Disclaimer : I do not own anything from this story. Entertainment purposes only.
During dinner, Byakuya and Rukia were seated next to each other again as the Elders came to visit.
Unbeknownst to Rukia, the Elders have come to convince Byakuya to marry her instead of keeping her as his adopted sister, especially since the rumors about Rukia being his mistress had already spread like wildfire among the elites. By marrying her, the political uncertainties between nobles will be settled. Moreover, this marriage wouldn't go against his promise to Hisana by a large margin, as he would still be able to care for her abandoned sister, but no longer as a sibling, which they had never been to each other.
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After the dinner concluded, Rukia bid goodnight to the Kuchiki elders with utmost politeness and respect. With her heart heavy, she retired to her room, stealing a glimpse of Byakuya who remained in the dining room, his eyes closed in contemplation.
In the solace of her chamber, Rukia found herself deep in thought about the day's events. While she had awed everyone with her zanpakuto's unrivaled beauty and elegance, she couldn't shake the disappointment of once again failing to attain a rank like her fellow Shinigamis, who had already achieved their shikai.
A realization dawned on her; she knew that beauty alone couldn't serve as an incentive to climb the ranks within the Gotei 13.
Letting out a heavy sigh, she resolved to rest for a while before heading to the serene gardens once the visitors departed from the manor. With an unyielding determination, she aimed to become stronger, to prove herself worthy of being a Kuchiki. For generations, the Kuchiki clan had served as steadfast protectors of the Soul Society and the realms beyond. It was their sacred duty to surpass expectations and excel in their roles.
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After the Kuchiki elders departed, Ginrie summoned his grandson to his studyroom, where he presented him with an ancient heirloom - a meticulously designed elegant ring symbolizing the unity between spring and winter "寒泉" (kansei).. The ring bore the enchanting essence of sakura petals embracing the brilliance of diamond snowflakes.
This precious ring had been passed down through generations, gracing the fingers of every esteemed lady of the Kuchiki clan. Even Byakuya's late mother had once worn it, but Ginrie's disapproval of Hisana had led him to deny her the honor of donning this symbol of Kuchiki lineage.
In the quiet of the studyroom, Byakuya stood solemn, recognizing the profound trust and respect the Kuchiki elders had bestowed upon Rukia, despite her relatively brief time among them. The memories of their disdain toward his deceased wife, which he had endured for over five years, lingered within him. Yet, the dissonance didn't hurt as much now. Rukia's genuine dedication to the Kuchiki clan and unwavering determination to prove herself worthy of their family had won over their admiration, and this truth further endeared her to him. She cherished the very things he worked tirelessly to protect and honor.
The next morning, as the sun began to rise, Byakuya once again chose to accompany Rukia to Squad 13, leaving her curious about his motives for doing so, given his busy schedule. Though the questions swirled in her mind, she remained silent, not wanting to disturb Byakuya's stoic demeanor with her inquiries. Perhaps, she thought, he had important matters to attend to in Squad 13 early in the morning, and walking together was merely a coincidence.
Despite feeling a bit awkward in his presence, Rukia couldn't deny the profound sense of gratitude she felt to be walking with Byakuya, a perfect image of the prestigious Kuchiki clan.
Approaching the 13th barracks, Byakuya suddenly halted, his voice carrying a hint of mystery as he spoke, "Meet me in the garden tonight, Rukia."
Respectfully, Rukia nodded and replied, "Hai, Nii-sama."
The air grew heavy with an unspoken tension, as if Byakuya had something more to say but chose to remain silent. Trying to ease the awkwardness, Rukia offered a cheerful greeting, "Have a great day, Nii-sama."
Unbeknownst to her, Byakuya was wrestling with thoughts about asking her not to call him Nii-sama anymore, knowing that it would be inappropriate once they started dating and their yui-no ceremony would be held in the Kuchiki gardens tonight.
Byakuya shunpoed away after a moment of deliberation, realizing he didn't want to shock her with such a revelation so early in the morning. Deep inside, he feared her reaction once she discovered his true intentions of marrying her.
Known for his unwavering resolve, Byakuya had never been considered a indecisive, but with Rukia, he found himself at a loss for words and unsure how to express himself, reminiscent of the naive young man he once was when he first kissed her.
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The workday had been rather uneventful, save for the unsettling encounter with Captain Ichimaru Gin, whose smile always sent shivers down her spine.
Later that afternoon, Kaien appeared and asked Rukia to join him on a group mission near the Seireitei border. Reluctantly, she agreed, her mind already worrying about the possibility of being late in returning home tonight.
Kaien noticed her apprehensive expression and flashed a warm smile. "There will be fireworks tonight for the Hanabi, Rukia," he said, attempting to cheer her up.
Rukia managed a smile in response, though a lingering feeling of unease remained. Byakuya seldom made requests of her, and she couldn't fathom risking not making it back on time for him. The thought weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort.
In the serene ambiance of the temple, Byakuya stood before the exquisite portrait of his late wife, Hisana. Clutched in his hand was the cherished family heirloom, a symbol of the Kuchiki clan's proposal to wed Rukia into their lineage.
The gentle breeze seeped through the open door, stirring the curtains and brushing against his face, leaving him with an uneasy sensation. He couldn't escape the fact that Hisana had intended him to be Rukia's older brother, not her husband. The weight of this realization bore heavily upon him, and a quiet whisper escaped his lips, "I apologize, Hisana. I have fallen in love with Rukia"
Byakuya's conflicted emotions swirled as he grappled with the decision he was about to make, a decision that would alter the course of his and Rukia's lives forever. In that poignant moment of reflection, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his past love and the love he had rediscovered for Rukia. The intertwining destinies and emotions left him in a state of profound introspection.
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As the sun vanished beyond the horizon, and the darkness of the night enveloped the sky, Rukia felt an urgent need to return swiftly to squad 13 to end her shift. But upon reaching the barracks, an alarming revelation awaited them – something terrible had happened to Miyako's team. Fear gripped Rukia's heart as she caught sight of Kaien's worried face, mentally bracing herself for the impending horror of the event.
The report was grim: "3rd Rank of squad 13, Miyako Shiba, killed her team members just this afternoon during their reconnaissance mission in Rukongai forest."
In response to the distressing news, Kaien and Ukitake wasted no time and raced towards the Seireitei gate. Filled with worry and concern, Rukia hurriedly followed after them, her thoughts consumed by the unfolding tragedy. In her anxious state, she completely forgot about Byakuya's request for her to meet him at the Kuchiki garden tonight. The urgency of the situation took precedence, overshadowing any other plans or thoughts.
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The night sky was painted with a dazzling display of fireworks as Shinigamis from squads 5 and 10 gathered on the roof to watch the spectacle unfold.
Aizen, the captain of squad 5, smiled appreciatively at his dedicated lieutenant, Momo, as she served him a warm cup of tea. His gaze held a sense of pride for her loyalty and diligence.
With the fireworks illuminating their faces, Aizen took the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt speech, acknowledging the hard work and achievements of his fellow Shinigamis, especially Captain Hitsugaya, who had earned a well-deserved promotion. His words were touching and carried a genuine sense of pride and camaraderie.
Hitsugaya, the captain of squad 10, returned the smile, feeling grateful to have a caring and supportive captain like Aizen. He couldn't help but think how fortunate Momo was to have someone like him who genuinely advocated for their team members' growth and well-being.
Amidst the bursts of colors in the night sky, the bond between the Shinigamis was strengthened, and the celebration continued with a sense of unity and camaraderie that would endure beyond the fireworks' fading glow.
As the day progressed, Byakuya found himself immersed in overseeing the meticulous preparations for his yui-no with Rukia that awaited them that night. His heart was filled with both excitement and trepidation.
The question gnawed at him incessantly - would she accept his heartfelt feelings for her? By nature, Byakuya was not one to overly overthink, but this particular query nearly paralyzed him throughout the day, lingering in his thoughts.
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the Kuchiki manor, Byakuya's yearning to connect with Rukia grew stronger. Seeking solace in their bond, he attempted to sense her riatsu, hoping to feel her presence and draw comfort from the connection they shared. However, his attempt revealed that Rukia's riatsu was emanating from the Seireitei border instead of the manor.
Upon this revelation, a simmering anger ignited within Byakuya. He had specifically instructed that Rukia should never be sent on any mission without his explicit permission. The thought of her being away on a mission during such a crucial time weighed heavily on his heart, and a sense of protectiveness surged through him.
Determined to ensure Rukia's safety and assert his authority as her protector, Byakuya made swift and decisive arrangements to address the situation. Tonight's yui-no may be put on hold momentarily, but his resolve to safeguard her well-being was unwavering.
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Kaien, Ukitake, and Rukia sprinted through the dense forest, chasing after Miyako. As they ventured deeper into the woods, a sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air.
To their horror, they stumbled upon Miyako's abandoned clothing, her presence now ominously absent. A haunting realization settled upon them like a dark cloud, and their worst fears were confirmed when a menacing hollow emerged from the shadows. It boasted about how it had devoured Miyako's body, sending a chill down Rukia's spine.
Summoning every ounce of her bravery, Rukia steeled herself to face the formidable hollow. With determination in her voice, she declared, "I will fight the hollow first, Captain Ukitake."
Yet, to her surprise, Kaien intervened and requested that he will face the hollow alone – a one-on-one battle against the very creature that had taken his wife's life. Ukitake solemnly agreed to the unusual request, leaving Rukia puzzled and questioning his decision.
Torn between her loyalty to her captain and her concern for his safety, Rukia grappled with the unfolding events, unsure of the consequences that lay ahead in this mysterious and dangerous confrontation. The deep forest echoed with tension, suspense, and the gravity of the choices that would shape their fates.
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"There are two reasons why a man should fight to the death on his own. One is for honor, and the other is for life," Ukitake lectured, his words carrying a weight of wisdom and determination.
Rukia gazed up at him, her worry evident, as they watched Kaien battling the hollow alone, even though they were there with him.
Abruptly, the hollow seized control of Kaien's body, unleashing a maniacal laugh that sent shivers down their spines. Ukitake was caught off guard, and they stood in horror witnessing the possession unfold before their eyes.
"Kaien!" Rukia cried out in a mixture of fear and desperation.
The malevolent hollow lunged towards Rukia, taunting her with his sinister words, "What is it, missy? Do you love me that much?!"
Paralyzed with terror, Rukia felt helpless. Just then, Ukitake intervened, bravely facing the hollow to protect his subordinate. "Run, Rukia!" he shouted, concern evident in his voice.
Terrified of the horrifying events unfolding before her, Rukia heeded her captain's words and fled, her tears falling on the forest floor. Her mind was plagued by the haunting horrors she had encountered in Rukongai and the loss of her childhood friends. But nothing could have prepared her for the true terror of confronting such a formidable hollow, one whose powers exceeded the norm for their kind.
As she ran, her fear momentarily took over, but soon a sense of shame washed over her. Rukia knew she couldn't be a coward in the face of danger. Gathering her courage, she resolved to return, refusing to let fear dictate her actions.
Raising her sword, Rukia stood resolute against the hollow Kaien, now determined to fight as a true shinigami, no matter the cost.
"Rukia! What are you doing back here?!" Ukitake shouted with genuine concern, surprised by her return.
Ignoring the danger that loomed before her, Rukia held her ground, clutching her sword firmly. She knew she had to fight as a shinigami, or she would rather die trying. Bravery and determination surged through her, as she faced the formidable hollow with unyielding resolve. The forest reverberated with tension, as Rukia stood as a testament to her indomitable spirit, ready to confront the darkness before her.
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At the grand Kuchiki manor, tension filled the air as one of Byakuya's agents rushed in to report a distressing series of events. It appeared that Rukia had ventured into the Rukongai alongside Captain Ukitake and Lieutenant Shiba to reinforce the squad 13's third seat and her fellow Shinigami. However, the mission took a dark turn as Miyako Shiba, driven by unknown motives, committed a heinous act - she had mercilessly slaughtered her own team members, as well as some of Byakuya's spies.
Byakuya's composure wavered as he received the alarming news, and without hesitation, he dispatched the rest of his agents to the location of the horrific incident. His fingers tightened around the ring he held, a potent symbol of his intention to propose to Rukia, who was now entangled in a perilous situation.
Before he could reach the Seireitei border, another report arrived, leaving him utterly stunned. Rukia had allegedly killed the Shiba clan leader, Shiba Kaien. The revelation shook him to the core, and his worry for Rukia intensified. He knew that if not handled with utmost care, this could escalate into a devastating clan war.
With a swift and decisive mind, Byakuya immediately commanded his agents to protect Rukia at all costs, recognizing the urgency of the situation. He shunpoed back to the Kuchiki manor and took immediate action, sending his other agents to gather all the Kuchiki Elders. Time was of the essence, and he needed to ensure that his family's leadership and wisdom were present to navigate this precarious situation and safeguard Rukia from any further harm. The fate of the Kuchiki clan and their cherished Rukia hung in the balance, and Byakuya was determined to protect both at any cost.
"I dragged you into this. My stubbornness has caused you pain. I'm sorry. You must be torn apart inside. Thanks to you, my heart can still stay here," Kaien said as he was dying in Rukia's arms.
Suddenly, the rain started falling from the heavens, mingling with Rukia's tears.
"Kaien," Rukia cried bitterly.
To be continued...