Disclaimers, etc.: see chapter one
Opening Theme: Jue Ai (Rap of China Showdown 2023 Version) by Faye and DamnShine
Ending Theme: Face to Face by WayV

Chapter 09 written 8/20/2023

Bleach: Cross
The Fifth Division in the Red:
Red Gemini
By Eugena

Rated M

Chapter Nine: Yukiko's Hope

天国的白雪公主

SOUL SOCIETY - FIFTH DIVISION

Yukiko Abe knew that risk was part of the game, part of the requirement to be in any division, especially to be in the division belonging to the princess. As the Vice Alpha, she knew Shinnouhi entrusted her with great responsibility, and she would not let her down.

Shinnouhi must have known of the great risk that she set before herself. How much Yukiko could not be sure, but it did not matter. Yukiko knew her duty. Zero division would be coming now. Yukiko did not doubt that somewhere and somehow Shinnouhi - her Shinnouhi - was still buying them time, but she would not presume that would be forever.

Without looking over to those around her, Yukiko knew that most here were of her division, so they truly knew the real organization of the division. Shinjiro was truly in charge behind Shirahime. It mattered not that he was fifth seat, just like it would not matter that she was sixth. She was Vice Alpha. They would comply.

She stood next to Kurotsuchi Taicho and Yukihime.

"Yukihime Shinnouhi," she greeted.

"Are you speaking to me?" Yukihime asked.

"Do not be afraid," Yukiko said. "You've put on a great act. You've even believed it. But you are the Shinnouhi. So now, be the Shinnouhi. The time of gods is sort of over. Technically, a rotten king is in charge. His wicked men will get here to destroy -."

"She does not believe she is her," Mayuri interrupted.

"I'm not this Shinnouhi," Yukihime insisted. "Thank you for believing in me, but -."

"Then, for the sake of these children you see before you," Yukiko interrupted, "make everyone, especially zero division believe you are Shirayukihime Shinnouhi. Your current incarnation is Shirahime Thorne Shihoin, rightful wife of Crown Prince Shiroyuki, the one zero division murdered.

"I realize it is a lot to ask of you. I realize it is a lot to ask of one who may feel a stranger to this, but they are coming now. Taicho pushed them back as much as possible."

She turned slightly to Momo. "Make the traitorous paper pushers happy, Hinamori. One day, a certain precious group will get to pay."

"I'll be sure to help make them pay up," Momo vowed.

Yukiko knelt in front of Daichi and Raiko. "Prince. Princess. It has been my honor to serve you. Perhaps I will meet you again in my next life."

She stood.

"Alpha Section Two, with me. The rest of you, guard the Shinnouhi and her children.

"Shirahime," Yukiko said to Yukihime, "there is someone you must meet now."

She turned toward Yachiru and knelt. "Hikari-hime."

"Hikari?" Yukihime whispered.

"You recognize the name?" Mayuri asked.

"Why should I?"

"Heir of Crown Prince Shiroyuki," Yukiko continued, "and the only person zero division will not harm."

"It depends on your definition of harm," Zaraki amended.

"True," Yukiko acknowledged. She looked back to Yachiru. "Your mother would be proud of you. Now, please make room in your heart for this one."

天国的白雪公主

SOUL SOCIETY - TENTH DIVISION

"I don't care who you are, you're not my taicho!" one of the tenth division shinigami complained to Nanao.

"I do not have time for this!" Nanao snapped. "We do not have time for this! None of us do!"

"You really are fools if you're giving her a hard time," Rin of the twelfth division said.

"If you're so smart, then why aren't we going closer to the fifth division?" the same tenth division shinigami asked.

"You really think they are just going to send one wave of attackers?" Nanao asked. "Oh, no, now I really get why Shinnouhi thinks we all completely fail at military strategy."

"Wouldn't that be enough?" the tenth division member asked.

"Sure," Nanao agreed sarcastically. "In fact, I'm sure Sou Taicho and so many other agree with you. My gods, how have we survived so many years? We are all so stupid!"

"Ise Fukutaicho," Rin said, "don't be so hard on yourself. Shinnouhi is a god. Clearly more educated in so many more matters than the rest of us."

"And Kuchiki Taicho, Sou Taicho, and so many others think the way she organizes her own division is so thoughtless and against etiquette . . . ." Nanao trailed off. She gripped her zanpakuto. "Alright," she said with renewed conviction, "time to reprimand some corrupt gods and the mortals that serve them! Let's prove our loyalty to the one and only god that deserves it! Follow me!"

天国的白雪公主

SOUL SOCIETY - FIFTH DIVISION

Outside of the barrier surrounding the fifth division, Shunsui Kyoraku felt his blood run cold. He knew from years of training that he should push all present worries aside and prepare for battle, but worries of the past, memories both he wanted forgotten and those he did not pressed upon him.

He knew why the princess did not like him. He knew his own shame. He would do anything for her, wouldn't he?

His life was hers.

His everything was hers.

He had no choice in it.

And yet, he would willingly give it.

He resented Hitsugaya. He resented this boy who had only one life with her who acted so reckless with her. At least Kurosaki had a past life with her to make him confused. But what could Hitsugaya claim?

Damn it.

Why now of all times did he think of all of these things?

Zero division would be here.

They would not come to kill her.

There were things worse than death.

That is what was left for her.

That twisted priest Ichibe would welcome Yamamoto Sou Taicho as a friend and let him watch.

Shunsui knew what they did to her, what they always did to her. Jushiro knew. Retsu knew.

If the three of them had only chosen different those years ago.

If he dared see the incarnation he called the Thousand Year Princess again, he would tell her he loved her even if she slit him from throat to thigh.

天国的白雪公主

ADDITIONAL CAST NOTES
BLEACH: ACROSS THE DIMENSIONS
:
The Fifth Division in the Red:
Red Gemini

Bleach: Cross Backgrounds - May differ from Bleach canon.

Thousand Year Princess: The incarnation of Shirayukihime Shinnouhi who was the mother of the original incarnations of Matsuri and Fujimaru.

谢谢你们的阅读。