, Sasha's Reiatsu spiked, drawing attention. It was extremely alarming with many eyes staring at her. It reminded her of when she had arrived in the hospital, all banged up from the abuse she had taken from her husband. At that time she could hear whispers about why she was hurt and it embarrassed her to no end. This time, no one was saying anything just stares, some more intense than others.
"Wow, you're pretty!" a little voice blurted suddenly.
With a jerk, Sasha looked around before glancing up of the muscular man beside her. There on his shoulder appeared to be a little girl with cotton candy pink hair. "Who are you?"
"Yachiru!" she grinned. "Hey Kenny! She's pretty!"
Kenpachi slightly turned his head, looking down at the human woman. "So you're the one who has everyone talking. This should be good."
"Don't mind Kenny," Yachiru said cheerfully. "He didn't want to get up."
"Yachiru!" Kenpachi snapped.
At the snap of her name, Sasha released a nervous chuckle, which happened to lower her spiritual pressure. Even Jushiro, who held her tightly so she wouldn't bolt, chuckled.
Yachiru then turned away, not fazed by the yell. "Oh look! It's Gramps!"
"Gramps?" Sasha blinked turning to see an old man enter the room. He went straight over to where there was a seat and sat with his Lieutenant standing beside him.
"Thank you all for coming. I know for you Lieutenants, this is sudden, but I wanted you to be here. As you have already heard and surmised by the sudden spike in spiritual pressure, there is a human among us and I wish for you all to meet her." He looked to Jushiro. "The one known as Sasha, please step forward."
"I'm so nervous," she whispered.
Jushiro leaned closer to her. "I'm right here and you can see Shunsui as well. Just take deep breaths. Try to calm down, no one will hurt you. Will it make you feel better if I went with you?"
"Please..."
Jushiro released her hand, placing it on her back, lightly nudging her forward. She felt all eyes of 10 Captains and 12 Lieutenants on her. She stopped just beside Sajin and waited.
"May I present, Sasha," Jushiro announced.
Yamamoto looked at her, as if trying to find a weakness from her. He could feel her power constantly fluctuating from nervousness. It was now obvious as to why she had eluded everyone before.
"I am Captain Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. But you may address me as Head Captain Yamamoto. This is my Lieutenant, Chojiro Sasakibe." The said Lieutenant gave a slight nod to her.
For a quick moment, Sasha nearly forgot to breath. The Head Captain had a mouthful for a name. She was immediately grateful for him stating to call him Head Captain. Remembering to breathe, she gave a small bow. "It-it's a pleasure to meet you."
"All those around you are members of the 13 Court Guard Squads, as you've already been told," Yamamoto continued. "I know this must highly unusual to you, as it is for us as well. But I assure, no one here, will harm you. On your left you have Captain Soifon of Squad 2 and her Lieutenant, Marechiyo Omaeda."
Sasha shivered when her eyes fell upon Soifon who was giving her a death glare. It was painfully obvious the short woman was not happy to see her.
The Head Captain then continued. "Beside her as you already know is Captain Retsu Unohana of Squad 4 and her Lieutenant, Isane Kotetsu. Next is Captain Byakuya Kuchiki of Squad 6 and his Lieutenant, Renji Abarai, which you've already met."
Sasha looked at the dark haired Captain and just one look at him, she could see he was one you didn't want to deal with in an intense situation. She gave him a curt nod in respect. The way he held himself, demanded respect. He gave her a quick nod back as if telling her the respect was granted.
"Of course again, you already met Captain Shunsui Kyoraku of Squad 8, as he saved your life the other night, and his Lieutenant, Nanao Ise. Next is Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya of Squad 10 and his Lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto. Finally, Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi of Squad 12 and his Lieutenant, Nemu." Yamamoto finished off.
There were so many names for her to remember, she just hoped she'd remember them. When her eyes fell on Mayuri, she shivered again. She really didn't like this guy.
"Over to your right, you will have noticed two Captains are missing and only their Lieutenants are here. Squad 3 Lieutenant Izuru Kira and Lieutenant Momo Hinamori of Squad 5."
Both lieutenants gave her a curt bow in respect, which Sasha followed suit. She deduced they looked like people she could get along with.
"Next is Captain Sajin Komamura of Squad 7 and his Lieutenant, Tetsuzaemon Iba. Once again, a missing Captain with Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi of Squad 9. And finally Captain Kenpachi Zaraki of Squad 11 and his Lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi.
"Yup! That's me!" the little girl gleefully said.
Sasha looked at each member before looking to Yamamoto once again. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I'm sure this is probably not one of your customs."
"Like hell it's not!" Soifon snapped. "Humans are not supposed to be here!"
So this was on the one Jushiro warned her about. She had no intention of crossing this woman. "I'm sorry I have made you feel uncomfortable. At the very least, I do appreciate your words. If I had it my way, I wouldn't be here either. But please understand my life has totally been placed on hold because of this Hollow problem."
Sajin looked at her for a moment. "Well, I for one am glad to see you are safe and if being here is the only way to protect you, then who am I to argue. It must be tough for you being in a strange place with no friends and no one to talk to."
She turned her gaze to the large wolf man beside her. She took a deep breath. "It is. I can't go home and let my friends know I'm ok. In all intents and purposes, I should be dead right now twice over but thanks to…" she looked to Jushiro, trying to remember his full name. "Captain Ukitake," she continued after a moment. "And to Renji and Captain Kyoraku, I could be in the enemy hands right now."
Just then Rukia stepped forward. "May I address everyone?"
Sasha turned to see the short woman. She guessed this was Rukia, Jushiro spoke about a short time ago.
"You may Rukia Kuchiki," Yamamoto said.
Kuchiki? Sasha gave a side-glance to Byakuya. Were the two related?
"Sir, I wish to inform you the Hollow who attacked Sasha hasn't been seen since that night. It is safe to assume it knows we have her."
"Does this mean I get to go home?" Sasha asked.
Rukia glanced over to her. "No, unfortunately. It just means you're at an even greater risk. There might even be someone on the lookout, hoping we'll slip up."
"Soifon, you will tighten security on the borders of the Seireitei," Yamamoto commanded.
"Yes, sir!" she confirmed. She knew not to argue his orders even if she didn't like it.
"Captain Ukitake, where the situation is becoming more grave, I insist that Sasha be given a bodyguard at all times when she isn't with you and it might be best to be near her at all times, including at your barracks."
Jushiro nodded. "Yes sir."
"Lieutenant Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki. You two will continue to work with the Substitute Soul Reaper on this matter." Yamamoto wanted to make sure all angles were covered.
The two friends nodded. Rukia looked at Sasha, giving her full attention. "My name is Rukia Kuchiki. You are in good hands with Captain Ukitake as your guardian. He's also my Captain and generally has a very kind heart."
Jushiro smiled at the compliment given to him by his own subordinate. "Thank you Rukia, that's very kind of you."
Rukia looked to her Captain. "It's the truth Captain."
Seeing the exchange, Yamamoto thought it was now best to announce the main reason why he asked Rukia to the meeting. He had been talking between Kuchiki and Ukitake about the matter for quite some time and finally Byakuya caved to the idea of allowing Rukia a promotion. He also saw how uncomfortable the human was being in the room.
"Before allowing our visitor here a chance to know all of you better, there is another matter I wish to announce and is another reason for the Lieutenants to be present." Yamamoto interrupted. Both Byakuya and Jushiro gave each other a knowing look. They knew what was about to happen. Jushiro had to force a smile down.
"Rukia Kuchiki. With your exemplary work since the days you were nearly executed for giving Ichigo Kurosaki your powers, but have overlooked the matter, since the execution was thwarted by said human. I have been approached, to give you an opportunity to view your work in a different light."
Rukia was puzzled in what he was referring to but remained quiet. Sasha quietly gasped. Rukia was almost killed? She couldn't believe it.
"And with much discussion and going over your previous mission reports, you have been hereby granted a promotion," Yamamoto smiled.
"A promotion?!" squeaked Rukia.
"To Lieutenant of Squad 13. Congratulations!"
"What!?" gasped Rukia as she whipped her head to her Captain. "Are you serious?"
"I am," Jushiro smiled. "Byakuya and myself spoke long and hard about this and you have shown yourself worthy to be a Lieutenant. It's what Kaien would have wanted for you."
Byakuya stepped away from Renji who was slack jaw, completely baffled by this. This was something he never thought would ever be possible when the two had entered the academy 50 years ago. This was a dream come true.
"Congratulations," Byakuya said as he approached his sister, who was standing beside Sasha still. "Lieutenant Kuchiki."
"Brother…" Rukia breathed.
Brother? That explained why the two had the same last name. Sasha watched in amazement as the tall man shook Rukia's hand, handing her, her own arm sash, which she had just finally noticed all the Lieutenants were wearing one. Though Rangiku had hers resting against her sash holding her uniform closed.
"Now all 13 Squads has a Lieutenant once again," Yamamoto announced.
Mayuri stepped forward, tired of being silent. "Perhaps you should let me take a look at her and see if there's..." He wanted to turn the subject back to about the human. He didn't care about the lieutenant promotion.
Sasha gasped, horrified by the man's suggestion. She didn't even know the man nor he know her and yet he wanted to take her away and do something.
Jushiro whipped his head around. Not once did he leave Sasha's side. He remained directly behind her throughout the entire introduction and Rukia's promotion. "Why would you want to do that? She's not an experiment."
"No, but she has a strong amount of spirit energy and that is something we should be looking into the cause. It's obvious to see her fear spikes the power. It would interesting to learn how such a human possesses this power."
Kenpachi looked at the crazy Captain. "Can't you for once forget your experiments and just shut up. Even I know not to play around with that sort of thing."
"That's because you're too brute enough to use your brain," Mayuri accused.
Sasha gawked at the creepy man, hands clenching into fists. Anger soon took over as her heart hammered in her chest. She took one step away from Jushiro. "Look here asshole!" she blurted suddenly, forgetting who she was dealing with. "Right now I don't care who the hell you are. I don't need some crazy coo coo going all Dr. Jeckle/Mr. Hyde on me. I'm a human! Not a damn lab rat for some mad scientist. I've already been treated like punching bag and look what happened to him!? He became a fucking Hollow!"
Everyone in the room was quiet. Soifon smirked while Marechiyo was slacked jaw on how the human just treated a Captain. Most of the others, who had no idea gasped in shock at the human's admittance about her past.
"I like her," Kenpachi grinned.
"What was that…" Mayuri snapped, furiously. "Why you little..."
"That is quite enough!" Yamamoto snapped, needing to defuse the situation. It was understandably seeable the human trembled in fright and anger. Her spiritual pressure was quite powerful too. Like young Ichigo, she had very strong power. He found her very courageous to stand up to the Squad 12 Captain, although he had it coming. "Captain Kurotsuchi. You will not be doing any tests on anyone. Sasha is here under our protection and I trust you will treat her with nothing but respect while she is here. The only thing you'll be looking into is what was suggested yesterday on contacting her friend. She will be staying with Captain Ukitake until the matter is resolved."
Sasha gasped once again, turning to the old man. He was looking into her contacting Becki? That would be great. Then at least she could reassure her friend. As she gazed at the old man, her suddenly spike in confidence disappeared and she pushed herself closer to Jushiro.
Yamamoto stood and made his way straight towards the human. He stopped in front of her, in between Byakuya and Rukia. He stared at her, studying her behavior. She was very fearful, but wanted to prove herself to be an independent woman.
"How are you holding up here?" he asked gently.
She gulped, feeling his strong power. "I...I apologize for snapping at a Captain. So far I'm doing good, sir. Captain Ukitake is a wonderful host."
"You have every right to defend your honor," Byakuya answered. "Never apologize when offended."
"Please, Sasha," Jushiro said. "Call me by my given name. I'm not into the formal greetings that much, unless it's to the subordinates."
"Jushiro is right," Yamamoto agreed. "He is often very informal. Same as Shunsui."
"Excuse me, Captains."
Yamamoto, Byakuya and Jushiro turned to see Izuru Kira behind them. "Ah. Lieutenant Kira. What can we do for you?" asked the old man.
"I just wish to formally introduce myself to our guest." Izuru looked at Sasha with kindness. "I'm Lieutenant Izuru Kira of Squad 3. I guess all of this is pretty overwhelming for you."
Sasha looked at the man, giving him a nod. "It is. Just the other day, I was a normal Liberian and now I'm under protection by strange people from another world."
"Perhaps while you're here, I could introduce you to my girlfriend, Zelina. She's the Third Seat of my Squad. She's spent some time in the World of the Living under assignment like Rukia."
"Thank you Lieutenant," she replied respectfully.
"Please. Izuru. With you staying here, you might as well feel as comfortable as possible. I'm sure there are a few here who would rather be addressed formally, but I'm not one of them."
"I agree with the Lieutenant," Yamamoto said. "Lieutenant Kuchiki."
Rukia quickly turned at the sound of her rank. It sounded completely strange to her to hear the rank title before her name. It was something it would take some getting used to. "Yes sir!"
"Why don't you and Lieutenant Kira, allow our guest to feel more comfortable," Yamamoto suggested.
"Excellent idea sir," Izuru agreed. He looked to Sasha. "I would first like you to meet my good friend Momo."
Sasha nodded as she followed the two Lieutenants to Momo who gave her a gracious smile. "I hope you'll like it here," she said. "I'm Momo."
"And you can call me Tetsuzaemon," answered the tall man wearing sunglasses.
Upon looking at him, Sasha stifled a giggle.
"What's so funny?" he asked.
"You remind me of a few friends I know who love wearing sunglasses, even inside," Sasha replied.
"Really now?"
"Guess that makes you more human," Renji said as he came up along with Rangiku.
"What was that!?" Tetsuzaemon snapped.
"You heard me," Renji defended, both now ignoring Sasha.
Rangiku giggled and looked over to Sasha. "Don't mind those two, male egos can really get in the way."
Sasha bit her lip, trying not to laugh at Rangiku's joke, but she couldn't help as a burst of laughter escaped her lips, bringing the attention of the two ego boosting Lieutenants. Rukia and Momo couldn't stop their giggles from forming.
"What seems to be going on?" asked Shuhei.
"Just Renji and Tetsuzaemon being an ass as always," Rangiku joked.
Shuhei rolled his eyes. "If it's not with Renji, he's arguing with Ikkaku."
Seeing Sasha laughing brought a smile to Jushiro's face as Shunsui broke away from his spot to stand with the Head Captain, Jushiro and Byakuya.
"It would appear she's going to get along with the Lieutenants very well," Shunsui replied. "It's good to sense some of her tension drop just now with whatever the Lieutenants are talking about." He turned to his female adjutant. "Hey, Nanao, why don't you go over there and join them. Help and make the pretty lady more comfortable."
Jushiro nodded. "Yes, I had a feeling she would get along with them. Humans and Soul Reapers aren't that much different when it comes to personalities."
Nanao snorted as she looked over to Isane who shrugged.
"This is rather boring," Mayuri sighed as he walked over to a corner in the room to watch from a distance. "Nemu, come along."
"Yes, Master Mayuri," she replied.
Sasha swiftly turned as the last two female Lieutenants addressed her. "You two are again?" she asked.
"I'm Isane and this is Nanao," Isane answered. "I'm from Squad 4 and she's of Squad 8."
"Shun…" Sasha began but got stuck on his name.
"Captain Shunsui Kyoraku," Rukia replied. "He's my captain's best friend and the one who saved you from falling."
"Yeah, him. I'm sorry," Sasha blushed, looking a bit bashful.
Izuru felt sorry for her. "Don't be," he answered. "No one here can expect you to remember everyone's names immediately. It takes time."
"I agree," Shuhei answered. "There are a lot of Soul Reapers here and I even don't even know their names. Well I know everyone here in this room but outside these walls, besides my own squad, no."
"I suppose that is true," she agreed.
"Just take everything in stride," Rangiku grinned. "We'll help you along the way and I'm sure the Captains will help you as well."
"Rangiku's right," Izuru stated. "A moment ago, you said something to Captain Kurotsuchi that has me concerned. What do you mean you were used as a punching bag?"
Realizing with her admittance, everyone heard. She blushed. "I was in a physical abusive marriage."
Rangiku placed her arms carefully around the human. "Well, here you won't have to worry about that. Captain Ukitake will see to that. I'm sure."
For nearly 30 minutes Sasha talked with almost every Lieutenant, including Yachiru who seemed to make her laugh, as well as Rangiku. Being around the Lieutenants, she was able to forget everything that was going on and just seemed to relax, which did not go unnoticed by the Captains. They were quick to make her forget make her forget where she was and what she had gone through in the past.
"You know," Shunsui said as he continued to watch. "Shouldn't it be fair if she were to mingle with us Captains too?"
Byakuya slightly snorted. "You think she's attractive."
Shunsui gave a sheepish laugh. "Well you have to admit, it is true."
"Even so, it's against the law for a Soul Reaper to have strong ties to a human," Byakuya stated.
"True," the Head Captain agreed. "However, she needs to know all of us, if we are to protect her properly. A year ago it would have been forbidden for a human to even be here."
Seeing the Captains were right, Jushiro moved away and approached the Lieutenants. "I don't mean to interrupt," he began, getting everyone's attention to the point they all gave a slight bow, all quietly saying 'captain'. Sasha turned to the man, remembering him.
"We got carried away," Rukia stated. "I suppose you'd like to introduce her better to the other Captains?"
"Actually, yes I would." Jushiro grasped Sasha's hand and pulled her away from the Lieutenants so Sasha could personally meet each Captain. The only Captains who would not speak with her were Soifon, Mayuri and Kenpachi. She was not comfortable around them at all so it worked all well for her.
For Byakuya something seemed slightly familiar to him about Sasha. He couldn't figure out what it was, and he wasn't about to raise suspicions on the topic either.
Sajin finally stepped over to the woman. "You'll be in good hands with Captain Ukitake."
"Thank you," Sasha gave a nod, still feeling a bit nervous around him, but not as bad as before. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Sajin asked.
Seeing what the apology was for, Jushiro looked at the anthropomorphic wolf. He gave Sasha a friendly smile. "You don't have to apologize. I think Sajin will understand."
It was then he realized what the human was a bit nervous. "I suppose my appearance can be a bit intimidating. But you don't have to worry."
She nodded with small smile. "Beauty is only skin deep. When I was little, it was always something my grandma would teach me. So I've done my best to never judge a book by its cover."
"A very wise philosophy," Byakuya stated as he gazed at the woman. "Rukia has told me of many things humans do and learn."
Sasha turned to the black haired man. "Not all humans will go by that. But no one can please everyone."
"Agreed, there are too many differences in people. Even here," Toshiro answered. "I spent some time in the World of the Living and learnt how crude humans can be, but some are very respectful."
Sasha sighed. "From my outburst earlier, I wasn't being very respectful at that time."
"Nonsense," replied Retsu. "Being abused is something to never be taken lightly and Captain Kurotushi was out of line. Times are different now. We can no longer sit by and idly appear ignorant around humans. Perhaps while here, we can teach you how to control your reiatsu."
"Sounds like a good idea," Head Captain agreed.
The seven Captains who were willing to know more about Sasha, visited around the woman for a while, at the same time the Lieutenants talked amongst themselves about their human guest.
All too soon, an hour had fully gone by, Yamamoto got everyone's attention once again. "As much as it's enjoyable to see you all mingle with our human guest, it's time to get back to our regular duties. I'm sure we'll be seeing Sasha again."
"Finally!" Mayuri snapped to attention as he pushed himself away from the wall. "Let's go Nemu!"
"Yes master Mayuri."
Sasha turned to the white and black faced Captain and shivered. She really didn't like him. She watched as his Lieutenant was ordered around like she was a pet or something and went obediently. Captain Soifon was the next to leave along with Kenpachi.
"Yachiru!"
The small pink haired Soul Reaper, looked at Sasha, grinning. "Well it's time to go. Kenny wants to go off and fight something and I just love it when he fights. See you later. Wait Kenny!" She quickly pushed herself through the crowd and jumped on Kenpachi's shoulder just as he was stepping between the doors to the hallway.
"She's fast," Sasha breathed out to herself.
"We better get back to the World of the Living," Rukia said to Renji. "And see how Ichigo's doing."
Renji nodded. He rested a hand on Sasha's shoulder. "I'm sure you'll do fine here. Maybe I can get some books for you or something so you won't be so bored."
"That would be nice," she replied. "Thank you, Renji."
Renji and Rukia were quick to make their leave, wanting to get back on the case with Ichigo, trying to find anything that could help her and perhaps set up a trap. But it was a long shot. Other Lieutenants bade her farewell as well before leaving, as did their Captains. Soon all there was left was Shunsui, Jushiro and Sasha.
"That went pretty well," Shunsui said, breaking the silence after the departure of everyone. "Now, I was wondering if you would like to go out for some social drinks?"
"Me? Drink?" Sasha blinked. "I'm not much of a socializing drinker. Though I have gotten drunk a few times."
Shunsui blinked. "You've been drunk?" This was something he wasn't expecting.
Planting her hands on her hips, Sasha gave the man a stern look. Being around the two men completely put her at ease. "Hey! Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean a damn thing. Women can drink just as well as men!"
Shunsui's hands flew up in a defense gesture. "Whoa there! I'm not saying men are better. I'm just surprised is all. You don't look the type to drink. I have women in my squad who can easily give a run for my money when it comes to drinking."
"Especially his wife," Jushiro joked.
"You're married?!" she squeaked.
"Now look what you did, you spoiled my fun." Shunsui tipped his hat, grinning.
Jushiro shook his head, knowing his friend was teasing again, causing Sasha to blush. "Sasha, I don't often drink either," he admitted. "But I often socialize with Shunsui anyway. I think going out for some drinks would be a good idea. He'd be paying."
"What! Jushiro! You can't be serious." Shunsui was surprised by Jushiro's forwardness.
Jushiro grinned. "Why not? You were the one who just offered to take the lady out. So it would stand to reason to pay for the both of us."
Sighing, Shunsui knew he lost yet again. "You win." He looked to Sasha. "So how about it? Want to join us?"
"I suppose, it wouldn't hurt."
"Shunsui, why don't you go on ahead of us," Jushiro suggested. "I'll bring Sasha along shortly. You can go and reserve us a table."
"That's a good idea. And we can meet at our favorite restaurant. I'm sure Sasha is beginning to get hungry by now," Shunsui recommended.
"Yeah. I am getting a little hungry," she agreed, not sure if she was ready to meet more Soul Reapers. She was already overwhelmed with meeting the Lieutenants and Captains of the 13 Court Guard Squad.
"Then it's settled," Shunsui said. "See you two in say about an hour?"
"Agreed," Jushiro said as he placed his hand on the back of Sasha's back, indicating for her to start walking towards the hallway where they entered from.