CHAPTER 5: 13th DIVISION

Tayomi nervously entered the 13th Division's barracks for the very first time. She looked around and saw everyone busy with their own work. A tall man with spiky black hair and green eyes approached her, smiling. He wore the Lieutenant's insignia on his left arm, leading Tayomi to conclude that he was the Lieutenant of her new division. The Lieutenant immediately introduced himself to her, still wearing the same smile. His name was Shiba Kaien and he called a woman with blue eyes over. He introduced her as Shiba Miyako, his wife and 3rd Seat of the 13th Division. Tayomi smiled back at them, introducing herself as well. Kaien patted her on the head and brought her to their Captain's office.

Kaien and Tayomi entered their Captain's office together. Sitting on the chair was a man with long white hair and a gentle smile. He smiled at Tayomi and welcomed her to the 13th Division, introducing himself as Captain Ukitake Juushiro. Tayomi instantly felt welcomed and introduced herself, bowing down to him. Captain Ukitake laughed and patted her on the head. For some reason, everyone is patting me on the head and treating me like a little girl. Kaien informed Captain Ukitake that he would be bringing one of the members of the 13th Division out for training and Captain Ukitake nodded, suggesting he bring Tayomi along and introduce her to the members of their Division. Kaien agreed and told Tayomi to follow him to Mount Koifushi of Hokutan, the 3rd district of West Rukongai, where one of their members was waiting. They immediately set off for Mount Koifushi and Tayomi felt excited to meet someone new.

Tayomi and Kaien went up the hill, chatting on the way. It turned out that Kaien was a fellow prodigy like her, graduating from the Spiritual Arts Academy in two years. When he heard that she had graduated in a year, he laughed, saying that the students from the Academy were getting stronger and stronger. Tayomi shook her head, claiming that she was not that strong yet. Kaien smiled and asked her to help out the members of the 13th Division whenever she could. Tayomi nodded. Just then, she spotted a dark-haired girl waiting on the top of the hill. She was rather short just like Tayomi, but definitely taller than her. She had violet eyes and a strand of hair hanging in between her eyes, possessing a stoic expression. Once she saw Kaien, her face lighted up in a split second. Kaien smiled back and introduced her to Tayomi.

"Rukia, this is the new 4th Seat of the 13th Division, Tayomi Sakuri. Tayomi, this is Rukia." Kaien beamed.

"Hi Ruki-chan!" Tayomi spoke cheerfully.

Rukia stared at her with a strange expression before smiling, probably happy to meet her new 4th Seat and being able to find someone shorter than her. Tayomi blushed and apologised for giving her a nickname so quickly, explaining that she usually gave nicknames to people whom she felt she would share a close relationship with. Kaien immediately started training with Rukia, but this time, suggesting that Tayomi and Rukia sparred against each other. He warned Tayomi not to go easy on Rukia and to give it her all. Tayomi nodded and unsheathed her Zanpakutou. Rukia charged at her and Tayomi defended quickly, before pushing against her Zanpakutou, knocking Rukia backwards. Rukia released her Shikai and Tayomi released hers as well. Rukia's Zanpakutou was completely white, with a long ribbon attached to it. It was absolutely beautiful and she knew she was looking at the most beautiful Zanpakutou in the whole of Soul Society, Sode no Shirayuki. Tayomi's reiryoku manifested for the first time, as mini lightning bolts ejected from her body, making her look as if she was conducting and being surrounded by lightning. She could tell from Rukia and Kaien's expression that they had never seen such power before. After all, her Inazuma Kaze was the first lightning-type Zanpakuotu in Soul Society. Rukia used Hakuren against her, which Tayomi countered by sending a lightning arrow at her. The two forces competed against each other for a few moments, before Tayomi's attack overpowered Rukia's and Rukia was hit by the lightning arrow. Rukia was sent flying backwards and Tayomi immediately ran over to her.

"Are you okay?" Tayomi asked, reaching her hand out.

Rukia looked up at her for a second, before grabbing her hand and allowing Tayomi to pull her up. Kaien smiled and let Tayomi rest while he trained Rukia in Kidou. Tayomi was glad of that, knowing that if any of her spells hit Rukia, she would be badly injured. The whole point of training was not to get hurt, but to grow stronger. Rukia and Kaien trained together and Tayomi watched them silently, smiling to herself. So far, her first day at the 13th Division had been great and before she knew it, it was time to return. The 13th Division had told her that they would throw a welcome party for her, giving her the chance to get to know everyone around.

That night, the moon formed a crescent shape, reminding Tayomi of Hitsugaya's Shikai. Just then, Captain Ukitake hurried her to the garden in the Division's barracks and let the whole of the 13th Division meet their new 4th Seat. There was a whole crowd of people staring at her, causing her to blush slightly. There was a bit of murmuring going around, everyone was probably not convinced that such a small sized girl could be their 4th Seat. Captain Ukitake made them quiet down before introducing and telling his members about Tayomi, her accomplishments and her responsibilities as their 4th Seat. Once everyone heard her name and realised that their new 4th Seat was the 'Kidou prodigy' that had graduated from the Spiritual Arts Academy just a few years back, they instantly kept quiet and listened to what Captain Ukitake had to say. Some simply stared at her in awe, some listened intently to Captain Ukitake while others whispered to their neighbour, probably talking about Tayomi. Once Captain Ukitake finished his short speech, Tayomi waved hello to everyone and bowed, expressing her delight to meet them and be part of the 13th Division. She sat in between Captain Ukitake and Kaien. Captain Ukitake told her that the members of the 13th Division seemed honoured to have her in their Division and assured her that they would treat her well. The 13th Division sat down under the stars, drinking tea and chatting with the moon hanging above their heads in the sky.

After the party, Tayomi went to the 10th Division to look for Hitsugaya. She hoped it was not too late and knocked on their Division's barracks. One of the 10th Division's members led her to Hitsugaya's office and left the both of them alone. Tayomi slowly pushed open the door, to see Hitsugaya sleeping on his table, after finishing a stack of paperwork. She closed the door silently and heard Hitsugaya wake up from his nap. He rubbed his eyes, still sleepy and exhausted. Tayomi pounced on him, wrapping her arms around his neck, smiling happily. Hitsugaya smiled his usual cold smile and ruffled her hair, asking her about her first day in her new Division. She giggled and told him it was fine. Hitsugaya motioned for her to come, holding her hand. He pulled her down slowly and let her sit on his lap, holding her by the waist. Tayomi felt slightly awkward, since she had never actually sat on his lap before. She stared down at him with a surprised look and he stared back at her.

"You'll be fine in the 13th Division, won't you?" He asked, afraid that she would be bullied due to her gentle nature and small size.

"Of course. Don't worry…" Tayomi smiled. "You thought I'd be picked on, didn't you? I'm telling you I won't… The people there are really nice! And I just realised, I feel taller…"

"That's just because you're sitting on my lap." Hitsugaya smirked.

"By the way, why the sudden idea of letting me sit here?" Tayomi asked out of curiosity.

"No reason in particular. If you don't like it, you can just get off…" Hitsugaya spoke.

"I didn't say I didn't like it…" Tayomi sighed. "I just didn't expect it at all… But I like it, though I still feel somewhat distanced from you sitting here."

Hitsugaya thought for a moment before pulling her towards his chest, letting her lean against his body and holding her.

"Is that better?" Hitsugaya asked, looking straight into her eyes.

Tayomi nodded, before yawning. She hugged him tight and let him cuddle her, closing her eyes. Hitsugaya stroked her long black hair and rested his head on hers, tightening his grip around her. She was tired after such a long day and so was he. Tayomi suddenly opened her eyes.

"I forgot to give you something today." Tayomi giggled sleepily, before quickly kissing him on his lips.

Hitsugaya smiled and kissed her back on her forehead. Tayomi snuggled against his chest and he rested his head on hers, both of them falling asleep together in his office, as the moon gently shone down at them.

Author's Note:
Yes! I'm still alive even though there's school :D I'm slowly trying to push for 2000 words, but it's a bit hard because the real conflict hasn't started. It will soon though XD Anyways, next chapter, Hitsugaya and Tayomi get a day off! So... *hinthint* Stay tuned for the next chapter and please review! Thank you to all who reviewed, I really appreciate your comments :D